Austin south asian january 15 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 8 No. 01

Indian-Origin Murthy To Republic Day of India Become US Surgeon General

US senate voted to confirm Vivek Murthy as the next surgeon general, a position often called

America’s Doctor. He is the first Indian American to hold and the

position, and the youngest. His confirmation also marked a major defeat for the powerful gun lobby spearheaded by the National Rifles Association, which had lobb i e d h a r d w i t h senators to block a vote. (Continued On Page 17)

New Year’s Resolution

As the authors of Book of Odds, a collection of statistics about everyday life, we love the New Year. The slate is wiped clean and we get to look at what resolutions people make and how long the keep them. According to a study by the University of Scranton, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 are: 1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized 3. Spend Less, Save More 4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest 5. Staying Fit and Healthy

By Ashwin Ghatalia On January 24, 2015, the Indian

celebrate the 66th anniversary of India’s Republic Ray (the official

Letter To The Editor.....04 Encourage Children.....05 College Education.......07 Future Of Travel.........08 Pace to visit in 2015....09 Weight Loss Plan........10 Kids on Vacation.........10 Richard Verma............11 New Year Resolution...12 Expectant Parents......13

American Coalition of Texas (IACT) is hosting a banquet to

Republic Day is January 26). (Continued on page 23)

February 2015

ICC – India Community Legal Special 512-828-6709 Center of Austin

By Bala Kumar Moving from one place to another is never an easy decision. It is like uprooting a plant from its current state and replanting to a new location. The new location might have its own charm and associations but not before cutting through the settling teething issues.

6. Learn Something Exciting 7. Quit Smoking 8. Help Others in Achieving Their Dreams ( Continued on page 12)

inside January 2015

Several years ago when we decided to move to Austin, (Continued On Page 18)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Best Wishes from Austin South Asian

Tax Special.............14,15 TIE Launches Billion Dollar Babies Project........17 How Does Garden.......18 ICC ...........................18 Predictions.................19 Poems By Arun...........20 Community Calendar...20 Job Seekers - Better Impression In 2015.........21 Childrens Page............22 IACT Celebrates..........23 Dance event...............24 Comic........................24 Entertainment........25,26

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Letter To The Editor

FROM THE EDITOR 2015 is here. New Year means different aspirations for different people.

For one who wants to lose weight it is a new turning point and solid start date to pick up the effort that tapered off at some point during earlier year. For a business person it is time to make sales and budget plans for the New Year. For students it is time to get more organized and focused towards their studies and other school activities.

about to make. Another major activity for next few months for most, is filing Tax returns to IRS. Our January issue special focuses on Tax matters. We are carrying some useful article related to Tax on page 14-15 and hopefully it helps our readers. You can also email your questions on tax issue and our tax experts will answer them in February 2015 issue of Austin South Asian. Pl email it to info@austinsouthasian.com.

For others, it could be the time to review 2014 activities and work on plans to fix the broken components, if any, and improve during 2015.

We also have Republic day function on Jan 24th organized by IACT and the chief guest of the function is Mr. Parvathaneni Harish, Consul General of India. We encourages everyone to be part of this event.

What does New Year really bestow on us all – Hope.

Please also check community calendar page for other activities during Jan 2015.

In this issue, we are carrying an article on most popular New Year resolution with some statistics on how they were met or not met (for earlier year). We can learn from earlier experience and strengthen our commitment towards the resolution we are

And finally, from Austin South Asian team wish you all HAPPY NEW YEAR.

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

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Bala Kumar Editor info@Austin South Asian.com

Dear Editor, In response to the post titled “Make a Difference” in the Dec 2014 edition of the Austin South Asian news magazine, I would like to present another point of view on behalf of the Art of Living Foundation. We are sorry to learn that Vidya did not have a pleasant experience. As an organization, we are committed to serving our participants with the highest quality and care as they embark on this journey to become more aware and tap into inner peace and happiness. It appears the participant had preconceived expectations; however I would like to highlight that the workshop, which includes several games and activities, is uniquely designed to enhance connectedness and the ability to be free and natural. It leverages games and other experiential techniques to not only make learning more interesting but also integrate it’s application in our life. The instructors are strong pillars supporting the development of the participants.

How International Trade May be Impacting Your Local Economy

Many new jobs in local towns nationwide are coming from a somewhat unexpected place, according to new statistics. L o c a l jobs nationwide are increasingly tied to consumers and businesses abroad, say researchers. T h e s e days, international trade supports more than one in five American jobs -- 38.1 million across the country -- according to research from Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of major U.S. companies. Increasing evidence points to the importance of international trade to the American economy and to local businesses and communities, as the share of U.S. jobs tied to trade more than doubled from 1992 to 2011. These jobs span a range of industries from technology and agriculture across 50 states. (Continued on page 8)

Given the experiential nature of the program, we do not give handouts at the onset of the program, instead share take-home materials at the end of the seminar. This program has been applauded not only locally in Austin but also globally as millions of participants have experienced peace and happiness with tools that have allowed them to manage their mind & stress in a healthy manner . The Austin chapter of the Foundation has been involved in several other service initiatives for the community such as Weekly free yoga & meditation for the community, Onion Creek flood clean up, Tree Plantation with Tree-Folks, Austin Recovery Center programs etc. We would like to continue supporting Vidya as she uses the new skills acquired in this program and wish her the very best. Thanks, Arvind Raghunathan Volunteer and Instructor Art of Living Foundation

ATTENTION SOUTH ASIAN NONPROFIT’S IN AUSTIN We are updating NON-PROFIT organizations contact list and will publish the information for the benefit of our readers so that they can reach you for getting event and happenings information. So help us update the information by providing following input: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Name of the Non-profit Name of the contact person Contact telephone number Email id Web site (URL) Pl email this information to:

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Austin South Asian | January 2015

Encourage Children To Learn More About Science And Nature At Playtime

Have any budding scientists in your family? If your children are fascinated by nature, dinosaurs and other cool science subjects, you can help foster their interests by turbo charging their playtime to fit their favorite topics. “Learning is not just for the classroom or a formal setting,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, early childhood development expert and member of VTech’s Expert Panel. “Teachable moments happen naturally every day, and you can create some of your own, too.” Here are some great educational playtime ideas for your budding paleontologists and naturalists: • Dino-mite Makeover: Transform your child’s bedroom or play area into a prehistoric retreat with dino clings on the walls, stencils, and dinosaur bedding. Help your child identify the different dinosaurs on each. • Field Trip: Visit the dinosaur exhibit at a local museum. Some museums even have sleepovers

where kids can sleep under the dinosaurs! Or take a trip to the zoo or aquarium.

transforms with the push of a button and gets a turbo boost for a burst of speed.

It’s the perfect way to expose children to a wide variety of animals that may be new to them.

Also check out Digger the Woolly Mammoth, a prehistoric powerhouse that transforms into an excavator.

Bring along a notebook and let kids sketch animals and make scientific observations about the animals’ behaviors. • Dinosaur-Themed Toys: “Toys can be so much more than a distraction,” says Eliot. “Look for toys that let kids play creatively and engage in imaginative play.” New innovative toys let kids act out prehistoric scenes. For example, Switch & Go Dinos Turbo, from VTech, a leader in ageappropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children, feature fun and creativity. The toys combine dinosaurs and vehicles, providing a 2-in-1 imaginative and stimulating play experience. A new dynamic remote control dino, Bronco the RC Triceratops,

Kids can press the action buttons to hear cool, educational dinosaur facts and phrases, providing a fun and enriching playtime. More information can be found at www.vtechkids.com/switchandgodinos. • Reading time: Foster a love of reading while encouraging kids’ natural wonder by visiting your local library and exploring subjects like dinosaurs, earth science and astronomy. By locating books that pique your kids’ interests, you can help develop a lifetime love of learning. With a bit of creative parenting, you can maximize playtime, cultivate interests and encourage learning in one fell swoop.

Help College-Age Children Resolve To Manage Their Finances Better In The New Year Unfortunately, one of the most expensive times in one’s life, is when he or she tend to be the least financially savvy -- college.

• As tuition costs continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to understand your college funding options.

through banks and private lenders with competitive rates that don’t require payments while you’re still in school.

But good money management during those years is the best way to keep a college career on path.

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is the first step toward obtaining financial aid.

• Manage debt: Paying student loans on time is important. Avoid late fees and mounting interest by sticking to your repayment schedule.

Parents and guardians can help their children become more financially savvy. Here are a few ways college-age kids and their families can make sustainable financial health resolutions in the New Year.

Completing and sending your FAFSA form as soon after January 1 of each year as possible can increase your chances of receiving the maximum amount of financial aid you qualify for. Also,

explore

private

loans

Even though some loan payments are deferred until college is over, the earlier you can proactively plan for this the better. (Continued On Page 08)

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© 2014 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Life Insurance is issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its affiliates. Securities offered by Pruco Securities, LLC (member SIPC). Each is a Prudential Financial company. The availability of other products varies by carrier and state. Prudential is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ. Prudential is an Employer that participates in E-Verify. 0222647-00006-00 Expires 10/28/2015

Austin South Asian | January 2015

How to Plan for your Childs College Education arship database with more than $18 billion in combined scholarships. These tools are on the company’s new “plan for college” section of its website at Salliemae.com/ planforcollege.

Planning for life’s major financial hurdles is critical and when it comes to college, a plan can have a dramatic influence on how families are able to finance a degree. That said, only 38 percent of American families today have developed a plan to pay for college, according to the 2014 “How America Pays for College” report by Sallie Mae and Ipsos. What’s more, only 40 percent of American families with college aspirations have a contingency plan in case of an unexpected event, which onethird of families typically encounter. For many families, creating a financial plan or even starting to save for college can be daunting. But those who do strategize a plan statistically borrow less, making it especially critical for families who have, or will have, two or three kids attending college at the same time.

Luckily, many resources are available to help demystify the process, and they’re free. For instance, many high schools have a career center and guidance counselors who can offer information about specific schools and scholarship opportunities.

Online tools can also prove a valuable resource. For example, Sallie Mae has launched a suite of new, user-friendly tools, including a College Planning Calculator where families can create a customized plan to pay for college, as well as a schol-

Mobile resources, such as the new app “College Ahead,” are specifically designed to help college bound students take the next step, providing an interactive roadmap for saving and planning for college. Lastly, families should consider applying for federal student aid on an annual basis, no matter what their financial status. To fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), visit www.FAFSA. ed.gov. It’s never too early or too late to start saving or planning for college. With 98 percent of families agreeing that college is a worthy investment, as much planning as possible can set families on the path to success. (StatePoint)

Get the Low Down on Low Down Payments You may have heard the rule of thumb that you shouldn’t buy a home unless you can put down 20 percent of the purchase price. However, today’s home buyers have many choices when it comes to the size of the down payment.

While this magic number of 20 percent will save you from paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage, you can pay considerably less than this if you want. “Today’s consumers persistently overestimate the size of a down payment they need to finance a home,” says Christina Boyle,

SVP and Head of Single-Family Sales & Relationship Management at Freddie Mac.

affordable home prices in many parts of the country, make it an attractive time to consider buying.

