Austin South Asian. January 2021 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 14 No. 01

Boosting Holiday Cheer At Home During A Socially Distant Season Unfortunately, many Americans will be unable to celebrate the

ting into the holiday spirit during this socially distant season.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

• Don’t skip out on the decorations:

Are Calculators Good....02 Millions Of Americans...03 Spark Your Child’s........04 Christmas Price Index...05 Gifting Your Child.........05 Home Or Anywhere......06 Arun’s Scribblings.........06

You may not be hosting any houseguests, gatherings or big meals, but this shouldn’t be the year to skip out on the full-scale decorating you typically enjoy. holidays with their extended family and friends in person this year, making it all the more important to boost holiday cheer at home. Here are few festive ideas for get-

Lights, trees, garlands, stockings and wreaths can evoke favorite memories of past seasons and invite hope for future ones all season long. (Continued On Page 07)

4 Reasons Why Now Is The Best Time Ever To Learn To Play Piano As the weather grows cold and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to

impact communities nationwide, many people are spending more time at home.

If that describes you, and you’re looking for new ways to fill the time and perhaps improve your mood, c o n sider learning to play the piano.

Playing piano may be beneficial to y o u r wellness in a number of key ways. Here are a few insights into why now is the best time ever to learn -- or hone -this skill: (Continued On Page 07)

inside

January 2021

10 most common resolutions that were made in 2019 (as per a study). Eat Healthier Exercise More Save Money or Spend Less. ... Learn Something New. Quit Smoking. Read More.

Makara Sankranti Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the deity Surya (sun). (Continued On Page 10)

Change Jobs. Drink Less. Spend More Time with Family & Friends. Get Organized. Now in 2020 and for the year 2021 you can add new resolutions or edit as you wish.

Republic Day

Republic Day is a national holiday in India.

It honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic. (Continued On Page 18)

February 2021 Legal Special 512-828-6709

Dementia Related.........08 At A Crossroads?..........08 Keep Kids Safe.............09 Need Mortgage Relief...11 Detachment From....13,15 Malik’s Page........10,12,13 Make A Difference........14 Kids Corner.........14,23,25 Picture World Book.......15 Delicious Ideas.............16 A Thousand Questions..17 2020’s Best Holiday Gift17 Healthier Digital Habits.18 Why A Tech Career.......19 Signs of Stroke.............20 4 Ways To Uplift...........21 Dental Visits................23 Make A New Year’s.......24 Resolve To Learn To.....25 Thanking The...............26 Entertainment..............27

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Are Calculators Good Or Bad For Helping Kids Learn Math? If you remember your teachers and parents telling you not to rely too heavily on calculators, you may be inclined to pass on the same mindset to your own children.

miliar to them may help draw them closer to math. • Speed and accuracy: There is no doubt that actually understanding

dent is first grasping basic arithmetic. However, once a student has attained a certain skill or understands the reasons why a particular equation is needed for a given

Here are some of the pros and cons to using calculators to master STEM subjects:

Being able to comfortably use a calculator will give your child a leg up academically. What’s more, kids today are digital natives. Giving them a resource that feels fa-

• Expense and value: Calculators range widely in price, and you may balk at the price tag on some of today’s models. However, there are many highquality options that can be obtained affordably. For the best value, consider a calculator that grows with your student, supporting learning over a number of years and grade levels.

• Adaptation to a Changing World: Tech tools are ever evolving, featuring expanded capabilities with each new update or model. Being able to successfully navigate these tools and platforms over time is critical, and calculators are no exception. In fact, in many math and science classrooms, calculators play a central role in lesson plans and are even allowed to be used during tests.

math and enabling them to quickly check their work.

For example, the graphing calculators from Casio, have all the math-

how calculations are arrived at is fundamental, and this means some initial learning will need to take place calculator-free. This is especially true when a stu-

problem, there is no need to deny them a tool they would have access to “in the real world.” Having a calculator on-hand can help them apply their knowledge, contributing to a broader understanding of

ematical functions a student would need starting in grade school up through college. What’s more, the brand has created an online calculator tool, ClassPad. net, which features the same wide range of functions and can be used for free on any device. Whether your student is working on the basics of addition and subtraction or is tackling integrals and derivatives, a calculator can be a trusty tool that supports their learning and success. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | January 2021

Millions Of Americans Are Facing Hunger This Holiday Season Millions of people nationwide face hunger every holiday season. And this year, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust even more Americans into this vulnerable position.

need for food assistance has in-

More families are accessing food banks than ever before, and many of them for the very first time, which is why it’s really important for everyone to come together to help fight hunger this holiday season,” says Casey Marsh, chief development officer for Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

Before the COVID-19 crisis began, one in nine people, including 10 million children, already lived in a food insecure household. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by both poverty and hunger. For example, one in four Native American and Alaska Natives experience food insecurity. One in five Blacks and one in six Latinos experience food insecurity. As a result of the pandemic, unemployment has soared and the

creased. “Unfortunately

Americans every day of the year, but we know that this holiday season will look much different than last.

hunger

impacts

Fortunately, efforts are being made

to meet the sharp rise in food insecurity. As part of its “Many Hearts, One Community.” holiday campaign, Wells Fargo is fulfilling its commitment to help provide 82 million meals to families in need through the Feeding America network of 200 food banks by yearend. This is a continuation of Wells Fargo’s decade-long relationship with the Feeding America network which, since the start of the pandemic, has included efforts such as turning Wells Fargo corporate properties and branch locations into mobile food distribution centers. Additionally, during this holiday season, grants will be made internationally to food banks operating in Wells Fargo’s global footprint. “It was life-changing,” says Andrea Thomas, a single mother who received food assistance in Mesa, Ariz. “I didn’t have to figure out if I was going to pay for groceries

SHIVA JEWELERS Celebrating Traditions

or pay for rent to keep my household afloat.” So how can you get involved? There are 200 Feeding America member food banks across the country, many of which need volunteers to help pack food boxes, distribute food at drivethrough pantries and more. Feeding America food banks have adjusted their practices to ensure social distancing to keep everyone safe. Contact your local food bank to see how you can help families in need. You can also join the fight to end hunger by making a donation. For more information, visit feedingamerica.org. While the issue of hunger is timely during the holidays, it doesn’t stop once the season is over. Year-round philanthropy, volunteerism and innovative efforts like drive-up food banks, can help meet the needs of families across America. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

How To Spark Your Child’s Interest In The Field Of Education However, a love of learning is fundamental to a career in education. Here are a few ways to cultivate a passion for learning and put this rewarding career path on your child’s radar:

• Make learning fun: You can help make sure that learning never feels like a chore by giving your child the space and tools to explore topics of interest to them.

• Be a good role model: Whether it’s checking out library books and watching documentaries or pursuing an advanced degree, you can serve as role model by demonstrating the ways that learning can and should be a lifelong pursuit. • Be understanding: School is not always going to be easy. Avoid punishments and other negative consequences for less than stellar grades. Such an approach is unlikely going to motivate your child to work harder and may only backfire. Instead, start a conversation and find out what’s going on. There could be a larger issue causing the setback.

For example, if your child wants to learn to

play a musical instrument, check out new tools that make the process fun and easy. For example, the range of keyboards available from Casio have built-in learning tools and also connect to the Chordana Play app, which can help budding m u s i c i a n s quickly take their skills to the next level. With the option to add any MIDI file into the app, your child can select the exact songs they want to learn.

• Encourage peer-to-peer tutoring: Is your child excelling in a particular subject? Encourage them to help out classmates who may be struggling in the same area. Whether they volunteer their time bringing friends up to speed or turn it into a business, this is an excellent way for your child to hone instructional skills. When it comes to math and science, free online resources can help them dial in their own grasp of the material and get started tutoring. sCheck out Casio’s education resource page, which features lesson plans and webinars -useful tools for students and educators of all ages. To access these resources, visit casioeducation.com. Today’s students are tomorrow’s teachers. By instilling a love of learning in your child, you may spark their interest in the field of education. (StatePoint)

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If your child is an effective communicator and a natural born leader, they may have what it takes to be an amazing teacher.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Annual Christmas Price Index Reflects Pandemic’s Economic Impacts

In a year marked by unprecedented shocks to the economy, PNC’s 37th annual Christmas Price Index (CPI) accounts for the pandemic’s impact on the cost of purchasing presents from the classic holiday song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

been cancelled. PNC calculated the 2020 price tag for the PNC Christmas Price Index at just $16,168.10, a considerable decrease of $22,825.45 or -58.5% over last year’s cost, with a third of the items literally not available for purchase this year.

A lighthearted take on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices for goods and services over time, the PNC version applies analysis to procuring “True Love’s” 12 gifts.

“In response to these unusual times, we took a non-traditional view in calculating the Christmas

This year’s index includes adjustments for the reality that many live performances have

Price Index,” said Amanda Agati, chief investment strategist for The PNC Financial Services Group. “The biggest impact has been for live performances, which are mostly unavailable. While some performing arts groups are engaging through virtual presentations, it’s a silent night at most symphonies and the lights have dimmed on many dance companies, as reflected in this year’s significant drop in PNC’s CPI data.” The annual tradition also includes calculating the “True Cost of Christmas,” which is the total cost of items when repeating all the song’s verses.

Purchasing all 364 gifts will require $105,561.80, which means that spreading cheer throughout 2020 costs 38% less than in 2019, given the exclusion of live performances. For the full report, along with lessons consumers can learn from the pandemic’s economic impact, visit, pnc.com. 2020 has been anything but conventional for consumers, the markets and the economy, and this year’s Christmas Price Index most notably highlights the change with a season of silence for many live performers. (StatePoint)

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Gifting Your Child A Mobile Device For The Holidays? What To Know Does your child’s holiday wish-list include a mobile phone or other electronic device? With kids and teens spending more time online than ever these days due to social distancing guidelines and remote-learning, you may feel the time is now to gift them their very own device.

and easily lost. Extend the life of your child’s device by ensuring the gift is accompanied by a protective case and warranty.

However, as a result of all that additional screen time, families should be doubly sure that kids use their devices safely and responsibly. After the holiday gift-giving excitement settles, consider these tips: • Driver’s safety: While no one should ever text and drive, newer drivers need to be especially mindful of the road and the operation of their vehicle. Have a serious discussion about distracted driving. Cell phone usage was responsible for 12 percent of moderate-to-severe crashes of teen drivers studied by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2015.

Talk to your child about what to do if the device gets wet, and have a backup plan for the event that it’s lost and your child needs to reach you. Installing a location monitoring app can help you locate the device in a pinch.

• Extend the device’s life:

• Set ground rules.

Let’s face it, devices are highly breakable

A few ground rules can help ensure your child

uses their new device responsibly. These rules may involve schedules for when the device can be used for purposes unrelated to school, as well as limits on what apps and sites your child can access. Talk to your kids about such topics as healthy digital habits, the need for screenfree time each day, and how and why to report cyberbullying and other inappropriate or abusive online behavior. • Make your rules stick. In so many areas of parenting, creating rules is easier than getting your child to follow them. However, a parental guidance app can

help make your digital rules effective. For example, OurPact allows you to remotely set up automated schedules for when internet, apps and the device itself are unavailable. Features include URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, helping you ensure your ground rules stick and that all the apps installed on your child’s device pass your approval. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com. • Lead the way. Don’t text during dinner. Put your phone away when you are driving. Build goodwill and mutual respect by following the same rules you give your child. If a digital device is in your child’s future this holiday season, be sure that gift comes with the know-how to use it safely and responsibly. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Home -- Or Anywhere But Home -- For The Holidays?

During the holidays, you may be seeking comfort, whether that’s the comfort of home -- or anywhere but home. With travel precautions making possibilities somewhat limited this year, you may not be able to take the exact trip you’ve been dreaming about.

Craving the cuisine of a dream destination? Plan a themed cooking night. If you need a little assistance in expanding your culinary repertoire,

erything. Let your fingers do the walking and immerse yourself in the culture, language, sights and sounds of your favorite destinations.

Travel sites like trivago offer the ability to discover getaways that are still relatively close to home. To get inspired for your next trip,

However, whether or not you leave home this holiday season, you can find the comfort you’re seeking in the following ways:

Looking to conjure the aromas and flavors of your childhood? Connect with family members and ask them for recipes.

