September 2015 Northern California Edition

Page 1

Why is that White Girl Wearing a Bindi? by Maya Murthy

Off With the Loot by Kalpana Mohan

Sundar Pichai: The Rise of an Indian Engineer by Prakash Narayan

29 Years of Excellence

The Modi Model Narendra Modi’s rise to power is a triumph not simply due to marketing skills, but also to a little known philosophy of humanism that guides him. by Vamsee Juluri

september 2015 • vol. 29, no .6 • www. indiacurrents.com



September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 1


2 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


M

y mixed breed, Mishti, turned nine today, the day I write this editorial. No matter how many birthdays we celebrate, he will always be our baby, our companion, playmate and protector. The last we believe to be true despite the vigorous affection he shows to all who open our front door, with no race, gender, class, kind or prior knowledge bias. We also believe he is bilingual, that he is uncannily intelligent and at least one member of my family is under the unshakeable conviction that Mishti is emotionally sensitive. When he refused to eat his food for the second time in a week, my mother, her face a fervent mask of displeasure, chided me fiercely saying that this was because my dog had heard me remark that he is “overweight.” There is nothing more heart-warming than watching movies about loveable canines (Lassie, Benji, Beethoven, Marley and Me) who can play basketball, rescue kids or streak enchantingly across our screens in slow motion. Did you know that there are 278 entries on Wikipedia under films about dogs? We name animals, ascribe human like qualities to them and scarcely mask the outrage when they are relegated to animal status, hunted or mistreated. Nothing brought this more to light than the global response to Cecil the Lion, who posthumously has his own twitter tag, wiki page and facebook following. His social media cover image is that of a magnificent creature, with a thick blackyellow mane slightly disheveled by the breeze, staring drowsily at the world. To further melt the calcium deposits around your heart, he is the father of two beautiful young cubs. In Zimbabwe, several people have failed to see the import of Cecil’s death and have spoken up about how difficult it is to send their children (who must walk several miles everyday) to school when wild animals roam around. Goodwell Nzou, a doctoral student at Wake Forest University wrote a scathing piece for the Times saying, “And Americans who can’t find Zimbabwe on a map are applauding the nation’s demand for the extradition of the dentist, unaware that a baby elephant was reportedly slaughtered for our president’s most recent birthday banquet.”

It’s a Dog’s Life There were 1,257 comments to Nzou’s article at the time of this writing. Many of them vitriolic. It’s not an equal love that we show all animals. Some animals strike our tenderness chords more than others. Witness the anxiety that many affect at the sight of a spider quietly annexing a forgotten corner of a room for its own gossamer needs. Interestingly, at my writing residency in France this year, one of my fellow residents, a Taiwanese poet, became fascinated with a tribe of spiders copulating on the ceiling of her room. She created a spider sex video, set it to music and verse, and spent several hours investigating humane ways of disposing of the rapidly proliferating colony. After two weeks, and near tripling of the arachnid population in her room, she still had not arrived at a method that she could have found peace with. Ethical rules when it comes to hunting and killing of (non-endangered) animals are difficult to make sense of. We humans can hunt and kill for food but not for sport. I agree. But should we be allowed to torture animals (cramming and confining

them into small crowded spaces) before we plate them, roasted or tikka’d with a side of fried okra? It’s not how we humans kill animals that’s the issue here. It’s how we treat them when they are alive that is often the most difficult to reconcile. For that reason, it is painfully difficult to see the ASPCA commercial, a montage of abused and beaten dogs. To celebrate Mishti’s birthday today, I will take him for a walk in the hills, where if we do come across members of his own ilk, Mishti will likely turn up his brown nose, straighten his spine, and mince derisively away, all while wagging his furry white tail at human leash holders. For sure, Mishti believes he is human. He has virtually forgotten his species’ traits. In this dog-eat-dog human world, all he has to do, really, is wait for us to feed him, to let him out, sit at our say so, and heel when we command. What’s not to like about his life?

Jaya Padmanabhan, Editor

THINKING OF BUYING, SELLING OR REFINANCING?

Rehman Farishta, Broker

Call

ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS! LET ME PAY YOUR CLOSING COST!! Market is HOT. Ask me about a FREE Underwriter approval to Beat all Cash Offers in a Multiple offer situation. I WILL BEAT ANY RATE! We offer a Stated Income Loans. Call me for details. WE CAN CLOSE FAST!!

ALL ZERO COST MORTGAGE RATES! Loan Program RATE APR Loan above $200,000 and below $417,000 5/1 ARM 2.875% 2.875% 7/1 ARM 3.00% 3.00% 10/1 ARM 3.125% 3.125% 15 Years fixed 3.125% 3.125% 20 Years fixed 3.625% 3.625% 30 Years fixed 3.625% 3.625% Loan above $417,000 and below $625,000 5/1 ARM 3.00% 3.00% 7/1 ARM 3.125% 3.125% 10/1 ARM 3.25% 3.25% 15 years fixed 3.25% 3.25% 20 years fixed 3.75% 3.75% 30 years fixed 3.75% 3.75%

www.HomesByFarishta.com.

CA

• Free pre-approval with Underwriter for a purchase loan. • Cash out loan for remodeling and other needs. • Loan for second home or investment home. • Convert from 30 years fixed to a ARM LOAN for Cash Flow. • Line of Equity on your current home to purchase a new investment home. These rates based on 10 days lock & for owner occupied, purchase or refinance, single family homes, without cash out or second loan on the subject property. Borrower with minimum 740 FICO and 70% CLTV or below with Escrow/Impound account: Rates as of August 16, 2015. Rates subject to change without notice. Please call to qualify for best rate. CA properties only!

LL NO ME W DRE # 01339085

NMLS # 378252

MBA, Real Estate Broker

510-386-1033 Fax: 510-797-7876

rfdfarishta@gmail.com Home Advantage Corp & Googain Inc 702 Brown Road, Fremont, CA 94539

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 3


INDIA CURRENTS September 2015 • vol 29 • no 6

Northern California Edition

PERSPECTIVES

www.indiacurrents.com

3 | EDITORIAL It’s a Dog’s Life By Jaya Padmanabhan

Find us on

7 | WORDS AND THINGS A Letter to My Husband After the First Weekend Alone By Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan

28 | RELATIONSHIP DIVA Five Questions to Ask on a First Date By Jasbina Ahluwalia 34 | INVESTMENT Real Estate Investment Made Easier in India By V. Nagarajan 38 | TAX TALK Being Prepared for Calamity By Rita Bhayani

10 | BUSINESS For Indian Immigrants the American Dream Is Alive By Vivek Wadhwa 25 | YOUTH Why is That Girl Wearing a Bindi By Maya Murthy

LIFESTYLE

16 | The Modi Model Narendra Modi’s victory is not just about a smart campaign strategy, but also of a new way of thinking

30 | BOOKS The Last Laugh By Jeanne Fredriksen 54 | SPORTS From Punjab to Texas Basketball Legend By Roshn Marwah 68 | FICTION 10-4 By Sanjoy Ganguly 74 | MUSIC Music That Bridges Boundaries By Priya Bhatt Das 108 | ON INGLISH Off With the Loot By Kalpana Mohan 110 | THE LAST WORD Masters of Political Theater By Sarita Sarvate

4 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

By Vamsee Juluri

8 | Profile Sundar Pichai–The Rise of an Indian Engineer By Prakash Narayan

60 | TRAVEL Pura Vida in Biolley, Costa Rica By Rama Shivakumar 92 | HEALTHY LIFE Best Foods For Building Lean Muscle By Puja Mukherjee 98 | DEAR DOCTOR How Do I Bare My Soul in Group Therapy? By Alzak Amlani 106 | RECIPES Sunday Afternoon Snacks By Praba Iyer

20 | Opinion Speak Up, Prime Minister Modi By Vidya Pradhan, Joe Samagond

41 | Films

DEPARTMENTS 5 | Letters to the Editor 26 | Popular Articles 32 | Ask a Lawyer 33 | Visa Dates

Reviews of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, WHAT’S CURRENT Drishyam, Bride Hunting 76 | Cultural Calendar By Aniruddh Chawda, Geetika Pathania Jain

86 | Spiritual Calendar


letters to the editor facebook.com/IndiaCurrents twitter.com/IndiaCurrents Now published in three separate editions HEAD OFFICE 1885 Lundy Ave Ste 220, San Jose, CA 95131 Phone: (408) 324-0488 Fax: (408) 324-0477 Email: info@indiacurrents.com www.indiacurrents.com Publisher: Vandana Kumar publisher@indiacurrents.com Managing Director: Vijay Rajvaidya md@indiacurrents.com Editor: Jaya Padmanabhan editor@indiacurrents.com (408) 324-0488 x226 Events Editor: Mona Shah events@indiacurrents.com (408) 324-0488 x224 Advertising Department ads@indiacurrents.com Northern California: (408) 324-0488 x 225 Southern California: (714) 523-8788 x 225 Sales Associate: Anu B anu@indiacurrents.com (408) 324-0488 x 222 Marketing Department Ritu Marwah ritu@indiacurrents.com Graphic Designer: Nghia Vuong WASHINGTON, D.C. BUREAU (Managed by IC New Ventures, LLC) 910 17th Street, NW, Ste# 215 Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone: (202) 709-7010 Fax: (240) 407-4470 Associate Publisher: Asif Ismail publisher-dc@indiacurrents.com (202) 709-7010 Cover Design: Nghia Vuong INDIA CURRENTS® (ISSN 0896-095X) is published monthly (except Dec/Jan, which is a combined issue) for $19.95 per year by India Currents, 1885 Lundy Ave., Ste 220, San Jose, CA 95131. Periodicals postage paid at San Jose, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to INDIA CURRENTS, 1885 LUNDY AVE, STE. 220, SAN JOSE, CA 95131 Information provided is accurate as of the date of going to press; India Currents is not responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed are those of individual authors. Advertising copy, logos, and artwork are the sole responsibility of individual advertisers, not of India Currents. Copyright © 2015 by India Currents All rights reserved.

Fully indexed by Ethnic Newswatch

The Dirty Tag

It was interesting to read the article by Atanu Dey published in the August 2015 issue. I wish to refer to the sentence “There’s no denying that Indians are a dirty people.” I presume he is a strong well wisher of India and the Indian people. I am not sure if he is a Person of Indian Origin or an Indian Citizen living outside India, OR ... In any case, with due apologies to the learned author, I place several queries to him regarding the word “Indians” in the above statement. Does he mean (i) all Persons of Indian Origin or all Indian citizens living anywhere in the world, with the only exception being he himself? (ii) all Indians living in India, excepting, of course, his own forefathers and their families? I can understand his probable intention to do something for his motherland and his forgotten brethren. I would like to quote an example of a person having same intentions but an entirely different line of action. This is a person who got selected to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and worked for five years within the service but was not happy because he could not do social work for the upliftment of the downtrodden. So he quit his job and moved in his chappals from village to village for several years. Finally landing in an interior village where he worked among the landless spending from his own pocket and that of like minded friends. He is still working there for the last 40 years and has greatly contributed to the upliftment of the village. I sincerely wish the respected and learned author gets some inspiration from such noble souls to bring his laudable intentions to practical meaningful actions. Vinod Prakash, Los Altos, CA I wish to refer to the article by Atanu Dey (India Currents, “India, Poverty and The Economist,” August, 2015). It quotes a Rapid Survey On Children (RSOC) report by The Economist in 2013-14 which states that child hunger in Gujarat fell from 44.6% to 33.5% in a decade. I feel that such data do not deserve serious at-

tention because of the following reasons: i. Malnutrition, Underweight, etc. are well defined parameters but “child-hunger” is a very vague term and there is no way to measure or define it. Every person becomes hungry several times in a day. Perhaps the survey refers to a child who does not get enough food to satisfy his hunger. But then, who was questioned: the child or his parents? What is the reliability of the answer? I know obese persons who feel hungry even after eating twice what they should and also children who say “Oh I am done” after eating only half of what they should. ii. The survey result has been reported to the first place of decimal which implies that they claim an accuracy of 0.25%. This is just ridiculous unless a very large percent of Gujarat children were surveyed and that too with complete reliability. iii. A Times on page 12 of Aug 17, 2015 says that 1 in 6 Americans are hungry. That comes to about 16%. If the most affluent country has 16% hunger, a country having GDP one ninth of US and population four times that of US should be given credit to have kept their hunger within 30 or 40%. I also have a comment regarding the sentence “There’s no denying that Indians are a dirty people.” Without going into the merits of this very general comment, I wish to suggest that such comments may be well taken by sober readers only if it has the tone “We, Indians ...” and certainly NOT if it has the tone “You, Indians...” The author may be better advised to take care of that. Vidya Sinha, Saratoga, CA

Fundamentalism and Favoritism

We enjoyed the last word column by Sarita Sarvate, (India Currents, “Will the Real Bobby Jindal Please Stand Up?). I

SPEAK YOUR MIND!

Have a thought or opinion to share? Send us an original letter of up to 300 words, and include your name, address, and phone number. Letters are edited for clarity and brevity. Write India Currents Letters, 1885 Lundy Ave. Suite 220, San Jose 95131 or email letters@indiacurrents.com.

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 5


feel exactly like Sarita Sarvate does about Bobby Jindal. I will vote for Donald Trump (at least he speaks his mind) before I vote for Bobby Jindal. Both Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley converted to Christianity, not for love of Christ, but for political gains. In Marathi there is a saying that a new convert is more fundamentalist and bigoted than original believers. Mr. Jindal seems to speak directly for and to his Bible thumping followers. I doubt that many Indian Americans will vote for him if he is nominated for United States President. I do feel that the editorials by Jaya Padmanabhan, and the column by Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan are more suitable for Berkeley magazines. I confess I am a little biased and favor Sarita Sarvate’s articles as I am from Nagpur, just as she is. Please continue writing dear Ms. Sarwate. We always enjoy your articles and stories of living in the Nagpur area. Prakash Deshmukh, San Jose, CA

Silver Tongued

I read the insightful article about languages (India Currents, “You Lose it in a Generation,” July 2015) by Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan. My son and daughter-inlaw, who is from Czech Republic, have a two-and-a-half year old daughter, Zoya Nayani. They live in Chicago and since she will learn English soon enough when she starts pre-school and kindergarten they decided to teach Zoya Czech now. My daughter-in-law speaks to her in Czech and my son, too, tries to talk to her in his broken Czech. Several of their friends are from Czech Republic, so much so that Zoya is becoming quite good at speaking the language. For us, in the family, it is fun to listen to Zoya speak Czech, even though we don’t understand her and try to converse with a combination of English and sign language. Zoya seems to enjoy our awkward attempts to converse. Of course, her learning Kannada, which is mine and my wife’s mother tongue, is not in the picture, not that we expect it. So to come to Ragini’s article, it was as well English was spoken. If I am not mistaken, we did admire in our younger days for his language abilities, her nottoo-distant ancestor the silver-tongued Srinavasa Sastrigal. Now it seems her uncle Shashi Tharoor’s Oxford debate is not too shabby eiter! Nagaraja Rao, Fremont, CA 6 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


words and things

A Letter to My Husband After My First Weekend Home Alone By Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan

Y

I opened an expensive chardonnay, that I had bought for you, ou’re probably not supposed to feel elated when your husturned the AC on, and watched a so-so movie on Netflix (auband and two year old leave on a family trip without you, dibly, and without subtitles, for a change), eating grocery store but I did. carrot cake I normally don’t buy, thinking it will spoil Mrinalini’s Thursday, after I dropped you both at the airport, I dinner. I felt so exhilarated that I imagined making this a regular worked for a little while, then decided to do what I normally can thing: I take her away for a weekend; you take her away for a never do: leave the house during baby’s dinnertime, 5:30, and weekend. We don’t get to spend time together, but lots of marwalk down to the lake with a book. I packed a sling purse with ried people spend less time together than we do, and at least one novel, water, and a cardigan for the lake breeze, and walked the of us will get to have those things I always thought sounded too twenty minutes between our apartment and The Point, where I selfish, too self-indulgent, and too Western: personal space and set myself down on the limestone revetment between Promontory personal time. Point Field House and the families on 57th Street beach. I was home alone for the first time in two years and two Was it my imagination or did the light look different at 5:30? months, but which felt like forever, Refract differently, illuminate a different maybe even ever. No rhythmic demands street? I noticed a house on 52nd I’d nev- Being alone returned to me of work and school, imperatives of er seen before, oddly set back from the the desire to see and hear and companionship and parenting happily road and with too much space between it and the Queen Anne-style rowhouses on smell and think everything I’m abstracted away. All that space and time (three and a half days!). Time to pay either side. I saw what at first appeared normally too busy to see, hear, attention to what I was eating. Time to to be concave sheets of water suspended listen to music. Time to savor a novel. over a neighboring hedge. They turned smell, and think. Time also to do laundry and dishes out to be plastic, and as I drew closer and cleaning: the things that it takes to they resembled the cotton netting that maintain a middle-class life. And space. Space in my head, space approximates spider webs in Halloween displays. A few blocks in the house. Quiet. down, there were framed collages of President Obama lined up On day two, I wasted time because I thought I had it (as before the cafes, strips of newspaper overlain with his face, some usual, it had me). On day three, I wandered a bit aimlessly. On headlines left prominent, others obscured with swaths of paint. day four, I slept fitfully and woke at 5, hearing you both wake And black t-shirts, also for sale: “I can’t breathe.” up some 700 miles away. Being alone returned to me the desire At the Point, there was too much garbage lying about, even to see and hear and smell and think everything I’m normally too though by most accounts there was hardly any at all—nothing busy to see, hear, smell, and think. It also made me keenly aware like the trash heaps that abut even stately homes and national of what I have traded all that time and space for. landmarks in India. Chicago is a clean city, and radiant in summer I thought of my mother who didn’t spend a night away from where Lake Michigan meets the shore. Of course, that makes the me and my brother until we were seven and five. I thought of my odd bit of trash—cellophane, bottle cap, paper bag, bag of chips— father left home alone for weeks, summer after summer, while all the uglier. I sat on the rocks and tried to avoid the rubbish. I the three of us went off to India—how he loved those first few smelled someone else’s joint, heard the waves, couple’s voices, saw days, how he struggled to feed himself as the weeks drew on. a sailboat out of the corner of my eye, and read about a poetry And I thought of you, and of my child who gets me up mornreading in Madrid. ings before I want to get up and makes me stop working before At 7:30, bath time, I rose and started to make my way back I’m ready to call it in. I imagined her little feet with the painted through town. I read the menu at Siam House and contemplated silver toenails—her at-home pedicure a bon voyage gesture from dining alone, but I couldn’t decide whether I would order noodles me—and I thought of taking her to The Point, of walking with or curry, so I moved on. I entered Maravilloso, which it turns out her down the street in search of our shadows. is an extremely popular, spacious Mexican restaurant, and not the And I looked forward to your coming home. n forlorn dhaba we had imagined. It was too loud to think, never mind order, never mind read, and so I left, and that’s how I ended Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan is a doctoral candidate up at Pepe’s, where I ordered two-dollar tacos from the wide man in Rhetoric at UC Berkeley. at the counter, who is maybe named Pepe himself. September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 7


profile

Sundar Pichai–The Rise of an Indian Engineer Google CEO Pichai known as solution-oriented, soft spoken and diplomatic By Prakash Narayan

W

hile the whole country was consumed with news about Cecil the lion and Donald Trump, Google jolted us with the news that it had named Sundar Pichai as the new CEO. Mainstream media the world over reported (and regurgitated) on his humble beginnings and meteoric rise within the ranks of Google. The facts of his education at Vana Vani High School (in Chennai), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur (B.Tech Metallurgy), Stanford (MS), Wharton (MBA) have been repeated far too often. There were some contrarian opinions too. Paraphrasing what one of them said, “The new Google CEO deserves kudos, but his elevation has been a tad over hyped by the media. His real achievement lies not in gaining the corner office, but in helming the team, which created the Chrome browser. Much before Pichai there was Vinod Dham who oversaw the birth of Pentium. Rather than going into paroxysms of joy over a corporate promotion, we should celebrate the creative side of these techno gurus.” The reason I am highlighting this (perhaps singular) opinion is that it helps provide focus on everything that is commendable about Sundar Pichai’s accomplishments. With due respect to Vinod Dham, he did his creations under the watch of a Hungarian-born immigrant. Google’s first CEO, Eric Schmidt, was appointed by the Board to provide “adult supervision” to Sergei Brin and Larry Page. When the kids “grew up,” it was natural for one of them to assume the reins as CEO. Going through the ranks of the World’s most admired company and being named its CEO 8 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

Sundar Pichai

Photo: “Sundar Pichai” by Maurizio Pesce from Milan, Italy–Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google. Licensed under CC

deserves to be “over hyped”—because it is a big deal. In the book, High Noon–The Inside Story of Scott McNealy and the rise of Sun Microsystems,” Karen Southwick writes on Vinod Khosla’s firing as the CEO of Sun Microsystems in 1984, “His bluntness and outspoken criticisms weren’t appreciated as the company grew.” Khosla was among the first (of Indian origin) to be at the helm of a technology company in Silicon Valley. In contrast, 30+ years later, it is the people skills of Sundar (who was barely 12 years old at the time of Khosla’s firing) that is attributed to his rise. “Sundar is a compassionate leader who recruited, mentored, and invested in the people that worked for him,” is the refrain that is heard both within and outside the walls of Google. This is a trait that probably links Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, Sanjay Jha

and Rajiv Suri (all CEOs of influential technology companies). Their innate humility, strong technical education, respect for others and strong aspirations are qualities that led them to the top of the corporate ladder. To help explore that tenet of Sundar Pichai, I spoke to professors Sanat Kumar Roy and Indranil Manna. Roy, who to this day continues to teach in the Metallurgy Department at IIT Kharagpur, remembers Sundar as a student in 1989. “He was a calm and quiet boy. He was introverted and did not have a large number of friends.” A major component of the Teacher’s Assessment of the student is the Vivavoce on the Theory and Laboratory work. This helps the professor judge whether the student has “memorized” the material or has an “innate understanding.” Roy remembers Sundar Pichai being analytical


Prakash Narayan is a software engineer living in Fremont, California. His twitter handle is @kpn320

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

in his approach. IIT Kharagpur was one of the first colleges to introduce non-metallic materials in the curriculum. Sundar Pichai blazed the trail in his final year thesis. While most of the students in his class worked on metals for their project, Pichai did not hesitate on the opportunity to work with silicon wafer. He completed this work under the guidance of Professor Manna (who is currently the director of IIT Kanpur). Manna remembered that Pichai’s closest friend was Swaminathan Jayaraman. While Pichai went to Stanford for his MS, Swaminathan went to Johns Hopkins to pursue a Ph.D. Unfortunately, Swaminathan died in a car accident in 1998 along with two other IIT friends. In the recently concluded (July 24-25, 2015), Pan-IIT Global Leadership Conference, Shyamal Roy released a coffee table book titled IMPACT of the IIT Alumni in USA—an artistic endeavor showcasing 72 exemplary alumni (from among the 50,000+ graduates of IIT who have sought to pursue their careers in the United States) who have made a difference in fields ranging from innovation to entrepreneurship to corporate leadership to education to philanthropy. Each one has made a lasting contribution. Ironically, Sundar Pichai’s name is not included in this list. Sridhar Ramaswamy is the only Google VP to be included. With his promotion to CEO, Sundar Pichai will not only make the list, he would catapult to be among the top achievers. Nikesh Arora summed it up when he retweeted Prime Minister Modi’s tweet that congratulated @sundarpichai, “Now, I feel cheated. Lol. Congrats (sic)” In a sense, many of these over-achievers could serve as the CEO of a Fortune 100 Company given the right opportunity. Such is the rich background and training of Indian engineers. Sundar Pichai’s journey as the CEO has just begun. He has a lot more to accomplish. He certainly is an inspiration for of every Indian engineer in the Valley. Collectively, I am sure every one joins me in wishing him more success as he steers Google forward. n

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL!!

DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOU? GET TRAINED BY THE PMP GURU!! Why STRATEGISM? • 100% First Time Pass Guarantee • Choose from 4 day Bootcamp (weekdays/weekends only) as well as Month Long Regular class or get trained online • Highly Experienced Trainers • Free PMP Application assistance • Centrally Located Venues (Santa Clara or Fremont) • Mock Exams 1000 questions • Personalized Score Card for Each Participant • Client Project Placement & Consulting Assistance • Sessions Guaranteed to Start and NO Cancellations • One Stop Show

GET PMP CERTIFIED TODAY!! Become a Project Management Professional!! CONTACT: YASMIN / MANJARI

1-877-648-0004

Email: contact@strategisminc.com Or Visit Our Office at: 2450 Peralta Blvd., Suite 222, Fremont, CA-94536 September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 9


business

For Indian Immigrants the American Dream Is Alive

T

hey have funny accents, wear strange outfits, eat really spicy food and some wear turbans. IndianAmericans constitute less than one percent of the United States population. Yet you will find them at the helm of great companies such as PepsiCo and MasterCard; as presidents and deans of America’s most prestigious colleges; at the pinnacles of journalism; dominating fields such as technology, scientific research and medicine; and thriving in industries such as hospitality, transportation and real estate. They have also achieved extraordinary success in government: the governors of two of America’s most conservative states are of Indian origin, as are White House senior advisors and the U.S. Surgeon General. Even though the prosperity isn’t evenly distributed and some segments of the Indian community face severe social and economic problems, it is notable that the median annual income of U.S. households headed by an Indian immigrant is $103,000—twice the U.S. median. How could a recent immigrant group achieve such incredible success—and what can we learn from it? First, you need to understand the background of this group; it is highly educated and entrepreneurial. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of Indian immigrants aged 25 or more have a bachelor’s or higher degree, and the vast majority are proficient at English. Though some come from poor families, most of the Indians who make it to America are from the middle or upper class; the students who qualify for admission to U.S. universities are the cream of the crop; the workers who get hired by U.S. companies are highly skilled. Only ambitious risktakers willingly leave friends and families behind to shoot for success in foreign lands; they are entrepreneurial in nature. Immigrants who come to America face discrimination just as foreigners in any country do. Americans are generally tolerant and open-minded, but racism is an ugly human trait. People with dark skin or a foreign accent are always at a disad-

By Vivek Wadhwa

One [venture capitalist] told me that the reason he wouldn’t fund my company was that “your people don’t make good CEOs.” My blood still boils when I think about this ... vantage in America. This means that they have to work harder and think smarter. Indian immigrants were typically at the top of the social ladder in the communities that they left behind, but find themselves on the lowest rung in the United States. This is a very uncomfortable experience and provides incredible motivation to do whatever it takes to succeed, as I can tell you from personal experience. I too am an Indian immigrant, and I remember when I first came to the United States as a child in the ’60s. My classmates asked me whether I charmed snakes; parents pointed to me and told their children to think about starving Indians before wasting the food on their plates. This was very hurtful, but it motivated me to do whatever it took to show everyone that I was as good as my classmates were. Later in life, when I returned to the United States after living abroad, I experienced similar discrimination and disparagement from venture capitalists in North Carolina. One told me that the reason he wouldn’t fund my company was that “your people don’t make good CEOs.” My blood still boils when I think about this, but it made me stronger and better. And it’s why I go out of my way to help other groups who have been discriminated against, especially African-Americans, Hispanics and women. And the success of Indian immigrants shows another side of this country. The greatness of America is that a person who achieves success commands the highest level of respect regardless of his or her background, race, and religion. This is the American Dream: an ethos of freedom

10 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

that provides anyone who achieves success through hard work with the opportunity for prosperity and equality. There are no absolute barriers to upward social mobility in America; that is why immigrants thrive and why America leads the world. One of the biggest problems in India— and one that holds it back—is that people are divided by region, religion and caste. They may be Gujaratis, Punjabis, or Bengalis; Hindus, Muslims, or Sikhs in India, but when they come to America, they are all considered to be Indians—as are people from other parts of South Asia, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. To Americans, we are all the same. So when South Asians come to the United States, they learn very quickly to put their differences aside. They begin to understand that the key to an individual’s—and a community’s—success is to network, learn, and help each other. That is why they join groups such as The Indus Entrepreneurs, the South Asian Journalists Association, South Asian Americans Leading Together, and the South Asian Bar Association: to help each other—and in the process, to uplift their communities. This too is how Indians become the dominant immigrant company founding group in Silicon Valley. My research team at Stanford and Duke had documented that, as of 2014, nearly 16 percent of the start-ups in Silicon Valley had an Indian founder. The secret of their success lay in learning and mastering the Valley’s rules of engagement: networking, exchanging ideas, and mentoring. The lessons that disadvantaged groups can learn from Indian immigrants are to help each other and “pay it forward.” America shows the world that providing all people with equal opportunity makes a bigger economic pie; that diversity fuels innovation and economic growth. n Vivek Wadhwa is an entrepreneur turned academic. You can follow him on Twitter at @vwadhwa and find his research at www. wadhwa.com. First published in The Washington Post.