According to the results of a recent survey conducted by Zelman & Associates, 39 percent of those surveyed estimated that the minimum down payment requirement for a home is at least 15 percent of the purchase price. The reality is quite different however, as qualified buyers can get a conventional mortgage with a down payment of as little as three percent.

“If putting 20 percent down will deplete all of your savings and leave you with no financial cushion, it’s probably not in your best interest,” she says.

In fact, recent statistics show more than one in five borrowers who took out conventional mortgages in 2014 put down 10 percent or less. Educating potential homeowners on the rules of down payments – and available assistance programs – plays a large role in getting qualified borrowers off the sidelines and into homeownership, according to Boyle, who also notes that today’s historically low mortgage rates, coupled with

If you don’t put down 20 percent, the cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed. While it’s no doubt an added cost, it enables buyers to purchase now and begin building equity versus waiting five to 10 years to build enough savings for a larger down payment. Additionally, once you’ve built equity of 20 percent in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that added expense from your monthly payment. New homeownership opportunities are poised to grow. Carefully evaluate your finances to determine how much you can afford and talk with your lender or housing professional about what makes best sense for you and your particular situation. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | January 2015

Space? Ocean Depths? Experts Predict The Future Of Travel

As you book your next vacation, it doesn’t hurt to think ahead -way ahead. Technology is changing everything about the way we live, work and play, and travel is no exception. Indeed, Earth’s orbit and the depths of the oceans will become vacation destinations over the next decade, according to predictions laid out in the third part of “Future of Travel 2024,” a report conducted by Skyscanner, a leading global travel search engine. “Future travelers will be able to take advantage of truly tailored adventures in space and beyond due to technological innovations on the horizon,” says Filip Filipov, Head of B2B, Skyscanner. Intrigued? Here are three areas of travel where you can expect to see dramatic changes in the not so distant future, according to the report. Space and Sea For travelers, space tourism is an emerging frontier. Travelers will be able to enter Earth’s low orbit to experience the stunning curvature of the globe from an ultra-high altitude. Looking beyond 2024, space travelers may soon be able to enjoy the view suspended in sky resorts con-

taining zero-gravity spas, space gliders and space observatories where guests can even experience weightlessness. “Even more exciting than being

already exist as novelty destinations, a new wave of innovators are scaling up the concept, aiming to build entire resorts under the waves -- including spas, gardens and pools, all with aquarium style-windows allowing guests to go outside in diving gear. Hyper-personalized Hotels Forget the television, hotel room walls will one day be fully interactive, capable of playing films, showing pictures, displaying video calls from loved ones and even providing frosting for private work spaces within the room. “As a response to advances in technology and peer-to-peer travel, hotels will empower guests with incredible levels of hyper-personalization,” says Filipov.

able to jet off into outer space will be the possibility of flying in low orbital space planes that will radically cut inter-continental flight times, even eliminating jetlag in the process,” says Filipov. Journeys to the bottom of the sea are predicted to be a much more mainstream, affordable and fashionable alternative to space travel. While underwater hotel rooms

“Travelers will be able to book rooms through their mobile devices where everything from the air temperature to shower settings is set specifically for them.” New Destinations to Discover Bragging rights are a perennial travel motivator. In 2024, travelers seeking unique journeys that will make them the envy of friends and family will have no shortage of choices. So for those who are tired of the same old vacation spots year after year, your travel search will soon contain once impossible destination.

(Continued from page 4)

How International Trade May be Impacting Your Local Economy And recent free trade agreements have led to rapid U.S. export growth to partner countries, according to Business Roundtable. America’s free trade partners purchased $733 billion in U.S. goods in 2013 -- 12.6 times more per capita than non-partner countries purchased. What it all boils down to, say experts, is that countries that trade with the U.S. buy more American products. And increased trade drives foreign companies to create more jobs in the U.S., by locating research facilities, laboratories and plants throughout the country. “American innovation and global competitiveness depend on our ability to trade with the rest of the world,” said Peter Cleveland, vice president of Global Public Policy at Intel Corporation. “More than three-quarters of Intel’s revenue comes from sales outside the U.S., while roughly threequarters of Intel’s advanced microprocessor manufacturing and R&D is done here in the U.S.” Given these trends, Congress is currently considering new legislation that could help foster new trade agreements and potentially drive future growth, as well. America’s Chief Trade Negotiator, Ambassador Michael Froman, expressed support for the effort in his testimony on the 2014 Trade Agenda, “Done right, trade policy creates opportunities for American workers, farmers and ranchers; manufacturers and service providers; innovators, creators, investors and businesses -- large and small.” However, not everyone is sold on the pending trade agreements. Some labor groups have expressed concern over the impact of increased international competition on domestic job creation, trade deficit reduction and the government’s ability to prevent currency manipulation.(StatePoint)

Help College-Age Children Resolve To Manage Their Finances Better In The New Year (Continued From Page 05) Generally, if you aim to keep your loan payment to no more than 1015 percent of your anticipated post-college income, you should be able to maintain a realistic repayment timeline, according to Wells Fargo, which provides discounts such as automatic payment enrollment and relationship discounts for students or cosigners who already have a student loan or qualifying consumer checking account with Wells Fargo. • Establish a budget. Whether your child is working and making

their own spending money, or living on an allowance you provide, help them take better control of that money so they don’t create unplanned debt later on. Online tools, such as Wells Fargo’s Cash Flow Worksheet, can help students document what they are spending. If there are extra funds at the end of the month, parents can encourage students to boost savings to cover future college expenses, spring break vacation with friends, and life after school.

• Good credit is a must-have for most major life purchases. Students can start to build a credit foundation while still in school.

management for college students and their families are available at blogs.WellsFargo.com/StudentLoanDown/.

Consider a card with a low-introductory rate that offers cash back on gas, grocery, and drug store credit purchases to free up more money for other necessities like textbooks and emergency situations.

A higher education and a financial

Encourage your student to actively monitor the account by signing up for mobile banking alerts. More resources for smart money

education can go hand in hand. Help your child make smart financial decisions amidst the newfound freedom of college life.

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Austin South Asian | January 2015

Make A Difference Five Places to Travel in 2015 Predicted to Give the Best Bang for Your Buck - Rethink Pink By Vidya Kumar Recently we had a block party in front of our house. Needless to say the arrangements like chairs, tables, or anything that anyone forgot was supplied from our home. Someone, brought tricycles for kids to play- one was pink and the other blue. As the families started coming to the event and the crowd grew, the kids of all ages started participating in the outdoor activities. Some of the kids were keen on playing with the tricycles, the girls did not have any hesitation in playing with either color of the tricycle. However, the boys were all fighting over the blue tricycle, even though the pink one was available. There was absolutely no difference in either of the tricycles, except for the color yet, the boys would not even try the pink one and no amount of parental reasoning helped convince them. I was amazed that at such a young

age these kids have been influenced not to choose pink. When we were growing up we were not taught about colors being gender specific. But in America a child’s upbringing seems to be centered around colors. I know this demarcation is slowly being erased, as I have noticed men at the office wearing pink or variation of pink colored shirts, while it seems among our children we still have a long way to go. It’s important to teach our children that colors are neutral and should not be attributed to gender. Pink is a beautiful color that represents unconditional love and nurturing and this trait should not just be embraced by women, who only make up half the population but a 100% of the population, including men need to embody this trait for us all to have a better world. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.

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Looking to get more out of your vacation dollar? Before booking, take a cue from the experts.

Each year, Travelzoo predicts where American travelers are likely to find the best bang for their buck. Last year, they correctly forecast how European

Brazil

Brazil had a great year in 2014 when hosting the World Cup, and the country has more to look forward to when it hosts the 2016 Olympics. All that investment in infrastructure will put pressure on domestic travel companies to

rea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Thailand. Royal Caribbean International is even moving its newest ship, “Quantum of the Seas,” to Shanghai. As cruise lines compete to fill their cabins, expect to see more deals. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has long appealed to American travelers: no U.S. passports are required to visit, English is spoken and the U.S. dollar is accepted. Thanks to new routes and increased services from airports around the U.S. in recent months (from JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines), flights to Puerto Rico are now among the cheapest in the Caribbean. Travelzoo anticipates this trend will continue in 2015. Dubai

river cruises would offer tremendous value in 2014. This year they are highlighting five new destinations, including Texas Hill Country. “Our 2015 prediction offers an eclectic mix of destinations, but all have a common theme: increased infrastructure and competition, which means deals, deals, deals for the American traveler,” says Gabe Saglie, senior editor for Travelzoo. From Asia’s tantalizing cities to the vibrant colors of Rio de Janeiro, here is where Travelzoo says Americans can score a terrific deal in the coming year: Texas Hill Country The downtown landscapes of Austin and San Antonio are transforming at light-speed as visitors, businesses and new residents continue to flock to the two cities. To meet this demand, nearly a half-dozen new hotels are set to open in 2015, including properties from JW Marriott, Kimpton and Westin.

entice international travelers to the region. Expect to see some great discounts on hotels -- including 400 new properties that will be operational before the Olympics. Travelers from Florida can also take advantage of the increased competition generated from new airline routes to Brazil. Cruising Asia China might not seem like an obvious choice for cruising, but Shanghai has poured serious money into cruising infrastructure; including the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, which can handle the world’s largest ships. As a result, cruise lines are adding new ships and itineraries throughout Asia, including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Ko-

Despite a huge hotel expansion to support the upcoming World Expo in 2020, Dubai experienced its lowest occupancy rate in 18 years this past summer. Lots of space to fill equates to discounted hotel rooms. Add to this the fact that Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport is gearing up for a $32 billion expansion over the next decade, and it could mean 2015 is the right time to get ahead of the crowds. For more information and deals to Travelzoo’s 2015 Wow Deal Destinations visit www.Travelzoo. com/Destinations/wow2015. If the experts have it right again this year, Americans will be able to save a small fortune on travel to once-in-a-lifetime destinations in 2015. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | January 2015

Five Quick Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Weight Loss Resolution

New Year’s Resolutions are easier to make than to keep, especially when it comes to dieting. While life can often seem at odds with your health and fitness goals, there are plenty of ways to avoid common pitfalls this New Year and stay on the weight loss track. • Snack and drink smart: When you’re one-the-go, easy proteinpacked snacks will help you stay on track. Try beef jerky, low-fat string cheese, or 100 calorie packs of almonds. Fiber-rich wholegrains, fruits and vegetables can also help keep hunger at bay. Calories from drinks add up fast. Stick with dry wines, as they often have fewer calories than sweeter varieties. Light beers, with approximately 100 calories for every 12 ounce serving, are also a good choice. If you prefer cocktails, use calorie-free mixers, such as seltzer with 1.5 oz. of

spirits. • Make it easy: Dieting should be easy. Most people often complain they fail at diets because they need to constantly count calories, or weigh a n d m e a s u r e foods. L o o k for programs t h a t h e l p y o u stick to your goals by offering convenience and support. For example, Nutrisystem helps with the hard part -- the counting, weighing and measuring -- by of-

fering pre-portioned and personalized meal plans designed to fuel individuals with the right amount of calories for how their metabolism burns, as well as satisfy individual taste. And with their Fast

week of dieting. You’ll see results quickly, giving you motivation to keep going. There’s no better time than now to start your weight loss journey and make your pledge to lose. To learn more, visit www.Nutrisystem. com or the Nutrisystem Facebook page to #pledgetolose today. • Eat out, right: Eating out is sometimes unavoidable. Just be sure to check out a restaurant’s nutrition information online before you go, so you can make wise choices.

