Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 14 No. 03
Influenza (Flu) Vs COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. (Continued On Page 04)
New Immigration Reform Bill NEW YORK – Democrats introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill Feb. 18 that would allow more permanent immigrant status, or green cards, for professional Indians, who have the longest wait for immigration, and cut their wait times.
The bill introduced by Senator Bob Menendez and House of Representatives member Linda Sanchez seeks to remove the annual limits on green cards for each country, a measure that would allow more immigration from India. (Continued On Page 21)
Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration For 77 Texas Counties After Winter Storm
inside
March 2021
5 Hobbies To Keep........02 Ace The Spring Semester4 Signs Of Stroke?...........05 Fit Of Your Mask...........05 Improved Heart Health.06 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 NASA Indian American
By Wes Rapaport (Courtesy: KXAN) AUSTIN (Nexstar) — President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Texas following the winter storm that kept temperatures below freezing for days, dumped snow and ice across the state, and resulted in power and plumbing problems for millions of Texans. The federal assistance comes in the
Support Asha Austin
form of grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to help cover uninsured property losses, and “other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” according to the announcement made Saturday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Continued On Page 03)
COVID-19 Precaution? Despite safety efforts and countless resources spent, factories, warehouses and labor union workers are continuing to be hit hard by COVID-19. (Continued On Page 19)
By Shruti Motiwale Asha Austin, the local chapter of Asha for Education, is a non-profit organization geared towards catalyzing socio-economic change by providing underprivileged children with access to education. (Continued On Page 03)
April 2021 Real Estate Special
512-828-6709 Engineer......................07 Birds Attacking Your Windows?.........................08 Make A Difference........09 Piyush Goyal Invites.....10 Largest Cricket Stadium11 Chat with President......13 Kids Corner.....14,15,17,22 Raised Garden Bed.......16 Save Time And Money..18 Amp Up Your Spring.....19 Healthcare Career.........20 New Immigration Reform Bill By Democrats.........21 COVID-19 Can Cause Serious Eye Abnormalities.............................25 Entertainment.........26,27
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
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5 Hobbies To Keep Your Body And Mind Healthy And Happy As the pandemic continues to restrict many of the places you are able or inclined to go, finding ways to stay active is important for keeping the body and mind healthy and happy. Here are some ideas for new hobbies to try.
free Chordana Play app, you can easily learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files. Once you’ve mastered the instrument, the portability of the key-
you have never attempted making at home. Tackle your culinary bucket list, one-by-one. • Go hiking: There is no better hobby for stay-
• Learn a language: Bonjour! ¡Hola! With an array of online language classes and tutorials available at your fingertips, learning a new language is more accessible than ever. Start now while you fantasize about a post-pandemic vacation overseas. • Play an instrument: Learning to play an instrument is not only a great distraction for the current moment, it can provide you with years of joy as your skill develops. Consider starting your musical journey on a Casiotone keyboard. By connecting the keyboard to the
siasts, such as a watch from the Casio’s Pro Trek line.
struggling, consider volunteering your time to serve those in need.
Quad Sensor technology packs all the measurements you need into one compact hiking watch, including a compass, altitude/barometer and temperature measurements, along with an accelerometer that tracks step count.
There are plenty of safe, socially distant volunteer opportunities, from delivering meals to the homebound, to video conferencing with socially isolated seniors to helping boost adult literacy via remote tutoring.
Calorie calculations use both step count and altitude information to take upgrades and downgrades into consideration, and data is recorded by the Pro Trek connected app.
Amid the ongoing pandemic, staying busy and positive may take creativity.
• Volunteer:
However, discovering new hobbies and pursuits you love can nurture the body, mind and soul.
At a time when many people are
(StatePoint)
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board will come in handy, whether you play solo or join a band. • Become a home chef: From sushi to soufflé to dumplings, there are likely a range of dishes
ing fit and communing with nature than hiking, which works every muscle of the body, boosts cardiovascular health and even improves mood and mental well-being. Track your hike using a wearable tech tool geared for outdoor enthu-
info@AustinSouthAsian.com Stay Safe
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Support Asha Austin At Amplify Austin Day On March 4th-5th!
(Continued From Page 01)
city’s annual day of giving!
Our chapter is completely volunteer driven, comprised of passionate individuals from Austin striving
It is a 24 hour online fundraising event held from March 4th 6 pm CST to March 5th 6pm CST, and
fundraising campaigns in Central Texas for local nonprofits. Many corporates will be matching employee donations made on
Your contributions from 2020 were instrumental in supporting some of the unexpected expenses incurred by our partners due to the pandemic, but the struggle isn’t over yet. This year, we are hoping that you will contribute even more than last year to help them tide over these difficult times. Asha for Education is a 100% volunteer-driven, registered 501-c(3) organization, and donations made to Asha are 100% tax deductible in the US.
to make a difference to the society. We currently support 8 projects in India that focus on children with special needs and/or alternate education models. This year, we are participating in Amplify Austin Day, which is our
provides a wonderful opportunity for our entire community to come together and give generously towards non-profit causes that are close to our hearts. The Amplify Austin initiative, created by “I Live Here, I Give Here”, is one of the largest single-day
Amplify Austin Day, allowing the impact of your support to go even further. In 2020, a total of $4.5k donated by supporters like you were doubled to $9k with corporate matching. This year, we are hoping to exceed these numbers with your generous contributions! Volunteers at Asha Austin take extensive efforts to help local folks get fit and build community spirit by offering training for long-distance races, including 10k, half marathon and full marathon. Strides of Hope, our long-distance training program, was started in 2005, and has successfully trained over 400 local community runners of all ages and experience levels. Each mile run and each dollar raised by these runners helps provide a better future to underprivileged children in India. 2020 was a challenging year for everybody, but most challenging for the disadvantaged community who had to struggle with minimal resources. Despite the unfavorable circumstances, our project partners in India came up with innovative measures to continue the mission of education to their best abilities, including physiotherapy sessions through zoom, socially distanced classes under trees, and computer classes to empower young girls.
Moreover, did you know that Asha for Education has been rated 4-star by Charity Navigator for being a low-overhead, transparent and ac-
countable organization for seven consecutive years? Most importantly, it means that your donation has a huge impact on children, teachers, and schools that need our help, support, and motivation. With many of our regular fundraising programs coming to a halt due to COVID, your generous support means even more to us this year. Let us all come together and give open-heartedly to those who need it the most! To learn more about us or if you are interested in volunteering, visit us at https://austin.ashanet.org/
Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration For 77 Texas Counties After Winter Storm (Continued From Page 01) Conservatively, at least 2.7 million Texans were without power, and thawing pipes posed problems as the storm passed, with 14 million people under some kind of boil water advisory in the storm’s aftermath. But the declaration does not cover individual assistance in all of the state’s 254 counties, despite a Winter Storm Warning issued for each county in Texas. 77 counties were on the initial approved list, FEMA’s announcement stated. The White House directed questions about the county selection to FEMA. FEMA did not immediately respond to a request for information. According to information provided by Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, the Biden administration approved the request for Individual Assistance in 77 counties and for Public Assistance (Emergency Protective Measures Only) in all 254 counties. “I thank President Biden for his assistance as we respond to impacts of winter weather across our state,” Abbott said in a statement. “While this partial approval is an important first step, Texas will continue to work with our federal part-
ners to ensure all eligible Texans have access to the relief they need. “The funds provided under the Major Disaster Declaration may provide crucial assistance to Texans as they begin to repair their homes and address property damage,” Abbott continued. Biden’s partial state approval comes days after he approved an emergency declaration for Texas after the winter storm at the request of Gov. Abbott, authorized FEMA to “identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.” It also allowed the state to receive reimbursable federal assistance. “Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures and hazard mitigation measures statewide,” a FEMA press release stated Saturday. People seeking to apply for assistance for losses in designated areas can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Ace The Spring Semester With The Following Tools And Strategies Maintaining a passion for school can be tough during the spring semester, particularly during an unusual academic year. Here is a round-up of tools and strategies to help motivate students and facilitate their success:
Boasting an advanced Computer Algebra System (CAS), Casio’s fx-CG500 is good example of a reasonably-priced next-generation graphing calculator helping students en-
olution, color, touchscreen LCD conveys a Natural Textbook display. Drag-and-drop functionality enables stu-
• Outside counsel: Now is a great time for students to meet with their academic advisor or counselor.
• Mobile hotspot: A mobile hotspot can be a lifesaver, making remote-learners impervious to internet outages or bandwidth demands from other household members or roommates, helping ensure that they never miss a lesson or pop quiz. • Eliminate a common headache:
Doing so can expand a student’s knowledge of current and future opportunities and serve as a temperature check on their progress toward degree completion.
Students writing term papers can easily get bogged down in the tiring logistics of creating a bibliography. And while this task is necessary, it’s unlikely to further a student’s knowledge of a subject.
Plus, talking to someone invested in one’s success can provide the push needed to keep up the good work. • Advance calculations: To solve the most challenging equations and embrace the actual theory of mathematical concepts, it’s important to be equipped with an easy-to-use graphing calculator possessing all the latest functions.
graphs.
rolled in advanced math and science courses. sddClear \ are especially important for distance-learning, and this model’s high-res-
dents to quickly and intuitively pull information from one representation into another. Meanwhile, split-screen functionality allows simultaneous viewing of functions and
Fortunately, there are apps available that automatically create bibliography entries in the style of a student’s needs when they scan a book’s barcode. Simplifying this task will free up much needed time and energy for students to research and actually write their papers. With the right tools and mindset, every student can have a strong spring semester. (StatePoint)
Difference Between Influenza (Flu) And Covid-19? (Continued From Page 01) More information about differences between flu and COVID-19 is available in the different sections below. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. While more is learned every day about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, there is still a lot that is unknown . This page compares COVID-19 and flu, given the best available information to date.
they had flu. Flu Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection. COVID-19 Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection, and the time range can vary. How long someone can spread the virus Similarities: For both COVID-19 and flu, it’s possible to spread the virus for at least 1 day before experiencing any symptoms.
Similarities: Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fatigue (tiredness) • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle pain or body aches • Headache
Differences: If a person has COVID-19, they may be contagious for a longer period of time than if they had flu. Flu Most people with flu are contagious for about 1 day before they show symptoms. Older children and adults with flu appear to be most contagious during the initial 3-4 days of their illness but many remain contagious for about 7 days. Infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer. (Continued On Page 12)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults Differences: Flu Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above. COVID-19 COVID-19 seems to cause more serious illnesses in some people. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from
flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell. How long symptoms appear after exposure and infection Similarities: For both COVID-19 and flu, 1 or more days can pass between a person becoming infected and when he or she starts to experience illness symptoms. Differences: If a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer to develop symptoms than if
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Can You Recognize Signs Of Stroke? Many people are avoiding in-person doctor’s visits to limit potential exposure to coronavirus -- or are simply ignoring health concerns altogether.
After doctors confirmed he was experiencing a stroke, they delivered treatment immediately and he was able to be discharged the following day.
However, when it comes to medical emergencies such as stroke, immediate medical attention is critical.
While in some cases quick action can help with recovery, statistics suggest that many Americans may be avoiding hospitals when they need them most due to anxieties surrounding the pandemic.
The fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., stroke occurs every 40 seconds and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. When 59-year-old Paul “David” Dyches had a stroke on the job this past August, he quickly realized something was very wrong.
A recent study published in “JAMA Internal Medicine” showed that emergency room visits to five major healthcare systems decreased by more than 40 percent as COVID-19 cases spiked.
“I never experienced a feeling like this before, and I knew we had to do something right away,” says Dyches, who was experiencing classic stroke symptoms of weakness in his arms and legs.
As patients such as Dyches are learning firsthand, hospitals have a range of protocols in place to help keep patients and staff safe from coronavirus infection.
Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was evaluated via tele-neurology by experts over 150 miles away.
“The hospital staff set me at ease right away,” says Dyches.
How And Why To Improve The Fit Of Your Mask As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, you may find yourself out and about more. Whether you’re returning to the
workplace or just getting a haircut, mask requirements may be in place in certain venues you frequent. New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations highlight the importance of snugly fitting masks. The good news is that innovations are helping people secure the fit of their masks, and, at the same time, solve some of the most common complaints they have when wearing them. “As we began to wear masks in 2020, we found ourselves frustrated by things like fogging glasses and slipping masks. Our team has extensive experience solving health-related challenges and thought there had to be a way to address this,” says Dave Franchino,
co-founder at MaskTite, a company that makes a medical-grade, double-sided tape designed to adhere to the inside of a mask for a more secure fit. Franchino, with his background in medical product design, set to work with his team to design a way to give people of all face sizes and shapes a fast and easy way to make every mask fit better. Made of skin-safe, medical-grade, adhesive tape, MaskTite strips eliminate common mask problems like gaps, fogging glasses and slipping, and are sized for adults and children. Here Franchino explains how to solve some of most common mask woes, some of which you’ve likely experienced: • Loose fit and slipping masks: Readjusting your mask when it starts to slip is not always possible, whether it’s because you have your hands full of groceries or work tools or you simply want to avoid touching your face. Keeping the mask affixed to your face with tape can eliminate slipping when it matters most, and achieve a tighter fit, supporting the latest CDC recommendations. • Foggy glasses: The warm air of your breath escaping from the top of your mask can
quickly make glasses foggy, causing a new hazard -- an inability to see. While it can be tough to find a mask that fits securely enough to eliminate fog, applying a solution like MaskTite to the inside of your mask means you can get a proper fit and better visibility, no matter what mask you’re using. • Irritating straps: A tight-fitting mask is great in many respects, but the straps can put a strain on the backs of one’s ears. Plus, there are times when mask straps can simply be in the way, such as when you’re getting a haircut. Securing your mask to your face with tape means you can go strap-free. Waterproof and hypoallergenic, MaskTite strips can improve mask fit in a variety of environments, including healthcare, schools, retail and restaurant settings, salons, offices, manufacturing and more. Packaged in a resealable, plastic pouch that’s easy to throw into a pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase, they are currently available for sale through Amazon. MaskTite is made in the U.S. from U.S. materials. Learn more at MaskTite.com. “From fogging glasses to slipping, nearly every issue that stems from wearing a mask is related to the mask’s fit. For those spending a lot of time in a mask, at school, work or elsewhere, a good mask-wearing experience can make all the difference,” says Franchino. (StatePoint)
Beyond pandemic fears, one age-old barrier to seeking timely medical attention for stroke is simply awareness of signs and symptoms. While Dyches can credit himself with recognizing a classic symptom -- arm and leg weakness -- and reacting rapidly, only one in five U.S. adults are able to recognize 10 signs and symptoms of stroke, according to a nationwide survey*. What’s more, nearly 70 percent of the survey respondents say they’re knowledgeable about stroke, yet 62 percent falsely believe that signs of stroke come on slowly over a day or two, when in fact symptoms of stroke can come on suddenly. Experts say that immediate medical attention, which is vital, relies on everyone learning and being able to recognize the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke: • Balance: Sudden loss of balance • Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes • Face: Face looks uneven or droopy • Arm: Arm or leg is weak or hanging down • Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused • Time: Immediately call 911 For more shareable information and resources, visit Strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc, a member of the Roche Group. “I am a testament to the fact that emergencies like stroke don’t stop for a global health pandemic,” says Dyches. “Anyone who experiences stroke symptoms should call 911 and get themselves to the ER as quickly as possible.” BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. *On behalf of Genentech, a nationwide Stroke Awareness Survey was conducted on March 25 – April 10, 2020 among 2,009 adults ages 35+ in the U.S. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
4 Ways Black Women Can Prioritize Self-Care For Improved Heart Health High blood pressure -- the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke -- continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Addressing this health inequity is especially important right now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19.
have launched the “Release the Pressure” campaign with ESSENCE. The campaign is aimed at partnering with Black women to help im-
courages Black women to take the following four steps:
3. Activate a personalized wellness plan:
1. Set a blood pressure goal:
Identify specific goals for fitness and heart healthy eating and connect virtually with family members and friends from your “squad” to keep you on track.
Schedule an appointment with your
4. Make regular check-ins with your “squad”: Lean on your family and friends to help you achieve your heart health goals by checking in with them on
According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of high blood pressure among Black adults in the U.S. is among the highest in the world, with the prevalence of high blood pressure in Black women nearly 40 percent higher than white women in the U.S. While many long-standing inequities and stressors produced by structural racism have created and continue to exacerbate these conditions, there are steps individuals can take to prioritize self-care for improved blood pressure. This is why the American Medical Association (AMA), the AMA Foundation, Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association, Minority Health Institute and National Medical Association
a daily basis. “Preventive care is vital to breaking the devastating impact of high blood pressure within the Black community, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Patrice A. Harris, M.D., MA, president of the AMA. “It starts with understanding blood pressure numbers and taking action to manage blood pressure.” (StatePoint)
CHILDREN ARTICLES
prove their heart health and be part of a movement for healthy blood pressure, with a shared goal of engaging more than 300,000 Black women. As part of the campaign, the AMA and this coalition of national health care organizations encourages Black women to take a pledge to be part of a healthy blood pressure movement at ReleaseThePressure. org. Specifically, the pledge en-
physician or other health care professional, in-person or virtually, to work in partnership on understanding your blood pressure numbers and knowing your goal for optimal blood pressure.
Children Email Us Your Articles To See It In Print info@austinsouthasian.com
512-828-6709
2. Monitor blood pressure numbers at home: Once you learn your blood pressure numbers, take and keep regular records of your blood pressure.
Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly
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MAGNANIMOUS MOTHERS Mothers ours prepares hygienic food, For members of entire family. We all simply take that for granted, Though it is not a job that easy. What to be prepared, they will decide, With resources at their disposal. Works out quantity to be prepared, There shall be no wastage or shortage. Preparing in time, they sure manage, Ensuring that dishes often change. Taking care, that preparations theirs, Do not upset the health of their wards. In spite of these, all express resent, When the food is not as expected. But no one try to appreciate,
While the food at its finest is served. If serving is a little delayed, Or varies a bit against our taste, To express discontent all shall haste, As though mothers are dutiful maids. Gratitude, we don’t try to express, While mothers exist and take our care. When they depart and with us no more, Only then this we all realize. Despite agony, pain and struggles, Though they do not get deserved honor, To cook and care they refuse never, Because MOTHERS ARE MAGNANIMOUS. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)
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Holi
Austin South Asian | March 2021
NASA Indian American Engineer Swati Mohan: Operations Lead For Perseverance Rover Landing On Mars
Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “festival of spring”, the “festival of colours”, and the “festival of love”. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. It originated and is predominantly celebrated in India, but has also spread to other regions of CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A NASA rover streaked through the orange Martian sky and Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Indian subcontinent. Holi landed on the planet Feb. 18, accomplishing the riskiest step yet in an epic quest to bring back celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many it’s a rocks that could answer whether life ever existed on Mars, reported AP. festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. Ground controllers at the space agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night leaped to their feet, thrust their arms in the air and cheered in both triumph and relief on reand a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima falling in the Hindu calendar month of ceiving confirmation that the six-wheeled Perseverance had touched down on the red planet, Phalguna, which falls around middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. The first evening long a deathtrap for incoming spacecraft. is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi, Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Phagwah. “Now the amazing science starts,” a jubilant Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s science mission chief, said at a news conference, after the rover successfully touched down on the surface of Holi celebrations start on the night before Holi with a Holika Dahan where people gather, Mars after surviving a blazing seven-minute plunge through the Martian atmosphere. perform religious rituals in front of the bonfire, and pray that their internal evil be destroyed the way Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was killed in the fire. Among the scientists who are part of this historic mission, Indian American Dr. Swati Mohan spearheaded the development of attitude control and the landing system for the rover, The next morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi (Dhuleti) – a free-for-all festival of colours, reported ANI. “Touchdown confirmed! Perseverance is safely on the surface of Mars, ready where people smear each other with colours and drench each other. Water guns and water- to begin seeking the signs of past life,” exclaimed the NASA engineer. filled balloons are also used to play and colour each other. Anyone and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children, and elders. Perseverance, the biggest, most advanced rover ever sent by NASA, became the ninth spacecraft since the 1970s to successfully land on Mars, every one of them from the U.S. The frolic and fight with colours occurs in the open streets, parks, outside temples and buildings. Groups carry drums and other musical instruments, go from place to place, sing and The car-size, plutonium-powered vehicle arrived at Jezero Crater, hitting NASA’s smallest dance. People visit family, friends and foes come together to throw coloured powders on each and trickiest target yet: a 5-by-4-mile strip on an ancient river delta full of pits, cliffs and other, laugh and gossip, then share Holi delicacies, food and drinks. Some customary drinks rocks. Scientists believe that if life ever flourished on Mars, it would have happened 3 billion include bhang (made from cannabis), which is intoxicating. In the evening, after sobering up, to 4 billion years ago, when water still flowed on the planet. people dress up and visit friends and family. Over the next two years, Percy, as it is nicknamed, will use its 7-foot arm to drill down and collect rock samples containing possible signs of bygone microscopic life. Three to four dozen chalk-size samples will be sealed in tubes and set aside to be retrieved eventually by another rover and brought homeward by another rocket ship. (Continued On Page 13)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Birds Attacking Your Windows? Here’s How To Stop It If you’ve ever noticed a bird attack your windows, you may wonder why this strange behavior is occurring. Beyond the potential disruption it might cause your family, repeated attacks can be harmful to birds. Understanding the problem however, can help you put a stop to it, and better protect the birds nesting on your property. The Problem Many birds will stake out a territory, perhaps by your home, and vigorously defend it. If a territorial bird discovers its reflection in your window, it may perceive this reflection to be another bird competing for its territory and mate, compelling the bird to attack. This attack of its own reflection can take the form of pecking or scratching at your window, as well
as flying up and banging into your window. When repeated, these actions deplete a bird’s energy and put its health and the health of its nesting young at risk. Though this can occur at any time
of year, it happens most often in spring, with males. A Solution You can help stop this problem
from occurring. One good solution designed to do so is Stop Bird Attack, a removable, white coating that may be sprayed on any window. It eliminates the bird’s window reflection, calms the bird and stops the attack. Effective for Northern Cardinals, American Robins, California Towhees and other territorial birds, Stop Bird Attack is made by WindowAlert, a brand that also makes bird window decals and UV Liquid products that help prevent bird strikes (another common hazard to birds). More information can be found by visiting windowalert.com. Take it a Step Further
While you are at it, consider other dangers to birds that you can eliminate on your property. For example, by swapping out conventional pesticides with essential oils, you can ward off pests in your garden without putting birds at risk. You might also try keeping pet cats indoors or in an enclosure to prevent them from attacking birds. “While your home’s windows can be an unexpected hazard to birds, it’s important to be aware of the easy solutions that can help keep them safe this spring nesting season and beyond,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert. (StatePoint)
To Advertise Call 512-828-6709
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UNUSUAL WINTER STORM
By Vidya Kumar
By the time this is being read hopefully everyone would be back to normal lifestyle of course in a pandemic but with warmer weather. When the unusual winter storm hit Texas one never expected that we would be struggling with the necessities of life like water, current and now-a-days internet also has become a necessity rather than a luxury. And our movement also was curtailed last month as either there were roadblocks or roads were impassable due to black ice which was dangerous. Hopefully, all the readers were safe and warm during those days. Yet, if one were to look around the snow was a beautiful sight especially in Austin with trees and shrubs covered with the delight-
ful white snow and I am sure every backyard was looking like a picture postcard or a painting scene. Kids must have had a blast with playing in the snow and enjoying the school vacation!! As for us we did not have current or water or internet for more than 35 hours. The first act we did was to light the gas fireplace which was never lit from the day we bought the house. Fortunately, we were able to light it without any difficulty. As the house started warming up our hearts also opened, and we invited whoever were struggling in the cold to come to our home and spend the night and mentioned that we
did not have running water but some stored water is available. That brought a chain of messages from others for comforters, blankets and even candles and match boxes. The next day by afternoon we had water and current and meanwhile, in some home’s pipes had burst even after taking all precautions for the hard freeze. As my husband had thawed our water pipes successfully immediately sent word that whoever needs thawing the pipes can get help from him. Also messaged for anyone to come and shower, as well as share one pot meal with us and spend the night. All along in the community there was an increased co-operation amongst neighbors and helping each other so that we all can get over the hardship.
