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Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 8 No. 08

‘People’s President’ Laid To Rest

New Delhi: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, fondly known as the ‘People’s President’, was laid to rest in his hometown Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

The former president, who died of cardiac arrest in Shillong on Monday evening, was accorded full state honours in presence of PM Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several other leaders and dignitaries from around the world. Wrapped in the

in a gun carriage from his 10 Rajaji Marg residence, as officials bid farewell to the man whose life inspired countless Indians.

tri-colour, Kalam’s body was on

Tuesday taken to the Delhi airport

Independence Day Parade At Austin By Ashwin Ghatalia • Come join the celebration of India’s Independence day

• Celebrate Indian-Americans’ inherited diversity and Texas’s institutional one. Those who attended the function at the capitol last year will recall that the day was

also celebrated as the day of civic engagement of Indian-American community, sponsored by Senator Kirk Watson. In the same vein our current goal is: • To engage more deeply in public affairs and policies for good governance for all • To contribute to the betterment of our fellow citizens • To Bring cultural enrichment • To Bring forth our uniquely blended vantage point The organizations hosting the event attest to that goal:

• Monsoon Dance • Indian American Coalition of Texas (IACT) • Hindu Charity for America (HC4A) • India Community center (ICC) • South Asian Austin Moms The Event- sponsored by State representative Hon. Celia Israel (Dist. 50) • Time 10:00am to 12:00pm • Cultural Dances • National Anthems USA and India • Parade of India showcasing cultural diversity of States of India • Address to the group By rep. Celia Israel • The event is free • Food Truck Serving Indian food for purchase will be available Come join the fun, bring colors of India . Let us showcase our deep commitment to this state and this nation.

A seven-day state mourning has been declared by the government in honour of Kalam. As a fitting tribute to the scientist, his body was carried on a replica of a missile launcher.

Ratha Yatra 2015

By Mamata Misra

On Saturday, July 18th, 2015, Sri Jagannatha’s Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) was celebrated tradition-

ally at the Austin Hindu Temple for a 9th year. Volunteers had been preparing for the event for weeks. (Continued On Page 04)

inside

August 2015

Immigration Reform ....04 Eid Carnival.................05 Update On Communal..06 Innovation Is Key.........07 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam......08 Back To School........10,11 Annual School..............14 Dr. Sandeep Shah.........15 Why I Like Austin.........17 Londoners View...........17

September

Beauty School Special

512-828-6709 NAZA Finds Haze, Floating Ice On Pluto...........18 Predictions..................18 Suffering From Allergies And Tip To Manage..18,19 Transitioning From Backyard To Backyard.........19 Community Calendar...20 Coconut Coir Block - Vengappa Gani..................21 Childrens Page.............22 Adopt A Dog................23 Entertainment.........24,26 Financial Marital Bliss...25

Austin South Asian | August 2015

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Austin South Asian | August 2015

50th Anniversary Of Immigration Reform Bill That Helped Our Community Settle Here

By Ashwin Ghatalia Advisory Board Member IACT On January 13th 1964 Senators Philip Hart and Emmanuel Cellar proposed a bill to allow Asians, Latin Americans, Africans and Eastern Europeans to make country their home. As a result the author and many of his friends were able to make this great nation their home and helped many of their relatives come here and settle down. President Johnson, great son of Texas championed the bill. This bill was not very popular and the president placated the electorate, addressing concern in his state of the union message stating “Not much will change”. The bill passed through bipartisan vote and the president signed it into law on Oct 3rd 1965.

leaders of African-American community– and many leaders and President Johnson who espoused the enlightened cause of human equality and to alter nation’s past laws which were deemed discriminatory.

is working with LBJ library foundation and FWD.US an – organization dedicated to promote current immigration reform - to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the first bill by Great President Johnson.

It is no coincidence that President’s signing of the civil rights law preceded the one for immigration reform.

The event is planned for 1st Oct 2015 at the LBJ library Auditorium, it will be a day of both celebration for many who have benefitted but also a day of reflection for those who have either been bypassed or awaiting their

Indian American Coalition of Texas (IACT)

(Continued From Page 01) The day before Ratha Yatra, the deities came out of their long rest, known as Anabasara, and gave darshan, dressed in new clothes and beautiful new ornaments. On the auspicious morning, invited special guest HH Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, visited the

A large crowd had assembled for the festival by then. The deities were carried by devotees to the Ratha in a ceremonial procession called Pahandi with the joyous sound of percussion instruments and devotional calls. One of our community elders, Mr. Saroj Pat-

Further information will be communicated as the celebration details are finalized

called Chhera Panhara in front of the Ratha, a task that has historically been performed by the Maharajas of Orissa, as a public gesture of equality of classes in service to the Lord. The enthusiastic devotees pulled the ropes attached to the Ratha, moving it forward, around the temple, barefoot on the warm paved road until sunset, frequently pausing to break coconuts, a symbol of breaking one’s ego. Sound of gongs, drums and devotional singing filled the air. There were people of all ages, from very young to elderly. Some folks had travelled from other cities, San Antonio, College Station, and Houston, and even Phoenix, Arizona to be a part of this festival.

Austin South Asian

512-828-6709 info@austinsouthasian.com www.austinsouthasian.com

It is my hope that a large majority of our community will join in celebrating a great vision for our country and felicitate many leaders who fought for or championed that vision.

Ratha Yatra 2015

The passage of the bill was possible because of the change in national conscience due to the great sacrifices made by African-American community fighting for civil rights – that we are here is owed in large part to the brave

Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-8286709 / info@austinsouthasian.com Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar ©All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertisement and article is 20th of every month.

turn to see their dreams come true - Indeed a day of contemplation.

The Ratha finally stopped, and after a welcoming ceremony, the deities were carried into the Ganesh Temple (acting as the Gundicha Temple), where they will stay for a week.

Temple and gave a short discourse on the role of temples and festivals like Ratha Yatra in a community for spiritually growing, rising above our differences, and living in harmony with one another. Volunteers spent the rest of the morning cooking Mahaprasad in the Temple kitchen for the expected crowd. The Yatra started in the afternoon with a purifying fire ritual called Ratha Anukula Homa, followed by an Odissi dance offering in front of the deities by Sivakami Sreenivasan, a Bharatanatyam and Yoga teacher, and an Odissi student.

naik, performed the ceremonial sweeping

On July 26th, the deities will return to the main temple in the same chariot. The return journey is called Bahuda Yatra. Participants enjoyed the delicious Mahaprasad in the dining room as well as sitting on the steps of the Multi-Purpose Community Hall, catching up with friends, while Nature offered a nice breeze to cool down and relax.

ICC NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Please contact ICC or email:

iccaustin@gmail.com

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Eid Carnival- The Grand Finale By Sumaiya Malik Photo credits go to NAZM PHOTOGRAPHY

Again, Meena hosted the carnival at her home while the five friends coordinated all the activities.

This was the second year of the Eid Carnival in Austin. The brain child of Dr. Zarmeena Vendal, the idea sprouted when she wanted her kids to experience their kind of fun on Eid.

The kids had a fantastic time at the carnival. There was face painting, makeovers, tattoos, mehndi, basketball, games, free play and crescent shaped piñata. The menu included hotdogs, corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, popcorn and desi samosas and cake pops.

She went the extra mile and orga-

Lobna made the truffles and setup decorations and bought supplies. Hana was in charge of signs, banners and some setup. Zahra Durrani took care of the mehndi. Meena was incharge of the catering. All guests were given tickets to purchase food at the concessions stand. What a carnival! A grand finale to a celebrated Eid weekend! Beautiful memories have been formed

Chaand Raat Festival A Big Success

By Sumaiya Malik Photos: by Usama

glitter mehndi put and moms patiently stood in line.

Eid Celebration was multiplied with festivities beginning with a successful Chaand Raat festival at the Austin American Resource Center.

When it was time to break my fast, I got a juicy date from the organizers for free.

Jiaa Jabbar, the main organizer of the event, went all out to make sure that things went started on time without chaos and there was ample parking. Food stalls from Swad and Church’s Chicken kept the crowd happy. The clothing and the jewelry brought by vendors was stylish and purchases were made by enthusias-

nized an Eid Carnival at her home for the children of the Austin community. This year five families got together to do the same.

There was even a photo booth. Lubna Ashraf, one of the organizers said that they all did the planning together with the initial research and head count done by her.

Camp Mabry is through the 45th street exit on Mopac. All registered participants must bring a valid identification card to enter the premisies. There is an option to run 5K or 1K. Last year, most participants ran or walked the 5K. in this year, like the last, the aim is to build bridges and create awareness about the cause. Ahmed Moledina, the main organizer of the run, has worked hard in building such bridges. He supports similar causes and encourages people to step out of their comfort zone to take part in

My niece noticed the number of languages that were being spoken that day and the smiles on people’s faces. It was heart warming to see people of different backgrounds celebrate together. Most of the people wondered if Jiaa would organize more festi-

in the minds of the children. It is a great reminder of the generous hearts of the five families and those of Meena and her husband, Dr. Mustasim Rumi.

Agha Khan Foundation Run In Camp Mabry By Sumaiya Malik On Saturday, August 29, at 8am, the Agha Khan Foundation will host a Run at Camp Mabry thoraise funds to fight poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in communities all over the world. Funds received through run are leveraged through matching grants from leading donor agencies and partners, including the U.S. government, to amplify the impact of each donation. One can register online at the foundation’s website. Individual cost is $35. All ages take part. This year food trucks have also been arranged with halal options. Entry to

And then I devoured the sugar cane juice. This was definitely the most festive of all the Ramadan Iftaars.

the cause. For more than 30 years, Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A has been committed to the struggle against poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health. The foundation addresses the root causes of poverty by investing in innovative solutions in health, education, rural development, civil society and the environment. Their community-based approaches have proven to have a lasting impact on improving the quality of life, especially in Africa and Asia.

tic women ready for the celebration the next day.

vals like this. All agreed that they would surely attend.

