Saathee digital Raleigh April 09

April 2009

Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan

In this issue:

Earth Day Every Day

H-1B Employee Perspective

Ravi Shankar

Hello Readers Spring happy.

How can Pakistan overcome the extremists in its midst trying to destroy the country? Read the informative essay on pg. 6 Sitarist Ravi Shankar is slated to perform in Charlotte in early May. Read a piece on this legendary musician on pg. 14.

Teen heartthrob Nick Jonas has diabetes. Learn how he manages his diabetes and his work to raise funds and awareness about this disease on pg. 62.

Will the current economic downturn affect H-1B holders and applicants? Read a couple of very informative articles beginning on pg. 58.

How can folks approaching retirement deal with the current economic crisis and their dwindling retirement savings? Go to pg 56 for details.

The networking sites Facebook, MySpace and several others are booming. Read about it on pg. 72 Our Community News section 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. 112.

Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Quote: “Patience has its limits. Take it too far and it is cowardice.”

- George Jackson

April 2009 – Issue # 132 Editor:Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com) Publisher: Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com) Community News Editor: Rajesh Ganatra Ad Design / Layout: Nate “Naveen” Andrews Consultant: Himanshu Desai Contributors for this issue: Pradip Bulsara, Kirit Shukla, Rajesh Ganatra, Jaye Rao, Chandan Sen, Dilip Barman, Sardar Singh, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Narendra Dixit, Aishwarya Ramaswamy, Gail Z. Martin, Anjana Agarwal, Judith L. Bergman, Emily Sumner, Olga Han, Jalendu Vaidya, and Dr. Meena Chelury.

Your saathees: Samir, Divakar, Raj, Nate, & Himanshu

All contents © 2009 Shukla Entertainment, Inc.

In this issue:

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.

April 2009

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: Monastery, Bhutan

The Taktsang (Tiger's lair), one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, was completed in 1692. The temple hangs on a cliff at 3,120 meters (10,200 feet). Visitors ascend the slope to the monastery on foot or on mule-back.

Photo: istockphoto

April 2009

Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan

Pakistan Needs Beant Singh . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Full Frame Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 10 Flight Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 12 Ravi Shankar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 16 Saathee Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Film Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Sangeet, Music of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 26 Evergreen Film Lyrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 30 Bollywood Snippets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32 Children’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 The Dentist Blog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 38 Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42 The Chai Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Astride three continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48 Healthwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 Recipes & more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52 Stock Tickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54 Marketing turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Personal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 58 Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Dog Tags for People with Diabetes . . . . . . . .pg. 64 Cricket Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66 One Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Are You Happy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72 Networking Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 84 Community News & Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 90 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 112 Who Want’s to be a Scholar . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 114 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 114 StarScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 116 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120

In this issue:

Earth Day Every Day

H-1B Employee Perspective

Ravi Shankar

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)

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Alas! The terrorists dismissed such peace offerings with contempt.

Rajiv Gandhi struck a peace accord with the Akali Dal, enabling it to win the 1985 state election. Yet, his attempt to use the Akalis to curb extremism failed — it only emboldened the militants, whom the Akalis had no will to control. Rajiv also struck a deal with Bhindranwale’s nephew, Jaswant Singh Rode, and made him Akal Takht chief. But militancy only increased.

He then tried Army rule, but that too failed. The militants became ever stronger, and soon constituted a quasi-state. They sent out hukumnamas (religious commands) ordering the closure of meat shops and cinema halls, and a terrorized populace obeyed.

Policemen who tried to tackle terrorism were initially thwarted by politicians of the Congress and Akali Dal. Later, militants assassinated several police officers and their relatives.

In sum, all compromises with religious terror failed.

By Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar So did Army rule. What finally succeeded was democracy with an iron fist. Fresh state elections in 1992 Islamabad’s recent surrender to the Taliban in Swat is were boycotted by the Akalis, in line with terrorist terrible news. A moribund Islamabad cannot stop Islamic warnings. Beant Singh, the new Congress chief ministerrorists from attacking India even if it wants to. ter, gave his police chief KPS Gill a free hand to crush It’s another matter that Pakistan has long nurtured terrorism. Gill unleashed state terror to counter Sikh groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba to target Kashmir. It’s terror, replicating tactics that the militants themselves now learning what India learned in the 1980s — you can used. In barely one year, he crushed a decade-old be devoured by monsters you create to wound others. problem.

Indira Gandhi nurtured two monsters — Jarnail Only when Sikh policemen took on Sikh militants, Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab and Prabhakaran of the with no interference from central or state politicians, Tamil Tigers. When the monsters got out of control, was terrorism curbed. Earlier attempts at a Punjabshe (and later Rajiv Gandhi) tried quelling them. The Delhi compromise or Hindu-Sikh Result: Indira Gandhi was killed by compromise failed. The solution lay disgruntled Sikhs and Rajiv Gandhi in reformulating the issue as one by disgruntled Tamil Tigers. The les- This is a battle for Pakistan’s soul. pitting Sikh liberals against Sikh son for Pakistan is clear.

It must be fought by Pakistani fundamentalists.

The Taliban’s rise in Pakistan This has lessons for Pakistan. liberals against Pakistani has something in common with Attempts by Islamabad to placate or Bhindranwale’s rise in Punjab. A relistrike deals with extremists will fail, extremists, without regard to gious preacher, he sought to purge emboldening militants and lowering Sikhism of modern evils and return Indian or US interests or urgings. the state’s stature. to pristine Sikhism. He was outraged In elections, Pakistanis have by reformist Sikhs like the repeatedly voted for liberal Muslim Nirankaris, and his followers killed many Nirankaris parties, not Islamic ones. Yet, these liberal parties — including the Nirankari Baba. including the Awami National Party, which won the Religion and violence make a very dangerous mix. state election in the North West Frontier Province — Yet, both Indira Gandhi and the Akali Dal sought to have no stomach to take on the Taliban. Islamabad use Bhindranwale rather than jail him. Indira Gandhi has sought compromises with militant Baitullah supported his candidates against official Akali ones in Mehsud in the tribal areas, but only succeeded in the 1979 gurdwara elections. And the Akalis sought to strengthening Mehsud. The new compromise in Swat use his inflammatory Sikh rhetoric — including a will surely fail, too. demand for an independent Khalistan — to garner To succeed, Pakistan needs a Beant Singh. Muslim votes in state elections. liberals will have to take Muslim extremists head on.

The Akalis let him set up a terrorist fortress within The task has to be done by state government using the Golden Temple. This ended only when the Army police skills, not the Army. US planes or troops cannot overran the Temple and killed Bhindranwale. But this subdue terrorists. attack enraged many Sikhs, creating ever more miliThis is a battle for Pakistan’s soul. It must be fought tant groups.

by Pakistani liberals against Pakistani extremists, withNo politician or analyst initially viewed the out regard to Indian or US interests or urgings. Once Bhindranwale challenge as a law-and-order one, to be Pakistani liberals grasp this hard reality, as Beant Singh put down with a firm hand. All felt that Sikh sensibili- did in Punjab, they will find that victory over extremties had to be assuaged with political compromises. ism can be surprisingly quick and complete.

My editor at the time thought peace could be bought by giving Chandigarh and more river water to Punjab.

Source: Times of India

Pakistan Needs a Beant Singh

April 2009

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Full Frame Film Festival The largest documentary fest in the United States

By Dilip Barman The country’s largest documentary film festival, the 12th annual Full Frame Festival, will take place in Durham, NC on April 2-5, 2009. The festival website gives details about the films (over one hundred), including schedule. For each of the films here, I will include the director’s name, length in minutes, and scheduled screening, but encourage you to confirm details.

I am not sure why, at least for the past several years that I have been covering the festival, but the Indian subcontinent seems to be the area most represented outside of the United States. Two films this year, Supermen of Malegaon (North American Premiere; Faiza Ahmad Khan, 52m, Friday morning) and Hair India (North American Premiere; Raffaele Brunetti & Marco Leopardi, 75m, Thursday afternoon; see my second feature below, an interview with the director) take place in India.

Hair India tells the fascinating story of pilgrims voluntarily donating their hair to a temple. It turns out that there is a global market for expensive “hair extensions.” The film describes a family from a small Bengali village who journey through modern Kolkata to Andhra Pradesh to donate their hair. An Italian company purchases the hair from many sources including this temple, and processes it into a luxury product. The exported hair is ironically reimported to India for the case of a Mumbai magazine editor who wants to appear at a party with fuller hair.

I hadn’t heard of the small Maharashtrian town of Malegaon, but I saw Supermen of Malegaon with my father-in-law, visiting from Maharashtra, who has visited this town. This is a film about filmmaking; in particular, about an optimistic young man who enjoys making films to break up the industrial tedium. He sets about to cast a quite unlikely, slight mill worker to be Superman, and creates a localized version of a Superman story. The local color and pure fun that the people clearly enjoy make this well worth watching.

