Austin South Asian. March. 2019 by Austin South Asian

Monthly Community Paper | www.austinsouthasian.com | 512-828-6709 | Vol. 12 No. 03

SXSW 2019 By Sumaiya Malik A few years ago, the Austin South Asian featured an article about no-

his hit film The Big Sick - to NYTimes Op-Ed colunmist Wajahat Ali.

Hinduism Today

By Manu Shah For the last 40 years, a small group of monks living in a monastery in

tion, “Hinduism Today.” The quarterly magazine is read by Hindus and non-Hindus who are

inside

March 2019

IIT Madras Develops....02 BAPS Organizes...........04 Arun’s Scribblings.........06 Home Updates.............06 Tax Refund The Boon...07 Food Allergy.................08 6 Tips From Doctor.......08 Focus On Self-Care.......09 Health Tips For Flu.......10

table South Asians in music, film and interactive - discussing big names like Kumail Nunjiani, who becake a box office sensation after

We raved about singer/songwriter Zoe Viccaji and young filmmaker Sara Jahan Khan. (Continued On Page 14)

Zilker Park Kite

Gina Lalli

By Sumaiya Malik This year, the Zilker Park Kite Festival is on March 31 from 2 to

5 p.m. and as usual excitement is abuzz in the South Asian community. It is nothing new for families and friends to plan ahead, wear yellow and in groups head to Zilker Park to celebrate a kite flying festival called Basant at the same time as the kite festival. (Continued On Page 15)

By Anuradha Naimpally

Hawaii have been diligently preserving, upholding and promoting Hinduism through their publica-

Bollywood Meets Borscht

One of the first and most influential artists to educate and mold a discerning audience for Indian classical dance in Austin was not from India. Gina Lalli was born and brought up in Binghamton, NY.

By Aashi Morales The coming of spring each year means that it is time for the popular “Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt,”

She studied piano as a child and then moved on to modern dance when she lived in New York as a young woman.

the fun, family-friendly, multicultural event that raises funds for school supplies for homeless and economically disadvantaged children in the Austin area. Hindu tinued On Page 11)

(Continued On Page 16)

April 2019 Real Estate SADHGURU Special

spiritually or otherwise curious to explore the world’s oldest tradition. (Continued On Page 19)

By BeeKay Everyone at some point in their life thinks spiritual and it is probably my time now. While growing up I have seen my father spending hours (Continued on page 23)

512-828-6709

Bollywood Meets..........11 Malik’s Page.................... .......11,12,14,15,16,17,20 SAIVA..........................17 SWNB Celebrating........18 JETUSA.......................18 Hinduism Today............19 Gene Edited Babies......20 Community Calendar....21 Children’s Page...22,23,25 Giant Leaps.................23 Determine Your Vitamin D Levels..........................24 Treatment Via Smartphone App...................24 Entertainment.........26,27

Austin South Asian | March 2019

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IIT-Madras Develops India’s First Microprocessor, Shakti Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have designed and booted up India’s first microprocessor, Shakti, which could be used in mobile computing and other devices.

and fabricating approach is reducing the risk of deploying systems that may be infected with backdoors and hardware Trojans.

“With the advent of Digital India, there are several applications that require customisable processor cores.

This development will assume

The 180nm fabrication facility at

According to IIT-M, the Shakti microprocessor can be used in lowpower wireless systems and networking systems besides reducing reliance on imported microprocessors in communication and defence sectors.

The other crucial aspect of such an indigenous design, development

According to IIT-M, Shakti processor family targets clock speeds to suit various end-user application devices such as various consumer electronic devices, mobile computing devices, embedded low-power wireless systems and networking systems, among others. The project is funded by Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The microprocessor can be used by others as it is on par with international standards, researchers said. The Shakti family of processors was fabricated at Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Indian Space Research Organizations (ISRO) in Chandigarh, making it the first ‘RISC V Microprocessor’ to be completely designed and made in India, IIT-M said.

puter Science and Engineering at IIT-M.

The impact of this completely indigenous fabrication is that India has now attained independence in designing, developing and fabricating end-to-end systems within the country, leading to self-suffihuge significance when systems based on Shakti processors are adopted by strategic sectors such as defence, nuclear power installations, government agencies and departments.

SCL Chandigarh is crucial in getting these cores manufacturers within our Country,” said Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Lead Researcher, Reconfigurable Intelligent Systems Engineering (RISE) Laboratory, Department of Com-

ciency, IIT-M claimed. With a large percentage of applications requiring sub 200 MHz processors, the current success paves the way to producing many hand-held and control application devices. In July 2018, an initial batch of 300 chips, named RISECREEK was produced under Project Shakti, that were fabricated at the Multinational Chip Manufacturer Intel’s facility at Oregon, USA, that successfully booted the Linux operating system. Now, the fabrication has been done in India. (Courtesy: com)

www.

gadgets.ndtv.

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Austin South Asian | March 2019

Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Workplace Benefits?

Millennials are a generation with unique financial challenges. Seven in 10 possess student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access and Success’ “12th Annual Report, Student Debt and the Class of 2016.” Combined with car loans, housing expenses and entry level salaries, it’s no surprise to learn that many young workers lack the savings necessary to cover unexpected medical costs. To help strengthen their financial situation, experts say that this generation should take a closer look at their available workplace benefits to see if they have access to voluntary benefits, often also referred to as supplemental health insurance policies.

ness. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY) and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Sixty percent of millennials are worried they’re unprepared for medical costs, according to Cigna’s Vol-

untary Benefits Consumer Survey, yet many aren’t taking advantage of obtaining voluntary accidental injury, critical illness and hospital care benefits when they are offered in the workplace. When asked how they would pay for expenses if a serious injury or illness struck, millennials were more likely than older employees to say they would borrow from friends and family, take out a bank loan or get a second

“Having health insurance is not always enough. Someone with a serious injury or illness can face large deductibles or significant out-of-pocket expenses even with health insurance. If your employer offers the opportunity to obtain supplemental health insurance policies, such as accidental injury, critical illness or hospital care coverage, take a few moments to become familiar with what these options provide. They can help you create and personalize your financial safety net,” says Jim Boyman, president and general manager of Cigna’s voluntary benefits busi-

job. However, these choices can often be accompanied by other drawbacks: borrowing money can sometimes impact personal relationships, and borrowing from the bank means paying interest on top of the original expense. Getting a second job may not be realistic depending upon the nature of the health condition and could also impact the ability to succeed at the primary job. Voluntary benefits or supplemental health insurance policies can help with those unexpected medical expenses. It is important to take the time to learn what is available in the workplace. Many employers offer educational tools and resources to help individuals understand how voluntary benefits work and how to tailor coverage to provide the most value for personal situations. Read the benefits materials and consider attending informational learning sessions that may be offered. An employer’s human resources department can also be a source for assistance. Or, use online tools to learn more. Whether employer-funded or employee-paid, workplace benefits can help provide additional financial protection and help deliver greater peace of mind. (StatePoint)

BAPS Organizes Prayer Services Globally For Pulwama Attack Victims As thousands of mourners attended funerals across India this week for the paramilitary personnel who lost their lives to terrorism in Pulwama (Kashmir, India), His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offered his deepest sympathy and prayers. As spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mahant Swami Maharaj, on Thursday, prayed for peace for departed and a full recovery of those who were injured. All BAPS mandirs globally as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America held special prayer services. Together they prayed for strength and solace for the families of all those effected by this tragedy. “It was an honor to be part of the prayers at BAPS tonight to mourn those that were murdered in the terror attack in Kashmir. Terror against any is terror against us all,” said Jeff Spivey, Chief of Irving Police Department from Irving, TX. Echoing the sentiments of other well-wishers, Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, from Orlando, FL said: “The 44 CRPF personnel who lost their lives each have families and communities who are feeling their absence. As an Indian-American, I feel part of their community and am here to pray for calm in

their hearts which we know are hurting.” The attack on February 14, 2019 has sparked peaceful vigils across India and the world, and BAPS joins in prayer for the families of India’s servicemen and for unity and peace.

BAPS as an organization and its followers have also pledged financial support of 10 million rupees for the relief fund to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery. About BAPS The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by

Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities.

His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant

Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org. About Mahant Swami Maharaj His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami.

Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016. CONTACT: BAPS North American Headquarters Phone: 732-777-1414 Email: media@na.baps.org SOURCE: BAPS

Study: Wellness Confusion, Lack Of Support Can Impact Weight Loss

If you are like many Americans, you probably read advice about health and wellness everywhere, from news feeds to social media. But, despite the abundance of information, many are still struggling to reach their weight loss goals. So, what is the cause of this disconnect? While many Americans are no longer in the dark about healthy eating – as 92 percent believe they know the right foods to eat -- more

it, can be made easier with the right tools and support. “Having a science-based structured plan as well as ongoing support increases the likelihood people can find success on their weight loss journey,” says Pamela Peeke, MD, chair of the Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board. One important area of support, Dr. Peeke points out, is in meal planning. Nearly three in five people spend seven to 14 hours planning and preparing meals each week. A program that offers nutritionally-balanced, chef-crafted meals can not only help reduce stress (the top cited reason for weight loss struggles) but also free up valuable hours to get more sleep or focus on another area of your overall health. What’s more, the report found that nearly nine in 10 Americans (88 percent) believe that having healthy, prepared meals would help them reach their weight-related goals. Another critical tool for sustainable weight loss is guidance and motivation. Unfortunately, less than half of those surveyed say they have adequate support to be at a healthy weight.

than half still knowingly make poor food choices daily, and two-thirds are currently looking to lose weight, according to a new report commissioned by Jenny Craig. One challenge contributing to this disconnect is confusing buzzwords that many weight loss programs and products use in their marketing. Today, “wellness” products are popping up everywhere, though 42 percent of Americans say they are unsure how to even define the term. Fortunately, experts say that making the leap from knowing what to do, to actually doing

That is why science-driven, structured weight loss programs like Jenny Craig can be good options, as they offer ongoing, one-on-one support from a personal consultant that can help people stay focused on their goals while learning about portion control and other ways to develop healthy eating habits. The customized support from a dedicated consultant allows you to personalize your weight loss plan, talk through challenges, track your progress and get the encouragement and guidance you need to help you reach your goal. Learn more about how to achieve your health goals at jennycraig.com. If you are struggling to lose weight, getting support and straightforward guidance may be able to help you find success. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Home Updates That Pay Off

