Austin south asian july 2018 print by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 11 No. 07

Ekal USA’s New President By Manu Shah Suresh Iyer’s introduction to Ekal

2002, he was asked by a friend to host its Founder Shyam Gupta in a last minute change of plans.

4th International Day Of Yoga

By Manu Shah

General of India in Houston and

The conversation between the two turned to Ekal, lasted well into the night and by morning, Suresh had become a donor. He gradually became more involved as a volunteer, then Chapter President, Chairman of the Board until 6 months ago when he assumed the role of President of Ekal Vidyalaya USA. was a strange coincidence. In

Health Benefits

Fennel seeds are enriched with a wide variety of nutrients which

(Continued On Page 23)

(Continued On Page 12)

Thousands of Texans across the state came together to celebrate the 4th International Day of Yoga in partnership with the Consulate

Jiaa Jabbar of Royal Events has been organizing Chaand Raat Mela for the past four years.

1.Playtime at Domain Northside (FREE) The first Wednesday of every month, excluding July 4th, Domain Northside has kid-centered activities (Continued On Page 14)

local organizations. (Continued on Page 09)

End The AIDS Epidemic

In 2016 there were 4,716 Austin/ Travis County residents living with HIV infection. An additional 987 persons are estimated to be infected, but don’t know they have the virus. Despite progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the virus continues to spread.

This year, she organized the event at GAMA Event Center on the evening of Thursday, June 14, a change from previous years to allow for a bigger event and more parking. Chaand Raat, a Muslim tradition of celebration on the even of Eid ul Fitr, happens all over the world on the last day of Ramadan.

benefit your health in a plethora of ways. From treating heartburn to curing menstrual problems, fennel seeds can do it all.

Smart, Snack Tips........02 Defeat Clogged Drains..04 Family’s Veggie Intake..04 Top Tips For New.........05 Tips For Paying For.......05 For Your Next Move......06 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Personal Data End Up...07 SWNB Scholarship........13

10 FunThings Chaand Raat To Do This By Sumaiya Malik Summer By Amil Malik Photo credit: freefuninaustin.com, flylakeaustin.com & @glowpaddleaustin

inside

July 2018

Once the Muslims break their last fast and have sighted the new moon, they start preparing for Eid ul Fitr or ‘Choti Eid’ the next day. (Continued On Page 15)

Approximately 250 new cases are diagnosed each year in Austin/Travis County. Black and Latino men who have sex with men account for 47% of the new cases here. Today Austin joined 96 other cities globally to become the 18th U.S. city to sign the Paris Declaration to end the AIDS epidemic. (Continued On Page 20)

August 2018

Back To School Special 512-828-6709

Dont Let Vacation Derail.8 Retirement Income......08 International Day.........09 Technology Improving.10 All Drivers To Know......11 Maliks............14,15,16,25 10 Fun Things..............15 Childrens Page....17,22,23 How To Prepare For An.18 Predictions...................21 Backyard Party Ideas...20 Blood Moon.................21 Nepal To Maintain........21 Dental Health...............24 Top Tips For New.........25 Entertainment.........26,27

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Smart, Healthful Snack Tips For People On The Move Does your schedule, have you onthe-move? Check out these easy ways to healthfully keep hunger at bay, no matter where your busy life takes you, including at home!

Go! Infused Olives, which come in portable cups with peel-back lids. Since there’s no liquid and no refrigeration needed, it’s an easy op-

Sitting for long hours takes its toll. Take a brisk walk every day for a healthier outcome. A little snack afterwards is a welcome

Make Mini Meals Instead of big heavy meals, think in smaller bites. Combine your favorite proteins, veggies, fruits and nuts into “snack style” meals that leave you satisfied, but not low on energy from just eating too much. Pick flavorful foods for lasting satisfaction.

Flavorful, low-calorie, and lowcarb olives provide a great centerpiece to any snack. Look for super easy options like Pearls’ Olives to

For example, 10 large olives are only about 35 calories and a small apple is about 75 calories. A protein rich hard-boiled egg is about 80 calories and 10 almonds are 70 calories. Having knowledge about your food gives you control and prevents later regrets. Look for products packaged in reasonable portions, such as the Pearls Olives to Go!. With several varieties weighing in at 35 calories per cup, this is a choice you can feel good about.

Go Mediterranean The Mediterranean diet is renowned for being both delicious and healthful. So, skip the chips and take a culinary cue from this region of the world for smarter snacking.

Keep an eye on packaged food labels and be aware of the calorie count of your favorite snack items.

Boarding Passes tion to bring along to work, school, the gym or on trips. Great on their own, flavors include Sriracha, Taco and Italian Herb. For more information, visit Olives.com/pearls.

reward. Keep fruit, olives or a handful of nuts on-hand to avoid

Desk Drawer Delights

100 Calories or Less is Best

that junk food vending machine down the hall!

Air travel is now notoriously lacking in tasty onboard snacks, save for a few peanuts often drenched in sugar. Packing some satisfying snacks with good fats and proteins is the trick to battling inflight munchies. Olives, roasted seeds and nuts, crunchy carrot sticks and

a few squares of cheese can be life savers. Power to the Pantry Being prepared applies here! Keeping your pantry and refrigerator stocked with the right foods is key to being a super-snacker, not a slacker snacker, and will help to satisfy cravings and curb weight gain. Don’t even allow the junk foods in the door! A well-provisioned pantry should include seeds, nuts, dried fruits, olives in portioned cups and some lean jerky snacks. Stock the refrigerator with portion-controlled cheese snack squares and sticks, chilled sparkling water, fresh veggie slices, hard-boiled eggs and tofu squares. With these tips, you’re ready to power-snack and stay fueled for whatever your day throws at you. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

How To Defeat Clogged Drains Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, these issues as they occur, it’s often faster and clogged drains are likely to affect your bath- cheaper to handle clogs on your own. What’s room and kitchen sinks every so often as a the best way to do it? result of soap residue, hair and skin flakes, Snaking the drain is one step you could take, but for a handsfree approach, consider using a liquid clog remover, such as those from the Roto-Rooter line of drain care products. For information about clogged drains and for simple DIY clog removal tips, visit rotorooter-products.com.

Braces & Invisalign Now accepting new patients!

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When drain blockages occur -- and they will food particles, dirt and accumulated gunk. -- consider reaching for the most expedient and affordable approach to clearing these obWhile you could call a plumber to address structions. (StatePoint)

Easy Ways To Boost Your Family’s Veggie Intake Nutritious, delicious and low-calorie, vegetables should be the star player of all your meals. But sometimes providing veggies for your family can be time consuming and costly.

• Swap it out: Little ones and even some adults can be resistant to certain vegetables at first. But there are ways to incorporate them into family meals with no one the wiser.

For example, Green Giant’s frozen Veggie Swap-Ins line, which includes Green Giant Riced Veggies, Green Giant Veggie Spirals and Green Giant Mashed Cauliflower are easy go-to items in any kitchen for quick family meals.

Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to boost your veggie intake, and it all starts in your grocery store’s freezer aisle.

• Be mindful: Dining out can be especially tricky territory for those looking to eat more vegetables.

• Go frozen. Frozen vegetables are often one of the most affordable options and the quickest to prepare, reducing time spent slicing and dicing on busy weeknights.

Be mindful of what you order. Read the menu carefully and ask questions. Many restaurants are happy to make substitutions to accommodate your preferences.

What’s more, by opting for frozen veggies, your family will likely reduce its food waste. Frozen vegetables are easy to store for long periods of time, and recent studies have found that freezing actually helps lock nutrients in.

taking the survey, said they have introduced the product into their kids’ meals without their kids knowing they weren’t traditional potatoes, rice and/or pasta, and 49 percent admit to swapping these items for potatoes, rice and pasta 1-2 times per week.

Consider cooking with vegetables that offer the look, feel and taste of traditional starches such as rice, pasta and potatoes.

Indeed, 52 percent of American consumers who noted they had purchased Green Giant Swap-Ins products within three months of

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck or simply making your family dinner, consider reducing calories in salads and sides by upping your vegetable intake in these dishes. Make an Italian pasta salad out of zucchini or carrot spirals. Swap out traditional rice with riced cauliflower to make a simple pilaf. Create a tasty alternative to traditional potato tots with such products as Green Giant Veggie Tots. The possibilities are endless. Are you looking to simplify your family’s clean-eating routine and increase your vegetable intake?

For example, see if you can replace a side of fries with a garden salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables like green beans.

With a few tips and tricks, you can incorporate broccoli, beets, squash and more into your family’s diet while saving time and money in the process.

• Get creative:

(StatePoint)

4 Ways To Make Summer Easier For Children With Autism

Transitional times of the year mean shifting schedules, which can be particularly challenging for children with autism and their families.

morning routine. Use free resources and easy step-by-step guides to help with everyday activities, like the oral care instructions created by Colgate on the MagnusCards app. MagnusCards combine proven learning techniques with game design in order to help people with cognitive special needs master life skills. Colgate recently launched five guides on the app to help establish healthy oral care routines, from proper tooth brushing to visiting the dental office. To learn more, visit Colgate.MagnusCards.com. Do Activities Together A family needs to work together to thrive. Opt for activities that are exciting for your child but benefit everyone.

Whether you’re just beginning to learn about cognitive special needs, or have many years of experience, gaining insight into what has helped other families cope can be valuable. Holly Robinson Peete, actress and autism advocate whose son RJ was diagnosed with autism at a young age, is sharing her own tips and strategies for a smooth summer break. Discuss Plans Ahead of Time Summer days are often filled with new experiences, which can sometimes be overwhelming for your child. Share a schedule in advance to help your child understand what the day will look like. Of course, plans -- and weather -- may change, so it’s important to provide a backup plan, too. For example, you may want to say, “We’re going to the pool today at noon, but if it rains, we’ll go to the movies instead.” Maintain a Schedule Routines are important for all children, but especially for those living with autism. In summer, it can feel tempting to be more flexible with daily routines but maintaining the basic structure of your child’s typical school day helps. Start the day by encouraging the same wakeup time each day and following a regular

“A simple picnic on the beach is a good day for the Peetes! We’ve been doing this since RJ was a little boy,” says Peete. “The sounds of the ocean and watching the waves relax him and the whole family.” Focus on the Positive Children with autism respond well to praise. The key is to be specific about what exactly was great about his or her behavior and to provide a little reward, such as an ice cream cone or extra trip to the pool. “Many parents take eye contact for granted, but it’s something that can be difficult for children with autism to do. It’s very hard to describe what it’s like when your child is unable to look at you. You don’t make the connection you need to make, which can be painful and frustrating for everyone,” says Peete. “Whenever RJ would make extended eye contact, we would make sure he got his favorite pizza or the chance to jump longer on his trampoline. These are small wins, but huge for an autism family!” Don’t let summer vacation be overwhelming. Leverage new resources and learn more about others’ experiences to help your family discover winning routines for a great summer. (StatePoint)

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Top Tips And Decluttering Insights For Your Next Move Moving can be emotional and the ways you manage it – including the downsizing of your possessions – may be influenced by your age, suggests a new study.

times in life when you’re forced to consider all your possessions and decide what goes and what stays,” says Pat Baehler, senior vice president, Mayflower Moving.

“From heirlooms to kitchen gadgets, moving is one of the few

“It can be a journey of ups and downs, from feeling brief guilt

Scribblings By Arun FRIENDS

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our, They find amongst each other. No fear, no scare, They face challenges together. One can sustain without any others But without a friend can one endure?

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Editor: Bala Kumar Marketing: Jayachitra Vijay -512-828-6709 Production: Jyothi Mariswaran Admin: Sharada Dayanidhi

Publisher: Vidya Kumar Circulation: Vasooda Kumar info@austinsouthasian.com I ©All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof be published without the wirtten consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertisement and article is 20th of every month.

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over purging gifts or older furniture, to pure joy in remembering the story behind a family heirloom and thinking of the memories you’ll soon make in your new home.”

as well as to avoid summer -- the busiest time for most moving companies. • Prevent mishaps. Consider letting professionals pack breakable items.

Baby boomers (64 percent) and Generation Xers (60 percent) are more likely than millennials (53 percent) to put an heirloom in a safe place to pass along, according to the 2018 Mayflower Mover Insights Study, which explored different generations’ relationships with their belongings.

• Help offset relocation costs by looking into programs such as CityPointe, provided by Mayflower, offering cash back on the sale

• Reduce energy spent packing and unpacking. While 57 percent of survey respondents say they’ll purge everything they don’t need before moving, only 44 percent have actually done this in the past. Luckily, there are both new and lucrative channels for doing so:

However, millennials (17 percent) are more likely than Generation Xers (12 percent) and baby boomers (10 percent) to refurbish or repurpose an heirloom into something new. The survey, conducted by Mayflower, which moves approximately 50,000 families annually, also explored how Americans feel about decluttering and purging unused items: 80 percent of survey respondents agree that clutter stresses them out, and half declutter their living space to feel more relaxed. While such emotional stressors are often unavoidable during a move, the following tips from the experts at Mayflower can help you ease the logistical and financial burdens. • Most people want to move on a Thursday or Friday, so if you can move earlier in the week there will likely be more availability. Likewise, it’s best to move in the early or middle part of the month,

and purchase price of your home. • Of the millions of Americans that move annually, fraud occurs in as many as 3,000 cases. Don’t get scammed. Ask for a moving quote from three companies and don’t be hooked by the lowest price. If one estimate is much lower than the others, it could be a red-flag that the company isn’t legitimate. Generally, reputable moving companies will not require a deposit, so don’t pay up-front.