The highlight was the Mehndi. Everyone, big and small wanted ornate designs of mehndi on their hands. I got my hands decorated by Nipa Desai, an Austinite who not only is a Montessori teacher, but also has a side business of henna for brides.

Jiaa had worked hard and her work had paid off. She made regular announcements reminding people to observe no food in the main hall policy. People politely listened and tried to adhere to what she requested. The event ended on time as well. Jiaa said she would be organizing more events, as this was a good experience for her.

She made the most exquisite pattern on the palm of my hands and patiently worked on hand after hand making clients happy with her hard work and soft demeanor. She is the most sought after artist for bridal mehndi in Austin. On the far end, kids were getting

Already, she has started work on putting together an Eid Bazaar on Saturday, September 5. More details will follow.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

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ajay@austinfirstmortgage.com Update On Communal Living Initiative For The Seniors In Austin Area! By Harish Kotecha As it was reported early in the year, a committed has been formed to explore possibility of Communal Living Facility for those want to have a peaceful living closer to their children, preserving their independence without being a burden to their children. They want to combat loneliness in their golden age, keeping up a fit and an active lifestyle. The result of a survey indicated that the need would be for a common multipurpose hall, kitchen facility, recreational amenities within the proximity of the shopping, medical, and entertainment and transportation facilities. The model is something similar to retirement community, Shanti Nekatan in Florida (http:// shantiniketan-us.com/common/index.php) which caters to South Asian community. A small Committee was formed and the Committee met and has decided to: • Solicit contacts of those folks from the community interested in such facility in Central Texas • Contact Shanti Niketan principals on what they can offer to Austin and under what terms • Hold a General Board meeting prior to scheduling visit by Shanti Niketan officials • Based on the outcome, next steps will be outlined If you are interested, please contact us: Harish Kotecha, Kotecha@yahoo.com, 512.994.4638 or Jayaben Thakkar, Jayathakkar62@ gmail.com, 512.614.1255

This summer “Read with Taha” donated around 200 hundred books to less fortunate people. I go to India every summer and while it’s a pretty nice place with world famous architecture and famous movies there’s a dark side to it. There is a lot of poverty. There are many homeless people and beggars with disabilities. Living in America, I have never seen people living under conditions this bad. So I decided to do something about it. I was already running a nonprofit called “Read with Taha”, where we donate books to third world countries. But I never gave these books myself. I stay in the capital city, New Delhi, but even there you don’t have to go far to find slums. When I went there the living conditions were terrible. It had rained a day before so the homes that were made out of torn bed sheets were all destroyed and a foul smell was coming from pigs who roam around the ground. Everyone in the makeshift colony worked, if you were older than five, you had a job. The kids went to beg every morning and begged until sundown before taking their earnings to support their families. The men who were manual laborers worked 8 long hours everyday earning around $0.18 an hour. Neither the children, nor the parents ever went to school. Out of the more than 100 people in the colony only 2 had gone to school and only to the extent of the 8th grade. So after I donated the books I told one of the kids who was my age to teach everyone for about an hour a day after their begging job. I also told them to exchange the books amongst themselves after they have each read their own book. The experience was an eye opener for me, I have never seen anyone with so little, so elated. But despite all this I think all what we are doing is not enough. These are short term solutions. We all need to help educate the less fortunate in the world. There are still millions of people worldwide who do not get two full meals a day, they have never read a book, never sat in a car, or stood in an AC and we need to help change that. And education is the key.“Knowledge leads to Intelligence, and Sharing it leads to Prosperity”

CHILDREN ARTICLES

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Austin South Asian | August 2015

In A Crowded Marketplace, Innovation Is Key

Greek yogurt in your body wash? Body powder in a spray can?

What makes some products sink and some products swim?

And those truly innovative products that stand out to consumers are awarded “Product of the Year,” the world’s largest consumer-voted award.

According to the experts, it comes down to innovations like these, as

Backed by the votes of over 40,000 consumers, the shortlist of winners

“Our research shows that nearly half of all consumers are more likely to purchase a product recommended by 40,000 shoppers just like them,” says Rich Fryling, Managing Director, Product of the Year USA.

beef, bacon and sweet potato.

Looking to try something new? Here are some highlights from this year’s winners:

• Powder in a can: Consumers can now get the same relief they expect from Gold Bond Powder faster and more conveniently. Gold Bond No Mess Powder Spray, winner of the “body comfort & relief” category is quick and easy.

• Greek Yogurt in your body wash: Winner of the “Personal Hygiene” category, Dial Greek Yogurt Body Wash rethinks shower time. • Easy snacking: Eliminate snackrelated spills on your couch and in your car with Snackeez, a dishwasher-safe container that holds a 16 ounce drink and a snack in one, and seals to keep snacks fresh and prevent spills.

nearly 50,000 new packaged goods products are introduced each year into the market.

can serve as a shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money.

• Burgers for pets: You no longer will have to throw your dog your barbecue scraps. Milo’s Kitchen Grilled Burger Bites, winner of the “Pet Nutrition” category, is a new home-style dog treat that’s made of

When you began shopping for your home, you may have envisioned white picket fences, the perfect kitchen, and decorations mirroring those from your favorite glossy magazines.

For larger wall repairs, remember to prime twice. Cut away any loose paper, apply a thin coat of primer, followed by three coats of spackle or compound -- sanding between

ror instead of removing it. Boxed Storage Large retailers offer stylish storage solutions for minimal cost. The downside, besides having to as-

• Nobody better lay a finger on my peanut butter cup: A new take on two old favorites, Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups won in this year’s “Candy” category.

• Gluten-free pizza: Taking the title for the “Convenience Meals,” category, LiveGfree Gluten-Free Pizza could be a dream come true for the gluten-intolerant, busy consumer. • Real food for babies: If you’re not sure what those ingredients mean on the label of your baby’s food, check out Beech-Nut Naturals, winner of the “Baby” category, which is made with no artificial preservatives and all-natural ingredients.

• Safe paint: Benjamin Moore’s Natura Waterborne Interior Paint, which won in this year’s “Interior Paint” category, is a virtually odorless alternative to conventional interior paints that goes beyond zero VOC (volatile organic compounds), to offer zero emissions. • Get relief: Crest Sensi-Stop Strips, winner of the “Sensitivity Pain Relief” category, are thin, flexible strips that contain an active ingredient used by dental professionals, providing more targeted delivery of relief for sensitive teeth. To take a cue from other shoppers, check out the full list of this year’s winners at www.ProductoftheYearUSA.com. In a crowded marketplace, innovation will be rewarded. Rather than sticking with the same old, same old, consumers are flocking to products that redefine the status quo. (StatePoint)

4 Time And Money Saving Home Improvement Projects Fill in the Gaps

Soon, you realized your taste and budget weren’t on the same page. However, every home can be a glorious fixer-upper as you add appealing features -- especially if you know some tricks to save time and money on home improvements.

Your trim and baseboards can take quite the beating over the years. Moving furniture, kicking off your shoes, or playing with toys can lead to dents and gouges. Apply wood filler to damaged trim to quickly bring them back to life.

With limited time and budget, you may not know where to begin. Here are four home improvement tips to help get you started. Wall Repair You’ve decided the ugly bathroom mirror needs a makeover, but when you remove it from the wall, some of the drywall paper comes off too.

The bond will hold strong, even as your screws loosen over time. For projects with mixed materials, such as metal and wood, use ProBond Advanced.

each layer for a smooth finish. Apply primer again to prevent “flashing,” or a dulling in the finish, and paint the area with your desired wall color. For a quick bathroom update, consider framing the mir-

semble things yourself, is the lack of stability these units provide. Have a little peace of mind with a simple fix – before screwing the pieces together, simply add a small amount of Elmer’s Wood Glue.

Not sure when it’s ready to sand? Color Change Wood Filler changes color when it’s dry, taking the guesswork out of the drying time. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint or stain. Tile Transformation Tile adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen or bath, but can be an

eyesore if it starts looking dingy. For an easy refresh, pick up grout cleaner from your local hardware store or simply sprinkle baking soda onto the grout. Pour a little vinegar over it before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and some elbow grease, and your old grout will look new in no time. If you need to replace the caulking around your tub or base of your backsplash, apply painter’s tape on the base and wall to ensure you’ll get a straight, clean line. Home improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. Tackling small, effective projects can provide a large impact while requiring little time, money and DIY expertise. From home repairs to furniture fixes, these quick tips will help you make your house feel more like a home – leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy it. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Little did Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma know that their son would grow up to be the first citizen of India. An Indian scientist and administrator, Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 until 2007.

lam took up the position of chief scientist at the Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). However, the profile didn’t appeal Kalam much who shifted to the In-

sions Agni and Prithvi.

* Kalam was the Chief Executive of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (I.G.M.D.P) which researched in simultaneous development of a quiver of missiles instead of taking planned mis-

Dr Kalam held, he authored numerous influential and inspirational books. Amongst all his books, “India 2020” was the widely read and appreciated one. It forecast an action plan which advocated India turning into a knowledge superpower and as one of the developed

One amongst the most respected people of the country, Kalam contributed immensely both as a scientist and as a president.

* The Alwars Research Centre, Chennai, bestowed Kalam with Ramanujan Award in the year 2000.

He was responsible for numerous projects such as Project Devil and Project Valiant and launch of the Rohini-1, besides developing missiles under the missions Agni and Prithvi.

* Kalam was honored with the King Charles II Medal by the Royal Society, U.K in 2007.

For the same, he was popularly tagged as the “Missile Man of India”.

* The California Institute of Technology, U.S.A, presented Kalam with the International von Karman Wings Award in the year 2009. The same year, he won the Hoover Medal by ASME Foundation, USA.

Kalam was honored with great laurels and awards for his work by both the Government of India and other countries.

Childhood & Early Life * A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born to Jainulabdeen and Ashiamma on October 15, 1931. He came from a family whose financial conditions weren’t sound enough. As a means to support his family’s meagre income, Kalam took up odd jobs in his childhood but never gave up on his education. * He graduated from Saint Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli in 1954 but not satisfied with his degree, he left for Madras later next year to study aerospace engineering. He enrolled at the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). Career * After graduating from MIT, Ka-

* In 1997, he was honored by the Government of India with the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. * Later, the next year, he was awarded the Veer Savarkar Award by the Government of India.