Whether you’re remodeling for a fresh take on an old style or contemplating a new build, there are choices you can make that will definitely pay off, say experts. To add value to your project, consider these recommended tips from Stephen Quick of Stephen Alexander Homes, builder of the 2018 Coastal Virginia Magazine Idea House. Once an afterthought, lighting takes center stage in a home’s design. “Consider your lighting needs at the start of the project. Wait too long and it can become expensive to move or add lights,” advises Quick. When planning lighting basics, think of the design as a whole: choose your decorative lighting fixtures at the same time you choose recessed. A large fixture throws a lot of light, so keep adjacent recessed lights to a minimum. Dimming capabilities are a must, and Quick recommends using “smart” dimmers like Hubbell’s iDevice to customize the dimming range. The control offered by these dimmers means you can use larger statement lighting pieces with many bulbs to create amazing, but not overwhelming, spaces.

the light needs to be functional, yet have an added element of drama to showcase the hobby. Beyond mere dollars and cents, make style choices based on the manufacturer rather than the component. As a builder, Quick starts with a “basket” of necessary elements, but it’s how they are applied that ultimately makes the design special. Consider engaging an interior designer. Even with a smaller remodel budget, hiring an expert who knows which brands give you the most bang for your buck is worth

their fee. You’re more likely to end up with the look you want at a price that is worth the investment.

target with the latest trends within the color spectrum, adding colors that hit the mark to give your spaces a fresh look,” says Quick. And if you don’t like the color once it’s on the walls? “Don’t be afraid to change it. Paint is not expensive. It’s more expensive to keep a look you don’t like.” For design ideas, visit progresslighting.com/styles. When making home updates, think of those projects that will pay off the most. (StatePoint)

Great Tools For Winter Adventures It may be winter, but that’s no reason to put your outdoor adventures on hold. When you’re properly equipped, you may find you can brave all kinds of weather. Stay safe, smart and warm with the following tools and gear: • Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Fabrics aren’t what they used to be.

even in cold weather, you’re going to sweat when you are active, and your outermost layer which is in contact with the elements. • Tough Tech: The latest rugged watches are standing up to the toughest conditions. Check out the G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GG1000-1A8 from Casio, particularly if you like

Quick tends to use lighting with a classic foundation, but loves to play with the eclectic. Adding a bold piece that is “whimsical” in an unexpected area offers a surprising focal point, he says.

temperature and each model comes equipped with such useful features as 200M water resistance, shock resistance, an auto super illuminator LED light, world time, alarms, a stopwatch, timer and more. • Fire-Starting Gear: You may be a crackerjack at starting the campfire on balmy summer nights, but come winter, things can be a bit trickier. Be sure your pack includes a high-quality fire-starting kit that include long-burning, wind-resistant, waterproof matches, extra strikers and a durable, waterproof case.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated remains just as important as ever in cold weather. Whether you prefer a simple bottle set-up or a reservoir and tube you wear on your back, look for a hydration system specifically designed for winter weather that can withstand hot liquids and prevent your drinks from freezing. If there are no limits and no offseason for you, be sure you have the necessary tools to make the most of your winter adventures. (StatePoint)

Scribblings By Arun LIFE IS NOT TOO BUSY NOR TOO MESSY

“We’ve relied on Progress Lighting for twenty years,” says Quick. “Especially in the past few years, as they’ve taken giant leaps in design.” Stephen Alexander Homes incorporate “lifestyle focus” open floor plans as their signature look. Now, they are pioneering a new trend in home culinary spaces. Pantries are re-imagined to not only be practical, but a spot to display the homeowner’s hobbies and interests. Think useful collectibles like olive oils, wine or beer. Lighting this room properly is a must, as

Paint is one of the biggest design tools at your d i s posal. “A new coat of paint sets the tone for everything. Choosing the perfect colors can be hard, but paint companies are on

While long johns and other cool weather gear were once comprised of natural fabrics, such as cotton, textile engineering has taken true warmth to new frontiers. Be sure that you layer up the right way with moisture-wicking fabrics, which are designed to wick away moisture from the skin and allow it to dry rapidly. This is particularly essential for your base layer, as

to get muddy. The watch, which is built to withstand extreme weather, boasts a cylindrical guard structure to prevent mud, dust, and debris from entering, as well as features that enhance button operation even when you’re wearing gloves. Twin sensor technology accurately determines compass bearing and

With these it is felt.

The pleasure of watching A live drama, is taken away by “light and shade” movies. The pleasure of being In personal touch, is taken away by the “Net and online” messages.

To call on phone we hesitate, Fearing the receiver that may irritate. Life has turned mechanical and routine, Caught in the web of comforts our own.

A “get well” message When some one is not well A “congratulatory” message When some one gets married A “condolence” message When some one is dead, Our onus is complete.

If we are healthy, disciplined and active, Life is neither too busy nor too messy. Only the undisciplined and lazy, Force us to believe in the negative. (arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Is A Tax Refund The Boon You Think It Is?

A tax refund may sound like a

the course of the year by checking

count over the course of the year.

Though changing your tax withholdings is easy, three in four workers failed to adjust their withholdings this past year, according

to a recent Civic Science survey for Ally Bank, Member FDIC. (StatePoint)

6 Tips From Doctors For A Healthier Heart February is American Heart Month, and an excellent reminder that there are many easy steps you can take to improve your heart health. Unfortunately, nearly half of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, putting them at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

boon, but financial experts say that you may be able to make more over

your withholdings and putting any additional funds into a savings ac-

Those who received the average refund in 2018, could see an additional $282 in interest compounding over three years simply by putting the monthly sum into a savings account earning 2.20 percent all year long.

“During American Heart Month, we urge all Americans to take control of their heart health by knowing and monitoring their blood pressure levels and making healthy lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the serious health consequences associated with high blood pressure,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the AMA. “We know that by empowering more patients to monitor and control their blood pressure, we will continue to help improve the health of patients, while reducing health care costs.” To help you get started, Dr. McAne-

ny and the experts at the AMA are offering six tips for this American Heart Month and beyond. 1. Know your blood pressure numbers. Visit LowerYourHBP.org. The site contains tools, resources and information for both patients and physicians, and was launched by the AMA as part of an effort to reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year. Having a better understanding of your numbers and taking necessary steps to get your high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. 2. Commit to manage high blood pressure. Work with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes that you can realistically stick to long-term to help you maintain a lower blood pressure and lower your risk for negative health consequences. (Continued On Page 08)

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Food Allergy Epidemic: An Escalating Problem

Thirty-two million Americans are now living with food allergies, according to new data published by The Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open and Pediatrics.

about two in every classroom). What’s more, over 50 percent of adults and 42 percent of children with food allergies have suffered a severe food allergy reaction such

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the largest private funder of food allergy research in the world, recently commissioned a state-by-state report analyzing the rise in diagnoses of anaphylactic food reactions between 2007 and 2016. The results illustrate the gravity of this growing epidemic, with a 377 percent increase nationwide. Advocates say that the increasing prevalence of food allergies demands action and escalates the need for new treatments and diagnostic tools that save lives and help alleviate the burden of this disease. To that end, FARE’s “Contains: Courage” campaign is seeking to raise a historic amount of money for research and education efforts. To learn more, visit foodallergy. org.

This equates to roughly one in 10 adults and one in 13 children (or

as potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Food allergies are at epidemic levels. However, new treatments and greater awareness promise to change the lives of millions of Americans. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

6 Tips From Doctors For A Healthier Heart (Continued From Page 07) 3. Be more physically active. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is recommended that healthy adults 18 to 65 years of age get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. 4. Eat a healthy diet. Making simple dietary changes can help you manage or prevent high blood pressure. These changes should include eating less sodium, reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods you consume (especially those with added sodium and sugar), reducing consumption of sugarsweetened beverages and eating foods that are rich in potassium. 5. Maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight can put you at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight. 6. Drink in moderation. When consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age. American Heart Month serves as an important reminder that living a heart-healthy lifestyle is possible. By paying attention to risk factors like your blood pressure, weight and more, you can reduce your risk for heart disease. (StatePoint)

Home and Garden Improvements That Will Benefit Local Wildlife When it comes to changing the world, your own backyard is a great place to start. As you make home improvements, consider their potential to benefit local wildlife that travel in and around your property.

yard with less stress. Prevent Bird Strikes

many species of migrating birds, and millions of wild birds are killed annually flying into windows.

You may not realize it, but your

However, a simple home improve-

Here are a few important steps you can take.

“Protecting birds adds beauty to your garden, is good for the environment and most importantly, saves lives,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, a company that offers UV decals and UV Liquid.

Plant Native Species By planning native species exclusively in your garden and yard, you will be promoting a healthy local ecosystem while providing proper nourishment and a natural habitat for visiting wildlife, whether that be insects, birds or furry creatures. Because native plant species are meant to thrive in your local climate, they will require less maintenance, which means a beautiful

tain light frequencies that humans can’t, so by applying UV decals and UV liquid to your home’s windows and sliding glass doors, you can make windows visible to birds in a way that won’t obstruct your own view.

home poses a risk to birds. Window strikes are common among

ment project can make your home safer for birds. Birds can see cer-

The UV decals and liquid from WindowAlert have been proven to effectively alter the flight path of birds to prevent window strikes. The coating will look like etched glass to the human eye, but be very visible to a bird. As UV reflectivity may fade over time, it’s important

to replace the decals and liquid every four months. Application techniques can be found by visiting WindowAlert.com. Build a Bird house Add beauty to your yard with a wooden bird house. Find a design you love or get creative and craft your own, using your own home’s architecture for inspiration. A strategically placed bird house -- either within three feet of a window or over 30 feet away -- will help avoid bird strikes. Be a good neighbor -- not just to the other humans. Make improvements to your home that will help protect both local and migratory wildlife. (StatePoint)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

5 Ways To Upgrade Your Home With New Tech

New technology has the power to make your home safer, more comfortable and better suited to your family’s needs.

got to lock your front door before leaving the house, a smart lock can offer you convenience and peace of mind.

concert hall with the latest technology. Even the slimmest electronic pianos today have the potential to retain a sophisticated keyboard

So, if you’re planning to make some home updates, consider these great ideas for incorporating the latest technologies.

Casio Privia PX-S1000 keyboard, reproduces the individual response characteristics of each of the 88 keys on a grand piano and its Bluetooth audio playback feature allows you to connect to your device and play along with your favorite songs. 3. Greater climate control.

1. Smart lock. Give your neighborhood watch group a deserved break and consider investing in smart lock technology.

Heading to the airport but forgot to adjust your thermostat? Want your home to be a comfortable temperature when you arrive home from work?

You’ll be able to control your home’s entry points from anywhere through a compatible app, which will also notify you of possible break-ins and tampering.

Next-generation, smart thermostats offer you the ability to get a better handle on climate control while potentially lowering your utility bills.