Unmistaken Child (Nati Baratz, 102m, Friday morning) primarily is set in Tibet, but includes scenes in India, as well. Buddhist monk Tenzin Zopa suffers the loss of his master and, with the help of other monks and even the office of the Dalai Lama, seeks to find a child who is his reincarnated master. The scenery is beautiful and the tale is heartwarming.

The Kinda Sutra (Jessica Yu, 8m, Friday afternoon) is a cute short film with Indian music and Indian courtly animation. It features interviews with people about how they grew up believing babies came to be, and ends with sweet “definitive” answers.

Love on Delivery (Janus Metz, 59m, Friday evening) and Lady Kul el-Arab (Ibtisam Mara’ana, 56m, Friday morning) aren’t about South Asia, but deal in depth with issues like arranged marriage and clashes in what one group might consider proper visà-vis a less tradition-bound one. The first film is beauApril 2009

tifully photographed in Denmark and describes how until recently there were no Thai residents. A woman who comes and marries a Danish man in turn invites other Thai women, and now there are many such Thai-Danish marriages, quickly arranged. The second film deals poignantly with a Druze Arab woman living in Israel who competes in the local “Lady of the Arabs” beauty pageant. She is drawn to the bigger Miss Israel competition, but she and her family face very strong opposition, even receiving death threats, from her community who feel that her participation in the swimsuit round of competition is unacceptable to their standards.

There are many other films that Saathee readers may be especially drawn to, encompassing topics such as the history of modern advertising (Art & Copy, Doug Pray, 86m, Thursday afternoon – overlapping with Hair India, unfortunately); Chinese search for a special kind of jade (China’s Wild West, Urszula Pontikos, 10m, Friday morning); curated films on sports; special programming; and much more.

A final film that I wanted to mention is Burma VJ (Anders Østergaard, 85m, Saturday morning). In the Gandhian tradition of nonviolent non-cooperation, and in support of long-imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar citizens in very large numbers peacefully rally in the streets. At great personal risk, activists use camcorders to document the military regime’s brutality and smuggle the footage out of the country, successfully getting it into the hands of a shocked global public.

I encourage all to take advantage of this gem of a Festival that we have in our backyard. Many travel from other states and even overseas to take advantage of it. Some of the films are screened with the filmmakers on hand for discussion afterwards. If you can take time off, the four days of Full Frame will go quickly and leave you with a new appreciation for a variety of interesting topics. Even if you can only attend some screenings, perhaps on the weekend, it should be an enriching experience.

Details at www.fullframe.org or 919.687.4100 Interview with Hair India Director I had the opportunity on March 20 to talk with Raffaele Brunetti, director and producer of Hair India. The full audio of the interview can be heard at www.dilip.info/audio/hairindia.

Here is a condensed transcription.

Raffaele, congratulations on having the North American premiere of your thought provoking film Hair India at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival here in Durham, NC. How long did this project take you from conception through editing?

It took a little more than two years. We spent a lot of time looking for locations and dealing with financial issues. The film actually encompasses parallel stories.

There is the story of the small Bengali village. This family leaves the village for the first time and con-

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Flight Control

By Jug Suraiya I recently returned to Delhi via Bangalore’s new airport and am happy to report that it is light years ahead of state-of-the-art. What makes it truly path-breaking is its location: it is far from Bangalore. No one seems to know just how far from Bangalore the airport is. But everyone agrees that it is very far.

Maybe it is even very, very far. This inability to verify the exact farness of Bangalore airport from Bangalore city poses conundrums of Einsteinian space-time relativity. For instance, exactly how much ahead of checkin time should one depart the city to reach the airport, bearing in mind the virtual inevitability of the traffic snarl-ups that have become endemic to Bangalore?

Some are of the opinion that a simple rule-of-thumb formula gives you a fairly good approximation of the journey time: multiply your flight number by the square root of the security personnel employed in frisking passengers, divided by the percentage of intelligible words in any given announcement made over the public address system (‘*z%&$ airlines announces the departure of *@!$ to %$*@! All passengers are requested to proceed to Gate No *$%*@’) and you’ll get a rough idea, in hours and minutes, of the time it’ll take you to reach the airport.

Others disagree, pointing out that watches are inadequate instruments with which to try and calculate journey time to the airport, which is best computed through the use of a calendar, preferably one based on the Vedic system of lunar calibration. For instance, if the flight that you are proposing to take is on a (full moon) Tuesday, you should set off for the airport on the previous Thursday, unless the numerals comprising the date of that day add up to the inauspicious number seven, in which case you’d best consult your personal astrologer, or a railway timetable, whichever is closer to hand.

The distance of the new Bangalore airport from Bangalore city raises questions of a philosophical nature as well. Getting there represents the how of the airport, so to speak; the why of the airport (as in ‘Why is it where it is’) gives rise to a different debate.

According to cynics the location of the airport was chosen with a view to property speculation. Going by April 2009

this logic, the airport was sited as far off from the city as possible so that those in the know could buy up all the land between the city and the airport at dirt-cheap rates and then sit back and watch the prices soar.

The closer the airport was to the city, the less the connective land between the two, and the less the moolah to be made; the farther the airport was from the city, the more the real estate in between, and the more the booty to be had.

This mercenary explanation fails to plumb the real reason for the location of Bangalore airport, which is to revolutionize the entire concept of airports, and of flying. What is an airport? A place that facilitates flying.

And what happens when people fly? They leave a carbon footprint, which gets Al Gore and R K Pachauri so worked up that they start flying all over the place telling people not to fly and thereby leaving an even bigger carbon footprint in their wake.

Placing airports as far from cities as possible not only deters people from flying but also makes for shorter flights between airports. The new Bangalore airport, for example, is halfway to Delhi. Now if Delhi airport were similarly to shift halfway to Bangalore, Delhi and Bangalore would have one airport. Similarly, other cities could follow suit so that the whole country will eventually have just one airport (located where Nagpur now is), which people travel overland to and from, thus obviating flying, and carbon footprinting, altogether.

And we will have disinvented the Wright brothers and achieved the ultimate in flight control.

Source: Times of India

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Ravi Shankar Casting a Large Shadow over Indian Classical Music

By Samir Shukla Indian classical music would likely have entered Western consciousness much later than it did in the 1960s. It probably would have arrived on its shores in the last few years along with the recent popularity of Bollywood musical fusion, if sitar master and musical ambassador Ravi Shankar had not gently opened the doors decades ago. Shankar, who will be 89 in early April, still tours every year and has been guiding his daughter Anoushka Shankar’s increasingly prolific career as a sitarist for the past few years.

Shankar’s recent releases include a two-CD set of some of his best material culled into a collection called The Essential Ravi Shankar (Legacy). Daughter Anoushka’s releases include Rise (Angel), a recording that uses sitar and traditional rhythms as a base but expands and colors the sound with jazz, pop and textural vocals. She is clearly the torchbearer of the Shankar legacy, as proud papa softly boasted in a recent phone conversation.

Ravi Shankar, the perfectionist performer, always tours with a handpicked group of musicians that are specifically assembled for each tour or show.

Anoushka Shankar regularly performs with her father.

Shankar’s nimble fingers still inspire awe and influence countless musicians.

The maestro, composer, teacher and writer has been bringing Indian music to all parts of the globe, while attaining a fatherly stature as a renaissance man of traditions in his native land for most of his life.

There are two schools of Indian classical music, Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). Ravi Shankar is mostly a proponent of Hindustani music. Ragas, which in Sanskrit mean “color” or “passion,” are the essence and foundation of all Indian classical music. A raga can loosely be described as a combination of several different characteristics, but at the same time it is not a tune, melody, scale, mode or any concept associated with Western music.

“Spontaneous, creative ragas are created by open minds,” Ravi Shankar explained.

“I have experimented for 60 years (with music) and have created many new ragas over those years. New ragas are created using permutations and combination of tones.”

Shankar feels many new ragas await creation in the future, and it’s this characteristic of Indian music that has kept his creative juices flowing for years. There are also “old, forgotten and lost ragas that are recalled and re-created” by enlightened musicians, he said.

The sitar sounds soothing to plain listeners, yet those that listen without preconceptions can transport to a trancelike state wrought with emotions. Those that “open their minds” absorb the distinct auras and feelings of ragas. There are numerous ragas, evolved over centuries, and each can be specific to particular times of day, moods and even locations.

A disciple of Baba Allaudin Khan, Ravi Shankar first began performing at an early age with his brother Uday Shankar’s group. He honed his skills and developed an expansive view of the world through travels with Uday Shankar’s troupe. By the late 60s, Ravi Shankar was the most famous Indian musician on the planet, and even with the blossoming recognition of Bollywood music today, he still towers above the rest.

