Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 13 No. 04
21 Days Lock Down - India PM Narendra Modi declared a three-week nationwide lockdown starting midnight Tuesday(March
24), explaining that it was the only way of breaking the Covid-19 infection cycle. This essentially extended the lockdown from most states and Union Territories to the entire country and provided a more
definite timeline. “Social distancing is the only way to break the cycle of infection,” he said.
All other lockdown conditions, such as the availability of essential commodities, remain the same, the government clarified.
Five Steps To Kicking Out Coronavirus
Geneva, 23 March 2020: FIFA, the international governing body of football, and the World Health
Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) by launching a new awareness campaign led by worldrenowned footballers, who are call-
ing on all people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the disease. The “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on hand washing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell. (Continued On Page 21)
Coronavirus and Alzheimer’s
(Continued On Page 17)
Age & Nutrition
Getting proper nutrition can be challenging for everyone, but especially as we age for a variety of
reasons, including changing tastes, physical or dental conditions, and lack of access to healthy foods.
“It’s critical that people of all ages get proper nutrition, but especially seniors, and particularly now with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States,” says Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer with Cigna’s Medicare Advantage business, which offers Medicare plans in 18 states and the District of Columbia. “Good nutrition helps older adults stay active and vital, and can help them stave off or better manage chronic conditions.” Cigna provides the following nutrition tips: (Continued on page 9)
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, but the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and more than 16 million family members and friends serving as their caregivers. “Public health strategies aimed at limiting contact with others are nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer’s and other demen-
homes.”
tias who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives,” says Beth Kallmyer, vice president, care and support, Alzheimer’s Association. “This reality affects these individuals across all settings, including home, adult day services, residential and assisted living facilities and nursing
To help family caregivers navigate the complex COVID-19 environment, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering additional guidance to families, including: • Foster safe hygiene habits. People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may forget to wash their hands or follow other precautions to ensure safe hygiene. (Continued on page 9)
inside
April 2020
The Picture Book World..4 Visualized Learning.......06 Child’s Favourite Subject.7 Arun’s Scribblings.........07 Fun Rainy Day Tips......08 6 Birthday Gift Ideas.....08 Your Recyclable’ Products
May 2020 School Camps Special 512-828-6709
Actually Recyclable.......09 Malik’s Page.....5,10,11,12 Sleep And Autism.........11 Avoiding Debt..............13 Managing Screen Time.15 Extend The Life............16 Home Workspace.........16 3 Expert Pay Negotiation Tips For Women...........18 Teachers And Students Find Purpose Through Leadership PrWSograms....19 Eco-Friendly Labels......20 3 Surprising Thing........23 Protect Wild Birds.........24 Kids Corner....14,22,23,25 Education Affordable....24 Entertainment.........26,27
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
The Picture Book World
By Shachi Kaushik
Picture books are an excellent tool for children to develop their imagination and expand their understanding of the world. Reading daily to children strengthens their social, emotional, and character development. Children also learn ways to express their feelings and emotions. The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz (Author), Kayla Harren (Illustrator)
A true story about an Indian boy Jadav Payeng: the Molai forest in Assam, is named after him.
explore the Indian culture. Making children
story, a little boy Bilal cooks daal with his Abu (dad) and wants to introduce this tasty
As a little boy, Jadav was distressed, seeing the destruction, deforestation, and erosion. A group of elders gives him bamboo seedlings to plant. He plants them and waters them every day, devising various methods of irrigation, and over time, his hard work pays off, and a forest grows. The simple text and gorgeous illustrations, and the inspiring story is an excellent way to introduces children to environmental issues and how they can contribute to the environment. One can also watch the documentary ‘Forest Man’ to learn more about Jadav Payeng. P Is for Poppadoms! An Indian Alphabet Book by Kabir Sehgal (Author), Surishtha Sehgal (Author), Hazel Ito (Illustrator)
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A fun alphabet book with Hindi words. A great way to learn a few Indian words and
learn a new language can be challenging but introducing them to a few words can build their vocabulary. This book does an excellent job of introducing your little ones to new words and build their word bank with words that may be used on a day to day basis. Bilal cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed and Illustrations by Anoosha Syed. Dal a dish filled with protein and made in most of the South Asian families. In this
dish to his friends. As he prepares the daal, he wonders will his friends like it as much as he does? This book showcases the value of patience, teamwork, and sharing. The book has a recipe for daal in the back matter. Cooking daal with your children can be an activity to do after reading the book. This book is a new release and the latest addition to the Round Rock Public Library.
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Deconstruction To Simplification – Susannah Haddad Takes Us To A Calm Canvas
By Sumaiya Malik
conclusion of what she is processing.
There is something about artist Susannah Haddad that makes people give her work a second look. At first glimpse, one is reminded of Henri Matisse’ Cut-Outs, but from that point on, Haddad’s solid color shapes and sculpture-like three-dimensional woodwork takes the viewer into the artist’s thought process, how she deconstructs and simplifies reality as perceived by her creative mind. Modern perfectionism comes to mind but in Haddad’s case the output is almost calm and simplified. “My brain goes a million miles a minute,” says Haddad while trying to explain how she takes it all in. “I craft what I am trying to say. I find myself thinking an overturning and coming out with short and simplified,” explains Haddad how she goes over information in her head so many times that she put out the gist of it almost like a
Growing up with two sisters, Haddad has been taking in a lot of information. Her father an immigration attorney originally from
Iran and mother from the US brought two cultures and lots of travel to their lifestyle. High school years were spent at St. A n d r e w ’s Episcopal School on South West Parkway under a teacher who encouraged selfexpression and personal space. Haddad graduated in 2011 and went off to University of Georgia. There, by chance Haddad picked up a coffee table book
Day Of Shah – A World Class Rapper With A Thoughtful Heart By Sumaiya Malik @sumaiyasaidthis Atlanta-based Canadian rapper Shah, who was named one of the top three best new artists of Atlanta in 2017, is considered as one of the most influential South Asian rappers today. Known for his energetic live shows, rap songs like Just Text, Telemundo and Poison, and a colorful wardrobe, Shah has touched social issues from the very beginning of his career. He stands out with a dedicated team and creates connections wherever he goes, keeping a special lookout for his solid South Asian fanbase. Even in his short time in Austin, he made it a point to connect with local artists such as award-winning Gypsy-folk guitarist Oliver Rajamani, soul pop artist Nagavalli, and Raag of Ages guitarist Rizwan Khan.
only real friends. This taught him early on how to navigate through adversity, something he is thankful for. Despite finding an outlet in music recreationally, Shah spent a long time trying to figure out what he wanted from his professional life. He bounced around school until he finally realized he had to “pursue [his] dream” — referring to his decision to pursue what he loved since his school days, creating music. Once he decided that music was it, he put in a lot of hard work amassing 37K followers on Spotify Shah talked about how naïve he was in the beginning. “Nothing happened to my first song. I didn’t realize how daunting [it is] and inch by inch [the] landscape changed.”
their Darkness,” said Shah in an interview, which helped him identify and settle there. Talking about his song Poison in the same interview he said, “Poison is sort of being more vulnerable with my art. I am getting into the space where I can be open and honest,” said Shah who has raised awareness to social causes through his music. His song Pay Day 71 raises awareness to women’s pay being lower than men for the same work. Fashion
Music
Along with a passion for music, Shah has a natural flair for fashion. His merchandise, which includes tee shirts, hats, stickers and buttons, have a hint of epic, which makes them hot commodities, selling out fast. Going forward, Shah wants to focus more on such products.
Shah spoke with Austin South Asian through FaceTime while he was in Austin for the now canceled SXSW 2020 where Shah was supposed to perform.
Shah is based out of Atlanta, although initially he had gone there from Toronto for music for a day. His debut performance had 1600 attendees at the Opera in Atlanta.
“The clothes I wear always stood out and gave me positive attention,” said Shah. He wants to channel this same feeling for his fans through his merchandise.
Background
In an interview with Vuulm, a music streaming platform for independent artists, in 2019, Shah talked about his style and how he looks up to Atlanta rapper Lucci who started the ‘wave for a lot of rap music.’
He is starting to make waves in the fashion world as well. This past NY Fashion Week, Le Tigre Global invited him into their studio and gave him their line to wear for the season.
He is also fond of fellow Atlanta based rappersOl, Donald and Kendricks. “Atlanta has exposed me to a lot of rappers who talk about
Advice to South Asian Youth
Shah was born and raised in Toronto by Indian immigrant parents. He developed a flair for hip-hop and rap music around 7th grade, at a time when he saw no one like him in his downtown Toronto neighborhood, a place where you had to fend for yourself. He recalls how his parents and his sister were his
(Continued On Page 10)
about The Cut-Outs by Matisse. Her world went into a spiral and she started playing with the idea. “So I started playing with taking imagery of travel,” explained Haddad. A trip to Arizona left an impression of the magnificence of cacti and the colors of the rocks so deep in her mind that they became part of her and is seen in her exhibition. Her work reflects her travels and artists she is inspired by. When asked about ‘Ode to Georgia’, a piece in her exhibition inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, Haddad explained, “There is something about her determination, her isolation, her lifestyle [that] is intriguing to me,” said Haddad and added “ I get very determined when I set my heart to something; [O’Keefe’s] life is an inspiration to me.” By the time Haddad graduated, she had lived in Spain for a semester abroad, travelled all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, had been to Malta in the Mediterranean on a whim, gone to Iran, and visited Niece, France, to absorb Matisse. Upon return to the US, her travels continued with a visit to Santa Fe for Georgia O’Keeffe and to Mexico City for Frieda Kahlo. Kahlo became a subject of deep study for Haddad because of her interest in cobalt blue, a color common between the works of Matisse and Kahlo. Haddad was going places. After graduation (2015) she worked full time as a creative director for Kasita Smart Homes and soon after decided to freelance and move back to Austin. In this short span, West Elm and Urban Outfitters have showcased her work locally and she has collaborated with women’s non-profit Cherry On Top. “I want 100 people to have 100 different experiences with my art,” hopes Haddad as we summed up our discussion. Chances are they will, because the way her art is simplified in color and shapes, it leaves a lot to interpret. The noise is gone and what is left is a calm and restive place that gives the viewer a moment of peace. Perhaps that is what the artist is looking for herself as she takes in the complicated world. Susannah Haddad’s exhibit “A Deconstructed View” is on display at Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road from February 29 to April 25, 2020. Due to the Corona Virus pandemic and closure of the gallery, it can be viewed online at: https://www.susannahmhaddad.com/ Instagram | @susannahhaddad Her work is also on display on Facebook at: Beautify Today: An Art Auction
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
How Visualized Learning Is Helping Students Succeed While yesterday’s students once had to rely on the static images found in textbooks and overhead transparencies, today’s students are being treated to a wealth of rich moving imagery with seemingly unlimited interactive potential.
the material the first time it’s de-
click to enable teachers and stu-
Thanks to features like these, as access to tablets and other personal devices widens, students will not only be able to view interactive material in the palm of their hand but also share what’s on their screen with the entire class.
This is good news, as visualized learning can help students better grasp material. Here’s how: • Like the old saying goes, “a picture’s worth a thousand words.” Visuals have the potential to reduce required reading, helping students absorb information more efficiently and with less fatigue. • A visual provides a powerful memory that learners can fall back on, which can potentially improve retention of content. This may be especially handy during exams! • Visual aids can help students identify relationships and patterns. • The majority of students are visual learners. Incorporating this knowledge into classroom instruction is a practical measure. When a greater percentage of students get
desktop computer or laptop, but by smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the classroom, giving educators a wider choice of teaching styles.
