Austin South Asian. April. 2021 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 14 No. 04

6th Annual Indie Meme Film Festival A Virtual Bonanza! When: Over two weekends - April 16-18, 2021 and April 23-25, 2021 Where: Filmocracy.com.

virtually again this year over the last two weekends of April. Virtual IMFF2020 was one of the first live, online, and interactive

Chit-Chaat Founders By Sumaiya Malik Ever remember standing in the greeting cards aisle of a grocery store looking for a card and walking away without one? You are not alone. Too many people feel that there is no card out there that truly represents how they feel. Young university graduates, Afra Nehal and Zoya Khan, with full-time jobs in the professional world remember not finding cards to their liking during Eid, the annual Muslim celebration worldwide.

The Indie Meme’s 6th Annual Film Festival (IMFF2021) will be held

Austin Vaccine Update

March 23, 2021. By Austin Public Health Vaccine Approval • The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have

The cards were far and few and they could not identify with what was available.

film festivals of its kind. (Continued On Page 17)

in Texas include: • Phase 1A: Frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities • Phase 1B: People 65+ or

(Continued On Page 24)

How To Reduce Screen Time By Anushka, Grade 5 Screens, we use them everyday for various things, but screens can be addicting. Sometimes it is hard to

pry yourself off a screen ,so here are some ideas to help. First of all if you can’t get someone off their screen make them do something educational like khan academy. One more thing I learned about the internet is never judge a book by it’s cover.

received an Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. • The Astra Zeneca vaccine recently released phase 3 data from its U.S. clinical trials, and is expected to apply for Emergency Use Authorization in the coming weeks. Vaccine Eligibility • People currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

16+ with a medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe disease • Phase 1C: People 50 to 64, regardless of medical conditions • School and licensed childcare personnel • The demand for vaccine in these eligible groups is exceeding the supply of many providers across the Austin area. ( Page 11)

By that I mean look at the website before you let them use it. A good example of this is cool math games. It sounds like a good educational website. It really is just full of mindless games like pullfrog where you play tetris with a frog. Another reason they might be stuck to their screens is that the “real world” is not interesting to them. (Continued On Page 18)

inside

April 2021

Dream Vacation............02 Celebrate The Earth......03 The USO Serves...........04 Oral care Tips..............05 5 Ways To Spark Your. Child’s Interest.............06 Arun’s Scribblings.........06

May 2021 Summer Special 512-828-6709

Tips To Raise Earth-Conscious Kids...................07 Ready, Set…Refresh!....08 4 Tips For Reducing......09 Pandemic Is Impacting.10 Dhanushkodi................11 IMFF.....12,13,14,15,16,17 Kids Corner.........18,22,23 5G Tech.......................19 Easter Recipes.............20 Tips To Deep Clean.......20 To Boost Girls’ Interest In Math And Science........21 To Prepare Your Home For Bug Season.................21 Easter..........................23 Ugadi..........................23 Malik’s Page.............24,25 Make A Difference Spring Season..............25 Entertainment.........26,27

Austin South Asian | April 2021

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How The ‘Dream Vacation’ Has Changed For Americans The pandemic has changed the way we work, learn and socialize, so it’s no surprise that it’s also changed the way we think about travel. One thing is certain, as the vaccine rollout continues, globetrotters worldwide are eager to return to their regularly scheduled travel.

vance and the separation caused by lockdowns, today, the number one choice for a “dream vacation” among survey respondents was a chance to spend “time with the family and friends I’ve missed.”

dreaming of that special trip, you don’t have to stay put.

Check all 48 contiguous U.S. states off your road trip bucket list.

With proper planning and precautions, local getaways and weekend road trips can be enjoyed safely.

• Explore National Parks:

A new survey from global accommodations search platform trivago reveals not only a widespread desire to travel, but changes in the kind of trips we wish to take. Whereas 62% of Americans would travel for pleasure and fun pre-pandemic, future trips will likely have an increased emphasis on wellness and seeing family and friends -they’ll also be closer to home.

From the spectacular red rock formations of the Southwest to the breathtaking sunrises of the Shenandoah, America is beautiful. Explore the country’s wild side via its National Park system. A U.S. Park Pass makes it easy and affordable to visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites nationwide. • Go “glamping”:

Indeed, the very concept of the “dream vacation” has changed, with the typical idea of a big trip or vacation planned ahead and saved for on hiatus.

The survey also revealed that travel as a form of self-care and wellness is a concept that is continuing to grow. Americans largely view travel as part of a well-rounded life.

With certain travel restrictions making it difficult to plan in ad-

But is travel a good idea right now? Experts say that while you’re

Travelers agree – 55% of Americans plan to travel domestically, compared to under one-third who have international travel plans. Here are a few ideas to get you excited about travel right now: • See every state:

Outdoor adventures are popular right now for a reason, giving you a way to get away while still socially distancing. But if you’re not much of a camper, “glamping” can be a terrific alternative. A portmanteau of glamour and camping, glamping is exactly what it implies. Accommodations vary from yurts to treehouses to safari tents and tend to offer all the amenities of a hotel.

• Combine your passions: A majority of respondents picked up a new hobby since the start of the pandemic. From cooking to photography to cycling and running, of those who’ve enriched their lives with new activities this past year, the vast majority think it’s at least somewhat likely they’ll pick a vacation connected to the new pastime once the pandemic ends. Take a safe, local trip inspired by your new hobby. • Know before you go: Do your research before heading out. Check out trivago, which offers tools for booking local trips, as well as travel tips and inspiration. Visit trivago.com. So much has changed in the last year, including the way we think about travel and plan our getaways. One thing is certain, for many Americans, travel remains a priority. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

The USO: A Look Back At 80 Years Of Continuous Service The United Service Organizations (USO), the nation’s leading notfor-profit charity that serves the

men and women in the U.S. military and their families, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Founded just before the U.S. entry into World War II, the USO rapidly expanded from a patchwork of local efforts with a handful of volunteers into a robust international organization. From Bob Hope to Marlene Dietrich to Bing Crosby, the USO offered now-legendary entertainment during World War II, as well as programs and services, quickly becoming an essential part of the war effort. “Honorably discharged” by President Truman in 1947 after the end of World War II and reactivated for the Korean War in 1949, it is widely believed that the USO was inactive during this time. However, re-

cent findings in USO archives and external sources show that the organization actually never stopped serving. Though the future of the USO was at first uncertain after World War II, it quickly became clear that even in peacetime, its contribution to the welfare of armed forces was essential. With hundreds of thousands of returning troops in-transit and new troops headed for occupation duty overseas -- as well as the many thousands of soldiers and sailors recovering in hospitals -- key government officials voiced a belief that the need for an organization such as the USO was just as press-

ing as it was during the war. Then-USO president, Lindsey Kimball said in February 1946, “We face a responsibility to stand by during the difficult days of transition from total war to total participation in an achieved peace.” And stand by it did. With only a skeleton headquarters staff, between 1947 and 1949, the USO continued to operate clubs and lounges, as well as sent entertainers to perform for thousands of wounded service members recovering in hospitals. The USO is still building on its continuous 80-year history today. (StatePoint)

Celebrate The Earth With A New Vision On Eye Care When it comes to recycling, you may not often think about something as small as your contact lenses. Did you know, though, that 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses flush anywhere between 1.8 and 3.36 billion lenses down the toilet or sink per year?

lar recycling center facilities and end up in landfills. Understanding the impact this could have on the environment,

Most recently Bausch + Lomb took the program one step further by repurposing the recycled waste to create custom training modules that were donated to the Guide Dog Foundation, a national not-for-profit that trains guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired.

As a result, contact lenses could be contributing to the trillions of microplastics in waterways that can harm marine wildlife and even enter our food supply. This Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is an excellent time to adopt new habits in an effort to go green. If you’re like many people, you’ve probably already made a few changes to your routine, from switching to reusable water bottles and reusable grocery bags, even to composting. There are everyday sustainable solutions for so many parts of our lives – did you know there’s even one to recycle our contact lenses and to help reduce microplastic exposure in our environment? Here’s what to know: Because of their small size, contact lenses can get filtered out of regu-

The program collects contact lens waste, which is then separated based on composition and melted into plastic that can be combined with other recycled materials to become playground sets and park benches.

Bausch + Lomb, the makers of Biotrue ONEday daily disposable contact lenses joined forces with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, to develop the first and only contact lens recycling program available in the U.S., the ONE-by-ONE Recycling Program.

The modules, which were funded by the Bausch Foundation, included benches, tables, waste stations and an agility ramp used to train the dogs and to further enhance the organization’s Smithtown, N.Y. campus for those who visit. Launched in 2016, this first-ofits-kind recycling initiative has already collected and recycled nearly 30 million contact lenses, blister

packs and top foils and processed about 180,000 pounds -- the equivalent weight of six school buses. This free recycling program accepts used contact lens materials from Biotrue ONEday, as well as other brands. To participate, simply collect your used contact lenses, plus the blisters and foil they come in, and bring them to a participating eye

care provider. There are over 5,600 eye care providers enrolled in the program nationwide. To find one near you, visit www.bauschrecycles.com. While this change may seem small, it has the power to make a big impact on global recycling efforts, making it an excellent habit to start adopting today. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian

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Austin South Asian | April 2021

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How The USO Serves Our Military And Their Families Since its founding in 1941, the USO has provided generations of service members and their families with crucial support. During that 80-year history, the world, the military and the needs of service members changed. The USO also adapted, adjusting and expanding its operations to help boost their morale and keep them connected to home. USO Centers USO centers have provided service members

members connect with loved ones. Today’s USO centers are outfitted with phone rooms, computers and free Wi-Fi. Many also have dedicated video gaming spaces where service members can play with their spouses and children. New USO programs continue to focus on keeping families connected. The Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program, for example, allows service members to record themselves reading a bedtime story to their child and have that recording, as well as the book, shipped back home. Support for Military Families

with a home away from home since World War II. Initially housed in churches, stores and other community centers across the U.S., the organization’s network of locations soon extended overseas, with centers popping up in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe as military engagements shifted. USO airport lounges were added in the 1990s to give troops a place to relax during long travels, while Mobile USOs have brought support services to disaster sites and U.S. communities without a brick-and-mortar center since 2016. Entertainment

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It was during World War II that the USO created and established its legacy of entertainment through USO Camp Shows. Since then, the USO has teamed up with hundreds of movie and TV stars, comedians and professional athletes to produce concerts, meetand-greets and other interactive events for service members. Many of these events are now offered online through the recently launched USO Military Virtual Programming to accommodate new health and safety measures. Staying Connected to Home Evolving modes of communication have also changed the way the USO helps service

Over the past 20 years, the USO has added more entertainment and support programs for military spouses and children. USO Coffee Connections, for example, help military spouses build personal and professional networks. The USO Special Delivery program provides both military spouses and service members with free baby showers. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USO hosted more virtual and socially distant programs for the military community, ranging from drive-thru high school graduation ceremonies to virtual baking classes. Transitions to Civilian Life The USO has also launched support for service members and military spouses as they assimilate into their civilian communities after their military career. The USO Pathfinder Transition Program creates a customized action plan for each participant, assisting in everything from education to financial readiness to career advice. Visit USO.org to learn more about the organization’s evolution and how it supports today’s military. “The sacrifice of service members and their families requires that we rise to the challenge as we have done for the past 80 years and will continue to do for years to come,” says J.D. Crouch II, CEO and president of the USO. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Oral Care Tips For Parents By The Ages Proper oral care is essential to overall wellness. Here are a few tips and strategies for each stage of your child’s development:

for your child and schedule an appointment.