5+ kit, you can jumpstart your weight loss, since it promises to help you lose five pounds plus an inch off your waist in your first

Make substitutions like salad, with dressing on the side, instead of fries and don’t be afraid to ask if a menu item can be modified.

Also, be mindful of portion sizes. Take half your meal home and enjoy it for tomorrow’s lunch. • Facing the scale: Weight fluctuates throughout the day. Weigh yourself at the same time of day in similar weight clothing to get the most accurate readings. Remember though, the number on the scale won’t always reflect your hard work. Focus instead on healthy, positive changes and how you feel. • Aim for 30: Squeeze 30 minutes of activity into your day. Walk during lunch, jump rope during your favorite nightly TV show or turn on music and dance around the house. Remember, everyone falls off the wagon from time to time, but the New Year is the perfect time to commit to your weight loss goals. (StatePoint)

Don’t Let Kid’s Brains Go On Vacation During Holiday Season You may have heard of “summer slide” – when those summer months cause kids to lose all that glorious information and knowledge they acquired during the school year. But even shorter breaks can cause education rifts for students, too.

If you are in between semesters, there may not be any official studying to do, but kids can keep their minds moving with supplemental learning. For example, if your child studied “As I Lay

that use creative techniques to engage students. For example, Shmoop, an online curriculum and test prep provider, offers original content that is fun without being cheesy. For example,

Dying” in school, make a movie night of it. Pop some popcorn and invite his or her friends over to watch the film version of the novel. Fun Learning Tools Consider online learning tools

the site has a “Pride and Prejudice” course which asks students to create OkCupid profiles for Lizzy, Jane, and Lydia Bennet.

Not to worry. You can help dampen this effect by making sure kids use their brains over the holidays. The only requirement: make it fun. Here are a few ideas to keep your children’s brains busy during holiday breaks: Study Buddies Whether your children pair up with just one friend or an entire crowd, consider making studying a social event. Add some festivity to the affair by serving snacks and desserts. Around the holidays, you might even include a themed gift exchange for added appeal.

“Even if it’s not 100 percent related to what your child is studying,

fun tools and content can spark new interests,” says David Siminoff, founder and chief creative officer of Shmoop. For example, the site’s “Shakespearean Translator” translates anything students type into “super authentic Shakespearean English,” turning even resistant readers into Shakespeare aficionados. Additionally, the site has online courses on subjects that will definitely keep kids’ brains stimulated without feeling like a snoozefest. For example, short courses like “Breaking Bad as Literature,” “The World According to Dr. Seuss,” and “Bruce Springsteen`s America,” can make holiday learning a treat. Educational Videos It’s no surprise that kids love television and movies. So why not mimic the experience with educational videos? Whether it’s a historical documentary or a mathoriented instructional video, the audiovisual format is a great ves-

sel for many learners – especially those on vacation. Incentivize For students who need motivation beyond the pursuit of knowledge or the satisfaction of better grades, consider a rewards system. Offering prizes for books read or lessons completed could be just the encouragement needed to get kids focused on academics over the holidays. Shmoop’s “Math Shack” takes this concept to heart, awarding badges and “Shmoints,” a virtual currency. No matter what your child is learning, a bit of material incentive can prove useful when helping kids set and achieve goals. Cookies can’t hurt, either. More information can be found at www.Shmoop.com. The holiday season is not necessarily a time to be bored by schoolwork. But it’s also no excuse to shut down all brain function. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Richard Verma Seen As ‘Super Bridge’ Between U.S. And India

Newly-confirmed U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma would act as a “super bridge” between the two countries, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has said, according to a PTI report.

nership, the United States could have no better representative in India than Rich Verma,” said Albright, who is chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, where Verma until recently worked as a senior counselor.

“We know his appointment comes at a crucial time in our bilateral relations with India, and I believe Rich will act as a superb bridge between our two nations,” she said in a statement a day after Verma was confirmed by the Senate by a voice vote.

“On behalf of Albright Stonebridge Group and my fellow

“He (Verma) will play an integral part in planning President (Barack) Obama’s trip to India in January to participate in the Republic Day celebration, the first time ever a U.S. president will have the honor,” she said. Verma, 46, is first Indian American to be the U.S. ambassador to India. “As our two countries broaden and strengthen their strategic part-

chairs, Samuel Berger and Carlos Gutierrez, I congratulate Richard Verma on his confirmation to serve as the next U.S. ambassador

to India,” she said. Indian Americans described the Senate confirmation as a historic day. “It is a historic day for the Indian American community and Indians at large. It is days of celebration of joy in confirmation of the nomination of our new ambassador to India, Indian American Richard Verma,” said Sampat Shivangi, national president of the IndianAmerican Forum for Political Education.

nal Caucus on India and Indian Americans, released a statement asserting that Verma “is a skilled and accomplished professional who brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. He is fully committed to strengthening U.S.-India ties, and I look forward to continuing to work with Rich as we move this important relationship forward.” Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus also released statements congratulating Verma.

Soon after his confirmation, Verma received congratulations from members of Congress. “I have worked with him personally and know he is committed to growing the partnership between India and the U.S. at this critical moment in our relationship and I look forward to working with him,” Congressman Ami Bera said.

“I know that Mr. Verma’s distinguished career in public service and strong expertise in human rights and national security will play an invaluable role in strengthening the ties between the U.S. and India. I wish Mr. Verma the best in his new role,” CAPAC chair Congresswoman Judy Chu said.

Congressman Joe Crowley, vice chair of the Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the Congressio-

“As India enters an important transitional period, it’s an enormous asset to have someone

with his extensive foreign policy experience in this critical role. I believe that Ambassador Verma’s unique perspective as an Indian American will allow him to better appreciate the intricacies and nuances of our critical partnership with the Indian government,” added CAPAC Chair Emeritus Congressman Mike Honda “The relationship between the United States and India is of critical importance. Mr. Verma will be advancing our shared interests, as we work together to pursue peace, stability, and economic growth in the AsiaPacific region, and address a wide range of global challenges,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Congressman Charles B. Rangel noted that “This nomination represents a momentous step in our relationship with India, but also represents an important milestone our country has made to support diversity at the highest levels of our diplomatic corps.”

Senator Rand Paul Seeks Support Of Indian American Physicians

Tea Party favorite Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for president, wants the support of members of the Indian American physician community, if he decides to run for the presidency in 2016. A physician himself, Paul, meeting with Dr. Sampat Shivangi, president of the Indian American Forum for Political Education, at a Mississippi GOP state party victory event in Jackson, Miss., said that he is considering forming a national coalition of physicians and he hopes the influential American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin would take a leadership role in such an effort, Shivangi told. Rockin Jump -300x250 “Senator Paul is much interested to bag the early support of Indian

Americans, specially the influential Indian American physician group,” Shivangi said. “I was impressed with his depth of knowledge of India and Indian Americans and their contribution in economical, medical and U.S. political spheres.” “It will not be out of place for the Indian American community to develop and build relations with (the) possible next leader of the free world,” Shivangi added.

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Austin South Asian | January 2015

The Odds Of Actually Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution

(Continued From Page 01) . Fall in Love 10. Spend More Time with Family

Staying fit and healthy is an aspiration but less than half of us are willing to do much to achieve it, especially as they get older.

1. Lose Weight Since 1 in 2.8 (35.6%) of adults in the US is obese and 1 in 2.6 (38.5%) of adults believe he/she is overweight, it’s not surprising that losing weight is the top resolution for 2014. Barbie and Ken haven’t gained a pound since 1959, but alas most of us have.

In the US, 1 in 1.7 adults 18-24 get the recommended amount of exercise a week and the odds drop as people get older, to 1 in 1.9 of those 25 to 34, 1 in 2 for those 35 to 64 and 1 in 2.5 for those 65 and older. If only paying for a gym membership did the trick by itself!

2. Getting Organized The average office employee spends 1.5 hours a day (6 weeks per year) looking for things. Americans spend 9 million hours looking for things. The top five items men look for in their homes were clean socks, remote control, wedding album, car keys and their driver’s license.

6. Learn something exciting The Department of Labor estimates that the average worker will switch careers 3 to 5 times during their working life.

For women, the top five items were a favorite pair of shoes, child’s toy, wallet, lipstick and the remote control. 3. Save More During 2013, the personal savings rate or savings as a percent of disposable personal income, was about 4.5%. Thus the odds a dollar of personal income was saved in 2013 was 1 in 22.2. Current levels of saving are an improvement over the 2007 rate of 2.6% (1 in 38.7) but still a far cry from the 1971 height of 13.3% (1 in 7.5). What are the odds an adult has no savings at all? 1 in 3.2 or 31% of American adults. 4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest We work way too hard. The odds an American doesn’t plan on taking all his or her vacation are 1 in 4, and half of those who vacation work or think about it during their time off. Play is as important to us as it is to cats. The odds an hour of a man’s day will be spent at leisure or play are 1 in 4.1. The odds an hour of a woman’s day will be spent at leisure or play are 1 in 4.8 5. Staying Fit and Healthy

lot of dream help! The odds a man volunteered in 2012 were 1 in 4.3, and the odds a woman volunteered in 2013 were 1 in 3.4. 9. Fall in love The odds an adult believes in love at first sight are 1 in 1.9, over half of us! The odds an adult believes there is any number of people with whom she or he could fall in love are 1 in 4.2. 10. Spend more time with family

Continuing education can help a person pick a career that matches their abilities and interests. Not everyone attends continuing education classes for professional reasons. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people enroll in personal enrichment classes every year to learn new things and meet new people. The odds an employed person is engaged in: • In career- or job-related courses: 1 in 2.6 • In apprenticeship programs: 1 in 71.4 • In personal interest courses: 1 in 4.6 • In informal learning activities for personal interest: 1 in 1.4 7. Quit Smoking In 2011, 19% of people 18 and over (1 in 5.3) smoke. In 2013, most people who smoked wanted to quit smoking all together (1 in 1.4 or 70%) but 1 in 2.5 (40%) will try to quit this year. However, a small minority, 1 in 14 or 7%, will succeed in quitting on their first attempt. 8. Help Others in Achieving Their Dreams Americans are remarkably generous with their time. Over 64 million people volunteered in the last year, which is more than the population of the U.K. That’s a

About 23% (1 in 4.4) of adults spend time helping household members, while about 20% (1 in 5) spend time helping their children. The average time spent per week on each of these activities is two hours. One of our favorite family activities is reading to kids at bedtime. The odds? A wonderful 1 in 1.2 parents read to their 3 to 5 year

olds weekly. The Bottom Line Of the 317 million adults in the US only 1 in 2.2 make a New Year’s resolution. Of these 1 in 8 or 17.8 million will keep it for a year. Don’t lose hope though. It turns out people who make a New Year’s resolution are 10 times more likely to change their lives than those who don’t. Amram Shapiro, Louise Firth

Campbell and Rosalind Wright are the authors of Book of Odds, From Lightning Strikes to Love at First Sight which collects the odds of everyday life and published by HarperCollins and William Morrow. NEW YEAR RESOLUTION STATISTISCS Source: University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Ten Tips for Expectant Parents

Finding out you’re going to be a parent can be both exciting and stressful. But preparation makes for a smoother transition. To help, Lindsay Pinchuk, mother of two, and founder and CEO of Bump Club and Beyond, a “mommy hub,” is offering 15 mental and logistical preparation tips:

connect moms and moms-to-be.

and gentle on skin, such as Huggies Natural Care Wipes.