There is a whole world out there – whether it’s down the block, a short road trip away or accessed online -- that can be visited safely with proper planning and precautions. (StatePoint)

Children Email Us Your Articles

If you can’t travel this holiday season, you can still take a trip down memory lane and safely relive your favorite trips and activities.

• Home is where the food is.

visit trivago.com. While you’re thinking of that dream trip, you don’t have to stay put.

CHILDREN ARTICLES

• Revisit fond memories.

Unearth your most prized travel mementos, such as pictures, ticket stubs and playbills, and make a scrapbook.

Planning now can make this holiday season seem a little brighter. And if you are not comfortable booking travel too far from home just yet, explore possibilities just a train ride or short drive from your home.

consider a virtual cooking class or meal kit. Or, simply venture out for a meal. • Cultivate culture. Like never before, the world is at our fingertips, from virtual experiences offering never-before-seen access to museums and cultural meccas to classes in literally ev-

• Plan your next trip. Yes, really. Recent data from trivago shows that consumers are already planning for next year’s holiday season, particularly during the week of Christmas.

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CLEANSING Short poem By Arun Sunder Raj

O Idols of Divine, please let’s know where we erred! We bathed you with fresh water, ghee, milk and things good; Applied on you vermilion, ash, and sandal paste ; We decked you with jewels, from your head to the foot. Garlanded with flowers of varied colors bright; Lit Diyas, sticks incense, our piety to express; We offered fruits and dishes, though you never ate; Despite all these from us, what more do you expect? Erring human beings, nothing from you I need; My prescribed basic norms you sincerely abide. Honor the Nature, not taking her for granted. Let live animals and birds, insects too have rights. Do not pollute air, keep clean and neat the rivers. All these are required, you to survive better here. Whatever is provided, with all you must share. Complicate not life, live as simple possible. For living this is the need, but you paid no heed, While fulfilling your desires and limitless greed. Dirty and filth you’ve made, which am forced to get rid; Quite often and thoroughly once in hundred years. This is one of My ways to set the things here straight. It costs human life, hence do not make Me repeat. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

Boosting Holiday Cheer At Home During A Socially Distant Season

(Continued From Page 01) You can even set up a video conference to enjoy the camaraderie of decorating with far-off loved ones. • Deck the halls with music. Add a digital piano to your holiday-scape to help elevate the mood with Christmas carols and other seasonal tunes. Consider Casio’s line of PX-S console digital pianos, which have a striking design that fit any room, décor and mood. A glossy top panel and unibody case evoke a luxurious acoustic grand in a sleek case that’s barely larger than the keys themselves. Integrated Bluetooth audio lets you connect your device wirelessly to the musical keyboard, so you can play all your favorite holiday music through its powerful stereo amplification system. • Add favorite aromas:

Now that you have the sights and sounds of the season covered, don’t forget its delicious scents. Your nose will know the holidays have arrived when you bake that first batch of gingerbread cookies or light candles in scents like evergreen and peppermint. You can even try simmering a pot of water and add aromatic ingredients to it such as cloves, cinnamon sticks and rosemary. • Send season’s greetings: Set aside an afternoon to compose and send holiday cards. This endof-year tradition allows you to reconnect with the people you care about most and can help lend the season a touch of normalcy. While you may not be making your usual visit to relatives or throwing your annual bash, there are many creative ways to make the most of the season and create happy memories for years to come. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

4 Reasons Why Now Is The Best Time Ever To Learn To Play Piano (Continued From Page 01) • It sharpens the mind: Playing piano helps improve cognitive function and memory. At a time when it’s very easy to turn to passive activities like scrolling through social media apps, playing piano presents a beneficial alternative that keeps the mind active and has even been shown to promote healthy aging. • It’s good for your mood: Playing an instrument, such as piano, can reduce stress and anxiety, providing much needed relief during this challenging time. • It may boost immunity: You are probably well-aware of the value of vitamin C, but did you know that music may provide similar benefits?

Research conducted by the University of Sussex in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute discovered a correlation between playing an instrument and a stronger immune system. • It’s easier than ever to get started: New tools are making it easier than ever to build piano skills and create music at home. For example, Casio keyboards, which range from small and portable to upright piano-sized, have built-in features that make learning easy and continuing to play rewarding.

Connect the keyboard to the Chordana Play app to play included songs or add MIDI files. The app generates a music score from the file and detects chords, too, making it easy for beginners to learn. Once you master the instrument, use the keyboard’s remixing and recording tools to compose and capture your music. To learn more, visit casiomusicgear.com. Have some extra time on your hands these days at home? Put those hands to good use by learning to play piano. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | January 2021

Dementia Related Psychosis: Four Caregiver Facts You Need To Know

Approximately 2.4 million people or 30 percent of people living with dementia in the U.S. may experience hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. These symptoms might include seeing something that isn’t there or believing something that isn’t true and can be frequent, persistent and recur over time. According to advocates, improving management of these troubling symptoms starts with recognizing and understanding what patients are experiencing. To learn more, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) and Acadia Pharmaceuticals, surveyed patients and their caregivers. Findings highlighted important, infrequently discussed, considerations for caregivers: 1. Symptoms can happen frequently: The most common symptoms of dementia-related psychosis reported by surveyed patients were visual hallucinations (89 percent), auditory hallucinations (54 percent) and distortion of senses (54 percent) and such symptoms can happen frequently. Of patients who reported recent visual hallucinations, 61 percent indicated they oc-

curred at least weekly. In addition, the majority of care partners (77 percent) reported paranoid delusions as occurring at least weekly.

and delusions greatly impact a patient’s overall health and quality of life: Most surveyed patients said their activities of daily living (75

surprised by her husband’s hallucinations. “Before Ed was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, he would tell me that he saw mice or insects in the house so, of course, I’d go check! When these experiences increased in frequency, I knew that we needed to talk to his doctor about why he was having persistent hallucinations.” Research shows that these kind of neuropsychiatric symptoms may pose challenges. For example, studies show that presence of psychosis in Alzheimer’s patients was also associated with 1.5 times increased likelihood of death.

“Given their potential frequency, being prepared to recognize, report, and manage these symptoms is critical,” says Theresa Frangiosa of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, one of the survey authors. “My mom experienced these kinds of symptoms associated with her Alzheimer’s disease and in talking with other caregivers, many people think this could never happen to their family until it does.”

percent), sleep (63 percent), family life (56 percent), and safety (about 56 percent) were affected by dementia-related hallucinations and delusions.

2. Dementia-related hallucinations

Jo Anne, 70, from Maryland, was

Care partners reported that symptoms make it difficult for their loved ones to know what is real and what is not real, contributing to their anxiety, and impacting their personal relationships.

3. Care partners are affected too: Dementia-related hallucinations and delusions are symptoms that can be associated with all forms of dementia such as Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Unfortunately, caregivers of people with dementia compared to non-caregivers can experience high rates of emotional and physical stress as well as depression, an increased likelihood of comorbid

conditions, hospitalizations, and doctor visits. In fact, caregiver burden is associated with increased desire to place people with dementia in long-term care. 4. Getting help as early as possible is key: Living with dementia-related hallucinations and delusions takes a toll on both patients and caregivers. That’s why advocates urge caregivers to get educated about what to expect from dementia-related psychosis and find support. “If you see your loved one exhibiting new symptoms, then take the initiative to tell their health care provider, who can offer advice on how to cope,” urges Frangiosa. For more information, visit usagainstalzheimers.org. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is an advocacy and research-focused organization pushing for expanding treatments and research for Alzheimer’s disease. Additional education is available from LBDA at www.lbda.org. While the symptoms of dementiarelated psychosis can be hard to recognize at first, reporting symptoms is the first step to finding support. (StatePoint)

At A Crossroads? Consider A Career In Healthcare As A Home Caregiver Considering a career change? You’re in good company -- 18 percent of the deskless workforce who had a job during COVID-19 plan to leave for better benefits or job security, according to a recent survey by Quinyx. Experts say that if you’re looking for meaningful work in a reliable, recessionproof industry, the field of home healthcare might be the right career path for you. “At a time when work and life are blurring together more than ever, home caregiving allows for greater mobility and flexibility for professionals like LPNs, RNs and therapists, as well as home support aides

and companions,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief execu-

tive officer of Interim HealthCare Inc. “Compassionate and missiondriven professionals within and outside of healthcare can bring their unique skills to these positions to ensure patients get the care they need.” To encourage people from all pro-

fessional backgrounds to consider whether a career in home healthcare is right for them, Sheets offers the following insights into the field: • Previous home care experience not required: For certain roles, you don’t need a degree or industry experience to qualify for a home caregiving position, you just need a compassionate heart and a willingness to help others. Whether you’re a licensed healthcare professional (like a nurse or therapist) or you’re employed in a service industry like hospitality, retail or food service, you likely have people skills and a desire to positively impact others, both of which are needed to step into this

field and begin a rewarding career. • The work is rewarding: Seeking a career path with purpose? Caregivers have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others every day. And, if you decide to take your career further, you can. The industry offers much potential for career growth. • Positions offer autonomy: If you already work in the healthcare industry, you may discover that providing personalized care to patients at home offers greater flexibility and autonomy than other sites of care in the industry. Home caregivers have full visibility into a patient’s health and provide the unique care the patient needs to achieve their goals. What’s more, every day is different, offering diverse experiences that use every facet of your skill set.

• Jobs are wide-ranging. In the case of Interim HealthCare Inc., a healthcare franchise company providing nurses, therapists, aides and other healthcare personnel to approximately 173,000 people annually and has been operating since 1966, there are job opportunities in every specialty: from medically complex pediatric patients to seniors who need a little bit of help. More information on Interim HealthCare and current openings across the country can be found by visiting IHCmadeforthis.com. Sometimes, life brings you to a crossroads. For many people, that time is now. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in a new industry or you’re seeking to level up your healthcare career, consider whether the field of home caregiving might be right for you. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Keep Kids Safe From Medicines Around The House This Cold And Flu Season During the cold and flu season and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be more medicines in homes being used to treat all kinds of symptoms. It is important to remember that you can keep curious kids safe by keeping medicine up and away and out of sight and reach. Approximately 50,000 young children are brought to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines left within reach, according to recent statistics published in the Journal of American Medical Association. This cold and flu season could present some additional hazards. “Families with their curious children are spending more time at home together to

help stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s imperative that all medicines are kept up and away and out of sight and reach to avoid accidental ingestion and an unnecessary trip to the emergency room,” says Anita Brikman, executive director of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation. The Up and Away campaign, an initiative of PROTECT, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation, aims to prevent accidental ingestion of medicine by educating families about how to safely keep medicine out of the sight and reach of young children. They’re advising parents and caregivers to follow these tips this cold and flu season and beyond: • One-half of exposures involve children accessing medications that had previously been removed from original packaging, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Whether you’re at home or

away, keep medicines in child-resistant containers. If you must put medicines in other containers, such as pill organizers, only do so if they’re child-resistant. • Never leave loose pills on the counter or tables and keep medicines in child-resistant containers until right before taking them. To a young child, pills can look like candy, and it’s important to keep them out of children’s reach and sight. • Keep young children safe by putting all medicines carried with you, including those in purses, bags, pockets, or pill organizers, out of their sight and reach. • More than 80% of grandparents say they k e e p their medication in the s a m e place as usual w h e n their grandchildren v i s i t their house, a n d 7 2 % keep them in their purse or bag when they visit their grandchildren, according to a University of Michigan poll. Whether you’re a grandparent or another visitor to a home with children, don’t be shy about asking for a safe place to put your medicines (including those kept in purses, bags or pockets) that’s out of reach and sight of curious young kids. • Save the Poison Help number: 1-800-2221222, in your home and cell phones so you’re always prepared. Make sure that babysitters, older children and frequent family visitors have the number too in case there’s an emergency when they’re in charge. For more medicine safety tips, visit UpandAway.org. This cold and flu season and year-round, keep children safe by always putting medicine out of sight and reach. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Sameen Abubakr: An Influencer In The Making