Also, appreciation for things which we had taken for granted like running water, current and central heating increased, and everyone will be thinking of conserving the natural resources and do believe in the climate change and how our lifestyle affects the environment. This storm taught us a lesson that in times of distress attitude is everything and how we approach the problems that life throws at us is very important. Texans are very resilient, and we learnt that we can survive in hard conditions and thrive as a community when it is needed.
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Invites U.S. Firms to Set Up Manufacturing in India NEW DELHI – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called upon companies in the U.S.
to look at India as a manufacturing base. Delivering the inaugural virtual address at the annual conference of USIBC’s State of US-India Business, he said that trade between India and the U.S. has grown exponentially, but there is a lot more to be desired. Goyal said that the U.S. and India complement each other. He said that the U.S. offers technology, finance and innovation, whereas India has a large market that needs to be served. The minister, however, said that at the same time, there is a need to protect people in agriculture and protect the citizens from low quality products. Emphasizing at a fair dealing in their engagement, he said that India provides an under-served aspirational market. The minister said the U.S. will have to be very sensitive to price points in India, which matter to emerging economies with millions of people just coming out of poverty. Inviting businesses in the U.S. to look at India as a manufacturing base, Goyal said that from here, they can serve a large Indian market and at the same time, also serve global markets through cost-competitive products. He said that their reforms in the defense, mining, labor and agriculture sectors will open up new opportunities for the American com-
Over 350 Women Show Off Culinary Skills During Kitchen Queens’ Cooking Competition More than 360 women from all over the world recently participated in a virtual cooking competi-
can Cultural Society of North America and Lebon Hospitality Group.
panies. Goyal said the government is keen
to expand on the digital space with the U.S. He added that they would be conscious of their responsibility to the people of India for data privacy. “There are a lot of concerns with the big tech companies, and India would like to protect its policy space,” he said. (Courtesy: https:// www.indiawest.com/)
tion organized by Kitchen Queens, founded by Indian American Smita Vasant. The contest, during which three winners were announced, was held in association with the Indo Ameri-
The competition has been held annually for the past six years in Los Angeles, Calif., to promote Indian culture in the U.S., but this year, the event was held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, stated a press release.
The three winners were Tej Mandalia of Buena Park; Harshlata Mandalia of Cerritos; and Torrance-based Sonita Sona Jhangiani. Tej Mandalia went for a fusion between Indian and Mexican cuisines. She made veg pakoda tacos using ingredients like fenugreek, mint chutney and Mexican cheese. Harshlata Mandalia’s dish was called shezwan-muthia, while Jhangiani created a paneer makhani pasta dish. Parimal Shah and Yogi Patel of the Indo American Cultural Society of North America, an organization that supports the Kitchen Queens competition, said that the event, held in the coronavirus era, was unique and a very good experience, added the press release. Yogi Patel of Lebon Hospitality said that programs such as these help in keeping the Indian culture alive in the U.S. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest.com/)
Indian Banker-Turned-Entrepreneur Pankhuri Raj Charts A ‘Make In India’ Success Story With Online Clothing Brand Myshka When the sales of a 3-year-old online clothing store exceed that of bigger and older brands in the market, you cannot help but take notice of it.
ure to all of us. I was working as a branch manager in HDFC bank
One such brand is Myshka, the brainchild of Indian banker-turnedentrepreneur Pankhuri Raj.
“Around 2012-13, there was just one mall in Dhanbad. People did not have a lot of options when it came to shopping for clothes. I toyed with the idea of launching an online clothing brand.
In 2017, Pankhuri started Myshka with her husband’s savings, according to a press release. With no outside support, she was fueled only by the ambition of creating a successful brand with sheer hard work and determination, it said. Her efforts bore fruit and her company’s sales picked up rapidly, and in 2018, she quit her job. “I hail from a middle-class family from Ranchi, Jharkhand. My father was a government employee and nobody in our family had ever dabbled in any kind of business,” said Raj. “Ranchi is also the city which somebody like M.S. Dhoni comes from. He has been an inspirational fig-
ping needs when she visited relatives in Delhi. A decade ago, ecommerce was yet to become the big force it is today, but Raj saw potential in it.
and had not really think about setting up a business for the longest time. Most businesses start with a simple but unique idea and that is what happened with me.” Raj’s banking job took her to smaller cities like Dhanbad, Dehradun and Patna. She realized that there were very limited options as far as e-commerce was concerned in these places. She would often fulfill her shop-
I started working on ideas and started meeting manufacturers in Delhi. Since I had never done any business earlier, I wanted to be careful about everything. Things were taking a while to fall into place, but I was patient,” she said. Raj personally visits artisans in cities like Jaipur and Surat and all the material used in making her clothes is 100 percent Indian, she said. “We do not even use Chinese buttons,” said Raj. “All the fabric and other material we use is sourced from different places in India… We have a huge population and the interest in online shopping is grow-
ing rapidly.” Myshka’s office in Noida has close to 80 employees, many of whom are women. The brand offers more than 500 designs and has a monthly production capacity of 50, 000 units. While the brand largely follows an online business model, it has a physical store each in Lucknow and Balliya, Uttar Pradesh, and there is one counter in a store in Malaysia. Myshka ships its products across the country. The company registered a turnover of around Rs. 12 crore in 2020, added the release. “Working women often face discrimination and people do not tend to take them seriously. That has happened with me right from the time I started working as a banker. But we should not let any kind of challenge stop us from doing what we want to do…You must believe in your dreams and work persistently towards achieving them,” Raj said. (Courtesy: https://www. indiawest.com/)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
World’s Largest Cricket Stadium In Motera, Ahmedabad
The newly-built Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad has a seating capacity of 1,10,000, which makes it the largest cricket stadium in the world.
the-art club facilities with three practice grounds, an indoor cricket academy, and a 55-room clubhouse which will have an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Cricketers from India and England shared posts on social media, admiring the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad which will host the last two Tests of the ongoing series.
“Being born in India, I am a huge
seating bowl and supported by steel “V” shaped columns. These columns resist gravity and lateral loads resulting from high winds and earthquakes.
The stadium exists in tiers to accommodate smaller events and maintain the atmosphere for spectators even when the bowl isn’t full. These tiers carry through to the
serves as a beacon for both aspiring and elite players. Gujarat Cricket Association is prepared to claim their stake on the global sporting map as they open the doors to what will become known as the world’s greatest cricket stadium.
After both teams won a Test each in Chennai, the four-match series will shift to Ahmedabad where the newly-built Motera Stadium will host its first international match. Motera Stadium is poised to become the world’s largest cricket stadium following its inauguration in February 2020. The stadium will accommodate over 110,000 (1.1 Lakh) cricket fans, surpassing its preceding record holder, Melbourne Cricket Ground. After two years of demolition, the new facility is completing construction on the same 63-acre site as its predecessor, Sardar Patel Stadium—which will be its official name after opening. Motera Stadium responds to the vision of Shri. Narendra Modi, the Honorable Prime Minister of India, doubling the capacity of the previous venue. Despite its size, the stadium was constructed in three years. The new home of the Gujarat Cricket Association includes 76 corporate boxes, four team dressing rooms and facilities, state-of-
fan of Indian cricket. For our firm to have been a part of the design team bringing innovation to an iconic venue such as Motera is a deep honor and privilege. May every fan that visits the venue experience the passion that we have had when designing this outstanding project,” adds President & CEO Dilip Choudhuri. Walter P Moore served as the structural engineer for Motera’s roof system. Taking into consideration the fact that the city of Ahmedabad is located in a level 3 seismic zone, the roof needed to be lightweight to reduce seismic demand and develop an economical roof system. Walter P Moore proposed a tensile fabric roof system that is seismically separate from the concrete
“I have had the opportunity to be a part of the design team of many stadiums in the U.S., however, getting a chance to design the roof of the biggest cricket stadium in the world is like a dream come true. In addition to Amol Acharya, who led our design team in India, Abhishek Bhargava, and our entire team in India, I am excited to welcome fans in this great facility that L&T built,” adds Project Manager Abhijit Shah. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Teflon-coated woven fiberglass, was stretched between a circumferential inner tension ring and an outer compression ring. A wind tunnel test was also performed to optimize roof design. Walter P Moore used Load Response Correlation Method to develop critical wind load patterns from the wind tunnel test.
roof, making the fact that it is structurally independent a crucial design element. The stadium is already scheduled to host audiences as they support cultural leaders and bear witness to festivals and celebrations, in addition to local and international cricket matches. “Through Walter P Moore, I have worked on a number of sports projects. I grew up in the City of Ahmedabad before moving to the United States over 35 years ago. Designing the roof for the worldclass Motera Cricket Stadium was very special for me,” says Viral Patel, Principal-in-Charge. An iconic sports venue, Motera
About Walter P Moore / www. walterpmoore.com Walter P Moore is an international company of engineers, innovators, and creative people who solve some of the world’s most complex structural and infrastructure challenges. Providing structural, diagnostics, civil, traffic, parking, transportation, enclosure, and construction engineering services, they design solutions that are cost- and resource-efficient, forward-thinking, and help support and shape communities worldwide. Founded in 1931, Walter P Moore‘s 700+ professionals work across 20 U.S. offices and five international locations.
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
If World Manages To Conquer Covid, It Will Be Because Of India: Canadian PM Justin Trudea
NEW DELHI – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called up
Trudeau informed Modi about Canada’s requirement for Cov-
Expressing his appreciation, Trudeau said that if the world man-
Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in sharing this capacity with the rest of the world. The Indian prime minister thanked Trudeau for his sentiments. The two leaders also reiterated the common perspective shared by India and Canada on many important geo-political issues. They agreed to continue the close
collaboration between both the countries in fighting global challenges like climate change and the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The leaders look forward to meeting each other in various important international fora later this year, and continue their discussions on all issues of mutual interest. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest.com/)
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512-828-6709 Prime Minister Narendra Modi Feb. 10, requesting for Covid-19 vaccines, which India has generously gifted to 20 countries under its vaccine diplomacy. An official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said that
id-19 vaccines from India. Modi, on his part, assured the Canadian PM that India would do its best to support Canada’s vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already.
ages to conquer Covid-19, it would be significantly because of India’s tremendous pharmaceutical (Continued From Page 04) capacity, and COVID-19 How long someone can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 is still under investigation. It’s possible for people to spread the virus for about 2 days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared. If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it’s possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.
Difference Between Influenza (Flu) And Covid-19?
