Austin South Asian . March 2017 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 10 No. 03

EKAL Sur EKAL Taal By Kishore Gagrani & Varsha Grogan Save the date for Saturday May

2nd Film Festival

By Sumaiya Malik

us by Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA from amongst a limited number of tour cities where it is playing.

13th, 2017 , for a grand musical multimedia concert being held in our own city of Austin, TX, the live music capital of the world! This concert is being brought to

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation has brought ten artists from India to perform as part of their “2017 Thank You Tour”. (Continued On Page 11)

Hyderabad techie killed

Indian American Organizations Call for Hate Crime Investigation of Kansas Murder, Police Mum

25-year-old techie G. Sankirth from Hyderabad, was stabbed to

Indie Meme will host the 2nd annual South Asian Film Festival, IMFF@AUSTIN on April 20-23, 2017 at the Regal Arbor Great Hills Cinema in Austin.

Dental HealthIs............02 Tips To Look Your Best.02 3 Ways Seniors Can Save On Presciption ............04 Smart Kitchen Upgrade.05 Fight Human Trafficking..5 The festival will Great Winter GetAway..06 be co-presented Stay In Shape..............07 by Star TV, in- Tech Goals To Save......08

SXSW

By Sumaiya Malik S X S W March 10 through 19 and f e r s unique portut o plore o f ac-

death by another Hyderabadi in Austin, Texas, US, on Monday. Sources said Sankirth, an MNC employee, and his roommate Sai (Continued On Page 24 )

Despite a huge outcry from many Indian and South Asian organizations for the murder of an Indian American engineer in Olathe, Kan., to be investigated as a hate crime, police have said it is not jumping to any conclusions. (Continued From Page 23)

inside March 2017

and showtinued on page 15)

Festival runs ofa opnity e x t h e worlds Intert i v e , Film, M u sic and Comedy with parties, awards, screenings cases. (Con-

cluding Plus, India Gold, Life and Movies (Continued Page 19)

Star Star OK, OK. On

Fear Is Our Own Creation By Sadhguru Vasudev How does one become a joyous

human being, free from fear and insecurities? Sadhguru: There is really nothing to be done to be joyous. If you stop creating misery you are naturally joyous. (Continued On Page 16)

April 2017

Real Estate Special 512-828-6709

Keep Lips Healthy.........09 5 Things To Know.........10 Shiksha.......................11 Malik’s Page.......12,13,15 Shopping Smarter.........14 SAIVA..........................16 A Love Call From..........17 Spruce Up Your Garden18 Community Calendar....21 Children’s Page........22,23 Decor Upgrades...........24 Know About Eye Health24 Recipe Of The Month....25 Garden To Table Tips For Growing......................25 Entertainment.........26,27

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Dental Health Is Important For Children’s ‘Baby Teeth’ Parents and caregivers may be underestimating the importance of dental care for children’s “baby teeth.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually.

position. “Tooth decay is preventable. The

a lifetime,” says Dr. Diane MontiMarkowski, clinical program director for Cigna Dental.

four, your child should be able to brush with your supervision.

• As a child’s teeth start to come in, brush them gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and water.

• Make brushing fun. Let your child pick out the color of his or her toothbrush. Play a favorite song or set a timer to help children understand that good brushing takes about two minutes twice a day.

• Begin flossing a child’s teeth daily when there are two teeth that touch.

Most dental benefits cover preventive care visits twice a year with no out-of-pocket costs, and these visits are important for small children. Baby teeth, (also known as primary teeth), play an important role in a child’s overall healthy development. If cavities begin and are left untreated, they can become painful and possibly infected. Loss of these teeth prematurely may impact eating, speaking, learning and self-esteem. Baby teeth help guide the way for permanent teeth to erupt into proper

or within six months after the first teeth appear.

investment of only a few minutes each day on the part of parents and caregivers, coupled with regular dental checkups, goes a long way in creating healthy smiles to last

She offers these oral hygiene tips for those caring for small children: • Plan to have your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday

• Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk, juice or any other liquid other than water.

Find more tips at Cigna.com/dental-resources. For detailed questions or concerns about a child’s oral health, it is important to consult a dentist.

• Consider introducing toothpaste for children who are two and older and are able to follow directions to spit after brushing. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for children younger than three years old and a pea-size amount for children three to six years old. By age three or

“Adults can also reinforce the importance of oral health by their attitudes,” adds Dr. Monti-Markowski. “Encouraging good habits and showing a positive manner when visiting the dentist can lay the foundation for children to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.” (Statrpoint)

Tips To Look Your Best When Dressing Casually From fitness conscious consumers to busy moms who are always on the go, casual athletic attire is becoming a socially acceptable and on-trend style. In fact, it’s so popular, it carries its own name: “athleisure.”

patterns and textures accommodate the growing trend for casual wear.

It may sound like a piece of cake to dress in casual and relaxed clothing. However, avoiding a “just rolled out of bed look” is not so simple.

For example, the popular Adidas Baseline still comes in a classic white. However, this year they introduced a version in peach, a fun and new spring color.

If you find that comfy yoga pants or joggers are increasingly becoming a staple in your wardrobe, consider these tips to ensure you always look put together when sporting them.

• Get the family involved: Did you grow up loving your Chuck Taylors? The good news is that new athleisure wear is available as a full family offering, so that infants, tweens and teens can also enjoy comfortable, yet stylish, shoes.

• The right shoe goes a long way: Forgo the traditional or “core” running shoe for this look. Such brands as Adidas, Converse, Nike and Vans have introduced updates to their classic offerings. While still inspired by an athletic lifestyle, variations in color, height,

In addition to looking good, they are breathable and functional -just in case you wanted to sneak in a light workout during the day!

In response to this trend, familyfriendly retailer Rack Room Shoes recently introduced The Athletic Shop, a shop-within-a-shop concept that highlights nationally recognized name brand products for those with an active lifestyle.

“As we see the athleisure trend continue to grow, we’re continually adding new introductions from athletic brands for the entire family,” says Adam McDermott, senior project manager of The Athletic Shop, Rack Room Shoes. • Polish off the look: Consider taking some extra time to do hair and makeup on the day you select a casual outfit from your closet. Or try pairing joggers and athleisure footwear with a nice handbag, statement scarf or leather jacket. This will help put the look together nicely. With all this in mind, the experts at Rack Room Shoes are focusing on comfortable, functional and stylish athleisure-inspired footwear. More information is available at rackroomshoes.com. To look your best when dressing casually, be sure to craft your outfits with care. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

3 Ways Seniors Can Save On Prescriptions This Year

If you signed up for a new Medi-

care plan during Open Enrollment, it’s important to understand how your prescription drug costs may be affected. Even if you did nothing to alter your coverage, some features of your plan may have changed for 2017. Unfortunately, almost one-in-five Medicare beneficiaries don’t have a good understanding of their plan,

and a good portion have some misconc e p tions about c o pays, a c cording to a recent s u r vey by Walgreens. Here a r e three easy steps to help you make the most of your benefits and find potential cost-savings for your prescription medications under your Part D coverage. Think Generic When possible, consider using a less expensive prescription drug

brand or generic. These alternatives typically carry the same formulas at a reduced cost, saving patients substantially over time. Preferred Pharmacies Verify whether your plan has preferred pharmacies -- which are pharmacies that have an agreement with a Part D plan to charge less than a standard network pharmacy. For example, Walgreens, which is a preferred pharmacy for many of the nation’s top plans, can help lower the cost of your copays, even to $0 in the case of Tier 1 generics on certain plans. “Depending on the design of your plan, coverage, and prescription drugs, you can pay higher copays at one pharmacy in comparison to another if your pharmacy is not in your plan’s preferred network! So, choosing the right pharmacy is definitely important,” says Mariah Moon, the blogger behind “The

Simple Parent,” who recently wrote about helping her mother research her options for lowering her drug costs as part of the #PartDAtWalgreens campaign.

Caregiver,” who cared for her father in her home for four years and was recently sponsored by Walgreens to share tips about saving on prescription costs with her readers.

90-Day Refills

Medicare beneficiaries seeking help navigating prescription drug costs can find free resources at walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/ medicarepartd.

“My pharmacist told me that many physicians are willing to write 90day prescriptions for many of the medications that seniors are often prescribed. This not only saves time by requiring fewer trips to the pharmacy, but also may save copay costs,” says Shelley Webb, a registered nurse and founder of “The Intentional

If you didn’t review your plan before renewing, it’s not too late to become a savvy consumer and learn more. Doing so can help you save money. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | March 2017

Rukus Avenue Collaborates On Mega Album With United Nations To Fight Human Trafficking

By Seema Govil Rukus Avenue’s Sammy Chand, Executive Producer of the “Music To Inspire” series, announces an upcoming album in partnership with the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, “Star Trek” actor George Takei, “30 Rock” actor Maulik Pancholy, basketball star Jeremy Lin and over 20 ac-

House was indeed great, but now we are entering an international stage with the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund,” says Sammy Chand, Executive Producer of the “Music To Inspire” series.

“Music To Inspire – Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking,” with over 55 renowned artists and dignitaries from around the world. The album consists of a 60 track collection of inspiring music that will be officially released at an event at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on January 31, 2017. The triple album benefits the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, managed by the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). This is a collective fight by the music community to make a social statement and end human trafficking. Some of the participants appearing on this project include: multi Academy Award and Grammy Award winner AR Rahman; several artists signed to 28 time GRAMMY Winner Quincy Jones; former President Jimmy Carter; Bollywood music legend Sonu Nigam and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actress Tatyana Ali. Other notable artists and bands include Joss Stone, Michael Franti, Vanessa Carlton, Anoushka Shankar, Ellis Hall, Garbage, Karmin as well as Daryl Hall & John Oates among many others. On December 7, 2016, Rukus Avenue released “Act To Change – Music To Inspire,” a historic album in collaboration with The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Some of the artists and dignitaries appearing on this album include

claimed Asian American musicians. “The honor of utilizing our Music To Inspire series for the White

“We are empowered with one of the most significant collections of artists to ever come together for a charitable cause, and it is our hope

that we bring awareness, resources, and an impetus for change to end human trafficking in our world.” All proceeds from the “Music To Inspire – Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” album will benefit the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund, as one of the largest unified fronts of artists ever assembled for a charitable music album. The goal is to not only uplift the victims of one of the world’s most profitable crimes, but to also bring social awareness, so change can be made in communities to stop this from persisting.

About Rukus Avenue Founded in 1996 by Sammy Chand, Rukus Avenue’s confluence of cultures has had a signature musical expression that has been noted for its cultural contribution to America. Its storied history has featured artists that have been recognized by the New York Times, Smithsonian Museum, BBC, FOX, CBS News, WNYC, KCRW, and more while its music has been showcased in over 60 different film and television shows from around the world. Considered the conduit of the South Asian music movement in North America, Rukus Avenue recently collaborated with the White House on an anti-bullying album for President Obama’s “Act To Change” Initiative. In January 2017, Rukus Avenue’s album “Artists UNited Against Human Trafficking” with the United Nations will mark its 22nd release.

Smart Kitchen Upgrade Ideas To Help You Save Time

Most home cooks want the flexibility of preparing complicated meals with ease and convenience. However, even those with a deft culinary hand may be limited by their tools, space and appliances. Smartly outfitting your kitchen can help you jump meal preparation hurdles, particularly if you are someone who is inclined to prepare multi-course meals. Consider space-saving appliances with versatile functionality that can do more than one job at a time. Just as you can multitask, so should your kitchen appliances. Experts point out that it all boils down to the capabilities of your oven range. When pressed for time, you may have compromised on cooking times or temperature, leaving dishes to suffer through over- or under-cooking. Home

chefs with this problem should consider upgrading to a double oven range, which would allow you to cook multiple dishes at

separate temperatures. Consider the flexibility of being able to bake cookies in convection mode at 350 degrees while simultaneously broiling chicken, all in one unit. If you do plan to make this upgrade, consider your needs and options.

For example, if an electric connection is the only option for cooking, consider Verona’s 36 inch fully electric double oven range, which offers cooking performance o n e might not exp e c t f r o m a fully electric range. Also available in dual fuel and all gas options, the Verona double oven ranges are fully equipped with two easily programmed multifunction ovens and provide multiple cooking modes, including baking, defrosting and broiling. When form is just as important as func-

tion, consider ILVE’s larger double oven range options in 40, 48 and 60 inch sizes. All sizes feature two multi-function ovens and added multi-tasking tools such as a rotisserie and warming drawer. Cooktop options such as a French top and removable griddle give even more flexibility to ambitious home cooks. With a dual oven range, you may find that a separate built-in oven becomes unnecessary, freeing up valuable cabinet space and valuable dollars for other useful chef’s tools and supplies. Additionally, upgrading your most important appliances can help you work smarter, not harder. Love cooking? Give yourself the tools that allow you to get more done. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

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Great Winter Getaway Tips

If you think winter is a great time to get out of town, you are not alone. More than 65 percent of re-

sunscreen!