His contribution at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was immense.

After completing his term as President, Kalam served as a visiting professor in various esteemed institutes and universities of India.

* Kalam was the proud recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna awards from the Government of India. He received the same in the years 1981, 1990 and 1997, respectively.

dian Space Research Organization (ISRO) where he was the project director of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle. * His years at the ISRO were the most crucial ones, as they left a lasting impact on him. Kalam lead many projects and turned out to be successful each time. * In the 1970s, Kalam directed two projects, namely, Project Devil and Project Valiant, which sought to develop ballistic missiles from the technology of the successful SLV programme. * A milestone was achieved when locally built Rohini-1 was launched into space, using the SLV rocket. Upon watching the raving success of Kalam, the government agreed for initiation of an advanced missile program under his directorship. He played a pivotal role in developing missiles under the mis-

siles one by one. * From 1992 until 1999, Kalam was appointed as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of Defence Research and Development Organisation. It was during this time that Kalam served as the Chief Project Coordinator for Pokhran II nuclear tests, after which he was fondly called the “Missile Man of India”. * Kalam succeeded K. R. Narayan to serve as the 11th President of India from 2002 until 2007. It was a highly one-sided contest. With his appointment, Kalam became the first scientist and first ever bachelor to occupy the Rastrapati Bhawan. * During his tenure as a President, Kalam was both appreciated and criticised. The latter was mostly due to his inaction in deciding the fate of 20 mercy petitioners. * In addition to all the profiles that

nations of the world by the year 2020. His other books include, “Ignited Minds”, “Mission India”, “Inspiring Thoughts” and “The Luminous Sparks”. * In 2011, he launched his mission for the youth of the nation called the “What Can I Give Movement” with the main aim to defeat corruption in India. * After completing his term as President, Dr Kalam served as visiting professor in various esteemed institutes and universities of India, such as Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Indore. He also served as Chancellor of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, Aerospace Engineering at Anna University (Chennai), JSS University (Mysore). Awards & Achievements

* The IEEE honored Kalam with IEEE Honorary Membership in 2011. * Kalam was the proud recipient of honorary doctorates from 40 universities. * In addition to this, Kalam’s 79th birthday was recognised as World Students’ Day by United Nations. * He was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award in 2003 and in 2006. Personal Life * Dr A.P.J. Kalam remained unmarried throughout his life. * Dr Abdul Kalam passed away at Bethany Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya, due to heart failure after having collapsed during a lecture at Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Bala Vihar starts August 23rd At Austin’s Newest Temple in North Austin

Bala Vihar starts Sunday August 23rd – Classes from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade  Session 1: 8:30am to 10am; Session 2: 11:30am to 1pm  Language classes: Hindi, Sanskrit, Gujarati and Telugu; Carnatic Violin and Yoga classes  Registration begins soon at www.chinmayaaustin.org

Temple Timings: Mon – Fri: 9am – 12pm & 5pm – 8pm Sat – Sun: 8:30am – 2pm & 5pm – 8pm

www.chinmayaaustin.org 512-888-9232 12825 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78727 (Near Fry’s Electronics behind TX DOT)

Our mission is to provide to individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta and practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Tips To Boost Your Family’s Energy For Back-To-School Season It’s time to gear up for a new school year. That means buying supplies and clothes, coordinating schedules, and adjusting to new routines.

ately wash and prep produce for the week to make it that much easier to make nutritious meals all week long.

All the preparations can leave you feeling drained, but with the proper fuel you can ensure your family has the energy needed to ace each day.

Start the Day off Right

eral days. Serve with homemade granola bars for a satisfying start to the day. Smoothies are another easy breakfast. Whip up personalized flavors

variety of individual servings of fruit and vegetable combinations into zip-top bags, blend with yogurt, milk or juice, and head out the door. Or use the machine’s 40-ounce container to make larger batches for the family to enjoy together. A nourishing smoothie provides the fuel necessary for a productive start to the day.

Meal Plan

Mid-Day Motivation

Kick off the year by creating a meal plan, which will help you stay organized, maintain a good diet and avoid repeat trips to the store. To simplify shopping and preparation, put together a list of favorite meals and snacks; then group according to common ingredients. Use a dry erase calendar, spreadsheet or online template to plot out menus one week at a time. Then, draft a grocery list and stick to it. This will help you pass up the chips and cookies for more energy-boosting options. When you arrive home, immedi-

Prep power-packed lunches for school and work by including protein, fruits and vegetables in an assortment of tastes and textures. You can use a premium blender to quickly prepare all kinds of dips and nut butters. Try homemade hummus with cucumber slices and carrot sticks and a side of strawberries and grapes. Or create fun finger foods, such as a peanut butter and apple wrap, or ants on a log -- almond butter and raisins on a celery stick.

Wholesome breakfasts provide a pick-me-up in the morning and throughout the day. Squeeze some oranges for fresh juice and a vitamin C boost. You can make a pitcher each weekend to last sev-

for each family member using the pre-set Smoothie and Power Blends programs on a Vitamix S50. This personal blender’s 20-ounce container becomes a good travel cup for school or work. Freeze a

Remember to stay hydrated. Wa-

ter is fuel, and even mild dehydration can slow down body systems, resulting in fatigue. Carry a large container of water to drink throughout the day. Dinner Delight Continue beneficial eating habits at dinner. Add extra vegetables to your menu with a squash cheese sauce for a new take on whole wheat macaroni and cheese. Or bake a wholesome pizza using fresh pesto or a white bean purée as the sauce. Instead of hitting the couch after dinner, complement healthful eating by taking a walk with your family. Exercise provides a natural endorphin boost, giving you extra motivation to maintain healthy habits. With a little planning, a busy schedule won’t be an excuse for bad habits. (StatePoint)

How To Pack An Organic School Lunch For Under $5 Deciding what to pack for lunchbox meals is an important part of the back-to-school experience for parents and kids.

are made without artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated fats.

Proper nutrition is essential to positive learning and growth, and many families aim to eat healthfully, while also saving money. But packing a wholesome, organic lunch doesn’t have to cost big bucks.

• Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk is often cheaper than purchasing packaged items, and you get the added benefit of controlling how much food you pay for. At some stores, like Whole Foods Market, you can even get a discounted price when you buy a full case of packaged products. • Use coupons. Coupons are a great way to save extra money on purchases you will actually use. Search through coupons online and at the grocery store, too.

Here are five tips for building an organic lunch for under $5: • Make a shopping list. Do an audit of your current kitchen inventory and write a shopping list before hitting the store. This will help you stay organized and keep you from buying extra items you don’t need. • Look for store brands. Not every organic brand is pricey. For example, some brands even offer products that are cheaper than the non-organic alternative, such as Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value line. Plus, their products

recipe each day. Think sandwich, taco, salad, wrap and casserole.

Have a kitchen full of ingredients but don’t know what to make for lunch tomorrow?

• Shop for ingredients that do more. Foods like rotisserie chicken can be used for an entire week’s worth of school lunches using a different

Try this simple and quick Lentil Mac & Cheese recipe from Whole Foods Market that can be easily customized by adding your favorite spice or flavor:

Ingredients: • 1 (6-ounce) box macaroni & cheese • 1 cup red lentils • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1/4 cup lowfat (1%) milk • Pinch fine sea salt Directions: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and lentils and return to a boil. Cook until lentils and pasta are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Return pasta and lentils to the pan and stir in butter, milk, the contents of the sauce packet and salt. Continue to stir until blended and warmed through. More cooking tips and recipes can be found at www.WholeFoodsMarket.com or www.youtube.com/

WholeFoodsMarket. In the midst of a busy back-toschool season, don’t put good-foryou lunches on the back burner. Simple tips can help you from spending a fortune. (StatePoint)

MEN CAN COOK! Email your recipe with your photos and see yourself in print

Info@ Austin South Asian.com

Austin South Asian | August 2015

4 Easy Ways To Prep For Back-To-School

With the back-to-school season gearing up, getting the kids prepped and ready for a successful academic year can quickly add up.

of the new school year.

opportunity when shopping on-

Back-to-school also means back to making early morning breakfasts and packing lunches and snacks.

Discount retailer Dollar General is sharing tips to make the experience easier and more affordable. Use the List Schools usually provide supply lists to ensure the classroom is well-stocked and students have what they need for the year. To ensure you are getting exactly what your student needs, take some time to review classroom necessities before making purchases. Tax-Free Weekends Several states and localities offer tax-free weekends prior to the start

Think Outside the Lunchbox

Tax-free items include school and office supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, clothes and some electronics. Take full advantage of the savings

line or at local retailers like Dollar General, for supplies ranging from folders, pencils, pens, notebooks and binders, to backpacks, lunch coolers and clothing basics.

For example, Dollar General offers the same selections online as you will find in-store.

Stock up on easy school meal needs, from bread, eggs and cereal to peanut butter, jelly and chips.

Visit www.dollargeneral.com or text JOIN to 34898 for exclusive digital coupons which can help you save even more on back-to-school needs.

To feed your hungry students, find quick and delicious meal ideas at DG Meals www.dg.com/ easymeals.

You can also sign up for auto-renewal of your favorite items and have them delivered to your door on your schedule.

Save Time and Money Online

Back-to-school is back again. But if you shop smart, you can send your students to the classroom with quality supplies and the latest fashions, conveniently and affordably. (StatePoint)

No more time wasted in traffic. No more extra expense at the pump. Online ordering is a great way to save money, gas and time while having all your school and home supplies just a click away.

How Safe Is Your Child’s School? Three Things You Need To Know With dangerous incidents happening in schools nationwide with increasing frequency, it’s important to know what measures are being taken to protect students and staff.

bunker -- safety measures should feel invisible to those protected by them.” So, how does your child’s school stack up?

without warning. Your school should take geography into consideration first and foremost.