Teething

“It’s important to instill good habits at a young age. Even when your child still has a

Even before your child’s first tooth appears, good oral care matters. While some discomfort is associated with teething, you can help alleviate it by being prepared. When it comes to teethers, look for smart designs, keeping in mind that a teether can only do its job if your baby can hold onto it. Check out new solutions, like the Not-Too-ColdTo-Hold Teether, which features a handle that stays room temperature while the gelfilled teethers are chilled to go to work. The teethers come in four specially designed shapes with different textures to massage and stimulate gums in the front and back and reach all new teeth types. The American Dental Association recommends a dental visit within six months of the appearance of a child’s first tooth, so this is also a good time to find a pediatric dentist

Babies and Toddlers

toothbrush,” says Dr. Misee Harris, a pediatric dentist based in Arkansas. “One good option I like to recommend to parents is the Frida Baby Grow-With-Me Training Toothbrush Set because it’s designed specifically for this purpose with it’s triple angle bristles.” Dr. Harris points out that the set contains both a training toothbrush for babies to provide sore gum relief and basic brushing training, as well as a training toothbrush for toddlers that helps continue to build good brushing habits and nurture their growing independence with your help. To learn more, visit fridababy.com.

gummy smile, you can introduce the brushing gesture and oral hygiene habits with a

“Making brushing fun and efficient is key when getting little ones to enjoy and engage in oral hygiene,” according to Dr. Harris.

Elementary-Aged Kids By this age, kids should be well on their way to proper brushing techniques and oral care habits. Encourage them to keep up the good work by giving them a bit of control and independence. Let them select their own toothbrush and toothpaste, and help them create a routine that aligns with their dentist’s recommendations. This is also a good time to instill good nutrition habits, as this can play a big role in oral hygiene. Indeed, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So try to make snacks and beverages with added sugars more of a special treat than part of your child’s daily diet. Also, be sure to include plenty of foods that build strong teeth and gums. Through each age and stage of your child’s development, you can play an important role in helping foster a healthy smile. (StatePoint)

What Homeowners Need To Know Before Refinancing With mortgage rates hovering near three percent, experts say there are still a number of homeowners who could benefit from refinancing. In fact, borrowers who refinanced in 2020 to lower their mortgage rate saved over $2,800 in mortgage payments annually, according to the latest Freddie Mac research.

for three reasons: to lower their interest rate, to switch from one product to another (i.e. switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage) or switch to a loan with a shorter term.

To get a sense of what refinancing could cost you, use Freddie Mac’s refinance calculator, which is available at calculators.freddiemac. com.

Your lender will be able to discuss refinancing options with you and help determine the best solution for your situation.

“While today’s low mortgage rates have fueled a refinance boom, it’s been driven mainly by higher-income borrowers. With millions of borrowers eligible to refinance, lower- and middle-income borrowers who could stand to benefit the most from refinancing might be leaving money on the table,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

• Closing your loan: Closing on your new loan is the final step in the refinancing process, a procedure that is almost identical to when you initially closed on your current mortgage. During closing, it’s important that you take your time to read all documents carefully and ask clarifying questions.

To determine whether refinancing makes financial sense for you, it’s essential to first understand the basics. Here’s what to know about the refinancing process:

Once all of the closing documents are signed, you will have a new loan. For more information on refinancing, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

• Understanding refinancing: When refinancing your mortgage, you are essentially applying for a new mortgage with the goal of securing a loan with better terms than your current one. Primarily, people refinance their mortgages

nance the remaining unpaid balance on your mortgage. Through refinancing, you can improve your financial position by shortening your term or locking in a lower interest rate.

• Determining refinancing costs: While refinancing can save you money, it isn’t free. Just as there are closing costs and associated fees with your current mortgage, there are related costs to refinance your loan.

• Knowing your options: The refinancing option that is best for you will depend on your financial situation and goals. The most common option is to refi-

Remember, even with today’s mortgage rates near historic lows, it’s important to carefully evaluate your situation and your home goals with a housing counselor or lender. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

5 Ways To Spark Your Child’s Interest In Stem The past year has revealed many things, and among them is the extent to which we rely on science to solve problems that impact our everyday lives. Scientists everywhere are making science cool and are an inspiration to kids. Children represent the future and are tomorrow’s scientists, so it’s in all our interests that they develop a love of science.

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As kids continue to learn virtually, however, the lack of connection to their teachers and peers can make it challenging for parents to find new and exciting ways to keep kids engaged. These challenges come at a time when it’s never been more important to encourage kids to lean-in to science. According to an independent research study, the 3M State of Science Index, 74% of people are more inclined to believe that the world needs more people to pursue STEM-related careers to benefit our future society. To get there, kids need a strong STEM foundation. Here are five tips to help you inspire initial interest in science in your children that can bloom right in your own home: 1. Emphasize the impact science has on the world. Encourage kids to observe realworld problems and actively think about how STEM skills can address the issues they care most about, whether in their school, community or globally. As they observe, help your child understand the numerous ways STEM already impacts

their lives. 2. Connect science to their interests. We often think of science as existing in a silo, but it can be connected to just about anything! Kids are much more likely to find a “way-in” to science if they can match it to their interests. For example, a love of cooking can easily lead to an interest in food science. A love of cars can inspire the pursuit of automotive engineering. Helping draw these connections will attract kids to pursue STEM by making it relevant to their hobbies. 3. Make science social. STEM exploration is inherently social. It helps kids develop practical skills like communication, collaboration, and decision-making, all while fostering great friendships. Parents can get their kids engaged by enrolling them in science camps and encouraging them to join competitions. 4. Make science accessible and fun. You don’t need a lab to be a scientist – STEM is all around us, even at home! Through youngscientistlab. com, kids can explore free resources offering science project ideas and directions for grades K-8. With experimentation and exploration, it’s simple to make scientific principles more relatable for young minds. 5. Expand your child’s world with STEM. STEM is not only found everywhere, but it’s also for everyone. Our new virtual normal makes it easy to connect with others to learn, share and problem solve – no matter where you live. STEM exploration also opens up opportunities for kids to learn about and work with peer groups from different backgrounds and cultures, (Continued On Page 10)

SCRIBBLINGS BY ARUN BE NOT SILENT SPECTATOR Overall to benefit all, While a new law is enacted, Some disgruntled, though miniscule, Sure to protest, being misled. The protestors create nuisance, Fanning panic in public mind, Vandalise to draw attention, Of people around and away. Although being large in number, Peace loving if keep too silent, Likely be taken for granted, Utterly sidelined and ignored. More dangerous and destructive, Prove to be if the protestors,

Spectators shall to combat rise, Stopping to be apprehensive. Water turns filthy if stagnant, Must be replaced afresh often. For progress, needed are changes, To be accepted being wise. Danger lurk with bad people, Who try to pull towards backward, It proves even more perilous, If good folks skulk to go forward. Never be silent spectator, Raise your voice, be loud when require. Choose only the right path ever, To reach destinations proper. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Tips To Raise Earth-Conscious Kids

Children are never too young to learn the importance of sustainability or begin adopting eco-friendly habits. Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a great time to get started, and experts say it all starts with playtime. “Kids are built to absorb information at a tremendous pace,” says Anna Yudina, senior director, Marketing Initiatives, The Toy Association. “During playtime especially, they form deep emotional connections to the values they’re learning. This means that you can help your child embrace an earth-conscious mindset simply by making it fun.” Check out these Earth Day tips and insights from The Genius of Play -- a national movement to educate parents and caregivers about play’s vital role in child development: • Eco-Friendly Crafting: Crafting that uses household objects

can demonstrate creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. For example, you can construct bird feed-

ers from milk jugs and then have kids decorate them. The best part? This is a sustainable DIY project that benefits wildlife, plus gives children an opportunity to observe flying visitors to the yard. You can also craft your own musical instruments. For example, rainsticks, so-named because they mimic the natural sounds of rain, can be made by filling paper towel

rolls with uncooked rice. Or, keep the beat using homemade maracas made by filling empty plastic bottles with dried beans. Finally, with just a few rubber bands and some glue, you can transform yesterday’s cereal box into a guitar. Now you have enough instruments to start your own band!

ample, a plush sea turtle can help a younger child understand the connection between plastic pollution and the health of marine creatures. For a tween or teen, a wind turbine science kit can build STEM skills and interest, while introducing the concepts of sustainable energy and climate change.

• Learn Through Play: Kids can benefit from toys as early as one month old with sensory play that helps stimulate senses and develops motor skills. However, they develop habits and values that will last a lifetime during ages 3-9 the most. During these years, introduce toys that reinforce the importance of sustainability. For ex-

Bonus: beyond boosting an appreciation for the environment, active play is critical for child development, helping hone coordination, balance and motor skills and setting the stage for a lifetime of good health.

• Outdoor Fun: Warmer, longer days expand opportunities to play outdoors, be active and explore the natural world. Build a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard or take an ecology walk and observe critters, rocks and leaves with magnifying glasses.

• Pretend Play: Pretend play is key for developing curiosity and criti-

cal thinking, and there are many avenues for role-playing activities that teach the importance of sustainability. Using action toys, kids can be anything they want to be, from farmers to explorers to environmental superheroes. Pretend play also presents a fun way to introduce eco-friendly habits that kids can adopt in their daily lives, like turning the water off while they brush their teeth or reducing their plastic footprint by opting for reusable products. From building a mini greenhouse to studying animal habitats, there are tons of playful learning ideas for indoor and outdoor fun available at thegeniusofplay.org, a great online resource for parents. Kids are absorbing new information all the time, especially when they’re having fun. To raise earthconscious kids, incorporate environmental values into playtime. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

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Ready, Set…Refresh! Quick Tips To Revitalize Your Most-Used Spaces Have the cold winter months left your home feeling a bit dirty, drab or disorganized? Are you feeling the urge to purge?

spaces with Spectrum HEXA InDrawer Organizers. HEXA orga-

in a variety of colors and patterns, they offer a smooth top and grip

Then it’s time for some spring cleaning. With a few simple tips and tricks, your home—and mood—can be refreshed and revitalized.