A prolific composer, Ravi Shankar has worked with and influenced Philip Glass, Yehudi Menuhin, George Harrison, Zubin Mehta and other groundbreakers while inspiring jazz legend John Coltrane to name his son Ravi.

He has also composed extensively for films and ballets in India, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including Charly, Gandhi and Apu Trilogy.

Ravi Shankar said he has played three times in Bangladesh over the years, but has yet to perform in Pakistan. “We have tried and even confirmed playing there a few times, but something always kept us from doing the shows.”

Shankar is currently touring accompanied by Anoushka Shankar (sitar), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla), Ravichandra Kulur (Flute) and Tanpura accompaniment.

All those years ago, the winds from the East carried with them the subtle drone of Shankar’s sitar, creating possibilities of musical evolution, and we are better for it.

The Shankar sound: A sampler of Ravi Shankar essential listening: Chants of India (EMI/Angel) Improvisations (EMI/Angel) Ragas with Ali Akbar Khan (Fantasy) West Meets East: Historic Shankar/Menuhin Sessions (EMI/Angel) Concert for Peace - Live at Royal Albert Hall (Moment Records) Homage to Mahatma Gandhi (Deutsche Grammophon) Also look for a primer on Indian music and ragas on the website: www.ravishankar.org.

Ravi Shankar will perform in Charlotte on Monday May 4, 2009 at the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $20-$69.50. For info call 704.372.1000 or visit blumenthalcenter.org.

April 2009

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Upcoming Movie Releases

Top Five Movies - April 09

(Bollywood films slated to be released in the next 4-6 weeks)

1. Dev D Abhay Deol, kalki Koechlin, Mahi Gill, and Parakh Madan

Videsh - Heaven On Earth (Director: Deepa Mehta) Cast: Preity Zinta, Vansh Bhardwaj, Deepa Mehta, Yanna McIntosh, Gick Grewal, and Geetika Sharma

2. Gulaal (Adult Language) PG Deepak Dobriyal, Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastav, Piyush Mishra, Ayesha Mohan, & Jessy Randhawa

99 (Director: Raj Nidimoru) CastL Kunal Khemu, Soha Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Cyrus Broacha, Simone Singh, and Mahesh

3. Billu Barber Shahrukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Asrani & Om Puri

Aa Dekhen Zara (Director: Jehangir Surti) Cast: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bipasha Basu, Rahul Dev, Sophie Choudry, Bobby Vatsa, Shrivas Nydu, and Deepak Dhariwal

4. Delhi 6 Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, Om Puri, and Rishi Kapoor

Ek Second... Jo Zindagi Badal De? (Director: Partho Ghosh) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Aman Verma, Nikita Anand, and Muammar Rana

5. Aloo Chaat

Aftab Shivdasani, Aamna Shariff, Linda Arsenio, Kulbhushan and Kharbanda

Ek - The Power Of One (Dir: Sangeeth Sivan) Cast: Nana Patekar, Bobby Deol, Shreya Saran, Chunky Pandey, Jackie Shroff, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Jaspal Bhatti

Top Five Songs - April 09 1. Gulaal “Aiji Sazaa” Music: Piyush Mishra Singer: Shilpa Rao

Meri Padosan (Director: Partho Ghosh) Cast: Jackie Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Aman Verma, Nikita Anand, and Muammar Rana

2. As Dekhaen Zara “Mohabbat Aapse” Music: Pritam, Gourav Dasgupta Singer: Aakriti

8x10 Tasveer (Dir: Nagesh Kukunoor) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ayesha Takia, Sharmila Tagore, Javed Jaffrey, Girish Karnad, and Anant Mahadevan

3. Sikandar “Dhoope Ke Sikke” Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy Singers: Anuksha Mani & Shankar M.

4. Victory: “Balla Utha...”

Music: Anu Malik Singers: Sukhwinder Singh & Daler Mehndi

It’s a Mismatch (Director: N. Gupta) Cast: Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Nandana Sen, and Anubhav Anand

5. Billu Barber: “Majaani” Music: Pritam Singers: Sukhwinder Singh and Sunihdi Chauhan

Sikandar (Director: Piyush Jha) Cast: Parzun Dastur, Ayesha Kapur, Sanjay Suri, and R Madhavan Manjrekar

(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) April 2009

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April 2009

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April 2009

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Heaven on Earth - Videsh Director: Deepa Mehta Cast: Preity Zinta, Vansh Bharadwaj, Deepa Mehta, Yanna McIntosh, Gick Grewal, Geetika Sharma

Film Reviews

By Aishwarya Ramaswamy 13 B Director: Vikram K.Kumar Cast: Madhavan, Neetu Chandra, Deepak Dobriyal, Sachin Khedekar After we all gave up wondering what Ram Gopal Verma was up to, here comes another entry in the horror movie genre.

Unlike the earlier Bollywood thriller Phoonk, this time around we have a sensible title that at least hints about the horror within.

The story revolves around a typical upper middleclass joint family living in a metropolitan city. While the men are portrayed as hard working, god-fearing breadwinners of the family, the women in the house are unbelievably dumb and keep themselves busy with television soaps. The story starts with the family moving into their new apartment and apparently the start of a new television serial – “Sab Khairiyat.”

Surprisingly, the characters in the television soap are similar to the characters in Manohar’s (Madhavan) family. The astonishing part is that nobody other than Manohar realizes the co-incidence! The story moves to unravel that the television serial is a premonition for incidents that will happen to the real family.

Finally, when you get tired of clichéd signals of misfortunes occurring day after day, the director decides to introduce the audience to the actual mystery.

Predictably, the characters in the television soap were once alive and were murdered. What’s funny is that, the whole family has gotten so tech savvy in their paranormal state and thereby decides to communicate their grievances to the real world through television.

The only well portrayed twist in the story is the revelation of the actual criminal who murdered the family.

While the movie is more stupid than scary, all the actors have done a good job. Madhavan is back in Bollywood after a long hiatus but has done justice to his role. Though Neetu Chandra does not have a very meaty role, she has an amazing onscreen chemistry with Madhavan.

Apart from the acting skills, the only element that adds the horror aspect to this thriller is the background music. Though typical, it adds the basic fear factor into this senseless murder mystery. Although the film is partly paranormal, if you are not highly fascinated by the thrill of a shaky elevator or an occasional howl, you can afford to miss this one.

April 2009

After movies like Earth, Fire, Water and a couple of other contemporary works, director Deepa Mehta has once again proved her pluck as an out-of-the box thinker. Heaven on Earth, as the name gives away, is a fable about a ray of light in a dark land. While this is a Canadian movie that was released in 2008, the Hindi version – Videsh has just released and is creating waves all over.

The movie is a snapshot of the difficult life of a rural woman who leaves her motherland to meet someone new and spend the rest of her life with him.

Chand (Priety Zinta) is a conventional yet outspoken girl hailing from the suburbs of Punjab.

She leaves her family to go to Canada to meet a new family and get married to a guy named Rocky (Vansh Bharadwaj). As she steps into a new world, she goes through a range of emotions with new people and new surroundings. Though her journey starts with a breeze of hope and happiness it slowly starts to get bitter.

Chand tries to rebel quietly and fight against the domestic violence, but her extended family and her conservative background force her to cover her pain with fantasy. Immersing herself in her dreams, far away from the harsh truth of reality, Chand continues her life.

Although domestic violence is a very heavy subject, the well-connected scenes make it easy to comprehend. Priety Zinta’s adept acting skills bring alive every emotion. Videsh is not a pleasant movie and has a cold moral message which may not appeal to every viewer.

Aishwarya Ramaswamy A movie buff graduated with a Masters in Engineering from Duke.

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N. Dutta: The famous Hindi song “Laal Laal Gaal,” which was a hit on the old Indian radio show “Binaca Geet Mala,” was an almost exact copy of the 50’s rock song “Rock Around the Clock,” by Bill Haley and the Comets. Composer N. Dutta, born and raised in Goa, composed “Laal Laal Gaal.” Dutta began his career as the assistant to music director S. D. Burman and became a popular music director with his first film Milap in 1955. He composed some very beautiful songs using minimum orchestra and creating the effects required by specific song lyrics. B. R. Chopra had selected him as a music director of his early films. Sahir Ludhiyanavi was the lyricist with whom he was associated most because Dutta appreciated his very meaningful lyrics. He scored music for about 50+ films in 1950’s and 1960’s. I do not know his personal biography and lifestyle. He died on Dec. 30, 1987 and will be remembered for his lively songs.