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 11


12 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 13


14 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


careers . education

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 15


cover

The MoDI Mo By Vamsee Juluri

It is likely that much of the coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to California will focus on business, since that is what governments do and talk about these days. But describing Modi as nothing more than an efficient pro-business leader is as simplistic as describing the Bay Area as a decent place to build some office parks, without recognizing the rich history of idealism, intellectual adventure, creativity, and social consciousness that has underscored revolutions here.

O

ne might call it a mythology, but one of the great things about the Bay Area is its propensity for frequent dreams of a better world: Gadar in the early 20th century, the United Nations Charter in 1945, Free Speech and Anti-War movements in the 1960s, Marriage Equality in 2004, and most of all, in recent years, the worldwide promise of social media for free speech and democracy. While some utopian dreams about how Facebook and Twitter would topple dictatorships and enshrine democracy proved premature in some parts of the world, in India something close to that did happen, and is happening, still. Conventional news narratives have failed to notice this. Established academic paradigms on South Asia with their colonialera tropes on religion and secularism have not accounted for it. Modi’s victory was not just about a smart campaign strategy, but also the apex of a wave of new thinking; hope and change in India’s digital generation about what

it means to be Hindu, Indian and human. The truth is that a renaissance is taking place in India and its diaspora today. It may not be fully pretty, because it is a postcolonial renaissance, an attempt to take decolonization beyond the nominal political independence that was obtained in 1947. It has challenged a profoundly corrupt, selfish, and dishonest politicalmedia nexus that has occupied primacy over the very definition of what it means to be Indian for several decades. It has given a jaded nation, and its overseas children, a sense that they belong to not just a land or a clan, but to an ideal about what it means to live on this earth in ways that respects nature’s integrity and humanity’s diversity. If it sounds like a rebirth, a stirring of a deep passion, a love, indeed, after

16 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

centuries of colonialism and decades of self-denial, we are not mistaken. After several centuries of having financed and inspired (to say it euphemistically) renaissances and economic and scientific revolutions elsewhere in the world, India is having a renaissance on its own terms now. And its face is Narendra Modi.

Claiming the Dream

There is a reason Narendra Modi is not well understood, sometimes even among his own supporters, who see only the “strongman” but not the poet and ascetic beneath. The intellectual resources to make sense of the philosophy that


odel

many, and Hindus are not ancient animates him have simply not ... India is having a renaissance on Nazi settlers from Europe lording been created and made available it over native minorities (even if on a wide enough scale. These its own terms now. And its face is some Hinduism “experts” seem to are not simply tools for glorifiNarendra Modi. think so). Narendra Modi, most cation, though the social media of all, is speaking to his audience strategies that helped Modi outfrom a position not of identitarflank one of the longest-running, seams of his coat, it is easy to apply a ian power and authority (as allegations relentless, and dishonest global media whole palette of Frankfurt School era of Hindu majoritarianism view it), but smear campaigns might seem that way theories about celebrity, fascism, and the from a place that is profoundly different. sometimes. like on to him. We might call it simplicity, humility, selfWith his 3D Modi Hologram camYet, to anyone who has been listenlessness, but these are words that don’t paign appearances, ubiquitous masks, ing to Modi, and observing the profly in today’s vitiated media-intellectual one-man public persona (recall how he found resonance his words have with the climate where reverence and kindness went straight to speak to the people at people in India, the inappropriateness, are held to be ideologically suspect. We Madison Square Garden without stopif not occasional ludicrousness, of such don’t understand it because the paraping for pleasantries with the several comparisons are obvious. digms are shifting, and slippery. political dignitaries on stage already), Postcolonial India is not Nazi GerModi’s words and actions cannot and alleged vanity written even into the September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 17


be explained without recognizing where he’s coming from. The received explanation, repeated ad nauseum in classrooms and editorial pages in clueless capital cities far from ordinary people, is that Modi comes from a rabid Hindu nationalist ideology called Hindutva that hates minorities and believes India belongs exclusively to Hindus and is “prepared to use violence.” The Gujarat riots of 2002, when over a thousand people, “mostly Muslims,” (to use the common phrase, though the exact figures were about 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus, which suggests an uneven riot rather than a “pogrom”), were killed, led to one of the most singularly focused media campaigns to discredit an individual in recent history (it has to be noted that the media hardly noted the terrible terrorist act that precipitated the riots, the burning of a train carrying Hindu pilgrims including women and children by a Muslim mob). When Modi won in 2014, the same media observers predicted great doom for minorities in India, and to this day, a shameful pattern of front-page hysteria against Modi’s government followed by inside-page corrections and retractions continues to take place even in some once esteemed Indian newspapers. A “Hitler,” a “merchant of death,” Modi has been called. Yet, to paraphrase British Prime Minister David Cameron’s phrase after Modi’s election, more people spoke up to clear his name and claim his dream for themselves than had happened for any other politician in history. Even if some small portion of his supporters voted for him because of some crude tribalistic logic (and this logic was not innate to India but left there like a slow poison by the divide-and-rule politics of the British duly inherited by the Congress party after independence), the sheer facts of Modi’s actions in public life were what ultimately spoke to India last summer.

RSS and Modi’s Ideal of Service

Narendra Modi cannot be understood correctly without recognizing two things. One is an acronym that has been recklessly used in media and academic discourses to evoke fear and confusion. The other is a philosophy that sounds so quaintly well-meaning no one would imagine it having a place anywhere other than an ephemeral election manifesto, and yet it is that philosophy that is being brought to life by Narendra Modi today on an increasingly global stage at that. First, the RSS. Narendra Modi is indeed a child of the RSS (for “product” sounds too sterile a word), and shed tears of gratitude while speaking about it soon after his election last year. There is a tendency at the moment to rationalize a grudging acknowledgment of Modi’s peaceful and inclusive track record by either distancing him from the organization he views as a mother or by holding on to the notion that Modi’s inclusiveness is only the deceptive face of a sinister, raciallyobsessed far-right group. This is not surprising, given that for several decades the RSS was viewed with suspicion by academics and media. It is clear now that the academic and media consensus on Hinduism and Hindus has been largely flawed, and so has the demonization of Narendra Modi since 2002. It might well be the case that the dominant assumptions about the RSS, too, require re-examination and for that one might choose to look at what the RSS has been saying and doing. What one finds, for example, in Jyoti Punj, a book of essays written by Modi about elders in the RSS who have

18 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

inspired him, is a sense of humility, love, and service. In the lives of the RSS elders he admires, we see a history of effort being made to cleanse Hindu life from within, both of internal inequities like casteism, and colonial legacies like fear and loss of self-respect. At its core, what the RSS seems to stand for in the life and worldview of Modi is a familylike association of volunteers determined to bring certain deeply felt Hindu values of dharma and seva into organized action. If there is such a thing as an RSS sensibility, it is the idea of the body as an instrument to be deployed in seva. India is not some Hindu-race homeland in Modi’s book, but simply a land where a sage would give up his bones if asked, a king his land, and a teacher his teachings for free. Idealistic (“the purpose came with a body”), but not the militaristic fantasy critics have made it out to be either. One reason for the paradigmatic confusion that exists in academia and media about Modi and the RSS is the fact that there has rarely been an effort to make honest inquiries, and the RSS for its part, like any organization that has been battered and pushed to borders of respectability, if not existence, has remained intellectually slow off the bat. For Modi, what the RSS represents is ultimately a “journey in the refinement process,” a process of self-transformation that happens through friendship, company, and most of all, service.

Integral Humanism

The second point of general confusion about Modi and the RSS is that their reigning social philosopher is not the “homeland” ideologues of the colonial or pre-partition era, but a simple, sage-like philosopher who could barely even keep up with the RSS’s physical regimen. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (1916-1968), whose birth centenary year is being noted by Modi with great


respect, is the architect of Modi’s intellectual and moral model, more than anyone else perhaps. Upadhyaya’s “Ekaatma Maanavta” or Integral Humanism lectures of 1965 represent a profound moment in Indian intellectual decolonization along the lines of Mahatma Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj, written in 1909. While the Mahatma’s incredible vision was not taken seriously even by his own Nehru, much less by the Congress party that ruled in his memory for decades afterwards, Integral Humanism has not only been kept alive in the RSS (it remains the official philosophy of the BJP), but has been brought into public play today with the full force of convictioncharisma of Narendra Modi. The Integral Humanism lectures seek to answer the question of “what will be the face of the new Bharat after independence?” Pandit Upadhyaya’s answers should serve to reassure skeptics who still fear for secularism and minorities in India. He rightly warns against pursuing fantasies of some pure golden age in the past, and also cautions against blindly subscribing to Western notions of progress defined in material terms. Examining the choices before India presented by the postcolonial moment such as democracy, socialism, and capitalism, Upadhyaya calls for an understanding of the national self that is rooted in a universal ethical notion of dharma (which he emphasizes, should not be confused with religion, much less a theocracy). The goal for Pandit Upadhyaya, is the creation of a state that will elevate “nara” to “Narayana,” or the human to a state of divinity.

India is not some Hindu-race homeland in Modi’s book, but simply a land where a sage would give up his bones if asked, a king his land, and a teacher his teachings for free.

Modi’s New Age

visioned by Pandit Upadhyaya, speaking from its worldview rather than about it like some pedantic ideologue. Modi seems too quick, protean, a master of both moment and spectacle in the digital-sharing age (hashtag selfie), to be seen as a paradigm-builder in any conventional sense. He recognizes, perhaps, that the age of top-down cultural authority is over. Yet in his unquestioned moment of supremacy as the hope of a new India, he appears ever more humble, driven, even. His

There is always a risk that such a nuanced manifesto could be reduced in less adept minds to a caricature, a golden age fantasy written into stone with modern instruments. But that risk should not feed the sort of arrogance that has made a small and increasingly disconnected intellectual class mischaracterize the Modi phenomenon as some gloomy disaster for Indian secularism. The Modi we have seen and heard has been consistent with the ideals en-

“cool,” unlike the creation of several marketing experts in Western politics, is not an act, for he bridges grassroots and hi-tech in a way that is his own. He might sound as if he believes digital technology has all the answers, just like some other CEO-style technophile politicians in India did earlier. But like Pandit Upadhyaya cautioned, he is unlikely to view technology (or American dreams of the same) as ends in themselves. The end of all our sharing and liking, ultimately has to be more than our selves and our vanity, if anything good is to still exist in this world. Modi marks the beginning of a new age in media, culture and politics (and no wonder his campaign team liked to call itself “new age”). None of the usual assumptions and clichés about them might stand. After all, it was a supposedly “free” media in India and abroad that censored most accounts that were contrary to their idea of Modi, allowing a reckless fear campaign to run on to this day. After all, it was supposed to be a “secular party” that ignored its own long record of complicity in inter-religious riots in Gujarat, New Delhi, and elsewhere to paint Modi as the enemy of secularism. Modi carries the promise of a nation in long recovery from a long colonization that even the “free” media can sometimes be made “freer,” and even “secularism” can be done better by a man rooted deeply and devoutly in his religion. n Vamsee Juluri is a professor of media studies at the University of San Francisco and the author of Rearming Hinduism: Nature, Hinduphobia, and the Return of Indian Intelligence (www.rearminghinduism.com)

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 19


opinion

Speak Up, Prime Minister Modi Where are the “achche din” that was promised India? By Vidya Pradhan, Jawahar “Joe” Samagond

I

ndian voters handed a huge mandate to the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) coalition in 2014, reducing the ruling Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) to near irrelevance. It was as much a vote for the BJP leader Narendra Modi’s promise of good governance as it was a vote against the Congress Party’s nepotistic, sycophantic, and corruption-laden decade of scandals. Despite worries over Mr. Modi’s associations with right-wing Hindu fundamentalism and his tarred reputation in the wake of communal riots in Gujarat, Indians voted for his manifesto of change. They argued that the need for good governance outweighed other concerns, convinced that Mr. Modi would rein in the fundamentalist elements of his party once he was elected. With a clear majority, the voters signaled that Narendra Modi had the full authority to clean house and deliver on his promise of “Achche Din” (Good Days). It has been 16 months since that mandate. Have the voters received a glimpse of “Achche Din?” Or is the BJP government devolving quickly to UPA’s third term?

The Economy

On its face there has been cause for cheer at the healthy rate of GDP growth of 7.6% for the fiscal year 2014/15, which appears to put India on par with its biggest competitor, China. However, falling oil prices have played a significant role, as has the change in the GDP calculation formula. According to a Wall Street Journal article published on August 20, 2015, the profits of companies in the benchmark Sensex index rose by only 1% during the April through June quarter, compared with 24% growth in the same period a year earlier. Mr. Modi’s signature economic campaign has been his push to “Make in India” (a Nehruvian philosophy that has had the support all previous governments) encour-

Narendra Modi: In aggressive campaign mode

aging industries to manufacture in India to create jobs and establish self-reliance. While several high profile companies have pledged to invest, the initiative has not trickled down to small business owners who still struggle to compete globally. Arguably, a grand initiative like that needs time to solidify, but for it to succeed the government needs to take specific actions to improve infrastructure, capital flows, and streamline regulation. There is no evidence that these actions are in the pipeline. In the meantime, industrial output fell sharply recently to 2.1% after having risen 5.6% the previous 12 months (under the previous government). Growth in the core sector, (which includes electricity, coal, cement, steel, and petroleum) has fallen 0.1 percent. It grew 7.3% the previous 12 months.

Governance

Good governance has been at the heart of Narendra Modi’s appeal to the electorate and the Prime Minister certainly started off with a bang—removing cushy

20 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

perks from members of the bureaucracy, insisting on regular attendance and clean desks and vowing to root out entrenched corruption from the babudom. There is some evidence that top-level bureaucratic corruption is down. There is also a plan to replace India’s patchwork of taxes with a single, nationwide levy, which might simplify collection and improve revenues in a country notoriously known for evading taxes. (Ironically, the Goods and Service Tax, now touted with great fanfare by the BJP government, was a proposal by the previous premier Dr. Manmohan Singh that was vociferously shot down by the then-in-opposition BJP!) But a proposed land acquisition bill, which would have given the government sweeping authority to acquire land for business development, has been derailed because of insufficient communication with stakeholders like farmers. And in a direct stain on Mr. Modi’s anti-corruption stance, his foreign minister S. Swaraj and the BJP Rajasthan Chief Minister V. Raje have been accused of improperly helping a


cricket magnate, Lalit Modi (no relation), who is under investigation by Indian authorities over financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League. Another huge scandal has erupted in Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP-run government is part of federal law enforcement probe over allegations of graft by a government examination board. Prime Minister Modi’s response has been a distant silence, but the media onslaught and opposition pressure over these events have brought the government to a standstill. One of the most publicized of Mr. Modi’s initiatives, the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan”(Clean India Initiative) got off to a great start, with celebrities, politicians, and common people joining in an effort to clean and beautify public areas. In true Modi style, however, most of the emphasis has been on publicity, without a comprehensive plan to fix the underlying infrastructural issues like sewage treatment and user education. A much ballyhooed promise to build more toilets has run out of steam, with the annual rate of addition lower than the previous government. While the government claims to have constructed 80 lakh (8 million) toilets under the program, a quick check by Mail Today reveals that many of the toilets are either unused or exist merely on paper.

Freedom of Expression

Given that Mr. Modi’s signature appeal for the intelligentsia is the slogan “More Governance, Less Government,” the last 12 months have seen quite a bit of interference by the government in social and cultural expression. New Film Censor Board chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, a BJP appointee has already circulated a list of words to be disallowed in movies. Movies and documentaries with controversial subjects have also come under the gun like “Unfreedom,” a movie with a strong lesbian theme that was banned on the grounds that it might “ignite unnatural passions.” In July 2015, the Indian government blocked 857 pornographic websites because it didn’t want such content to become “a social nuisance.” Recently cops in Mumbai raided hotels entering rooms of consenting adults to fight “public indecency.” Mr. Modi’s coming to power has unshackled deeply held conservative attitudes and emboldened irrational behavior driven by religious and communalist zeal.

The fervor shown by Mr. Modi’s acolytes extends to vicious responses, filled with ugly threats, to any dissenting voices in the media, which threatens a key pillar of democracy. Gujarat Police officer Sanjiv Bhatt, who took on Narendra Modi over the 2002 riots in the state during Mr. Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, was sacked recently over the most trivial of allegations. Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who has been an unrelenting campaigner against the atrocities in Gujarat, was declared a “threat to national security” and has been the target of incessant harassment. After the appointment of an unqualified Gajendra Chauhan to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) some of the students who went on strike to protest were arrested for “rioting.” A disturbing pattern emerges from these incidents.

NGO Witch Hunt

NGOs like Greenpeace India, an environmental group, have had their funding revoked and threats have been issued to cancel their registration. Others like the Ford Foundation have been placed on a watch list because the Modi government accuses them of slowing down industrial projects on social and environmental grounds, a worrisome development for citizens concerned that new economic development under this regime might come at the expense of the environment and human rights. Indeed, the targeted persecution of NGOs working in the human rights space suggests an attempt to whitewash the country’s reputation by pretending its problems don’t exist.

Religious Freedom

Mr. Modi’s response to the religious riots in Gujarat several years ago has always been a blot on his reputation. Supporters reasoned that as Prime Minister Modi would be more temperate, but the unabated rise of Hindu fundamentalism in the last year has been a cause of grave concern and India’s minorities have won little reassurance. It appears that a “saffronization” of sorts is taking place as evinced by the following incidents: • Banning the consumption and production of beef products • Hindu organizations affiliated to the BJP have forcibly converted poor minorities to Hinduism under a “Ghar Wapsi

“I will not accept any such gag order. I was exercising my fundamental right and this is not just about me, but the right of every citizen of the country.” Priya Pillai, Campaigner, Greenpeace, India

(returning home)” campaign. • Modifying textbooks used in government schools—Retired school principal Dinanath Batra, who has successfully removed Wendy Doniger’s book The Hindus from Indian bookshelves, is a senior figure in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and has the ear of this government. He happily accepts the term “Ban Man” and is on a warpath to modify textbooks to suggest a more glorious Hindu past for the country. • In the words of 86 year old, Julie Ribiero, a retired IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, and a former Indian ambassador to Romania—“As a Christian, suddenly I am a stranger in my own country. Is it coincidence or a well-thought-out plan that the systematic targeting of a small and peaceful community should begin only after the BJP government of Narendra Modi came to power last May?” • In New Delhi last year, Mr. Modi’s Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti told voters that they must choose between “Ramzadon” (those born of Ram) and “Haramzadon” (illegitimately born), a dig at Muslims. • RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, an ally of the ruling party, suggested that all Hindu

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 21


stanis (Indians) are Hindus, because they live in Hindustan (“home of the Hindus”). While Mr. Modi may not be directly involved in many of these decisions, his silence and inaction have emboldened the right-wing elements of his party to proceed with the remaking of the country in a reactionary, religion-driven mold. For a Prime Minister who eagerly embraced social media, his lack of engagement on social issues has been surprising and revealing.

Symbolism over Substance

That silence has not extended when the Modi government has been eager to take undue credit for successes—many of which were the result of years of effort by the previous government. Some of these include the Aadhar program, a massive attempt by the UPA government to provide unique identity numbers to each of India’s billions, which was almost scuttled by the incoming BJP government before a plea was made by its architects. The much celebrated nuclear deal with the United States was in fact begun by the Congress Party when in power, and was, at the time, strenuously opposed by the BJP opposition.

The Opportunity

Any Indian, whether local or nonresident, whether supporter or critic, can only wish for the success of Narendra Modi’s promise to bring “Achche Din” for the people of India. To do so, Prime Minister Modi has the challenging task of focusing on economic growth while keeping check on the fundamentalist elements of his party who would derail years of social progress and religious tolerance. To his supporters, who pooh-pooh any criticism of this government asserting that “It also happened under Congress rule” the whole point of changing the guard was to usher in a new administrative era that was efficient, corruptionfree, and economy-centric. What we have got instead, at least till now, is empty symbolism and social and religious paternalism. It behooves us as concerned citizens and Indians abroad to make very sure that the Emperor’s new clothes are indeed real. Tweets, photo ops, and clever slogans cannot bring about the change India needs. If Mr. Modi wishes to be the transformative leader that Indians gave him a mandate for, he must back up his

inspiring rhetoric with action. He needs to fill the ranks of government with talented administrators, pledge to openness and transparency in government affairs, and unreservedly condemn and sideline the communalist forces among his allies. Indians have been incredibly patient and forgiving of an undeserving, corrupt, incompetent and shameless political class that has consistently failed them for far too long. It is time to do right by them, Prime Minister Modi. n Jawahar “Joe” Samagond is a technology communications professional based in Northern California. Originally from Bombay, India he has spent time on both coasts (Boston and San Francisco). He is an avid reader and serves on the Fremont Library Advisory Commission. He is interested in global politics, science, technology and social trends. Vidya Pradhan is a freelance writer and a published author of children’s books. She was the editor of India Currents from June 2009 to February 2012. She hosts the popular Safari Quiz Show every Saturday on 1550 AM in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SILICON VALLEY UNIVERSITY Univesity Caters to Silicon Valley High-Tech Industry

Doctoral Degree

• Computer Engineering Master Degree

• Computer Science • Computer Engineering • Business Administration Bachelor Degree

• Computer Science • Computer Engineering • Business Administration 22 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

Certificate Program

• Computer Networks & Telecommunications Engineering • Database Design & Software Engineering • English as a Second Language (ESL) / TOEFL CONTACT US: 2010 Fortune Dr San Jose, CA 95131 Tel: (408) 435-8989 Fax: (408) 955-0887 Email: info@svuca.edu

ACICS Accredited Member

www.svuca.edu


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 23


Canvas InfoTech Inc. 39465 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Ste. 2800, Fremont, CA 94538

Sapna Marwha 855-522-6827 Ext. 101

sapna@canvasinfotech.com • www.canvasinfotech.com

LOOKING FOR WELL TRAINED CONSULTANTS TO ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS? WE CAN PROVIDE THEM!

DESIRE TO BE A WELL-PAID CONSULTANT TO INDUSTRY LEADERS? WE CAN TRAIN YOU!

At Canvas InfoTech, we take a unique and technology-agnostic approach to providing your business with the best consultants that leverages both domain and technical expertise with the following values in mind: • Reliability- Satisfying our clients' technical needs with consistency. • Flexibility- We let clients hire our best talent at no additional cost after 1 year. • Guarantee- We offer a performance guarantee for our consultants. • Cost- We incur all costs to recruit a consultant and only charge our clients once the appropriate consultant has been found. Canvas InfoTech can empower your business with talented consultants to tackle: -Business Analysis/Project Management, Quality Assurance/Data Analysis. Our Clients- Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Yahoo, Mazda, US Bank, Blue Shield, American Express, CVS, DirecTV, American Airlines, Macys, etc.. Our consultants work in a very diverse environment and industries like Retail, Automobile, Commercial, Federal, Health Care, Financial Services & Banking.

Our experienced and certified trainers follow the IIBA (The International Institute of Business Analysis), PMI (Project Management Institute), Scrum Alliance and ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) course structure to gear you up for your career in the IT Industry as a BA, PM, QA, DA or Product manager. No IT background required. We offer FREE classroom and real-time online training in: • Business Analysis • Project Management • Quality Assurance • Data Analysis We also offer training for certifications in: CSM • CSPO • PMP • ITIL Combo deals are available for these certification training classes / workshops. We welcome all immigration statuses: F1 (CPT/OPT) / H4/ H1B /Green Card/ US Citizen/Green Card/ L2

Please call Sapna Marwha (855) 522-6827 Ext. 101 or email sapna@canvasinfotech.com for our combo deals for these certification classes/workshops. Classes starting every month!! Earn valuable PDUs for maintaining your PMP and other hard earned certifications.

AD PROOF

Contact: PUSHPA UNNI Client: CANVAS INFOTECH Fax: PDF hr@canvasinfotech.com Please indicate any changes or corrections needed on this proof, and e-mail/fax it back to us. India Currents Fax: (408) 324-0477 Initials

Date

Ad is Correct Needs Changes DEREK NUNES 1885 Lundy Ave., Suite 220 San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 324-0488 / (714) 523-8788 FAX: (408) 324-0477 24 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


youth

Why Is That White Girl Wearing a Bindi? By Maya Murthy

T

here’s a picture of me at my kindergarten graduation—I’m all of six years old, wearing white shorts, school t-shirt, and white graduation cap set precariously on top of my hair. I’m also wearing a half set of blue bangles on each wrist, and a bindi on my forehead. That was the last time I wore a bindi with a t-shirt and shorts. The bindi had little meaning for me at the time beyond adding formality to an important occasion, and it was the last time I treated my heritage as a natural extension of my public persona. I can’t do that anymore, because wearing a bindi with my name and skin tone sends a message to people I can’t afford to project. Wearing a bindi tells people that I’m an immigrant, that I can’t assimilate,

especially of oppressed people’s cultural eldelegitimizes their value, turns them into ements by members of a dominant culture. nothing more precious than costume jewIn the case of the bindi, cultural apelry—something beautiful to adorn a body propriation is when a white girl (my stand for a little while, before being thrown in for all non-Indians) wears a bindi at a away. music festival, someone who wasn’t inOne of the most common refrains in vited to wear a bindi in the proper context a conversation about appropriation is the but instead uses it as a fashion statement. idea that a culture is not a costume, and As an isolated situation, this doesn’t part of that argument is the idea that much sound particularly probSelena Gomez wearing a bindi and performing “Come and lematic. Sure, Get It” at the MTV movie awards 2013 it might be a little disquieting, especially for people who see the bindi in its original religious context,

Aishwarya Rai in the movie Devdas

and that I’m religious. The bindi is a visible symbol that I’m not American. Of course, all of this only applies because I’m Indian. If I were anything else, the bindi would be nothing more than a fashion statement—a quirky sign of my worldliness for all of my Instagram followers to see. “Cultural Appropriation” is defined as the adoption of elements of one culture by members of a different cultural group;

but the vast majority of Indians use it for decoration anyway, right? Right. But while cultural appropriation seems harmless, in reality it reinforces the idea that there are bits and pieces of one’s ethnic identity that can be taken without permission, that can be hacked away and repurposed for the sake of the white experience. Taking pieces rather than the whole out of their proper context

of cultural appropriation hinges on the idea that the dominant culture is capable of viewing everyone else as nothing more complicated than a caricature, a costume to be purchased and donned and taken off at leisure. There are white people who insist that they have done their homework—that they’ve read up on the subject, understand the bindi’s place in cultural history. They say that for them, the bindi is an affirmation of their spirituality and identity, just as it is for other South Asians. For them, the issue becomes a little more complex, because now we have to take into account the existence of the imperfect world we live in. I’m not a scholar, but I think that white people, regardless of their spiritual outlook, should not be wearing bindis. And the reason is really, really simple:

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 25


... in reality it [non-Indians wearing the bindi] reinforces the idea that there are bits and pieces of one’s ethnic identity that can be taken without permission, that can be hacked away and repurposed for the sake of the white experience. because I cannot. The issue of cultural appropriation isn’t completely about the act, as much as it is with the society it takes place in. In a perfect world, both I and the white girl would be free to wear our bindis with the same lack of judgment from outside parties. We would both understand the history of the bindi, the significance behind wearing one, and if we eventually chose to place a dot in between our brows, we would both be treated as the equal citizens we are. This is not the case, and so cultural appropriation becomes another destructive example of privilege. Kylie Jenner is lauded on the internet for her new “edgy” dreadlocks, but Zendaya is mocked by the Fashion Police for hers. Kourtney Kardashian wears a burka for Instagram, but Muslim schoolchildren in France are barred from wearing the hijab in class. Selena Gomez wears a bindi on stage, but I am forced to carefully wipe off the kumkum on my forehead on the way to school after morning prayers, because when I forget I am asked if I have a disease. When we wear symbols of our heritage, it is always seen as proof of our “otherness,” a sign of our status as second class citizens who are simply unable to conform to the American Ideal. It’s seen as a reason to discount our value, a reason to believe that we can’t be as normal as our peers. Every piece is forced to represent more than what it is or might be—what we deem as fashionable or cultural pride is weaponized against us through the prejudice of the dominant culture. And yet when that dominant culture does the same: peels the bindi off our foreheads and places it on theirs, the bindi automatically becomes stripped of the layers of intolerance. The bindi is content to exist on white skin as an example of everything we might have wanted it to represent on ours. Perhaps I’m being petty, but it hurts

a little to see a white girl defending herchoice to wear a bindi as an example of her freedom of expression, when I watch Indian girls brave enough to wear one in class called backward, and assumed to be people of far less worth than they are. Cultural appropriation is often seen as the quintessential molehill made into a mountain—something small that doesn’t seem to do much harm, at least in comparison to other more visible forms of racism. But racism isn’t just defined by acts of violence. It’s a mindset we indoctrinate, low doses of poison that slowly seep into our veins without us realizing. Big blaring issues are easily recognizable, and we hope eventually can be defeated. Mindsets, on the other hand are harder. Stating that issues like cultural appropriation don’t matter in the larger scheme of things allows the attitudes that breed racism to fester and grow. It cements the idea that culture is something that can be taken rather than given, an us versus them mentality that differentiates between ethnicities. I am not allowed to appreciate my culture unless I don’t belong to it. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t carefully remove all aspects of my heritage, wouldn’t divorce myself from my culture in a myriad of ways in order to keep my place in society. I wouldn’t deliberately mispronounce Indian names, wouldn’t bite my tongue at the demolition of my religion at the hands of textbooks, wouldn’t remove my bindi in the mornings. In a perfect world, I would be allowed to be as Indian as I wanted. And in a perfect world, everyone else might be too. n Maya Murthy is a senior at Monta Vista high school in Cupertino California, where she writes for her school newspaper and literary magazine. In her admittedly limited spare time, she sings Carnatic music and sometimes can be found walking the family dog. She interned at India Currents over the summer.