47 percent of Americans say they use some kind of online service, social site or app to help them declutter, 26 percent are considering selling unused items through a resale or consignment shop and 35 percent are considering selling unused items online, according to the Mayflower survey. For additional moving tips and tools, visit Mayflower.com. Whether you’re a minimalist or a pack rat, smart strategies can mean a low-stress move. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Don’t Let Your Personal Data End Up On The Dark Web Consumers today give out personal information all the time -- from shopping online to signing up for special promotional offers to filling out job applications. However, there are millions of identity theft victims each year, and when your information is stolen by a cyber-criminal, it will likely be sold on the dark web. Your social security number, for example, could be sold for as little as $1, according to Experian, one of the nation’s three credit bureaus.

nals to conduct illegal activities in the deepest pockets of the Internet, undetected. For identity thieves, the dark web is a marketplace for personal infor-

While it’s doubtful that your local dry cleaner or gym will be targeted by an identity thief, any database is attractive to a cyber-criminal. Companies can also be victims of rogue employees, and smaller op-

One step to get peace of mind is enrolling in an identity theft protection product so you are notified if credit is opened in your name or your personal data is on the dark web.” To proactively protect your identity, take the following key steps:

The end result is that criminals can open a credit card account in your name, steal your tax return, try to hack into your financial accounts and conduct other malicious activities. The Dark What? The dark web is a mystery to many. Only one in four people know what it is and what it’s used for, according to the Experian Cybersecurity Survey. It essentially allows crimi-

• Only provide personal information when it’s required.

mation, including phone numbers, email addresses, account passwords and social security numbers that can be used to commit identity theft and fraud.

erations have less security. It’s best to err on the side of caution when giving out personal information. Better Manage Personal Data “Having your personal information exposed can be a threat to your

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• Never access the Internet with unsecured public Wi-Fi. Only use secured public Wi-Fi with a password for browsing -- don’t shop or access accounts, including social media and email.

• Several times per year, check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus for possible fraudulent accounts. Wondering if there’s already cause for concern? Experian offers a free Dark Web Triple Scan that searches thousands of dark web pages, networks and forums for your phone number, email address and social security number. This scan will inform you if any of this information is on the dark web. Learn more at experian.com/ triplescan. Your daily routine doesn’t have to lead to a darkened outlook. Taking proactive steps can help you stay vigilant and offer you better protection. (StatePoint)

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identity and financial future, but there are ways to take control,” says Brian Stack, vice president of Dark Web Intelligence at Experian. “In a digital world, all of us are at some risk for identity theft and fraud.

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Austin South Asian | July 2018

Don’t Let A Vacation Derail Your Diet

Vacation season is here and it’s no surprise that what you eat can have an impact on your weight. In a study from the University of Georgia, 61 percent of the participants gained weight while on vacation, with an average gain of 0.7 pounds. Some even gained up to 7 pounds. Making healthy choices, even while on vacation, can be as easy as one, two, three when you have the right tools. Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem, shares foods that should be on your watch list and go-to list, and how alcohol can fit into your vacation and weight loss plan – yes, you read that right! Foods on the Watch List

• Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter: There’s not a big difference in calories between reduced and full-

less salt and sugar.

grains” are just marketing terms.

Foods on the Go-To List

• Multigrain Bread: People who eat

• Granola: Yes, granola can deliver protein and healthy fats, but eat it sparingly. One cup can have up to 600 calories which is the same as a Big Mac. And that’s without milk!

• Fruits and Veggies: No surprise here! Essential to a healthy diet, pack that cooler with them for a healthful snacking alternative.

• Sports Drinks: Red-flag number one: sugar is high on the ingredients list second only to water. Red-flag number two: there are two-and-a-half servings in each bottle, meaning you could be gulping down as much as 52.5 grams of sugar. fat varieties. In fact, full-fat peanut butter is chock full of monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. You can also look for natural peanut butter, which usually has

whole grains are at lower risk of certain chronic diseases. But read labels carefully. While the term “whole grain” is regulated, “multigrain,” “7-grain,” and “ancient

• Fast Food Salads: Some fast food salads can have more calories, fat and sodium than burgers because of add-ons like cheese, meat and heavy dressings.

Is Your Retirement Income Protected? 9 Questions To Ask When it comes to retirement planning, anxiety comes with the territory. Will you be able to maintain your lifestyle in retirement? Will you have enough to cover your monthly bills without depleting your savings?

“The American retirement discussion has traditionally focused on accumulating assets rather than how to turn some of those savings into a guaranteed monthly income that will last as long as you do,”

Are you at risk of outliving your money? While such concerns are common among Americans approaching retirement, protecting part of the money that you’ve saved to ensure monthly income for life can make a difference in your confidence about the future, suggests a new study. A new survey by the Alliance for Lifetime Income looked at the emotional and physical well-being of Gen X and Baby Boomer households and compared those with some form of protected lifetime income, such as an annuity and/or pension, to those that were unprotected and relying solely on savings and Social Security. Eighty-eight percent of protected households say they are confident that their retirement money will help them achieve their lifestyle goals, while only sixty-three percent of unprotected households feel confident.

says Colin Devine, educational advisor at the Alliance for Lifetime Income. “People don’t realize that Social Security is estimated to replace only about 40 percent of the average person’s income, which leaves millions of Americans vulnerable to outliving their hard-earned savings.” To get confident about your financial plan for retirement, Devine

says that you should understand all your options for protecting a portion of your retirement income from the impact of market volatility and longer lifespans.

5. Are there costs associated with guaranteed protected income?

The Alliance outlines nine key questions that you should ask your financial advisor to make sure that you’re on track to having the lifetime income you can count on for the retirement you want:

7. Can annuities help protect me from investment losses?

1. Why is protected monthly income in retirement important? 2. How much protected monthly income will I need in retirement? 3. What if my expected monthly income is less than what I need to last my lifetime? 4. What is an annuity?

6. What if I need access to my money in an annuity?

8. How do I know that my protected income is safe? 9. Are there other strategies for protected monthly income? “Discussing these topics with your financial advisor can help you become better informed about your income planning options, putting you one step closer to creating a financial plan that delivers what you need to live the life you want in retirement,” says Devine. Visit www.RetireYourRisk.org for more information on how to create and protect your retirement income. Don’t succumb to anxiety about your financial future. With the right knowledge, you can help ensure a comfortable retirement. (StatePoint)

• Nuts, Seeds and Popcorn: Healthy fats like nuts and seeds make great snacks and crunchy salad toppers. Walnuts may be best when it comes to cutting inflammation and cholesterol. Just watch your portions – a little goes a long way. And, plain air-popped popcorn is a good alternative to chips, delivering fiber, vitamins and minerals. Also, one cup contains only around 30 calories. • Protein: Think eggs, chicken, lean steak, edamame, quinoa or protein shakes. Begin your day with protein and you’ll be off to a good start. • Healthy Sandwiches: Ditch white bread and rolls for whole grains and sandwiches with veggies and hummus instead of cheese. Room for Alcohol? Participants of the University of Georgia study doubled their alcohol consumption during vacations, which contributed to weight gain. However, you don’t need to say no to alcohol altogether, just keep a few things in mind. Watch the added sugar of mixers and flavored liquors and choose light beers. Also, stick to drier wines, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, and opt for liquors like gin, vodka, rum, tequila, scotch and bourbon. And finally, remember to drink in moderation. One drink per day for women and two for men is best while on vacation. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s website, The Leaf. Remember, vacation doesn’t need to hinder your weight loss efforts. Good choices can keep you on the weight loss track – on vacation and all year round! (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

What You Need To Know Before Firing Up The Grill

Summer is officially here and with seven in 10 U.S. adults owning a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, for many, that means it’s time to cook up mouth-watering dishes and invite friends and family over for a barbeque.

be prevented from grilling if there are neighbors living close by or there isn’t a patio or outdoor space. Know the rules. If you’re not al-

But be careful. Grill fires are all too common. Before starting up the grill, make sure that you’ve taken the following precautions to keep the place you call home safe. • Landlord Knows Best. If you’re a renter, before you even consider grilling, check with your landlord to see if it’s allowed. Oftentimes apartments don’t allow gas grills on balconies due to state fire codes. Even the 39 percent of renters living in single-family homes may

lowed to have a gas grill, consider alternatives like an electric grill or a community grill in a common area.

• Too Hot to Handle. Grill fires can start in a number of ways, including dirty grills, grilling too close to something that could catch fire and leaving the grill unattended. To prevent a fire, clean the grill after each use. Always keep it a safe distance from your building (at least 10 feet) and away from trees. Place the grill on a solid surface that can’t burn, such as concrete or asphalt. And never walk away from the grill while cooking, as a spark or small flame

can easily spread. • Safety First. Keep safe by getting equipped with tools and knowledge. Use long-handled spatulas, wear flame-resistant mitts and never wear loose-fitting clothes near an open flame. If you’re using a gas grill throughout summer, check it periodically for leaks. And keep baking soda or a small fire extinguisher nearby, since attempting to put out a fire with water will only cause the flames to flare up. Also, remind everyone of that life-saving rhyme “stop, drop and roll” to remember what to do if you catch on fire. • Have the Right Insurance. As a homeowner or renter, even if you take precautions, accidents do happen, so make sure you’re properly

covered for the summer grilling season and beyond. According to Erie Insurance, a standard renters insurance policy can help cover you if you’re responsible for causing injuries or damaging other people’s property. No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, especially when you’re planning a fun barbeque, but being protected is a way to give your family peace of mind. Plus, you can’t be too sure your neighbors are practicing safe grilling habits. Renters insurance can help protect you from costs resulting from their negligence, too. This summer, kick back and enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces. Just be sure any grilling you do is done safely. (StatePoint)

4th International Day Of Yoga In Texas (Continued From Page 01) They moved in harmony, stretching and breathing mindfully in guided yoga sessions across parks, schools, temples and community centers. According to a 2016 Yoga Journal report, 36.7 million people practice yoga in the US, up from 20.4 million in 2012. The yoga market is now worth $16 bn (£12 bn) in the U.S. Houston In Houston, over 500 yoga practitioners showed up in their yoga gear at Midtown Park on June 21st. Non-Indians clearly outnumbered desis in the record turnout, proving that yoga has entered mainstream America. New additions to the program included a demonstration of some of the most difficult yoga poses by Melissa Riedel, Reggie Ahmad, Austin Dunn and Nicklous Dutcher. Yoga coordinator for Houston, Sharad Amin thanked the weather gods for a beautiful day and stated that the program “demonstrated universal oneness which can be achieved by Yoga, India’s gift to world.” President and founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth USA and renowned yoga teacher, Shekhar Agrawal described yoga as a great step to “awaken the sleeping giant

within us,” and invited the city’s top yoga teachers to take the gathering through some yoga asanas, relaxation techniques and meditation practices. A concluding prayer was invoked to “channel our energies in the right direction” after which participants broke out in a lively exchange of powdered colors or Holi as it is known in India. The Hindu Temple of the Woodlands hosted a yoga session on the morning of June 23. The young volunteers of their Vision to Reality project and Community Outreach Program by the Education Youth Service (EYS), organized the event in Town Green Park. Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray and retired Vascular Surgeon, renowned Yoga Therapist & Ayurveda practitioner Dr. Dilip Sarkar were the Chief Guests. The session opened with a Sanskrit prayer wishing for peace and protection. International yoga educator Cat McCarthy took the stage and led the group through several movements.India House also hosted a yoga event which saw an attendance of 100 people. Dallas The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas organized IDY at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Pla-

za in Irving, Texas on June 17th. Over 350 yoga enthusiasts in all age groups followed yoga instructor Vijay in the exercises, meditation and pranayama sessions for an hour. Breakfast was served for the participants and they were also given a Certificate of Appreciation. Vice Consul of India in Houston Ashok Kumar spoke about the significance of IDY and encouraged people to participate in the celebrations. Austin Austinites rolled out their yoga mats in front of the stately State Capitol building on June 16th in solidarity with the world on this day of peace and harmony. The event was presented by the Art of Living and co-sponsored by the Consulate General of India in Houston. The Austin community was unified once again for the fourth time in a row with a record turnout of close to a 1000 people which included City Council members, State representatives as well as members from the Veterans Yoga Project. The Mayor of Austin showed his support with a Proclamation and message for the event. The event also saw the participation of several yoga studios and like-minded organizations. The 60 minute session of yoga,

meditation and pranayama was followed by a striking demonstration of AcroYoga. The session concluded with Art of Living kirtan music and a classical Indian fusion dance. San Antonio San Antonio took the prize for the sheer number of yoga events in the city. This year, organizers heeded Consul General of Houston Dr. Anupam Ray’s suggestion and took yoga to the military and veteran community. Wounded Warriors who had lost their limbs in war and had been rehabilitated through yoga demonstrated several exercises at the San Antonio military base. Maggie Grueskin, one of the main organizers in a message to the organizers in Houston wrote: “I feel amazed at the impact each of our cities are having on our communities, and feel gratitude for imparting the wisdom and communitybuilding aspects of yoga with such a devoted group of people.”In addition, about 47 multiple yoga events were held throughout the city on June 9th including a large yoga class of about 200 people at the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk, a presentation at the City Council District, an elementary school where 115 children participated,

Libraries, Senior Centers and the County Court where the Bexar County court employees practiced yoga in front of the County Court. Speaking to a cross section of people gathered at these events about what drew them to yoga, responses ranged from a search for spiritual awakening to yoga as an “avenue to heighten and grow” in the spiritual journey. One young lady spoke of “leaving everything at the yoga studio door” for an hour of peace and calm and then leaving the studio inspired to do good. Some came to raise the vibrational frequency of the planet, connect with themselves and their bodies on a deeper level or get a perfect workout for the body, mind and soul. Common responses to how it helped in daily life included being happier, fewer mood swings, increased concentration and energy, heightened productivity and a dramatic lowering of stress levels. Yoga teacher Regie Ahmad, whose gravity defying yoga poses astounded the crowds, described yoga as his primary physical and spiritual practice. Five years ago when he told people he practices yoga, they looked surprised but now, he says, “it’s such a normal and mainstream thing to get into.”