While a heavy coat may seem like

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Austin South Asian

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spondents in a recent TripAdvisor survey said they were planning leisure travel for winter. And it’s no surprise that the same survey found the majority of destinations to be in warm weather locales. Here are some smart tips to travel with style, comfort and ease this winter. Weather Transitions One of the best parts about winter vacations is the potential to leave your cooler climate for sunny skies and warmer weather. Don’t be caught by surprise in either direction of your trip. You may have to do some digging in the back of your closet for the essentials, so leave yourself plenty of time to pack. And don’t forget the

a waste of suitcase space, be sure you have at least a jacket and one colder-weather outfit for the trip home so returning home is not a shock to the system. Smart Accessories Wear and pack smart accessories that look good and help you get where you’re going. Items with multi-functionality, that combine form with function, make traveling light easy. One example is Casio’s line of EDIFICE timepieces, which feature both bold design and cutting edge technology. Engineered with a Smart Phone Link, Tough Solar Power and water resistance up to 100 meters, Casio’s EQB500 and EQB600 are useful, fashionable accessories no

matter if you are touring a foreign city or relaxing at the beach. Their Bluetooth connection capabilities, and the Casio Watch+ App, makes swapping between the time of one’s current location and the time at home simple, so you don’t need to stress about setting alarms and other time settings. When traveling internationally it’s a simple operation to adjust the time to the current location and with a convenient 2-city display you can easily see the time at home. Booking Smart You can save money by avoiding the busiest winter travel times. Skip the holiday weekends and your prices on transit and accommodations will be much lower. You may want to buy travel insurance in order to cover any potential cancellations due to inclement weather. Lastly, consider destinations that are in their off-season -- you’ll find better deals, shorter lines and a potentially more authentic experience. By packing wisely and booking shrewdly, you can have a blast this winter with a great escape. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Great Tips To Get In Shape And Stay In Shape

Losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle top millions of people’s list of goals. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to set a goal than it is to actually achieve it, so it’s important to have a game plan if you want to see results. Here are some sustainable tips to help you lose weight and feel great!

soda from your diet. Get started by setting a simple goal of drinking at least five 12-ounce glasses of water a day. Sustainable Meal Planning A sustainable diet is not about de-

fers better nutrition, better flavors and better results than a fad diet. In fact, people who followed a Mediterranean diet lost 52 percent more weight than those with a standard low-fat diet says a study published in a peer reviewed journal.

Set Goals Mindfully Setting a goal to “lose weight” sounds great, but it is pretty vague. It’s hard to achieve a goal without a specific plan or focus. Remember to think about your health beyond just the number on the scale. Whether it’s deciding to train for a 5k race or choosing to reduce your sugar intake by half, getting specific and setting realistic goals helps you get a clear sense as to whether you were successful. Get Hydrated One simple way to cut back calories and sugar is to make water your drink of choice. Eliminate highcalorie beverages like juice and

Make Exercise Fun Exercise is critical for a healthy body and mind. Whether it’s taking the dog out for a daily walk, signing up for a dance class or committing to hitting the gym three to four times a week, find a workout routine you love and can commit to so you don’t think of movement and exercise as a chore. Seek Support Even a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can use extra support. One great program that works in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet is the M3 system by Modere, an innovative weight management system combining credible products with real food and flexible lifestyle behaviors to help users detox.

privation, it’s about eating nutritious, enjoyable meals. For example, a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats like olive oil; often of-

Over a period of two years, the Mediterranean diet group lost 9.7 pounds while the low fat diet group only lost 6.3 pounds.

The plan includes a thermogenic fat-burning supplement taken in the morning, a protein-rich shake for lunch, and an evening fiber drink to help control dinner portions.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to Modere, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. “The lifestyle-based approach to dieting can mean better and more sustainable results than fads that require you to eat only from limited list of foods,” says Greg Horn, formulator of Modere M3. The plan also requires you to make key changes that support health and weight management by letting you pick three of the five healthy lifestyle behavior options such as committing to walking 7,500 steps a day, cutting out fried foods and sugary drinks, or avoiding refined flour and white rice. To learn more about how M3 can help you, visit www.TakeM3.com. Make now the time you set a goal and stick with it! (Statepoint)

5 Tips To Keep Your Eyes Healthy Want to improve your wellness? Start with your eyes. Here are five ways to help keep your eyes, vision and body healthy. 1. Get an eye exam. An annual trip

portant to your overall health too? A routine eye exam can potentially detect signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and more. Because many symptoms of

tative health tool to keep tabs on what’s happening in your body. An eye exam is a small investment for your eyes and body that’s well worth it, and a vision plan can help you keep the cost down. To search for a vision plan, visit vspdirect.com. 2. Eat an eye-healthy diet. You probably know carrots are good for your eyes, but so are dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for a hefty punch of key vitamins, and a vision protectingsubstance called lutein.

to the eye doctor is critical for the entire family to ensure healthy and sharp vision. But did you know your visit to the optometrist is im-

health conditions often don’t appear until damage has occurred, eye exams are a powerful, preven-

3. Quit smoking (or never start). Smoking cigarettes has many wellknown associated health risks, such as cardiovascular problems

and cancer. Did you also know that smoking can contribute to the cause of many vision problems? Research links smoking to an increased risk of developing agerelated macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness. 4. Maintain a healthy weight. Weight is a contributing factor for your overall health as well as your eyes. Conditions such as obesity and diabetes can lead to vision problems, like cataracts. By eating healthy portions and exercising regularly, you can reduce your risk. 5. Protect eyes from blue light.

Much of our days are spent with our faces glued to devices like smartphones, computers and televisions. Those digital screens emit highenergy blue light, which causes digital eye strain that leads to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck pain. Ask your eye doctor about the best options to help you reduce eye strain, including using lenses with coatings that reflect and absorb blue light. You can also follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something at least 20 feet away. With a balanced approach to preventative care, you can help keep your eyes and body healthy. (StatePoint)

Tech Goals To Save Money And Make Life Easier

These days, the average consumer needs to budget for a variety of tech-related expenses -- from data plans to cable bills. These monthly expenses quickly add up.

family’s wireless bill into a monthly nightmare, find an unlimited plan or a wireless provider that doesn’t charge overages, so your leisure activities aren’t counted against you.

Here are a few smart strategies for saving money on these budget line items, as well as tips for avoiding common pain points and consumer grievances.

Right now, T-Mobile is offering a family of four unlimited data for $40 per line, with taxes and fees included in that price, so there are no bill surprises. The plan also pays $10 back each month to customers who use less than 2GB.

• Know what you’re paying for. Many techrelated monthly bills contain hidden fees and fine print. “Your mobile bills are some of the most complex. From paying for bits and bytes to hidden fees, the advertised low monthly

In an average year, consumers pay more than $17.2 billion in taxes and fees to the wireless carriers. Often they don’t even know what these fees are for! To save on your bills, look for transparent billing practices, like those that include all taxes in fees on statements and don’t charge you a penny more than promised. TMobile’s unlimited monthly plan, T-Mobile ONE, now includes all taxes and fees in the pricing. It’s one of the only wireless providers who guarantee that the price you are advertised is the price you pay.

Talent Exchange Career Expo

Ignite a Network of Possibilities

• Help technology help you.These days, mobile apps can help you track spending and some can even help you save. For example, Mvelopes, a free budgeting app, helps users avoid over spending by offering real-time updates as purchases are made. Other apps such as Mint, give users an opportunity to check credit scores and automate bill payments. • Look for rewards, and then take advantage of them. When choosing service providers, seek out reward programs like the ones you find for credit cards.

payment never seems to materialize on your statement,” says Andrea Smith, technology expert and journalist.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Some tech companies offer customers exclusive deals on entertainment, dining and more when you download an app or sign up for the program. For example, the T-Mobile Tuesdays app features weekly free offers and discounts to customers from partners including Fandango, Lyft, Wendy’s, Shell Gas and more. • Evaluate your needs, and slim down accordingly. Do a tech audit. Are you really using that cable or landline service enough to make the expense worthwhile? Could you be a cord cutter and just use streaming video services for TV? Evaluate your consumption for a month and determine if you actually use all the services that you pay for each month.

• Treat your data as a right, not a privilege. It is predicted the majority of TV will be viewed on mobile devices this year, so be prepared to use more data each month than ever before. One key tip: connect your mobile devices to Wi-Fi whenever possible.

As we all come to rely more on our technology, it can be easy to pay extra fees blindly.

If excess data charges constantly turn your

(StatePoint)

Becoming an informed consumer can help take on any potential challenge or unexpected change.

More than 100 employers with thousands of jobs • Free and open to the public • Pre-registration and complete list of employers available at austintexas.gov/careerexpo • Bring your resume • Free parking

Call for more information 512-974-3210 or email employment.services@austintexas.gov

March 29, 2017 Noon to 5 pm Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Rd.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

How To Keep Lips Healthy And Hydrated

Much like the rest of your skin, cold temperatures can really do a number on your lips, leaving them dry and chapped.

out of the lips as it evaporates.

Unfortunately, even the indoors may not provide relief, as heated rooms can dry out lips even further.

Instead, keep lips hydrated from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. • Use moisturizing lip balms with ingredients that will seal in moisture and stay on your lips.

To keep your pucker healthy and hydrated, consider the following tips from the makers of Carmex lip balms, and Dr. Neil Sadick, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist.

If you are not allergic to sunscreen, use a product with SPF 15 or higher, such as the Carmex Lip Balm Stick,

• The lower humidity in the colder months tends to deplete and dehydrate us. While it can be tempting to lick one’s lips, unfortunately, this approach will only make the problem worse -- as saliva draws moisture

to protect from the sun -- not just on sunny days, but every day. Make a habit of applying lip balm three to four times daily, ensuring that one application is before bedtime to combat the drying effects of indoor heating. • Avoid high gloss lipsticks with little-to-no color. T hey can be potentially harmful to lips because they can attract UV rays. Avoid these shades entirely or try a triple-layer approach for added protection: first apply a lip balm with SPF, followed by a colored lipstick, then finish it off with some shine. • Cover your face, especially on

windy days. Make sure you have a scarf that you can pull up to cover your lips when the wind starts blowing. • When indoors, consider using a humidifier in dry environments to help moisturize your skin and lips. More healthy lip tips can be found at mycarmex.com. There is no reason to suffer through chapped, cracked lips. Great habits, such as applying a moisturizing lip balm or lip balm that contains SPF, can help you keep your lips healthy and moisturized. (StatePoint)

Coffee Can Be Good Or Bad For Your Health: What To Know Now A majority of Americans drink coffee daily, with an average of about three cups a day, according to Harvard School of Public Health.

crease the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, protect against gallstones and lower the risk of de-

prepared French press or Espresso style.

sues associated with a typical cup of coffee.”

For these reasons, many people are rethinking the types of coffee they drink in order to avoid particular health concerns.

While most coffee lovers are un-

For example, unlike a conventional acidic cup of coffee, Bio Coffee is alkaline, caffeine-free and made with wheatgrass. It contains three to five servings of vegetables in one cup of coffee, as well as six grams of fiber -- approximately 25 percent of the recommended daily amount.

Will all those cups of Joe being downed nationwide, it’s important to consider the beverage’s potential effects on your health.

veloping Parkinson’s Disease. However, it’s important to note that because of its caffeine content, coffee intake should be moderated.

Science indicates there are some substantial health benefits to drinking coffee regularly.

Its acidity can also impact issues like bone and muscle deterioration, and kidney stones.

Various studies have suggested that drinking coffee regularly could de-

Conventional coffee can also raise cholesterol levels when regularly

It also provides a natural source of pre- and probiotics for better digestive health. To learn more about its health benefits, visit BioCoffee. com. “With so many people failing to eat enough vegetables, drinking your greens in the form of coffee may be one of the most convenient ways to get one’s daily dose, in addition to a variety of other health benefits,” says Dr. Tom Shreves, MD, a Bio Coffee drinker. “It can also help you avoid the is-

likely to put their mugs down, Bio Coffee can provide a healthy morning ritual. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | March 2017

5 Things To Know If Someone You Love Is Addicted To Painkillers

Fifty-two people die every day from opioid overdoses nationwide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 12 million U.S. residents used prescription painkillers non-medically in the past year. Unfortunately, even a small dosage can depress respiratory function, and these drugs can be especially dangerous when combined with other common substances like alcohol and sleeping pills. What’s more, prescription drug abuse can be addictive, and even lead to heroin use. If you love someone who may be addicted to prescription painkillers, here are five things the National Safety Council says you should know. 1. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. Addiction, like heart disease or diabetes, leads to increasingly poor health, and can be fatal if it’s not effectively treated and managed. People who suffer from addiction still have self-worth and should be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, shame and discrimination prevent many individuals from seeking treatment. Recovery can be achieved in many different ways and all recovery efforts should be celebrated.