Whether you have guests staying at your place and need to let them in before you get home, or you for-

2. Full sound. No matter the size of your home, you can create the ambiance of a

the right occasion in every room of your house by creating programmed scenarios through a smart lighting system. A smart lighting app can also improve home security, making your home looked lived in while you are away. 5. Beefed up entertainment. You can go beyond a standard home theater and gaming area with the installation of a projector that offers a great quality picture, long lasting-brightness and a fully connectable interface.

4. The right light.

The SLIM Seris of LampFree Projectors from Casio, for example, require little to no setup time and provide projection at maximum brightness in as few as five seconds, for a truly immersive home theater experience.

For example, the new design of the

You can set the right mood for

(StatePoint)

successful day ahead.

is comfortable and can easily transition between activities.

Never underestimate the power of exercise and fresh air.

For one-stop shopping for footwear and other accessories to help you reach your self-care goals, visit the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online at rackroomshoes.com.

Find the time that is most convenient for you, whether that’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break or after dinner.

touch and authentic timbre of a grand piano.

4 Ways To Focus On Self-Care

It’s no surprise that the concept of self-care is getting a lot of traction in many health and wellness circles.

Self-care can improve your mental

be more productive. Unfortunately, many people don’t prioritize it.

Whether you are a career-focused professional or a stay-at-home parent, it’s likely you have a tendency to put other people’s needs – those of your children, colleagues, friends or family -ahead of your own. Here are four ways to focus on making time for essential self-care activities. 1. Make over your morning: Rise an hour before everyone else in your household.

and physical health and help you

Use the time to meditate, stretch, write in a gratitude journal or visualize a

2. Make a list of your favorite things: Write down things that truly bring you joy and fill you with a sense of purpose. To ensure you’re finding time to do them, schedule them in your calendar. Some ideas could be going for a run, buying fresh flowers or tackling an arts and crafts project. 3. Invest in new gear: Sometimes the best motivator for getting active is a new piece of clothing or accessory you feel confident wearing. “New footwear is a great way to support health and wellness goals, while helping you stay motivated to invest in self-care activities,” says Randy Woodworth, women’s athletic buyer for Rack Room Shoes. To help you on your healthy selfcare path, invest in something that

4. Take regular walks outside:

Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a self-care routine that works for you and stick with it. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | March 2019

Must-Know Health Tips For Faster Flu Recovery With last year’s flu season having been associated with 80,000 deaths -- one of the deadliest in decades -- focusing on immune health is important. There are essentially three stages of the flu: incubation -- the development of the virus within your body; infection -- when most symptoms are strongest; and convalescence -- as your body recuperates from the virus.

Adding moisture to the air can help reduce congestion and soothe the throat while recovering from the flu. Using a humidifier in dry rooms can ease symptoms. Also, try a face steam. Begin by boiling a pot of water.

by adding herbs and oils. Dr. Pescatore recommends drops of peppermint to open up the nasal passages even more. Get Rest You may be feeling better, but

There is less awareness about the recovery stage, when your body is weakened by the virus and at risk for other ailments,” says Dr. Fred Pescatore, renowned natural health physician.

To ensure proper recovery, Dr. Pescatore is offering the following tips. Increase Air Moisture

“Licorice tea makes for a greattasting recovery tool. It has a sweet flavor without the sugar of other sweet teas. In addition, licorice supports immunity, which is what you need at this stage of the flu,” says Dr. Pescatore. Add a Super-Antioxidant

“Most people are familiar with vaccines to prevent the flu and remedies to relieve symptoms.

Last year, a study found adult patients had higher risk of heart attack after an influenza diagnosis.

tea is one of the easiest ways to soothe lingering symptoms.

Remove it from the heat and bring your face close while draping a towel over your head to breathe in the steam.

you’re still recovering. Even when symptoms ease, your body and immune system are in a weakened state.

This is an easy at-home remedy that you can put your own spin on

It’s tempting to jump right back into your routine, but you still need extra rest and hydration.

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)

Drink Herbal Tea Drinking herbal

and better sleep quality. “There are few products on the market that support your immune system during the recovery period, yet it is one of the most vulnerable health periods, particularly for seniors. This is exciting news for anyone looking for a safe, natural way to recover faster from the flu,” says Dr. Pescatore.

A new peer-reviewed study shows that supplementing with the natural super-antioxidant Robuvit (Roboo-vit), French oak wood extract, supports flu recuperation.

Robuvit is backed by more than a dozen studies showing its benefits for natural energy, flu recovery, detox and sports performance. For more information, visit www.robuvit.com.

Participants in the study took 300 mg of Robuvit daily for three weeks once their flu symptoms ended.

“The body is under stress during a bout of flu. Inflammation is up and oxygen levels and blood pressure can drop.

Researchers found that after 10 days, participants who supplemented with Robuvit experienced increased post-flu strength, enhanced attention and concentration

Helping your body recover fully is important,” says Dr. Pescatore. (StatePoint)

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Austin South Asian | March 2019

7th Annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt Returns For 2019

(Continued From page 01) Charities for America (HC4A), with the support of Shalom Austin and the Jewish community, is putting on this important local event

for the seventh year in a row. (Con Come join us on Sunday, April 7, 2019, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, Texas, for an evening of music, food, dance, and networking.

This year’s theme is “Dances of India” and will feature performances of regional dances from around India, showcasing the rich potpourri

of Indian culture. Enjoy a vegetarian/dairy Indian dinner graciously donated by Indian restaurants across Austin, chai and Jewish desserts donated by the Jewish community, and the sights and sounds of the different regional dances of India, all while helping

homeless and disadvantaged students in the Austin area. 100% of the proceeds will go to school supplies for children in need in Austin. Last year we provided school supplies to over 1000 students from local school districts—about 20% of the local homeless student population. This year we hope to raise funds to be able to help even more! HC4A was founded in 2010 on the principle of Serve Where You Live™ and provides a vehicle for those that have thrived in the Austin area to give back to the communities that they live in and that have provided them opportunities for success. HC4A also operates in Los Angeles, CA. HC4A helps economically disadvantaged students advance their education so they too can live the American dream, all while celebrating our own culture and sharing it with others. Our cross-cultural event with Shalom Austin in the spring, and our

annual gala in the fall which raises money for vocational educational

diverse cultures! Come join us in showing our sup-

scholarships, are open to all in the Austin community and are truly a celebration of the cultural diversity of this area. The selfless volunteers, sponsors, donors, and volunteer visual and performing artists at our HC4A events, along with all our attendees, are helping build a strong, successful, educated community of

port for the community in which we live and for our local students, all while showing our pride in being an important part of our local community. For ticket information, or to be a sponsor, donor, or volunteer, visit our website at hc4a.org or call (512) 994-4638.

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna In Austin During Indie Meme Film Festival In April With The Last Color By Sumaiya Malik Internationally acclaimed Indian chef, James Beard Award Nominee and Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna will be in Austin during the fourth annual Indie Meme Film Festival from April 26 to 28.

dition of social injustice meted out to widows in India and not allow-

arrived in the US as an immigrant with no place to stay and no work. From there he rose with hard work to be the star chef. But he gives credit to destiny.

tory of the common man. Khanna’s interview with famous film star Anupum Kher reveals details about how he started cooking for business at a very young age and his family encouraged him. When he arrived in the US, he did all kinds of jobs to earn an honest living.

In an interview with Asia Society in 2017 K h a n n a said, being a chef was not enough, he wanted more in life. To achieve those heights, Khanna started teaching himself how to speak fluent English.

He realized that his honesty and commitment worked in his favor and he kept getting referred for more work until he started rising in the world of chefs of Indian cuisine in the US, never leaving sight of continuously educating himself. “For me Indian food is not just food, it is the culture of the country,” said Khanna.

The list of Khanna’s accomplishments knows no bounds, but the latest feather in his cap is his directorial debut film, The Last Color, starring Neena Gupta and child artists. The film’s social message and seriousness of subject enabled Alka Bhanot, the founder of Indie Meme, to seek the film, director and lead cast out for the festival. The Last Color, according to Hindustan Times, is Vikas Khanna’s ‘most organic work yet.’ The film is based on a book by the same name that Khanna authored a few years ago. The story revolves around the Supreme Court order against an age-old tra-

ing them to play Holi. Khanna’s own story is also unique. Coming from extremely humble beginnings in Amritsar and coming from a large family, Khanna

He started taking pictures. He gained respect of people because many said he glamorized and focused on the simplicity of the common man. His success was the vic-

has interest in Sufism and Sainthood in Islam, Sacred Kingship, Early Modern Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.

music from Turkey.

He founded “Cooking for Life” founded in 2001 in New York along with the world’s top chefs supports several social causes. Vision of Palate is his award-winning workshop developed to educate people with visual disabilities about the sense of taste, flavor and aromas. Khanna is the recipient of Access to Freedom Award, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Shining Star Award, GQ

Man of the Year and was featured as “10 Global Legendary Chefs who’ve revolutionized our eating habits” by Deutsche Welle. He is host of MasterChef India, Twist of Taste and National Geographic’s Mega Kitchens. He has been a guest on MasterChef Australia, Martha Stewart, Hell’s Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay and many more shows. Gordon Ramsay featured him as “Top Indian Chef in New York City” on Kitchen Nightmares. Khanna is also the goodwill ambassador for Smile Foundation and supports the cause of malnutrition in India. He has pledged to raise 1 million US dollars for the same. His trip to Austin is a feather in Indie Meme’s cap. Indie Meme is calling out to bloggers in the city to reach out for some collaboration. For more information about indie meme film festival, please visit www.indiememe.org and for Vikas Khanna www.vkhanna.com.

South Asia Institute At UT Austin Invites Austin Community To Attend Their Talks

By Sumaiya Malik As a part of community outreach, the South Asia Institute at UT Austin regularly arranges talks and seminar series related to South Asia and keeps them open to the general public.

The talk was arranged on February

Prof. Moin presented his research on the Mughal Empire, touching upon the history of the Taj Mahal, and why it was called the “illu-

Such programs came to the limelight during the time Dr. Kamran Ali, professor of anthropology, Middle East Studies and Asian Studies while he was the director of South Asia Institute.

“We hope to do more of these events in the future and hope to engage with the South Asian community in Austin,” said Steve Friesen, Chair of the Religious Studies Department. Upcoming talks of interest include

“The Case of Pakistan” with Arif Masood and Sadia Saeed on April 25, and “Comparison with Islamic Empires” with Giancarlo Casale and Dan Sheffield on April 12. For more information on SAI events, visit: https://liberalarts. utexas.edu/southasia/events/index. php

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

Fortunately, the community engagement has continued under the leadership of the current director Dr. Donald R. Davis, Jr. Taj Mahal – An Alternative History - a talk by Prof. Dr. Azfar Moin, was one such community endeavor. Dr. Moin is an Assoc. Professor of History and Middle Eastern Studies at UT Austin in the Religious Studies Department. He

ture followed by a lively discussion on Mughal history and Sufi Islam.

