Austin South Asian. March 2016 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 9 No. 03

Non-Profit of the Month

AUSTIN HINDU TEMPLE AND COMMUNITY CENTER By Vijay Ganju On a 76-acre estate nine miles from downtown Austin, perched

SHIKSHA

Austin Dance India Celebrates 25 Years

Austin, Texas (February, 2016)— Austin Dance India, Austin’s pre-

of Anuradha Naimpally, Austin Dance India will present a season

on top of a small hillock, the tower and spires of The Austin Hindu Temple (Continued On Page 15)

TAMIL NADU FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING

Nikki Haley...................02 Malik’s Page............04,11 Job Hunting.................05 Hindus Happiest Group In UK..............................06 Chest Discomfort?........07 7 New Technology........07 Spring Tips..................08 Remodeling Trend........09 eminent performance company and school for Bharata Natyam dance, is celebrating its 25th year in 2016 with a dynamic calendar of live performances and student showcases. Under the creative direction

of spectacular dance events including a 10 x 10 student showcase, a free dance-a-thon, and a collaborative multi-disciplined performing arts production at The Long Center, (Continued On Page 16)

OBAMA HONORS SIX INDIAN AMERICANS

FIRST AUSTIN SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN APRIL 2016

By Ganesh Venkat APhotography by Shanmugam and lighting by Kanaka Sathasivan To raise money for the flood relief, Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) recently organized a fundraising event. On February 13th, 2016, TNF presented Rebuilding Lives, a benefit dance program in Lanier High (Continued on page 18) By Pranoti Kale Shiksha, The School of Indian Arts and Culture, which opened at Radha Madhav Dham in August 2013, has proven to be a boon to many Austin residents of Indian origin. It caters to that feeling of a sense of belonging to something Indian, that feeling which we have in our hearts and minds. (Cont. Page 14)

inside

March 2016

Six Indian-Americans are among a talented group of 106 scientists and engineers who will be honoured by US President Barack Obama with a prestigious award, the highest US government prize for young independent researchers. (Continued On Page 23)

By Vijay Ganju April 15-17: Mark those dates on your calendar. Those are the dates for (continued on page 14)

April 2016

Real Estate Special 512-828-6709

Go Green.....................10 5 Maintenance Tips Renter Should Know............10 Make A Difference........11 Restaurant of the Month........................12 Puja Chatterjee............13 Business Men Honored.13 Shiksha.......................14 Dilip Kumar Case.........14 Austin Hindu Temple....15 Ratan Tata Ties............17 Arun Gandhi Spreads....18 Predictions...................19 Maximize Space In.......20 Community Calendar....21 Childrens Page........22,23 Simple Blood Test........24 Entertainment.........25,26

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Nikki Haley Quashes Rumors Of Running For Vice President

WASHINGTON — Amid reports that she was emerging as a “fantastic choice” to be the Republican Party’s vice presidential candidate,

Haley, who earlier this month endorsed Florida Senator Marco Rubio in the Republican presidential race, said she is quite “content”

reports that Rubio-Haley would be a dream Republican ticket, Haley told Fox News in an interview: “Not at all. I have said my plate is full. I am not only a mom, my daughter is going to college next year, and my son is in middle school. I got a state that I love. We have not finished all the work we want to finish here. “So I am totally content and happy in South Carolina.

Indian American South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has ruled out any such possibility, saying her “plate is full.”

with her responsibilities as the governor of South Carolina and the mother of two kids. When asked about the latest media

What I do want to see is that America gets a great president,” the 44-year-old said in a joint appearance with Rubio on Fox News in South Carolina. “I think we can do that with Marco Rubio,” she said, responding to questions of her potential cam-

paign as the vice presidential mate of Rubio, which is being reported by some major media outlets. Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina said that he is “all for” Haley being picked for vice president. Haley is articulate and a strong leader who went “through the fire” during a tragic 2015 in the state, he said. “She would be a fantastic choice and one that I think the country would be quite responsive to,” Scott said. However, The Washington Post offered a word of caution. “A Rubio-Haley ticket might be many things. But a panacea for the GOP’s sundry political and demographic challenges?

It certainly is not,” it said. But for The New York Observer, a Rubio-Haley ticket would be Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton’s worst nightmare. “The sight of Florida Senator Marco Rubio standing side-byside with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley after her blockbuster endorsement of his candidacy for president days before the South Carolina GOP primary gave the appearance of a presidential ticket that would be a game changer for the 2016 campaign,” it said. “Maybe a Hispanic-Asian ticket with one candidate who’s rediscovering his tea-party roots and another who’s made herself into the top union-hater in the country is the best they can do,” The New Yorker wrote. (Courtesy: IndiaWest)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Pakistan’s Human Right Lawyer, Hina Jilani, talks about Rights, Conflicts and Crisis

By Sumaiya Malik On February 3, Hina Jilani, advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan, talked about Human Rights, to a packed audience of law students, community members and human rights advocates, at the Law School at UT Austin.

ter in Lahore for victims of genderbased violence, Ms. Jilani has also been a leading voice in the interna-

Ms. Jilani had flown in a day earlier from Lahore, Pakistan, on invitation from the Charlie Wilson Chair at UT and Texas Law.

cover to a government to exercise their will many times ignoring human rights.

actually reminded the audience to always be optimistic about human rights.

She is currently a member of The Elders, established by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and has won numerous awards for her work on peace building and human rights.

Human rights defenders believe that ‘terror’ can be countered well within the rule of law.

She warned that there is no room for pessimism when fighting for rights and she urged people to always react to situations that require thought and not turn away.

At 63, HIna Jilani, is a force to recon with. She explained in detail how and why rules are imposed to reduce rights in the name of national security in a country.

Her conversation was a part of the on-going Human Right Speaker Series at the university. Hina Jilani has helped to lead the struggle for the rule of law and democratic development in Pakistan for almost forty years. A co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the country’s first all-female law firm, and the seminal Women’s Action Forum, as well as the founder a shel-

Commission of Inquiry on Darfur and the UN Fact Finding Mission on Gaza.

tional rights movement. Ms. Jilani was first UN Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders, and also served on the International

She said, “Absence of war doesn’t necessarily mean there is peace.’ Terms like War on Terror are not a good idea as they create a gray area in the rights of people. They give blanket

“Militarization has marginalized the expanded rule of government, “ she said. She asked the audience that when war is over how do governments re-limit military. She added that in Central America, military is still there in defense and foreign affairs. Countries like Libya and Iraq where Gadhafi and Saddam Hussein were forcefully removed, the military is still playing a strong role. These are lessons to learn from. But governments in superior positions who commit acts of aggression do not learn from history. Ms. Jilani was hopeful though and

Women in specific should not look at themselves as victims or agents. They should demand their rights. Ms. Jilani took questions from the audience and briefly touched upon the conflict between Shariah Law in Pakistan and the tenets of Islam. She criticized the law and said it was a convenience of the martial law government and has nothing to do with the religion. This was Ms. Jilani’s first visit to Austin. She has a distant niece at UT studying aeronautical engineering and an older nephew setting up business in the city.

The Plan For A SXSW Pakistani Showcase Concert For The Community Is ON! By Sumaiya Malik Picture Credits: Dr. Fida Khan

The Austin Arts and Drama Initiative (AADI) has confirmed the

plan for a community concert by Pakistani rock and folk musicians on Sunday, March 13. Four folk and rock bands are flying in on March 11 from different parts of Pakistan for a musical concert at SXSW. The main organizer and CEO of FACE, Foundation of Arts, Culture and Education, Zeeja Fazli, said that the four bands will perform at the fabulous Dell Fine Arts Center at St. Andrew’s High School on South West Parkway on Sunday, March 13 at 3:45 p.m. The Concert is expected to be an hour and a half long with performances by Mai Nimani, Wahid Allan Faqir, Aziz Qawaal and the ever so popular rock band, Overload.

While Overload has been to Dallas, this is their first time to Austin. Most of these artists are hard to reach in a single visit to Pakistan as they live in different provinces. It is a matter of great honor and an opportunity not to miss to hear them live. Zeejah Fazli said, “The musicians of Pakistan that represent the humanist and pluralistic culture of the land have become increasingly isolated in their work due to security threats and an influx of religious extremism within Pakistan. Showcasing the best of Pakistani culture through music is a huge achievement for the individual musicians involved, who would be able to perform their art… [In

USA]. Mai Nimani and the Qawaal who are known for the depths of spirituality they reach through their songs are much awaited by those Austinites who are regulars of ACL. Overload is known to rock! They will lift your spirits to the sky and give you a message to learn from. Tickets are $14 each and are sale at http://folkandrock.brownpapertickets.com Important to remember is that while the SXSW Pakistani Showcase concert is for exclusive badge holders who have purchased the complete pass ($895), this is a community performance open to anyone with a practically a free ticket purchase.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Job Hunting? What Careers And Skills Are In Greatest Demand This Year Understanding the evolving job market can help you focus your energy productively and land a coveted new job.

Some hot areas include information technology, human resources, finance and accounting, office and administration, engineering,

fields? Consider the following insights and predictions from the Randstad 2016 Hot Jobs study: • Engineers will be highly sought after this year to support innovative technologies, especially in sectors that have not typically required engineering talent in the past, such as healthcare and entertainment. • Technology will continue to transform finance and accounting, presenting a tremendous opportunity to elevate these types of roles. The key will be helping to shape company strategy through a comprehensive data approach.

The recently released 2016 Hot Jobs List, published by Randstad US, one of the largest HR services and staffing companies in the United States, sheds light on important trends and predicts the jobs in greatest demand for the coming year.

and manufacturing and logistics. And there’s good news -- experts say that across the board, job candidates can raise their expectations. So what are the most in-demand jobs and skills needed to secure employment in these

• Organizations will likely gravitate toward human resource candidates with specific skills to cope with an increasingly complex workforce environment, particularly around critical matters such as talent acquisition and retention, succession and compensation planning and workforce engagement. • There continues to be a lack of skilled information technology talent, particularly in industries that deal with the increas-

ingly complex issues related to cyber risk and business compliance. Companies will continue to seek those with soft skills, like strong writing and communication abilities. • As the economy continues to improve, manufacturing companies are expanding their businesses. This will require an increase in highly-skilled talent. With industry workforce shortages, employers will need to consider different ways to attract and retain talent. • The administrative role continues to evolve, particularly as new technologies are introduced into workflows. Additionally, many organizations are coping with baby boomers retiring at a rapid pace by advancing current employees into more senior roles, rather than replacing the positions outright. These trends create great opportunity for administrative talent. For full study results, including HR insights and salary projections, visit randstadusa. com/workforce360.With a little research and industry trend insight, you can achieve career success in 2016. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

4 Tips To Live Better In Retirement The conceptions and realities of retirement have changed a great deal over the past several decades, giving many seniors misgivings about the future. But your golden years can be happy, healthy and productive, say ex-

Late: Getting Older, Wiser, and Worry-Free in our Golden Years.”Are you retired or approaching the end of your working life? Are you concerned about an older parent or loved one? Here, Page offers expert tips on living better: Living Ideas

perts. “For many individuals, confusion, fear and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness accompany the prospect of growing old in America. The good news is that we have power to address these concerns,” says Scott Page, author of the new book “It’s Never Too