2. Medication Helps. Opioid and heroin 3. Traditional treatments aren’t always effecaddiction cause a chemical imbalance in tive. the brain, which medication can help repair. There are three major medications Recovery is a lifelong journey. Unfortunately, some traditional treatments focus on quicker fixes like attempting it alone or by going cold turkey, which ultimately can be detrimental. Indeed, rates of relapse for people who have gone through in-patient treatment programs are up to 56 percent within the first year following discharge. However, medications, can offer longer-term solutions, and are often less expensive than in-patient treatment. If traditional substance abuse programs haven’t worked, typically used as part of a comprehensive consider medication. treatment plan that includes counseling and participation in social support programs: 4. Support is critical. Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. Buprenorphine and methadone diminish the A failed cycle of detox and inpatient theraeffects of withdrawal and cravings restor- py, then relapse, can leave a person feeling ing brain chemistry. Naltrexone blocks the hopeless. This is why support is critical. Doceuphoric effects of opioids and heroin. Bu- tors and treatment counselors are important, prenorphine and naltrexone can be adminis- but even more so is a well-informed support tered by health care providers. Methadone is group of family and friends. “Addiction is delivered in specialized clinics. not a broken arm that can be fixed. It’s like

being on a permanent diet with a piece of candy staring at you every day,” says Avi Israel, a survivor advocate who lost his son after battling a prescription drug addiction. He advises friends and family of patients to, “Know the signs of addiction. Don’t judge. Throw tough love out the window. Love. But love with structure.” 5. Understanding addiction is crucial. Both patients and their friends and family should understand that addiction is a disease, and know what is needed to manage it. “My son had Crohn’s disease, and I knew everything about that. I wish I had known as much about addiction,” says Israel. There are more options than traditional 30-daytreatment programs and 12-step programs. In addition to medication, there are support programs like SMART recovery, which provide attendees with tools based on the latest scientific research, as well as a worldwide community with self-empowering, sciencebased support groups. A road of recovery is paved by many people – not just those in recovery. With the right support systems in place, a successful and sober life is possible. (Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

SHIKSHA

SHIKSHA wrapped up another productive “Talent Show” held by SHIKSHA during and successful semester. The Hindu cultural the Diwali event celebrated at RMD. school which operates at Radha Madhav Dham (RMD) in scenic Southwest Austin This was the first time such an event was held by SHIKSHA and it was a big success. SHIKSHA students showcased their learning, skills and talent at the event, to the roaring applause of hundreds of visitors and parents.

increased support from the parent volunteers and said that the event could not have been a success without their help and enthusiasm.

ended the Fall Semester with an exhilarat- Scripps spelling bee winner Nihar Janga ing student Performance Day on December along with Marathi teacher Pramod Patil 18th. and national best teacher award winner: Nalini Ravindran, judged the event. SHIKSHA started the Fall Semester with the Open House in August 2016. The open At the Diwali event, SHIKSHA also held its house had a little twist this year with the first ever fundraiser booth to generate much addition of teacher performances by Roy Coon, Anand Nadayogi and Sudama Francis.

As the winter vacation comes to an end, the school looks forward to a family potluck and sports day in February as well as a Cultural Mela in March.

“The parent volunteers with their different professional backgrounds and expertise bring a much needed diversity in ideas that help us grow as an organization. I believe that providing a very strong foundation in Hindu cultural values can create individuals who can rise above themselves. SHIKSHA is the right environment for our children to receive this kind of wholesome education”, she said.

needed funds for Shiksha’s growth. The community support to the diya painting/drawing/coloring booth and sparklers sales was very encouraging. Principal Hema Raja praised and acknowledged the

More details can be found on the SHIKSHA website or the SHIKSHA Facebook Page.

EKAL Sur EKAL Taal

In fact Shiksha has been seeing a lot of changes this year: two new teachers and (Continued From Page 01) classes each were offered starting this year These artists are Ekal students, volunteers (Harmonium, Fusion Dance). and administrators who have worked tireThat takes the total number of subjects of- lessly for nearly a year to come and perform fered to a 17 encompassing Music (Vocal, for us. Violin, Harmonium, Band), dance (classical Bharatnatyam and Bollywood Fusion), Shloka classes, Gods and Goddesses, Hinduism, Arts, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Nature Club and Yoga.

You will be transported on a journey from the tops of the cold wind shorn Himalayan

(Continued On Page 19)

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There was also an increase in the number of school hours: Saturday classes are now being offered for some subjects while the Sunday classes now run till 2:30pm.

SHIKSHA is now sponsoring work visas in its pursuit of hiring the best teachers for the school. In doing so, the school management continues to show how much it cares about providing quality education while guaranteeing student safety.

mountains and mystical caves to the warm and sacred shores at Kanyakumaari where the ocean waves come crashing, and from the hot arid western deserts to the eastern mangrove forests and hilly tea plantations in the drenching mountainous rainforests.

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More classes were also added to accommodate for varying ages and skill sets as well as to meet student demands.

Principal Hema Raja also held meetings to offer professional development to teachers so that they could be well prepared for their classes.

This unique extravaganza features riveting testimonial storytelling, beautiful compositions, audiovisual narrations, professionally choreographed dances, epic skits, and traditional costumes to capture the essence of the Indian ethos.

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Ekal Vidyalaya Students Preparing For A Presentation Many of the artists, who come from rural India, have not even visited larger cities in India.

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Austin South Asian | March 2017

Pakistani Pop Sensation Ali Haider Steals The Hearts Of Austinites At GAMA

By Sumaiya Malik Pakistani Pop star Ali Haider, who rose to fame in the late eighties with his off the charts albums Chahat and Qarar performed live in Austin on February 11 at the GAMA Hall in front of a fan audience swooning to his beat and reliving their college days.

Quality Halal Market, Agni Dance, Global Imports, Karma Radio and Dhoom Productions. It was nice to go to a concert for free for a change where you could actually hear the lyrics being sung and appreciate the pure sound of

It was a night of nostalgia – in a performance that was intimate, raw and unplugged. The smooth as silk singer rolled through just under 20 songs in a nearly two-hour concert that featured his hits and more from a two decades-long career of pop, sufiana, sana, movie songs and jingles from dramas. Ali Haider also paid tribute to late legends Nazia Hasan, Junaid Jamshed and Ahmed Rushdie. Exuding the coolness and confidence of a seasoned professional, Ali Haider appeared on stage in a maroon sherwani, and black net scarf after a short violin piece performed by a local artist, and proceeded to stand center stage – where he spent most of the night – launching into “Purani Jeans” near the end for which he changed into jeans! He addressed the audience saying, “Austin, tonight you are the best audience” – quickly followed with “Chandni Ratain” – jingle from a drama. Ali did not disappoint anyone. “Zalim Nazroon sey”, “Dil ka Qarar”, “Kaisa jadoo kia”… He encouraged the full house of about a hundred and fifty to keep the energy going.

fancy trimmings such as pulsating lights, background videos, or an elaborate stage. It was just the man and his music, accompanied by two guitarists, and a tabla.

Ali Haider talked candidly to the Austin South Asian. He seemed relaxed and happy with some concerts behind him and some more to go.

Towards the end of his performance, Ali Haider stepped down from the stage and talked about his daughters and sisters. He kept singing and tried to mingle with the crowd standing on a chair at one point to reach to the biggest fans in fourth row.

He said that every concert, his fans ask for Purani Jeans. He had composed that song in NED days. The crowd in Austin also demanded the same song.

People lined up to take pictures with him. Seema Shah, who remembered her college days said, “I came to listen to him. I liked it when he started singing Purani jeans.” music, which wasn’t over-amplified. The emphasis was clearly on the voice as Ali Haider eschewed any

By Sumaiya Malik

What a way to end the night. And from the looks of the fans, it sure was a memorable ending to what seemed like a personal concert. After the concert,

His early career was mostly pop music, but in the year 2009, when his son passed away, he went on a spiritual journey for self good. During that time, there were no TV appearances escept to recite a Naat or Hamd. 2012 brought Ki Jana May Kaun by EMI India, which became a hit. Ali Haider’s interest in Sufiana

Karachi se Lahore has Purani Jeans medley and his cameo in it. Ali has also recorded Chaap Tilak in a new style. His fans can find that on his facebook page. Ali Haider had a message for his fans outside Pakistan. He said that he is happy to see overseas Pakistani do so well in life and raise kids with care. He wished that at this time, his fans should portray Pakistan well. He regretted that a few people ruin the image and destroy the work of the majority who take care to build a good image. Ali has three beautiful daughters and he misses them in travelling for work. He dreams though them and loves to talk about them. The Austin South Asian wishes Ali Haider success and happiness.

Massmutual Holds A Networking Dinner

On the evening of Thursday, February 2, Mass Mutual Financial Group invited members of the Indian business community to a

Executives of the company gave a presentation about products Mass Mutual offers to its clients to establish their financial goals.

About eighty Indian men and

Massmutual and also exchanged business cards with each other. Nimesh Trivedi of Mass Mutual Home Office, Amy Holt, the Marketing Director and Bill Olsen, and Todd E. Holt, CEO and general agent of Massmutual Southwest presented a talk about the company. Nimesh looks after the growth of the South Asian presence in the company.

He thanked his fans for supporting him through out his career including six low years. His humility was touching. Shaam Entertainment, the organizers Ishtel uddin and Khurram Mohammed, had worked hard to find the sponsors to bring this event together. They thanked Mirchi Resturant, Ishtel heating and air, Property Center, Indopak Grocery, Sadis Beauties, Dash Realty, Fixsys Healthcare, Kp Grocery, New York Life, Texas Wings and Grill,

Ali Haider reminisced about his early career, “I used to take part in gigs… EMI was present in a gig and thought of me as a young chap with potential. Everything was proper chanel.”

music is still at its peak. He said, “Purani Jeans is sufi to me.” Ali Haider also did acting projects.

MassMutual offers a variety of insurance protection products and financial needs.

networking dinner at the Bombay Bistro at the Arboretum.

women belonging to different professions met the executives of

Whether you need life insurance, disability income insurance, longterm care insurance, annuities or retirement planning or investments, MassMutual has a vast network of experienced Financial Professionals who can help you navigate through your financial plan.

The company was founded in May 1851 to help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. More than 160 years later that commitment remains it’s guiding principle. Nimesh Trivedi said that the company is looking for Financial Services Representatives in Austin who can help people in the Austin community take control of their finances. For more information please contact Seema Govil at 512-7627387. The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) has named MassMutual a Top 10 company for executive women for our commitment to the development and advancement of women at the firm.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Sultan And The Saint Coming To Austin On March 4

By Sumaiya Malik Jawad Abdur Rehman, a producer of Unity Production Foundation (UPF), the production house that made the film, Sultan and the Saint, is in Austin from Los Angeles for networking and mostly to gear up to the fundraiser on March 4 at St. Andrews High school.

Saint Francis and their battle in the Crusades. Tickets for the show are

Mr. Rehman presented the company’s works on Sunday, January 29 to an audience of about a hundred. UPF produces films that tell compelling stories for television, online viewing, and theatrical release. These films are part of long-term educational campaigns aimed at increasing understanding among people of different faiths and cultures and especially Muslims.

On that day UPF will screen, Sultan and the Saint, and Michael Wolfe, the founder of non-profit will present his company and talk about the important work they do. Sultan and the Saint is their latest film. It is a story about Muslim and Christian peace. It is the story Sultan Malik Al Kamil and

He requested the audience of about 100 to contact him if they would like him to present UPF to their friends.

$25. UPF is trying to raise $150K.