13 at the Blanton Cafe at 5:30 p.m. Q/a followed the talk. Guests were entertained by ALevi-Bektashi

mined shrine” in the 17th century. Over fifty people attended the lec-

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Austin South Asian | March 2019

BEAUTY TIPS FOR SPRING BY A FUTURE BLOGGER

BY SUMAIYA MALIK We are all ready for spring – like yesterday. And before you know

wait even a few months for this. We are totally okay if you skip the wait and try these on warmer days. Or simply stock up!

great. 2. Eye color – For spring have a minimal look. Again, use pastels. For a smoky eye use natural shades of brown and nude. Morphe palates are good. Jaclyn Hill has Youtube videos using Morphe products, which are worthwhile to watch for ideas and techniques. 3. Skincare – Skin should look healthy. Use highlighters. For pale skin use the first two white shades of Morphe’s Jaclyn Hill palette. Consider the Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Highlighter to brighten the upper corners of your cheeks and ends of brow bones. 4. Skin Coverage – Instead of a full coverage foundation, use a lighter BB or CC cream or a tinted moisturizer. Giorgio Armani tinted moisturizer is works well.

it, spring will be here so we jotted down tips from someone who is a pro at makeup and maybe a future blogger. There is no way you will want to

1. Lip Color – Focus on pastel shades and nudes (preferably glossy) to lighten up your lip color. Morphe Flower Crown lipgloss or FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Luminizer are both

5. Sunscreen – Use 90SPF. Look for products with sunscreen in it to make your routine easier. However, if you are taking pictures, try not to use products with sunscreen built in, as it will create flashback,

making your skin look lighter than the rest of your body. Instead, just use sunscreen under your makeup. 6. Eyebrows – Anastasia, Brow Wiz are good brands to darken your lashes without creating an overdone look. 7. Lashes – Look for thin bands when self-applying fake lashes. Tarte glue works well for sticking them on. Cut lashes in half to make them easier to apply and use tweezers to set them as close as possible. Line your eye with eyeliner (such as Maybelline’s pot liquid eyeliner) as close to your lashes as possible to make them look natural. Use eye kohl on your upper waterline as well to create a seamless finish. 8. Mascara – A go-to mascara hit is Lash Paradise by Loreal or Better Than Sex.

9. Bronzer – Pick a matte shade, one that flatters your skin tone. For fair skin use a product with cool undertones. If you are darker you can use warmer toned bronzer without looking orange. Also consider using a slightly darker shade of foundation as your bronzer. Doing so will help you get undertones right. Kat Von D products are good (their darker shades of powder foundation for bronzer). 10. Blush – Choose coral peachy pink, a vibrant color that does not look clownish. Use a bigger brush for bronzing and smaller brush for contouring. In spring, the look is more of an all over bronze rather than harsh contour. “At the end of the day makeup should be fun. Find what you like and use it to express yourself,” said the pro as we ended on a high note.

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South Asian Influence In SXSW 2019 (Continued From Page 01) According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian population in Travis County alone stands at 6.5% of the general public or about 76,000 people — a substantial number. Moreover, the South Asian population has more than doubled since the 1990s, “leaping from 3.3 percent in 1990 to somewhere near the 6.5 percent mark today.” Perhaps as a result of this population growth, the South Asian presence in SXSW is even more prominent today (in the festival’s 32nd year), and it’s spread across various subjects. Some South Asians, like Wajahat Ali and famous Top Chef Padma Lakshmi, will even be coming again for the second or third time. Here a list of some of the South

Asians who are coming, excerpted from the SXSW website: “Top Chef” Padma Lakshmi will be back at SXSW with a featured session, Making a Change On and Off the Screen, on March 9 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. She will discuss how pop culture has become a powerful mechanism for making social activism cool and accessible, as well as how celebrities craft strategies to push for social change. Arjun Dugal, Chief Technology Officer for Capital One’s Financial Services Division, will be a part of a featured session Performance Paradox: Making Mistakes is Okay, which takes place on March 9 fromv3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Antones. He will discuss what research tells us about companies with cultures

where mistakes are okay. RAMY, the Film screens on March 9 from 5 to 6:43 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse on Lamar Blvd. Ramy Hassan is a first generation Egyptian-American who is on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood. RAMY will bring a new perspective to the screen as it explores the challenges of what it’s like being caught between a Muslim community that thinks life is a moral test and a millennial generation that thinks life has no consequences. A question and answer session will follow the screening. Rubina Madan Fillion, Director of Audience Engagement at The Intercept, will be a part of Al and the Future of Journalism on March 10, 11 to 12 p.m. at JW Mariott Hotel.

Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing the news industry, as organizations use machine learning to automate thousands of stories, sift through massive data sets to find trends and outliers, and build bots that scale individual conversations with their audiences. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will be a part of Mothers of Resistance – Women leading the Change on March 11 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at JW Marriott. She will talk about how successful women can achieve work-life integration and discuss what we need, as a society, to stop thinking of work and family as oppositional forces. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal represents Washington’s 7th District, which encompasses most of Seattle and surrounding areas.

Her focus is on ensuring income equality; access to education, from early learning to higher education, including debt-free college; expanding Social Security and Medicare; protecting our environment for our next generation; and ensuring immigrant, civil and human rights for all. She came to the United States by herself at the age of 16 to attend college at Georgetown University and later received her MBA from Northwestern University. She has worked in a number of industries in both the public and private sector. Wajahat Ali will be a part of Can We Fight Fake News Without Killing the Truth? At JW Marriott on Mar 11, 2019 from 11:00am – 12:00pm. (Continued On Pgae 19)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Weight Loss Willpower: 5 Tips To Reach Your Goals When you’re trying to reach your goal weight, it can sometimes feel like booby traps are around every corner: TV ads for big burgers, easy-to-grab snacks at checkout, and birthday cake after birthday cake at work.

they’re as handy as a handful of chips. “Healthy snacks will keep you on-track without sabotaging your progress,” says Courtney McCormick, manager of clinical research and nutrition at Nutrisystem. “Vegetables are high in fiber

Have you ever come home from work planning to go to the gym... and then you don’t? The couch feels a little too comfortable or the pile of mail distracts you and you wind up skipping your sweat session?

It’s time to fight back. Use these five tips from the experts at Nutrisystem to turn your whole world into a willpower-generating super machine and keep flying toward your goals. • In the Kitchen: STOCK UP. Part of what makes bad-for-you foods easy to grab is that they’re, well, so easy to grab -- just unwrap it or dig your hand in a bag, and you’re satisfying your hunger faster than you realize what you’re eating. The solution: Make “unlimited” foods just as easy to eat in a hurry. Chop celery, broccoli, cucumbers and other no-guilt options long before you’re hungry so when you want a quick snack,

and will keep you full longer than unhealthier options.” • In the car: GET PACKED.

A little preparation can shut down this excuse: Keep a fully-packed gym bag in your car or at work. You won’t even need to come

home before heading to your class, run, swim or strength session. • Around town: ARM YOURSELF. You can’t always sit down to a fresh meal or snack. But you can be ready when cravings strike: Carry a packet of Nutrisystem FreshStart Shakes, a sandwich bag of raw almonds or homemade trail mix. This way, when you need a little blood sugar spike, you’re ready with options that you control, rather than letting hunger pangs steer you toward something you regret. • On your phone: PICTURE ACHIEVEMENT. People check their phones on average 52 times a day, according to a recent Deloitte study. Let each instance push you toward your goals. Change the background on your lock screen to an image that inspires you to stick with your plan. They’re easy to find: Fire up Pinterest and search for “inspiration,” “motivation” or other keywords

that you like. • At work: MOVE AWAY FROM THE DISH. Few things in life sabotage the best diet plans faster than the workplace candy dish. You’re working on something, hit a wall, get up for a walk and there it is, right in the breakroom: a huge bowl of gum drops. Decrease your tendency to grab from the communal bowl by moving away from it. Scientists found that subjects ate 1.8 more pieces of candy daily when the bowl was placed on their desk versus two meters away. More tips for achieving weight loss goals can be found at Nutrisystem. com. Don’t get derailed. A few smart habits can help you avoid temptation and remember your long-term goals. (StatePoint)

Is Zilker Park Kite Festival A Basant For The South Asian Diaspora? (Continued From Page 01)

on Basant.

Basant is deeply tied to their cultural roots.

The association of kite flying with Basant soon became a Punjabi tradition with the center in Lahore,

If ever one wonders, why the emphasis on yellow attire, the answers come fourth without any deep research. Tradition has it that beginning of spring is marked by a festival of kite flying in Lahore, a city in Pakistan where people wear yellow or “sarson” color clothes and fly kites on roof tops. It’s a day of celebration. Similar celebration is held in Amritsar in India. According to Wikepedia, the tradition of wearing yellow and flying kites dates back to Maharaja Ranjit Singh held an annual Basant fair and introduced kite flying as a regular feature of the fairs held during the 19th century which included holding fairs at Sufi shrines. Ranjit Singh and his queen Moran would dress in yellow and fly kites

which remains the regional hub of the festival throughout the Punjab region. Basant is also celebrated in Indonesia and Bali in the Hindu communities. Regardless of region, the whole idea of kite flying involves families celebrating the whole day with traditional foods, preparations of kites and lots of fun, something so similar to the Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin. According to Mybestkite.com, Zilker Park Kite Festival is the longest continuously running kite festival in the United States. According to ABCkitefest.org,

the Zilker Park Kite Festival is held each year in March, and is is one of Austin’s most beloved, familyfriendly traditions. Also called ABC Kite Fest, it boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase, a fun run and MossFest, a children’s music concert. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with kite making, flying and gazing. Founded as a simple kite contest in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, Austin’s annual kite festival was designed to foster creativity in children. Now ABC Kite Fest is the country’s longest running festival of its kind, underwritten by ABC Home and Commercial Services and produced by Friends of the ABC Kite Fest, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Contests are held each year with winners in Highest Angle Kite

(Youth and Adult), Steadiest Kite (Youth and Adult), 50 Yard Dash (Kids only), Strongest Pulling Kite, Smallest Kite, Most Unusual Kite (Youth and Adult), Largest Kite and Oldest and Youngest Kite Fliers Entered. Both Basant and Zilker Park Kite Festival are so similar! It is only natural for the South Asian diaspora to feel a deep love for an age old Austin tradition because it ties their nostalgia of family tradition with a citywide celebration. And come to think of it, both the festivals are in spring. So next time you are at the park flying your kites look out for all those wearing yellow. You now know more about them than meet the eye. For more information about the Zilker Park Kite Festival, please visit: https://www.abckitefest.org/

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Gina Lalli: A Trailblazer For Indian Dance In Austin

(Continued From Page 01)

both Kathak and Bharata Natyam.

