Saathee digital clt Jan 09

January 2009

In this issue:

Resolve to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Weathering Market Changes

Nandana Sen

The Bhindi Family Wishes You A Very Happy New Year!

Introducing the new Saathee.com

Your Web Connection to the Community Digitial Edition • Videos • Photos • Archives • News Web Extras • Bollywood News Complete Community Events and More!

Sign up for our weekly e-mail service at the new www.saathee.com

Business owners Ask us about how your business can benefit with internet advertising on Saathee.com! call (704) 527-7570 or e-mail: saatheemag@hotmail.com

Hello Readers

Happy New Year. Welcome to 2009.

After many months of hard work, we have launched the new www.saathee.com. Please visit the website and let us know what you think via the comments section. The re-designed saathee.com offers archives, searches, digital edition of Saathee, videos, photos and much more. We hope the website is useful to you.

In this issue of saathee: Looking for everyday activities to help reduce your carbon footprint? Read the article on pg. 6.

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It originated in South India. Read the wonderful article on pg. 16.

Is the ancient language of Sanskrit still relevant in contemporary society? Find the answers on pg. 50.

Our Community News section starting on page 84 offers a complete guide to local and regional organizations and their activities. Keep up with all upcoming holidays and festivals with our list on pg. 108.

We continually strive to improve Saathee magazine and saathee.com. Your suggestions and comments are always appreciated.

Your Saathees, Samir, Divakar, Raj and Himanshu

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Quote: “I hope that while so many people are out smelling the flowers someone is taking the time to plant some.” Herbert Rappaport

January 2009 – Issue # 129 Editor:Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com) Publisher: Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com) Community News Editor: Rajesh Ganatra Ad Design / Layout: Nate “Nageshwar” Andrews Consultant: Himanshu Desai Contributors for this issue: Pradip Bulsara, Kirit Shukla, Rajesh Ganatra, Mitra Das, Chandan Sen, Mark Moxon, Ranjan Mullaratt, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Narendra Dixit, Aishwarya Ramaswamy, Gail Z. Martin, Anjana Agarwal, Judith L. Bergman, Ron Virmani M.D., Padmaja Sandeep, Damayanti Datta, Olga Han, Jalendu Vaidya, and Dr. Meena Chelury.

In this issue: Dangers of Military Bravado . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Reduce Carbon Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 10 An Atheist’s Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 India A Decade Later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 16 Saathee Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Film Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22 Sangeet, Music of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Evergreen Film Lyrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 26 Bollywood Snippets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 DVD Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32 Children’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 34 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Baking Cookies Without Eggs . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 38 Flavor Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42 The Chai Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Astride three continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48 Healthwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 Relevance of Sanskrit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52 Stock Tickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54 Marketing turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Personal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 58 Immgration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Cut Your Property Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64 Cricket Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66 One Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Kalaripayattu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72 What is Organic Food? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 78 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 80 Community News & Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 82 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 104 Who Want’s to be a Scholar . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 106 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 106 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 108 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 110 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 110 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 112 January 2009

All contents © 2009 Shukla Entertainment, Inc. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Contact us prior to sending in articles or photographs for submissions.

Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the previous month.

Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the Carolinas’ South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

Saathee Magazine

P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220 Phone: (704) 527-7570 Fax: (704) 527-7590 E-mail: saatheemag@hotmail.com

www.saathee.com Cover: Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore The Vidhana Soudha, located in Bangalore, is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is an imposing building, constructed in a style sometimes described as Neo-Dravidian, and incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani Jharokha and Dravidian styles.

January 2009

In this issue:

Resolve to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Weathering Market Changes

Nandana Sen

Photo: istockphoto

Saathee 4

Saathee Magazine, USPS 021-116, is a free subscription magazine published monthly

by Shukla Entertainment Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Saathee, P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220-1468. Postage paid at Charlotte, NC. (ISSN: 1543-8147) saathee.com

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Saathee 7

saathee.com

Dangers of Bushspeak and Military Bravado

By Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar After the terrorist attack of 26/11, the mood and rhetoric in India are reminiscent of the US after 9/11.

As in the US then, outraged Indians swear “never again.” The phrase “war on terror,” invented in the United States after 9/11, is now being used widely in India.

This is a dangerous, militaristic mood. It led the US into the disastrous invasion of Iraq. Let it not lead India into a similar misadventure.

Before 9/11, the US suffered terrorist attacks on embassies and other installations abroad. But 9/11 was the first terrorist attack on US soil, and exploded US illusions of impregnability. Americans called it another Pearl Harbor, and the analogy sparked a determination to respond militarily.

Many Indians, while sympathizing with the US after 9/11, pointed out that 6,000 feared dead in the World Trade Centre wasn’t a big number compared with 50,000 killed over a decade in Kashmir. The US was getting a small dose of the terrorism that had long devastated Kashmir, and was over-reacting. The US never equated Kashmiri terrorism with war, and always told India to be calm and not bomb terrorist training camps in Pakistan. But when the US itself got a taste of this at home, it went ballistic, declared it was at war with terrorism, and vowed to bomb and kill all those bad guys.

Cooler heads pointed out that “war on terror” was a meaningless phrase. Terror is simply a tactic used by certain groups, and you cannot wage war against a tactic. You can declare war on an enemy country, but not on an NGO (terrorists are exactly that - non-government organizations). When terrorism arises from an ideology or set of grievances, imaginary or otherwise, killing one bunch of ideologues may simply deepen the grievances and create thousands of fresh terrorists.

This has been demonstrated graphically in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Indians supported the US invasion of Afghanistan, since the Taliban government bred terrorists who targeted India no less than the US. But initial euphoria in Afghanistan has given way to the sober realization that the US position there today is rather January 2009

like the Soviet position in the 1980s - it controls the main towns but not the countryside, or the hearts and minds of people. There was no al-Qaeda in Iraq before the US invasion, but the invasion created large alQaeda cadres, which have now been cut to size but remain a festering sore.

The greatest military superpower has been obliged to recognize the limits to hard power.

Its task has been made difficult in Afghanistan because Pakistan, while pretending to be an ally, has provided tacit support and safe havens to terrorists.

Yet the US response cannot be an invasion of Pakistan to extinguish those safe havens. Even if this succeeds militarily, it will deepen the local sense of grievance and create more terrorists.

Indians who accused the US of over-reacting to 9/11 are over-reacting themselves to 26/11. Our media habitually use phrases like “war on Mumbai,” “war on India,” and “war on terror.” Journalists and politicians who cautioned against jingoism in the US after 9/11 are fanning it in India today.

Normally cool-headed people are so agitated that they want to bomb training camps or other targets in Pakistan. After Iraq, surely we know that bombing cannot eradicate terrorism or the extremist mind-set.

It will provoke a Pakistani military response, and strengthen the hands of all Pakistanis who support terrorism. It will constitute yet another grievance that extremists will exploit. Let us not repeat the errors of Bush.

Military analysts like K Subrahmanyam believe that elements in Pakistan’s army and ISI may have staged the Mumbai raid to provoke a military response from India, providing an excuse for transferring Pakistani troops from the Afghan border to the Indian one. India must avoid such a trap.

Angry Indians say something must be done. True, but that something happens to be patient diplomacy and international pressure, which will take years to bear fruit. I suspect the Pakistani establishment will tackle terror seriously only after many more of its members suffer Benazir Bhutto’s fate. And even after that, serious Pakistani attempts may achieve no more than what serious Indian attempts have achieved in the Maoist belt of central India.

Ultimately we need to change the mind-set of terrorists, and that may take decades. Some people argue that if India and the US accept Islamic solutions for Kashmir and Palestine, that will end Islamic grievances and the terrorism this breeds. However, many grievances are not legitimate, and many terrorists are oblivious to the grievances of others.

Outraged citizens do not want to be told to take it easy, and to respond to terrorist attacks with just diplomacy. Alas, some problems have no quick or military solutions. Britain had to live with Irish Republican Army terrorism for almost a century.

In such difficult times, let us avoid Bushspeak and recall an old prayer: Lord, give me the courage to change what I can, the fortitude to bear what I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Saathee 8

Source: Times of India saathee.com

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cleaning products, meaning that most end up in landfills. Reducing packaging reduces the volume of plastic entering the waste stream.”

Resolved to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in 2009?

Think Packaging (ARA) - You conserved energy in 2007 by installing programmable thermostats in your home. In 2008, you replaced your home’s incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. If you’re wondering what you can do in 2009 to further reduce your carbon footprint, just take a look at product packaging.

Americans generated 60 billion pounds of plastic waste in 2006, and recycled just 7 percent of it. Despite our noble efforts, Americans still recycle less than we should.

Every day, one landfill closes somewhere in the United States, so reducing the amount of materials that need to be disposed of is a critical part of environmental efforts.

From milk cartons and cereal boxes to household cleaner bottles, the packaging we use in our daily lives generates a lot of waste. In 2009, consider focusing your eco-friendly efforts on reducing the amount of packaging you and your family use and - ultimately - dispose of.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you visit the grocery store.

Household Cleaners Traditional cleaners may become passé as more people opt for natural products over harsh chemicals. Even if you are using natural cleaners, however, you can still do more for the environment — by choosing products that come in environmentally sensible packaging.

Some cleaning product manufacturers, like Arm & Hammer, are offering ways to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. The company’s new Essentials Cleaners use plant-based cleaners (with other biodegradable ingredients) with a twist — the “starter kit” includes an empty, reusable trigger-spray bottle and a cartridge of cleaner concentrate.

Consumers fill the bottle with tap water, twist in the cartridge and are ready to clean. When they run out, they purchase a refill cartridge and reuse the same bottle.

The bottles can be reused, extending the usable life of the packaging — and keeping them out of the waste stream. The refill cartridges are also smaller and lighter than a full bottle of traditional cleaner, so it’s less costly to manufacture and transport them, reducing fuel expenditure and carbon emissions. The two-pack refill cartridge system uses 80 percent less packaging than two traditional 32-ounce cleaners.

“Plastic from household cleaners and containers can generate more waste than many people suspect - 28 billion pounds in 2006 alone,” says David Bach, eighttime national best-selling financial author and green lifestyle expert who wrote “Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth (and Get Rich Trying).”

“Furthermore, people don’t think about recycling their January 2009

Cosmetics Industry Much of the packaging used by the cosmetics industry is plastic and most of that does not get recycled — from lipstick tubes to eye shadow compacts. Just as consumer demand for cruelty-free products drove the industry to find alternatives to animal testing, cosmetics manufacturers are now offering more environmentally sensible packaging options.

For example, one company has introduced a lipstick tube made of a biodegradable polymer of organic sugars and oils. Other companies are using recycled materials to manufacture packaging or are designing their packaging with easily recyclable materials like aluminum. Some manufacturers are even offering products like eye shadow in reusable compacts — when the eye shadow is empty, consumers simply dispose of the cartridge and refill the compact with a new one.

Bottled Water Many bottled water drinkers imbibe in packaged water for their health - bottled water is perceived as clean, healthy and convenient. But until recently, the industry also produced vast quantities of plastic bottles that never made it to recycling bins.

Bottled water manufacturers are trying to turn those numbers around, introducing compactable bottles designed to crumple easily, which makes it easier to recycle them after use. Some companies have also begun making bottles from recycled material. Others market reusable bottles that consumers can fill on their own by purchasing larger sizes of bottled water and filling the smaller, more portable bottles as needed.

Packaging Pointers Consumers needn’t simply wait for companies to improve their packaging process, however. There are plenty of ways environmentally conscious Americans can help reduce packaging’s impact on the environment, including: • Shop for items with packaging that clearly states it is made wholly or in part from recycled materials.

• Avoid buying products in packaging that is not recyclable. You can check to be sure a bottle or other packaging is recyclable by looking for the recycling code - usually located on the bottom of the package.

• Choose to do business with companies that minimize packaging. For example, large wholesale club stores may not provide bags because it saves them money, but they’re also helping the environment by curbing packaging.

• Let eco-friendly businesses know you appreciate their efforts, and voice your concerns to those that fall short in the area of environmental responsibility.

• Choose products that have made an effort to improve their packaging and supply chain. Transporting goods through lower-impact transportation options, like railways and barges, produces less pollution than other alternatives such as trucking or air transport.

• Look for companies and brands that have an established history of environmental and social responsibility.

Saathee 10

Courtesy of ARAcontent saathee.com

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An Atheist’s Prayer

By Jug Suraiya For those terrible days in late November when terror struck Mumbai, the phrase most often used was Thank God. It was a fervent invocation, used over and over as people all over the country, and the world, frantically sought news of their loved ones, their families, friends, and colleagues, who lived in or were visiting Mumbai. Telephone lines, particularly mobile connections were clogged or dysfunctional. Information, no matter how scant, became as precious as water to someone dying of thirst.

And when there was news, finally, that someone, a parent, or a spouse, or a child, was safe, the same inevitable litany was used: Thank God. The gratitude was larger than God’s mercy. For all too often, tragically often, the giving of thanks turned into a cry of denial, a heartbreaking plea for the refutation of an irreversible fact which would change, absolutely and forever, the lives of those who were the recipients of the information: God, no, dear God, let it not be. But it was. Why had God turned His back on one prayer to answer another? Was it blind chance? Destiny? The pre-ordained inescapability of an appointment in Samara? What words, what thoughts, what consolations could help us to explain, to ourselves and, more importantly, to those who had suffered agonizing loss, the appalling selectiveness of God’s mercy?

It is a question which will haunt many, in the privacy of conscience if not in the outcry of public debate, long after explanations of a more practical and downto-earth value have been demanded and been given, or having been evaded, are relentlessly and rightly pursued: Why do we remain so defenseless against these repeated outrages? Who is responsible for them and who is responsible for stopping them, and significantly failing in their duty to do so? The intelligence agencies? The security and law enforcement authorities? The political leadership — or lack of it — that we suffer under?

Time should, or ought to, answer or at least partly answer many if not most of these literally life-anddeath questions. But time will not answer the question of prayer, and how it relates to the lottery of death.

Does prayer operate the way roulette or other games of chance do: that the odds in favor of your winning, of your boon being granted, are in inverse proportion to those who lose, who have to lose in order that you win?

January 2009

An actuary would explain it in terms of statistics: if records show that X number of people will die of cancer, or cardiac failure, or plane crashes in a given span of time, which being over and you having been spared, there are Y chances that someone has died so that you may live, someone has succumbed so that you could survive.

We are told that there are lies, damned lies and statistics. Are there, equally, lies, damned lies and prayers? All I know is that, as an avowed atheist, I prayed along with the best of believers. Thank God, you’re safe. And my prayers were answered. Except in one grievous case, that of my colleague and close friend, Sabina Sehgal Saikia, who was a guest at the Taj hotel on that fateful day. I prayed for a miracle that did not happen. But I shall continue to pray my atheist’s prayer for her, and for the anguished family she leaves behind. Prayer is often seen as a form of theft, a guilty misappropriation of another’s hope. But far from being an act of stealing, a zero sum game in which one must lose for another to gain, prayer, true prayer, binds us together in our common mortality. It acknowledges that, whatever religion we believe or disbelieve in, whatever politics we subscribe to or shun, we are all equal stakeholders in hazard. If prayer, my prayer, is at all a theft, it is an embezzlement from God of our human responsibility for each other, a solidarity unmediated by any power, higher or lower, earthly or heavenly. And today perhaps nowhere is that prayer better summed up than in the lines: Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Source: Times of India

Saathee 14

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India

A decade later and still enchanting

By Mark Moxon I first visited India some nine years ago, and a lot has changed since then. India is developing fast, and it seems to be doing so without selling out its culture too much, which is a huge relief, because it’s the culture and the people that make India such a phenomenal destination. Here, in no particular order, are the things I’ve noticed that are completely different to 1998.

Mobile phones are everywhere, and don’t you know it. India is still at the stage where having a mobile phone is a considerable status symbol, so people let their phones ring as long as they can get away with it, so everyone knows that, yes, you’ve got a phone and you’re not afraid to use it. There’s also a complete lack of phone etiquette; you can be merrily talking to someone when their phone goes off, and without any comment or apology, they’ll answer it and head off into a completely different conversation, oblivious to you.

I even had this with a tout who was trying to sell me a room – he’d started the conversation but got sidelined into a phone chat, but he still insisted I stay talking to him, the fool. Even in the Malabar House, one of the poshest restaurants in Kochi where two men sat cross-legged, one playing the tabla and the other playing the violin as if it was a cello, the curse of the mobile phone struck. As the sweet music lilted through the still night air, I could have sworn that the bleep of a mobile phone cut into the amplified sound... but then it disappeared again, only to appear again a few bars later.

Judging by the slightly guilty looks on the violinist’s face, his phone was going off, but skilled musician that he was, he’d simply altered the raga he was playing to fit in with the ring tone until it finally stopped. Hats off to his virtuosity, but I’m not sure classical Indian music should really have that much in common with Nokia’s signature tune.

ATMs are also everywhere, and so are people using them. When I last traveled in India, getting money out of a bank was an all-day affair, but now it’s quick, easy and often air conditioned. Indeed, the march of electronics is not confined to the banks: conductors on state buses now have electronic ticket machines that whirr out a printed ticket, along with your point January 2009

of departure and destination, and most train stations now have computers that can book tickets instantly, something that was in its infancy ten years ago, and crashed as often as it worked. It all makes life a lot easier, I must say.

India has gone crazy for energy-efficient light bulbs, and even in the most dilapidated shacks you’ll see the complex squiggles of fluorescent tube-based bulbs. This is impressive, especially when you consider it was only recently that the European Union decided to phase out the traditional light bulb in favor of energy-saving devices. On this, India is well ahead of the game.

Travelers in India seem younger and more technological than ever before, though perhaps this is more an indication that I’m ten years older and middle age is approaching. That said, in the space of two weeks, we saw three travelers with full laptop computers, sitting there in traveler cafés or outside their bamboo huts, uploading pictures from their digital cameras or checking their email.

When I set off in 1995 with a palmtop computer, a modem and an acoustic coupler, people thought I was a spy; these days, the mandala-covered paper diary has been replaced by mobile technology and blogging. I wonder what’s next.

But despite the changes, India remains, at its core, the same entrancing country that it was in 1998, with the same attractive qualities and the same irritations. It will be interesting to see how things develop, as India’s global influence gets ever stronger and her economy grows.

Getting on an international flight out of India provides an insight into the challenges India faces in integrating into the world stage without losing her identity; whereas flights in Europe or North America are fairly reserved affairs, flights out of India are a chaos of coughing, snorting, hawking, sniffing, belching, sneezing and barging, and you only notice it because this is an airplane, where this sort of behavior is generally regarded as impolite.

In India itself, the incredible noises of its inhabitants are insignificant compared to the cacophony of culture that surrounds you at every turn, and it’s only when the West bumps up against the wonderful madness of India that you notice just how different it really is.

And long may it continue. Where the cultures of Southeast Asia are in danger of disappearing in the face of increasing tourism, and the whole world wants Coca-Cola, fridges and MTV, India is still unique, and shows no signs of stopping. Bravo.

Mark Moxon is a freelance web developer, producer and journalist. His travel writings and photos appear on www.moxon.net.

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1. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Kajol, and Rani

Horn Ok Pleassss (Director: Rakesh Sarang) Cast: Nana Patekar, Rimi Sen, Muzammil Ibrahim, Ali Asgar, Satish Shah, Nirmiti Sawant & Mukesh T.

2. Dostana Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol, and Shilpa Shetty

Bad Luck Govind (Director: Varun Khanna) Cast: Gaurav Kapoor, Hrishita Bhatt, Parmeet Sethi, Govind Namdeo, Vrajesh Hirjee, and Zakir Hussain

3. Ghajini Aamir Khan, Jiah Khan and Asin

Chandni Chowk to China (Director: Nikhil Advani) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Ranvir Shorey, and Mithun Chakraborty

4. Maharathi Naseruddin Shah, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia,and Tara Sharma

Firaaq (Director: Nandita Das) Cast: Naseruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Raghuveer Yadav, Deepti Naval, Sanjay Suri, and Shahana Goswami

5. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra, Manu Rishi, Archana Puran Singh & Richa Chadda

Kaashh Mere Hote (Dir: B H Tharun Kumar) Cast: Sneha Ullal, Kumar Saahil, Johny Lever, Anupam Kher, Sanna Mirza, Hemant Birje, and Rajesh Khanna

Top Five Songs 1. Ghanini “Guzarish” Music: A.R.Rahman Singer: Javed Ali

Raaz The Mystery Continues (Director: Mohit Suri) Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Adhyayan Suman, and Kangna Ranaut

2. Chandni Chowk To China “Siddhu” Music: Kailash, Paresh & Naresh Singer: Kailash Kher

Rang Rasiya (Director: Ketan Mehta) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen, Paresh Rawal, Aashish Vidyarthi, Sachin Khedekar, and Darshan

3. Yuvvraaj “Tu Meri Dost Hai” Music: A.R. Rahman Singers: Benny Dayal, Shreya Ghosha and A.R. Rahman

The Murderer (Director: N C Sippy) Cast: Mimoh Chakraborty, Simran, Madhu, Monalisa, Raza Murad, and Shanti Priya

4. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi “Haule Haule” Music: Slaim - Sulaiman Singer: Sukhwinder Singh

Dev D (Director: Anurag Kashyap) Cast: Abhay Deol, Kalki, and Mahi Gill

5. Fashion “Mar Jaava” Music: Salim - Sulaiman Singers: Shruti Pathak and Slim Merchant (Note: This top five is based on the following non-scientific research: your feedback, video rental, box office from India and United States, internet opinions & our opinion) January 2009

Aloo Chaat (Dir: Robby Grewal) Cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Shariff, Linda Arsenio, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Manoj Pahwa

Saathee 18

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Khallballi Fun Unlimited (Director: Ajay Chandok) Cast: Nikhil Dwivedi, Chunky Pandey, Rajpal Yadav, Suresh Menon, Manoj Joshi, Mukesh Tiwari, and Zakir Hussain Kusar Prasad Ka Bhoot (Director: Gary Grewal) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra, Raghuveer Yadav, and Govind Namdeo Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye (Director: Madhureeta Anand) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Raima Sen, Arbaaz Khan, Neil Bhoopalam, and Ashwini Kalsekar Billo Barber (Director: Priyadarshan) Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Asrani, and Deepika Padukone Delhi 6 (Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra) Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, Om Puri, and Rishi Kapoor Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai (Director: Ravi Chopra) Cast: Govinda, Lara Dutta, Tabu, Boman Irani, Rajpal Yadav, and Satish Shah (Movie Release Dates Subject To Change.)