Mr. Rehman said that the company is making changes in the stereotypical Muslim characters in

Hollywood movies and television. He said, “Our biggest challenge is that Muslim stories of intellectual contribution are not known in the US. Our work is humanize Muslims through stories”. On their list are movies such as Allah Made Me Funny, Mohammed, the Prophet of Allah, Cities of Light, Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think, Prince Among Slaves, Talking through Walls and more. PBS and public schools have aired UPF films. MOST (Muslims On Screen Television) is an offshoot of UPF, which helps writers give a more realistic view of the Muslim characters in the script. Shows like 24 with Keifer Sutherland have used

MOST in their script writing. Sabiha Rehaman (treasurer of IACT) and her husband Dr. Akif Sultan hosted the UPF presentation at the office of 360Training. They wanted to create awareness in the community. Sabiha said, “I was very impressed by UPF’s work. The media has been poisoning the people by portraying the Muslims as the bad guys. We need this organization to break the stereotype.” Please purchase the tickets on Facebook or Eventbrite: h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / events/934038480065512/ or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ sultan-saint-austin-film-pre miere-fundraiser-march-4-tickets-31141616413

Indian Government Steps Up Efforts To Help Family Of Kansas Homicide Victim The Indian government has put forth a vigorous effort in aiding the family of Olathe, Kan., homicide victim Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Kuchibhotla, 32, an Indian American engineer, was among three victims shot at Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe around 7:15 p.m. Feb. 22 by alleged shooter Adam Purinton, a 51-year-old Navy veteran (see India-West article here).

of attempted first-degree murder. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bond.

The other victims, 32-year-old Indian American Alok Madasani, a good friend of Kuchibhotla, and 24-year-old Ian Grillot, who came to the aid of the two Indian Americans, were hospitalized for injuries not considered life-threatening.

It added that arrangements are being made to transport his remains to India. A KMBC TV report said that the widow of Kuchibhotla, Sunayana Dumala, said she was told by her husband that they were safe in the U.S., despite her reservations. She added that she will accompany officials when they take Kuchibhotla’s remains to India.

According to at least one bar patron who witnessed the crime, Purinton said, “Get out of my country,” prior to opening fire, sparking concern from many that the incident was a hate crime. Purinton, who fled the scene of the crime and bellied up to a bar at Applebee’s in Clinton, Missouri, some 80 miles away, was arrested after telling the bartender he killed two “Middle Eastern” men. The alleged shooter was extradited back to Kansas Feb. 24 and was booked into jail on one count of first-degree murder and two counts

The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., released a statement confirming that it has been monitoring the situation in Kansas and has reached out to the Kuchibhotla family in Hyderabad to provide “all help and assistance.”

government, while condemning the attack, have assured us that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.”

cording to the report. Instead, other family members are heading to the U.S. with officials to retrieve the body, it said.

It added that officials at the Indian Consulate in Houston are in close contact with the family of Kuchibhotla and government officials have contacted Madasani as well.

Madasani’s father, Jaganmohan Reddy, called it a hate crime, saying that such incidents had increased in number following the election of Donald Trump, according to a BBC report. Dhruva Jaishankar, a foreign policy fellow at Brookings India in New Delhi, said in a New York Times report that an isolated incident like the Kansas shooting would not affect the relationship between the United States and India.

Minister of External Affairs in India Sushma Swaraj said on Twitter that she had spoken with Kuchibhotla’s father, Madhusudhan Rao K., and brother, Sai Kishore K., as well as Dumala, to pass along her condolences for their loss. She also confirmed that Madasani had been discharged from the hospital Feb. 23.

Mourners poured into Hyderabad, according to an Associated Press report. Kuchibhotla’s parents were unable to talk after receiving word of his death, it said, adding that they have another son working in the United States.

According to an Indian Express report, citing Kuchibhotla’s cousin Satish K., Kuchibhotla and his wife were planning on having a baby this year, continuing to fulfill their American Dream they had been building on since getting married in October 2012.

The Embassy added in its statement that, “The government of India has also taken up the matter with the U.S. authorities to express our deep concern and have asked for speedy investigation. The U.S.

Satish told the publication that Kuchibhotla’s wife and brother, who is also in the U.S., remain in shock from the incident. Kuchibhotla’s parents were planning a trip to the U.S. to see their kids, ac-

However, any more of these type of attacks, or if the U.S. isn’t taking the cases seriously, could create some friction, Jaishankar said in the report. Businessman and Democratic strategist Shekhar Narasimha was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, “This president now has blood on his hands. He has incited and created the environment where hate crimes are emboldened. All those of color have something to fear now for our children and theirs.” On the GOP side, Republican strategist Puneet Ahluwalia was quoted in the report as saying, “It is tragic,

upsetting and unacceptable. This kind of demented rage and their perpetrators have to be stopped and prosecuted. This is a threat to the greatness and hope which America is to so many.” Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., expressed his disgust of the crime. “This was an attack not only on the victims, but on the sense of security of Indians, Indian Americans, and millions of other people of color across the nation,” he said in a statement. “Along with so many throughout the world, I have always believed in the American Dream of our country as a place where regardless of where you come from, the color of your skin, or how you pray, you can build a better life,” he said. “This shooting was a brutal, racial attack on two men, and on the fundamental values of our nation,” he added. “It follows a spate of hatemotivated attacks on others in this country.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., added in a tweet, “This kind of hate has no place in our country.” U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., tweeted about the need for the country to rally together. (Continued On Page 19)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Shopping Smarter To Help Your Household Routine

If you follow awards shows to learn about the best movies and music, why not do the same to learn about the household products your family uses on a daily basis? Innovative products are awarded

To try something new, consider these highlights from 2017’s winner’s circle: • Enjoy greater visibility behind the wheel by replacing wiper blades with Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blades, two-in-one wipers which also treat your windshield with a water-repelWhen: ling coating.

65 percent bio-based detergent, as certified by the USDA BioPreferred Program. Effective at stain removal, whiteness and color care, even in energy-saving cold water, Tide purclean is also free of dyes,

electricity at a site that sends zero manufacturing waste to landfills. • Keep eyes feeling great without preservatives by using Clear Eyes Pure Relief Preservative Free Eye

Drops. The first of its kind available overthe-counter, the bottle has a unique purifying filter to keep bacteria out, and is available in multi-symptom and for dry eyes.

Hindu Kids Camp 2017

Presented by the UT Hindu Students Association

annually by “Product of the Year,” the world’s largest consumer-voted award, backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers in a nationwide survey conducted by research partner Kantar TNS, a global leader in consumer research. “Competition is fierce among consumer brands, with thousands of new products introduced to the market each year,” says Mike Nolan, CEO, Product of the Year USA. “Savvy shoppers can let the annual winners list serve as their own in-the-know guide.”

• Don’t sacrifice style for comfort. Transform your favorite fashion heels into comfy sneakers with Amopé GelActiv Insoles, which use ultra-thin gel technology.

Saturday, April 15th, 2017, 9:30 am – 3 pm Where: UT Campus Registration Deadline: March 27th, 2017 at 11:59 pm Website (for details and registration): http://longhornhinducamp.wixsite.com/kidscamp2017

For more information, email UT HSA Kids Camp at longhornhinducamp@gmail.com

• Freshen up on-thego with SweetSpot Labs Washes, pH Balanced, 98 percent natural and gynecologist-recommended wipes. Refreshing and convenient, each of the three scents can be used all over your body. • Go green on laundry day with a

chlorine, phosphates and optical brighteners, and is produced with renewable wind power

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Big Pakistani Lineup At SXSW!

By Sumaiya Malik SXSW Festival runs March 10 through 19 and offers a unique opportunity to explore the worlds of Interactive, Film, Music and Comedy with parties, awards, screenings and showcases.

Khan, and writer/lawyer/playwright Wajahat Ali will be big attractions. Below is a list of the Pakistani artists:

This is a big year for Pakistani artists and entrepreneurs. Fuzon star Shallum Xavier was so inspired by the music scene in Austin that he is bringing his Sufi Rock band to SXSW! The Austin South Asian learnt today that the band has already a confirmed performance at the Russian Tea House on 6th Street on March 15. More performances will be confirmed soon.

Fuzon

Another big name is Qawalistan brought by FACE and Zeejah Fazli. FACE has been in Austin at the past 2 SXSWs.

They are considered the pioneers of Fusion music in Pakistan, and currently have three albums out.

Young film maker, Sara Jahan

Fuzon is an eastern classical rock band, which was formed in Karachi Pakistan by Emu and Shallum Xavier.

Qawalistan

Qawalistan brings together a blend of traditional Qawali and Western Rock ‘n’ Roll music. Next Innovation Nation: Paki-

main force behind Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. Dr. Saif was named one of the top 35 young innovators by the MIT Technology.

abad who uses film and creative mediums to highlight innovations rural Pakistani women and girls use to combat the effects of climate change.

Faizan M a h mood

At 15, she made her first film Harvesting Hope, which won an award at the international Girls Impact the World Film Festival in Harvard and was presented the award by environmentalist and actor Ian Somerhalder.

stan’s Startup Scene

largest Tech Incubator)

Pakistan is one of the most promising startup scenes in the world, with a rich supply of talent. A panel of experts will discuss and debate the rewards and challenges of setting up shop in Pakistan.

Nabeel Qadeer

Umar Saif Dr. Saif is the founder of Pakistan’s first and largest startup … incubator Plan9, and is often cited as the

He works w i t h P l a n 9 (Pakistan’s

Nabeel holds the role of Director Entrepreneurship at the Punjab Information Technology Board, and steers all initiatives that fall in the space of technology entrepreneurship backed by the Government. Sarah Jahaan Khan Sarah is a 18 year old from Islam-

Wajahat Ali Award-winning playwright, lawyer, and TV host Wajahat Ali is a new kind of public intellectual: young, exuberant, and optimistic. Witty and emphatic, he speaks on the multifaceted Muslim American experience, and an emergent generation of millennials poised for social change. For more information please go to https://www.sxsw.com/

Austin South Asian | March 2017

South Asians’ International Volunteer Association

By Megha

SAIVA, South Asians’ International Volunteer Association, partnered up with the Hindu Student Asso-

at Austin campus to participate in one of their events for the Hinduism Awareness Week.

kets for the children at Dell’s Children Hospital in Austin on Sunday, February 19.

ter-generational relationship.

With the help of HSA, SAIVA did

SAIVA and the UT Austin students

sense of connection with the elderly South Asian community. It made me reflect on spending time with my grandmother doing similar things even. Whatever it was she was always willing to teach me. It was great to see that modeled in the room itself. The atmosphere was light hearted with some of the women singing in their native language. It was even more special to hear conversations going on between the students and the elderly in getting to know each other and their background.

ciation at The University of Texas

came together to make fleece blan-

(Continued From Page 01)

kind of chemical background to it.

Being joyous is not something you do; it is your natural state of being.

Similarly what you call misery, suffering, fear, anxiety- everything has a certain chemical basis.

Some things that SAIVA is committed to promote is a sense of well-being, belonging, community engagement, and building the in-

just that at this event. This was my first SAIVA event.

You being the small, little entity that you are right now, naturally fear is overwhelming.

this or that.

of freedom, love and joy.

If you look at your prayers, ninetyfive percent of the prayers in the world are all about asking for either this or that. “Please take of me’ or “protect me”.

Named one of “India’s 50 Most Powerful People” by India Today magazine, Sadhguru has touched the lives of millions of people worldwide, contributing to his vision of raising human consciousness.

While at the event I really felt a

To find out more about SAIVA and their future events, please visit http://www.saiva.org/.

Fear Is Our Own Creation

It is through your thoughts, emotions and other aspects of you being out of control that you create misery. But joy is a natural state. There are many ways to see how one can come out of present patterns of creating suffering. Suppose today you are not peaceful. The first thing you might do is, may be, quarrel with your spouse, next thing you will yell at your neighbour. Then you will realize its time to go to the doctor. If you go to the doctor he will give you a pill. This pill is made up of chemicals. If you put these chemicals into your body, your body and mind become peaceful. So one way of understanding this, what you call as peace has a certain

As there is a science for external well being, there is a whole science as to how to create your inner chemistry. Yoga has many methods through which you can create the right kind of chemistry, where being peaceful and joyous comes naturally to you. Now about leaving your fears and insecurities; you don’t have to leave your fears and insecurities, because they don’t exist. You just keep creating them unconsciously. But why are you creating it and how to stop creating that? The fundamental reason why fear has arisen in you is because you don’t know the beginning and the end; you are a small and little human being.