Bringing a baby into the world is hard work. Accept help from friends and family.

• Get informed. Take an infant CPR class. Bring your significant other and anyone who will be caring for the baby.

• Shower yourself. When creating a registry, don’t overlook useful items you’ll need the most. Include diapers, like Huggies Little Snugglers, which provide outstanding skin care for your newborn’s delicate skin. Wipes are also essential. Look for ones with Triple Clean Layers that are tough on messes

• Get a bouncer. Decide who’s invited into the delivery room and let the nurses and your loved ones or partner enforce your policy. • Be CEO of your family. When it comes to parenting decisions, listen to advice, but don’t be pressured into not doing what’s best for your family. • Bump up your social circle. Friends with kids around the same age as yours can be a valuable asset for parenting advice and gettogethers. Event companies like Bump Club and Beyond help

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• Learn basics. Find a class that teaches basics, such as how to diaper, swaddle and bathe your baby. • Read the manual. Babies don’t come with a manual, but their gear does. Be sure to read lifesaving information like your car seat manual. • Hug it out. Skin-to-skin contact with the baby right after birth helps regulate the baby’s breathing and heartbeat, and keeps him or her warm and prepared to nurse. • Pack Early. Pack your hospital bag a few weeks beforehand. The hospital is no hotel, so don’t for-

get shampoo, conditioner an extra pillow, flip flops for the shower, a robe and an extra bag. • Hoard. Many hospitals will send you home with ice packs, disposable underwear and other supplies to help aid recovery. Take what you can! More tips and expert advice are available at Huggies.com. Still stressed? Take a deep breath and relax in the knowledge that no matter what happens, the love you’ll feel for your baby is indescribable. (StatePoint)

To Advertise in ASA call 512828-6709

Austin South Asian | January 2015

TAX SPECIAL

By Sean Williams Source: StockMonkeys.com via Flickr. The upcoming change of the calendar from 2014 to 2015 brings a number of critical tax changes that consumers need to be aware of if they wish to maximize their income and minimize the amount of taxes they pay.

The Biggest Tax Changes for 2015

ing taxpayers to one IRA rollover per year.

All of the aforementioned IRAs count as a single plan. Thus, if you have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA and want to roll them both over into a different IRA, you would have to choose

question are a Flexible Spending Account, or FSA, and a Health Saving Account, or HSA.

FSAs have a maximum annual contribution limit of $2,550 as of 2015. Prior to 2013, the unused bal-

Although Congress’ intent was to ensure that not all FSA money was lost if it wasn’t used, giving up the ability to use a more flexible HSA may not be a good choice. Each situation will be different, but your best bet might be los-

Since 2001, Congress has enacted more than 5,000 tax code changes, and this doesn’t even include the inflation-adjusted changes that the Internal Revenue Service implements each year.

With that in mind, today we’ll take a look at a few of the biggest tax changes for 2015 and examine how they might affect you. IRA rollover limits There’s no tax change with more significance, in my opinion, than the modifications being made to individual retirement account rollovers in 2015. As it stands now, and through the remaining days of 2014, you can roll over a tax-advantaged IRA such as a SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or traditional or Roth IRA, hold that money for up to 60 days, and then redeposit it into a new IRA without paying any taxes or penalties. However, beginning in 2015, one of biggest tax changes investors will see is the government limit-

One current tax break allows that debt to be forgiven, meaning short-sellers aren’t paying what could amount to a huge tax bill. For individuals who live in a state that has no income tax, such as Washington or Nevada, residents have the option of writing off a portion of their sales tax paid as an itemized deduction. If the tax extenders go away, this deduction will as well. Businesses, on the other hand, could stand to lose hefty research credits, credits for hiring disadvantaged workers, and a bevy of alternative-energy credits for going green.

That’s a mountain of changes for a tax code that now has close to 4 million words. Keeping up with the biggest tax changes each year can be something of a chore, especially if you eschew do-it-yourself tax software and tax professionals in favor of handling your own taxes.

gotiated sale price of their home and their remaining mortgage.

between one or the other, otherwise you’d wind up paying a potentially hefty penalty. According to the IRS, the penalty for rolling over more than one IRA in 2015 would be the account holder’s ordinary income tax rate on the proceeds, a 10% penalty if it was an early withdrawal (before age 59-1/2), and a potential 6% excise tax if the rollover amount exceeds their annual allowable IRA contribution limit. In other words, if you’re planning to make multiple IRA rollover moves, you’ll want to get the ball rolling before 2015 hits. FSA rollover changes With the cost of healthcare on the rise, some consumers have turned to tax-advantaged health spending accounts offered through their employers that allow them to add pretax income to help cover their medical expenses. The two types of accounts in

ance was not allowed to be rolled over into subsequent years (until a Congressional change in 2013 that allowed up to $500 to be rolled over into 2014). In short, you had a “use it or lose it” clause with an FSA. An HSA, on the other hand, will have a maximum contribution limit of $3,350 per year as of 2015, and you can roll over the unused funds into subsequent years. Furthermore, HSAs occasionally get money added to them by your employer in a similar fashion that your employer would add to your 401(k). Because of this flexibility, HSAs are often preferred over FSAs. What’s worth noting in 2015 is a big tax change stating that if consumers roll over the maximum of $500 from 2014 into 2015 in their FSA, they’ll be completely barred from participating in an HSA in 2015.

ing whatever is leftover in your FSA so you have the opportunity to participate in a more flexible HSA in 2015. Tax extenders go away Finally, even though it seems like we have this discussion every December, 55 different tax extenders that Congress agreed to pass retroactively for 2014 this past week are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2014. Altogether, these tax breaks are worth $41.6 billion, with 20% of the breaks targeted at individuals. The two biggest tax deductions that consumers may have to say farewell to in 2015 are debt forgiveness related to short-sales and state and local sales tax writeoffs. Individuals who were underwater on their home and who negotiated a short-sale with their lender would normally have to pay taxes on the difference between the ne-

Between falling fossil-fuel prices and a cloud of uncertainty surrounding tax extenders in 2015, it could be a rough year for alternative-energy companies. It’s possible these tax extenders could be reinstated again next year, but at the moment we have to run with the assumption that they won’t be. Now that you have a better understanding of the biggest tax changes in 2015, you’re prepared to enter the new year with income maximization and tax liability reduction in mind. Surprisingly, the IRS can be your friend It may seem crazy, but after reading this you might actually like the IRS. Folks like you and me aren’t the only people looking to reduce our tax bills. And one company has found an ingenious tax loophole that lets them avoid income tax. But there’s a catch – they have to pay you to keep that tax break.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

TAX SPECIAL

2015 Tax Brackets

By Kyle Pomerleau Introduction

Every year, the IRS adjusts more than 40 tax provisions for inflation. This is done to prevent what is called “bracket creep.” This is the phenomenon by which people are pushed into higher income tax brackets or have reduced value from credits or deductions due to inflation instead of an actual increase in real income. The IRS uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate the past year’s inflation and adjusts income thresholds, deduction amounts, and credit values accordingly. Rather than directly adjusting last year’s values for annual inflation, each provision is adjusted from a specified base year. For more information, see the methodology, below.

Standard Deduction and Personal Exemption

The standard deduction will increase by $100 from $6,200 to $6,300 for singles (Table 2). For married couples filing jointly, it will increase by $200 from $12,400 to $12,600. The personal exemption for 2015 be $4,000. Source: Author’s calculations. PEP and Pease

The PEP phaseout will end

On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 indexed the income thresholds to inflation, preventing the necessity for an annual patch. at $380,750 for singles and $432,400 for couples filing jointly, meaning these taxpayers will

The AMT exemption amount for 2015 is $53,600 for singles and $83,400 for married couple filing jointly (Table 5). Earned Income Tax Credit 2015’s maximum Earned Income Tax Credit for singles, heads of households, and joint filers is $503 if the filer has no children

Estimated Income Tax Brackets and Rates

PEP and Pease are two provisions in the tax code that increase taxable income for high-income earners.

In 2015, the income limits for all brackets and all filers will be adjusted for inflation and will be as seen in Table 1. Source: Author’s calculations The top marginal income tax rate of 39.6 percent will hit taxpay-

PEP is the phaseout of the personal exemption and Pease (named after former Senator Donald Pease) reduces the value of most itemized deductions once a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income reaches a certain point.

The income threshold for both PEP and Pease will be $258,250 for single filers and $309,900 for married filers (Tables 3 and 4).

$6,242.

Each tax parameter is adjusted for inflation by taking its base value (from legislation) and multiplying it by the current fiscal year’s average Consumer Price Index (CPI) and then dividing that by the base fiscal year’s CPI. Each parameter is rounded to either the nearest $10, $25, or $100 (depending on the specified rounding method in the legislation). For example, the base value for the top of the 10 percent tax bracket for singles is $7,000. This number is multiplied by the average CPI for fiscal year 2014 (235.69) and then divided by the average

no longer have a personal exemption. Alternative Minimum Tax Since its creation in the 1960s,

the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) has not been adjusted for inflation. Thus, Congress was forced to “patch” the AMT by raising the exemption amount to

ers with adjusted gross income of $413,200 and higher for single filers and $464,850 and higher for married filers.

prevent middle class taxpayers from being hit by the tax as a result of inflation.