How it Spreads Similarities: Both COVID-19 and flu can spread from person to person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Both are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get infected by physical human contact (for example, shaking hands) or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Both flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms; by people with very mild symptoms; and by people who never developed symptoms (asymptomatic). Differences: While COVID-19 and flu viruses are thought to spread in similar ways, COVID-19 is more contagious among certain populations and age groups than flu. Also, COVID-19 has been observed to have more superspreading events than flu. This means the virus that causes COVID-19 can quickly and easily spread to a lot of people and result in continuous spreading among people as time progresses. People at High-Risk for Severe Illness Similarities: Both COVID-19 and flu illness can result in severe illness and complications. Those at highest risk include: • Older adults • People with certain underlying medical conditions • Pregnant people (Continued On Page 15)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
In a Chat with President Joe Biden, Two Indian American Restaurant Owners Open Up about COVID-induced Losses Up until a few months ago, this was a highly unlikely scenario: the president of the United States reaching out to you to inquire about the challenges of running a small business and how you have been managing it during the pandemic. But President Joe Biden is here now!
and talk about how the American Rescue Plan will help businesses like theirs,” Biden tweeted. The clip opens with the exterior
“As small business owners during the pandemic, every day is an open question,” said Samir. “When President Biden found out about our situation, he reached out.”
I gave them a call to hear their story
“What is the greatest need you have now for your restaurants to be able to survive?” Biden then asked. Neal added that “their greatest need is for everybody to be vaccinated because if people aren’t out shopping, the economy grinds to a halt.”
In a small clip released Feb. 13 by the White House, President Joe Biden was seen engaging in a remote conversation with Neal and Samir Idnani, the Indian American owners of NaanStop. “Samir and Neal own NaanStop in Atlanta, Georgia — and like many small businesses around the country, they’ve been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
since the pandemic hit, and they’ve had to trim their staff from 20 to 25 to 10-15 people.
shots of the Atlanta, Georgia-based Indian restaurant, which the brothers have been running for the past 10 years. But when COVID-19 hit, they said they had to “completely adapt.”
“How’re you guys doing?” Biden asked. “It’s been pretty rough, hasn’t it, lately?” The duo said that their business has gone down by almost 75 percent
Biden then elaborated upon his rescue plan for small businesses. “I put together a rescue plan that provides tens of billions of dollars in grants to small businesses. We have to invest more, not less. We got to give you a chance to rebuild, that’s separate and apart from dealing with the virus,” he
said. Neal also told the president that immigrant-owned restaurants around them are looking for guidance regarding the grants. “They don’t have the expertise and I’m watching my neighbors make the wrong decision,” he said. Biden then informed him that they’ve set up navigators to help people learn how to apply for grants and also what they need to open up safely. Biden concluded his conversation with a question: “…if I get to Atlanta, can I come by?” “Absolutely!” the duo replied. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest. com/)
NASA Indian American Engineer Swati Mohan: Operations Lead For Perseverance Rover Landing On Mars (Continued From Page 07) The goal is to get them back to Earth as early as 2031.
process, she also looks after the team and schedules the mission control staffing for GN&C.
“Star Trek” for the first time, she was quite astounded by the beautiful depictions of the new regions
was, however, her first physics class and the “great teacher” she had, that she considered “engineer-
M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT in aeronautics/astronautics.
President Joe Biden tweeted congratulations over the landing, saying: “Today proved once again that with the power of science and American ingenuity, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility.”
While she has been a member of the Perseverance Rover mission since the beginning at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Mohan has also been a part of various important missions of NASA. She has worked on multiple missions such as Cassini (a mission to Saturn) and GRAIL (a pair of formation flown spacecraft to the Moon). According to nasa.gov, Mohan has worked on Mars 2020 since almost the beginning of the project in 2013. She is currently the Mars 2020 Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Operations Lead, at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.
When the world watched the dramatic landing, in the control room, calm and composed bindi-clad Mohan was communicating and coordinating between the GN&C subsystem and the rest of the project’s team. Apart from being the lead systems engineer during the development
According to a report on floridatoday.com, Mohan said, “I’ve been on Perseverance longer than I’ve been at any school. I’ve been on Perseverance longer than my younger daughter is alive. It’s just taken up such a large portion of my life for so long.” (Courtesy: https:// www.indiawest.com/)
Scientists hope to answer one of the central questions of theology, philosophy and space exploration. Perseverance promptly sent back two grainy, black-and-white photos of Mars’ pockmarked, pimply-looking surface, the rover’s shadow visible in the frame of one picture.
Mohan immigrated from India to the U.S. when she was just one year old. She spent most of her childhood in the Northern Virginia-Washington DC metro area. At the age of 9, after having watched
of the universe that they were exploring. She immediately realized that she wanted to do that and “find new and beautiful places in the universe.” Mohan also had wanted to become a pediatrician until she was 16. It
ing” as a way to pursue her interest in space exploration. Mohan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Cornell University and completed her
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Kids Corner Vasundhara Varadarajan
n .
Abhiveer Annoji
Water Conservation vation.
If you are in a snowstorm a good way to conserve water is to melt and boil snow, and use that to wash your dishes.
Comics
Another way to conserve water during a snowstorm is to put a pan or trash can under your gutter so when the snow starts to melt you will be gathering water.
By Anushka Water conservation, we all know what it is, but how do we do it. There are lots of ways to conserve water such as turning the tap off when you aren’t using it or drinking all the water in your glass before you put it away. Ever since Austin was hit with this snowstorm many peoples pipes have burst or frozen. This really opened my eyes on water conser-
One more way to conserve water in a snowstorm is fill a large container with snow and over a period of time you will have water. Other ways to conserve water are taking a shorter shower or turning the water off when you are brushing your teeth. Water is super important next time you get the chance to conserve water make sure you do.
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Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Picture Book World
By Shachi Kaushik
ra Dronzek
After a long day at work, if you are looking for ways to spend time with your little ones, then reading with your kids is magical. Reading not only helps in literacy but also strengthens the bond. If you are looking for book suggestions, then here are a few you can check out:
Welcome Spring with a book. The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife teamed up to create this beautiful book—a fun way to introduce the concept of Spring. The book showcases the transition from winter to spring. The world transforms when Spring comes. The brown grass turns green, a seed starts growing, and the mounds of snow shrink, but for all this, you have to wait. Colorful illustrations showcase the small things that happen just as Spring arrives.
WHEN SPRING COMES by Author Kevin Henkes, Illustrator Lau-
This book is available at the Round Rock Public Library. The Wondrous Cloud Forest by Author and Illustrator Wendra Lynne March 3rd is World Wildlife Day, and this book is a perfect reminder for us to take care of our wildlife. The lyrical language will take you on a journey
into the wondrous forest. The book introduces rare exotic creatures of
you to the Wondrous Cloud Forest. A fun fact that Wendra shares about her work is that the pictures are painted by adding coffee to watercolors, which brings out beautiful warm tones. Festival of Colors’ - by
tropical rainforests of New Guinea.
Author Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, Illustrator Vashti Harrison As we celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, grab this book to get into the Holi mood. A story about two siblings Mintoo and Chintoo, getting ready to celebrate Holi. As spring arrives, they gather the colorful flowers to make the colored powder for Holi. On the big day, they gather together with their friends and family to play with the colors celebrating the festival. The illustrations capture the spirit of the festival. This book is available at the Round Rock Public Library.
The book is an excellent way to introduce your children to climate change and its effect on wildlife as people worldwide are working to protect this enchanting land and all of its endangered species.
Celebrate the month books and free holiday activity sheets. Download a copy from our website www. s m a r t y h a t h y. com.
In the end, the author also discusses ways how a child can help save the Wondrous Cloud Forest. Like the lyrical language, the illustrations are beautiful and will transport
Difference Between Influenza (Flu) And Covid-19? (Continued From Page 12) Differences: The risk of complications for healthy children is higher for flu compared to COVID-19. However, infants and children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for both flu and COVID-19. Flu Young children are at higher risk of severe illness from flu. COVID-19 School-aged children infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but severe complication of COVID-19. Complications Similarities: Both COVID-19 and flu can result in complications, including: • Pneumonia • Respiratory failure • Acute respiratory distress syn-
drome (fluid in the lungs) • Sepsis • Cardiac injury (for example, heart attacks and stroke) • Multiple-organ failure (respira-
tory failure, kidney failure, shock) • Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, or nervous system or diabe-
tes) • Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues • Secondary bacterial infections (infections that occur in people who have already been infected with flu or COVID-19) Differences: Flu Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications. Some of these complications are listed above. COVID-19 Additional complications associated with COVID-19 can include: • Blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs or brain
• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Approved Treatments Similarities: People at high-risk of complications or who have been hospitalized for COVID-19 or flu should receive supportive medical care to help relieve symptoms and complications. Differences: Flu Prescription influenza antiviral drugs are FDA-approved to treat flu. People who are hospitalized with flu or at high-risk of flu complications with flu symptoms are recommended to be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible. COVID-19 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed guidance on treatment of COVID-19external icon, which will be regularly updated as new evidence on treatment options emerges.
While remdesivir is an antiviral agent that is being explored as a treatment for COVID-19 and is available under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), there are currently no drugs or other therapeutics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent or treat COVID-19. Studies are in progress to learn more. Vaccine Similarities: Vaccines for COVID-19 and flu must be approved or authorized for emergency use (EUA) by the FDA. Differences: Flu There are multiple FDA-licensed influenza vaccines produced annually to protect against the 3 or 4 flu viruses that scientists anticipate will circulate each year. COVID-19 Two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use by the FDA under an EUA and available. (courtesy: CDC)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
How And Why To Build A Raised Garden Bed This Season
Fairly easy to construct and even easier to maintain, raised garden beds are a great way to raise plants and vegetables in the comfort and convenience of your backyard.
work in and maintain. Plus, they’re a nice architectural design element in any landscape. • What’s the ideal size? The main
erence and needs. As far as height is concerned, you want the roots to be able to grow out and down as much as possible -- 6-inches at
In a recent episode of the Exmark Original Series, “Done-inA-Weekend-Extreme,” landscape designer and show host, Doug Scott, spoke to organic gardener Joe Lamp’l of “Growing a Greener World” about the ins and outs of raised garden beds.
• Where’s the best location? Build your raised garden bed on level ground, in full sun exposure near a water supply.
Here are some of the top insights and tips Lamp’l shared. • Why use raised garden beds? A raised garden bed can help facilitate the ideal growing environment, as most people don’t have that perfect soil naturally in their yard. Their accessibility makes them easier to
able and economical material and will likely last the longest, however, being an organic gardener Lamp’l prefers untreated hardwood, as it lasts almost as long and doesn’t contain chemicals. Other materials you have around the home and yard, such as rocks, old tubs, etc., can work too.
DIY Instructions:
rule of the thumb applies to width. The bed should be wider than 4 feet, as you never want to compact the soil when working. Length however, is based on personal pref-
minimum. While 12-inches is common, anything higher is a bonus. • What materials work best? Treated lumber is the most readily avail-
To build a 10-foot x 4-foot x 18inch raised bed, you’ll need: • Nine 6-inch x 6-inch x 12-foot cedar timbers • Tape measure, t-square and marking pencil
3 Hacks To Make Spring Cleaning A Breeze Time for your annual spring clean? Make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and strategies. Here are a few cleaning hacks to help ensure a smooth and easy process.
build-up. Streamline Your Clean These days, disinfecting high-traf-
uct such as ARM & HAMMER Essentials Disinfecting Wipes, which kills cold and flu viruses, along with MRSA, strep, staph, E. coli, salmonella and kleb.
De-Clutter First Reducing clutter in your home means fewer objects to launder, dust and wipe down, and should be the first step of your spring clean. Start with dressers and closets.
Use the same organizational method to pare down knickknacks, books and other odds and ends as you tackle pantries, shelving and more. Take this opportunity to wipe down shelving, particularly surface areas with food, dust and other residue
Unfortunately, certain nooks and crannies of the home have a sneaky habit of odor build-up. Squash problem areas with a versatile, essential item you probably already have on hand -- baking soda. Place an opened box in your fridge to absorb unwanted odors, swapping it out every month or so.