A school’s design can have a big impact in helping keep students safe and thriving academically, say experts.

ditional security cameras or employing extra guards are not the only answers to threats posed by intruders. A school should have a single,

which provides multiple barriers to entry: at the property line, the exterior of the building, and within the building, via an internal set of doors. This layered protection makes it more difficult for a trespasser to reach the inside of a facility. • Transparency and flexibility: School invasions and their tragic results make headlines all the time.

In this regard, many architects are leading the way to improve school safety, harnessing the power of design to secure schools, and in the process, enhance learning.

However, the most common threat in schools are internal -- bullies. An open environment, in which students and staff can easily “see and be seen,” can help deter bullying and violence in schools.

“A safe school is one that allows administrators to have physical control over the environment. It is a place where students, parents and staff can go and not be concerned by outside or internal threats, such as intruders, natural disasters or bullies,” says Brian G. Minnich, co-chair of the American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education who has worked in educational design for the past 19 years.

“Visual transparency is key to achieving natural surveillance and fostering positive social interaction,” according to Minnich. While there is no national standard to help assess what makes a facility safe, better security can be achieved by addressing three key factors, according to Minnich:

Also, the school should be designed to ensure that students, staff and first responders can easily maneuver through the facility in case of emergency.

“What’s more, a secure school need not feel like a fortress or a

• Life Safety: From fires to flash floods, natural disasters can happen

• External Security Concerns: Quick fixes, such as installing ad-

main point of access that’s easily identifiable; and administrators should have visual control over every approaching individual. Security is enhanced, as well, through a design concept called “concentric rings of protection,”

For more information or to connect with an architect on the impact of design on school security, visit www.aia.org. When school security is designed into a building, kids can focus on learning, without fear. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | August 2015

4 Ways To Protect Your Small Business From Cyber Crime

Network breaches at corporate giants typically make headlines, but nearly half of small and mid-sized businesses have been victims of cybercrime on America’s Main Street.

Small and mid-sized businesses often have limited resources to devote to network security, and typically have smaller safety nets. But four simple steps can help such

information safe: • Software patches: This is one of the most important steps a small business can take. More than 90 percent of Internet exploits lever-

And “the bigger they are, the harder they fall” doesn’t apply. Big companies often survive to fight another day, but many smaller businesses go out of business within six months of an attack.

• Upgrade your protection: Despite sophisticated new cyber threats, many small businesses still rely on basic firewall technology. Advanced security devices include next-generation firewalls and unified threat management appliances that are designed to stop today’s broad array of attacks.

“While network breaches at Sony, Target and Anthem grab the spotlight, nearly 44 percent of small businesses have already been affected by cyber attacks,” says Corey Nachreiner, chief technology officer at WatchGuard, a leading cyber security company. “Hackers are zeroing in on your favorite burger joint, the corner hardware store and your dentist. Every small business is a target.”

Take advantage of free software updates from manufacturers to patch your operating system and other applications, and apply firmware updates to your hardware.

What’s more, these technologies are now cost-effective and easy for small businesses to manage.

businesses secure their valuable data and help keep their customers’

age old flaws.

experience at all. You would think it would be important for him to surround himself with people who would have the experience but Ray chose instead to work with his own selected a n d largely self-educated product i o n team. This included the production design of Bansi Chandragupta, the cinematography of Subrata Mitra, and the film editing of Dulal Dutta. Pather Panchali is perhaps one of the saddest films I have seen, with the tragedies that a very poor family living in rural Calcutta has to en-

dure…but the beautiful moments of bonding between the brother & sister, the feisty aunt, the rain, the lilies, the village life, the soul-

• Strong password policy: Make sure you and your employees use strong passwords, and that the same one isn’t used everywhere. Adopting a password manager for

your organization is an easy way to help employees use effective passwords and keep them safe. • Awareness training: All the defenses in the world may not prevent an employee from making a silly mistake. Train your employees on Internet safety so they’re wary of attachments or links in emails, even if they seem to come from people they trust. To learn more, you can download a new free ebook “The Cyber Crime Guide for Small and Midsize Businesses,” at http://secure.watchguard.com/CyberCrime-eBook. html. Don’t become a statistic. With small steps, you can better protect your business against cyber threats. (StatePoint)

Satyajit Ray’s Acclaimed Apu Trilogy In Austin

By Alka Bhanot It was kittens in Pather Panchali which got a small delighted chuckle from the audience at the Marchesa July 14 as was Apu crawling through the legs of a Cow blocking the path in Aparajito July 21…Apur Sansar screened July 28th and got so many little bursts of laughter…by then the audience knew Apu well – they had watched him grow! Small moments of sweet relief from the tragedy following the little boy as he grows up...these and many other beautifully woven moments are what make up the brilliant cinema of Ray. Having watched the ‘restored’ classics in Austin TX thanks to AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY & INDIE MEME you walk away with a full heart marveling at the depth of understanding Satyajit Ray had. How did Ray learn the craft so well, after all Pather Panchali was the first film for a person who had to his credit interest and awareness of world cinema but no filmmaking

ful music and tender moments, so many precious moments make it such a rich and satisfying film to watch! Aparajito, the unvanquished…is truly what it is, you would think that tragedy following the young

boy would leave him broken but he survives and the sensitive soul that emerges, makes one wonder once again at the beauty & complexity of growing up and being your own person... Apur Sansar is the final chapter of this celebrated Trilogy and it brings our hero’s journey full circle. Now out of college and hoping to live as a writer, the twentysomething Apu experiences his romantic awakening and impending fatherhood. The middle section of Apur Sansar is so exquisitely joyful and romantic that it almost erases all the heartache that has otherwise

defined Satyajit Ray’s landmark trilogy. The films were made in the late 50s but are set in the late 30s. Considering that both those times were volatile in India’s history and reflect the period just before & after the country became independent. It is amazing that Ray seemed to steer clear of any political ref. – the slight hint of what the country was going through comes only in Apur Sansar when we hear in the background “inqualaab zindabaad” from the door of the office Apu works in – only for the door to be promptly shut. For those that missed the series. The ‘restored’ films will be available on Blu Ray later this year. And if you want to continue to watch films which are different and off the beaten path support INDIE MEME for they are working hard at bringing this amazing cinema to you. For more details on their upcoming FAMILY FILM MONTH in September go to indiememe. com and sign up for their newsletters.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

4rd Annual School Supplies Packing Event, Sunday Independence Day - Pakistan August 16th At Dell Jewish Community Center

Independence Day, observed annually on 14 August, is a national holiday in Pakistan, commemorating the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement; the Pakistan Movement aimed for creation of an independent Muslim state by division of the north-western region of the South Asia and was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was brought forth by the Indian Independence Act 1947 in which the British Imperial Government gave independence to the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which included West Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

After a successful fundraising event in May, the Hindu (Hindu Charities for America) and Jewish (Jewish Federation of Greater Austin) communities of Austin have purchased enough school supplies for over 1,000 homeless and other economically disadvantaged children in Manor, Austin and Del Valle. Help us pack up the supplies for them to start of the 2015-2016 school year right! Do a good deed and get to know your neighbors! We will have music, dancing, snacks and an opportunity to make cards for the

In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which is regarded as sacred by Muslims. The main ceremony takes place in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Presidential and Parliament buildings, which is followed by the national anthem, and live televised speeches by leaders. Usual celebratory events this day include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and the playing of patriotic songs. kids. Hope to see you there! A number of award ceremonies are often held on this day, and citizens often hoist the national Face Book Event: h t t p s : / / w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / flag atop their homes or display it prominently on their vehicles and attire. events/480791155412820/ The independence day is one of the six public holidays observed in Pakistan and is celebrated Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart all over the country. To prepare and finalise the plans for independence day celebrations, meetings are held in the provincial capitals by local government which are attended by govLn, Austin, TX 78731. Call (512) 994-4638 for more information. ernment officials, diplomats, and politicians. As the month of August begins, special stalls Please note: The packing tends to go quickly and shops are set up across the country for the sale of national flags, buntings, banners and posters, pictures of national heroes, and other celebratory items. Vehicles, private buildings, so please show up right at 1 PM. If you or kids like to coordinate, please come homes, and streets are decorated with the national flag and buntings. (Continued On Page 15) by at noon time!

Small Changes Can Make A Big Difference At The Supermarket From price to quantity to flavor, consumers have always considered how products affect their families when deciding what goes in the shopping cart. And shoppers these days are making purchasing decisions that take global factors into consideration too, thanks to available information about companies’ environmental and human rights track records. Indeed, a new “2015 Carting Away the Oceans” report by Greenpeace evaluates and ranks supermarkets on their efforts to protect oceans and seafood industry workers. It found that while some major grocery chains have made strides to source certain seafood products from environmentally-sustainable suppliers that treat workers fairly, much more needs to be done to address systemic problems in the industry. “Investigations continue to reveal that human rights abuses are widespread problems in the global seafood industry. Top retailers are in a position to be doing much more to protect both the oceans and the workers that

provide seafood,” says Greenpeace senior oceans campaigner David Pinsky. As a consumer, Pinsky notes that you also have a lot of power to affect change when it comes to seafood sustainability and human rights concerns. Be sure to read labels and ask questions. Whether you shop at a mom and pop opera-

tion or a national chain, you can talk to your grocer about the products they carry and let them know what you would prefer to see on the shelf. If your grocery store doesn’t change their offerings, you can shop somewhere else. “Your tuna sandwich may not currently represent anything to you beyond lunch, but if you don’t investigate where it actually c a m e from, there is a large chance it was brought to your plate in w a y s t h a t treated

workers poorly and compromised the health of our oceans,” says Pinsky. “In addition to having ocean safe canned tuna on store shelves, supermarkets must put canned tuna policies in place to help guide sustainable, socially responsible practices.” In this year’s report, 80 percent of retailers received passing scores overall, however all of the 25 retailers profiled have failed on their efforts to address human rights abuses and illegal operations in the seafood industry. To view the entire ranking and read the report, visit seafood.greenpeaceusa.org. These days, eating “guilt-free” means something different to some people, rather than just avoiding sweets and treats. By learning more about how your seafood was caught, farmed, packaged and manufactured, you can feed your family foods you feel good about. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Dr. Sandeep Shah Finishes 100 Miles of TRT! INDEPENDENCE DAY - PAKISTAN

By Mamata Misra Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are “A glimpse of heaven - a taste of hell” according to the Tahoe Mountain Milers website. Ultra runner Dr. Sandeep Shah, who finished running the 100 miles of the beautiful Tahoe Rim Trail on July 19, 2015, would not disagree.