26 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

India Currents is now available on the Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/IndiaCurrents/dp/B005LRAXNG Follow us at twitter.com/indiacurrents on facebook.com/IndiaCurrents Most Popular Articles Online August 2015 1) The Order of Things Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan 2)The Stories We Tell Anita Felicelli 3) The Churidar Gets a Nod Kalpana Mohan 4) India, Poverty, and The Economist Atanu Dey 5) Will the Real Bobby Jindal Please Stand Up? Sarita Sarvate 6) To Kill a Finch Jaya Padmanabhan 7) The Dark Reality of Madhur Bhandarkar Suchi Sargam 8) Why Nothing is My Favorite Meal of the Day Nihaal Karnik, Romesh Sinha 9) The Gay Kiss of Death Sandip Roy 10) Hibiscus Gauri Sirur Online Extras: • Easy access to our current content and decade-old archives of diverse articles • Special web-only articles and videos • Digital issue of the magazine • Interactive event listings • Advertising access to a niche high-value segment of the community • Comments highlighted on home page • A full color experience • RSS feeds and newsletter subscriptions


beauty . jewelry . fabrics

OW R B E Y E DING A E R H T $ 00

5

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 27


relationship diva

Five Questions to Ask On a First Date By Jasbina Ahluwalia

Q

I don’t have a lot of dating experience, and find it difficult to keep the conversation flowing on first dates. Any suggestions?

A

You aren’t alone—keeping first date conversation flowing can be difficult for many. Here are five questions to ask your date in order to keep the conversation flowing. What’s Your Favorite Thing About Yourself? It can be difficult for many people to talk about themselves, especially in a positive light. This question not only causes your date to think about their good qualities, but it will also show them that you want to learn more about them. The answer can also tell you a lot about your date’s character and what they value in life, as well as give you ideas for what you should talk about.

What Motivates You in Life? Motivation is a key factor that keeps us all going. Understanding what lies behind what an individual does can reveal information regarding what is important to them and what they hope to accomplish in the future. The answer to this question can reveal details without making the other person feel scrutinized. What’s Your Favorite Place? This question has no wrong answer and allows your date to share a special place. It could be a favorite vacation place or someplace important because of a past experience. Most people are eager to talk about where they love to spend time. What Do You Do for Fun? If your first date is going well, you will need to come up with some great ideas for your next date. Asking this question can spark new ideas and help you plan for

Design Impact

L

earning about the other person is one of the most important aspects of a first date. Asking these questions can help you achieve that goal. n Jasbina is the founder and president of Intersections Match, the only personalized matchmaking and dating coaching firm serving singles of South Asian descent in the United States. She is also the host of Intersections Talk Radio. Jasbina@intersectionsmatch. com.

ADVANCED

H A I R R E M O VA L

We Are Specialists In Laser Hair Removal For South Asian Patients

Contact: Asmita Deshpande

(408) 568-6947

asmita_email@yahoo.com

Your Ad Here in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

$

What Do You Hate About Dating? It may seem silly to ask someone why he or she hates dating, but the truth is that most people dislike at least one part of the process. Understanding what drives the other person crazy about dating can help you avoid it and increase your chances of success.

Do you want to be free LASER of unwanted hair?

Window Covering & Interior Decorating Service

• Blinds • Shades • Shutters • Curtains • Drapes • Valances Decorate a room from paint, furniture, accessories, lighting to window coverings.

the future.

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com 28 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

An Enhanced You Cosmetic Surgery Medical Group and the Lowen Laser Medical Clinic We have been providing safe and effective permanent laser hair removal for patients of all skin types, including South Asian patients, for over ten years. We have three state of the art devices, the Candela CentleYAG, GentleLase, and the intense-pulsed light Palomar Starlux Y. All skin types can be treated, and large areas quickly done. Candela has dynamic cryogen cooling and Starlux has sapphire glass cooling, both designed to enhance safety and comfort. Come to a Center that has truly comprehensive hair removal capabilities for all body areas. We also offer the first and only laser that is FDA approved for stretch mark removal, the Palomar Lux 1540 erbium, 1064 YAG Laser Spider Vein Treatment; Lux IR Non-Surgical Laser Skin-Tightening, IPL Photofacial, Laser Skin Rejuvenation for wrinkles and acne and scar correction, Botox, Dysport, Obagi, Restylane & Radiesse. Eyelid wrinkle removal with minimal down time with Cynosure Smartskin Microblative Laser. In practice for over 25 years. CELLULAZE ANTI-CELLULITE TREATMENT • SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX LASER LIPOSUCTION IN-OFFICE • LOCAL ANESTHESIA • QUICK RECOVERY • AFFORDABLE

Robert M. Lowen, MD Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Mon-Fri

(800) 888-7474 • (650) 965-7888

www.enhanced-you.com • info@enhanced-you.com 305 South Drive, Suite 1, Mountain View


beauty . jewelry . fabrics

* Facial * Threading * Waxing * Henna * Haircut * Color * Perm * Blowdry * Highlights

Beauty Salon

Serving Bay Area for 36 Years

* Japanese Hair Straightening * Brazilian Straightening * Henna Tattoo Open Everyday We have no branches

408-738-4260

834 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

E Threading

Are you suffering from Hair Loss, Balding, Dandruff

and other hair related problems? Would you like to treat this problem? We have over 20 years of experience in overcoming hair problems. Treatment is based on Ayurveda (the ancient science of herbal remedies)

We are looking for young and experienced threading experts in the Silicon Valley. Must have minimum 1 year of experience. Part time or Full time job available.

HAIR & SKIN REJUVENATION THERAPY FOR * Hair Loss * Patchy Baldness * Thinning * Balding

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

USA UK MALAYSIA

* On center scalp treatment for hair loss and scalp disorders

562-924-5425

17607 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia CA 90701

www.neetasherbalusa.com

Ela Muni Naturopathy Doctor (ND)

Open Tue to Sat: 10:00am- 7:00pm Sun: 11:30am to 6:00pm Mon: Closed

* Acne Herbal * Facials Black * Henna Herbal Base colorant

* Brown Henna * Natural Henna * Pigmentation * Wrinkles

Threading

Facial  Waxing

NEETA'S HERBAL Call Ela Muni For

FREE Consultation

$8.00 $40.00 $65.00

Hiring Threading experts!!

Henna $25 & up Hot oil $25 & up  Bridal hair, Makeup henna $150 & up 

Please bring this coupon.

(650) 572 1234 Sindi

or apply online www.Ethreading.com/jobs.php 357 Castro St, Mtn View, CA

Creations By Sam Photography, Videography & DVD Productions

FOR ALL OCCASIONS We use high quality HD Cameras to produce:

Blue-Ray Disc & High Definition DVD

Sameer Yagnik

(408) 605-1817 (408) 972-2056

INDIA CURRENTS

www.creationsbysam.com

www.indiacurrents.com

Email: sayagnik@yahoo.com

Celebrating 27 Years of Excellence

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 29


books

The Last Laugh By Jeanne E. Fredriksen YES, MY ACCENT IS REAL: AND SOME OTHER THINGS I HAVEN’T TOLD YOU by Kunal Nayyar. Atria Books, An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.: New York. September 2015. Available as hard cover, e-book, unabridged audio download,and unabridged CD.

R

ussell Peters, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari. They are comedians and comedic actors of Indian background who have written books. Now, it’s Kunal Nayyar’s turn. The actor who plays astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali on the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory freely and openly takes the reader on a ride— bumps and all—in his collection of over 30 personal essays titled Yes, My Accent Is Real: And Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You. From his childhood in New Delhi (but he’ll point out that he was “Made in England”) to his college days at the University of Portland to marrying his wife Neha Kapur (Miss India 2006, “My Big Fat Indian Wedding”), Nayyar neither uses the book to promote himself as a Hollywood fixture nor sets himself up on a pedestal. Rather, he reveals a man who stumbled now and then, felt the full spectrum of emotions, and carried on like any other person whose sights are set on getting it right no matter the chosen profession. What stands out above all in this collection of hilarious essays, cocktail napkin wisdoms (“Thoughts Recorded on an Aeroplane Napkin,” “More Thoughts ...,” “Still More Thoughts ...”) and caringlycrafted lists (“My A-to-Z Guide to Getting Nookie in New Delhi During High School,” “Kunal’s Twelve Quick Thoughts on Dating,” “Thirteen Things I’ve Learned from Playing an Astrophysicist on TV”), and brief musings (“Why Being Indian Is Cool,” “The Art of the Head Bobble”), is the joy that permeates his life His recounting exudes happiness through a wry sense of self as he looks back at his trials, shyness, triumphs, friends,

creative endeavors. Along his journey as a business major, he decides to check out the university’s Theater Department because that’s where the pretty girls are (“Judgment Day in Boise”); discovers a love for the stage and is compelled to confess to his parents that he wants to be an actor (“How I Knew”); finds his footing when it seems he no longer has a sidekick/support system (“Diaby and Me”); and learns that love at first sight can truly happen (“And Then I Fell in Love”). This candid glimpse into the actor behind one of the most beloved sitcom misfits is both refreshing and inspiring. The majority of the offerings find Nayyar musing about the morals of each as if casually offering advice that he, himself, may have had to learn the hard way. Wise words also are discussed in “Dinners with Dad” where he learned at his father’s table the important concepts of “Treat a king and a beggar the same,” “Stand up when it counts,” “Disarm with a smile,” and “Use a spreadsheet.” Relationships loom large in his life, and there is a sparkle that comes from a restrained amount of manly conquest talk versus a large helping of honest analysis of his failure, near-miss, and success regarding some of them (“The Forbidden Kiss,” “The Girl I Went to Mass For,” “Lollipops and Crisps”). In “Everything I Know About Kissing I learned from Winnie Cooper” Nayyar swings from an inaugural kiss at the age of twelve from the first love of his life (his cousin’s friend) to the third season of Big Bang when a script called for him to kiss the other first love of his life: guest star Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper on the TV show The Wonders Years. Nayyar also explores with open eyes his initial loneliness, being different, not knowing how to handle certain situations at college (after all, his exposure to American college life came from watching the film American Pie). He struggles with not being

30 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

cast in roles he coveted juxtaposed with the slow realization that it wasn’t drama but comedy at which he excelled. Later, he realizes that all of his adventures and misadventures along the way had prepared him to be cast as Raj in 2007. With that in mind, this collection gives hope to those whose social unease has held them back; bolsters those who find themselves in a sea of confusion regarding place and time; and offers encouragement from someone whose every dumb act, silly assumption, creative inventiveness, and eventual take-charge attitude has led him to the totally fulfilling life he leads today. Whether your weekly TV viewing schedule regularly includes The Big Bang Theory (I’m surprised he didn’t title “Holiday Traditions Part 3: Holi” as “The Big Bhang Theory”) or it doesn’t, this entertaining trip into the life of Kunal Nayyar is an upbeat and worthwhile read. Charming, introspective discourse and self-deprecating humor run hand-in-hand, allowing the reader to feel that the last chapter, titled “Goodbye,” is truly as his father explained to him: just an opportunity for hello. n Jeanne E. Fredriksen lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where she is the managing editor of a monthly newspaper and is a Books for Youth reviewer for Booklist magazine, a publication of the American Library Association. Between assignments, she writes fiction, hunts for the perfect Bloody Mary, and heads to the beach as often as she can.


Elegant Drapery Concepts

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488 INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

* Specializing in custom draperies to match your home decor * Save up to 40-60% by ordering direct from the manufacturer.

* Choose from a wide selection of luxurious sheers, prints, and solid fabrics.

* Also featuring a large selection of blinds, shades, bedspreads and custom upholstery.

Call for a Free in home consultation

Toll free

(866) 415-1100 (510) 206-6478

t n a W ou y Y a o s s D E ege l l o C Your Os? R P y b d e t i Ed

info@elegantdraperyconcepts.com www.elegantdraperyconcepts.com

Our clients have been accepted at * Harvard * Yale * Stanford * Rice * Wesleyan * NYU * MIT * Brown * Cal Tech * U Chicago * UC Berkeley * UCLA and more... For details write to essays@indiacurrents.com September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 31


ask a lawyer

Will I Face Immigration Issues Since I Was Charged With Felony Theft? By Indu Liladhar-Hathi

Q

I am currently in California on an H-1B status and plan to get married to a US citizen. However, I was recently charged with felony theft and am afraid that if I am convicted, I will not be able to adjust my status.

A

In November 2014, California voters passed the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, also called “Proposition 47.� Prop 47 changes California Law so that some low-level, non-violent offenses will be punishable as misdemeanors instead of felonies. These offenses include crimes like theft, shoplifting, receipt of stolen property, passing bad checks, and forgery, as long as the amount is $950 or less. By changing some felonies to misdemeanors and reducing the penalties for these crimes, Prop 47 will help people with immigration problems. This particular provision should allow you to adjust

your status, assuming that the amount involved is $950 or less. Please check with your legal representative to see whether Prop 47 can assist you. It should also be noted that people can get help with past convictions. A qualifying prior felony conviction can be re-designated as a misdemeanor. Also, individuals who still are serving in jail may be able to get their sentence reduced and be released early under Prop 47. For more information, go to www.myprop47.org.

Q

Effective June 24th, 2015, the USCIS designated Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months based on the conditions resulting from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th, 2015. What does this mean?

A

32 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

It means that eligible nationals of Nepal residing in the United States

may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The TPS designation for Nepal will be in effect through December 24th, 2016. The designation means that, during the designated period, eligible nationals of Nepal (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) will not be removed from the United States and may receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The 180-day TPS registration period begins June 24th, 2015 and runs through December 21st, 2015. The eligibility requirements are fully described on the TPS webpage at www. uscis.gov/tps. n

Immigration and business attorney Indu Liladhar-Hathi has an office in San Jose.(408) 453-5335


legal visa dates Important Note: U.S. travelers seeking visas to India will now need to obtain them through Cox & Kings Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Call 1-866-978-0055, email enquiriesusa@ckgs.com or visit www.in.ckgs.us for more information.

September 2015

T

his column carries priority dates and other transitional information as taken from the U.S. State Department’s Visa Bulletin. The information below is from the Visa Bulletin for September 2015.

In the tables below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed. “Current” means that numbers are available for all qualified applicants. FAMILY PREFERENCE VISA DATES Preference Dates for India 1st Dec 15, 2007 2A Mar 1, 2014 2B Dec 22, 2008 3rd May 08, 2004 4th Jan 15, 2003 NOTE: F2A numbers subject to percountry limit are available to applicants beginning with priority dates beginning February 01, 2014 and earlier than March 01, 2014. EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA DATES

Your Ad Here in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

$

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

UMA SUBRAMANIAN, J.D. Attorney-at-Law • Family Law-Divorce/Custody/Support/ Restraining Orders • Criminal Defense • Immigration • Auto Accidents/Personal Injury • Evictions

(925) 935-1976 Fax (925) 935-1077 1855 Olympic Boulevard, Suite 210 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

INDU LILADHAR-HATHI ATTORNEY AT LAW Experienced Attorney

Immigration Law (including but not limited to)

• Family Visas • Business Visas—L-1, H-1B • Labor Certification • Employment Visas • Citizenship

(408) 453-5335

Fax: 408-453-5334

1754 Technology Drive, Suite 143. San Jose, CA 95110

Verma LAW FIRM Arjun Verma, Attorney at Law (408) 436-1010

Preference Dates for India 1st Current 2nd Jan 01, 2006 3rd Dec 22, 2004 Other Dec 22, 2004 Workers 4th Current Certain Current Religious Workers 5th Current Targeted Employment Areas The Department of State has a recorded message with visa availability information at (202)485-7699, which is updated in the middle of each month. Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/ english/law -and-policy/bulletin/2015/visabulletin-for-september-2015.html

Email: info@vermafirm.com

www.vermafirm.com September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 33


investment

Real Estate Investment Made Easier in India By V. Nagarajan

A

n estimated 30 million NRIs living in 160 countries are looking at India for real estate investment opportunities. India has been consistently rising in terms of the quantum of expatriate US dollar remittance for years now from $55.6 billion in 2010-11, $66.1 billion in 2011-12, $67.6 billion in 2012-13 to $ 70.68 last year. The Indian government recently approved a proposal allowing investments made by NRIs to be deemed as domestic investment on par with resident investments. Thus NRI investment norms have been considerably eased. We use the term NRI here to include OCI cardholders as well as PIO cardholders. Due to the cascading impact of recession over the years, property prices have plateaued and are now stagnant in most cities in India. Home loan lending rates have been reduced with special rates for women home buyers. Above all, there is no differential pricing for projects whether sold in India or abroad. A number of developers are undertaking luxury apartment projects and ultra luxury villa projects for globe-trotting Indians accustomed to enjoying the luxuries of life abroad. Such niche homes are marketed through exclusive road shows abroad. For the average NRI looking to invest in apartments or row houses, the timing is appropriate as pre-launch offers are made by several property developers to minimize working capital needs. An NRI investor can look for a return of 20-25 per cent on his investment while investing in such projects which takes at least 18-24 months for implementation. For medium term investors investing in plotted development projects will get a compound growth rate of 25-30 per cent per year. For those NRIs holding land parcels or inherited properties in cities, joint venture agreements with leading developers would enable them to convert their land into

Chaithanya Villa

productive and income generating assets. For those investors looking to invest in leased commercial property, availability of commercial property investment options is limited, particularly of smaller units and the investment cap for commercial properties varies from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore ($770,000 to $1.5 million). The yield varies from 9 to 11 per cent depending on the building, developer, tenant, location, specification and amenities offered in the project.

Investment Norms Eased

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has considerably eased investment norms for NRIs/PIOs in real estate. They can buy, sell, gift and inherit immovable property. The prohibited categories of properties include agricultural land, plantation property and farmhouse. In the event of sale of immovable property, the authorised dealer may allow repatriation of sale proceeds upto two residential units. An NRI/PIO may remit an amount, not exceeding $1 million per financial year out of the balances held in NRO accounts. However, the repatriation is subject to production of documentary evidence in support of acquisition, inheritance or legacy of assets and payment of applicable taxes in India. In a further move to ease norms, the RBI has also clarified that income and sale

34 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

proceeds of assets held abroad by NRIs need not be repatriated to India and can be retained and invested outside India. On the taxation front, wealth-tax has been abolished. On capital gains received while selling immovable property, the cost inflation index will enable NRIs to minimize tax liability. For instance, if an NRI sells a plot of land bought at Rs 1 million in the year 1978 for Rs 4 million in 2012-13, the resulting capital gain is Rs 3 million liable for tax. The indexed cost price would be Rs 8.5 million leading to complete exemption from tax.

Ground Realities

NRI investors are advised to follow ground realities while investing in real estate. Property management companies have entered metros to provide NRI services. Even leading developers extend similar services as they are keen to tap the vast Indian diaspora market. Verification of title deeds, revenue documents, encumbrance certificate for a minimum period of 30 years, planning permission and proof of documents to get basic amenities would minimize hassles. n V. Nagarajan is a property consultant and columnist on real estate investment, and represents a PE fund in India. He can be reached at +919176627139 or by email: nagarajan53@gmail.com.


legal

LAW OFFICE OF

KARIM S. MANJI A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION CORPORA

Business Law  Personal Injury  Estate Planning 

Call for a free consultation

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

(408) 286-8484

Contact (408) 286-8484 contact@lawksm.com 1625 The Alameda Suite 800 San Jose CA 95126

lawksm.com

Smoothimmigration.com

RAJI RAJAN Attorney-at-Law

ALL SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

* DIVORCE, SUPPORT * TRUSTS, WILLS, PROBATE * MEDIATION * NAME CHANGE, ADOPTION

IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION

• We are immigration consultants bonded with the California Secretary of State. • WE ASSIST YOU IN PREPARATION OF FOLLOWING PETITIONS:

• H1B, H4, and other temporary

work visas • L1A/ L1B (intra company transfers And including all related corporate Matters in us & india) • Employment Based Green Cards - PERM/ Eb1/ Eb2/ EB3/ NIW

DIVISION OF BHATIA & CO, INC. BUSINESS & IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS

Santa Clara Office: 5201 Great America Pkwy., Ste 256, Santa Clara, CA 95054

(408) 845-9411

smoothimmigration.com

• Relative & Fiancée Petitions • Family-based GCs • Adjustment of status and B-1/2

extension Team of highly qualified professionals in US & India (We are not attorneys in the US) Tax & Accounting Audit & review services Incorporation & business consult. Nonprofit organizations International taxation – acct/ legal

Pleasanton Office:

Office in India :

5776 Stonebridge Mall Rd, Ste 285, Pleasanton, CA 94588

(925) 260-1245

408.845.9411

1/5 West Patel Nagar, Main Rd, New Delhi-110008.

Tel : (91-11) 4508 4477

immigration@bhatiaco.com

(408) 730-9492 - Sunnyvale 355 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Your Ad Here in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

$

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 35


legal

ADVERTISE IN

INDIA CURRENTS

JESSIE TAX SERVICES Specializing in: • Computerized Tax Return Preparation • Individual, Family & Small Businesses • Partnership & Corporation • Bookkeeping, Payroll & Sales Tax • Audit Representation to IRS, Franchise Tax Board, EDD & Sales Tax

Celebrating 27 Years of Excellence

IT WORKS! “Thanks in large part to your service, I have a large Indian clientele. Appreciate the service you have performed for my practice. - Bill Gray, MD “We would like to thank India Currents for the wonderful opportunity it has offered ‘Most Unique Parties & Ponies’ to meet and entertain the fun and friendly Indian families of the Bay Area.” - Mike & Sari Most Unique Parties & Ponies “ The ad looks superb. I also received a box of India Currents which flew faster than the hot samosas last weekend.” - N. Muralikrishnan Music Class on Demand “ You posted a full page ad for my show Eastern Structures Western Sounds. It was a great success and I want to thank you very much” - Saku Rodrigo Om Linga Perf. Arts

OUR GOALS:

JASWANT S. JESSIE Enrolled Agent (EA), NTPI Fellow

• Phone (408) 736-2451 • Fax (408) 736-8626 Email: jessie@jessietax.com 1491 S. Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 By Appointment Only

www.jessietax.com

Roy Legal Group Medical Malpractice Specialist

Winner of many high profile settlements

Established law practice since 1997 in the Los Angeles area and now serving the San Francisco Bay Area. 2000 Wyatt Dr., Ste. #15, Santa Clara, CA 95054

(408) 970-9100 • (408) 933-9986 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION www.baylegals.com • info@baylegals.com

Raj D. Roy CALL:

(408) 324-0488 | (714) 523-8788 Fax: (408) 324-0477 Email: ads@indiacurrents.com www.indiacurrents.com Write: 1885 Lundy Ave., Ste 220 San Jose, CA 95131 Deadline: 20th of every month 36 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

Attorney at Law

Living Trusts and Estates Planning, setup and maintenance of trusts, trustee/administrator issues, litigation of estates, foreclosure prevention, etc.

Medical Malpractice Careless treatment and undisclosed side effects. Real Estate: Homes, Motels and Apartments Winner of many high profile settlements. Sales, mortgages, insurance claims, motel and Personal Injury Accidents, slip and fall, work related injuries, product liability issues

apartment injuries, discrimination, eviction, etc. Business & Corporate Issues Intellectual Property issues, contracts, leases, asset protection, business litigation

Labor & Immigration Law Work Permit & Immigration Status Change, Family Law EB-5 Visa for immigrant investors, Divorce, child and spousal support, legal and Labor Code violations, wage and physical custody, visitation, restraining orders, hour issues, discrimination, sexual harassment, domestic violence, asset and liability wrongful termination, and overtime claims We also speak Spanish, Hindi, Bengali & Tamil


HABBU & PARK (A LAW CORPORATION) Attorneys: Hemant R. Habbu & Jeff Park • IMMIGRATION - Family & Business (H1B, L1, E, etc.), Employment Labor Certification & Green Cards, Artists Visas (O,P), Naturalization/Citizenship OCI (Overseas Citizen of India Applications) • CORPORATE & BUSINESS LAWS - Incorporations, Strategic Partnerships, Stock Option Plans, Funding, etc. • INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS - Contracts, Customs, Trade, Investment, etc. • EMPLOYMENT LAW - Overtime, Wages, Contracts, Wrongful Termination, etc. • SERVICES - Transactions, Negotiation, Litigation, Mediator

www. narika.org

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

We speak English, French, Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati & Spanish

Market St., Ste. 530, San Jose, California 95113 (408) 993-9577 95 SouthAffiliated www.habbupark.com Offices in Mumbai & New Delhi

Is Your Family Or Loved One Hurting You?

Narika Helpline 1 (800) 215-7308

Services Include:

Counseling/Therapy, Accompaniments, Legal References, Translation, Health & Wellness, Support Groups

Email: helpline@narika.org

All Services Are Free And Confidential September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 37


tax talk

Being Prepared for Calamity By Rita Bhayani

Important Tax Date Third-quarter individual estimated tax payments are due by September 15.

Weather Disasters

B

eing prepared for the worst is always a good idea. Your plan shouldn’t only include bottled water, batteries and candles—but also your financial and family documents. While putting together your emergency kit, don’t neglect your financial kit. Store copies of important documents either in a safety deposit box at the bank or in a weather-proof box at home. Another option would be to put PDF copies on a password-protected USB drive or in cloud storage. Have accessible copies of insurance documents and contacts, as well as other financial documents, including bank statements, credit card bills, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates), photocopies of credit and identification cards (e.g., passports, driver’s licenses), all tax records and any supporting documents. Take inventory of your home (and business) by photographing all of the items inside and out. At the very least, you should do this on an annual basis, but more often is ideal. When taking inventory, also make it a habit to back up your computer, especially if you store important documents and pictures on it.

Dealing With the Aftereffects A casualty loss from a weather-related event is defined as damage, destruction or loss of property. To claim this loss on your tax return, you need to know the value of what was lost. Generally, this is the fair market value. You also need to know the change in value of the property from before the damage occurred to after it occurred. If the decline in value is less than

your cost, then the smaller amount is used for calculating the deductible loss. This amount is decreased by any insurance or other reimbursement you receive on the property. Sometimes reimbursements can actually lead to a gain from the casualty instead of a loss, in which case different rules may apply that limit or defer reporting gain to the IRS. The loss after insurance reimbursement is reduced by $100 and reported on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. The aggregate total of all casualty losses will be reduced by 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. n

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Tax Professionals. Rita Bhayani is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant practicing at Pleasanton, CA and she protects the clients from the IRS. She provides tax planning, accounting, payroll and outsourced CFO services too. For more information log on to www.ritacpa.net. Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Quote Corner

Did You Know? Nine out of ten lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.

38 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” ~Mark Twain


tax . accounting

SANJIV GUPTA , CPA www.sanjivcpa.com • • • •

WE SPEAK TAX

ENROLLED AGENT

Chandrakant S. Chudgar B.A., LL.B., E.A. - TAX consultant

IRS AUDIT REPRESENTATION

CPA Services Offered:

Income Tax Service, Bookkeeping,

Write up Services, Payroll & Compilation Services. Individual, Corporate, Partnership, LLC & Non-Profits Tax Returns. Estate Planning, Trust & Estate Tax preparation. Tax Planning & Tax Problem resolution

SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE BUSINESS CONSULTING Business Planning

• • •

• • • •

Determining Financial needs or Loan Applications Improving Internal Cash Flows SBA Loans & other Government Financing Asset Based Financing & Lease/Buy Analysis

Microcomputer Services Software selection and Acquisition • QuickBooks Professional Advisor Program and Installation Other Services • Acquisition/Sale of Business Analysis Sales Use Tax, Personal Property Tax ,& Payroll Tax Returns Peachtree, MYOB,Great Plains & Solomon Installation

Contact:

Payroll, Sales Tax...more since 1990

Tel: (510) 744-0753 Fax: (510) 744-0754 www.Kenttax.net

Executive II 2140 Peralta Blvd., Suite 113, Fremont, CA 94536

SUGU ARIA C.P.A., M.B.A., F.C.A.