With this projector model, collaboration and connection are simplified using Casio’s Educational Solutions. livered, teachers ultimately have more time to help everybody else get up to speed. So exactly how are educators implementing visualized learning in the classroom? Many are turning to the latest models of projectors, which in some cases, offer features that far exceed their predecessors of even just a few years ago. In some cases, it only takes one
dents to delve right in, a valuable benefit, as most timecrunched teachers following a packed curriculum know. With the Casio XJ-S400 Projector, for example, image projection can be controlled not only from a
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Wireless features such as PC Remote and Moderator Function allow teachers to project their own PC display or select a student’s PC display from anywhere in a classroom. Up to 40 PCs can be connected at one time and up to four PCs displayed on-screen simultaneously. As more schools adopt cuttingedge technologies that embrace visualized learning, students will see the benefits. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
How Math Can Become Your Child’s Favorite School Subject
Ask kids what their favorite school subject is and fewer and fewer will say “math” as they age. While 37 percent of 4th graders report that math is one of their favorite subjects, only 15 of 12th graders say the same, according to National Center for Education Statistics.
many ways in which math is used to think about the world and spark a numbers-fueled conversation. • Embrace a love of tech: Your children are digital natives, so when it
to calculators. Many calculators today are much more intuitive to use than their predecessors, allowing students to spend more time learning the joy of
At a time when a strong math foundation is more important than ever before, you may be wondering how to keep the subject fun and interesting for kids, even as the workload grows more complex and challenging with each passing year.
Whether you’re talking about the batting average of your favorite player, working out your budget or watching a news report citing statistics, you can point out the
• Check in: Many students stop loving math once it gets hard. Unfortunately, a lot of students don’t mention they are struggling until it’s too late to easily catch up, as most lessons build on previously taught material. Periodically check in with your student to ensure they are keeping up with their classmates. Let them know there is no shame in getting an extra bit of help.
Here are a few ideas for infusing fun into the equation: • Set a good example: Don’t make math out to be a subject you yourself don’t enjoy.
tions. Once a graphing calculator is needed, a good choice is the fxCG50, which has a high-definition, three-dimensional display.
Many teachers will meet with students before or after class to offer assistance and answer questions. Study buddies, tutors and online tutorials can also help students grasp the material, achieve good grades and ultimately, continue to enjoy math. There is no doubt about it, a love of math is a good thing. By making it approachable and offering the right tools, you can help your young mathematician continue to embrace the subject. (StatePoint)
LET’S BE LOYAL comes to mathematics, let them use the tech tools that feel most natural to them without limitations. You can feel particularly good about this decision when it comes
math rather than figuring out how to operate the device. For a high-quality scientific calculator, check out the fx-300ES from Casio, which has over 250 func-
Whether it is a war or a pandemic disease breakdown, When there is a violent attack against our dear nation, While the authorities are striving to save every one, Its the bounden duty of each and
every citizen, To extend to the governance utmost cooperation, To our entire ability for the country’s protection. If not, we are traitors unworthy to live on that terrain. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Fun Rainy Day Tips For Families
On rainy days, it can be tempting to hand children devices and let them fall down a YouTube rabbit hole. After all, there can be a lot of hours to fill when the weather isn’t cooperating with your weekend plans.
doing so helps improve fine motor skills. The good news? Many such items are now designed to reduce messiness, stickiness and clean up hassles.
• Get dramatic: For an afternoon of open-ended playtime, encourage kids to develop their emotional, creative and communication skills by developing their own skit or
There are better ways to spend those rainy days. With a little creativity, rainy days can be opportunities for fun and educational play.
Not only do kids love playing with sensory textures such as paints, slime, sand, play dirt and foam,
• Build together: Whether your child prefers following step-bystep instructions or using their imagination, designing, creating and playing with construction toys can build problem-solving, spatial and fine motor skills. • Design an obstacle course: Rain or no rain, kids have energy to burn. Building a safe obstacle course for kids to complete is a fun way for them to stay active indoors while building core muscles and developing balance.
Consider these great ideas from The Genius of Play, an initiative with a mission of raising awareness about the importance of play in order to help parents make it a critical part of raising kids. • Get messy: Just because you’re indoors, doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity for kids to satisfy their primal urge to get their hands dirty.
bring stories to life.
• Play games: Break out some classic board games like checkers and dominoes or grab a deck of cards for a round of crazy eights. Such games teach the importance of taking turns and good sportsmanship and can even help kids learn to strategize and plan ahead.
play. With so many dress-up kits available, it’s easy to maintain a wellstocked costume trunk that kids can use to get inspired. You can also gather up some of their favorite toys to use as props and help
Pick three to five exercises, like pretending to jump like a frog, army crawling under the table or log rolling from one side of the living room to another and then doing five sit-ups. Practice it for 5-10 minutes, then get to work designing a new one! • Create a mini lab: Play with Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math (STEM) toys and games. Use a science kit to erupt a volcano or code a robot to guard the bedroom. These important educational experiences can be fun supplements to classroom learning that help set your child up for future success. • Make cleanup fun: It may not sound like “play” at first glance, but cleanup can be fun with the right attitude. Crank up favorite tunes and have kids dance as they dust, straighten, put toys away, make the bed and help with chores. Or, make a game of it, racing each other to complete tasks. For more play tips and inspiration, visit www.thegeniusofplay.org. Be sure rainy days include playtime, which offers many developmental benefits for children to learn key communication, creative, cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills. (StatePoint)
6 Great Birthday Gift Ideas For Kids Under $25 A happy birthday doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Here are six cool gift ideas for infants and preschoolers intended to make learning fun, all which cost under $25:
• Little Scribes: Give kids ages 3-6 years a head start on mastering their writing skills with the Write
to help preschoolers learn proper stroke order for uppercase and lowercase letters, and can be cus-
• Trip to the Movies: A trip to the movies can offer little ones the thrill of a lifetime, especially if it’s their first theater experience.
• Play Time: Take a trip to a local play center offering ball pits, slides, obstacles and more. Such facilities offer a fun way for kids to build strength and motor skills, and many offer monthly memberships as well as one-time entry options, giving families an affordable way to celebrate.
Movies may seem like pure entertainment, but they often offer storylines that build empathy and help kids learn right from wrong. • Dump Truck Fun: Great for children ages 6-36 months, the interactive VTech Drop & Go Dump Truck encourages motor skill development, plays melodies and phrases, and teaches numbers and colors. Kids can drop a colorful ball into the top of the dump truck and watch it tumble into the bucket, then push or pull the truck along to see the balls rumble inside.
This is a great gift option for little artists, too. Kids can choose activities that help them learn to draw, progressing from simple lines and shapes to 26 different objects or explore their creativity by drawing their own pictures with the included stencils and stamps.
• Pets On-the-Go: Packed with learning fun, the Care for Me Learning Carrier is an interactive pet carrier that lets little ones take their plush pet on-the-go, encouraging nurturing while learning letters, colors, shapes, pet care and more. & Learn Creative Center, which provides animated demonstrations
tomized so that children can learn to write their names step-by-step.
With sliding and spinning parts, the carrier promotes motor skill de-
velopment and comes with four pet care accessories so that toddlers ages 9-36 months can groom, feed and play with the puppy. • Lay a Beat: Your child can rock out and learn to keep a beat with the KidiBeats Drum Set. This drum set for kids ages 2-5 years comes with a pair of drumsticks that can be used to tap the four different electronic learning drums. Kids can drum freestyle or play along to nine pre-set melodies in a variety of musical styles including rock, dance and pop. For more structured play, toddlers can follow the lights on the drums as they learn about letters and numbers. With four ways to play and a variety of sounds, making music is fun with this educational toy. With a little imagination, you can make the next birthday special, educational, fun and affordable. (StatePoint)
9
Coronavirus and Alzheimer’s
(Continued from page 1) • Monitor sudden or sustained behavior changes. People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may not be able to communicate if they are feeling bad or showing early symptoms of illness. Caregivers should monitor family members closely and respond quickly to any signs of distress, discomfort or increased confusion. These signs do not necessarily indicate a serious condition like COVID-19, but it’s important to determine the underlying cause.
• Prepare for potential changes in care and support. As public health containment strategies for COVID-19 escalate, families need to anticipate that less help may be available. It’s important for families to anticipate these changes and make plans for filling gaps in caregiving. • Be calm and create a nurturing environment. The current COVID-19 pandemic is creating added anxiety for everyone. Do your best to remain calm, particularly in your interactions with family members living with dementia. These individuals often take their cues from the people around them. Creating a calm environ-
ment will help them feel safe and protected. • Play gatekeeper with outside caregivers and guests. Carefully monitor who is coming into the home to ensure all who enter are healthy. Be proactive in asking outside caregivers and guests about their current health status and make sure they are not experiencing any early or recent symptoms of illness.
• Consult your doctor. If your appetite is changing or you’re losing weight, talk to your primary care physician. There could be an underlying reason for these changes. For instance, your medication might be affecting your appetite. Or maybe you’re dealing with depression. Your doctor can work with you to identify possible causes. • Adapt to changing tastes. There are a number of ways to change your eating habits to improve your nutrition, from eating more frequent, smaller meals to trying new foods and cooking styles. For tips on preparing healthy meals, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov. • See a dentist. A dentist may be able to address any dental problems impacting your ability to enjoy food. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may
Ready, Set, Create! Local Students To Creatively Spread Census Messages To The Community Byline - Aashi Morales Creativity for a Cause! Singing, dancing, reciting poetry, painting and drawing, and even athletic performances may not be the first things that come to mind when you think about the 2020 Census.
• Ask residential care facilities about communication policies. To protect the health of residents, many facilities are restricting access to outside visitors. Ask the facility about alternative communication methods during the crisis, including phone calls, video chats or emails. If your family member is unable to engage in calls or video chats, ask the facility how you can connect with staff to get health updates. For more information, visit alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association or call its free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Many primary caregivers are not good about asking for help even as care responsibilities escalate. It’s important for family members and friends to be proactive during the current crisis in asking caregivers how they can help. (Statepoint)
Age & Nutrition (Continued from page 1) • Make healthy choices. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your plate for colorful, nutrient-rich, fiber-filled meals. Add flavor with spices and herbs instead of salt. Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Even light exercise can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.