January 2009

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Film & Music Reviews

By Aishwarya Ramaswamy Oye Lucky Lucky Oye Starring: Abhay Deol, Paresh Rawal, Neetu Chandra and Archana Puran Singh Director: Dibakar Banerjee After a long day of heylos and hais, it is close to a benediction on your eardrums when you hear to “Oye Oye.” A well-conceived plot, hilarious scenes and fairly solid acting is in short what the film Oye Lucky Lucky Oye is all about.

This film takes you through the lifeline of a small crook’s constant battles to improve himself and turn into a burglar that apparently becomes the apple of every news channels’ camera! Lucky Singh (Abhay Deol) starts his small time thefts by burning small unnoticeable holes in his father’s (played by Paresh Rawal) pockets. Paresh Rawal plays three different roles with each one having a different kind of humor.

Lucky’s desire to enter the high society springs off in his teenage years with his first encounter with boys from English-medium schools hanging out with girls.

After a couple of successful motorcycle thefts to impress girls, he moves one step ahead and tries his hand at high-end cars. As this continues, Lucky apparently steals everything from statues to dogs. In his journey from a small crook to a burglar he falls in love with Neetu Chandra who initially is against his wrong ways and in the end gives into it in the name of love.

Interestingly, Lucky Singh not only ropes his ladylove with his charm but even the police seem to grow fond of him.

Oye Lucky Lucky Oye has all the smart action packaged with lighthearted jokes. Though very similar to the earlier Bollywood burglary humor of Bunty Aur Babli, OLLO is unique in its own way. In the end Lucky Singh is sure to take you by his charm and have you rolling on the floor.

out. This album has all the necessary and sufficient ingredients of a typical Yash Raj film. Whether compared with the 90’s classic DDLJ or the latest Bachna Ae Haseeno, yash Raj films have always had high expectations for their music. Some of the songs like “Tuje Dekha to…” from DDLJ and “Chand Sifarish” from Fanna are still hummed by people and will be remembered forever. Now with the return of Sharukh Khan and Aditya Chopra as the director after eight years, one definitely hopes for the magic of DDLJ to be recreated.

The music for Rab ne Bana di Jodi was composed by the Salim-Sulaiman duo and resembles their earlier compositions in bits and pieces. “Dance Pe Chance” is definitely the highlight of the album. A peppy number that instantly gives you the festive vibe, the song is perfect for a happy dance occasion. The electrifying Punjabi music with Sunidhi Chauhan’s voice makes it a perfect energy booster and an amazing choice to rock the dance floor.

The other numbers in this album like “Tujme Rab Dikhta Hai” and “Haule Haule” have a typical orchestral sound with a complete Indian feel. Parts of the song do give you a feeling that the music director has gone back in time to use dhols and tablas to give it the Indian feel. While interesting in parts, the music of this film is simply a concoction of older songs. Though the music fails to interest novelty lovers, the trailers do set hopes that the video will compensate for the lack of originality in music.

Get more Film and Music reviews at www.saathee.com

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Rab ne Bana di Jodi Yash Raj Films Director: Aditay Chopra Music: Salim-Sulaiman Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Anupam Kher and Farida Jala The music of the much-awaited film of the end of the year Rab ne Bana Di Jodi is finally January 2009

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Motel, Franchised, 100-units, Ext. corridor. High Point / Charlotte area, NC (DW) Asking: $1.995 million, Average Gross: $657,000. Cash Flow: $292,000.

Motel, Franchised, 104-units, Int. corridor. near High Point, NC (JJ) Asking: $1.8 million, Gross: $490,000. Includes 1 acre land for Gas Station or Restaurant.

Motel, Franchised, 122-units, Ext. corridor, Rest. on I-95, NC (HT) Asking: $1.2 million, Gross: $480,000 for motel Motel, Independent, 24-units, Ext. corridor, near Rocky Mount, NC (PR) Asking: $475,000. Gross: $135,000. 3 acres.

Motel, Independent, 14-units, Ext. corridor. near South Hill, VA (IM) Asking: $275,000. Firm. Projected Gross.: $90,000. Includes separate house.

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"The name to remember for the celebration you will never forget!"

A Tribute to Bollywood Music Directors Jaidev: (1919-1987) Do you remember this song? “Abhee na jaao chhodakar, ke dila abhi bharaa nahin?”

In this popular Dev Anand Hindi film Hum Dono, the music of this song was shown being played inside a cigarette lighter when the light was struck. That kind of musical lighter was sold for Rs. 100 in 1961. It was then, in the golden days of Bollywood that the song’s music director Jaidev came really into the limelight. He was born on Aug. 19, 1919, in Ludhiana, Punjab. He ran away to Mumbai at the age of 15 to become an actor in the movies, but had to return to Ludhiana due to his father’s blindness. Jaidev was composer Ali Akbar Khan’s music assistant when Khan composed the music for films Aandhiyan and Hum Safar in 1951. Beginning with the film Taxi Driver and onwards Jaidev became assistant to the legendary music composer SD. Burman.

He also worked with Burman on films House No. 44, Lajwanti, Kala Pani, and Sujata. His big break as a fullfledged music director came with films like Joru Ka Bhai (1955), Anjali (1957), Gharonda (1977) and Mujhe Jeene Do (1963). Some of his films like Alap (1977) and Kinare Kinare (1963) failed at the box office, but he is remembered for his unique music. He composed music for about 40 films during his careera nd had a unique capability to mix traditional and folk music into Bollywood film situations, giving him an advantage over other music directors of his time. He was known for his non-film albums. The musicians who compose their original (no copy-cats and re-mixes) tunes are mostly submerged in their own world of moods, resulting in a family life that might remain unfulfilled. It maybe for that reason that he never married. He did not compromise the quality of musical compositions for the sake of popularity. He remained a music director for about 30 years then old age and declining health took him away from the music world. He died on Jan. 6, 1987, in Mumbai.

Some of his other films from 1950 thru 1980’s: Samudri Daku, Jiyo Aut Jeene Do, Sapna, Do Boond Pani, Bharat Darshan, Aalingan, Parinay, Faasla, Andolan, Dooriyaan, Solvan Saawan, Ek Naya Itihaas, Ankahi, Trikon Ka Chautha Kon, Aazadi Pachchis Baras Ki, etc.

National Film Awards for Best Music Direction: Aankhen (1985), Gaman (1979), Reshma Aur Shera (1972).

The classic and meaningful song, “Allah tero naama,” is given in this issue of Saathee in Evergreen Classic Film Lyrics on page 24.

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Saathee 24

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Happy New Year!

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EVERGREEN

Classic FILM LYRICS

By Kirit Shukla Evergreen Classic Film Lyrics Song: Allah tero naama Film: Hum Dono Music: Jaidev Singer: Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus Lyrics: Sahir Year: 1961 Based on Indian Classical Raga: Gaur Sarang Taal/Rhythm: Dipchandi Starring: Dev Anand, Nimmi, Sadhana Allah tero naama Allah tero naama, Ishwara tero naama, Sabako sanmati de Bhagawaana; Allah tero naama..

Isa dharati kaa roopa na oojade, Pyaara ki thandi dhoopa na oojade; Sabako mile sukha kaa varadaana; Allah tero naama..

Maango kaa sindoora na chhute, Maa bahano ki aasa na tute, Deha binaa bhatake na praana; Allah tero naama..

O saare jagake rakhawaale, Nirbala ko bala denevaale, Balawaano ko de de gyaana; Allah tero naama..

Meaning (Summary): Hey Bhagawaana, the names Allah (Muslim) and Ishwara (Hindu) are the same. Give the wisdom to all.

Let the beauty of the mother Earth and the cool Sunshine of love not become barren; give the blessing of happiness to everyone. Let the “Sindoor� in the part of the hair be wiped off. Let the desires of mothers and sisters (all women) may not break and the Soul without the body may not wander. O protector of the world, giver of the strength to weak people, give the knowledge to the strong people. The names Allah (Muslim) and Ishwara (Hindu) are the same.

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See this song on Nazar Television in January.

Visit saathee.com for Nazar Television local listings.

January 2009

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It Doesn’t Get Sexier Than Nandana Move over Mallika Sherawat and the likes, Nandana Sen is here. Those who had a sneak preview of her latest film, Ketan Mehta’s Rang Rasiya (Colors of Passion), says Sen’s bold scenes in the movie are bound to make men go weak in their knees. “It can’t get bolder than this,” we are told. And while the hot-hot scenes were being shot, director Mehta and team were in a spot. They were sure that the censors would have a problem with it all and go clipclip-clip. But Ketan “creative” Mehta found an innovative way of shooting the sizzly parts, so much so that even the censors didn’t have a problem. Wonder what kinda passion this one is all about.

Kareena Will Shake Leg With Carmen Contributed by Guatam Buragohain and Urvashi Ashar

Salman’s Greek escapade Actor Salman Khan was in Greece sometime ago. Doing what? Well, the actor was shooting for Prabudeva’s film Wanted Dead Or Alive! Come pack up, Khan used to run from the sets, probably inspired by Varma’s films Run or Daud. But no, on a more serious note, Sallu was so mesmerized by the beauty Greece had to offer, that he often took his paintbrush, paints and canvas, set-up shop opposite a breathtaking landscape and got down to work. Unitwalas inform us that this was Salman’s first brush with landscape painting.

And his strokes were indeed impressive. So if you have a palette for landscapes and are an arty geek, try getting Sallu to part with his Greek piece of art.

Yeah, yeah we have heard this before and wanted to dismiss it as mere hearsay, but now it all seems to be coming true. If the buzz is to be believed, Kareena Kapoor is all set to shake her hips with Hollywood’s Carmen Electra. All this for Sajid Nadiadwala’s magnum opus Kambakht Ishq – a film which already boasts of Hollywood biggies like Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh. “Carmen Electra will join Akshay and Kareena for a special dance number,” we’re told. How electra-fying.

Akshay, Katrina Report to Work Actors Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy and about 250 others didn’t mind reporting to work on Thursday, a day after terror struck Mumbai. Strength and inspiration was drawn from director Priyadarsan, who cancelled his Goa trip (his film Kanchivaram was being showcased at the IFFI) but didn’t cancel his movie De Dhana Dhan’s shoot back home. “What happened was terrible… It was a massacre. But 250 co-workers came to work on Thursday. We began by observing two minutes of silence for those who lost their lives,” said the director. Like they say in showbiz, the show must go on, and it did.

Madhur Says No to Singapore While SRK made it to Malaysia, our realistic national award winning filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar decided not to travel outside Mumbai. “I’m just sitting in my house, shell-shocked, saddened and traumatized by this sudden turn of event in Mumbai,” says Madhur. And that’s why he cancelled his trip to Singapore, where he was invited as guest of honor at their film festival. “My heart didn’t allow me to go when my city was burning, I owe everything to this city,” says an emotional Bhandarkar.

So while Singapore is calling, Madhur is not going.

Rahul Bose Wants Some Action Now that his film Dil Kabaddi has hit the theatres, actor Rahul Bose has moved on. His next will be yet another comedy titled Exchange Offer…Conditions Apply with Esha Deol as his coactor. Though romantic comedies are very much his kind of thing, Bose is now looking to do hard-core action films, in which he gets to beat some baddies or kick some butt. Guess Rahul has shown enough of his soft side in pyar bhari laugh riots, so some dishum-dishum-bang-bang is the mantra on his charts for the time being. Any filmmaker prepared to give him this beat?

Ramu flees to Sri Lanka?

The famous anti-Ramu SMS (Ramu ne do Sarkar banai aur ek giraee) must’ve reached your mobile a week ago.

But post the Taj-visit controversy and Deshmukh’s resignation that followed, Ram Gopal Varma has gone gumshuda. No sooner than we started looking out for him that we realized that the famous RGV is in Sri Lanka these days.

The filmmaker has gone locale scouting for his next film, Aghyaat, which has nothing to do with terrorism. It’s in fact a psychological thriller. So while people change hats back home, the show goes on for this showman.

January 2009

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VIRSA PUNJAB DA on February 7th, 2009 Where: Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street in Durham, North Carolina North Carolina State University's Sikh Student Association and Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity, Inc. present the most talked about Bhangra competition in the entire southeast, "Virsa Punjab Da". Following a vision for artistic and cultural integrity, "Virsa Punjab Da" serves to artfully display both the rich culture and heritage of Punjab as well as illustrate the diversity of South Asia. Dedicating all

proceeds towards educational and medical support for orphans and widows in India through the charity Nishkam Seva, "Virsa Punjab Da" primarily aims to alleviate the rampant poverty and suffering for the most vulnerable in South Asia. Featuring the finest Bhangra teams from across the country, "Virsa Punjab Da" is guaranteed to be an unforgettable show. Don't miss out on the excitement.

For more information, questions, or sponsorship inquiries please visit us at www.vpdncsu.com or e-mail us at vpdncsu@gmail.com

For tickets please contact the Carolina Theatre in Durham at www.carolinatheatre.org or call the box office at (919)560-3065

January 2009

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Count Amisha Patel In

Shah Rukh Khan’s Special Number Called Off Filmmaker Viveck Vaswani had shelved the film Dulha Mil Gaya in 2007 owing to the ill-health of his father. But the director is back in action and the film is already on floor. Only the other day Shah Rukh Khan was on the sets of this flick.

He’s apparently doing a cameo in it.

So, a special song for the movie was being shot in the suburbs of Mumbai, when suddenly the sets caved in. Thankfully no one got injured on the sets, but yes shooting was called off. And sadly this incident is likely to further delay the already much delayed film.

Actor Amisha Patel has become popular all over again.

After having shed those kilos she is considered quite oomphy, and to add to that fab figure, she also has a super-rich and super-cool boyfriend in the form of Kanav Puri. So, as the actress gets hipper, she gets happier. The lady has been globetrotting – to cut ribbons and attend lunches – and will find her way back to Mumbai only next week. But while abroad, news of Mumbai’s terror attack has left her feeling glum. Amisha lived in South Mumbai for most part of her life and The Taj and Oberoi Hotels were places she frequented.

So the day Patel lands here, she plans to make a trip to Gateway and the like. The girl missed the citizen’s march in the city, too.

It’s never too late to join in the drive, Amu! But that’s part of the plan, too.

Madhur says no to Singapore While SRK made it to Malaysia, our realistic national award winning filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar decided not to travel outside Mumbai. “I’m just sitting in my house, shell-shocked, saddened and traumatized by this sudden turn of event in Mumbai,” says Madhur. And that’s why he cancelled his trip to Singapore, where he was invited as guest of honor at their film festival. “My heart didn’t allow me to go when my city was burning, I owe everything to this city,” says an emotional Bhandarkar. So while Singapore is calling, Madhur is not going.

Will Riteish Avoid the Media?

Akshay Kumar comes to New York City

Actor Riteish Deshmukh is in a fix. After the most unfortunate incident that hit Mumbai recently, the most criticized group after the terrorists have been the politicians. And post the cyclonic operations, the angry junta is in their own way going to express resentment over the rather passive demeanor of some who occupy the chairs of power and responsibility. This may indeed put Riteish in a rather uncomfortable khursi given that daddy Vilasrao Deshmukh is a politician. Rits, who has a “rep to protect,” and is one of the most loved guys in B-wood, will probably avoid the media for sometime or then pad his interviews with the No Comments tag when quizzed about Pa and the Parliament; we’re sure the actor who plays the lead in Aladdin is wishing he could just rub a lamp and get it over with.

Roshan Abbas as Director is a name that has been synonymous with TV shows / anchoring live events/ theatre and radio for almost a decade now. After having dabbled in various communicative media, the versatile Roshan is now all set to take the big leap. Roshan Abbas will be directing his maiden film early this year and if the buzz is to be believed, the project is backed by none other than SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment.

January 2009

Akshay will be in New York City to premiere his new movie 'Chandni Chowk to China'.

The film will open on Jan 16th, in select theatres in more than 50 markets, making it one of the largest initial releases of any Bollywood film in the United States and Canada. "Chandni Chowk to China" stars the heartthrob of Indian Cinema and current reigning king of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar.

The cast also includes stunning model-turnedactress Deepika Padukone, Bollywood veteran Mithun hakraborty, Ranvir Shorey, and Chinese martial arts expert and actor Gordon Liu ("Kill Bill: Volumes One and Two"). Nikhil Advani ("Kal Ho Na Ho") directed the film from a screenplay

by Shridhar Raghavan. Ramesh Sippy, Mukesh Talreja and Rohan Sippy are the producers. The film also features stunts choreographed by veteran martial arts stunt coordinator Huen Chiu-Ku, whose credits include "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Kill Bill: Vols. 1 and 2" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." "Chandni Chowk to China" will be distributed in America by Warner Bros. pictures.

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DVD Reviews

By Samir Shukla Bob Dylan Inside Dylan’s Jesus Years (Highway 61)

One of American music icon Bob Dylan’s most talked about periods in his career, even more than when he went electric, is his “Jesus” years. It was at the Vineyard Church in Los Angeles circa 1978 that Dylan converted to Christianity. The Jewish Dylan not only adopted Christianity but also recorded three gospel albums during 1978-1981. The records, initially disdained by critics and many of his fans, have become a part of Dylan’s chameleonic archives. Of the three albums released during this time, including Saved and Shot of Love, Slow Train Coming is arguably one of his best works. The documentary Inside Dylan’s Jesus Years attempts to unravel Dylan’s brief Christ experimentation where producer/director Joel Gilbert interviews key figures from that era. There are no direct interviews with Dylan, this documentary’s focus is on the folks that were familiar with and worked with Dylan during his “gospel” years. The Dylan inner circle gives insights into his thinking during that time. They include producer Jerry Wexler, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, background singer Regina McCrary, keyboardist Spooner Oldham, writer Joel Selvin, songwriter Al Kasha, and Dylan historian AJ Weberman. The DVD also features rare photos, recently found interviews, and grainy live concert footage from the era. In his first-ever interview, Dylan’s Bible class teacher, Pastor Bill Dwyer, talks about Dylan’s embrace of Christianity. Documentary maker Gilbert is quite adept at coaxing a story out of those interviewed, revealing a side of Dylan that sheds light on the legendary spiritual and musical nomad.

Dylan himself explains the impact of Jesus on his life and music in a recently found interview from 1981.

This is a worthy DVD for Dylan fans seeking to peek further into the psyche of their beloved songsmith.

January 2009

Yes. The Canadian rockers are still in fine form after more than three decades of rocking and touring. Rush toured the world during 2007, and this film captures two shows in Netherlands in their entirety, showcasing the trio’s musical camaraderie and showmanship. The three DVD collection Snakes & Arrows documents Rush’s concerts filmed with over 20 high definition cameras in numerous angles over two nights in October 2007 at the Netherlands’ Ahoy Rotterdam arena. The third disc features additional footage filmed during a concert in Atlanta in July 2008. All the classics are here, along with material from their longawaited Snakes & Arrows recording. Rush released their self-titled debut in 1974 and the band has since expanded rock’s musical borders and influenced countless musicians.

Guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Geddy Lee and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart showcase virtuosity that’s gelled from playing together for some 35 years and unleash precise bombast to make the listener glide on air. The shows filmed here feature brilliant cinematography, lighting and multi-media effects stitched with surround sound that gives the viewer front row seats to one of the best live bands around. The band’s chops and vocals are in top form where the guitar fills the air, the bass builds a deep foundation and the drums blanket the whole sound. There are many tour moments and outtakes featured including the comedic talents of both Lifeson and Lee.

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By Kirit Shukla

N E

A A T

M S

Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Use all letters for the subject word.

No repeating of any letters.

22+ words = Excellent; 16 to 21 words = Good; 15 or less needs to improve. (Solution at bottom of page)

A crocodile named Rain Cloud A folktale from Myanmar Once upon a time there was an old fisherman Ye Myint and his wife Aye Se who lived by the river Irrawady. Every day they cast their net and caught fish to sell at the market. They did not have any children.

One day while fishing as usual, Ye Myint cast his net and waited for the catch. He was surprised to get only an egg. He recognized it as a crocodile egg.

He called out to his wife who picked up the egg, took it home and put it under some straw. Some days later the egg hatched and a small baby crocodile came out.

Ye Myint and Aye Se were very happy.

They called the crocodile Rain Cloud and treated him as their son.

Every day, after they returned from fishing, the old man and his wife would feed him the choicest fish from their catch.

Ye Myint made a small enclosure of river water where Rain Cloud swam safe from any predators.

As the days went by, Rain Cloud grew and soon he was too big for the small pond that his father had made. So, with a heavy heart Ye Myint and Aye Se put him back him in the river.

But every day, without fail, both would go and call out to Rain Cloud to feed him. Soon Rain Cloud became very strong and all the fishes and other crocodiles grew afraid of him.

As a result, Rain Cloud became very vain and proud. He no longer took Ye Myint and Aye Se to be his parents but as ordinary human beings who came every day to feed him.

January 2009

continued on page 102 Word World (Solution): AMEN, EAST, EATS, MAST, MATE, MEAN, MEANT, MEAT, NAMASTE, NAME, NASE, NEAT, SAME, SANE, SANTA, STAN, SATE, SATEM, SEAM, SEAM, SEAT, STEAM, TAME, TEAM

Word World

One day, as Ye Myint called out to Rain Cloud, he slithered from the tall bull rushes and came to the bank of the river. He was in a bad and vicious mood.

As the fisherman put out the fish for him to eat, Rain Cloud went underwater and caught hold of his ankle, pulling him towards the water.

“My son what are you doing?” asked Ye Myint.

“Why, I have decided to eat you,” said Rain Cloud with an angry hiss.

“But I am your father and I have always looked after you with love and care.”

“I have to eat you nevertheless,” said Rain Cloud, his eyes red with anger.