GLOBAL INCOME TAXATION

EXECUTIVE 11 2140 Peralta Blvd., Ste 113. Fremont, CA 94536

Financing services

Start up Assistance & Cash Management Assessing Franchise Operations Business Plan Preparation

KENT TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES

countant

Certified Public Ac

Specializing in individuals, partnerships, corporations, start-ups, and small business

• ACCOUNTING AND TAXES

(510) 825-7563

• AUDITS & REVIEWS • BUSINESS PLANS

BHATIA & CO, Inc.

• INCORPORATIONS

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

• IRS AUDIT REPRESENTATION

ALL SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

Team of highly qualified professionals in US & India “ An experienced accountant and successful high tech entrepreneur ”

INTERNATIONAL TAX ISSUES

FBAR * OVDP * OVERSEAS INCOME / DEDUCTION * FOREIGN TAX CREDIT * OVERSEAS BRANCH/ SUBSIDIARY

TAX & ACCOUNTING

• Income Taxes - Indi idual & usiness • Audit representation IRS/ FTB, etc • Sales & Other Taxes • Payroll Processing & Taxes

&S

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

• Non-profit formation • Federal & State Tax Exemption INCORPORATION & BUSINESS CONSULTING

IMMIGRATION CONSULTING

SUGU ARIA C.P.A. A Professional Corp.

In ra ompany ransfers in luding all rela ed orpora e ma ers in US & India • e ension e • ela i e & ian e e i ions • a or er reen ard e i ions • mploymen & amily ased green ard We are not attorneys in the US

4100 Moorpark Ave. #100 San Jose, CA 95117

(408) 423-9600 www.suguariacpa.com

Fax: (408) 423-9800 • E-mail: sugu.atmt@sbcglobal.net

AUDIT & REVIEW

• udi ull ssuran e • e ie imi ed ssuran e • mployee enefi lan udi • ompila ion o es le el of ssuran e

• In orpora ion & o her orpora e ma ers • Incorporation of orpora ions C & S Corps. • Se up of LLC, LLP, ran h ffi e Sole roprie orship & ar nerships PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN INDIA • Dissolution of orpora ion & usiness ma ers • oun ing & o her ro ess u sour ing • usiness lanning & inan ial & rofi lanning • Indian oun ing Ta & orpora e a ers

NEERAJ BHATIA, CPA, CA

5201 Great America Pkwy., Suite 256, Santa Clara, CA 95054

PLEASANTON OFFICE: 5776 Stonebridge Mall Rd, Ste 285, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 260-1245

Office in India : 1/5 West Patel Nagar, Main Rd, New Delhi-110008. Tel : (91-11) 4508 4477

Info@bhatiaco.com

(408) 845-9411

www.bhatiaco.com

INDIA CURRENTS Celebrating 27 Years of Excellence

www.indiacurrents.com

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 39


MULTI-FINANCIAL SERVICES

HARSHAD SHAH • Income Tax Preparation • Year-round Bookkeeping • Buying & Selling Businesses & Homes • Setting Up Corporations

Business Service • Corporation Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Payroll Services • Sales & Use Tax Filing • Tax Planning for Small Businesses • Quickbooks Help & Support • New Business Set Up

(408) 238-1200 Fax (408) 238-1276 2690 S. White Road, Suite 245, San Jose, CA 95148

PARVEEN MAHESHWARI

Individual Services

CPA, MS (TAX)

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

• Individual Income Tax • Financial Planning • Foreign Account Reporting • IRS, FTB & BOE Representation

Tel: (650) 340-1400 Email: parveen@cpamax.com

www.cpamax.com Over 20 years of experience

CPA, CMA

Catering East Bay Cities Pleasanton, San Ramon, Dublin & Livermore

info@ritacpa.net • (925) 523-6662 • www.ritacpa.net 3983 Fairlands Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588

RAM Accountancy Services

Tax & Accounting Services Business Services

Rita Bhayani

Individual Services

Certified Public Accountant

851 Burlway Road, Suite 201 Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel:

* Corporation Tax * Individual Income Tax * Financial Planning * QuickBooks and IT Consulting

650.340.1400 www.cpamax.com

Your Ad Here

FREEAL

in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

We Serve Individuals & Small and Medium Companies

C INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 324-0488

$

INITI TION LTA ONSU

40 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

* Accounting * Bookkeeping * Payroll Tax * Sales Tax

WE HAVE MOVED

4040 Moorpark Ave., Suite 104 San Jose, CA 95117

SAT ISFA CTIO GUA N RAN TEE D!

Phone: 408-866-5860 Fax: 408-649-7501 info@ramaccountancy.com www.ramaccountancy.com


films

Lady and the Tramp By Aniruddh Chawda

BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN. Director: Kabir Khan. Players: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali Malhotra, Om Puri, Nawazudin Siddique, Sharat Saxena, Meher Vij. Music: Pritam. Hindi with Eng. Sub-tit. Theatrical release (Eros)

S

alman Khan made his mark first with spot-on drama (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun) and then with lucrative hyper-action entries (Kick, Bodyguard, Dabangg, Ready). Khan has thus far avoided roles with heavy political content, although his rogue Indian spy falling for a rogue Pakistani spy in Ek Tha Tiger pointed in that direction. With Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Khan leaps forward to having his own blockbuster movie with a decided political angle. Bhaijaan, a welldressed story about re-connecting with one’s roots through lost identities is a fine entertainer that resonates with a surprisingly sharp why-can’t-we-just-get-along pan-South Asian ring. The gifted Vijayendra Prasad has amazingly scripted not only the recent box office juggernaut Bahubali: The Beginning but also Khan’s huge hit Ek Tha Tiger. For an encore, Prasad now takes a much more restrained posture with Bajrangi. A young mute Pakistani girl (Malhotra) on a pilgrimage to a Muslim shrine in New Delhi becomes separated from her mother (Vij). Pawan Chaturvedi, AKA Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Salman Khan) rescues her from the streets and then reluctantly—passports and a heavily trip-wired border be damned— agrees to accompany her back to Pakistan relying on little more than determination and the sheer will of his devout Hindu convictions. Prasad’s story exploits stereotypes, tapping into the antiquated caste system to create pseudo-divisions in the rank. Bajrangi’s patron is Dayanand (Saxena), whose body-building school for men who, like the camp’s founder, are presumably all also (upper caste) Brahmin. Not knowing the background of the lost girl, now named Munni, Dayanand’s camp assumes that she must be Brahmin

because she is fair-skinned (sic). Bajrangi coming upon Munni praying in a mosque decides that her being Muslim must be kept from everyone except Dayanand’s daughter Rasika (Kapoor), a school teacher that Bajrangi takes a shine to. In a role first offered to Aamir Khan, who recommended Salman Khan instead, this Khan comes across as a subdued simpleton who, except for one unscheduled stop at a brothel, is a grounded, bumpkinish upcountry distant cousin of his actionhero usual self. For Salman Khan, this is a hugely refreshing twist. The counterpoint to Khan is not Kapoor’s level-headed Rasika. Instead it is Munni played by pint-sized newcomer Malhotra to precocious perfection. Malhotra aces projecting an air-tight sense of what it must feel like to be left behind; feeling abandoned and forced to navigate a new country, all without uttering a single word. At some point her fears become our collective fears. Bajrangi is at heart a road movie, since chunks of narrative are comprised of the trip that the vagabond and the shy girl with a 1,000-watt smile take from Delhi to Pakistan controlled Kashmir—by foot, truck, rickshaw, bicycle and train and at times even in drag. Boosted by Puri as a wise-owl teacher and village elder and Siddique as a Karachi TV paparazzi on the prowl for a juicy story—a profession he spins with seriocomic flair—much of the low-tier adventure is trying to stay one step ahead of Pakistani border guards and local cops. At press time, PK, Bahubali: The Be-

ginning and Bajrangi Bhaijaan—all released since Christmas 2014—have the 1-2-3 ranking for the all-time biggest box office movies from India. These numbers are adding up. Forbes magazine recently reported that by 2016, Indian movies will generate $4.5 billion in revenue (compared to about $10.5 billion for Hollywood) and that two of the top ten highest paid actors in the world are Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar who each took home about $30 million in 2014. These impressive numbers point to a bright future for India’s film industries. Released under Salman Khan’s own SKF banner, the producer and director enlisted a talented international crew to architect Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Filmed entirely in Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Kashmir, with some jaw-dropping mountain scenery captured by helicopter and drones, the filmmakers also rounded up 7,000 extras for one crucial border crossing scene. In musical accompaniment, Pritam’s score includes Atif Aslam’s lilting “Tu Chahiye” and Vishal Dadlani and Nakash Aziz’s catchy “Selfie Le Le” number have dominated the charts. Despite this sprawl, the lasting impressions from Bajrangi are those smaller, human moments from slices of everyday life. It is Bajrangi rescuing Munni from the clutches of human traffickers. It is Bajrangi amusingly surrounded by traditional body-building wrestlers in their male-cleavage plumage. It is also a helpless Munni—lost as ever—dutifully making time at a New Delhi mosque to pray and Munni innocently and fatefully stepping off of a train to rescue a lamb. Bajrangi is no ordinary lost-child story. There will not be a single dry eye within miles! n EQ: A

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 41


Lies Wide Shut DRISHYAM. Director: Nishikant Kamat. Players: Ajay Devgan, Shriya Saran, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jhadav, Rishabh Chaddha. Music: Vishal Bharadwaj. Hindi with Eng. sub-tit. Theatrical release (Viacom 18)

I

n a non-descript police station backroom, a policeman stands in front of a line of suspects. He orders one suspect to step forward. This is an everyday round-up. The policeman, we learn, is a brutal, badge-abusing bully and the suspect that steps forward is a terrified little schoolgirl about to be interrogated for a crime her family—who make up the rest of the lineup behind her—may or may not have committed. This tense scene, one of many that exemplify filmmaker Kamat and story-writer Jeethu Joseph’s taut family thriller Drishyam is a memorable stop in a not-to-be-missed movie. In a sleepy backwoods village, Vijay Salgaonkar (Devgan) idles away long hours operating his cable-TV store while his wife Nandini (Saran) spends time raising their two daughters at the family’s remote home. The Salgaonkar’s high school age daughter Anju (Dutta) returns from a school fieldtrip, soon followed by Sam (Chadda), a creepy classmate who secretly shot a compromising video of Anju and threatens Anju with blackmail. Confronted by Anju and Nandini in a violent outburst, Anju accidentally kills the blackmailer. Vijay returns home to learn of the horrific turn of events. Learning that Sam is the son of Inspector General Meena Deshmukh (Tabu), the area’s powerful police commander, and her businessman husband Mahesh (Kapoor) proves to be just the beginning of a quagmire the Salgaonkar’s have stepped into. As Sam’s missing person trail lands at the Salgonkar’s doorstep, a couple of realities begin to sink in. The family will have to act out an outwardly normal-appearing life. While doing so, they must also patch together the perfect alibi and live that lie. Compared to recent generic-sounding Hindi movie titles (Thank You, Happy New Year, Partner, Bang Bang or Ye Stupid Pyar), Drishyam is catchy. This Sanskrit word for the view, or more appropriately the point

42 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

of view, is exactly what the plot pivots on. The exploitation of a lie—excruciatingly scrutinized, minutely de-constructed, witnesses mobilized, alibis told and then re-visited—all boil down to the he-saidshe-said of entangled memories that don’t always overlap the truth. The big screen etymology of Drishyam owes a huge bow to Jeethu Joseph’s own 2013 Malayalam language entry by the same name. Joseph’s Drishyam cast the great Mohanlal in the lead role and the movie went on to become Malayalam cinema’s highest grossing movie to date. Followers were soon drawn to this powerful, mostly-original story. Samat’s Hindi remake has rolled to sizable box office and critical acclaim. As an actor, Devgan falls somewhere in the midst of great-actor to action starspectrum. From his debut in the actionpacked Phool Aur Kaante (1991) and later tough-guy roles in such entries as Omkara (2006), Once Upon A Time In Mumbai (2008) and Singham (2011) to his restrained everyman Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and especially Rituparno Ghosh’s Raincoat (2004) Devgan has time and again proven his adaptability to bankable niche roles. While both Devgan’s stoic-breadwinner and Tabu’s tough cops are impressive, however, the real scene-stealer here is Jhadav’s school girl Annu, the Salgaonkar’s younger daughter. Scared for her family’s safety and petrified of physical threats from the police, Annu cleverly conveys both fear and determination on the exact

same face. The fate of her family may well depend on how she reacts to police scare tactics. Joseph’s outline also taps socio-economic differences between the Salgaonkars and Inspector Meera’s family. Ajay is discredited repeatedly for his humble middle class background—his having a fourth grade education is mentioned numerously —and hence viewed as too dumb to have this seemingly iron-clad alibi. While so much of the eye witness account depends on the credibility of exactly what the bullycop Gaitonde (Sawant) saw on that fateful day, that account enticingly becomes suspect for a well-known previous grudge Gaitonde holds against Ajay. Even though Joseph admitted that the story indeed bears some resemblance to Japanese writer Keigo Higashino’s 2005 critically acclaimed bestseller The Devotion of Suspect X, there is enough material to substantiate a working original story for these movies. If one suspends the authoritarian strong-arm ethics or the legality of questioning an entire family as murder suspects while treating them as virtual prisoners or threatening them physically for not “cooperating” with the police or a police inspector with a missing son being allowed to officially investigate that disappearance herself, Drishyam makes terrific viewing. n EQ: A Globe trekker, aesthete, photographer, ski bum, film buff, and commentator, Aniruddh Chawda writes from Milwaukee.

LATA’S FLICK PICKS bali  Baahu ngi Bhaijaan ra  Baj li Leela  Ek Pahe i Adhuri Kahan i ar  Ham ada  Hawaiza


insurance

Auto . Home . Life Business. Work Comp

Bhandari Insurance Agency

Sunil Bhandari Lic #0I26445

Low Cost, Best Coverage, Excellent Service Serving Since 1994

Gurcharan Singh Mann

Bindu Bhandari

(408) 449-4818

Lic # 0B30653

 AUTO  HOME  COMMERCIAL  WORKERS COMPENSATION  RENTERS  UMBRELLA  HEALTH  LIFE  MANY MORE PRODUCTS

License # 0C70672

Do You Drive with Uber - Curb – Lyft - SideCar

Need Insurance?

We have Special Coverage for You!! Call: 510-797-7989

2695 Moorpark Ave Ste 107, San Jose, CA 95128 | Email: bbhandari@farmersagent.com

Duabba Insurance Agency

2450 Peralta Blvd Suite 203 Fremont CA 94536

AMAR SEHGAL,

LUTCF

Insurance Specialist, Lic. #OB62962 Since 1989, we pride ourselves in serving the community with all your insurance needs  Auto  Motorcycle  Life  Business  Home  Homeowners  Umbrella  Boat Vrinder Makol, Agent  Recreational vehicle  Pet License # 0773434

 Worker's Compensation  Landlord and Renters  Flood Insurance, etc.

With more than 25 years of insurance experience, we are committed to providing excellent customer service that exceeds our customer's expectations. We provide special discount to certain profession's like engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, law enforcement etc.

We Speak English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi

Cell: 510-673-7469 | Office: 510-687-9100 | fax: 510-687-9191 | Email: makolvk@gmail.com

46560 Fremont Blvd. Unit # 204, Fremont, CA 94538

Most Competitive Rates & Friendly Service Open Monday thru Saturday 915 Meridian Ave., Ste 209, San Jose, CA 95126

(408) 298-2194

Cell: (408) 506-9474, Fax: (408) 298-2748 email: asehgal@farmersagent.com

• Auto • Home/Renters • Life • Business • Health Individual & Group • Visitors’ Medical Gets you back where you belong.

Looking For A Better Deal On Auto Insurance? INDEPENDENT BROKER

Also available:

• Home Insurance • Visitors Insurance • Life Insurance • Commercial Insurance • Health Insurance Call your one-stop broker

Amila Insurance Services 4340 Almaden Expressway, Suite 212, San Jose, CA 95118

Tel: (408) 723-2100 • Fax: (408) 723-0332 (Lic.# OD83085)

MANJIT SINGH Exclusive Agent CA Lic. # 0C19465

• Auto • Life • Home • Business

• Renters • Health • Notary Public

Conveniently located next to 7-11

r NO Call foation g li b O ote Qu

Allstate Insurance Company 5725 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124

Tel: (408) 979-7980 Cell: (408) Fax: (408) 979-7983 E-mail: A034052@allstate.com 24 hrs a day/ 7 days a week

497-4141

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 43


Bride Hunting By Geetika Pathania Jain MEET THE PATELS. Director: Ravi Patel, Geeta Patel. Players: Champa V. Patel, Geeta Patel, Ravi Patel. Screenplay: Matthew Hamachek, Billy McMillin, Geeta Patel, Ravi Patel.

M

ama Patel is clanging the pots and pans in the kitchen, her lips pursed in a tight line of displeasure. “I am not giving up my culture so easily,” she manages tersely. The threat to her culture? Not massconversions of her kin. Not even a contested holy site. The threat to her culture is a red-headed girl called Audrey. The love of her son’s young life. Audrey is white American. And most decidedly un-Patel. Yes, it is the age of marriage equality, but can you blame Mama Patel for all that lip-pursing? Feeling the tug of his Indian ties, Ravi has broken up with Audrey. He wants his kids to have the warmth and love of the Great Indian Joint and Extended Family System. He hopes that his kids will stop at Patel motels on their journeys and be immediately accepted as part of the Patel collective. He is, in short, ambivalent about leaving the comfortable world of Aunties and Uncles, Betis and Betas to venture out into a hyphenated world. And so, with much encouragement to “give life a chance,” Ravi embarks on a search for a suitable bride. The trajectory of this search takes him to interesting territory. Speed-dating at the Patel Matrimonial Convention, bio-data exchanges, and marriage advice by well-meaning elders only occasionally result in hurt feelings. Most of these matrimonial exchanges occur within a brisk and business-like climate, akin to a search for education or employment. Or a washer-dryer, for that matter. The film takes a fresh look at so many of the familiar memes. Arranged marriage, preference for wheatish-brown skin, marrying within the community, all come under scrutiny. In the hands of the filmmakers, the arranged marriage is given a more loving examination. The film also speaks of grit. It took six and a half years to make, and the funding came in trickles from sources that are

with, and we said: let’s send this to PBS. Maybe there’s a Morgan Spurlock or Michael Moore type journalistic project here. Maybe it can be super entertaining and funny. The folks at PBS really loved the relationship between us two siblings, with one of us filming the other.

varied and numerous. The payback came in the form of delighted audiences and numerous audience awards at film festivals. The animated sections are skilful, and provide an introspective look. The fastpaced editing is tight. Geeta’s cinematography, jerky with a hand-held camera, remains a running joke between the siblings. In the end, it felt like a very humorous, very loving look at the Indian diaspora. Like being included into the chaos of the Patel household. Champa is making the rotis, Dad is reading the paper, and the kids are all right. I was delighted to speak to the witty Patel siblings. Let me ask you why you decided to make this film? Ravi: Ya, it started out as a home video. Geeta had just come off a previous documentary called Project Kashmir, and she had bought this camera, and she wanted to learn how to use it, which I regret to say she never did. Geeta: Ha ha. Ravi: We went on this family trip to India. Geeta had this camera. At this time, as you saw, I was single, and my Mom and Dad were pretty obsessed with solving this international crisis of getting me married. We had these conversations that people in our generation were really struggling

44 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015

It seems like you were trying to understand the values of second-generation Indian kids and their parents, the challenges that present themselves. So these film-makers were your inspiration for making this film? Ravi: Yes, and we love romantic comedy. Geeta: Additional films like American Splendor, When Harry Met Sally, Dirty Dancing, Jerry McGuire … we love them all. What if we make a documentary that doesn’t feel like a documentary. I did see your homage to Dirty Dancing. That was so hilarious, how you contrasted the “no kiss” culture of Bollywood to the “kiss” culture of Hollywood afwtind having to negotiate these cultures. It seems like you managed to spoof many of the “big ones:” the arranged marriage, the color preference, the aunties. Geeta: There’s a lot of media out there about India and being Indian. We didn’t want to make a film making fun of arranged marriages. Instead, we wanted that people would come out of the film saying “God, I wish my parents would do that for me. God, I love your parents. They are so loving. That is a really beautiful process.” We hope that they would see the other side of it, how beautiful the relationships are. Ravi: Worst case, you will laugh a lot in this movie. n EQ: AGeetika Pathania Jain. Ph.D. is a frequent contributor to India Currents magazine.


The oldest and most trusted Site Since 1985

All Solutions Insurance Agency “More than a Provider … a Partner” Want to Save 15% to 25%? Call...

SEETA BHANDARI @ 408-225-4300 Seeta Bhandari Northern California: HARISH & RAJNI KAPUR @ 951-247-2003 574 Blossom Hill Rd., *Auto * Home * Commercial * Truck San Jose, CA 95123 Lic. # Oe99424 * Business * Renter's * Health Ph: (408) 225-4300 2 Locations to serve you in Southern and Northern California Email: Seeta@allsolins.com $$$ NO BROKER FEES $$$ • We represent Top Rated Companies

Harish Kapur Rajni Kapur

Southern California: 22364 Alessandro Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Lic. # 0C04291 Ph: (951) 247-2003 Email: Harish@allsolins.com

Visitors Insurance

800-257-7718

Visitors Medical Insurance * Visitors * New Immigrants * Students * H1, B1, J1, F1 Contact: Padmaja Bapat Tel: (800) 204-1939 email: padmajabapat@yahoo.com

www.visitors-insurance.com

KRISHNA RESTAURANT PURE VEGETARIAN FOOD DAILY LUNCH

DAILY DINNER

• • • • • •

SUNDAY SPECIAL DINNER

Served From:

Served From:

Served on Sunday Only:

• • • • • •

Chapati or Puri Vegetable Dal & Rice Farsan & Chatni Pickle Sweet Dessert 11 am - 2:30 pm

Take Out or Eat In

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 324-0488

$

Chapati or Puri 2 Vegetables Dal or Kadhi Rice or Pulav Pickle & Papad Sweet Dessert

• • • • • •

Rotala Khicadi & Kadhi Vegetable Bhaji or Bhartu Pickle & Papad Sweet Dessert

5 pm - 8 pm

5 pm - 8 pm

Take Out or Eat In

Take Out or Eat in

550+ TAX $ 700+ TAX

$

700+ TAX

SNACKS

FARSAN

Khaman-Dokhla $2.99/plate or $7.00/lb Bhel Puri $2.99/plate Kachori $1.99/plate Samosa $1.99/plate

Papadi Ganthia Hot Mix Thin Sev Chakli Garlic Sev

510-656-2336

40645 Fremont Blvd. #1 Fremont, CA 94538

$7.00/lb $7.00/lb $7.00/lb $7.00/lb $7.00/lb

Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 45


SUNNYVALE TRAVEL

CST# 1007750-10

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

s 7 day n e p O k SPECIALIZING IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL a wee TO

INDIA • EUROPE • HAWAII Consolidator for Major Airlines www.sunnyvaletravel.net WE OFFER PACKAGES FOR:

LENT EXCEL E AT SERVIC ITIVE T COMPE ES PRIC

EMERGENCIES CALL (408) 499-3906 (408) 245-5090 FOREMAIL US: Info@SunnyvaleTravel.net

WE OFFER FARES FROM INDIA

251 SOUTH MATHILDA AVE. SUNNYVALE, CA 94086

Established in 1982

TRIPS &Wholesale TRAVEL S AI TRAVELS Direct Airfares to public On

To

• Air India • Cathay Pacific • Lufthansa • Singapore Airline • EVA Air • American Air • Korean Air • Emirates Air • and many more • Hyderabad • Amritsar • Delhi • Mumbai • Bangalore • Colombo • Calcutta • Dhaka • Cochin • Chennai • Trivandrum For More Information Please Call:

(408) 737-7000

Full Time Agents Required Fax Resume

1250 Oakmead Parkway, Ste 101, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 737-3647

Atultishere@yahoo.com

Fax: (408) 737-3647 46 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

Monday thru Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 47


48 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 49


Since 1988!

NCH U L Y DAIL CIALS SPE

Food for your SOUL

Serving Authentic Indian Snacks & Veg Thali Celebrating 11 Years in Indian CuIsine and Chatpate Snacks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Snacks & Refreshing Drinks . Catering Services

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 324-0488

WE SELL FRESH ROTIS EVERY DAY

3 Locations for your convenience

• 889, E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 - (408) 733-9000 • 939, W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 - (408) 733-1111 • 46465 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 505-9999

www.chaatus.com

50 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

Caterin g fo occasi r your o our spe n is ciality.


travel

IndiaCurrents

Universal Travel CST#2038722-40

Where your journey begins... 3days/2 nights in Dubai FLY Emirates Airlines to India Starting at $199.00 per person And have a DUBAI stopover!

With the magazine available in digital as well as print form, you never have to miss another issue of India Currents! Subscribe today.

Cost Includes: • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Dubai • Daily hotel breakfast • Return Dubai Airport transfers • Dhow cruise with dinner • Desert safari with dinner • Half day Dubai city tour

International Airlines Travel Agent Network

Yes! Sign me up to receive free digital newsletters FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

Wholesalers for Major International INDIA • PAKISTAN • BANGLADESH FAR EAST • SOUTH PACIFIC • CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA

EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

I would like to receive a print magazine

FULL SERVICE AGENCY WITH PACKAGES TO HAWAII/MEXICO AND TOURS TO INDIA/ASIA-PACIFIC/EUROPE AND SOUTH PACIFIC

CONSOLIDATED FARES ON Prompt Service • Seats Available Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Ask for our Stopover Packages China Airlines, Korean, Asiana, United, Call for Special Fares Lufthansa, American, Delta.

Northern California (S/H $5.95/year) Southern California (S/H $5.95/year) FIRST NAME

916-429-2711 www.universaltravel.com

LAST NAME

CITY

KULDEEP DEORA

STATE

ZIP

DBA EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

Amber Travel

Exp date

Credit Card #

WORLDWIDE

DAYTIME PHONE (optional)

* BEST INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FARES AVAILABLE ON ALL AIRLINES (from USA to India, Europe, Asia, Australia & anywhere in the world)

/ gency Emer te Deals inu last M Excellent @ Price

• • • •

Specialize In Originating India Tickets Corporate Accounts Warmly Welcome Excellent Vacation Packages And Cruises Tickets Delivered To Your Doorstep

SIGNATURE (required)

Spec Contact: PETE PATEL Fares ial You may email me promotions and news about Client: UNIVERSAL TRAVEL f o r Busin India Currents. e Fax: pete@universaltravel.com s s & Fir st Cla Mail this form to: s s Trave Please indicate any changes or corrections lers needed on this proof, and e-mail/fax it back to us.

AMBER TRAVEL

Price Ave

(650) 568-9000 / (650) 619-1965 CellAd is Whipple Ave

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 324-0488

India

Fax:(650) 226-3882

India Currents Subscriptions 1885 Lundy Ave Suite 220, Currents Fax: (408) 324-0477 San Jose, CA 95131

Initials Date Or Email: subscribe@indiacurrents.com Fax to: (408) 324-0477 CorrectSign up at www.indiacurrents.com/subscribe/

Needs Changes Join us on Facebook and Twitter

(for Emergency Call Anytime 24 X 7 @ (650) 619-1965)

DEREK NUNES Please allow 4-6 weeks for the first issue to arrive.

Kuldeep@AmberTravels.com

1885 LUNDY AVE., Back issue $3 each, if available

Veterans Blvd

www.ambertravels.com 693 Veterans Blvd., Ste #2 Redwood City, CA 94063

DATE

AD PROOF

Right Service @ Right Price

STE 220 SAN JOSE, CA 95131 (408) 324-0488 / (714) 523-8788 FAX: (408) 324-0477

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 51


travel

BB Travel Experts AIRLINES • CRUISE • RAIL • CAR RENTALS

Most Economical and Competitive World Wide Airlines ticketing

FARES ROM ATING F ORIGIN DIA IN LE AVAIL AB

Destination Wedding on CRUISE

We can make arrangements for you and your guest for a unique ONE OF A KIND WEDDING

To & From USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, China, HongKong & other Countries. “Uhmrah, Haj and other pilgrimage packages available” CST # 2112876-50

Call or e-mail us: Bomi Patel — BB Travel Experts

(408) 264-4395 • (408) 390-0750

email: bbtes9@gmail.com • www.bbtes.com

SPAN TRAVELS AND TOURS WE SPEAK HINDI, TELUGU, TAMIL, MARATHI AND PUNJABI.