Austin South Asian | April 2020
have access to dental benefits at no extra cost. Check your plan for details. • Explore options. If mobility is an issue, look for local organizations offering transportation or meal delivery to older adults. If you have an MA plan, you may have access to homedelivered meals following a hospitalization. One-third of hospital patients are malnourished at admission and poor nutrition increases their risk of having to return to the hospital after being released. Good nutrition helps patients regain their strength and energy faster for better recoveries. Check your plan for details. • Get help. Some older adults with limited resources may qualify for assistance with food purchases through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many older adults qualify for this program and don’t know it. One way to verify eligibility is to visit Cigna.BenefitsCheckup. org and enter your information under the “Food & Nutrition” section. If you aren’t eligible for this type of assistance, you can still find ways to save on food bills, including asking for senior discounts, using coupons, having a store discount card and buying store brands. (Statepoint)
But one local organization wants to showcase the talents of school-age students in a myriad of creative ways to help spread the important message of participating in Census 2020 to as many people as possible. Austin Asian Impact (AAI), a local group of caring Asians who are mapping out the impact of Asian Americans while identifying needs and filling gaps, is sponsoring the “Ready, Set, Create” project. This project draws on the creative talents of our youth to bring the Census message to the various Asian communities in Austin. In submissions so far, students have been coming up with their own ways of spreading the message that every person needs to be counted and explaining why it is important to the community. Among the most riveting of recent submissions is a video featuring Census information narrated with an original, powerful poem. Among the most eclectic is a Census 2020 cake! Originally planned as a live event, Ready, Set, Create transitioned to a virtual showcase, allowing more students to participate and a broader range of creative activities to be shown. Students’ creative ventures will now be displayed online, creating a wider audience and greater impact. Because of
current restrictions due to COVID-19, videos are being limited to individuals or families. Some of the unique features of this event are the wide variety of creative ventures supported to allow for the vast range of students’ imaginations, and that the event supports and even encourages Census messages in a variety of languages and mediums. Students who wish to be a part of this community project and creative showcase must incorporate a message about the Census into their creative venture. AAI helps provide resources for Census information to participants. With the move to a virtual event, registration has been extended to April 15, 2020, and has been expanded from AISD students to students from any school. To register, students can fill out a registration form at https://forms. gle/8pKpcqHwTU4m1qKe8. For more information about the event, contact AAI at austinasianimpact@gmail.com. Ready, Set, Create is also on Facebook at Census 2020. AAI is also sponsoring the Care-Mongers project that is building a volunteer base that responds to the needs of protecting our seniors in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, and the Asian Impact Fund that helps with investing for social impact. AAI is being led by a core group including Khotan Shahbazi-Harmon, Megha Uppal, Sarika Paul, Shona Ahuja, Shubhada Saxena, Supriya Kini, Sachin Deshmukh and Varsha Grogan. For more information about AAI, visit them on Facebook at Austin Asian Impact or email austinasianimpact@gmail.com. For video submissions, pls contact Seema Govil @govilseema@gmail.com
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Day Of Shah – A World Class Rapper With A Thoughtful Heart
(Continued From Page 05)
it the rapper or the fashionista. Behind his more traditional rapper facade is someone with a good heart, a neighborhood guy who wants to make good out of working together, meeting people, and leaving a legacy.
Growing up without someone in his industry to look up to make it hard for Shah to find his way. “There were no brown people, so there was no one to reach out to,” said Shah. “I am not cut out for a traditional job,” he added unapologetically. My advice to children like me is that there are success stories out there, and you can follow your dream.
So next time you listen to Shah, pay attention to the lyrics. Chances are that in that fast-paced rap lingo he will be raising an important issue. Shah is surely leaving his mark.
“In the South Asian community one doesn’t focus on joy and happiness because we are in a survival mindset so my advice is love; If you are driven by love, you are making the universe better,” said Shah.
You can find Shah on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, Soundcloud and on his website: www. Thisdayisone.com.
Talking to Shah, I realized that there are many facets to him — be
Austin South Asian | April 2020
Make A Difference: Coronavirus Keeps Us At Home By Vidya Kumar By this time every one of us who is not essential services would have experienced work at home or staggered work hours. For me I had one week wherein I had to go to office every other day and the next week it was decided that all of us have to work from home. As long as I was going to office there was a schedule for the weekdays including exercising in the morning before going to office and utilizing my one hour lunch break to go to gym. Once work from home with the work space being breakfast table and close to the kitchen I am always munching on something or the other and working from morning to late evening continuously and with absolutely no workout gaining weight is not an option. I then realized that even for work at home one should have schedule and stick to it. Also cut down on eating which means less cooking and having no snacks or junk food at home. Due to the coronavirus situation now-a-days I always have a shower and then go to the kitchen and make the same breakfast which I would have while going to office rather than heavy Indian breakfast and then in order to have the right frame of agile mind dress well so that I can exude positivity and enthusiasm to work. Take 5 minute break at least once in two hours and do a work out. I am truly saddened that I am unable to take my one hour break but I know for sure that if this continues I may be able to get my long break as well. At the same time cleaning out the house has also become a chore that is taken up diligently by everyone since keeping the house clean has become a priority.
A Must-See Film On Post-911 America: ‘I’ll Meet You There – Bismil’ By Sumaiya Malik @sumaiyasaidthis Photo Courtesy of Alia Azamat “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” (Rumi) The story of 911 and the infiltration of FBI into Muslim communities in the US has been discussed to no end — often from a very narrow perspective. But finally, we see the same issue through a new lense in ‘I’ll Meet You There — Bismil’. Directed and produced by Iram Parveen Bilal and Farhan Tahir (Iron Man, Star Trek), the film puts to rest a number of issues that continue to be blown out of context and also acknowledges how sudden death of a loved one can make the lives of those left behind a painful struggle. Set in a busy neighborhood of Chicago where a concentration of South Asians live and interact amid ‘Desi’ restaurants and boutiques, the film gives us a glimpse of how everyone knows everyone at the face of things. Yet, despite reflections of them-
selves in their community, the characters seem lost in some deeply suppressed pain that hold them from moving forward.
the media’s narrow portrayal of Islam and answer many questions for his daughter Dua who searches for answers to reconcile the traditional
about the importance of intent. Dua is like a blank slate who is using her experience to find out what she values and in all her mental
On the one hand there is a college going girl named Dua (Nikita Tewani) whose life has a meaning because of her passion for dance. She aspires to audition for a performance that incorporates Kathak, a kind of dance that her late mother was passionate about. On the other hand is her father Majeed (Farhan Tahir), an FBI police officer in post-911 America who goes undercover in a mosque to investigate money laundering. Both are busy but lonely as they seem to be unable to move on after the sudden death of Dua’s mother. They face their grief and struggles head on when Majeed’s aging father, Baba (Mohammad Qavi Khan), arrives from Pakistan to meet his son after 12 years of being apart. Baba wishes to say his prayers in a mosque and that becomes the reason why Majeed is able to start visiting the same mosque under FBI investigation. In the process, Majeed has to come to terms with
She shows her grandfather how graceful her steps are. The choice of green is so appropriate. It’s a color that is associated with heavenly attire in the afterlife. To the granddaughter this was really her heaven. One can see that the Iram Parveen Bilal has dwelt upon this story for years, because every issue seems to have been researched meticulously.
beliefs of her grandfather with her more contemporary upbringing. When Dua is concerned by a verse of the Quran mentioning striking women, Majeed explains that the reference is about going on a strike against women in that instance. When she asks about Jihad, he reminds her that it’s an inner personal struggle. As she questions about dancing in Islam, he talks
struggles she comes back to dancing as something that connects her to her mother. A relationship surely and firmly also establishes between the grandfather and granddaughter. The grandfather is concerned that dancing will bring down Dua’s dignity, so Dua invites him to her studio clad in green traditional ‘peshwaas’ the attire of Mughal royalty.
The much beaten topics of treatment of women, the misconception of jihad, if dance is forbidden in Islam, devastation of a family due to sudden death of a member, and how the younger generation is willing to open their hearts to what is truth are all addressed with a refreshingly personal take that casts a spell on viewers and holds them in each moment. Tarap hay teree to rah bhee milay gee hum bhatkon ko maula (If we the lost ones, struggle to find you, a path will emerge with your help– a prayer to the Creator) Phenomenal soundtrack by Faisal Baig, Ahsan Bari and Cion Collective
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Sleep And Autism: How To Help Kids Get A Better Night’s Rest For some children and teens with autism spectrum disorder, sleep can sometimes be a struggle. But good sleep is essential to good health and a good quality of life.
tific studies to address four types of sleep problems: refusing to go to bed, stalling, or needing a parent or caregiver present until falling
Published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the AAN, the guideline is endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Med-
“While up to 40 percent of all children and teens will have sleep problems at some point during childhood, such problems usually lessen with age,” says lead guideline author Ashura Williams Buckley, MD, of the National Institute of Mental Health and a member of American Academy of Neurology (AAN). “However, for children and teens with autism, sleep problems are more common and more likely to persist.” To help families, neurologists and other healthcare providers make treatment decisions, the AAN has issued a new guideline based on careful review of available scien-
asleep; trouble falling asleep and staying asleep; sleeping for only short periods of time or not getting enough total sleep each night; as well as associated daytime behavior problems.
icine, Autism Speaks, the Child Neurology Society, and the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The American Epilepsy Society
Fill Out Census 2020
By Sumaiya Malik Poster designed by Amil Malik
By now the Census 2020 must have arrived in a white envelope in
your mail. Chances are it is lying on the desk because you have been too pre-occupied with the Coronavirus pandemic. And that is understandable. The virus has really slowed us to a dead stop. But it is vital to fill out the form either in the mail or online as we all benefit if everyone fills it out. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.
has affirmed its value to epileptologists. Recommendations and insights from the new guideline include:
Studies suggest that the artificial form of melatonin is safe and effective for children and teens with autism for a period of up to three months.
• There are many factors that may contribute to sleep challenges, including medicines, other health conditions, emotional disorders, and family and social factors.
However, more research is needed to determine safety over longer periods. Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, diarrhea and rash.
A knowledgeable clinician should do a thorough evaluation and address problems caused by medications or other medical conditions first.
Melatonin alone may be just as helpful in some patients as when combined with behavioral strategies.
• After other potential treatable causes of the sleep problems have been ruled out, children with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from behavioral treatments, such as setting up a consistent sleep routine with regular bedtimes and wake times, choosing a bedtime close to when the child usually gets sleepy, and prohibiting use of electronic devices close to bedtime. “Behavior-modification strategies are a good place to start because they don’t cost anything, there are no side effects and they’ve been shown to work for some people,” says Dr. Williams Buckley. • If behavioral strategies alone don’t work, healthcare providers should consider prescribing melatonin, a hormone that tells the brain when and how long to sleep. Look for “pharmaceutical grade,” and discuss with your practitioner, as some over-the-counter products may not be reliable in terms of how much melatonin they actually contain.
The guideline says that current studies that looked at behavior treatments combined with melatonin were not found to change daytime behavior problems or symptoms of autism. • No evidence was found that routine use of weighted blankets or specialized mattress technologies improve sleep. Learn more about autism at BrainandLife.org, home of the AAN’s free patient and caregiver magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finding ways to improve sleep is essential. While sleep problems can intensify behavioral issues in children and teens with autism, good quality sleep can improve overall health and quality of life. How You Can Help Protect Wild Birds in Your Yard (StatePoint)
Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Unmarriageable: A Book To Give You Comfort In Time Of Shelter By Sumaiya Malik @sumaiyasaidthis If Georgeullah of Unmarriageable had existed at the time I was reading about Georgina in Famous Five, I might have been more assertive in middle school when I had no one like myself in class. But there was no Georgeullah or any Pakistani character in English literature, so no one a reader like me could identify with. Life was good, but it might just have been easier if Soniah Kamal (who I suspect was doing the same thing as me in another school in another city at the time) had written Unmarriageable – Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan – while I was growing up. Fortunately, the book has been written and all fans of Jane Austen can now have the pleasure of imag-
ining themselves as Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy attending Mehndi’s and Shadi’s in Dilipabad, outside Lahore in Pakistan.
with a different personality and each one thinking about her future husband. When the Binats are invited to a more affluent family’s marriage ceremony, Mrs. Binat prepares her daughters to stand out in the ceremonies in the hope to find their future wealthy spouses. The girls are clad in chiffon with “kamdani”, silk “peshwaas”, saris with gorgeous “pallus” and “shahtoosh” they enter the wedding venue.