Excess water is captured in the base, which can be easily removed and wiped clean. Finally, place a raised mat in your sink basin to encourage air and water flow for faster drying, and to provide extra cushion for fragile glassware.

For the biggest payoff for your efforts, focus spring cleaning in the areas of the home that are used most: the kitchen and bathroom. Clear kitchen clutter: According to research from the Mayo Clinic, de-cluttering can have a significant positive effect on your mental health and well-being. To start your refresh, toss anything that’s expired or no longer being used. Use a wall-mount spice rack to free up shelf space and keep ingredients within easy reach. Add sanity to the silverware drawer by giving all gadgets their own

to one of the germiest areas of the kitchen: the sink. To keep this area neat and clean, add an organizer (such as Spectrum HEXA Sink Organizer, which has a built-in soap pump) to keep all cleaning essentials—sponges and brushes—upright and dry and help resist the growth of bacteria.

nizers feature a unique, six-sided honeycomb base design that offers a sturdy foundation while allowing crumbs to fall through its base away from clean utensils. Simply, “lift and sift” to clean drawers. Labels & liners: Add a new level of organization and personalization to cabinets, drawers and even wire racks with shelf liners. Available

bottom for easy sliding of items. Plus, the smooth surface catches messes and spills, making clean-up a breeze. Next, create custom labels for organizer bins with chalkboard or dry erase adhesives from Duck brand. For wire racks, add shelf liner to the bottom to hold items in place. Get savvy at the sink: Next, move

Banish bathroom battles: From towels to toiletries, bathrooms collect a lot of “stuff.” Keep the dailyuse items and purge the rest. If you have limited shower space, use a suction shower basket or shower caddy to hold shampoo and soaps. Add an over-the-tank toilet paper holder to store extra bath tissue

and keep it out of the way. Just like the kitchen, utilize small baskets or HEXA in-drawer organizers to keep everything from makeup to medicine easily accessible and in the right place. Conquer cluttery cords: Conquer cords and countertop clutter by utilizing vertical spaces. Add shelves to walls to hold towels or smaller items, and add over-the-cabinet accessory baskets to the insides of cabinet doors. These easy-to-install organizers keep items like your blow dryer, straightener and curling iron out of sight, but within arm’s reach, for a faster morning routine. For more unique organizational products, visit www.spectrumdiversified.com and follow the conversation at #LiveLifeOrganized. Soon, with a bit of cleaning and organization focused in key areas of your home, you’ll be feeling refreshed and revitalized this spring. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

4 Tips For Reducing Your Plastic Footprint At Home Plastic contributes to climate change and is a major pollutant, harming wildlife and people.

water. However, bottled water contains microplastics and is a significant part of the global plastic waste problem.

With Earth Day around the corner, here are a few tips for reducing your plastic footprint at home that will also contribute to a health-

To stay hydrated healthfully and sustainably, use a water filter pitcher. One great option is the LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitch-

ier planet.

er, which protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury and chemicals, including PFAS and chlorine.

Start a Garden From cartons of berries and tomatoes to individually-wrapped cucumbers, it can be difficult to avoid plastic in the produce aisle of your supermarket. By growing your favorite fruits, vegetables and herbs at home, you may avoid some of this waste and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, as foods found in the store are often shipped from distant places. Keep Your Produce Green When you do have to grab a staple that’s not in your garden, bring some reusable produce bags with you. Check out this cute set from Food52’s shop: food52.com. Then, stick to the loose fruits and veggies not already wrapped in plastic. Green Your Hydration In the pursuit of having a constant source of great-tasting, healthy water at home, you may be stocking your fridge with bottled

To shop or learn more, visit LifeStraw.com, Target.com, or CrateandBarrel.com. Rethink Garbage Collection Plastic garbage bags may seem necessary, but there are reusable alternatives available today that can help to drastically reduce your plastic waste. For example, Bagito makes durable, washable, water-resistant garbage can liners from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. They are available in three sizes that are ideal for bathroom wastebaskets, kitchen-sized trash cans and outdoor yard debris bins. By doing your part to find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic, you can reduce your contribution to a global environmental crisis right at home. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | April 2021

How The Pandemic Is Impacting Children And Families More than 2.7 million American children are growing up in grandfamilies -- families in which grandparents, other adult family members, or close family friends are raising children. A new report highlights how the pandemic has amplified their unique challenges, and offers solutions to better serve them. The report, “Facing a Pandemic: Families Living Together During COVID-19 and Thriving Beyond” authored by the non-profit Generations United and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Casey Family Programs, points out that at a time when older adults are being cautioned to keep their distance from children because of the heightened risk of infection and death from COVID-19, for grandfamilies, that distance is impossible. Advocates point out that these caregivers are the first line of defense for children during the pandemic, having stepped in when parents cannot raise them for many reasons, including cases where children’s parents have died from COVID-19. At the same time, 30 percent of kin caregivers lack an alternative caregiving plan if they should die or become disabled, a troubling statistic in the face of the pandemic, which disproportionately affects older adults. While grandfamilies are diverse in geography, income and race, the report finds that caregivers in grandfamilies are disproportionally Black or Native American; nearly half of grandparent caregivers are over age 60; and one in four grandparent caregivers has a disability. These are the same populations that are more likely to be impacted by the pandemic and die as a result. “While we’re all impacted by COVID-19, grandfamilies, especially, have had tough realities, with limited support systems,” says Donna Butts, executive director of Gener-

ations United, a non-profit with the mission of improving the lives of children, youth and older people. “State and local child welfare and other agencies must better support them during COVID-19 recovery and beyond.”

The report also finds that about 19 percent of grandparents responsible for grandchildren live in poverty and 38 percent of grandfamilies are unable to pay or are worried about paying mortgage or rent. Among the solutions to these figures, Generations United is calling for grandfamilies to be specifically named in the next COVID-relief package as an eligible population for financial relief such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Federal, state and local governments recognize foster families and provide them with access to resources, but there is little available for grandfamilies raising children outside of foster care. While Congress included support for grandfamilies in the December 2020 COVID-19 relief package, including better access to kinship navigator programs, which help connect families to information and community support as well as provide some direct help to families to meet emer-

gency needs, advocates say this is just a start. “With so many families continuing to struggle with impacts from COVID-19, it’s critical that state and local child welfare agencies distribute the funds in this package,”

5 Ways To Spark Your Child’s Interest In Stem (Continued From Page 06) offering an inclusive environment where success is achieved by working toward a shared goal. One opportunity on the horizon is the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, held in partnership with Discovery Education, a premier national science competition for grades 5 through 8 that asks students to identify a problem impacting their school, community, or worldwide, and come up with a unique innovation to solve it. Young inventors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work one-on-one with a 3M scientist, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Last year’s winner, Anika Chebrolu, 14, collaborated with nine other finalists to solve problems collectively in a series of fun, group challenges as part of the competition. Anika’s individual innovation used molecular research to show how science could reduce the invasion and spread of COVID-19 in the body. Encourage your budding scientist to get involved and start exploring! To learn more about this year’s competition or to enter, visit www.youngscientistlab.com.The next big invention or discovery could be anywhere. Ignite that spark of passion for science and unleash your child’s curiosity. (StatePoint) 3M Sponsored Content.

says Butts.

To access the report, visit www. gu.org. To hear grandfamilies discuss the pandemic’s impacts, visit everyfamilyforward.org.

“Congress also needs to ensure families have ongoing financial support so that caregivers can meet the basic needs of children as they live with the long-term impacts of COVID -19.”

While the pandemic has heightened the inequities different types of families face, advocates say that sufficient support can help grandfamilies recover and thrive. (StatePoint)

Vaccine Safety COVID-19 vaccines are safe and are an important tool to help stop this pandemic. The vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus and can help us return to normalcy. Register for a vaccine at:

Austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is south-east of Pamban and is about 24 kilometres (15 mi) west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka.

from the village of Mukundarayar Chathiram. A metre gauge railway line connected Mandapam on mainland

clone. In 2003, Southern Railway sent a project report to Ministry of Railways for re-laying a 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) railway line to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram.

India to Dhanushkodi. Boat mail express ran from Chennai Egmore to Dhanushkodi till 1964 when the metre-gauge branch line from Pamban to Dhanushkodi was destroyed during the 1964 Dhanushkodi cy-

The planning commission looked into the possibility of a new railway line between Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram in 2010. 1964 cyclone The area around Rameswaram is prone to high-intensity geomorphic activity. A scientific study conducted by the Geological Survey of India indicated that the southern part of Dhanushkodi facing the Gulf of

The town was destroyed during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone and remains uninhabited in the aftermath. The National Highway completed the 9.5-km-long road – 5 km from Mukuntharayar Chathiram to Dhanushkodi and 4.5 km from Dhanushkodi to Arichamunai. Tourists can visit by their own vehicle and end up with Pillars of Ashoka. Until 2016, Dhanushkodi was reachable either on foot along the seashore or in jeeps. In 2016, a road was completed

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Mannar sank by almost 5 metres (16 ft) in 1948 and 1949, due to vertical tectonic movement of land parallel to the coastline.

22–23 December 1964. Estimated wind velocity was 280 kilometres per hour (170 mph) and tidal waves were 7 metres (23 ft) high.

As a result of this, a patch of land of about 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) in width, stretching 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from north to south, submerged under the sea. On 17 December 1964, a depression formed at 5°N 93°E in the South Andaman Sea. On 19 December, it intensified into a cyclonic storm.

An estimated 1,800 people died in the cyclonic storm on 22 December including 115 passengers on board the Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train. The ntire town was marooned and the Government of Madras declared Dhanushkodi as a ghost town, unfit for living.

After 21 December 1964, it moved westwards, almost in a straight line, at the rate of 400 to 550 kilometres (250 to 340 mi) per day. On 22 December, it crossed Vavunia in Sri Lanka and made landfall at Dhanushkodi on the night of

In December 2004, around the 40th anniversary of the deadly cyclone, the sea around Dhanushkodi receded about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the coastline, briefly exposing the submerged part of the town before massive tsunami waves struck the coast.