After seeing the Uday Shankar Company perform, she embarked on her first of four study trips to India in 1955.

During her final visit to India between 1969-70, she gave highly praised performances in Bombay

der and heavy downpour ended a lengthy drought. Audiences expressed their delight to Gina following her presentation.

This yearlong stay had her studying both Bharata Natyam, the southern classical dance, as well as Kathak from the north.

She never owned a car so would often request a ride to performances or events, which most often were filled with an in-depth conversation on some aspect of music or dance.

During these lengthy trips she also studied veena, tabla, and Hindu spiritual texts from Swami Muktananda of Ganesh Puri.

She studied acting, mime, yoga, ballet, therapeutic movement, Sanskrit, and Indian history. Gina acquired a high level of proficiency at

She quickly became a central figure in the arts scene, acting in numerous plays, musicals, and films. Writing and performing plays at the Bastrop Opera House, guest performing with Jose Luis Bustamante and Sally Jacques, and more. From the mid-1990’s I had the fortune of becoming a close friend of Gina’s.

Gina became proficient at both styles, studying with likes of Padma Bhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, Swapna Sundari, and Pandanallur Chokkingam Pillai.

Gina also pursued all kinds of artistic traditions while she lived in New York.

am regularly at local venues.

Or she would delight in simple pleasures of a sweet dish or tasty meal together. (Mumbai), New Delhi, and Calcutta (Kolkata). Upon her return, in 1971 she had just finished a Kathak performance in Austin when a clap of thun-

This enigmatic event convinced her to make Austin, TX her new home. With not much dance or cultural activity present at that time, it was Gina who began to teach and perform Kathak and Bharata Naty-

Gina loved to attend every kind of performance whether it was a local artist in a small venue or a touring artist at a large theater. She was a featured guest artist in

three of my productions over the years. I presented Parampara II in 2011 at the Long Center honoring her artistry. She performed traditional Bharata Natyam for what would be the last time at age 82. Gina’s talent and skill went much further than the arts. She was a respected astrologer, anthropologist, and conducted classes on Bhagavad Gita and Panini Yoga Sutras. She served as a reviewer for the City of Austin arts funding panel for many years. In 2003, Gina Lalli was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame. Indian classical dancers like me, who came to Austin much later, owe it to Gina for paving the way. Gina Lalli, 89, passed away on the morning of February 16th. Her generous and creative spirit will be missed by so many far and wide. Dance with the gods, dear Gina!

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-7th Dist) In Austin At SXSW 2019 By Amil Malik Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal caught my attention when I heard her speak on C-Span after President Trump’s State of The Union Address. Her response to the President’s speech — which was critical yet measured — stuck with me, as she backed up her commentary with hard facts. As a result, when I saw her name on a panel in the SXSW schedule, I knew I had to make time to attend. Jayapal represents Washington’s 7th District, which encompasses most of Seattle and surrounding areas. Her focus is on ensuring equality, which is what she will be discussing in her panel at SXSW: Mothers of the Resistance: Women Leading the Movement. In the panel, she, Stephanie Taylor

(Training Director of the Progressive Change Campaign Commit-

tee), Linda Sarsour (American Political Activist and Co-Chair of the 2017 Wo m e n ’ s March), and Aimee All i s o n (President of Democracy in Color) will discuss how successful women can achieve work-life integration, focusing on what p o l i cies we would need, as

a society, to stop thinking of work and family as oppositional forces. Jayapal was elected to the Washington State Senate in 2014, becoming the first South Asian American ever elected to the State Legislature and the only woman of color in the Washington State Senate. As a Washington State Senator, serving in a Republican majority Senate, Jayapal fought for gender equity, expanded access to contraceptives for all women, including those on Medicaid, and introduced legislation to increase the statewide minimum wage and provide free community college.

Born in Chennai, India, Jayapal lives in Seattle with her husband Steve. She is the proud mother of two kids, Janak and Michael, and a 65-pound labra-doodle, Otis. Those of you attending the festival, should check out her talk. Those of you sitting SXSW out this year, consider streaming her panel on the SXSW Youtube channel. If you happen to see her around, definitely say hi, and let her know what a welcoming city Austin is. For more information: https://www.youtube.com/sxsw https://jayapal.house.gov/

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Austin South Asian | March 2019

Stop Press: Ravi Shankar’s Daughter Anoushka Shankar To perform At Riverbend Church On March 9

By Sumaiya Malik

Sitarist Anoushka Shankar, daughter and disciple of the late legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar.

first female - recipient of a British House of Commons Shield, credit as an Asian Hero by TIME Magazine, and a Songlines Best Artist Award.

This is an exciting event for music lovers from all genres because Anoushka will be performing a

Most recently, she became one of the first five female composers to have been added to the UK A-level

Founded in 1991, ICMCA has, in its 27-year. The organization’s page says, “e

serve our community by expanding the artistic and cultural landscape of the Live Music Capital of the World.”

For tickets, please visit www.icmca.org

South Asians’ International Volunteer Association Join in celebrating ‘Bollywood Fallen Stars Musical Tribute Celebrating/ Fundraising SAIVA’s 10th Anniversary’ at the Asian American Resource Center on Sunday March 31, 2019 from 3-5pm. It will be an afternoon that you won’t want to miss in reliving Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor. We will have live performers singing and in between prestigious dance schools showcasing their work. With only limited seats, get your tickets fast! Tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets can ly/2BfeKEy

found

at:

https://bit.

This event is SAIVA’s major fundraiser that promotes well-being, belonging and fulfillment for older adults through community engagement, education, partnership building, and advocacy & civic involvement. cross-cultural piece with accompanying artists on cello, flute, and percussion and piano at Riverbend Center on March 9 at 7 p.m. Anoushka’s dynamic and spiritual musicality has garnered several prestigious accolades, including six Grammy® Award nominations, recognition as the youngest - and

music syllabus. Anoushka is also the half sister of 9-times Grammy Awards singer Nora Jones. The show in Austin is organized by the Indian Classical Music Circle of Austin (ICMCA) a 501 (c)(3) organization which promotes Indian classical arts in the Central Texas area.

Last year SAIVA contributed about $141,800 of volunteer work to the community and hoping to expand that this year with your help. Looking forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please email us at saivacommunications@gmail.com.

The Adventures Of Randy & Square Kid

Abhiveer Annoji

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Celebrating The Year Of The Pig Southwestern National Bank recently celebrated the coming of the

office in Houston, Texas.

ers gathered together for the traditional Chinese New Year celebration.

English. The Bank strives to stay in touch

Southwestern National Bank also provides monthly seminars to the

with the local Asian community by participating in charity events and events that celebrate the cultural heritage of the area.

community, free of charge, on a variety of valuable information. For information, contact Ling Chuang (713) 272-5045. (Member FDIC)

The celebration was oriented towards the public, as Southwestern National Bank provided traditional Chinese New Year snacks for customers. Entertainment came in the form of Lion and Dragon dances. Lucky red envelopes were passed out to Bank employees and customers to feed the dancing lions for good luck and good health. Southwestern National Bank’s Main Location is located in the heart of Chinatown in Houston. “Year of the pig” on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the Bank’s main

Chairman C.K. Lee, The Board of Directors, employees and custom-

Bank employees are fluent in many languages including Chinese, Taiwanese and Cantonese as well as

JETUSA Austin Chapter celebrates Sri Goda Ranganatha Kalyanam By Vidya Vasudevan The Jeeyar Educational Trust’s Austin Chapter celebrated Sri Goda Ranganatha Kalyanotsavam in a unique manner that combined music, dance and discourse. HH Sri Sri Tridandi Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami visited Austin on February 17th and 18th and blessed all the devotees that took part in the celebrations.

jetusa.org/events/SriRamaKrathuvu). Swamiji witnessed and offered His blessings and encouragement to performances by the students of JET Austin’s personality de-

rience for everyone through their delightful rendering of devotional songs and dance performances. HH Sri Ahobila Jeeyar Swamiji was pleased and gave His blessings

The event was held at Murchison Middle School on Sunday with the arrival of HH Sri Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy. In his discourse, Swamy explained the importance of having positive and progressive thoughts at all times. In his own humorous way, he quoted from Itihasas like Srimad Ramayana and Mahabharata to explain the value of time and how one should engage their minds in positive thoughts alone. Swamiji also encouraged all devotees to participate in Sri Rama Kratuvu that is happening during Sri Rama Navami celebrations in the coming months (https://www.

velopment program called Prajna. Children as little as five years old participated enthusiastically and chanted slokas, performed a skit and a dance. JET Austin’s music team, Raganjali, created a divine musical expe-

for the team’s endeavors. The highlight of the evening was the divine kalyanam event. Under His Holiness’ direct guidance and help from JET’s resident Acharya Sriman Yugandaracharya Swami, devotees performed Kalyanam to

the divine couple. Austin community showed their generous spirit by not only participating in the Kalyanam celebrations, but also by volunteering to help organize the event.

where kids learn stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas and learn to chant slokas along with craft, yoga and bhajans. We invite the community to take advantage of our offerings.

An enthusiastic and dedicated team prepared and distributed prasadam to all the attendees. All the volunteers truly demonstrated the highest commandments as laid out by JET’s Acharya and leader HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy - “Worship your own and respect all” & “Serve all beings as service to God”.

For more details, contact prajna. austin@gmail.com. Families also have opportunities to serve in nonreligious volunteering activities under the banner of VT-SEVA. We organize canned food donation drive, delivering food for homeless shelters and volunteering time at Capital Texas Food Bank as some examples.

Austin chapter of JETUSA conducts Prajna lessons for kids (age 5 & above) throughout the school year. Classes run every Sunday

HH Sri Sri Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy encouraged everyone to be a part of history by participating in the “Statue of Equality” project. The project is being built in Hyderabad, India under the supervision of HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy and is Swamiji’s greatest dedication to the entire world population. For details, visit, https://www.statueofequality.org/ Jai Srimannarayana!