Decades after I read Pride and Prejudice comes Soniah Kamal’s Unmarriageable where the Binats are living in Dilipabad with their five eligible daughters, each one
My eyes close and I imagine myself all dressed up like a princess in a green “peshwaas” walking demurely to center stage to wish the bride. I am lifted from my kitchen table today, away from my chores, compelled to continue reading and imagining for a bit longer. Such is the magic
of Unmarriageable. On why she chose to write the book, Soniah Kamal remembered the original Pride and Prejudice. “I realized it’s quintessentially a Pakistani novel [at its heart],” said Soniah Kamal. “The tale could easily have been set in Pakistan.” Without realizing it at the time, she had made the leap from England, where Pride and Prejudice is set, to Pakistan where she could find her own representation. As Misti P. one of the reviewers in www.netgalley.com wrote, “Unmarriageable is a close re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, but it’s still its own story. The characters’ names made me laugh—Bungles—but there’s enough of the original in them to make them feel like old friends.” Unmarriageable
is
funny
and
brings out the love for family in a time when families are actually bound together at home now that shelter is in place for most of USA. Here is a book to take you to the world of happy imagination where things are predictable (after all we have Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in mind start to finish) and all loose ends tie together. It also gives me a sense of belonging and a good place in English literature. Now when I am imagining the characters with my mind’s eye; they are wearing what I am and joking and talking in a mixture of English and Urdu. Unmarriageable is available on Kindle, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. For more information about the author or her books please visit: http://www.soniahkamal.com/
Quarantine News And Virtual Video Calls In Time Of Covid-19 By Sumaiya Malik Life has surely changed. Shelter is in place in Greater Austin area to combat the pandemic of Covid-19. Suddenly we have a ton of time at home.
One good thing is that people are walking. Here is what happened in my life on the first few days of be-
I see light in upstairs bedrooms behind the blinds as I trudge back right before sunset. Kids are playing in yards in which I have never seen a single soul in 24 years!
School and University students are completing their curriculum online. Adults are staying in as well and are working online.
Quite a few are crossing the roads to be mindful of the social distancing. Practically everyone is smiling. Day 2: We are sick of being at home!
Driving is much less for essentials or medical visits. Most meals are being cooked inhouse although restaurants are open for takeout. Social contacts are really down to minimal.
ALL the neighbors and their kids. It’s delightful!
We have played cards, Scrabble, been on the computers... I decide to start doing FaceTime social calls.
ing at home. Day 1: My neighborhood walk/ hike up is suddenly invaded by
The kids are excited. Amil is happily cooking and wants to use the opportunity to clean the garage. Everyone else is horrified!
Day 3: we are all efficient. Taking Mayor Adler’s advice, we decide to do a takeout.
These become a temporary substitute for in-person plans. The idea gains momentum.
Amil and Sameer run to the car and gladly go to pick up the order!
I give my friends a heads up through text, we set a time and chat for few minutes.
I decide to gather cilantro from our yard while doing FaceTime to my mother and make chatni. Day 4: I start an oil painting. Sameer is cleaning the car from inside. Amil is again cooking. And now fast forward… FaceTime Social calls take off! Idea of video calls starts spreading in friends.
It’s fun. My close friends get to see me in my hiking gear, cleaning the fridge, having tea, chatting with kids and love the informality. It’s much more personal than being all dressed up for a formal dinner. Looking on the bright side and trying to be positive helps!
MEN CAN COOK! Info@Austin SouthAsian.com
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
8 Tips For Avoiding Credit Card Debt Americans’ credit card debt totaled $930 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, a $46 billion increase over the third quarter, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
credit cards than you can pay off at the end of every month. 2. Remember that your credit limit
swiped. These alerts will help you monitor how frequently you use your card and remind you that, while not immediate, money is be-
At the same time, the proportion of borrowers whose credit card payments were 90 days late or later increased to the highest percentage recorded in almost eight years. Credit cards come with a certain amount of risk, and growing debt can cause problems ranging from stress and depression to a poor credit score and reduced retirement savings. But when used wisely, credit cards can be a helpful tool for managing personal finances and building credit. Here are eight tips for staying out of credit card trouble: 1. Create and stick to a budget. This will help ensure you are not spending more money on your
your credit score.
gency.
5. Set up automatic credit card payments from your bank account so you’ll never be late. If you’re not sure you’ll always have enough to pay in full, set an automatic payment for the minimum amount due, which will also remind you to pay the bill in total.
7. Delete your saved credit card information from accounts with merchants such as iTunes or Amazon. Taking the time to enter payment information manually means more time to consider a purchase before completing your order, which can reduce the likelihood of overspending.
You might even consider paying your bill every two weeks to keep closer tabs on your spending.
is not money in the bank. When you pay with a card, you must have money available elsewhere to pay for the purchase. 3. Sign up to receive text alerts whenever your credit card is
ing spent. 4. Keep your credit card bills organized, be aware of payment due dates and maintain regular payment schedules to avoid ballooning debt, and protect or even improve
6. If you need help minimizing your credit card use, consider contacting a credit bureau to freeze your credit. You can even freeze your credit via smartphone apps. You can always deactivate the freeze when you truly need to use credit for a big purchase or in an emer-
8. Consider keeping your credit cards in a secure location that is not your wallet. If you do not carry your credit cards around with you, you are less likely to use them. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can help you manage your spending without accumulating credit card debt. To find a CFP professional near you, visit www.letsmakeaplan.org. By sticking with a budget and staying on top of bill payments, you can avoid the stress and financial consequences of credit card debt. (StatePoint)
3 Things To Know About 401(k)s In 2020 Workplace retirement plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s and 457 plans, provide an important longterm savings tool for many Americans. About 55 percent of U.S. workers across public and private sectors participated in workplace retirement plans in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Internal Revenue Service annually updates contribution limits and rules for 401(k)s and other workplace retirement plans, and its 2020 revision included several important changes. Here is what to know: • As of January 1, 2020, employees can make elective, pre-tax or Roth contributions up to $19,500 to their own workplace retirement accounts (up from $19,000 in 2019). • Individuals who are at least age 50 in 2020 may set aside an ex-
tra $6,500 in the form of pre-tax or Roth contributions (up from $6,000 in 2019) within their workplace retirement accounts. This is often referred to as a “catchup contribution.” • The total amount (both employee and employer contributions) that can be contributed to a workplace retirement plan in 2020 cannot exceed $57,000. For employees who are eligible to make catch-up contributions, the limit is adjusted up to $63,500. Rollovers, if permitted by a workplace retirement plan, are not subject to these contribution limits. In conjunction with these new rules, financial experts say there are some distinctive opportunities for 401(k) participants to make the most of their savings plan this year. Here are three strategies to
consider: 1. Do not leave money on the table. According to a Financial En-
gines report, nearly one out of four American workers miss out on their full 401(k) matching opportunity -- an average of $1,336 per person -- each year because they do not contribute enough to the plan.
2. Get extra credit for your plan contributions. The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (also known as the Saver’s Credit) is a tax break for individuals with modest incomes who contribute to a retirement account. In 2020, the credit will be worth up to 50 percent of the first $2,000 saved for retirement. 3. Know your own number. While it is a good rule-of-thumb to replace 60 to 80 percent of your work pay in retirement, what is the real amount that will meet your specific needs? To what extent will your plan contributions in 2020 sup-
port your personal retirement goal? Having a defined retirement goal helps shape your overall plan. A Certified Financial Planner can help you learn more about the new 401(k) contribution limits and understand how they fit into your own financial plan. You can find a CFP professional near you by visiting www.letsmakeaplan.org. Your workplace benefits specialist or retirement plan provider can also provide more information about the contribution and investment options available to help you maximize your plan. Staying on top of the year-to-year rule changes related to retirement plan contribution limits can help you to ensure you maximize your savings and meet your retirement goals. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Kids Corner
Broken
By Harshitha Yalamanchili
Vasundhara Varadarajan
I smiled for the world to see I wanted to show the world my light But they didn’t like it They tried to break me They laughed at my light and broke my heart Because… how can someone do something so broken So broken that they laughed at me My light, the very description of me It’s funny how the world shows so much love for one and so much hate for another That is broken It’s broken how others lights must dim to fit society, to fit perfection It is broken how so many lives blink away because they didn’t matter It is broken how someone gives only kindness and receives so much hate It is broken that they tried to break me But I will not break I will gather everything that shattered and build an armour They can tear down every wall and I will relentlessly build another For every knife that they throw at me, I will throw ten back Because not all things can be broken
The Adventures Of Randy & Square Kid
Abhiveer Annoji
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
5 Interesting Things You May Not Know About The Peace Corps
A lot has changed about the world since the Peace Corps was founded nearly six decades ago, but its mission remains the same: to promote world peace and friendship between Americans and people around the world.
months of in-country training. They live and work alongside the people they serve, collaborating
apply to serve, and many choose to serve where their skills are needed most.
Established 59 years ago, the agency and former volunteers nationwide recently celebrated its anniversary.
Here are five interesting facts you may not know about serving in the Peace Corps: • The majority of volunteers serve for two years following three
• Volunteers receive housing and a stipend that allows them to live similarly to the people in their community. Upon completion of service, returnees can access career, educational and other exclusive benefits. • Volunteers return home as global citizens with unique cross-cultural perspectives, as well as leadership, language, teaching and community development skills that provide a competitive edge in today’s global economy.
The agency says that for those looking to positively impact lives in a meaningful way, volunteering can be an exciting and challenging adventure that opens new doors. “Serving with this agency is an opportunity for Americans to develop the skills they need in a global world,” says Peace Corps director, Jody K. Olsen.
rently serving in over 60 countries.
with local governments, schools, small businesses and entrepreneurs to create sustainable, communitybased projects that address local development priorities in the agriculture, community development, education, environment, health and youth development sectors. Volunteers are free to choose where they
• The Peace Corps was founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. To-date, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 142 host countries all across the world, including in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Volunteers are cur-
“The domestic dividend of Peace Corps service cannot be overstated,” says Olsen. “Across the U.S., communities continue to experience the benefits of volunteers returning home with new skills and perspectives.” To that end, volunteers come from all over the U.S., and according to its 2019 rankings, D.C. produced the largest number of volunteers per capita last year, with California
producing the largest volume of volunteers. • Peace Corps service can be the first step toward a career or the continuation of a life’s work. While the average age volunteer is 26, 3.2 percent of volunteers are over the age of 50. There are even positions to which couples can apply to together. In addition to the standard volunteer program, specialized, high-impact, short-term assignments lasting three to 12 months exist for seasoned experts to use their skills to help communities abroad. To connect with a recruiter and find out more about openings, visit PeaceCorps.gov. Volunteering abroad can be a lifechanging journey, whether you are looking for an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture or tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. (StatePoint)
Managing Screen Time While Kids Are Home From School With many kids out of school and spending more time at home, finding ways to fill the time is essential. As most parents know, it can be tempting to allow children to pass some of the extra hours using digital devices, however, research shows that managing screen time is vital for developing minds. When used in moderation and under parental supervision, devices of course can be incredibly powerful learning and communication tools, and in many cases, they will be vital to kids’ continued academic progress while campuses are closed. However, people aren’t meant to spend all their time in front of screens, especially kids. Excessive screen time can lead to: • Impaired mental and physical well-being. • A loss of quality sleep. • Impeded impulse control -- for
kids, impulse control is already hard enough!
• Talk. Be extra proactive about starting conversations with your
• Use tech tools. Every parent knows the struggle of limiting de-
• Poor communication skills (nonverbal cues are learned in faceto-face interaction, not through device-to-device communication).
Customizable, flexible and easy to use, it’s great for setting bedtime schedules, ensuring devices are being used safely and properly, and enjoying ping-free family meals.
• Addictive behaviors, and even violent tendencies.