Austin Expands Vaccine Distribution to Phase 1C Individuals (Continued From Page 01) Vaccine Data • APH released a COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard, which includes the total of APH-administered doses organized by priority age group, zip code, race/ethnicity, and the estimated 2019 Travis County population with the percentage of those 65 years of age and older for context. • As part of a statewide program to pilot regional COVID-19 vaccine hubs, Austin Public Health (APH) has received 12,000 first doses per week since Jan. 11 from Texas DSHS. • Since the launch of the pre-registration system on Jan. 13, more than 419,000 people have pre-registered, with more than 322,000 people meeting the current eligibility criteria. Vaccine Providers • APH is one of two local vaccine hubs. The goal of these hubs is to provide more people the vaccine and a simpler way to sign up for an appointment, so they don’t have to call a long list of providers every week looking for vaccine. • APH releases first dose appointments weekly on Monday evenings. Should additional vac-

cine doses become available later in the week, APH will conduct another appointment release on Thursday evening of each week. • APH piloted a drive-thru vaccination site on March 22, vaccinating approximately 1,500 people, and has started a Mobile Vaccination Program to serve hardto-reach and vulnerable populations in Austin and Travis County who are homebound. • Local pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination have started to receive direct allocations from the federal government. Individuals who are interested in getting vaccinated at their local pharmacy should check the pharmacy’s website to find out if COVID-19 vaccine is available and if they are eligible for vaccination. • A handful of other local providers receive smaller allocations each week. A list of local providers can be found at centraltxvaccs.org. Second Doses • The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine only requires one shot, while Pfizer and Moderna require a series of two doses given three (Pfizer) or four (Moderna) weeks apart. Pfizer and Moderna

vaccine recipients will get a vaccination card showing which vaccine and lot number they received and when they should return for a second dose.  • APH currently receives the Moderna vaccine and is manually scheduling second doses by emailing, calling, or texting a date, time, and location. • If you received your first dose through Austin Public Health and it has been 42 or more days since your first dose and you have not received an appointment, you may walk-up to our vaccine sites and present your vaccine card to receive your second dose. • While the second dose should be administered as close to the recommended 21- or 28-day interval as possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended 3- or 4-week interval, and can get it up to 42 days or 6 weeks later. • If you are unable to get your second dose in the recommended timeframe, you do not have to start over. While missing the suggested interval delays full protection, you can still get the second dose later if you have difficulty getting it within the recommended

time. You will get full protection from the vaccine 1–2 weeks after getting your second dose. Side Effects • The FDA released fact sheets on the Pfizer vaccine, Moderna vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine for recipients and caregivers that includes information on vaccine ingredients and side effects. • While the COVID-19 vaccine may cause side effects such as fatigue, headache, fever, chills, nausea, muscle pain, and joint pain, these side effects show that the vaccine is working. • Vaccine recipients should be monitored for at least 15 minutes for a more serious allergic reaction. People who have a history of allergic reactions should be monitored for 30 minutes.  • The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines to make sure even very rare side effects are identified. V-SAFE is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. • COVID-19 vaccines do not use the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not alter your DNA.

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an immune response without having to experience sickness. Continued Precautions • Even with limited vaccines available in our community, people need to continue to take additional COVID-19 prevention measures including: wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and staying home if you’re sick. • The CDC has recently published guidance for those who are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people can: • Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing • Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing • Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic For additional COVID-19 vaccine information, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19-Vaccines.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

6TH INDIE MEME FILM FESTIVAL FAN MEMBERS

FAM MEMBERS

NON MEMBERS

ALL ACCESS FESTIVAL BADGE

$20

$55

SINGLE FILM TICKETS

Includes ALL Virtual Screenings starting April 16th, Opening Night Party with all the ﬁlmmakers in attendance, Closing Night Party & Award Show

Get access to Single Screenings, including our Short Showcases

IndieMeme.org/IMFF-2021 APRIL 16-18 & 23-25, 2021

**Please note: Schedule subject to change, updated schedule will be published online indiememe.org/imff-2021**

All screenings & events will be on FILMOCRACY.COM and all ﬁlms have ENGLISH SUBTITLES

FRIDAY, APRIL 16 MEET & GREET 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM CT Welcome to IMFF 2021

OPENING NIGHT 9:45 PM - 11:00 PM CT OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Join us in the Q&A Lobby Building, meet the IMFF Team, and mingle with other Festival Attendees!

Grab a drink, meet the ﬁlmmakers, listen to some great music, chat with others. And let’s pretend like we’re partying in person!

(Location: Q&A Lobby Building on Filmocracy.com)

DOC FEATURE SCREENING 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CT Shut Up Sona

(Doc | India | 85m | Hindi)

Texas Premiere

A tongue-in-cheek take at a feisty female singer's unrelenting ﬁght for an equal space in modern day India, a country deeply uncomfortable with her emancipation. Virtual LIVE Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Deepti Gupta to follow in the Q&A Lobby Building

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 SHORTS SHOWCASE I (In Lockdown) 12:00 PM - 1:10 PM CT Mangsho

(Short | India | 19m | Bengali)

Texas Premiere

All hell breaks loose when an Islamophobic politician gets to know the actual religious identity of a migrant worker, who had been given shelter by the former. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Tathagata Ghosh Suttabaazi

(Short | India | 14m | Hindi)

US Premiere

19-year-old Diya is a rising social media star and clandestine smoker. Her household is a pressure cooker about to blow. This is a story about the cracks within families and the bonds which bridge them. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Kabeer Khurana V2

Trivedi Ji (Short | India | 15m | Hindi)

US Premiere

This ﬁlm tells the story of a woman stuck in her apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to survive on depleting food supplies and conversations with her aloe vera plant. Q&A with ﬁlmmakers Rajesh Tailang & Vartika Tiwari

Austin South Asian | April 2021

6TH INDIE MEME FILM FESTIVAL SATURDAY, APRIL 17 (continued) SHORT + FEATURE SCREENING 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT

LATE NIGHT SCREENING 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM CT

(Short | India | 17m | Gujrati)

(Feature | India | 115m | Assamese/Hindi))

Anita

Texas Premiere

While attending her sister’s wedding in India, Anita is pushed to question whether her life in America is any better than those in her hometown.

Nirvana Inn

Texas Premiere

A cycle of birth and death and reincarnation. This is the story of a boatman who becomes the caretaker of a Himalayan resort after an attempted suicide.

Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Sushma Khadepaun Hava Maryam Ayesha (Feature | Afghanistan | 83m | Pashto)

Texas Premiere

From ﬁlmmaker Sahraa Karimi, comes the resonant story of three Afghani women from different generations and social backgrounds; each living in Kabul and facing a pivotal challenge. Virtual LIVE Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Sahraa Karimi to follow in the Q&A Lobby Building

SHORT + FEATURE SCREENING 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM CT Nooreh

(Short | India | 22m | Kashmir)

Texas Premiere

An eight year old Kashmiri girl, Nooreh, residing in a small village on the India-Pakistan border, believes that she has discovered a strange solution to end the relentless cross ﬁring. Nasir (Feature | India | 85m | Tamil)

Texas Premiere

Nasir is a wryly funny, romantic family man going about the daily errands of his job as a salesman. As the day unfolds, his course will be altered by an act of communal bigotry.

**Please note: Schedule subject to change, updated schedule will be published online indiememe.org/imff-2021**

Austin South Asian | April 2021

6TH INDIE MEME FILM FESTIVAL SUNDAY, APRIL 18 DOC FEATURE SCREENING 12:00 PM - 1:05 PM CT

SHORT + FEATURE SCREENING 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM CT

(Doc | Tibet/Nepal | 63m | English/Hindi)

(Short | India | 15m | Hindi)

Rituals of Resistance Texas Premiere

Three generations of Tibetan refugees living in disparate parts of the world share their stories of resistance.

The Last Rights

A young Indian woman challenges her society's patriarchal traditions in order to give her deceased grandmother her last rites.

Bulbul

(Feature | Nepal | 116m | Nepali)

World Premiere

SHORTS SHOWCASE II (Youth Special) 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM CT Mauj Be-harkat Si

(Short | Pakistan | 18m | Urdu)

Texas Premiere

A ten year old boy is caught between caring for his paralyzed sister and making her experience the world as he does.

A young mother works as a tempo driver to support her family after his husband abroad stops communicating. On the job, she ﬁnds herself falling for a new man. Virtual LIVE Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Binod Paudel to follow in the Q&A Lobby Building

Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Sibtain Shabbir Tifﬁn (Short | India | 10m | Hindi)

US Premiere

A young muslim girl thinks she has a strong friend group, but is brought down by their unwillingness to share lunches with her as they do with one another. When a prankster steals everyone’s lunch except her’s, it may offer an opportunity. Q&A with ﬁlmmakers Ghania Siddique & Talat Shakeel Furniture (Short | Bangladesh | 24m | Bangla)

US Premiere

After moving to a new town to ﬁnd a better education for their children, a family is taken aback by the strong social pressure to purchase furniture for entertaining. Each family member responds in their own way. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Nazmus Sakib Himel

**Please note: Schedule subject to change, updated schedule will be published online indiememe.org/imff-2021**

Austin South Asian | April 2021

6TH INDIE MEME FILM FESTIVAL FRIDAY, APRIL 23 FEATURE SCREENING 7:30 - 9:00 PM CT

FILMMAKER PANEL 9:45 PM - 11:00 PM CT

(Feature | India | 108m | Malayalam)

(Location: Q&A Lobby Building on Filmocracy.com)

Veyilmarangal (Trees Under The Sun)

A Conversation with our Filmmakers

US Premiere

A Kerala family loses their home to catastrophic ﬂoods and must move to Himachal Pradesh, where they’re employed as guards of a Himalyan apple orchard. They contend with caste discrimination and the changing seasons.

Come hear what our filmmakers have to say about their films, the film festival landscape, and future projects. Moderated by Sweta Rajesh, Director of Programming

Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 MEET & GREET 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT

SHORT + FEATURE SCREENING 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CT

(Location: Q&A Lobby Building on Filmocracy.com)

(Short | Pakistan | 10m | Urdu)

Meet the IMFF Team

Come say hello to the team behind Indie Meme! Come hear about our On-Demand Streaming Library, ask us questions, and hear about our program!