Austin South Asian | July 2018

How New Technology Is Improving Treatment Of Strokes

For patients experiencing ischemic stroke -- the leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- the time it takes to receive treatment is critically important for avoiding irreversible brain damage.

“In the case of strokes, every moment counts, and thanks to ITTS, we’re able to deliver treatment faster than ever before,” says Gary Belt, M.D., stroke neurologist at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook

plement ITTS technology. Recent research highlights the benefits of this technology: patients evaluated with ITTS in ambulances while in-transit to the hospital can

The first-of-its-kind study assessed 89 presumptive stroke patients in ambulances over 15 months from January 2015 through March 2016.

While getting evaluated by a specialist used to take up to several hours, new in-ambulance technology being tested by hospitals nationwide is helping patients get evaluated within minutes. A new technology known as InTransit Telestroke (ITTS) may transform the field of stroke treatment. With ITTS, stroke neurologists can examine patients by using video technology from ambulances, decreasing the time between a patient’s onset of symptoms and crucial treatment.

until they are in the emergency department (referred to as door-toneedle, or DTN, time), according to a recent study by researchers at Overlook Medical Center and Atlantic Health System and published by the journal “Stroke.”

Medical Center in Summit, N.J., a not-for-profit multihospital system and the first in the country to im-

be treated with the brain saving drug alteplase 13 minutes faster than those patients not assessed

Atlantic Health System paramedics responding to neurological emergencies used an InTouch Xpress device -- a portable unit with a high-definition camera, microphone and screen -- allowing video communication with a stroke neurologist who performed a neurological evaluation of the patient while in-transit to the emergency department. Once the patients arrived at the participating hospital’s emergency

department, the neurologist assumed care and, when indicated, administered alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) that breaks down blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain. “We are constantly looking for ways to treat stroke patients as quickly as possible, as each passing minute of lost blood supply translates to more brain damage,” says John J. Halperin, M.D., senior study investigator and chair, department of neurosciences at Overlook Medical Center. “Our observations suggest that prehospital evaluation with telestroke may provide a scalable, affordable way to speed stroke treatment, as well as more rapidly direct patients to the centers capable of performing the procedures that will serve their needs best.” (StatePoint)

Transform Your Home Into An Entertaining Haven This Summer In warm weather, everything is better done outdoors -- from eating meals to entertaining guests.

ings -- shades of magenta and teal go perfectly with nature’s green elements. However, if you prefer

In fact, 88 percent of homeowners taking on landscaping projects upgrade outdoor living elements, such as furniture and heating features, to make spending time outside more comfortable, according to the Houzz 2018 Landscaping Survey. To embrace the trend, consider the following. Add ‘Living Room’ Touches Create a flawless outdoor retreat with comfortable lounge chairs and all-weather sectionals that look like they belong inside. Go all out with color and bold furnish-

neutrals, up the design factor with bright planters and accent pieces, or hang vibrant tiled artwork that can withstand the elements. If you have an indoor patio or per-

gola, hanging decorative curtains provides style, shade and privacy. Finalize the space with cushioned floor seats and activities, l i k e board games a n d books, for the ultimate entertaining destination. Include a Beverage Station Have refreshments nearby with fun serving ware and a bar cart stocked with cocktail fixings -- ice, lemons, olives, water and soda -- along with fruit juices and colorful sugar to rim glasses so even the kids can get in on the

merriment. Add pretty patterned glassware, umbrella stir sticks and a cocktail shaker to get the party started. Refresh Common Areas Guests will access your home’s entryway and powder room. Spruce up these spaces with a fresh coat of paint or by simply repainting the trim a crisp white. This can completely transform your home, making it look brighter and feel larger. With the right tools, you can pull off this impactful project with ease. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, to protect walls and floors. Treated with PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape can be used on a variety of surfaces to deliver the sharpest paint lines for professional-looking results, allowing you to get the job done faster and eliminating the need for touchups -- which means more time spent outside. To bring the elements of summer

into your home, include accents like colorful throw rugs, fresh flowers and greenery. Go Green Create a peaceful sanctuary outdoors with fresh flowers and greenery. If you don’t have a green thumb, display low-maintenance verbena, lavender and decorative grasses in attractive pots. If you have minimal space, opt for a wall-mounted garden to add life and texture without creating a footprint. One easy way to do this is to repurpose an old wooden ladder and secure it to a wall. Succulents and herbs are easy to tend to and kids will love having a summer project to upkeep. Plus, nothing will impress guests more than clipping fresh herbs during your next cookout. For more painting projects and décor tips, visit FrogTape.com. To make your home the ultimate summer hangout, consider these simple projects to transform outdoor spaces. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

9 Things All Drivers Need To Know About Their Tires

Today’s cars are packed with impressive features. Stability control. Ride assist. Ever-more-powerful engines. But no matter what technology makes its way into your car -- it’s your tires that connect it to the road, making their construction and maintenance critical for safe, effective driving.

wall for this information. That’s where the maximum pressure allowed for the tire is listed. The proper inflation pressure can be found by checking the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the placard

So, what do you need to know? The experts at Cooper Tires are offering these helpful insights. • Valve stems are crucial. Those little caps on the valve help to keep out moisture and dirt, as well as provide an additional seal to the valve core, holding air in the tires and helping maintain tire pressure. • Check the manual. Proper tire pressure is important for safety, performance and fuel economy, and can extend the life of your tires by reducing the chance of uneven wear. But don’t check the tire side-

found on the driver’s side doorjamb, glove box or fuel door. • Beware of under-inflation. Even when tires look properly inflated, they may be under-inflated by as much as 50 percent.

Under-inflation can lead to tire failure, and tires that are under-inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more can increase your fuel consumption by 4 percent. • Weather matters. Outside temperature can affect tire pressure m o r e than you might expect. On average, experts s a y that tire pressure decreases by about 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature. The changing seasons are a good reminder to check pressure. • “All season” tires have limits. “All season” tires are meant for

year-round moderate weather. Install winter tires for dealing with severe winter weather conditions. • Tread check is easy. Tire tread should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep. Check for this by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, there’s at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread. If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire, it’s time to replace the tire. • Off-road adventures require off-road tires. Road tires may be able to handle the occasional jaunt down a gravel driveway or dirt road, but when you’re heading offroad you’ll need something more rugged, such as the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro, which has been designed for off-road use.

• Tires should be checked regularly. Every month and before long road trips, perform this DIY routine: check tire pressure, check tread depth, check the overall condition of the tires for cuts, cracks, splits, punctures, irregular wear and bulges. • Know the limits of your tires. If you’re the type of driver more likely to use the gas pedal than the brake, choose tires designed for high-performance, such as the Cooper Zeon RS3-G1, which features great grip and handling. More tips and information can be found at coopertire.com. As cars go high-tech, don’t forget that selecting the right tires and keeping them in good shape are two of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the road. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | July 2018

7 Surprising Health Benefits Of Fennel Seeds (Continued From Page 01) Did you know, India is the largest producer of fennel seeds? Fennel seeds, also known as saunf, are native to the parsley family. The little herb is blessed with a distinct flavor and the ability to cure digestive distress. Most Indian families eat a pinch of fennel seeds towards the end of their meals to enhance digestion and to combat bad breath post a meal.

wide variety of nutrients which benefit your health in a plethora of ways Here’s a list of 7 most important health benefits of fennel seeds: 1. Regulating blood pressure Nitrite in saliva is relevant to a healthy blood pressure. Chewing fennel seeds stimulates

Chewing fennel seeds maintains healthy potassium levels in your body; this is an essential element for fluid balance in all the cells of your body.

Drinking fennel tea is a very effective way of reducing water retention

2. Reducing water retention

Any form of digestive distress, be it IBS, constipation, bloating or indigestion; fennel seeds can treat them all.

Excessive fluids in your body can result in water retention. Drinking fennel tea is a very effective way of reducing water reten-

For those dealing with IBS, the volatile oils in fennel seeds can kick-start the process of digestion by releasing gastric enzymes in the body.

Of course not! Fennel seeds are enriched with a wide variety of nutrients which benefit your health in a plethora of ways.

In this article, we shall acquaint you with the health benefits of fennel. Fennel seeds are enriched with a

You can either chew the seeds or brew them to prepare a cup of fennel tea, any of these methods can be helpful. Estragole, fenchone and anethole are responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of these seeds.

But think deeper; do nutrients like potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, vitamin C and magnesium only serve the purpose of a mouth freshener?

From treating heartburn to curing menstrual problems, fennel seeds can do it all.

3. Treats digestive distress

Fennel seeds and fennel tea can be your key to a happy digestive tract. the production of nitrite which plays an important role in stabilizing your blood pressure. Another important aspect of good blood pressure control is water balance in the body.

tion; it eliminates fluids from your body effectively. Along with excess fluids, fennel tea eliminates toxins from your body, thereby lowering your risk of urinary problems.

4. Reducing asthma symptoms Phytonutrients in fennel seeds can be helpful for clearing your sinuses. For those dealing with congestion, bronchitis, chronic and dry cough,

Maharashtra Plastic Ban To Cost 3 Lakh Jobs, Loss Of Rs 15,000 Crore The state-wide plastic ban, including carry bags and thermocol by

“The ban imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday has hit the industry

dia general secretary Neemit Punamiya told PTI on Sunday. Nearly 2,500 members of the association have left with the no option but to shut shop following the ban, he added and termed the ban as “discriminatory”. On March 23, the state announced a ban on manufacture, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-timeuse bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and thermocol items.

the Devendra Fadanvis government, will result in a loss of up to Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 3 lakh job, says the plastic manufacturing industry.

very hard and the plastic industry is staring at a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, leaving nearly 3 lakh people jobless overnight,” Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association of In-

The government had given three months time to dispose of the existing stocks, which ended on June 23. Industry insiders have said the job losses from the ban will impact

the state’s GDP, and also increase banks’ bad loans from the plastic sector. While retailers across the megapolis have said heavy fines for violating the bank will make them financially unviable and force them to turn away many customers, consumers have complained of inconvenience, and wondered whether the ban makes any sense.

a cup of fennel tea can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms. The same goes for asthma symptoms. 5. Improving menstrual symptoms For some women, their time of the month can be extremely painful. Taking painkillers each time is not a wise option either. In such a scenario, one must go for natural options like fennel tea or simply chewing fennel seeds. The properties of these seeds are helpful in regulating hormonal action in the body. This eases menstrual pain and acts as a relaxing agent. Chewing fennel seeds eases menstrual pain and acts as a relaxing agent. 6. Boosts liver health Fennel seeds contain high levels of selenium; this nutrient is known for its detox benefits for the liver. It boosts the production of enzymes in the liver and helps it detoxify naturally. For this, you can either chew fennel seeds or drink a cup of fennel tea every morning. 7. Treats acne Regular consumption of fennel seeds boosts zinc, calcium and selenium levels in the body. These nutrients improve hormonal balance in the body and improve oxygen balance as well.

The civic authorities have imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for the first-time offenders and Rs 10,000 for the second-time offenders.

These seeds have a cooling impact on your skin which keeps acne at bay and gives your skin a healthy glow.