Some of his films as a music director: Milap, Marine Drive, Chandrakanta, Dashera, Mr. X. Mohini, Hum Panchhi Ek Dalake. Sadhna, Miss 1958, Light House, Bhai Bahen, Dhool Ka Phool, Jaal Saaz, Mister John, Didi, Black Cat, Kala Samunder, Dharm Putra, Do Bhai, Delli Ka Dada, Gyara Hazar Ladkiyan, Chandi Ki Deewar, Mere Armaan Mere Sapne, Patthar Ka Khwab, Naya Raasta, Chehre Pe Chahre, Aawara Abdullah, Holiday in Bombay, Gopal Krishna, Bahadur Daku, Inspector, Raju, Ganga, Aag Aur Toofan, and so on.

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His patriotic and communal harmony song “Tu Hindu banegaa” from the old Hindi film Dhool ka Phool is given in this issue of Saathee in the Evergreen Classic Film Lyrics column on page 26 Note: If you have any comments or suggestions for this article, please let us know. Thanks.

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April 2009

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EVERGREEN

Classic FILM LYRICS

By Kirit Shukla Song: Tu Hindu banegaa Film: Dhool Ka Phool (1959) Music: N. Dutta Singer: Mohammad Rafi Lyric: Sahir Ludhiyanavi Based on Indian Classical Raga: Bhairavi Taal/Rhythm: Kaharavaa Cast: Rajendrakumar, Mala Sinha, Manmohan Krishna Tu Hindu Banegaa Tu Hindu banegaa na Musalamaana banegaa, Insaana ki aulaada hai insaana banegaa…

Achhaa hai abhi tak teraa kuchha naama nahin hai, Tumako kisi majhahaba se koi kaama nahin hai, Jisa ilma ne insaana ko takseema kiyaa hai, Usa ilma kaa tujha para koi ilzaama nahin hai, Tu badale huae waqta ki pehchaana banegaa; Insaana …

Maalika ne hara insaana ko insaana banaayaa, Hamane usae Hindu yaa Musalamaana banaayaa, Kudarat ne jo bakshi thi hamen eka hi dharati, Hamane kahin Bharat kahin Iran banaayaa, Jo toda de hara bandha vo tufaana banegaa; Insaana …

Nafrata jo sikhaaye vo teraa dharama nahin hai, Insaana ko rounde vo kadama teraa nahin hai, Koran na ho jisamen vo mandira nahin hai, Geetaa na ho jisamen vo Haram teraa nahin hai, Tu aman kaa aur sulah kaa farmaana banegaa; Insaana..

Ye dina ke taajheera ye vatan bechane waale, Insaan ki laashon ke kafana bechane waale, Ye mahalon men baithe huae kaatila ye lutere, Kaanto ke evaja roohe-chamana bechane waale, Tu inake liye mauta kaa élaana banegaa; Insaana ki ...

See this song on Nazar Television in April.

Visit saathee.com for Nazar Television local listings.

Meaning (Summary): You will not become a Hindu or a Muslim. You are a child of a human being, you will become a human being. It is good that you have no name yet and you do not have any religion yet and you have no complaints. So you will be the recognition of the future.

God has made every human as a human being. We have made them either Hindu or Muslim. The nature has gifted us with one land; we have made some part as Bharat and some as Iran. You will be the One that will become a storm to break these. The one teaches you hate is not your religion. One who kills human beings is not your step. The mandir (a Hindu temple) without Koran and a Masjid (a Muslim mosque) without Geeta are not yours. You will become the commander of happiness and compromise. You will become the call of death for those who are selling the motherland and those merciless robbers sitting in palaces selling the “Kafan” (White cloth cover of a dead body.) You are a child of a human being and will become a human being.

April 2009

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April 2009

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will perform part of a dance just to the drumbeats. I hope you will not miss the opportunity see this show.

Dances of India

I will be performing this dance style on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Central Piedmont Community College’s Dale F. Halton Theater, Charlotte, NC at 4:00 PM. I look forward to seeing you there. For tickets call 704-330-6534 or tix.cpcc.edu.

By Dr. Maha Gingrich

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

Drum Dances: Pung Cholam As we all know Indians love music and dance, from classical to folk, and Hollywood to Bollywood. One thing that is common in all these songs or dances is the presence of drums.

An overwhelming majority of Indian dances are accompanied with drum music.

Generally the drummer provides the percussion accompaniment with dances. However, there are quite a few dances in which the dancer plays the drum while dancing. Such dances come under the category of “Drum Dances.” I wanted to introduce some of the drum dances and will try to showcase a few on Nazar Television during the “Dances of India” segment.

One of the finest examples of drum dance is the fascinating Pung Cholam of Manipur. It is a highly sophisticated dance with all the elements of classical dances.

Pung is a drum with two faces, almost like Mridangam drum from South. One face of the drum is much smaller than the other, usually played with the right hand. The drum is slung from the neck of the drummer for playing with both the hands. Most of the drums that are larger and two faced are usually slung from the dancers’ neck, which allows them to dance.

Pung Cholam is performed as a solo dance as well as a group dance.

Sometimes, during more coordinated performances, about a hundred drummers perform the dance all wearing spotlessly white dhoti and white turban. It is then a treat for the eyes, ears, and mind. The aesthetic appeal is so over-powering that it becomes an experience for the lifetime. While playing intricate rhythmic passages on the drums, the drummers not only dance gracefully and vigorously, but also swing the drum in incredible ways, all while playing. There are also acrobatic elements in the dance.

Actually, Cholam is a generic name of percussion dances prevalent in Manipur. Cholams performed by men are vigorous having acrobatic elements. Those performed by women are delicate and lyrical. The style of dance changes as the percussion instrument changes. Men perform two other drum dances with Dhol and Daph, a frame drum. Men also perform Kartaal Cholam. Kartaal is a pair of large cymbals. The Cholams performed by women are not with the drums, but with idiophones like clappers with small cymbals. In my opinion, among all the Cholams, the Pung Cholam is the best.

During the stage production of Dances of India show on April 18, 2009 at Halton Theater in Charlotte, we April 2009

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Something About Ash's Sita Avatar The ideal Bollywood Bahu Aiwarya Rai Bachchan has always been praised for her heavenly beauty. And now to have her play Sita in Mani Ratnam's modern version of Ramayana is hardly ironic! Now, Manisir as he is hailed on the sets, is too secretive about his projects. And while most things have been kept under wraps, we have managed to stumble on some interesting pieces of news. First, Ash will be seen in a de-glam avatar in some portions of the film - without make-up and all. And the second, her clothes are being designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Let's hope this is no myth.

Contributed by Guatam Buragohain and Urvashi Ashar

Bipasha's funk factor Actress Bipasha Basu has been worried about a lot of things of late. For starters, she was apprehensive about her bold look in Aa Dekhen Zara - you know those black nails, colored hair, and tattoo on her chest.

It was all just too much too handle.

But then her team of designers and stylists stepped in and convinced her to go along with the look. And now Bips has never been happier. "But I'll be happiest when my home is done," she tells us.

Aamir in Another Historical Film?

Aamir Khan seems to be addicted to a book, of late. While on the sets of 3 Idiots, the actor has been reading up on Indian history post independence. Aamir revealed his liking for the book "India after Gandhi" by Ramchandra Guha. "It is a book on Indian history post 1947 and is extremely informative," shares the actor in his blog. But the big question is: Has it inspired Khan to plan a film with the post-independence era as backdrop? We really don't put it past him.

Sonam and Deepika: Toast To The Friends We know how these young beauties have buried the hatchet, called off their catfights, and are going about town flaunting their large hearts that let bygones be bygones. Only recently, we met up with dippy Deepika Padukone. She'll next be seen in Love Aaj Kal, but just what did she think of good friend Sonam Kapoor's Delhi-6. "I haven't watched it yet, but it's not my fault. Sonam had planned a special screening for her friends, which she keeps delaying," complains Padukone, adding, "But I've heard that she has performed brilliantly and I am looking forward to watching it." We're not sure if D-6 was such a great film, but we admire this "dosti aaj kal."

Akshay Takes Kylie for Mumbai Darshan Apna Akshay Kumar is a busy man these days. After all he played the perfect host to Aussie pop-star Kylie Minogue on her recent visit to India. So, where all have they been already? Well, Akki has made Kylie attend an Indian shaadi and is also introducing her to some desi khaana. Akki tells us, "Kylie wanted to taste Indian food so I took her to this restaurant and she loved the food. It's not surprising considering Indian food is the best." Now, as we appreciate AK's hospitality towards Minogue, we've come across some lah-didah socialites who have been gossiping about "Akshay's protective arm around Kylie's waist wherever she goes". C'mon guys! She's Kylie Minogue all right. And who wouldn't give an arm to be her bodyguard?