“Okay you can do that but let me pray for the last time,” requested Ye Myint. Rain Cloud agreed and the old man fell on his knees, closed his eyes and with all his heart prayed that the next birth he should be born as the Master of White Magic so that he could take revenge on the crocodile. For Rain Cloud had broken his trust.

After he had finished praying, Rain Cloud dragged the fisherman to the river and ate him up.

After that day Rain Cloud became even more vicious and was greatly feared. He now was the King of Irrawady.

As he was handsome and powerful, many female crocodiles fell in love with him. Rain Cloud mostly ignored them.

But as the years went by, Rain Cloud mellowed down.

He started thinking about his past and felt remorseful at eating up the old man who had been a father to him. He would often think of him and feel very guilty.

Rain Cloud stopped being vain and turned kind and helpful, especially toward humans. He wanted to do make up for what he had done.

Legend says crocodiles can take on human forms after they are 100 years old. So, after Rain Cloud turned 100, he shed his scaly crocodile skin on the banks of Irrawady and walked out as a handsome young man.

He worked as an artist who excelled in painting landscape that brought out the incredible blues of the sky, the soaring birds or nesting cranes.

It was while painting, that he met a beautiful young woman Soe Mein, fell in love with her and married her.

Rain Cloud and Soe Mein lived an idyllic existence. They were very happy. Rain Cloud built a house not far from the Irrawady.

As fate would have it, a boy was born in a village close to the Irrawady. The boy, Moe Kyaw, remembered the boon he had asked God for and by the time he was 16, he was the Master of White Magic.

On his 17th birthday, Moe Kyaw went to the bank of the Irrawady, took out his magic wand and dipping it in water cried “Rain Cloud!”

Rain Cloud woke up. He heard the rumble of the Master of White Magic and felt fear.

He woke his wife and told her his life’s story. Soe Mein clung to him crying, she was afraid to lose him. “Be brave my dearest,” Rain Cloud said as he was leaving,” I have

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Dances of India

By Dr. Maha Gingrich

FOR ALL HINDU RELIGIOUS SERVICES

The origin of Bhangra Recently, Bhangra dance and music is commonly associated with contemporary musicians. I thought it would be interesting to take you back to the origins of this energetic dance. Bhangra is actually a harvest dance performed in Punjab, North India. More than 80 percent of Indians have been engaged in cultivation for centuries. Since the Hindu Dharma is not a religion but a way of life, various agricultural operations are associated with rituals and festivals known as utsavas.

Right from the time of preparing the soil for sowing seeds to the end of harvesting, various kinds of dances are performed to thank God and to seek blessings.

The main crops in Punjab are wheat and sugarcane.

Bhangra is associated with wheat cultivation. This is one of the most robust dances performed only by men. After the wheat seeds are sown the Bhangra is performed during the full moon night. Let’s set the setting: in an open place the leading drummer plays Dhol, the drum with two faces. One face is played by the fingers and the other with a blunt stick. The rhythmic patterns played on the Dhol are very exhilarating.

When the dancers hear the drum beat they gather in an open place wearing a lungi (long piece of cloth), kurtha (long shirt), waistcoat and turban. The clothes are very colorful and attractive.

In earlier days the primary orchestra was the drum.

The Dholak player is the leader and is usually accompanied by a couple of folk singers. As the rhythm changes, the dancers shout with great zest the typical catchphrases like Bale-Bale, Oai-Oai, and Uhun-Uhun, to lift the spirits of the dancers and audiences alike.

Very challenging and acrobatic steps are used to spice up the performance.

It is very difficult to just sit back and watch this dance, as it is extremely invigorating and contagious.

If you are feeling gloomy and want to get out of that mode, listen to bhangra music or if you live in the Carolinas, watch “Nazar” television, as many Bollywood song and dance numbers with bhangra beats are featured there regularly. However, if you want to participate in these dances, eat a lot of carbs and have a masseur ready to attend to you the next day.

For questions or comments contact Dr. Maha Gingrich via e-mail at: msgingrich@juno.com

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January 2009

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Baking Cookies Without Eggs The Krishnatarian Way

By Mitra Das We have a lot of friends from India. Like us, many are vegetarian, which includes not eating eggs. When they see the cakes and things that my wife makes without eggs they are very curious. After tasting the baked goods, they always ask for the recipes.

It’s really not too difficult or complicated. Often all that is required is to substitute yogurt or sour cream for the eggs.

My wife and I have been vegetarians since the mid 70s, probably before many of you were born, when we moved into Hare Krishna Temples. When we met and were married in 1985, she didn’t know much at all about cooking. She’s been practicing on me for the last 23 years. Honestly, I have no complaints. I am a very fortunate guinea pig.

I was sharing some cupcakes with a Gujarati friend in Charlotte several years ago. He was marveling at how it was possible to make them without using eggs.

I asked him, “Nimesh, do you know why devotees of Lord Krishna don’t eat chickens?”

He had a clever response, “We don’t eat anything that runs away from us.” He went on for some time giving many good points. I had to interrupt him to give the punch line, “The reason we don’t eat chickens is because they have eggs in them.”

There was a small crowd gathered and somehow everyone thought it was funny, everyone but Nimesh.

“Mitra, you got me on that one,” He said humbly.

Our guru A.C. Temple at the Prabhupada Village Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gives the real answer. As devotees of Lord Krishna, we eat only what is offered first to the Lord. In the Bhagavad-Gita we read that anything that is eaten without being first offered as a sacrifice to the Lord will carry some karmic reaction. Having lived in temples and ashrams for many years our family is in the habit of offering all we eat to Krishna first, even if it’s a little snack.

In the Gita, Krishna says, “If you offer me with love a leaf, flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.” He makes no mention of meat or eggs. If he did, we would eat them. Sometimes people ask why we don’t eat meat.

They say we are still killing vegetables and grains, so what’s the difference? Yes, we reply, there is still killing involved. We are not vegetarians; we are Krishnatarians. We eat what is sanctioned by Krishna.

Anything else will have some karma attached to it.

The simple process of offering your food to the Lord will bring a lot of peace into your life. Eating is something we all do daily. There is a chance to remember God by such an act if we don’t let it become an empty ritual.

This is something that anyone can do. You can try this at home, and no one even has to know about it.

January 2009

While cooking, you can think how you are cooking for the pleasure of the Lord. You will therefore try your best to make it as perfect as possible. Your devotion will flow naturally as you serve Him. Don’t taste anything while it is being cooked. He should be the first to taste it. When everything is prepared, place the items on a nice plate and set it before your altar or a picture of Krishna. At this time you can recite any prayers to the Lord that you know, or chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rame Hare Hare

Maharha at her home altar

Prabhupada, our guru, would quote from the Brahma Samhita that each limb of the Lord could fulfill the functions of all the other limbs. Thus he can eat with his ears by hearing your prayers.

You can meditate on how the Lord is eating your humble offering. If you have offered it sincerely, then He certainly is eating from your kitchen. What you have now is no longer ordinary food. It is prasad, the mercy of the Lord. Anyone that eats this will gain in their devotion just as you have by preparing it.

Here is a popular recipe from my wife Maharha.

Oatmeal Cookies 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1 3/4 Cup white flour 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream (replaces 1 egg) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 cups rolled oats Method: Beat butter or margarine for 30 seconds with electric mixer and add about half the flour, the brown sugar, yogurt, baking powder, vanilla, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves. Beat until thoroughly combined.

Beat in remaining flour, stir in oats, and drop rounded teaspoons two inches apart onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 48.

Mitra lives with his wife and sons in the Hare Krishna community one hour north of Greensboro. Visit online at www.prabhupadavillage.com or contact mitradasa@gmail.com.

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FREE LUNCH BUFFET OR FREE ENTRﾃ右 Buy Any 2 Identical Dishes from the menu or 2 lunch buffets and get 3rd Absolutely FREE. EVERYTHING ON THE MENU INCLUDED. Includes Lunch buffet. Restrictions may apply.

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Crisp Black Bean and Corn Flautas

Flavor Feast Mediterranean Pressed Sandwich Ingredients: 1 small eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices 1 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices 1 small yellow squash, cut length-wise into 1/4-inch slices 3 Tbs. olive oil, divided 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, halved 1/3 cup prepared pesto 1/3 cup prepared tapenade 2 jarred roasted red peppers, sliced 1 8-oz. pkg. fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar Method: Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Brush eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash with 2 Tbs. olive oil and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until charred and softened. Transfer to plate.

Hollow inside of bread to make room for vegetables.

Spread pesto on one side of bread. Spread tapenade on other side of bread. Layer eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella on one side of bread. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and remaining one Tbs. olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Press top and bottom of sandwich together, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place on baking sheet, and weigh down with heavy skillet or two large cans.

Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Unwrap before slicing and serving. Serves 6 Roasted Cauliflower in Lemon-Tahini Sauce Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets 4 tsp. olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)

2 Tbs. tahini 1 Tbs. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1 Tbs. chopped parsley 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds Method: Place oven rack in top position. Preheat oven to 425F. Toss cauliflower with 2 tsp. olive oil, and season with salt. Spread on large cookie sheet, and bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender and slightly browned. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tsp. olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. SautĂŠ garlic in oil 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in tahini, lemon juice, 5 Tbs. water and salt. Simmer over low heat 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Divide cauliflower among plates. Whisk sauce, then spoon over cauliflower. Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds, and serve. Serves 4 January 2009

Ingredients: 2 tsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp.)

2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2 tsp. chili powder 1 16-oz. tub prepared salsa, divided 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels 12 6-inch corn tortillas 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Method: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook onion 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, or until translucent and fragrant. Stir in beans, chili powder and 1 cup water. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer 10 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Mash beans until mixture is thickened but still chunky, and some beans remain whole. Stir in 1 cup salsa and corn, and season with salt and pepper. Cool. Preheat oven to 425F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray. Spoon 1/3 cup black bean mixture down center of tortilla. Roll tortilla around filling, and secure closed with toothpick.

Set on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and black bean mixture. Bake 6 to 10 minutes, or until tortillas are browned and crisp. Meanwhile, combine cilantro and remaining salsa in small bowl.

Place 2 flautas on each plate, and top with remaining salsa. Serves 6.

Potato and Asparagus Tortillas Ingredients: 1 lb. asparagus, cut into 3/4-inch lengths 1 Tbs. plus 4 tsp. olive oil 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, quartered, sliced 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced 3/4 tsp. salt 8 large eggs 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 cup grated Mexican cheese Method: Steam asparagus 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender.

Refresh under cold running water and drain. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes, onion and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until potatoes begin to brown, stirring often. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet. Beat eggs, remaining salt and pepper in bowl. Stir in cheese and asparagus. Add 2 tsp. oil to skillet and increase heat to medium-low. Pour in half of egg mixture.

Sprinkle with half of potatoes, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until bottom of tortilla is browned. Remove skillet from heat; invert large plate over tortilla. Grip skillet sides and plate with oven mitts, and flip tortilla onto plate. Return tortilla to skillet, browned side up. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until bottom is browned. Slide onto serving platter. Repeat with remaining oil, eggs and potatoes. Slice each tortilla into 12 thin wedges.

Serve warm or at room temperature with salsa. Makes 12 servings.

Recipes courtesy of vegetariantimes.com

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One of the ways to extend the duration of inhalation and exhalation is through viloma pranayama. In normal breathing inhalation and exhalation flow smoothly and evenly. Viloma means to go against the natural flow and in this case it means interrupt the natural flow of inhalation or exhalation. The viloma pranayama technique can be practiced lying down, sitting or standing up. Here the technique is described sitting down with arm movement; realize that it can also be done without moving your arms.

First Phase: Interruption of Inhalation Sit in any cross leg postures, be comfortable and observe the movement of your body as your breath goes in and out for few minutes. Bring your hands near your navel with the tip of your fingers touching each other, elbows pointing out and palms facing down. As you breathe in raise your arms up to your solar plexus and pause for few seconds. Then continue breathing in raising your arms all the way up to your chin. Hold your breath for few seconds and then slowly bring your arms down all to way to your navel as you breathe out. The movement of your arms should be synchronized with your breath and your breathing should be nice & slow. Practice this for at least five times. Relax and observe the movement of your body as your breath goes in and out for few minutes.

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Second Phase: Interruption of Exhalation Bring your hands near your navel with the tip of your fingers touching each other, elbows pointing out and palms facing down. Take a deep breath while bringing your hands all the way to your chin. As you start to breathe out slowly lower you arms to your solar plexus and then pause for few seconds. Continue breathing out bringing your arms down all the way to your navel.

Repeat this cycle five times. Relax and observe the movement of your body as your breath goes in and out for few minutes.

Final Phase: Interruption of Inhalation and Exhalation Combine interrupted Inhalation and Exhalation as described in First and Second phase. Repeat at least five times. Relax and observe the state of your mind and body.

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My walk back into a spiritual path

The Chai Table

By Padmaja Sandeep

Saathee Readers Forum

Gandhi remembered

By Ron A. Virmani M.D. It was the Month of May in 1893. A young brownskinned lawyer from India, who was educated in England, arrived in Durban harbor in South Africa. He had come to represent the office of Dada Abdulla, a Muslim Indian firm with offices in India and South Africa. He bought a first class ticket and boarded the train from Durban to Pretoria. Later a white man boarded the same compartment and ordered him to the baggage car. The lawyer refused. On the next stop, the white man called the railway officials and a policeman, who threw the lawyer out on the cold dark station in the middle of the night. His luggage and overcoat had disappeared with the railways officials.

The lawyer, whose name was M. K. Gandhi, spent the night huddled in the unlighted railroad station of Petermaritzburg. He vowed to fight against discrimination.

After successfully establishing himself as a lawyer in South Africa, Gandhi identified with the social and political repression of Indians. Their suffering became his suffering. He took care of the victims of plague and leprosy. When the white barber in Pretoria refused to cut his hair, he did it himself.

Born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, Gandhi lived by the lofty principles of Bhagvad Gita. Like Arjuna, he sought and applied to his life the advice of Lord Krishna.

When Gandhi returned from South Africa to India, he applied the lessons learned from his struggles. He delivered to us the weapons of mass non-violent resistance, insistence upon the truth (Satyagraha) and civil disobedience. These were his “moral equivalents of war.” He considered civil disobedience to be the right of every citizen.

Out of his convictions and actions, arose the nation of India, the biggest democracy on the planet today, as expressed in the following words: Le dee hamein azaadi, bina khadg bina dhaal.

Sabarmati ke sant toone kar diya kamaal.

Gandhi preached unity and brotherly love among Muslims and Hindus. This was anathema to many and led to his assassination.

As Mahatma Gandhi walked to his place of public prayer in Birla Temple in New Delhi just past 5 pm. on January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse ended his life with three bullets.

Today, we remember. Our hands are clasped and heads are bowed for the great soul who charted the path our children will walk on.

May peace be on Earth!

Hey Ram! January 2009

I am not a very religious person but I do believe that there is someone guiding our path of life. I even believe that there is more than science that can make things happen.

My mom, on the other hand, is a very huge “Bhakti Bhadituraalu.” We have Sravana masa poojalu, Karteeka masa deepalu, vratalu, noomulu and so on.

I never clearly opposed amma but I did not wholeheartedly assist her either.

My dad was a great believer of Sathya Sai baba and he agreed that Baba is the very avatar of Shirdi Sai and one incident that happened perhaps made us believe that Sathya sai is our spiritual guru. There is the vibhuti coming out of his picture in our house.

That was my first experience and then I read Diana baskin’s book “Divine Memories of Sathya Sai Baba” which my dad gave me.

Since I readily agreed that dad knows the best for everything, I believed that Sathya Sai was our spiritual guide. Later in life my marriage took me to the city of Bangalore and being in close proximity to White field, we often went to get Sathya Sai Baba’s darshan.

All was well in the spiritualville, with Bhajans, Sath sanghs, etc.

After my move to the United States and close brush with hard facts of life on few occasions made me believe that if someone is indeed watching over me and that indeed could be Sathya Sai baba, as I truly wanted to attach a name to the force. My dad seconded my thoughts, I continued to pray and read Shirdi Sai Sath Charithra, too.

During my battle to have a child I one day randomly opened Sath Charithra and I read a story where the Baba tells a woman that she will visit Shridi with her son in one year’s time.

May be it was a coincidence or perhaps the vigil continued, as my treatment was successful and later we went to Shirdi with our son.

But losing my dad made me get extremely mad at Sathya Sai baba. After that I never prayed to him, no bhajans or Sath Sanghs mattered. I successfully shut myself down from Baba and clung dearly to my grief.

But even today whenever I am hurt, confused, happy, or sad I immediately close my eyes and look out for guidance and invariably feel the peace with in me when I think of Baba or hear his arati.

I went to Padmarao Nagar Shirdi Sai temple like always during my visit to Hyderabad, India and it brought me a lot of peace. Sitting there in front of his murti, I felt it was not the end of my relation with him although it was not the end of my grief and my loss either. I experienced an inner peace which I have not felt since my dad passed.

It felt as if I am not alone and this knowledge was no small revelation to me. The emotions that I experience - fear, loneliness and grief - gave way to a little peace as well that day and I felt that the healing had begun and my walk back into his fold is just around the corner.

Saathee 44

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Harnessing the Power of American English

By Judith L. Bergman M.A. CCC Even native speakers of English can make assumptions that create “meaning mix-ups.”

After attending the annual professional convention of the American Speech and Hearing Association in Chicago in November, I was sitting in the plane waiting to taxi for take-off when an attendant announced (clearly and correctly), “Someone left an electronic device charging by the gate.” The passengers smiled and someone said, “He must have been in a hurry.”

The attendant rephrased, “Someone left the device plugged in by the gate.” Yes, the electronic device was charging, not the passenger! We had been misled by familiar images of airline passengers who were late and running to make a flight. The attendant did not say, “Someone, charging by the gate, left an electronic device.”

So how many meanings does charge actually have?

Longman’s Dictionary lists five meanings as a noun including one in a phrase and six as a verb1: (1) Money: The noun, charge can mean the price you pay, “There’s a $10.00 admission charge.” (2) Crime A legal statement saying that someone is guilty is a charge. “The charge against him was robbery.” (3) Control: The phrase to be in charge of or to take charge of means to be the person in command or the one who takes control. “She’s in charge of this project.” (4) Electricity: A charge is the electricity put into a piece of equipment. (5) Attack : The elephant’s charge was unexpected.” As a verb, charge means (1) to ask a particular amount of money for something. “They charge $4.00 for a cup of specialty coffee!” (2) We buy something, record the cost and pay for it later. “We charge purchases on our credit cards.” (3) To state probable guilt: “He was charged with the robbery.” (4) Charging a battery means taking in or storing electricity. (5) Charging also means to move quickly and aggressively forward, as “He was charging through the gate.” (6) It can also mean being put in control as “I am charging you with the task of conducting the meeting.”

The meaning does lie in the “music.”

The noun, LOOKout, with the first syllable stressed (said at a higher pitch, longer and louder) refers to the person assigned to watch for an approaching danger.

“He was assigned to be the lookout for signs of the forest fire. If you shout a warning, you say, “Look OUT!” separating the two words and saying “out” as the stressed word with your voice emphatically rising and then falling to signal a statement or command!2 Memorize the difference between commonly confused words. Here is example of the three words that sound alike and are commonly confused: Fill in the blanks with eminent, imminent and immanent: January 2009

References: 1 Longman Dictionary of American English, Pearson Education Limited, 2004, p. 142.

2 “The Intonation Patterns of American English,” Mastering Effective English Communication (MEEC CD Series), Sikorski, Lorna D., LDS Associates, 5th Edition, 2nd Imprint, 2006, Chapter 2-Word Level Intonation Patterns, p.23.

3 Every Day Vocabulary by Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D., 1998: Doubleday Direct, Inc., Chapter 7: NOW I LIE ME DOWN TO SLEEP: Commonly Confused Words, p. 101.

4 The Idioms Workbook, 2nd Edition by Myra Shulman Auslin, Pro-Ed www.proedinc.com 2003, pp.341 & 354.

Answers: 1. imminent which means expected momentarily or very soon.

2. eminent which means distinguished.

3. immanent which means “inborn” or “inherent.”

4. Idioms: f,e,h,b,d,g,c,j,i,a.

Mastering Meaning

1. “The comet’s appearance was _____.”

2. “Albert Einstein was an ______ professor at Princeton.”

3. “I have an _________ distrust of thunderstorms.”3 (Answers are below) Use context clues, dictionaries and special resources to learn idioms.

Here are common idioms that use the names of food and beverages. Match these idioms with their meanings.4 ___Not my cup of tea ___Salt of the earth ___A hard nut to crack ___Does not hold water ___Break the ice ___Living high on the hog ___Talk turkey ___Cut the mustard ___Eat crow ___In a pickle a. in trouble b. is not believable c. be very honest in your opinion d. stop the silence; get things moving e. a person who is extremely kind and helpful f. not something I like g. living like you are very rich h. a challenging person or difficult task to get done i. admit you made a mistake j. do a good job Suggested strategies to increase your word power this month: 1. Look and listen for various ways charge is used in magazine articles and conversations.

2. Remember the phrases eminent professor, imminent danger and immanent distrust in order to sort out the meanings and spelling of these three words.

3. Listen to conversations and check newspapers and magazine articles for examples of all ten “food themed” idioms.

Judith L. Bergman is the founder and director of Triangle Speech Services.

She is a speech pathologist and corporate speech trainer.

Contact: jlbergman@mindspring.com or 919-489-5464. www.trianglespeech.com

Saathee 46

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CONTINENTS

3

By Chandan Sen How Europe Colonized India “In the middle of the seventeenth century, Asia still had a far more important place in the world than Europe.” So wrote J. Perennine in his “History of the Universe,” published in Paris in 1950.

He added, “The riches of Asia were incomparably greater than those of the European states. Her industrial techniques showed a subtlety and a tradition that the European handicrafts did not possess. And there was nothing in the more modern methods used by the traders of the Western countries that Asian trade had to envy. In matters of credit, transfer of funds, insurance, and cartels, neither India, Persia nor China had anything to learn from Europe.”