Those who violate the ban for the third time will face a fine of Rs 25,000, along with a three-month imprisonment. (Courtesy: hindustantimes.com)

(Courtesy: ndtv.com)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

SMALL BUSINESS EDITION

Creating Authentic Relationships that Last

Register at SmallBizAustin.org In this networking workshop, you will learn valuable tips and strategies to ease the knots in your stomach and get you to where you really want to be: building strong, diverse professional relationships that last and contribute to the bottom line for your business.

July 16, 2018 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Carver Branch Austin Public Library 1161 Angelina Street Austin, TX 78702 Fee: $25 Free Parking

Austin South Asian | July 2018

GlobalAustin Has A South Asian President!

By Sumaiya Malik Deepak Burman took over as the new President of GlobalAustin on June 1, 2018. Like his predecessors he will remain in office for a period of one year. Being a part of GlobalAustin is not new to him. He has been on the GlobalAustin Board for the past 5 years.

vironment, city government, technology, and entrepreneurial, innovative culture. In any single year, GlobalAustin hosts hundreds of leaders and professionals from

Besides Burman, Christina Ceballos will also be new. She will join as the Executive Director. The retiring Executive Director, Margie Kidd, will remain in office for an extra month to train the new executive director. Katrina Meredith will handle Student Diplomacy and Pamela Jean Mohammed will remain Associate Executive Director International Programs at GlobalAustin.

dozens of countries through our Global Ties network.

GlobalAustin is a part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). It connects thousands of international visitors with those people in Austin who forge Austin’s economy, architecture, en-

In conversation with Austin SouthAsian on June 8 and June 19, Deepak Burman, talked about his vision for GlobalAustin and how the organization works. He said he would like to “build awareness in the community about Globa-

lAustin,” and continue work on the organization’s long-term goal to “ strengthen understanding and awareness on a local and global scale, to achieve universal respect and understanding leading to a more peaceful and prosp e r o u s world.” GlobalAustin is also expanding its programming capabilities to include Houston. GlobalAustin has 14 board members who run various programs in the organization. Being a board member is a volunteer position. The board has the opportunity to interact with State guests. The State guests are invited by the State Department in Washington

10 Fun Things To Do This Summer (Continued From Page 01) such as face painting, arts and crafts and photo booths. Register one week prior at domainnorthside.com/events 2. Children’s Day Art Park (FREE) Austin Symphony provides a fun, free and cool way to entertain your kids at Austin Central Library from June 6th to July 25th.

tion: http://www.austinsymphony. org/events/austin-symphony-childrens-day-art-park/

07/?tribe_events_cat=communitycinema&tribe-bar-date=2018-07 for more information.

3. See a Movie at Community Cinema (FREE)

4. Join Hatha-Style Yoga at Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Catch a free movie outdoors on Friday nights at Community Cinema. Mobile Loaves and Fishes partners with Alamo Drafthouse to present free movie screenings throughout the year.

The class runs Wednesdays and Friday’s from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Each class is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. There’s no registration required. Just bring your mat and show up!

This exciting summer program features local musicians, storytellers, and crafts people. Youngsters can visit the Instrument Zoo from 10:00-10:30 a.m., where they can see, touch and play the instruments; talk to Symphony musicians and hear them play their instruments; sing and clap along with the star of the show; and try their hands at different art projects.

Concession sales support Community First! Village, a 27-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. July’s first screening is Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 8:00 p.m. on July 6th.

The park, located on City Park Road, is open 365 days a year from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Visit the Austin Symphony website for the schedule and more informa-

Visit https://mlf.org/events/category/community-cinema/2018-

(Continued On Page 15)

There aren’t many better ways to support Austin Parks, enjoy the nature and clear your mind. 5. Take a Hike at Emma long Metropolitan Park (FREE)

DC. From there they visit different cities in the US depending on what their expertise is. The idea is to exchange information at a personal level. Austin gets it’s guests under this state department funded program at GlobalAustin, a program that has been running for 50 years. The International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLT) at Global Austin arranges for home hospitality through its members. When the guests arrive, they already have a set plan arranged by Global Austin for the day where they meet council members or representatives of the City of Austin. They also visit organizations. The evenings are mostly left free so that the visitors can enjoy home hospitality. The State guests have areas of interest they want to explore. Most who visit Austin have technology in mind. Sometimes they are interested in visiting non-profits to see how they are set up and run. One such country is Germany. Their guests visited the bigger local non-profits in order to be able to recreate such organizations in Germany. Burman added that the sizes of delegations vary ranging from 3 to even as large as 22. Home hospitality allows them to see a different side of US. Through home hospitality, guests can see how we in the US live. The guests get to hear from local families what they do, how they live, and what they think about. Local Austinites who host the guests also learn about different countries in a refreshing way. Burman has hosted many such delegations at his home. State guests from Kazakhstan who visited Burman’s home told him so much about the country that Burman’s family decided to visit the country on vacation. Another time, state guests from Denmark were in Austin during Super Bowl. Burman invited them to watch the game at his home.

On a business level, a disaster management team from the Philippines that trained at the Texas A&M Disaster Village invited their U.S. professional counterparts to visit the Philippines to provide additional training. Burman was born in India but he has been in the US since 1976 when he arrived for further studies at NYU. He is an engineer by degree who worked at John Deere and Applied Materials until he set up his own business in Austin. He ran that successfully until he decided to sell it and go into consulting. Married and with three grown children who themselves are well established in Austin, Burman and his wife are deeply engrained in the fabric of Austin. Burman would like to see the membership grow. Individual membership is $40 and Student ambassador $20 which allows members to not only host the State Guests through home hospitality, but they have individual perks such as Citizen Diplomacy receptions, Distinguished Speaker Series, film screenings, internationally-themed events, online International Calendar of Austin, International Trivia Night fundraiser, and Great Decisions discussion groups. Recently arranged international cooking class at the Montopolis Recreating Center was a big success. Twelve members learned how to cook a menu from the Chinese cuisine. This was a pilot study. There is a Citizen Diplomacy reception and networking event for members of Peruvian National Congress on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. In early fall, GlobalAustin will be participating in city-wide events recognizing the Eleven Days of Global Unity and the International Day of Peace, from September 11 to 21. For more information please contact Christina Ceballos, Executive Director GlobalAustin at 512-2150140 or visit https://www.globalaustin.org/

Austin South Asian | July 2018

10 Fun Things To Do This Summer

(Continued From Page 14) Even camping is allowed here, and you can make camping reservations online.

guests. Visit https://lonestarkayaktours.com/ for more information. 7. Catch a Classic at Paramount Austin

Celebrate bold women with some of cinema’s more iconic heroine’s, through movies like Thelma & Louise and The Aliens.

Visit http://www.austintexas.gov/department/emma-long-metropolitan-park for more information. 6. Paddle with Lone Star Kayak Tours

Explore other cultures by watching global cinema, and end the summer with a family classic — Superman — playing July 29th.

From paddle-board tours where you can learn to do yoga to kayak journeys around Lady Bird Lake, Lone Star Kayak Tours has you covered. Hours are flexible too! There’s a full moon tour in the evening for those that have late hours, and the Congress Ave. Bat Bridge tour is a great way to entertain all those out of town

Start off July with an ode to traditional back to school movies like Animal House and The Breakfast Club, both of which play on July 1st.

Enjoy Paramount’s annual Summer Classic Film Series. The theater’s picks are sure to impress the whole family.

Tickets are $12 per person. Visit http://www.austintheatre.org/film/ classic-film-series/ for more information. 8. Join a Social Sports Team

Getting bored? Summer heat has you down? Have some fun with friends and join a social sports team. Options include basketball, bowling, corn hole, dodge ball, flag football, kickball, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and wiffleball! You’ll make friends, get in some exercise and challenge your inner competitive spirit. Give it a shot. Visit https://austinssc.com/ for more information. 9. Enjoy Some Water Sports Impress your friends and experience the latest crazes in water sports: the Jetovator and the Flyboard. (The Flyboard is an apparatus that allows propulsion underwater and in the air, similar to a powered wakeboard. A Jetovator is similar to a personal watercraft that is able to propel water and thrust itself into the air.) Located minutes from downtown,

Fly Lake Austin will get you ready for your water adventure with either of these technologies. Patrons say it’s easy to get going and instructors make the experience fun and hassle free. An individual lesson for 20 minutes cost $100, and group packages are available too. Visit flylakeaustin.com for more information. 10. Explore Lady Bird Lake with Glow Paddle Austin Experience a glowing paddleboard adventure with Glow Paddle Austin’s SUP Glow Night tours. Each paddleboard has waterproof LED lighting that makes for a fun adventure and a great photo opportunity! Trips happen nightly. A one and a half hour tour costs $50. Spots must be reserved online. Visit https://www.glowpaddleaustin.com/ for more information.

Royal Events Hosts Chaand Raat On The Eve Of Eid Ul Fitr (Continued From Page 01) The evening is marked by food preparations, singing, putting Mehndi and buying food and clothing for Eid. Namaz and visiting friends and family mark Eid day. The tradition of giving ‘Eidi” or token money to children is also a well-liked Muslim tradition. This year the GAMA Event Center had twenty-five vendors ready for the guests. Man Pasand Grocers had a stall and were offering free dates for iftaar. Inchin Restaurant, and Halal Pizza Day had also set up their counters. Clothing stalls were local as well as from Houston. And there were five Mehndi Walis. FunFunParty.com had a cute Magic Mirror, a new concept of photo

booth, in one corner, which became the highlight of the evening. Jay Suriya Photography and Animon Jose Photography were covering the event. As soon as you entered, you were greeted by the fragrance of delicious food.

The samosas and pakoras were a delicious welcome on the last day of fasting. One quickly felt like a part of the gathering. There were people in festive attire everywhere. Kids were putting mehndi and one could see jewelry stalls in every corner.

Jhumkas and malas, you could find any kind of jewelry. The Saris from Houston were inviting! Before Jiaa Jabbar hosted the first Chaand Raat Mela in Austin five years ago, there was no such wellorganized venue where Chaand Raat could be celebrated in such a fun and organized way. Restaurants would host a few stalls outside their venue in the hope that their Muslim patrons will support their business and celebrate. Over the years as population of Austin increased and more South Asians and Muslims started working and living in Austin, Jiaa Jabbar realized that there was a need for more organization for Chaand Raat. She rented AARC and advertised for vendors to participate. The response was overwhelming! Not just vendors, people from all walks of life came to attend and support the event. They opened

their iftaar, had dinner, bought clothing, put mehndi, took pictures and sang and danced. The event was in the local news! Jabbar was happy with GAMA. She said, “Gama has good parking. Staff is helpful in setup and cleanup.” She said that Pooja Sethi Law Firm was a big sponsor. She added that Noorani Money Transfer from Dallas, Shankara Foundation which is doing the Shreya Ghosal Concert, and Jyotsna Paul Insurance Agents were also sponsors. World Music Band Atash played in the background. Jiaa Jabbar is hopeful that next year Ali Haider will come for Chaand Raat. For more information about Royal Events please contact Jiaa Jabbar at 512-394-2381

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Rumis Host The 5th Annual Eid Carnival On June 15 By Sumaiya Malik picture credit: Aisha Syed Dr. Zarmeena Vendal and her husband Dr. Mustasim Rumi hosted the fifth annual Eid Carnival at their home. They insist that Eid is all about kids having fun and they started the tradition of the carnival five years ago for their own three children and their friends. The event was co-host-

ed by Lobna Gardner and Lubna Ashraf. The carnival has consistently grown bigger and more organized every year. This year, Dr. Vendal, who is lovingly called Meena by family and friends, had arranged for a gaming trailer exotic face-painting, photo booth, Mehndi stalls, cotton candy, bubbles, balloon twisting, pizza from Arpeggio Grill, a giant-sized crescent and star piñata for kids under 12. Instead of exchanging Eidi she requested that everyone make a donation to MCSSAustin.org (Mus-

Ahmed Moledina Of SOAL Tech Receives GAACC Member Of The Year 2018 Award By Sumaiya Malik picture:Contributed by GAACC

Soal Technologies, received the award on behalf of his company.

On May 28, the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) hosted their annual Ovation Gala at the JW Marriott to recognize businesses and organizations which have made contributions to the economic success of

Distinguished as a strong leader in the area of technology company financial management, Mr. Moledina has over 20 years of solid financial management, consulting and analysis experience, with particular focus in the area of high-

form and this what I did.” He elaborated further, “Businesses should join other initiatives or set up their own initiative in this challenging time.

This year, the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, gave SOAL Technologies the Member of the Year Award. Mr. Ahmed Moledina, CEO of

tech start-up. Soal Technologies received the honor for all the services they provided to help the community. Soal Technologies also provided help with various aspects of the Asian Chamber. When asked about the award, Moledina said, “I feel we all have to work really hard to bring Asian Community to a plat-

The cool breeze after an afternoon rain made the evening even more fun. One could easily estimate about a hundred people.

Maheen Baqai put mehndi on all the kids and ladies. The family would like to keep the tradition alive next year as Meena said that her kids want to continue hosting the Eid Carnival.

Some guests volunteered to help the Rumis and went back with the best memories of Eid.