Abhay Deol - The Acting Tutor Well, that's not the role that Abhay is playing in his next film. Nor has he gone to New York to study acting, its just that his co-star of Oye Lucky Lucky Oye thinks of him as her tutor! She tells us, "Just watching Abhay helps you polish your acting skills. Abhay is not just a great actor but also a brilliant co-star. He has this knack of guiding you through the scene and telling if you are going wrong. He corrects you when needed without being diplomatic; with him every day seems like a classroom session." Ahem! Someone, we think has become all senti about the Deol guy, eh. Interestingly Abhay himself has become a student in the U.S. He has enrolled for some metal wielding classes there. Maybe he can teach Richa a thing or two about metal wielding when he's back. You know that way we could have some "sparks" flying around.

April 2009

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Sush's undignified comment!

Shahid: Pa excellence Shahid's all set to rock this year. After all, the dude had four films back-toback. And will also start shooting for daddy Pankaj Kapoor's film, too! And Shahid is going to focus his energies on dad's film alone. "Shahid first wants to finish shooting for all other movies before starting his dad's film.

He will spend two months just preparing for the motion picture, and then will spend three months shooting for it. Shahid wants his dad's film to be the best, and is going to do all he can to make it rocking," we're told. Now, is that what you call a product pa excellence?

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi has been terribly upset with her Karma Aur Holi co-star Sushmita Sen of late for calling their film's subject "undignified." The actress in her blog has lashed out at Sush saying she is crying foul for nothing. "If Sushhmita found the subject undignified why did she become a part of Karma...? Nothing different was shot from what was written in the script. In fact if anybody should object to anything it's me. Some of my major scenes from the script were cut off because Sushmita would insist on re-shooting her scenes thereby wasting everybody's time, money and good energy. If Sushmita decided that she didn't want to promote the film it was totally ok but why should she belittle the movie?" Looks like Such and Sush have no "karmic" connection anymore.

Sonam, Frieda: Chic Magnets It's not that these two youngsters are at loggerheads with each other, but we've landed upon an interesting characteristic that's shared by these two actors. They both seem to be fashion slaves - you know the designer-conscious, brand conscious kinda people, who'll flaunt their labels wherever they go.

Though they do it rather sweetly. So we call Frieda Pinto and Sonam Kapoor "chic magnets" - after all, they are attracted to those chic-y style statements and designer wear.

Shilpa Shetty: Massage Manic

By turning businesswoman - actress Shilpa Shetty has not only entered the cricket league but has also spun a spa business - SS is being talked about a little more highly now than when she won the Big Brother reality show eons ago! Kudos to her for having stretched that win till now. Anyway, with the responsibility of looking charming and tip-top 24/7, the giggly Shetty can't wait to be mollycoddled. "I'd love to simply sit back, relax and be pampered," she tells us. Does boyfriend Raj Kundra get the massage, oops, message, we mean!

Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at 4pm by internationally acclaimed performer, Dr. Maha Gingrich and Group

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April 2009

Saathee 34

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surround my trunk. Who could possibly pluck me by the roots or bow my head to the ground?”

And the tree turned away from the plant in a great huff.

But the tree was to regret its words very soon. One evening a great hurricane arose in the region. It hurled the trees off their roots and almost completely destroyed the forest. It uprooted the big Oak tree and hurled it away with great force.

When the storm had passed, the villagers living nearby surveyed the damage. Mighty trees that had once almost touched the sky were now reduced to stumps or worse. The forest was littered with their carcasses. Fallen branches and tree bark from these trees were spread all around the forest.

But there was one exception. The little plant. The plant had been tossed and turned under the fury of the hurricane, and bent completely. But when the hurricane ended, it sighed and stood upright again.

No trace remained of its mighty neighbor, though.

Word World

By Kirit Shukla

S E

U A M

R N

Silence is Golden (An Aesop’s fable)

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.

30+ words = Excellent; 25 to 30 words = Good; 24 or less needs to improve. (Solution at bottom of page)

The Mighty (An Aesop’s fable)

Once upon a time, a student once went to his teacher.

He asked his teacher a question: “Sir, is there any good in talking a lot?”

The teacher replied: “Toads and frogs croak night and day, but no one pays any attention to them. But the rooster crows at a certain time of day and wakes up everyone.”

The teacher smiled at his student and said, “This proves that no good is achieved by talking a lot. What is important is to say the right thing at the right time.”

Send submissions for possible inclusion in the Children’s Corner to: saatheemag@hotmail.com

April 2009

Word World (Solution): AMEN, AMUSE, ARES, ARISE, ARMS, ARSE, ARUM, EARN, EARS, ESAU, MARE, MARS, MASER, MEAN, MEAN, NAME, NARE, NEAR, RAMEN, RAMUS, REAM, SAME, SANE, SATEM, SEAM, SEAR, SEAT, SMEAR, SNARE, SURA, UNARM, UREA, SURNAME

At the edge of an ancient forest, stood a big tree. Its branches spread out majestically and so did its roots.

It shielded people from the sun under its shady leaves, and provided shelter to countless birds and other small creatures in its branches. It buzzed with activity all the time.

At the foot of the tree grew a little plant. The plant was willowy and delicate, and tended to keel over at the touch of the slightest breeze.

One day, the two neighbors were having a little chat.

“Well, little one,” said the tree to the plant, “Why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?”

“I see no need to do so,” whispered the plant with a smile. “Actually, I think I may be safer this way.”

“Safer!” sneered the tree. “Are you suggesting that you’re safer than I am? Do you know how deep my roots are buried, how thick and strong my trunk is?

Even if two men hold hands they would not be able to

Saathee 36

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Of course, with any problem, you are inclined to know the solution as well. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing everyday. Brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Flossing removes plaque between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

I have noticed that most people who have good brushing habits do not floss regularly. This is a mistake.

Remember that flossing alone can remove bacteria between the teeth.

A Dentist’s Blog

By Dr. Meena Chelury My heart goes for my teeth As a dentist, my heart always goes for the teeth, both good and bad. A good smile cheers us all up, and of course, as a dentist I feel good that someone like me is helping you to have a great smile. If you know that there is a linkage between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease, I am sure your heart will also go for your teeth. Before I jump into this topic, let me make a quick digression.

I am not a proficient writer like Paul Krugman or Tom Friedman, popular columnists in the New York Times. When these people write, there are zillion responses to their blogs. People are craving to read; people take pleasure and pride to comment on these blogs. Well, when I write my blog, I do get feedback, in the form of emails. And sometime, I do get recognized in the aisle of a grocery store or in a school function. Last month, I couldn’t write my blog on time and missed the publishing date. And, it was noticed! It is a great pleasure for any writer to note that people are reading. Thank you for letting me know.

In spite of regular brushing and flossing, I recommend getting a professional cleaning every six months. A preventive visit to a dentist would also help you to get a general checkup of your overall oral health.

Now you know why your heart goes for your teeth.

As always, should you have any question, feel free to drop me a note, or consult your friendly dentist. See you in the next issue. Till then, keep smiling!

Dr. Meena Chelury can be reached at meenac@yahoo.com or www.AmberlyFamilyDentistry.com

A few issues back, I touched upon very briefly on the relationship between periodontal disease and cardio-vascular disease. A recent event made me spend more time on this topic. I am a listener of National Public Radio, a very good radio station. They have a program called “People’s Pharmacy,” where they bring in experts to talk about medical issues in a very conversational style. Recently, they spent an entire program on periodontal and cardio vascular disease and had an expert from each area explaining the link. It is good that this topic is getting attention from non-dentists as well. That triggered me to write about this issue as periodontal disease is common among the Asian population.

Periodontal disease, also called the gum disease, is formed by bacterial infection. When food particles settle around the teeth and below the gums, they breed bacterial colonies that produce harmful toxins that inflame the gums resulting in bone destruction and tooth loss.

A recent study of periodontal diseases indicates that the oral bacterial components enter blood vessel, enhances plaque formation in the arteries of the heart, thereby, increasing the risk of heart disease. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Another study indicates that periodontal disease may also increase the chance of getting a stroke.

April 2009

Saathee 38

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Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Yoga) Yoga, based on ancient Indian wisdom and culture, is more than 5,000 years old and has been referred to as Sanatan, which means eternal as a process of evolution and Puratana, meaning very ancient. The source of yoga resides in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita and the Sutras of Patanjali. It was Rishi Patanjali, rightly called the Father of Yoga, who compiled, synthesized, systematized, refined and laid down eight steps which form the basis on which system of yoga works. The eight steps, known as Ashtanga (eight fold) yoga consists of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. These steps were formulated with the understanding of mind, body and soul. The Ashtanga yoga takes one step by step to seek union and self-realization.

Yama (Restraints) - Practice of five Yamas in thought, word, and deed guard us against the pitfalls. The five Yamas are: Ahimsa (Non Violence) Satya (Truth) Asteya (Non-Stealing) Bramacharya (Non-Indulgence in sex) Aparigrah (Non Covetousness)

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Asanas (Postures) - Regular practice of asanas results in the purification of veins and nerves and hence has preventive and curative effects.