The European powers - English, French, Dutch and Portuguese - started their operations as traders, building trading outposts up and down the long Indian coastline.

They negotiated trade concessions that enabled them to export and import goods, but since the balance of trade was in India’s favor, they had to make up the deficit with gold and silver, obtained from Europe.

Relations between the employees of the East India Company on the one hand, and the local Indians on the other, were generally good. There was even some intermarriage.

The East India Company competed with other European powers as well as with Indian businessmen Gujaratis, Marathis and even Persians and Afghans.

At the end of the 17th century, the silk and wool merchants of France and England were unwilling to put up with the competition from Indian textiles, which had become the rage in the new bourgeoisie societies of Europe.

Soon, the directors of the East India Company - the same people who had 50 years ago declared that trade and war were incompatible - decided that force had to be used to level the playing field in India. Starting with the battle of Plassey, when the Nawab of Bengal was defeated, and following up with successful wars with the Marathas, the Coromandel rulers, and the Sikhs, the East India Company gradually gained political control over Indian land and populace, and a large tax base from the local population with which to pay for the exports to Europe.

The European powers, although watching the powerful East India Company with suspicion, nevertheless benefited from its strong-arm tactics. It is said that while united India (under the Moghuls) had largely held off the Europeans, and divided India (when the state rulers were becoming more independent) had temporarily held off divided Europe, divided India was no match for united Europe.

In 1857, after what Indians view as the first war of Indian independence, and the British view as the Sepoy Mutiny, the entire might of British imperial government was used to subdue India - and so it remained until 1947.

For almost 200 years, there was a systematic transfer January 2009

of wealth from India to Europe. Although Britain may have been the primary beneficiary, its allies in Europe and the new world benefited no less.

British Banks used their Indian capital to fund industry in the US, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

The industrial revolution and the development of modern capitalism were based on the colonization of India and the rest of the world. It was the forced pauperization of the colonized world that allowed nations such as Britain, or the United States to industrialize and modernize.

My mother used to say that the British used deception, force and intrigue to obtain dominion over India.

Ballal Sen of the Sen Dynasty of Bengal Three generations of Sen rulers, Ballal Sen, Vijay Sen and Lakshman Sen, ruled Bengal in the 12th century AD. Ballal Sen ruled from circa 1160-1178 AD. He was the second ruler of the Sen dynasty. Son and successor of Vijay Sen, Ballal Sen was a social reformer who introduced the system of Kulinism, as documented in the Kuljigranthas.

Two epigraphs of the time of Ballal Sen have so far been recovered. They are the Naihati copper plate and the Sanokhar image inscription. Although they do not contain any record of Ballal Sen’s military victories, his military achievements have been found documented elsewhere.

It is stated in the Adbhutsagar that he was engaged in warfare with the king of Gauda who is identified with Govindapala of the Pala dynasty. This information is also corroborated by the Ballalcharita of Anandabhatta which was composed in 1510 AD. It is likely that Ballal Sen might have given the final blow to the Palas in Magadha. It is also stated in the Adbhutsagar that during the reign of his father, Vijay Sen, Ballal Sen conquered Mithila.

One may comment that in this day and age military adventurism is frowned upon, but in those days it was entirely accepted, indeed required, of a successful ruler.

It is not unlikely that Ballal Sen accompanied his father, Vijay Sen, in his campaign in Mithila. However, the annexation of Mithila to the Sen empire cannot be properly ascertained, and the successors of Nanyadev, against whom Vijay Sen fought, ruled Mithila for a long time.

It is evident from the Sen epigraphs and tradition that Ballal Sen was a great scholar and renowned author. He wrote the Dansagar in 1168 and started writing the Adbhutsagar in 1169, but could not finish it.

Like his father, Vijay Sen, Ballal Sen was a worshipper of Shiva. He assumed the title of Anraj-NishankaShankar along with other imperial titles. He married Ramdevi, the Chalukya princess. This marriage refers to the contact of the Sens with their ancestral homeland.

It is learnt from the Adbhutsagar that in his old age Ballal Sen left the responsibility of the government to his son, Lakshman Sen, and spent his last days, along with his wife, in retirement on the bank of the Ganges at a locality near Tribeni. He had a successful reign of about 18 years.

Saathee 48

Chandan Sen Contact: chandansen33@hotmail.com

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Healthwise

By Anjana Agarwal Chocolate – a hearty bar Chocolate not only makes people feel happy (at least temporarily), but studies over the past 10 years suggest that compounds known as flavoloids found in chocolate have cardiovascular and other potential health benefits. Not all chocolates are created equal and chocolate labels can be quite confusing. Here’s some help while reading between the lines.

A Hearty Bar: According to several recent reviews, flavonoids-rich cocoa and chocolate may protect the heart through their antioxidant, anti-clotting (aspirinlike), and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids also increase production of nitric oxide, which helps relax and dilate the blood vessels and this may help lower blood pressure and have cardiovascular benefits. While most of the fat naturally in chocolate (cocoa butter) is saturated, mare than half of that is stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol; and about one-third of the fat in chocolate is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Cocoa flavonoids may also inhibit the oxidation of LDL (“Bad”) cholesterol, thus making it less dangerous.

Bur there are several caveats. Most studies have used cocoa, baking chocolate, or specially formulated dark chocolate, not the sugar-laden milk chocolate confections most of us eat, and they often used large amounts-more than 500 calories a day. Not surprisingly, much of the research has been funded and/or conducted by the chocolate industry. Since most of chocolate’s potential health benefits are attributing to its flavonoids, much depends on the types of cocoa beans used and how they are processed (roasting at the high temperature or fermenting for a longer time destroys more flavonoids). In fact, flavonoids give chocolate a bitter taste, and thus a main objective in manufacturing is to remove them, by one estimate, as much as 90 percent flavonoids may be lost in processing.

Making up for the lost flavonoids: More and more manufactures are using, or they claim to use, special processing techniques to better preserve the heart-healthy compounds in chocolate. Mars, for example, uses its patented “cocoapro” process to create chocolate that retains a “verifiable amount” of flavonols. As found in Cocoa Via and Dove chocolate products, last year Hershey came out with two higher-antioxidant milk chocolates (called “Antioxidant” and “Whole Bean”), which tout “more flavonols antioxidant levels on their labels or websites, researched by independent lab testing.

The bar exam: Whether it is rich in flavonoids or not, remember that chocolate is a treat and not a health food. Most bars are highly processed and loaded with January 2009

sugar and calories (about 150 an ounce). Better sources of flavonoids on a daily basis are fruits and vegetables, which have fewer calories and abundance of vitamins, minerals, other photochemical and fiber. Tea, red wine, and grape juice are other good sources of flavonoids.

Still, an ounce or so of dark chocolate a day won’t hurt you and may even provide health benefits, especially if you eat it instead if other snacks or desserts that are high in calories and saturated fat.

To choose the most healthful chocolate, keep the following in mind: Look for dark chocolate that lists cocoa beans (or some variation such as cacao, chocolate liquor, or cocoa mass) as the first ingredient and not sugar. The higher the percent cocoa (60-75 percent is a reasonable content to aim for), the “darker” the chocolate and the less room there is for sugar.

Chocolate “serving size” varies from 1 to 1.5 ounces, and a bar may have several servings. Eat a medium-size 3-ounce bar, and you’ll get about 450 calories and at least 30 grams of fat.

Watch out for other ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, are healthful, but others, like caramels are not.

Cocoa powder is highest in cocoa solids and has more flavonoids if it’s not Dutch- or alkali processed. You can use cocoa powder in baking, or mix it with low-fat or nonfat milk and sugar free versions have fewer calories.

White chocolate is not technically real chocolate; it has no cocoa or flavonoids- just cocoa butter, sugar, and flavorings.

Tip of the month: For a quick, guaranteed to please dip, puree the following in a food processor: a can of drained and rinsed Great Northern, navy, or other white beans, half bunch cilantro, green peeper, 1 teaspoon olive oil, one clove garlic, fresh lemon juice and salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with pita bread, crackers, bread or cut vegetables.

For individual diet counseling, see a registered dietitian.

Many insurance companies now pay for the consults.

Anjana Agarwal, MS, RD, LDN, CNSD, CDE Registered Dietitian Phone: 704-890-3162 Carolina Adult and Pediatric Nutrition Services

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Relevance and Presence of Sanskrit in Today’s World

By Damayanti Datta In a recent Internet article, I read that the number of people knowing Sanskrit in India is less than 0.5 percent of the population. The statistics are disheartening in a country of 1 billion people, more than 80 percent of who are Hindus whose religious texts are all written in this ancient language.

But it is also true, as an Indian American teenager asked me: What is the relevance of learning Sanskrit in today’s world? Where can we even find traces of it other than the religious texts?

The teenager mentioned that he is not particularly religious and even if he became more interested in religion later on, there would always be translations of religious texts available.

He definitely had an interesting point and it set me thinking. Two obvious though not practical answers would be that (1) translation of religious texts is not always the best way to study any religion because a lot of meaning gets misinterpreted during translation (2) learning an ancient language associated with an ancient civilization gives a better understanding and a feel of the civilization than otherwise.

But, other than these two obvious reasons, there are also plenty of others. All regional languages in India like Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, etc are heavily based on Sanskrit. Hence, knowledge of Sanskrit certainly enhances one’s mastery and understanding of the regional languages.

Sanskrit and European languages have a common root. For example, English itself has many common/similar words with Sanskrit, some of which I have listed below. Since Sanskrit is more ancient than English, the origin and application of a particular word in English may become clearer when studying Sanskrit and enhance one’s knowledge of English. For all who speak or would like to speak good English and for a student of languages, this is certainly beneficial.

Sanskrit Mata Pita Brata Swasa Duhita Naam Smit Bandhan Charitra Dev

Last but not least, Sanskrit has great potential for scientific use. NASA and many research firms have been looking at it as a possible computer language since its syntax is perfect and leaves little room for error. The Backus-Naur Form or BNF grammars used to describe modern programming languages share a lot of similarities with Panini’s grammar rules.

Panini formalized Sanskrit’s grammar about 2500 years ago. An article by J J O’Connor and E F Robertson of the School of Mathematics and Statistics University at St Andrews University, Scotland quotes: “Sanskrit’s potential for scientific use was greatly enhanced as a result of the thorough systemization of its grammar by Panini. … On the basis of just under 4000 sutras (rules expressed as aphorisms), he built virtually the whole structure of the Sanskrit language, whose general ‘shape’ hardly changed for the next two thousand years.”

Lakshmi Thathachar of the Melkote Sanskrit Academy gives an idea of the similarity between Sanskrit and OOP languages in computer science. Words in Sanskrit are instances of predefined classes, a concept its shares with object oriented programming [OOP]. For example, in English “cow” is a just a sound assigned to mean a particular animal. But In Sanskrit, “gau” (Sanskrit for “cow”) is derived from a broad class “gam” which means “to move.” From these derive “gamanam,”, “gatih” etc which are variations of “movement.”

All words have this OOP approach and defined classes in Sanskrit are so exhaustive that they cover the material and abstract —indeed cosmic experiences known to man.

New technologies are sometimes reinventions of the old. For example, CDs and DVDs are new concepts applied to the already known technology of record players/gramophones in the olden days. So, someone with knowledge of Sanskrit may be able to apply it effectively to the modern field of computer science and prevent reinvention of the wheel, which is not only time and resource consuming but also may not be as productive.

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challenges and the “floor” to protect a bearish run in the stock market was finally removed on 12/15/2008 - in early October 2008 - the markets had been closed for several days for the Eid holidays and judging by the activity taking place around the globe, the Government had put in a protective floor on the KSE100 and the plan was to remove the protective barrier as the economic situation stabilized, and essentially let the market “be the market.” However, as marBy Rajesh Ganatra kets around the world continued to be rocked, the floor was kept in place and deadlines to remove it Here are some important quotes as of 12/19/2008 were adjusted several times. The KSE-100 remained around 9178-9184, with virtually no trading volume Mumbai (Bombay) Sensex: 10,042.50 for days on end. When the market was allowed to Karachi, Pakistan KSE-100 Index: 7,123.89 Dow Jones Industrial Average (USA): 8,627.84 trade freely, the index sank below 9000.

NASDAQ Composite (USA): 1,525.69 As of mid-December 2008, the poverty rate in S & P 500 Index (USA): 879.77 Pakistan escalated to an alarming 28 percent.

Inflation continues to rage in double-digits and the Currency Exchange Rates: Indian Rs. 47.23 = $1.00, Government has expressed that it is a top priority to Pakistani Rs. 79.35 = $1.00 get inflation contained below 9 percent. Pakistan has also started receiving assistance from the Gold Price: $778 / ounce (Mumbai) Silver Price: $11.36 / ounce (Mumbai) International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government has also set up a Market Stabilization (Note —- Mumbai prices quoted in U.S. dollars were calculated using the above exchange rate and the metric factor Fund (MSF). The Government plans to sell PKR Rs. 20 of 28.6 grams equals 1 ounce. Generally speaking, there are billion worth of investments to overseas Pakistanis in slight variances in prices of precious metals between India hopes of attracting much-needed funds and liquidity & U.S.A. due to market conditions / exchange rates). to the country’s economy.

The year 2008 was a challenging one for investors The U. S. equity markets and economy have had a around the globe; especially notably in India. The very difficult 2008. The Dow peaked at 14,163 on Sensex started off the year with a dazzling dash into October 9, 2007 and the market has skidded hard and the 21,000s and essentially went skiing downhill from fast from there - on November 20, 2008, only 13 short there - the index printed a low of 7,697.39 on months later, the Dow skidded to 7552, the NASDAQ 10/27/2008. The Sensex made a smart snapback to Composite slumped to 1316 and the S&P500 index the 9,000 level from there - and then came the tumbled to 752. The constant clouds that have hamhideous terrorist attacks at Mumbai, which began on mered the markets during CY2008 have been the softthe evening of Wednesday, November 26, 2008. Due ening housing market, the sub-prime loan crisis which to the various lockdowns within the city and the infected major banks and investment houses, and attackers still being at large, the stock market was concerns about the future performance of the econoclosed on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - however, my - which has lost jobs every single month during the markets were re-opened again for business again CY2008. The consumers are indeed the engines of the on Friday, November 28, 2008 and the Sensex actual- economy: they represent 2/3rds of all economic activly managed to post a small gain that day - perhaps ity. There is clear evidence that consumers are that in itself makes a statement about capitalism and retrenching, and the slowdown by consumers has ripresiliency in India! Over the subsequent weeks, the pled through all sectors of the economy. Marquee markets continued a mild rebound, and the Sensex banks and investment houses have collapsed and fallreclaimed the 10,000 level by mid-December 2008. en victim to the downtown. Lehman Brothers filed for At the beginning of CY2008, a U.S. Dollar bought bankruptcy, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch and Wachovia approximately 39 Rupees. There has been a combina- were acquired at “fire-sale” prices, just to name a few tion of U.S. Dollar strength and Rupee weakness victims of the slump. Many, many companies that which brought the rate to US $1=INR 50.14 by mid- have managed to stay afloat and independent have November 2008. Why has the Rupee gotten so weak? seen their valuations tumble over 50 percent. Oil As the stock market started to decline, International prices have certainly had a wild ride - Crude had been investors started to pull their monies out of India, at steadily rising since CY2005 from the $60-ish per barwhich time they converted their Rupees back into their rel area to a peak of $147 in July 2008. One of the pri“home currencies” - this type of exchange puts mas- mary reasons behind the rise was that developing sive pressure on the Rupee. Unfortunately, the stock countries such as China and India would generate sigmarkets continued to decline throughout the year, and nificant demand for the commodity over the next sevmore and more International monies were drained eral years, and at the same time, the supply of oil is from the system - hence the continued fall in the indeed finite and it is getting more and more difficult Rupee. If the markets stabilized and reversed course to find new “pools” of oil. However, slowing economies and the International investors came back in - per- around the world took their toll on oil prices, along haps the exchange rate trend would reverse a bit with the realization that a significant part of the because at that point, the investors would sell their upwards move was due to speculation. A couple pro“home currencies” for Rupees. duction cuts by the 13-nation OPEC failed to put a The Pakistani economy continued to face significant continued on page 102 January 2009

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Thank your employees—real or virtual.

The truth is, you can’t do it without them. They know it, but sometimes they wonder if you realize it. In lean times, maybe you can’t give them a raise, but you can give them an appreciative work environment. That’s so rare, they’ll probably tell everyone they know.

Sure, other bosses send holiday cards. But how many actually say ‘thank you’ and mean it?

Marketing Turnaround

By Gail Z. Martin Gratitude Marketing—It’s the Attitude That Makes All the Difference Gratitude sometimes gets a bad rap. We all cringe at the memory of someone in our past scolding that we “ought to be grateful”— usually for something awful, like spinach. We live in a culture that elevates the myth of the “self-made man,” leaving thank-yous mostly for acceptance speeches at the Academy Awards.

Have you ever thought about the marketing power of gratitude?

Here are some ideas in this lean winter season to plant the seeds for a more prosperous new year—and a more personally fulfilling holiday season—with the concept of ‘gratitude marketing’.

Take time to say ‘thank you’ to current customers.

They’ve got their worries too, this season. Your ‘thank you’ may make their day. We don’t appreciate loudly enough. If the size of your client list doesn’t allow for a hand-written note, write a personal email. Be specific if possible. Do their projects give you an exciting challenge? Do you appreciate that they always pay on time? Are the consistently pleasant to work with? Tell them.

Take time to say ‘thank you’ to your past customers.

No, this isn’t a veiled attempt to garner new business, although reminding them that you exist may do that.

You never know what jogging someone’s memory can do in terms of referrals or recommendations.

Say ‘thank you’ to your vendors.

You’d miss them if they disappeared. That includes the printer who does you a favor from time to time on rush jobs, the graphic designer who turns a bad sketch on a cocktail napkin into art, even the cleaning person who shows up reliably and always does a nice job. Kindness is free, but it’s in short supply these days. It’s notable because it’s rare and precious.

January 2009

Thank the people who enable you to do what you do.

That includes your life partner, your kids, your extended family, the friends or sitters who pick your kids up when a meeting runs late, the neighbor who gets your kid off to the bus because you have to leave for a meeting, the best friend who encourages you when you lose out on a bid.

Give something without expecting return.

For one month, try to move past quid-pro-quo. Make a referral to someone who probably isn’t in a position to return the favor. Do a networking meeting (or two or three) with people looking for a job in your industry or students who are fresh out of school. Speak at a career day or present on a helpful topic in your area of expertise to a job hunter group. Make it a point to buy from a local retailer to help them stay in business. Give a bag of groceries to the food bank. Or start a ‘pay it forward’ chain when you buy a cup of coffee in the morning and buy one for the next person in line, too.

You have absolutely no idea about the power of the energy compassion and giving release into the universe, or the eventual and possibly far-reaching results of your good deed. I can’t back this up with market research, but I do believe that eventually, that goodness does come back to you. And in the short run, you’ll discover that the headlines don’t seem to matter as much any more and for a little while, you stopped stewing over the current market value of your 401K. When you are animated by a spirit of gratitude, you become different from the norm. You glow instead of glower. You become approachable. People feel appreciated so rarely that they are attracted to those genuinely are grateful for what they do and who they are.

And they tell other people about it.

So while ‘peace on earth’ may be out of your personal reach this holiday season, how about ‘goodwill to all’? Granted, ‘gratitude marketing’ may not be something they teach you at Harvard Business School, but you might find that it gets you your MBA (that’s Marketing By Attraction).

Gail Z. Martin owns DreamSpinner Communications.

Contact her at dreamspinnercommunications@earthlink.net

Saathee 56

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Asset allocation – the process of deciding which stock and bond sectors you want in your portfolio and what percentage of each – is important for two reasons. First, by spreading your bets among different types of stocks and bonds you are more likely to protect your assets on the downside – that is, when the market is falling. Second, since no one can predict what next year’s winners will be, having a piece of many types of securities makes it more likely that you will pick some winners.

Personal Finance

By Narendra Dixit

Weathering Market Changes With current market turmoil, many people have seen a reduction in their retirement accounts and investment portfolios. It’s no question that people get emotional when it comes to their money. But rash decisions often lead people to make portfolio changes that may have adverse effects on their growth potential. Instead, investors should replace emotion with a disciplined strategy. The key to investing for the long term is consistency in all market types.

There are simple ways to withstand a tough market. When times are bad, your first instinct might be to take your money out of the market and deal with the losses. And others might make conservative investments that will stifle growth potential. You must be a consistent investor and spread the risk, no matter what the market is doing.

The most important thing is to understand your short-term and long-term goals. Once you know what you want to accomplish, there are four basic steps you can take to help safeguard your financial well-being through good times and bad.

• Plan To reach your financial goals, you have to know first where you’re going. For example, if you’re investing for retirement, you need to determine when you want to retire, how much you will need to live on in retirement, how much time your investments have to grow, and how much you can afford to save each year. Once you’ve answered these questions, you or your financial professional can develop the investment strategy that will help take you where you want to go. For each element of your financial future, you will need to plan.

Your plan incorporates many elements, including investments, savings, insurance, and estate planning.

• Prepare Make sure that all your emergency needs are covered – including adequate life insurance and saving enough in a rainy day fund to tide you over during an unexpected run of bad luck. Once your emergency needs are covered, you can begin putting your savings to work in a long-term investment strategy.

• Diversify Even if you’re an aggressive investor, it’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. Those who most successfully weather the market’s ups and downs are those who have a variety of investments – some fixed income securities along with a diversified stock portfolio that includes small and large cap, growth and value sectors.

January 2009

Your own asset allocation will depend on your age, your investment goals, and your tolerance for risk, your tax bracket, and other variables. Be aware, however, that asset allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. All investments are subject to market risk, will fluctuate and may lose value.

• Re-evaluate The most appropriate strategies and asset allocations will only serve you for so long. Life circumstances change: children and grandchildren are born and grow up; your earning power increases; you get closer to retirement; you inherit money, and so forth. As your life changes, you’ll need to re-evaluate your plan to make sure it still meets your changing situation and goals.