By Sumaiya Malik Picture credits: Abubakr Twice a month, at a pre-publicized time, two moms have a live conversation on an Instagram platform called @sincerelysameen. Sameen Abubkar, the Instagrammer/influencer runs the show. She invites a different guest (usually a mother) for conversations that affect families raising children with an age from newborn to twelve years of age. Topics range from schooling, to cooking, fashion, lifestyle or activities. Some conversations run deep such as negativity, blended desi families, and even postpartum depression. Women join the public conversation to learn some tips that they too can apply to their own homes in occupying their children or having fun while at home. Sameen is an Instagrammer who blogs about her lifestyle on @sincerelysameen. Her followers are mom with kids ranging in age from newborns to around age 12. In her 30s, Sameen is a mother of two. She is juggling her family and interests along with two cultures, one from Pakistan where she grew up, and the other of the US where she is raising her family. All this reflects in her Instagram where she talks about raising bilingual kids, her love for food, Halal eateries and what she calls her “baking shenanigans.” Lately, her Instagram has shown glimpses of fashion and style, but the most powerful driving force is Covid-19 pandemic and how to cope with being at home most of the time. Sameen started @sincerelysameen when Covid-19 pandemic slowed life down and people began spending more time at their homes. The page was a sincere call to mothers going through the same struggles in life at home. Through the page she started a series, named “Sincerely, Moms” where she would schedule a weekly live talk with mothers facing the same Covid-chaos. Sameen has a BA (Honors) in

English Literature and grew up in Lahore, Pakistan. She moved to Austin, Texas, in 2010 with her husband. Austin has been her home since then.

the Covid-19 pandemic was it forced families to stay at home. Kids started taking classes on Zoom. Working parents had to juggle kids schooling and their own

just refurbished an old bench in my patio, and set up some very bright rugs, cushions, string lights and a portable fireplace so we can enjoy the short winters outdoors. 6. What advice do you have for those looking for joy and beauty in an otherwise uninspiring space? There is always a lesson, or something good that we can take away even from an ugly situation. If it’s a place that doesn’t bring you joy, bring in bright colors that make you happy. If it’s a mood you can’t fight, push yourself to learn a new skill and make an effort to be grateful for a blessing every day.

“By the time I moved to the US, there were many from my family and friends who had tread the waters of diaspora before me. I am grateful and lucky because I learnt from their experiences and so this journey has not been as daunting as it would have been. Here are some things to know about Sameen and @sincerelysameen. 1. As the rest of the world adapts to a new normal, how have you adapted? @sincerelysameen gave me a sense of purpose and it keeps pushing me forward. My Instagram page helped connect me with a lot of brave women. Talking to them gave me hope that the only way to go is forward. 2. You’ve become this kind of a social media influencer. Your followers are growing. Did you see this coming? The word Influencer is actually intimidating to me, because it carries a sense of responsibility. I hope if I influence, it is in the right way. I didn’t see what would come out of my presence in this space, but I have let the tide carry me. 3. On your page, you talk about issues of parenting in Covid-19 pandemic. How did you decide to share your life? One of the biggest challenges of

work. Families had to make peace with it and help kids conform too. I saw myself and many other moms’ question when the pandemic would end, and schools would resume normal classes. Most mothers were experiencing loneliness. We needed to hear from mothers who could share their struggles and solutions for women raising children through the. Browsing perfect lives on Instagram was only setting us up against a life that is not achievable, and we needed more of the real Mom-talk to set some expectations right. 4. Finding joy seems to be a theme you live by, but how are you able to sustain it, especially during a pandemic? It definitely caught me off guard, and I did lose sight for some time. The truth is, it was necessary for me to keep moving and finding joy or else my family bears the brunt of it. Kids are sensitive and can immediately pick when parents are worried or low and mine did too. This was a period of truth for me. I realized that my mood determines the mood of the house, so I must work on keeping the spirits high. 5. Let’s talk about your home. What’s your favorite thing inside or outside? Well at the moment it’s my backyard that has been my best friend through this period of isolation. I

7. Do you have a set schedule for blogging? I actually do not, but I’m learning to manage my time wisely now. 8. What does the future hold for you? I’m looking forward to expanding my series “Sincerely, Moms” and

have more moms come on the platform to share their experiences. Sameen’s tips for moms: 1. Let the kids play in the backyard even if it means they will get dirty. It builds immunity and uses up energy. 2. School year was rough for most kids and parents this time and its ok to take a step back. Stressing over the things we can’t control just makes parents more agitated which in turn affects the way we treat our kids. 3. With increased screen time, try to include educational apps instead of just Youtube videos. 4. Kids miss socializing too. Create pods for them so they can video chat with friends and family regularly. 5. Last but not least, they say you can’t pour from an empty cup. Mothers, please catch up on your sleep!

Makara Sankranti (Continued From Page 01) It is observed each year in the lunar month of Magha which corresponds with the month of January as per the Gregorian calendar and is a day the people of India and Nepal celebrate their harvest. It marks the first day of the sun’s transit into Makara rashi (Capricorn), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Makara Sankranti is one of the few ancient Indian and Nepali festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, while most festivals are set by the lunar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Being a festival that celebrates the solar cycle, it almost always falls on the same Gregorian date every year (January 14/15), except in some years when the date shifts by a day for that year. The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by

various names, such as Maghe Sankranti in Nepal, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi (preceded by Lohri) in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, popular amongst both the Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand or simply as ‘Makara Sankranti’ in Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh (also called Pedda Pandaga), Telangana, West Bengal (also called Poush Sankranti) and Uttar Pradesh (also called Khichdi Sankranti) Makara Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colorful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats in some areas , melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. The Magha Mela, according to Diana L. Eck (professor at Harvard University specializing in Indology), is mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharat. (Continued On Page 15)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Need Mortgage Relief Due To COVID-19? Here’s What To Know

As the pandemic continues to affect Americans across the country, many are facing financial hardship. For homeowners with a Freddie Mac loan, COVID-19 mortgage assistance is available in the form of “forbearance,” which temporarily suspends or reduces your mortgage payment without penalty so you can get back on your feet.

same as mortgage forgiveness and you will have to repay your missed payments. About 30 days before the forbearance plan is scheduled

How does repayment work? Even though you must pay back payments that were missed during forbearance, you have several

• Full repayment, where you pay back the missed payments all at once. • Repayment plans, which allow you to catch up gradually while you are paying your regular monthly payment.

Here is how forbearance works and what happens when it ends: How do I request forbearance? To request forbearance, you must contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) who will help you understand your options. Forbearance is available for up to a year, though servicers will typically start you on a shorter forbearance plan and reassess to see if your financial situation has changed. What happens when forbearance ends? It’s important to remember mortgage forbearance is not the

$1,000, you will owe about $3,000 in missed mortgage payments at the end of your forbearance term. Your servicer can help you determine the workout option that works best for you, including:

to end, you and your servicer will determine next steps. This could include additional forbearance or a workout option to make up the missed payments. Just remember, you are never required to pay back missed payments in a lump sum if your loan is owned by Freddie Mac.

options for doing so. Additionally, you won’t accrue additional fees, penalties or interest beyond the amounts already scheduled or calculated based on the terms of your mortgage. For example, let’s say you enter into a forbearance agreement of three months. If your monthly mortgage payment is

• Payment deferral, which allows you to resume making your normal monthly payment. Your servicer can work with you to leverage alternative ways for you to pay back the missed payments from your forbearance period at a later date and in a manner that is affordable. • Modification of the loan, which changes the terms of your loan, usually to reduce your original monthly payment amount. Your servicer can help with a modifica-

tion that might suit your new circumstances. Additional Information: To stay on track with paying down your loan balance and less interest over the life of the loan, it’s important that you resume your payments as soon as you’re financially able. Keep in mind that while you’re not charged “extra” interest, you won’t be paying down your principal, and the interest will continue to accrue on your unpaid mortgage balance. For information on forbearance and how to get help with your mortgage, visit My Home by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com. Remember, contacting your servicer is the first step in getting help with your mortgage payments if you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or for other reasons. They can explore available options with you and determine what works best for your circumstances. (StatePoint)

It’s Go Time, Austin!

Join us to learn more about Project Connect’s Orange and Blue Lines. Live Zoom Meetings: January 25 – 29 Self-Guided Virtual Open House: January 25 – March 5 (extended) Take part in our live or self-guided virtual public scoping meetings, beginning in late January 2021. Visit ProjectConnect.com/get-involved to learn more and see meeting details. For language translations or accommodations, please call (512) 904-0180. Requests must be made to Capital Metro at least three working days (72 hours) prior to virtual scheduled meeting date.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Faaris Sattar: A Social Experiment To Make Sense Of Big Data Engineering And Music

By Sumaiya Malik Photo Credits: Faaris Sattar Born in and Austin-raised Faaris Sattar, 22, a Rap/Hip-Hop artist is on the verge of launching his music career. He has his songs lined up to be released on top music platforms. He is also on the verge of launching a social media experiment on Twitter involving analytics and feedback from his followers which will become a part of his future songs. All this is planned simultaneously with his first release this January. His Twitter account will launch on January 1 @Faaris_mp3 coinciding with his first release.

song while still maintaining a cohesive and interesting narrative. It was only a matter of time before I had to attempt it myself. Tell us about “Presidential,” your first release? Presidential is actually a song about a watch – wanting materialistic things like making money and

Sattar’s beats are natural to him just like his analyses because Faaris Sattar is also a computer scientist/engineer from UT Dallas who graduated in 2020 and started work.

What brought you to music and what do you play? I came into music at a fairly young age, picking up the guitar at 10 years old and working on my skills as a guitarist, following alternative rock influences such as Green Day, Linkin Park, and Guns N’ Roses. In Westwood High School, my alma mater, my group of friends introduced me to rap music and their favorite artists, a culture which was very quickly becoming a dominant genre for my generation. I become very fascinated with how these artists could fit so many thoughts, stories, and metaphors all in a 3-minute song. There was so much wit and wordplay in each

Name some artists who have inspired you and why? Artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, JID, and Pusha T inspired a lot of my earlier music when I was just trying to find my sound as an artist. Their witty punchlines, confident delivery, and compelling storytelling drew me into the genre and made me want to express that same level of confidence while still remaining clever enough to catch the listener’s ear. Who is your audience? The beauty of hip-hop’s evolution over time is that it isn’t limited to a specific group. Everybody likes a good story.

Deep into the nitty gritty of engineering and equally passionate about music makes Faaris Sattar a living example of the thought that a person who is passionate about completely opposite things becomes great at both. “A mathematician becomes a great musician.” Ever heard of that? We asked Faaris about his hopes and aspirations and how he is comfortable with both his passions and what lies in 2021 as he releases his first single called Presidential.

and university? I performed in some of the shows my university put on with a friend. I wasn’t as serious about pursuing music at the time but looking back that was a great experience which really helped me learn how to perform in front of an audience.

me trying to get noticed. It represents wanting. You want to take part in celebrity life; a teenage side of me wanting to be rich. It’s one of my fun and catchy hip hop/rap songs. What language are the words in your music in? English How did you practice a genre that requires a ton of self-practice? Outside of taking guitar lessons when I was younger, I’ve had no formal music training in the hiphop space, only LOTS of practice. This is a genre I find it hard to formally learn or teach others, I really believe that it’s something that just comes with writing and recording over and over until you see improvement in the lyrics, flows, and delivery. Did you perform in high school

What do you plan to release in January? What platforms will release your music? My first single will be released on Jan 1st 2021 and available on all platforms - Spotify, Apple Music, Tik Tok, Tidal, Amazon, etc. How do you juggle all your interests? I really just dedicate most of my free-time to this passion. I work a full-time job which eats up the first half of my day, but as soon as that ends I’m back at my desk trying to find good instrumentals, coming up with interesting song concepts and lyrics to deliver. Who represents you? Waleed Shah from lolmgmt.com manages me. What do you want to achieve through music? I want to be the first artist that integrates the audience in the creative process. In 2021, every line I write

or have written will be posted on Twitter as a poll and the audience can vote and help in the creation of a song. The first week of each month, the song will be released with the audience’s opinion in mind. I want to go about the creative process with a unique approach. @Debatinghiphop_ on twitter gives us great guidance on how to properly engage the music audience for… well, debating hip hop. What is your message to the people who listen to you?