Pranayama (Management of Bioenergy) The yogic method of harmonious, deep breathing and mastery of breath brings about sedative effect on the nerves, helps establish mental equilibrium, steadiness and prepares one for the next step.

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of mind from Senses) Practice of previous steps brings about a state of relaxation and increased energy to manage one’s mind from external attractions.

Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi These steps take one to the higher aspects of Raja yoga, which begins with Concentration and ends with Absolute Consciousness.

Pradip Bulsara teaches a yoga class at the Hindu Center in Charlotte on Sunday mornings.

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The Chai Table Saathee Readers Forum

Man Made Mind - Part 2

By Sardar Singh When we look at the mountain from a distance, we are captivated by its grandeur, majesty, and beauty.

We feel joyful and peaceful. This joy and peace is not the result of effort, will or desire. We mentioned earlier how the two-year-old twins at the lake responded when they saw the ducks. Both were dancing with joy.

We can call this the dance of life. Parents of the children were part of this dance. Luckily because I was there, I was also participating in this dance. The whole cosmos, the sun, the air, the weather, the lake, the trees and the birds were making this dance possible.

The joy was not the result of an achievement of a goal set by thinking.

No doubt human beings are endowed with the power of thinking. But they are also endowed with abilities that are beyond the process of thinking.

Human potential is beyond any limit. Human beings have the energy that is the very source of life on earth. They have the ability to enjoy the beauty of the earth and experience the mystery of life. They have the ability to see things as they actually are without the involvement of memory and thought. In this state of awareness thought completely ceases. In this state of intelligence we gain insight into different areas of life. Albert Einstein said, “I never came upon any of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking.�

Human beings have the ability to experience the mystery of life in the form of love that is unconditional and without any cause. In this state of love there is bliss and peace. Life is relationship. I am related one way or the other, intimately or remotely, to nature and to all human beings. The state of my physical, mental and spiritual health depends to a large extent on the quality of my relationships with nature and fellow human beings. Right relationship means to respond accurately, which means to respond with love and care.

Now the question arises why human beings are not able to live in peace and harmony with nature and with each other? Why is there so much conflict, misery and sorrow in the world? Why there is lack of love, compassion, affection and care? Why hate, anger, fear, violence, greed and jealousy have become so much dominant factors in our lives? Why is there so much poverty, injustice and degradation? By the power of thinking human beings made tremendous progress in the field of science and technology. Same instrument of thought is being used to bring about self-destruction. Is there a way out of this mess?

The quest for intelligent living and the search for a better society are perhaps as old as man himself.

Saints and philosophers examined life from different angles and prescribed codes of conduct. Psychologists April 2009

carried out research into the conscious and subconscious mind and provided a plethora of findings on the basis of detailed analysis. But the fact is that despite all the knowledge and experience accumulated through the centuries, man has not been able to produce a harmonious and healthy society. Technological progress has further complicated matters. More and more education instead of helping man is making the situation still worse. All the ideological and management approaches to the problems have failed. It needs to be examined what is wrong in all the attempts to make life better and worth living.

Let us take the case of current worldwide economic crisis. Media calls this as our issue number one. How did we respond to the situation? First of all only some individuals here and there have been blamed for the crisis. These include some top executives and business people in the financial markets and some homebuyers who got the loans that they could not even afford to pay. Lack of regulations was also cited as one of the reasons. US government and politicians moved quickly to fix the problem. The Stimulus Plan to boost the economy was worked out. It is said that new laws to regulate the financial market will be enforced and everything will be all right in due course.

Although it has been mentioned in the media over and over again that greed is at the root of this economic mess, yet very little attention has been paid to the basic cause of the problem. Greed is taken for granted. We say it is part of human nature and then forget about it. It is believed that new rules and regulations will take care of this problem. Past history clearly shows that greed always overpowers. Cunning, clever and greedy people, including the politician, always find ways to bypass the rules. The tragedy is that we do not see the gravity and the depth of the problem. Greed is not confined to just a small percentage of population. If each person carefully looks at his mind he will find that in so many subtle ways his actions are guided by greed.

Greed transcends racial, religious and national differences arising out of cultural conditioning of the mind. Priests and preachers of all faiths who claim to be the custodians of ethics and morality mechanically repeat what others in the past centuries have said about greed. They tell people not to be greedy but they themselves are the greediest people on earth because they mint money not by doing any constructive work but by simply preaching what they cthemselves do not do.

Our problems continue because we do not see them clearly. We do not see clearly because our minds are befogged with ideas, opinions, beliefs, conclusions and influences. So the first step is to use our ability of pure and objective observation that helps us to see things as they actually are. The challenge is to drop the entire load of accumulation and look anew. The very pause to take a fresh look is a significant new step.

Clarity of perception is our top priority. When we are looking at the problems we need to make sure that we are concerned with facts only. In our dialogue we should move from fact to fact and not from one idea to another idea. Please do respond with your comments or questions.

Saathee 44

Contact: sardarsingh@msn.com saathee.com

Harnessing the Power of American English

By Judith L. Bergman M.A. CCC “It’s all in your head,” your friend might say, telling you that you are imagining a situation, usually one that upsets you. Yet many entrepreneurs, as well as spiritual teachers say, “If you believe it you will see it” and “All great accomplishments begin with an idea.”

Gandhi taught, “Be the change you want to see.” In these challenging times, a positive attitude might inspire creative and resourceful action. So in addition to the obvious meanings of head as a body part and as your mind as in “He has a good head for math” and “Use your head to find a solution” what other meanings are there for head?

The verb head has several common meanings: (1) To go or make something go in a particular direction as “We were heading for the airport.” (2) To be in charge of a group as “John headed the committee.” (3) To be moving towards a situation, headed for something as, “He was headed for trouble.” (4) A document is headed with words at the top of the page or beginning of a paragraph. (5) A phrasal verb is to head off someone or something or to stop them from moving in a particular direction. In old cowboy movies the hero (or bandit) would say, “Let’s head them off at the pass.”

Can you infer the various meanings of the noun head in these sentences: “She’s the head of the department.” “He sat at the head of the table.” “I fixed the shower head.” “I bought a head of lettuce.” The kids were covered with mud from head to toe.” “Let’s put our heads together to solve this problem.” “I didn’t understand the lecture; it was over my head.” “He got so upset, he lost his head.” “Don’t let all the praise go to your head (make you conceited).” A problem or illness comes to a head when it turns into a crisis. If someone shouts, “Heads up” you should move or duck because a falling or thrown object is headed right for you. You might laugh your head off if you hear a very funny joke. Romeo and Juliet were head over heels in love. One side of a coin is the head (the side with the head); the other is the “tail.” 1 The meaning does lie in the “music.”

Here is another word pair that illustrates the importance of using the correct intonation or stress pattern.

The noun “protest” with the first syllable stressed and the word pronounced “PROtest” is the name of an action expressing opposition. The verb, “proTEST” with the second syllable stressed, the “oh” in the first syllable reduced to an unstressed “uh” and pronounced “pruhTEST,” means to say or do something to show your disagreement. Remember to pronounce the stressed syllable louder, longer and with a higher pitch which then falls if it is the final syllable in the word. 2 April 2009

Use context clues, dictionaries and special resources to learn idioms. Match the idioms with the meanings 4 ___Off the top of my head ___Eyes in the back of my head ___Head in the clouds ___Put their heads together a. knowing what is happening without seeing it b. daydreaming c. without thinking hard d. work with another person Suggested strategies to increase your word power this month: 1. Look and listen for various ways head is used in magazine articles and conversation.

2. Pronounce “protest” as a noun vs. a verb correctly in conversation.

3. Define and use these words in sentences: hydrostat, hydrophobia, hydroplane, hydroponics, hydropower, hydrate, hydrangea, hydrotherapy, hydrosphere.

(Answers NOT provided! Use a dictionary.)

4. Listen to conversations and check the newspapers for examples of all four idioms.

References and Notes:.

1 Longman Dictionary of American English, Pearson Education Limited, 2004, pp. 426-427.

2

MEEC (Mastering Effective English Communication): The Intonation Patterns of American English by Lorna Sikorski, LDS Associates, pg. 23.

3

Every Day Vocabulary by Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D., 1998: Doubleday Direct, Inc., Chapter 3: Get To the Root of the Matter, pp. 38-43.

4

The Idioms Workbook, 2nd Edition by Myra Shulman Auslin, Pro-Ed www.proedinc.com 2003, p.237.

Answers 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-e, 5d; 6-a, 7-e, 8-b, 9-c, 10-d.