As long as you are identified with the physical body, as long as your experience of life is limited to your physical and mental faculties, fear and insecurity are inevitable. It is just that different people may be in different levels of fear and insecurity. Today if your life is going smoothly, you might forget about your insecurity. Tomorrow if your life goes upside down, it reminds you but it is always there with you. Only when a person begins experiencing life beyond his limitations, only that person can be truly free of any sense of insecurity or fear. Experiencing life beyond the physical is what we are referring to as spiritual. When I say spiritual don’t think it’s about going to temple; don’t think it’s about praying for

There is nothing spiritual about it; the very basis of this is fear and insecurity. So when I say spiritual, I am talking about you beginning to experience something that which is not physical. So once this spiritual dimension is alive, once you start experiencing yourself beyond the limitations of physical and the mental, then there is no such thing as fear.

Isha foundation is conducting a 4-day Inner Engineering Program in Austin, Texas on Mar 30th-Apr 2nd, 2017. Inner Engineering is a program gleaned from the yogic sciences that offers tools to rejuvenate and achieve health, peace, joy and success.

Fear is a creation of an over-active and out-of-control mind. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a yogi, profound mystic of our times, and visionary humanitarian.

This program includes guided meditations, interactive discussions, asanas and the transmission of the sacred Shambhavi Mahamudra, which is a powerful and purifying energy technique that incorporates the breath.

His presence creates an extraordinary opportunity to break through limitations into one’s natural state

To learn more, visit www.innerengineering.com or call 512-6559589 .

Austin South Asian | March 2017

A Love Call From Harvard? Not Quite

By Emily Hong

You come home from school, and your mom, bright-eyed, rushes into your room with excitement.

Have you ever wondered how colleges know you and can send you these emails and pamphlets?

If you are a junior, chances are,

In her hands? A thick envelope from Harvard. On the envelope? Your name. “For me? From Harvard?

emails from colleges asking you to apply.

Colleges buy a list of names from SAT and ACT of students whose scores fall into a certain score range. They will then send you those shiny magazines with attractive students on the manicured verdant lawns to lure you into applying.

But…why?” You rip open the envelope, and the letter with the glorious Harvard seal reads, “Dear Johnny, we are pleased to…” You read on, heart beating out of your chest. It’s only when you finally reach the bottom of the letter you come back to earth: “You will make a wonderful addition to our Class of 2019, and we invite you to check out our admissions page and apply this fall!”

your inbox is already flooded with

Students who only score about a 2000 on their SATs have received these materials from Princeton and Colum-

bia.

These colleges all say that you will make a great addition to their community full of bright students and award-winning faculty. “Come on,” I say to my students. “You don’t really believe that, do you?” I know I sound harsh whenever I give my students a reality check like this. But, I make it a point to give my students a realistic perspective on what chances they are up against when it comes to college admissions. Too many students want to apply to Harvard “just in case” or just because their parents want them to apply because they just “might get lucky”.

The reality is this: I have never seen anyone in my last 10 plus years of college admissions counseling get into Harvard with an SAT score of 2000. Most students who get admitted to Harvard or any of the Ivy Leagues usually have SAT scores of 2300 or above and ACT scores of 35 or above. I have seen nationally ranked student athletes get recruited by Harvard with a slightly lower score, but they were still in the 2200 range for the SAT. So, it’s time to get realistic and hit those SAT books, rather than drooling over those glossy Harvard pamphlets!

Natural Tips To Beat Seasonal Respiratory Health Challenges Spring and summer can be particularly difficult times of year for those with respiratory health challenges, when simple activities like gardening, walking the dog and reading a book on the patio can cause itching, wheezing, sneezing and trouble breathing.

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“It is all about improving one’s immune function in response to environmental factors, which can mean the difference between perpetual discomfort and a happy, vital spring and summer,” says Kelly Heim, PhD, senior director of Scientific Affairs at Pure Encapsulations, a leading manufacturer of

dietary supplements.

challenges.

Whether you are looking to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood, or you simply want to stay active and comfortable while enjoying the outdoors, consider the following treatments and tips.

Dietary Supplements

Austin,Tx

The Stanford Academy ACT/SAT TestPrep & Tutoring

Something Sweet Honey isn’t just delicious; it can be therapeutic, potentially helping you to alleviate seasonal symptoms. However, it is important you select honey produced in your local area for this strategy to work. You should also know that this immunotherapeutic approach won’t protect against all the causes of respiratory health

Your nutritional intake can have a large impact on the way you feel in spring. Consider a dietary supplement designed to support both innate and adaptive immune response. For example, Pure Encapsulations Aller-Essentials with EpiCor contains a blend of nutrients and herbal extracts designed to promote healthy immune function in response to environmental factors. Research suggests that it enhances natural killer cell activation, B cell and T cell function, and salivary IgA levels; and that the quercetin, hesperidin and vitamin C in the supplement provide additional support for stabilizing mast cells which can release histamines and exacerbate respiratory issues. More information can be found at PureEncapsulations.com/alleressentials. Practical Considerations While building up your immune response is crucial in the battle

against respiratory problems, you can make your home a healthy oasis from with a few practical considerations. Create a makeshift mudroom or landing zone in your foyer. Remove shoes and outer layers when you get home, and ask your guests to do the same upon arrival. Keep your bedroom particularly protected from the outdoors, for example, don’t toss the same jeans and clothing that have been on a picnic blanket on your bedspread. Wash your hair in the evening before going to sleep, particularly after a day in the garden, and remember to change and launder your pillows and linens regularly. Ask a Doctor When it comes to health, there is no one-size-fits all solution. Talk with your health care provider, who can help you pinpoint the exact source of your suffering, in order to determine the best treatment options for you. With a few lifestyle changes, you can look forward to a season of breathing easy. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

How To Spruce Up Your Garden With Bird Safety In Mind

You may not realize it, but the average residential property can be hazardous to local wildlife without

proper precautions taken. An estimated 98 million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when

colliding with windows, according to Western Ecosystems Technology, making your home a potential death trap during migratory season. H o w e v e r, there are steps you can take to not only protect the birds whose flight path traverses your yard and garden, but also offer them a safe place to rest and feed – adding natural beauty for your garden.

Start by making glass visible to birds by applying safety decals to window exteriors every few feet. Remember sliding glass doors as well. To maintain the look of your home and your own view out the window, use decals that are unobtrusive to the human eye, but contain a component that reflects ultraviolet sunlight. Those from WindowAlert have proven in studies to be an effective visual barrier that only birds can see, particularly when combined with WindowAlert UV Liquid, a gel which can be applied between decals for greater protection. “Everyone can help contribute toward making migration safer

for birds,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert. Because the UV reflectivity may fade over time based on exposure, replace the decals every four months and reapply the liquid every three months. Schock also points out that if you want migratory birds to stay awhile, you may want to consider avoiding the use of pesticides that kill insects which are their natural food source. A strategically placed bird feeder -- either within three feet of a window or over 30 feet away in order to prevent bird strikes -- can provide nourishment and energy to hungry birds.

Ideally, bird feeders will be placed well away from where prey may be lurking, such as bushes and trees. If you own cats, you should also be mindful of their danger to birds and monitor your cats’ time spent outdoors to ensure they are not hunting feathered friends. More tips for turning your yard into a safe haven for birds can be found at windowalert.com. “Birds play a valuable role in our ecosystem,” says Schock. “Protecting them from the hazards humans have created will not only save lives, but will improve your local environment, too.” (Statepoint)

EKAL SUR EKAL TAAL

(Continued From Page 11) This rich multimedia presentation of our traditions and culture is being presented for the first time by

There’s literally something for everyone. Ekal Vidyalaya is a nonprofit organization on a mission to bring basic education and opportunity to every child in every village

Deaf auditorium at 1102 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704. Ekal’s Austin team of volunteers have been relentlessly working to make this event a fantastic, memorable and entertaining evening for all the attendees. Texas Teacher of the year (2016) Ms. Revathi Balakrishnan, who represented about 330,000 teachers from Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program, will be the Keynote Speaker at the event. Tickets for the event are already on the sale online at https://www.ekal. org/events. Special arrangements have been made for those who want to donate whole heartedly to support and run Ekal schools.

Revathi Balakrishnan 2016 Tx Teacher Of The Year (Ekal Keynote Speaker) With Pres. Obama those who have benefited from or have had first hand direct experience working with Ekal Vidyalaya.

across rural and tribal India. This year’s special event will be held at the Texas School for the

There are also arrangements made for those who want to promote their business brands at the event to an expected 700+ audience. For more information about these special partnership opportunities, contact Ekal’s Austin volunteers via e-mail at ekal.austin@yahoo.com, connect with us on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ekalvidyalaya.austin, or call Kishore Gagrani at 512.608.8495; Milan Patel at 512.238.8440.

Indie Meme Announces 2nd South Asian Film Festival (Continued From Page 01)

Indie Meme.org.

Awarded the “Best International Passport” by The Austin Chronicle, Indie Meme Film Festival is an annual gathering for South Asian film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers and critics in the US. The 4 day affair will be buzzing with film premiers, red carpet events, filmmakers in person & via Skype, member mixers, panel & audience discussions, networking events and parties.

“It is also our endeavor to get participation from various organizations – local and international – working in the field on various issues, to help further awareness & discussion.” added Tripti Bhatnagar, co-founder, Indie Meme. org. IMFF@Austin 2017 is being co-presented by STAR TV, a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox, the world’s premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV & satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe.

Last year, Indie Meme Film Festival – IMFF@Austin 2016 - was host to 11 critically acclaimed, thought-provoking films and postscreening discussions. “This year the festival plans to screen 14 to 16 films from South Asia. We select meaningful cinema that brings to light remarkable issues worthy of opening a dialogue in the audience.” said Alka Bhanot, Founder,

“As an entertainment network catering to the South Asians here in the US, it is a pleasure for STAR to support meaningful initiatives such as what Indie Meme is striving to do here for the Austin Community “ commented Guneet Anand, Head – STAR TV, North America. IMFF@Austin 2017 is partly

funded by a grant from the City of Austin. Indie Meme earl bird tickets are available online for $50 for members at http://imffaustin.weebly.com/tickets.html The Austin South Asian just learnt that the Kick off film for the festival is Shor Se Shuruaat which will be shown to all badge holders for free on Thursday, April 20, at the same Arbor Cinema. Shor Se Shuruaat” is an omnibus feature of mentored short films, around the central theme of “Shor”- noise. Indie Meme.org is a non-profit that provides credible platform for social dialogue through meaningful South Asian cinema. It’s events center viewing a thought-provoking film followed by an opportunity for discussion to favor positive social impact in local and global community. For more information visit www.indiememe.com

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Best SAT/PSAT And ACT Preparation For College Entry Test In Austin The Stanford Academy offers test preparation for SAT/PSAT and ACT. Their passion, dedication and expertise in professional teaching helps students build a pathway for success. Expert tutors guide the students with strategies and monitor each student to bring out their best. With frequent practice tests and graded quizzes, tutors ensures improvement in each student. The Stanford Academy offers various SAT/ACT courses to fit student’s schedule. They offer intensive short term course, long term course and spring and summer camps. In addition to ACT/SAT/PSAT, the academy also offers STAAR test preparation and foundation program for elementary and middle school students. They also offer one-on-one tutoring service to help students develop study skills and advance in academic coursework

in multiple location in Austin. The mission of the Stanford Academy is to support students academically and lead them to success. It guides students to do their best and score high which results in a bigger financial aid package from the college or university. They believe in teaching strategies and giving proper guidance from 7th grade onwards to help build confidence in each student. By guided learning and practice, students’ master test taking strategies. Each child has different learning ability. To make sure that the students learn, they are regularly assessed and their progress is closely monitored. All these are offered at an affordable cost. The goal of the Stanford Academy is to give quality preparation at an affordable cost. Success of students is their number one priority.

Indian Government Steps Up Efforts To Help Family Of Kansas Homicide Victim (Continued From Page 13) “We must stand up and say we’re not going to tolerate hatred and bigotry,” she said.

tragic, it would be absurd to link the incident in Kansas to the president’s rhetoric, according to a Reuters report.

IANS reported that the family of Kuchibhotla has blamed Trump and his policies for the incident.

IANS reported that Kuchibhotla’s friend, Kavipriya Muthuramalingam, set up the GoFundMe page to raise funds for the family, which said: “Srini was the kindest person you would meet, full of love, care and compassion for everyone.

“It shows Trump is the prime reason,” Kuchibhotla’s cousin R. Sastry said in an IANS report.

He never uttered a word of hatred, a simple gossip, or a careless comment.

“The attacker made racist remark and asked them to get out of the country.

He was brilliant, well mannered and simply an outstanding human being.”

It was clear that he wanted to target them,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi Feb. 24 “strongly” condemned the shooting and said it has reached out to Indian consular officials to offer support, IANS reported. (Couretsy: IndiaWest)

“This is not who we are as a country. We’re better than this.”