I am running for those kids who would love a chance to learn and perhaps reach the mountains themselves. Please help me raise funds for Pratham,” said his fundraising page on Crowdrise.com. A community of friends and colleagues responded to his call and funds poured in exceeding his goal.

no doubt. “I will be hanging up my Ultra shoes for a while, but my love for trail running has only been deepened by this experience,” says a sore, happy, and satisfied Dr. Shah, looking forward to being able to spend more time with family again. Pratham USA, Austin Chapter will honor Dr. Sandeep Shah at its an-

He had been training for it diligently, running up to 100 miles a week with ultra discipline, for months. The discipline and training paid off and he successfully completed the stretch of 101.6 miles in less than 35 hours. But it was neither easy nor smooth. He battled severe cramps in the middle of the run but recovered from it. “It was a profoundly unique challenge including a nasty hill with a 40% grade (climbed twice), the [unsuccessful] attempt to take a nap on a rock in the middle of the night, hallucinations, and other human experiences.” Why do something so hard? “However hard it may be, it pales in comparison to the difficulties and challenges faced by impoverished youth in India.

The funds raised can give a gift of education and love for learning to 1200 kids with Pratham programs. So who wins, the glimpse of heaven or the taste of hell? The former

nual Gala on September 18th, when we celebrate 20 years of Pratham’s work toward its mission – Every child in school and learning well. Visit http://prathamusa. org/chapters/austin for details.

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(Continued From Page 14) In Karachi, drives are initiated to clean and prepare the Mazare-Quaid (Jinnah Mausoleum) for the celebration. The day begins with special prayers for integrity, solidarity, and development of Pakistan in mosques and religious places across the country.

tional anthem is sung at various government places, schools, residences, and monuments on the day. Homage is paid to the people who lost their lives in migration and

The official festivities take place in Islamabad and commence with the raising of the national flag on the Parliament House and the Presidency followed by a 31-gun salute in the capital and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan address the nation in live telecasts. Government officials and other political leaders deliver speeches during various rallies and events highlighting Pakistani achievements, goals set for the future, and praise the sacrifices and efforts of national heroes. National flags are displayed on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shahara-e-Quaideen, and Mazar-eQuaid Road leading up to the Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi. Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, where Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, is fully illuminated on the eve of the independence day to signify its importance in the creation of Pakistan. Along with flag hoisting, the na-

riots during the independence of Pakistan in 1947, martyrs of Pakistan Army and recipients of Nishan-e-Haider, political figures, and famous artists and scientists. A change of guard takes place at national monuments. In the cities around the country, the flag hoisting ceremony is carried out by the nazim (mayor) belonging to the respective constituency and at various private organisations the ceremony is conducted by a senior officer of that organisation. The Pakistani diaspora also celebrates independence day in various countries throughout the world, especially in countries which have large Pakistani communities.

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Austin South Asian | August 2015

Why Is Eid So Loved In Austin

By Sumaiya Malik After a month of fasting and being good, Austinites were ready to let down their guard. They partied for three days and enjoyed every minute of it. They did not sleep. They smiled at everything, overlooked details, shared food, warmth, hospitality and were allinclusive. All doors were open to everyone. People celebrated together. Every night was a late night and when they went to bed, exhaustion was filled with happy thoughts of a happy day. Day one started with Eid Namaz. The venues were many… four in Central Austin, two in Round Rock and two in the south.

One venue was the Hyatt Regency in downtown. Muslims congregated in the Zilker Ballroom inside the hotel.

On a hot day the cool and stylish setting was a pleasant welcome for the stylishly clad guests. Men in the front and women be-

hind, in straight rows, side by side, the prayer continued in a calm and peaceful setting. Outside the ballroom the hustle and bustle continued with kids playing if they wanted to move about. The Imam t a l k e d a b o u t ‘ Ta q w a ” , the Muslim concept of holding yourself back and that is what the Muslims had done in Ramadan. He urged people to be good citizens and be welcoming. That was

a good start to a day, which was exactly that. The rest of the day was brunches and lunches and dinners with songs and even dances. Women showed off Mehndi and fancy clothing. Pakistani designer, Saniya Maskatiya, seemed to be the most popular designer of the many that were seen. Children collected Eidi. Like Christmas, Eid is a day of gifts for the kids. No child was overlooked. Women carrying dressy purses took out envelopes of money with style and received salaam from the children before handing them their eidi.

All kids agreed, that they were keeping count of the money that they were receiving. Friends gave eidi to children who were visitors in Austin as well. How could an event happen without selfies? The best selfies happened in front of shaggy white curtains in a hidden venue where an Eid party was hosted by a generous couple that wanted to include everyone. Sunlight and music poured over the glitz and glamour. Men did not stay behind in the selfies either. What an Eid! We are so blessed to have a community that tries its best to share and smile and remember the sharing spirit of Eid.

Why I like Austin

By Unzall Haq

I am originally a Brit but being Austin born, and also having family here; I tend to touch down in the Texas capital at least once a year for the past decade. Whether it’s a 7-day trip or a 3-week vacation I always immensely enjoy my stay- soaking in the many flavours of the characteristically weird city. Its not the indie-rock vibe of the down town area, breath-taking scenery at Jester point or even the Chilli con queso at Maudie’s that tickles the true Longhorn within me; why I personally love Austin? Well that’s an entirely different story. Being bred in London you tend to become immune to the super sonic pace of everyday life; weaving through mass crowds with the agenda to get to your destination in as little time as possible, all the while sporting a universal, and characteristically British, look of unapologetic disgust as you sit through humid tube journeys. In contrast, as I walk briskly through the malls, shopping centres, museums or any place in Austin, it feels like life has just slowed down a whole few seconds, no one

seems to be in a rush to do anything or get anywhere. You never have to speedily recite your Starbucks order because the barista’s have all the time in the world, and even on the road I notice an average speed of 30mph. While that may sound pretty dull, I find a sense of reassurance in the wonderfully peaceful atmosphere of the capital- not to mention the strong sense of Southern hospitality. People actually smile at you over here! Even complete strangers! Beaming faces greet me warmly as I enter the huge Forever 21 in Barton Creek Mall- I’m hit with complements on my boots or my clothes from a passer by or fellow shopper, and the phrase ‘hey how’re you doing?’ which I hear as soon as I enter any store, makes me feel all warm inside. While this may seem like small or irrelevant aspects to appreciate about Austin, considering the wide variety of things it has to offer, it’s something I can’t take for granted living in a place where no one has the time of day to ask you how it’s going or what your doing with the rest of your day.

With that being said, I also enjoy the arts and culture of the city: The Blanton museum, ACL music festival, hipster coffee shops and trinket stores and the burgers at Hopdoddy’s all fuel my love for the free spirited aura of the capital. If it was up to me; my family and I would be moving her right now, living out my dream as a real Austinite, but frankly, I feel like I would miss my ‘spot of afternoon tea’ just a bit too much.

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Austin South Asian | August 2015

August - 2015 Predictions ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Find the truth before you make that big decision. You will be successful in cutting down on expenses up to only a certain extent. You will have a great opportunity to spend time and learn from very successful and famous people this month. Running around will be too much and you may even have to travel out of state to attend to some business. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You will hear few encouraging news in first half. Past experience can help you deal with current situations better. Relationship will keep getting stronger and the final say is yours, but you will need to be quick. Things will improve at current job and expect full cooperation from new colleagues. You will be able to control your expenses now. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You may feel little helpless with no real solution. It will be hard to find trust worthy people to discuss the situation. Things will get better at work and people in business will see sales shooting up suddenly. A close family member may confirm

his visit. You may visit a holy place by yourself. You will be working on some bright idea. CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Emotions will play the major role in decisions regarding your future location and career. Strong Venus in third will take you to places unexplored in the past. Some of you will be suggested minor surgery to overcome health problem. Money will come but disappear fast in second half. You will call an expert for his valuable advice and guidance. LEO (July 23 to August 22): Let the head rule over heart and you will easily resolve a challenging s i t u a t i o n . Application will go through and the process will start. You will gain victory over your opponents and may receive favorable decision in legal matters pending for long. There will be some encouraging changes at work also. You will buy an interesting item. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Lucky planets will bring you closer to few very influential people. You will

benefit from mistakes made by others. Some of you may accept another part time job. Incomes and revenues will keep improving from now and on. Lease will need to be renewed this month. You may travel to a nice place with family. Park your vehicle at safe place only. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22): You will be looking for little adventure in life and will be successful, but stay within legal parameters. You will treat yourself with new cloths and some expensive item. Though there is no immediate threat but some fears will continue to occupy mind about career. It will be another better month for people in retail. Money will not be an issue. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22): Life will become more exciting because of new company. Most of the things you plan will go through without any difficulty. Trip will be good and results will be almost immediate. Again be careful when it comes to signing any paper or contract. A nice property may slip out of your reach but you will have no regrets. You may plan an overseas trip also.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 to December 22): You will finally make up your mind and stop wasting time on unnecessary issues. Focused, You will achieve a lot and finish all pending work and still have lots of time on hand for recreation and to relax. Money wise the roller coaster ride will continue but you will meet all commitments on time. You don’t have to spend fortune to impress some one. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19): This should be an extremely fruitful month. All the planets are very well aligned to help you achieve a lot. Investing in real estate, commercial or residential will be very beneficial. Things will stabilize at work and from now and onward you will have no fears about career. You will receive a big check in mail and bank balance will grow. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): Analyze your response carefully and you should not think of retaliation. Its time to fine tune your talents as planets bring back the self confidence. Sun in house of luck will get you the results for hard work and

patience maintained in the past. A child continues to need your moral support and guidance. Contract signed now will be very beneficial. PISCES (February 19 to March 20): Take a chance with some one extending not only support but good company. You can make extra money if you put your talent to work. You may find it difficult to get job done from subordinates. Proposal will be good and the bachelors should not be scared to make the commitment. A child will need your help in doing research about next step.