Reducing housing expenses can have an extra upside. For example, downsizing your empty nest offers you the benefit of less house to maintain. Moving to a region of the country cheaper than your current area may take you somewhere sunnier, warmer and better suited for aging. Another popular way to live more frugally is to consider taking on a roommate. “Co-living arrangements like the ‘The Golden Girls’ are

becoming more popular with single or widowed seniors. It helps save money and can be beneficial for socialization and support,” says Page. Make Money You can rake in extra income that doesn’t feel like work. Review your talents and hobbies. Are you an excellent baker, a talented woodworker or musician? “Seniors often have a lot of time on their hands, and they may be able to transform hobbies or interests into a way to make a little money,” says Page, who points out that such activities can also be an excellent way to stay engaged and active, keeping minds and bodies vibrant. Saving Tips Don’t be shy about using the age card. After all, you have worked hard for it. Senior discounts are available at restaurants, stores, on travel, adult education classes and gym memberships, and sites like Restaurant.com or Groupon have special bargain days for seniors. You can also save by eliminating unnecessary expenses. For example -- do you

still need that landline telephone? Can you bundle certain services to help reduce costs? Do an inventory of your possessions to determine which objects to keep and which to discard or sell. Free worksheets, available at scottpage.com/free-tools, can help you make smart decisions. Connect with Friends Consider planning meals with a support network. “Maybe Sally takes Monday nights, Judy takes Wednesday nights and Sarah takes Friday nights,” says Page. “Cooking for more than one person encourages community, and can be cost-effective if everyone is sharing in the responsibility.” Maintain an active social media presence online to stay connected to friends and family. Those with the same interests as you are just a mouse click away. More information about the book can be found at www.scottpage.com. With smart strategies you can free yourself from worry about aging, while getting wiser over time. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

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Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, advised Hindus to: Hindus are the happiest among all the religious focus on inner search, stay pure, explore communities/groups of United Kingdom (UK), the vast wisdom of scriptures, make according to a dataset of Office for National Sta- spirituality more attractive to youth and tistics (ONS), UK’s National Statistical Institute. children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in your life. This was the finding of its study “Measuring National Well-being—Personal Well-being in the Rajan Zed also commended ONS for UK, 3 year data 2012 to 2015”, which was re- thinking beyond Gross Domestic Product leased on February two. and looking into what actually was more meaningful for the public and helped in Quantifying Happiness by Personal Character- making decisions regarding their quality istics, April 2012 to March 2015, under the sub- of life. head “religion”, on a 11 point scale; it gave Hindus the average (mean rating) of 7.57, followed Headquartered in Newport, South Wales; by Christians at the second place at 7.47; while ONS is the largest producer of official people with “No Religion” were at the bottom of statistics in the UK besides conducting the list with 7.22. census in England and Wales. John Pullinger is National Statistician. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, congratulated the UK’s Hindu Hinduism, oldest and third largest relicommunity for earning the title of most happy gion of the world, has about one billion group; which he attributed to continuing with adherents and moksh (liberation) is its the traditional values of hard work, higher mor- ultimate goal. als, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; amidst so many distractions.

Chest Discomfort, Feeling Extra Tired? When To Get Help Are you experiencing heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and discomfort around your heart? You could be experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib), the most common heart rhythm disorder. Recognizing signs and symptoms is essential to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Affecting about three million Americans, AF is a rapid heartbeat, which can lead to poor blood flow and increased risk of serious conditions, including stroke and heart failure. AF is the result of abnormal electrical impulses, which travel chaotically throughout the upper chambers of the heart, causing the atria to contract so quickly the heart loses its ability to pump efficiently. This may cause blood to pool in the heart, where it can clot. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. A recent study by researchers from Boston University found that people with AF are nearly five times more likely to have a stroke. “All types of patients of all ages should monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly, and seek

Dr. Leo Polosajian, an electrophysiologist and founder of Cardiac Rhythm Specialists Even short bursts of palpitations may be the in Reseda, CA. beginning of persistent or chronic AF,” says (Continued On Page 07) medical help when they don’t feel well.

Austin South Asian

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Chest Discomfort, Feeling Extra Tired? When To Get Help

(Continued From Page 06)

tivities he previously enjoyed.

Unfortunately, many AF patients don’t experience symptoms until an event happens. “While biking my normal route, my heart rate rose and I couldn’t breathe.

According to Polosajian, Smiland’s experience may not represent those of all patients, but a recent FDA review found ablation had at least a 47 percent greater success rate than medication.

I pretty much went into sudden cardiac death,” says Todd Smiland, a patient of Polosajian’s.

“This patient’s experience is what all physicians hope to achieve,” says Polosajian.

“Luckily the ambulance made it to me in sev-

It’s important to note there are risks and po-

Austin South Asian | March 2016

7 Ways New Technology Can Improve How Students Learn For the last decade, there have been great shifts in the ways students study and learn, as education companies have developed new digital learning platforms.

4. Focus on more difficult tasks in class.

Educators say that content is more engaging and interactive now, and the benefits of these changes have been far reaching. Recently, the Association of American Publishers hosted webinars where educators discussed digital learning platforms. Here are a few of their insights about the way new technologies and course materials are improving higher education: 1. Increase student engagement with assigned material. en minutes and they were able to defibrillate me back to life, essentially. That pretty much started all of my heart issues.” By correcting abnormal conduction fibers in the heart through ablation, its electrical system may be repaired and the heart may return to a normal rhythm. One of the newest innovations uses contact force ablation technology, which gives physicians a real-time, objective measure of force applied to the heart during the procedure. “I felt this patient was an ideal candidate for an ablation procedure instead of medication, which only treats symptoms. When patients don’t respond to medication or it’s not an optimal therapy option, I turn to radiofrequency ablation,” says Polosajian. “It was like night and day,” says Smiland, who after receiving ablation treatment, resumed ac-

tential adverse events associated with ablation procedures, including but not limited to cardiovascular related complications, such as hematoma, effusion and infection. Contact force ablation may not be appropriate for patients who have had certain recent heart surgeries, prosthetic valves, active systemic infection or have undergone other major vascular procedures. Patients should consult with their physicians about options. A checklist of questions to ask your doctor can be found at www.sjm.com/AfibAnswers, a site provided by St. Jude Medical, a leader in technologies that treat atrial fibrillation. Know the signs and symptoms of AF and talk to your doctor, if you suspect anything is amiss. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

and students can go online on their own time and complete activities that help them build skills they need.” – Kristi Barker, Developmental Reading and College Success Strategies, South Plains College (Texas)

“I’ve got all these digital tools that make the classroom more exciting and help solidify students’ knowledge to bring material to life. It’s not just pushing information out; it actually kind of pulls them in to the material.” – Patty Worsham, Accounting, Norco College (California) 2. Quickly gauge how students are progressing. “I have more data about what my students don’t know and what their strengths and weaknesses are. I know exactly what objectives they have the most trouble with and where they need more practice with concepts I am teaching.” – Lynda Haas, Rhetoric and Composition, University of California Irvine 3. Build skills for developmental students. “Students in developmental education need skill-building opportunities. Instead of doing that in class, I use a digital platform in my developmental reading class,

“I’m doing harder stuff in the classroom. But the way that I use digital stuff outside of class, there’s often room for application and real world headlines and the messiness of the macro economy in the classroom.” – Solina Lindahl, Economics, California Polytechnic 5. Encourage more faculty-student interaction. “One of the biggest changes has been better communication with my students. It builds a rapport, enables them to ask more questions and really focus on the way they’re thinking. If we have an issue that needs to be changed, I can continually adapt my course so that it’s interesting and engaging to my students.” – Kelly Dreier, Reading, Richland College (Texas) 6. Provide instant feedback. “Students are able to complete something and get feedback immediately. They’re getting that moment of cognitive dissonance where they’re trying to figure out a problem and they get it incorrect. They’re able to get that piece to help build a stronger foundation.” – Dr. Phil Janowicz, Chemical Education, California State University Fullerton 7. Target student needs in the classroom. “With the adaptability features of these systems, I’m able to focus on what my students need and target the areas that need work. Then I’m able to tailor my instruction so we’re working on what the students need to work on.” –Nathalie Vega-Rhodes, Mathematics, Lone Star College (Texas)For more information about digital learning materials visit aapbacktocampus.org.Where digital technologies and classrooms intersect, educators and students are seeing improved learning experiences, conclude experts. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

March Is National Nutrition Month: Develop Better Eating Habits

Have your healthy New Year’s habits already begun to fade? Recharge your resolutions in March during National Nutrition Month and remember the importance of developing and following sound eating habits.

“Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” this National Nutrition Month:

ate the company around you.

Eating slowly not only allows you to enjoy your food, but it also can help you eat less by giving your stomach time to tell your brain you are full.

The 2016 National Nutrition Month theme, “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” encourages you to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences that food can add to life. “Food nourishes the body and provides necessary fuel to help you thrive and fight disease,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, Kristen Gradney. “In addition to providing nourishment, food is also a source of pleasure and enjoyment. Take time to enjoy healthy foods and all the happiness they bring to your life.” Gradney offers a few ways you can

we often eat quickly and mindlessly. Instead, savor your food, eating slowly one bite at a time to focus on the different flavors and textures. Stop and take time in between bites.

• Develop a Mindful Eating Pattern: How, when, why and where you eat, are just as important as what you eat. Think about where you eat the majority of your meals. Do you eat lunch at your desk or dinner in front of the television? • Enjoy Food Traditions and Social Experiences: There is an obvious social component to food. Whether it’s a nightly family dinner, a special occasion or social gathering, food often plays a central role. Enjoy the food at these gatherings while also taking time to appreci-

Research indicates that family meals promote healthier eating and strengthens family relationships.

Instead of multitasking through meals, take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to find a nice place to mindfully eat.

• Appreciate Foods’ Pleasures and Flavors: Take time to appreciate the flavors, textures and overall eating experience. In today’s busy world,

• Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist: A healthy lifestyle is much more than choosing to eat

translucent glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds. The brand also makes a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which

WindowAlert decals that were applied to a piece of glass covering the departure point of a flight tunnel, the more birds avoided it (a net protected all the birds in the study from actually getting hurt, no matter where they chose to fly).

more fruits and vegetables. It’s also essential to make informed food choices based on your individual health and nutrient needs. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can educate you and guide your food choices while keeping your tastes and preferences in mind. RDNs are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use. Find an RDN in your area by visiting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics site at www.eatright. org. The site also contains articles, recipes, videos and educational resources. Follow National Nutrition Month on Facebook and Twitter using the #NationalNutritionMonth hashtag. By taking the time to enjoy what you eat, you can develop a healthier relationship with food. (Statepoint)

Spring Tips To Attract Beautiful Birds To Your Yard When hosting neighbors and friends for spring gatherings, your thoughts may dwell on accommodating guests. But how often do you consider your animal visitors?

cals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight to your home’s windows, particularly those windows that are highly reflective of open sky.

“During spring, flocks of birds migrate and are looking for places to refuel and rest,” says Spencer Schock, Founder of WindowAlert, makers of bird-friendly products for homes. “A few small tweaks to your yard, is like placing out a welcome mat.” Unfortunately, migration is not without peril or hardship, but Schock says turning your home into a refuge for birds can be fun and add beauty to your yard. He offers these tips to keep feathered travelers safe during their migratory journey. • Protect flight: Millions of birds die annually by striking glass, making windows a hazard to birds in flight. Try applying special de-

• Bed and Breakfast: Birdfeeders come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and simply adding one to your yard can help beautify it and give birds the energy needed to continue their flight.

The decals won’t affect your view because they’re virtually invisible to humans, but will help keep birds safe. For example, those from WindowAlert have patterns that give the appearance of slightly frosted

can be applied between decals. Such ultraviolet decals have been scientifically proven to keep birds safer. A 2015 American Bird Conservancy Study found that the more

Remember though, bird strikes are often a problem near bird feeders, as feeding birds are easily frightened and are apt to take wild, evasive flight; position feeders closer than three feet or farther than 30 feet from windows. If your feeder is close to the window, birds fly away from the house. Believe it or not, the safest type of feeder is the kind that attach to the window itself.