While Trump hasn’t spoken on the incident, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that, though

Austin South Asian | March 2017

He Yelled ‘Get Out Of My Country,’ Witnesses Say, And Then Shot 2 Men From India, Killing One Authorities in Kansas filed firstdegree murder charges against a man accused of opening fire in a bar there, killing one Indian man, injuring two other people and causing fears about bigotry to reverberate across the globe. According to witness accounts, the gunman reportedly told two of the people who were shot — both Indian men who work for Garmin, the technology firm — to “get out of my country” before opening fire and had also used racial slurs during the Wednesday evening shooting. Multiple law enforcement agents launched an investigation into the deadly shooting inside Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe, a city about 20 miles southwest of Kansas City. Even as authorities said they had not yet identified a motive for the attack, relatives of the Indian men said they feared the shooting was connected to a climate of fear and xenophobia in America. The father of one of the people injured pointed to the election of President Trump, who has routinely described a threat posed to Americans from people outside the country’s borders, and pleaded with parents in India “not to send their children to the United States.”The White House responded by calling the link to Trump’s rhetoric absurd, according to Reuters. Police identified the suspected attacker in Olathe as Adam W. Purinton, 51, and said he was taken into custody in Missouri a little more than a day after the shooting. One of the Indian men shot during the attack — Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32 — died in the hospital later from his wounds, the Olathe police said. The other — Alok Madasani, 32, of Overland Park, Kan. — was released from the hospital Thursday. The shooting also injured 24-yearold Ian Grillot, another patron at Austin’s, who apparently tried to intervene. Witnesses told the Kansas City Star and The Washington Post that Purinton was thought to have been kicked out of the bar Wednesday night before the shooting took place. “He seemed kind of distraught,” Garret Bohnen, a regular at Austin’s who was there

that night, told The Post in an interview. “He started drinking pretty fast.” He reportedly came back into the bar and hurled racial slurs at the two Indian men, including comments that suggested he thought they were of Middle Eastern descent. When he started firing shots, Grillot, a regular at the bar whom Bohnen called “everyone’s friend,” moved to get involved. Authorities have not released many details about the attack. They have not said the shooting was a hate crime, instead saying they are investigating to see if it was spurred by bias. During a briefing Thursday, officials cautioned that it was still early in the investigation and declined to offer a motive for the shooting. “As far as the motivation in this case and the facts surrounding it … what we want to do is we want to be able to be sure of our facts versus speculation,” Johnson County District Attorney Stephen M. Howe said at the briefing. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in tweets that she had contacted Kuchibhotla’s family, in the southern city of Hyderabad, and was making arrangements to have his remains sent there. “I have spoken to the father and Mr. K. K. Shastri brother of Srinivas Kuchibhotla in Hyderabad and conveyed my condolences to the family,” she tweeted. Two diplomats from the Indian Consulate in Houston were “rushing” to Kansas to assist, Swaraj said. [‘I appeal to all the parents in India not to send their children’ to the U.S., distraught father says after shooting] Relatives of the two Indian men shot Wednesday told the Hindustan Times that they were friends who had not antagonized Purinton, and that Purinton had instead “picked an argument” with them and suggested they were illegally in the country. “They tried to tell him that they had done their [master’s degrees] in Kansas in 2006 and had been staying there with valid work permits,” a relative said. [Three Kansas men calling themselves ‘Crusaders’ charged in terror plot targeting Muslim immigrants] Madasani’s father, Jaganmohan Reddy, told the

Times he has recently begun to ask his son to return home, fearing that he might not be safe in the country’s racially charged atmosphere, with ugly incidents and hate groups on the rise. “The situation seems to be pretty bad after Trump took over as the U.S. president. I appeal to all the parents in India not to send their children to the United States in the present circumstances,” Reddy said. Eric K. Jackson, the FBI special agent in charge in Kansas City, said that authorities will work to determine if the attack was “bias motivated,” but said they “need to have time to thoroughly go through the investigation.” Purinton was taken into custody late Thursday in Clinton, Mo., about 80 miles away, and by Friday afternoon he had been returned to Johnson County, where he was being held in a detention center four miles from Austin’s. Howe said Thursday that Purinton was charged with one count of firstdegree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. Purinton’s bond was set at $2 million, according to court documents. Bridget Patton, a spokeswoman for the FBI in Kansas, said Friday that the bureau was continuing to work with local police to investigate and “determine if there were any civil rights violations.” In a statement Friday, Garmin said the company, which has an office in Olathe, was grieving over the incident and working to support the families of its employees. “We’re devastated by the senseless tragedy that took the life of one of our associates and friends, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, and injured another, Alok Madasani,” the statement said. The company also sent their thoughts to Grillot, “deemed the ‘Good Samaritan’ for his heroic efforts that fatal evening.” In a public video released by the University of Kansas Health System, Grillot spoke from his hospital bed about what unfolded. When he heard shots being fired, he crouched under a table. Hearing nine shots, Grillot expected the man’s magazine to be empty, but soon realized

he must have miscounted. “I got behind him, and he turned around and fired at me,” Grillot said. The bullets went through his right hand and chest, fracturing a vertebrae and his neck, and barely missing his carotid artery. “I’m grateful to be alive,” he said. “Another half inch and I could be dead or never walk again.” He spent the night in the hospital praying that the two other men had survived the shooting, he said. When he saw Madasani enter his hospital room Thursday morning, “it put the biggest smile on my face,” Grillot said. He soon found out that Madasani’s wife is five months pregnant. According to the Justice Department, Armando Sotelo, 24, was sentenced to two years of supervised release in that case, while Omar Cantero Martinez, 32, was sentenced to 26 months in prison and two years of supervised release for committing perjury during the hate-crimes prosecution into that assault. In the fall, federal prosecutors charged three Kansas men with plotting to attack an apartment complex, mosque and many Muslim immigrants from Somalia. A picture has begun to emerge of the men who were shot on Wednesday. According to Kuchibhotla’s LinkedIn account, he held a master’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and earned his bachelor’s degree at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India. Madasani’s LinkedIn profile said he studied at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and at Vasavi College of Engineering in India.Kavipriya Muthuramalingam, a good friend of Kuchibhotla’s, said in an interview with The Post that the two were part of a tightknit group of friends who all used to work at the aerospace company Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She said Kuchibhotla was a kind, levelheaded and technically skilled friend who was always smiling. She called him “one of the best people you’ve ever met in your life” and “the perfect example of a decent gentleman.” Muthuramalingam, who now lives

in Irvine, Calif., said she and her fellow Indian friends had not yet begun to discuss any potentially racially biased motives of the shooting. She said “it affects us all on different levels,” but for now, they were all “just focusing on the fact that such a good person was lost.”She started a GoFundMe account to help relieve medical and funeral expenses for Kuchibhotla’s wife, Sunayana, and their family. By Friday afternoon, the page had raised over $385,000. Bohnen, the regular at Austin’s who was there that night and who has worked there in the past, said Kuchibhotla and Madasani would come in all the time. Though they kept to themselves, they were always friendly and willing to share a cigarette or take shots of gin with Bohnen. Austin’s staff gathered at an employee’s house Wednesday night to help each other grapple with the night’s events, and on Thursday, employees went into the bar to help clean up. Owner Brandon Blum wrote on the bar’s Web page that he hoped to reopen Austin’s by Saturday. Outside the bar, flowers were left at a makeshift memorial, the Kansas City Star reported.“We are so sorry that this happened on our premises,” Blum wrote. “We have never experienced any sort of tragedy like this in our 30 years.” From his hospital bed, Grillot said he had been planning on going fishing this weekend before the shooting occurred. So after recovering, that was the first thing he looked forward to doing. He also said he hoped to get together with Madasani, “the gentleman I’ve now become best friends with,” and meet his son once he is born. “After last night, we’re definitely going to be spending a little bit of time together,” he said. “Don’t think it’s going to be at the bar, though. Maybe some grilling in the backyard with a beer or two.”Annie Gowen and Rama Lakshmi in New Delhi contributed to this report, which has been updated since it was first published.(Courtesy: Washington Post)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

March 2017 Community Calendar We have compiled this event listing based on the information available on the web site (where ever possible) of the community/organization as of third Friday. Please check with the organizers to confirm its accuracy. We request all South Asian organizations to email us (info@austinsouthasian.com) their community calendar on or before 20th of every month, for the events happening next month. We will carry listing of all South Asian non-profit organizations in Austin. If the Name, Contact info is not correct or has changed email us (info@ austinsouthasian.com) the changes you want to see. E&OE.

SCHEDULE: March 01 and 15,Wednesdays, 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM, Austin Project Management Toastmasters - Improve public speaking and leadership skills. Please RSVP: vpm@apmtoastmasters. org. FREE. Community Room 8, AARC. March 2 and 16, Thursdays, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Hawaiian Hula Dance Class - In advance of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, Hula Halau Kaeepa offers traditional Hawaiian Kahiko and Awana dance and history of Hawaiian culture. Open to the public, all ages welcome. FREE. Please RSVP, space limited: Keito 512440-7171. March 2: Community Room 1, March 16: Community Room 8, AARC. March 02,Thursday, 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Dialogue Institute of the Southwest – Austin Annual Friendship & Dialogue Dinner, With Keynote Speaker Dr. Scott C. Alexander and honoring Simone Talma Flowers and Mediterranean Cuisine Buffet. Tickets $100 available online. March 03, Friday, 08:00 AM, Maha Kumbabhishekam at Sri Venkateshwara Temple of Austin is at Sri Venkateshwara Temple of Austin, 2509 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. For more information, contact 5122602721. March 03, Friday, 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM, Year of the Rooster Reception & Happy Hour - The Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit Board of Directors invites the public to a reception and happy hour with

Asian-inspired light bites, cocktails and an update on the AARC Nonprofit’s work in the community. FREE. AARC Ballroom. AARC Co-Sponsorship. March 04 and 18, Saturdays, 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM, Longevitology Practice - Learn how to maintain health without medical intervention with the Chang Sen Xue Longevitology Association. FREE. Community Room 8, AARC. March 7 and 22, Tuesdays, 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM, The Inner Matrix Book Club - Explore author Joey Klein’s proven approach to living a truly rich and meaningful life using his core teachings and the practices of “Conscious Transformation.” New five-week series begins March 22, led by facilitator Preetam Alluri. FREE. RSVP: preetam.alluri@ gmail.com. Community Room 1, AARC. March 8, Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, GAACC Business Buzz: Facebook for Your Business - Learn from Facebook Small Business Team experts Stanford Liew and Connor Vorhaus as they share best practices, success stories and strategies on how to grow, manage and understand your small business presence on Facebook. FREE, but please register online. AARC Collaboration. March 10, Friday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Bridging Cultures Storytime: Red Riding Hood Tales from Asia - Red cloaks, grandmothers and wolves, Oh My! Renditions of Red Riding Hood set in China, Korea and Sri Lanka will keep kids on the edges of their seats. Plus Red Riding Hood Treasure Hunt after storytime. FREE, open to all ages. RSVP online: https://bcsredhood. eventbrite.com. Community Room