Dry Leaves

Texas Premiere

A day in the lives of residents living in an old house, as seen by a newly admitted Zahida and the dilemma she faces as she spends time with the residents. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Ali Sohai Jaura

SHORTS SHOWCASE III (In Your Head) 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT Kalam

(Short | Nepal | 15m | Nepali)

Texas Premiere

At the outset of a civil war, villagers migrate from rural Nepal to urban India to survive. A young boy aims to remain behind to play in an upcoming football tournament with his friends. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Prabin Kumar Rawat

Seven and a Half

(Feature | Iran | 75m | Persian)

Texas Premiere

The tale of 7 Iranian and Afghani girls, told in seven episodes. The stories deal with overlapping issues of marriage, violence, and the loss of control over one’s own destiny. Virtual LIVE Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Navid Mahmoudi to follow in the Q&A Lobby Building

Sunday

(Short | India | 10m | Hindi)

Texas Premiere

A middle aged man makes a pilgrimage to his favorite barber shop every Sunday, rain or shine. And it’s not just for a shave. As a closeted gay man, he nurses a crush on his charming hairdresser. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Arun Fulara Laali

LATE NIGHT SCREENING 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM CT Trijya (Radius)

(Feature | India | 91m | Marathi)

Texas Premiere

An artistically inclined villager struggles to ﬁnd his place in the metropolis of Pune. The pressures of work and societal expectations disconnect him from himself as he seeks ﬁrm ground to call his own.

(Short | India | 24m | Hindi)

US Premiere

A lonely laundryman from the suburbs of Calcutta ﬁnds unexpected companionship in an unclaimed red dress, which triggers esoteric memories from the past. Q&A with ﬁlmmaker Abhiroop Basu **Please note: Schedule subject to change, updated schedule will be published online indiememe.org/imff-2021**

Austin South Asian | April 2021

(Continued From Page 01) Our audience enjoyed being able to stream our films & still interact (virtually) with filmmakers, by participating in live Q&A’s postscreening -all from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This year, Indie Meme has upped their game by partnering with a new streaming platform, Flimocra-

Austin South Asian | April 2021

cy, which has been tailored to suit the unique needs of the festival and the Indie Meme community.

interact with each other in smaller settings in addition to taking part in the live Q&As with Filmmakers.

The Virtual IMFF2021 comes packed once again with brilliant and powerful films from the South Asian Subcontinent.

Ananyaa Ravi, President, Indie Meme decided to move the festival’s virtual platform to Filmocracy because of how it brings the community aspect of the theatregoing experience to life. “While everyone is experiencing Zoom fatigue, at this stage, we’re starved

And this time, the virtual experience includes opportunities for the Indie Meme-ers to mingle and

for small group interactions with acquaintances and friends - the platform allows attendees to hop from conversation to conversation (video or audio only), and interact with the virtual map to explore buildings and events.” The excitement of this innovative platform combined with our most diverse programming of films to date, with several premieres & special guests is making the Festival team feel very upbeat about IMFF2021. Sweta Rajesh, Programming Director, Indie Meme is super excited about snagging Zindagi Tamasha for this year’s festival. “The line up of international filmmakers this year includes Sarmad Khoosrat, a name well known across the South Asian Subcontinent for his Films & Television series”. ZINDAGI TAMASHA won the top prize at the Busan International Film Festival and was selected as Pakistan’s contender for this year’s Best International Film Oscar. “The film is sure to be a treat for our audiences.” Sweta also chimed “Binod Paudel’s debut feature, BULBUL, revolving around a woman tempo driver in Kathmandu (also Nepal’s Oscar submission) is another not to be missed film at this year’s festival.” Deepti Gupta, with her debut feature SHUT UP SONA, along with, Sahraa Karim, Talat Shakeel, Sushma Khadepaun, Aastha Verma are some of the women filmmakers whose films will be at the festival and the team is still working on all the filmmakers to be in attendance. Arun Karthick will also be at IMFF2021 with his multi-award winning film NASIR. Navid Mahmoudi from Iran returns to the 6th Indie Meme Film Festival with his next film SEVEN AND A HALF, his first directorial feature ‘Parting’ screened at 2nd Indie Meme Film Festival.

The Virtual IMFF2021 will be showcasing over 21 narrative features, documentaries & short films over 6 days in April. Anita, Nooreh, Mauj be-Harkat si, Tiffin, Trivedi Ji, Furniture,The Last Rites, Kalam, Dry Leaves, Sab Rab De Bande, Mangsho, Pari of Pokhara, Sunday & Laali are the shorts being featured at the 6th Indie Meme Film Festival. Each one brings a unique flavor to make this year’s festival delightfully vibrant! The films come from 6 different countries in the South Asian Subcontinent and are in over 12 different languages. Afghanistan’s entry to the Oscars, HAVA MARYAM AYESHA and the Marathi language film TRIJYA, from India both have screened at various international festivals and it’s exciting to have them as part of this year’s programming. “In a time where we may feel disconnected, we are incredibly excited and honored to be showcasing such a wide range of stories that can connect us all.” says Christine Chung, Festival Coordinator, IMFF2021, who has joined the team this year. The Festival Badge is on sale for a nominal price and Indie Meme Members get discounted rates. So Christine says “for the best value, become an Indie Meme Member for 2021 and enjoy the festival for FREE at FAN level membership or for $20 at the FAMILY level membership.” Registration to the festival is required to receive details on how to attend the virtual festival and experience the diverse flavors of South Asian cinema. All details on becoming a member are at indiememe.org. The IMFF team looks forward to sharing this unique experience together. Get your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the 2021 Virtual Indie Meme Film Festival. IMFF 2021 is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin, Economic Development Department.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Kids Corner

Abhiveer Annoji

Vasundhara Varadarajan

How To Reduce Screen Time Birbal Helps The Gardener (Continued From Page 01) A solution to that is help them find some interests outside of their screen. Then help them discover more about those interests. For example my brother used to watch videos of turtles all day. We recently went to a pond where we saw turtles. He had so much fun he didn’t even want to leave! Maybe they are already pursuing their interests on screen. I can relate to this. I love photography, so I started an account on a photography website called unsplash. It has been so much fun sharing my work with the public. Screens are addicting, but if you do the right things and find the right websites. You can use them to your advantage.

READ AUSTIN SOUTH ASIAN

One day, Akbar stumbled upon a rock sticking out of the soil in the garden. He felt very embarrassed for falling in front of the guards and courtiers. He ordered the arrest and execution of the gardener for his negligence. Birbal came to know about the incident and visited the poor gardener in the prison. He said something into the ear of the gardener. The next day, the gardener was asked his last wish before execution. He said he wanted to see the king. His wish was granted. When

he reached Akbar’s court, he walked to Akbar and spat on his feet. The courtiers gasped. “What nonsense is it?” thundered the angry Akbar. “Jahanpanah”, interjected Birbal. “The loyal gardener felt sad that you had to use a silly reason to hang him, and your decision might be criticized by the people. Therefore, he decided to give you a grave reason to hang him.” Akbar understood the intent and pardoned the gardener.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

What Does 5G Tech Mean For You?

By now, you’ve heard about 5G or might have access to it on your smartphone, but do you know what it is, how it works or what it can do for you?

cient coverage in both breadth and depth. Depending on where it’s deployed by wireless operators,

port where you live:

Providers deploy different levels of

5G is the next generation of wireless technology, building on its predecessors 2G, 3G and 4G, and is available on today’s smartphones to make and receive calls, run applications and send and receive data. This fifth-generation technology is a massive leap into what is possible in wireless. 5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, giving businesses and consumers alike the potential to develop and experience new, innovative technologies.

3. 5G will create “smarter cities”: From monitoring pollution or traffic levels to optimizing energy use or self-driving transportation, 5G can enable applications that urban cities and small towns alike can use to live smarter.

1. 5G improves overall wireless coverage:

it can reach cities and towns that were previously lacking wireless access. Providers like T-Mobile are committed to providing 5G access to rural America, and already cover more than 287 million people across more than 1.6 million square miles.

5G can deliver better, more effi-

2. Different types of 5G can sup-

Here are five things you may not know about 5G:

areas with fast speeds, making it the “goldilocks” of spectrum; and, high-band – typically available in select urban areas – provides superfast speeds over short distances, but needs line of sight to the device and doesn’t pass through physical obstructions.

Let’s talk stations! Live Virtual Meetings: Beginning April 27 On-Demand Virtual Open House: April 26 – May 21 Join us to learn more about Project Connect, how our stations will look and what they might offer, and then share your thoughts as we continue to move forward developing the Orange and Blue Lines and MetroRapid. Take part in our live or self-guided virtual workshops beginning in late April. Visit ProjectConnect.com/ get-involved to learn more and see meeting details. For language translations or accommodations, please call 512-904-0180. Requests must be made to Capital Metro at least three working days prior to virtual scheduled meeting date.

wireless spectrum – low, mid and high – with the ability to provide coverage and capacity whether you live in the city, the suburbs or a rural community. For 5G, low-band spectrum provides far-reaching coverage outside, and reaches indoors with speeds that are slightly better than LTE; mid-band provides blanket coverage across large

4. 5G unlocks technology developments for industry: With 5G connectivity, and new applications to support certain industries, businesses and industries can evolve to meet the needs of a connected world. Imagine farmers utilizing sensors and drones to enhance the agriculture community, or businesses using realtime language translation, or even

enhanced location services to improve first responder times to save lives. 5. Virtual and augmented reality or holographic scenarios: 5G gives us the ability to transform where and how we experience our lives. Imagine having virtual reality access to live concerts and sports games, using holographic telepresence to be a part of your family’s birthday party in another state, or having real-time driving data like traffic or road conditions displayed on your car’s windshield as you drive. The possibilities with 5G are endless and will offer individuals and businesses the ability to do and experience the world around them in ways they couldn’t before. From 5G-enabled smartphones to the latest connected devices, check with your wireless provider to see how you can get the most out of 5G technology where you live. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

These Savory And Sweet Easter Recipes Will Have You Hoppin’ For Joy The appearance of brightly colored foods and decorations filling store aisles can only mean one thing: Easter is here!

Sprinkled with cinnamon and ginger, these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrot Fries are topped with bacon

This year, the beloved springtime holiday lands on April 4, which also happens to be International Carrot Day.

3. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Glazed Carrots.