Offers escorted travel and vacation packages worldwide with:

WE SPECIALIZE FROM INDIA FARES CA Seller of trv regn# 2059835-40

in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

$

* CONSOLIDATOR FARES TO ALL MAJOR CITIES IN INDIA * BEST DEALS TO HYD, MAA, BLR, COK, AND DEL, BOM. * TOUR PACKAGES TO EUROPE, HAWAII AND MEXICO.

www.spantravels.com

Your Ad Here

408.235.7711

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

2118 Walsh Avenue, Ste #145, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Email: spantravels@aol.com

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

PUNJAB TRAVEL & IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT PREM SINGH*

punjabtravel@gmail.com • CSTR# 1001108-10

IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT CA Bond # 57BSBGR1892

PASSPORT * VISA * OCI * PIO GREEN CARD * CITIZENSHIP WORK PERMIT * AFFIDAVITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY * I am not an attorney

SAN JOSE

(408) 441-7570

SACRAMENTO

FREMONT

(510) 824-8009

(916) 226-6393

International Travel Center No frills, no unpleasant surprises Just good service & low travel rates

LOWEST FARES TO INDIA * Discounted Business and First Class fare

AD PROOF Contact: SPAN TRAVELS

* Cheapest Economy Class fare to India, Bangladesh and Nepal * One to One service with highly experienced staff

877-766-7786

www.itravelcenter.net • fly@itravelcenter.net

52 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

0 OVER 3 N I Client: S R A E Y SS E N Fax: BUSI

We are the travel agency that understands all your needs

RAOCall VARSHA PDF spantravels@aol.com (510) 799-8300 Please indicate amglotravels@gmail.com any changes or corrections needed on this proof, and e-mail/fax it back to us. Reg.# 2069369-40 India Currents Fax: (408) 324-0477 Initials

Date


Specialists in Tickets from India to USA

Pay in US$ or in INR for Tickets originating from India

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHIC (408) 324-0488

10% Off Travel Insurance for your parents when buying Air Tickets with us

TEL: (916) 932-2198 sales@expresswaytravel.com

www.ExpresswayTravel.com Offices in California & Chennai CST# 2072106-40

Your Ad Here in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

Tour Packages Discounted Airfares Call / email & Compare

flynational@aol.com 32 years in Business at the same location

650 W Duarte St, Suite 6, Arcadia CA 91007

626-447-7666

3 3 3 3 3

$

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

3S INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INC either Beats or Matches your price with our NEW TECHNOLOGY Beats Online prices in most cases welcomes any sorts of complicated Itineraries Offers all In-bound and Out-bound unbeatable prices Offers amazing packages with Indian Meals, around the world and within USA

(510) 249-9333 • (408) 243-5495 EFax: (510) 257-1756 • Email@3stravels.com 46500 Fremont Blvd., #716, Fremont, CA 94538

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 53


sports

From Punjab to Texas Basketball Legend A snapshot of Satnam Singh’s Summer League By Roshn Marwah

T

he San Antonio Spurs led by the first female head coach in NBA history brought the basketball summer league to a close by defeating the Phoenix Suns, 93-90. Now, that the summer league is over it has become abundantly clear that Indian Mavs prospect Satnam Singh will be playing in the NBA D-League for the Texas Legends. The player who the Celtics referred to as an “international man of mystery,” averaged about seven minutes a game and showed his ability to not only rebound but also to shoot the ball with surprising efficiency. Satnam’s play in summer league games showed that he has the raw skills and fitness level to be a good NBA player, but lacks the knowledge of some of the basic NBA concepts and terminology. Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban stated, “I don’t see him playing in the NBA this year… We’ll give him time to develop.” This comment comes as no surprise considering that Singh is the first player, post the introduction of the NBA age restrictions, to enter the NBA without having played in college or in a foreign league.

A Facebook image

The significance of such a scenario is that Satnam has not played against any high levels of competition that would allow his development into an NBA ready player. At this point in Singh’s career two of his biggest assets are his drive and aggression. Many young developing players, especially those who are not native to the United States struggle under the pressure and stunt their development through their inability to communicate. Kaleb Canales the head coach of the Mavericks Summer League team said of Satnam Singh, “his communication on defense has been great. He’s been aggressive. He’s not shy which is a positive I think. He’s not afraid to attack on offense. And on defense he’s been talking pick and roll coverages but also hitting the boards.” The other large positive that the seven foot two center displayed was his ability to run the court and his overall athleticism. Satnam, who after first arriving to train in the U.S. had a weight issue that he attributes to a change in diet, at one point weighed in at about three hundred pounds. Since then, he says that he has completely changed his diet and has been focused on advancing his development as a player through healthy eating. After the Dallas Mavericks game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Mark Cuban remarked, “I thought Satnam played pretty well. He raised a lot of eyes … I think people didn’t expect him to move as well and be as skilled as he is. I think he comported himself very well.” The former high school homecoming king used his time in Las Vegas during the NBA summer league to get

54 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

acquainted with, practice with, and ultimately impress some of his fellow NBA players. He was seen chatting with Jordan Crawford throughout the fourth quarter of the Mavericks game and worked out with Wizards guard Traevon Jackson. The former Wisconsin player was impressed by Singh’s size and his ability to shoot the ball stating, “He was on my team (during the workout). He set some big ball screens and he can really hit the pull-up, pickand-pop shots. So he’s definitely going to be on a team.” At the end of the day you wont see Satnam Singh starting for the Mavericks this year, but given some time and the right environment to develop in, the Indian giant could be a force to reckon with in a few years. n Roshn Marwah is a longtime Bay Area sports fan and is majoring in economics and computer science at Purdue University. He can be reached at rmarwah@purdue.edu.


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 55


56 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 57


58 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 59


travel

Pura Vida in Biolley A close look at a coffee habitat in Costa Rica By Rama Shivakumar

N

ightfall had descended on the Talamanca Mountain like a dark shroud as we turned off the highway onto a dirt road. We trundled uphill in a Toyota four-wheeler towards Biolley, a little hamlet, located at the edge of the La Amistad International Park. The inky blackness of the surrounding jungle enveloped us; we listened to the noisy cicadas and the wind rustling through the dense cover. Our destination was Jardin Coffea Diversa, a coffee plantation owned by our dear friends, Fanny Garcia and Gonzalo Hernandez. Located in a remote part of Costa Rica, close to the Panama border, this would serve as the venue for a meeting of a close circle of friends from many years ago. In the three days that followed, we learned a lot about this rural community; their interconnected lives and the bountiful nature that sustains them. After an hour’s drive, we reached the hacienda, a spacious log cabin, perched in

an idyllic clearing. Viewed in the morning sunlight, the windows framed open vistas of the sprawling valley below. The log cabin had been built by the local folk, with pine logs felled from the land on which it was built. The garden was lush with laden guava trees; white and red varieties of Ixora; brilliant red Heliconias and banana plants. Vines of Thunbergia framed the big picture window, it’s beautiful yellow and maroon blooms hanging like garlands, inviting hummingbirds to whirr around them. We were welcomed with a warm traditional Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto, a rice and black bean dish with peppers and cilantro accompanied by warm tortillas prepared by Lili, the farm help. This was followed by a farm fresh fruit salad of mango, papaya, bananas and completed with freshly brewed coffee grown at the plantation. The aroma of coffee was everywhere as were reminders of how central coffee is to the world’s culture. The dining room featured an arresting photo collage: black and white photos of world leaders, pop and movie stars drinking coffee. Another wall showcased vintage coffee collectibles from grinders to decanters and mugs.

Coffee in Costa Rica

Coffee has shaped Costa Rica’s economic and political landscape ever since its arrival from Jamaica in 1808. But the coffee farming in Costa Rica is very different from other Latin American countries where elite barons own large plantations and oversee a huge labor force. Given its rugged terrain, coffee farming in Costa Rica has stayed on a smaller scale, undertaken by families with small independent holdings. After breakfast, we followed our hosts, Fanny and Gonzalo, for a tour of their plantation. Lili’s two girls ac60 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

The hacienda at Jardin Coffea Diversa

companied us, leading the way quickly like the nimble pumas found in the forests above. We came to know many of the little children that lived on the hillside. Fanny told us that their families were all related to each other. Gonzalo pointed out that the plantation, located at 1350 meters above sea level, was a perfect ecological setting for growing coffee: the taller cedars provided the much needed shade for coffee plants, protecting them from the rain and sun, preserving the soil and habitat for an incredible variety of natural animal and plant species. The sign “Jardin Coffea Diversa” at the entrance, Fanny said, was made by Pancho Quesada, an award winning artist. The sign, made using mortar and recycled bottles, looked like a large undersea creature. We learned a lot about Pancho and his unique lifestyle in the next couple of days and happened on a lot more of his art on


Picking For a Living

Fanny and Gonzalo employ a number of local people to work on the plantation all year round. During the coffee-picking season, migrant workers traveled across the border from Panama into Costa Rica. Each year, the same families arrived to live in the houses on the plantation. The coffee pickers are mostly illiterate, our hosts told us. They live close to the land; their weathered hands pick the cherries, dry them, sort them, but cannot count them. Medical help is almost never sought, even though the Costa Rican government does have a health provision for migrant workers. Fanny told us about a coffee picker’s son who she took to the Children’s Hospital in the capital San Jose for treatment of filariasis that he had contracted back in Panama. It turned out that this was a trip of a lifetime for the little boy who rode his wheelchair like a car in the hospital hallways, and warmed the nursing staff with his wide eyed, open thrill of all the comforts that the hospital provided him.

A Hard Life

the property, and elsewhere in the country. Jardin Coffea Diversa is a boutique plantation. Many different varieties of coffee are cultivated here: Gesha, Mokka, Purpurascens, Erecta and others, which have rare and unique flavors. This is unlike other plantations that only grow one botanical variety of coffee. The different varieties are grown in separate little plots, bordered by flowering shrubs like Brunfelsia. Signs designed by Pancho indicated the variety grown at the start of each plot. Gonzalo explained that while all the cultivars began their lives as little saplings or soldiers, their phenotypic variations became apparent later: they differed in their height, length of the branches, internodal length and leaf area. Yellow buttercups nodded in the breeze, as we threaded our way down to the place where the coffee was processed from de-pulping to drying to finally storing in labeled bags, before being shipped off to their final destination.

We followed the migrant worker’s trail through the plantation past a bubbly fresh water spring, where tadpoles swam in the clear water. Fresh puma paw prints from the night before around the spring alarmed the little girls and it was reinforced why they never walked up to the hacienda after dark. The farm had lost many chickens in the recent months. Our equestrian tour of the hillside on the second day was perhaps the most quintessential Central American experience of our visit. The horses were owned and operated by a local family; their children rode up like seasoned gauchos, to lead us downhill. We were as exhilarated to be on horseback as these kids might be on an escalator in San Jose. We stopped at the local farms as we cantered slowly down the slope and through the surrounding woods. As we rode back to the hacienda, swallows swooped above us, and misty clouds gathered around the crown of the mountain.

The lives of the people in this rural part of the world is paradoxical: most people in Biolley have never left the hillside, have only had an elementary school education and yet, they are very adept at using smart phones and very active on social media sites like Facebook and Whatsapp. We learned that the government provided monetary incentives for families to encourage their children to finish high school, as a rural development measure. Lili’s girls had sweet ambitions of becoming musicians or school teachers. As we were to witness later, the government also provided similar incentives for small, independent farmers to buy equipment and increase their productivity. It is a hard life for a farmer in Biolley, despite the government subsidies. Dona Rosita grew the most delicious pineapples: sweet, succulent and bursting with flavor. Her life however mirrored the outside of the pineapple: thorny and prickly. Her husband had died seeking a laborer’s life in the United States, and Rosita had raised her daughters alone. They now have enrolled themselves in college in San Jose, she said, her face crinkling up in a smile.

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 61


An ice cream shop: Heladaria Artesenal, designed by Pancho Quesada, in the shape of a whimsical mushroom

Coffee being dried at the farm

Ice Cream, Jam and Honey

In an effort to use the resources and talent in the region and to provide opportunities for the community, Fanny has initiated some innovative joint ventures with the people of Biolley. The Heladeria Artesenal is one such undertaking. It is a charming ice cream shop co-owned by Fanny and Roxana, a shy girl from the village. Fanny secured government grants to begin this enterprise and has employed Pancho the artist to create a whimsical mushroom shaped hut in the clearing; like an underwater fairyland with brightly colored toadstools and umbrellas. Fanny makes the ice cream in the farm house with fruits from the local farms and Roxana manages the shop and attends to the customers. The shop also sells small pots of jams and special honey made by a variety of stingless bees that are unique to the region, a contribution of Roxana’s mother. Gonzalo told us that the bees produce only small quantities of honey and are not considered to be economical to harvest on a commercial basis. It was simply the best honey we had ever tasted. The ice cream shop is a meeting place in more ways than one. The community gathers here in the evenings and holidays to eat delectable ice cream in many local flavors: berry, guava, passion fruit, banana and chocolate.

An Artisanal Lifestyle

A steep dirt road up from the Heladeria leads to Pancho Quesada’s studio and tree-house, where he leads a hermit’s life.

Pancho Quesada

The story goes that he drove his car out of the gates of National Biodiversity Institute in San Jose into the mountains, giving up a career and an urban lifestyle to pursue his vision. He built a house on stilts with a huge translucent tarp for a ceiling. He created art from objects-trouve: collections of empty bottles, fishing buoys, cleaned bones of animals, truck tires, twisted metal, dried gourd, every possible kind of shells and hollow reeds represented an organized chaos in his house. On his property, he cultivated seeds from indigenous plants, vines and trees. He has also designed a seed polisher from used parts. These very seeds were used in another joint venture that Fanny organized to empower the local tribal women: the Artesanas del Bosque or the Artisans of

62 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

the Rainforest. This was a social welfare organization that enabled these rural women to use the polished seeds to craft natural, sustainable and entirely charming jewelry to be sold in the international marketplace. A trip to the big fair in the Osa region or up in San Jose was a treat for everyone in Biolley, a way to experience the outside world. The ice creams, jams and jewelry were sold there and the profits shared among all the women. At night, the full moon rose like an illuminated disc, its quiet light spilling down the mountain, its penumbra obscuring the stars of the Milky Way. As the local children slept on the hillsides below, we wondered how many of their dreams would be fulfilled; how many of them would move away from the mountain to seek an education; how many of them would live a life entertaining the “spring breakers” in the nearby Manuel Antonio Park and how many of them would come back to serve their community. It was a hard life for the people of Biolley, but they had taken necessary initiatives towards progress and a better life, and were very fortunate to be a part of a land of abundant natural beauty and biodiversity. n Rama Shivakumar is a short story writer who has published her work in numerous literary journals, magazines and anthologies. Rama lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband and eight year old daughter. She works as a scientist in a biotechnology firm and has participated in workshops at the Writer's Center in Bethesda.


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 63


64 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 65


66 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 67


10-4

fiction

Katha Fiction Contest 2015 • Third Prize By Sanjoy Ganguly

A Creative Commons Image

“W

hat does 10-4 mean?” Tina asked Ravi. It was an excuse to talk to Ravi after hours of silence. Not that their marriage was spent, but the demands of life left little room for conversation. Time together had to be scheduled on weekends, their energy carefully rationed between work and play. Ravi looked up quizzically from his morning paper and demanded, “Why?” “You said that three times in your sleep last night.” Ravi’s mind raced back to the events of the evening before. He had been at his dispatch desk at the County Sheriff ’s Office when the call had come in, “Shots Fired, Man Down … requesting 10-13 at the Corner of Mabury and Gillingham.” Ravi dispatched backup “All Units, Code 3 to Mabury/Gillingham.” The base station echoed with Responding Units and their 10-4s. “Unit 7, 10-4.” “Unit 9, Copy.” Ravi smiled at Tina, “10-4 is police code meaning ‘message received.’” Soon 10-4 started being used around the house in everyday conversation. “Don’t forget to pick up some milk on your way back.” “10-4.” Even their son joined in, “Pappu, finish chapter ten by tonight.” “10-4.”

The eyelids quivered and his right eye opened slowly like a curtain in the movie theater. There was a faint smile on Papa’s lips, he seemed to be looking at Ravi and replied as if from behind the clouds on a new moon, “10-4.” Pappu started using the code in school among friends, and friends with their teachers. Soon it reached the Principal’s office. “Mr. Haggarty, the slides are due by 4 p.m.” “10-4.” Tina’s mother shared lengthy recipes with her over the phone and Tina would let a 10-4 slip out every now and then. Finally one day her mother asked, “What is this 10-4, beti?” Tina explained, “It means, I heard you, I understand.” Tina’s mother was impressed. She started using the code in her texts to her kitty party. “Tonight’s meeting at 9 p.m., Mrs. Bhalla’s residence. 10-4.” The pizza delivery boy at Mrs. Bhalla’s house started responding to orders with a 10-4 and mixed it up with LOL and ROFLs in his texts to friends. Tina’s father started using it with the shopkeeper and his college friends. Soon the whole town of Lakhanpur was abuzz

68 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

with 10-4 and people were at a loss to fathom how it all started. The milkman told the butcher to save a goat leg for the family party next week, and the reply was 10-4. It would take two meters of serge for the holiday trousers; 10-4. One day the phone rang in Tina’s mother’s living room. It was Tina, very excited. “Mummy, I have received my Green Card, you must visit us soon. Papa must come too!” “10-4.” Papa instructed the tailor to speed up the order for his trousers and to add a jacket as well. 10-4. Tina’s mother requested the town jeweler to rush order half a dozen gold bangles, the kind Madhuri Dixit wore in her last movie. 10-4. Ravi was at the airport to receive Tina’s parents. “Papa hope the flight was not too long. Sorry, Tina is out of town at a company meeting. I had to come by myself. Hope you don’t mind Ma.”


Tina’s mother smiled, “Nahi beta, we the house and whisked Papa away on a know life is so busy here. We are so excited stretcher. “Airway clear, breathing ... check, to see all of you. Pappu must have gone to pulse … present.” The ambulance radioed his music class.” The drive back home was the hospital: “Unconscious male, 65, 160 full of banter. How tall Pappu must have lbs. Code Blue … ETA to ambulance bay grown. Ravi had put on weight. Papa’s in 2 mikes.” 10-4. The ambulance raced through the blood sugar had gone up. The neighbor’s son ran away with the other neighbor’s weekend traffic, Thank God it was not weekday rush hour. Ravi, Tina and Pappu daughter. Ma was looking younger. They arrived home just as the sun was followed the ambulance for two stops but then decided to obey traffic signals. beginning to set. Tina’s parents gradually recovered from The ambulance sped away, Ravi drove in jet lag and started going out on morning silence, Tina texted away to an army of walks. Pappu loved to hear Grandpa tell friends. Pappu said, “We should not have stories from his village. Grandma cooked left Grandma alone.” Pappu realized that many rare dishes that awakened Pappu’s there had been no time for Grandma to juvenile palate. He enjoyed bringing his get in the car. She had been looking for homework from school and sharing it her slippers when the ambulance had with Grandpa after a hot lunch. Tina’s roared off. Tina looked at the backseat, father enjoyed the long hot showers and “We will go back for Grandma, someone sitting in the warm sun every afternoon. Tina took her parents to movies and restaurants and malls as much and as His name Amar meant immoroften as she could. When there was no one to drive them around Tina’s tal, and now he was in a distant parents bought a day pass on the local land battling his own mortality. transit and rode buses all day with no destination or schedule in mind. Once they burst out laughing upon realizing that they had returned to the same mall needs to go with the ambulance to sign the that they had left earlier in the afternoon. paperwork.” “Name?” “Professor Amar Saxena,” Tina’s father was still young at heart and Tina told the receptionist. It had been a started singing, “Do deewane shaher mein long time since Tina last used her father’s …” Tina’s mother blushed like she had the name. To her, he was just … Papa. His first time she saw him. name Amar meant immortal, and now It was a Sunday afternoon of a new he was in a distant land battling his own moon night. Guests were due in the evemortality. ning for the Godhuli Lagna puja. They had Tina was aware that Professor Saxena picked an auspicious time of day to begin was a well regarded name in the secretive holy exhortations, a time when cows rebut closely knit circle of fellow nuclear turned home kicking up clouds of dust on scientists. He had seen atoms in motion the orange horizon. Godhuli or cow dust. colliding and disintegrating where others “Did you get the flowers?” 10-4. barely detected any vapor or dust. “Is the mutton fully cooked?” 10-4. “The Professor has been stabilized, we Soon 10-4 started echoing around Tihave moved him to ICU 9” the receptionna’s house. “Papa, have you finished your ist smiled and started staring back at the shower?” No reply. “Papa?” No reply. monitor in front of her. Tina, Ravi and Tina and Ravi began pounding the Pappu raced up the stairs to ICU 9. There bathroom door. “Papa,” “Papa?” … he was, motionless on the bed surrounded “Grandpa!” Finally Ravi took a dumbbell by a medical team in white gowns franand rammed the lock. The door flew open. tically shooting syringes and attaching Papa was slumped over the bath tub, his tubes to his forearms. The doctor looked hands dangling limply on one side. The ambulance arrived within min- at Tina and spoke in a hushed tone. “It is utes, the driver’s lips still greasy from the a ruptured aneurysm, the next 48 hours quick burger he had been having in the are critical. There has been some internal cab. Two burly paramedics stormed into bleeding. We are waiting for him to regain

consciousness.” Tina’s text reached her friends, “Papa at Good Sam, unconscious. Please pray. Puja canceled.” Ravi went back home to pick up his mother-in-law. Their friends started arriving at ICU 9. The waiting room filled to capacity. Four visitors were allowed in at a time by Papa’s bedside. Technically it was three visitors at a time since Ma occupied a permanent spot by her husband’s pillow. Many prayed, the Godhuli lagna arrived and an elderly uncle suggested bringing a priest to conduct the puja outside in the parking lot. Special permission was obtained and the priest arrived and started chanting mantras in a Dodge Caravan parked in Lot C. The sweet smell of incense collided with the evening aroma of grilled tacos wafting across the parking lot. The priest blessed many visitors as they passed his van. Some smiled, some bowed, others fled. Ma chanted mantras sliding 108 rudraksha beads between her thumb and forefingers continuously in ICU 9 as the priest kept ringing his bell inside the Dodge Caravan. Thirty-six hours later Professor Saxena still lay motionless. The priest had gone home, Tina took Pappu and Ma to the cafeteria for a reluctant breakfast and Ravi sat alone by the bedside staring

Katha 2015 Results FIRST PLACE: LWALA Unsaid by IQBAL PITA a Cherry Valley, Californi SECOND PLACE: JYOTHI Miss, Dolly and Hulk by ia Ind VINOD, Bangalore, THIRD PLACE: NGULY, San 10-4 by SANJOY GA Jose, California ION: HONORABLE MENT LA BUCH, AW Brink by TANVI CH a Los Altos, Californi ION: HONORABLE MENT HOSH NT SA Courage by VIVEK a rni San Francisco, Califo

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 69


outside the window listening to a Jagjit Singh ghazal on his smartphone. “Yeh daulat bhi le lo, yeh shaurat bhi le lo …”—Take away this fame and wealth, return my childhood April showers. The medical team arrived, smiled briefly at Ravi led by Dr. Fitzsimmons and started talking. “We will be pinching his limbs and talking to him to see if he is conscious.” They pinched the right toe, left toe … once, twice, no movement. The doctor squeezed Papa’s palms a couple of times before they felt something wiggle. The doctor looked at Ravi and said, “say something.” Ravi struggled to speak. Finally he gathered himself and said loudly “Papa, Papa … this is Ravi. Can you hear me?” The eyelids quivered and Papa’s right eye opened slowly like a curtain in a movie theater. There was a faint smile on his lips as he looked at Ravi. Tina, Pappu and Ma returned from the cafeteria, bleary

eyed reminiscing about good times in the past. Tina noticed a change in her father. “His eyes are open!” she exclaimed. They rushed to his bedside. “Papa!” “Grandpa!” But his eyes closed again though there was still a slight smile on his face. Finally Ma wiped a tear from her left eye and spoke, “Aji, sunte ho?” This time he opened his eyes, and as if from behind the

Sanjoy Ganguly is a Bay Area resident exploring life and humanity in all its forms. He considers himself a writer, thinker and yoga practitioner. He has been raising his precious daughter with his better half for the past few years. He believes that like charity, peace begins at home. Judges: Vikram Chandra’s works include Red Earth and Pouring Rain (a novel), Love and Longing in Bombay (collection of short stories), Sacred Game (a novel) and Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, The Code of Beauty (nonfiction.) Sonia Faleiro is the award winning author of Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay’s Dance Bars.

A Creative Commons Imagee

70 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

clouds on a new moon responded, “10-4.” n


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 71


72 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


dance

KALANJALI Dances of India Establshed in 1975

BharathaKala Kutiram

CLASSES IN BHARATANATYAM

India's most ancient classical dance

Jayanthi Sridharan

Following traditional Kalakshetra syllabus - all levels

offers Bharathanatyam Classes in North San Jose

SACRAMENTO, LAFAYETTE, BERKELEY

Artistic Director:

Registration and Information:

510-526-2183

Call: (408) 251-3438

Kalanjaliusa@aol.com

e-mail: bkkdanceschool@gmail.com

ANURADHA NAG Artistic Director

offers Kathak classes in

 Sunnyvale  Fremont  San Jose

NEW CLASSES STARTING ON AUG 20 IN FREMONT AND MID-OCTOBER IN SUNNYVALE AND CUPERTINO.

Anuradha Nag herself is a senior disciple of Birju Maharaj who teaches this fascinating style of Indian classical dance to many Indian and foreign students who aspire to learn kathak. It was heartening to watch her students equaling Birju Maharaji's own students from India. Kudos to Anuradha Nag for organizing such a magnificent, magical evening of kathak, in San Francisco — Manjari Sinha, Narthaki

Director:

Srividya Eashwar

For more information call

(408) 374-8017

10th Year of Artistic Excellence

20+ Years Teaching Experience

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 274-6966

or email at tarangini@sbcglobal.net

www.taranginischoolofkathak.org

Jayendra

Artistic Director:

Classes offered in a combination of styles including Folk, Semi-Classical, and Fusion at various locations in Cupertino and San Jose. CONTACT INFORMATION

408-246-3005 / 408-838-3079 Email: vidyasdance@gmail.com  Web: www.xpressionsdancemusic.com

Kalakendra Suganda Sreenath

Bharatanatyam classes (Kalakshetra style, incl. Extensive Theory)

• San Jose • Fremont • Santa Clara www.sugandasreenath.com

(408) 270-9295

Email: sugandaiyer@comcast.net

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 73


music

Music That Bridges Boundaries By Priya Bhatt Das

I

n February 2015, the Mekaal Hasan Band (MHB) was at the center of a musical discord—within a week, it was nominated and then disqualified for the Global Indian Music Awards. The Pakistani publication Dawn, reported Hasan commenting, “We didn’t ask for a nomination in the first place and given that they deemed us worthy enough to be nominated, disqualifying now doesn’t really make sense to me. The album was not recorded solely in Pakistan, rather half of the work was done in India.” The band is currently on tour in the United States and has an interesting profile—it is Indian and Pakistani, comprising Hasan (guitar) and Muhammad Ahsan Papu (flute) from Pakistan; Sharmishtha Chatterjee (vocals), Gino Banks (drums; yes, son of Louis Banks), and Sheldon D’Silva (bass) from India. Hasan is driven by the Indian and Pakistani relationship: not by the conflict, but by its potential; saying, “The fact that we have hundreds of years of shared musical and artistic history is in and of itself a treasure trove to be delved in deeply as partners in art and culture. While much is made of the often acrimonious relationship between the two countries politically, not enough is done to explore the many wonderful things we can build upon together.” Hasan himself seems to epitomize the prefix “inter:” He is an inter-faith productof a Muslim father and Christian mother; plays inter-genre music (Sufi and rock); works with inter-tradition musicians (classical and jazz); is inspired by inter-ethos poetry (spiritual and modern) and ofcourse founded an inter-geo band. The latest album, Andholan—meaning “organized protest” in Hindi—is aptly named for what the band represents. A listen to the album drives home this aspect: “Kinarey” is semi-classical but philosophical, with Chatterjee starting off in wonderfully clear-toned vocals, Papu’s flute providing soulful accompaniment. “Ghungat” on the other hand, stays true to rebellious rock, strong on the guitar, bass,

drums and the vocals highlighting the conflict in the lyrics—“Your slave is being auctioned free, Come my love and rescue me, No longer can I perch elsewhere?” “Champkalli” fuses classical vocal with a rock score. “Sayon” has playful guitaring and lighter-toned vocals, that belie some deep lyrics l to r: top: Banks, D’Silva, Hasan; bottom: Papu, Chatterjee “I drank the cup of poison, without a thought watching a cricket match as a child. Today, of benefit or loss. I desired this grief, this she aspires to be a better musician and hupain.” man by banding with Indian and Pakistani But the highlight is the track “Malmusicians. “This is a myth-breaking band kauns,” where its namesake raga has never with a female singer in a rock band, an before, to my knowledge, been rendered Indian singer in a Pakistani Band … all as in Andholan, in a heavy metal avatar. sorts of man-made differences that engulf The interplay between drums, bass, guitar human minds. Music truly has no boundis particularly interesting juxtaposed as it aries and barriers.” is between soft fluting and strident vocals. Andholan comes after a five year hiatus Chatterjee’s singing holds every numfor the Mekaal Hasan Band, which has ber together, but the interesting fact is seen some artist turn-over. Proof of its that until 2014, for over a decade, the persuasive music and compelling message band was all-male. She remembers, “Meis in the fact that it was selected as part of kaal Hasan called me one day and asked South By South West’s (SXSW) first ever if I would like to sing for his band. I lineup representing Pakistan, earlier this loved MHB’s music ever since I heard it. year. (SXSW is a well-established, preThe Indian classical element in the music mier conference for music, independent paired with the languages and poetries was films, and emerging technologies held evsomething I found fascinating and I knew ery year in Austin, TX.) Interestingly, the in the process I’ll grow as an artist.” Pakistani showcase was sponsored by the Growing up in Kolkata, Chatterjee Islamabad-based Foundation for Arts Culhas had some rigorous training, “I learnt ture and Education (FACE), a U.S. State Indian classical from my guru Pandit K.C. Department-funded organization counterLahiri. He was basically a violinist and also ing violent fundamentalism with cultural taught instruments like sarod and sitar. So exchange. n my vocal training was rather experimental and very different from the rest. He taught Please visit their facebook page for news and me raag Yaman for 10 years and said if you dates and venues for their September tour manage to learn one raag properly, you can (https://www.facebook.com/mekaalhasansing or pick up anything in the world.” band). The music is available on iTunes. Her musicality took on new dimensions when she came to Mumbai in 2005 and started singing in Bollywood and advertising projects. Priya Das is an enthusiastic follower of world Chatterjee’s earliest recollection of the music and avidly tracks intersecting points Indian and Pakistani conflict was while between folk, classical, jazz and other genres.