(Table 6). For one child the credit is $3,359, two children is $5,548, and three or more children is

CPI for fiscal year 2002 (178.68): $7,000 * (235.69/178.68) = $9233. This value is then rounded down to the nearest $25 to yield 2015’s 10 percent tax bracket of $9,225.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Crystal Solar, NREL Team Win R&D 100 Award TIE Launches ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ Project For Startups

T.S. Ravi’s faster, cheaper way to manufacture silicon solar cells, partially funded by the Energy Department and fine-tuned at its National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has won a coveted R&D 100 award as one of the top technology innovations. The team of Crystal Solar and National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado, were the joint winners of the R&D 100 Award that was held at the Hotel Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 7. The event is referred to as the “Oscar of Innovation” by R&D Magazine that hosts the event. Crystal Solar’s approach to growing high-quality, high-efficiency silicon wafers at 100 times the usual throughput and half the cost could be a game-changer, creating American jobs and stemming the flow of solar cell manufactur-

ing overseas, said T.S. Ravi, chief executive officer of the California-based company. Even before he founded Crystal Solar, Ravi set a goal to speed up the manufacturing process. In 2011, his nascent company applied for the Energy Department’s SunShot Initiative’s Photovoltaic Incubator Program, which at that time was run out of NREL. The PV Incubator Program has a very competitive selection process, searching for ideas that are truly disruptive in terms of lowering costs. “We applied for the program and were selected in late 2011,” Ravi said in a press release. “I knew that if I could bunch a lot of wafers together, and find a way to remove the epitaxial wafer with a simple mechanical process, it could actually change the game in the solar industry.”

The Indus Entrepreneurs’ Hyderabad chapter launched Dec. 18 its Billion Dollar Babies project for startups.

At 37, Murthy, who was born into a family from Karnataka, becomes the youngest surgeon general in US history, something that made some senators publicly

wonder if he was too young. Considered whip smart - studied biochemical sciences from Harvard and then a combined medicine and business degree from Yale - Murthy has been working at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a physician. But it were his political work and comments about gun control that got him into trouble with Republicans, many of whom vowed to not let his nomination go through. Specially this tweet from him in October, 2012: “Tired of politicians playing politics w/ guns, putting lives at risk b/c they’re scared of NRA. Guns are a health care issue.” NRA wrote to all senators urging them to block his nomination saying his confirmation would be “prescription for disaster for America’s gun owners”. Many senators agreed.

Silicon Valley.

The companies will be able to participate in the TiE CIO Forum

“The program represents a unique opportunity for young Indian companies aspiring to break through into a competitive global market,” the Indian American entrepreneur said.

An initiative of TiE’s Silicon Valley chapter, the B$B project will select a few startups from India which have a potential to become a $1 billion company. The program aims to help select Indian product startups reach $1 billion in global enterprise value through this ambitious initiative that promises to leverage the reach and resources of TiE Silicon Valley, said a statement. With its first class next month, the program will bring selected startups to Silicon Valley. It will help entrepreneurs go global, connect with mentors, potential customers and venture

Indian-Origin Murthy To Become US Surgeon General (Continued From Page 01) And nearly succeeded, delaying a vote for 10 months. Democrats pushed the nomination through in the dying days of their leadership of the upper chamber, which passes into Republican hand next month following recent polls. Murthy was confirmed by a 51-43 vote. Welcoming Murthy’s confirmation as “America’s Doctor”, President Barack Obama said he will “hit the ground running” and “build on the progress we’ve made combating Ebola”. Indian Americans, who were following the confirmation process closely, were ecstatic. Ami Bera, Indian American congressman, called the confirmation “historic” for the community.

capitalists.

One Republican senator pointedly asked Murthy his confirmation hearing in February if he will use the office of surgeon general to push his personal views on gun control. Murthy responded in the negative, saying he will be focussing on obesity prevention. But his critics were not convinced. They had one other issue with him. He was an outspoken supporter of Obama’s healthcare reforms.

To Advertise

512-828-6709 info@austinsouthasian.com

“We are seeing companies with enormous global potential starting in India, and we believe with the proper resources they can become billion dollar companies,” said Raju Reddy, adviser to Hitachi, global entrepreneur and cochair of Billion Dollar Babies. and other educational events, and receive help with legal, accounting, HR/benefits, hiring, marketing, and other company-building tasks. The project was unveiled by Venktesh Shukla, president of TiE

“We have seen many innovative business ideas from our local youngsters and we believe that some of these will certainly give a strong competition to other startups in this project,” said Murali Bukkapatnam, president of TiE Hyderabad.

What To Know About Charities Before Writing A Check (SPM Wire) It’s the season for charitable giving, but do you know where your hard-earned money is really going when you donate to a particular charity? With scams and misspent funds an all too common scenario, it’s important to get savvy. While many Americans know it’s crucial to do some background research before writing a check, many donors don’t know all the indicators to watch out for, according to new data. Americans consider finances to be the most important indicator of trust in a charity, according to a study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, the BBB recommends taking a more holistic approach toward reviewing a charity. A good place to start your research is by checking whether a charity is accredited by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, which evaluates charitable organizations on 20 holistic standards covering governance, effectiveness reporting, finances, appeal accuracy and other issues, to assist donors in making informed giving decisions. To investigate a charity, check out www.give.org. This holiday season, don’t just be generous, be wise.

How Does Your Garden Grow? 18

By Gani Venkappa

Ridged Gourds - A memorable and delicious vegetable from my childhood

Austin South Asian | January 2015

This plant leaves and vine resemble to cucumber foliage, ex-

tremely vigorous vine growing more than 20 feet in length with many branches. Gourd vine pro-

The ridged gourd is very common vegetable in Karnataka India called “Hire Kayi” used as delicious vegetable during my childhood days. After we moved to Texas started growing various tropical fruits and vegetable as Texas subtropical weather resembling to back home. This year got some ridged gourd seeds from friend and planted in a raised bed which was empty got successful crop. This triggered to do more research about this vegetable.

ICC – India Community Center of Austin

(Continued From Page 01) like everyone else, we went through the daunting task of listing items to move, not without arguing about what to move and what to discard, and Vidya got the last word on most of these decisions, then packing, loading to truck and driving all the way following the truck. Once in Austin, a new and strange place, by the time we unloaded the stuff from the truck we were completely stressed out and exhausted physically and mentally. However a good shower relived the strain and late lunch helped to gain back some strength. Meanwhile Vidya mentioned, checking on internet, that there is a Yoga program scheduled that evening somewhere in Round Rock and we should go. I have no idea where on earth the Round Rock was. However organizers had provided an address and phone number. An address today is good to go as you can plug it to GPS and you are there. But in those days you have to rely on directions from a non-GPS systems- a human. I called the number provided and

no one picked up the phone.

I went back to event listing site – www.iccaustin.org – and looked for any contact number on the website. And on the ICC website I found a contact number and dialed. r The phone on the othe rend started ringing. It rang once, twice, thrice and when I thought no one will answer there was a voice on the other end, that of Harish Kotecha. He gave the directions and I thanked him for picking up the call and helping the strange community member to reach the destination. That, in short was ICC experience for me and would always remember it. Today when I visit www.iccaustin.org I find newsletter page not updated since Dec 2011, the last ICC board members list is dated 2012 and under question and answer I read the following: Q: Why isn’t ICC holding iFest 2013? A: Fundraising and manpower I think we can do better than this, managing an umbrella organization like ICC which is supposed to lead 70 plus nonprofit orga-

nizations in Austin. And for the current state of ICC, I think, we all should shoulder the responsibility. Let me copy and paste the ICC mission statement: “ICC’s mission is to develop a strong Indo-American Community in the Austin area and provide a forum to bring together people from all walks of life. We look forward to co-operatively work with other organizations to serve the Indian and larger communities. We wish to contribute to the growth of the Indian culture and its heritage in its entirety, and work toward the betterment of the members and the Austin Indian community in general.” I would appeal to all the community members /non-profits to step forward and work towards building communication and relationship with ICC and strengthening this umbrella organization for the benefit of community at large. If anyone is thinking of community work, this in my opinion should be on the top of their list. In this direction Austin South Asian would support every possible effort. I can be reached at info@ austinsouthasian.com/ 512-8286709.

duces fruits all season long. It is also commonly known as “Loofa” dishcloth gourd (vegetable sponge). There are some loofas which have no ridges. GROWING IN TEXAS It is very easy to grow here in central Texas area. Grow it in soil with good drainage by adding compost. Give sufficient water during hot summer.

they turn light brown color. These can be used for seeds and for loofa sponge. Nutritional Values

It is better to sow seeds directly in soil after last frost in spring (April-May). It can be done by sprouting in container inside and transplant in spring. It is easy to make mound with rich composted soil and place 1-3 seeds in soil about 1 inch deep cover soil and water thoroughly.

Vegetable Curry Ingredients: One large young green, Chopped onion, Chili powder ¼ tsp, Salt ½ tsp, Curry powder 1 Tsp, Cilantro , Coconut cream ½ cup (optional), Lemon juice 1 Tsp, Cooking oil 1 Tsp, Mustard seeds ½ tsp, Cumin seeds ½ tsp. Process: Peel the ridges of green gourd. Keep it aside for chutney. Cut peeled gourd ½ -1 inch cubes. Place 2 quart size frying pan on stove, add cooking oil. Put cumin and mustard seeds heat until seeds start sputtering. Add chopped onion sauté until onions turn translucent. Add cut gourd pieces, salt, chili powder, curry powder then stir. Add coconut cream and lemon juice. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 minutes until gourd pieces are tender and juicy, Turn off the heat. Serve while still hot as side dish with cooked rice.

Seeds will germinate within a week. It is highly recommended to have arbor trellis orlong fence in place ahead of time to provide enough space for plant to spread and for easy to see fruits for picking. I started seeds on raised bed with trellis about 6-7 feet soon found out just the trellis is not enough, extended crawling space using other raised beds with PVC pipes and nearby fence by attaching strings from trellis to the extended length of fence. See the growth of plant climbed in all directions, the fruits hanging on strings also on nearby raised beds and vertically on the trellis. You can see how widely spread the plant became with only 1-2 seeds. Abundant yellow flowers all over the plant looks like sky with twinkling stars as flowers bloom in the evening with lot of bees swarming for nectar and pollination to produce plenty of fruits. The bright yellow flowers (male and female) are self pollinating. It was a real surprise to see the growth of this plant and more than 20 foot long fruits collected in one day. It is recommended to pick fruits young and green. You have to pick them almost every day otherwise they get hard fast. If you leave fruits extended time

Low saturated fat and cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, thiamin, iron, magnesium, manganese. Ridged gourds are used in vegetable curry and other dishes.