You can also make your home’s outdoor spaces more bird-friendly filling your garden with the right plants and flowers for pollinating bird species. • Watch and record: Grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide book and take note of the types of birds you see and when. This will help you become better prepared for next season. In addition, consider becoming a “citizen scientist” by submitting your observations to The Audubon Society and Cornell University’s database at ebird.org. For more tips on making your home and garden a bird haven, visit WindowAlert.com. “By making a few simple modifications to your yard and home, you can assist birds on their long journey,” says Schock. (Courtesy:Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

A New Remodeling Trend Is Adding Resale Value To Homes Whether you’re looking to sell your house or just want to make a smart update that’s worth your

trend that is both attractive and proven to add value to your home: manufactured stone.

in popularity, in both exteriors and interiors,” says Phil Wengerd, vice president of Market Strategies for ProVia, a leading manufacturer of home building products. The numbers agree. Manufactured stone veneer projects offer a 92.9 percent cost recovery, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a detailed comparison of the average cost of remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 100 US markets. If you’re looking to make a home upgrade using manufactured stone, Wengerd says to consider the following trends:

time and money, consider a design

“Manufactured stone is exploding

Every lawn mower requires routine maintenance to keep it running with efficiency and maximum per-

Follow your manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule. Check your owner’s manual or

• Popular style: While homeowners once attempted to emulate materials available in the local natural

environment, the elegant look of dry stack stone now dominates nationwide. The material features the look of smaller stones, providing an elegant natural look that’s versatile in both exterior and interior applications. • Exotic colors: Color blends continue to feature earth shades, however, more reds, purples and burgundies are being mixed in to complement colors in carpet, walls or window treatments. To respond to the demand, brands like ProVia`s manufactured stone are adding new stone color options.

dramatic frame for kitchen stoves and islands, and is used around bathtubs to create a spa-like retreat. It’s also a popular choice for masonry surface application in finished basements or for stone fireplaces. Exterior stone accents, like an outdoor kitchen, deliver plenty of wow-factor without the wallet cringe that a traditional stone-laying job would entail. For style and color inspiration, as well as free resources, such as a visualizer design tool and videos on installing manufactured stone veneer, visit provia.com/stone.

• Versatile project ideas: As technology has made manufactured stone more accessible to the masses, today it’s showing up on more than just a home’s exterior. In interior applications, stone adds a

Recapture home equity by seeking out projects and upgrades like manufactured stone, with a proven ability to add value.

facturer (OEM) parts, as opposed to cheaper “will fit” alternatives, when replacing belts, blades, filters, lubricants and other mower parts,” says Martin.

or just a few times a season, be sure to take good care of your mower, paying attention to the suggested maintenance routine.

(Courtesy:Statepoint)

What To Know When Repairing Your Lawn Mower Replace Parts Wisely “Modern mowers are designed to function as a system; they aren’t just a collection of parts,” says David Martin, customer service manager at Exmark, a leading mower manufacturer. While virtually any company can sell parts that are almost right for your machine, Martin advises using original parts from the mower manufacturer.

formance. If a breakdown occurs or parts wear out, it’s much more cost-efficient to simply replace the worn parts than it is to buy a whole new mower. To keep your mower functioning optimally, consider the following. Regular Maintenance

your mower brand’s website for information on when and how to maintain your machine, including checking and changing engine oil and filters, hydraulic filters, belts, air cleaners, spark plugs and more. This upkeep on your mower can prevent unscheduled downtime and costly repairs.

Brands such as Exmark, for example, extensively test every part and accessory for hundreds of hours to ensure they won’t compromise the safety, productivity or durability of the mower, or the quality of cut it provides. “There is great value in using genuine Original Equipment Manu-

To learn more about the differences between using generic replacements from an aftermarket company and OEM parts, visit www. exmark.com/OriginalParts. Whether you mow your lawn often

SAHELI Support, Advocate, Heal Empower, Listen and Inform Supporting Asian Families and connecting them to vital resources in the Central Texas community SAHELI Hotline 24 Hour, Safe and Confidnetial 877-281-8371 www.saheli-austin.org

It’s always better to prevent a problem before it becomes an issue. And doing so will improve the quality of each cut and extend the life of the machine. (Courtesy:Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

5 Maintenance Tips And Tricks Every Renter Should Know One of the biggest benefits of renting versus buying a place of your own is that you usually don’t have

major maintenance worries, there are a few things you can do to keep service calls to a minimum, and

frost it at least once a year or when more than a quarter inch of frost has formed. When defrosting, remember to warm it up slowly. Empty the contents of the freezer, place towels underneath, and let the ice melt at room temperature.

to worry about stressful maintenance tasks, like replacing a roof or hot water heater. While most rental agreements include a landlord who takes care of

protect your security deposit in the long run. Avoid a Deep Freeze If you have a manual freezer, de-

of baking soda, vinegar and a little warm water should do the trick. Dodge a Dust Up

Use a blow dryer if you’re pressed for time. Once melted, wipe your freezer clean, bring it back to the appropriate temperature and restock.

If your heating and air conditioning units are easily accessible, vacuum the vents before using them for the first time each year, or ask your landlord to do so. Regular cleaning and filter changes ensure proper air flow. Check that furniture and curtains don’t cover vents to avoid potential maintenance issues and fire hazards.

Rout Grout Problems

Keep Clogs at Bay

Gaps and chips in your shower grout are worth calling your landlord about, because they could lead to significant water damage. Luckily, a regular cleaning routine can ensure you do your part to ward off unhealthy mold and mildew and help ensure there are no cracks that could lead to problems in walls and floors. A good scrub made up

It’s common knowledge to not pour oil and grease down the sink, but avoiding other solids like coffee grounds will also keep your pipes flowing. If you have a sink with a garbage disposal, avoid dumping chemicals in the drain to clean it. In the bathroom, remove hair from drains right away rather than washing them down.

Insure Your Peace of Mind Starting around $10 a month, renters insurance, a must for any savvy renter, will not only cover your belongings (since your landlord’s policy usually doesn’t), but will also cover temporary living expenses and personal liability if you have to relocate during major repairs. Some insurers, like Erie Insurance, offer a generous multi-policy discount for those who want to purchase both renter’s insurance and an auto policy. In some cases, the discount actually pays for the renter’s policy. While tenants should definitely reap the benefits of being a renter, performing small tasks around your home or apartment can mean more comfortable day-to-day living, and fewer visits from the landlord. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

Smart Tips To Go Green Going “green” has increasingly moved from a trend to a global initiative. But the best place for individuals to start minimizing their

time. Here are some ways people are reducing their carbon footprints at home and work. Flooring For homeowners, there are many different types of green or ecofriendly flooring options today.

impact on the environment is in spaces where they spend the most

sionally stable.

For example engineered wood floors have a wood veneer, which uses far less material than solid hardwood floors. They’re also more dimen-

Today’s modern laminate floor options are made from recycled wood fiber. There are many more ecofriendly options -- ranging from bamboo and cork to natural linoleum, sisal fiber area rugs, seagrass and coir mats (made from coconut husks) -- along with stones and tiles, carpeting and natural wood.

al.com and www.Flooring-Franchise.com.

More information can be found at www.ledsource.com.

Lighting

Shop Green

The lighting industry is going green. GE recently announced that it will stop selling traditional lightbulbs by the end of 2016.

These modern trends are offered by brands like Floor Coverings International, a mobile flooring franchise, which also offers greener options in traditional hardwoods. Their “Epic” option uses 50 percent less newly harvested wood than conventional flooring and is sourced from domestic forests.

Residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR rated products -- use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States. By 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save us more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.

A new green retail revolution is giving homeowners more earthfriendly choices. At the forefront of this movement are brands like SuperGreen Solutions, a franchised chain that offers a one-stop-shop for a range of energy efficient solutions for commercial and residential customers, as well as expert advice and guidance through in-home consultations on the best products for each customer.

Epic (shorthand for Environmentally preferred, Peak performance, Installation advantages, Complete product offering) is certified at Cradle-to-Cradle Silver, eligible for LEED credits and meets GREENGUARD indoor air quality requirements. More information can be found at www.FloorCoveringsInternation-

Luckily, pioneering companies like LED Source are actively retrofitting major chains and other businesses with LED lighting. As North America’s first franchisor of LED lighting, they are helping businesses go green and save money in the commercial, entertainment, and residential markets.

They also offer rebate advice, tax credit guidance, sales, installation and after-sales service. More information can be found at SuperGreenSolutionsFranchise.com. There are many ways to get on board this important trend and go green. Start by making smart swaps and upgrades to improve efficiency and lower bills. (Courtesy: Statepoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Nauman Ali Khan Spotted At Make A Difference – Customer Service Renaissance Academy Fundraiser By Vidya Kumar

By Sumaiya Malik

The program included talks from

Nauman Ali Khan was requested to come and say a few words on the stage.

Now-a-days we have been visiting restaurants for tasting events. This is an experience not to be missed and to be enjoyed thoroughly. I especially like this because one does not have to cook and at the same time one gets to critique the food that has been prepared.

Mr. Khan talked about the external and internal challenges Muslims face in their early and later years.

Each restaurant has its own way of presentation. In one restaurant the manager of the restaurant never sat down at the table or asked what preference we have whether too hot or too mild.

He urged parents to train the children to answer any questions.

The restaurant told us that they have catered for many events so just come and taste our food. Here we were expecting piping hot fresh food which is exotic – and we were totally disappointed that the food was cold and then it was tasteless too.

He said that the children need to completely understand Islam to be able to face these challenges. Internal challenges included understanding the reason of rules and laws. External clallenges are the questions people ask about Islam. On January 23, Renaissance Science Academy held their annual fundraiser banquet at the Double Tree Hotel in Austin. Funds were raised for laboratories, teachers and administrative costs. Dalia Mostafa the principal of the school and some board members updated the parents and guests about the progress of the school.

Dr. Altaf Hussain, the head of ISNA.org and a Ph.D. in Social work from Washington D.C. Later, comedian Baba Ali, entertained the audience with humor. But the highlight of the evening was a surprise visit from Nauman Ali Khan, of Bayyinnah from Dallas. He was a guest of Shafiaq Kazi, a parent at Renaissance.

The manager of the restaurant thought that he has given the best food – so he asked how the food was. We had to tell him the truth that it was tasteless and also cold. Maybe, it was prepared in the morning and it is being served in the evening?

Renaissance Education Foundation is an organization that relies on community members and volunteers to succeed.

On the other hand – in one restaurant the manager went out of the way to make piping hot food. And every dish he asked how it needs to be served in terms of taste – too spicy, mild or medium and then he also sat with us and explained how each dish had been prepared and how it will be served on the day of the event and also he gave lot of suggestions regarding the dishes that can go together.

It starts at Pre-School and goes up to 12th grade. Renaissance Academy is located on 14401 OwenTech Blvd, Austin TX 78728. Phone number is 512-252-2277.

No doubt when the time came for us to decide – we went with the person who had made his customers comfortable even though his pricing was on the high. Every business needs to learn that however important his product is – unless he makes the customer comfortable and important – he will not be able to sell.

Pakistani American Interfaith Activist Saadia Faruqi Talks At Book People By Sumaiya Malik

characters face while living in different cities of Pakistan.

Book People on Lamar and 6th Street hosted a talk by Saadia Faruqi, the author of Brick Wall: Tales of Hope and Courage from Pakistan.

The book is fiction, but the struggles about poverty, violence, corruption and abuse seem real.

Brick Wall is a collection of short stories about challenges that Pakistani

There is Asma the lackluster seamstress, Faisal the would-be terrorist, Javed Gul the Pushto rock singer, Farzana the cantankerous grandmother, Nida the ten-yearold girl with a cricket obsession, and many more. Together they form a rich mosaic that showcases the beauty of Pakistan, her culture and her people. People from different walks of life attended the talk. The group consisted of mostly women.