Friends of the Rumis wrote on Meena’s Facebook page notes of thanks.

Top Health Benefits Of Basil Seeds Basil seeds health benefits: Basil seeds have been used as a home remedy for many years. They are packed with nutrition and contain high amounts of protein, fibre and iron. Basil seeds are extracted from the seeds of Ocium sanctum plant. Health benefits of basil seeds are numerous. They are commonly

We should strive towards the goal of raising the Asian community to a platform.” Over 700 guests attended the gala. Awards such as Lifetime Achievement Award, Business of the Year Award, Emerging Business, Economic Engine, Leadership, Community Organizations, Social enterprise, creative enterprise, Ovation and GAACC Member of the Year award were given out.

the region. GAACC has over 400 members and Ovation is the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration.

lim Community Support Services).

Two other South Asian businesses to receive an award each are Hindu Charities of America (Community Organization of the Year Award) and Asian Families Support Services of Austin -AFSSA (Leadership Award). For more information about joining GAACC please visit: http://www.austinasianchamber.org/

used in desserts and drinks and are also recommended as part of Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine.

Basil seeds have been used as a home remedy for many years. They are packed with nutrition and contain high amounts of protein, fibre and iron. Consuming basil seeds do no result in an addition to your daily calorie intake. Also known as sabja seeds, basil seeds provide numerous health benefits like being good for digestion, weight loss, treating cough and cold, boosting immunity and much more. 1. They can reduce inflammation in the body 2. Immunity 3. Digestive health 4. Cardiovascular health 5. They help in reducing stress 6. They can be used for treating cough and cold 7. Basil seeds can help in weight loss 8. Basil seed oil has healthy fatty acids 9. Oral health (Courtesy: NDTV.com)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Monuments At Mahabalipuram The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram is a collection of 7thand 8th-century CE religious monuments in the coastal resort town of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of Chennai. The site has 400 ancient monuments and Hindu temples, including one of the largest open-air rock

reliefs in the world: the Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna’s Penance. The group contains several categories of monuments: ratha temples with monolithic processional chariots, built between 630 and 668; mandapa viharas (cave temples) with narratives from the Mahabharata and Shaivic, Shakti and Vaishna inscriptions in a number of Indian languages and scripts; rock reliefs (particularly bas-reliefs); stone-cut temples built between 695 and 722, and archaeological excavations dated to the 6th century and earlier. The monuments were built during the Pallava dynasty. Known as the Seven Pagodas in many colonialera publications, they are also called the Mamallapuram temples or Mahabalipuram temples in contemporary literature. The site, restored after 1960, has been managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Although the ancient history of Mahabalipuram is unclear, numismatic and epigraphical evidence and its temples suggest that it was a significant location before the monuments were built. It is

speculated that it is the seaport of Sopatma mentioned in the 1stcentury periplus of the Erythraean Sea or Ptolemy’s port of Melange in his 2nd-century Geographia. Another theory posits that the port of Nirppeyarvu mentioned in the Perumpanarrupadai from the early centuries of the common era may be Mahabalipuram or Kanchipuram. In his Avantisundari Katha, the

Sanskrit scholar Dandin (who lived in Tamil Nadu and was associated with the Pallava court) praised artists for their repair of a Vishnu sculpture at Mamallapuram. However, Dandin’s authorship of this text is disputed. The medieval Sanskrit text mentions the Mamallapuram monuments, an early tradition of repairs, and the significance of Vaishnavism. When Marco Polo arrived in India on his way back to Venice from Southeast Asia, he mentioned (but did not visit) “Seven Pagodas” and the name became associated with the shore temples of Mahabalipuram in publications by European merchants centuries later. It appeared in Abraham Cresques’ 1375 Catalan Atlas as “Setemelti” and “Santhome”, a crude map of Asia but accurate in the relative positions of the two ports; the former is Mamallapuram and the latter Mylapore. Venetian traveler Gasparo Balbi mentioned the “Seven Pagodas” and “Eight Pleasant Hillocks” in 1582, which Nagaswamy suggests refers to the monuments. According to Schalk, Balbi called it the “Seven Pagodas of China” (a re-interpretation of Henry Yule’s

reading of Balbi which considered Balbi unreliable, followed by a selective correction that it probably meant Mamallapuram). Since there are now fewer than seven towers, the name has inspired speculation and argument. The December 2004 tsunami briefly exposed the beachfront near Saluvankuppam (now north of Mahabalipuram), revealing inscriptions and structures. Badrinarayanan said in a BBC report that they dated to the 9th century and may have been destroyed by a 13th-century tsunami. The tsunami also revealed large structures on the seabed about a kilometer offshore, which archaeologists speculate may be the ancient Mahabalipuram. According to a Science article, the tsunami exposed rocks with an “elaborately sculpted head of an elephant and a horse in flight”, “a small niche with a statue of a deity; another rock with a reclining lion”, and other Hindu religious iconography. Marine archaeologists and underwater diving teams have explored a site east of the Shore Temple, one of the monuments, after the 2004 tsunami. This has revealed ruins of fallen walls, a large number of rectangular blocks and other structures parallel to the shore, and the forty surviving monuments. Modern reports European sailors and merchants who pioneered trade with Asia after the 16th century mentioned the site. Early reports, such as those by Niccolao Manucci (who never visited the site, but saw the monuments from a distance and heard about them) conflated Chinese and Burmese Buddhist pagoda designs with the Hindu temples and assumed that the temples were built by the Chinese. According to Anthony Hamilton’s 1727 account of the “East Indies”, the site was a pilgrimage center and its outside sculpture was “obscene, lewd” as a performance in Drury Lane. French writer Pierre Sonnerat was critical of European racism toward Indians, and theorized that the Mahabalipuram temples were very old. William Chambers’ 1788 literary survey of Mahabalipuram brought

the monuments to the attention of European scholars. Chambers interviewed local residents and linked the monumental art he saw to Hindu texts, calling it remarkable and expressive in narrative detail. A series of 19th-century studies, such as those by Benjamin Babington and William Elliot, contained sketches of the monuments and impressions of the inscriptions. Some stories and speculation in Western literature, nevertheless, continued to be unusual. Francis Wilford suggested in 1809 that the monuments were built in 450 BCE,

linking them to Cicero’s writings about Indians who might have built three ancient Indian temple cities (including Mahabalipuram). The group has been the subject of archaeological interest since 1990, and excavations have yielded unexpected discoveries. According to John Marr, the site yielded “an apsidal-shaped tank, its curved end aligned south towards the middle portion of the Shore Temple” with an anantasayana (reclining Vishnu) probably predating the temple.

The Mulla Used His Head

Once, Emperor Akbar got so displeased by an act of Mullaa DoPiyaza that he asked one of his soldiers to slay him and bring him his head the next morning.

He asked the soldier angrily, “Didn’t I tell you to bring Mullaa’s head to the court, not the Mullaa himself?” Before the soldier could say anything, the Mullaa said po-

The Mullaa was petrified to hear the Emperor’s orders. He went running to Birbal and pleaded him to save his life.

litely, “It is not his fault, Huzoor! I asked him to do so.

Birbal assured him that he would not let Mullaa come in harm’s way. He quickly thought of a clever plan and asked Mullaa to execute it in a clever fashion. The Mullaa, according to the plan, persuaded the soldier to take him alive to the court next morning. Emperor Akbar blew his top on seeing Mullaa alive in his court.

I feared that he may not carry out your orders in the best possible manner. So, I thought of myself doing the difficult task that you had assigned to him. I have brought you my head Huzoor, as you had desired, on my shoulders!” Akbar was so pleased with Mullaa’s defense that he spared the Mullaa’s life and allowed him to keep his head on his shoulders.

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Indradhanush: An Evening Of Indian Dance And Music

By Vani Last winter break, I got the opportunity to go on a service trip in India with CORD, Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development.

Though these women faced issues like poverty and a lack of independence and voice in their communities, they were so upbeat, and the tone in the meetings were always light.

best friends, laughing and joking around, very at ease with all the other women of their villages. Their bright outlook in the face of scarcity really inspired me. Though the purpose of our service trip was

On the two week trip with other kids from all over the US, I was expecting to have fun, be exposed to new experiences and viewpoints, and help the local community, but I got so much more than that out of it.

This August, I am planning to go back to the same area, Tamaraipakkam, to educate the women in rural areas about health and hygiene. These were prominent issues that were discussed amongst the women the last time I visited. In order to fund the education program I am creating, I am organizing a dance performance along the theme “Indradhanush: An Evening of Indian Dance and Music”.

The trip was partly for service, which included building toilets, planting kitchen gardens and trees, and helping farmers with their practices. We spent the rest of our time talking to women in rural villages who were a part of Mahila Mandals, or local women’s support groups. I was so humbled by these encounters.

more empowered after the experience, and the trip changed me more than it changed them. Because I was blessed enough to have this opportunity once, and it was something I really enjoyed, I decided I wanted to make the trip to India again, independently.

All of the women acted like

to empower these women, I was

All my life, I have been privileged enough to have a lot of exposure to my culture, thanks to my parents and peers.

I have trained in Bharatanatyam for 10 years under Guru Vinitha Subramanian, and recently even got to complete my Arangetram, a milestone in classical dance. Many of my friends have also been trained in various Indian classical art forms, and will be performing to contribute to fundraising. I wanted a chance to showcase that culture can persist even away from its motherland. I thought that this show would be both a great opportunity to raise money for my cause, as well as present what I love about my culture to a live audience. The performance will be taking place on July 22, 2018 at the Sai Baba Auditorium in two shows between 2 and 6 PM. Contact indradhanush2018@ gmail.com for tickets. Visit fb.me/ mahilamovement for more information on the event and the project.

How To Prepare For An Active Shooter Incident In Your Community Active shooter incidents are rare. You are 700 times more likely to die in a car crash, for example, than from an active shooter event, according to the National Safety Council.

can arrive on the scene -- Martin says it’s crucial for private citizens to turn their panic into effective action and know what steps they can take to improve their chances of survival.

To prepare, everyone can take the following steps:

However, these terrifying events are on the rise. Experts say that being prepared can save lives.

“Preparing for an active shooter emergency starts with situational

• Identify two possible escape routes wherever you are.

• Learn emergency notification systems and distinctive alarms used in places you frequent.

“Sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring a community together – a hurricane, a flood or an active shooter.

Because most active shooter incidents are over in a couple of minutes -- often before first-responders

• Run: Always the first choice; get out and take others with you. • Hide: Find a place to hide; act quickly, turn off lights, lock and block doors, silence cell phones • Fight: The last resort; improvise weapons and work alone or with others to disarm the shooter. Community leaders can improve safety in their public spaces, such as concert venues, shopping malls, houses of worship and other places where people gather, by offering residents free active shooter training from the National Safety Council.

How much better would it be to be prepared in advance and mitigate that tragedy?” says Dan Martin, a retired police officer in New Lenox, Ill., and leader of the New Lenox Safe Communities coalition. “Each time I lead an active shooter course I see lightbulbs go on in people’s heads that they can make a difference.”

panicking. Public safety experts say that you should be ready to do one of the following:

The Council’s “Surviving an Active Shooter Event” is a two-hour awareness. Know what is going on around you all the time, trust your instincts and devise a plan,” he says.

• Find places to hide. During an active shooter event, don’t spend important moments

training that covers how active shooter situations unfold, how to be situationally aware and what actions are necessary to improve one’s odds of survival. Training can be led by any community leader who can effectively speak in front of groups and follow detailed course materials. To learn more about partnering with NSC to bring active shooter training to your community, visit nsc.org/ trainactiveshooter. Active shooter incidents are terrifying and often result in multiple fatalities very quickly. While no one wants to dwell on such devastating, worst-case scenarios, being prepared can save lives. Take steps to learn how to make your community safer.