74 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


music

Private Lessons ALL AGES & LEVELS

ENGLISH Lessons with Sita

MUSIC Lessons with Peter Block

• Saxophone, Guitar, Flute, Clarinet Writing, reading & speaking skills • Classical, Jazz & Pop styles • Prepare for high school and college • Includes comprehensive program of playing, • Word choice, vocabulary, grammar, diction rhythm & ear training, theory, recitals, etc. • Essay, academic & creative writing • Qualify for local youth symphonies, wind ensembles, jazz bands, & college music. Peter: (408)

839-2476

1/2 or Full Hour Lessons

music_lessons@comcast.net

Sita: (408)

253-1051

s_tyar@comcast.net

Upcoming Concerts Sunday, Sept 20th, 2015, at 4:00pm

Sitar

Vocal: Sri Sandip Bhattacharya Harmonium: Sri Vivek Datar Tabla: Sri Nikhil Pandya

Admission Free to All

4627 Mildred Dr, Fremont, CA 94536

MUSIC LESSONS ly On r Pe son s Le

5 1 $

Contact

* * * * * *

Piano Guitar Drums Voice Bass Flute

(408) 268-6703 Bansuri Bamboo Flute

Jeff Whittier

• Flutes of the Highest Quality • Lessons in North Indian Music in Palo Alto & Fremont • Video Instructions Available • Light Classical Music for Indian Weddings

(650) 493-2187 E-mail: Bansijeff@aol.com September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 75


events SEPTEMBER

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events Edited by: Mona Shah List your event for FREE! OCTOBER issue deadline: Friday, September 18 To list your event in the Calendar, go to www.indiacurrents.com and click on List Your Event

Check us out on

special dates Krishna Janamashtami

Sept. 5

Ganesh Chaturthi

Sept. 17

Labor Day

Sept. 7

Idu’l Zuha

Sept. 25

Mahatma Gandhi’s B’day

Oct. 2

Navaratri

Oct. 13-21

CULTURAL CALENDER September

1 Tuesday

Meet the Patels—A Movie. A laughout-loud real life romantic comedy about Ravi Patel, an almost-30-year-old IndianAmerican who enters a love triangle between the woman of his dreams ... and his parents. Filmed by Ravi’s sister in what started as a family vacation video, this hilarious and heartbreaking film reveals how love is a family affair. Check local theater listings.

September

5 Saturday

Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan in performance, with her sishya, Anupama Srivastava, Artistic Director of InSyncKathak Dance School, students and bay area musicians. Sept. 27

SR Fine Arts Youth Festival. Youth

from all over North America are perform-

76 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

ing. Organized by SR Fine Arts. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Community Of Infinite Spirit, 1540 Hicks Av., San Jose. Free. (408) 569-0860.


recommends

Don Quixote, Revived in Bharatnatyam By Shyamal Randeria-Leonard

C

hennai based Sahrdaya Foundation’s Don Quixote, an upcoming stage adaptation of a seventeenthcentury novel by Spain’s legendary Miguel Cervantes combines multiple art forms of music, dance, theatre, and poetry to tell a timeless tale with present-day relevance according to its choreographer and director Sheejith Krishna. Don Quixote, is the first cross-cultural stage production within the framework of a South Indian art form. The U.S. tour is sponsored by Kalapeetham Foundation and the upcoming show in Northern California will be presented by Yuva Bharati, a Palo Alto based non-profit organization which promotes classical Indian dances in the United States. The two and a half hour English production though “rooted in the idiom of Bharat Natyam and Carnatic music” also differs according to Krishna, “true freedom lies in the ability to travel beyond without breaking the rules,” and hence classical language will be used in an entirely different way as in the case of Don Quixote’s unification with contemporary elements, theater and mime. Audiences must come and watch how we have pulled off this mix of classical tradition and experimentation across cultures asserts Krishna. The new adaptation is scripted and narrated by Akhila Ramnarayan who compressed the extensive and complex story line to approximately fifteen scenes. The challenge according to Ramnarayan lay in translating a classic, “a sprawling satire from seventeenth century Spain into a performance genre from another culture, for a twenty-first century audience” while ensuring that the “original edge and the essential humanity” was not lost. The story centers on the Spanish knight errant, Don Quixote, played by

Krishna who is determined to restore chivalry in his land. Accompanied by his faithful friend Sancho Panza, played by Madhusudhan, the two set out to save the world through a series of adventures and mishaps. Accompanying artists include Manjari, Anjana Anand, Nidheesh Kumar, K.M. Jayakrishnan, Season Unnikrishnan, Rajamally, Radha Ganesan, Tharini Shanmugarajah, Prithvija Balagopalan and Divya Nayar. The idea to restructure this tale is partly due to its universal appeal per Krishna and Ramnarayan. The plot “belongs to all of us, you can learn all you want to know about life and art from it. What greater joy than to tell a story about ordinary people and their desire to dream, in the face of bankruptcy, enslavement and death?” Past its successful premiere in Chennai in March and the second show in Northern California, the production will

continue through the United States with nine additional performance scheduled between August and October. Established in 2006, Yuva Bharati provides annual stage opportunities to young artists who are beyond the solo debut stage and have completed several years of rigorous training in dance styles such as bharatnatyam, kuchipudi, odissi, kathak and kathakali according to Santa Dasu Kondapalli, Board and Executive Committee member. “Yuva Bharati is also pleased to promote classical Indian dance through visiting artists, such as the troupe from Sahrdaya Foundation who are bringing germane shows with innovation in classical dance,”added Kondapalli. n Saturday, September 12, 4:00 p.m. Santa Clara High School Performing Arts Center 3000 Benton St., Santa Clara $50-$20. http://www.yuvabharati.org/home/current. php.

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 77


events

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events Spark—Compete For A Cause.

Team based competitions in quiz, debate, dance, music and drama and an arts & crafts workshop for children from Elementary, Middle and High School and Preschool. In keeping with our core value of “sowing the seed of giving in the minds of the young,” Spark provides a fun yet meaningful way for students to be part of a cause. 9 a.m. Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave., San Jose. spark.aramsei.org.

Don Quixote. A Music-Dance-Theater

Naatak’s 50th production, Vrindavan, a grand musical, Sept. 12-27. Photo Credit: Amit Basu

dirsrfa@gmail.com. www.srfinearts.info.

Eighth Annual Nikhil Banerjee Memorial Concert. Presenting students of Partha Chatterjee dedicated to his guru Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. This all-day music festival will highlight student performances on solo sitar, slide guitar, bansuri flute, santoor, harmonium, and cello. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church, 5370 Snell Ave., San Jose. Free. nbmconcert@gmail.com.

Sangeet Ankur. Program for youth and children showcasing the talent of youth in classical raags-both vocal and instrumental. Organized by Sangeet Dhwani. 12-4 p.m. Milpitas Library Auditorium, 160 North Main St., Milpitas. Free. pradjoshi@ gmail.com. Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Nithya Ganesh. Student of Sundara

Swaminathan, Artistic Director of Kala Vandana Dance Company. Accompanied by musicians from Chennai. Organized by Kala Vandana Dance Company. 4 p.m. Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. Free. www. kalavandana.org, www.facebook.com/kalavandana.

September

6 Sunday

Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Shraddha Kamat. Student of Sundara

Swaminathan, Artistic Director of Kala Vandana Dance Company. Accompanied by musicians from Chennai. Organized by Kala Vandana Dance Company. 4 p.m. Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. Free. www. kalavandana.org, www.facebook.com/kalavandana.

September

11 Friday

10 Healthy Eating Habits. A talk

on ayurveda by Ashok Jethanandani. You know that what you eat has a bearing on your health. Do you know that how you eat also has a profound effect? We will discuss 10 healthy eating habits advised in Charaka Samhita, an ancient treatise of ayurveda. 6-7 p.m. India Community Center, Classrooms 2 and 3, 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. Free, pre-registeration required. www.indiacc.org/ayurveda.

September

78 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

12 Saturday

Production by 15-member team from Sahrdaya Foundation, Chennai. Choreographed and directed by Sheejith Krishna. Organized by Yuva Bharati. 4 p.m. Menlo Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. $20, $25 (preferred seating), $50 (VIP), Yuva Bharati members, 1 Free Ticket. (650) 565-8859. yuva_bharati@yahoo.com. www.yuvabharati. org/home/current.php.

Hindu American Foundation Annual Awareness Dinner. This year’s

dinner will feature influential Hindu American and interfaith leaders, who will highlight the emergence of Hinduism in mainstream American society and the coming of age of the Hindu American community in politics, academia, business, and advocacy. Keynote Speakers: Acharya Armuganathaswami, Managing Editor of Hinduism Today magazine, Raj Salwan, Former City Councilman, Samir Kalra, Esq. HAF Senior Director and Human Rights Fellow. Organized by Hindu American Foundaion. 5-9 p.m. India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. $51. www.hafsite.org.

Nikhil Banerjee Memorial Music Festival. Partha Chatterjee (sitar) and

Anindo Chatterjee (tabla) in concert. 5:30 p.m. Sanatan Dharma Kendra, 193 Commercial St., Sunnyvale. $25. nbmconcert@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/ events/133691463635109/, www.ticketleap. com, nb-mem-music-festival.ticketleap.com/ partha-chatterjee-anindo-chatterjee-inconcert/.

Vrindavan—A Grand Musical. In 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Ma-


events

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events September

13 Sunday

Sriranjani Santhanagopalan in Concert. Organized by South India

Fine Arts. 4 p.m. McAfee Theater, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. www.southindiafinearts.org.

Navarathna—Rare Compositions of Tanjore Quartet. Some of the best

Hindustani vocal concert by Ruchira Panda, Sept., 27

lini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini. This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in which 12 feisty widows live in raucous celebration until a Bollywood actress arrives to disrupt their lives. Vrindavan is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, and told through humor and wit, the songs of Meera Bai and the gyrations of Bollywood songs. The play features spectacular sets, costumes and lights, along with live music by Nachiketa Yakkundi and his students, choreography by Guru Bandana Sen, and dance by the teachers and students of California Nupur Dance Academy. This is Naatak’s 50th play. Ends Sep. 27. Organized by Naatak. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. General $22, VIP $32. (408) 499-5692, (650) 622-2376. tickets@naatak.org, rajiv_nema@hotmail. com. naatak.com/portfolio/vrindavan-2015/.

Mera Woh Matlab Nahin Tha— A Play Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta. Organized by Bollywood Events

and Instant Karma. 7:30 p.m. City National Civic Center, 135 W San Carlos St., San Jose. $39, $49, $79, $99. (650) 771-0933, (408) 234-1502, (408) 579-9426.

Bay Area bharatanatyam dancers will showcase some of the rarest compositions of Tanjore Quartet, that were legends in their own lifetime. They were prolific composers composing for both dance and music. They composed on/for kings of three biggest kingdoms in southern India at the time: Tanjavoor, Tiruvancore, and, Mysore. While some of their compositions are quite popular even today, quite a few of the compositions are rarely seen. Organized by Bay Area Bharatanatyam Dancers. 4-6:30 p.m. Mission City Center for Performing Arts, 3250, Monroe St., Santa Clara. $20, $30. (408) 768-8941. ganesh.p.vasudeva@gmail.com, ganeshpv@ hotmail.com.

An Evening of South Indian Classical Music. With Ambi Subramaniam

(violin) and Mahesh Krishnamurthy (mridangam). 5 p.m. Ali Akbar College of Music, 215 West End Ave., San Rafael. General $30, members/students/seniors $25. (415) 454-6372. office@aacm.org. www. aacm.org.

September

17 Thursday

CAAMFEST San Jose 2015. Four days of exclusive sneak peeks and film premieres, conversations with celebrated media makers and lively parties. Opening this year’s festival on Friday, September 18th is Margaret Cho’s ABC series Fresh Off the Boat. Executive Producer Melvin Mar will attend. Ends Sep. 20. Organized by Center for Asian American Media. San Jose. $100, $80 members. CAAMedia.org.

September

18 Friday

Free Immigration Legal Clinic. For individuals in need of assistance with their citizenship applications and fee waivers. At the clinic, volunteer law students and attorneys will meet one-on-one with clients at any stage of the application process. Space is limited. Organized by OneJustice and the East Bay Naturalization Collaborative. 1-5 p.m. Livermore Shiva-Vishnu Temple, 1232 Arrowhead Ave., Livermore. Free. (415) 834-0100. rkimberly@one-justice.org. www.one-justice.org.

September

19 Saturday

Karnatik Vocal Concerts—Triple Header. 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.-Shashank

Mahesh (vocal),accompanied by Aparna Thyagarajan (violin) and Srivatsan Tennathur (mridangam). 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Adithi Suresh (vocal) accompanied by Vignesh Thyagarajan (violin) and Ajay Gopi (mridangam). 5:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Poojita Dasika (vocal),accompanied by Sasidhar Madugula (violin) and Shreyas Ramaswami (mridangam). Organized by SR Fine Arts. 2:15-7:15 p.m. Community Of Infinite Spirit, 1540 Hicks Av., San Jose. Free. (408) 569-0860. dirsrfa@gmail.com. www.srfinearts.info.

Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Devi Nallakumar. Student of Nirupama Vaidhyanathan, Artistic Director of Sankalpa Dance Foundation. Accompanied by Nirupama Vaidhyanathan (nattuvangam), Asha Ramesh (vocal), N. Narayanan (mridangam), and Shanthi Narayanan (violin). 4 p.m. Jackson Theatre, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont . Free. (510) 651-9995. devi.arangetram@ gmail.com.

Amitesh Mishra Concert. Originals

and Best of Bollywood hits performed by Amitesh, Manesh Judge, Kush Khanna, Mike Nathaniel and guest vocals Anisha Bakshi, and Vikas Singh. 8 p.m. Rockbar Theater, 360 Saratoga Ave., San Jose. (510) 589-3505. events.sulekha.com/ amitesh-mishra-concert_event-in_san-joseca_300485.

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 79


recommends

Dances of Devotion Cambodian and Indian dance festival By Priya Das

I

n ancient times, Cambodian Kings would conduct offerings of Robam Preah Reach Trop (Dance of the Royal Wealth) in an attempt to bridge the gap between the natural and spiritual worlds. Through this dance, which was a stylized performance of mythology, the kings believed that they could communicate with gods/divinities and ask them for their blessing to insure the fertility of the land and the well being of the kingdom. In the 1970s, Pol Pot’s regime decimated this bridge between Cambodia and the Divine in more ways than the obvious. It is estimated that about 90% of all Cambodian artists were singled out and punished with death. The Court Ballet, as the dance was also called, almost died along with its practitioners, but was revived by the few surviving masters in the subsequent decades. Sangam Arts will be presenting this dance form to California audiences this month, along with Bharatanatyam, in a program called “Dances of Devotion.” “I was a child when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia in 1975. My child-

Charya Burt, Cambodian Dance

hood was taken away; I lost my father and my two brothers,” says Charya Burt, master teacher, dancer and choreographer, who is one of the performers. “In a world filled with remarkable struggle and much hopelessness, dance was the only thing that provided me with a sense of hope and beauty. I was part of a generation of rebirth- I still feel a sense obligation to do whatever I can to try to promote, preserve and move forward this art form for many generations to come.” Burt will be restaging her “Of Spirits Intertwined,” a piece that draws from Indian, Japanese, and Cambodian dance forms and explores the nature of spiritual offerings in each. For the Sangam Arts program, Burt will combine live singing, spoken words, and video imagery to present devotional reverence. Presenting the other half of the program will be Lavanya Ananth, a bharatanatyam dancer and teacher of international acclaim. The history of bharatanatyam has been eventful too, from a nearly forgotten but controversial devadasi (Servant of God) culture, to its codification under royal patronage, and now to its revival in the last 100 years. Ananth will be presenting her own choreographic work depicting the spirituality in this South Indian dance form. It is interesting that the two styles are being presented in a compare-andcontrast format; each will perform solos with perhaps a duet or two. The program promises a unique experience for each set of audiences and perhaps will seed their sensibilities with an appreciation for both. Usha Srinivasan, co-founder of Sangam Arts confirms this, saying, “With Sangam Arts, my goal was to reach beyond the diaspora. I see the cultural siloing as a broader issue that needs to be addressed—one that isn’t limited to Indian American community. Sangam Arts was created to nurture meaningful connections between cultures using traditional arts as a platform. Bay Area has one of the most

80 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

Lavanya Ananth

diverse populations in the United States and Sangam Arts was founded to tap into this potential. Dances of Devotion is a way to break through cultural walls. Charya and Lavanya are both fantastic artists and storytellers, I cannot think of a more compelling pair.” Community or social weaving is the goal and inspiration for most of the presentations by Sangam Arts thus far, including the 90 minute Spotlight lecturedemonstration series featuring non-Indian dances. Srinivasan provides examples:“We presented Spotlight on Folklorico featuring Los Lupenos (Mexican) in San Jose; We presented Mahea Uchiyama and her Halau (Hawaiian) in Santa Clara. We plan a Brazilian Samba/Capoeira presentation later this year at Triton Art Museum in Santa Clara.” The most significant impact that Sangam Arts has already achieved in just two years since its founding, is when for the first time, all eight Indian dance traditions (bharatanatyam, kathak, kathakali, kuchipudi, manipuri, mohiniattam, odissi, and sattriya) were presented at San Francisco’s Ethnic Dance Festival in early 2014. Expanding on this achievement, Srinivasan


says, “I realized that arts enthusiasts and organizers are very interested in diverse traditions. It only needs the practitioners of these traditions to look up from their own cultures and communicate outward. Traditional arts as a platform, lends itself well to the kind of non-controversial, nonthreatening interactions that are needed for building ties.” Dances of Devotion certainly promises cross-cultural nourishment for the senses—an eye-opening look at the parallels between two traditions; both with linkages to temples, ancient royal patronage, and experiencing revival in recent decades. n Sept. 13, 4:30 p.m., Marin Showcase Theater, 10 Avenue Of The Flags, San Rafael. Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose. devotion.brownpapertickets.com. Facebook.com/sangamartsorg. tickets.marincenter.org.

cated to helping underprivileged children in India get an education by raising money through various fundraisers. Just $20 is enough to provide a whole year of education for one child. The Vibha Youth Chapter invites you to the 3rd annual Table Tennis Tournament, Open to players of all ages and skill levels. Organized by Vibha Youth Chapter. 4-8 p.m. ICC Table Tennis Center, 1507 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas. General $15, 12 years and under $12. (408) 482-0126. youth@bayarea. vibha.org. vibha-tabletennis.eventbrite.com.

September

Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Samira Sriram. Student of Mythili Ku-

25 Friday

Learning from Lahore. An illustrated

Fine Arts. 4 p.m. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. www.southindiafinearts.org.

talk on the urban history of Lahore by Will Glover, Distinguished Architectural Historian and Director, Graduate Studies, History, Univ. of Michigan and Munis Faruqui, Co-Chair, Berkeley Pakistan Initiative and Associate Professor, Dept. of South and Southeast Asian Studies. Organized by Society for Art and Cultural Heritage of India and Institute for South Asia Studies, UC Berkeley. 12-2 p.m. Townsend Center for the Humanities, 220 Stephens Hall, Univ. of California, Berkeley. (510) 642-3608. info@sachi.org, isas@ berkeley.edu.

Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour. Discover 100

September

September

20 Sunday

Ganesh and Kumaresh Violin Duo in Concert. Organized by South India

plus years of Bay Area Desi history, from 1908-2014. You’ll visit original sites, hear stories, and leave inspired by our community’s struggles for justice, from the independence movement to women’s organizing and beyond. Morning (10am–1pm) and afternoon (2pm–5pm) tours. Tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Organized by Berkeley South Asian Radical History Walking Tour. 2-5 p.m. Downtown Berkeley. $5-$15. (510) 520-0545. barnalighosh@gmail.com. berkeleysouthasian.org.

Music Concert. Vocal by Sandip Bhattacharya, accompanied by Vivek Datar (harmonium) and Nikhil Pandya (tabla). Organized by Sangeetaanjali Institute of Music. 4 p.m. 4627 Mildred Drive., Fremont. Free. (510) 651-9149. www.sangeetaanjali.org. Vibha Table Tennis Tournament.

Vibha is a non-profit organization dedi-

Shovana Narayan. Kathak Lecture Demonstration followed by a kids workshop from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Adults Workshop from 5:30-7 p.m. Organized by InSyncKathak Dance School. 2-3:30 p.m. Silliman Center, 6800 Mowry Ave., Newark . Kids Workshop $50, Adults Workshop $75, Lecture $10, free for kids under 5 and workshop attendees. (408) 203-2540, (510) 449-3679. insynckathakinfo@gmail. com, insynckathak@gmail.com. inSyncKathak.weebly.com, www.facebook.com/inSyncKathak.

26 Saturday

Ayurvedic Cooking with Bharata.

This two-day workshop will cover basic insights into the theory and practice of Ayurvedic nutrition for health and healing and hands-on practice in the kitchen. With over 15 years of experience as an Ayurvedic practitioner, studying and working in both U.S. and India, Bharata will cover the theory of the six tastes and how to apply them for optimum overall digestion, the art of using some essential Ayurvedic spices for balancing specific conditions, and food as a source of prana for healing body and mind. Ends Sep. 27. 1-4 p.m. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center San Francisco, 1185 Vicente St., San Francisco. $95, $85 members. (415) 681-2731. sanfrancisco@sivananda.org. www.sfyoga. com.

Guru-Shishya Parampara Series with Kathak Guru Padmashri

mar, Artistic Director of Abhinaya Dance Company. Accompanied by Asha Ramesh (vocal), Shanthi Narayan (violin), N. Narayan (mrugangam), Mythili Kumar and Malavika Kumar (nattuvangam). Organized by Abhinaya Dance Company. 6-8 p.m. McAfee Theater, 20300 Herriman Ave., Palo Alto. Free. (408) 871-5959. abdanceco@gmail.com. abhinaya.org.

Bansuri Master G.S. Sachdev In Concert. 7:30-9 p.m. Sivananda Yoga

Vedanta Center San Francisco, 1185 Vicente St., San Francisco. $30. (415) 681-2731. sanfrancisco@sivananda.org. www.sfyoga. com, sivanandasf.org/course/4733.

September

27 Sunday

Hindustani Vocal Concert. Khayal

Gayaki by Ruchira Panda accompanied by Abhijit Banerjee on tabla and Vivek Datar on harmonium. Organized by Basant Bahar. Sanatan Dharma Kendra, 193 Commercial St., Sunnyvale. $25 general, Free for members. www.basantbahar.org.

Padmashri Aruna Sriram in Concert. Accompanied by Vittal Ramamur-

thy (violin) and Kalaimamani J. Vaidhyanathan (mridangam). Organized by South India Fine Arts. 10:30 a.m. Smithwick Theater, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. www.southindiafinearts.org.

Rhythm and Joy—An Evening of Kathak. Kathak recital by Guru Shovana Narayan, accompanied by Ustaad Shakeel Ahmed Khan (tabla) and Madho Prasad (vocal). Accompanied by Satish Tare (tabla), Anupama Srivastava and the

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 81


events

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Meenakshi Kumaraguru. Student of

Nirupama Vaidhyanathan, Artistic Director of Sankalpa Dance Foundation. Accompanied by Nirupama Vaidhyanathan (nattuvangam), Asha Ramesh (vocal), N. Narayanan (mridangam), and Shanthi Narayanan (violin). 4 p.m. Cubberly Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road., Palo Alto. Free. (510) 576-9533. meenaarangetram@ gmail.com.

Comedian Dan Nainan Perfoms for Hope Abides Fundraiser. A

Sacramento based organization whose mission is to provide help and hope to orphaned and destitute children in India, this is their annual fundraiser. Performance, dinner, and silent auction. Organized by Hope Abides. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sacramento Waldorf School, 3750 Bannister Road., Fair Oaks. $35. (916) 690-4289. brent.adams@hopeabides.org, badams8705@msn.com. www.hopeabides. org/fundraising-dinner.php.

Healthy Eating Habits, a talk with Ashok Jethanandani, Sept., 11

InSyncKathak dancers. Organized by InSyncKathak Kathak Dance School. 4 p.m. Smith Center At Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. $25, $35, $45, $101. (408) 203-2540, (408) 315-5804, (510) 449-3679. insynckathak.weebly.com/ guru-shovana-narayan-us-tour-2015.html.

October

1 Thursday

Zakir Hussain in Concert. For his

second season as an SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain explores the profound impact of jazz on some of India’s greatest musicians working within the genre. He is joined by bassist and composer Dave Holland and Vinnie Colaiuta, one of the most influential drummers in modern music. Guitarist Amit Chatterjee and Weather Report founder Joe Zawinul, and keyboardist and composer Louiz Banks. Organized by SFJAZZ. 7:30 p.m. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. $35-$95. (866) 920-5299. www.sfjazz.org/ events/2015-16/1001/zakir-hussain.

October

2 Friday

Zakir Hussain in Concert. For his

second season as an SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain explores the profound impact of jazz on some of India’s greatest musicians working within the genre. He is joined by bassist and composer Dave Holland and Vinnie Colaiuta, one of the most influential drummers in modern music. Guitarist Amit Chatterjee and Weather Report founder Joe Zawinul, and keyboardist and composer Louiz Banks. Organized by SFJAZZ. 7:30 p.m. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. $35-$95. www.sfjazz.org/events/2015-16/1001/zakirhussain.

Hans Raj Hans and L. Shankar Live in Concert. Organized by Another

Planet Entertainment. 8 p.m. Fox Theater in Oakland, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. $49.50, $59.50, $79.50, $89.50, $99.50. (510) 302-2250, (510) 548-3010. contact@ anotherplanetent.com. www.thefoxoakland. com, www.apeconcerts.com.

October

82 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

3 Saturday

Induz Laser Dandiya 2015. 6:3010:30 p.m. Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. $20. (510) 449-8530, (510) 875-5006, (510) 6769541. ray@induz.org, sanjay.saxena@ gmail.com, meenuyash26@gmail.com. www. induz.org, www3.sulekha.com/eventlistings/ images/induz.html. Zakir Hussain in Concert. For his

second season as an SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain explores the profound impact of jazz on some of India’s greatest musicians working within the genre. He is joined by bassist and composer Dave Holland and Vinnie Colaiuta, one of the most influential drummers in modern music. Guitarist Amit Chatterjee and Weather Report founder Joe Zawinul, and keyboardist and composer Louiz Banks. Ends Oct. 4. Organized by SFJAZZ. 7:30 p.m. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. $45-$105. (866) 9205299. www.sfjazz.org/events/2015-16/1003/ zakir-hussain.