Mastering Meaning

Get to the root of words3 A root is the stem or base form of many words. Learn just a few roots to unlock the meaning of many words. Match the root to the meaning: 1___graphy a. water 2___hydro b. follow 3___sequ c. writing 4___polit d. fire 5___pyro e. citizen Now match words to their definitions: 6__calligraphy a. fancy handwriting 7__dehydrate b. something following 8__sequel c. worldly 9__cosmopolitan d. producing heat 10__pyrogenic e. dry out

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

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ASTRIDE

CONTINENTS

3

By Chandan Sen Wealth is the Prelude to Art When I was a young boy in school, I painted, wrote short stories, and experimented with electricity and electronics. My activities were more like those of an artist than a scientist. I didn’t have to worry about money because dad was a good provider, and I didn’t have to worry about food, clothes, or anything else for that matter, because mom was an excellent housewife.

I painted for the sheer joy of painting, not from nature but from pictures in books and on calendars. My exuberance exceeded my talents and I was certainly no budding Picasso. But friends of the family admired my art and encouraged me to continue.

But once in adulthood, the necessity of earning money put a damper on my artistic efforts. True, I still wrote, and could dash off an essay in a jiffy, but painting took a backseat in my life.

In my childhood I had painted forests and mountains, trees, snowmen, castles and ships. Now in my late middle age those vivid colors of my paintings are still alive and I see them in my mind’s eye – the turquoises and aquamarines, the crimsons and purples, the golden browns and azure blues, and yes the midnight blacks and somber grays.

Wealth, said Will Durant, is the prelude to art, because food must come first, followed by shelter and clothing. Yet man does not live by bread alone and the proverbial starving writer or artist is more fact than fiction.

Art uplifts both the artist and the audience. Once, I listened to music, and then yearned to produce music myself. My efforts on the harmonica – my instrument of choice – delighted me more than I can say. Indeed, once a certain amount of earned money is assured, we can take heart from another of Will Durant’s sayings: When we have learned to reverence liberty as well as wealth, we too shall have our Renaissance.

Think Tanks An important emerging global trend is the rise to prominence of think tanks that profess to provide an expert opinion on all public policy matters ranging from trade, economics, weapons system purchases and the like. Examples of think tanks are Citizens for a Sound Economy (US) and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (India).

Think tanks started in the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century and were generally funded by independent organizations so that their reports and recommendations were bias-free. Indeed, this essentially Anglo-American requirement – that high credibility required independent funding – is not quite as prevalent in the think tanks of the developing countries, and countries in transition.

After the issue of funding comes the important one of scope. Should a think tank limit itself to a specific April 2009

sector or should it cover a spectrum of subjects? What about the geographical area covered? Should a think tank be nationally active or should it limit itself to regional issues? Often, the choice of scope once again is determined by the leanings of the stakeholders, be they funding agencies, think tank managers or researchers.

Next comes the question of staffing. One would expect PhDs to dominate the field but this is not necessarily so. Very specialized, albeit learned people, often produce too verbose or exclusive reports that busy policy makers find too tedious to read. A balance has to be struck between scholarship and readability, and here the person with a larger repertoire scores, because he paints with a broader brush, so to say.

Other issues that think tanks of the world face are questions of taxation and legality. Once again, the politically astute think tank manager who is also adaptable will survive where others may perish.

A final word on funding: it is prudent to have multiple revenue sources that have overlapping scopes of payment on a time scale, so that at least a minimum level of funding is assured for salaries and facilities maintenance. Indeed, many think tank researchers are forced to continue working as professors in universities because the think tank they belong to operates on a shoestring budget.

Three Pyramids As one journeys through life one tends to accumulate so much knowledge and experience that one learns to “chunk” information and wisdom under different rubrics which serve as a kind of entry-point to deeper levels of meaning.

The other day I told my son, who stays in Chapel Hill, to remember the food pyramid when he eats. Every honest school kid knows that carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vegetables and fruit are all essential to a balanced diet, so the “food pyramid” is a convenient, shorthand way of remembering this.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs constitutes the second pyramid on my list. Briefly, humankind must first have food, shelter and clothing. Once these basic needs have been met, there arise additional needs in the following order: safety and security needs, belongingness, recognition, and finally self-actualization. The last and ultimate need, self-actualization, is often placed first by great people like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, even before the lower level needs. But for ordinary folks, the other needs take precedence, in their respective order, before one thinks of self-actualization.

The final pyramid that I briefly want to touch upon is Bloom’s Taxonomy of Knowledge. When you “know” a subject, you first start with knowledge, then proceed to understanding, followed by application. After that you can synthesize new knowledge and finally comes the evaluation phase. For more information, folks, hit the books or go online. Happy hunting!

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Chandan Sen Contact: chandansen33@hotmail.com

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Healthwise

By Anjana Agarwal Energy Drinks and Alcohol are a Dangerous Mix Dr. Mary Claire O’Brien, associate professor in emergency medicine and public health sciences at Wake Forest, is one of the researchers who has identified energy drinks, multibillion dollar industry in the United States, as a surprising new predictor for risky behavior among teens and young adults. Dr O’Brien surveyed more than 4,000 students at 10 NC colleges for a study that was published in Academic Emergency Medicine in May 2008.

The survey found that students who mix energy drinks and alcohol get drunk twice as often as those who consume only alcohol, are twice as likely to ride in a car with a driver who is drunk, and are more likely to show aggressive behavior. They are also more likely to be injured or require medical treatment while drinking.

Super-caffeinated energy drinks, with names like Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle and Amp, have surged in popularity in past decade. About third of 12 to 24 year olds say they regularly consume energy drinks.

Around the country, these drinks have been linked with reports of nausea, abnormal heart rhythms and emergency room visits.

In Florida last year, a 16-year-old Lake Worth High School honor roll student died after a party where she consumed alcohol mixed with high caffeine drinks.

In March 2008, four middle school students in Broward County, Fla., went to the emergency room with heart palpitations and sweating after drinking the energy beverage Redline, a combination fat-burning and energy enhancement drink marketed as a “freaky scientific” breakthrough on the Website of the company that makes it.

In Colorado Springs several high school students became ill a couple of years ago after drinking Spike Shooter, a high caffeine drink, prompting the principal to ban the beverages.

The addition of caffeine – a central nervous system stimulant - to alcohol makes drinkers feel less drunk, but motor coordination and visual reaction time are just as impaired as when they drink alcohol by itself.

By mixing the two the drinker is an “awake drunk,” because caffeine keeps you awake. But the caffeine wears off faster than alcohol, so when one comes down from the high caffeine the blood may now has extreme levels of consumed alcohol.

In March 2008 the Journal of American College Health published a report on the link between energy drinks, athletic and risky behavior.

The study’s author, Kathleen miller, as addiction researcher at the University of Buffalo, says it suggests that high consumption of energy drinks is associated with “toxic jock behavior,” a constellation of risky and aggressive behaviors including substance April 2009

abuse, unprotected sex and violence.

The finding doesn’t mean the drinks cause bad behavior. But the data suggest tat regular consumption of energy drinks may be a red flag for parents that their children are more likely to take risks with their health and safety.

The American Beverage Association says its members don’t market energy drinks to teenagers. “The intended audience is adults,” said Craig Stevens, spokesman. Dr O’Brien states these drinks are absolutely marketed toward youth, these are marketed in such a way that teens think its a cool thing to do, before or during the game or study.

The caffeine content varies in each beverage. A 12ounce serving of Amp contains 107 mg of caffeine, Monster has 120 mg. Red Bull has 116 mg, compared with 34-38 mg for the same amount of Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Tea and coffee also have caffeine, but energy drinks are served cold, and may be consumed in larger amounts and more quickly than hot drinks.

Everyone should drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, instead of guzzling energy drinks.

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 Nutrition (Adult & Pediatric) www.carolinanutrition.com

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10 fresh curry leaves (optional) 1 medium shallot, peeled and minced 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced 1 cloved garlic, crushed 2 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and minced 1 green chili, minced ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp garam masala 1 cup heavy cream 2 tbsp cilantro, minced ½-1 tsp salt and black pepper

Recipes and more This month we feature various sauces.

Mushroom Sauce This mushroom sauce works with bean dishes and pasta, and can be thickened for mushroom gravy.

Method: Place 1 tsp cumin seeds in small pan and heat over medium-high heat for a few minutes, until they darken and smell roasted. Grind and set aside. Heat oil in large pan over medium-high heat. Add remaining ½ tsp cumin seeds and cook for 10 seconds, then add curry and shallot.

Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then add ginger and garlic, cook 10 seconds, add tomatoes, chili, cayenne, the roasted/ground cumin, and garam masala. Stir for 1 minute, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add cream, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Yields 3 cups.