It works on Wi-Fi and all cellular connections, meaning you can manage access all the time. To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com.
• Vision problems. • An increased risk of obesity. With all that said, here are a few ways to manage your children’s screen time: • Create a routine. Post a schedule each morning in a place that’s easy for kids to see. Include such items as doing chores, reading books, practicing an instrument, creating artwork, playing in the backyard and any other activity that will help ensure chunks of the day are spent away from screens doing something productive.
them remotely through at-a-touch blocking or automated schedules.
kids. Check in with them about progress on assigned homework. Ask them how they are feeling. Children are used to being surrounded by fellow students and teachers all day, so be sure to give them opportunities to practice social skills.
vice use. But new tech tools can help you make rules that stick. One such tool is a parental control app called OurPact. To start, parents sign up for a free account. After pairing their child’s devices, they’re able to manage
You may be spending more time together as a family these days, which makes this a key opportunity to be a good role model when it comes to proper device use. For example, if you don’t want your child to use their device in the middle of dinner, hold yourself to the same rule. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
How To Extend The Life Of Your Used Car
Nearly 70 percent of all car sales are used vehicles, thanks to the rising costs of new cars and the increasing quality of their used counterparts.
mendations of the manufacturer.
tenance.
• Caring for a vehicle is similar to caring for oneself -- take preven-
Warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated for a reason. Un-
While buying a previously owned vehicle makes the best financial sense in a lot of cases, experts say there are some things to keep in mind.
• Follow the maintenance recom-
This certification can make a big difference when it comes to quality repairs and maintenance. • Complete as-needed or at a minimum, an annual inspection, on the vehicle.
“To keep everyone on the road safe and protect your purchase, all drivers need to stay up-to-date on car maintenance,” says Doug Turner, director of service operations at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships. “This is especially true for those with used cars.” April is National Car Care Month and to help you extend the life of your used car, the automotive experts at Byrider are offering the following tips:
• Use a trusted repair service that hires Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians.
Keep in mind that different seasons of the year require different inspections and repairs. • Use quality parts. • Fill your vehicle with the proper gas. Use premium if the vehicle manufacturer suggests it. tative steps to help keep your car healthy.
derstand what they mean and address them as-needed.
Pay special attention to issues, noises or warning signs that could indicate your vehicle needs main-
• Prevent rust and other issues by keeping the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean.
• Regular oil changes will keep your car running as smoothly as possible. Be sure to use the proper oil per the manufacturer recommendations. • When buying a vehicle, stick to
retail dealers that put cars through a detailed inspection process. This will help to ensure a given vehicle’s safety and reliability. At the same time, consider dealers with an attached service department. “Your relationship with the dealership shouldn’t end once you drive the car off the lot,” adds Turner. In the case of Byrider, every car sold comes with a warranty or optional service agreement, as well as discounted parts, labor and service. To learn more, visit byrider.com. A used vehicle can be a great investment. Extend the life of your car and stay safer on the roads by making smart purchasing decisions and taking a proactive approach to maintenance. (StatePoint)
Top Ways To Lighten Up Your Home Workspace Many people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive.
ing light is a basic technique that should be used in every room, but especially home offices.
Select a location with a good source of ambient light. Natural light is ideal: it diffuses throughout the space, bouncing off walls and ceilings to cut down on glare that can reflect on the computer monitor and the shiny desk surface.
“No matter which room becomes your workspace, proper lighting plays a key role in avoiding fatigue, eye strain and other discomforts,” said Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications, Progress Lighting. Begin by defining your workspace. Setting up on the kitchen or dining table can work -- temporarily. The upside is that it’s quick and easy. But these rooms are typically hightraffic areas, leading to distractions. Plus, you might have to pack up work at mealtimes. Instead, repurpose a small table and chair and place it in an out-of-the-way spot, such as a stairwell or bedroom corner. Next, think about lighting. Layer-
consider: ambient or general light, task lighting and decorative or accent lighting.”
“Balance the lighting for different times of day. Natural light for day, layered light for afternoon and task lighting at night,” recommends Piper Stromatt, lead designer and partner for Curate Custom Homes. “There are three layers of light to
“When selecting ambient light sources, the goal is to illuminate the entire space without creating undue glare and contrast, which can lead to headaches and eye strain,” says Kis. “If possible, avoid using overhead ceiling fixtures as the primary source of lighting. If that’s the only option, use a dimmer switch to vary light levels as needed.” Positioning your workspace cor-
rectly also helps. For rooms with natural light, place your desk perpendicular to the window, ideally facing north or south so that sunlight doesn’t cast shadows at certain times of the day. If an overhead fixture is the only light source, situate your workstation so that the light shines from behind it. “Make sure your home office suits your performance under particular lighting conditions,” says Stromatt, who recommends the following tips: • Don’t set your monitor in front of the window; the bright background light shining behind the screen causes eye strain. • Place your chair at least arm’s length from the screen so that it can be seen without reading glasses or squinting. • Add LED tape lighting behind your monitor or under a desk for diffused light.
• Use solar shades to soften lighting and lessen heat. After setting up a glare-free workstation, add task lighting. Use dedicated light sources such as desk lamps for tasks like paperwork and filing. Place direct task lights on the opposite side of the hand you write with to avoid casting shadows onto your work. Finally, add accent lighting for visual appeal. Frame your workspace with desk lamps or install a permanent fixture on a dimmer switch, such as a pendant hung directly over the desk. Wall sconces can throw light on decorative objects in the room. For more home tips and lighting inspiration, visit Progress Lighting at www.progressltg.com/shop. Lighting can make or break a home office. Be sure to set yourself up for maximum productivity and comfort. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
India Will Be Under Complete Lockdown For 21 Days: Narendra Modi (Continued From Page 01) In his second address to the nation on the Covid-19 outbreak, Modi told people to stay inside their homes for 21 days, warning that if they didn’t do so the country would be set back 21 years and families would be destroyed. His last address was on the outbreak was on March 19.
provide all necessary support and services that the government may require.”
save lives. “I fold my hands to say — please stay where you are,” the PM said.
The PM’s move extended a lockdown that had been imposed until March 31 by most states to April
“All leading expertssay21days isthe minimum we require to break the coronavirus transmission cycle.
“This is like a curfew, and far stricter than the ‘Janata Curfew’ (on March 22),” the PM said. “Seeing the present conditions, this lockdown will be for 21 days.
“Some are under the misconception that social distancing is only for the ill or a patient,” he said.
Modi later issued an appeal to the public to desist from panic buying as people began crowding markets to stock up before the midnight deadline.
14 and across the entire nation as India’s Covid-19 infection count rose to 536 on Tuesday from 471 the day before, while the death count rose to10 from nine.
The government also issued a notification that said all essential services will remain open, as before, and all essential commodities and medicines would be available.
Health ministry figures showed 39 of these patients have been cured and discharged. Government officials described this as a positive development.
Banks, ATMs, petrol pumps, hospitals and grocery shops will continue to function. However, all transport services — air, rail and roadways — will remain suspended until April 14.
NEED FOR UNIFORMITY
TOUGH TIMES
The latest move came as the Centre felt the need for uniformity across all states and invoked powers under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, to enforce the countrywide lockdown.
Modi conceded that these are tough times for the poor and said 21 days was a long time, but the coronavirus “spreads like fire”.
Corporate India welcomed the lockdown. “These are tough decisions, but they need to be taken to ensure that we can fight Covid-19,” Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran told ET NOW. Hero MotoCorp chairman Pawan Munjal said, “The Prime Minister has made the right decision... We are in complete solidarity with the PM and commit ourselves to
“There is no other solution or way. If we do not enforce this lockdown and continue to be negligent, the country will have to pay a very big price — it is not even possible to estimate what that price may be.” The PM warned social distancing was a must for all, even for those without symptoms.
This is to save India, save each citizen and save your family. Do not step outside your house. For 21 days, forget what is stepping outside. There is a Lakshman Rekha on your doorstep. Even one step outside your house will bring the coronavirus inside your house.”
India Inc Welcomes Move All government and private offices will remain closed, with the exception of those involved in essential services.
of the past two monthsshowsthatthecoronaviruscan be fought effectively only one way — by social distancing and staying inside your house,” he said.
Positive cases in Kerala and Maharashtra, whichlead in the number of infections, roseto 95 and 89, respectively. With infection numbers rising, there was a need to enhance surveillance and contact-tracing efforts in order to break the chain of transmission, Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba wrote to all states on Tuesday. The Prime Minister said the lockdown will come at an “economic cost”, but his top priority was to
If we are not able to handle these 21 days, the country and your family will go back 21years and many families will be destroyed. I am saying this not as the Prime Minister but as your family member.” The PM said: “Jaan hai to jahan hai.”
He cited WHO data on the accelerating pace of the outbreak — it took 67 days to reach 100,000 infections, and another 11days to reach 200,000, but just four days to hit 300,000, he said. He referred to the experience of several countries and said even developed nations with the best medical infrastructure had not been able to slow down the spread. He said the only “ray of hope” was the example of some that had managed to slow its spread by strictly implementing a lockdown. “In all these countries, an analysis
“Experts say that if today any person has coronavirus, then his symptoms can emerge after many days. So he or she can unknowingly infect many others who come in contact with him.” The PM spoke of the Rs 15,000 crore provision made for coronavirus testing facilities, personal protective equipment, beds, ventilators and other infrastructure. “I have asked states that first priority should be health care. I am satisfied that our private sector is also standing with country — both private hospitals and labs,” he said. “Also, don’t listen to rumours as they spread fast. Save yourself from superstition and do not take any medicine without a doctor’s advice. Your mistake can put your life in more danger.” LOCKDOWN STRICTLY IMPLEMENTED Lockdown measures already in force across the country began to be strictly implemented on 24th March , with about 350 cases registered in Uttar Pradesh so far, 232 in Punjab and 112 in Mumbai against violators. Delhi Police also cleared the 100-day-old Shaheen Bagh protest site in Delhi after strict instructionstoenforce instructionstoenforce the lockdown were issued.
The PM said the central and state governments along with institutions and individuals are striving to reduce the problems of the poor. Reasons behind central government’s decision on a nationwide lockdown 1. The COVID-19 epidemic has affected many countries and the World Health Organisation has declared it ‘Pandemic’. 2. Government of India (GOI) has been taking several proactive preventive and mitigating measures starting with progressive tightening of international travel, issue of advisories for the members of the public, setting up quarantine facilities, contact tracing of persons infected by the virus and various social distancing measures. Several advisories have been issued to States and Union Territories (UTs) for taking necessary measures to contain the spread of this virus. Government have temporarily suspended metro and rail services as well as domestic air traffic. 3. The situation has been continuously reviewed at the level of Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Hon’ble Prime Minister has addressed the Nation on the need for preventive measures and has also held meeting with all the Chief Ministers through video conference. 4. Experts, keeping in view the global experiences of countries which have been successful in containing the spread of COVID-19 unlike some others where thousands of people died, have recommended that effective measures for social distancing should be taken to contain the spread of this pandemic. (Courtesy: https://economictimes. indiatimes.com/)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
3 Expert Pay Negotiation Tips For Women
As advocates continue to put gender equity under a microscope and some progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go. The income gap between men and women has yet to be closed, and while employers have a huge role to play in creating a level playing field, many women could advocate for themselves more effectively during salary negotiations.
have a tendency to both underestimate their value and avoid assertiveness (an essential skill for negotiating). These factors make negotiating more difficult, but no
1. Know your value. Seventyfour percent of millennials expect a pay raise every year in order to stay at their companies, versus 62 percent of boomers and 66 percent
Asking for more money can be stressful, particularly for women. Research has shown that women
Take inventory of your achievements, new skills and contributions that demonstrate your value, and be prepared to showcase those once negotiations start. 2. Know your market. Sixty percent of all workers surveyed wish their employers would publish salary or pay ranges for what each role earns across the company.