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Surprising Signs You’re Suffering From Allergies And Tips To Manage Them When you think of seasonal allergies, sneezing may come to mind first. But there’s a lot more to allergies than “achoo,” say experts. According to allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, there are many ways allergies can manifest. Here are a few less obvious signs that you may be suffering from allergies: • You can’t concentrate: You wake up with a runny nose and can’t stop sneezing but still head into work and struggle through the day. This situation often leads to a present but unproductive employee -- something known as “presentee-

ism” -- and unfortunately it’s very common for allergy sufferers. • Your nose is extra sensitive: Allergy sufferers may experience a heightened response to non-allergic conditions, such as wind, air pollution and dry weather. This occurs when the nasal passages and throat are inflamed from existing allergies, making them more sensitive. • You feel tired: Allergy symptoms can disrupt sleep, especially for people whose symptoms make

it difficult to breathe through the nose. But even a full night’s rest may not ease that feeling of tiredness for some allergy sufferers. • You’re grumpy: The discomfort of allergy symptoms can interfere with people’s daily lives and lead to irritability.Do any of the above sound familiar? For those that are suffering from allergies, Dr. Zitt recommends the following allergy survival tips to better manage symptoms. • Know your triggers: Document your symptoms to get a better sense

of your individual allergies. Visit your health care provider, preferably an allergist, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. • Avoid allergens: Avoid outdoor activities in the morning or plan ahead by wearing a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen away from your face. • Kick pollen to the curb: Pollen can stick to clothing and shoes. Invest in a good doormat and wipe down your shoes each time you enter. It’s also helpful to shower and change into fresh clothes to completely rid yourself of outdoor pollen.

• Beware of bouquets: If you’re bringing flowers or plants into your home, choose them carefully. For example, sunflowers and chrysanthemums might offer a sweet floral aroma, but they’re known to bother people with ragweed allergies. • Don’t carpool with pollen: Keep car windows rolled up. Instead of opening windows turn on the air conditioning, or set your ventilation to “re-circulate” to avoid outdoor allergens and irritants. (Continued On Page 19)

Transitioning From The Backyard To The Schoolyard

By Hao Lam As the dog days of summer start to cool and the beginning of the school year peeks over the horizon, yet another “first day of school” comes to the forefront of both students’ and parents’ minds. Some first days are more memorable than others, but it’s important to support your child throughout every stage of their education, especially during transitional times.

mersion will provide your child with a chance to become acclimated to their new environment and eliminate any mystery surrounding the day.

Best in Class Education Center has some tips on making that rite of passage as smooth as possible for both parent and student: 1. Establish a routine, and start it early. Children thrive off of routine, so start building a framework for the school year early. Adjust bedtimes and wake-up calls to coincide with your child’s new schedule to establish a sense of readiness for the year to come. 2. Take advantage of Visit Days. If your child’s school offers Visit Days, make a field trip to their new stomping grounds. This early im-

3. Address change in a positive way. Face your child’s fear headon with them; don’t brush their weariness aside. By candidly discussing your child’s preoccupation with their first day of school, you can more easily keep their fears at bay. 4. Clear your schedule. Free up as much time as possible so that you can be present as a calm and positive force for your child. Sharing

the time before and after school will lend your child a source of stability and reassurance during the transition. 5. Build a network of friends and educators. Through extracurricular programs and tutoring centers, your child can form friendships and evolve their social skills in an educational environment. These centers, like Best in Class Education Center, can help your child be at their boldest and brightest for the first day—and every day—of school. Best in Class offers a variety of customized, supplemental enrichment courses and tutoring options to ensure your student is equipped with the tools they need to exceed their academic goals this school year. Fore more information call 888.683.8108.

We Welcome Articles from readers and the community. Email to: info@austinsouthasian.com

Surprising Signs You’re Suffering From Allergies And Tips To Manage Them

(Continued From Page 18)

Additionally, over-the-counter antihistamines can offer relief from sympt o m s l i k e itchy a n d watery eyes and a runny nose.

One option is Allegra Allergy 24-Hour

-- now available in gelcap form.

It can offer adults fast, non-drowsy relief starting in one hour and staying strong for 24. More information can be found at www.Allegra. com. Think beyond the runny nose. Allergies can take a toll on your entire quality of life. Take care of yourself by avoiding your triggers when possible and seeking relief when necessary. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | August 2015

INDEPENDENCE DAY - INDIA

Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a National Holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the British Empire on 15 August

1947. India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to sectarian violence. On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the prime minister has raised the flag and given a speech. The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends. Books and films feature the independence and partition in their narrative. Independence Day, one of the three national holidays in India (the other two being the Republic Day on

26 January and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on 2 October), is observed in all Indian states and union territories. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the “Address to the Nation”. On 15 August, the prime minister hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi. Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honour of the solemn occasion. In his speech, the prime minister highlights the past year’s achievements, raises important issues and calls for further development. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. The Indian national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana” is sung. The speech is followed by march past of divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces. Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the independence struggle and India’s diverse cultural traditions. Similar events take place in state capitals where the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag, followed by parades and pageants. Major government buildings are often adorned with strings of lights. In Delhi and some other cities, kite flying adds to the occasion. National flags of different sizes are used abundantly to symbolise allegiance to the country. The Indian diaspora celebrates Independence Day around the world with parades and pageants, particularly in regions with higher concentrations of Indian immigrants. In some locations, such as New York and other US cities, 15 August has become “India Day” among the diaspora and the local populace. Pageants celebrate “India Day” either on 15 August or an adjoining weekend day.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

August 2015 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: August 02, Sunday, 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM, Matwaala, a South Asian Diaspora Poets Festival is at Casa De Luz Austin, TX. Co-hosted by the Poetry Caravan and Austin Poets International, the festival is the first project of the collective. The Dialogue Institute’s reception, dinner and reading for the poets is slated for August 1, Saturday 6 p.m. Other events will flag off the poets presence in Austin on the morning of August 1st as well. The guest of honor is the eminent 78 year old Parsi poet Keki Daruwalla of New Delhi and noted poets from the US and possibly Canada will be attending. Keki Daruwalla is considered to be one of India’s leading poets and lives in Delhi. For more information, and to have your kid participate email poetry-

caravanaustin@gmail.com or call 914.686.4487. August 15, Saturday, 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM, August 16, Sunday, 01:00 PM - 05:30 PM, Austin Marathi Mandal presents Raupyavishkar - 25th Year Celebration is at Klett Center for Performing Arts, 2211 N Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626. Ticket Information: AMM Member (14 years and above as of August 15th) - $ 45.00 AMM Member (5 years to 13 years as of August 15th) - $ 30.00 AMM Member (2 years to 4 years as of August 15th) - $ 10.00 Non Member (14 years and above as of August 15th) - $ 50.00 Non Member (5 years to 13 years as of August 15th) - $ 35.00 Non Member (2 years to 4 years as of August 15th)- $ 10.00 Non Member - Ticket Price adjustments - $ 5.00

According to Research studies Children spend more than 6 hours on some form of Media activity everyday. Help your child kick Media Addition. Order Media Rehab Tool Kit TODAY.

Email: info@mediarehab.com

Parents Play A Big Role In Keeping Teen Drivers Safe For teens, getting behind a wheel can seem like an exciting taste of freedom. But too much leeway too soon can have dangerous results. Car crashes are the number one killer of teens, and half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating high school, reports the National Safety Council (NSC). Luckily, states with a Teen Safe Driving Coalition are helping

change the game. The Coalitions -- comprised of state and local government, law enforcement, public health agencies, traffic safety and injury prevention organizations, academia, businesses, teens, parents and crash survivors -- were established by NSC and The Allstate Foundation. They have worked at the grassroots level for the last four years to educate parents and teens about the risks of teen driving. Coalitions exist in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas to offer solutions for parents to help teens be safer. The results have been effective.

Crashes involving 15- to 17- yearold drivers in Coalition states have dropped nearly 34 percent since the Coalitions were established four years ago, whereas non-coalition states have experienced just a 19.5 percent drop, according to NSC analysis of federal fatality data. The Coalitions’ success is in part because they promote a program that indisputably saves lives. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), a

proven method of reducing teen drivers’ crash risk by 20 to 40 percent, works by maximizing experience while minimizing common driving risks teens face, such as nighttime driving and carrying teen passengers. This allows new drivers to gain experience with less exposure to high-risk scenarios. All 50 states and D.C. have implemented some form of GDL. “Beyond legislation, parents have a role to play as well,” says Kathy Bernstein, senior manager of teen driving initiatives, NSC. “As the number one resource when it comes to teaching teens to drive, parents should stay involved well after teens get their licenses.”