As the seasons change, you’ll likely be reorganizing them anyway in order to stow winter items away while making spring and summer garments readily accessible. As you do your seasonal swap, have bags and labels on-hand to sort items by what you are keeping, what you plan to donate, and what needs to be recycled or discarded.
A true deep clean is not just about what meets the eye, it’s also about what meets the nose.
Do the same in pantries where food items like onions and garlic are stored in order to neutralize their strong smells.
fic areas of the home should be top of mind. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Streamline the task by selecting cleaning products that are safe for use on a wide variety of household surfaces, and can be used around kids and pets Consider stocking your cleaning arsenal with an easy-to-use prod-
Available in Lemon Orchard and Renewing Rain scents, these wipes provide citrus-based disinfection that clean without harsh chemicals, and are safe for use on stainless steel, sealed granite, finished hardwood, tubs, shower walls, toilet exteriors and hard nonporous surfaces of car interiors. To learn more, visit armandhammercleans.com. Use Household Items
You might also try using ARM & HAMMER Garbage Disposal Cleaner, which are capsules containing baking soda. Leaving behind a citrus scent, they are a useful tool in combatting kitchen sink odors. A few essentials and some smart cleaning strategies is all you need to give your home some TLC this spring. (StatePoint)
• A saw and extension cord • One box of 10-inch heavy-duty exterior wood screws • Ten 24-inch x 1/2-inch rebar stakes • Twenty 10-inch galvanized timber spikes • Sledgehammer • Impact drill and long drill bit • Level • Hammer • Shovels • Hardware cloth, wire cutters and fence staples • Work gloves, safety glasses and ear plugs • Wheelbarrow (to transport soil) 1. Begin by cutting six, 6 x 6 timbers, each measuring 10-feet 6-inches in length. And six, 6 x 6 timbers, each measuring 4-feet 6-inches in length. Drill rebar holes in each timber. 2. Once the first layer of bed has been placed, leveled and squared in your desired location, fasten the corners using 10-inch wood screws. Secure the entire layer to the ground with 10 pieces of rebar. 3. Place the second layer of timbers, staggering the corners and fastening them with wood screws. Secure this layer to the first with ten 10-inch galvanized spikes. 4. Install galvanized cloth to prevent burrowing pests from eating earthworms and destroying plants. 5. Place the third layer of timbers (following above directions.) 6. Fill with soil and plants. For more tips and complete build instructions, check out “How to Build Raised Garden Beds” by visiting Exmark.com/backyard. Exmark’s Backyard Life is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of their backyard. There you can also access other series, including “Prime Cuts” and “Dream Yards.” For an amazing crop this season, take a cue from the professionals and build a raised garden bed for best results. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Jyotirlinga
A Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlingam, is a devotional representation of the Hindu god Shiva. The word is a Sanskrit compound of jyotis ‘radiance’ and linga. There are twelve traditional Jyotirlinga shrines in India.
infinite pillar of light, the Jyotirlinga which later cooled into the holy mountain Annamalai (on which the Temple of Arunachalesvara is located).
Somnath in Gir Somnath, Gujarat Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh Mahakaleswar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand Bhimashankar in Pune, Maharashtra Vishwanath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra Baidyanath in Deoghar, Jharkhand Nageshvara Jyotirlinga in
Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either direction. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. This lie of Brahma angered Shiva making him curse Brahma that even though he is the creator of the universe he would not be worshipped. The jyotirlinga is the Supreme Shiva, partless reality, out of which Shiva appeared in another form, Lingodbhava. The jyotirlinga shrines are temples where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.
According to Śiva Mahāpurāṇa, once Brahma (the god of creation) and Vishnu (the form of God during preservation) had an argument over supremacy of creation. To settle the debate, Supreme God Shiva pierced the three worlds appearing as a huge
Originally there were believed to be 64 jyotirlingas while twelve of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. Each of the twelve jyotirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity, each considered a different manifestation of Shiva.
At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolising the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve jyotirlingas are:
Dwarka, Gujarat Ramanathaswamy in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu Grishneshwar in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Akbar And Birbal Fear or love? “I think my people love me,” beamed Akbar during his stroll with Birbal in the royal garden. “You are right your majesty. But people also fear you,” came the reply from Birbal. Akbar frowned, “I do not believe it.” “I will prove it Jahanpanah,” Birbal said and shared his plan with Akbar. The next day, Akbar announced that he is going to the jungle for a dangerous hunt. As a prayer, his subjects should pour a cup of milk into the large tub placed at the center of the royal
palace courtyard.
milk.
The next day, Akbar found that the tub was filled with watery milk. Several subjects only poured water, assuming that the others would get milk and their water would get camouflaged.
When Akbar returned, he found the tub overflowing with fresh milk.
The following day, Akbar made a similar announcement but this time said that he will check the people pouring the
“Didn’t I tell you, sir?” asked Birbal. “This time people poured pure milk because they were afraid that you will find out there is no milk in it. Your subjects care for you, but they also fear and that is why they filled the tub with milk this time.”
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Spring Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners As the weather warms, there are a few maintenance tasks every homeowner should consider completing. Use this checklist as your guide:
• Inspect lawn equipment and tools for needed maintenance, repair and fuel refills.
Outdoor Upkeep
• After the next rainfall, inspect your yard for standing water, which can damage your home and invite mosquitoes. Consider hiring a landscaper to level out an uneven lawn.
• Wash window exteriors for a better view. • Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow. Neglecting this task for too long can cause rot, mold and damage to your foundation. • Get your patio or deck in tip-top shape for outdoor living. Sweep and hose it down. Remove patio furnishings from storage. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum cushions (or launder them if they’re machine washable).
• Mow the lawn. Trim the edges.
30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system of a typical home is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. Consider professional duct sealing for
• Check to see whether your furnaces and air conditioners bear the ENERGY STAR logo. If not, consider a new unit. A prop-
• According to Energy Star, 20-
improved energy efficiency and lower bills.
erly-sized and installed ENERGY STAR air conditioner uses up to 20
Save Time And Money On Spring Home And Personal Essentials Keeping your household wellstocked of items you need to run things smoothly is essential, particularly during the spring cleaning season.
2021. “When shopping online or in-store, look for the Product of the Year red
• Car Care: Rain-X Glass WaterRepellent • Cat Care: Pro Plan LiveClear • CBD Pet: Paw CBD 300 mg Pea-
But whether it’s home improvement supplies or laundry necessities, selecting the best products may be a bit more challenging these days. Not only are new products introduced to store shelves all the time, if you’re like many consumers, you’re staying home more with fewer opportunities to compare products in-person. While researching product reviews can help you discover what other consumers have already tried and loved, it can be a fairly time-consuming process. For quicker insights, consult crowd-sourcing resources like Product of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. With product winners determined by a national study conducted by Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, 40,000 consumers have voted on the best products for
seal of approval to quickly spot the best new products,” says Mike Nolan, Global CEO, Product of the Year. “Our process of polling 40,000 independent voters means you can genuinely trust the seal, saving you time and money while you shop.” As you stock up on spring household essentials and and personal items, consider trying these 20 Product of the Year winners, which stood out in their respective categories:
• Have a technician give your home’s cooling system a preseason tune-up so that everything is running efficiently by the time warmer weather arrives. You know the “personality” of your heating or cooling unit best, so be prepared to provide the technician with important information. No fact is insignificant, as it may help them diagnose and fix a problem.
HVAC Maintenance • Change HVAC filters at least once each season (ideally monthly). Dirty filters make equipment work harder and cause more wear and tear on equipment. They also increase your energy bill and lessen indoor air quality.
percent less electricity than older models, and doing so may make you eligible for a Federal Tax Credit.
nut-Butter Hard Chews • Dish Care: Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray • Dryer Sheet: Bounce Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Dryer Sheets • Electric Toothbrush: hum by Colgate Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush • Green Laundry: all free clear Pure • Hair Color: Schwarzkopf Color Boost • Hair Styling: Remington Pro 1” Multi-Styler with Twist & Curl Technology • Hard Surface Cleaning: Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray
• Home Improvement: 3M CLAW Drywall Picture Hanger • Laundry Enhancer: Snuggle SuperCare Scent Booster • Laundry Pacs: Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X Power PODS • Liquid Fabric Conditioner: Downy Intense Scent + Freshness, Spring Rush • Liquid Laundry: Tide Hygienic Clean Free & Gentle Liquid Heavy Duty • Natural Cleaning System: H2O e3 Cleaning System • Oral Care: Crest Whitening Emulsions with Wand Applicator • Oral Hygiene: Colgate Keep Replaceable Head Manual Toothbrush • Outdoor Cleaning: Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner • Tableware: Hefty ECOSAVE Navigating store aisles for the best and most effective products can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re not physically in the store. To feel more sure of your choices, lean on the wisdom of thousands of other consumers. (StatePoint)
• Be sure that all HVACR installation and maintenance is performed only by a qualified professional. Read company reviews and ask the contractor if they have technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems. To find a NATE-certified technician in your area, visit Natex.org. Safety • Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Protect your family by changing the batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring you have a detector on each level of your home. When changing a furnace filter, make sure the new filter is correctly positioned and the access panel is securely fastened. Have your home’s furnace inspected and serviced annually by a NATE-certified technician. • Likewise, test all the smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries as needed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms on every level of the home, including every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.A little seasonal maintenance can go a long way to a safer, more beautiful and more eco-friendly home. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Amp Up Your Spring Cleaning Routine With These Hacks Spring is a great time to refresh your home. Whether you’re planning a major clean sweep or just giving problem areas a little extra TLC, experts say that a few simple strategies will make the job easier and the fruits of your labor last longer.
tasks easier and keep your house smelling fresh every day, Chase is sharing her top hacks to get the best results from those larger cleaning tasks:
for quick touchups and cleaning saves tons of time. “For super fast touchups, I keep a canister of cleaning wipes handy.
To make larger spring cleaning
2. “Clean” your cleaning supplies. Deodorize your mop by adding 3/4 cups Pinalen Original to a gallon of water, soak your mop for an hour, scrub and rinse.
“When tackling your spring cleaning, checklists are key. The best thing you can do is to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done, which will save loads of time. Second, work room by room until each area is clean. Jumping place to place makes accomplishments take longer and it’s harder to see big results,” says Erin Chase, founder of 5DollarDinners.com, mom of four and “Cleanfluencer” for AlEn USA.
Best of all, they’re safe for use around kids and pets and protect sensitive skin,” says Chase.
“I switched to Pinalen Original because it is made with real pine oil, which makes it a powerful multipurpose cleaner. Plus, I love the scent,” adds Chase.
1. Create cleaning caddies for every bathroom, the kitchen and garage. Having all of your supplies ready
I prefer naturally-derived Art of Green wipes because they seriously cut through scum, and the scents are amazing.
3. To really disinfect and deep clean non-porous floors, add 1/3 cup of CLORALEN Disinfectant Bleach to 1.5 gallons of water and mop or scrub and let dry. You’ll be surprised what comes off and how much they’ll sparkle. 4. To sanitize countertops, kitchen sinks and the outside of appliances,
mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water and apply. Let stand for at least two minutes and dry. 5. To clean baseboards without bending and crawling, rubber band a microfiber cloth over the bristles of a broom. Spray the cloth with your favorite cleaner and scrub. No aching back! 6. To make an easy shower door scum remover: mix four parts water to one part fabric softener like Ensueño Max, spray onto scum, wipe off with a sponge and rinse with warm water. With a plan of attack and the right tools and strategies, your spring clean can be fast, efficient and painless. (StatePoint)
Is Your Workplace Taking This COVID-19 Precaution? (Continued From Page 01) As the vaccine slowly rolls out nationwide, ensuring that viruses can’t spread through surface contact remains a crucial component in keeping America’s workforce safe. New technology can help.
The product was developed by biotechnology company Allied BioScience, which has a mission of reducing the footprint of global infection caused by the transmission of microorganisms encountered in
“Employees have the right to a safe workplace, and a long-lasting surface coating that protects against viruses -- including all strains of COVID-19 -- can hopefully make this choice a little easier.”