I almost want to show people that going to college to secure a job and pursuing your passions aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s just a matter of making use of your time to do what you really want. Follow Faaris Sattar on Twitter @ Faaris_mp3 Faaris is managed by lolmanagementgroup (contact@lolmgmt. com) Photo by @ac_photography (instagram) Social experiment by @debatinghiphop_ (Twitter)

Joy Of Urdu – A World Following To Re-Connect With Urdu Literature Through English By Sumaiya Malik @sumaiyasaidthis Joy of Urdu, the Facebook page of an organization with the same name is fast becoming a hot hit in Austin among admirers and connoisseurs of Urdu poetry and literature. The page has over 11,500 followers who join in from different cities in the US and forty other countries. The page hosts preplanned Zoom conversations to understand literary Urdu works. The audience can participate through a live chat moderated by the volunteers. No more are people who can’t speak Urdu well feeling left out. They can use English to understand Urdu while being active participants in the conversation. The premise of the Facebook page and Joy of Urdu, the organization, is simple. People who enjoy the Urdu language can use English to understand Urdu under its platform, to get the gist of the deeper meaning and context with Urdu scholars who provide explanations and interact with them through the page. World over, people are joining in. These are people who can read and speak Urdu but lack the opportunity to dive into literature under the guidance of experts in the language on a daily basis. The group hosts Mehfils (discussions) on Zoom open to all followers where interactions happen between Urdu literati and those who consider themselves students. The fact that it’s on Zoom opens it up to Ausinites who have a passion for

Urdu. “Dr Arfa Sayeda aur Zarminae Ansari ki Himaqatein,” the exact name of the Facebook show is an hour-long conversation between the founder-CEO Zarminae Ansari and Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a senior Pakistani educationist and expert in Urdu Literature. Zarminae desires to improve her Urdu pronunciation & comprehension as she stumbles through works of Urdu literature and Dr. Arfa gently nudges her on providing context, and meanings in Urdu and English. The show airs at 8 a.m. CST on Sunday mornings. Diehard followers are willing to set a wakeup alarm for it and find this intellectually stimulating. Another series called “Word, Verse, and Voice,” is moderated by poet and scholar Aleem Zubair from Lahore, Pakistan, in conversation with another scholar from London, UK, explaining the rule and framework of a literary piece. Scholars choose an uncommon literary work of a well- known writer and dive in. The listener uses his mind’s eye to form a picture. It’s an intellectual flight of imagination! The idea of revival of Urdu literature through using more than just Urdu is the brainchild of the founder and CEO of Joy of Urdu, Zarminae Ansari, an architect by profession, previously a cultural tourism consultant and a journalist who lived outside Pakistan for work. (Continued On Page 13)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Joy Of Urdu – A World Following To Re-Connect With Urdu Literature Through English

(Continued From Page 12) She longed to regularly connect with Urdu literature, but the vacuum remained. Currently based out of Dubai, she set up Joy of Urdu in 2013 to revitalize Urdu language and reclaim its literary heritage. The powerhouse has a Board of Directors and dedicated volunteers who run the platform with great care and a vigilant eye on the mission. “Joy of Urdu is a bilingual organization for the promotion of Urdu. It is completely volunteer run and self-funded, for me, at the moment,” Zarminae Ansari said in a Zoom conversation with Austin South Asian. The first project of the organization is a series of bilingual literacy books for children in Urdu, English and regional languages, with illustrations by top artists and illustrators. The second phase of the project is a series of bilingual, research-based, educational books about culture and the arts, the Facebook page said. Zarminae’s solid educational background with world class schooling guides her vision. St. Joseph’s Convent School Karachi, National

College of Arts, Lahore, MIT University USA and a semester at Harvard University in Boston, brought Zarminae Ansari in contact with experts in the fields she chose to study. She also learned how to

keep the message pure, something she dearly holds on to as she moderates the Facebook page. The organization also has a Joy of Urdu Kids group. “While living in Moscow, I started panicking that my son was not in touch with Urdu,” she said in an interview with The News in 2017. She

founded the organization in 2013 and since then has completed work on the publication of a series of children’s books. The Facebook live show with audience interaction through the message board has shot to fame especially in Covid-19 pandemic when governments have asked the people to stay at home as much as possible to protect themselves from getting exposed in the Covid-19 pandemic. “We pivoted on the digital platform almost immediately. And I think that we were one of the first organizations who were active [on Facebook] in the 31 days [of] March 2020,” Zarminae said. “We’ve been having these meetings for over five years [in person], but now more people know about them because they’re online and

then more accessible.,” she said. When Joy of Urdu switched online and their following began growing quickly, they decided to reach out to their viewers and listeners. “We came up with “Ghar bethiay Kitabain parhiayay (Pleasestay home and read books) Campaign” to give the people something else to do rather than be scared [of the pandemic],” she said. People started sending them short videos about why they connect with Joy of Urdu. “At the end of [the campaign] we had 40 cities represented from all over the world and 193 videos we shared,” Zarminae said. Las Vegas, Boston and Austin sent videos into the campaign. Many shared their favorite Kalaam (literary Urdu piece). A monthly chapter meet happens in Boston where group members read their favorite literature and share thoughts on Zoom and experts of Urdu language join in. Their timings are published by the Joy of Urdu page. People who understand both Urdu and English use the Facebook page as an opportunity to refresh their own eloquence, share opinions through the live chat running dur-

ing conversations, and also post their own narrations when asked. For me a chapter meet might be difficult, but I am thrilled to be listening to Joy of Urdu on Facebook. “I think Joy of Urdu managed to provide joy and togetherness in a world stunned into isolation by a pandemic. It was a platform that revived interest in Urdu and encouraged global participation,” Ruby Haider, my aunt who follows and supports Joy of Urdu, said on the Joy of Urdu Facebook Page. Her tag on the FB page took me to the Joy of Urdu page. Once I was on it, I never left. I too had felt the void, the same longing that Zarminae had felt. “Ghar baithiay Kitabain parhiyay” (Please sit at home and read books) is a message also advocated by the US government. The Zoom option makes it easy to join a group with a worldwide following. Joy of Urdu is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the same name. All programming is listed there. Previous recordings are posted immediately, and a vast collection is available through the page with proper documentation and easy access.

Detachment From Propaganda By Sadhu Utprerakam The Internet revolution that we are experiencing today has allowed people all over the world to access, share and create information in a phenomenal manner that our ancestors could not have even imagined. This free flow of information is particularly desirable in a country like ours which is founded on the principles of free speech and democracy. The millions of residents in this country need to know what is happening every day, what are the challenges our country is facing, and what are the short term and long term actions that our leaders must take in order to steer us in the right direction.

The current Internet era is definitely putting out the tools and resources that our citizens need in order to keep themselves informed. However, it is also giving a platform to those that want to potentially misinform the citizens using the very same tools. This can lead to people making choices that run contrary to their best interests and good intentions. Propaganda is a word that is broadly used to describe such misinformation. A quick online search for the meaning of the word “Propaganda” brings out this definition - information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

On reading this one can easily connect to the word “biased” based on what they are hearing through numerous news outlets and social media portals. The constant bombardment with sensationalism, emotional meltdowns, non stop negative criticisms can take a toll on even the most careful consumer of such information. The source of such misinformation can be traced to different groups with their own vested agenda. Some of it could be corporate sources that are trying to increase viewership for monetary profits, and some of it could be directly controlled by foreign autocratic governments that want to challenge our way of life.

The latter part is something we should be wary of because it may shake the foundations of our country. These news portals often originate from regions where freedom of expressions is brutally curtailed, democracy is non-existent, blasphemy laws are entrenched in the legal system, and their treatment of minorities reminds us of slavery. These media outlets hardly challenge or even report serious issues of human rights violations at their homes but are very liberal when it comes to finding faults in our country, and promote content that makes our citizens lose faith in our institutions. It may not be an exaggeration to say that any kind of news that reaches us today through various

channels is always wrapped with a lot of irrelevant material like false analogies or straw man fallacies. The aim is to distort our opinions in a way to promote a certain agenda. In order to understand the real news hidden inside any report, we need to first filter out a lot of that unwanted content. We may still not get the full picture after doing this. We have to go further to seek different versions of the same information from multiple sources to overcome the tactful omissions or distortions that each version does. If we always happen to get our news from only one source, we are bound to have a distorted view of reality. (Continued On Page 15)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Kids Corner

Vasundhara Varadarajan

Comics

Abhiveer Annoji

Make A Difference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ringing The New Year By Vidya Kumar God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. We Americans are used to this serenity prayer. This is apt for any day and especially for the current time. We see the light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine roll out yet we have to be more careful and diligent as we see the number of cases spiking up for covid-19. As the experts are predicting even if we get vaccinated we still have to wear mask and maintain social distancing. Hopefully, 2021 will be better year for everyone and praying to see some normalcy in our daily life style. As we start the New Year let us instigate what can be changed within us for a better self and let us try to be thankful and grateful for all the blessings that come our way. Wishing You a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Picture Book World

By Shachi Kaushik When making resolutions for 2021, don’t forget to make reading a resolution. You can take little steps and make reading an everyday practice. Reading books with children improves language and vocabulary, and it also helps you bond with them. If you cannot visit your library, try eBooks from the library. You can find a wide variety of books and here a few suggestions for this month.

Meet Yasmin! By Saadia Faruqi, Illustrator Hatem Aly

vides additional information about

For celebrating Martin Luther King, the is an empowering picture book. The book has two stories running parallel.

Yasmin is an early chapter book series. Meet Yasmin, a curious second grader who is always on an adventure. Her stories involve some problem or challenge, and Yasmin finds a way to overcome them. Yasmin exercises her imagination and brainstorms for all the problems. She is an adorable, relatable character no less than Dora, the explorer. A few other titles from the series are Yasmin the builder, Yasmin the fashionista, Yasmin the explorer, Yasmin the painter. The back matter includes a glossary and facts sheet that teaches a little Urdu and Pakistani culture. The illustrations by Hatem Aly are excellent and bring Yasmin’s adventure to life.

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrator James E. Ransome

One story shows pivotal events in the life of Martin Luther King Jr., and the other offers a contemporary classroom where students strive to live up to the messages Dr. King championed.

Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World By Marilyn Singer, Illustrator Susan L. Roth As we welcome the new year, this is an excellent book to learn that not everyone celebrates New Year on January 1st. The start of a new year is celebrated in many different ways across the globe. There are eighteen poems to describe how various cultures and individuals welcome and celebrate new years. The poems are presented in a calendar format. The back matter pro-

each of the celebrations. From dropping off the ball at midnight in Times Square to Songkran in Thailand, the book is culturally rich, and the different festivities offer reasons to celebrate and start a new at any time of the year. The illustrations are lively collage style. ‘Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You’

The book focuses on kids’ everyday actions to honor Martin Luther King’s legacy. It goes beyond being kind. It encourages children to stand up to bullies and bring a change in their world. The illustrations alternate completely in style between historical depictions and contemporary scenes in the classroom. For more resources on books and activities see www.smartyhathy. com.

Detachment From Propaganda Makara Sankranti (Continued From Page 13) Living under a fake reality can cause lots of mistrust among various sections of people in this country which may end up weakening the foundations of our society. We run the risk of forgetting our values, our history and even our identity. We will be confused about what we should stand for or against. We may not be able to impart our future generations with the correct knowledge, and instill important morals necessary to keep this country as a free, secure and a lawful nation. The country has given us so many rights and privileges, yet what it expects from us in return as duties is very little.

Let us consider it our duty to not fall for propaganda, otherwise we may end up with apathy and animosity towards our institutions. We need to develop our capacity to disconnect ourselves from the strong emotional pitches that the various forms of media employ to divert our attention. We must constantly question what is being reported , and try to seek answers through multiple sources without prejudice. Bhagavad gita has the following words of wisdom to help us navigate such situations. One whose mind remains undisturbed amidst misery, who does not crave for pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom. (Verse 2 :56)

It is important we become wise by not giving in to our cravings, anger or fear when we engage with any kind of media content, and use our intellect to do a thorough analysis of everything we are told as true. As the saying goes “Detachment is not that you own nothing. Detachment is that nothing owns you”, We need to ensure we own our opinions , and those opinions must be shaped by our deeper understanding of the issues. We must also be able to justify those opinions to see that it aligns with our duties,rights and our commitment to the rule of law. Therefore,it is very essential that we all learn to detach ourselves from propaganda for everyone’s well being.