You also need to periodically rebalance your portfolio. As the market goes up and down, your portfolio’s allocation will change – a run-up in small cap value stocks, for example, will increase the percentage you own in that sector, putting your portfolio out of balance. When you rebalance, you sell some of your winning sectors and buy more of the sectors that have not yet performed as well – thus conforming to the classic investment advice of “buy low, sell high.” Rebalancing can help prevent your portfolio from taking on more risk than you had originally intended – and help you avoid possible losses when a formerly hot sector starts declining.

Speaking with your financial professional and taking precautions beforehand will help combat an unstable and unpredictable market. Safeguarding your portfolio is more than meeting with your financial professional once of year. It’s planning to send your kids to college, it’s planning for your dream home and it’s planning for a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.

Armed with a plan and preparation, you will be well equipped in good times and in the bad times.

AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide legal or tax advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

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I Am a U.S. Citizen. How Do I Get Information About Requirements for Traveling Abroad?

Immigration Matters USCIS Revises Employment Eligibility Verification Form WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in mid December that it has submitted to the Federal Register an interim final rule that will streamline the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process.

The interim final rule narrows the list of acceptable identity documents and further specifies that expired documents are not considered acceptable forms of identification. An expansive document list makes it more difficult for employers to verify valid and acceptable forms and single out false documents compromising the effectiveness and security of the Form I-9 process. The changes included in the interim final rule will significantly improve the security of the employment eligibility verification process.

Employers must complete a Form I-9 for all newly hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. The list of approved documents that employees can present to verify their identity and employment authorization is divided into three sections: List A documents verify identity and employment authorization, List B documents verify identity only, and List C documents verify employment authorization only.

The rule eliminates Forms I-688, I-688A, and I-688B (Temporary Resident Card and older versions of the Employment Authorization Card/Document) from List A. USCIS no longer issues these cards, and all that were in circulation have expired. The rule also adds to List A of the Form I-9 foreign passports containing specially-marked machine-readable visas and documentation for certain citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The rule makes other, technical changes to update the list of acceptable documents. The revised Form I-9 includes additional changes, such as revisions to the employee attestation section, and the addition of the new U.S. Passport Card to List A. Employers must use the revised Form I-9 for all new hires and to reverify any employee with expiring employment authorization beginning 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. The interim final rule is available in the Related Links section of this page and was submitted to the Federal Register on Dec. 11, 2008. The Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9 (M-274) will be updated to reflect these changes and will be available on the USCIS website in the near future. The current version of the Form I-9 (dated 06/05/2007) will no longer be valid as of 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The interim final rule and an informational copy of the revised Form I-9 will be available for public comment at www.regulations.gov for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

January 2009

Passports U.S. citizens need a passport when traveling to, or returning from, most foreign countries. To find out the exceptions to this rule and to confirm current travel requirements, check with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at www.state.gov or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. The U.S. Passport Office issues all U.S. passports. For information about requirements and how to apply for a passport, including a list of authorized passport acceptance offices, contact them or an authorized passport acceptance office directly. Applying for a passport is not a difficult process, and you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Be prepared to apply for your passport well in advance of any planned travel.

Current passport processing times can be obtained on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website or by calling the National Passport Information Center. Note: Due to heightened security, it is recommended that U.S. citizens with a passport use it to travel even to countries where a U.S. passport is not required. If you are traveling to or from a country where a U.S. passport is not required, you’ll usually need two documents: • A document to prove your identity, such as a valid U.S. driver’s license, military ID, or a valid photo ID; and • A document to prove your citizenship, such as a notarized copy of your birth certificate issued by a U.S. State.

Note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used. If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.

Visas Many countries require that U.S. citizens have a visa issued by that country to enter. For information about whether a country requires a visa, contact that country’s embassy or consulate well in advance of your planned travel. For more “Tips for Traveling Abroad,” visit www.travel.state.gov. Note: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not issue U.S. passports or foreign visas. If you plan to travel abroad, please check with the U.S. Department of State for more information well before your planned trip. www.travel.state.gov

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Coming Soon - Townhouse Immaculate Townhouse in Riviera @ Providence Pointe. 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, Office, 2 Car Attached Garage, Amazing Mstr Bedroom and Bath, Granite countertops, 42''Maple Cabinets, Crown Moldings, Lots of other upgrades. Call For Pricing.

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www.R ealtorAnish.com www.RealtorAnish.com Wishing You and Your Family Every Happiness During This Festive Holiday Season and Throughout the Coming New Year!!!

2008 was an interesting and challenging year. I am ranked #1 agent at the Helen Adams Realty, Ballantyne Office. I am among one of the handful of fortunate Realtors who did more business in 2008 than 2007. I also received a national "Best In Customer Service" award.

I want to personally thank the following families for making 2008 a very successful year!

Dr. Manish and Vanita Patel

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Thank you again for your Business, Referrals and Support.

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Ten Ways to Cut Your Property Taxes

By Paul Wilson Property taxes in communities around the country are collectively decided by school boards, town boards, legislators, and councils. The tax rate is set by collating the amount of funds an area needs. This is then divided by the “total taxable” assessed value of the area. The tax an individual pays is computed by multiplying the tax rate by the assessed value of the property and then deducting any applicable exceptions. Property taxes are at an all time high. Studies indicate that they have increased more than 35 percent in five years.

Property is assessed by determining property costs in any given area. Property is valued by studying the current sale price of properties in the area, costs to be incurred to replace the property, potential realization of property if it is rented, sold, or gifted, and the historical value of a property.

There are a few ways in which you could save on property taxes: 1. Check if the state you reside in is offering any rebates. For example, a money back rebate, energy rebate, capping of taxes, or homeowners rebate where under certain conditions you may be eligible to claim a rebate.

2. Ensure that the property is assessed right. This will ensure that you do not have to pay excess taxes.

Assert your right to check you assessment report to make sure that there are no miscalculations, mistakes, or assumptions. If in any doubt, do put in an appeal. According to statistics almost 50 percent of the cases win some relief.

assessment is done and also if there are any loopholes you can use.

7. There is strength in numbers. Get together with other owners who are also checking or fighting assessments. Check on the National Taxpayers Union Website www.ntu.org for your rights.

8. Ask your home loan provider whether you are eligible for refund of property taxes paid. Some agreements have a provision for this. Many mortgages have automatic escrow of taxes.

9. Even before you buy a home find out what the property taxes are in the area and what have been the increases in tax rates.

10. Be sure to read through assessment and tax manuals published by your local authorities.

These will give a clear idea of what are the parameters used and what you must do to reduce or pay the correct property taxes.

In order to be money smart you need to get the help of an efficient and dedicated accountant, plan your tax liabilities well, known thoroughly all aspects of Property Tax. If you are prudent, you can benefit by using ways and means to cut your tax burden and liabilities.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer.

Article courtesy of articlegeek.com

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3. Check all exemptions allowed according to the law.

4. Buy property jointly with a partner or family member. This way both owners become eligible for tax rebates.

5. Check if your assessment is in accordance to other properties in your neighborhood. Check with the assessment office or with your neighbors themselves. It helps to know applicable laws. Check your local county’s tax lookup sites. Use the help of a real estate professional to put together a file of properties similar to yours that have a lower assessment. Or, use the bank’s appraisal to support your case. Be sure that the case you gather together is watertight.

6. Use a property consultant to help you save taxes.

Some charge a flat fee while others just a percentage of what you save. A professional will check how January 2009

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The Cricket Forum

By Rajesh Ganatra 2008 Champions League T20 rescheduled The inaugural edition of the Champions League T20 originally scheduled between Dec 3 to 10 in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai from December 3 to 10 has been rescheduled.

The decision was taken today by the Governing Council of the Champions League T20 after consultations among the three founding board members of the tournament – Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa.

Lalit Modi, Chairman of the Champions League T20, said, “We held consultations among all the stakeholders including the founding members, the participating teams and members of the Governing Council after the unfortunate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. It was agreed that in the best interests of all concerned, the inaugural edition of the Champions League T20 should be postponed.”

Modi continued, “We very strongly condemn this dastardly and heinous criminal act of a few which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injury to hundreds. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and we are with them in their hour of grief.”

The Governing Council of the Champions League Twenty20 has decided that the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20 will now be played in India in October 2009.

South Africa is visiting Australia. Here are upcoming matches: January 3-7, 2009 - 3rd Test @ Sydney January 11, 2009 - 1st 20/20 match @ Melbourne January 13, 2009 - 2nd 20/20 match @ Brisbane January 16, 2009 - 1st ODI @ Melbourne January 18, 2009 - 2nd ODI @ Hobart January 23, 2009 - 3rd ODI @ Sydney January 26, 2009 - 4th ODI @ Adelaide January 30, 2009 - 5th ODI @ Perth Sri Lanka is visiting Bangladesh. Here are upcoming matches: January 3-7, 2009: 2nd Test @ Chittagong Other cricket action coming up: Jan. 2009 - April 2009 - England visits West Indies Feb. 2009 - April 2009 - Australia visits South Africa March 2009 - April 2009 - India visits New Zealand June 2009 - ICC World Twenty20 Tournament June 2009 - September 2009 - Australia visits England Upcoming matches and scores are courtesy of the website cricinfo.com.

For updates on all the cricket action and scores visit saathee.com.

RAJDEEP VIDEO

The Governing Council took the decision after considering all aspects including the international calendar and the domestic schedules of the participating teams.

Six teams – two from each of the founding Board members – are confirmed as participants. Other participating teams will be finalized by the end of January 2009. Invitations will be extended to the winners/finalists of the respective countries’ domestic Twenty20 tournaments of the participating countries.

The Championship carries a combined prize money of US $6 million. ESPN STAR Sports has acquired all commercial rights for Champions League Twenty20 for USD 975 million for a period of 10 years.

Here’s some recent cricket action:

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One Planet One Year Ends, One Year Begins.

One Simple Request.

By Olga Han If you’re like me, with 2008 freshly wound down, you’re busy wrapping up the holidays and planning for the New Year. I’m not one to make resolutions, per se, but I do have moments when I think about the future and about what I could do to better my children’s quality of life or myself. I believe that it only takes one person, one small action, to make a world of difference, and now is the perfect time to think about things we can do.

No different than any other parent, my first thoughts are always of my children. I want to do what I can to ensure that my kids have as good a future as I can possibly give to them. One thing I can do to better my family’s quality of life, as well as that of everyone, is to work to help our environment from abuse and further degradation. I know there are people who associate those words with tree huggers or environmental fanatics but, really, it’s not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, helping to save our environment is a good thing, a really good thing. Even if you’re not really into the environment thing, you have to know that pollution is getting worse, our reliance on oil is ever increasing, and our natural resources — water, rain forests, fuel — are being depleted by the minute.

So without sounding like a tree hugger, I came up with a list of simple things that can be done around the house to help make a difference. The first is to try and reduce your use of paper towels. In our house, we use washcloths for everything. My paper towel-less house boggles the minds of many who enter it. They question it, unable to see my reasons for it. It’s simple. I don’t buy paper towels or paper napkins. It’s my way of saving a tree, so in my children’s future not only will they have the beauty of green around them but the air they breathe will be better.

But, you know, my napkinless lifestyle isn’t enough.

Tuesday is recyclables pick-up day in my neighborhood, and I am horrified at how much stuff I have.

There’s no question that recycling helps the Earth, but the fact that I have had so much to recycle really disturbed me. So, that’s one thing I’m going to work on for the New Year. Cut back. Not cut back on recycling, but cut back on the things that go into the recycle bin.

Reducing items like water bottles and canned sodas is easy. I stopped buying bottled water a long time ago and instead I refill existing bottles or jugs.

Likewise with canned sodas, buying a larger 2-liter bottle is a better value and reduces items in my bin.

But there’s definitely a ton of plastic in my bin, too; small yogurt containers, straws, plastic bags, paper— tons of paper, from my home office to mail order catalogs. I blame myself, my succumbing to the disposable lifestyle that is so easy to fall prey to. I’ve gotten January 2009

lazy, I think, my excuse being that I’m a single, working parent of two young children. But truly that shouldn’t be an excuse to forget about the world around us.

For all that I tell my friends and associates about making even a small effort to help preserve our Earth, I’ve begun to slack off. But again, it’s a new year, there’s a new Administration coming to office, it’s a time for change. And I do believe that it only takes one person, one small action, to make a world of difference.

April 22, 2009 is Earth Day, a day intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for our planet’s environment. It is a day where people are asked to be conscious of and accept a common goal to take steps so that we all can have a healthy, sustainable environment.

2008 is ending. 2009 is beginning. One year ends.

One year begins.

One simple request for readers. April 22. Four months away. Let’s join in our efforts to help save our environment, for ourselves, for our children, for our future. Here are some small steps we can take that make a huge impact: • Use cold water to do laundry. About 90 percent of the energy used for laundry goes to heating water.

Save the energy. Save money.

• Run the laundry machine or dish washer when full.

Save water, save energy, save money.

• Clean out the car. Each 100 pounds of weight reduces fuel efficiency by one percent, so clean out all those unneeded items. Get a clean car. Save fuel, save money.

• Speaking of cars, ease off the gas pedal. Hard acceleration wastes gas. Save fuel, lessen pollution, save money.

• And finally, for this month, buy products in large containers. Save packaging materials. Save our landfills. Save money.

Saathee 70

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Kalaripayattu Ancient Martial Art of India

By Ranjan Mullaratt Kalaripayattu is the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasuramathe master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kung fu popularized by the monks of the Shoaling Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhidharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.

Crafted in ancient South India and drawing inspiration from the raw power and strength of majestic animal forms - Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Snake, and Crocodile - Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas.

Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes.

The art of kalaripayattu is trained in an enclosure called Kalari, which is 21 feet by 42 feet. The entrance faces the east. In the southwest corner is a seventiered platform called the “poothara,” which houses the guardian deity of the kalari. These seven steps symbolize seven abilities each person requires. They include Vigneswa (Strength), Channiga (patience), Vishnu (commanding power), Vadugashcha (the posture), Tadaaguru (training), Kali (the expression) and Vakasta - purushu (sound). Other deities, most of them incarnations of the Bhagavathi or Shiva, are installed in the corners.

January 2009

Kalaripayattu is perhaps the most ancient martial art in the world. Religions have incorporated Kalaripayattu into their realm. The origin of Kalaripayattu is still shrouded in mystery. Traditional Kalari masters attribute mythological stories and legends to the origin of the art. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama-the master of all martial art forms.

At the turn of the 6th century A.D., martial arts spread from Southern India to China by Daruma Bodhidharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master. From China, martial arts have spread to Korea and Japan. Kalaripayattu is derived from the words Kalari - which means “place, threshing floor, or battlefield,” and payattu - which means to “exercise in arms or practice.”

Martial arts have been in existence on the Indian sub-continent for thousands of years. Long ago, prehistoric man imitated animal fighting styles, which was a system for survival. The first weapon used was the stick, which was an extension of the arm. Various weapons were later invented during the Stone and Iron Ages. Even in Vedas they have mentioned about martial arts. Kalaripayattu is one such martial art, crafted in ancient South India and draws inspiration from the raw power, majestic strength and instinctive fighting techniques of animals.

It is significant that some Kalaripayattu masters trace their lineages of practice to “Dhanur Veda” and claim that the texts in which their martial techniques are recorded derive from Dhanur Vedic texts. Although the Dhanur Veda means the “science of archery,” it encompassed all the traditional fighting arts. The explicit concern in Dhanur Veda texts is not with battlefield strategies, but rather with training in martial techniques.

The Dhanur Veda opens by cataloging the subject, stating that there are five training divisions (for warriors on chariots, elephants, horseback, infantry, or wrestling), and five types of weapons to be learned (those projected by machine such as arrows or missiles), those thrown by the hands (spears), those cast by hands yet retained (noose), those permanently held in the hands (sword), and the hands themselves.

Most of the final chapters are brief descriptions of postures and techniques for wrestling and the use of a

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variety of weapons including noose, sword, armors, iron dart, club, battle axe, discus, and the trident. A short passage near the end of the text returns to the larger concerns of warfare and explains the various uses of war elephants and men. The text concludes with a description of how to appropriately send the welltrained fighter off to war.

Kalaripayattu reached its pinnacle of glory during the 100-years-war between the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas in the early part of the first millennium. The warring states refined the fighting skills and techniques prevalent in the area into a martial art form.

The art flourished between the 13 and 16 centuries, becoming a part of the education of youngsters. It was a social custom in Kerala to send all youngsters above the age of seven to learn Kalari.

The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science and medicine. The various movements in Kalari are based on animal movements. Several poses are named after animals.

Hence it is generally believed to have developed in the jungles when hunters observed the fighting techniques of various animals.

cate their arms. The same situation repeated in Travancore at the time of the revolt orchestrated by Veluthampi, the Dalawa of Travancore. These developments led to the slow deterioration of Kalaripayattu.

Yet, there were a few Kalaripayattu gurus who worked selflessly to keep this tradition of martial art alive for the future generations by training youngsters away from the prying eyes of the British rulers.

Kalaripayattu has strongly influenced the evolution of several of Keralaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre and dance forms, most prominently Kathakali and Theyyam. Kathakali practitioners are required to train under Kalari masters to develop various attributes such as fitness, stamina, and martial movements enacted in their performances. Kalari practitioners claim that Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who was responsible for training the Shaolin monks in kung fu, was in fact a Kalari master.

Following the collapse of the princely states and the advent of free India - Kalaripayattu had lost its significance as a mortal combat code. Fortunately, Kalaripayattu has successfully survived the steady and sad decline in popularity. Kalaripayattu now has a compelling global audience and its fame and glory has won hearts all over.

In a Phoenix like resurrection, Kalaripayattu is today emerging in a new avatar - an ancient art form - a source of inspiration for self-expression in dance forms - both traditional and contemporary, in theatre, in fitness and in movies too.

Photos & Story courtesy of Kalari Academy of Performing Arts, www.kalaripayattu.org

The Most Popular Wedding Photographer in the South Asian Community The British dealt the deathblow to the Kerala military system and Kalaripayattu. When the Malabar Province was ceded in favor of the British by the treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, there were a series of revolts in Malabar. The revolt led by Pazhassi Raja was well supported by the Nair soldiers and Kurichya tribals of Wayanad. The British dreaded the widespread Kalari training and objected to the traditional system of carrying arms by the Nairs. Thus the Malabar commissioners found it essential to unarm the entire region to establish tranquility. Major Dowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction in this regard is noteworthy.

On February 20, 1804, Robert Richards, the Principal Collector of Malabar, wrote to Lord William Bentinck, President and General-in Council, Fort. St. George, asking permission to take action against persons carrying arms, either imposing death penalty or deportation for life. Lord Bentinck issued an order on April 22, 1804, that those who concealed weapons or disobeyed the orders of the British against carrying arms would be condemned to deportation for life.

At the time of the Pazhassi rebellion, British soldiers raided each and every house of the rebels to confisJanuary 2009

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January 2009

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CHARLOTTE PRIMARY CARE DR. SHEENA KAPADIA Specializing in General Adult Medicine, Physical Check-Ups, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Bronchitis, Asthma, Acne, Arthritis, Menopause and Hormone Treatment, etc.

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January 2009

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Weekday Lunch Buffet: $8.25 Weekend Lunch Buffet: $9.25 Open daily for lunch & dinner Dinner A La Carte

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TREATING CONDITIONS SUCH AS: LOW BACK/LEG PAIN NECK/ARM PAIN HEADACHES SPORTS INJURIES AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES ARTHRITIS/FIBROMYALGIA NECK/LOW BACK DISC INJURIES WORK RELATED INJURIES The Chiropractic Doctors at Carlisle Chiropractic Clinic North have been helping people in Charlotte for over 25 years. During that time we've helped thousands of patients find relief from debilitating pain. The secret to our success?

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Our doctors are fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu and Spanish

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sion of the USDA Organic seal on vegetables or pieces of fruit. Or they may appear on the sign above the organic produce display. The word “organic” and the seal may also appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese, and other single-ingredient foods.

Foods with more than one ingredient The following photo shows examples of the labels that may be used on a wide variety of products that use organic ingredients.

The sample cereal boxes show the four labeling categories. From left: cereal with 100 percent organic ingredients; cereal with 95-100 percent organic ingre-

What is Organic Food?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled “organic” must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. After October 21, 2002, when you buy food labeled “organic,” you can be sure that it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world.

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.

Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

Is organic food better for me and my family?

dients; cereal made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients; and cereal with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may list specific organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package. Look for the name and address of the Government-approved certifier on all packaged products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.

Will I find the USDA Organic seal on all 100 percent organic products, or products with at least 95 percent organic ingredients?

No. The use of the seal is voluntary.

How is use of the USDA Organic seal protected?

The USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed.

When I go to the supermarket, how can I tell organically produced food from conventionally produced food?

You must look at package labels and watch for signs in the supermarket. Along with the national organic standards, USDA developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95 percent organic.

Single-ingredient foods Look for the word “organic” and a small sticker verJanuary 2009

People who sell or label a product “organic” when they know it does not meet USDA standards can be fined up to $11,000 for each violation.

Does natural mean organic?

No. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels.

However, don’t confuse these terms with “organic.” Only food labeled “organic” has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

For more detailed information on the USDA organic standards, visit www.ams.usda.gov/nop call the National Organic Program at 202-720-3252, or write USDA-AMS-TM-NOP, Room 4008 S. Bldg., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence, SW, Washington, DC 20250.

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Make Your Travel Dreams Come True!

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January 2009

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Community Focus Events of Note and Community Reports: The Art of Living Course New Year Course will take place between Jan 9 – Jan 13, 2009 at the Art of Living Center on 8632 Wilkinson Blvd., in Charlotte. This course will focus on tension-releasing yoga exercises, breathing techniques that increase energy and deeply relax body and mind, principles of effective living to get the most out of your life and more. Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and purify the entire system by releasing toxins at the deepest cellular level. The benefits include reduced stress, heightened enthusiasm, improved self-esteem and more.

For more details call 980.233.0742 or email charlotte@us.artofliving.org.