There were students from UT, one woman in hijab, four or five were middle aged white women who were intrigued by the information in the book and said that it was their first time to see a glimpse of Pakistani lives outside of bad news on television. One African-American woman wanted to know more names of books that the author would recommend. Saadia Faruqi is a grant writer who got involved in interfaith activities after 911. She would go to discussions and soon found herself sharing her experiences as a Muslim. The Dallas Police asked her to come to their academy and help train the policemen on cultural sen-

sitivity issues. She offers community college classes on a variety of topics related to Islam and Muslims. She is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose. Her short stories have been published in several American literary journals and magazines. Brick Walls is her debut fiction book.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Restaurant of the Month-Scrumptious Indian Fare, With A Regional Flair

Restaurant Review: Asiana Indian Cuisine, 801 E. William Cannon Drive, Suite #205, Austin Texas By Vijay Ganju

It is Saturday morning, just before noon, and there is a crowd of about 30 people milling around the entrance to the restaurant. No, it is not the Magnolia Café; No, it is not Franklin’s Barbecue. It is the Asiana Indian Cuisine, in a nondescript strip mall at the corner of I-35 and William Cannon. From the expressions of eager anticipation and smug satisfaction on people’s faces, it is clear than many have been here before. They seem to know they are in for a treat. Checking on people’s favorites, one young woman, who is there with a group of her friends,

says, “I love the sag paneer – the paneer and the vegetables taste really fresh.” A large Indian man who is there with his wife says “I come for the biryani. On Satur-

days, they have chicken and vegetarian biryani. And we sometimes come back on Sundays when they have the goat biryani on the lunch buffet.” Once the doors open, the restaurant quickly fills up. All the tables but one is occupied. Looking at the options on the lunch buffet, one quickly understands why. There is rasam, sambhar, idly, dosas; bagara baingan, saag

paneer, daal palak, garlic pilsu (a tomato-tamarind based Andhra dish); tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, and Andhra chicken; chicken biryani; grill fish; and

Indian-Chinese dishes like chili chicken and corn Manchurian. Desserts include: homemade mango mousse ice cream, shahi tukra, and rice kheer. The range of dishes on the buffet is representative of the items on the regular menu. According to Loganathan Appavu, one of the owners, “Unlike some other Indian restaurants, we are not just a North Indian or a South Indian restaurant: we try to cover a range of different tastes.” Besides the usual fare at Indian restaurants, Asiana not only covers both North Indian and South Indian dishes, but also has specialized

regional dishes such as chicken chettinad, lamb Hyderabadi, goat pepper fry and Kerala fish curry, as well as Indian-Chinese specialties like gobi Manchurian and chili chicken. The quality of the dishes I tasted was excellent: ingredients were fresh, the spicing was nuanced so that one could actually taste the individual spices in each dish, and the dosas were hot and crisp. The result was very satisfying, like the pleasure of a good homecooked meal. I asked Loganathan, “What is your secret?” With an unassuming smile, his reply: “We do everything from scratch. We do not use spice packets or mixes. We make our own chettinad masala. The mango ice cream is also made here.” It also

does not hurt that he and his partner Pandiyan Kaliyamoorthy are both chefs and have worked together for over 20 years, first at the Park Sheraton in Chennai, and then at restaurants in this country. (Continued on page 14)

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Austin South Asian | March 2016

Puja Chatterjee And Nigel Bobby Perform At Gama Hall On Valentines Night

By Sumaiya Malik

Indian Idol finalist, Pooja Chat-

terjee, entertained the South Asian community at a Valentines celebration on February 12, 2016. Nigel Bobby of Pakistan followed her with his partner Lee on saxophone. Puja’s voice mesmerized an audience of about one hundred people. Jiaa Jabbar of Royal Entertainment organized the evening along with Pakistan Association of Greater Austin, run by Mr. Ashraf Khan. Jiaa has brought other successful events before this. The GAMA Hall is available to anyone in the South Asian community for rent. Also a part of

U.S. Senator John Cornyn Honors Austin’s Minority Business Leaders By Vijay Ganju On February 19, at a Minority Business RoundTable luncheon in Austin, U.S. Senator John Cornyn honored Texas small business leaders for their role in creating more than 4 million jobs throughout the state and being a major driver in the growth of the state’s economy. The Senator made a special point of noting the diversity in the state’s small businesses and the role of Asian small businesses. (Senator Cornyn is also the cochair of the bipartisan Senate India Caucus, which works to engage Indian Americans and Indian government officials to expand coop-

eration between India and the U.S. In that role, he worked on the U.S.India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and also passed a resolution for the U.S. postal service to issue

ators” tour. Ravi Aurora, head of global community relations at MasterCard, introduced the Senator.

the performance was Agni Dance Group, which always provides the most entertaining numbers on latest songs. Nigel Bobby came to Austin a few years ago as a part of Butler’s School of Music program at UT. He later went back to Pakistan but kept returning on invitations of the Austin community and the wider U.S. He was currently being hosted by the ever so generous Imran and Maheen Baqai. Puja Chatterjee has performed with famous Bollywood personalities

and lives in Mumbai, India. Lee Redfield is a musician from Austin and a teaching assistant for Music History of the 20th Century, history of Rock and music differences and identity. The evening was a lively gathering of friends. Important to note here is the collaboration between the Pakistani and Indian communities, which has unified two crowds. Music has been top of the tier in uniting Austinites of different backgrounds. Spicy samosas and delicious hot tea kept the crowd happy.

Ramya Gurunathan Named 2016-2017 Churchill Scholar Ramya Gurunathan, an Indian American student studying materials science and engineering/ nanotechnology at Penn State University, was among 15 American university students who were recently named 2016-2017 Churchill

request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfill his vision of U.S.-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security.

Scholars.

In a summer internship in Japan, Gurunathan designed computer models to study a material used in electric vehicles, and at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, she developed a robot into a tool for the high-throughput discovery of nanoparticles. (Continued On Page 23)

The luncheon was also a forum for the promotion of the Master Your Card community empowerment program.

a commemorative stamp in honor of Diwali.) The luncheon was sponsored by MasterCard as part of a nationwide “Recognizing America’s Job Cre-

“The Master Your Card community empowerment program works to help small businesses understand how they can expand and compete with larger retailers and service providers through the use and acceptance of electronic payments,” said Aurora. (continued on page 19)

The Churchill Scholarship provides funding to American students for a year of master’s study in science, mathematics, and engineering at the University of Cambridge, based at Churchill College. The scholarship was set up at the

Austin South Asian | March 2016

SHIKSHA

(Continued From Page 01)

Every Sunday, while our children attend Shiksha school classes in language, music or dance, we feel that we are helping maintain our ties to our home country while still being on foreign lands.

They include language, dance, music, science and Hinduism – as well as a yoga class for adults.

Throughout the semester, various Hindu festivals are celebrated on school premises, where the chil-

Each Shiksha semester culminates in a “Performance Day” in which each student plays a vital role.

When kids learn about Gods, recite shlokas or hear about folklores in the story session, we know that we are passing on to the younger generation, not only the knowledge about Hindu culture and religion, but also India’s rich and varied history.

They get to display their new-found knowledge and talent in shows, which involve singing, dancing or even debates!

This is how our kids find their unique place in the community and this country. They also gain a new perspective and make new friends. School is currently held every Sunday. Classes start at 9:30am and go on till 12:30pm. Each class is one hour long. Students have the option of choosing 1, 2 or all 3 classes. Classes are divided by age and levels.

The classes are followed by a school assembly at 12:30pm. At the assembly, the students chant shlokas, as well as hear scriptural stories from adults and youth alike.

dren get to not only learn about the festivals and their significance, but participate in the celebrations as well. Our Shiksha ‘Green Team’ is or-

THE FIRST AUSTIN SOUTH AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL: Are you Ready? Austin’s first-ever South Asian Film Festival, sponsored by Indie Meme. Over the three days, there will be both feature films and shorts from countries of the subcontinent. Also, if you get ahead of the curve, and register early, you get considerable discounts! Indie Meme, founded by Alka Bhanot, has become a cultural force in Austin, promoting unprecedented access to independent films from South Asia. Indie Meme has shown more than twenty films, ranging from Satyajit Ray’s classic Apu Trilogy to more recent prize-winning documentaries such as Lakshmi, Court, Gulabi Gang, Bidesia in Bambai, and Ship of Theseus. Often, the film makers are also present,and the follow up discus-

ganizing its 2nd Annual Earth Day (April 17th), and a Sports Day and Cricket Field Project that is keeping everyone busy planning.

sion can be as informative and thrilling as the films themselves. Indie Meme is now extending its

model to an entire film festival that will have both feature films and shorts. Some of the feature films selected include Goonga

Pehelwan, Dhanak, Utopia; some of the shorts are Rasika Mathur and Sagar Manav. There will be twelve films shown at the festival. Some of the filmmakers will be participating. Probably the best way to get tickets is to become a member of Indie Meme (lowest annual fee is $25): members get an early bird discount of 25%. Otherwise,the all-access badge for the film festival is $65. Definitely go to the Indi Meme website (www.indiememe. com) for more details (also sign up for the newsletter!). A complete listing of the films will be available after March 10. All the films will be shown at the Marchesa Hall, on Middle Fiskville Road (just behind the old Highland Mall).

There are no words that can describe that deep pride you feel when you see your child performing on stage, as it brings back memories from your own Indian childhood! At every point, Shiksha staff and teachers strive to imbibe the “5 C’s” – Character, Culture, Compe-

tency, Creativity and Community – in each student. This year, Shiksha will celebrate its Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, May 22, with great pomp and splendor. The students are working hard towards creating one big show which will showcase the cultural diversity of the various states. Shiksha staff want to reach out to all Indian residents in Austin and invite them to attend this Graduation Ceremony to show their support and encouragement for this local Hindu school. We look forward to more enrollments and more involvement from the local Indian community so Shiksha can become a fulltime school. This will help enable our future generations to become responsible, broad-minded and balanced individuals who can help maintain our Hindu religion, customs and traditions for years to come.

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH.. (Continued from page 12) Before they started Asiana, they had a restaurant – Chola – in Round Rock. Asiana has a clean, spartan, almost minimalist air. The emphasis is on the food, not the décor. The excellence of the food has been recognized by the larger community in Austin: Asiana won the Austin Chronicle’s First Plate Award in both 2013 and 2015. What are plans for the future? Loganathan: “We think of expansion but right now our focus is on maintaining and improving our quality, especially because the competition among Indian restaurants in Austin is getting to be very, very tough.” Personally, I do not think this will be an issue for Asiana. Obviously, I was not able to taste all the dishes on the extensive menu, but here are my recommendations. If you are there for dinner,

definitely try one of the biryanis, the goat biryani being the more uncommon one. I would also try some of the regional specialties, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, since some of these dishes are often not on the menu of other Indian restaurants. The dosas were exceptional. Try an appetizer like the Gobi65, which seems relatively mainstream but quickly becomes addictive. Also, if you have your favorites like tandoori chicken or saag paneer, you can’t go wrong. The real deal, though, is the weekend buffet : the variety is huge, with some dishes that are not even on the regular menu. Not just value for money, but a treat for the tastebuds.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Austin Hindu Temple-Community Nucleus for Hindu Culture Heritage (Continued From Page 01) beckon people to come and explore what is there. Starting as the aspiration and dream of a small group of persons committed to building a community center, the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center (AHTCC) has not only become a reality, but now serves as a cultural and religious base for Hindus in the area. At the same time, AHTCC continues to evolve, both in terms of its architecture and its functions. On a recent visit on a Saturday morning, AHTCC was a hive of bustling activity. Priests were conducting poojas and abhishekams; families were offering prayers to different deities; volunteers were making flower garlands; shilpis (artisans) from Tamilnadu were working on architectural augmentations; havans were in progress. In the dining area, preparations were being made for the cooking of dosas, idlis, and samosas. Small groups were touring the Temple, including five young women from Dallas and Oklahoma who had come all the way just to see the Temple.