(Continued From Page 10) Many observers go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe in a ceremony of thanks to the sun. Every twelve years(marking one complete revolution of Jupiter around the Sun) the Hindus observe Makar Sankranti with one of the world’s largest mass pilgrimages, with an estimated 40 to 100 million people attending the event. At this event, then they say a prayer to the sun and bathe at the Prayaga confluence of the River Ganga and River Yamuna at the Kumbha Mela, a tradition attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. Every year Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of January to mark the winter solstice. It is also one of the largely celebrated Hindu festivals of India and Nepal which is celebrated differently in various cultures but the common practice on the day of Makar Sankranti is flying colourful kites.This festival is dedicated to the Hindu religious sun god Surya. This significance of Surya is traceable to the Vedic texts, particularly the Gayatri Mantra, a sacred hymn of Hinduism found in its scripture named the Rigveda. Makara Sankranti is an important pan-Indian solar festival, known by different names though observed on the same date, sometimes for multiple dates around the Makar Sankranti. It is known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Magha Mela in parts of central and north India, as Makar Sankranti in the west, Maghara valaku in Kerala, and by other names. In some parts of India it is believed that a demon was killed in that day.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Delicious Ideas For Big Game Sunday With just a grill and a bit of smoke, your menu will be the real MVP of the Big Game. “The key to making snacks and appetizers more flavorful is with hardwood pellets, which can add rich, wood-fired flavor to just about anything. And, with a few modifications, you don’t even need a pellet grill to achieve that delicious woodsmoked flavor,” says Ben Madden, product manager at Bear Mountain

BBQ Woods, crafter of gourmet, hardwood pellets. Below, Madden shares his winning tips and game-day recipes. Smoked & Roasted Wings From classic Buffalo hot sauce to sweet teriyaki, chicken wings are always a crowd-pleaser, especially on game day. Take their flavor to the next level with this recipe for Smoked and Roasted Chicken Wings:

Prep time: 5 min

1. Lightly coat wings in seasoning.

Cook time: ~ 2 hours depending on size and amount of wings Ingredients: • Essential BBQ Rub or poultry seasoning • Chicken wings • Sauce of choice • Bear Mountain’s Savory BBQ Craft Blends pellets Preparation:

Looking For Love In 2021? 5 Tips For Successful Online Dating The first Sunday of the new year or “Dating Sunday,” is the busiest online dating day of the year and kicks off peak online dating season – there is no better time to get your profile ready.

Below are five tips to help you make the most of “Dating Sunday” from Andrea McGinty, premier dating expert and founder of 33 Thousand Dates, a coaching platform designed to help millennial and Gen X women and men navigate online dating. In her 20+ years as a matchmaker, McGinty arranged over 33,000 dates, so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about dating successfully! 1. Enlist help. With over 104 million singles in America and over 30 million dating online, your online dating profile needs to stand out. A dating expert can help you craft a profile you’re proud of – and one that isn’t full of clichés like “long walks on the beach.” You hire professionals to help you exercise, clean and shop, so why not hire a dating pro to help reflect your individuality? At 33 Thousand Dates, for example, they take a personal-

ized, proactive approach and handle the heavy lifting so that clients can have all the fun. 2. Refresh your photos. Time to cull from the thousands of photos saved on your phone for five to 10 terrific shots. If they’re m o r e than a year old or lowresolution, consider scheduling a photoshoot with a friend or a professional. Pose in natural light, ideally outdoors, and show off your smile. Avoid selfies and sunglasses, and include at least one full body shot that conveys your interests, whether you’re hiking, doing a tree pose, or walking along the shore. For men, shirts on unless it’s a great surf shot or you’re spiking a volleyball on the beach. Lastly, most photos should be solo – pets are warm and welcoming, but limit the shots including friends or family. 3. Be proactive. Start with only one or two dating platforms. You can add more later, but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by all the “likes” you’ll receive! Once live, don’t wait for messages to bombard you. Instead, use the platform’s filters so you see the type of people you’re looking for – don’t be shy

about knowing what you want! “After coaching thousands of people and playing a part in 4,200 marriages, I’ve found that those with the highest level of dating success proactively work the system in person and online,” says McGinty. 4. Arrange video chats. Set up short virtual dates to determine whether you’re willing to meet in person. Keep conversations to 10 minutes – this is enough time to get a feel for personality, looks and mannerisms. Ask important questions early to ensure your values align, and remember, chemistry only comes in person! 5. Have fun. Now it’s time for the good stuff! Arrange drinks, coffee or brunch al fresco – these dates are less pressure, more relaxed and don’t drag on. If you’re ready to leave, say you have errands to run or evening plans. A coach can help with this part, too – 33 Thousand Dates offers expert advice on how to communicate and follow up on dates. Keep in mind, you’re seeing if you like the person enough to go on a second date, not marry them! And if it doesn’t go well, those millions of other singles are waiting to meet you. For more tips and to learn more about enlisting help from pros, visit 33000dates.com. With the busiest dating season of the year upon us, it’s time to get your profile ready and date with confidence. (StatePoint)

2. Arrange wings on smoker or grill at 225 degrees with at least 2 inches of space between. 3. Smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours. 4. Turn up grill to 350 degrees to finish. Start brushing on sauce and turning wings periodically. 5. Once wings hit an internal temperature of 165, remove from the smoker or grill and toss in a bowl with remaining sauce. Then they’re ready to serve! No pellet grill or smoker? Try using Smoke ‘Ems wood pellet packets in this recipe in the following way: • On one side of grill, turn burner to medium-high heat or fire up charcoal and place Smoke ‘Ems packet directly over heat until it starts smoking.

• 1/2 cup gruyere cheese grated • 8 ounces cream cheese softened • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1/2 of a 1-ounce Hidden Valley Ranch Packet • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped. • 1/4 cup German lager beer • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 1 can biscuits • 1 large egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing biscuits • 12-inch cast iron skillet • Bear Mountain’s Bourbon BBQ or Savory BBQ Craft Blends pellets Preparation: 1. Preheat pellet grill to 350 F. 2. In large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar, gruyere, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, beer and 1 tablespoon green onions. Mix evenly. 3. Cut biscuits in half. Roll each half into a ball, then slice an X across top. 4. Boil 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Once boiling, add baking soda and mix immediately. 5. Add biscuits in batches and cook until puffy, approximately 1 minute. Remove and transfer to skillet, forming ring along inside edge.

• Place wings on other side of grill over medium heat until Smoke ‘Ems has stopped smoking. Note: For more smoke flavor, use a second packet after first has been used.

6. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt.

• Increase temperature under wings and continue with Step 4 above.

8. Bake until biscuits are golden and dip is bubbly, 30-35 minutes.

Beer Cheese Dip

9. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve!

Bring your appetizer game to a new level with this delicious recipe for Beer Cheese Dip with Pretzel Ring, from Bear Mountain BBQ ambassador, Jennifer Danella: Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated

7. Transfer dip to center of skillet. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar.

For more recipe ideas and grilling tips, visit bearmountainbbq.com. By adding smoke to your Big Game playbook, you will score big long before kickoff. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Interview For The Book - A Thousand Questions By Shachi Kaushik • Please introduce yourself and your work. I am a Pakistani American author and interfaith activist in Houston. I arrived in the U.S. just before 9/11 and saw a big gap in terms of how immigrant communities were treated in the aftermath of the attacks.

There, she meets Sakina, the daughter of the cook.

café, walking in the expansive grounds of the Quaid-e-Azam’s

environment. Young readers are eager to learn about other cultures and traditions, because so many of them share those characteristics.

The two girls couldn’t be more different, from culture and language, to class and income. Still, as they spend time together visiting the sights of Karachi, they begin to understand that they’re not so different. Maybe they could even help each other attain their biggest dreams: Mimi to find her long-lost father, and Sakina to leave her job and go to school.

I’m always happy to hear about kids reading my books and teachers or librarians sharing them with their students. It’s heartwarming.

• What inspired you to write this book? A few years ago, I visited my mother in Karachi with my two American-born children. It was an eye-opening visit, because for the first time I saw my homeland from their eyes. They connected with the people, but not with the culture or the food.

I decided to make it my life’s mission to bring people of different backgrounds together in friendship. As part of that mission, I write children’s books, such as the popular YASMIN series for young children. My novels for older kids include A Place at the Table (cowritten with Laura Shovan) and A Thousand Questions.

Their reaction was so interesting and thought-provoking that I began to think about first generation American kids, and how they feel when they visit their ancestral countries. A Thousand Questions is named so because of the endless queries my own kids would ask, for which I had no answer. • What was your favorite part of the book?

• Tell us something about your book A Thousand Questions.

Writing about all the sights and sounds – and smells – of Karachi was my favorite part.

A Thousand Questions (Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins) is a story of unlikely friendship between two eleven-year-old girls. Mimi is Pakistani American, and has been dragged to Pakistan visit her grandparents for the summer.

Mimi and Sakina spend a lot of time in the book visiting various tourist spots, and I let my memories take over when writing those scenes. Riding a camel on Clifton Beach, eating bun kabab from a roadside

mausoleum... all these were opportunities for me to showcase the amazing parts of my birth country. • The book is about two different characters from two different worlds. How challenging/easy was it for you to build these characters? It was easy, because I’ve seen both characters in person. I grew up in Pakistan, so the poverty of the working class like Sakina’s family is very familiar to me. Now as an American mom raising first-generation children, Mimi’s life is also well-known to me. There is such a gulf between these two groups, yet we all belong to the same place, and have the same “desi” home. I wanted to explore these dichotomies and contradictions in my book. • How has the reception of this book been in your western audiences? I’ve been overwhelmed by the reception of not only A Thousand Questions, but my other books as well. Many of us think – incorrectly – that South Asian stories aren’t accepted outside of South Asia, but this isn’t true at all in our current

• What are your plans for the future? I’m always writing books! The YASMIN series is ongoing, and there will be more titles in the series soon. I also have another children’s novel coming in 2021 titled YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO which is about the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Plus there are other projects that will be announced later. Overall, I’m excited about the future of South Asian stories, and would like to remind readers how important it is to support South Asian authors by buying our books, recommending them to others, and being proud of our heritage!

2020’s Best Holiday Gifts For Healthy Living Personal wellness is top of mind for many people these days, making some of the most thoughtful holiday gifts those that enable friends and families to live healthy, eco-friendly lives. Let this gift round-up be your guide to 2020’s best holiday gifts for healthy living: Healthy Indoor Air Between dust, pet dander, mold and other pollutants, indoor air quality can actually be more contaminated than outside air in some cases. However, you can give the gift of cleaner, healthier air at home with a small air purifier such as the Molekule Air that operates quietly to trap indoor allergens and pollutants. Its carrying handle makes it easy to tote it from room to room, letting it perform its magic throughout the house. Give this gift alone or pair it with an air quality monitor that reports on the levels of the most common indoor air pollutants. Clean Water Unlike other pitchers for the home, the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher protects against over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, lead, mercury, chemicals, dirt, sand and cloudiness to improve taste and provide healthier, safer water. Its sleek and sustainable design makes this a stylish gift option, whether you select the BPA-free or glass model. This is also a gift that gives back in more than one way. Not only does it help reduce single-use plastic waste, but also, for every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives access to safe drinking water for an entire year through the brand’s Give Back program. To shop and learn more, visit lifestraw.com. (Continued On Page 23)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

How Your Family Can Adopt Healthier Digital Habits In 2021 As we head into 2021, adults and kids alike may still be enjoying the excitement of digital devices received as gifts over the holidays. However, the new year is always a great time for a reset, so alongside those new devices, consider adopting some new digital habits.

ample, a steps counter might encourage your family to move more

Here are some great ideas for helping your family build healthier relationships with their digital devices: • Get healthy: Not all screen time is wasted time. You can use your device in positive, productive ways that help your family work toward improved physical health. For ex-

or even take up running, while a yoga app can help guide your family through quick routines you can practice from the comfort of home.

• Get smart: Likewise, the members of your family can use their devices to exercise their minds. Encourage everyone to let their smartphones and tablets double function as ereaders, and to download apps that teach new skills and build knowledge. You can even try setting a goal as a family, such as learning a new language using the same app.