To celebrate the Easter Bunny’s all-time favorite food, McCormick has released a collection of savory and sweet carrot-forward recipes to get you inspired. “We have seen a significant rise in searches online for carrot recipes over the past couple years, particularly around Easter,” says Kevan Vetter, McCormick’s executive chef. “The carrot is having a moment and being appreciated for its many possibilities and flavors.” Here are seven reimagined takes on favorite classics that make carrots the star. 1. Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrot Fries.

to perfection with garlic, onion, paprika and mustard – don’t say you weren’t warned when everyone begs you to make these again and again.

and finished with a maple glaze providing the perfect sweet and savory holiday side dish. Tip! You can bake in your oven or try with other veggies by swapping the carrots with parsnips or halved Brussels sprouts. 2. Vegan Carrot Bacon. In under 20 minutes and armed with a vegetable peeler, you’ll be able to satisfy your bacon craving with these crispy ribbons of carrots. Vegan Carrot Bacon is spiced

Finished with a brown sugar glaze, this delectable recipe for Slow Cooker Cinnamon Glazed Carrots gives hints of warm cinnamon and spicy ginger. Featuring just six ingredients and only five minutes of prep, these carrots are super easy and handsfree, giving you time to get outside and hunt for some Easter eggs. 4. Carrot Shaped Waffles. Okay, these Carrot Shaped Waffles don’t actually call for any carrots,

but they do celebrate them! Hop on down the bunny trail toward an Easter-themed brunch staple the whole family will love. Fluffy on the inside and crispy where it counts, pure vanilla adds a warm sweetness to this colorful, whimsical treat. 5. Carrot Cake Swirled Cheesecake Bars. Is it carrot cake or a cheesecake bar? It’s both! Carrot Cake Swirled Cheesecake Bars combine the cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced sweetness of traditional carrot cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake for an irresistible Easter dessert. 6. Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (can also be made vegan!). Carrot Cake, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, is made especially delicious with a cream cheese frosting. Try the classic preparation or go vegan with a few easy plant-based substitutions. Either

way, this cake can be layered or jazzed up with sprinkled pecans as a crunchy topper. 7. Cinnamon Carrot Ice Cream with Cookie Crumble. Inspired by classic carrot cake, this Cinnamon Carrot Ice Cream with Cookie Crumble is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. This dessert dream come true can be topped off with a simple, yet oh-so-sweet cookie crumble for an easy, but decadent finish. To help make your Easter celebration extra egg-cellent, McCormick is your resource to help you plan your entire menu and kid-friendly crafts, including Easter Carrot Slime. Visit www.mccormick.com/easter for full recipes, egg dying tutorials, and more to create the ultimate Easter celebration that every bunny will love. (StatePoint)

3 Easy Design Tips To Deep Clean And Organize Your Kitchen Over the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party.

pired. Once it’s completely empty, give your fridge a deep clean, especially in those sticky back corners. Before you return the items, place a water-resistant liner like Clear

place them toward the front so they are easy to see and grab. Storing these foods using clear, labeled containers will help you track inventory and keep food neatly in order.

All this time in the kitchen can also mean it becomes the catch-all room for everything and everyone, making now the perfect time to create a functional space where items are easily accessible and organized with your routine in mind.

Another tried and true option to brighten walls is paint. Use a quality painter’s tape to tape off a design you love, then paint over it. Peel back the tape to reveal a DIY design you’ll adore.

From your refrigerator to that messy junk drawer, follow these DIY kitchen organization tips to revamp and refresh this part of your home. Design an easy-to-use (and clean) layout. Cooking at home more? You’ll want to clean and organize your fridge to make snack time and meal prep easier. Start by removing every item from shelves and drawers and toss any items that have ex-

decorate with removable wallpaper or DIY peel-and-stick vinyl. From polka dot to vinyl wood, choose a pattern that speaks to you. Then, stick the adhesive vinyl to a kitchen surface—the side of a kitchen island, the wall behind the sink or cabinet panels. Once you’re ready to switch things up, they peel off easily, so you’ll be ready to go for a different look!

Classic EasyLiner on the shelves to add an extra layer of protection. Its smooth surface makes cleaning up a breeze when there are leaks and spills. Think about your most-used items, like snacks and veggies, and

Upgrade your backsplash. Tired of white walls in the background of your virtual work call? One easy and affordable way to instantly elevate the look of your kitchen is to

Create a clutter-less junk drawer. Everyone has that one, or even two, drawers in their kitchen that house random items that accumulate over time. Master unwanted mess and add functionality and style to your junk drawer with a little organization.

First, pull everything out of the drawer and toss anything that’s broken or you simply no longer need. Next, line the area with Original Grip EasyLiner to keep your mail, important notes and utensils in the right place while protecting the surface from scratches. Once you’ve purged, add small compartments and drawer organizers to give the misfits of the kitchen a proper home. If you have limited space, use a wall-mount storage rack or overthe-cabinet organizer to free up drawer space and keep items within easy reach. For additional tips or to find the right organizational solutions, try the EasyLiner Guide or visit DuckBrand.com. Once you’ve completed these simple tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’ll feel refreshed and organized to take on the day.(StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Tips To Boost Girls’ Interest In Math And Science

The global challenges of the future will require kids today to have a strong STEM foundation. Unfortunately, girls are not always expected or encouraged to pursue these fields of study. Here are some great ways to boost girls’ interest in math and science:

sible for themselves. • Give them the right tools:

mathematics to life allow for a more comprehensive learning environment in any classroom.

Give girls the best chance of success in their high level math and science classes by equipping them

The fx-CG500 from Casio, for example, not only offers a high-resolution touchscreen LCD display

• Celebrate female scientists: Throughout history, female scientists have helped change the world, although sometimes they did so behind the scenes, from Rosalind Franklin whose work -- though largely unrecognized at the time -- was critical in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, to doctor, engineer and NASA astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. Highlighting the vital contributions female scientists have made can show young girls what is pos-

ploration. Using quick commands and a wide range of features, students have the ability to easily draw three dimensional graphs, such as planes, cylinders and spheres, and view them from various angles, and a cross-section option with a special zoom function enables them to further examine the graph for deeper analysis. • Make home a learning lab: Math and science are not just for the classroom. Make your home a learning environment too by providing your child with science and robotics kits.

with the latest tools. Graphing calculators that bring

with over 65,000 colors, but its expanded features and improved catalog function supports math ex-

You can also check out free online resources that can help kids get a leg up in the classroom, like the Casio Education website. Found at casioeducation.com, the site features tons of resources to as-

sist with remote learning and helps incorporate technology into mathematics learning. • Go the extra mile: Extracurricular programming can make the challenge of math and science fun and engaging. At a young age, enroll your daughter in coding and science camps, as well as STEM-related after school activities. When she is older, encourage her participation in groups like the astronomy club and math team. Starting in high school, look into internships in STEM fields. Promoting early development of math and science skills for girls and young women will go a long way toward building their confidence and setting them up to succeed.(StatePoint)

4 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Bug Season Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay:

the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more

1. Do a spot check: Check window and door screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a quick look around for areas with standing water and try to eliminate them. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos. Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim. Bugs, especially flies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse. 2. Be ready: Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in

hiding in nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for every one you do see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first sign of ants or roaches can help you

avoid big problems down the line, as these insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and Target, and online at zevoinsect.com. 3. Protect your trees: Prepare for the upcoming visit of

the 17-year cicadas. In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under bark. Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack. 4. Keep an eye on pets.

Pets are liable to gobble up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat! During the spring season, it is necessary to take steps both to keep bugs out, and to be ready if they do invade. (StatePoint)

We Welcome Articles From Readers And The Community. Email To: Info@Austinsouthasian.Com

Austin South Asian | April 2021

THEME: THE 1960s ACROSS 1. *Kennedy and Ruby 6. Credit card acr. 9. Just in case 13. Yemeni’s neighbor 14. Scheduled to arrive 15. *First full-disk image of it was taken in 1966 16. Alleviated 17. Wildfire remains 18. One born to Japanese immigrants 19. *”Catch-22” author 21. *Oscar-winning leading lady of “Mary Poppins” 23. Green or black beverage 24. Piercing woodwind 25. Mom in U. K. 28. ____ and drab 30. Good-for-nothing 35. *TV’s Batman, ____ West 37. Figure skater’s jump 39. Make happy 40. Hitchhiker’s quest 41. *”Wilt the ____” of pro basketball 43. Femur, e.g. 44. Cut it out 46. Away from port 47. Largest organ of human body 48. Like anti-cruelty society 50. Same as #42 Down 52. Even, to a poet 53. Roaster’s spot 55. *It’s the loneliest number 57. *Sam Walton’s company 61. *Haircut popularized by the Beatles 64. Relating to axis 65. PC brain 67. *Sting Ray and Mustang, e.g. 69. Threshing hand tool 70. *”On ____ Majesty’s Secret Service” 71. Dostoyevsky’s novel, with The 72. Seaside bird 73. Tibetan ox

74. Condemn

DOWN 1. *Hasbro’s G. I. 2. Same as ayah 3. Four six-packs 4. Genuflected 5. Sashayed 6. Month of Purim 7. Abscess contents 8. Repair 9. Bear’s den 10. Gaelic tongue 11. Meat and potato dish 12. Not that 15. Take to one’s heart 20. ____ Grey and James ____ Jones 22. Noggin or dome 24. #24 Across players 25. *____ on Washington 26. Farewell in Paris 27. Address to a woman 29. Just a little 31. Young socialites, for short 32. Call forth 33. *Barbara Eden starred as one 34. *First American astronaut to orbit the Earth 36. Table in Spanish 38. Type of bargain 42. Best not mentioned 45. Ultimate goal 49. Slightly pointed on a Hobbit 51. Pro bono 54. Scratchy’s nemesis 56. Chopin piece 57. Drift 58. Rod for a hot rod 59. One with pants on fire? 60. Street in Anytown, USA 61. Darkness or gloom 62. Relating to ear 63. Poverty-stricken 66. Cause of Princess’ downfall 68. Pig’s home

SUDOKU

Sudoku

Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in May 2021 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

Easter

Following the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), the mainstream of Christian tradition has held that Jesus’ last meal with his disciples on the evening before his Crucifixion was a Passover seder. That would place the date on which Jesus died on 15 Nisan of the Jewish calendar, or on the first day (starting at sundown) of Passover. According to the Gregorian (Western) calendar, that date would be April 7. Christians, however, do not commemorate that fixed date. Instead, they follow the apparently flexible date of the Passover— which conforms to the Jewish lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian solar calendar—by relating the Last Supper to the seder. Although that assumption is problematic, the dating of both Good Friday and Easter has proceeded on that basis. Thus, Good Friday falls between March 20, the first possible date for Passover, and April 23, with Easter falling two days later. (See also Paschal Controversies.) The question of whether and when

to observe Jesus’ death and Resurrection triggered a major controversy in early Christianity. Until the 4th century, Jesus’ Last Supper, his death, and his Resurrection were observed in one single commemoration on the evening before Easter. Since then, those three events have been observed separately—Easter, as the commemoration of Jesus’ Resurrection, being considered the pivotal event. Beginning in the Middle Ages, only the officiating priest took Holy Communion, which was consecrated in the Maundy Thursday mass; laypeople have also communed on Good Friday since 1955. The liturgy of Good Friday consists of the reading of the Gospel Passion narrative, the adoration of the cross, and Communion. In the 17th century, following an earthquake in Peru, the Three Hour Service, a prayerful meditation on Jesus’ “Seven Last Words on the Cross,” was introduced to the Catholic liturgy by the Jesuits. It takes place between noon and 3 PM. Similar services occur in the

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Ugadi

Eastern Orthodox tradition, where no Communion is celebrated on Good Friday.