Human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days, according to the National Institutes of Health, making surface protection in the workplace critical to infection prevention. Routine cleaning and disinfection are momentary, leaving surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination -- particularly in highly trafficked areas, like break rooms, manufacturing lines and facility entrances. A new EPA-approved product called SurfaceWise2, when used as directed, offers continuous protection from COVID-19 with a single application, making safety in the workplace more reliable and more efficient.
tration of these viruses by greater than 90 percent in 10 minutes and by greater than 99.9 percent within two hours of contact. Compatible with virtually all surfaces, SurfaceWise2 will be a versatile tool in the fight against infection as businesses reopen or continue operations. Beyond the novel coronavirus, it’s effective against many viruses and bacteria that run rampant in the workplace. The coating is non-toxic, non-irritating, and contains no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or
daily life. While many Americans have been able to safely work from home since the start of the pandemic, an entire segment of the workforce has been forced to choose between their wages and their health,” says Michael Ruley, CEO of Allied BioScience.
Independent lab studies conducted by leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Charles P. Gerba found SurfaceWise2 to be effective against Human Coronavirus 229E, the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against COVID-19. Surfaces coated with SurfaceWise2 were found to reduce the concen-
gases. Having undergone rigorous reviews and extensive testing, it carries the lowest possible EPA toxicity rating and can be safely used in enclosed spaces -- critical as much of the workforce must be indoors. To learn more, visit surfacewise. com. Alongside precautions like maskwearing and social distancing, using new technology to help ensure that viruses aren’t spread through high-traffic surfaces will be crucial to keeping America’s workforce safe. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
6 Reasons To Start A Home Healthcare Career After Age 50 With unemployment rates nearly twice as high as their pre-pandemic levels reported in February 2020, the prospect of starting a new career after age 50 may seem unrealistic.
for many people. Your career is one area of your life where you can take back some control. And the right career can actually make you happier.
by encouraging you to learn new things, step out of your comfort zone and stay challenged. Medical experts also believe that
However, industry experts say that it’s actually a great time for those in this age bracket to consider making the leap. “Whether you’re inspired by the healthcare heroes helping patients on the COVID-19 frontlines or you’re looking to take control over your career and future, the recession-proof home healthcare industry may be right for you,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Interim HealthCare Inc., which is actively recruiting caregivers nationwide. Here are six reasons to consider home healthcare at this point in your career: 1. To boost happiness. The pandemic has created new sources of stress and unhappiness
In uncertain economic times, earning extra money can make a big difference for nearly every family, and home care careers often allow you to bring in extra income in a way that aligns with your schedule and priorities.
in your community.
4. To meet new people.
However, for those already working in healthcare, this is a path offering an opportunity to get back to the heart of caregiving by providing personalized care to patients, with all the flexibility and autonomy that go with it.
Loneliness is tied to depression and anxiety, and it can even have negative impacts on heart health. Unfortunately, the pandemic has exacerbated this issue for many people. A new career that requires getting out and interacting with new people can alleviate some of this. Research from The University of Chicago shows that jobs that help and serve others are linked to the most satisfaction. 2. To stay sharp. Brains are like muscles -- they have to be used to stay fit. A change in career flexes your brain “muscles”
staying cognitively active may even reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. With a home healthcare career, every day is different, offering a diverse array of experiences that use every facet of your skillset. 3. To make extra money.
5. To make a difference. With headlines touting healthcare heroes, you may be feeling the pull toward a career that allows you to give back. Helping individuals who can’t (or shouldn’t) go out due to a high risk of COVID-19 complications is a valuable way to make a difference
6. To mix things up. There are job opportunities in home healthcare available for people of all backgrounds.
To learn more about the industry and explore job opportunities available through Interim HealthCare, which has been connecting individuals to rewarding opportunities that advance their career for more than 50 years, visit ihcmadeforthis.com. Time for the next chapter in your career? Consider whether home healthcare is the right step for you. (StatePoint)
Should You Buy Or Sell A Home In 2021? Here’s What To Know While the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has left a lot of question marks about the future of the U.S. economy at-large, analysts expect the housing market to remain strong and stable in the coming year.
The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020.
and homeowners looking to reduce their mortgage payment through refinancing.
This year, home sales are expected to ride that wave, averaging 6.5 million for the year.
“Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, the housing market performed well in the second half of 2020,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.
• House prices to grow moderately. In the second half of 2020, the high volume of home sales and low supply of housing drove up house prices. In 2021, house price growth is expected to moderate for the full year.
“Low mortgage rates and the ability to work remotely continued to propel demand for housing, which is reflected in home sales reaching levels not seen in 15 years.” Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, a current homeowner or considering selling, here are some of the biggest takeaways of Freddie Mac’s Quarterly Forecast: • Interest rates are likely to remain low.
the ability to work remotely drove up home sales (the measure of the number of homes sold every month).
• Refinances to start declining.
The low interest rate environment is projected to continue through 2021, with the 30-year FRM expected to average below 3 percent. Low rates are good news for buyers looking to purchase a home,
• Home sales to remain high. The demand for housing is expected to remain strong in 2021, creating a favorable market for sellers. Last year, low mortgage rates and
Low mortgage rates spurred refinance activity in 2020, boosting mortgage originations (the process in which borrowers apply for a home loan) to historic highs. As mortgage rates rise modestly in 2021, refinance activity should
start to slow. “While many homeowners took advantage of these low rates in last year, evidence suggests that many lower income homeowners still have the opportunity to strengthen their financial position by refinancing,” says Khater. For more insights on housing, visit freddiemac.com/research. For homebuying and homeownership resources, visit My Home by Freddie Mac. Many of the trends that shaped the market last year, especially historically low mortgage rates, will continue to drive housing activity in 2021. As you embark on your journey towards your home goals, be sure to have a firm understanding of today’s market conditions. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
New Immigration Reform Bill By Democrats Would Cut Green Card Wait For Indians, Give Work Authorization For H-1B Spouses
(Continued From Page 01)
that leaves no one behind.”
60 votes needed to pass.
The bill also tries to help children of those on H1-B professional employment visas who would have become ineligible for green cards if they reach 21 years before their parents qualify for immigration. These Indian American kids would be allowed to continue with H1-B visas.
The bill will try to fulfill President Joe Biden’s election promises on immigration.
Republicans oppose the bill mainly because while providing an amnesty for illegal immigrants, it does
whose applications were okayed in 2010 are still waiting for their green cards because each country regardless of size are allowed only 26,000 green cards each year, ex-
According to the think tank Cato Institute, 200,000 Indian professionals in the green card pipeline would die of old age before their turn.
Under current regulations, the children lose their right to remain in the U.S. when they turn 21 years if their parents are still waiting for green cards.
Because of the country limits and the way the cards allocated across different categories, family members of Indian Americans also have long waits:
Spouses of H1-B workers would also be allowed to work, a provision that former President Donald Trump tried to revoke. Sanchez said in a statement that the reforms would grow “our economy by making changes to the employment-based immigration system, eliminating per-country caps, making it easier for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) advanced degree holders from U.S. universities to stay, improving access to green cards for workers in lower-wage industries, and giving dependents of H-1B holders work authorization, and preventing children of H-1B holders from aging out of the system.” It would also “create a pilot program to stimulate regional economic development and (it) incentivizes higher wages for nonimmigrant, high-skilled visas to prevent unfair competition with American workers,” she added. The wage provision would set higher minimum wages for H-1B workers on par with prevailing local wages for comparable jobs. Another category of Indians who would benefit are relatives of Indian Americans. They would be allowed into the U.S. to join their families while they await their green cards. Introducing the bill, Menendez said, “We have an economic and moral imperative to pass big, bold and inclusive immigration reform
professionals stuck in the “awful, hellish green card backlog” because their applications are awaiting approval is 195 years and could go up to 450 years in ten years without reforms.
Since approval in 2014 for unmarried adult children of citizens; since 2015 for unmarried adult children of green card holders, and since 2005 or siblings of citizens.
The main elements that the Menendez-Sanchez bill wants to fulfill are about giving immigrant status to about 850,000 children who were brought to the country illegally and to legalize an estimate 11 million illegal immigrants. The children under the category are known as “Dreamers” for their pursuit of the American Dream. According to one of Biden’s manifestos, 500,000 illegal immigrants from Indians and many Dreamers would benefit if the bill passes. Illegal immigrants in the country would have an eight-year process to get citizenship.
not include strict measures to enforce immigration laws. Acknowledging the difficulty in getting the bill through, Menendez said in January that he was under no “illusion” and “passing immigration reform through the Senate particularly is a Herculean task.” Biden’s spokesperson Jan Psaki said that the bill was a starting point and could be modified through bipartisan negotiations. “We are willing to have the conversations in the weeks ahead,” she said.
A similar amnesty during Republican President Ronald Reagan’s administration in the 1980s legalized about 3.5 million illegal immigrants.
A way out of the Senate imbroglio would be to break it up and treat some elements of the bill as part of the budget, which would require only a simple majority under what is known as the reconciliation process. Biden appeared to be open to the strategy.
The Menendez-Sanchez bill as it stands has a difficult path to enactment mainly because it would require at least ten Republicans to vote for it in the Senate to get the
According to the State Department, Indian Americans with advanced degrees whose immigration applications were approved in 2009 and skilled workers and professionals
cept for Canada and Mexico. Those wait times are only for those who applications are already approved, and it could run to centuries for those in the immigration queue. Republican Senator Mike Lee has said that the wait times for Indian
Previously a bill dealing with only professionals that would have helped Indians was passed in 2019 in the House, but a matching bill co-sponsored by Kamala Harris, who was then a senator and is now vice president, did not clear the Senate. Last year, a similar bill was passed by the Senate but stalled in the House. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest.com/)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021 THEME: MARCH MADNESS
DOWN
ACROSS
1. Singular of #1 Across 2. Rikers Island weapon 3. Burkina Faso neighbor 4. Himalayan mountaineer 5. Tarnish 6. “____ ____ fair in love and war” 7. *School with most NCAA basketball titles 8. Choir member 9. Hammer part 10. Blunder 12. Sad, to mademoiselle 13. Radio studio sign 14. *Mid-major school that’s become major powerhouse 19. Kind of ray 22. Is no longer 23. Arabian sailing vessels 24. Restart from seed 25. Uncredited actor 26. The Wise Men 27. Acting as a prompter 28. Snow impression 29. Eric Heiden’s “shoe” 32. *Oklahoma State’s super freshman ____ Cunningham 33. Mixed breed puppy 36. *2021 NCAA Tournament location 38. What Edward Scissorhands does 40. Stout relative 41. Dream big 44. Ancient Celtic priest 46. Water nymphs 48. Fuzzy fruit, pl. 49. Deflect 50. Sanders’ campaign slogan “Feel the ____” 51. “National Velvet” author Bagnold 52. Expunge 53. Fail to mention 54. Scotia preceder 55. School-related org. 58. Liquor store pony
1. Theories 5. T in Greek 8. Tarzan’s mom, e.g. 11. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, e.g. 12. Ingredient in talcum powder 13. Spectator 15. 5,280 feet 16. Tiny river 17. Note taker 18. *Last NCAA basketball winner 20. Any day now 21. Antiquarian’s concern, pl. 22. Diana Ross and Michael Jackson movie, with The 23. Saw a nightmare 26. Caribbean rattles 30. Witch’s spell 31. Flocked-to destinations 34. Goo or slime 35. Plural of ostium 37. Leo mo. 38. Eurasian goat-like antelope 39. Showing signs of use 40. “Yo, ____!” 42. *Nothing but it 43. Wrap a baby 45. *____-elimination 47. Outrage 48. Fraternity K 50. One of the Bridges 52. *____ 1 schools only 55. ____less but pennywise 56. Decanter 57. In a frenzy 59. Threesome 60. Turkish monetary unit, plural 61. Dumpy establishment 62. Common conjunction 63. New York time 64. Male deer
SUDOKU
Sudoku
Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name and photo of the inviduvidual with first correct answer will be published in March 2021 issue.