READ AUSTIN SOUTH ASIAN (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Predictions - July 2018 ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Find the truth before you make that big decision. You will be successful in cutting down on expenses up to only a certain extent. You will have a great opportunity to spend time and learn from very successful and famous people this month. Running around will be too much and you may even have to travel out of state to attend to some business. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You will hear few encouraging news in first half. Past experience can help you deal with current situations better. Relationship will keep getting stronger and the final say is yours, but you will need to be quick. Things will improve at current job and expect full cooperation from new colleagues. You will be able to control your expenses now. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You may feel little helpless with no real solution. It will be hard to find trust worthy people to discuss the situation. Things will get better at work and people in business will

By Harish Kotecha

see sales shooting up suddenly. A close family member may confirm his visit. You may visit a holy place by yourself. You will be working on some bright idea. CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Emotions will play the major role in decisions regarding your future location and career. Strong Venus in first will take you to places unexplored in the past. Some of you will be suggested minor surgery to overcome health problem. Money will come but disappear fast in second half. You will call an expert for his valuable advice and guidance. LEO (July 23 to August 22): Let the head rule over heart and you will easily resolve a challenging s i t u a t i o n . Application will go through and the process will start. You will gain victory over your opponents and may receive favorable decision in legal matters pending for long. There will be some encouraging changes at work also. You will buy an interesting item. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Lucky planets will bring you closer to few very influential

people. You will benefit from mistakes made by others. Some of you may accept another part time job. Incomes and revenues will keep improving from now and on. Lease will need to be renewed this month. You may travel to a nice place with family. Park your vehicle at safe place only. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22): You will be looking for little adventure in life and will be successful, but stay within legal parameters. You will treat yourself with new cloths and some expensive item. Though there is no immediate threat but some fears will continue to occupy mind about career. It will be another better month for people in retail. Money will not be an issue. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22): Life will become more exciting because of new company. Most of the things you plan will go through without any difficulty. Trip will be good and results will be almost immediate. Again be careful when it comes to signing any paper or contract. A

nice property may slip out of your reach but you will have no regrets. You may plan an overseas trip also. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 to December 22): You will finally make up your mind and stop wasting time on unnecessary issues. Focused, You will achieve a lot and finish all pending work and still have lots of time on hand for recreation and to relax. Money wise the roller coaster ride will continue but you will meet all commitments on time. You don’t have to spend fortune to impress some one. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19): This should be an extremely fruitful month. All the planets are very well aligned to help you achieve a lot. Investing in real estate, commercial or residential will be very beneficial. Things will stabilize at work and from now and onward you will have no fears about career. You will receive a big check in mail and bank balance will grow. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18): Analyze your response carefully and you should not think of retaliation. Its time to fine tune your talents as planets

bring back the self confidence. Sun in house of luck will get you the results for hard work and patience maintained in the past. A child continues to need your moral support and guidance. Contract signed now will be very beneficial. PISCES (February 19 to March 20): Take a chance with some one extending not only support but good company. You can make extra money if you put your talent to work. You may find it difficult to get job done from subordinates. Proposal will be good and the bachelors should not be scared to make the commitment. A child will need your help in doing research about next step.

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

The Heartfulness Way

Austin’s celebration of #1 Bestselling book in India Through the ages, and across cultures, much time and effort has been dedicated towards the exploration of basic, existential questions – What is my purpose? How can I live a better life? Despite all the knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations, we still yearn for personal, direct answers to these questions. The Heartfulness Way: Heart-Based Meditations for Spiritual Transformation (Reveal Press, June 1, 2018) offers a unique and powerful, four-part

proven method for meditation that allows readers to discover their own answers to these questions, irrespective of their faith. In this heart-centered book, Joshua Pollock is in conversation with his teacher, Kamlesh D. Patel – affectionately known as Daaji, the fourth and current spiritual guide of the century-old Heartfulness tradition. The Heartfulness Way was released in India earlier this year and shot to the #1 bestseller spot as millions are being inspired by its simple and practical message. The book was released in the USA & Canada on June 1. The launch and success of the book is being

celebrated through events around the country, where people can hear Joshua speak, meet him in person and experience Heartfulness meditation. The Austin event will be held at the Central Library on July 14 from 2pm to 4pm. Seating is limited, so advance registration is at: https://thwaustin.eventbrite. com.“So, listen to the heart carefully and follow it faithfully,” Pollock writes.“Let it be your inner guru. It will guide you at every step of the way and in every last detail of your life. That is heartfulness.” What People Are Saying: “In this simple and elegant book,

Daaji reveals the ancient secrets of Heartfulness meditation for a wellintegrated life. A must read for anyone interested in incorporating meditation into their life style” -Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent “The Heartfulness Way is an invaluable addition to the vast body of literature on meditation. Its message is optimistic, pointing to the innate goodness that lies in each of our hearts, and showing us how to grow into our most authentic and best selves. As a mindfulness practitioner, I have long felt that the root of mindfulness is ‘heartfulness,’ so I am pleased to

witness this concept taking hold, and I look forward to the day that everyone aspires toward ‘heartful’ living.” —Tim Ryan, U.S. Representative for Ohio The Heartfulness Way: HeartBased Meditations for Spiritual Transformation (New Harbinger Publications, June 1, 2018, Paperback, 232 pages, ISBN: 978-168403-134-4) More information at: http://theheartfulnessway.com/ Place: Austin Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701 Time: July 14, 2018, 2 PM to 4 PM Save your place by registering at: https://thwaustin.eventbrite.com

Austin South Asian | July 2018

3 Awesome Backyard Party Ideas

Throwing a party and need an idea? With just a little planning, you can turn your ordinary backyard into anything you want it to be.

Host a film night under the stars by moving your home theater outside. Create “stadium seating” by put-

behind those, and then regular lawn chairs in the back. Decorate your backyard in theme with the

A Water Park

Their Intelligent Light Control feature senses ambient light and automatically adjusts the projection brightness accordingly to ensure that no matter the time of day or lighting conditions, you’ll have good visuals.

Who says you need a pool to cool off on hot days? Create a backyard water park with stations like Slip ‘n’ Slide, sprinklers, inflatable water play pools and water balloons. Serve guests popsicles, funnel cake, hotdogs and other waterpark treats. Be sure to have plenty of beach towels on hand and a designated area for those guests who’d prefer to stay dry. A Movie Theater

To get the real movie theater experience, use a high-quality projector, such as those from Casio, which combine a laser and LED light source to produce optimal visuals.

With these same ideas and just a few snack and decoration swaps, you can host your friends for any big televised event! ting blankets towards the front of the viewing area, reclining chairs

movie you are screening and serve popcorn.

Summer Camp Relive the camp experience with

some friendly competition. Assign all your guests to teams and then start keeping score. A prominent score board with the current stats and some motivating music will keep guests on top of their game. Include classic feats of strength and coordination like tug-of-war and a three-legged race, but don’t be afraid to branch out to include games that use the mind, such as trivia. Complete the day with an awards ceremony. Take your backyard party to the next level. Pick a theme and go all out to create a fiesta your guests won’t soon forget. (StatePoint)

Tips To Upgrade Your Home Gaming Experience Whether going on an epic adventure, hunting for treasure, exploring vast wondrous lands, or playing sports, video gamers are

a multi-piece speaker system that includes a subwoofer. If you want to pump up the sound

Reaching maximum brightness in as fast as five seconds, its dust resistant design helps ensure that projection brightness stays consistent. An Intelligent Light Control feature senses ambient brightness in the room and automatically adjusts the projection brightness accordingly, to ensure gamers will have quality visuals in any lighting conditions. When it comes to connectivity, this lamp-free model features two HDMI terminals as well as a USB

power supply. “In the gaming industry, it’s clear that enthusiasts are passionate about creating a complete experience to truly immerse themselves in the game,” says Joe Gillio, senior director, Casio’s Business Projector Division. “Those who love video games want to ensure they have innovative features, bright images and great visuals at an affordable price.” Ergonomics

Let’s face it. If you’re a serious gamer, you’re spending hours a week on your hobby. May as well settle in and get comfortable, right? Opt for ergonomic accessories and furniture so you can keep playing for a long time, without straining your back, neck or wrists. You may just become a better player if you do. You already have the latest console and today’s top-notch games. With a few upgrades, you can ensure your tools and accessories are up to snuff, too. (StatePoint)

Fast Track Cities Launch To End The AIDS Epidemic

(Continued From Page 01)

always seeking the latest ways to create the ultimate experience at home. Here are three ways to upgrade your home gaming tools for a more immersive experience. Surround Sound Today’s games feature sound design that deserve the best at-home sound systems to match. To truly bring your games to life, create a surround sound effect with

without disrupting the rest of the household, consider soundproofing the room where you do your gaming. Stylish, affordable ways to do so include hanging thick tapestries or curtains. Better Visuals Take your visuals to the next level with a high-quality projector, such as the XJ-F210WN, part of Casio’s award-winning Advanced Series line.

The declaration was signed by Austin Mayor, Steve Adler, County Judge, Sarah Eckhardt and Dr. José M. Zuniga, President/CEO, International Association of Providers for AIDS Care (IAPAC), and UNAIDS Special Advisor on FastTrack Cities. “Today offers a unique opportunity to begin a coordinated response to partner and explore how we can work together to educate, treat and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS, said Mayor Adler. “We can no longer stand by and watch this virus continue to spread

when solutions exist. And because the solutions exist, we no longer have any excuse for inaction.”

In addition to putting an end to new infections, HIV-related stigma and discrimination must end too,” said County Judge, Sarah Eckhardt. “There is still much to do in challenging public misconceptions and judgements about HIV.” Important opportunities exist to address prevention, testing and rapid linkage to treatment, retention in treatment, achieving viral suppression and ending stigma. This signing will launch an important coordinated community effort

to attain specific Austin/Travis County 90-90-90 targets by 2020: • 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status • 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained treatment • 90% of all people receiving treatment will have undetectable viral load • Reduce to zero the negative impact of stigma and discrimination For more information on the Fast Track Cities initiative visit: http:// www.unaids.org/en/resources/ campaigns/World-AIDS-Day-Report-2014

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Blood Moon 2018: July Total Lunar Eclipse Will Be The LONGEST Of The Century THE Blood Moon 2018 next month will be the longest total lunar eclipse of the century, astronomers have revealed ahead of the July full moon. By SEBASTIAN KETTLEY The July 2018 Blood Moon and total lunar eclipse will outshine

The eclipse will last one hour and 43 minutes – nearly 40 minutes longer than the January 31 Super Blue Blood Moon combo. According to astronomer Bruce McClure of EarthSky.org, the eclipse will take peak sometime around 8.22pm UTC or 9.22pm UK time.

every other eclipse to take place between the years 2001 and 2100. The eclipse will last one hour and 43 minutes – nearly 40 minutes longer than the January 31 Super Blue Blood Moon combo. According to astronomer Bruce McClure of EarthSky.org, the eclipse will take peak sometime around 8.22pm UTC or 9.22pm UK time. The space expert said: “The July 2018 full moon presents the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century on the night of July 27-28, 2018, lasting for a whopping one hour and 43 minutes.

every other eclipse to take place between the years 2001 and 2100.

The July 2018 Blood Moon and total lunar eclipse will outshine

During the eclipse, when the moon passes through the shadow cast by Earth, the moon will take on a deep red to orange colour rather than completely disappear from sight. This bizarre effect known as Rayleigh scattering filters out bands of green and violet light in the atmosphere during an eclipse. Rayleigh scattering is also responsible for the colour of the sky, for orange sunsets and even the colour of blue eyes. The partial lunar eclipse will begin at 6.24pm UTC and the full show will begin an hour later at 7.30pm UTC.

“A partial eclipse precedes and follows the century’s longest total lunar eclipse, each time lasting one hour and six minutes.

The total eclipse will come to an end by 9.13pm UTC and the moon will be visible in its whole glory again at 10.19pm UTC.

“So, from start to finish, the moon takes nearly four hours to cross the Earth’s dark umbral shadow.”

Why is the lunar eclipse so long? In July 2018, the full moon and lunar apogee fall on the exact same

date of July 27. Lunar apogee is the moon’s farthest orbital point from Earth making it appear particularly small and distant. Mr McClure said: “Sometimes called an apogean full moon, or micro-moon or mini-moon, this smaller and slower-moving full moon takes more time to cross the Earth’s shadow than does a full moon that’s closer to Earth and moving faster in orbit. “That’s why a full moon at or near lunar apogee adds to the duration of a total lunar eclipse. “The longest possible total lunar eclipse is one hour and 47 minutes.” The moon came very close to hitting that eclipse maximum on July 16, 2000, when the eclipse lasted one hour and 46.4 minutes. (Courtesy: express.co.uk)

Nepal To Maintain Close Ties With India And China While Pursuing Independent Foreign Policy, Says K P Oli Nepal can serve as a bridge between India and China, Prime Minister K P Oli has said, insisting that his country will maintain close ties with the two neighbours while pursuing independent foreign policy. Oli, who is on a five-day visit, held talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, following which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to build a railway link connecting Tibet with Kathmandu, along with 14 cooperative documents.

neighbours naturally receive top priority and with both of them, our relations are broad, comprehensive and multi-faceted,” Oli said. Asked whether Nepal will be the “land of the competition” or “bridge of cooperation” between

In an interview to China’s staterun Global Times, Oli said since the formation of his government, Nepal has intensified engagements with both neighbours. “We have made it clear that we pursue an independent foreign policy and a balanced outlook in the conduct of international relations,” he said. “In foreign policy conduct, our two