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Hinduism (Continued From Page 01) It is delivered around the world as well as carried in libraries, universities and temples. Hinduism Today’s impact has been life changing for many of its readers. For Thom Drinkwater from UK who was “living with unanswered questions” it helped clear his spiritual confusion and encouraged him to meditate every day. Likewise Ganga Sivanathan, from Adelaide in Australia, found her body and soul nurtured by the magazine’s content. Vijay Pallod, a subscriber for 25 years, found it “invaluable in spirited discussions about Hindu dharma with his three children.” These are far from the only testimonials Hinduism Today receives from its readers, and yet chances are you may not have heard of the magazine. For all its qualities and its long run, it remains relatively little known. It also presents a challenge that is being taken up by readers like Vijay because he would like to see “more people benefit from the magazine.” The origins of the magazine are interesting. It was founded in 1979 by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, also known as Gurudeva. Born in California, Gurudeva was introduced to mysticism early in life. At the age of 20, he travelled to Sri Lanka by ship where he met his guru Yogaswami and was initiated into Hinduism and renunciation. On returning, he began teaching Hinduism, founded the first Hindu temple in North America and launched Hinduism Today to be the voice of Hinduism and “strengthen, uplift and inform all Hindus and like-minded souls of the glories of this most ancient religion”

The quarterly magazine, published by the Himalayan Academy in Hawaii, is a non-profit venture.

The White House has also tapped the monks for their views on the controversial subject of cloning.

The heart and soul of the magazine is a core group of 20 monks who write, edit, illustrate and work with writers, photographers, artists and volunteers from a dozen countries.

The articles, as Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev puts it are a “blend of spirituality, religion and science.”

The current publisher is Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, spiritual head of the Hindu Monastery on the island of Kauai, in Hawaii. The magazine has, over four decades, published thousands of articles on Sanatan dharma or Hinduism. Still, according to its editor “the subject is so rich and vast that it feels like we’ve only scratched the surface.” The magazine’s authenticity stems from the monks who study Hinduism and its traditions in depth and practice it diligently. Yoga, japa (chanting), puja (prayer) and meditation is a daily ritual. They grow their own vegetables, keep their own cows, wear simple robes, maintain their property and “express the very spirit of the religion through the magazine.” With over one billion people identifying as Hindus, Hinduism Today is a lifeline for many who struggle to sustain their faith in remote areas or are surrounded by dissimilar cultures.

Both mystical and practical, they cover ways to bring peace and contentment in one’s life, techniques to progress on the spiritual path, different paths to the divine, karma, dharma and reincarnation. Two subjects are off limits - politics and economics. Some of the magazine’s most popular pages are the armchair pilgrimages to India’s ancient temples where it uncovers their history complete with temple lore and significance because to quote Gurudeva “Temples provide food for the soul.” It is a rare resource that explains the temple function and the benefits to a devotee in clear and modern terms.

Today Another regular feature is its inspirational spotlight on successful Hindus who stick to their core values even in times of adversity.

sions taking place in the country, he visited Mauritius and inspired the Hindu community to stand strong in their faith.

A recent trend of younger Hindus leaning towards Hinduism and exploring its philosophy is taken very seriously.

The effort proved transformative with many Hindus gaining a deeper understanding of their tradition and re-embracing many of their customs from wearing Indian attire to performing pujas at home.

Hinduism Today receives countless emails from teenagers wrestling with the religion of their parents or young adults questioning the existence of God. The staff reply to each and every letter. In addition, the magazine’s style is clear, contemporary, crisp, and articles keep its young readers in mind “because they are the future of Hinduism.”

In 1980, when Hinduism Today’s founder Gurudeva received a letter from a Hindu businessman in Mauritius about the unethical conversions taking place in the country, he visited Mauritius and inspired the Hindu community to stand strong in their faith.

It also features a guest editorial space where young people can question, debate and share their thoughts.

The effort proved transformative with many Hindus gaining a deeper understanding of their tradition and re-embracing many of their customs from wearing Indian attire to performing pujas at home.

In 1980, when Hinduism Today’s founder Gurudeva received a letter from a Hindu businessman in Mauritius about the unethical conver-

Hinduism Today recently launched a website www.himalayanacademy.com/hamsa/ (Continued On Page 20)

South Asian Influence In SXSW 2019

(Continued From Page 14)

Wajahat Ali is a New York Times Contributing Op-Ed Writer, Lawyer, Award-Winning Playwright, TV Host, & Consultant for the U.S. State Department. This will be his third SXSW.

Its mix of articles on traditions of worship, meditation, yoga, mantras, scriptures, vegetarianism and Ayurveda helps keep their beliefs and traditions alive and strong.

He will be joined by Shaarik Zafar, Public Policy Manager at Facebook and Anjana Susarla, Associate Professor of Information Systems at the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University.

In a nod to the magazine’s reputation for credibility and authenticity, Houghton Mifflin, one of America’s largest publishers for children’s textbooks requested Hinduism Today to vet its chapters on Hinduism.

The discussion will center around the Internet and social media being used extensively to facilitate the flow of information, and how it has also enabled the amplification of fake news, post-truth and hate speech.

The magazine’s team rewrote the chapters and, to their amazement, the publishers adopted the rewritten chapters in their entirety.

Vijaysai Patnaik, who works on building self-driving trucks and cars at Waymo, will be a part of Sharing the Roads with Driverless

Trucks: Really? on March 11 from 11:00 to 12 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel. Patnaik is Product Lead for Waymo trucking and works closely on self-driving software (Perception). His past experience includes Google, tech startups (e-commerce & logistics), venture capital (Accel Partners) and consulting (McKinsey) across US, India and Israel. He has an MBA from Harvard. Local Austinite and Roma star musician Oliver Rajamani will play at Russia House on March 12. Critics distinguish Rajamani for having redefined Romani music-more commonly known as Gypsy music-by taking it back to its ancient roots in India as well as blending Indian folk and Romani music with Texas traditions. The documentary For Sama: Waad al Kataeb will play on March 11

from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Alamo Ritz. This documentary tells the astonishing story of a 26-year old female Syrian filmmaker, Waad al-Kateab, who filmed her life in rebel-held Aleppo through 5 years of the Syrian uprising. Abhi the Nomad is a producer, rapper and singer who was born in India, brought up in China, and currently lives in Austin, TX. From indie rock to hip hop, Abhi’s approach to music is heavily influenced by the likes of The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of The Stone Age, all the way to Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper. His album Marbled is hailed as Austin’s #1 album of the year in 2018 by Austin Chronicle. It has been covered by various outlets such as Chicago Sun-Times, NPR, Consequence of Sound.

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Austin Poet Usha Akella – City of Austin Creative Ambassador 2019

By Sumaiya Malik

Austin poet and writer Usha Akella has been selected as Austin’s 2019 Creative Ambassador in the multidisciplinary category as announced by the Music and Entertainment Division, in partnership with the Cultural Arts Division.

that showcase the variety and caliber of Austin’s creative community.

Open to creative professionals across disciplines, the program provides official City designations and stipends to Austin artists traveling outside of Texas in promotion of their creative projects.

“We are poets because we dare to say the unsaid and we hear the unheard,” said Akella while sharing thoughts about what poets mean to her. To share her work, Akella set up the Matwaala Festival in 2015. ‘Matwaala’ means intoxicated in Urdu and Hindi.

Akella is part of a diverse group of creative individuals working in a range of artistic disciplines— from filmmaking and poetry to dance, music and more. During their national and/or international travels, the Creative Ambassadors will represent Austin through projects and performances

for the community.

Akella is passionate about poetry

Akella wrote about her work in an article for Lucy Writers Platform at Cambridge University, UK, while pursuing Masters in Creative Writing last year, “My passion and faith in the

healing purpose of poetry was first expressed in a project I launched called the ‘The Poetry Caravan’. The Caravan has brought well over a thousand poetry readings to disadvantaged audiences in women shelters, hospitals, senior homes etc., in New York City suburbs and Austin.”

This year, the Telugu community in Austin extended recognition of her work as a Telugu native writing in English at a poetry-reading event at the Pflugerville Public Library on Saturday, February 17. Akella is grateful for the recognition she has received. She wrote a message on her Facebook page: Thank you dear friends and poetry community - this simple landmark has become celebratory because of your goodwill and warm wishes. Feeling truly grateful for the affec-

tion.

City of Austin’s Cultural and Arts department has outstanding folks looking for a way to support causes... Love being an Austinite. Thanks to them so many of us are able to move forward with our work.” The next Matwaala Poetry Fest will feature poets from US and UK on the weekend of April 4th, 5th and 6th at NYU in New York City: www.matwaala.com For more information about Usha Akella visit her FB page. For information about City of Austin Cultural Arts Division program, visit: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/creative-ambassadors

China’s Gene-Edited Babies May Be Smarter Late last year, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui boldly declared that he had produced what would be the world’s first genetically modified humans. In working with embryos of families with HIV-positive parents, the scientist used the gene editing technology CRISPR to delete a specific gene.

towards the lack of the CCR5 gene being linked to higher intelligence in school and a new study suggests

and never made it clear if he believed there was a link between the CCR5 gene and cognitive function.

human modification, and this is a great example. If the girls wind up a bit smarter, that’s one thing, but the opposite (or worse) could also be true. We won’t know for a while either way.

(Continued From Page 19)

budget. It welcomes donations to the Hinduism Today Production Fund which is a part of Hindu Heritage Endowment. Placing advertisements can help support the magazine’s publication.

(Courtesy: www.bgr.com)

Hinduism Today

Now, researchers believe that the twin girls who were reportedly born healthy may actually have altered brain function as a result. In fact, it’s possible that the deletion of the gene, called CCR5, might have actually made them smarter than they would otherwise have been, but it will be some time before we know for sure. As MIT Technology Review reports, the babies known as Lulu and Nana had their CCR5 genes deleted in the gene editing process while they were still just embryos. That gene has been linked with the suppression of cognitive function in lab tests. Real-world observations also point

mess have had their brains affected in any significant way. Scientists following the case have noted that we won’t know the full impact of the changes He made until the youngsters grow up. Still, there’s a good reason why the genetics community is so firmly against

where one can find images of rare masterpieces, sacred religious symbols, illustrated alphabets, depictions of Hindu deities and more – a valuable resource for historians, academicians, curators and cultural anthropologists. its absence could help individuals recover more rapidly after a traumatic event like a stroke. He Jiankui did not make clear whether or not he had any intention of altering the cognitive abilities of the children he experimented on,

The last we heard of He, the scientist was reportedly under house arrest as the Chinese government determines how to handle the case.

The magazine is available in Kindle, EBook, PDF, an App, and on its website www.hinduismtoday. com.

It’s of course worth noting that nobody knows whether or not the little girls at the heart of this whole

As with most publishing houses struggling to cover costs, Hinduism Today too works on a tight

Another way is to subscribe with rates going from a yearly $35 to a current offer of a lifetime subscription rate for $299. As Dr. Chawla, Professor at the University of Alabama, a regular reader and donor reminds people “the world needs Hinduism and it needs you to keep it strong.”