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Indiaspora Unveils List of Indian Americans, Other Diaspora Members Holding Highest Positions Across Globe WASHINGTON – A list of more than 200 leaders of Indian heritage who have ascended to the highest echelons of public service in 15 countries across the globe, with more than 60 of these leaders holding Cabinet positions, was unveiled Feb. 15, according to an ANI report. Indiaspora, a U.S.-based nonprofit community of global Indian diaspora leaders from various backgrounds and professions, released the list on the occasion of President’s Day. “It is a huge source of pride to have the first woman and first person of color as the vice president of the world’s oldest democracy be someone of Indian heritage. We wanted to use this seminal moment on Presidents’ Day to highlight a host of others in the diaspora who also are in public service,” said Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based Indian American entrepreneur and investor. The list also includes diplomats,
legislators, heads of central banks and senior civil servants from countries with significant histories of diaspora migration, such as Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. “It is an honor to be included on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List. As the longest-serving Indian American member of Congress, I am proud to be a leader in the Indian American community, which has become an integral part of American life and society,” said Congressman Ami Bera, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia. With more than 32 million people of Indian origin globally, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world. The officials on the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List collectively represent more than 587 million constituents, and their countries account for an estimated $28 trillion in GDP, demonstrating
the impact that these leaders are having globally. “It truly is inspiring to note the remarkable contribution that government leaders of Indian heritage have made to advance the societies that they now represent,” said Rosy Akbar, Fiji’s Minister of Education, Heritage, and Arts. “For a sizable segment of the population, it is government policy addressing social injustices that lead to a transformative path of sustainable socio-economic progress.” The list also includes immigrants from India, as well as professionals born in countries such as Singapore, South Africa, England, Canada and the U.S. While some of the officials are part of their country’s first wave of immigration, arriving as refugees or for economic opportunities, others serving in their governments are part of subsequent waves of diaspora, who came for educational opportunities, or are of subsequent generations.
FEBRUARY 2021 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga
“It is inspiring to see the number of Indian diaspora who are entering the public arena,” said Indiaspora board member Arun Kumar, chairman and CEO at KPMG India, who served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama administration.
Representative.
According to the Indiaspora list, there are nearly 4 million people of Indian descent living in the United States; over 1% of the total population of the country as of 2018.
Amit Bose, Deputy Director, Federal Railroad Administration; Sohini Chatterjee, Senior policy advisor to U.S. Ambassador to UN; Dimple Chaudhary, Deputy General Counsel for Nationwide Resource Protection Programs,
Indians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, and about 6% of the country’s foreign-born population is Indian, making them the second largest immigrant group in the country after Mexicans. It adds: Being one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States, Indians have become a powerful force in various sectors, including tech, business and government. The prominence of Indians in the American political sphere is especially apparent this year, as Kamala Harris, a woman who is half Indian on her mother’s side, has become the vice president of the United States. However, it is not only in very recent years that Indian Americans gained prominent government positions in the U.S. In 1956, Dalip Singh Saund became the first person of Asian descent to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Following is the Indiaspora list for the U.S. by category: Deputy Heads of Government: Kamala Harris, Vice President. Cabinet and Ministers: Neera Tanden, Nominee for Office of Management and Budget Director. Parliamentarians and Federal Legislators: Ami Bera, California Representative; Pramila Jayapal, Washington Representative; Ro Khanna, California Representative; Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois
Additional U.S. Federal, State and Local Leaders, Biden Administration Appointees: Mala Adiga, Policy Director to Dr. Jill Biden; Sonia Aggarwal, Climate Policy Advisor to President Biden;
Environmental Protection Agency; Tarun Chhabra, Senior Director for Technology and National Security; Rachit Choksi, Director for Oversight, Office of the Secretary, Department of Commerce; Rohit Chopra, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Sharmistha Das, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security; Tanya Das, Chief of Staff, Office of Science, Department of Energy; Rush Doshi; Senior China Director on the National Security Council; Pritesh Gandhi, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Michael C. George, Policy Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris; Aditi Gorur, Policy Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to UN; Mili Gosar, Deputy Chief of Staff- Operations in the Department of Interior; Sumona Guha, Senior Director for South Asia in the White House National Security Counsel; Neha Gupta, Associate Counsel in the Office of the White House Counsel; Vanita Gupta, Nominee, Associate Attorney General, Department of Justice; Subhash Iyer, Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; Dev Jagadesan, Acting Chief Executive Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation; (Continued On Page 24)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Indiaspora Unveils List of Indian Americans, Other Diaspora Members Holding Highest Positions Across Globe (Continued From Page 23) Ruchi Jain, Deputy Solicitor for General Law, Department of Interior; Meera Joshi, Deputy Adminis-
trator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Shanthi Kalathil, Coordinator for Democracy
and Human Rights; Aruna Kalyanam, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax and Budget, Department of the Treasury; Satyam Khanna, Senior policy advisor for climate and ESG, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Sri Preston Kulkarni, Chief of External Affairs at AmeriCorps; Bhavya Lal, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Vivek Murthy, Nominee, Surgeon General; Raj Nayak,
Department of Labor; Sonali Nijhawan, Director of AmeriCorps State and National; Raj Panjabi, President’s Malaria Coordinator; Vedant Patel, Assistant White House Press Secretary; Sandeep Prasanna, Attorney Advisor, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Justice; Gautam Raghavan, Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel; Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director of National Economic Council; Vinay Reddy, Director of Speechwriting; Tanya Sehgal, Special Counsel and Senior Advisor, Office of Personnel Management; Aisha Shah, Partnerships Manager at the White House Office of Digital Strategy; Reema Shah, Deputy Associate Counsel
in the Office of the White House Counsel; Tarak Shah, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Energy; Vidur Sharma, Policy Advisor for Testing at the White House; Daleep Singh, Deputy National Security Adviser; Sabrina Singh, White House Deputy Press Secretary; Varun Sivaram, Senior Adviser to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Narayan Subramanian, Legal Advisor, Office of General Counsel, Department of Energy; Fatema Z. Sumar, VP, Department of Compact Operations at the Millennium Challenge Corporation; Shuchi Talati, Chief of Staff, Office of Fossil Energy; Neera Tanden, Nominee, Director of Office of Management and Budget; Mini
Understanding Nuances Of World Cinema Through 10th Century Kashmiri Philosopher Abhinavagupta A new book that unravels the nuances of world cinema harkens back to the 10th century philosopher Abhinavagupta (924-1020), a highly revered Kashmiri Shaiva master, as it pays tribute to his commentary on the “Natyasastra” (an ancient treatise on dramaturgy) and the concepts of “Rasa Siddhanta” (theory of aesthetic experience) and “purusartha” (life-pursuits). “Abhinavagupta was a great scholar who had meticulously developed Kashmir Shaivism school of nondualistic philosophy dealing with epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics with an unbelievable coherence. Sadly, we have given up on understanding our heritage to western scholars who try to understand Tantra, Indian Epistemology, and complicated metaphysical aspects of Indian classical philosophy,” author Prachand Praveer, a B. Tech in Chemical Engineering from IITDelhi, told IANS in an interview of his book “Cinema Through Rasa A Tryst with Masterpieces in the Light of Rasa Siddhanta” (DK Printworld). “This book uses the Indian Classical Aesthetics framework for introducing the major cinematic works. Abhinavagupta in his commentary
‘Abhinavabharati’ links Purushartha (the cultural value system) to four basic sentiments. Now, the nature of sentiments and idea of transcendental pleasure of viewing an artwork should be understood carefully. “The major cinematic works point out to the universal dilemma mankind encounters such as the idea of truth, freedom, value comprehension in some novel way. Since cinema is a recently developed art, we can comprehend artworks in the light of some philosophical system. Kashmir Shaivism is a highly developed philosophical system which is built on the great debate of Buddhism vs Sanatana, dualistic v/s non-dualistic traditions. “Incidentally, Kashmir Shaivism is also a recent discovery for contemporary Indian philosophical contemplation in early 20th century as much of the texts were either lost or forgotten,” Praveer said of the book, which is an English translation of the Hindi original, “Abhinava Cinema”, an introduction to World Cinema as per the “Rasa” theory of Indian classical aesthetics, that was published in 2016. It has been translated by Geeta Mirji Narayan. Apart from “Abhinav
Cinema” she has also edited three other published works of Praveer: “Bhootnath meets Bhairavi” (2017), “Uttarayana” (2019), and Dakshinayana” (2019). She has also edited many of his short stories and articles which have been published in Hindi e-magazines and web-magazines. Praveer also lamented that Indians were “largely ignorant of our traditions as well as the achievements of many great scholars. Kashmir scholars such as Anandvardhan, was the founder of the dhvani school of poetics, great philosophers such as Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, and other important scholars of poetics such as Kshemendra and Mammata are often quoted in philosophical and literary criticism discourses. Sadly, much of their scholarly work is only discussed in Sanskrit departments and not in the Hindi departments or any contemporary literature discourse”. To this end, the book catalogues the world’s major cinematic works in the light of the “Abhinavabharati” and outlines the links between “purusartha”, the cultural value system of life pursuits in Indian tradition, and aesthetics while cit-
ing examples from the works of major directors such as Orson Welles, Luis Bunuel, Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Andrei Tarkovsky, Alfred Hitchcock, Carl Dreyer, Charles Chaplin, Sergei Eisenstein, Robert Bresson, Satyajit Ray. The meaning of the book is summarized by the verse -- “na hi rasaad rite kashchid arthah pravartate” -- the medium of cinema should be seen as resting in the power of “rasa” without which nothing makes any sense, its essence being that we should have an open mind and curious attitude to understand and relish beauty which is not mutually exclusive of reality. “In a way, our comprehension is built on how we perceive knowledge, what we think of emotions, what we consider right and wrong and why we do so. Artworks, especially drama and now cinema, force us to reflect on important matters in a way that is classically called as endearing persuasion,” Praveer explained. How did he come to be interested in this subject and how did this book come about? (Continued On Page 25)
Timmaraju, Senior Advisor, Director, Office of Personnel Management; Micky Tripathi, National Coordinator for Health IT; Garima Verma, Digital Director in the Office of The First Lady; Uzra Zeya, Nominee, Under Secretary of State, Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Department of State. U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals Judges: Neomi Rao, Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Sri Srinivasan, Chief Judge of U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Amul Thapar, Judge on U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. U.S. State Leaders: Niraj Antani, Ohio Senator; Harry Arora, Connecticut Representative; Kumar Barve, Maryland Delegate; Jay Chaudhuri, North Carolina Senator; Jeremy Cooney, New York Senator; Mona Das, Washington Senator; Manka Dhingra, Washington Senator; Manju Ganeriwala, Virginia Treasurer; Vin Gopal, New Jersey Senator; Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia Senator; Ash Kalra, California Assemblymember; Nima Kulkarni, Kentucky Representative, Padma Kuppa, Michigan Representative; Zohran Mamdani, New York Assemblymember; Mutjaba Mohammed, North Carolina Senator; Raj Mukherji, New Jersey Assemblymember; Ranjeev Puri, Michigan Representative; Jenifer Rajkumar, New York Assemblymember; Kesha Ram, Vermont Senator; Nikil Saval, Pennsylvania Senator; Amish Shah, Arizona Representative; Vandana Slatter, Washington Representative; Suhas Subramanyam, Virginia Delegate; Shri Thanedar, Michigan Representative; Kevin Thomas, New York Senator. U.S. Local Leaders: Nida Allam, County Commissioner of Durham, North Carolina; Ravinder Bhalla, Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey; Farrah Khan, Mayor of Irvine, California; Harry Sidhu, Mayor of Anaheim, California. (Courtesy: https://www.indiawest.com/)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Severe COVID-19 Can Cause Serious Eye Abnormalities, Claim Researchers Can COVID-19 impact the eyes? When it comes to COVID-19 symptoms, fever, fatigue and continuous cough may be some of the classic signs of the infection.
ology, severe COVID-19 can cause considerable damage to the eyes and cause certain eye abnormali-
the French Society of Neuroradiology, used MRI scans to detect the ocular abnormalities in people
However, the deadly virus is not devoid of other medical complications.