The Nuv Yug Cultural Organization will present India Fest 2009: Your Gate Way to India at the J.S. Dorton Arena, State Fairgrounds on Saturday March 28, 11 am-9 pm and Sunday March 29, 11 am7 pm. India Fest 2009 is an exposition of South Asian culture, and an opportunity for the Triangle community to discover Indian cultural arts through an array of dance and music. India Fest features a theme based exhibition, a traditional crafts bazaar, and delicious cultural cuisine. The theme of this year is “India - A Spiritual Journey.” Registration is currently open for performances and vendors. http://nuvyug.net/events.php

Ram Tirath of Royal India Restaurant with Indian Embassy Officials.

January 2009

India Association of Charlotte has put out a Call for Entries for a Juried Art Exhibit. The theme for this exhibition will be “I Am An Indian Woman.” Showcase your visual art talents. The entry deadline is February 28, 2009. The organization is also seeking sponsors. The chosen pieces will be exhibited between April 15 - May 26, 2009 at Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. For more details write to vapradhan@bellsouth.net or sarveda@bellsouth.net.

The McColl Center for Visual Art has selected Veda Saravanan and Varsha Pradhan to display their paintings in the 6th and 7th Street windows in Charlotte downtown. Veda will be displaying in the two windows of the Hearst Tower on 6th street and Varsha in the six windows of the TransAmerica building on 7th Street from January 10, 2009 through July 11, 2009. McColl Center for Visual Art is an artists’ residency program and gallery dedicated to promoting contemporary art and supporting artists regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Center’s goal is to present art and artists in a way that engages and enriches the public while revealing the creative process through open studios, outreaches, community projects, and educational programs. Details: www.mccollcenter.org Two young dancers from Los Angeles have won Verizon's Bollypop contest, an online dance competition sponsored by the company to help showcase the growing number of Bollywood movies and music videos it offers via its FiOS TV and V CAST services.

Sapna Rohra, 25, and Shivani Thakkar, 23 -- will get their big break on the silver screen:. The contest was maintained and developed by Saavn.com, the largest digital distributor of South Asian movies, music videos, audio tracks and ringtones.

Response to the Bollypop contest was overwhelming. Nearly 10,000 people registered to vote for their favorite video.

Ken Ghosh, the director of the film that the two winners will appear in, selected the winning video from the 10 most popular videos as voted by visitors to www.verizon.com/bollypop. The movie, which will be distributed worldwide in 2009 by UTV, will feature Shahid Kapoor in the lead.

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Your neighborhood Indian Grill brings to you a blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian favorites with passion for tradition, homestyle flavors, freshness, and healthy diet.

Serving beer and wine!

Soma Grill proudly supports our local artists.

Join us and share your works or lend your support to the neighborhood artists as you enjoy fine food and Soma Hospitality.

The Reasons to See Our Eye Specialists are Perfectly Clear.

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We specialize in the Restor/Rezoom Lens Implant procedure whereby 90-95% of patients enjoy spectacle-free vision for distance, intermediate, and up close tasks.

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Visit Dr. Kansupada to see if you qualify for any of these specialty lens implant procedures and can begin enjoying life without glasses.

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Welcoming New Patients!

Dine- In, Take-Out, Catering Hours: Mon-Sat 11am - 9pm., Closed Sunday

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Pro-Learners IT Training (Continuing Education by Provish Consulting) Are you an IT professional tired of working in same technology and planning to learn additional marketable technologies? We offer IT training programs from foundation to advanced levels in following skills:

• Data Warehousing/Dimensional Modeling/ETL Technologies • Business Intelligence/Reporting Technologies • SOA/Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) Technologies • ERP Applications • Securities/Identity Management Our instructors have an average of 15 years of IT experience and are capable of guiding you through the best practices and practical scenarios in each area.

We understand what it takes to be an expert in respective areas and we want you to be one!Our training programs offer flexible schedule of evenings/weekends/online-Remote options.

For details click: www.pro-learners.com Hello: 704-271-4264 or 980-297-4855 Write: training@pro-learners.com Location: 10724 Carmel Commons Blvd., Suite#550-A, Charlotte, NC 28226 We are conveniently located near Ballantyne Area/ Off Johnston Road Exit on I-485 January 2009

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Community News & Events Compiled by Rajesh Ganatra

Charlotte, NC Art Of Living (Healing with the Breath) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through selfdevelopment programs that recharge the body, mind and spirit and allow people to function at their optimum potential. People from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions come together in service and celebration.

Info: 704.248.2647 charlotte@us.artofliving.org www.artofliving.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Regularly scheduled activities include a daily Aarti at 6:30 am and 7 pm. Darshan: Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm and 4 - 8:30 pm, Sat/Sun 6:30 am-8:30 pm.

Gujarati classes are held every Sunday from 3 - 4 pm and “Satsang Sabha” is held every Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

The Swaminarayan Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Road in Charlotte, N.C. Info: 704.573.0805 704.573.0820 (fax) Bhartiya Association of Lake Norman (BALKN) BALKN invites members from Indian community living at Lake Norman and the surrounding areas to join the organization and be a part of the ongoing fun activities.

Info: 704.807.4485 (Mitesh Parikh) 704.663.6647 (Mahesh Trivedi) 704.881.4939 (Sunny Bhavanani) www.balkn.org Carolinas Prayer Fellowship Rev. Dr. Samuel Prabodh Talluri invites everyone living in the North and South Carolina to participate in “Fellowship” Every Sunday Morning in Gastonia, N.C. Info: 704.865.1428 (Jay) 704.824-8698 (Joe) 704.545.1465 (Dayakar) January 2009

Charlotte Gita Study Group Join the study of the Bhagawat Gita, based on the home study course by Swami Dayananda Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam at Saylorsburg, PA. Swamiji’s written commentary in English will follow each verse, after which there will be a chance to have a short discussion.

Additionally, there will be a short, guided meditation session. The group meets every first and third Sunday from 4 - 5.30 pm in Charlotte, NC. Info: 704.622.9108 rvenky@aol.com naras@quaero.com Charlotte Kannada Koota The Charlotte Kannada Koota is an organization that promotes understanding of Karnataka culture and provides a medium for people of Karnataka (Kannadigas) to get together. The activities include social get-togethers, music, and drama.

Info: 704.526.9990 (Appan Patil), agm_patil@hotmail.com 704.281.8732 (Raj Kulgod), kraj7@yahoo.com Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills.

The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all day sits for established students (those who have taken at least one ten day course from S. N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers).

Ten-day courses are also available for all students.

There is never a charge for a course.

Info: 704.544.0790, rbddesai@yahoo.com 704.563.5440, dspranger@earthlink.net / www.dhamma.org Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) CMAC sponsors classical concerts during the year. Membership forms are available at concerts.

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Info: 704.541.3361 (Rama Rachakonda), 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan), lakshmi7778@yahoo.com cmacmusic@yahoo.com www.onlinecmac.com Dada Bhagwan Group Satsang is conducted every Sunday at 7 pm at the Hindu Center in Charlotte and there is also a Satsang every Thursday. In addition, watch Satsang from Friday to Tuesday at 7 am on TV Asia. The present topics are “PatiPatni ka Divya Vyahvar” and “Chovis Tirthankar.” The group has recently opened a library for spiritual books, audios and videos.

Info: 704.287.3133 www.dadabhagwan.org Datta Yoga Center - Charlotte The group is dedicated to the service of SadGuru Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji through SadGuru Seva, yoga and satsang (singing the glory of god). Regular Activities: Satsang every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 4 - 7pm. Bhajans composed by Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji are chanted and occasionally video programs produced by Avadhoota Datta Peetham are viewed. including Sri Swamiji’s visit to Manasa Sarovaram, Music for Meditation and healing concerts and lectures. (Ravi Anupindi) Info: 704.839.3256 www.dattapeetham.com www.dycusa.org Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, economic well being and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012.This will cover all the villages in tribal areas where there are no schools today.

The Carolinas Region of the saathee.com

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Visit us at www.ticketmeters.com for all your ticketing needs. Airlines, Cruises, Hotels, Cars, Events, Concerts, NBA, NFL,Theme Parks.

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Special Weekend Dinner Buffet: Fri., Sat. & Sun. Nights

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Community News & Events EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and S. Carolina. Seeking volunteers.

Info: shuklas@carolina.rr.com www.ekalvidya.org Hindu Center of Charlotte The center is located at 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212.

The library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genre such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health. Library info: 704.554.0765.

Children’s Religious Oriented Program (C.R.O.P.) is for children Kindergarten through 12th grade to educate them in culture and understand religious practices. A glimpse on understanding The Bhagvad Gita provides children with an opportunity to learn about the GITA with simplicity, ease and in an inclusive discussion format.

Info on CROP 704.547.1676 (Chetna Patel) patel4260@bellsouth.net or 803.802.7634 (Manish Kandpal) kandpal@fmtc.net.

The Senior Citizens Group meets on the 1st Sunday of every month at 4 pm and followed by Satyanarayan Katha at 5 pm.

Future trips and activities are in the planning stages. Info on the group: 704.334.2462 (Gobind Bhojwani).

The sloka class teaches children between the ages of 4 and 13 different Hindu hymns, their meaning and significance. The class meets Sundays at 9:30 am. Info on the class: 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan).

Info on the Social Welfare Committee: 704.372.1265 (Narain Amar) or 704.948.5609 (Dhinakaran Pillai).

The Vedic Havan is held at the vedant hall on second Sunday of every month at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm noon followed by Prasadam.

Info: 704.825.9223 (Swadesh Sawhney). The Pranayam classes are held Saturdays from 9:30 - 11 am in the Vivek Hall. Info: 704.649.5374 (Kajal Jain), 704.554.0765 (Manisha Naik), or 281.304.5597 (Sanjay Vyas) pranayamclt@aol.com. Yoga classes are held Sundays at 9 am. Info: 704.864.8212 January 2009

pradip_bulsara@hotmail.com.

Upcoming Events: Sat Jan 17 2009 - Pongal/Makar Sankranti at 10 am.

Info: 704.535.3440. www.hcclt.org India Association of Charlotte Call for Entries for a Juried Art Exhibit —- Dates: April 15 - May 26, 2009 at Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. The theme for this exhibition will be “I Am An Indian Woman”. Entry deadline: February 28, 2009, and sponsors are welcomed for this event.

Info: vapradhan@bellsouth.net sarveda@bellsouth.net Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (IPAAC) IPAAC (Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte) promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting well-known artists from India.

Info: contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org Indian Visual Artists Association of Charlotte (IVAAC) IVAAC was founded by artists of Indian origin living in the Charlotte, NC area in their pursuit of a creative outlet, stemming from an urge to express the flow of their innate artistic moods and ideas.

The vision is to promote the enigmatic and intriguing Indian culture into meaningful forms of expression that exposes the rich traditions and diversity of one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, in today’s fast blending global culture and to create an organization that provides planning and funding required to ensure and support a vibrant and culturally diverse Indian art community.

Info: 704.540.8799 (Amit Shah), 704.688.5387 (Kinshuk Agarwal) www.ivaac.org Kiran KIRAN provides counseling for domestic violence and crisis services for South Asians in North Carolina. Kiran is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based organization promoting selfreliance and empowerment of Saathee 84

South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner. The organization spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community by cooperating and collaborating with organizations with similar objectives. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9 am – 9 pm. Call a crisis advocate for help with domestic violence.

Offering emotional support and non-judgmental help to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations.

Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing. KIRAN’s services are completely confidential.

Info: 1.877.625.4726 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org McColl Center for Visual Art The McColl Center for Visual Art has selected Veda Saravanan and Varsha Pradhan to display their paintings in the 6th and 7th Street windows in Charlotte downtown.

Veda will be displaying in the two windows of the Hearst Tower on 6th street, and Varsha in the six windows of the TransAmerica building on 7th Street from January 10, 2009 through July 11, 2009. McColl Center for Visual Art is an artists’ residency program and gallery dedicated to promoting contemporary art and supporting artists regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Center’s goal is to present art and artists in a way that engages and enriches the public while revealing the creative process through open studios, outreaches, community projects, and educational programs.

Info: mccollcenter.org Net IP Charlotte NetIP Charlotte is the only official Carolinas chapter of North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals.

NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for ongoing Career Developmental and Professional Networking activities.

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Community News & Events maintains deeper ties with Businesses & the community. It provides various effective ways for Carolinas’ Indian Professionals to connect with other successful professionals.

Info: hd@netipcharlotte.org (Hardik Shah) www.NetIPCharlotte.org Pratham - Charlotte Area Pratham Charlotte chaper is looking for volunteers and someone to lead the Charlotte Chapter.

Info: M. Ramesh 919.678.0109 chith_ramesh@hotmail.com www.PrathamUSA.org Probasi of Charlotte Probasi is the Bengali community based in Charlotte and surrounding areas. The community’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Greater Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area. Info: www.probasi.org Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5 pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad. In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at sponsor’s house at 3 - 5 pm.

Info: 704.392.4488 Ramesh Dhanani Sikh Heritage Society The Sikh Heritage Society strives to unite and enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Gurdwara address: 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Info: 704.948.7664 (Roshan Attrey), rattrey@aol.com, 704.541.0350 (Sajjan Dhaliwal), sajjan@carolina.rr.com, 704.948.8091 (Inderjeet Rajpal), irajpal@aol.com www.gurdwaracharlotte.com SouthPark Cricket Club South Park Cricket Club is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it has January 2009

been an active member of the Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference since 2002. The club’s home ground is located at the Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC. The 2008 season has recently concluded SPCC encourages new players to join the club for the upcoming 2009 season.

Info: 847.722.9865 (Baseet Ahmed), baseer_11@yahoo.com www.southparkcc.org Srishti of Charlotte Srishti has emerged to fulfill the community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali literature, theatre, music, cinema and popular arts. The word Srishti means an act of creation. Though established and coordinated by a group of Bengali families, Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, languages, background and nationalities who are interested in Indian traditions.

Info: 704.321.1964 (Samiksha Bose) 704.541.3451 (Santanu Sarkar) 704.882.6115 (Manmatha Chakrovorty) Steele Creek Cricket Club Cricket is played every Sunday morning at the Steele Creek Athletic Association complex at 13530 Choate Circle, (weather permitting) from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. This group is dedicated to playing cricket with a hard tennis ball and/or soft baseball (also known as T-Ball) for fun in the Steele Creek Area of Charlotte. If you would like to stay informed about this club or would like to play or watch cricket, feel free to join and share your ideas. For information on current hours of play, location, and contacts visit http://www.geocities.com/steelecreekcricketclub Telugu Association of Greater Charlotte Area (TAGCA) The organization’s mission is to bring together Telugu speaking people and to promote Telugu Culture. TAGCA and Hindu Center of Charlotte are conducting Telugu Classes. They are on every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 10:30 - 11:30 am and are free for Saathee 86

member and non-members alike.

Sankranthi Celebrations: TAGCA will be celebrating Makara Sankranthi Function in Charlotte on 1/31/09 at 4PM. Venue: Providence High School. Telugu Classes: TAGCA in association with Hindu Center is organizing Telugu Classes at Hindu Center, which will be conducted alternate Sundays.

Info: Sreedhar Manjigani 704.965.6704 education@tagca.org www.tagca.org United Cricket Club Forming a team this March of experienced as well as beginners that love cricket. Team will play in the Atlantic League. Practice is every Sunday at Reedy Creek Park (11 to 4pm). Sunday and Monday evenings for ages 15 and up. Join the fun.

Info: 704.712.6106 (Captain-Syed) 704.996.5500 (Vice Captain-Ejaz)

Greensboro Greensboro Center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Barsana Dham A satsang (devotional meeting) is regularly held on Saturdays from 3:30 - 5 pm at the home of Ashwatthama and Madhu Sharma, which includes prayer, chanting, meditation and lectures of Shree Kripalu Maharajji on the philosophy of Shrimad Bhagwatam. The lectures of Jagatguru Shree Kripalu Maharajji are shown on the “International Channel Network” — - weekdays at 7:30 am and Saturdays at 12:30 pm and also on TV Asia weekdays at 8 am and 10 am on weekends.

Info: 336.643.0578 krishndas59@yahoo.com www.jkp.org, www.isdl.org Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont (GCAP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural, educational and social programs.

GCAP, 127 Landmark Drive, saathee.com

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Community News & Events Greensboro, NC 27410 Info: 336.420.7290 336.327.1235 www.gujaratisamajoftriad.org Hare Krishna Temple Sandy Ridge This rural Hare Krishna community is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community is based upon the teachings of Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita, becoming God conscious. Come and join in the kirtan, mantra meditation, and discourses on the top most yoga system. There are lots of regular festivities and events. Treat yourself to a free, hot and delicious vegetarian meal on Sundays at 1 pm.

Venue: 1283 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046.

Info: 336.871.9738 www.prabhupadavillage.com Hindu Society of North Carolina at Greensboro The HSNC at Greensboro is located at 2424 Huffine Mill Road. Its mission is to serve the Hindu Community and promote Hindu Culture through religious, social and educational activities.

Regularly scheduled events include Puja, bhajans, children’s programs, celebration of holidays & community service.

Info: 336.621.5848 www.hsnc-triad.org India Association of the Triad The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community. Hindi Language classes are being taught by Mrs. Punjabi.

Info: 336.656.0203 (Dhananjay Kumar) www.iatnc.org Life Bliss Foundation Life Bliss Foundation - NC Center, offers workshops, books, CD’s, and DVD’s on living by enlightened master Paramahamsa January 2009

Nithyananda’s teachings on spirituality and enlightenment. A satsang is held at the Center on Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Join for Life Bliss Meditation (Nithya Dhyaan), free vegetarian meal, plus video discourse with discussion. The evening is completed with dancing as a meditation. Meditation workshops are taught on a regular basis. The Life Bliss Program draws from religious traditions worldwide.

The meditation techniques can be easily practiced by everyone and have been tailored to match the modern mindset. Location: 1060 Tyler Rd., Walnut Cove, NC 27052 Info: 336.644.1111 www.lifebliss.org Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greensboro, NC The Center organizing regular Sai Bhajans, Study Circle, Balvikas class for students and Service Activities. All devotees are welcome to the Center. 1st Sunday of the Month 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, all other Sundays 10:00 AM – Noon.

Info: 612.239.7529 (Deepak Deshpande at Winston Salem) 908.875.6964 (Swami Rajendran at Greensboro)

Raleigh Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (AFICE) Interested in exploring the diverse cultures of the world? Become a host family for a high school exchange student! All the students will come from various countries around the world, and all students speak fluent English. They are of high school age (15-18) and will attend local high school in their respective communities. Each student will live as member of their American host family, sharing household duties and responsibilities. AFICE is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing cultural gaps by allowing foreign students the opportunity to live as part of an American community.

Info: lathapamarthi@earthlink.net www.afice.org Saathee 88

Association for India’s Development (AID)- Duke University Chapter: AID’s mission is effect social change in India, by supporting projects with grassroots non-governmental organization in India in the areas of literacy, health care, rural credit, women’s empowerment.

Info:www.duke.edu/web/aid/ Atlantic Coast Sikh Association This is one of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern USA. It meets every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at its gurdwara, located at 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC 27705. Kirtan is done

by Bhai Dyal Singh Jatha. Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time. Info: 919.309.1045 - Bhai Dyal Singh / 919.467.4856 - Mrs. Raj Dhillon www.acsagurdwara.org Balagokulam Gokulam is where Lord Krishna’s magical childhood days were spent. It was here that his divine powers came to light. Every child has that spark of divinity within.

Balagokulam is a forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest that divinity. It will enable Hindu children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots and learn values. This is done through games, yoga, stories, songs, shlokas, arts/crafts, and Seva (selfless service) in the community.

Balagokulam sessions are free for all and are held on Saturdays.

Info: balagokulam.rtp@gmail.com hss.charlotte@hssus.org (Charlotte region) www.balagokulam.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir invites everyone to the regularly scheduled events: Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4 - 6 pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad.

Mahapuja – every Purnima at 7 pm. Many classes are conducted.

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Community News & Events Bharatiya Senior Citizens of North Carolina (BSCNC) BSCNC is a nonprofit organization for Senior Citizens of Indian origin who are of age 60 and over - the organization meets on the second Saturday of each month at Cary Senior Center, which is located on High house Road in Cary, NC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An election for Board of Directors for 2009 is in the works.

Child Relief and You (CRY) An organization in the Raleigh area working with the India-based charitable non-profit organization committed to encouraging and facilitating individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged children since 1979. CRY America’s RDU Action Center has been active since 2001.

CRY-RDU invites people to join the enthusiastic volunteer base to contribute ideas or any relevant skills.

Info: 919.362.9591 (Sarav Arunachalam) rdu@cryamerica.org www.cryrdu.org Chinmaya Mission The group hosts study groups/satsangs in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, and Chapel Hill and all are welcome to attend. Chinmaya Mission offers an avenue for adults to acquire spiritual knowledge that can be applied to lead a successful and happy life. Study groups follows three disciplines - self-study, enlightened discussion, and finally, reflection on the knowledge gained in class. Everybody is invited for all the Jnana Yagna (Lecture Series) by Bramachairini Sumati Chaitanya of Chinmaya Kirti of London, UK. Sumatiji will talk on Updesh Sara by Sage Ramana Maharishi.

Sessions: Fri Jan 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat Jan 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sun Jan 4 - TBD. Venue: Triangle Children’s Center Gym, 1900 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC. Info: 919.544.2815 CMRDU1@gmail.com www.chinmaya-rdu.org Datta Yoga Center - Raleigh Mission: Spread the teachings of January 2009

Sadguru Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore.

Activities: Namasankeertana - Bhajans written, composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji. Future projects: Kriya yoga classes by Pujya Sri Swamijitrained teachers from India. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month and every major festival day for Satsang and Namasankeertana (divine singing).

Everyone is invited to attend the satsang with family and friends and receive divine blessings.

Info: 919.484.1993 (Srinivas Chittineni) 919.461.0843 (Suresh Kota) YahooGroups: Dattasatsang_NC. Duke Diya Duke Diya is a Duke University student organization that is committed to providing a forum for interaction through political, cultural, community service, and social events relating to South Asian Americans.

Info: 732.865.3173 www.dukediya.com Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, economic well being and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012.This will cover all the villages in tribal areas where there are no schools today.