The historical origins of the Temple are relatively straightforward. In 2001, different groups that wanted to build a traditional Hindu Temple came together with a common

varthy poshakas) stepping in at critical junctures. The contributions of $1000 each by the original 337 founding families is recognized in a plaque displayed in the Temple. The land was acquired in 2003; construction started in 2005. Rather than building the Main Temple right away, the initial focus was developing a Multi-purpose Religious Hall and a small Ganesh Mandir, the idea being that the focus should initially be on supporting and building a “community”, a place where people can meet and gather. First the “community”, then the large temple for the community:

purpose; then in 2002, the Austin Hindu Temple was incorporated as a non-profit organization. The initial challenge was fundraising: a major impetus was small donations made by grassroots volunteers. A distinctive aspect of the Austin Temple is that it has been developed using small donations from a large number of people, with a few large donors (chakra-

In June 2013, AHTCC opened the Main Temple of 11,000 square feet with a large open courtyrard with Lord Hanuman. In the Main Temple, there are three pradhana devtaas: Sree Shiva, Sree Venkateshwara, and Sree Raja Rajeshwari. In addition to these pradhana moorthys, there are upaalayas (smaller shrines) honoring other deities. In March 2014, a Guru Mandir was constructed next to the Main Temple and a beautiful marble vigraha

Sridevi’s Daughter Jhanvi Kapoor To Attend Los Angeles Acting School Jhanvi Kapoor has been preparing for a career in Bollywood. While the young girl is already a red carpet regular with a keen sense of style, she’s also training to be an

actor. Bollywood stars Sridevi’s and Boney Kapoor’s elder daughter Jhanvi Kapoor has also joined the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in Los Angeles, reports

here say. Though Sridevi had been constantly denying all reports that Jhanvi Kapoor will be aspiring to act in films, and Jhanvi Kapoor herself was aiming for a career in fashion designing, she has clearly done a Sonakshi Sinha and moved towards cinema, without a mentor like Salman Khan and with admission into the iconic institute. From the second Kapoor family, she is now the fifth Kapoor to come into films after Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and half-brother Arjun Kapoor.

of Sree Shirdi Sai Baba was also installed. As explained by Temple volunteers, AHTCC has four pillars that serve as major functions: spiritual, educational, cultural and social. A major strength is the team of eight priests trained in the different vedas, shastras, and religious rituals that ensure that proper padhathis (traditional procedures) are followed. The Temple is managed by an Executive Committee, Board of Directors and supported by the Trustees and Members.

Many other Bollywood actors including Ranbir Kapoor are alumni of this prestigious institute. According to a report in Miss Malini, the 19-year-old is taking up acting classes in Los Angeles, from The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. And filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece will most likely be her classmate. The two have been rehearsing together. Jhanvi has reportedly received many Bollywood offers but she’s still on the lookout for a perfect project for her big debut in the industry. Both Jhanvi and Khushi usually accompany mother Sridevi to various Bollywood events.

AHTCC also has a strong educational component. There is a gurukalam (Sunday school) that has between 100-120 students aged 5-12. Besides learning aspects of dharma, there are also classes in language (Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Sanskrit), dance and music (violin, vocal, chanting). On the cultural and social fronts, AHTCC promotes local talent, conducts music competitions, and celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. During Diwali, there are fireworks, and at Holi celebrations, there are often three or four thousand people that join the festivities. Other major festivals include Shiva Ratri, Navaraatri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Seetha Rama Kalyanam, Jagannatha Rath Yatra, Janmashtami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Panguni Uthram, Guru Pournima, etc. AHTCC also sponsors monthly health camps where health screenings are conducted that include diabetes and blood pressure checks. AHTCC is also involved in educating the larger Austin community

about Hinduism and in working with organizations representing different faiths. Recently, AHTCC provided a guided tour to students of St. Edwards University, and also held meetings with the Interfaith Action of Central Texas and the Austin Peace Academy. AHTCC is also supporting the development of a Sikh gurdwara on a property adjoining the Temple. So … how can you be more involved with Temple activities? An important feature of Temple activities is that much of the work is done by volunteers who are involved with greeting people, cleaning the temple, organizing events, teaching, and fundraising. At any given point, there are between 100-200 volunteers who are involved in these activities, and you can participate in a role that suits you. At a minimum, the temple can always use additional donations! The building of the Temple structure also continues. There is a lot of work that is being done within the main temple. Also, there is work planned on the building of three gopurams (essentially gate pyramids) that will rise to about 70 feet above ground level. Future plans also consider the development of performance arts center, retirement living for older persons, the further development of a walking trail, and gardens. More than the structure itself, however, the Temple has evolved and is evolving in the Austin community to be the nucleus for Hindu cultural roots and heritage, not only for those using the Temple today, but for generations to come. Everyone is welcome.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Austin Dance India Celebrates 25 Years of Bharata Natyam Dance in Central Texas

(Continued from page 1) Living in the Hyphen, directed by Leng Wong of Lucky Chaos Productions, choreographed by Naimpally and featuring an ensemble

powers of dance.” To celebrate this hallmark year for Austin Dance India, Naimpally has curated a deeply personal and

theme of “Girl Power” and will feature performances from current students, as well as the many talented alumni of ADI from the past 25 years. Full event schedule can be found here: http://austindanceindia.com/ events/upcoming/ Press kit and photos can be found here: http://www.wyattbrand.com/ austin-dance-india/ ‎

cast of local actors, musicians and ADI dancers. Living in the Hyphen runs from March 31st to April 1st and explores the quandaries people face as they straddle two worlds. Austin Dance India’s programming is family friendly and strives to unite the Austin community through the inclusive and transformative power of dance. What began in 1989 as a young, passionate dancer sharing her craft in a garage with a just a couple of students, Austin Dance India has evolved into an essential force in the Austin creative and dance communities. Ever-dedicated to her passion for dance and desire to teach, Anuradha Naimpally, founder and Creative Director of Austin Dance India, has been training dancers since the youthful age of 15 and continues to serve as a mentor, advocate and expert in the art of Bharata Natyam dance. Throughout her decades-long career as an award-winning performer and teacher, she has taught an estimated 50,000 classes to more than 1,000 students – many of whom she has mentored for 10 years or more. “I feel deeply blessed that I have been able to establish a tiny corner of Indian classical dance in Austin that expands wide for anyone interested to experience it,” shares Naimpally. “Dance can and should be taught in a way that uplifts the spirit as the student discovers their own inner beauty and strength. I am still always discovering new wonders about the transformative

exuberant programming calendar. The events kick off on Feb. 27th at the Asian American Cultural Center with the 10 x X Showcase – a student performance of works that are 10 minutes or less. Then, from March 31st to April 3rd, ADI will present a multi-arts showcase at The Long Center, Living In the Hyphen. In collaboration with Lucky

About Austin Dance India Founded in 1991, Austin Dance India strives to promote traditional Indian dance through the disciplined study of technique, performance and presentation of Bharata Natyam dance, a 2,300 year-old tradition. Under the artistic direction of Anuradha Naimpally, Austin Dance India continues to serve the Austin community as the preeminent performance company and school devoted to Bharata Natyam. The revered organization presents a silver anniversary calendar of

ber of prestigious awards and titles, including the Jacqueline LeMieux Prize from the Canada Council and Best Dancer and Best Dance Production awards by the Austin Area Critics’ Circle. She was bestowed the title ofSringar Mani, “Artistic Jewel”, in Bombay after her performance at the Kal-Ke-Kalakaar Festival in 1990. As a passionate arts educator, Naimpally conducts assembly performances and workshops on Indian dance and culture throughout Central Texas schools and libraries. She is also a selected

events for their 2016/2017 season, including traditional and contemporary dance performances, student showcases and their first ever dance-a-thon. About Anuradha Naimpally Creative director, Anuradha Naimpally, has been teaching and performing for more than 30 years. She teaches all dance classes personally, carrying on the guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) tradition that she herself experienced throughout her own training. As a performer, Naimpally has accumulated a num-

pally holds a B.A. in philosophy and an M.F.A. in dance.

Akshaj Mehta, 10, Donates Sales Of His Books To Reading Partners SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Akshaj Mehta, an Indian American tenyear-old, has pledged that the sales of his 3rd book E-Tron part 2 will be donated to Reading Partners. Mehta made the announcement

Chaos Productions, this powerful presentation will combine theater, dance, music and comedy in an exploration of what it means to straddle two worlds – whether those worlds are cultural, artistic etc. In April, the community is invited to enjoy food, crafts and dancing galore at ADI’s student Dance-aThon Community Fair hosted at the Asian American Cultural Center. The silver anniversary season wraps at Rollins Theater at The Long Center on Oct. 22nd with the popular Annual Student Showcase. This year’s show explores the

artist with the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster and Mid-America Arts Alliance. Naim-

Jan. 22 when he was invited on the Good Day Sacramento Studio (KMAX Channel 31), where he talked about his books and charities he supports and that he chose Reading Partners as he is passionate about reading and wants everyone to love reading. Reading Partners focuses on students who are at least one month behind in reading, harnessing the power of community volunteers to provide individualized instruction to help them master the reading fundamentals they need to reach grade level. Their trained, committed community volunteers work one-on-one with these students, delivering a

simple, proven curriculum each week to help the child begin to gain lost ground. More than simply reading with a child, the volunteers follow a proven, structured curriculum to help

students learn specific skills necessary to become proficient readers, according to a press release. Each lesson comes with step-bystep instructions and materials. A trained site coordinator is always available to answer questions, assist with the materials, and solve problems. By following a highly effective, structured, and easy-touse curriculum, students on average more than double their rate of reading progress while in the program. Those who wish for more information or wish to sign up should send an e-mail to volunteerSAC@readingpartners.org. (Courtesy: IndiaWest)

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Ratan Tata’s RNT Associates Ties Up With California University

BENGALURU: Ratan Tata is partnering with University of California Investments (UC Investments), which has $100 billion in management across endowment and pension funds, to invest in Indian startups, new companies and enterprises in the country.

His recent investments include DogSpot, Tracxn, Firstcry and UrbanClap.

The move comes as UC Investments, which has a $500 million exposure to India primarily through passive investments, ex-

pects it to go up to $1.5-2 billion in the next 5 years, according to its chief investment officer Jagdeep Singh Bachher. “It is really important to work with someone we can trust, especially in emerging markets.

UC Investments has tied up RNT Associates, the personal family office of Tata Group Chairman emeritus, which has backed over two dozen startups in the last 18 months.

And his (Ratan Tata’s) office can be a source of dealflow for us,” Bachher told ET. The partnership has not outlined a corpus or size of transactions they are looking at, saying the partnership will remain flexible.

This includes some of India’s most valued internet companies like etailer Snapdeal, cab-hailing app Ola and wallet player Paytm.

Bachher said that banking the unbanked, energy and healthcare provide good opportunities for long

Cupertino Indian American Teen Wins Mike Honda Congressional App Challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., announced Feb. 22 that Arushi Shah was the 17th Congressional

Shah, of Cupertino, Calif., attends Monta Vista High School in Cupertino.

The app is a unique, social media integrated “bucket list” that allows users to create a list of things they want to accomplish in their lives, rate each goal, then share their accomplishments as those goals are checked off their list, according to a statement released by Honda’s communications office. DreamBuckt also shares photos of accomplishments and encourages users through creation of a motivational “vision board.” With a sharing component, friends can view each other’s goals and accomplishments, it said. “I am so proud of Arushi and all the students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year,” said Honda in a statement.

District winner of the Congressional App Challenge.

The Indian American student was named the winner for her app, “DreamBuckt.”

Arushi win the App Challenge and, when she graduates, it will help her find a job she loves in a growing American industry.” Shah was recognized as the champion coder for the 17th Congressional District by a panel of judges including representatives from the San Jose State University Computer Science Department, San Jose Unified School District, Microsoft, NASA, Nvidia, Google and Coderdojo. The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications.

“More than anywhere else in our nation, Silicon Valley must lead the way in preparing all of our students for the jobs of the 21st Century.

The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education and encourage students to engage in these fields. Through this challenge, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.

STEM

(Courtesy: IndiaWest)

education

has

helped

term bets. “It’s a very far-sighted step to recognize new industries emerging in India,” said Tata. “University of California would have systems where great assistance may come to an entrepreneur, which he himself would not be able to put together.”