October

4 Sunday


events

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events

Benefit Brunch for Shadhika. The

benefit will host speaker, Medhavinee Namjoshi, who is recognized internationally for her work on women’s rights in India as head of Vacha (“voice”) in Mumbai, a Shadhika grantee. Vacha is a women’s rights organization that advocates for girls’ and women’s rights, empowers them to become strong women leaders, and helps build a generation of male feminists. Attendees will also enjoy a film featuring Vacha’s work. Organized by Shadhika. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saratoga Country Club, 21990 Prospect Road, Saratoga. Free. Donations accepted at the door. (303) 455-1819. info@ shadhika.org. shadhika.givezooks.com/events/ benefit-brunch-for-shadhika.

College and Education Expo. Understand the college admissions process and get insider knowledge from experts in the field. Featured Speakers: Lavanya Jawaharlal, Cofounder of STEM USA; M.R. Rangaswami, software executive; Marcelle De Laurentis, Admissions Consultant; and Rachel Hagan, Admissions Consultant. Organized by india West. 12-6 p.m. India Community Center (ICC), 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. Free. www. indiawest.com/collegefair. Kelucharan Keerti Sampradaya 2015. An annual tribute to Odissi dance

pioneer, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, will feature his dance ballet, Dashanana, the story of Ravana. His son, Guru Ratikant Mohapatra has the lead role of ten-faced (dashanana) demon-king Ravana, while his daughter-in-law, Guru Sujata Mohapatra, will play the dual roles of Lord Brahma and Rama, the avatar of Lord Vishnu who ultimately destroys the evil Ravana. While the more commonly known Hindu epic, Ramayana, is the story depicting hero Lord Rama’s life’s journey, on the contrary, Dashanana, sheds light on the same story through famous villain Ravana’s perspective. Rama’s wife Sita who is abducted by Ravana is played by Guru Shradha’s Founder/ Director, Niharika Mohanty. Other main roles portrayed by Guru Shradha’s dancers are Lakshmana (Deepa Mahadevan), Jatayu (Rasika Kumar), Maricha as a

Magsaysay Award Winner Padmashree Prakash Amte will be honored at the ICA Banquet Awards on Oct., 11

golden deer (Divya Saha), and Mandodari (Aparna Dasgupta). The first half of the festival program will feature various traditional choreography of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra in captivating group presentations performed by Guru Shradha’s students. Organized by Guru Shradha. 2 p.m. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Patron $35, general $20, student/senior $15. (650) 3946022. GuruShradha@gmail.com. kks2015. brownpapertickets.com, www.facebook.com/ events/410064939196994/, www.gurushradha.org.

Vibha Dandiya 2015. With artists

Sharvari Dixit and Dimple Patel. Organized by Vibha. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Centerville Jr. High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. $15. events.vibha.org/dandia/ bayarea/home.

October

9 Friday

Chaos Theory—A Play. A die-hard Harvard guy and that Colombian gal... Two particles meet but never collide. The charm of romance comes from its impossibility. Two irreverent professors, Sunita, a die-hard Columbia gal (Kate Winslet meets Sharmila Tagore) and Mukesh, the Harvard guy (Naseerudin Shah meets Jeremy Irons), verbal duelists and derisive cohorts, opt for the ephemeral and the fragile over the mundane minutiae of daily life in their 30+ year relationship. A Benefit for Maitri. Ends Oct. 11. Organized by EnActe Arts. Cubberley Community Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road., Palo Alto. $25 $35 VIP $50. (408) 306-2251. info@ enacte.org. www.enacte.org, us.sulekha.com.

October

10 Saturday

Mathe—A Thematic Program.

Navratri Garba. Organized by Gujrati

Cultural Association of Bay Area (GCA). 6-9 p.m. M Lounge, 98 S Second St., San Jose. www.gcabayarea.org/user/event. php?label=GKlHbWz561440246880.

Presented by Deepa Menon, Madhuri Kishore, Priya Ramdoss, Shirni Surapaneni. Organized by Yuva Bharati. 4 p.m. Cubberly Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $15, free for Yuva Bharati members. (650) 565-8859. yuva_bharati@yahoo.

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 83


events

California’s Best Guide to Indian Events com. www.yuvabharati.org.

Vocal Concert by Trichur Brothers. Organized by South India Fine Arts. 4 p.m. CET—Soto Theater, 701 Vine St., San Jose. www.southindiafinearts.org.

October

11 Sunday

Concert and Fundraising Solo Sitar Recital by Pandit Habib Khan. Accompanied by Satish Tare (tabla) and Ramesh Srinivasan (mridangam). Organized by Habib Khan Saraswati Temple and Gurukul. 3:30 p.m. Quinian Community Center, 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino. $50, $100 (VIP). (408) 528-0786, (650) 255-9752. habibkhan@habibkhansitarist.com. www.habibkhansitarist.com.

ICA Awards Banquet. Honoring Kelucharan Keerti Sampradaya Oct 4

Padmashree Prakash Amte and Mandakini Amte and Padmabhusan Thomas Kailath as outstanding individuals for their dedication and commitment to helping under

84 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

served communities. gdesale@hotmail. com, 408-857-1748. Organized by Indians for Collective Action (ICA). 5-9 p.m. India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. $45 (early bird), $55 advance, $65 at the door, students $25. (650) 8041066, (650) 868-6645, (408) 396-6240. pushpa_subbarao@yahoo.com, akbhushan@ aol.com, bhupenmehta@yahoo.com. www. icaonline.org, www.eventbrite.com/e/ica2015-annual-banquet-honoring-padmashridr-prakash-amte-dr-mandakini-amte-padma-bhushan-dr-tickets-17474936004.

Vibha Dandiya 2015. With artists

Sharvari Dixit and Dimple Patel. Organized by Vibha. 7:30-11:30 p.m. Centerville Jr. High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. $15. events.vibha.org/dandia/ bayarea/home. © Copyright 2015 India Currents. All rights reserved. Reproduction for commercial use strictly prohibited.


Spiritual Growth

VEDIC SAMPRADAYA RITUALS ALL TRADITIONAL HINDU PUJAS & HOMAS LIKE:

• Ganapati, Navagraha Homas • Upanayana, Seemantham, Marriages • Sradha, Funeral Services Classes in Puja Vidhi & Veda Chanting

PANDIT RAVICHANDRAN Veda Pandit • Sahitya Siromani 1193 Bluebell Drive, Livermore, CA 94550

(925) 449-0620

E-mail: panditravi@comcast.net

BALU SHASTRI is now available in the Bay Area to conduct all Hindu religious rituals both in North and South Indian manner. • Poojas of all Kinds • Ceremonies • Homams, etc. Please contact: Phone: (408) 738-0571 Cell: (408) 393-7722 Email: balushastri@hotmail.com

6211 Prospect Rd., San Jose, CA 95129

Your Ad Here in the Northern California edition of India Currents for

$

70

00*

*Discounted price per insertion based on advance purchase of three or more insertions. One time rate $100.

Call (408) 324-0488

Email: ads@indiacurrents.com

IF THERE IS A NEED FOR THE SERVICES OF A PUNDIT FOR ANY AUSPICIOUS, CELEBRATORY OR SAD OCCASION THEN YOU MUST CALL

ö XI m;;F;e n;m;/ All kinds of Hindu traditional Pujas and homas Ganapathi, Navagraha, Vasthu, Ayushya Homas, Marriages, Seemantham, Nama-karnam, Upanayanam, Sathyanarayana Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Durga Sapthasathi Yanthra Puja. Hiranya Sradha and last rites. American born children’s horoscopes.

Pt. Ganesh Shasthry 880 E. Fremont Ave., #302 Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Home (408) 245-5443 Cell (925) 209-7637 Kabalikarpaga@hotmail.com

l;ek:; s;m;st;; s;uiK;n;;e B;v;nt;u JAI MATA DI

HINDU WEDDING PRIEST

Acharya Ji

HINDU PRIEST & VEDIC ASTROLOGER Please contact for

ASTROLOGY & RITUALS Also available for all types of Poojas and Horoscope/Matchmaking (408) 480-5477 (Cell) (408) 400-0513 (Home) Email: hindupriest01@hotmail.com

www.hindupriestusa.com DURGA JYOTISH MANDIR

990 Lakewood Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Pandit Krishna Kumar Pandey Acharya Ji

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 85


SPIRITUALITY & HEALTH

September

1 Tuesday

Sri Ramana’s Arrival at Arunachala. Meditation, reading by Nome, puja

to Sri Ramana Maharshi with devotional singing of bhajans, followed by prasad. 7:30 p.m. Society of Abidance in Truth (SAT Temple), 1834 Ocean St., Santa Cruz . Free. (831) 425-7287. sat@cruzio.com. satramana.org/web/events/festivals/sri-ramanas-arrival-at-arunachala/.

September

3 Thursday

3rd Annual Vedic Knowledge Forum on Consciousness and Creativity. Workshops and yoga practice in the

traditional ashram environment in the lovely Sierra foothills. Beautiful, uplifting stories from spiritual teachers of highest order. Swami Atmananda, direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, visits the Yoga Farm for the first time to share his heartwarming, often humorous stories of the saints and sages of India in his talks on “Godly Gossip.” Swamini Swatmavidyananda of Arsha Vijnana Gurukulum will share scriptural knowledge on relieving stress and sorrow through the practices of yoga. Scholar and poet Jeffrey Armstrong will share his sacred poetry, renowned Jyotishi Komilla Sutton offers wisdom on creativity according to Vedic astrology, and legendary songstress and sound healer Sylvia Nakkach will offer her concerts to help you free your voice and open your heart through healing sounds & sacred mantra. Swami Sitaramananda Saraswati will offer knowledge on creativity from her 30 years as a leading teacher of yoga and meditation with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams & Centers, and Swami Vasishtananda, from the Namboodiri lineage of Kerala, will lead us in a homa ceremony. Ends Sep. 7. Organized by The International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centers. 8 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Sivananda Yoga Farm Ashram, Grass Valley, CA, 14651 Ballantree Ln., Grass Valley. 250 plus accommodations. (530) 272-9322. yogafarmregistration@sivananda.org. http

shttp://www.sivanandayogafarm.org/course/ consciousness_creativity.

September

4 Friday

Janmashtami Celebration. Silent

meditation, bhajans, and readings from Bhagavad Gita. 7:30 p.m. Society of Abidance in Truth (SAT Temple), 1834 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 425-7287. sat@cruzio.com. satramana.org/web/events/ calendar/.

September

5 Saturday

Sri Krishna Leelotsava. 9-11 a.m.

puja, 4 p.m. program for children, hitting butter pots. Evening puja and prasad. Organized by Nagendra Udupa, Sujnana Religious and Charitable Foundation.

86 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

9:15 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sri Krishna Vrundavana Temple, 43 Sunol St., San Jose. Free. (408) 416-3624. nagendrau84@gmail. com. www.skvtemple.org.

Janmashtami Celebrations. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Iskcon Temple, 2334 Stuart St., Berkeley. (510) 540-9215. www.iskconberkeley.net. Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebration. Concerts by Bay Area musicians.

6:30-11:30 p.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. Free. (510) 278-2444. badarik@pacbell.net. www. badarikashrama.org.

September

6 Sunday

Yoga and Ayurveda Workshop. Yoga class with simple and powerful postures to promote strength and flexibility, deep


Spiritual Growth

Om Sri Mathre Namaha Vaidica Vidhya Ganapathi Center SRI LAKSHMI GANAPATHI TEMPLE

(408) 226-3600 32B Rancho Drive, San Jose, CA 95111

(Capitol Expressway West and Montrey Road Junction, Opposite and 1 Block from Capitol Cal Train Station)

www.vvgc.org or siliconvalleyhindutemple.com

) At 8.00 Am P C T T D Wednesday September 16 Th At 7.00 Pm S G P C T T D

P

Friday September 4 Th At 5.00 Pm S S S S

D

S A D S A

S A S

C N P

C

S

Saturday September 5 Th S G S S At 4.00 Pm S A C S N C S A

S C P P

Friday September 18 Th R P

Sunday September 6 Th S P S S Monday September 7 Th A 00 P S S A P T

A D

Thursday September 10 Th At 6.00 Pm P S A A P

A

R HA AN S RE IGI US DISC URSES

32 R

D

Sunday September 27 Th A C P P 2.00 Pm S S N S P A P Evening At 4.00 Pm S G A S S A S D S S S S A A P ( E At 6.07 Pm T 9.27 Pm S U P U U P P P P R P P A A

Saturday September 19 Th S S At 8.30 Pm S D S S S S S N A

Monday September 28 Th S P P P

Sunday September 20 Th At 4.00 Pm S G N C

At 5.00 Pm S S S G G S D S A P

Thursday Septmeber 24 Th At 7.30 Am R U C T T

Tuesday September 15 Th S U (S

Please Make A Note: T

Thursday September 17 Th G C C T At Morning 8.00 Am S S C S G H S G A C S S A P C A At 5.30 Pm S S D A At 10.00 Pm S D H A H A E S T C

Friday September 25 Th At 4.00 Pm S S D A C S S N C At 5.00 Pm P S S R A A P

S

CA Temple Timings: Week Days - Week Ends And Holidays 0 00 T 8 00

Thursday October 1 St S

P D

0 00 A

T

2N

E

USIC AND DANCE PER R ANCES PRI ATE P AS P EASE C NTACT TE P E R URTHER DETAI S HU ATH A SA ASTHA SU IN HA ANTHU E A SER E A E IS A

H H A S

C S S

S

A

A

00

T 8 00

ANGA ANI HA ANTHU SU HA

For Pujas & Rituals Contact: PANDIT

880 East Fremont Ave #302, Cupertino Villas, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 — Home: (408)

GANESH SHASTHRY 245-5443 / Cell: (925) 209-7637 E-mail: srikalahatheeswara@yahoo.com September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 87

INDIA CURRENTS GRAPHICS (408) 324-0488

Tuesday September 1 St S S H C At 5.00 Pm S G H S G A A A


breathing to focus the mind and deep relaxation for peace of mind. Following will be a workshop on the principles and practices of Ayurvedic cooking. A Ayurvedic meal will be offered for lunch. 10 a.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. Free. (510) 278-2444. badarik@ pacbell.net. www.badarikashrama.org.

Service: The Power of Love in Action. Sunday Service. Organized by Self-

nt a W u o Do Y llege Essay Co r u o Y Os? R P y b d e t i Ed Our clients have been accepted at * Harvard * Yale * Stanford * Rice * Wesleyan * NYU

Realization Fellowship. SRF Center Sacramento, 4513 North Ave., Sacramento. (916) 483-9644. SRF Center Los Gatos, 303 E. Main St., Los Gatos. (408) 252-5299. Berkeley Temple, 3201 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 984-0084. www.yoganandasrf.org. Contact temples for times.

September

9 Wednesday

Beginners Yoga Course (Sivananda Tradition). Step-by-step instruction in

the practice of Yoga asanas, pranayama and relaxation. Sivananda Yoga is a traditional practice, where yoga postures are held still while focusing on the breath. The practice is meditative, it balances the physical and energy systems, and prepares one for meditation. 6:30 p.m. VishnuDevananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 3767 Union St., Fremont. (510) 273-2447. vishnuyoga@gmail.com. www.vishnuyoga.org.

September

12 Saturday

Sri Sundarakanda Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas. Chanting the epic

* MIT * Brown * Cal Tech * U Chicago * UC Berkeley * UCLA and more... For details write to essays@indiacurrents.com

stories of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Sri Hanuman. Sundar Kanda. 2:30 p.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. Free. (510) 278-2444. badarik@ pacbell.net. www.badarikashrama.org.

September

13 Sunday

Bodh—An Awakening to Self Realisation. A one day experiential and

interactive process retreat that helps one to internally harmonize at all levels, physical, mental, emotional as well as at a deep, undiscovered core level. Organized by MaitriBodh Parivaar. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

88 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

Shirdi Sai Temple, 1221 California Circle, Milpitas. Free. (6500 863-6178. info.usa@ maitribodh.org.

Sri Bhagavad Gita Talk and Kirtan by Suman and Sargam Shah. In this

monthly lecture series Suman and Sargam Shah will present the eternal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in a fun and meaningful manner along with kirtan. 11 a.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. Free. (510) 278-2444. badarik@ pacbell.net. www.badarikashrama.org.

Karma: The Law of Cosmic Justice. Sunday Service. Organized by Self-

Realization Fellowship. SRF Center Sacramento, 4513 North Ave., Sacramento. (916) 483-9644. SRF Center Los Gatos, 303 E. Main St., Los Gatos. (408) 252-5299. Berkeley Temple, 3201 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 984-0084. www.yoganandasrf.org. Contact temples for times.

September

20 Sunday

What Is God’s True Nature? Sunday Service. Organized by Self-Realization Fellowship. SRF Center Sacramento, 4513 North Ave., Sacramento. (916) 483-9644. SRF Center Los Gatos, 303 E. Main St., Los Gatos. (408) 252-5299. Berkeley Temple, 3201 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 984-0084. www.yogananda-srf.org. Contact temples for times.

September

27 Sunday

How to Bring God Into Daily Life. Sunday Service. Organized by Self-

Realization Fellowship. SRF Center Sacramento, 4513 North Ave., Sacramento. (916) 483-9644. SRF Center Los Gatos, 303 E. Main St., Los Gatos. (408) 252-5299. Berkeley Temple, 3201 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 984-0084. www.yoganandasrf.org. Contact temples for times.

© Copyright 2015 India Currents. All rights reserved. Reproduction for commercial use strictly prohibited.


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 89


Very Reasonable & Reliable Serving you in the Bay Area for 30+ years

Licence No: 554005

New Homes

2nd Stor

y Additio

ns

Residential & Commercial SINCE 1989

Commercial

Residential

• Custom House • 2nd Story Additions • Addition / Remodeling • Kitchen / Bath

• Tenant Improvement • Dental Office • Veterinary Clinic • Airline Office • Restaurant

For FREE Estimates call DEVINDER S. CHANA at (510) 487-3254 or Cell (510) 376-9428 dschana@chanaconstruction.com www.chanaconstruction.com

Restaurant

Kitchens

Patios

Baths

Rennovations

SITAARRE TV is a South Asian entertainment television show featuring Bollywood Star Profiles, Celebrity Interviews, Movie Reviews, Special Themed segments, Business Infomercials and the highlights of Community Events happening in and around the Bay Area.

Kavita, Anchor

Show Times and Networks: 1. Every Sunday,10 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. on KTSF 26 available on Dish Network and DirecTV Channel 26, Comcast, AT&T U-Verse, Channel 8 and also available to watch on Comcast on Demand 24/7 Show Reach: Entire Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Greater Bay Area). 2. Every Sunday, 11 A.M. – 12 Noon on Comcast/Xfinity - Channel 238 in the entire Bay Area 3. Every Sunday, 5 P.M. - 6 P.M. on Comcast/Xfinity – Channel 238 in the Central Valley (Tracy, Livermore, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton & Sacramento 4. Every Sunday 5 P.M. – 6 P.M. on Times Warner, Channel 503 in New York and New Jersey 5. Every Monday, 5 P.M. – 6 P.M. on Times Warner, Channel 503 in New York and New Jersey

ADVERTISE ON SITAARRE TV • REACH 12.8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS Call today to find out about our competitive ad rates and custom made advertising packages.

The Premiere South Asian Entertainment Television Show Contact: Poonam Bajaj (510) 304-8654 • Email: sitaarre@gmail.com

90 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 91


healthy life

Best Foods For Building Lean Muscle By Puja Mukherjee

I

f lean muscles could be built from beer and chips then everyone could be looking huge with well-defined muscles. Unfortunately this is not the case. It takes a lot of exercises and healthy eating habits to develop lean muscles. But wait; did you know that there are certain foods that can help you to build lean muscles faster? These foods have particular properties, which increase the rate at which your muscles burn fat to look more defined. Below are my recommendations for best foods for building lean muscle:

indeed their ability to boost the development of lean muscles extend beyond the protein value. Eggs are highly functional due to the yolk, which contains sufficient amounts of cholesterol. If you are troubled that the amount of cholesterol could hike from excessive consumption of eggs, it is time you knew that the type of cholesterol

by the human body. Vitamin E is required in the body especially after exercising because it is a potent antioxidant, which prevents free-radical damage that could prevent effective muscle development after workouts. The moment such kind of destruction is prevented; lean muscle development will be accelerated.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens have gone beyond the boundaries of keeping your skin glowing to facilitate the development of lean muscles at a faster rate. They contain a lot of iron, whose function is to speed up the circulation of oxygen during workouts. Similarly, leafy greens contain enough proteins to help build lean muscles further. Some of the greens that have a higher amount of proteins are spinach and kales, and should therefore be consumed in large amounts.

Salmon

While fish has gained a lot of glory as one of the best sources of white meat, salmon takes the lead when it comes to the types of food, which are responsible for building lean muscles fast. Salmon contains a unique blend of the right proteins, B vitamins and other essential nutrients such as magnesium, which is crucial to the repair and formation of new muscles. Besides, scientific evidence has pointed out that salmon boosts mood, which goes a long way in preventing unhealthy eating habits and therefore contributes directly to lean muscle development.

Eggs

Eggs have always been identified as the best source of proteins, and

Apples

obtained from eggs has been shown to lower the amount of bad cholesterol which is mostly associated with cardiovascular infections. Eggs therefore boast of the highest biological value, a measure that depicts how well they support your body’s protein need.

Almonds

Almonds carry a substantive amount of Vitamin E, in a form that is best absorbed

92 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

When it comes to fruits, apples play a crucial role towards the development of lean muscles. These fruits are packed with specific polyphenols, which prevent muscle fatigue while increasing muscle strength at the same time. Apples should therefore be used as pre-workout carb sources because they allow you to train harder and over an extended period of time.

Oats

These are some of the most unique grains that you will find in the local store. If you consume half a cup of rolled oats for


health instance, you will get 5 grams of proteins and a number of vitamins which boost metabolism and promote muscle growth. If you observe most bodybuilders, you will find out that they consume oats at the start of their day because it is the kind of diet that that keeps one satisfied for long besides preventing the accumulation of abdominal weight.

Peanuts

Peanuts are mostly consumed for their protein content, forgetting that they contain a host of other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and plenty of iron. In a single serving of roasted peanuts, you get 12 grams of proteins and all the aforementioned nutrients. Besides roasted peanuts, peanut butter is a good alternative, but one has to be careful not to choose the sweetened varieties.

HOMEOPATHY Practicing under SB577

CLASSICAL HOMEOPATH

Ph.D. Dip-NIH GCEH CCH

In practice since 1987, Meenakshi has 7 years of graduate study in homeopathic medicine. She is a graduate of a world-renowned Homeopathic Medical Institute NIH Calcutta, was a lecturer at CMP Medical College in Bombay, and Advisor to Central Council of Homeopathy in New Delhi * Asthma * Allergies * Sinusitis * Migraines * Colitis * Menopause * Teething * Colic * Ear Infections * Acne * Eczema * Stress/Anxiety * Chr. Fatigue Syndrome Others... 15750 Winchester Blvd., Suite 206, Los Gatos, CA 95030

www.homeopathicdoctor.net •

(408) 884-1992

Beef from grass-fed animals

Beef contains zinc, iron, B vitamins, cholesterol and proteins. These are some of the best components for anyone who wishes to develop lean muscles, but they should be obtained grass-fed animals. Compared to conventionally raised animals, grass-fed cattle contain a higher level of conjugated linoleic acid, which helps the body in shedding fat in order to develop lean muscles. In summary, there is a wide variety of natural foods which have particular properties vital to the development of lean muscles. However, it is also essential to note that food alone cannot help one to develop lean muscles. As such, one should consume such healthy and balanced diets besides regular exercising before the results start to appear.n Puja Mukherjee is a certified Fitness Trainer, who woke up one morning to drop everything in the pursuit of her passion for fitness. She says the best part about her job is to liberate her clients from their preconceived notions about fitness and see them be dazzled. Follow her at www.getmeanmuscle.com References. http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/musclebuilding-foods http://diet.allwomenstalk.com/foods-to-helpyou-build-lean-muscle http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/ nutrition/15-best-lean-muscle-building-foods http://fitlife.tv/top-vegan-foods-that-buildlean-muscle/

Pacific Homeopathy THE GENTLE PATH TO HEALING

3275 Stevens Creek Blvd #245 San Jose, CA

(408) 835-7420

Gentle and Personalized Care Integrated Homeopathy care for the whole family * Migraines * Allergies and Asthma * Skin * Female health * Depression * Anxiety and many more conditions

Weekend appointments available

Rina Valia

LCEH, MD(HOM), CCH (Over 25 Years Expereince)

email: rina@pacifichomeopathy.com | Visit www.pacifichomeopathy.com for consultation specials September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 93


94 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


health

ARD in 2013 xAceW llence for E vedic Ayur e Practic

Ayurveda Clinic Dr. Vivek Shanbhag, ND, MD (Ayu), BAMS, CYEd. • Ayurveda Doctor & Professor for over 30 years • Licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 20 years. • Director, AYU Clinic & Academy, Seattle. 1989-2006 (17 yrs) • Chairman, Ayurveda Dept, Bastyr University, Seattle. 1991-96 • Head, Ayurveda Research Institute, Pune. 1985-88 Gayathri Shanbhag, MS • Professor & Consultant in Nutrition & Diet Therapy. • Over 20 years experience.

$100

Off on Init ial Consult 1 Hour BRING ation TH IS AD

• Ayurveda & Naturopathy Consultations • All Chronic & Acute Disease Treatment • Herbal & Nutritional Prescription • Pancha Karma Cleansing & Rejuvenation • Weight Management Program • Lectures, Workshops & Cooking Classes • Evening & Weekend Appointments • 3 Clinics: Mountain View, San Jose, Los Gatos

(408) 876-0636 • www.YogaAyurveda.org • drshanbhag@aol.com

Planning to Start a Family ?

I can help

• Complete Prenatal Care & Delivery • Fetal Monitoring & Ultrasounds • Most Major Insurance & HMO Plans Accepted (See website for details) • A Silicon Valley “TOP DOC” • Now Accepting Patients Adjacent to / and affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital

2577 Samaritan Drive, Suite 810. San Jose, CA 95124

www.atatemd.com

(408) 358-1888

www. narika.org

ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Is Your Family Or Loved One Hurting You?

Services Include: Counseling/Therapy, Accompaniments, Legal References, Translation, Health & Wellness, Support Groups

Ayurveda

Since 1932

Premium line of Ayurvedic herbal supplements

Free consultation

with Ayurvedic Doctor(herbalist) Call:

(213)-427 3500

Anjali S. Tate, MD

E- mail: health@herbsforever.com

Taking the Time to Care

www.herbsforever.com .herbsforever

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Are you being abused? Need someone to talk to? You are not alone! Maitri's Hindi & Bangla Support Groups in Fremont can help you! FREE & CONFIDENTIAL HELP Free On-site Childcare Attend FREE immigration, legal, and financial workshops in Fremont Hosted by SAVE & Maitri For more info Call Maitri :

(888) 862-4874

All Services Are Free And Confidential Email: helpline@narika.org September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 95


96 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


health

Are you being abused? Need someone to talk to? For FREE & CONFIDENTIAL Help

Contact Maitri at:

1- 888-8-MAITRI We speak all major South Asian languages. Now offering support groups and workshops in Fremont. For more info, call Maitri:

(888) 862-4874/408 436 8393 Bay Area Maitri www.maitri.org Support-Volunteer-Donate

Call our Office for Promotions!

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 97


dear doctor

How Do I Bare My Soul in Group Therapy? By Alzak Amlani

Q

American therapists often recommend group therapy to people. It seems strange for me to join a group of people I don’t know at all and discuss my private issues with them. Besides, isn’t it more discouraging and even depressing to listen to other people’s struggles and stories each week?

A

You are right, group work is a significant component of therapy in the United States. Psychologists, social workers and psychotherapists lead groups to tackle relationship challenges, shyness, anxiety and depression, addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and more) and more. I don’t believe that group work can necessarily replace individual or couples therapy. Individual inner work, augmented by group work from time to time can be very beneficial. There is great value in opening up our troubles, feelings and personalities to other people in a safe, thoughtful and facil-

itated setting. Most people are afraid and even feel shame in disclosing their issues to others, especially to a group. Being vulnerable in a group plays an important role in helping us heal our psychological ailments. Most of us were raised in families and belonged to various groups as children. We were shaped by and identified with groups and various types of collectives. Our ancestors lived and traveled in groups of fifty to two-hundred. We are social creatures by inheritance. In group therapy we listen to peers who have similar stories, feelings and struggles. This reduces our isolation, shame and self-judgment about our own shortcomings and troubles. We realize that to be human is to have issues and to need help and support. There is a certain kind of intimacy that is meaningful in interpersonal groups because group members reveal their authentic struggles, needs and questions quickly.