8. AARC Produced. March 12, Sunday, 08:30 AM, SEF Color Run - Austin 2017 by SEF- Austin (Sankara Eye Foundation) is at Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. FREE ADMISSION FOR CHILDREN 5 and UNDER. March 14 or Thursday, March 16, Tuesday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Youth Ceramic Workshop - Paint a plate with traditional Asian patterns to be glazed and fired for a shiny final product. Plate pickup available at a later date. $25, all materials included. Ages 7-12. Register: austintexas.gov/parksregister. AARC Produced. March 18 and 25, Saturdays, 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Yoga for Beginners - Learn simple but powerful yoga postures to balance and stabilize your system. No prior experience necessary. Presented by ISHA Foundation. FREE, ages 7+. RSVP: Please call 512-655-9589. Community Room 8. March 18, Saturday, Community Art Exhibits “Thinking of Home” and “Word Play” Closing Date - Last chance to see the current exhibits. Asian American artist Sherry Xiao explores her desire to belong to the presumed Asian American identity using elements of Chinese calligraphy in “Thinking of Home” and local children play with Chinese characters in “Word Play.” FREE. Ballroom, Hallways. AARC Produced. March 21, Tuesday, 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM, Your Health, Your Community Focus Group - Share your voice and help develop a plan so more people can be healthy where they live,

work and play. This outreach is part of the 2017 Austin/Travis County Community Health Assessment. FREE. Community Room 1. March 25, Saturday, 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM, AARC Gardening Day - Help with the AARC’s community garden beds, plant Asian inspired vegetables, herbs and other plants with a brief presentation by Sari Albornoz, Program Director from the Sustainable Food Center. Snacks and drinks provided. FREE. Recreational & Intergenerational Community Education (RICE) Garden AARC Produced March 25, Saturday, 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Art & Mindfulness Shibori Workshop with Artist Lynne BrotmanJapanese Shibori fiber is a fine art that incorporates the natural dye, indigo. Create your own fabric patterns and learn the art of this shaped-resist dyeing technique. $35 per person, materials included. Open to all levels, ages 16+. Register at www.austintexas.gov/ parksonline. Community Room 8. AARC Produced. March 26, Sunday, 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM, Rockin’ Holi Party - Featuring South Asian Austin Families Got Talent – a Parent & Kids Talent Show, organic Holi colors, DJ Anupi, tween and teen dance party, Holi games for all ages, food and fun! Presented by South Asian Austin Moms. Tickets include a bag of color, fun and games. $5 (adults & kids ages 2+), available online. AARC Great Lawn. Thursday, March 30 through Sunday, April 02, Inner Engineering - Explore the basics of life using methods from the distilled essence of yogic sciences. Learn Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a powerful and purifying

energy technique using the breath. Presented by the Isha Foundation. $325 per person (early bird by 2/28 - $285, Senior $275, Student $250) online. AARC Ballroom. March 31 - April 02, Friday - Sunday, 07:00 PM, Lenten Family Retreat 2017 - Experience the Healing Power of Jesus is at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1101 W New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613. For more information, contact 512893-9767. ONGOING Monday-Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30am | RICE: Senior Tea & Coffee. FREE. Community Room 8 Monday-Thursday, 11:30 to 12:30pm | RICE: Senior Lunch Social. FREE. Community Room 8 Wednesdays, March 8 and 22, 10:30 to 11:30am | RICE: Gentle Yoga. FREE. Ballroom Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 to 11:30am | RICE: Heartfulness Meditation. FREE. Ballroom Wednesdays, 10am to 6pm | Job assistance with City of Austin employment. FREE. Computer Lab Thursdays, March 2 and 16, 10:30am to 12pm | RICE: Tai Chi with Vince Cobalis. FREE. Ballroom Through April 18 | Foundation Communities: Community Tax Center. Free tax preparation help for anyone earning less than $55,000 per year. Monday through Thursday: 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 10am to 4pm; closed Friday and Sunday. Closed February 20, March 13-16. Classrooms 2 and 3

Austin South Asian | March 2017 THEME: MARCH MADNESS

ACROSS 1. Dust jacket promo 6. The NHL’s Stanley ____ 9. “The Sun ____ Rises” 13. Petroleum tanker 14. *Top March Madness seed 15. Sigourney Weaver’s 1979 box-office hit 16. Kind of ray 17. Expert 18. Mother, lovingly 19. *NCAA’s fill-in-the-blanks 21. *Final Four location 23. ____ B or ____ C, at the doctor’s office 24. Russian monarch 25. “Gross!” 28. Double Dutch gear 30. “____ of all trades,” pl. 34. Found in a racing shell 36. Mountain goat terrain 38. What Pinocchio was doing? 40. Margarita garnish 41. Before “pocus”? 43. Roofed colonnade 44. Type of acid 46. Roman public space, pl. 47. One of President’s two 48. Follow 50. Bathtime froth 52. “Get it?” 53. *Three pointer 55. Carry, as in suitcase 57. *Shared name of Kentucky and Villanova, sing. 61. New Norwegian language 65. Willow twig 66. Tiller’s tool 68. Salivate uncontrollably 69. Like a good singer 70. Old fashioned “before” 71. Ancient marketplace 72. Ballet’s pas 73. *St. John’s ____ Storm 74. Red Sea nation

DOWN 1. Fat Man or Little Boy 2. Baron Munchhausen, e.g. 3. Long forearm bone 4. Throw up 5. Worker who rolls dough for baked goods 6. Painter’s layer 7. *Tar Heels’ home 8. Circle of friends 9. Medicinal succulent 10. Sketch 11. 18-wheeler 12. December stone 15. Libertine 20. Unit of geological time 22. Pilgrimage to Mecca 24. Tea pot warmer 25. *School with most basketball titles 26. Filth 27. Surround 29. University teacher, for short 31. Benign lump 32. “The ____ Runner,” pl. 33. Annoy a bedfellow 35. Skin cysts 37. Spiritual leader 39. *Opening round, a.k.a. Play-In ____ 42. Lamentably 45. Public disapproval 49. Chapter in history 51. *March Madness selection day 54. Early anesthetic 56. Narrow valley between hills 57. Courts 58. Is not 59. Facebook button 60. Like a billionaire’s pockets 61. Scholarship criterion 62. Move over and “make ____!” 63. Sight for what eyes? 64. Third K in KKK 67. Metal-bearing mineral

SUDOKU

Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in March 2017 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Indian American Organizations Call For Hate Crime Investigation Of Kansas Murder, Police Mum

(Continued From Page 01) Around 7:15 p.m. Feb. 22 at Austin’s Bar and Grill, after a regular bar patron told Navy veteran Adam Purinton, 51, to stop shouting out racial slurs, the man allegedly said, “Get out of my country,” to Indian American engineers Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani and opened fire, the Kansas City Star reported The shooter wounded Kuchibhotla, 32, and Madasani, 32, as well as 24-year-old Ian Grillot, who had come to the aid of the two men, both originally from Hyderabad. “We call upon the U.S. Department of Justice and local law enforcement to investigate this murder as what it is, a hate crime,” said Jay Kansara, Hindu American Foundation director of government relations, who added that the foundation’s thoughts and prayers are with Kuchibhotla’s family and friends, as well as with the injured Madasani and Grillot. “Anything less will be an injustice to the victims and their families.” “We demand a thorough investigation into the shootings, including the hate crime allegations, and for local, state and national leaders to denounce such hate and violence,” Kwoh added. Aarti Kohli, execu-

tive director of AAAJ-Asian Law Caucus, said, “Indian Americans, particularly Sikhs, have shared the considerable cost of anti-Muslim violence in recent years and our communities live with increasing fear. We ask all Asian Americans to rise up and demand a change in rhetoric and policy from our leaders.” South Asian Americans Leading Together executive director Suman Raghunathan said, “This incident is the latest in a rising tide of hate violence against South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Middle Eastern and Arab communities, electrified by the president’s anti-immigrant policies. When our ‘so-called’ leaders attempt to govern from an angle of xenophobia, these sentiments embolden deadly violence against our communities.” The South Asian Bar Association of North America added its condemnation of the crime, saying, “Reports and witnesses indicate that the motivation for these crimes was rooted in anti-Muslim hate, xenophobia and racism. While details continue to emerge, if true, we expect the governmental authorities to prosecute this act for what it is – a hate crime.” Following the shooting Purinton

fled the scene and was arrested some 80 miles away at an Applebee’s in Clinton, Missouri, in the early hours of Feb. 23, according to a Kansas City Star report. According to the report citing witnesses at Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe, Purinton had been drinking hard, and continually exclaimed racial slurs. Kuchibhotla was an aviation engineer at Olathe-based technology company Garmin. Originally from Hyderabad, he graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University with a bachelor of technology degree in electrical and electronics engineering in 2005. He later earned his master’s degree in the same field from the University of Texas El Paso. Following his graduation, Kuchibhotla worked as a teaching assistant and research assistant at UTEP, then as a software engineer and senior systems engineer at Rockwell Collins prior to joining Garmin in January 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile. A GoFundMe page to help Kuchibhotla’s family was set up shortly after the incident. As of 12:45 p.m. Feb. 24, it had raised $404,949 from 11,190 people with a goal of reaching $150,000. Madasani, a co-worker of Kuchibhotla’s at Gar-

min, was wounded in the shooting. He was still hospitalized at the time of press. Madasani graduated from Vasavi College of Engineering in India before moving to the U.S. to attend the University of MissouriKansas City. Like Kuchibhotla, Madasani worked for several years at Rockwell Collins before joining Garmin in July 2014. A friend of both Kuchibhotla and Madasani told the New York Daily News that the two victims, both Hindus from Hyderabad, were good friends. Garmin spokeswoman Carly Hysell said in a statement that the company is not publicly identifying the employees, but that the second worker is no longer in critical condition. “We’re saddened that two Garmin associates were involved in (the Feb. 22) incident, and we express our condolences to the family and friends of our co-workers involved,” she said. Though not officially deemed a hate crime, people are speaking out about Purinton’s alleged crime. The comments throughout social media have reached hundreds, with the overlying sentiment of disgust and heartbreak. On Kuchibhotla’s fundraiser page, a Charlotte Afonso wrote, “Makes me sad and worried about this wonderful country that we call home now. When the

mere color of our skin is a cause for violence...it’s shameful. I don’t know Srini or Alok or Ian, but I am saddened by how this shameful act of a racist moron has affected the lives of so many.” One Twitter user said of the shooting, “Ignorance kills innovation (literally).” Another comment on Facebook by Astrid Sicola regarding the shooting said, “The world is becoming more and more ugly. I don’t understand how unreal this is, so much hate so much misunderstanding. How can a person kill someone because of the color of their skin, religious beliefs, or whatever. I am so saddened by this news. Terrible.” A recent SAALT report documented more than 200 incidents of hate violence and xenophobic rhetoric against the South Asian communities during the 2016 elections, with 95 percent of incidents motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment. “President (Donald Trump) has yet to comment or offer his condolences to the victims’ families after this latest tragedy, consistent with his pattern of curious silence in the wake of hate violence incidents against many communities including Muslim, Arab, South Asian and Jewish Americans,” SAALT said. Trump had not commented on the crime at time of press. (IndiaWest)

February 2017 Sudoku Answer Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Mr. Rajnish

Ms. Ketika Tyagi

Ms. Richa

Hyderabad techie killed

(Continued from page 1)

them into custody.

Sandeep Goud Kurremula had a quarrel early on Monday morning, that led to Sandeep killing him. Austin police has arrested the suspect. Praneeth, another roommate of theirs’, was a witness to the murder. Sandeep had gone to Austin 15 days ago and had been living in Sankirth’s apartment.

“Officers have charged Sai Sandeep Goud Kurremula, 27, with murder,” the cops’ statement added. The victim’s relatives in the US found that Sai Sandeep had moved to Austin 15 days ago for a job through a consultancy and had started living in the same apartment complex where Sankirth lived. Back in Hyderabad, it has been a tragic day for Sankirth’s parents.

Attacker was drunk, says witness Praneeth Praneeth, who spoke to the victim’s family, said Sandeep was drunk when he attacked Sankirth. He said he was sleeping in another room when he heard the scuffle and soon found Sankirth lying in a pool of blood. A motive behind the attack remains unclear, Austin police received an alert at 3.13 am. “Upon arrival, officers saw two men loading a male victim into a car. It appeared the male victim had suffered a stab wound to his abdomen. The injured male was transported to Round Rock Hospital where he later died,” a statement said. Praneeth claimed that Sandeep and he were rushing Sankirth to hospital in a car when cops arrived and took

Telangana Health officer G. Vijay Kumar went into shock when he heard of his son’s murder. Relatives are wondering why a jovial man like Sankirth was killed. “He had finished MS from the University of New Haven last year and had moved to Texas for a job six months ago. He got an H1B visa a month ago and was planning to settle in the US,” said his cousin E. Saikanth. “He was a peaceful man. We do not know why he was attacked,” added Saikanth. Sankirth was also in constant touch with his parents. “He used to regularly Skype but he never mentioned a dispute with his roommate,” A. Venkat Rao, another cousin, said.

Other relatives add that Sankirth’s mother was informed only on Tuesday as she has been suffering from an illness. The family’s friends and relatives in the US are now trying to send the body to Hyderabad.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

What To Know About Eye Health Did you know that doctors now recommend that children as young as six months old should have their first comprehensive eye exam? And not only is correcting vision problems crucial for happiness

To help these families overcome this obstacle, the vision care experts at VSP have built a free online service at vsp.com where you can now find eye doctors and affordable vision plans.

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and success, but an eye exam can detect such health problems as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Experts say eye care should be a lifelong commitment, with eye exams beginning in infancy and progressing at different intervals as you age. Unfortunately, visits to the eye doctor can be a financial hurdle for families without vision insurance.