Poems By Arun

CHILDREN CAN GIVE The Best relief Children can give to their parents Is to be capable of living On their own. The Best satisfaction Children can give to their parents Is to be capable of being Helpful to others. The Best happiness Children can give to their parents Is to be capable of being A reformer in the Society. The Best pride Children can give to their parents Is to be capable of doing Service to the nation. The Best entertainment Children can give to their parents Is to make them play With their grandchildren. The Best contentment Children can give to their Parents Is to be capable of being Leading their life happily. Parents from their children Does not expect Any materialistic gifts But affection, care and respect.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Arun Gandhi Spreads Grandfather’s Message of Nonviolence

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Nearly 70 years and 8,000 miles from where he learned them, Arun Gandhi passed along his grandfather’s les-

Gandhi Institute of Nonviolence in Rochester, New York.

But in his youth, Gandhi had to

“He said anger is like electricity,” Gandhi said. “It’s just as useful and powerful if we use it intelligently.

But it can be just as dangerous and destructive if we abuse it. ...Today we abuse anger, because we don’t know any other way of using it. “It’s very important for us to learn that anger is not evil, it’s not bad, it’s not something we should be ashamed of. But it is powerful, a powerful emotion that we should learn to channel intelligently.” Instead of abusing the emotion, Gandhi preached learning to solve conflicts peacefully by keeping an anger journal filled with solutions, as well as learning to avoid conflict altogether, even in a violent world. He added humanity has created a culture of violence, which seeps into everything from sports and entertainment to language. “Everything about us is violent,” Gandhi continued. “And in that culture of violence, we continue to create conflicts, and

sons of nonviolence to the Auburn Family. “He taught me some very valuable lessons that made a tremendous impact on my life. ... He had a way of teaching things that remained with you. And as I grew up and began to reflect on them, I realized how important his lessons were,” Gandhi told the crowd. “(Nonviolence) is a way of life. You believe in it and live it, or you don’t.” Tuesday, the grandson of the legendary Mohandas Gandhi spoke to a full auditorium at Auburn University as part of the Office of International Programs’ Year of India. Born in South Africa in 1934, Arun Gandhi went on to found the M.K.

overcome “tremendous prejudice and anger,” Assistant Provost for International Programs Andrew Gillespie said, before creating programs that help provide economic stability and emphasize compassion. Gandhi moved from South Africa to New Delhi after racial altercations left him angry and violent. “At the age of 10, I was beaten up by some white kids because they thought I was too black, and then by some black dudes because they thought I was too white,” Gandhi said. “I wanted an eye for an eye.” He spent the last two years of his grandfather’s life in New Delhi, learning small lessons of peace. One of the first the younger Gandhi learned was the power of anger.

then we try to find peaceful way to resolve them, and they don’t last very long because the culture of violence keeps igniting them over and over again.” Creating an atmosphere of nonviolence by paying attention to explicit and implicit violence will break the cycle of conflict, Gandhi said. He remembered tossing aside a 3-inch pencil and asking his grandfather for a new one, only to be instructed to search for the pencil in the dark. When Gandhi found the little pencil, his grandfather explained his actions wasted natural resources used in its production, violence against nature, as well as promoting overproduction that leaves others without.

“That was the first time that I realized that all of these little things that we do every day, consciously and unconsciously ... every time we indulge in any of those acts, we are indulging in acts of nature, either against nature or against humanity,” Gandhi said, advocating

introspection to determine similar acts of passive violence. “If someone were to do this to me, would I be helped by it, or would I be hurt by it? The passive violence grew endless,” he said. That passive violence, Gandhi continued, generates anger in the victim, which fuels the fire of physical violence. “Because that fuel comes from each of us, we have to become the change we wish to see in the world,” Gandhi said, quoting his grandfather. “We have to examine our actions, our relationships, our attitudes toward each other and correct them so that we can create a world of peace.” And creating a nonviolent world depends on the efforts of each of its inhabitants. “All of us need to make a difference in this world. We all talk about peace; we all want peace,” Gandhi said.

Fund Raising By Tamil Nadu Foundation

(Continued from page 1) School in which many prominent dance schools of Austin, such as Natyalaya School of Dance, Srishti Dance Troupe, Pavithram School of Dance and Sai Natya Niketan School for Performing Arts, performed. Mr. Chinna Natesan, a long-term member of TNF, came

with his family and friends to the event and delivered a speech regarding TNF’s numerous successful projects in India. Many Austinites came to support the cause to help rebuild the lives of Tamil Nadu while enjoying a night of a variety of Indian Clas-

sical Dances. A total of $6000 was raised and 100% of it will be donated to the cause through TNF. member of TNF, came with his family and friends to the event and delivered a speech regarding TNF’s numerous successful projects in India.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

March - 2016 Predictions

ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Planets are gathered in house of gains to help you out this month. Some of you will will be making a smooth switch to another job. Its high time to ask the boss for a raise long overdue but only in first two weeks other wise it will be too late. You have good chances of hooking up with some one from different culture. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You will continue to get help from people in power till March 15th. With a cool and calm mind you will be able to resolve an issue involving a property in dispute. Time in second half will bring many positive changes in life. You will make some useful contacts and people in business will sign a few important contracts. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Time to go after the people who own you money. It may not come in full but you may be successful in recovering most of it. Do not panic and try to change career on impulse this month as another better offer

will come towards last week of February. Some one in the family will go on a short trip this month.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Combination of Sun, Mars and Venus in house of luck after march 15th is very helpful. So if possible delay your career and finances related matters till then. Things will be kind of slow in first two weeks and you may face obstacles. You should hit some kind of financial jackpot in second half of march. LEO (July 23 to August 22): You will accomplish a lot in first half of March. This could be the right time to seek favors from government officials or the boss. Some one close will make unreasonable demand and try to take undue advantage of your generosity in second half of March. You will benefit from some one lot younger in age. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): You will benefit from a person from totally different culture. Do not

hesitate to grab the opportunity. You may be making a very sound investment in second half. Pay attention to the legal papers you receive this month and have proper advice before you reply. You will be called for second interview this month.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22): It will be in your best interest not to make any big financial commitments this month. People in business will spend more money on advertising. It is another favorable month for job seekers or those looking for a change closer to home. Chances of an addition in the family are very strong during the month. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22): Another fruitful month for you. Confidence level will be on the peak as you will keep hitting the bulls eye. For people in jobs a big promotion on hold for past few months will become a reality in second half. Its good to be ambitious but within legal parameters. You will spend money on upgrading a property. SAGITTARIUS (November 23

to December 22): Addition in the family that took place recently will bring good luck and you will start to notice that. Your negotiations with a well reputed company will continue to move in right direction and the final commitment can come any time during march. You will make some very useful contacts at the get together. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19): You will finally have a sigh of relief as financial pressure will disappear in second half of March. Mind may still remain little uneasy because of past pressure. You may be working extra hours to meet the pressure of deadline. You may need to visit a court to obtain some important papers in march. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): Expect some very favorable changes in career this month. Business will pick up all of a sudden and you will get few major accounts. Any journey you go on will bring instant rewards. You may also visit a holy place with family. Some one close will invite

you to a party at their place. Bank balance will grow fast. PISCES (February 19 to March 20): Do not take any chance with government this month. New colleague will impress you but maintain a distance. You may spend money on upgrading your home or buy some nice furniture items. Children will need more money and time from you. It will be better to call a close friend and seek his opinion about new offer.

Pandit Parashar parashar@parashar.com www.parashar.com 925-833-7170

Austin Minor Business Leaders Honored (Continied from page 13) “The security, protections and conveniences that the technology provides are important to both businesses and their customers.” The objective of the program is to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses through education on how to select an electronic payment processor, understand service pricing, negotiate fees and avoid chargebacks and other fraudrelated costs. In a special interview with Austin South Asian News (ASAN), Aurora underlined the role of

small businesses as an engine of economic growth. However, without incorporating new technologies, there is a real danger that small businesses will lose out to the large corporations. New technologies such as smartphones, IPads, and squares – have made electronic transactions cheaper and more accessible. According to him, there is a perception that a cash transaction is free, but there is a real cost to cash – in terms of security, management, and the lack of analytics.

With a cash transaction, there is no data, and this can hurt both the productivity and competitiveness of a business. Also, some estimates suggest that it can cost 8-10% to get access to their own cash. As Aurora put it, “People want trust, safety, security and speed.” This is especially true of the millennial population that has grown up in a n environment that has not given primacy to cash transactions. More information can be obtained at: https://www. masteryourcardusa.org.

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

6 Basic Tips to Keep Your Lips Healthy this Winter

During the winter, your lips may bear the brunt of the elements, both indoors and out. Centrally heated homes and offices can be

medicated lip balm. Use a product with broad spectrum SPF

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Three Ways To Maximize Space In A Smaller Kitchen Too often, the kitchen is the first room of a home to suffer the consequences of tight living quarters. But there’s no need to forfeit big-scale cooking in a smallscale kitchen. Ditch the compromises and maximize the space you do have to make your kitchen work for you, and all your culinary aspirations. Cut the Fat Do a top-to-bottom inventory of your kitchen implements to assess what you need and what you can discard or donate.

particularly drying, and whipping winter winds can take a toll.

15 or higher -- not just on sunny days, but every day.

Even ultraviolet rays from the sun still do damage in the cold of winter.

To seal in moisture, use a time tested formula, such as Carmex Lip Balm, which has a medicated formula, and is available in a jar, tube or click stick.

The function of your lips, like the rest of the surface tissues on your body, is to offer protection from the outside environment. When lips are chapped, they can be painful and uncomfortable. These six basic winter tips can help your lips weather the season: 1. Refrain from licking your lips. Every time you do so, it removes natural oils that keep moisture in your skin. In turn, that moisture evaporates, leaving them feeling dry and cracked with nothing to protect them. 2. Dehydration can happen when you spend too much time in dry environments (heating systems are the main culprit here), if you breathe through your mouth at night, or if you’re not drinking an adequate amount of water every day. To combat winter dehydration, drink plenty of fluids -- especially water and apply lip balm often throughout the day and night. 3. As the most delicate part of the face, lips have few oil glands of their own, so to help keep them soft and healthy they often need external moisture, like that available in a

drawers with settings suitable for proofing dough and slow cooking. For more information, visit veronaappliances.com. For a stylish, sophisticated option, consider the 24 inch Nostalgie Gas Range from ILVE, which comes fully equipped with the benefits of the brand’s larger ranges, but is small enough to fit into virtually any kitchen with a gas connection. Four high power BTU burners, a full width warming drawer and multi-function oven with convection bake and broil and a defrost mode can make cooking compactly a cinch.

4. UV rays are present even in the winter months. Try a triple layer approach to provide added protection for your lips: apply a lip balm with SPF, followed by a colored lipstick, and then finish it off with some shine. 5. Cover your face, especially on windy days. Make sure you have a scarf or hat with a mask that covers your lips. 6. Use a humidifier in dry environments to help moisturize your skin and lips. More seasonal lip tips can be found at www.MyCarmex.com. For a more comfortable winter season, don’t neglect to protect your lips. (Courtesy:Statepoint)

Sleek newer designs of certain appliances tend to take up less space than their clunky, older counterparts. They also offer more multi-functionality. For example, ovens that contain a warming drawer that can be used for slow cooking, potentially eliminates the need for a standalone slow cooker. Blenders that come with food processor attachments can help you de-clutter your countertop. A periodic audit of your kitchen can keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

And powerful compact cooking can also extend to cooktops. For instance, ILVE also offers a 15 inch Gas Griddle Cooktop that works with accessories like a steam cooker, bain marie warming basin, cutting board and griddle top dome to cook eclectically and with flair in a tight space. More information can be found at ilveappliances. com.