The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and South Carolina. Seeking volunteers.

Info: 919.803.0478 (Hari H. Nath) hnath45@yahoo.com www.ekalvidya.org EKTAA South Asian Student Organization EKTAA (meaning unity) is the South Asian Student Organization at North Carolina State University Saathee 90

(NCSU). The organization was founded in 1970. The motto is “unity within diversity.” EKTAA strives to spread culture and heritage of South Asia all over the campus as well as the local community and the organization works hand-in-hand with many organizations on and off the NCSU campus, as well as South Asian organizations from area universities.

Info: www.ektaa.org Geet Bazaar Radio Program Every Sunday morning from 10 am - 12 noon on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from India, Pakistan, and other countries and languages of South Asia.

Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge.

Info: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroj Taj) taj@unity.ncsu.edu GEM - Raleigh Church of God Attend worship services, prayer meetings or Sunday School. Info: 919.395.6208 (Pastor Thankachan M.) globalem@gmail.com Heritage India Association of North Carolina Aims are to provide unique Indian cultural experiences through performing arts and cultural arts and crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” The group organizes events that enhance appreciation and understanding of Indian cultural heritage among children as well as strengthen cultural relations with fellow Americans.

Info: 919.794.3643 (Anu Verma) anjmic@yahoo.com 919.870.5222 (Yash Garg) chander@bellsouth.net 919.362.0520 (Harsha Shah) 919.678.9056 (Sudha Dhingra) Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM), based in the RTP area, promotes study and appreciation of Hindi language and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has a special focus on the youths for the preservation of Indian Culture and heritage. saathee.com

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Community News & Events Info: 919.851.0225 (Saroj Sharma) 919.461.0001 (Vinod Goel) vgoel2@nc.rr.com www.hindivikas.org Hindu Society of North Carolina - Morrisville, NC The Hindu Society of North Carolina, located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, N.C. serves the Indian community in the Triangle area and its vicinity.

Temple timings are: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat. - Sun. 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Daily Aarti and Puja is also conducted by the Priest. Other regular religious and cultural programs: Monthly Vedic Havan, Tuesday Hauman Chalisa recitation, Sri Ramakrishna Study Group, Sri Sai Baba Group, Gita Study Group, Devi Puja, Vaishnav Bhajan Group, Akhand Ramayana Recitation, Weeklend Language and Spiritual Knowledge Classes, and Sloka classes for Children.

Yoga classes are also offered twice a week (Sunday at 8:00 a.m.and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.) at the Cultural Hall. Priest services are available at your home and/or at the Temple at a nominal charge.

Upcoming Events: Thu Jan 1 @ 11:00 a.m. “New Year’s Day” Celebration.

Sun Jan 11 @ 11:00 a.m.

“Havan/Satyanarayan Katha”.

Info: hsnc@hsncweb.org www.hsncweb.org Hindu Students Council (HSC) - NC State University HSC-NCSU is a chapter of the national organization Hindu Students Council (HSC). HSCNCSU is a cultural and religious student organization. It aims to provide opportunities to learn about Hindu philosophy, spirituality and cultural heritage through various activities, events and projects and is dedicated to provide “seva” (service) to the community.

Info: 919.676.0298 (Mrinmoyee Sanyal) msanyal@ncsu.edu www.hsc-ncsu.org Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) January 2009

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) conducts weekly activities to develop character and leadership skills in participants, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, selfconfidence and a spirit of selfless service (seva) for humanity while maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger society.

HSS is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family. HSS started in 1989 in the United States and currently has over 100 chapters (shakhas) across the country. The Research Triangle Park chapter meets every Saturday. Activities are tailored to include yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture.

Info: hss.rtp@hssus.org - Triangle area hss.charlotte@hssus.org - Charlotte region.

Hum Sub Hum Sub is dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with the residents of the Research Triangle Park and North Carolina.

Info: 919.468.3332 (Mamta Bisarya) 919.363.7339 (Latha Pamarthi) info@humsub.net www.humsub.net

qualified orphans to rise as high as they can climb in the educational/professional ladder.

Info: 919.362.7653 (Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra) www.iaff1.org Indus Foundation Indus Foundation was founded in NC by a group of professionals with the sole purpose of giving back to the community and the country that has helped members achieve success. Every dollar is wisely spent back into the community without any overheads. Current major projects: Indian Cancer Society rehabilitation Center in Mumbai, Mental Healthcare Center for socially rejected Women in Indore, and three Educational Centers in Gurgaon. Adopt an ongoing project or launch an new project under specific guidelines.

Make a commitment today to build a better tomorrow.

Info: 919.461.0001 (Dr. Vinnie Goel, Chairman) 919.467.0598 ( Dr. Shri Kulkarni, President) 919.319.7294 (Dr. Vijaya Bapat, Vice-President) www.indusfoundation.info

Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is dedicated to the task of promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area.

ICMDS invites the top artists from all over the world to perform in the Triangle area.

Info: www.icmds.org

International Community Church CC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. The pastor is Joseph B. Jesudason and the church office is located at 1215 Franklin Jones Road, Suite #204, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Info: 919.233.2900 www.internationalcommunitychurch.org

Indo-American Friendship Foundation Did you know that about 90 percent of rural orphans are female and most of them are abandoned at birth due to their gender? Not one of them gets the opportunity to become a doctor, engineer, or even receive basic education.

Because they cannot live in the orphanage when they turn 18, many of them fall vicitim to different types of exploitation, including sex trade. IAFF has created an orphanage education fund to help

International Hindi Association International Hindi Association (IHA) promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States. The Raleigh Chapter periodically organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents. Open to those interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry.

Info: 919.851.0225 (Sarojben Sharma) 919.362.5244 (Sudha Dhingra) www.hindi.org

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Community News & Events International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO) Primary objective of ISSO is “To advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Lord Shree Swaminarayan (Shree Sahajanand Swami),” enabling His devotees from both the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) and Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony. The Raleigh-Durham chapter organizes a “Satsang Sabha” every two weeks, typically on Friday or Saturday evenings, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad.

Info: 919.363.2356 (Niraj Joshi) niraj_joshi@yahoo.com www.swaminarayan.info ISKCON of North Carolina The Sri-Sri Radha Golokananda Temple - Iskcon of NC is situated on 16 acres of field and forest with the historic Eno River flowing behind the temple property. The temple is just a few miles off of Routes I-40 & I-85 and located at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Daily aarti- 4:30 am, 7:15 am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm, 7 pm. Darsana: Monday through Friday 7:30-11:30 am and 4:15-5:45 pm, Saturday all day until 5:45 pm, Sunday all day until 7:30 pm. Sunday Festival 5 – 7:30 p.m. includes kirtan, aarti, Bhagavad Gita discourse, vegetarian feast, and Sunday school for children.

Info: 919.732.2680 krsnapriya@earthlink.net Kiran KIRAN provides counseling for domestic violence and crisis services for South Asians in North Carolina. Kiran is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based organization promoting selfreliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner. The organization spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community by cooperating and collaborating with January 2009

organizations with similar objectives. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9 am – 9 pm. Call a crisis advocate for help with domestic violence.

Offering emotional support and non-judgmental help to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations.

Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing. KIRAN’s services are completely confidential.

Info: 1.877.625.4726 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org North Carolina Bengali Association (NCBA) NCBA seeks to promote the Bengali culture, including art, literature, music and language classes, within the state of North Carolina.

Info: 910.485.8528 (Mithu Chaudhuri), dpchaudhuri@earthlink.net 919.928.8442 (Madhulavi Majumder) madhulavi@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/G arden/2504/ Nuv Yug Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the South Asian region.

Info: info@nuvyug.org www.nuvyug.org Pakistani American Association The Pakistani-American Association (NCPAA) is a non-political, nonsectarian, cultural and social organization that promotes Pakistani culture to all the communities living in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Several events are presented during the year. A family dinner is held on the second Friday of every month.

Info: payamber@ncpaa.org http://ncpaa.org Pratham - Triangle Area Founded as a UNICEF initiative, Pratham is a grass-roots organizaSaathee 94

tion that works towards universalizing primary education in India.

With a goal of reaching 20 million children, Pratham is one of the largest NGOs in field of literacy movement in India. Pratham continues to evolve, grow and works to meet the continually changing needs of the children it educates.

Pratham’s North Carolina chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers and resources to deliver the vision of “Every Child in School and Learning Well.”

Info: www.prathamnc.org Professional Indians’ Association (PIA) PIA is a meetup that serves young South Asian professionals in the Triangle Community. The group is made of Indian professionals and grad students interested in cultural events, socializing and meeting/making friends with likeminded people around the Triangle.

Monthly events include meeting at bars/restaurants, Bollywood movie nights, potlucks, Indian concerts/performances, outdoor activities, community service and volunteering. This will also be an opportunity for professionals to share their thoughts on respective industries, social causes, the economy and politics. Info: www.meetup.com/PIATriangle/ RTP Maharashtra Mandal RTP Maharashtra Mandal promotes Maharashtrian culture and language. Maharashtra mandal is committed to serve RTP community with various cultural, social and traditional marathi programs and events.

Info: 919.468.8824 (Jayant Yete) 919.757.7300 (Neeraj Shikarkhane) www.rtpmm.org S. V. Temple of North Carolina Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina was founded in 1998 to serve the religious and cultural needs of North Carolina’s growing Indian community and to promote Hindu religion and heritage among future generations. The temple operates according to ancient saathee.com

Calling All Amateur (or professional) Photographers Saathee is looking for a few distinct images to use on our covers. They must be original photos taken in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc.). Distinctive images that evoke memories of the regions of South Asia is what we are looking for. So dig up those photo albums and if you spot a little gem, write to us and we will let you know how to send it in.

Please do not send in photos without first writing to get approval. For further details email us.

We are only looking for color photographs.

Send queries to saatheemag@hotmail.com January 2009

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Community News & Events Hindu scriptures (agama shastras) and houses the main deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara. In addition to its religious and educational work within the Hindu community, S. V. Temple also delivers humanitarian services for the rest of the community. Info: 919.468.0040 comm@svtemplenc.org www.svtemplenc.org Sahaj Marg Meditation Triangle Area Sahaj Marg translates to “The Natural Path.” It is a natural, simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular spiritual practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives. Sahaj Marg system of meditation is freely offered to seekers worldwide through Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

In Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Info: 919.841.0035 (Alexey Lef) 919.757.2732 (Jenna Boyd) meditation@nc.rr.com www.srcm.org www.sahajmarg.org SAMPIGE - Triangle Kannada Association The Triangle Kannada Association is a cultural association for people residing in the Triangle area from Karnataka, India. Sampige organizes Kannada (the language spoken in the Karnataka area) activities in music, dance and drama as well as social activities.

Info: sampigeeditor@yahoo.com www.sampige.org Satsang/Kirtan of Pujya Shri Asaram Bapu “Satsang” pertaining to Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta is organized every month in the Triangle area of NC. Venue: Mayank & Prapti Trivedi’s residence in Cary, NC. Info: 919.465.9155 trivedimp@gmail.com.

Share and Care Foundation (SCF) Share and Care Foundation (SCF), a charitable organization focused January 2009

on several projects in India and the USA, is launching a new chapter for the Carolinas - this represents the first chapter outside the New Jersey headquarters of SCF. SCF has been working with the Triangle’s Indian community for more than 15 years.

Info: 919.425.5299 (Manu Patel) 919.469.1258 (Rajeev Kamath) www.shareandcare.org South Indian Fine Arts Academy (SIFAA) SIFAA is a non-profit organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music for the present.

Info: (919)-773-1580 www.sifaa.org St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Monthly Mass and regular services are held in Malayalam/English by Rev. Dr. M. K. Thomas at the Baptist Student Center, 2702 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC. Info: 919.461.1773 sec@stgregoriosnc.org www.stgregoriosnc.org Tamil Cultural Association of North Carolina (TCA NC) TCA NC is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of a wonderful organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area.

Info: tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org Tamil Sangam of Carolina The Tamil Sangam is an organization that promotes understanding of Tamil culture and provides a medium for people of Tamil culture to get together.

The activities include music, drama, lectures, Tamil movies, etc.

Info: (919)-465-1606 Ravi Shanmugam (President) http://members.fortunecity.com/t amilsangamofcarolina

The

Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) Triangle Area Telugu Saathee 96

Association (TATA) is a non-profit organization (started in 1983) committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Info: committee@tataonline.org www.tataonline.org Triangle Bangladesh Society (TBSNC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical programs by artists who have captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali-, Urdu- and Hindispeaking music fans all around the globe.

Info: 919.741.9343 (Ishtiaque Mohiuddin) Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org Triangle Chapter-India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) IDRF is a registered, tax-exempt non-profit organization that supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India in serving their populations’ critical needs around education, childcare, healthcare, women empowerment and tribal welfare, as well as relief and rehabilitation in times of natural disasters.

Info: www.idrf.org.

Triangle Gujarati Association (TGA) TGA serves the Gujarati community in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.

TGA sponsors musical programs, dramas, and cultural activities to help maintain Gujarati culture and heritage.

Info: Harsha Shah 919.362.0520 Akshat Patel 919.468.6879 Girishbhai Amin 919.439.5848 Manisha Patel 919.319.5698 nctga00@gmail.com www.nctga.org Triangle Indian Youth Organization (TIYO) This organization has been created with the purpose of encouraging youths of Indian origin aged between 12-18 years to develop skills for leadership, to organize team-oriented efforts, understand saathee.com

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Community News & Events and participate in community services, understand and develop individual potential. There will be activities that will fall into the broad categories of education, arts, cultural, charity, religious and community services.

Info: 919.363.7339 (Latha Pamarthi - Director of TIYO) triangleindianyouth@yahoo.com Triangle Rang Mandal Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere. Special programs organised on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti and on the occasion of Pujya Sri Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit to the US. Info: rangmandal@gmail.com Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS) The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues.

Wed Dec 31 @ 6:00 p.m. - New Year’s Eve party at Tony and Linda Tanaydin’s home, 3308 Manor Ridge Drive, Raleigh, NC. 7721132 Sat Jan 31 @ 7:00 p.m. - Potluck Dinner at Jodi & Bill O’Neill’s home, 118 Turquoise Creek Dr, Cary, NC. 462-0672, jeo@nc.rr.com Info: Dilip Barman at barman@cs.unc.edu www.trianglevegsociety.org Urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis is a literary organization for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and has no political, national or religious affiliations. The group has regularly scheduled monthly meetings in which enthusiasts and scholars of Urdu literature meet to discuss the life and works of a selected literary figure.

Info: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroz Taj) 919.962.1060 (Dr. Afroz Taj) 919.596.4792 (Ashraf and Seema Faruqi) taj@unity.ncsu.edu January 2009

Regional Cape Fear Cultural Association of India - Wilmington Cape Fear Cultural Association of India is an organization that promotes understanding of Indian culture and promotes a medium for people of Indian culture to get together.

Info: 910.799.0948 (President & Communication Director: Anil Shah) 910.791.4686 (Cultural Program Director: Suvarna Karve) 910.762.4903 (Treasury Director: Purnima Khajanchi) 910.392.1929 (Music Director: Santosh Sheth) Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) develops and promotes trade, business, commercial and professional relationships between India and the United States, especially within the state of Georgia. GIACC was formed recognizing the need for promoting bi-lateral activities among South Asian and mainstream communities in the United States and South Asia.

Info: 678.762.7589 AniThirdM@aol.com ani@giacc.org.

770.840.1925 - susan@giacc.org. www.giacc.org Hindu Society Of Eastern NC (Greenville, NC) Sun Dec 28 - CD/Video by Sw. Tyagananda and Sw. Yogatmananda. All programs are from 11 am - 12 pm (noon), followed by Aarti & Prasad unless specified otherwise.

Info: 252.830.5177 (Dharam Vasnani) VasnaniD@aol.com Hindutempleenc@gmail.com Indo-US Cultural Association of Winston-Salem The Indo-US Cultural Association’s primary mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India, which is tremendously rich in its diversity and history. The Association seeks to reach out to Saathee 98

the thriving Indian-American community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote crosscultural understanding.

Info: Madan Rangabasyam 336.354.6199 indouswinston@gmail.com

South Carolina Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Regular beginner meditation program conducted by a Buddhist Monk. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: 6:30 pm (puja), 7 pm (meditation), and 8 pm (“Dhamma” talk or discussion). A “youth program” is also held once a month.

Info: dhammasc@hotmail.com India Assoc. of Greater Charleston (IAGC) The IAGC was founded in Charleston to bring together people who were interested in India and to provide a forum to increase the understanding of the heritage of India in US. Info: 803.884.0859 iagcfolks@yahoo.com International Fellowship Church of Greenville, SC International Fellowship Church offers Sunday worship services and other weekly activities for people of Indian origin.

Info: 864.234.1256 (Pastor Suhas Raiborde) www.internationalfellowshipchurch.org Kannada Association of Greater Greenville (KAGG) An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Kannada culture in the Greater Greenville area of South Carolina.

KAGG is a primarily run by volunteers and invites Kannadigas living in and around Greater Greenville area to join the organization.

Upcoming events include the Ugadi 2009 function in April.

Info: 864.430.4973 www.kagg-sc.org saathee.com

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Community News & Events Masjid Noor-UL-Huda The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. A weekly Islamic session is held by Qari Abdul Khader Multani every Saturday from 6 - 8 pm. Quranic Reading classes are conducted daily.

Info: 803.749.0827 (Dr. Shami) / 803.740.5127 (Qari Abdul Khader Multani) 803.754.2632 (Mosque number) Sirigannada Sirigannada is the Kannada Association of South Carolina (based in Columbia) is a non-profit organization created in 2004 by the interested Kannada speaking people of South Carolina. A voluntary organization primarily run by memberships and donations from Kannadigas of the State of South Carolina.

President: Dr. H.N. Narayanaswamy Nadig.

Vice President: Mrs. Radha Rajagopal.

Secretary: Mrs. Usha Bilgi.

Treasurer: Mrs. Malathi Nagaraj.

Info: www.sirigannada.org

G R E A T

Triad Avatar Meher Baba Group The Meher Center is a spiritual retreat/ashram located on SC Highway 17 immediately North of the Highway 22 connection 8 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC. Meher Baba visited this place 3 times and considered it His home in the West.

A small brick house built especially for Him is open for “Darshan” on Fridays and Sunday (11:00 am) / Meher Center: (843) 272-5777.

Info: 336.299.9683 runderwood@webtv.net www.avatarmeherbaba.org Vedic Center of Greenville The Center is located on the Corner of Bethel Road and Bethel Drive in Mauldin, S.C. Daily Aarti is conducted Monday to Friday at 8 pm.

Bal Vihar classes are conducted Sundays from 11:15 am - 12:30 pm.

Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Sat of month at 9 am.

Info: 864.967.2852

A D V E R T I S I N G

COMMUNITY NEWS AND COMMUNITY FOCUS Send your organization’s news and events by the 15th of the month for following month’s issue.

Events submitted will be posted at saathee.com asap. Send high resolution digital images of your events afterwards & we will publish them in our Community Focus section as space permits. Our community news editor is Rajesh Ganatra. saatheemag@hotmail.com 704.527.7570 704.527.7590

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Children Corner

continued from page 54

continued from page 34

damper in crude’s slide and prices hit $40 per barrel by mid-December 2008. This has certainly provided abundant relief to consumers at the gas pumps prices have dropped from an average of $4.25-$4.35 per gallon to $1.65-$1.75 per gallon, at the time of writing this article.

Immediately after the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, the U.S. Dollar managed to hold its ground against worldwide currencies. However, beginning in 2002, the greenback experienced significant erosion against major world currencies. Despite the ever-increasing U.S. national debt, sizable trade deficits and calamities within the financial system over the past 12-18 months, the greenback has managed to get back on its feet and exchange rates have strengthened improved markedly since the spring of 2008. In 1Q2008, it cost $2.10-$2.11 to buy a British Pound and now it is $1.54 against the Sterling. At one point in CY2007, the greenback fetched only 90 Canadian cents but has now risen back to $1.21 Canadian. The greenback had also tumbled to “evenexchange” levels against the Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc but has re-gained substantial ground against those currencies as well. When the Euro came into being on 1/1/2002, the greenback-Euro was “even exchange.” At its strongest point in late July 2008-early August 2008, a Euro bought nearly $1.58 - at the time of this writing, it cost $1.44 to purchase a Euro. It should be noted that the recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have stalled the Dollar’s rally, because when rates drop in the USA, investors tend to gravitate towards regions that offer better rates. Due to the substantial actions by the Fed over the course of 2008, interest rates on shorter-term U.S. Treasury Bonds are miniscule.

Every year, the Federal Reserve Board meets eight times to review economic data, monetary policy, and make appropriate adjustments to interest rates as deemed appropriate. All of the meetings for CY2008 have concluded and due to the extreme and uncharted conditions and circumstances within the global financial system, the Fed has taken actions to lower interest rates in between the regularly scheduled meetings as well. At the 12/16/2008 meeting (which was the last meeting for CY2008), the Federal Reserve slashed the Fed Funds rate (the rate at which banks borrow money from each other) to a target range of 0.00 - 0.25 percent and the Discount Rate (the rate at which individual banks borrow money from the Fed) to 0.50 percent - this represents a historical low and due to the slack economic conditions, these rates are expected to be in place for the foreseeable future this dramatic rate cut did indeed have a sharp, strong negative impact on the U.S. Dollar’s value against other world currencies.

Special Note: This article contains the ideas and thoughts of its author and it does not necessarily imply the viewpoints of “Saathee” magazine, this website or its principals.

to pay for what I have done.” Rain Cloud hurried to the river and became a crocodile once again.

He hurried away as he heard the second call of the Master of White Magic. He recognized the voice of his father and knew that he had come to take revenge. With a heavy heart Rain Cloud knew that it was only with his death that the vicious cycle would end.

By the time Ye Myint put his wand for the third time, Rain Cloud came up from the river. In his anger Ye Myint touched Rain Cloud with his wand and killed him instantly.

The Master of White Magic had not anticipated that Rain Cloud would leave something for him. He watched in surprise as Rain Cloud’s upper body and two legs turned to rubies and his lower limbs became pure gold. Ye Myint was filled with remorse.