Ugadi is the New Year’s Day for the States of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India.

In the Anglican Communion, The Book of Common Prayer similarly provides for a Good Friday reception of the “reserved sacrament,” the consumption of bread and wine that was consecrated the previous day.

It is festively observed in these regions on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Chaitra. This typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar The day is observed by drawing colourful patterns on the floor called Muggulu, buying and giving gifts such as new clothes, giving charity to the poor, special bath followed by oil treatment, preparing and sharing a special food called pachadi, and visiting Hindu temples. The pachadi is a notable festive food that combines all flavors – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent and piquant (spicy hot). In Telugu and Kannada Hindu traditions, it is a symbolic reminder that one must expect all flavors of experiences in the coming new year and make the most of them.

The Three Hour Service has become common in North American churches, and a variety of liturgical services are held on Good Friday in other Protestant churches. With the revival of a liturgical emphasis in Protestantism in the second half of the 20th century, a distinct trend of adopting Catholic ritual (no use of the organ in the service, draping of the cross, baring of the altar, etc.) developed. Unlike Christmas and Easter, which have acquired numerous secular traditions, Good Friday has, because of its intense religious connotation, not led to an overlay of secular customs and practices.

Ugadi has been an important and historic festival of the Hindus, with medieval texts and inscriptions recording major charitable donations to Hindu temples and community centers on this day. The same day is observed as a New Year by Hin-

March 2021 Sudoku Answer

Mr.Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Ketika Tyagi

dus in many other parts of India. For example, it is called Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, but sometimes observed a Gregorian day earlier because the lunar day starts and ends in Hindu calendar according to the position of the moon. In Karnataka, the festival is celebrated as Yugadi. The name Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words yuga (age) and ādi (beginning): “the beginning of a new age”. Yugadi or Ugadi falls on “Chaitra Shudhdha Paadyami” or the first day of the bright half of the Indian month of Chaitra. This generally falls in late March or early April of the Gregorian calendar. The Kannadiga people use the term Yugadi and the Telugu people use the term Ugadi for this festival. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. In Karnataka etables olige, vobattu and mango pickles are made. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, eatables such as “pulihora, bobbatlu (Bhakshalu/ polelu/ oligale), New Year Burelu and Pachadi” and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion. Of this pachadi (or Ugadi pacchadi) is most notable, and consists of a chutney-like dish which includes ingredients to give all flavors: sweet, sour, tangy and bitter. This festive Hindu food is made from tamarind paste, neem flowers, brown sugar or sweet jaggery, salt, and sometimes mango. It is a symbolic reminder of complex phases of life one should reasonably expect in the new year. The Hindus of Tamil Nadu celebrate Tamizh Puthandu on 14 April. The Hindus of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa (Marathi). Manipuris also celebrate their New Year as Sajibu Nongma Panba on the same day. The Hindus of Bali and Indonesia also celebrate their new year on the same day as Nyepi.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Anya Kureshi Leads Meditation And Mindfulness Club At Liberal Arts And Science Academy

By Sumaiya Malik Picture credit: Lilli Long

parents and proceeds benefitted Parents and Students of LASA, a group that raises funds for student projects and also creates a space for conversation. Currently, because of Covid restrictions, the class is offered on Zoom.

On March 1, Anya Kureshi, 16, a junior at Austin ISD’s Liberal Arts and Science Academy, LASA, and a Senior Girl Scout of USA shared her knowledge of mindfulness and meditation with students and parents through a Masterclass on Zoom.

Kureshi is the leader of the Meditation and Mindfulness club at LASA. She offered the first hour long Masterclass and guided workshop on Mindfulness and Meditation practices to a group of 8. Any parent or student could join even if they were from outside LASA.

She combined her love for teaching and the values taught in the Girl Scouts program that encourage betterment of the community. The class was open to students and

“When [Covid-19 pandemic] quarantine started, I had a lot of friends who were suffering from mental health problems which were becoming harder over time,” Kureshi said.

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you are sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgement.

“It strained our friendship because I didn’t know how to address their problems,” she said.

Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress, Mayo Clinic website said.

Her high school counselor suggested meditation for coping when Kureshi found herself dealing with the stress of quarantine too. Initially, Kureshi found mindfulness difficult, but it benefitted her.

Chit Chat With The Founder Of The Chit-Chaat (From page 1) “When you go to Target, CVS, Walmart, or wherever, you just see the standard birthday cards, — you don’t see skin color, you don’t see representation,” Nehal said.

millennials, a USA Today article citing IBISWorld Survey said. The Chit Chaat has early success as their greeting cards were “breaking the mold” and providing more representation to the changing demo-

“Our greeting cards start at $3 affordable for anyone and everyone,” Nehal said.

open to asking friends from other communities to design the card that best represents them.

“We want to make it easy to send a thoughtful message to loved ones, while having access to affordable

This prompted the two to talk to artists and influencers from different religions about their celebrations.

The longing for greeting cards that represented who they really are, prompted the two Pakistani American roommates and friends to design greeting cards as a business.

“Each holiday collection has been designed by artists that specifically celebrate that holiday,’ Nehal said, “Diwali collection was designed by Hindu artists [and] our Eid collection was designed by Muslim artists to ensure authenticity of each celebration.”

They launched The Chit-Chaat in July 2020, a greeting cards company on Instagram @thechitchaat, and within 10 days had sold over 300 cards. Their first designs for Eid kept in mind their South Asian background, and light humor.

Their clientele is mostly women ranging in age between 16 and 40. The company offers physical and digital gift cards, as well as card displays and packaging.

While their first designs catered to the Muslim market, they began designing cards for their friends in the Hindu, Parsi and the Christian communities from South Asia who asked if they too could order cards for their holidays. “That’s when we realized there’s a gap in the market, and we began to expand further into the South Asian community,” Nehal told Austin South Asian. While sales in the print industry of greeting cards is on the decline due to online sales, the trend towards purchase is still on the rise in the

“It’s been a lot of fun understanding different religions, cultures, & ways of life by talking to so many different designers, artists, & influencers about their backgrounds and celebrations,” Nehal said.

graphics of the country. They also knew fully well that price matters.

art pieces that represent their identity!” The ideas of The Chit Chaat keep evolving. The entrepreneurs were

The two spend every free hour possible to work on chit-chaat. “We pretty much work 2 full time jobs, and for The Chit-Chaat we utilize late nights, early mornings, weekends,” Nehal said. (Continued On Page 25)

“Meditation is not just for adults, it’s something for everyone to benefit from,” Kureshi said. As a senior Girl Scout, Kureshi hopes to qualify for the Gold Award by teaching mindfulness to others, something that benefitted her. “To earn this unique award, Girl Scouts who are Seniors and Ambassadors change the world for good by tackling issues dear to their hearts while driving lasting change in their communities and beyond,” GirlScouts.org said. This was the first time Kureshi taught a masterclass, but things went well. She was able to teach the breathing exercises and participate at the same time. Techniques involve three kinds of meditation where body posture and breathing along with a deliberately focus on each part of your body. Kureshi recommends comfortable clothing such as yoga pants while meditating. Her goals include teaching more mindfulness classes during covid-19 pandemic as well as teach in person at the YMCA when things open up. Kureshi’s interests include psychology and Political Science. And she interns for a political advocacy group called the Borgen Project, a non-profit that believes in fighting global poverty.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

Hijama And Cupping Therapy In Austin, TX By Sumaiya Malik Shamshad Imam, the owner of Al Shifa in Austin provides Hijama treatment to her clients to relieve

dry techniques. Hijama, the word used in Arabic, is the wet style of cupping. The first reported usages are found in the Islamic hadith, sayings attributed to or describing the actions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. (PBUH). Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction.

their pain, and stress through an alternative medicine in which the therapist puts special cups on a person’s skin for a few minutes to create suction. Imam runs a certified and licensed business, and she has been practicing for six years. Imam, hailing from Muslim faith, shared her knowledge about cupping to Austin South Asian and also talked about the recognition of the process in Islam. The internationally recognized process of cupping is of two types, she said referring to the wet and

Wet Cupping or Hijama reduces with pain, and inflammation, increases blood flow, promotes relaxation and well-being, and is a type of deep-tissue massage, she said.

same area and left there from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the kind of treatment and the comfort level of the client. The skin is slightly scraped to draw out the toxins. Relief can be felt in most cases, immediately. The cups are moved to provide massage therapy. Except in Hijama the technique relies on suction cups that pull the skin back and loosen muscles and tendons, unlike a massage where they would be pressed.

Multiple cups can be placed in the

She also referred to certain days of the month being better for Hijama than others and specified that facial cupping is not bound by the day of the week.

There are multiple testimonials on

In turn, this can brighten your skin,

Year after year even though we have spent so many spring seasons, yet we always look forward to spring with energized enthusiasm. The winter is behind us and we are looking forward to warmer temperature and observing the nature turning green!! It is a wonderful sight and as I work facing the window, I can see the change in the trees or shrubs or grass from one day to the next.

Facial cupping is meant to increase blood circulation and stimulate the facial cells that are responsible for collagen production.

minimize the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and tone your chin, jawline, and neck by decreasing puffiness. “For facial cupping you don’t need to do fasting, just text me and make a appointment whenever you are ready,” Imam said. Each session at Al Shifa is 45 minutes long with 7-cups per session. The service is provided in a separate room as in case of a deep tissue massage. Charges are $60 for women and $70 for men. It is highly recommended that you should get Hijama performed on an empty stomach. For more information email sistershamshad@alshifausa.com or text Imam at 512-569-5903. Best to text as Hijama days vary per month. There will be no Hijama services in Ramadan.

Chit Chat With The Founder Of The Chit-Chaat

TheChitChaat.com carries their latest collections. They offer the personalized service of writing out the card and mailing it for their customers. Recently they ventured into Valentine’s Day gift boxes. “Overall, it’s been an overwhelm-

Make A Difference - Spring Season By Vidya Kumar

The benefits are many. Cupping helps to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases blood flow to the digestive tract. Gentle cupping over the abdomen also stimulates the insides of your digestive organs.

Most clients are also women although Imam has provided Hijama services to men under strict rules. According to her “mufti” or religious scholar, a male client has to bring a “mahram” or a witness who can stay in the same room. She can also arrange her own witness in case the client cannot provide a witness.

The treatment came back to popularity when in 2016, Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps used dry (Continued From Page 24) cupping to relax his muscles. The process involves silicone cups that are placed on the part of the body with the pain. Then air is sucked out to create a slight vacuum. The skin is pulled up pulling the toxins and the skin reddens.

alshifausa.com, her business page. “The practice at Al-Shifa Hijama of is very clean and made me comfortable having used all disposable cups and instruments,” one client by the name of C.S. said.