• Schedule digital downtime: Too much screen time is associated with poor quality sleep, increased anxiety and a range of other physical and mental health concerns, so be sure each day includes digital downtime. This is especially important if your family is working and learning from home right now. Make the most of these screen-free blocks by engaging in active play, moving, getting fresh air or spending quality time together. • Get assistance: Making sure every member of the family is using their device only in safe and healthy ways is easier said than done, however, a parental guidance app can

help. Using OurPact for example, the most comprehensive parental control app, you can remotely establish automated schedules for when internet, apps and the device itself are unavailable. Features include URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, helping ensure device usage passes your approval. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com. For better overall health and wellness, make 2021 the year your family adopts great digital habits. (StatePoint)

Republic Day - India (Continued From Page 01) The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic.

The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 29 August 1947, a resolution

vember 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution.

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India.

The Beating Retreat ceremony is held after officially denoting the end of Republic Day festivities. It is conducted on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the Republic Day. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the North and South block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace) towards the end of Rajpath.

Delhi Republic Day parade

India achieved independence from British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the Indian independence movement.

India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general.

itary forces of India and police forces also take part in this parade.

On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.

26 January was chosen as the date for Republic day because it was on this day in 1929 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.

The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations).

The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.

was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr B R Ambedkar as chairman. While India’s Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 No-

After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union.

The Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi and is organised by the Ministry of Defence. Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate, this event is the main attraction of India’s Republic Day Celebrations and lasts for three days. The parade showcases India’s Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage. Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-mil-

Beating Retreat

The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives escorted by the (PBG), a cavalry unit. When the President arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, by the Army. The Army develops the ceremony of display by the massed bands in which Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands from the Navy and Air Force take part which play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn, and Saare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Why A Tech Career Might Be Right For You If you have an interest in innovation, a passion for helping people and the confidence to let your creativity shine, there are exciting and rewarding career opportunities available to you in technology in almost every industry. From supporting the development of critical vaccines; building the next generation of electric vehicles; creating new and engaging ways to deliver distance learning; keeping air, food and water safe and sustainable; or bringing efficiencies to the delivery of government services, there is a career in tech waiting for you. Even better, you don’t necessarily need to be a computer whiz or math genius to land one of these jobs, as technical skills can often be taught, but professional and personal skills are often more difficult to find. Those in the know say that a growing number of employers are more interested in creativity, organization, verbal and written communications skills and a willingness to be a team player and

less in technical acumen. “That’s true for people joining the labor force for the first time, returning to the workforce, burned out or hitting a ceiling in their current job, or downsized out of a job through no fault of their own,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association. It’s a field that offers a certain amount of job security, too. The economic and employment disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on tech occupations, though not nearly to the degree that other industries have been affected. The unemployment rate for IT occupations in the U.S. stood at 2.4% in November 2020, below the national unemployment rate of 6.7%. Employers across the country continue to advertise job openings for tech workers – there were nearly 200,000 listings in November

2020. These openings were spread across many industries outside the technology sector, including financial services, manufacturing, retail,

responsible for securing our data, devices and networks; and project managers tasked with keeping mission-critical projects on track.

• Cyberstates (cyberstates.org) is the definitive guide to information on the U.S. technology industry and workforce. • If you’re interested in cybersecurity, CyberSeek (cyberseek.org) has detailed information on the U.S. job market, including guidance on career paths and professional certifications. • CompTIA (comptia.org) offers many tech career planning tools, including salary calculators and job search help.

government, healthcare and education. You’ll also find great variety in the types of positions companies need to fill. They include application and software developers; tech support professionals, whose roles are increasingly important as more people work and learn from home; network analysts, architects and engineers; cybersecurity pros

There are a number of free resources available to help you learn more about tech careers:

“There are career options available that allow you to combine an interest in technology with something you are passionate about,” Thibodeaux said.

• The Future of Tech (futureoftech. org) is a free and growing library of resources to get you up to speed on what’s new and next in the world of technology.

“With the right access, encouragement and opportunity, anyone can maximize their digital knowledge and skills so they can achieve their life’s ambitions.” (StatePoint)

Unmet Demand For Afterschool Programs Reaches All-Time High Parents of children enrolled in afterschool programs are happier with their participation than ever before, according to a new study. At the same time, there aren’t nearly enough programs available, and students from low-income families are the most likely to lack access. For every child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

tionately affected.

school Alliance.

“Quality afterschool programs are essential to student success in school and life. If we want to

To further understand the state of U.S. afterschool programs today, consider these core findings from

• Inequities persist. These barriers especially affect low-income families. The number of children from low-income households in afterschool fell from 4.6 million in 2014 to 2.7 million in 2020, while the number of higher-income children in afterschool fell by just under 450,000.

Commissioned by the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, and conducted by Edge Research, “America After 3PM 2020” builds on household surveys conducted in 2004, 2009 and 2014 and offers a prepandemic snapshot of how youth spend their afternoons that has significant implications for the postpandemic world. The study finds that the families of 24.6 million children -- more than ever before -- are unable to access afterschool programming, with many reporting cost as a barrier. It also exposes significant inequities, with Black and Latinx children and low-income households dispropor-

• Barriers to participation grow. Sixty-one percent of low-income parents report that cost is a barrier to enrolling their child in an afterschool program, up from 50% in 2014. Access, such as a lack of a safe way for their child to get to and from a program, is a barrier for 58% of respondents.

emerge from this pandemic strong, we need to provide all youth access to the important enrichment opportunities and resources afterschool programs provide. We’re far from doing that now,” says Jodi Grant, executive director of the After-

the report: • Unmet demand is soaring. Demand has grown 60% since 2004, from 15.3 million children waiting to get into a program in 2004 to 24.6 million children in 2020.

• Public support is strong. Eightyseven percent of parents support public funding for afterschool programs in communities that have few opportunities for children and youth, support that crosses demographic and political divides. This may in part be due to the growing recognition of the benefits programs provide. Eighty-three percent of respondents agree pro-

grams give working parents peace of mind, 81% agree programs help parents keep their jobs, and 76% agree programs help children gain interest and skills in STEM. For low-income families, the survey reveals that programs address additional needs, such as providing children snacks and meals and offering them skill-building workshops, as well as connecting families to valuable community resources. To view the full report, visit afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM. “It’s unacceptable that the parents of nearly 25 million students are struggling to find or afford an afterschool program,” Grant said. “Every parent should have access to an affordable, quality afterschool program that will keep their child safe, supervised and learning. We need more federal, state, local, business and philanthropic support to meet the needs of students and their families after school.” (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Can You Recognize Signs of Stroke?

Many people are avoiding in-person doctor’s visits to limit potential exposure to coronavirus -- or are simply ignoring health concerns altogether. However, when it comes to medical emergencies such as stroke, immediate medical attention is critical.

recent study published in “JAMA Internal Medicine” showed that emergency room visits to five major healthcare systems decreased by more than 40 percent as COVID-19 cases spiked.

The fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., stroke occurs every 40 seconds and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. When 59-year-old Paul “David” Dyches had a stroke on the job this past August, he quickly realized something was very wrong. “I never experienced a feeling like this before, and I knew we had to do something right away,” says Dyches, who was experiencing classic stroke symptoms of weakness in his arms and legs. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was evaluated via tele-neurology by experts over 150 miles away. After doctors confirmed he was experiencing a stroke, they delivered treatment immediately and he was able to be discharged the following day. While in some cases quick action can help with recovery, statistics suggest that many Americans may

As patients such as Dyches are learning firsthand, hospitals have a range of protocols in place to help keep patients and staff safe from coronavirus infection. be avoiding hospitals when they need them most due to anxieties surrounding the pandemic. A

“The hospital staff set me at ease right away,” says Dyches.

Beyond pandemic fears, one ageold barrier to seeking timely medical attention for stroke is simply awareness of signs and symptoms. While Dyches can credit himself with recognizing a classic symptom -- arm and leg weakness -- and reacting rapidly, only one in five U.S. adults are able to recognize 10 signs and symptoms of stroke, according to a nationwide survey*. What’s more, nearly 70 percent of the survey respondents say they’re knowledgeable about stroke, yet 62 percent falsely believe that signs of stroke come on slowly over a day or two, when in fact symptoms of stroke can come on suddenly. Experts say that immediate medical attention, which is vital, relies on everyone learning and being able to recognize the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke: • Balance: Sudden loss of balance • Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes • Face: Face looks uneven or

droopy • Arm: Arm or leg is weak or hanging down • Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused • Time: Immediately call 911 For more shareable information and resources, visit Strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc, a member of the Roche Group. “I am a testament to the fact that emergencies like stroke don’t stop for a global health pandemic,” says Dyches. “Anyone who experiences stroke symptoms should call 911 and get themselves to the ER as quickly as possible.” BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. *On behalf of Genentech, a nationwide Stroke Awareness Survey was conducted on March 25 – April 10, 2020 among 2,009 adults ages 35+ in the U.S. (StatePoint)

Top Tips For Organized Tax Filing 2020 was a particularly stressful year -- but filing its taxes doesn’t need to be. With the following tips, you can stay organized and cool-headed throughout the process.

To that end, take some time to glance at your overall financial picture so you can make a smart game plan for directing your refund usefully.

Check Your Work A multi-functional printing calculator with a 12-digit display can help you check your work and

File Early

Look for a model that prints in two colors, such as Casio’s HR-170RC, so you can quickly see both positive and negative numbers to avoid reading errors. If you have any international holdings, this is a must-have tax season tool, as its functions include currency exchange.

File early so you check this major to-do off your list and relax. The good news is that the sooner you file, the better. This is true no matter what your circumstances are.

This model also has a builtin tax feature that lets you store a frequently-used rate and pull it up when needed, as well as a check function that allows you to scroll up to 150 steps of previous calculations.

If you owe money, you’ll have that much more time to plan your payment. If you’re due for a refund, filing sooner means you’ll have your money sooner, money which can be used to pay bills, be invested or be added to a rainy day fund.

calculations, while ensuring your figures aren’t truncated.

track and manage any necessary

Stay Secure

Your financials and personal data are especially vulnerable during tax season. Be sure to keep all the paperwork associated with your taxes organized securely. As forms arrive by mail, file them neatly in one place that’s locked and secure. Sensitive information can easily be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. If you’re storing information electronically, be sure to use strong passwords and work only on a secure network. By giving yourself the right tools and plenty of time, you can better ensure timely, accurate tax preparation. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

4 Ways To Uplift Small Businesses This Holiday Season

With nearly half of all Americans employed by a small business, these establishments need our support more than ever this holiday season and going into 2021. According to the latest Wells Fargo/ Gallup Small Business Index, 46 percent of business owners surveyed have seen a drop in revenue over the past 12 months, with some entrepreneurs seeing even more severe impact. “Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and the key to millions of jobs,” says Steve Troutner, head of Small Business, Wells Fargo. “Keeping holiday spending dollars in local communities is an impactful way to rally around small business owners.” Wells Fargo is sharing four ways to brighten the season for small businesses: 1. Shop local. While one-stop holiday shopping on leading ecommerce sites can be tempting, the simple act of purchasing something from your favorite local re-

tailer can go a long way in keeping business afloat and money in your community. Returning or exchanging gifts? Ask for store credit instead of cash. It helps keep money with a small business and makes

their cash flow more stable. Many shops have safety measures in place, such as limiting occupancy or offering contactless pick-up. This year, some cities are even hosting virtual holiday markets, a great way to support local artisans,

farmers and more while shopping for loved ones. Check your local chamber of commerce or neighborhood association for details. 2. Eat local. Support your neigh-

bors by dining at locally-owned establishments. Getting takeout or having food delivered? Order directly from the restaurant rather than through third-party sites that take a cut. When it comes to food shopping, opt for neighborhood

grocers, which often carry produce from small family-owned farms and other locally-sourced goods. Many offer the same curbside pickup and delivery options as major chains. 3. Uplift diverse-owned businesses. Keep in mind that minority- and women-owned businesses have been hard hit by COVID-19. Many are counting on your patronage right now to help them survive the holiday season and into the new year. To help entrepreneurs stay open and support local jobs, Wells Fargo is deploying approximately $50 million from its Open for Business Fund to Community Development Financial Institutions across 32 states. The initiative focuses on increasing access to training and flexible capital that businesses can use for rent, utilities, payroll and other business needs. If you are a business owner looking for assistance and resources, visit wellsfargo.com/shoplocal to learn more. 4. Shine a light on your favorite

business. Whether it’s expanding outdoor patios and installing heat lamps or updating tech to facilitate contactless checkout, small businesses have had to get creative to stay relevant. One simple way of supporting businesses as they make these changes is to follow them on social media and give positive reviews on websites like Yelp. As part of its “Many hearts. One community” campaign, Wells Fargo is highlighting the determination, resilience and creativity that so many small business have shown in 2020. “Community has meant everything to me,” says Kadijatu Ahene, owner of Dija’s Touch Designs, which benefitted from Wells Fargo and Local Initiatives Support Corporation working together. “The challenges we’re dealing with have brought us closer. Whether its friends and neighbors checking on me and my girls, delivering food and more, COVID has reminded us that we need each other to move forward in unity.” (StatePoint)

5 Tips For A Safer Digital Experience This Holiday Shopping Season Online holiday shopping is booming this year, as more consumers avoid brick-and-mortar stores in an effort to socially distance. According to a national consumer survey by Experian, 62 percent of shoppers will buy from the comfort of their computers.

curring, the holidays are always a ripe period for cybercriminals. However, this year is even more attractive for hackers,” says Michael

experience.” For a safer digital experience this holiday shopping season, consum-

2. Consider identity theft monitoring:

But with many worried about being a victim of identity theft and fraud, it may not be such a jolly experience. In fact, 57 percent of those surveyed feel there’s a greater risk this year of identity theft because of COVID-19, while 18 percent of survey respondents have already been affected by a coronavirusrelated scam. However, even though consumers are concerned about identity theft, only 49 percent of those surveyed shop on protected internet connections and only 47 percent check if the websites are secure. “With increased online traffic oc-

formation or other sensitive data on their phones or computers from home or on a private network, or use a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection.