A recent Randstad US survey found that 60 percent of women have never negotiated their pay. Additionally, roughly half of the women surveyed (51 percent) also said they’re more likely to leave a job because they’re underpaid, rather than ask their manager for a raise.
the same!
Even if your company doesn’t do this, you’ll still want to familiarize yourself with the going pay rates in your industry. There are plenty of resources online (including Randstad’s comprehensive salary guide) to help with your research. less important -- which is why you should be extra prepared. According to the experts at Randstad US, here’s how:
of all workers. It appears younger generations know their value and aren’t shy about asking for fair compensation when it counts most -- during salary negotiations. Do
3. Know when to speak up. Be proactive. If you didn’t receive a raise in your last performance review or if you don’t have formal performance reviews, consider schedul-
ing a meeting with your supervisor to talk about your performance and compensation. Of course, if the company has been cutting budgets or is struggling to meet its business goals, it’s probably best to wait to ask for a raise. Instead, use this time to ask your manager for feedback: What are you doing well? How would they like to see you improve? Show your manager that you want to do your job better, and then go make it happen. Then, revisit that pay conversation a few months later. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is advocate for yourself. For your employer, it’s all about the return on investment, and if you can make a solid case, most employers are willing to negotiate rather than lose you to one of their competitors. (StatePoint)
Tips To Weather Seasonal Joint Pain
Do April showers bring May flowers or just a lot of aches and pains? While research on how weather affects a person’s pain levels is inconclusive, many people swear that the pain in their joints or ache “in their bones” can predict rainy or chilly weather ahead. The general theory is that this is caused by changes in temperature and barometric pressure.
Redcross recommends the following simple measures, which may help you find relief: • Keep Moving: Inclement weather
crease the intensity of physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardiovascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result. Work with
As a first-line therapy, consider using an unscented, non-greasy topical treatment like Boiron Arnicare Gel for muscle pain, stiffness and swelling from injuries and bruises.
“Sometimes joint pain can occur in flares that your body can predict: a change of weather in a usually dry climate, a change of temperature or staying in contact with water for too long,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor” and founder of Redcross Concierge. “Particularly as we age, pain tends to sneak in, so managing it is a useful skill to acquire. However, it’s not just about taking a pill to numb the pain and hoping for as few side effects as possible.” If a chill in the air or damp, humid temps bring you discomfort, Dr.
liever. Arnica montana, a type of mountain daisy, has been used for centuries for natural pain relief and is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines worldwide.
More information can be found at Arnicare.com. Claims for Arnicare are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. They are not FDA
evaluated.
• Spice it Up: Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper all have antiinflammatory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to an energy-boosting diet by giving your foods a low-calorie kick with spices, roots and herbs. Don’t let the weather get the best of you this spring. With a few key strategies, you can better manage weather-related joint pain, rain or shine. (StatePoint)
CHILDREN ARTICLES can keep us sedentary. When you reduce your movement or don’t get out as much, pain can increase. Don’t let potential aches and pains stop you from regular activity. The sooner you start moving, the better you will feel. • Know Your Limits: Don’t in-
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a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, and create a custom workout program accordingly.
Articles To See It In Print
• Relieve Pain Naturally: The next time you experience pain, avoid popping a conventional pain re-
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Fun Outdoor Activities For The Family This Spring
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and you’re probably ready to get outside. Spring offers new opportunities for outdoor fun for the entire family. In fact, it is the perfect time to create a bucket list of warm weather activities for the season ahead.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoes for a laid-back style that will effortlessly take you from one family activity to the next. Ride a Bike
Take a bike ride to explore your neighborhood or local trails from a new perspective. Sunshine and exercise are sure to put an end to any lingering winter blues.
Shoes to try: An all-white Adidas sneaker is a functional and ontrend choice to top off your athleisure ensemble this spring. Root for the Home Team Whether you’re a die-hard fan of your local team or just there for some outdoor fun, round up the family and check out a local sporting event. Revered as “America’s favorite pastime,” baseball kicks off in the spring and is always a good source of family-friendly entertainment.
Here are a few ideas to get your list started and help you dress the part: Visit a Playground Between busy schedules and extracurricular activities, it’s important to enjoy some quality family time and some fresh air, and a quick trip to your local playground at a favorite park is the perfect place for it.
Shoes to try: For observers, the options are endless -- and you can’t go wrong with a fun pair of checkboard Vans or brightly colored Crocs, which are available in men’s, women’s and children’s
Shoes to try: Throw on a pair of
sizing. “A day of family fun shouldn’t include multiple wardrobe changes,” says Laryssa Grant, women’s buyer for national family footwear retailer Rack Room Shoes. “Brands have made sure that staying ontrend and comfortable throughout the day is as easy as ever with a variety of fun styles available this spring.” For a one-stop-shopping experience and shoe trends for the family, visit Rack Room Shoes in-store or online at RackRoomShoes.com. With the right gear and an actionpacked bucket list, you can get a jump-start on your spring in style. (StatePoint)
Teachers And Students Find Purpose Through Leadership Programs Many teachers are drawn to education for the opportunity to make a difference in their students’ lives. However, when faced with guiding students through trying times in order to meet their big goals, teachers need resources that strengthen social and emotional skills.
teachers can have equally transformative experiences. When Silverman and her students formed the “PC Hunger Fighters”
The student knew this man. I remember sitting on the bench next to my school garden and crying. I cried so hard. I had no idea what to do, or what to tell the kids.”
Their efforts were awarded as one of the grand prize-winning teams, earning a $10,000 grant, though their participation was a reward in and of itself because of the leadership skills they mastered. This is just one of the hundreds of stories unfolding nationwide.
At Port Chester Middle School in Port Chester, NY, teacher Allison Silverman faced this very challenge and used the lessons in the Lead4Change program to be successful. Lead4Change is a free student leadership curriculum offering the chance to submit a student-led service learning project for a grant of up to $10,000. Its series of leadership lessons provides opportunities for strong student engagement through collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflection. Such programs offer students numerous benefits. An independent research study found that participating in Lead4Change caused significant growth in areas such as leadership skills (60 percent of students improved), respect for others (54 percent) and ambition and innovation (53 percent). However,
stead met in the boardroom with the kids. For three hours, we talked about injustices and inequalities, pledging to continue to work together to fight these things and make a real difference. We realized our project was important,” says Silverman.
team, her students studied the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and together, came to consensus on creating a vertical garden using upcycled materials, aiming to help the 200,000 food insecure individuals in their county. Then, Silverman heard from a student participating in the program. “I received a very desperate call from one of our students,” she recalls. “There had been a shooting the night before and a 26-year-old Port Chester resident was killed.
“I thought about how insignificant our ‘little gardens’ would be alongside challenges like poverty and violence,” Silverman says. The students coped with the tragedy by using the Lead4Change’s lessons in communication, overcoming barriers and working as a team. They knew more could be done because of what they’d practiced. “I cancelled our celebration scheduled for the following day and in-
“The Lead4Change experience was as valuable to me as it was for the students,” shares Thomas Loner, a teacher from South Carolina-located Bates Middle school, whose “Bates’ Bodacious Bantams” student team helped a local homeless shelter by collecting sup-
plies. “This program forced me to give up ‘control’ of my classroom and let students become leaders.” Teacher Holly Hartman in Lebanon, PA continues to experience the program’s benefits after years of participation. “This journey not only helps my students grow, but somehow also manages to help me become a bit wiser with each experience,” she says. For more information about the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program, visit lead4change.org. Leadership curriculum will not only prepare students for a future of increasingly complex social issues, but also serve as a catalyst for helping teachers and students alike find purpose and meaning. (StatePoint)
CHILDREN ARTICLES
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
This Pi Day, Make Math Fun For Kids Pi Day, is not only an annual opportunity to celebrate math, it’s also a day to honor the renowned scientist and mathematician, Albert Einstein, born on March 14. Here are some great ways your family can make math fun this Pi Day:
by baking a pie and carving the
symbol for pi into your creation.
This is also a great opportunity to calculate fractions, angles, percentages and areas!
from Casio, to study up on several more of pi’s digits and practice using its value in equations.
• Learn the meaning of pi:
• Learn more about Einstein: There are many terrific biographies for all reading levels available, as well as documentaries and biopics that can help your family learn more about the life and work of the legendary Albert Einstein.
A very special number, pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, making its value essential for those studying geometry. It’s also an “irrational number,” meaning it’s exact value can’t be expressed as a fraction.
• Visit a math museum: Take the kids to a hands-on math museum featuring fun interactive exhibits, events, puzzles, games and more that bring math to life.
While scientists have calculated trillions of digits of pi, you are likely familiar with the first few -- 3.14. Use a high-quality graphing or scientific calculator, such as those
• Bake a ‘pi’: Bake a pi-themed pi. Whether you love cherry, chocolate or lemon meringue, you can honor the day
Math may sometimes get a reputation for being one of the tougher school subjects, but it can also be a lot of fun. Let this Pi Day be an opportunity to show your kids that math is something to celebrate. (StatePoint)
Are Those Eco-Friendly Product Labels Telling The Truth? When you see a product labeled “eco-friendly,” or “environmentally sustainable,” it can be tempting to take this at face-value and feel good about your purchase. However, a new report shows that while many major companies are making claims that they are tackling the plastic pollution crisis, there are reasons to be skeptical. The report, “Throwing Away the Future: How Companies Still Have It Wrong on Plastic Pollution ‘Solutions’,” from Greenpeace USA, warns consumers that many solutions announced by companies to tackle the plastic pollution crisis -- such as switching to paper or ‘bioplastics,’ or embracing chemical recycling -- are not only failing to move us away from single-use packaging, but are diverting attention away from efforts to refill and reuse. “Despite increasing scientific understanding of the irreversible damage plastic can cause to our environment and communities, plastic production is projected to increase dramatically in the coming years,” says Ivy Schlegel, Greenpeace USA senior research specialist, who authored the report. “Corporations are scrambling to look greener by promoting what
they are calling ‘sustainable alternatives.’ But these so-called solutions are actually false promises that put unacceptable pressures on natural resources. To solve the plastic pollution crisis, companies need to rethink how
production and burning is projected to emit the carbon equivalent of 189 coal-fired power plants, according to the Center for International Environmental Law. And it is estimated that by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste in natural environments.
ing reusable and refillable containers. • Demand that corporations take action to end the plastic pollution crisis. One easy way to do that is by signing Greenpeace’s international petition at Greenpeace.org.
As more companies claim to go green, you can take action by thinking critically about claims made on product labels, and by looking for solutions that eliminate single-use packaging and plastic. (StatePoint)
Austin South Asian
Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar info@austinsouthasian.com I ©All rights reserved. products are delivered to consumers and invest instead in reusable and refillable delivery systems.” While many companies have signaled their intent to make packaging more recyclable, reusable, compostable or from recycled content, the latest figures show they are aiming to continue, and even increase disposable packaging. By the end of 2019, global plastic
While the biggest change will need to come at the corporate level, the experts at Greenpeace say that individuals can get involved in the following ways:
No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher.
• Be wary of vague marketing terms and sustainability language. Just because a label claims to be good for the environment, doesn’t make it true.