China and India, Oli said Nepal has remained a sovereign and independent nation throughout history. “We are firmly committed to not allowing our territory to be used

against the sovereign interests of our neighbours. We have the resolve to maintain this and we naturally expect similar assurance from our neighbours,” he said. Given this policy percept, “I see a good prospect of cooperation among our three countries,” he said. Oli said Nepal’s developmental needs were immense and needed meaningful and mutually beneficial economic partnership with both its neighbours. “Fortunately for us, both our neighbours are rising in global stature and making tremendous progress

in every area of development. They are in a position to support Nepal in its developmental journey,” he said. “We believe that Nepal can serve as a bridge between our two neighbours. In fact, we want to move from the state of a land-locked to a land-linked country through the development of adequate crossborder connectivity. Our friendship with both neighbours places us in an advantageous position to realise this goal,” he said. On the Tibet-Kathmandu railway link, he said “cross-border connectivity is our top priority. Both sides have discussed developing a multidimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity network. This will enhance overall connectivity between our two countries.” “Our two countries are working

seriously to establish cross-border railway connectivity. Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Kathmandu-PokharaLumbini railway project has received priority in our partnership,” he said. On China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said “this is an important initiative launched by President Xi Jinping with the aim of promoting connectivity and cooperation among the countries in the region and beyond.” “We believe that the BRI should be beneficial to all the participating countries. Nepal wants to benefit from the initiative and at the same time, works for the benefit of the international community,” he said. India has reservations over the BRI as it includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Courtesy: news18.com)

Austin South Asian | July 2018 THEME: FAMOUS FAMILIES

DOWN

ACROSS

1. Coalition of countries 2. Make over 3. At the summit 4. C in ROTC 5. Imbue with soul 6. “It’s fun to stay at the ____” 7. Bar association 8. Deserved consequence 9. Capital of West Germany, 1949-1989 10. Against, prefix 11. Horse control 12. Fortune-telling coffee remnant 15. Go to NPR, e.g. 20. Renter’s paper 22. Pharaoh’s cobra 24. Judge’s pronouncement 25. *Kunta Kinte’s descendant and author 26. Be theatrical 27. Bridge of ____, Venice 29. Chinatown gang 31. *”Blackish” dad’s dad 32. Brown, Dartmouth and Yale, e.g. 33. Naturally, in slang 34. *”All the Money in the World” family 36. Gloom partner 38. *Family with two former Presidents 42. Chopin’s composition 45. Metal detector, e.g. 49. New, prefix 51. Armed robber, e.g. 54. “Pokémon,” e.g. 56. Related on mother’s side 57. Jelly holders 58. Every which way 59. Make a reference 60. Be savvy 61. Same as Celt 62. Gaelic 63. Cashed in one’s chips 64. Those not opposed 67. Langley, VA agency

1. Ankle support, e.g. 6. Talk, talk, talk 9. Shakespeare, e.g. 13. Pretend 14. C.E.O.’s degree 15. Printer cartridge contents 16. Smells 17. 16th birthday gift? 18. Undo laces 19. *Film-makers Francis or Sofia 21. *NFL’s Archie, Peyton or Eli 23. Famous T-Rex 24. Bud holder 25. “For ____ a jolly...” 28. Like the White Rabbit 30. This hot! 35. In the middle of 37. Acid gritty-textured apple 39. Star bursts 40. Apple’s apple, e.g. 41. Provide with ability 43. *Brangelina partner 44. ____ vs. pathos 46. “CliffsNotes,” e.g. 47. Dissenting clique 48. Unquestioning ones 50. College party chant 52. Like a wallflower 53. Whiskey without water 55. Scheduled to arrive 57. *Jermaine, Michael, or LaToya 61. *Bobby or Jack 65. ____ acid 66. *O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s father ____ Cube 68. *Donny and ____ 69. Revolving mechanism 70. mL 71. Cruising 72. Place at an angle 73. “____, drink, and be merry” 74. Required things

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 July 2018 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Suresh Iyer: Ekal USA’s New President

(Continued From Page 01)

Ekal’s’ new President absorbed the importance of education and the spirit of service early in life. The family lacked monetary resources but made up in a mother’s determination to educate all six of her children.

good but couldn’t afford the fees in his school in Bengaluru.

work with Ekal “brings a different level of satisfaction.”

After brief stints at Air India and Tata Consultancy Services, USA, Suresh started his own company Infospectrum in 2002 based out of

The Ekal movement started in 1989 with one village and one school. Today, there is an Ekal school in 70,000 villages in India offering free schooling, vocational training, digital competence and agricultural education.

As they did well in school, she cleared out the balcony so they could coach other children who were not faring as well for free.

Suresh makes it a point to visit a school every time he visits India.

Suresh recalls that despite a budget that stretched thin, there was always a snack for all the children after class. These instilled values showed up time and again over the course of his life. After graduating and securing his first paying job at the Indian Space Research Organization as a scientist, the first thing Suresh did was to fund the education of several children who were academically

Southern California. The company provides tracking software for aerospace maintenance as well as real time tracking of transportation Assets. Suresh is happy his entrepreneurial gamble paid off but clearly says his

If they are excited and curious to meet this visitor from America, he is no less impressed to hear a 6 year old confidently rattle off the multiplication table of 12. To him, it is proof that Ekal is effective. It also made his day when a girl

who had learned tailoring at an Ekal vocational school told him she had opened her own tailoring center and was earning 5000 rupees a month. As President, Suresh is charged about taking Ekal to the next level.

The Foundation raised 8 million dollars last year and his goal is to cross 10 million this year. He’s also working on putting a system of Donor communication in place and intends to strengthen those Ekal Chapters that need a little boost. Above all, he wants “Ekal’s message to be out in the world loudly and clearly.” Three galas for fundraising are being planned for October in New York, Washington and Houston. He reveals that just $365 can support an Ekal school for an entire

year.

Suresh is clearly thriving on this challenge but admits he couldn’t have done it without his wife Kanaka’s unwavering support, A physician, she held the fort with their two boys while he took on various leadership roles at Ekal. This spirit of service has also passed on to Suresh’s two boys – Vasant and Sumant. Both have interned at Ekal villages and returned with a determination to do more. Vasant presented his thoughts at the Ekal National Conference in 2015 while Sumant is working with the Coimbatore team and Google mapping division to coordinate ways by which Ekal schools can be quickly plotted on google maps. This helps donors get information about schools they are supporting easily.

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community June 2018 Sudoku Answer Mr. Yudhveer Bagga

Mr. Guas Ibrahim Sindgi

Mr. Rajnish

Mrs. Prema Raghavan

Austin South Asian | July 2018

How To Build Better Relationships To Advance Your Career Looking to get ahead in your career? Whether your goal is to raise your own level of performance, enhance customer engagement, or become a more effective leader, it all starts with bringing out the best in your co-workers, and in yourself, too.

Greenhouse Experience and co-author of the new book, “Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.” Co-written with Suzanne Vickberg, lead researcher of Business Chemistry at the Deloitte Greenhouse Experience, “Business Chemistry” identifies the four most common types of people you will work with in your career:

One of the primary keys to success is learning to identify the fundamental characteristics of your co-workers, and developing strategies to work with each type of boss, co-worker or client you come across, says Kim Christfort, national managing director of Deloitte’s US

Summer Fun And Dental Health! By Dip Desai Summer is upon us and kids are out of school to enjoy their vacations. Many families will make summer travel plans to make those memories that will last a lifetime for their kids. However another aspect of the summer that parents should consider is getting your child’s healthcare up to date. Summer is a great time to get all the doctors and dentists visits out of the way before the kids are ready to go to back to school. This way, when late August or September inevitably comes around, kids and parents are ready to start the new school year without missing a beat. Parents often complain about long waiting times, missing work and kids missing school in order to see their health care providers. This is certainly frustrating and often times unavoidable. Doctors’ offices tend to be overwhelming with paperwork, long lines and multiple consultations with different specialists. A routine visit to the doctor may be upwards of an hour for 10 minutes or less of actual face time. Though majority of the process cannot be entirely avoided we, at Parmer Lane Orthodontics, encourage our patients to plan ahead. To avoid such delays and the hassle of multiple visits we encourage families and siblings to lump their visits together and a whole family can be see on the same day. Even though this may take up a whole day, one such visit can lead to a stress free summer for the parents, knowing that their kids have received a clean bill of health for the upcoming school year. Many schools require such clearance letters from children’s pediatrician and dentists to ensure that the kids are healthy and up to date on their healthcare. Summer vacation is a great time to have checks up and consultations taken care of and this is not just limited to the children, while in the dental office parents should look into any procedures that they were curious about for themselves too. Take advantage of the time you spend in a

medical or dental office by asking questions for yourself. Just because you have children doesn’t mean your health has to take a back seat. Another consideration is what type of treatment is required. There is a vast difference between a routine check up versus restorations of carious teeth. Kids and adults can develop carious teeth from eating carbohydrate rich food. We have naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths and when we eat sugary food which sticks to our teeth, the bacteria in our mouth uses that food themselves and create acid as a by product. This acid leads to teeth breaking down, more commonly known as “getting a cavity”. Depending on the size of the cavity, you may need a filling, a crown or in worst-case scenarios, root canal treatment. Such treatment on kids, particularly younger ones, may require sedation or general anesthesia. These complications add time on to each procedure and may require additional steps to be taken at home before the appointment. For example, procedures that require sedation or general anesthesia, patients are required to not drink or eat anything after midnight before the day of the procedure. Procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or orthodontic treatment may require multiple visits, so when kids are off school it is a great time to visit your local oral surgeon and orthodontist to get the process started. Summer vacation is a great time to travel, to go to camp or to simply be lazy for kids. In the midst of this relaxation, families can plan routine healthcare visits as well. This additional planning sets kids up for success in the upcoming school year. While schools are closed and traffic has slowed down parents can plan to complete check ups, consultations and/or lengthy procedures such as braces or invisalign before the kids are back in school to avoid lost time from school and work.

• “Pioneers” who value possibilities and spark energy and imagination. They’re creative thinkers who believe big risks can bring great things. • “Drivers” who value challenge and generate momentum. They’re direct in their approach to people and problems. • “Guardians” who value stability and bring rigor and order. They’re deliberate decision makers apt to stick with status quo. • “Integrators” who value connection and draw teams together. They’re attuned to nuance, seeing shades of grey rather than black and white. Once you identify the traits that make your co-workers and team tick, you can use this knowledge to become a more effective leader or team player, stress Deloitte’s Christfort and Vickberg. It’s all about learning how to best interact with each of the four major “Business Chemistry” types to help generate the best results and raise your level of performance -- and your value to

your employer. Here are several ways to apply that knowledge and become more effective at your job: • Recognize the key differences in how people work, so you can build empathy and stronger relationships with them -- and flex your own style accordingly. • Learn which kinds of working conditions and interactions can motivate your team, and which kinds may kill their potential. Then you can manage situations to help your team thrive. • Tap into the diversity of your co-workers by determining whose needs are being met and whose aren’t, and then revamp your team’s normal processes so that everyone can perform at his or her best. “Among members of a team, there will often be key differences in working styles and in what each individual needs to thrive,” says Christfort. “An effective leader and co-worker can manage and motivate different types of people by learning what kinds of interactions and working conditions enhance everyone’s performance.” For more tips and insights on how Business Chemistry can help you – and your team – perform at your best, visit deloitte. com/us/practicalmagic. By spending some time learning what drives your co-workers, bosses and employees, you can discover how to create a more productive team atmosphere that allows everyone to thrive and succeed, including yourself. (StatePoint)

Bombay Express Authenitic Indian Cafe 100% Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 13000 N IH35 Building #12, Unit # 216 Austin, Texas - 78753

512-491-5055 (Take-Away is possible on all items on the menu)

Austin South Asian | July 2018

Top Tips For New, On-The-Go Parents

Parenthood doesn’t mean putting the brakes on your on-the-go lifestyle. Whether taking an everyday adventure or traveling far, ensure smoother sailing for the whole family with these tips from Lauren Parry, a mom of two and creator of the blog, “Outfits & Outings.”

you’ll be in transit, plus extras in case of delays. In addition to wipes and diaper rash cream, it’s also

ing soiled clothing. • Accessorize: “Before heading

For Shorter Trips • Make diaper bag packing an art form: Remember being able to jet out the door with just your keys, phone and wallet? Life is a bit more complicated these days, even for short jaunts. The general rule is to pack one diaper for each hour

good to carry plastic bags for stor-

out, check the weather and gear

up your stroller!” suggests Parry. “Sometimes, you’ll be gone for hours or even the entire day, and you’ll want to ensure you have everything you need, rain or shine.” Never underestimate the importance of a weather shield to block wind and rain or to add extra insulation on colder days. Fold it up and keep it in the basket of the stroller. A parent console is also useful. It adds extra storage and allows you to easily and instantly access go-to items. For the Longer Haul • Make sleeping arrangements: Going out of town? Save your-