Space Efficient Appliances

Your conventional storage options will only get you so far in a compact kitchen. Stretch your concept of storage to open up a world of new possibilities. Wall-mounted magnetic units can be a great place to store knives, pots and pans, freeing up limited cabinet space. Corkboard added to the backs of pantry and cupboard doors is ideal for hanging light utensils, recipes and notes. Shelving can be built under kitchen tables and kitchen islands. The possibilities are endless.For happier cooking, give your compact kitchen a functional makeover.

New appliance options designed for compact kitchens can help ensure that limited space is not a deterrent for those passionate about cooking. For example, Verona Appliances offer upscale, space efficient ranges at 24 and 30 inches with both gas and electric options. These ranges include features like space-saving drawers for pots and pans, multi-function ovens featuring a closed-door broil, European convection fan, heavy-duty racks and a broiler pan, and multi-functional warming

Creative Storage

Austin South Asian | March 2016

March 2016 Community Calendar

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

SCHEDULE: March 02, 16 And 30, Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Optional english class and Dolls at AARC. March 04, Friday, 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM, Lunch and learn w/ Seema. Sustainable Food Center March 05, Saturday, 12:00 PM, Spring Holidays Fair is at Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754. Performances by Austin Dance India, Love of China School of Chi-

nese Dance, Hula Halau Ka’eepa by Tropical Productions, Karen People of Austin, and Korean Martial Arts and Dance. Food available for purchase by Em Gourmet. Free and open to the public. March 05, Saturday, 06:30 PM, Women Day Special Event is at Brushy Creek Community Center, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681. Celebrate the Women in you -Women Duo Dance contest -Open Dance floor with Austin DesiDJ -Prizes and much more Ticket Information: Contestant Team - $35.00

Entry Ticket (Adult) - $15.00 Entry (Child) 8yrs-18yrs - $12.00 March 07, Monday, 09:00 AM, Gymboree Play and Music Spring Open House is at Gymboree Arboretum Crossing, 9333 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759. For more information, contact Isabel Del Blanco & Cristina Feldott at 512451-8644. March 09 And 23, Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Yoga is at AARC. March 09 And 23, Wednesday, 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM,

Dog Blankets is at AARC. March 11,18 and 25, Friday, 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM, Food Preparation at Austin Hindu Temple. (Sustainable Food Center) March 19, Saturday, 11:00 AM, Radha Madhav Dham Holi 2016 in Austin is at Radha Madhav Dham Temple, 400 Barsana Rd, Austin, TX 78737. March 19, Saturday, 11:00 AM, Festival of Colors 2016 in Cedar Park is at Brushy Creek Park, 2901 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613.

March 26, Saturday, 02:00 PM, Rang Barse Holi Rain Dance in Cedar Park is at Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613. For more information, contact Jia Jabbar at 214-394-2381. Celebrate Holi, Festival Of Colors with Color ,Live DJ ,Authentic Indian Food,Kid’s Acitivites & Much More. Kids under 13 years are free. kids 13 years and above and all adults needs to buy tickets. March 27, Sunday, 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM, SAIVA MILAAP FUNDRAISER is at TBA.

500 Startups Establishes $25 Million Fund For South Asia Bengaluru: Silicon Valley-based investment firm 500 Startups is establishing a $25 million fund for South Asia. The firm, which has invested in over 50 startups in India, will invest in another 30-50 startups over the next year. 500 Startups has a $200 million corpus and has investments in more than 1,500 companies across 50 countries. It invested in 20 Indian startups last year. While the fund will be sectoragnostic, the firm will take a closer look at startups in the financial, education and health sectors, apart from data analytics and softwareas-a-service firms, the company said in a blog post on its website.

In another blog post, 500 Startups announced another $25 million global corpus to invest in financial technology startups. “While the industry has been talking about doom and gloom hitting unicorns and startups alike, we believe the long-term opportunity remains as solid as ever. We see market changes as part of a natural cycle,” said Pankaj Jain, a partner with 500 Startups, who looks at the fund’s India portfolio. “While some good companies may have a harder time raising money this year, others will find it easier to get great talent. Some consolidation and stepping back from irrational exuberance is a good thing. We hope to continue to find value in many verticals across India,” he said in the blog post. 500 Startups was founded by Dave

McClure, who worked with Facebook as its fund manager, was marketing head of PayPal and is a visiting lecturer at Stanford University. It has invested in Indian companies like ZipDial, SourceEasy, Instamojo, CultureAlley, SilverPush, KartRocket, and Headout. The fund which writes small cheques of a few hundred thousand dollars said that the young population and increasing smartphone penetration give a great opportunity to invest in India for future growth. (Courtesy: Times Of India)

THEME: POP ICONS ACROSS 1. Peyton Manning signal 6. *Lindsey Vonn’s tool 9. Pressed on the gas 13. Synthetic fabric 14. Manhole cover, e.g. 15. “Peanut Butter ____ Time” 16. Emergency pedal 17. Beehive State native 18. Use blunt end of pencil? 19. *Raunchy Amy 21. Conjoined 23. *Sir ____-a-Lot 24. Distinctive flair 25. Symbol of strength 28. Top of Kilimanjaro, e.g. 30. *Oscar Madison’s employer, “New York ____” 35. Major-leaguers 37. Part of McDonald’s logo 39. 2 halves of a diameter 40. “____ what you sow” 41. Scrabble pieces 43. The Destroyer in Hinduism 44. *Ayn Rand novel, “____ Shrugged” 46. “____ of Eden” 47. Rubber bulb on an old bike 48. Card game 50. Osiris’ wife 52. Shining one in “America the Beautiful” 53. Attention-getting interjection 55. Fleur-de-____ 57. *Playboy octogenarian 60. *Homemaker extraordinaire 64. Like ricin 65. Legal org. 67. *Annie Oakley starred in it 68. *”Independence Day” star 69. High craggy hill 70. Alex Haley’s “saga of an American family” 71. *Lassie and Rin Tin Tin 72. Kimono tie 73. Church recesses

Austin South Asian | March 2016 DOWN 1. Globes and balls, e.g. 2. Painter ____ Chagall 3. Indian nursemaid 4. Nonsense 5. Low hemoglobin 6. Talk like a drunk 7. American Girl ____ Kittredge 8. Utopian 9. Evening in Italy 10. Surveyor’s map 11. “Do it, or ____!” 12. Food coloring, e.g. 15. *Caitlyn née Bruce 20. An American in Paris, e.g. 22. Morse Code dash 24. “...I heard him ____, ere he drove out of sight...” 25. *Media mogul, actress and trend-setter 26. Mountain ridge 27. Aussie “bear” 29. Famous canal 31. Poison ivy symptom 32. “Bye” to Banderas 33. Book in Paris 34. *Honoree of “Candle in the Wind 1997” 36. Practice in the ring 38. Deputy Führer Rudolf ____ 42. Circus prop 45. Stop the flow 49. Female pronoun 51. *Bogart, star of “The Treasure of the ____ Madre” 54. Muse of love poetry 56. One clean one? 57. Main Web page 58. Off-ramp 59. If the shoe does this? 60. Delhi wrap 61. Commotions 62. Network of nerves 63. Coin throw 64. Medicinal amt. 66. *Jamaican Ras Tafari follower

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 2016 issue.

To Advertise in ASA call 512828-6709

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Barack Obama To Honour 6 Ramya Gurunathan Named Indian-Americans Researchers

(Continued From Page 01) The Indian Americans selected for the Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers are Milind Kulkarni (Purdue University), Kiran Musunuru (Harvard University), Sachin Patel (Vanderbilt University Medical Centre), Vikram Shyam (NASA), Rahul Mangharam (University of Pennsylvania) and Shwetak Patel (University of Washington), according to a White House statement.

“These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness,” Obama said, who will present the awards at a ceremony this spring. “We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people,” he said. Established in 1996, the Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administra-

tion places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow economy and tackle greatest challenges. Milind Kulkarni, an associate professor with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University.

His research focuses on Programming Languages and Compilers that support efficient programming and high performance on emerging complex architectures. Dr. Vikram Shyam, a technical innovation in fundamental aeronautics; at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is among the six NASA scientists to receive this award. Shwetak Patel, Washington Research Foundation Entrepreneurship Endowed Professor in Computer Science and Engineering and Electrical Engineering, Patel, is a nationally recognised expert in sensor systems research. Rahul Mangharam from University of Pennsylvania was selected for inventing a new formal methodology to test and verify the correct operation of medical device

software, saving lives and reducing care costs, the National Science Foundation said.

Dr. Kiran Musunuru, Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University and Associate Physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has developed a “genome editing” approach for permanently reducing cholesterol levels in mice. Sachin Patel, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, through his research is offering a glimmer of hope to alcoholics who find it hard to remain sober. “The awardees are outstanding scientists and engineers,” said the National Science Foundation Director France Cordova. “They are teacher-scholars who are developing new generations of outstanding scientists and engineers and ensuring this nation is a leading innovator,” he said.

2016-2017 Churchill Scholar

(Continued From Page 13)

the Discovery Space Museum.

Gurunathan, a senior at Penn State, has also spent time at Leiden University in the Netherlands in the Superconducting and Ferromagnetic Materials Group.

She is especially proud of a tour she organized with her graduate student mentor of the Nanofabrication and Materials Characterization facility, where she inspired fourth graders to dream of a career in engineering.

These experiences inspired her to study scientific computing at Cambridge. Her proposed work in Cambridge is on “high-throughput computational determination of multi-component phase diagrams,” which can be incomprehensible for nonscientists, according to a press release. She has dedicated herself to the dissemination of complex scientific ideas. While acting as the director of Local Projects for Penn State’s Engineers Without Borders, Gurunathan hosted monthly science workshops for school children at

Gurunathan also enjoys mentoring other students, and she worked as a teaching assistant for a materials design course, where most of the students were her classmates. There she helped the students design research proposals that were then submitted to a board of alumni industry leaders. Gurunathan is a member of Penn State’s highly competitive Presidential Leadership Academy, where she helped draft a proposal for curriculum reform.

February 2016 Sudoku Answer Correct Answer: Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Ketika Tyagi

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Top 5 Things Every Couple Needs To Know About Love And Money

It may not sound romantic, but couples planning a life together should develop an ongoing dialogue about money. However, not

can set themselves up for happily ever after. The experts at Wells Fargo offer

In either case, ensure your accounts combine to create an effective investment plan. 2. Realistic Budgeting Some say the key to financial success is spending what you have after saving, rather than saving what’s left after spending. Many couples find themselves in the latter position because they lack a budget to control expenses. Couples should sit down and list combined monthly income and expenses; short and long-term goals, and strategies for sticking with the program.

every couple takes this step before taking their relationship to the next level.

these five important tips to keep in mind when thinking about money and your relationship:

Indeed, only about half of Americans feel it’s important to know their significant other’s credit score before commingling finances, according to a 2015 Wells Fargo study.

1. Combining Accounts?

Yet, financial experts say that discussing how to handle joint finances is one of the best ways lovebirds

A simple question requiring a joint decision based on your financial needs. Separate accounts let individuals maintain independence. Joint accounts can help unite goals.

3. Joint Credit A common misconception about credit is that when you get married, your partner’s credit score may lower yours.

credit scores when approving a loan and setting an interest rate.

can be found at www.WellsFargo. com.

5. Ground Rules

Love and credit may not sound like a match made in heaven. In fact, talking about money can feel awkward.

By sharing your individual financial goals with each other, you can get motivated to create a financial plan together, as well as ground rules to help you save and plan for emergencies. More financial tips and resources

Researchers Devise Simple Blood Test To Diagnose People With Active TB NEW YORK — A team of U.S. researchers, including an Indian American scientist, has developed a simple blood test that can accurately diagnose active tuberculo-

While this is not true, it can affect your ability to access credit if you are seeking it jointly. Additionally, good credit is the foundation for a couple’s sound financial future, and can help when you’re applying for a mortgage or car loan, and, in some cases, a job.