The study conducted MRI scans on 129 patients, of whom 9 individuals showed signs of eye abnormalities and 8 of whom had been hospitalised for COVID-19. The MRI findings projected abnormalities called “nodules” at the back of their eyes, which could be an inflammation or direct damage to the eyes.
Researchers have found eye abnormalities in patients suffering with severe COVID-19 condition, which may seem unusual but is highly prevalent, as per the study conducted by the set of medical professionals.
Prevention While COVID-19 calls for a certain level of awareness and vigilance, the study suggests eye screening for all the people suffering with COVID-19. This could include an MRI and a fundoscopy.
COVID-19 can damage eyes, according to study According to a recent study published in the medical journal Radi-
infections.
ties in the patients. Experts from
suffering with serious COVID-19
Although much remains under
speculation, researchers are continuously following up with the patients and conducting various comprehensive tests and MRIs to nip the problem in the bud. Other ocular symptoms of COVID-19 to watch out for In previous studies COVID-19 has also been associated with other eye problems such as conjunctivitis and people have often complained of experiencing sore eyes. Different types of conjunctivitis, such as mucous discharge and gritty eyes linked to bacterial infection, have also come to the surface in the recent findings. (Courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)
Understanding Nuances Of World Cinema Through 10th Century Kashmiri Philosopher Abhinavagupta (Continued From Page 24) When he started college, he realised that although he was equipped with the system-oriented curriculum, he did not have a very rounded or holistic education.
losophy courses I took during my undergraduate studies. Hence the book,” Praveer elaborated.
Even after college I have been in touch with knowledgeable scholars and with their guidance, I have explored the intricacies of Indian classical aesthetics and major works in world cinema,” Praveer explained.
There were a lot of people like him who knew much more than just History, Geography, Mathematics or Physics and he did have an affinity to films, but that was limited to Hindi films. “Cinema is not taught in school; it has to be learnt by oneself. I owe this love for cinema or let me say world cinema to some of my friends and teachers in IIT.
What prompted him to write the book in Hindi?
My journey to learn started with watching ‘Ladri di Biciclette’ (Bicycle Thieves), a masterpiece by Vittorio di Sica. Later, after watching many classics, I realised that there should be an introductory book for cinema studies. “Typically, all introductions have some framework. I used the Indian classical framework for which I developed an interest in the phi-
I took an interest in philosophy courses which dealt with difficult and classical cinematic works for examples works of Bresson and Tarkovsky.
Considerable research went into the writing of the book. “Primarily, much of the content including the choice of cinematic works and names of important directors has been guided by my teachers and friends at IIT Delhi.
“My mother tongue is Hindi. I also think that there is a large uninitiated and uninformed audience among the Hindi speaking people, surely much bigger than any English audience. My book is an introduction of World Cinema to those who have a background in Hindi Cinema and are largely familiar with key terms
such as “Saundarya”, “Purushartha” etc. These technical terms spell our cultural legacy and have come to us from the great Indian tradition of knowledge pursuit which was primarily in Sanskrit for millennia. Hindi is one such indigenous language if someone wants to have true understanding of our cultural heritage. “This book has been translated into English so as to reach readers who are incapable of reading good Hindi or have a step-brotherly attitude towards the language. Also, they are ill-equipped to deal with Indian classical philosophy and/or need support to look at things with a fresh mind,” Praveer said He also hopes the book will change the way in which audiences look at cinema. “When we were young, we used to crave for movies to be shown on TV. Later on, we craved for good movies with advent of satellite TV.
Now when all the good movies are easily available thanks to internet, why do we watch inane soap operas and vulgar reality shows? This surprises me. I hear that people have an instant turn-off with silent, black & white movies. “I sincerely hope that people will leave aside their biases and watch the great works, e.g. immortal classics of Charlie Chaplin or the dances of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or westerns of John Ford or thrillers of Alfred Hitchcock,” Praveer concluded.
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan To Play Dual Characters In ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ ace director has been handling the shooting well by following the COVID restrictions. Now, the latest report is that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is playing the dual characters in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is reportedly playing a dual role as Mandakini Devi and Nandhini. While one will be a positive, the other one is said to be a negative character. It will be a challenging one for the talented actress, Aishwarya has trained few skills to match her role in the film. It’s the actress’s fourth film under Mani Ratnam’s directo-
Mani Ratnam has resumed the works for his dream project ‘Pon-
niyin Selvan’, and the film shooting is under process in Hyderabad.
The team has recently shot a song with a large number of stars. The
Salman Khan: Music Is One Thing That Will Never Die Superstar Salman Khan, who has been roped in as brand ambassador of the music reality show, said music is something that will continue to entertain the audience, no matter what. Salman has recorded several film songs in a career of over three decades, and he released three special songs ‘Pyaar Corona’, ‘Tere bina’ and ‘Bhai bhai’ last year during lockdown. Asked if he would sing on the upcoming show, he replied: “You (audience) will see it. When you watch the show, you will realise what is there in it. It is a unique music league where we will try to present different forms of music to the audience.” “During lockdown, the only thing which was there was music. Everyone was creating music during that period, including me. I made three songs and we uploaded these on my YouTube channel, which have been appreciated by people. Music is one such thing which will never die off,” said the Bollywood
superstar. Talking about the new show, he added: “We have earlier seen different kinds of sports leagues. This league will be on the same lines and will have a lot of energy.
We are trying to take it on a bigger scale, and every year we will try to bring this music league to the audience. I just hope that the best team wins the show.” The league will comprise six teams led by celebrities from Bollywood, cricket, and the music world. These include Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh and Gene-
lia Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, and Suresh Raina. Big names from the music world such as Asees Kaur, Mika Singh, Akriti Kakar, Shaan, Neha Bhasin, composer Sajid, Shilpa Rao, Kailash Kher, Bhoomi Trivedi, Javed Ali, Payal Dev, and Ankit Tiwari will be the captains of these teams. The show will go on air in February.
Truth’.
rial. ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is planned to be made in two parts, and the shooting of the first part is expected to be wrapped up within this May. The historical drama features Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Vikram Prabhu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Aishwarya Rajesh, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and several others. AR Rahman is scoring the music, and the film is bankrolled by Madras Talkies in association with Lyca Productions. (Courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes. com/)
The Final Shoot Of Ajay Devgn Starrer ‘Maidaan’ Began On 14Th February The final leg of Ajay Devgn’s one of the highly awaited movies ‘Maidan’ began on February 14th, in Powai, Mumbai. The shoot will be done non-stop till April. For the last two months complete football coaching, choreography,
VFX was done in various countries globally. Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma of ‘Badhai Ho’ fame, ‘Maidan’ is inspired by the true story of Syed Abdul Rahim. It will present the journey of one of the
On the film front, Salman will next be seen in Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘Kick 2’ with Jacqueline Fernandez and Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Antim: The Final
His line-up also includes ‘Tiger 3’ with Katrina Kaif and Pathan with Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham and Deepika Padukone, besides Farhad Samji’s ‘Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali’ with Pooja Hegde, and Prabhu Deva’s ‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’ with Disha Patani. (Courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)
physical training camps with the players were being organized. The leading actor Ajay Devgn joined the team on February 14th, and after shooting his part, he will be rejoining on March 10th for the football sequences. Talking further about the movie, during the lockdown, the film’s
finest coaches who put India on the global map with their extraordinary work. Further, the cast of the movie includes Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and the well-known Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh. The film is set to release on 15th October 2021. (Courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
Dhanush’s Jagame Thandhiram Teaser Out, Makers Confirm Direct Netflix Release
Dhanush’s much-awaited Jagame Thandhiram will directly release on Netflix skipping theatrical release, announced the makers on Monday (February 22). Along with the announcement, the Jagame Thandhiram team released the film’s teaser giving everyone a glimpse of Dhanush’s character Suruli. The teaser has received an overwhelming response from Dhanush’s ardent fans.
and wrote, “Suruli is here. Watch the #JagameThandhiramTeaser Now ! (sic).” The one-minute-long teaser introduces the character Suruli, which Dhanush plays in Jagame Thandhiram. He seems to be
a notorious gangster from Madurai who gets stuck in London with international gangsters.
that the film will release directly on Netflix. The official release date will be announced later.
With the teaser, the Jagame Thandhiram makers confirmed
Dhanush is not convinced with the OTT release of Jagame Thandhiram. He has made it clear with his cryptic posts on social media. Reportedly, he had a fallout with producer Sashikanth of Y NOT Studios over the decision of releasing Jagame Thandhiram on Netflix.
For over a month, rumours suggested that producer Sashikanth of Y Not Studios received an offer for Jagame Thandhiram that he couldn’t refuse. However, they kept the Netflix deal a secret and didn’t confirm it to the media. On February 22, the makers unveiled the film’s teaser.
On February 2, Dhanush wrote, “I am hoping for the theatrical release of Jagame Thandiram like the theatre owners, exhibitors, distributors, cinema lovers and most of all my fans. Fingers crossed (sic).” When Karnan’s release date was announced, Dhanush appreciated Kalaipuli S Thanu for releasing it in theatres even though he had
Y Not Studios released the teaser
other options. Dhanush, in a statement, wrote, “Karnan releases on April 2021 in theatres. A much needed encouraging news at the right time. Thank you Thanu sir for thinking of the theatre owners, distributors, exhibitors and everybody who’s livelihood is dependant on films and theatres, even though you had other options. A big thank you on behalf of my fans as this means a lot to them.” Jagame Thandhiram is tipped to be a gangster film set in London. The film stars Dhanush, Aishwarya Lekshmi, James Cosmo, Joju George, Kalaiyarasan Soundararaja, Deepak Paramesh and Vadivukkarasai in important roles. Jagame Thandhiram has music scored by Santhosh Narayanan. (Courtesy: https://www.indiatoday.in/)
Shah Rukh Khan Starrer Pathan To Now Release In 2022 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated movie ‘Pathan’ has been slated for a 2022 release instead of the earlier plans to release it in 2021. Film critic and movie trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed the same
long gap.” After the centre’s decision of allowing 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls, Yash Raj Films (YRF) had recently announced their 2021 slate for the films set to be releasing this year.
The film would have marked Khan’s comeback to the big screen after a hiatus of almost 3 years. Other than being the comeback project of King Khan, ‘Pathan’ is also hyped up as it will feature an extended cameo of Salman Khan.
Aanand L. Rai’s film Zero in 2018 alongside Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. He played the role of a dwarf. While the performances were much appreciated, the film failed to mark its presence at the box office. Talking about Pathan, the film is
being helmed by ‘War’ director Siddharth Anand. The movie is being billed as an action-thriller and is produced by Yash Raj Films. It also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. (Courtesy:https://www.indiatvnews.com/)
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on his Instagram handle on Sunday. He wrote, “#BreakingNews... #Pathan - which marks #SRK’s return to the big screen after a hiatus - will release in 2022... Not 2021... #SRK collaborates with leading production house #YRF after a
However, the production company didn’t announce the release date for the Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Pathan’, which is arguably the most awaited film under production today.
In one of the epsiodes of reality Bigg bOss 14 Weekend Ka Vaar, Khan shared that after the show id over, he will move on to Pathan and others films. Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in
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Austin South Asian | March 2021