A Little Library Box Opens The Door To Muslim Space By Sumaiya Malik Outside Jerry Joslin Elementary School on Manchaca Road is a Little Library Box with a see through window. Inside the window are visible children’s books of all shapes and sizes. The books are both fiction and non-fiction. The idea is provide free reading material to children where public libraries are far and few. The Little Library Box is always full of books because families are requested to place one of their own children’s books in the box when their child take one out to read. Replenishment is not absolutely necessary. Children often come to the box without books to replace and that is fine too. The Little Library Box is a community-building project of an organization called Muslim Space ATX. Muslim Space is “a Muslim community organization that fosters an open, inclusive, multicultural, and pluralistic space for self-identifying Muslims and the larger Austin community,” according to its website. Shadia Igram, the Executive Director and Treasurer of Muslim Space, said that the local non-profit, went live on January 1, 2018. Five years ago when Shadia Igram and her family moved to Austin, she realized that the Muslim community in Austin was facing cultural struggles in mosques that needed to be addressed and solu-

tions had to be found. She took part in one such struggle where members of a mosque were trying to do away with the physical barrier between prayer areas of men and

women. She soon gave up. It was too difficult a struggle to surmount. Igram envisioned a place where American Muslims can belong without feeling any pressure. She wanted every Muslim to feel included and equal regardless of what their cultural background was. Then she came across two women who thought like her. Fauzia Khwaja and Zainab Ahmed agreed with her about having a free and open Muslim platform. “We wanted to create something parallel to a mosque. So we started Muslim Space,” said Igram. Igram hails from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, home of “The Mother Mosque of America,” the old-

est mosque built entirely for the sole purpose of Muslim worship and community interaction in the United States by Lebanese immigrants in 1934. Her own ancestors were a part of the founding of this mosque. They came to the United States as immigrants “right around the start of World War 1,” said Igram who felt comfortable formalizing an idea she believes in and is fast catching on. “We love to support existing efforts,” said Igram when talking about the projects Muslim Space has participated in. In February sixty volunteers of Muslim Space took a shift in Capital Area Food Bank and prepared four hundred meals in 3 hours. Last year, Muslim Space gifted a set of children’s books about Ramadan and Islam to public school libraries. This year, it gifted age appropriate Ramadan and Islamic reading material to middle and high school libraries. The platform continuously raises funds through its members and others who want to contribute. Membership is on the rise as are community projects, which any member can suggest. “We have pop-up events, Friday prayers, 3rd week only-women Friday prayers, Quran reflection lead by the community, weekly youth program at the Austin Central Library, feeding the homeless, community potlucks and regular partnerships with other non-profits,” said Igram. This Ra-

madan there was an Iftar arranged in Bastrop. The events happen all over Austin or surrounding areas, wherever Muslim Space can find a free or an affordable venue. The Muslim Space Calendar is continuously updated so that people can plan well in advance. The organization has received warm a warm welcome wherever they have contributed. Jerry Joslin Elementary School librarian sent them a thank you card last year when the platform gifted them schoolbooks. This year, when Muslim Space approached them to put up the Little Library Box on it’s property, the school was happy to help. The idea of the Little Library Boxes came from Rasha Madkour and her family who gathered other volunteers and built four such boxes. Two library boxes are already up and running. The one outside Jerry Joslin Elementary School was installed by Omaira and Khalid Hanif, who also act as the benefactors of the box and replenish books when the supply run low. Besides the three founding members, Muslim Space relies on its Board of nine members and an Oversight Committee of four. Muna Hussaini is the current president and Amanda Qureshi is the chairperson of the Oversight Committee. Please visit www.muslimspace.org to find out what is next on their calendar and how to get involved. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @MuslimSpaceATX

self the hassle of bringing certain baby gear -- like playards and high chairs -- that can be provided by a hotel. But don’t make any assumptions about what’s available. Call ahead to avoid surprises. • Encourage comfort: Hotels can be loud due to street noise, the sounds of nearby guests and other disruptions. A soothing white noise machine can help, or replicate home comforts by selecting accommodations through a rental-by-owner site. For Adventures Near & Far • Get a chic ride: “Whether I’m running errands or on a family vacation, I can’t stress enough how much the right stroller matters,” says Parry, who recommends the Baby Jogger City Tour LUX because of its ultra-compact, lightweight frame and versatility. Parry notes that her stroller of choice comes with five different riding options, a reversible seat and accepts an infant car seat or foldable pram to accommodate newborns. Parents can also make it a double stroller by attaching a glider board. Other useful features include a one-hand fold and a carry bag for transportation. “One thing I quickly learned was that you have to be flexible when kids are in tow. This means you need a stroller that’s adaptable to whatever your needs are at that particular moment,” says Parry. “This stroller’s features -- including an easy-to-use hand brake, durable tires, and 3-panel canopy -make it easy to stay on-the-go and keep my baby happy while I’m out and about.” To learn more about the City Tour LUX, recommended for children up to 45 pounds, visit babyjogger.com. • Keep hunger at bay: No matter where you’re headed or how you’re getting there, snacks are essential. Cheerios are a good go-to but try to keep a few favorites stored in the diaper bag. When possible, opt for less messy items to minimize the potential for spills and stains. Traveling with children is never easy but being prepared will help the whole family have fun, no matter the adventure. (StatePoint)

Rajinikanth Was Excited About ‘Dhruva Natchathiram’, Reveals Gautham Menon

It’s a well-known fact that Gautham Menon and ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram are coming together for the spy-thriller ‘Dhruva Natchathiram’, which is expected to be wrapped up by the end of this month. In a recent interview, Gautham Menon revealed that he had earlier pitched ‘Dhruva Natchathiram’ to

superstar Rajinikanth as well. Apparently, Rajinikanth was ex-

cited about the project and asked Menon about the details regarding the cast and crew.

It’s worth mentioning that ‘Dhruva Natchathiram’ was initially planned with Suriya in the lead.

The project was supposed to be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu, producer of Menon’s ‘Kaakha Kaakha’.

But the ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ star had fallout with Gautham Menon, after which Vikram agreed to act in the film.

However, Rajinikanth turned down the offer after s o m e people in the industry advised him not to work with Menon.

Made on a lavish budget by Ondraga Entertainment and Escape Artist, it boasts of names like Aishwarya Rajesh, Radhika Sarathkumar, Simran, Parthiepan and Divyadarshini in important roles.

Eventually, Pa Ranjith landed the opportunity to direct Rajinikanth in ‘Kabali’.

While the shoot is progressing at

Sources also say that the song will not be a dance number, but a montage. On Thursday, the makers unveiled the much-awaited first look poster of ‘Sarkar’, which has received a

‘Dhruva Natchathiram’ has Harris Jayaraj working on the music department. If reports are to be believed, the makers are planning to release the film by this year.

As the title indicates, ‘Sarkar’ is tipped to be a political thriller that will have Radha Ravi playing the antagonist’s role of a politician. Rumours are rife that Vijay reportedly plays a business tycoon in the film. However, the makers are keeping it under wraps. Basking in the success of ‘Mahanati’, Keerthy Suresh has been finalised as the leading lady, while Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is reported to be playing a negative role. Produced by Sun Pictures, ‘Sarkar’ has music by AR Rahman and ‘Angamaly Diaries’ cinematographer Girish Gangadharan is cranking the camera.

a rapid pace, an interesting update has surfaced on the internet. According to reports, the makers will head to Las Vegas to shoot Vijay’s introductory song.

terrific response from the audience.

Kobe Bryant Denied Admission To Film Academy Sportsperson-turned-filmmaker Kobe Bryant has been denied the membership to Oscar’s Film Academy, despite his recent Oscar win.

cal piece, ‘Dear Basketball’. He wrote, lent his voice, and executive produced the film. According to reports, the reason cited behind

According to reports, the American basketball player was recommended for membership by the executive committee of the academy.

the denial was that Bryant does not possess enough merit to be included in the body as ‘Dear Basketball’ was his first venture,

The sports legend won the Oscar in February for the best animated short film for his autobiographi-

However, there are speculations that his controversial past could have been the reason too.

Malayalam actor Vinayakan is reportedly playing the prime antagonist.

‘Sarkar’: Vijay’s Introductory Song To Be Shot In Las Vegas

Following the commercial success of ‘Thuppakki’ and ‘Kaththi’, Vijay is once again working with AR Murugadoss for the upcoming film, ‘Sarkar’.

Austin South Asian | July 2018

‘Sarkar’ is all set to hit the screens on Diwali this year.

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

Mahesh Babu And Vamshi Paidipally’s Film Is Most Likely To Release In March Next Year Here’s an update on Mahesh Babu’s film with Vamshi Paidipally. The yet untitled film has already placed itself on the list of Mahesh Babu’s muchawaited films because it features Mahesh in a role that he has never experimented with before. However, a source close to the film’s unit said that the upcoming film is most likely to release in March next year. The movie is jointly bankrolled by Dil Raju and Ashwini Dutt. Though the makers of the movie have not revealed an official statement yet, sources in the production house said the film will release in March 2019. The shooting of the yet-untitled film was recently commenced in Dehradun and after this schedule, Mahesh Babu and team will head to the US to complete next schedule. While Pooja Hegde is playing the love interest to Mahesh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Allari Naresh are essaying key roles in the film. The Vamshi Paidipally directorial seems to have all the ingredients for a blockbuster. Devi Sri Prasad is collaborating with Mahesh Babu for the fourth time after ‘1: Nenokkadine’, ‘Srimanthudu’, and ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’.

Austin South Asian | July 2018

The Salman Khan Starrer Continues Its Dreamy Run

Race 3 box office collection day 9: The Salman Khan film has been dominating the box office with its mind-boggling collections. The action drama has already minted over Rs 150 crore. Race 3 box office collection day 9: Salman

merely three days, the movie had joined the Rs 100 crore club. While a big part of the film’s success has been attributed to Salman, it cannot be denied that the Race franchise itself, Race and Race 2, had been a success. The film recently crossed the Rs 150 crore mark. Despite its stupendous success at the box office, the film has, by and large, failed to impress critics.

Khan’s Race 3 has slain the box office like a boss, and expecting anything else from a Salman Khan film would be undermining the star power of the actor. On its first day itself, the action-drama had minted a collection of Rs 29.17 crore. And in

dance-floor moves, locomotives that cost more than a good sized 2BHK flat, supersize mansions, and a thin plot spiced by a twist or two. It’s a template, but we are always up for tales with all of the above if they are smart and pacy enough. The trouble with this third part is that it is

neither. At two and a half hours, it is a scattershot snoozefest, perking up only when Salman Khan shows up,” a section of her review read. Race 3 stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Daisy Shah, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol and Saqib Saleem in significant roles. It has been directed by Remo D’Souza.

IIFA Rocks 2018 The 19th edition of IIFA Awards has begun, and stars like Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar and Shraddha Kapoor are already winning hearts with their performances

a part of the show, sizzled by doing an impromptu dance on ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’. Actress Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar along with Arjun performed on Veere Di Wedding’s Tareefan, which was followed by

The 19th edition of the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards) 2018 started on June 22 in Bangkok with ‘IIFA Rocks’.

a ‘horror dance’ by the troupe on Disco Deewane song.

The Indian Express’ film critic Shubhra Gupta had given a negative review to the film and had called it a snoozefest. “Given our experience of the Race franchise, we are fully prepared for bad guys, fast cars, faster gals, dazzling foreign locations, shiny

Sanjay Kapoor To Play A Double Role In Bedhab Sanjay Kapoor, who recently lauded for his performance in Netflix anthology Lust Stories, will be seen next in Bedhab. Talking about what made him sign up for Bedhab, Sanjay said, “It was the script. It is a very interesting and unusual role for me.

too much, this double role is quite unusual. I want that to be a surprise, but it is an interesting character to play. So, as I said earlier, it is an unusual script and an extremely intelligent film. It comes with a beautiful message.” About working with screenwriter and director Akash Goila, Sanjay Kapoor believes that a movie is the director’s vision and if he himself is the story writer, that becomes a deadly package. He said, “I appreciate Akash for his focus and clarity of vision. I am happy to work with a director who knows what he wants.”

This is only the second time that I am playing a double role.

The makers of Bedhab recently released the first look poster of the film, where Sanjay is seen holding a cigar. The film also stars Pooja Chopra and Aashish Sachdeva.

I played a double role in Chhupa Rustam, but that was a long time ago. Without revealing

Produced by Aashish Sachdeva and Akash Goila, Bedhab will go on floors soon.

The event was hosted by young heartthrobs Kartik Aaryan and Ayushmann Khurranna, and was attended by a host of Bollywood stars. Bollywood heartthrobs Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Karan Johar were in attendance to woo the audience with their crazy antics. Arjun Kapoor, who is a goofball at most parties, was the heart and soul at the IIFA Rocks event. He stole the show with his unforgettable dance number on the classic song, ‘Hum Kaale Hain Toh Kya Hua Dilwale Hain’ picturised on Mehmood. The actor draped a lungi and did the typical Mehmood step, and kept the audience engaged. Everybody from the audience seemed to enjoy Arjun’s carefree jig. Later, actress Dia Mirza, who was also

Bangkok will witness performances by Bollywood superstars Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aaryan and Lulia Vantur. Karan Johar had sparked a controversy last year as the host of the IIFA Awards in New York when he made a comment on the nepotism debate raked up by actress Kangana Ranaut. This year, Karan Johar is back to host the gala. The IIFA awards is a much-awaited event of the year amongst the film fraternity and Bollywood fans and this time around, the three-day gala is being held in Bangkok and will witness the presence of some of Hindi filmdom’s iconic stars and new actors on the red carpet, in the audience and on stage. The main awards night will be held on Sunday.

Austin South Asian | July 2018