Although he had got his wish, it was at the cost of the life of his son - Rain Cloud. He realized that revenge never pays anybody but leaves one with a heavy heart and years of regret. Ye Myint did not touch the riches that Rain Cloud offered him in his death and with one last sorrowful look he left.

Soe Mein came looking for her beloved Rain Cloud.

When she came across his form in gold and rubies she cried knowing that Rain Cloud had died.

Soe Mein collected all the gold and rubies and built a big pagoda in his name. It still remains on the banks Irrawady River where Rain Cloud had lived and died.

It is said that those who visit the pagoda get their heart’s desire.

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Puzzle Solutions are on page 110. No peeking!)

January 2009

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Puzzle Solutions are on page 110. No peeking!)

January 2009

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Who wants to be a scholar?

Festivals & Holidays Compiled by Kirit Shukla

By Kirit Shukla There is only one correct answer.

1. Arrange these countries for number of hospitals in order from most to less in numbers. (a) United States (b) Pakistan (c) India (d) China 2. Music director of 1963 Hindi film Kinare Kinare. (a) Ravi (b) Naushad (c) S. D. Burman (d) Jaidev 3. “Karachi–Islamabad” distance by road is approx. (a) 565 Miles (b) 765 Miles (c) 865 Miles (d) 965 Miles 4. “Kabaddi” is the Asian sport played by 2 teams: each has __ players. (a) Five (b) Seven (c) Nine (d) Eleven 5. “Mahatma Gandhi” was assassinated on date (a) Jan. 26, 1948 (b) Jan. 26, 1947 (c) Jan. 30, 1948 (d) Jan. 30, 1947 6. “To take to heart” is to (a) Grieve over (c) Embrace others

(b) Make friends (d) Have heart trouble

7. The perimeter of a right-angled triangle whose vertical side = 8 Ft. & horizontal side = 6 Ft, is (a) 12 Ft. (b) 14 Ft. (c) 24 Ft. (d) 48 Ft. 8. The state nickname “Garden State” is for (a) Kentucky (b) Florida (c) Tennessee (d) New Jersey 9. The calories of three pounds of apples are same as __ chocolate; while the volume is not. (a) 2-Ounce (b) 4-Ounce (c) 6-Ounce (d) 8-Ounce 10. Which is the oldest university in the US? (a) Princeton, NJ (b) Columbia, NY (c) Yale, CT (d) Harvard, MA 11. “Saraswati” is Goddess of __ in Hindu religion. (a) Knowledge (b) Wealth (c) Health (d) Death 12. A year (Orbit around the Sun) of Jupiter is about (a) 4 Earth Years (b) 8 Earth Years (c) 12 Earth Years (d) 16 Earth Years Scholar: All correct First Class: 11 correct Second Class: 10 correct Third Class: 9 correct Needs Improvement: 8 or less correct.

You be the judge for yourself.

Puzzle Solutions are on page 110. No peeking!)

January 2009

Jan. 1 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 26 .....

Jan. 30 Jan. 31

. . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .. . .

Feb. 2. .

Feb. 6 .

Feb. 9 . ......

Feb. 14 Feb. 16 ......

Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 24 Feb. 27

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

January 2009 .New Year’s day; First day of 2009 .Guru Govindsingh Jayanti .Putrada Ekadasi .Muharram, Tazia .Shakambhari Purnima (Full Moon) .Swami Vivekananda Jayanti .Makarsankranti / Utarayan/Pongal .Martin Luther King Jr. day .Shattila Ekadasi .India’s Republic day, Sun Eclipse .Somavati Amas (No Moon) .Mahatma Gandhi Nirvana day .Vasant Panchami

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

February 2009 .Groundhog day .Jaya Ekadasi .Maghi Purnima (Full Moon) .Guru Govindadas Jayanti .Valentines day .President’s day .Shrinathaji Patotsava .Vijayaa Ekadasi .Maha Shivaratri .Darsha Amas (No Moon) .Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti

Major Holidays & Festivals of Mar. 09/Apr. 09.

Mar. 10 . . . . .Eid-E-Milad . . . . . . . . . . .Holi (Full Moon) Mar. 17 . . . . .Saint Patrick’s day Mar. 20 . . . . .Spring begins (US) Mar. 27 . . . . .Gudi Padavo Mar. 28 . . . . .Chetichand Apr. 1 . . . . . . .April Fool’s Day Apr. 3 . . . . . . .Rama Navami Apr. 5 . . . . . . .Kamadaa Ekadasi Apr. 7 . . . . . . .Mahavir Jayanti Apr. 9 . . . . . . .Hanuman Jayanti (Full Moon) Apr. 10 . . . . . .Good Friday Apr. 27 . . . . . .Akshaya Trutia / Akha Trij . . . . . . . . . . .Parashuram Jayanti

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ed issues. A small increase in income is also possible. Keep away from gossip. An unwanted helping hand or two from siblings will help. You might think the path of the life is full of ripples.

General Predictions for January 2009 ARIES MAR 20 - APR 20 Time will move fast and if you keep up, you’ll be rewarded. The stars are transiting positively and they’ll give you power and opportunity. Don’t relax or wait, just act. You’ll get support from your kids and parents. Don’t count on your spouse, though. If you have a job, white lies can help you get a promotion. Try to get extra financial gains this month. Be practical, too.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 21 Sorry but you might lose a great chance this month. Try to control your anger and speed. A sudden health problem is also possible this month. Just do your work and focus on consistent day-to-day goals. Bad news from a far-off place might also disturb your tranquility. One good thing is your enemies will be in even worse trouble. You might feel bad for them, though. Just take it easy.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 21 You might feel lonely in the crowd. You might feel helpless, sometimes, because you’re drained of energy. A mental struggle might sidetrack you into doing something you’ll regret. A big argument with your spouse is also possible. Try not to compromise with yourself. Don’t make the mistake of destroying your specialized personality.

It’s not like the world is going to end this month, so don’t make a drastic move.

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22 A relaxing feeling might make you feel comfortable and help you make right decisions. A major turning point in relation with spouse is also possible. Your life will move fast enough to lose control of the situation, and you might face serious health problems. You should take immediate medical help. A wrong decision of yours in this matter might spoil your health even more. There will be no major change in your career or income.

LEO JUL 22 - AUG 23 A misunderstanding might distract you from your goals. The first half of the month will be positive, but changes during the second half might make you feel ashamed of yourself. Try not to be corrupted. If you’ve been having a health problem, your condition might improve. Make your health your main concern. Help from your friends and associates will turn out to be life saving.

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 23 A string of events might bring instability into your normal everyday activities. Try to curb your expenses, because unexpected ones might wipe out your savings. Avoid making any major decisions this month. Take special care of child-relatJanuary 2009

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LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 23 Get ready to enjoy good news at the home front.

A small change in your actions will bring an excellent reward. Try to be happier and more active. Short distance travel can also benefit you. If you’re involved in a family business, try to have fun with it. Move fast and make positive decisions to enjoy command of opponents. Try to take full advantage of the period. Don’t count on your friends.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 22 Your friendship could turn into a long-term relation. You’ll feel very confident and lucky.

Increase in income is clearly indicated. The last week of the month is very positive in this respect. Your enemies will surrender. You may lose interest in spiritual activity. Try to take full advantage this month and make bold decisions.

Some minor health problem could trouble you.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21 You may experience a downward turn in life as of the second week of the month. You may lose control over the situation. Major family or financial related issues may start this month. Your spouse may also lead you in the wrong direction.

You must work hard to maintain your status and income. Your competitors may prevail. Rely on scientific means and technology to find support.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Sometime around now you’ll realize a mistake you made, but won’t be able to fix it. This will not only take away your peace of mind, but your status and relations will also get hurt. Your heath may improve this month. However some major expenses on unexpected issues are also possible. Ego and aggression may force you to damage relations, but you may have to wait till last week of the month to find happiness.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19 Try to spend more time with your family, because this will protect you from spending on unnecessary items. Your income and expenses will both go up, but expenses will exceed income. You may experience major problems in your relation with your spouse. Try to be calm and quiet. It is advisable to spend more time at work. Avoid legal disputes. Some great achievements by your kids may delight you.

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Even though you will make mistakes, your luck will protect you. Just go out of your way to enjoy life. Money will come to you from many directions. Help from your family will give you a boost against the odds. Business-related short-distance travel will relax you. Try not to make mischief. The second half of the month will be much better than the first half. An old health problem may start to bother you again.

By Jalendu Vaidya Contact: 973-365-1766 / hindusvision.com saathee.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

Convenience Store For Sale: In Gaffney, SC. $960K inside & 40k/month gallon with property or lease. Owner financing available. Call Saeed 704-877-8578

Motivated & Funded Investors looking to purchase “Hotels”—all franchise brands!

If interested in selling, please contact 704-906-9899

Businesses for sale in Raleigh area: storage, motel, pizza restaurant, sandwich shops. Call Olga 919.881.9997 or e-mail info@EntrustAssociates.com.

Convenience Store/Gas Station For Sale: In Moore County, NC (Near Pinehurst Area). $550K + Inventory. Includes Property. Call 919.280.6354

Businesses For Sale: C-STORES: Conway, SC, $975K + Inv., Gr $3.3M; Hollister, NC, $359k + Inv, Gr $410k; Gaffney, SC, $290K + Inv., Gr $3.8M; Gastonia, NC, $1.6M + Inv., Gr $4M; Lumberton, NC, $849k + Inv, Gr $2M Many locations under $99k + Inv. 704.814.9435 www.countysouth.biz

Saathee

Classifieds

Indian Restaurant For Sale: in Downtown Charlotte,NC. Excellent location. Call 571.238.4905.

Businesses For Sale: Café, restaurants, deli, coin laundry, dry clearers, and more plus residential listings.

Call for best discounts when you buy or sell. 704.649.9095.

Liquor Store For Sale: Seneca, SC. 10 Year Lease. Rent $1050. Gross $375k. Call Harry 864-882-2523 Indian Restaurant For Sale: In Charlotte, NC. Call 704-493-7629 or 704-596-2600 Business Opportunity: In Cary, NC. Inviting Fluent, Energetic, YoungEntrepreneur to be a partner/operator with no/low investment in highly promising start-up medical supply biz. Contact macpatel1@yahoo.com Dry Cleaners For Sale: 4000+ sq.ft. plant with property. Includes new 3BR apartment & two drop off stores. Call Jay (864) 350-2571 Franchise Motel For Sale: 40+ Room franchise motel close to Charlotte with manager’s apartment.

Asking price $2.3M. Seller can assist with financing options. Please call 704-906-9899 Indian Restaurant For Sale: In Charlotte, NC. Absentee Owner. Going Cheap, Turn-key operation. Great Location. 50-seating. Dine-In, CarryOut & Catering. Serious people with money only. Call 704-905-1939 Liquor store & C-Store for Sale/Lease: Reduced in Clover, SC (Near Gastonia): Asking $115 k + inv (Negotiable) on lease or $350k inc 1200 sq. ft. building /w 1 acre land.

Gross for both $377k. Call Rocky 803.810.5105 Bowling Center For Sale: All Equipment & Real Estate Included.

11308 Sq Ft Facility on 1.59 Acres Siler City, NC (Hwy 64). $650,000 Owner Financing Avail. Potential 6 to 7 K income / month. Call Harris Realty & Auction (919) 498-4077 January 2009

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Quiznos Now Hiring: Couple or Single needed for Quiznos in Durham, NC. Good Salary & opportunity for growth. Call Ketan Patel 919423-4380 Household Help needed in Ballantyne area of South Charlotte.

Cooking & light housekeeping expected. attractive compensation call 704-287-3664 Gas Station Help Wanted: Full time help for convenience store in South Carolina.

Offer good pay.

Experience preferred but not required. Call 803.410.0185 Gas Station Help Wanted: Needed Immediately. Near University Area of Charlotte, NC. Experienced preferred but not required. Full or Part Time.

Call immediately at 704-222-8998 Gas Station Help Wanted: Full Time help for Gas Station near Rock Hill, SC. Must be legal to work & fluent in English. Experience preferred but not required. Call 803.981.2242 Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Various positions available for house keepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager/s of franchise hotels.

Experience is MUST for all positions. E-mail resumes: abcone@abcinns.com or call 704-649-6833.

Nanny Needed: Energetic, reliable, experienced help needed for 1 yr old twins and newborn. Cooking and light housekeeping expected. Live-in position in North Raleigh - excellent accomodations and compensation. Call 919-848-6457.

Live In Nanny Needed: for our three-year old son and One-year old daughter. Light housework & cooking required. Call 919-244-7645 Motel Help: Capable for Housekeeping, maintenance & desk-clerk duties.

Experience needed. Accomodations proSaathee 110

vided. Call 336-625-1880 or fax 336625-9700. Serious inquiries only.

PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT: House For Sale: Raleigh,NC Crossroads Area. 2714 Sq.Ft. 4 br, 2 1/2 bath. Open floor plan. Large fenced backyard. 1 mile off I-40 / Beltline. Near Crossroads.

Great Schools. Convenient to Mandir / Mosque. Asking 289,900 Call Sue Boshoff (919) 233-1651 Duplex For Rent: In Charlotte, NC. 2 Bedrooms & 1 Bath. Kitchen Appliances.

10 minutes from Downtown! 2 Car Parking. 704-7796206 Apt. For Rent Kolkata: 2 beds, 2bath 1000 sq. ft. ground floor. Defense Colony, Salt Lake Sector 3. Close to IT Park, airport, rail station, schools, and mall. Rent Rs. 15000/month. Deposit req. Contact: dhavalfreny@yahoo.com call: 09958093159.

Condo for Rent: Near waterfront and swimming pool. Walking distance to bus. Perfect for small family, H-1 workers or students. 704.619.1603 Townhome For Sale Charlotte: Only 4 miles from downtown, Airport, South Park Mall. Great Schools (Myers Park High & AG Middle). Near Light Rail. 2br & 1.5 bath. $149,000. Scaleybark at Woodlawn Rd. Call 704.641.9336.

SERVICES: Tax Returns: Tax Preparation with e-filing, Sales/Payroll Taxes; and Notary services to Individuals and small businesses. Ten years experience. Call Mahesh Patel, EA, MBA, (704) 799-6377 Accent Reduction Training: Threemonth tutorial with certified speechlanguage pathologist. Transform accents from career obstacles to charming cultural flavors. Invest in your future! www.trianglespeech.com Beautician in Matthews, NC: Pari Beauty - Threading, waxing, bleach, facial, manicure, pedicure & much more. 18 years of experience. For appointment call 704.846.7912 Harmonium/Keyboard Player: For any occasion/party, Garba-raas, traditional Indian wedding songs, programs & lessons. Kirit 704.568.8206.

Bollywood, Bhangra, Fusion, & Hip Hop Dance Lessons In Charlotte: Dance instructor/choreographer with 10+ years of experience in various dance styles including Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Fusion & Reggae. Private & group lessons for males and females of all ages!

919.395.2679; email dancevolutions@gmail.com. saathee.com

SERVICES CONTINUED: Are you tired of cooking and no time to cook? Well we have the perfect solution for you. Call for more details. 704.246.6376 Mehandi (Henna): Award winning artist from Jaipur, India is specializing in wedding parties (Bride & attendants). Satisfaction is guaranteed regarding design, color & price.

Krishna Priya Dasi 919.824.7734 EMail: krsnapriyad@hotmail.com Beautician in Charlotte, NC : Vandana Patel. Eyebrows, bleach, facial, wax, haircuts, manicure, pedicure, bridal makeup & Mehndi. 22 Years of experience.

Appointments Available on Monday & Wedneday Only. Call 704.552.4795.

Dholi For Hire: for any occasion, barat, doli, graduation, birthdays, baby showers and any other festivity. Affordable rate. Instructional classes. Also Indian Clothing for Sale, Chudidar & Anarkali suits, etc. Call Ritu Bhandari at 704-8437202. email: sbhandari@carolina.rr.com Babysitter Available full-time or parttime. Experienced. Speaks Hindi, Gujarati and English. Call 704.619-1603.

Balaji Priest: All kinds of puja, havan, katha, weddings, graha shanti, funeral services & Shraadh. In Hindi, English & Tamil. 704.545.7220.

January 2009

South Indian Priest: Sastriji is an independent priest Call for Pujas, Gruhapravesh, Weddings, Multi-lingual, Vedic traditional priestly services, etc. 704.625.7578 704.231.0751. sastrigal2003@yahoo.com Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali’s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Showers, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704.780.3563. God Blessings to All. MATRIMONIAL: Looking for a match for sister: 37-year-old divorcée, issueless, Gujarati, Pharmacist with Green Card.

Looking for educated professional Hindu man. Call 803.431.3966.

SAATHEE CLASSIFIEDS: Business ads are $25 & personal ads are $15 up to 25 words. Type or clearly write the ad & include a check along with your home/work phone numbers. Classified posted on saathee.com at no extra charge. We accept Credit Cards.

Deadline is the 20th.

Saathee Classified PO Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220 E-mail:

saatheemag@hotmail.com 704.527.7570 Fax: 704.527.7590

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Writers Wanted We are looking for contributors to our monthly forum called ‘The Chai Table.’ If you have an interesting tale to tell, an opinionated opinion or just want to get something off your chest about local community dilemmas, write to us. We may publish your piece in a future issue of Saathee. Also, please encourage your children to submit poems, short stories or other original writings. Thank You. Please send an e-mail:

saatheemag@hotmail.com

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Index of Advertisers All Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Allstate (Adam Pham MBA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Amerifab International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Ashirvad Tours & Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Asian Grocery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Austin Village Eyecare (Keshav Bhat O.D. MS) .42 BallantyneTech Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Bashyam, Spiro & Edgerton LLP (Immigration Law)93 Bayleaf Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Bharat Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Bhindi Jewellers . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover Bhojwani, Pinky Patel (New York Life) . . . . . . .33 Blooming Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Bombay Cuisine Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Bombay Grille Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Bright Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Carlisle Chiropractic Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Cary Photo & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Chaat & Chai Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Chandni Chowk To China (Showing in January) .19 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat . . . . . . . . . .81 Charlotte Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Concha, David - Immigration Attorney . . . . . . .23 County South Realty & Business Brokers . . . . .29 Countywide Sealcoating & Striping . . . . . . . . . .65 Delhi Palace (Columbia, SC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Dentist (Dr. Prashant Rao - Cedar Walk Dentistry)36 Desai Desai Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Desai, Raj (Accountant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Dick James Law Firm (Monty Desai) . . . . . . . . .45 Dish Network (Viren Mehta) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 DJ Kenz (Kenz Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 DJ Don (David Pandoria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 DJ Mav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 DJ Ravi (Bhangra Baam) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Elegant Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Eshaan Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Fairview Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Fast Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Five Star Limousine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Friends Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Fu Lin Asian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Gandhi International Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Global Mall (Atlanta) . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover Grover Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Henna's Dulhan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 iFuturistics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 India Fest 2009 (Nuv Yug) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 India Grocers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 India Palace (Columbia SC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 India Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 In-Style Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 International Groceries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Jaipur Indian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 K & M Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 KD Photographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Khandekar, Shobana (Allen Tate Realtors) . . . . .7 Limon Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Mahabazar.com Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Maharani Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Malani Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover Mandap World (Nita Govan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Mathew, Bindu (Century 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors) . . . . . . .41 Mrithujayan, Sue (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Namaste India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) . . . . . . . . . . .79 Nazar Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 New South Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Parekh , Bipin & Smita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Patel, Champa (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Pathak, Atul (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Payal Groceries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Photography By Vinod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Prashant Video Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Pretty Inspirations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 January 2009

Pro-Learners IT Training (Provish Consulting) . .81 Punjabi Dhaba (Indian Restaurant Columbia, SC)25 Puvvala, JP (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 R.P. Videography (Rashmi Patel) . . . . . . . . . . .93 Rajbhog Foods (Shree Kailash) . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Rajdeep Mandap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Rajdeep Video (Ramesh Panjabi) . . . . . . . . . . .66 Rajeshree Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Rama Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Rapid Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Refulgent Technologies Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Religious Ceremonies (Swaminath Sastrigal) . .36 Royal Kabab Hut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Royal Pakistan Grocery Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Saathee Subscription Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Saathee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Saffron Restaurant & Sangeeta's Catering . . .73 Security 101 (Bhavin Shah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Shah, Anish (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . .62/63 Shah, Chandravadan (Real estate & Mortgage) .23 Shah, Kirti (CPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Situl Indian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Sleep Inn (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Soma Indian Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Sonal Furniture & Custom Draperies . . . . . . . . .6 Spice Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Sunuvkriti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Tamarind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Taste Of India (Gaffney SC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Transportation (Diamond Cab) . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Travel Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Travelinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ttravel Guru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Tulika's Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Udipi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Usha Decor (Wedding Planning & Decor) . . . . .14 Virsa Punjab Da (NC State University) . . . . . . .29 Vyas Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Wedding Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 White Horse Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Woodlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Worldwide travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Zamana Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

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Shukla Entertainment does use the mailing list to mail Saathee Magazine advertising supplemental fliers, mailers, etc. Free subscription for NC, SC, VA & GA only.

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International Community Church A WORSHIP CENTER FOR PEOPLE FROM INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason Church Office: 1215 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 204 Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 233-2900 or (919) 467-4435 (Residence) www.internationalcommunitychurch.org

Regular Activities Worship Service - Sundays at 8:30 AM Children’s Sunday School & Child Care Available 1524, North Harrison Avenue, Cary (Next SAS Campus)

Bible Study - Sundays at 10:30 AM 1215 Jones Franklin Rd Suite 204

Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Meet at Three Zones at host families Raleigh, Durham, Apex and Cary

We welcome you to come and receive a blessing through this evangelical, Christ-centered, Bible-based, non-denominational, loving, caring, mission-minded spiritual family church.

Zakar Bible Club: Character development of children through memorization of God’s powerful and redemptive word.

Please send your child and receive guaranteed life lasting blessing.

Please call (919) 233-2900 for a free Color Video on the “Life of Jesus” (Hindi or English) We Welcome You to Become a Part of This Loving Spiritual Family “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (The Holy Bible) January 2009

Saathee 113

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