Chutney: Ingredients: Peeled ridges of gourd saved before, green cayenne pepper, cooking oil , two cloves of garlic, ½ tsp salt, 1 Tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp brown sugar, ½ tsp roasted sesame seeds and cumin seeds, 1-2 Tsp water. Process: Put 1 Tsp cooking oil in sauté pan heat to medium add peeled ridges of gourd and cayenne pepper roast for 1-2 minutes until peels turn brown. Place this into a blender add garlic, salt, brown sugar, sesame, Cumin seeds, lemon juice and water. Blend it at high speed until smooth paste. Use the chutney as a dip for chips or a spread for bread and enjoy the mouth watering taste.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

January Predictions - 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Mind will be relaxed and you will start to enjoy your life again. Money wise first half looks very promising but you may incur minor loss through stocks in second half of January. You will be writing a big check to a government agency also towards the end of month. Spouse will complain of aches and pains in the body. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): This could be the beginning of a new career for some. Planets are in right order to make a career change. Property deal can also finalize before 15th. Value of your stocks will appreciate and you may dispose them off for a decent profit in second half of Month. You may also attend a big event with family in last week. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): There will be big fluctuations in finances this month. Some times you will have plenty and some times none. You will

be travelling in connection with business in first half and reap rich rewards right after 15th. It will be better to stick to your original plans and not become double minded. Relationship will become permanent. CANCER (June 21 to July 22): First half of Month is not good for finances. Do not loan money to any one and avoid taking any financial risks. Situation will improve suddenly when Planet Sun moves into house of Luck right after January 15th. You may stay little discontent the way things are going at work and keep your eyes open for new opportunity. LEO (July 23 to August 22): You will accomplish a lot in first half and even finalize some important paper work. You will also get to spent few minutes with a holy person and receive his blessings. Its second half that you will need to be extra careful as some one will make a fool out of you or try to use you to his advantage. You will miss someone who was close at one

time. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Decision will not be easy as you will have to choose in between some more difficult time right now verses some more struggle now and then a bright future. You will be getting ready to go for an important trip after 15th. Presentations will go very well but decision will take time. Money will just keep slipping out of your hands this month. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22): With hard work and patience you will overcome many hurdles in first half. Money wise things looks very promising and you will hit your goals. Its second half that you need to slow down. People in business will spend more on advertising and reaching out customers. Relationships will keep getting interesting. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22): Mind will be little uneasy and you may have to take a trip unwillingly before January 15th. Expect few major

and positive changes in career right after 15th when Planet Sun moves into third house of your chart. You will successfully n e g o t i a t e with a large organisation. There will be some change in your personality as you will start acting tough. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 to December 22): Right time to deal with people in power or to reach out a government official for big favor before January 15th. Some of you will be taking a short but important trip in second half. Lay all your cards on the table so that there is no confusion later on. A new member will be added in the family soon. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19): Money wise you will have to be careful as long as Mars is in second till 15th. Avoid gambling, speculations and do not take any chance with authority. Better time to ask boss for any favors after 15th only. Jupiter and Venus in angle will keep you cheerful and you will

get to meet many friends. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): It will not be easy to deal with people of opposite sex or business partners till 15th. You may not like what others say, so just have patience or you will loose them. Business will improve with new contract and your trips will be beneficial after 15th. You will spend lots of time on phone or computer reaching out old friends and close relatives this month. PISCES (February 19 to March 20): Money will come but go out fast in January. Watch out what you talk and how much information you should give out or you will have to pay the price in second half when all of a sudden you will find opposition getting strong. You will have many week opportunity to make little extra money. Some money will go towards arranging a trip for one of your child. Pandit Parashar parashar@parashar.com www.parashar.com 925-833-7170

World Condemns Peshawar School Carnage,Looks To Pak To Combat Terror New Delhi/Peshawar: World leaders from UN chief to President Obama, from Russian President Putin to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strongly condemned the barbaric and senseless massacre of over 140 students and teachers at the army school in Peshawar by Pakistan Taliban. For Pakistan it is a national tragedy andsigns are seen of a new resolve and consen-sus emerging to finally take terrorism head-on. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said nomore distinguishing between

‘good Taliban’(used tactically to counter Indian influence inAfghanistan) and ‘bad Taliban’. The coun-try’s army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif tweetedon Wednesday, “Asked PM Nawaz Sharif tohang all terrorists. More than 3,000 terrorists should be hanged in next 48 hours.” Thearmy said they have killed many militants infresh strikes since Peshawar attack.Unfortunately, a day later, Lashkar-eTaiba’scommander Zaki-ur Rahman Lakhvi, master-mind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, was

let out on bail. Inevitably, a shocked Indiashot back: “Bail to Lakhvi is a mockery of Pakistan’s commitment to fight terror”. However, a Pakistani government prosecutor said that the court order granting bail to Lakhvi will be challenged. General Raheel Sharif and the head of ISI agency, Rizwan Akhtar flew to Afghanistan to seek help in battling the terrorists behind the Peshawar carnage. “The time has arrived for Afghanistan and Pakistanto act together

against terrorism and extremism with honesty and effectiveness,” Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in astatement. Pakistan said it hadshared intelligence with Ghani.PakistanAfghanistan relationshave been tense for years, eachaccusing the other of backing anti-government militants. Meanwhile, experts now assertthat America will have to get more embroiled in Pakistan’s war on terror, a country which, ironically, has been supporting America’s war on terror.

Meanwhile, Islamic militancykeeps heaping horror over horror onthe world.In Iraq, the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) group conducted a mass execution of women in Fallujah, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi government. Aman identified as Abu Anas al-Libikilled more than 150 women and girls, some of whom were pregnant, because they refused to accept the jihad al-nikah [sexual jihad] that ISIS is enforcing in Fallujah.”

Austin South Asian | January 2015

January 2015 Community Calendar

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

SCHEDULE: January 01, Thursday, 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM, 24 Hour New Year’s Kirtan at Radha Madhav Dham Hindu Temple is at Radha Madhav Dham Hindu Temple, 400 Barsana Road, Austin, TX 78737. Feel free to bring a comfortable floor chair and your percussion bells and join in the kirtan. For more information, please contact 5122887180. January 13, Tuesday, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM, Annual Meeting and Mixer is at The UT Club, 2108 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78705. GAACC will host annual mem-

ber meeting and mixer at The University of Texas Club. Meet new Chairman and board members, hear a report of how we performed in 2014 as well as our plans for 2015, and learn how can get more involved with us and make the most of your membership with us.

School, 1201 Payton Gin Rd W, Austin, TX 78758. The event is hosted by IFA.

Enjoy an evening of networking, with appetizers and drinks courtesy of The UT Club. Non-members are welcome to join us to find out about our organization. For more information, contact 512-407-8240.

Astrology For Dummies – Astrology 101

January 24, Saturday, 06:00 PM, GEET GOVINDA OF NRITYAGRAM DANCE ENSEMBLE is at Lanier High

POEMS

Life Of A WOMAN? By Arun Sunderraj Through parents to this world Came as a bundle of their joy. Got everything they could afford I was a living toy. Loved and admired by all As a beautiful little doll To stand, to walk, to run they taught From the first move and crawl. Precious than anything else They protected never to loose I grew up as a pretty woman And a ‘to be’ spouse. Gave my hands to an young man In my life, it was a milestone. Honoured to be called a wife Of someone, till then unknown. Depending on others Was an easy going life. Standing on own legs The same is full of strife. In life with ups and downs Journey advanced further On arrival of off springs I was a proud mother.

Though it required sacrifices I found all happiness, In their growth and progress Not bothering about my last days. In the family though a queen Laboured like a slave For children to settle down Independently on their own. Using up all I had in possession My health, wealth, youth, strength To the loved ones for their growth And not for my gain did never pain. It pained when I lost my man. But, the greatest of all pains Is when left alone as a burden Disowned by own kins. One can be dependent Till getting the wings. But no one can be independent As all are interdependent. Parents in childhood, In youth the spouse cared. In old age should children But with own obligations they seldom can. Wings withered No more I can fly. No more a toy, no more a joy, Time to say Good bye.

Ticket Information Block reserved $50.00 General admisssion $30.00 Srs. Stds & childrean above 5 $20.00

By Sourabh Khosla Why is it that even after so many highly praised scientific innovations and achievements, people are still not at peace? Even after acquiring all possible physical comforts and material goods, when many people encounter a relatively minor problem, rather than seek a solution in the world science, they frequently blame it on bad luck and look to the planets and nakshatras for help. As long as a person is happy and has what he wants, he ignores religion or scriptures; but when something goes wrong, he often looks first to miracles or the supernatural. It is without question of the utmost importance whether one finds safe harbor in a righteous resort, or travels to a pompous place where problems develop. In every era, scriptures have been pristine. They unfailingly carry one from the dark shadows of doubts and false beliefs to the rising sun of knowledge and consciousness. True knowledge never deceives and confuses—it is the seeker who becomes confused and blames that confusion on the scriptures.

January 24, Saturday, 06:00 PM, IACT 2015 Annual Republic Day Banquet is at Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754.

disputes will ensue, resulting in emotional instability and a weak moon. Unstable mental health makes Mars stronger, provoking a quick temper and aggressive nature. As soon as Mars reaches this stage, Mercury starts to weaken, causing eye problems and wearing down both mind and body. As a result, Jupiter becomes frail, bringing dishonor to the native. Defamation and disgrace cause Venus to fall. Even if one has all the worldly pleasures imaginable, it will be of no use, as weakness in Venus provokes family issues, such as a decline in business. All of this brings about loss of courage in the Sun. There are various remedies for curing malefic Rahu. One of the simplest and most effective is to keep a square piece of silver piece with you or to wear something made of silver. If the chart suggests that one’s fortune involves an inauspicious event, it also provides guidance for lessening the effects of that event. In layman terms, consider the times that meteorological calculations predict heavy rain.

Astrology, Numerology, Tantra Shastra, Hasta Samudrika and Dharmaśāstra are exemplary, but how many scholars have an actual knowledge of these shastras? Every shastra has the power to carry one from dark forests of bewilderment to the clear pools of knowledge; but people who read four lines of scriptures and present themselves as all-knowing and worthy are only digging a grave for themselves, as well as for those who come in contact with them.

If one has to go out anyway, but has been warned not to by the weather forecaster, one can react positively, perhaps by carrying an umbrella or traveling by car instead of motorcycle. The same principle applies to astrology.

Rahu – The Troublemaker If Rahu is malefic, family problems and

But one thing cannot be ignored: in order to benefit, one must first believe.

When one understands the principles, one can learn in advance that something inauspicious will happen, and determine the appropriate remedies.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Job Seekers: Resolve To Make A Better Impression In 2015 First impressions matter, particularly when you’re in the market for a new job. While a top notch resume and cover letter can help get your foot in the door, only you can seal the deal. The New Year is the perfect time to revamp your look for a smooth job search. Make a strong first impression at your next interview or networking event with these easy tips: • Be a good listener. What you say is just as important as being engaged when others are talking. Make good eye contact and ask questions to show you are interested in what is being said. • Anticipate the questions you will be asked so you are prepared with intelligent, confident and articulate responses. Define your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time to answer every hard question with ease. • Get a good night’s sleep the night before an important interview or convention. Not only will you look fresher and more alert in the morning, you’ll be thinking more clearly as well. • Know how to explain any gaps in your resume. If you have taken time off from your field to pursue a passion for travel, be ready to discuss this time off and explain

how it has helped you professionally. • Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and goals.

You never know where a conversation with a hiring manager may lead, so be sure to tailor it to each person you speak with so it does not sound over-rehearsed or unnatural. • The maxim often holds true that, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, showcasing all of your recent work. Connect with headhunters, friends, family, or even old classmates and coworkers to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about otherwise.