“Little eyes are precious things to protect, and ensuring our kids can see well grants them not only a richer view of the world, but better tools to learn,” says Tracie Phorbes, the blogger behind Penny Pinchin’ Mom. “Thankfully, we have great vision insurance, and keeping up on our kids’ vision care has not been a financial burden.” (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2017

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

By Bharathi Ranganath

PEPPER CHICKEN

Cinnamon- 1 to 2 pieces Cloves - 3 Mint leaves- handful Coriander leaves - small bunch

Salt to taste Oil - 2 table spoons

Cooking Process

Heat oil in a pan, when the oil is hot add sliced onions.

Ingredients

Fry the onions until they turn gold-

Chicken - whole chicken cut it in to pieces - 2.5 lbs Onions- 2 medium

Fry the chicken till the water evaporates. Grind all the other ingredients in to fine paste and add it to the chicken mix it nicely. Add salt Continue to fry till the chicken absorbs all the spices. You can adjust salt and pepper as per your taste. You can serve with chapathis or you can eat it as an appetizer.

Green chilies - 6 numbers Coconut shredded- 1 table spoon Corriender powder- 1 teaspoon

en brown.

Ginger- 1 inch Garlic- 12 pods Black peppercorns- 1/2 tea spoon

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Add chicken, some salt and a pinch of turmeric powder.

Garden-To-Table Tips For Growing And Cooking Your Own Produce

Nearly 50 percent of fresh fruits and 20 percent of fresh vegetables in the US are imported, according to FoodSafety.gov. This means that your food traveled long distances to get to your plate. To better enjoy fruits and vegetables, many families are now growing their own at home.

For cooler climates, raised garden beds are highly recommended. These allow fruits and vegetables the space needed to expand their roots and hold in water.

Most herbs can withstand changing climates, meaning you can cook with fresh herbs year-round, adding them to nearly any meal to increase depths of flavor and allow

Mix it Up Having a high-quality blender, like the Vitamix A3500, can make transforming your harvest into vibrant meals easy.

Want to know exactly where your food is coming from and have the freshest possible flavors within arm’s reach?

Vitamix machines can be used to chop, purée or juice any ingredients that may come from your budding garden.

Bring “farm-to-table” dining into your everyday life by creating your own garden. Follow these tips to grow and harvest fruits, veggies and herbs at peak ripeness to enjoy in simple, healthful meals. Room to Grow When starting a garden, it’s important to have a plan. Find a spacious area with plenty of sunlight to help plants take root and flourish -- whether that’s in your backyard or a nearby community garden.

Certain berries are also easy to cultivate. If you’ve ever tasted a ripe, just-picked strawberry or a fresh, juicy tomato, you’ll know that it’s worth the effort to grow these items yourself!

For hot, arid climates, create an inground garden, as it holds in moisture better, requiring less irrigation.

you to “play” with your food.

Selecting what to grow is your next challenge. Herb gardens are perfect for those with limited experience or limited space. Herbs like basil, cilantro and chives are easy to maintain.

Having access to a variety of fresh produce lets you expand your menu at home while keeping it healthy. Many items found in simple salads, like carrots, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce and other leafy greens are considered “beginner crops.”

Farm with Flavor

Put new spins on old family recipes. Next time your kids ask for spaghetti and meatballs, try Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetable Sauce. Made with fresh, garden ingredients, including Roma tomatoes,

carrots and fresh basil leaves, this robust sauce will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. You might even want to try it on top of spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles to take advantage of more nutritious, fresh-grown produce. Try something new and create Sweet Potato Soup with Seared Tomatillos using fresh jalapenos, poblanos and tomatillos from your garden. Or dress up a less-than-exciting salad with a brightly flavored Strawberry Vinaigrette, using fresh strawberries and herbs. Growing greens (plus reds, yellows, oranges, purples and blues) gives you peace of mind in knowing exactly where your meals come from, and the pride of nurturing something wholesome. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | March 2017

Aamir Khan’s Look In ‘Thugs Of Hindostan’ Amitabh Bachchan To The turbaned look, showcasing Aamir as a sardar, is his look from another venture.

Honour Birju Maharaj

Leading Kathak exponent Birju Maharaj will be presented the Uttam Vag Geykar Award by mega-

“The sardar look that has been doing the rounds is a look from a very special collaboration of Aamir and not from ‘Thugs of Hindostan’,” Aamir’s spokesperson said.

Aamir Khan’s look from his upcoming film ‘Thugs of Hindostan’, which is doing rounds on social media, is not from the movie, but a special collaboration of the actor, his spokesperson said.

Aamir will start shooting for ‘Thugs Of Hindostan’ in May. He has been training hard for the film and his look will be lean, not as muscular as look he sported for his last film ‘Dangal’. ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ is slated to release on Diwali 2018.

star Amitabh Bachchan at the 17th

edition of Vasantotsav on Sunday. Organised by Ajivasan Music A c a d e m y, Va s a n t o t sav also will have performances by Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and classical musician Ustad Rashid Khan here, read a statement by the organisers. “The Uttam Vag-Geykar Award

was introduced in 2001 in honour of our Guruji Acharya Jialal Vasant who himself was an epitome of the Uttam Vag-Geykar concept. The award is to acknowledge a performing living legend for his unparallel work in music and is bestowed to him at Vasantotsav every year,” Prem Vasant, daughter of Acharya Jialal Vasant (founder of Ajivasan Music Academy), said. “With this festival and award we are trying to fulfill our Guruji’s dream of bringing back the pristine glory of Indian Classical music so that the youth in India and world over respect our heritage,” she added.

Yaman Movie Review: Decent Political Seeman To Make ‘Pagalavan’, With A Trending Hero Drama That Only Works In Parts Director: Jeeva Shankar Cast: Vijay Antony, Miya George, Thiagarajan, Arul D Shankar

The film opens in the 80s with Arivudai Nambi’s (Vijay Antony) wife Akalya (Shilpa) giving birth to a male baby. The couple had an inter-caste marriage much against the wishes of their families. The same day Nambi is killed by his brother-in-law Kathiresan (Muthukumar) and his relative Thangapandian (Arul D Shankar). Akalya consumes poison and dies. The newborn is given a name Tamizharasan and a nickname Yaman as both his parents are deceased soon after his birth.

Cut to present, Tamizharasan (Vijay Antony) is a grownup youth who is calculative and nurtures political ambition. He goes to jail in

place of someone else, as the culprit is ready to pay him hefty money. He needed money to pay for his grandfather’s (Sangili Murugan) operation. It is in the jail he encounters his first political associate Manimaran (Marimuthu) and from there on he gets entangled in a political web. How he uses the opportunities to his favor to climb up the ladder and realises his political ambition in a manipulative way forms the rest. There’s also a functional romantic angle with an actress Anjana (Miya George).

It could be agreed that Vijay Antony has played to his strength and has given a good performance. From nobody to somebody in politics, his rise has been brought out well. Ace Thiagarajan as Karunakaran, the manipulative mastermind in politics has given a laudable performance and proves his versatility. Others like Arul D Shankar, the ever-dependable veteran Charlie, Swaminathan and Sangili Murugan are aptly cast and score well. Miya George is just about adequate. Though the dialogues were sharp and relevant in the current political climate, the screenplay does not offer anything new. Logic goes for a toss, as it is unlikely that a common man takes on a powerful ruling party minister and triumphs in all his endeavors. And why Tamizharasan turns wicked and vengeful is not clearly portrayed. Though the BGM goes well with the mood of the film, Antony’s songs are a big downer. Jeeva Shankar’s cinematography is decent. The movie moves at a slow pace and an urgent trimming is needed. It is a clear attempt of Jeeva Shankar to project Vijay Antony as a mass hero, but the film works only in parts.

Of This Generation

Seeman has almost become a full time politician and activist to safeguard the rights of Tami and everyone thought that the firebrand ora-

thy Vijay in lead role.

tor has almost bid the final adieu to film-making.

However after doing its rounds in media for quite a long time, the film did not take off at all.

But now there is a good news for the fans of the director who has given some memorable hit films such as ‘Panchalankurichi’ and ‘Thambi’. Seeman was supposed to a do a film for Kalaipuli.S.Thanu’s production banner with Ilayathalapa-

The script for the film had been finalized with the title ‘Pagalavan’.

Now sources reveal that Seeman is in the process of redrafting ‘Pagalavan’ and the hero of the film will be Vijay Antony who has been deliviering back to back super hits. We will have to wait for an official confirmation in this regard.

‘Gunturodu’ Is Full-On Heroism-Based: Manoj

Manchu Manoj is super-confident about ‘Gunturodu’, the March 3 release. In this interview, he talks

I became a fan of Sathya’s narration style from day one. You can’t judge a director’s talent by just one film. He wanted to debut with this kind of film, but he couldn’t. Also, I feel blessed to have got to work with these producers who have spent Rs. 10-11 crore. How did Chiranjeevi’s voiceover happen? I asked Charan to do it, but since he was unavailable immediately, I decided to request Chiranjeevi uncle. He immediately said, ‘Can we do it today?’ It’s an awesome gesture. When I messaged Charan about it, he said to me that I found the tiger!

about his character in the movie, why he likes to experiment, and more. What is your character in the movie? ‘Gunturodu’ is a full-on heroismbased movie. What happens when an egoistic baddie is disturbed by the hero, is what the film is about. As for my character, he can’t handle too much of anything extreme. There are plans to remake the film into Tamil with me. Chinna’s RR is awesome. It’s Anirudh-style BGM. The critics will write specially about it. Take it from me. The film itself is a racy one, like those of Hari and Lingusamy. From the trailer, it seems the villain is the film’s mainstay. Isn’t it? It was great working with Sampath garu. He has given a terrific performance, which made me want to outdo him. There are two approaches. If the other one is mediocre, you rest assured that you will be seen as the better one by default. If the other one is superb, you are motivated to be better than him. I like the latter of the two. The director’s first film didn’t do quite well. Didn’t you think it risky to work with him?

What keeps you going as an artiste? When I try to do films with a difference, all that I look for is whether I get appreciated as an artiste. I don’t make calculations about the pay-offs. Whether my film is runof-the-mill commercial type or experimental, you will get to know it by watching the trailer. Without an emotional core, I can’t act. ‘Potugadu’ may have been a hit, but I did it due to pressure. I did over-act in that movie. It’s films like ‘Prayanam’ and ‘Vedam’ that I am proud of. I get motivation from senior actors like my father, Chiranjeevi uncle, Balayya garu, NTR garu, ANR garu and Krishna garu who essayed a range of roles. At a time when theaters are in the grip of 3-4 people, everyone wants to do safe films.

After marriage, I am conscious of time. I am looking at the watch more often now! (Laughs). The good thing is I have married my best friend. She is a movie-lover and does give me feedback about my looks, etc. She judges a film on the basis of the genre.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

Mega Fan-Made Celebrations In The Offing! While the pre-release event of ‘Khaidi No. 150’ was a huge crowd-puller, the success events

How easy or difficult is it for you to keep gaining and losing weight film after film?

On March 1, which marks the 50th day of the biggest hit after ‘Baahubali’, the Megastar’s diehard fans will celebrate the success across many locations.

It’s easy to put on weight, but not to reduce, especially because of the busy lifestyle. When I have to put on weight, I am free to binge. But shedding weight with deadline upon you is not easy. I will stop this weight-gaining and losing after a while. I have abused my body enough.

The VV Vinayak directorial, which hit the screens on Jan 11, has gone on to pip all records, including in the Overseas territory.

In ‘Okkade Migiladu’, are you glorifying LTTE Prabhakaran, who is seen as a terrorist?

It has to be seen if some announcement regarding Megastar’s upcoming movie will be made on that day.

Someone can be made a hero or a villain by the state. Even the media can do that. They can glorify a ‘vedhava’ if they want. The film presents the point of view of Prabhakaran before the Rajiv Gandhi assassination. The film doesn’t use the names, but the character is modeled after that man.

If that happens, the fans’ excitement will have been doubled.

Priyanka Chopra To Attend Oscars 2017 Priyanka made a breath-taking Oscar debut in 2016 when she

gown for the big night and this time, after keeping it under

actress is finally set to stun at the red carpet again. The actress posted a picture on Instagram with Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and confirmed that she’ll be a part of the 89th Academy Awards. She write, “Change of plans ! Oscars here we come..

I want to come out of that mold. Long before experimental films were made in Tollywood, I did ‘Prayanam’ and ‘Vedam’. I am happy that we did a horror-comedy like ‘U Kodatara Ulikki Padatara’ before the genre came into currency. What has changed after marriage? Does your wife give you advises?

will be diffused and fan-made!

Priyanka, who is now a regular at Hollywood award shows, sure knows how to keep the magic alive.

chose a white Zuhair Murad

wraps for the longest time, the

She is currently awaiting the release of her film Baywatch costarring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

Austin South Asian | March 2017

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