Austin South Asian | March 2019

March 2019 Community Calendar We have compiled this event listing based on the information available on the web site (where ever possible) of the community/organization as of third Friday. Please check with the organizers to confirm its accuracy. We request all South Asian organizations to email us (info@austinsouthasian.com) their community calendar on or before 20th of every month, for the events happening next month. We will carry listing of all South Asian non-profit organizations in Austin. If the Name, Contact info is not correct or has changed email us (info@ austinsouthasian.com) the changes you want to see. E&OE.

SCHEDULE: March 22 and 23,

Friday and Saturday, 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM,

Asian Eats Night Market is at 901 W Braker Lane (the parking lot of St. Vincent de Paul).

To Advertise In ASA 512-828-6709

Human Values Fest You’re Invited! Get your FREE tickets today: www.humanvaluesfestival.org We’d like to extend to you a very special invitation to the our second annual Community Human Values Festival (HVF): A FREE familycentric festival which aims at expanding positivity, noble human qualities, sound character and the practice of selfless service in our communities. This year’s event will take place on April 6, 2019, at the Weiss Highschool Performing Arts Center, and will feature Emmy-Award winner and inspirational speaker, Mrs. Faith Rivera; and legendary bass player and Gold & Platinum R&B musician, Mr. Eddie Watkins. First launched in 2017, HVF celebrates five universal human values inherent in all of us: Love, Truth, Right Action, Peace and Non-Violence. Hosted by the Institute of Sathya Sai Education USA – a non-profit character and value-based organization –the event features: Stage performances by renowned artists and musicians, an Elementary artdance-drama-music-creative writing-technology contest, exhibitions and community hero awards, all wrapped into a day of unique family activities and positive fun. You, your friends and communities can participate in the following ways: • Request tickets to attend the Festival & Concert

• Enter the Elementary Human Values Cup Contest (for grades 1-6) in the categories of: Art/Mixed Medium, Creative Writing, Dance/ Drama, Music, Mixed Media or Technology. Great prizes. • Enter the HVF 2019 Exhibition (for individuals/families/groups of all ages) in the same above categories • Nominate a Community Hero, who’s selfless service has made an impact in the community • SPREAD THE WORD! Invite your and your children’s friends, enrichment program providers, service and non-profit organizations who embrace the human values theme of this event. • Volunteer by contacting us at: info@humanvaluesfest.org HVF is supported by local schools and various community partners who share in the same vision of sharing love, goodness and service with all. Within our surrounding communities, some such active partners include Cedar Park Montessori, Sapientia Montessori and Pflugerville Montessori schools, well-known educational institutions. For questions, please contact us at: info@humanvaluesfest.org or visit the event’s website at www. humanvaluesfestival.org. We look forward to your participation.

For AD’s Call 512-828-6709

Austin South Asian | March 2019

THEME: MARCH MADNESS

64. Pasturelands

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Trunk extension 5. Dojo pad 8. *Villanova ____ at end of each half in ‘18 championship 11. Away from port 12. Windmill blade 13. Key material 15. Hefty competitor 16. European sea eagle 17. Walnut ____, MN 18. *____ Sunday 20. Smelling tainted, as in meat 21. Soft and sticky 22. Giant bird of “One Thousand and One Nights” 23. *____-elimination 26. Making sounds like Babe 30. Beatle wife 31. Not absorb, nor repel 34. Twelfth month of Jewish year 35. Batman to Bruce Wayne 37. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “____ Pray Love” 38. Cubic meter 39. Ghost of Christmas ____ 40. P in POI 42. Make work 43. Puffed up 45. ____ and effects 47. Mont Blanc, e.g. 48. Oddball’s attempt? 50. Tropical tuber 52. *Penultimate NCAA round 56. Like cornflakes leftovers 57. Slavic version of John 58. Tangerine plus grapefruit 59. Chased up an elm 60. Blow off steam 61. Tear violently 62. Da in Russia 63. Before of yore

1. Falls behind 2. Archipelago unit 3. Square one? 4. Good-for-nothing 5. Nobel Prize winner Curie 6. Bug 7. High school student 8. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 9. Green-eyed monster 10. Tie ___ 12. Ruled against, as President can 13. Prod 14. *Fill-in-the-blanks 19. Pepsi and Coke 22. Part of human cage 23. Daytime entertainment, pl. 24. Spouse’s parent 25. Neil Diamond’s “Beautiful ____” 26. Tiny leftovers 27. Intestinal obstruction 28. N in RN 29. Mirths 32. *1 or 68, e.g. 33. Crew tool 36. *Automatic vs. ____ 38. Creepy one 40. *Coach’s locker room talk 41. Similar to sextant 44. Andrew ____ Webber 46. *Hang a banner, e.g. 48. Abraham Lincoln bill, slangily 49. Lacking sense 50. Ruptured 51. Ice, dark, and middle 52. *Twelve’s opponent 53. Type of molding 54. Forearm bone 55. Purges 56. Slovenly abode

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 April 2019 issue.

To Advertise In ASA Call 512-828-6709

Sadhguru and Isha

(Continued from page 1) preparing, praying and also insisting on me joining him. Believe me it is not exactly enjoyable moments working, talking or even praying

me envious by reciting lengthy prayers of 5000 plus words by heart. I realized early on that there was no way I could compete with her and felt comparatively unspiri-

with my father. It was a different affair with my mother. She would be happy if I accompany her to the temple and be with her. She would give me fruits to eat after praying is done and do not remember she being insistent on me doing anything, including prayers. My parents looked like were from two different cultures, I think they were. The girl I married to did not push me to any praying culture but made

tual. But somehow the prayer culture I grew up with, felt something real is missing. Always felt there was more energy in the activity of organizing the prayer than the prayer itself. Like the focus is more on what to prepare, what to wear, whom to invite and what literature to read. It was more leaning towards social than, say spiritual. I have also made multiple efforts to understand answers to some of the fundamental questions most

of us have.. But somehow the answers that I got were not so straight forward and was lacking in clarity that I was looking for, till I heard the following. ‘You have a body and you have a mind. But that body and mind is not you. Knowing ‘you’ can bring about a blissful living status’. Great so far. Heard this many time over the years. But what got me interested was ‘you may not be able to achieve many things in your life, as it might depend on many external factors. But knowing ‘ y o u ’ is an activity within you, with no dependency except your willingness’. What really got me hooked was these words from Sadguru of Isha foundation ‘I will provide you the tools that can make it happen’. And the interesting fact as I understand, it can be achieved without memorizing 5000 words of prayer or reading bulky spiritual books. I am also thinking this might be my last opportunity to beat my ‘always right’ wife. So I want to explore the possibilities Sadguru offers and see if it helps the promise of, blissful living.

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Make a difference

Learning ‘No’

say

Recently when I went shopping at TJMaxx at the counter the cashier asked whether I would like to donate to children foundation. It was loud and clear and everyone behind me would be sure to listen to my reply. These being in December

naturally the drive for charitable donations are more. What I cannot comprehend is these retail corporate companies want our donations at the counter where we have not done any research and we do not know anything about these organizations. We are caught in the mo-

ment and if we say ‘No’ the cashier knows what we have purchased and would naturally make a judgement call on us that we have money to spend on shopping but we do not have a $1 to save the children or animals. But honestly at the counter the charity that they are donating do we have any information regarding how much is going to the charity and also how the charity spends its donations? Most retailer at our expense want to show that they care about these charitable organizations but they are not giving out of their profits but are taking it from consumers and ultimately it makes them look good but for us as shoppers we have no control on such donations. This actually impacts donations to those charities which we care about. Hence, we need to learn to say ‘No’ to these counter donations. Maybe the most polite way would be ‘Not today’.

February 2019 Sudoku Answer Dr Raghavan.P.S.

Mr.Yudhveer Bagga

Ms. Prithika Reddy

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Your Hair May Help Determine Your Vitamin D Levels: Eat These 5 Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Lack of vitamin D is a risk factor for depression, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, diabetes and cancer Vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin can now be measured by human hair. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, the findings may pave way for improved diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency.

when vitamin D concentration in the blood is high, and less when it’s low,” said lead author Lina Zgaga, Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin. “Therefore, a test based on the hair sample might be able to give doctors a measure

The researchers pointed that the findings are still in preliminary stage and require further research to establish the exact relationship between vitamin D concentration in the blood and in hair. Future studies need to take stock of different

Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common conditions around the world with over a billion people estimated to be affected currently.

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient required to manage bone and teeth health. Exposure to sunlight is said to be the best source of vitamin D, but since a lot of us lead a sedentary lifestyle confined in four walls of our office and home, it is a tad difficult to get one’s recommended daily dose of sunshine.

Lack of vitamin D is a risk factor for depression, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, diabetes and cancer. Scientists said that the traditional blood analysis captures the levels at a single time point, whereas hair, which grow at approximately one centimetre per month. This could give you a better picture of your vitamin D status over several months, capturing the large seasonal differences in the levels. “The study presents the idea that vitamin D is being deposited continuously in the hair as it grows, more might be deposited at times

The discovery could also have other applications as hair (along with teeth) are some of the longest lasting surviving biological materials after death and thus it could be possible to assess the vitamin D status of historical populations - Elizabethans, Vikings, Celts, Romans, ancient Chinese, Egyptians, the researchers said.

Such people can always rely on natural sources of vitamin D present in select vegetables, fruits, poultry and dairy. Here are some of them.

of vitamin D status over time -- if hair is long enough, this even might be over a few years,” Zgaga added.

factors that might affect vitamin D levels in hair; like hair colour, thickness and use of hair products.

Mushrooms Orange Juice Milk Salmon Cheese (Courtesy: NDTV News)

Treatment Via Smartphone App More Effective For TB Patients: Study London: Tuberculosis (TB) patients are more likely to adhere to treatment administered over video on a smartphone than through face-to-face appointments, a study has found.

The study tested whether levels of treatment observation were improved with VOT. The

achieved 80 per cent scheduled observations successfully completed during the first two

Directly observed treatment (DOT) has been the standard of care for TB since the early 1990s, but it is inconvenient for patients and service providers.

The absence of face-to-face contact did not reduce the identification of adverse events or lead to more unscheduled appointments. VOT reduced staff time requirements, especially compared with home-based DOT, the study showed. “There is an urgent global need for more effective and cheaper alternatives to DOT to enable effective ambulatory care of both drug-sensitive and MDR TB,” Hayward said.