• Dress to impress to be taken seriously. Denis Daly Wood, founder of Dalys1895.com, a century-old men’s luxury designer and online retailer, recommends standing out with a unique accessory for your s u i t , such as a stylish tie clip, tie, pocket square, or pair of cufflinks that can break the ice and start a conversation. “A unique pocket square can finish off the look of a suit or blazer, while also helping convey that you are stylish and put together. What you wear communicates a lot about your personality and who you are,” says Wood. Seek quality accessories, such as the limited edition Caravaggio Italian silk pocket squares, which are handmade or the Dalys 1895 Alligator Belts, which are measured to each inch for a perfect fit. Wood also reminds job seekers that outerwear and a bag may often make or break the first impres-

sion. A sophisticated briefcase, coat and winter scarf, such as the exclusive Caravaggio wool and silk men’s scarf, can give you a polished look when you’re making your entrance.

More style inspiration for briefcases, cufflinks, and more can be found at www.Dalys1895.com. In the professional realm, presentation matters from your social media profile to your suit and tie.

ATTENTION SOUTH ASIAN NONPROFITS IN AUSTIN We are updating NON-PROFIT contact list and want to publish the information for the benefit of our readers so that they can reach you for getting event and happenings information. So help us update the information by providing following input: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Name of the Non-profit Name of the contact person Telephone number Email id Web site (URL) Pl email this information to:

info@AustinSouthAsian.com. If you have any questions feel free to call 512-828-6709

Bombay Express

Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 1300 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753

512-491-5055

(Take-Away is possible on all items on the menu)

Austin South Asian | January 2015

ACROSS 1. It’s played with a ball 6. “What’s Up, ___?” starring Barbra Streisand 9. Hurry up! 13. D-Day beach 14. Greek R 15. Swap meet deal? 16. Thai restaurant chicken staple 17. Down Under runner 18. Make reference to 19. *Disgruntled TV elf 21. *It’s under the tree? 23. Pérignon’s honorific 24. Swarm 25. De Niro’s 1976 ride 28. *Kind of Holiday list 30. “__ ____, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night” 35. In bed 37. “Cinema Paradiso” roll 39. The relative magnitudes of two quantities 40. Intense anger 41. Material used by one of three little pigs 43. Hahn or von Bismark 44. Eyes or optics 46. Used in hunting 47. Series of reps, pl. 48. To make lame 50. “Moonlight Sonata,” e.g. 52. Bread type 53. Sleep in a convenient place 55. French lake 57. *Used during Hanukkah 61. *Season of four Sundays before Christmas 64. Legal excuse 65. Shoemaker’s tool 67. “The _____” by Dostoyevsky 69. Capital of Tunisia 70. Pied Piper follower 71. Mother-of-pearl 72. Strip of wood 73. Head ___ at a country club 74. *Color of most Christmas trees

DOWN 1. Trigonometry abbr. 2. Nanjing nanny 3. London art museum 4. Swiss leafy green 5. Barn loft 6. Squirrel’s nest 7. Unit of electrical resistance 8. Two-door car 9. Bellicose deity, Greek 10. Goes with sound? 11. Yemeni port 12. Lively 15. Seismic shake 20. Middle Eastern V.I.P.’s 22. Hi-___ 24. Winter flask 25. *”A Christmas _____” 26. Manila hemp 27. Muslim woman of high rank 29. “___ _ good example” 31. Vientiane location 32. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 33. _____-gritty 34. *A traditional holiday main course 36. Sub station 38. *Kitschy prop in “A Christmas Story” 42. Expressing a desire 45. Madagascar lemurs 49. India’s smallest state 51. “______ Private Ryan” 54. Like a cheddar variety 56. An aromatic wood 57. Welcome ____, pl. 58. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year 59. Fashion house founder Ricci 60. One’s final notice 61. The lowest female voice 62. *Elf on the Shelf’s report 63. Ripped 66. “What is it good for? Absolutely nothin’!” 68. Face cards are counted as this in Blackjack

SOLUTION

Sudoku

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

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Resolve To Learn More About Wine in 2015

Have you always wanted to learn about wine? In 2015, consider expanding your knowledge of wine as a great New Year’s resolution. Christopher Silva, CEO of St. Francis Winery in Sonoma, CA, offers the following tips for wine newbies and enthusiasts alike to get started on getting to know wine better in 2015: • Join a club. A wine club, either through specifically one winery or company that features an international selection, is a great way to have a variety of hand-picked, quality wines delivered to your doorstep. Whether you decide to stick with one varietal or try many, a wine club can cater to your wishes or help you expand your horizons wisely.

• Take notes. Sipping on some vino? Record your impressions of the flavors in a “wine diary.” Remember to clear your palate first with something neutral, such as crackers. You’ll know whether

to revisit the wine in the future, as well as learn to become more mindful of what you’re drinking.

• Seek variety. For a broad overview of wine, it’s important to become familiar with the major varietals, which for white wines include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and for red wines, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfadel. Here are three new wines to try this year: Versatile as an aperitif or with a variety of seafood and light meats, St. Francis Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a refreshing vintage wine with a clean, crisp structure and aromas of citrus, kiwi and mango with a touch of

lime. Next up, St. Francis Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 has a rich, complex flavor and body. The wine’s firm structure, generous tannins and depth of color complement classic aromas and flavors of black currant, cassis, dusty cocoa and tobacco. This wine is an excellent companion to aged blue cheese, braised or grilled beef and roast pork with fruit. Looking for an American classic? Try Zinfandel and St. Francis Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel 2012, which is made from dry farmed old vines to ensure concentrated flavor. Aromas of boysenberry, clove and cinnamon are followed by flavors of mixed berries, red licorice, tobacco leaf

and mulling spices. Pair with barbecued ribs and pasta Bolognese. • Travel. Go right to the source and consider planning a trip to wine country. Many vineyards host tours, have tasting rooms and offer education programs. A winery is also a great place to find top notch wine pairings. For example, the St. Francis` Wine & Food Pairing program, awarded the “Number One Restaurant in America” by OpenTable, is a seated, multicourse pairing hosted by wine experts. Find out more at www.stfranciswinery.com. By resolving to explore the world of wine, you can make everything from casual weeknight meals to festive parties, more delicious in 2015. (StatePoint)

IACT Celebrates Republic Day Of India (Continued from page 1) This marks the day in 1950 when a newly independent India declared itself a secular democratic republic, enshrining individual (Continued on page rights in its constitution. The day, however, has been celebrated since 1930 as the day of independence, when the founding fathers of India declared their intention for complete independence from Britain and acknowledging the need for fundamental rights for all. These early thoughts have been enshrined in the Constitution of India. Historically many outsiders came to India, some as invaders, some simply to explore opportunities, some to educate, some to escape from persecution. Many made India their home. Protecting individual rights, concern for minorities, celebrating diversity and secularism --- all

create a set of shared values between India and the U.S. Some of those values expressed in the U.S .Constitution are embodied in the Indian Constitution. Within Austin’s growing diverse Indian-American community, IACT fills the overarching need for public voice and civic engagement related to public affairs affecting both this community as well as the community at-large. IACT’s mission is to Educate, Engage and Empower the Indian American community towards greater civic engagement and participation in their local community. This year’s banquet keynote speaker will be Dr. Sayu Bhojwani, the founder of NALP (New American Leadership Project), the only organization in the country preparing 1st and 2nd generation immigrants for civic leadership.

Dr. Bhojwani was New York City’s first Commissioner of Immigration Affairs. Among her many achievements she is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post, CNN in America and a visiting scholar at Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of political affairs. Among the invited guests who include both local and state elected leaders, this year’s special guest of honor will be Parvathaneni Harish, Consulate General of India, Houston. Mr. Harish is the veteran of Indian foreign services and also served as joint secretary and officer on special duty under the Honorable Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari. Each year, IACT also likes to recognize local Indian American leaders, who exemplify IACT’s mission to educate, engage and empower the community towards civic engagement.

This year’s IACT trailblazer award will go to Dr. Snehal Shingavi, assistant professor of English at the University of Texas, Austin. Dr. Shingavi teaches South Asian literatures in English, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as the literature of the South Asian diaspora. He is the author of The Mahatma Misunderstood the politics and forms of literacy nationalism in India (Anthem Books, 2013). Among his many academic pursuits, Dr. Shingavi is an activist who works towards promoting social justice for all underrepresented communities through social action and demonstration. IACT will also be recognizing Ketan Kharod, J.D. with a Community Engagement award for his ongoing commitment to community leadership. Mr. Kharod is the President of the Board of Directors of Asian

American Family Support Services (formerly known as SAHELI) and an active participant in Austin’s Be the Change National Day of Service Event. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $45 per person and will include networking opportunity, formal sit down dinner, keynote address, awards and cultural program. Tickets can be purchased by visiting our website www.iactaustin. org or by emailing iactaustin@ gmail.com

To Advertise in ASA call 512828-6709

NRITYAGRAM DANCE ENSEMBLE IN AUSTIN

The internationally famous Odissi dance ensemble from Bengaluru Nritygram will be in Austin on 24h of January to perform the much acclaimed ballet Geet Govinda (Song of Love and Longing). The Nrityagram dance village is located outside of

Bengaluru, India. It was found in 1990 by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri Bedi, who converted ten acres of farmland into a setting for the study, practice and teaching of dance. Reminiscent of ancient ashrams, where guru imparted not only techniques but also a philosophy being, this is a creative space

Neha - Gorgeous

Austin South Asian | January 2015

where dancers, musicians and choreographers live together, sharing their skills and developing their arts. To enrich their practice, dancers are also taught yoga and martial arts along with Sanskrit and classical literature. For almost two decades

Surupa Sen and Bijayni Satpathy have researched and expanded the dance vocabulary of Odissi dance and have developed a style that distinguishes the dancers of the Nrityagram School. The Nrityagram dance ensemble is regarded as one of the foremost dance companies of India, performing all over the world including an

annual tour of the United States. An important part of temple worship in Orissa, is the singing and performance of the Gita Govinda. Written in Sanskrit in the 2th century AD by the poet Saint Jayadeva, the Gita Govinda is a romantic ballad about the immortal love of Radha and Krishna. It is a song of love and longing that reflects the Vaishnava belief that all humankind is feminine energy (Radha) constantly seeking union with the one male godhead (Krishna). Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy are the main dancers in the ensemble. Surupa Sen is a student of the genius and architect of Odissi Guru late Kelucharan Mahapatra. She also studied Odissi with Protima Gauri and Abhinaya (expressional dance) with guru Kalanidhi Naryanan. Her production Sacred Space had a six weeks run at the famous Jacobs Pillow Dance festival in New York. Bijayani Satpathy has worked with Surupa Sen and is an acclaimed Odissi dancer with many awards. The ensemble will perform the Dances of Love and Longing in Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere on January 24th 2015 at the fine arts center of Lanier high school. They will be accompanied by an excellent band.

by Bala Kumar

Filmmaker K. Balachander passes away

Veteran director K. Balachander, who was known in the South Indian film circles as ‘Iyakkunar Sigaram’ (a peak among directors), breathed his last on Tuesday eve-

ning, leaving behind a rich legacy of not just film and television work but a long list of technicians and actors he introduced in a career spanning nearly five decades.