With that in mind, Bernstein is offering some life-saving tips to families with new drivers: • Parents should drive with teens regularly even after they receive their license. A minimum of 30 minutes weekly can help ensure that safe driving skills are being employed. • Talk with teens about managing distractions, such as phones -- both handheld and handsfree -- the radio, other young passengers, and even beautiful roadside scenery. When teens are driving, they must stay focused on the task at hand. • Mile for mile, 16 and 17 year-old drivers are about three times as likely? to be involved in a fatal car crash at night than during the day, according to “Injury Prevention,” a peer review journal. Parents should give teens opportunities to learn nighttime driving skills with an adult supervisor in the car. • One of the best ways for teens to learn to drive is by example. So practice safe habits always. • Visit the Drive it Home site at www.DriveitHome.org for resources, such as weekly driving lessons and the New Driver Deal, a contract which parents and teens can create together that outlines household driving rules and the consequences for breaking them. “Remember, it’s not whether teens are ‘good kids’ or ‘responsible.’ New drivers share one thing in common -- lack of experience,” says Bernstein. “The more practice driving teens get, the better.” (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | August 2015

COCONUT COIR BLOCK

By Venkappa Gani Coconut Coir is being produced as

versatile materials man has ever extracted from mother nature. It has traveled long way since its humble beginnings as the ubiquitous tying ropes. Coir today is used to make everything from doormats to rugs, rubberized coir mattresses, decorative rugs, garden supplies and growing medium.

a bi-product of the coconut tree. Coconut husk is processed to produce fibrous material for use as a growing medium. Coconut coir (fiber made out of coconut shells) has been used in different parts of the world for many years. Initially this fiber had been used for making twine, rope and brooms by western civilization, but it had never been looked at as a growing medium for plant growth. The use of this as a medium for plant growth started in the late ‘80s,and introduced into commercial sector in the early ‘90s. Since then it’s use has increased day by day in home gardening, plant propagation, growing vegetables and roses. It became popular in hydroponic industry in general. Now it has been used many other applications. Coconut Coir is one of the most

It is not just a natural product - it also has some winning advantages that make this product a premium choice for modern soil less growing systems. ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS OF COCO COIR: ● High water holding capacity better than peat moss ● Excellent Drainage ● Absence of weeds and pathogens ●Greater physical resiliency (withstands compression of baling) ● Renewable natural source ● No ecological drawbacks to its use ● Decomposes more slowly (it can withstand up to four years) ● Renewable and reusable ● Acceptable pH neutral (cation exchange capacity and electrical conductivity ● Low sodium content ● Easier wettability than peat moss ● Coco coir never never shrinks, cracks or produces crust ● Promotes better root system in a short time ● Odourless , pleasant to handle ● No fungal growth in stored bag APPLICATIONS

● As soil amendment for all kinds of soils ● Potting soil mix for indoor/outdoor use ● Propagation by seeds and plant cuttings ● Great bedding for worm bins ● Water conservation ● Sports fields for natural grass or artificial turf ● Ideal for outdoor gardening ● Hydroponics ● Vertical and rooftop gardening

weighs 5 Kg (11 lbs) compressed. Use Wheel barrow or Container to hold 20 gallons of water. Fill the container with 7 gallons of water. Immerse the block into the water. The compressed block will be rehydrated within 20-30 minutes, producing 17 gallons (2 cubic feet ) of coco coir mix ready for use. You can store leftover in plastic bag for future use. It does not have any bad smell or green stuff inside the bag.

PREPARATION FOR USE: The Coco Coir block shown in figure 1 measure 12 x12 x 6 inches, It is ready for any applications as mentioned above.

Picture shows the plant propagation within few days with strong roots ready for transplanting. See website www.ganigarden.com for more details. Coco coir blocks are available for sale. Please contact by email: info@ ganigarden.com Tel: 512-2915712 After heavy rains in spring, no rains in July made it hard for plants to thrive. Do not forget to water your plants by adding coco coir mix in soil to save water and the plants. Happy Gardening !!!

Austin South Asian | August 2015

THEME: CELEBRITIES ACROSS 1. Assists, usually in some wrongdoing 6. O in XOXO 9. Pro follower 13. Policeman’s club in India 14. Australia’s version of ostrich 15. Floor it? 16. *NHL Legend Bobby Orr 17. Dashboard acronym 18. Administer an oil 19. *Beliebers’ object of affection 21. *Jay-Z’s other half 23. Facsimile 24. Top-rated 25. Trinitrotoluene 28. Huey, Dewey or Louie 30. What concert crew member does? 35. Agitate 37. *Republican Karl 39. Saddam Hussein’s Islam 40. Iris container 41. *”Gossip Girl” 43. Explore by touch 44. Mutilates 46. Affirm 47. *ESPN’s Bayless 48. Correspondence friend 50. *Underwood or Clarkson 52. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 53. “____ we forget” 55. Mom-to-be’s date 57. *”Friend” in the tabloids 61. *1976 Olympic decathlon champion 64. Request for Santa Baby 65. *Eisenhower’s nickname 67. Wing it 69. Imposter 70. Orchestra’s spot 71. Mia ____ 72. Original home of the Saxons 73. Emergency responder

74. Approvals DOWN

1. Vatican vestment 2. Tip of a fishhook 3. Purse to go with gown 4. Rick Riordan’s “The Lightning _____” 5. *Stand-up comedian who goes by one name 6. München mister 7. Strike caller 8. Louisiana culinary staple 9. a.k.a. “The Biggest Little City in the World” 10. Seaport in Yemen 11. Barber’s supply 12. On the safe side, at sea 15. Employees, e.g. 20. Land beyond suburb 22. Junior rank of commissioned officer 24. Scandinavian liquor 25. *Presidential candidate 26. Less bright then supernovae 27. In connection with something relevant 29. RC, e.g. 31. Male sheep in Britain, pl. 32. Above “Don’t tread on me” 33. Without illumination 34. *Princess’ little sister 36. “A Christmas Story” leg 38. Augmented 42. Lose ground 45. Chips variety 49. *He played a wolf in a suit 51. Cause for a trip to insane asylum 54. “____ hunt” or “fool’s errand” 56. Empower 57. Pharaoh’ cobras 58. *Neil Armstrong’s employer 59. Wild goat 60. Uncontrolled swerve 61. New York ball players 62. Building extensions 63. Ready for picking 66. *Khloé’s sister 68. Art degrees

SOLUTION

Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in August 2015 issue.

To Advertise in ASA call 512828-6709

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Why You Should Adopt A Dog

Dogs make a house a home; there is no doubt about it. If you have ever thought about including a dog in your family, here are several reasons to consider moving ahead on adoption.

lifestyle.

Why Adopt?

Dogs may have pervasive positive effects on human health, according to the National Institutes of Health, which reports that groups of new

Between six and eight million homeless pets enter shelters every year. Because shelters cannot handle all the dogs that need a place to live, many that don’t get adopted are euthanized. Adopting a dog is a conscientious decision to make because it means you are saving a life. Furthermore, animals in shelters receive medical care during their stay. As an adopter, you can be better informed about the state of your new pet’s health, as shelters keep great records on vaccinations and other treatments.

Health Benefits Between walks in the morning, walks in the evening and daily play time, dogs get everyone in the family active and moving each day -- an important part of a healthy

pet owners showed a significant reduction in minor health problems compared to those without pets. Other studies have shown that spending time with animals can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Lastly, adopting a pet is a much more affordable route to dog ownership than buying a dog from a breeder or store. Where to Adopt Dog adoption events are an excel-

lent way to meet lots of potential pets at once, helping you find a dog whose temperament would be a good fit for your home and family. Thankfully, many groups are helping to make such events happen. For example, Coldwell Banker Real Estate is teaming up with Adopt-a-Pet.com to organize the Homes for Dogs National Pet Adoption Weekend on August 1-2, 2015. This nationwide event builds on the success of the “Homes for Dogs Project,” a national campaign hosted by Coldwell Banker and Adopt-a-Pet.com, which aims to find homes for 20,000 adoptable dogs in 2015. “It’s shocking to think of how many homeless dogs enter shelters each year,” says Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “That’s why we launched this program; between our 86,000 sales associates and the 15,000 Adopta-Pet.com shelters and rescues,

July 2015 Sudoku Answer Correct Answer:

Mrs Prema Raghavan

we’re hoping that we can truly make a difference.” The Homes for Dogs National Pet Adoption Weekend is expected to be one of the largest adoption events of the year. A list of pet adoption events is available at www.adoptapet.com/ homesfordogs. To add laughter and love to your life, consider sharing it with a dog in need. (StatePoint)

FREE CLASSIFIED info@Austin SouthAsian.com

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

ICC NEEDS VOLUNTEERS India Community Center of Austin needs VOLUNTEERS.

iccaustin@gmail.com

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Bahubali (Hindi) Touches 85 Crores Mark Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ Beats ‘Baahubali’, Celebrates Rs At The Box Office After 3rd Weekend Bahubali‘s Hindi version minted moolah over 12 crores during its 3rd weekend.

The film made a business of 3.10 crores on its 3rd Friday, 4.35 crores on 3rd Saturday and showing a

little more jump on 3rd Sunday it raked in 5.11 crores. Bahubali’s total business from the Hindi version now stands at 85.71 crores at the Domestic Box Office.

400 Crore Worldwide Collections

New Delhi: Superstar Salman Khan can certainly be called the king of Box Office after his latest‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ (yet another Eid release from the heavyweight) is raking in the moolah.

strong at the theatres.

The Kabir Khan movie has caused ripples all over with it’s heart touching plot and story line.

by Salman’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ in worldwide collections.

The remaining portion of the second part in the Bahubali franchise will resume on September 15, says its lead actor Prabhas.

SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster movie ‘Baahubali’ raked in Rs 385 crore worldwide (including all its versions) in about 17 days of its release and was surpassed smoothly

Titled Baahubali The Conclusion, the film will be about how Shivudu (Prabhas) avenges the death of his father.

Riteish Deshmukh And Pulkit Samrat Rap It Up Like Osama And Saddam Hussein Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein were resurrected in a Mumbai studio for a music video. Riteish Deshmukh slipped into the shoes of Osama, once the world’s most wanted terrorist, while Pulkit

proached them, the brainstorming translated into Al Lights, Al Camera, Al Action! “Riteish has Osama’s eyes and smile. When I saw him on the set in the get-up and sporting a beard, for a

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According to a report in DNA, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ has earned a whopping 400 crore worldwide. The domestic collections being Rs. 240 crore, the movie is still going

It’s time to celebrate the unwavering success of Salman and Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Bajrangi Bhaijhaan’ as it reportedly becomes the first movie of 2015 to enter the 400 crore club in worldwide collections.