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Pass The Message: Five Steps To Kicking Out Coronavirus
(Continued From Page 01) “FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino have been actively involved in passing the message against this pandemic since the very beginning,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the virtual launch of the campaign at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. “Be it through campaigns or funding, FIFA has stood up to the coronavirus, and I am delighted that world football is supporting WHO to kick out the coronavirus. I have no doubt with this type of support that together we will win.” “We need teamwork to combat the coronavirus,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “FIFA has teamed up with WHO because health comes first.
damel Falcao (COL), Laura Georges (FRA), Valeri Karpin (RUS), Miroslav Klose (GER), Philipp Lahm (GER), Gary Lineker (ENG), Carli Lloyd (USA), Lionel Messi (ARG), Mido (EGY), Michael Owen (ENG), Park Ji-sung (KOR) , Carles Puyol (ESP), Célia Šašić (GER), Asako Takakura (JPN), Yaya Touré (CIV), Juan Sebastián Verón (ARG), Sun Wen (CHN) and Xavi Hernández (ESP). A video campaign, which will be published on player and FIFA digital channels, is also being provided as individual localized files to the 211 FIFA member associations and media agencies, together with a graphics toolkit for implementation on social media to further pass the message. Hands:
times. “Please follow all instructions provided by your local health authorities.” If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Keep informed as local health authorities provide the latest information on the situation in your area.
two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner from the United States. “Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands.” Droplets spread the coronavirus. By following respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from contracting viruses, such as cold, flu and coronavirus. Face:
body, making you feel unwell. Distance: “In terms of social interaction, take a step back,” says Han Duan, who represented China PR 188 times in an international career that spanned 11 years. “Stay at
least one metre distance from others.”
I call upon the football community worldwide to join us in supporting this campaign to pass the message even further. Some of the greatest players to have played the beautiful game have put their names to the campaign and are united in their desire to pass the message to kick out COVID-19.”
“It starts with your hands,” says Alisson Becker, WHO Goodwill ambassador for health promotion, Liverpool FC and Brazil goalkeeper, and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, 2019. “Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution.”
Twenty-eight players are involved in the video campaign, which is being published in 13 languages.
Such frequent washing with soap and water, or preferably with an alcohol-based hand solution, kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is simple, but it is very important.
Sami Al Jaber (KSA), Alisson Becker (BRA), Emre Belözoğlu (TUR), Jared Borgetti (MEX), Gianluigi Buffon (ITA), Iker Casillas (ESP), Sunil Chhetri (IND), Youri Djorkaeff (FRA), Han Duan (CHN), Samuel Eto’o (CMR), Ra-
Elbows: “Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze or cough,” says Carli Lloyd
By maintaining such social distancing, you are helping to avoid “Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering your body,” adds FC Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, The Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2019, and a multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or winner. Hands touch too many surfaces and can quickly pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your face, from where the virus can move inside your
Please follow their specific instructions, and call in advance to allow them to direct you to the appropriate local health facility. This serves to protect you and to help prevent
breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity. Feel – know symptoms:
your
“If you feel unwell, stay home,” concludes Samuel Eto’o, former FC Barcelona and Cameroon striker, who represented his country 114
the spread of virus and other infections. FIFA have also pledged $10 million to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. For more information, please consult @WHO and follow the latest information online.
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Austin South Asian | April 2020 THEME: MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS ACROSS 1. Wire danger 6. Part of a circumference 9. Nashville’s Keith 13. In a cold manner 14. Prefix for something revived 15. Paralyzing disease 16. Mulled wine 17. Egg cells 18. A do-nothing 19. *”Alphabet Series” detective novels author 21. *”It’s close to midnight, and something evil’s lurking in ____ ____” 23. Second mo. 24. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino 25. Not don’ts 28. Popular Japanese soup 30. *Agatha Christie’s famous sleuth 35. Wood sorrels 37. “Through” in text 39. Give sheep a haircut 40. Raise the roof 41. Wall or pedestal support 43. Cogito, ____ sum 44. Drink like a cat, two words 46. Be inclined 47. Commotions 48. Bewitch or beguile 50. Jack and Jill’s water jug 52. Put to work 53. *James Patterson’s “____ the Girls” 55. “Jack and the Beanstalk” Giant’s disapproval 57. *Hitchcock classic 61. *Poe’s “Tales of ____ and Imagination” 65. In the know 66. *Subject of Roswell’s mystery 68. Cocoon dwellers 69. King Julien XIII of “Madagascar,” e.g. 70. Bubble source 71. Possible allergic reaction 72. Gaelic tongue 73. Store posting, for short 74. Oceanic trenches
DOWN 1. Google alternative 2. Maple genus 3. Capital on the Baltic Sea 4. Blindman’s ____ 5. International ____ of Units 6. In a little while, old-fashioned 7. Once around 8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. *The Demon Barber 10. Spanish earthen pot 11. Coffin stand 12. *New ____, setting of “The Alienist” 15. Michelangelo’s famous Vatican statue and others like it, e.g. 20. Death reports, for short 22. Deli offering 24. Baby extractor 25. *Sherlock Holmes creator 26. Continental divide 27. Planktonic tunicate 29. *”Who ____ J.R.?” 31. Actress Perlman 32. “Lost” in Paris 33. Mar-a-___, pl. 34. Having a toothed margin 36. Undesirable location 38. Forearm bone 42. Enlighten 45. Slower 49. Oil drilling apparatus 51. Spoke with a speech defect 54. Make a murmuring sound 56. Chopin’s composition 57. Wide river valley 58. Water carrier 59. L.A. footballers 60. *HBO’s “____ Detective” 61. *Pamela Voorhees and Norma Bates, e.g. 62. D’Artagnan’s sword 63. Stairway alternative 64. Those not opposed 67. *Remus Lupin’s occasional body cover
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
3 Surprising Things That Happen To Women’s Bodies After Giving Birth Along with the joy of bringing a baby into the world, physical changes from pregnancy and postpartum conditions may cause unexpected effects on the body. It’s important to proactively discuss these topics with friends and physicians to stay informed, know you aren’t alone and understand what effective solutions are available.
Commonly referred to as light bladder leakage (LBL), stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine when sudden pressure is placed on the bladder, like when you sneeze, cough, jump or laugh.
GYN. Dr. Shepherd notes that unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and using artificial sweeteners can increase one’s chances of experiencing LBL.
The good news is that it’s usually temporary. Women can protect their hair by being extra gentle with it, particularly when it’s wet and more prone to breakage. Foods rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, biotin, zinc and vitamins B, C and E can also promote strong, healthy hair. Stress Urinary Incontinence
• Try over-the-counter solutions specifically designed to protect against leaks. According to a survey conducted by Poise, 63 percent of women have used a sanitary napkin or period pad to address bladder leaks.
Hair Loss Triggered by a change in estrogen levels, approximately 40 to 50 percent of women experience telogen effluvium -- the excessive shedding of hair that occurs one to five months post-pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
• Early on in your pregnancy, incorporate pelvic floor strengthening exercises into your fitness routine like Pilates, tai chi and Kegels.
These products weren’t designed to absorb moisture from urine and fail to provide LBL protection needed to stay comfortable and confident.
One in three women of all ages experiences LBL, and it’s especially common among women who’ve given birth. “Carrying the weight of a baby in the pelvis and the childbirth process can do quite a number on the pelvic floor and bladder, making it difficult to control urine flow, especially when you’re exerting yourself,” says Poise women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/
Spicy, more acidic foods can also trigger LBL if you already have it. “Knowing how your bladder reacts when you consume various foods can help you identify and avoid triggers,” says Dr. Shepherd. Though common, many women are embarrassed by LBL. However, acknowledging it can help you find solutions. Here are a few to consider:
MARCH 2020 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga
Brands like Poise offer a variety of solutions designed to move with women’s bodies, including pads, ultra-thin pads, liners and microliners, in multiple sizes and absorbency levels. They also have an internal bladder support device called Impressa that’s inserted like a tampon, but instead of absorbing fluids, helps keep your urethra closed, stopping leaks for up to 12 hours a day.
“For my patients with bladder leakage, I always recommend trying Poise before more permanent surgical options are considered,” says Dr. Shepherd. For more information on LBL and to find the right products for you, visit Poise.com. Excess Sweat Many women sweat more, particularly at night, in the first few weeks after giving birth. This is caused by the natural process of your hormones working to rid your body of the excess fluids that supported your pregnancy. To combat this issue, wear loosefitting, light garments and remember to stay hydrated. Caring for a new baby can be overwhelming at first, but it’s important not to ignore your own wellness. Taking good care of yourself will help make your transition into parenthood more comfortable. (StatePoint)
3 Ways to Celebrate International Children’s Book Day April 2 is International Children’s Book Day, an annual celebration of books, children’s literature and reading. Here are three ways to mark the occasion: • Read together: Help make reading a lifelong habit. Spend some quality time reading to young children and have older children read to you. Start a conversation with questions like, “who was your favorite character?” and “how did this story make you feel?” • Spread the love:
Ms. Kalpana
Donate books to an afterschool program, community center or homeless shelter or send an financial donation earmarked for stocking the bookshelves. • Discover new authors: While it’s comforting for children to read their favorite books again and again, there’s an entire world of amazing literature out there. Use the day to discover your family’s new favorite children’s book author. (SPM Wire)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
How You Can Help Protect Wild Birds In Your Yard
You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home.
fauna. Native plant species provide birds with food and places to rest and nest.
As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.
Birds in turn, spread pollen and seeds, while acting as a natural
pesticide.
• Make windows visible:
Speaking of which, gardening organically will also go a long way to protecting the health and safety of feeding birds.
Up to 1 billion birds die annually from striking windows in US, according to the American Bird Conservancy. The good news is that it’s relatively easy and affordable to prevent your home from being part of the problem.
According to Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, makers of bird-friendly products for homes, the following changes are easy to implement in order to create a safe harbor for wild birds:
Special window decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight, a wavelength of light noticeable to birds, have been proven to substantially reduce the likelihood of bird strikes.
• Plant native species: Planting native species on your property is one of the most impactful ways you can improve your local environment, as well as make your lawn and garden a healthy habitat for wild birds and other
Giving the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass but glowing like a stoplight for birds, those from WindowAlert feature a range of decorative patterns.
To boost protection for birds, you can also apply a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid in between decals. More information, as well as useful application tips, can be found by visiting windowalert.com. • Monitor cats: Monitor your cat’s time outdoors to ensure they are not terrorizing or hunting birds. An enclosed play area for your cat is the most effective way to keep birds in your yard safe from your furry companion’s natural instincts. Good deeds start at home. This season, do your part to help migrating bird populations reach their destinations safely. (StatePoint)
Great Ways To Make Education More Affordable
As most parents know, even a free public school education comes with certain expenses that over the course of a school year can really add up.
educators and students, is a tool geared toward K-12 and beyond that exceeds the functionality of a
based platforms and gives users the ability to create folders, organize and share work. To register, or for
While many of these expenditures feel unavoidable, there are certain ways that families can save money on the hidden costs of schooling.
Is your child struggling in one class and excelling in another? Before coughing up the cost of a tutor to get your child up to speed, consider a skill share as a free and friendly alternative.
Encourage your child to team up with that student and become cooperative study buddies. Online Calculators All-in-one web-based mathematics resources can eliminate the expense of a calculator and other math supplies. For example, ClassPad.net, free to
and accomplishments.
From car washes to silent auctions, fundraisers do more than the name implies, building team spirit among participants and community awareness of the club’s goals
With a few tricks and some new tech, your family can save significantly on the cost of school. (StatePoint)
Could My Child’s Epilepsy Be Genetic?