The two biggest stars of the Indian film industry — Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth — are among those whom he mentored. The 84-year-old, who was suf-

fering from age-related ailments and admitted to a private hospital here last week, was declared dead around 7. 30 p.m. According to sources, the final rites are to be performed on

Thursday. The mortal remains would be taken to his house on Wednesday morning, where it would be kept for the people to pay their tributes. One of the doctors who treated him said the director showed a fighting spirit against his ailments just like the hero of his classic Ethir Neechal. Mr. Balachander was the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2010. He has directed over 100 films in all major South Indian languages. His most prolific decades in cinema were the 1970s and the 1980s, while in the 1990s he focussed on television serials. Among the first to visit Kauvery Hospital, where Mr. Balachander was undergoing treatment, was DMK president M. Karunanidhi, along with Rajathi Ammal and Kanimozhi. Prominent directors, including R. Partheban, Ameer, S.P. Jhanannathan and Cheran, all rushed to the hospital. Actor Rajinikanth reached his residence around 10 p.m.

The Newsmakers of Bollywood - 2014 The wedding of Bollyood superstar Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan with her longtime beau Aayush Sharma, son of politician Anil Sharma was the greatest news making event in 2014. Salman Khan left no stone un-

turned to make the wedding regal and royal. He booked the entire Falaknuma palace of Hyderabad, for two days - Nov18 and 19th. Entire Bollywood along with the rich and famous graced the wedding. History was created when the elusive Khan trio- Salman Khan,

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan finally come together on December 2 at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan in Rajat Sharma’s party thrown to celebrate 21 year completion of his famous show, ‘Aap ki Adalat’.

Aditya Chopra’s DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE completed the landmark of celebrating 1000-week, non-stop at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre since its release or 19 years ago! Stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol celebrated its triumph by appearing in Kapil Sharma’s fa-

mous comedy show on TV to rejoice the occasion. Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and cricket sensation Virat Kohli made headline for the romance and their live in relationship. The concealed marriage of Rani Mukerji and filmmaker Aditya Chopra’s finally became universal when the couple tied the nuptial knot in a private ceremony in Italy on April 21. Among the select guests at the wedding was filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Rani in her breakthrough film KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI ALVIDA NA KEHNA. The hoax news of veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar’s death spread like wild fire on the social network after some miscreants tweeted the fake news of the thespian’s demise. Upset with the news superstar Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter and dispelled the rumours terming them baseless!

Austin South Asian | January 2015

Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain The medium of cinema is an enormously influential and commanding one. There are certain films which not just awaken you, but

the unprofessional and unethical practices of the plant’s management. And when all of his repeated warnings about the plant’s haz-

also act as a ‘mirror’ to make you stand up and take notice of reality. One such film is this week’s release BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN, which deals with an extremely serious and sensitive real life story of the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy. This film is a historical-drama which is set amidst a disaster which occurred in India in 1984. Does the director Ravi Kumar manage to do ‘justice’ in narrating one of the biggest tragic story known to man? Let’s analyze.

ards fall on deaf ears, he decides to resign from his job. But before leaving, he gives out some vital information about the hazards of the chemical plant to Dilip, who then passes on the information to the editor of ‘Voice Of Bhopal’ Motwani (Kal Penn), only to be published in his newspaper the next day. But by then, the damage is already done. A very deadly chemical named ‘MIC’ starts leaking from the plant into the city of Bhopal, killing thousands of innocents. When the victims flood the hospital for treatment, the head doctor (Manoj Joshi) becomes helpless because the hospital starts running short of Sodium Hypo Chloride (the only possible way to arrest the after effects from exposure to the deadly gas).

The film starts off with a flashback story that recalls the fateful night of the gigantic tragedy and all the events which led to that. The film’s protagonist Dilip (Rajpal Yadav) is a rickshaw puller by profession. After an untimely ‘accident’ robs him off his profession, a chance meeting with the Union Carbide official, lands him a job as a cleaner in the company. Everything goes on well till the time Dilip’s co-worker becomes a victim of an ‘acid attack’ and dies. This paves way for Dilip to put himself into the deceased man’s shoes and uniform (quite literally). The plant’s lethargic and careless officer Chaudhary (Vinit Kumar) hires Dilip for the job without giving him any job safety instructions. Amidst all this, the Chief Executive of Union Carbide Warren Anderson (Martin Sheen) lands up in Bhopal only to ‘take care’ of the politicians and give the workers a pep talk! He even takes a surprise test of Dilip to know about the workers’ technical knowledge. Even though the plant’s Safety Officer Roy (Joy Sengupta) handles the situation ably, he’s fed up of

Is there any solution to arrest the effects of the deadly gas, what happens to Dilip and his family, who is responsible for this tragedy and how Warren Anderson escapes after this horrendous crime, forms the rest of the story. This is Ravi Kumar’s second film as a director (the first one being the rather forgettable HELLO GIRLS). With BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN Kumar has indeed come a long way as a filmmaker. The problem with this film, though, is that despite having some of the most remarkable performances by almost all the actors, their characters do not develop as much as one would expect in a story like this. Maybe it was the director’s call to keep the movie short and crisp, but it does hamper the film making the characters look half baked and incomplete.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

More Than Bollywood

Shaku Selvakumar What was one of the highlights of 2014? The fact that the Indian summer was no longer a one time phase. Go to Target, World

South Asian infused color, styles and trends on the shelves. Ikat prints, Rajastani trunks, Ludhiana shawls, Sherwani jackets, bandini pillows and tye dye quilts.

exposed to both faces of cinema. We loved Sholay but we were also treated to Shyam Benegal’s, Mandi or Satyajit Ray’s Charulata.

What, after all is the essence of good cinema. Yes, it is to fully engage you and keep you riveted to the screen. But it doesn’t stop there. The conversation continues when the film stops rolling. Good cinema touches a chord. When Ship of Theseus was screened across multiple cities in 2014, it left an imprint on every viewer.

truly blind even when we have sight? Are all lives equal? So many questions and more from one film. Some were posed to the director, Anand Gandhi who attended a few screenings. It also, in turn, helped non profits like the Mohan Foundation and bLifeNY who were dedicated to spreading awareness of deceased organ donor donation. Indie Meme has a very productive year and had a total of sixteen screenings. All of them filled to capacity. Films included Kaphal, Fandry, Gulabi Gang and others. Gulabi Gang, another brilliant film, highlighted how a group of rural women started a movement by empowering themselves and caught the imagination of an entire nation. Award winning director Nishtha Jain attended the screenings and was touched by the reception abroad.

What is the purpose of life? How do we perceive ourselves? Are we

Perhaps you are a first, second or third generation South Asian

Move over Raj from the Big Bang Theory, you have company. Mindy Lahiri and New Girl’s CeCe are unabashedly second generation Indian and enjoying mainstream success. Far from portraying stereo typical heavy accented roles that were the embodiment of the fumbling Indian in the past, the new South Asian is much more confident and straddling East and West with much more ease than in the past. Both onscreen and offscreen.

Market, Pier1 or any other big retail outlet and you will find

While Bollywood continues to provide entertainment, music downloads and plays an intrinsic part of our lives, it is still a one sided course. For many of us who grew up in India, we were

or perhaps you just love good cinema. Either way, your access to movies that make a difference will be limited if we don’t collectively make it happen. So what is our wish for 2015? Just three simple requests. Please become a member. It just takes $20 to sign up. Attend our screenings. You are part of our community and we really enjoy seeing you at our venues. Spread the word. If any film that you saw touched your heart in some way, then magic happened. Finally, please do save the date for our Film Series coming up on Feb 7th & 8th where we plan to screen around 8 films. A combination of documentaries, fiction and shorts. We are planning to have Skype interviews with our filmmakers as well. The information is on our website indiememe.com

PK and AMIR It has become a trend of sorts now that the year ends with a major release by none other than Aamir Khan in the month of December. After the release of DHOOM 3, as we gear up for the Christmas holidays, Aamir Khan brings his new film PK. Said to be a comedy-drama, the makers of the film have managed to keep the story tightly under wraps, despite the film’s heavy promotions. As already reported in the media, Aamir Khan plays the role of an alien, something that is relatively new in Bollywood. Add to that, director Rajkumar Hirani wielding the megaphone after three backto-back hits, PK has managed to generate tremendous hype prior to its release. However, does the film manage to live up to the expectations, will the past success (3 Idiots) of the Aamir Khan - Rajkumar Hirani combination work its charm in enticing the audi-

ences to the theatres, will PK be a Christmas gift to cherish for the film loving audiences? Lets analyze.

The film starts off with PK (Aamir Khan), an alien, landing on earth, in the desert of Rajasthan, to study

about human begins and life on earth. Arriving stark naked on a earth, PK has a rough start on the planet when his tracking remote, that helps him send signals back to his spaceship, gets stolen. He now has to find the remote to contact his spaceship and till then survive on earth on his own. Unaware of human mannerisms, language or life in general on earth, PK finds it difficult to adjust. However, fate brings him in touch with Bhairav Singh (Sanjay Dutt) who becomes his dear friend and helps him with life on earth. But destiny takes PK to Delhi. From here on starts a whirlwind story of a stranger in the unknown city of Delhi asking questions that despite their innocence hold a valuable and deep meaning. Aided on by Jagat Janani (Anushka Sharma) who teams up with him on this journey, PK challenges some of the oldest rituals of religion that are ruling life of people on earth.

As for the performances, Aamir Khan excels in the title role. This is probably one of the most challenging characters that he has played so far and with his stellar performance, Aamir Khan carries the film all the way. His childlike innocence, his Bhojpuri accent and his love for ‘paan’ only adds layers to the character of PK. Anushka Sharma, who has in her previous releases earned quite a bit of critical acclaim, does a good job as Jagat “Jaggu” Janani. She stands shoulder to shoulder with Aamir through the entire film. Sushant Singh Rajput is impressive in an extended cameo. Saurabh Shukla, though good, seems to be underutilized along with Boman Irani who too could have been given a meatier part. Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, manages to carry off his role as a Rajasthani man with panache. Rajkumar Hirani, known for his films like 3 Idiots and the Munnabhai series tries to live up to

his reputation of telling an engaging tale with a message. Though the storytelling is seamless, PK does seem to lack the punch that his earlier films had. Though the screenplay (Abhijat Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani) of the film is comprehensive and engrossing, with humorous situations and entertaining dialogues, the narrative does get slow at certain points. PK however hits the right notes and entertains. Overall, PK that releases during tanticipation and a massive release (approximately 5000 screens domestically and 800+ screens overseas), PK is sure to create new box-office records. On the whole, Aamir Khan’s PK is a solid entertainer that will surely entertain the masses and classes alike. An outstanding film. Go for it.

Austin South Asian | January 2015

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Austin South Asian | January 2015