NOW HIRING:

Family Practice Physician

The group therapist also facilitates self reflection and helps point out interpersonal dynamics. These include feelings of isolation, judgment, rejection, belonging, popularity and value. A group can mimic a member’s experience of being in his or her family of origin. This is powerful, as most of us have struggled within our families and almost never have had a therapeutic opportunity to discuss and resolve those dynamics. With increased technology and focus on the individual in this culture people are often isolated and less able to be authentic and open about their inner lives and interpersonal needs. Groups can be a great platform for personal resolution. n Alzak Amlani, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist of Indian descent in the Bay Area. 650-325-8393. Visit www.wholenesstherapy.com

Seeking solo Physician for multi-million dollar, non-HMO private practice in Central Valley, CA with well-established patient base, complete with X-Ray, Lab, Ultrasound, Treadmill, etc. All Outpatient. No Ob work.

 2-3 years clinical experience preferred, not required.  Must possess CA Medical License & DEA License.  Competitive annual salary of $160K-$200K (depending on qualifications) with generous benefits package. Please Email Resume/CV to: shilpasiva5@gmail.com  More info: (925) 348-2899

Let us brighten your smile! • • • • •

Preventive Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Root canals & extractions Kids of all ages welcome Most PPO plans accepted

FREE Initial Exam* *Excluding x-rays. With this ad.

Mamta Desai DDS., Inc.

5145 Stevens Creek Blvd. #210, Santa Clara, CA 95051 •

98 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015

(408) 246-1111


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 99


100 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California | September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 101


4:00

102 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


real estate . loans

IndiaCurrents With the magazine available in digital as well as print form, you never have to miss another issue of India Currents! Subscribe today.

Yes! Sign me up to receive free digital newsletters FIRST NAME

LUCKY KITCHEN & BATH

LIC# 978638

LAST NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

OVER 2 0 YEAR • ROOM ADDITION • CUSTOM CABINET E XPERIE S NCE • DENTAL & DOCTOR’S OFFICE • CABINET REFACE & • PLUMBING / ELECTRIC / PAINTING REFINISH LICENCED, BONDED & INSURED

All work guaranteed at LOW PRICE and ON-TIME ONE STOP REMODELLING • FINEST CABINETRY Showroom: 752 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112

I would like to receive a print magazine Northern California (S/H $5.95/year) Southern California (S/H $5.95/year)

(408) 590-9071

sangleluckykb@gmail.com • www.luckykitchenbath.com

Sang Le

FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

Making Dreams Come True, One Home at a Time . ©

“Happy Labor Day!” REPRESENT BUYERS FOR NEW HOME SALES / NEW CONSTRUCTION / RESALE

CITY

DAYTIME PHONE (optional)

Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati & Bengali

Email: sue@bosehomes.com www.BoseHomes.com

Member, California Association of Realtors Member, National Association of Realtors Chair Elect for Sunnyvale/Cupertino District, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR)

SIGNATURE (required)

Agent, Referral Realty Lic #01379753 • 1601 S. De Anza Blvd., #150, Cupertino, CA 95014

Mail this form to:

We specialize in the great school district in Cupertino and surrounding cities. FREE SERVICES * Free Neighborhood Listing Finder sent direct via email* * Free List & tours of Bank Owned and Short Sale properties* * Free Home Market Evaluation report for homeowners, know the value in today's market.

India Currents Subscriptions 1885 Lundy Ave Suite 220, San Jose, CA 95131 Or Email: subscribe@indiacurrents.com Fax to: (408) 324-0477 Sign up at www.indiacurrents.com/subscribe/

WHY PAY RENT!! Buy a home while prices and interest rates are at a low. Kim Properties is family owned and has been serving the South bay since 1979. We know buying your dream home is the biggest purchase you will make, let us guide you to a success. We look forward serving you.

ROBERT VAN DEN BULKE

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

1% BACK SELLER TO SO BUYERS R

(Certain

DATE

You may email me promotions and news about India Currents.

*Searching for Top Schools in the South Bay?*

408-206-1064 Kim Properties RVanDenBulke@KimProperties.net www.CupertinoHomeInfo.com

Exp date

Credit Card #

408-835-3330 • (510) 779-2673 • 1-877-RE-GURU-4U

MBA, CRS, GRI, Realtor

ZIP

EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SPECIALIST

Sue Bose

STATE

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the first issue to arrive.

Back issue $3 each, if available

Restrict

ions Ap

ply)

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 103


real estate . loans

CALL ME FOR YOUR HOME BUYING, SELLING AND MORTGAGE SERVICES • Experienced at finding the home that meets your requirements • Extensive knowledge of the Bay Area neighborhood with great selling skills. • Superior mortgage product knowledge health advice to help you make an informed decision • Well-researched • Over 130 lenders to choose from • Quick and easy closing • High level of customer service satisfaction guaranteed. • References will be provided upon request.

Lakshmi Sathyanarayana

NMLS ID - 238706 • BRE ID 01472095

Realtor/Mortgage Consultant Member of SCCAOR, NAR & CAR

1288 Kifer Road, Suite 208, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-212-8847 Direct:

Cellular: 408-839-4219 E-mail: Lakshmi.RealtorAndLoanAgent@gmail.com My website: www.RealtorAndLoanAgent.com Company website: www.Maxrealusa.com

H• EALTHY REASONS TO REFINANCE The rate of your 3-1, 5-1 or 7-1 ARM may be expiring in the next couple of years.

• You may want to consolidate your 1st and 2nd Mortgage into One Loan

• You may want the security of a Fixed Rate Loan • You want LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS • You want cash out for Remodeling, Debt Consolidation or Buying a Rental Property

NMLS 86218 • BRE# 00905411

We’ll take the hype out of interest rates and real estate financing!

* Free Pre-Approvals * Free relocks when rates go down

NMLS# 54263

Voice Mail (925) 806-8567 Toll Free (800) 820-3070

Dreams Home”

Email us: Joel.Ferrill@pvfloans.com • www.pvfloans.com

Serving the Indian Community for over 20 years • We sincerely thank you for all your business 104 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 105


recipes

Sunday Afternoon Snacks By Praba Iyer

W

hen we lived in Coimbatore my mom and our neighbor, who was at least twenty years younger than her, became the best of friends. Many an evening, as I walked home from school, I would see mom and her bestie sitting on the stairs with a cup of coffee and a plate of their innovative snacks, chatting and giggling away like teenagers. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their latest creations. One lazy afternoon in California, my son walked in saying “Mom, I wish I could have some animal style fries, right about now.” And I had a quick flashback to Coimbatore and the snacks that my mother whipped up.

Animal Fries with Secret Sauce

I could have picked up my keys, driven to an In-N-Out, stood in line, picked up some fries with the so-called secret sauce, then made a detour to an Indian store, picked up some kachoris and samosas, stood in the next never ending checkout

line, irritated with the people who cut into the line, and then driven back home in crazy 4 p.m. commute traffic. But I decided to stay home and be creative, instead. It’s not as hard as you might think. Here is an animal fries recipe—a healthier version of what you might get at an InN-Out, which will make your grumpy teen smile from ear to ear. The recipe is for my nieces who can never resist making a pit stop at In-N-Out when they come to visit. n Praba Iyer is a chef instructor who teaches team-building through cooking classes and custom cooking classes in the bay area. She is a consulting chef at Kitchit (www.kitchit.com). You can reach her at praba@rocketbites.com.

Buy/Sell, Finance or Refinance… Save today on Home Mortgage Timing is everything in Today's Real Estate Market! Rates effective as of 8/24/2015

30 Years Fixed 3.750%; APR 3.825% 15 Years Fixed 3.000%; APR 3.075% 7/1 ARM 3.000%; APR 3.075%

Ramesh Raman

30 Years Jumbo; 3.875% APR 3.950% 15 Years Jumbo 3.125%; APR 3.200% 7/1 ARM Jumbo 3.500%; APR 3.575%

No Cost, No Points, No Fee - Refinance Available CALL Ramesh Raman at toll # (888) 908-0055 or visit www.paylessloansource.com Restrictions apply. Licensed by CA DRE - 01385277 - NMLS 251187

What about those interest rates?

Well, the Fed is poised increase the rates, in case you missed the news from Forbes, in March 2015. Last time Fed increased the rate was about 10+ years ago. They raised it on 17 different occasions over 2004–2006, in equal increments of 0.25%. However, even if the Fed does not begin to raise interest rates until late 2015, that does not mean that mortgage rates won't increase. Back in 2013, there was a perception of rising interest rates change. Even though the Fed actually did not take any action, mortgage rates went from 3.500% in April 2013 to 4.500% by December 2013.

What should you do?

If you have a good rate, say 3.750% for a 30 years fixed program and if you are happy with it, do nothing. However, if you want to switch to an ARM, get cash from equity, consolidate debts, get rid of PMI or have been dreaming about switching to a 15 years fixed, do it now. I know many clients who switched to 10 years fixed in the last refinance boom of 2004. Their homes are paid off now! Who says you need to keep a 30 years mortgage? Let me help you get your financial house in order! Call me now to get these smoking hot rates!

106 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


Crunchy, Crispy, Cubed and Crumbly

Animal Fries with Secret Sauce Ingredients for the Fries 4 russet potatoes cut into matchsticks. 2-3 tbsps oil salt to taste 3-4 slices of American cheese 1 large white onion chopped fine Ingredients for the Secret Sauce 1 cup mayonnaise ½ cup ketchup 2 tbsp dill (chopped) pickles with juice 1 tsp mustard 1 tbsp white wine vinegar ¼ tsp salt a dash of sugar Method Place all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and whisk it together. Set aside. Heat oil in a non stick flat pan and add the chopped onion and saute until it’s completely browned. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 430 degrees along with an empty sheet pan in it. Place the potatoes in a bowl mix in the oil, and salt. Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven with a mitten. Brush it with oil. Spread the potato matchsticks flat so each stick is separate. Place this sheet pan with the potato matchsticks in the heated oven. Cook the fries for 25 to 30 minutes until the bottom of the fries is brown, then flip them and let them roast evenly. Assembly Place the fries in a bowl, layer the American cheese slices on top, sprinkle the browned onion, and finally drizzle the secret sauce. Variations: Add a little minced garlic and minced fresh basil to the potato matchsticks before roasting them in the oven for some added flavor. You can also make the same with roasted wedge potatoes, tater tots, or even hash brown.

Idly Chaat

Idly Chaat

This is a crispy crunchy delight that I often crave. I used the leftover idlis in my fridge to make this recipe. Ingredients 4-5 idlis sliced into matchsticks oil for brushing on idlis 1 red onion chopped fine 1 small tomato chopped fine 1-2 thai chilies chopped fine 1 sprig of fresh cilantro chopped fine a dash of chaat masala a squeeze of a lime Method In the same preheated oven at 430 degrees, place the matchstick idlis on the sheet pan and brush it with oil. Brown it evenly by flipping the pieces once they are brown on one side. It takes about 15-20 minutes each side. Place the oven fried idlis on a plate, sprinkle the onions, tomato, chilies, cilantro, chaat masala. Squeeze the lime over. Yum! You got the chaat without the fat. Variations: Sprinkle the idly chaat with sev for an extra crunch.

Bread Upma

This is one of my favorite snacks. It’s crunchy, full of carbs and a perfect match for a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients 10 slices of any kind of bread (chopped into cubes) 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard 1 tsp urad dal 1 tsp chana dal ¼ cup roasted peanuts or roasted cashews a pinch of asafoetida 3-4 curry leaves 3-4 green chilies chopped fine 1 red onion chopped fine 1 roma tomato chopped salt to taste For the Garnish ¼ cup cilantro leaves chopped juice of ½ a lime Method Heat oil in a pan, add the mustard and let it splutter. Then add the urad dal, chana dal, peanuts, asafoetida, curry leaves, green chilies and red onion. Saute for a few minutes until the chopped onion pieces are slightly browned. Add the cubed bread, mix well, and fry until the bread cubes are crisp. Finally, add the chopped tomato and mix gently without making it soggy. Remove and garnish with cilantro and lime. n

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 107


On Inglish

Off With the Loot By Kalpana Mohan

loot, noun. goods stolen during pillaging, as in wartime, during riots, etc; goods, money, etc, obtained illegally; (informal) money or wealth. From Hindi lu:t 1788, from Sanskrit loptram, lotram.

W

hen I returned home from India late in June, I noticed British government. That was indeed the intent of Thomas that one of our patio doors had been tampered with. Babington Macaulay’s proposal on reforming education in Burglars had managed to break into our home. EvidentIndia. In his Minute on Indian Education of February 1835, ly, they had scatted off when the burglar alarm sounded. Macaulay asserted that “all the historical information which My neighbor across the road was not so lucky. One evening, has been collected from all the books written in the Sanskrit she swung back into the driveway after a quick dinner date only to language is less valuable than what may be found in the most discover that someone had looted her home. He had scooted with paltry abridgement used at preparatory schools in England.” every item of jewelry; there were many an heirloom among them. At the Oxford debate, Tharoor honed in on the biggest In the weeks subsequent to my return, I would hear repeated consequence of British aggression: “The fact remains that references to “loot.” The home of an acquaintance right around the many of today’s problems in these countries, including the corner from me was burgled. The family lost jewelry newly acquired persistence, in some cases, the creation, of racial and ethnic in India for an upcoming engagement in the family. Apparently, and religious tensions, were the direct result of the colonial local burglary rings gathered intelligence about the ways Indian experience.” families operate. They had gleaned The wounds from plunder will that the right moment to loot an take centuries to heal. In India, it will The wounds from plunder will Indian-American family was between take many generations for pride and the time a homeowner returned from take centuries to heal. In India, self-worth to be reinstated. Several a long vacation and headed to the hundred years later, I see the fingerit will take many generations for bank to restore valuables back in the prints of British hegemony and imsafe-deposit box. According to victims pride and self-worth to be reinperialism in small, seemingly disconand police officers, burglars in the SF nected things: In the 10-rupee entry stated. Bay Area had started using detectors fee at Trivandrum’s Napier museum to sniff out gold from other junk; they with its rheumy, disheveled appearworked fast, making off with the spoils—typically electronics and ance, in the gap between those Indians who think and speak gold—in under an hour. in English and those who do not, in the forgotten Bronze Art The subject of looting seemed very topical to July. It sprang Gallery in Chennai, in the appalling state of ancient temples up one morning in a video I watched of the now famous Oxford in South India and their callous renovations, in the limited debate by Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor who stated, in a support and sponsorship of literature in India’s regional lanthunderously funny moment, that the British Raj had looted India guages and in my own inability to understand and appreciate and also stolen the word “loot.” Tharoor ended his speech asking the best of Tamil literature. for reparations from the British government, but before that, he Some people may deem my use of the word “loot” with observed that the perpetration of a crime by ancestors didn’t exactly respect to neighborhood crimes a hyperbole. After all, looting absolve today’s Britons and that they needed to acknowledge the is associated with stealing goods from a place during a war or “moral debt” that was owed for the “dehumanization of Africans a riot and the act itself is often associated with expensive, rare in the Caribbean, the massive psychological damage that has been artifacts. But the act of seizing an object unlawfully—of sevdone, the undermining of social traditions, or of property rights, of ering a victim’s ties to an object—is in the realm of loot and authority structures of these societies, all in the interests of British plunder. When someone steals an heirloom from someone, he colonialism.” deprives another of their dignity. He snips their connections Tharoor enumerated the quantifiable depredations in a masterto their past. ful way. But I wondered about all the intangibles. In their relentless That is exactly what happened to my neighbor this sumcolonizing and warmongering, Britain had looted India and other mer. The criminal left her sons little to cherish. My neighcolonies not just of material wealth. It had rooted out self-esteem bor had planned to give her heirloom—her and identity. By supplanting the national language, by telling grandmother’s engagement ring—to her Indians overtly and subliminally about the pointlessness of their son. Now there was nothing left to give. n languages, their superstitions, their cultures and their religions, and by foisting the western notions of science, literature and phiKalpana Mohan writes from California’s Sililosophy, the British created, very methodically, a group of literate con Valley. To read more about her, go to http:// Anglophiles who would be conduits between the “natives” and the kalpanamohan.org and http://saritorial.com. 108 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


AD INDEX n Beauty 29 E Threading 29 Image Beauty Salon 29 Neeta’s Herbal 28 Robert Lowen 27 Shiva Beauty Salon Classes: Computers 24 Canvas Infotech 9 Strategism Classes: Dance 73 Bharathakala Kutiram 73 Kalanjali Dances 73 Preetha Sheshadri 73 Savitri Hari 73 Tarangini School 73 Xpressions Classes: Music 75 Dev Feldman 75 Jeff Whittier 75 Madhuwanti Mirashi 75 Peter Block Construction/Remodelling 2 Best Tile 90 Chana Construction 11 Deco Kitchen &Bath 103 Lucky Kitchen & Bath Education 6 Best In Class Education 55 Evergreen Ivy Review 64 India West 14 Insight Education 6 Russian School of Math 24 Silicon Andhra 22 Silicon Valley University Entertainment 75 Old Faithful Geyser Events 67 Ali Akbar College 31 Meet the Patels IBC EnActe Arts Inc. 63 Fox Theater 89 Guru Shradha 56 Indians for Collective Action 65 Indo American Commu-

nity of West Coast 58 InSync Kathak Dance 72 Kalalaya 75 Sangeetaanjali 64 South India Fine Arts 70 Yuva Bharati Fabrics 28 Design Impact 31 Elegant Drapery Grocery 12 Bondsforever 59 India Cash & Carry 94 Madras Groceries 112 New India Bazaar Health 97 Alpha Dental Care 95 Anjali Tate, MD 98 Ashok Jethanandani 95 Ayurveda Clinic 95 Curves 95 HerbsForever Inc. 93 Jyoti Sahdev 97 Liberty Dental 98 Mamta Desai, DDS 93 Meenakshi Bhargava 98 P.B. Iyer MD 93 Pacific Homeopathy 95 Smilesavers Dental 96 Sutter Health Insurance 43 Amar Sehgal 43 Amila Insurance 43 Bindu Bhandari 43 Duabba Insurance 45 G1G Go1 Global Corp 45 Global Health Ins Center 43 Makol Insurance 43 Manjit Singh 45 Seeta Bhandari 1 Visitors Coverage Inc 45 Visitors Insurance Legal 33 Arjun Verma 35 Bhatia & Co 37 Habbu & Park, Inc. 33 Indu Liladhar-Hathi 37 Kalara Law Firm 35 Karim Shawn Manji 32 Aruna Venkidu

35 Madan Ahluwalia 35 Raji Rajan 37 Robert Bergman 36 Roy Legal Group 33 Uma Subramanian Real Estate & Loans 71 Taylor Morrison 99 Deleon Realty 102 Bob Seth 100 Deleon Realty 101 Deleon Realty IFC Deleon Realty 103 Kim Properties 104 Lakshmi Sathyanarayana 103 Nila Patel 104 Pacific Valley Financial BC Ramesh Bhambhra 106 Ramesh Raman 103 Sue Bose 96 Usha Krishna 111 Valya Ragu IBC Nirmalya Modak 111 Yogesh Rane 9 Domicilio 23 Wells Fargo 3 Rehman Farishta Restaurants 48 Chaat Bhavan 50 Chaat House 45 Krishna Restaurant 49 Oasis Palace 48 Park Balluchi 50 Taste of India 105 Sagar

istries 85 Ravichandran Iyer 84 Self Realization Fellowship Tax & Accounting 39 Bhatia & Co 36 Jessie Tax Services 39 Kent Tax 40 Multi-Financial Services 40 Parveen Maheshwari 40 Ram Accountancy 40 Rita Bhayani 39 Sanjiv Gupta, CPA 39 Sugu Aria, CPA Travel 53 3S International Travel 47 All Nippon Airways Co 51 Amber Travel 52 Amglo Travels 52 BB Travel Experts 52 International Travel Ctr 47 Narmadha Travels 52 Punjab Travel 52 Span Travels & Tours Inc. 46 Sunnyvale Travel 53 Third Eye Travel 46 Trips & Travel 51 Universal Travel 53 Yaan Travels TV/Media 13 Avon Wireless & Satellite 66 Diya TV 90 SitaareeTV Weddings/Photos 29 Creations By Sam 29 Video & Photography

Services 97 Maitri 95 Narika 95 SAVE

Legends:

Spiritual 85 Badarikashrama 85 Balu Shastri 85 Ganesh Shasthry 85 Hindu Heritage Endowment 87 Lakshmi Ganapathi Temple 85 Pandit Anand Sharma 85 Pandit Krishna Pandey 91 Power of Gospel Min-

IFC-INSIDE FRONT COVER, IBC-INSIDE BACK COVER,

NEXT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 20 CALL (408) 324-0488 x 225 ads@indiacurrents.com

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 109


the last word

Masters of Political Theater By Sarita Sarvate

D

technological advance that we have today, including Intercontionald Trump has climbed to the top of the opinion nental Ballistic Missiles and space ships, were allegedly already polls with his outrageous statements. This is no surprevalent. To defend India’s nuclear tests in 1998, for example, prise. Politics is, after all, theater. But American politiPrime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee claimed that ancient India cians are rank amateurs when it comes to creating an entertainhad nuclear capability and that when Robert Oppenheimer, the ing yet succinct message for the populous. That talent seems to so-called father of the American atom bomb, quoted the Vedas be reserved only for Indian politicians. when speaking of unleashing “the radiance of a thousand suns,” Take the latest skirmish Indian Prime Minister Narendra he was in fact attesting to this historical fact. Modi has been involved in. He made a casual remark questionNot to be outdone, India’s current Prime Minister, Narendra ing the “DNA of the Chief Minister of Bihar.” Even though he Modi, recently claimed that the elephant-headed god Ganesh immediately clarified his statement as referring to the “DNA of was proof that ancient Indian had expert plastic surgeons. democracy in Bihar,” the Chief Minister of that state responded Compared to Indian leaders, American presidents and conby organizing a shabda wapas or “returning the word,” protest gress members come across as bland and colorless. In a country by sending five million DNA samples of the state’s citizens to where marriage and children border on being mandatory, four Modi. The message was clear; “we all share the same DNA.” of India’s long-running prime ministers have been single, idioSince the Chief Minister belongs to what the Indian Governsyncratic characters. Nehru was a widower and an intellectual ment quaintly calls “Other Backward Castes,” the gesture who was allegedly in love with Lady Mountbatten. His really stung. In daughter and successor Indira Gandhi was a single Now that is political theater for you. America, mother who was long separated from her husband I don’t have to tell you what the parallel here and rumored to have romantic entanglements with would be if American women decided to protest when politicabinet members. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a conDonald Trump’s derogatory remarks that he cians want to dis- firmed bachelor who few people realized lived “saw blood coming out of ” Megan Kelly, the moderator of the first Republican presidential tract attention from with the widow and children of his best friend. Narendra Modi, who claims to have taken the debate. While American politicians’ theatrics are their poor policy po- vow of celibacy as required of leaders of the Hinoften laced with malevolence, Indian politisitions, all they can du organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha, nevertheless has a wife he abandoned long ago. cians seem to keep their message lighthearted do is evoke Ronald If Modi wants to prove his machismo, he and therefore more appealing. does not have to make hawkish comments about Mahatma Gandhi was the master of political Reagan’s presiterrorists. All he has to do is lead a crowd of forty theater. In an age without the Internet or televidency. thousand in a yoga session at the India Gate. The sion, he saw the power of imagery. A classic example equivalent would be if President Obama led the public in was when he showed up to meet the king at the Bucka jazz session on the capital mall. Actually, there is no Ameriingham Palace in his dhoti. His theatrics were effective can equivalent. because they were genuine and laced with humor and kindness. Anna Hazare, the crusader against government corruption, The Mahatma’s example has since been emulated by millions is yet another Indian leader who knows how to captivate the atof Indian political activists from the highest to the lowest levels, tention of the masses with his hunger strikes. so much so that there are now well-established cultural norms As if their characters are not colorful enough, Indian politifor political theater. Maidservants in my hometown of Nagpur, cians dress colorfully as well. So much so that during a recent for example, organize rolling pin marches to demand workers’ visit to India, President Obama expressed his envy of Modi’s rights. If a woman wants to take a righteous stance against a colorful kurtas, wishing that he had one too. personal affront, the appropriate gesture, everyone knows, is to In this American election season, when politicians are getting slap the perpetrator with a leather sandal. Decades ago, when meaner, when, with the departure of Jon Stewart, we no longer the sister of a friend of mine entered the wedding canopy to slap have anyone to tell us what is funny, I look wistfully across the the bridegroom with her chappal for jilting her, she became, not seas to the circus of Indian politics. n a fallen woman, but the town’s heroine. In America, no such remedy exists for personal injury. Sarita Sarvate (www.saritasarvate.com) has pubIn America, when politicians want to distract attention from lished commentaries for New America Media, KQED their poor policy positions, all they can do is evoke Ronald FM, San Jose Mercury News, the Oakland Tribune, Reagan’s presidency. In India, when politicians want to change and many nationwide publications. the conversation, they evoke ancient India, where every single 110 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


Specializing in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties

VALYA RAGU (VAL)

Consistent Top Producer • Residential Specialist 2014 GRAND MASTERS AWARD WINNER!! Where experience and knowledge makes a difference!

Among Top 25 Agents in ERA for California in 2014! Specializing in Good School Areas!!!

25 Years of track record in Real Estate 2014 ERA Leader’s Circle Award r a e? g fo kin Hom Loo New alya! nd tV Bra ontac C

Expert knowledge of great school areas like Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Mt.View, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Danville, San Ramon, Fremont.

VALYA RAGU (VAL) I can negotiate the right deal on the right home for you! Excellent References Available

TOLL FREE VOICE MAIL (888) VAL-RAGU

www.valyaragu.com DIRECT LINES 510.744-3537 • 408.438-8831 Affiliated with LEGACY REAL ESTATE & ASSOCIATES

September 2015 | Northern California | www.indiacurrents.com | 111


112 | INDIA CURRENTS | Northern California September 2015


Great news — more benefits for you I’ve joined Wells Fargo

Call me today for a complimentary consultation. Nirmalya Modak

Sales Manager Phone: 408-829-0041 Nirmalya.Modak@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 633685

I am pleased to announce that I have joined the top-notch team of local Wells Fargo Home Mortgage professionals. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned homeowner or a savvy real estate investor I’ll work with you, from application to closing and beyond, helping you make informed home financing decisions.

Happy Labor Day to all!

I’m ready to focus my energy and experience on providing superior service. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 106398 - 07/15

REV 2/15


California’s

Home & Loan Team Serving All Your Real Estate Needs Under One Roof Zero Point Options

One Point Options

LOAN PROGRAM RATE APR* RATE APR*

Conforming<$417k 30 yr Fixed 3.625 3.675 15 yr Fixed 2.750 2.996 7/1 ARM 2.625 2.754 5/1 ARM 2.500 2.629 Hi-Balance - $417K to $625.5K 30 yrs Fixed 3.750 3.881 15 yrs Fixed 3.000 3.231 10/1 ARM 3.375 3.500 5/1 ARM 2.625 2.750 Jumbo $625,501 to $3,000,000 30 yrs Fixed 3.875 3.987 10/1 ARM 3.500 3.612 5/1 ARM 2.625 2.734

3.875 3.000 3.000 2.750

3.931 3.104 3.054 2.806

4.000 3.250 3.625 3.000

4.046 3.329 3.669 3.052

4.125 4.159 3.750 3.791 3.000 3.031

NOTE: 1. Rates are for owner-occupied purchase. 2. Rates quoted based on 75LTV and FICO more than 740. 3. Rates for Jumbo loans vary with loan amount. 4. Rates as of August 17, 2015. * APR based on maximum loan amounts for various programs. Rates may vary daily. Purchase loans with 25 day close guarantee for completed loan application. Loans with Lender-Paid Credit are available that can vary with the loan amount. Please call for custom quotes. 180 day early closure fee and other restrictions may apply on all loans. Note: Rates quoted are for approved loans and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, there may be other restrictions that could apply in specific loan scenarios that could change the actual rates applicable. Rates provided as a general guideline only.

RAMESH BHAMBHRA

Our Specialty—Lender Credit for Closing Cost. Call For More Information

$ Care-Mor Home Loans Carefully Planned Mortgages

TM

“Service Never Stops”

RAMESH BHAMBHRA Knowledge, Integrity, and Service with a Smile

TM

Since5 198

360 Kiely Blvd., Suite 235, San Jose, CA 95129 Bus. (408) 243-3155 ext. 201

1 (800) 4 BHAMBHRA • 1 (800) 424-2624 Approved Broker CalBRE #00896358 • NMLS#346147 • NMLS#346513


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.