Skill Share
There is likely a student in your child’s class who possesses the opposite strengths and challenges.
and getting everyone involved.
calculator. A user-friendly tool that’s also offering educators an innovative way to share lesson plans, among its many features are a virtual protractor and compass, and a math-based text editor that provides a rich assortment of mathematical templates. This web-based calculator is designed to be equally usable by keyboard and mouse as with touch-
more information, visit ClassPad. net. Organize a Fundraiser From band uniforms to chess club fees, participation in extracurricular and after school activities frequently comes with a price tag. To reduce or eliminate such expenses for not only your child, but for every club or team member, consider spearheading a fundraiser
While there are many different causes of epilepsy -- a brain condition diagnosed when a child has two or more seizures with no known cause -- over half of epilepsy types are linked to genetics. Understanding the cause of your child’s epilepsy matters, as it has the potential to deliver more targeted care. There is now a simple test that screens for potential genetic causes of epilepsy. Talk to your doctor about an epilepsy gene panel. For resources and to learn more about epilepsy gene panel testing, visit canepilepsybegenetic.com. You are your child’s best advocate. Learning more about your child’s epilepsy is the first step in getting appropriate care. (StatePoint)
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Austin South Asian | April 2020
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
who said the Rock was a place of worship for Hindus.
According to local legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kumari performed Tapas in devotion of lord Shiva.
A judicial probe ordered by the Madras (now Tamil Nadu) government stated in unequivocal terms that the rock was Vivekananda Rock, and that the Cross was a trespass.
A meditation hall known as Dhyana Mandapam is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India.
Christians that it was St. Xavier’s Rock. It decreed that although the rock was Vivekananda Rock, there would be no memorial constructed on it.
The then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. Bhaktavatsalam, said that only a tablet declaring that the rock was associated with Swami Vivekananda could be put up, and nothing else.
The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.
With government permission, the tablet was installed on the Rock on 17 January 1963.
In January 1962, on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth centenary, a group of people formed the Kanyakumari Committee whose objective was to put up a memorial on the rock and a pedestrian bridge leading to the rock. Almost simultaneously, the Ramakrishna Mission in Madras planned about this memorial. However, this news was not taken in good taste by a sizable population of the local Catholic fishermen. They put up a big Cross on the Rock, visible from the shore. This led to protests by the Hindu population
Amid all this acrimony, the Cross was removed secretly in the night. The situation turned volatile and the Rock was declared a prohibited area with armed guards patrolling it. The Government realised that the Rock was turning into an area of dispute with Hindus claiming it to be the Vivekananda Rock and
The establishment of Vivekananda Kendra—the Living Memorial alongside the stone structure of the Rock Memorial—was mentioned in 1964. After the groundwork of about nine years, Vivekananda Kendra was officially founded on 7 January 1972 (the 108th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda by the Hindu calendar). On that day, as the sun rose, a saffron flag
AKBAR AND BIRBAL STORIES Who Is the King
Once Birbal was sent as an ambassador to another kingdom.
to one of them and bowed in front of him. It was the King himself, who then was surprised beyond words.
with Om inscribed on it was unfurled on the Vivekananda Rock Memorial to celebrate the founding of the Vivekananda Kendra: a spiritually oriented service mission of nonmonastic order. The tradition of penance was to be continued by young men and women coming as Karyakartas of Vivekananda Kendra to spread the following message of Swami Vivekananda: The twin objectives of Vivekananda Kendra are man-making and nation-building. Shri Eknath Ranade decided that Vivekananda Kendra was to be a cadre-based organisation. Young men and women whose hearts long to serve the nation would be provided the opportunity and the right platform to serve God in man. When Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial was blueprinted, it was modeled by E. Thanumalayan, a student of the S. T. Hindu College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. He modeled it with paraffin wax. The Memorial is the fusion of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu architecture and the design of Ramakrishna Math, Belur, West Bengal. He was deeply appreciated by the then Madras Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam for its aesthetic quality. Vivekananda Mandapam This Mandapam, which is erected in honour of Vivekananda consists of the following sections: Dhyana Mandapam is the meditation Hall with six adjacent rooms.
The King of that kingdom had also heard stories about Birbal’s sharp intellect and wanted to test the same.
He stood up and hugged Birbal and also asked him how he could guess so. Birbal smiled and answered, “My lord, the kind of confidence you exuded, no one else did, and they also kept looking at you for approval”.
- Sabha Mandapam is the Assembly Hall consists Pralima Mandapam (statue section) two rooms, a corridor and an open prakaram(outer courtyard) round the Sabha Mandapam.
The King made all his ministers dress up like him, and they all sat in a line to test Birbal.
The King felt amused and praised Birbal for his unmatched intellect and presence of mind.
- Mukha Mandapam
When Birbal entered the courtroom, he was amazed to see everyone dressed in the same clothes and sitting on a similar kind of throne.
Moral
This is the place where he got his aim of life.
Intelligent people can comprehend a great deal through observation.
* Mata Parvati called him to come there and to know the truth of India i.e., what was the glory of India, reasons for its downfall, and how it can be elevated.
Perplexed, Birbal took a moment to observe everyone and then went up
- Namashtubhyam to the Son of jagadamba
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Stay At home To Combat COVID-19: Suresh Raina
Amid the global health emergency of the coronavirus pandemic, Indian batsman Suresh Raina, who recently became the father for the
organised by the media network NDTV. As part of this campaign, the south-
read, “I love my family. Do you? I am staying home to protect them. Are you? Raina urged the people of India to stay at their homes and help the government maintain a strict lockdown to help combat the spread of the dreaded virus.
Austin South Asian | April 2020
Sonakshi Sinha Is Ready With A Gun During The National Lockdown; Says ‘Galti Se Bhi Bahar Mat Dikhna’ Coronavirus outbreak has brought the whole world to stand still. Everyone has been asked to stay at home to stay safe and avoid infection.
down... galti se bhi bahar mat dikhna (only limited to people i can spot from my window) #StayHomeStaySafe #ChupChaapGharPeBaitho”
On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation where he declared that the country will be under complete lockdown for the next 21 days.
Recently, in an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the actress spoke about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that the entire country will be locked down for the next 21 days starting Wednesday in a bid to fight the dreaded virus which has infected over 4,20,000 people worldwide and claimed over 19,000 lives.
second time, participated in #IStayHome4 campaign on Wednesday
paw posted a picture in which he can be seen holding a poster which
In India, as many as 11 deaths have been reported so far due to coronavirus while hundreds of others continue to battle the infection.
Alia Bhatt Makes Her Debut On Facebook; Shares The Motion Poster Of Her Upcoming Film ‘RRR’ Alia Bhatt has been keeping her fans updated via social media and she has now given them another reason to rejoice while at home as she makes her debut on social net-
Taking to Facebook after Twitter and Instagram, Alia shared the first motion poster of her upcoming film RRR and captioned it as “It’s the power of opposing forces, of fire and water. Here it is, the #RRRMotionPoster - #RiseRoarRevolt https:// youtu.be/BwrZfGq1HlQ Wishing you a happy #GudiPadwa. SS Rajamouli Jr NTR Ram Charan DVV Entertainment RRRMovie Ajay Devgn” Check out the post here:
working site Facebook. Yes, you heard it right, the talented young actress has made her debut on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.
But what has surprised all is that Alia has already reached 1.5 million followers within no time on Facebook. Given her popularity on other social platforms and the love that fans shower on her, this is just the beginning of a new journey for the
‘Raazi’ actress. Meanwhile, on the professional front, Alia had been shooting for her upcoming project ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ which is being helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Apart from that, she has her kitty full with interesting projects like ‘Sadak 2’ and ‘Brahmastra’. (Courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)
Yesterday, actress Sonakshi Sinha shared a picture of herself dressed in all black and holding a gun. She shared a message post PM Modi’s announcement and it was all things funny but informative at the same time. Taking to her social media, Sonakshi wrote, “#NationalLock-
Sonakshi said that she is praying for things to go back to normal so that the losses of technicians and daily wage actors are minimised. “Shooting has been cancelled, and my heart really goes out to our technical staff, daily wage actors and technicians. I am praying for things to go back to normal so that the losses are minimised.”
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27
Chris Hemsworth Makes Workout App Available For Free During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Actor Chris Hemsworth, known for his role as Thor in Marvel Cinematic Universe, is making sure to contribute to get people active and
healthy during the Coronavirus pandemic. He has made his workout app free of cost.
The actor, who is co-founder of the app called Centr, has made sure to new members will access of the app for free for the next six weeks. “You’re probably stuck at home, so I wanted to give everybody full access for free to my fitness app for the next six weeks,” Hemsworth said on Twitter.
Austin South Asian | April 2020
Kanika Kapoor Tests Positive For Coronavirus For The Third Time, Doctors To Continue The Treatment Kanika Kapoor has tested positive for Coronavirus for the third time! The ‘Baby Doll’ singer, who
“Kanika Kapoor has been provided the best that is possible in a hospital.
recently arrived from the UK, is undergoing treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow.
She must co-operate as a patient and not throw tantrums of a star.
“This app was designed to give people an opportunity to access the team that I’ve used over the years that have had a profoundly positive impact on my life. The app provides on the workout regime, nutritional information among others.
Charan To Get What Mahesh Demands? Ram Charan acting alongside Chiranjeevi in Koratala Siva’s directorial ‘Acharya’ is confirmed. Initially it was Superstar Mahesh Babu who was considered for the role.
will be allotting 30 days dates for the movie which eventually make him take Rs 30 crore like that of Mahesh.
but it’s Matinee Entertainment which is taking the entire care of production and remuneration cost. So, it is Matinee who has come forward to pay the staggering remuneration to Charan. Meanwhile, it can be noted that Charan’s Babayi Pawan Kalyan is being paid a whopping Rs 50 Crore for about 15 days for Pink Telugu remake i.e Vakeel Saab.
There came reports that Mahesh has quoted Rs 1 crore per day and his portion of shoot would last for 30 days. This means Mahesh would likely to take home Rs 30 crore for his extended cameo. But after a lot of deliberations, Ram Charan is okayed for this role. As per the reliable sources, Charan is also offered Rs 1 Crore remuneration per day for this movie and
Charan’s mass image after ‘Rangasthalam’ grew significantly and his last outing ‘Vinaya Vidheya Rama’ though tanked at the box office, the film had 70 percent of theatrical returns. This proved that his mass image is intact and for sure it would be advantage for ‘Acharya.’ Konidela Production Company is one of the partners of ‘Acharya’
It’s also buzzed that Chiranjeevi is paid about Rs 50 Crore as his remuneration for Acharya. The makers of Acharya are hoping that the film would cross Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’s Box Office collection and hence they’re confidently offering high remunerations to its cast and crew. One has to wait and watch, what is in store for this film.
On Tuesday, the reports tested positive for the third time after the doctors had conducted the second test on Sunday, March 22. Director Prof R. K. Dhiman of the hospital said that her treatment will be continued until atleast two of the tests show her negative. Recently, the hospital representative released an official statement on Kanika Kapoor’s behavior.
She is being provided a GlutenFree Diet from Hospital Kitchen. She has to co-operate with us,” Dr. R.K. Dhiman, Director, Sanjay Gandhi PGIMS, Lucknow said in an official statement. Meanwhile, Kanika Kapoor’s friend Ojas Desai who stayed with her at Hotel Taj has tested negative of Covid-19. He got himself tested at Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai and even shared the reports on social media.
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Austin South Asian | April 2020