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

512-491-5055

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

Maintain an open, ongoing dialogue: your credit score can change rapidly, and even missing a single payment can have an impact. 4. Making Purchases You may always apply for loan as an individual, but couples looking to do so together will find that most lenders look at the credit history of both applicants and consider the average of both

But when planning for a future together, these conversations lay the groundwork for happily reaching financial goals.

removes the need to collect sputum, a common test for TB. The results showed that the test could also signal a TB infection even if the individual also has human immunodeficiency virus. The test won’t give a positive response if someone only has latent TB or has had a TB vaccine. The test is 86 percent sensitive in children it works in adults, too. And if the test comes up negative, it’s right 99 percent of the time. That is, of 100 patients who test negative with the Khatri test, 99 do not have active TB, the researchers said.

sis, a disease that globally infects 9.6 million people each year and kills 1.5 million. Researchers at Stanford University have found a gene expression that distinguishes patients with active TB from those with either latent TB or other diseases. “The test can be used not only for diagnosis and to inform treatment, but also to study the effectiveness of different treatments. The test’s hugely accurate negative response would be especially helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments during clinical trials,” said Purvesh Khatri, assistant professor at the university. Named as the Khatri test, it works on an ordinary blood sample and

Further, the test can potentially be done under relatively basic field conditions in rural and undeveloped areas of the world. “Any hospital should be able to perform the test. Villages without electricity could likely use ordinary blood samples and a solar-powered PCR machine, which multiplies strands of DNA, to accurately test people for active TB,” Khatri mentioned. Khatri’s team identified three human genes whose expression changes in a consistent pattern, revealing the presence of an active tuberculosis infection. The team validated the new three-gene test in a separate set of 1400 human samples from 11 different data sets, confirming the diagnostic power of the test.

‘Don 3’ Idea Has Been Locked: Ritesh Sidhwani

Ever since Farhan Akhtar directed the much talked-about sequel to his 2006 hit, ‘Don’, he has constantly been bombarded with queries about the franchise’s third instalment.

A few days back, Farhan had said that even though he is excited that people want to see it, he doesn’t have a script for the project yet. We were told that the makers have now hit upon an idea for the third part, and they’re very excited about it. “Yes, we have an idea, and we are now going to put it into the scripting stage. We want to make Don

3; there’s a 100% confirmation on that. So, we are surely thinking about it. And it’s going to happen,” shared producer Ritesh Sidhwani. When asked about a possible deadline for the film Ritesh said, “We will do it (decide upon a deadline) soon. Earlier, we were just thinking about it. But now that we have an idea, Farhan is going to start writing it.” Excel Entertainment’s earlier ‘Don’ series featured Shah Rukh Khan in lead along with Priyanka Chopra and Boman Irani. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani is currently all geared up for his 3 big releases this year, with ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, ‘Rock On 2’ and ‘Raees’ set to hit celluloid.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jabra Fan’ Recorded In 3 More Languages Recently released, ‘Jabra Fan’ song from King Khan - Shah Rukh Khan movie ‘Fan’ has a good news for all it fans across the country.

singing the versions.

He also adds to say, “I have been tipping on the Bhojpuri version.

This song has been recorded in three more languages besides Hindi, Bengali, Bhojpuri and Punjabi.

I love it. It is amazing how all these people have come together for the song and were happy to record the different versions.

This song has been composed by renowned musicians Vishal-Shekhar, which is a promotional track for the movie ‘FAN’. The Bengali version has been sung by Anupam Roy who also sang for ‘Piku’, Manoj Tiwari has lent his voice for Bhojpuri track and the Punjabi song has Harbhajan Mann’s voice in it. Recently music director Shekhar revealed that, “It is a marketing idea for the movie by Yash Raj Films. I think it is a phenomenal idea that the song goes across in different languages. The stars of those languages are

I really hope it happens and I am sure it will.” The official trailer for the movie will be aired on February 29 and the movie will hit theatres on April 15.

Neerja Set To Become A Hit! Sonam Kapoor is on a roll. After wowing the critics and the audiences alike, her film Neerja has turned tables at the box office as

Zee Cine Awards 2016: ‘Bajirao Mastani’ Scores Big With 12 Awards Continuing its golden run at the awards season this year, the Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone starrer “Bajirao Mastani” dominated at the Zee Cine Awards, too, winning 12 awards at the event

‘Best Film’ (Jury); ‘Best Actress’ (Viewers’ Choice) – Deepika Padukone; ‘Best Cinematography’ — Sudeep Chatterjee; ‘Best Action’ – Sham Kaushal; ‘Best Sound Design,’ ‘Best Product Design,’ ‘Best

Eros films won a total of 18 awards for its releases which include “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “Badlapur” and the Bengali hit, “Bela Seshe.” Salman Khan won the ‘Best Actor’ (Viewers’ Choice) for “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” the highest grosser of 2015, which scooped the ‘Best Film’ (Viewers’ Choice) award along with the award for ‘Best Actor in a Comic Role’ – Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and ‘Best Debutant’ (Female) that went to Harshali Malhotra. Nawazuddin Siddiqui also took the award for ‘Best Actor in a Negative Role’ for “Badlapur” and “Bela Seshe” won the ‘Best Film’ under the Bengali film category.

held Feb. 21 in Mumbai. Eros International’s epic historical drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali won a grand total of 12 awards: ‘Best Director’ (Jury) – Sanjay Leela Bhansali; ‘Best Actor Male’ (Jury) – Ranveer Singh;

VFX’ — Prasad Sutar; ‘Best Background Score’ — Sanchit Balhara; ‘Best Playback’ (Female) – Shreya Goshal for “Mohe Rang Do Laal”; and ‘Best Choreography’ – Ganesh Acharya for “Malhari.”

Eros International has so far won over 60 awards for their films in various categories at all prestigious award platforms such as Stardust, Sony Guild, Screen, Filmfare, Zee Cine Awards and the 10th Asian Film Awards.

This is beautiful and has given a new definition to the song.”

well. Despite being an unconventional film on the life of braveheart Neerja Bhanot, the Pan Am flight attendant who saved 359 lives on the dreaded flight hijacked by terrorists in 1986. Although the film was always meant to receive a thumbs up from the critics, the box office performance too has been overwhelming. The film opened to a great Rs 4.70 crore on Friday but thanks to an excellent word of mouth, it almost had a 70 percent growth on its second day as it collected a whopping Rs 7.60 crore on Saturday. For a film made on a budget of Rs 13 crore, the numbers have been fasci-

nating. Neerja has already become a hit film in the first two days itself because it had already recovered its investment, including promotional costs from its theatrical revenue. But it was Sunday that the film saw even more sustained growth at the plexes. The film recorded a bombastic figure of Rs 9.71 crore on its third day and has managed to have a strong hold on the audiences. With that, the three day collections stand at an outstanding Rs 22.01 crore. The film is expected to become the money spinner for Fox, especially after the disastrous year they had. The film is holding on well even on its first Monday, which remains the acid test for most films. Given that it doesn’t have any strong competition at the BO in the coming few weeks, Neerja might just do wonders like a Queen or a Kahaani. It will certainly cross the Rs 50 crore mark now but will it cross Raanjhanaa too? But nevertheless, Neerja is definitely on its way to become 2016’s second superhit after Akshay Kumar’s Airlift.

Austin South Asian | March 2016

Twinkle Khanna Practicle

Sanjay Dutt FREED Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt walked out of Pune’s Yerawada Jail on Thursday morning at 8:35 am, after serving 42 months of his five-year prison term at Yerawada Central Prison following his conviction in a case related to the 1993 serial blasts. Watch the video of Sanjay Dutt’s release from Yerawada Jail Dutt (convict number 16656) was serving his sentence housed in a

solitary cell at Yerawada near the hanging yard since May 22, 2013. Present to receive him outside the jail amidst tight security were his wife Maanayata and their children, sister and former MP Priya Dutt and her family, film director Rajkumar Hirani, thousands of fans, a huge media contingent from across India and abroad. 256 days were waived off from the 56-year-old actor’s sentence due to good behaviour in prison.h Sanjay Dutt boarded a chartered plane at Pune International Airport with his family. The actor is believed to have said, “Zulm Karke kisi ka bhala nahi hoga (No one benefits after committing crimes)”, before boarding. Yerawada Jail A large team of police officers were stationed outside Yerawada Jail before Sanjay Dutt’s release The actor landed in Mumbai airport around 11:15 am, from where he proceeded to the famed Siddhivinayak Temple to offer his

prayers. The next stop was the Baba Kabrastan where the grave of his mother, the late actress Nargis Dutt, is located. He prayed there too. Dutt sported a dark blue shirt and jeans, minus his traditional sunglasses, salt-pepper sparse hair and a stubbly beard, appearing physically weary but mentally relaxed. Near his Bandra home, there was a contingent of drummers who played a deafening welcome tune for Dutt. Ther were also large posters and huge banners welcoming the actor, and a special poster welcoming ‘Papa’ and ‘Uncle’ and ‘Bro’ from his wife and kids, sisters, nieces and nephews. There were celebrations of different types organised by his fans and well-wishers. These include a free meal of ‘Chicken Sanju Baba’ at south Mumbai’s Noor Mohammadi Hotel, 50 percent discount on all meals and free servings of a specially created item ‘Bhai-Baba Chal Mere Bhai’ at the Bhaijaanz Restaurant in Bandra, while an autorickshaw driver Sandeep Bachche offered free rides in Bandra to mark his freedom. Of the five-year sentence, Sanjay Dutt has served more than 50 months in two installments, excluding the parole and furlough he was granted at various times on different grounds. He spent 18 months in jail as an undertrial before he was granted bail and later, following a Supreme Court order in May 2013, he was sent to the Yerawada Jail to serve the remaining 42 months of his five-year sentence. (With inputs from IANS)

Actress turned writer Twinkle Khanna says she is not romantic but a practical person. “I’m not romantic, I’m very practical. There are lots of fish in the sea; so whoever gets struck with your rod, one is as good as another,” Twinkle said at the launch of a book ‘The Village Of Pointless Con-

Vidya Balan To Make Malayalam Debut With Kamala Surayya Biopic Vidya Balan, the super-talented actress of Bollywood, is all set to make her Malayalam debut. It is confirmed that Vidya Balan is playing the title role in Kamala Surayya

states that Vidya Balan is the only actress who is eligible to play Kamala Surayya, the veteran writer. Reportedly, Vidya is quite excited about her Malayalam movie debut.

biopic. The movie, which is directed by the veteran film-maker Kamal, was announced last year. Later, it was rumoured that the project has been shelved, due to the production issues. But as per the latest updates, the project is very much on board.

The untitled movie will explore the three stages of Kamala Surayya’s life, including her marriage at the age of 15, the birth of her autobiography Ente Kadha, and her conversion to Islam at the age of 67.

The movie is expected to start rolling by the end of 2016 after Vidya Balan completes her Bollywood movies. Kamal, the director,

Vidya Balan, who is a Malayali by birth, was actually supposed to make her Mollywood debut with Lohithadas’s Mohanlal movie, Chakram. But the project was shelved at the initial stage itself.

versation’, authored by ‘Being Cyrus’ and ‘Finding Fanny’ writer Kesri Khambatta. Asked if her husband, actor Akshay Kumar, was a romantic person or not, she quipped, “I don’t know who Akshay is. Thanks.” The book is based on material developed while scripting Bollywood film ‘Finding Fanny’, post which Khambatta reworked certain parts of it. Twinkle even complimented him that Lee Harper’s book ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ could not create the same impression that ‘The Village Of Pointless Conversation’ created on her. She liked it so much that she felt like “ripping eight chapters of her next book and throwing it in the bin,” she said. Twinkle came up with her own book ‘Mrs. Funnybones’ last year. Asked if she would like to see it adapted into a film, she said: “I think it would be a sort of a tragiccomedy; my mother-in-law will commit suicide, because I’ve depicted her as a crazy old bat; so I don’t think we could ever make a movie on that.”

Austin South Asian | March 2016

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Austin South Asian | March 2016