A product like Experian IdentityWorks helps monitor financial accounts and credit reports to identify possible fraud, such as a credit card account being opened in one’s name. Offering fraud resolution support and real-time alerts, comprehensive identity theft monitoring can save consumers valuable time when it matters most. Bruemmer, Experian vice president of Consumer Protection.

ers should consider the following tips:

“Consumers need to make sure they’re following good security practices to keep their information and financial accounts safe and retailers should be vigilant so that shoppers have a positive customer

1. Don’t use public Wi-Fi: Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept data and steal sensitive information. Consumers should only enter credit card in-

3. Change passwords: With a password manager, consumers can create strong passwords for online accounts, and change them regularly. 4. Use secure websites: Consumers should only shop on

websites they are familiar with and that have a URL that starts with “https” rather than “http.” Https indicates the website has a secured connection, making it much harder to hack. 5. Don’t use a debit card: Credit cards offer much more protection for online purchases than debit cards. If fraud occurs, the money is not gone from an associated checking account and a claim can be filed with their card issuer. Additional survey data can be found by visiting experian.com/ blogs. For more tips to protect against identity theft, visit the Ask Experian blog at experian.com/ education. While scams abound this time of year and this holiday season is presenting additional security threats, being proactive can help put a stop to cybercriminals and hackers. (StatePoint)

22 THEME: BOARD GAMES ACROSS 1. Dealer’s hand, in cribbage 5. Wade’s opponent 8. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____” 12. Nevada city 13. Prima donna 14. Weasel’s cousin 15. Makes collar for RBG 16. Between the id and super-ego, pl. 17. Can be hot or cold, meteorologically speaking 18. *Real estate-related board game 20. Elvis Presley’s “____ and Fortune” 21. Preface, e.g. 22. *A top one is a game piece in #18 Across 23. Open carriage 26. Having a malignant influence 30. “Wheel of Fortune” request 31. Stay clear of 34. Knife wound 35. Touch of color 37. Computer network acronym 38. Awaken 39. Wet nurse 40. Castrated man 42. Yale-____ College, Singapore 43. Aircraft’s additional equipment holder 45. They’re denoted in red 47. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern Family” 48. Allergic reaction to bee sting 50. Amusing 52. *Word game 55. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 56. Joie de vivre 57. Charlie Parker’s nickname 59. Bake an egg 60. Knocks on the door, e.g. 61. 1970s hairdo 62. Milk ____, candy 63. Swallowed 64. Reason to cram

Austin South Asian | January 2021 DOWN 1. Tube in old TV 2. Paper unit 3. “He’s Just Not That ____ You” 4. Herzegovina’s partner 5. Excessive sternness 6. Convex molding 7. *Candy Land difficulty level 8. *Napoleon-themed game of strategy 9. Niels Bohr’s study object 10. Autry or Wilder 11. Simon’s former partner 13. Performed comprehensively or in-____, pl. 14. Butcher’s refuse 19. Beginning of sickness 22. TV classic “Hee ___” 23. *Board game island ready for settlers 24. True inner self 25. Linear particle accelerator, for short 26. Take-out handout 27. Half human-half goat, pl. 28. February “People,” e.g. 29. *Game with rooks 32. *Game involving Mr. Boddy’s murderer 33. Chewbacca’s sidekick 36. *a.k.a. draughts 38. Type of parallelogram 40. Liberty Tree, e.g. 41. Vacuums, e.g. 44. Extra shirt, e.g. 46. Sabbath, alt. sp. 48. Audience’s approval 49. Window treatment 50. Bloody king of Israel 51. “Metamorphoses” poet 52. Serum, pl. 53. *The Game of ____ 54. Makes mistakes 55. Acid drug 58. Part of URL

SUDOKU

Sudoku

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

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Austin South Asian | January 2021

Dental Visits Are Essential Health Care, Here’s Why If maintaining good health is top of mind these days, as it is for many, be sure to factor dental hygiene into the equation. Medical experts say that a healthy mouth is critical to whole-body health, and warn that during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain stress-related oral health concerns are on the rise.

In addition, dentists can sometimes spot signs suggestive of medical issues, alerting you to the need for medical follow-up,” says Dr. Boghosian.

in stress-related oral health conditions in their patients. If you are waking with a tired or sore jaw, find you’re grinding your teeth or have a chipped or cracked tooth, a

“Dental health and overall health are intrinsically linked. Beyond teeth and gums, the mouth serves as a window to the rest of the body, providing clues about health related issues that may be brewing,” says Dr. Alice Boghosian, American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson. Dr. Boghosian reminds the public that dental visits have always been an essential part of health care and are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to ADA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, dentists have increased their already strong infection control and office sterilization protocols when treating patients. “Routine dental exams during the pandemic can help keep your mouth and body healthy.

oral cancer early reduces the risk of your being among the 10,030 people nationwide whose lives are claimed annually by the disease. • For the 29.1 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes, and those at high risk of developing the disease, dental visits are especially important. Untreated diabetes can take a toll on your mouth in numerous ways your dentist can detect. What’s more, people with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease, a chronic, inflammatory disease that can destroy gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and even bones. Research suggests that treating gum disease and then practicing good oral hygiene can help im-

According to the ADA, here’s why you should be seeing your dentist regularly, and insights into how oral and overall health are connected: • The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous source of anxiety and stress, which makes it no surprise that since its onset, a majority of dentists in an ADA Health Policy Institute survey report a rise

dentist can help. • Dentists’ areas of care extend beyond teeth, gums and supporting bone to include the muscles of the head, neck and jaw, the tongue, salivary glands and the nervous system of the head, neck and other areas. When appropriate, dentists can take samples of tissue to screen for chronic or infectious diseases, and even oral cancer. Catching

DECEMBER 2020 Sudoku Answer Mr.Yudhveer Bagga

prove blood sugar control in people living with diabetes. • With pregnancy come changes in your body, including an increased risk of the gum disease called gingivitis. Keeping up with regular dental cleanings during your pregnancy can help keep this issue at bay. For more dental health tips and resources, visit MouthHealthy.org. To find a dentist near you, visit FindaDentist.ada.org. “Dentists, along with your physician and other healthcare professionals, are part of your health care team,” says Dr. Boghosian. “Your oral and overall health are our top priority.” (StatePoint)

2020’S Best Holiday Gifts For Healthy Living (Continued From Page 17) Eco-Friendly Fitness

Encourage healthy movement and sustainability with an eKo Mat from Manuduka. These yoga mats are made from biodegradable natural tree rubber, are manufactured with zero waste and are free of toxic chemicals, dyes and phthalates. The brand also carries blocks, cushions, bolsters, straps and apparel made from sustainable and postconsumer recycled materials -- basically everything your favorite ecoconscious yogi needs to support their practice. Fresh Cooking Fresh herbs add zest and depth to meals and are a chock full of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, store-bought herbs don’t stay fresh all that long. By gifting the Indoor Herb Garden Kit from Mountainlily Farm however -- which includes sweet basil, sage, dill, chives, cilantro and flat leaf parsley -- you can give the home chefs in your life the ability to grow their own constant source of these delicious, healthful ingredients. What’s more, herbs are often sold in wasteful packaging, so an herb kit also helps reduce one’s plastic waste footprint. This holiday season, give the gift of wellness and help your loved ones live healthy and sustainable lives. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Experiencing Constipation? Make A New Year’s Resolution To Get The Help You Need Constipation is something that most people have likely experienced at one time or another. For some people however, symptoms can occur over the long term. Symptomatic individuals and patients should learn more about two types of long-term constipation: Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C).

• Discomfort • Not feeling empty after a BM In addition to symptoms of CIC, patients with IBS-C also experience abdominal pain related to changes in bowel movements, and

While CIC and IBS-C share many of the same symptoms, there are important differences between the two. One in seven U.S. adults have CIC and those with this condition may experience: • Infrequent bowel movements (BMs) • Hard-to-pass BMs • Straining

one in 20 U.S. adults are living with this chronic condition. The causes of CIC and IBS-C are not known. That said, for some, the

cause could be linked to changes in the connections between the brain and the gut. If you’re experiencing constipation, you should consider making a New Year’s resolution to speak to your doctor who may help address y o u r symptoms. “ Yo u r physician can diagnose your condition and offer treatment options that may provide relief,” says Howard Franklin, MD, MBA, chief medical officer, Salix Pharmaceuticals.

He suggests asking your doctor the following questions: • What are my options if lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications haven’t worked? • How many bowel movements should I be having each week? • What consistency should they be? Dr. Franklin also recommends coming to your appointment prepared to share what symptoms you’re experiencing and how long you’ve been trying to manage them. You might also be asked to identify what type of stool you most frequently experience when you are not taking medication using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a visual representation of the seven

types of BMs that you can have. “While it might seem awkward to talk about, telling your doctor which type or types of stool you typically have can help you both create a treatment plan that works for you and your body,” says Dr. Franklin. “The good news is that now more than ever, it is possible for a doctor to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose IBS-C and CIC during a virtual visit, so take advantage of telehealth appointments.” To learn more about the difference between IBS-C and CIC and for additional resources, visit ConfrontConstipation.com. “If you are experiencing constipation, you are not alone,” says Dr. Franklin. “Constipation is not only common, it’s treatable.” (StatePoint)

4 New Year’s Resolutions Black Women Can Make To Improve Heart Health High blood pressure -- the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke -- continues to disproportionately affect communities of color.

nity to prioritize self-care and get started. This is why the American Medical Association (AMA), the AMA

ing with Black women to help improve their heart health and be part of a movement for healthy blood pressure, with a shared goal of engaging more than 300,000 Black

Addressing this health inequity is especially important right now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19.

Specifically, the pledge encourages Black women to take the following four steps: 1. Set a blood pressure goal: Schedule an appointment with your physician or other health care professional, in-person or virtually, to work in partnership on understanding your blood pressure numbers and knowing your goal for optimal blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of high blood pressure among Black adults in the U.S. is among the highest in the world, with the prevalence of high blood pressure in Black women nearly 40 percent higher than white women in the U.S.

2. Monitor blood pressure numbers at home:

While many long-standing inequities and stressors produced by structural racism have created and continue to exacerbate these conditions, there are steps individuals can take to help improve their blood pressure right now.

Foundation, Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association, Minority Health Institute and National Medical Association have launched the “Release the Pressure” campaign with ESSENCE.

The New Year is a great opportu-

The campaign is aimed at partner-

women. As part of the campaign, the AMA and this coalition of national health care organizations encourages Black women to take a pledge to be part of a healthy blood pressure movement at ReleaseThePressure. org.