In April we have easter, start of Ramadan and for Hindus we have new year which is Ugadi or Gudi Padwa or Vaisakhi being celebrated by all Hindus.

When we celebrate this new spring season, I am sure we all are a bit more interested in gardening as we continue to stay and work from home.

March break is behind us and we are in the last leg of finishing the academic year.

We shall eat fresh food as we endure to cook most of the time and provide healthy meals at the table.

It has been hard on everyone this year, but we are resilient, and we have been able to find new avenues of working around the problems that arise.

Even once we return to earlier normalcy I am sure that we shall continue these good habits for life and thus stay in good health.

ingly positive response. We created a desi diaspora collection, which featured Bollywood references, birthday cards, get well soon cards with desi remedies - and people have truly enjoyed seeing their culture in everyday celebrations,” Nehal said.

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“Now that people understand what we do - we’ve received a ton of requests to do custom client work, especially weddings and save the date cards!” Parts of their sales benefit organizations such as Save the Children, Meals on Wheels, and United Against Human Trafficking. When asked what their plans for the future are, Nehal said, “We’re currently looking for corporate partners to collaborate with. We’re looking to grow outside of the South Asian space, and into other cultures for the future.” They will be looking to raise a round of funding soon, in order to grow into these other spaces. “Let us know if there’s a store in the Austin area you think The ChitChaat would be a great fit for!” Nehal said. Find @thechitchaat on Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok.

Austin South Asian | April 2021

67th National Film Awards: From Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi To Marakkar, Maharshi

After a year’s delay owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Awards for films that were released in 2019 were announced today. It was a major haul for South Indian cinema with Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham and Maharshi won the Best Film and Best Popular Film, respectively. Dhanush’s role in Asuran won him his second National Award, while Vijay Sethupathi won his first National award for Super Deluxe.

Best Marathi Film: Bardo Best Paniya Film: Kenjira Best Mishing Film: Anu Ruwad Best Khasi Film: Iewduh Best Chattisgarhi Film: Bhulan the Maze

Best Costumes: Sujith and Sai for Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam) Best Production Design: Anandi Gopal (Marathi) Best Editing: Jersey (Telugu)

Best Voice-over/ Narrration: Sir David Attenborough for Wild Karnataka. Best Music Direction: Bishakhjyoti for Kranti Darshi Guruji - Ahead of Times (Hindi)

Here is the full list of awardees: Most Film Friendly State: Sikkim Best Book on Cinema: A Gandhian Affair: India’s Curious Portrayal of Love in Cinema, by Sanjay Suri Best Film Critic: Sohini Chattopadhyay Feature Films Best Direction: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan for Bahattar Hoorain (Hindi) Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Maharishi (Telugu) Best Debut Film of a Director: Mathukutty Xavier for Helen (Malayalam) Best Feature Film: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam) Best Actor: Dhanush (AsuranTamil), Manoj Bajpayee (BhonsleHindi) Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut (Panga, Manikarnika-Hindi) Best Supporting Actor: Vijay Sethupathi (Super Deluxe-Tamil) Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi (The Tashkent Files - Hindi) Best Music Direction: D Imman for Viswasam (Tamil) Best Female Playback Singer: Savani Ravindra (Bardo - Marathi) Best Male Playback Singer: B Praak (Kesari - Hindi) Best Child Artist: Naga Vishal for (KD - Tamil) Best Telugu Film: Jersey Best Malayalam Film: Kalla Nottam Best Tamil Film: Asuran Best Kannada Film: Akshi Best Hindi Film: Chhichhore Best Bengali Film: Gumnaami

cal) Best Cinematography: Savita Singh for Sonsi (Hindi) Best Direction: Sudhanshu Saria for Knock Knock Knock (English/ Bengali) Best Film on Family Values: Oru Paathira Swapnam Pole (Malayalam) Best Short Fiction Film: Custody (Hindi/ English) Special Jury Award: Small Scale Societies (English) Best Animation Film: Radha (Musical) Best Investigative Film: Jakkal (Marathi) Best Exploration Film: Wild Karnataka (English) Best Educational Film: Apples and Oranges (English) Best Film on Social Issues: Holy Rights (Hindi) and Ladli (Hindi) Best Environment Film: The Stork Saviours (Hindi) Best Promotional Film: The Shower (Hindi) Best Arts and Culture Film: Shrikshetra-Ru-Sahijata (Odia) Best Biographical Film: Elephants Do Remember Best Directorial Debut: Raj Pritam More for Khisa (Marathi) Best Film: An Engineered Dream (Hindi)

Best Haryanvi Film: Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti Best Tulu Film: Pingara Best Punjabi Film: Rab Da Radio 2 Best Odia Film: Kalira Atita and Sala Budhar Badla Best Manipuri Film: Eigi Kona Best Konkani Film: Kaajro Best Assamese Film: Ronuwa Who Never Surrender Best Action Direction: Avane Srimannarayana (Kannada) Best Choreography: Maharishi (Telugu) Best Special Effects: Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Malayalam) Special Jury Award: Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Tamil) Best Lyrics: Prabha Varma for Kolaambi (Malayalam) Best Background Music: Prabuddha Banerjee for Jyeshthoputro (Bengali) Best Make-up Artist: Ranjith for Helen (Malayalam)

Best Audiography: Iewduh (Khasi) Best Audiography (Re-recordist of final mixed track): Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Tamil) Best Screenplay (Original): Jyeshthoputro (Bengali) Best Screenplay (Adapted): Gumnaami (Bengali) Best Screenplay (Dialogues): The Tashkent Files (Hindi) Best Cinematography: Jallikattu (Malayalam) Best Children’s Film: Kastoori (Hindi) Best Film on Environment : Water Burial (Monpa) Best Film on Social Issues: Anandi Gopal (Marathi) Best Film on National Integration: Tajmahal (Marathi) Special Mention: Jonaki Porua (Assamese), Lata Bhagwan Kare (Marathi) and Picasso (Marathi) Non-Feature Films

Best Editing: Arjun Gourisaria for Shut Up Sona (Hindi/ English) Best Audiography: Radha (Musi-

(Courtesy: https://www.cinemaexpress.com/)

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Indian American Actress Avantika Vandanapu Cast In Lead Role In Disney TV Movie Centered On Indian Culture

After the Disney Junior animated series, “Mira, Royal Detective,” Disney Channel now has its first original TV movie with an Indian American lead and centered on Indian culture.

which has only grown closer since

Indian American actress Avantika Vandanapu plays the starring role of Rhea Kumar in the film titled, “Spin.” “Spin,” according to a report by Entertainment Tonight, follows Rhea Kumar (Vandanapu), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, her afterschool coding club, her family’s Indian restaurant and her tightknit, multigenerational family,

her mother’s passing, said ET. But

everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max (Michael Bishop) and a long-lost fervor for music is reignited. “Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music but must find the courage to follow her true inner talent,” per ET.

much. This film is about a young girl who discovers a passion for music while exploring her Indian background. I am so excited to start shooting the new @disneychannel original movie - #disneyspin!” Vandanapu wrote on Instagram.

The movie is directed by Manjari Makijany, an Indian writer-director now based in the U.S.

Disney Channel recently released the teaser, saying, “Hey, DJ! Can you play #DisneySpin? Get ready for the allnew #DisneyChannel original movie dropping this summer!”

The cast includes Bollywood actor Abhay Deol as Rhea’s father Arvind, U.K. comedian/actor Meera Syal as Rhea’s grandmother Asha, and Indian American actor Aryan Simhadri as Rhea’s younger brother Rohan. Simhadri has also been cast in the Disney+ remake of “Cheaper By The Dozen.”

“Thank you for this amazing opportunity!! it means so

“I’m so eager to have this movie out in the world – as a reminder

for young Indian girls, and anyone really, to follow their aspirations,” Vandanapu told Entertainment Tonight. The young actor, who now lives in Los Angeles, Calif., but grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, is best known for her role in “Diary of a Future President.” She is well known in the Bay Area Indian American community. She won second place in the first North American edition of Zee TV’s reality series, “Dance India Dance Li’l Masters.” She has played varied roles in several films in Indian cinema. She can also be heard as the voice of Kamala in “Mira, Royal Detective.” No premiere date has been announced as yet. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest. com/)

British Indian Actress Indira Varma Joins ‘Mission: Impossible 7’ Makers of the seventh installment of the popular action-spy series, “Mission: Impossible,” have added five more actors, including British Indian actress Indira Varma, to its already sprawling ensemble cast, reports ANI.

members was leaked online. In the recording, Cruise blasted the crew for breaking COVID-19 safety protocols, a move that was

carved out an incredible career onstage and on-screen. Her television credits include the award-winning hit HBO series,

Also joining the series are Cary Elwes, Rob Delaney, Charles Parnell, and Mark Gatiss. According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Christopher McQuarrie announced the additional cast on Instagram March 11, along with black-and-white teaser images of each. The upcoming actionadventure film from Paramount Pictures also stars Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Angela Bassett and Frederick Schmidt, reprising their roles in the franchise. The Tom Cruise starrer also has Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham, and Esai Morales as franchise newcomers joining the film, as previously announced. As per The Hollywood Reporter, in December, an audio recording purportedly of Cruise shouting at crew

appeared as Shami Chakrabarti in the thriller, “Official Secrets,” with Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Matthew Goode and Matt Smith. Varma, best known for Mira Nair’s “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love,” and Gurinder Chadha’s “Bride & Prejudice” opposite Aishwarya Rai, played the role of Piety Breakspear in the Amazon original series, “Carnival Row,” starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne. In her prolific theater career,

Varma’s highlights include Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus” (Globe Theatre), opposite Ralph Fiennes in “Man and Superman,” Bianca in “Othello,” “Ivanov” (all at the National Theatre), “Twelfth Night,” “The Vortex,” “Dance of Death,” “Privates on Parade” (all at the Donmar Warehouse), and “The Vertical Hour,” “The Country,” “Ingredient X” (all at the Royal Court). (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest. com/)

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hailed by some for taking the pandemic seriously, while others felt the actor crossed the line with his abusive behavior. “Mission: Impossible 7” is scheduled to release on Nov. 19 and a sequel, which is being filmed backto-back, is slated for Nov. 4, 2022.

“Game of Thrones,” “Luther” (BBC), “Silk” (BBC), “Rome” (HBO), “Human Target” (Fox), “Paranoid” (Netflix), the Emmy Award-nominated drama, “Patrick Melrose” (Showtime/Sky Atlantic), starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and “This Way Up” (Channel 4 and Hulu).

Varma, who is currently starring on the ABC drama, “For Life,” has

Varma, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, also

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