The smartphone-enabled video-observed therapy (VOT), recommended by the World Health Organization as an alternative to DOT, is a more effective approach to TB treatment, stated the study published in The Lancet. “VOT is likely to be preferable for many patients across a broad range of settings, providing a more acceptable, effective, cheaper option for supervision of multiple daily doses than DOT,” said Andrew C. Hayward from the University College London.

had a lower drop-out rate than DOT.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB is one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

team randomly assigned 226 patients — 112 to VOT and 114 to DOT. Seventy eight of 112 patients on VOT

months compared with 35 of 114 on DOT. VOT also supported daily dosing, was effective for socially complex populations and

In 2017, 10 million people around the world became sick with TB disease. There were 1.3 million TB-related deaths worldwide. It is also a leading killer of people who are HIV infected. (Courtesy: www. odishatv.in /health)

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Amaravati Stupa

The Amaravati Stupa, popularly known as the great stūpa at Amarāvathī, is a ruined Buddhist monument, probably built in phas-

consisting of railings (vedikā) and carved slabs placed around the stūpa proper.

These slabs are usually called ‘drum slabs’ because they were placed round the base of the Stupa which has a shape similar to a circular drum. In the early period (circa 200-100 BCE), the stūpa had a simple railing consisting of granite pillars, with plain cross-bars, and coping stones. The coping stones with youths and animal reliefs, the early drum slabs, and some other early fragments belong to this period. The stūpa must have been fairly large at this time, considering the size of the granite pillars (some of which are still seen in situ, following excavations).

es between the third century BCE and about 250 CE, at Amaravathi village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The site is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. The campus includes the stūpa itself and the Archaeological Museum. The important sculptures from the site are now in a number of museums in India and abroad. A list of collections is given below. The name Amaravathi is relatively modern, having been applied to the town and site after the Amareśvara Liṅgasvāmin temple was built in the eighteenth century. The oldest maps and plans, drawn by Colin Mackenzie and dated 1816, label the stūpa simply as the deepaldimma or ‘hill of lights’. The monument was not called a stūpa in ancient inscriptions, but rather the mahācetiya or great sanctuary. The Stupa, ormahācetiya, was probably founded in the third century BCE in the time of Asoka but there is no decisive evidence for the foundation. The earliest inscription from the site belongs to the early centuries BCE but it cannot be assigned to Aśoka with certainty. The main construction phases of Amaravati fall in two main periods, with the additions

The late period of construction started around ca. 50 BCE and continued until circa 250 CE. This period is divided into three phases by Akira Shimada on the basis of the dates that can be assigned to parts of the great limestone railing. The first phase is 50-0 CE, and the same period as the Sanchi Stupa I gateways. The second phase is 50-100 CE, the same period as Karli caitya and the Pandavleni Caves (no. 3 and 10) at Nasik. The third phase is circa 200-250 CE based on comparisons with Nagarjunakonda sculpture.

scribed by Shimada.

During the period of the decline of Buddhism, this stupa was neglected and was buried under rubble. A 14th-century inscription in Sri Lanka mentions repairs made to the stupa, and after that it was forgotten. The stupa is related to the Vajrayana teachings of Kalachakra, still practiced today in Tibetan Buddhism. Dalai Lama of Tibet conducted a Kalachakra initiation at this location in 2006.

Art historians regard the art of Amaravati as one of the three major styles or schools of ancient Indian art, the other two being the Mathura style, and the Gandharan style. The Amravati school of art had great influence on art in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia. It also had influence over South Indian sculpture. The Chinese traveller and Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited Amaravati in 640 CE, stayed for sometime and studied ‘Abhidhammapitakam’. Xuanzang wrote a glorious account of the place, Viharas and monasteries that existed.

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

Birbal’s Wisdom One fine day, Akbar lost his ring. When Birbal arrived in the court, Akbar told him “I have lost my ring. My father had given it to me as a gift. Please help me find it.” Birbal said, ‘do not worry your Majesty, I will find your ring right now.’

was shocked and immediately moved his hand over his beard. Birbal noticed this act of the courtier. He immediately pointed towards the courtier and said, ”Please search this man. He has the emperors ring.” Akbar could not understand how Birbal

Some other types of sculpture of belong to an even later time, about the seventh or eighth centuries, and include standing Bodhisattvas and goddesses. Amaravati continued to be active after this time, probably to about the thirteenth century. The region between the Krishna and Godavari rivers was an important place for Buddhism from the 2nd century BCE onwards. A Buddhist stupa was built during the reign of Ashoka in 200 BCE, was carved with panels that tell the story of Buddha. The story of the sculpture, including their discovery, misuse and destruction and subsequent preservation & distribution to various museums (Chennai, Calcutta, London, Masulipatnam etc.) has been poignantly de-

He said, ”Your Majesty the ring is here in this court itself, it is with one of the courtiers. The courtier who has a straw in his beard has your ring.” The courtier who had the emperors ring

had Managed to find the ring. Birbal then told Akbar that a guilty person is always scared. Moral: A Guilty Conscience need No Accuser.

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Amitabh Bachchan: Discrimination Against Women Disturbs Me

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan said he is pained that women face discrimination in the society, something he will continue to fight for.

said. “To be discriminated like this just because they are carrying hepatitis B virus is not acceptable.

Bachchan, who is the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador, said women must be treated with respect and dignity.

I will fight for this as long as I am alive,” he added.

“Discrimination against women has been most disturbing for me. This shouldn’t happen.

Bachchan said this discrimination is ‘condemnable’ and was shocked to know how things unfold for women suffering from the disease.

Women are half the power of the country, they are the strength of the country.

“I have heard such horrific stories where married women were thrown out of their houses because

They must be given the respect and

dignity that all deserve,” Bachchan

they were suffering from hepatitis B. “I thought if my voice and face can help bring awareness, then I will be glad to do so. If I can be the living example for the citizens of the country that despite being a hepatitis B patient, I am living normally,” he added. (Courtesy: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Mobbed By Fans In Kanpur, Pushed Around For A Selfie Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui found himself among an unruly crowd of fans in Kanpur, who pushed him around for a selfie. A video of the actor went viral where he is clearly taken by surprise by the people shoving him. As fans posed for a selfie with the bemused actor, his security had to come and take him away. The actor hasn’t commented on the incident. Nawazuddin has been on a career high with back to back roles in films and web series that have brought him accolade. Along with roles as writer Saadat Hasan Manto and Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray in epony-

mous films, the actor’s performance as Ganesh Gaitonde in hit web series Sacred Games has also added to his fan following. The actor has been working on the second season of Sacred Games and had flown with co-stars Saif Ali Khan and Pankaj Tripathi to South Africa for the shoot.

Talking to HT about Sacred Games season 2, Nawazuddin had said, “It should arrive between June and August. You will forget the first season after watching the second season.” He also has two Bollywood films and a South film lined up for release this year. He will be seen as a street photographer in Ritesh Batra’s Photograph; Sanya Malhotra of Badhaai Ho fame plays the female lead in the film. He will also be seen in a comedy film titled Ghoomketu.

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Kajol, Ajay Devgn Reveal Plans For 20th Wedding Anniversary With ‘Happily Ever After’ Post

Actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn, who are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, want to stay in and order some good food. Kajol took to Instagram to share a Boomerang, along which she recreated a snippet of a conversation they had. She wrote, “Me: So what do you want to do today? Ajay: I don’t know what do u want to do? Me: what do u feel like? Ajay: Let’s just stay in and order

some good food.

he said.

Me : Perfect! And they lived happily ever after in pajamas ...” The same video was made on the couple’s recent trip to Thailand.

Ajay shared insight into their relationship in an interview to DNA.

In an interview to Hindustan Times Brunch, Ajay spoke about how they fell in love. “Actually we both don’t know what it was.... We began talking, then we became friends and eventually we decided to get married. We didn’t even propose to each other. It just happened naturally,”

She said, “If you don’t have it, then you can’t be together for so long. We have a bond where we can tell each other whatever we want. Even at home, we are a chilled-out couple.”

Austin South Asian | March 2019

Oscars 2019: Here’s The Full List Of Winners

Here is the complete list of all the winners of the 91st Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre, LA.

Best Original Score - Ludwig Goransson for Black Panther

Best Adapted Screenplay- Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and

Best Visual Effects - Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J.D. Schwalm for First Man

Best Picture - Green Book Best Actor in a Leading Role Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody

Best Animated Short - Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb for Bao

Best Actress in a Leading Role Olivia Colman for The Favourite

Best Documentary Short - Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton for Period. End of Sentence

Best Directing - Alfonso Cuarón for Roma

Best Animated Feature - Spiderman: Into the Spider Verse

Best Supporting Actor - Mahershala Ali for Green Book Best Supporting Actress - Regina King for If Beale Street Could Talk.

Best Original Song - Lady Gaga, Mike Ronson, Anthony Rossomondo and Andrew Wyatt for A Star Is Born

Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee for Blackkklansman Original Screenplay - Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Far-

KTR Writes A Movie Review After Long Time TRS party president and former IT Minister KT Rama Rao is known for keeping his Twitter timeline quite humorous.

Busy with general elections and later taking care of party affairs, actually KTR kept away from films and film-related stuff for a time.

Though he voices opinions on various important and crucial issues,

Other than attending Vinaya Vidheya Rama pre-release event, he

he also makes sure that he will be sharing some lighter vein fun stuff as well.

relly for Green Book Best Live Action Short - Skin

was not tweeting about films as well. And finally, it looks like he got

time to catch a film now. Last night KTR surprised everyone with his tweet: “May be I am little late but finally watched #KGF What a movie!! Brilliant technically, intense & cool; all at the same time. Superb direction by #PrashanthNeel gripping screenplay, terrific BGM & what a rock star like screen presence! (sic)”. Though critics haven’t rated well and reviewed it as an average fare, KGF went on to collect quite well in Telugu, while it became industry hit in Kannada with more than 100 crores collection.

Best Film Editing - John Ottman for Bohemian Rhapsody Best Foreign Language - Roma Best Cinematography - Alfonso

Cuarón for Roma Best Sound Editing - John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone for Bohemian Rhapsody Best Sound Mixing - Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali for Bohemian Rhapsody Makeup & Hairstyling - Vice Best Costume Design - Ruth Carter for Black Panther Best Production Design - Hannah Beachler (Production Design); Jay Hart (Set Decoration) for Black Panther Best Documentary Feature - Free Solo

Vikram Prabhu Bags Mani Ratnam’s Next

Vikram Prabhu has signed on to play the lead role in Mani Ratnam’s next production to be directed by

the pivotal role of Vikram Prabhu’s sister in the as yet untitled film while Madonna Sebastian will be

his former associate Daya who helmed the critically acclaimed ‘Padai Veeran’.that starred Vijay Yesudas and Bharathiraja.

his pair.

Mani Ratnam is penning the dialogues for this Madras Talkies project. Aishwarya Rajesh will be playing

Govind Vasantha of ‘96’ fame has been roped in to score the music. Earlier talks were on with G.V. Prakash to play the lead in this project but his busy schedule juggling acting and music composing duties for a number of films has forced him to opt out.

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Austin South Asian | March 2019