Once you learn your blood pressure numbers, take and keep regular records of your blood pressure. 3. Activate a personalized wellness plan: Identify specific goals for fitness

and heart healthy eating and connect virtually with family members and friends from your “squad” to keep you on track. 4. Make regular check-ins with your “squad”: Lean on your family and friends to help you achieve your heart health goals by checking in with them on a daily basis. “Preventive care is vital to breaking the devastating impact of high blood pressure within the Black community, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Patrice A. Harris, M.D., MA, president of the AMA. “At the individual and family level, it starts with understanding blood pressure numbers and taking action to manage blood pressure.” (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | January 2021

Resolve To Learn To Play An Instrument In The New Year

Have you been wanting to learn to play an instrument for a long time? Let the New Year be your motivation to finally take the plunge. Here are some top tips for getting started and for sticking with it: • Schedule practice sessions:

• Stay motivated: When learning a new skill, fast progress can be one of the greatest motivators. Thankfully, some of the latest tools make picking up the basics easier then ever.

an intermediate player in a matter of weeks. By connecting the instrument to the free Chordana Play app, you can learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files.

Learning to play an instrument requires a time commitment, so actually schedule a daily practice session -- at least 30 minutes -- in your planner or calendar. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or just before bed, identify a time of day when you are best able to turn off distractions and focus on the task at hand. • Check out online resources: While in-person lessons may not be available at the current moment, you might try taking a remote class or working with an online music teacher. Free tutorials are also available online, and have the added benefit of being paused or replayed again and again.

For example, with the Casiotone Keyboards from Casio, which feature a built-in learning system, you can go from being a novice to

finger placements and chords.

Some of the k e y board models in this series e v e n feature light-up keys, helping new musicians quickly get the hang of proper

• Set new goals:

Set concrete goals and dates by which you’d like to achieve them. This could be mastering a particular song or performing a live stream concert for your friends over social media. Always having a new goal to reach toward can keep things fresh, helping you stick with your New Year’s resolution. • Be compassionate with yourself: Learning to play an instrument is not easy, and some practice sessions will go more smoothly than others. Have patience with your own progress and try not to compare yourself to others, especially those who have been playing a lot longer than you! Building your music skills is not only fun, it’s good for your mental and physical wellness, making it the perfect New Year’s resolution. Be sure to get started with the right mindset and tools. (StatePoint)

Housing Instability And COVID-19: New Help Is On The Way The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has created widespread housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners. However, advocates say that free and lowcost legal assistance and other support is helping people remain in their homes.

know you won’t be able to make a rent payment, contact your landlord. • Gather documentation. Retain all corre-

“The economic challenges caused by COVID-19 are putting a spotlight on the most vulnerable communities, which have been disproportionately affected by job losses, under-employment and housing instability,” says Eileen Fitzgerald, head of Housing Affordability Philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation. By the end of the year, up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction, according to research from the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. Black and Hispanic tenants represent 80 percent of those potentially facing eviction nationwide. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an eviction moratorium until the end of the year, tenants must still be proactive. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself, according to the National Housing Law Project: • Contact your landlord. As soon as you

percent of landlords have legal representation, while only 10 percent of tenants do, according to Harvard researchers. This creates a glaring equity gap, as legal representation can make you more likely to avoid eviction. Look into services providing free legal assistance and submit your declaration. The CDC moratorium requires tenants to file a federal declaration form to be eligible for the eviction protection. What’s Being Done

spondence and receipts from your landlord. Be sure to document phone calls and in-person conversations. • Know assistance is available. Seek out community services offering rental relief, food and health care. Visit www.Legalfaq. org to learn more about services available in your community. • Seek legal assistance. An estimated 90

Fortunately, large-scale, multifaceted efforts are already underway to address the nationwide housing affordability crisis. As part of its $175 million response to COVID-19, the Wells Fargo Foundation has provided over 1,200 grants to nonprofits, including funding grants to provide legal assistance for renters at risk for eviction. Grants from the Foundation will allow 15 organizations that work to keep people and families housed through services and advocacy efforts to expand their

services. Housing insecurity is an issue in communities beyond urban centers. According to Partners for Rural Transformation, of the 395 counties with persistent poverty in the U.S., eight out of 10 are rural and the majority of people living in them are people of color. In response, the Wells Fargo Foundation has made grants to community development financial institutions to help keep people housed in rural communities. These efforts are part of the Wells Fargo Foundation’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to address housing affordability solutions by 2025, which includes investing in strategies to advance housing stability, increase the supply of affordable homes and expand homeownership opportunities for people of color. To learn more about the housing crisis and some of the philanthropic efforts to address it, visit wellsfargo.com/impact. “Housing instability is a persisting problem that must change. Home is a sanctuary. Having a safe and affordable place to call home is an essential pathway for wellness, dignity and economic opportunity,” says Fitzgerald. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Thanking The Inventors & Commercialists!

By Jayanthi Raju Science has advanced a lot. I owe lot of peace in my marriage to the advancement of science & also people who take the raw inventions & use their remarkable mind to apply those Physics principles to common uses.

meant that I had to navigate by reading all these big books of maps

etc. Somehow every time we got lost it was my fault. In addition,

this devise is now incorporated into smart Phone. This is like one stop shop. It is a phone, GPS, internet, a mini TV, Camera all in one. So, this small gadget I think is essential. In fact, it looks like if you do not have one, then you look obsolete & ancient.

One of such inventions is “GPS” I cannot pen down the immense amount of tension that this devise has saved me. Just like most other first-generation Indian couple, my husband always loves to sit in the driver seat.

There are many other gadgets that has improved our lives manifold both in office & at home. The scientific advancement has helped the organization become massive corporations.

I also prefer that. However, that

Most of the business has become

Remote Christmas As the cases of COVID-19 are rising, in-person holiday parties are not recommended, but it did not stop Southwestern National Bank to spread the holiday cheer. The Bank’s annual holiday party was hosted virtually on December 10, 2020. Directors and employees were able to join the fun r e m o t e l y. While enjoying the 3-course meal

delivered to each director and employee, Chairwoman Dr. Jody Lee, CEO Mark Simmons, and Presi-

dent Mohammed Younus had their holiday greetings virtually to every employee.

Chairwoman Lee and CEO Simmons later joined together and gave out 15th and 20th-year service awards. 15th-year service award recipients are Nancy Chan, Mai Hoang, Joy Langston, Nancy Liu, and Rosa Lu. 20th-year service award recipients are Catherine Liang and Betsy Reese. It would not be a fun party without raffling off cash prizes and naming the first three winners of the “The Funniest Christmas Cheer” Video Contest. Directors and employees enjoyed watching the funniest videos and voted for their favorites. The party was filled with joy and laughter. (Member FDIC)

CHILDREN ARTICLES Austin South Asian Children Email Us Your Invites Contributions Articles To See It In Print From Readers And Community info@austinsouthasian.com

online. Everyone carries a sleek Laptop which can access data even from and to remote part of the world. Suddenly, we find that instead of becoming free, we have become slaves to our jobs :) as now, you are expected to answer any query that crazy bosses may have at any ungodly hour! At home, we have gadgets that make cooking no magic. In few years, they will find a pill that once taken will give a snapshot of whatever is there in Google or something like that. No need to work hard. Due to all these mechanizations, we will put on lot of weight & hopefully there will be something that will dissolve the excess fat accumulated due to excessive indulgence. Science has a long way to go. I can think of many things that can make my life easier. For example, I wish the dirty dishes will automatically be loaded & unloaded & dishes walk to their respective places. The Washer & Dryer Is OK, but what about folding & Ironing? Why cannot we have a sensor to do that. One thing that would be a great device if it would stich people’s mouths when they talk ill of other people or try to hurt others. I am sure this device would be sought after!! It will be nice if we could transport myself to another part of the world & come back in a day. If I had this transportation machine, then I would never miss a single function at home! I am sure some intelligent, eccentric nerd is working on all the ideas that I have penned down above. I am happy that I was not born 100 years ago! At least I got to enjoy TV, phone, Gas, Plane, Trains, Computers, Internet etc. Happy Holidays.

Austin South Asian | January 2021

Irrfan Khan’s Final Film The Song Of Scorpions Gears Up For Release

Get ready to witness Irrfan Khan on the big screen one last time with The Song of Scorpions.

The film follows Nooran (Farahani), a fiercely independent tribal woman who is learning the ancient

healing art of scorpion-singing from her grandmother Zubeidaa (Rehman).

According to a myth, if a scorpion bites you, you will die unless a scorpion-singer sings her song and

Written and directed by Anup Singh, the film, which is a “story of twisted love, revenge and the redemptive power of a song”, also stars Golshifteh Farahani, Waheeda Rehman and Shashank Arora.

cures you. Irrfan Khan’s character Aadam is a camel trader Aadam who falls in love with Nooran. Talking about the release of The Song of Scorpions, Abhishek Pathak, Producer and Director at Panorama Spotlight, said in a statement, “The Song of Scorpions is a special story, and it is truly an honour for us to present Irrfan Khan’s final performance in it.

The Song of Scorpions will be released in early 2021 by Panorama Spotlight along with 70 MM Talkies.

We will be offering this film to the audiences as a tribute to the beloved star of Indian cinema. The era of cinema in India and abroad has benefitted from his acting prowess and we’re happy to have canvassed his swansong.” Irrfan Khan was last seen in Angrezi Medium, which released in March this year. (Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/)

Though The Song of Scorpions is not the final project Irrfan shot for, it will indeed be the last film of his career to see the light of day. The Song of Scorpions premiered at Switzerland’s 70th Locarno Film Festival in August 2017.

Coolie No 1 Movie Review: Zero Wit, No Flair Coolie No 1 cast: Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan, Paresh Rawal, Sahil Vaid, Shikha Talsania, Jaaved Jaaferi, Rajpal Yadav, Johny Lever, Manoj Joshi, Anil Dhawan, Bharti Achrekar Coolie No 1 director: David Dhawan Coolie No 1 rating: One star

carry off pretty much everything— off-colour jokes, crimson-coloured suits, and no one could thrust a

has channelled Govinda in many of his films much better, tread almost the same path, mouthing almost

In this one, the gaon has become Goa. Instead of a factory, it is a port, and Sara Ali Khan is a city

The only one who makes a meal of his character, played by the inimitable Kader Khan in the original, is Paresh Rawal.

Her arrogant papa who wants ‘only prince-no pauper’ for his beloved ‘beti’ is the obstacle, but no Bollywood daddy can stand in the way of true love, and loud comedy and song-dance, can they?

It turned into one of the biggest hits of the year, which also gave us Rangeela, and DDLJ, because Govinda’s good-hearted man of the masses was spot on. At that time, in his prime, he could

It’s painful to see passable actors go through jerky scenes and terrible laugh tracks. Varun and Sara dancing to the still popular songs (“Tujhko mirchi lagi toh main kya karoon”) take you straight back to the OG.

Back in 1995, director David Dhawan got his favourite actor to play a happy-go-lucky coolie who falls for a rich girl.

The Dhawan-Govinda-KarismaKader Khan-Shakti Kapoor combine gave us a film of its times, laden with gags bordering on tastelessness, and dubious lyrics.

The time for constructed-on-paperplots has long gone.

His heavy-handed papa uses a light touch, which is exactly what’s needed in this kind of brainless comedy.

pelvis like he could, not even his pretty leading ladies.

the same lines, there’s no laughter, only despair.

girl in flouncy minis and pointy stilettos.

But that was a quarter-century back, and it looks like the filmmakers have forgotten that the world has changed. So has Bollywood.

Minor changes do not freshness make. The earlier film was set in a village: Karisma was a ghaghraclad gaon-ki-gori, Govinda wanted to set up a cement factory.

But the silliness which was celebrated at its highest pitch, and the rat-a-tat speed with which the whole thing was executed, something David Dhawan used to do so well, is missing.

When you see Varun Dhawan, who

Dhawan Jr has done much better under his papa’s baton. And sadly, the sprightly Sara Ali Khan is as vacuous as the script. We can do with laughter in these dark times, but not like this, with zero wit, no flair. (Courtesy: https:// indianexpress.com/)

Austin South Asian | January 2021