Dear Shah Rukh-Salman Fans, Get Ready For The Big Surprise! New Delhi: If you are a true Bollywood buff, you will surely be more than jumping in joy with this lat-

took on the avatar of the Iraqi Hitler. The actors then turned rappers. The video is the brainchild of Anand Doshi and his Shudh Desi Raps team, who had been toying with the idea of a battle royal between the deadly (no pun intended) duo but didn’t know how to pull it off and with whom. When the ‘Bangistan’ team ap-

minute I believed Osama had returned to life. He even tied the pagdi himself, giving us five hours of his undivided time,” marvels Anand, whose research included going through all content available and watching every video to pinpoint mannerisms, walk, talk and other distinctive facets to make the character look believable.

est addition to Shah Rukh-Salman bonding. The duo has left their fans happy and surprised with their new

bonding, hugs, Twitter biryani and well wishes for each other’s movie. And now we hear that, the two big Khans are ready to light up the screen together once again. According to reports in Mid Day, SRK and Salman will work for YRF, which will be directed by Aditya Chopra himself. If this happens, then Bollywood will have nothing bigger to celebrate. Well, everybody loves these two Khans and so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Tips To Help Ensure Financial Marital Bliss

Wedding bells are ringing and “I Dos” are in the air. Newlyweds are taking their first steps toward happily ever after, including combining their finances. But doing so is not without potential pitfalls.

be a significant oversight,” says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president at TransUnion. “To smoothly merge two separate

about their fiancée’s credit score before marriage. And while 85 percent of all respondents said they know where to look up this information, more than a quarter of

Undeniably, money can be a huge stressor on a relationship, especially on a brand-new marriage; and most couples have an unrealistic view of how they will handle their finances, according to a new survey from credit bureau TransUnion, tracking the attitudes of engaged couples and newlyweds. More than half of engaged couples said they intend to divide financial decision-making equally, but only 37 percent of married respondents said they actually share the responsibility equally -- more than 36 percent of respondents said they make budgeting decisions by themselves. “Before tying the knot, couples often overlook financial basics like budgeting and checking their credit scores, which can prove to

Most couples say they are very comfortable discussing money. However, if you aren’t prepared with accurate financial knowledge, the conversation may not be effective. As part of this conversation, check your credit scores. You can get them through TransUnion’s credit monitoring tool. Together, share your financial priorities for the future. • Disclose debt: Many couples don’t consider how marriage and debt impact one another. Before forming the union, disclose any debt that you have.

financial lives, don’t shy away from discussions about financial goals, marriage and credit, debt payments and overall expectations.” Still, only a quarter of engaged couples said they would inquire

married respondents and nearly a third of engaged respondents said they don’t monitor their scores.

Half of survey respondents cite car payments as a source of debt, with student loans cited as the second most common source of debt for engaged and married respondents. Open and honest discussion early on will help you avoid future problems.

While common, prenuptial financial missteps can be easily remedied: • Productively discuss finances:

• Make a financial plan: Newly married couples have big plans ahead of them: children, new homes, cars, travel dreams and

more. The majority of engaged couples consider themselves to be savers and put saving money at the top of their financial agenda, according to the survey. However, make sure you are building a complete savings plan and ensure that your financial goals are aligned. • Get information: Remember to always check your credit score, and consider consulting a financial planner for advice. For credit monitoring tools, a helpful infographic and other tips for healthy marital finances, visit www.TransUnion.com. Marriage and financial planning are a perfect pair. Have the difficult conversations before walking down the aisle, to help pave the way for financial and marital happiness down the road. (StatePoint)

New Technologies Are Boosting Students’ Grades Picture a college student studying for an upcoming exam. If you’re envisioning her surrounded by marked-up textbooks, you probably aren’t a recent graduate. These days, you’re just as likely to see the student with a tablet, smartphone or laptop taking advantage of digital course materials -- and student grades appear to be rising as a result. New digital platforms are making a difference for students who have access to them. Students using a digital learning platform increased their grades by one full letter, with more B students getting As, and more C students getting Bs, during an independent study of more than 700 students at six institutions, which was conducted by a member organization of the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Community college students participating in the study saw their graduation rates improve by 12.5

percent. A different independent study of another learning platform by another AAP member found that students using only the textbook improved 51 percent, while students

who used both the textbook and the digital learning platform improved 79 percent. Indeed, a digital learning revolu-

tion is well underway in colleges and universities across America -and the benefits are even extending to student and parent pocketbooks. Though the cost of college tuition has been steadily rising, the student

cost of coursework has stayed flat. The money saved by shifting from print to interactive digital plat-

forms in the classroom can be as much as 60 percent. “For more than 10 years, publishers have been redefining the concept of textbooks and course materials through content and technology innovations,” says David E. Anderson, Executive Director of Higher Education with the AAP. “Interactive materials can now be used on virtually any device, including a laptop, tablet or smartphone, making it easy for students to study whenever and wherever they like.” Digital learning materials have evolved way beyond their origins as a simple PDF copy of a textbook. These advanced educational platforms now include quizzes, tests and games to help better engage students in their coursework and in the classroom. The learning experience, in turn, has become less static and more interactive.

Beyond making learning more engaging, the materials are helping customize the learning experience for each student. The latest materials use artificial intelligence to focus on those areas where individual students need the most attention. Professors can employ real-time monitoring to determine how individual students and whole classes perform, adjusting their lessons to better meet the needs of the class. They can also use these programs to communicate directly with specific students or with the entire class, making introductory-level classes -- which often have hundreds of students -- more personalized in ways that weren’t possible in the past. Lower-cost digital course material options can add up to convenience, cost savings and better graduation rates for students. That’s a valuable lesson being learned by today’s college students.(StatePoint)

Varun-SRK-Katrina In Rohita’s Next

Austin South Asian | August 2015

Ajay Devgn and Tabu After playing larger-than-life characters in the last few years, actor Ajay Devgn, in his upcoming film Drishyam slips back into a role which demands less physical action and more intensity.

Talking about playing Vijay Salgonkar, Ajay says, “There is not much physical action in the film. But you don’t miss the physical acThe Jab Tak Hai Jaan duo Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are set to team up again for Rohit Shetty’s next film. This untitled venture will also see Varun Dhawan pair

up with the King Khan for the first time. He will be seen playing his brother, while Katrina will romance the Khan himself.

To Advertise 512-828-6709

Vikram Prabhu In His Grandfather’s Avatar The grandson of the colossal legend Sivaji Ganesan and son of the ever popular Prabhu, Vikram Prabhu has carved a niche for himself as a bankable star whose previous films have all been profitable ven-

Brace yourself for a cinematic explosion of love, fraternal rivalry and high drama as “Brothers” sets screens ablaze this 14th August. Released by Fox Star Studios worldwide, the high-octane family drama stars international icon Ak-

It is noteworthy that the Nadigar Thilagam was given the title ‘Sivaji’ by Thanthai Periyar who was mesmerized by his performance in the role of the Maratha King Sivaji in the stage play ‘Sivaji Kanda Ind-

hu Samrajyam’. ‘Veera Sivaji’ will be shot mostly in Pondicherry and the rest of the cast and crew details will be out soon.

tion in this film because the action here is comes in the form of mindgames he plays, which are super heroic.

31st July 2015 marks the release of ‘Bangistan’, a whip smart and uproarious satire on fundamentalism.

Playing a simpleton wasn’t difficult but my director Nishikant Kamat had one problem with me when the film began.

Produced by Excel Entertainment, India’s pioneers of contemporary Indian film production under the aegis of producers Ritesh Sid-

He kept saying - ‘You look too heroic’. My mannerisms and the way I look needed to be more normal like a regular man’s. Nishikant kept joking I walk like Singham, when it was my normal walk. But, in a day or so I had imbibed the traits of the character and it became smooth after that.”

BROTHERS

shay Kumar along with Sidharth Malhotra (Ek Villain), Jacqueline Fernandez (Kick) and Jackie Shroff (Dhoom 3) in pivotal roles.

tures. Vikram Prabhu’s new film is titled ‘Veera Sivaji’ which is to be directed by Vinayak of ‘Thagararu’ fame and produced by Lakshman of ‘Romeo Juliet’ fame.

BANGISTAN

Directed by trailblazer Karan Malhotra (Agneepath), known for extracting inspiring performances from his actors and sending his audiences on an emotional, cathartic journey, Brothers has been produced by renowned filmmaker Karan Johar, under his Dharma Productions banner, along with Lionsgate Films and Endemol India. The film’s music has been penned

by duo Ajay-Atul who have delivered hit soundtracks for blockbusters such as PK, Agneepath and Singham. Anticipation around the release of “Brothers” is mounting given the union of an esteemed cast and crew, spearheaded by Karan Johar, Karan Malhotra, Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra. Brothers is the story of a broken family, set in the world of mixed martial arts and underground street fighting. Akshay Kumar plays the role of Sidharth Malhotra’s elder brother; both siblings are martial arts fighters locked in a fierce rivalry for victory in the ring. The gritty family drama required intense physical training and fitness aficionado Akshay Kumar left no stone unturned. Akshay, along with co-star Sidharth Malhotra, worked relentlessly on a gruelling fitness regime, both requiring highly controlled diets, prolonged martial arts training sessions and weight lifting. The actors look mean and rugged in the film’s trailer and are seen flaunting super toned physiques.

hwani and Farhan Akhtar, and Junglee Pictures, an emerging film studio spanning the development, production, and distribution of Hindi feature films internationally, Bangistan is a comic tale with a strong underlying message highlighting the futility of violence, religious divisions, cultural prejudice, and promoting the message of peace, religious unity and harmony in society. Directed by Karan Anshuman, “Bangistan” tells the story of two unlikely terrorists, the antitheses of each other, with a common destructive goal, essayed by talented Indian film actors Riteish Deshmukh (Ek Villain, Housefull, Lai Bhaari), Pulkit Samrat (Fukrey, Dolly Ki Doli), and Chandan Roy Sanyal (Kaminey, D-Day). Bollywood beauty Jacqueline Fernandez will appear in a cameo. The music has been penned by Indian composer, music producer and musician Ram Sampath (Delhi Belly, Talaash, and Fukrey).

Austin South Asian | August 2015