Ingredients: 3 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp flour 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp salt and Black pepper ½ c dry white wine 3 tbsp soy sauce ¼ cup nutritional yeast ¼ cup milk or soy milk Method: Whisk together vegetable stock and flour until dissolved. Set aside. Heat oil, add onions and garlic, and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add soy sauce and vegetable broth; bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Whisk in nutritional yeast until it dissolves, then whisk in milk for a minute. Let cool slightly before serving. Yields about 4 cups.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto This is a variation on a classic Italian sauce: basil pesto mixed with the interesting flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with pasta Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil, packed 3-5 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup chopped pine nuts or walnuts ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 5-6 tbsp olive oil 6 oz oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Ingredients: 1½ tsp cumin seeds 2 T peanut or canola oil April 2009

Ingredients: ¼ cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp sugar Salt and Pepper Hot sauce (optional) Method: Place all ingredients in the blender or food processor and purée until completely combined and smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and let sit for an hour or so, to give the flavors a chance to mix. Yields about a 1/4 cup.

Peanut Sauce This sauce is excellent over fried tofu or tempeh.

Method: In a blender, put everything but the olive oil in and process until finely chopped. Stir in the olive oil and serve. If you don’t have a blender, chop the basil until it is dark green, pasty, and no longer resembles basil (about 5 minutes). Mix chopped basil with the other ingredients and serve. Yields 2 cups.

Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce This spicy tomato cream sauce is an Indian recipe that goes wonderfully with warm breads, rice, or pasta.

Red Pepper Coulis A coulis is a puréed sauce. Try this roasted red pepper coulis with soup, pasta, or tortilla chips.

Ingredients: ½ cup peanut butter 2 tsp light brown sugar ¼ cup brown rice vinegar 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, chives, or scallions 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp chili oil, chili powder, or paprika ¼ - ½ cup warm water Method: Over medium-low heat, whisk together everything but the water. Add ¼ cup water and taste. Adjust seasonings, then gradually whisk in more water until desired consistency. Serve. The peanut sauce thickens as it cools off, so you may need to add more water if you don’t serve it right away. Yields 1 cup.

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The Stock Tickers

involved, it seemed like Land was King. But the times certainly have changed with the bust in the markets and overall economy. Developers have abandoned ambitions plans, major projects and the rents for many properties with vibrant Mumbai have dropped by nearly 25 percent. In some suburbs, the plunges are nearly 30 - 35 percent. Nearly 130 flats in the Hirandanai Complex, located in Powai, remain vacant and isolated after Lehman Brothers failed late last

By Rajesh Ganatra year. Overall, the amount of flats available for lease within many suburbs of Mumbai is nearly double of Here are some important quotes as of 03/20/2009 last year. For those courageous investors who are willing to take a long-term horizon and venture in, it cerMumbai (Bombay) Sensex: 8,942.50 tainly is a buyer’s market.

Karachi, Pakistan KSE-100 Index: 6,323.89 Dow Jones Industrial Average (USA): 7,227.34 The Pakistani economy, currency and equity market NASDAQ Composite (USA): 1,447.69 continued to encounter significant turbulence throughS & P 500 Index (USA): 778.77 out early 2009. Due to the increasing violence and unrest in the country, investors shied away from Currency Exchange Rates: Indian Rs. 50.88 = $1.00, investing there. Compounding the tense situation was Pakistani Rs. 80.25 = $1.00 the fall of the Swat valley to elements of the Taliban during mid-February 2009 after a lengthy battle with Gold Price: $873 / ounce (Mumbai) Silver Price: $12.96 / ounce (Mumbai) the Pakistani Army. The Karachi KSE-100 index had dipped below 5,000 during late January 2009 and sub(Note —- Mumbai prices quoted in U.S. dollars were calculated using the above exchange rate and the metric factor sequently made a 15 percent recovery to the 5,750 of 28.6 grams equals 1 ounce. Generally speaking, there are level. The Pakistani Rupee remained fairly steady at slight variances in prices of precious metals between India 80 to the U.S. Dollar. In mid-March 2009, many court & U.S.A. due to market conditions / exchange rates). justices that had been “sacked” by the Musharraf The Sensex had a very difficult 2008 and there were administration during November 2007 were restored hopes that a new year would bring new fortunes. The to the bench and this was viewed as a major step in first few trading days brought a glimmer of hope, the right direction for democracy in Pakistan. As a however, on January 7, the Satyam scandal broke and result of this development, the Karachi KSE-100 index even though some may say that it is just one compa- enjoyed a smart rebound to the 6,100 level. However, ny, it was a very important one in a key sector and the the current civilian Government is still quite fragile, fiasco roiled the markets and shook confidence to the and the situation in Pakistan is far from tranquil. core. The Sensex flirted with the 10,000s shortly after The U. S. equity markets and economy continued to the New Year confetti was mopped away, but took a face serious headwinds as the first quarter of 2009 sharp plunge on the Satyam news - the index dipped developed - the economy lost a substantial amount of to the 8600s within two weeks of the scandal break- “non-farm” jobs in January and February 2009. The ing. The Sensex did try to consolidate and stage a stock market continued its dramatic decline and the couple of mild rallies into the 9000s, but the bears did Dow Jones Industrial average dipped down into the not let go of their grip and the index fell right back 6400s during the first week of March 2009. Several down. As of the time of writing this article, the index big money-center banks cut their dividends substanwas trading in the 8800 level so essentially, no upward tially, and they joined Bank of America (NYSE-BAC) progress has been made within the last two months. and Citigroup (NYSE-C) in the single-digit club.

During mid-March 2009, the Obama administration However, there was some economic data which gave approval for a $2.1 billion to Boeing to supply showed mild “signs of life” - i.e. the construction of eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India and this new homes and apartment complexes in February transaction represents the largest US arms sale to 2009 and surprisingly, consumer confidence ticked up India. A special license will be needed by Boeing to a bit in March. complete the deal, and the U.S State Department This generated a strong rally during the second informed Congress that it would do the needful. The week of March in which the major indices gained nearP-8I is derived from the Boeing 737-800 and it is very ly 10 percent and the financial sector was the primary similar to the P-8A Poseidon, which is being developed beneficiary of the sharp up-move. However, all rallies for the US Navy. The Boeing transaction is a little more in bear markets beg the same question - was this rally than double a recent $1 billion transaction involving for real or is it just a teaser? A key statistic: it was Lockheed, which sold six C-130J Super Hercules mili- estimated that slightly more than half of the rally was tary transport planes to the Indian Air Force (IAF). due to short covering: short-sellers on stock prices During 2007-2008, when the Sensex was touching falling, so they borrow stocks and immediately sell new peaks every so often, so was Real Estate. them. The stock they have borrowed will eventually Property values in the capital city Delhi and Mumbai have to be repaid, so the shorters hope to “buy-back” ballooned beyond belief and with the interest in India (cover their short position) at a lower price than what piqued by Investors, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who they sold at, and thereby pocket the difference as wanted to buy a property in India, RNRIs (Reverse profits. When a rally is driven by short-covering, it NRIs) who were returning home to India and needed often doesn’t last too long. So the key will be to keep to buy a new abode, developers and speculators all continued on page 110 April 2009

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cower and fall away. If you meet a real, urgent need, demand for your services will continue among surviving businesses. Widen your net via online marketing to serve a global audience.

But don’t stop fishing!

Marketing Turnaround

Gail Z. Martin

Prepare now for pent-up demand

owns DreamSpinner Communications.

Contact her at dreamspinnercommunications@earthlink.net

By Gail Martin While everyone is watching the bouncing ball of the Dow Jones index, the majority of people are missing an important fact. After lean times comes a spurt of spending due to pent-up demand.

People are paying off debt and watching pennies now, and that’s an appropriate response. But once indicators start looking up, the companies and individuals who have put off essential purchases are going to start buying again. They may not start splurging on luxuries, but the things that are difficult to live without or do business without.

Are you getting ready?

Position yourself now while it’s slow and you have breathing room. Use this time to rethink, rebundle, and repackage your services and products. We already know that 2009 will be a banner year for start-up companies as big corporations have shed qualified, educated, proficient people by the hundreds of thousands. Many of those folks will decide life is better in the wild than on the game preserve, and they will need the tools to survive. If you offer coaching, consulting and professional services, they need you in bite-sized pieces to get off to a good start.

Once the dust settles, existing companies are going to realize that the firms that survive are the ones that keep moving forward. You can’t grind to a halt and expect to make it. They will continue to need professional services, work-related products and expertise in order to compete in a new, leaner environment.

Consumers also will continue to need essential goods and services with a few affordable luxuries thrown in from time to time. If you can offer a bargain and good value, they will respond.

And here’s another thing to think about—the exodus of corporate talent into the small business pool is a great gain for those of us already in business for ourselves. We get access to corporate-trained experts who were previously out of our reach, people whom we couldn’t afford to hire full time but who we can afford piecemeal. As they become consultants, coaches and small business owners, we can now “rent” them and reap the benefit. This is a huge source of new ideas, best practices, and fresh approaches. So ride the wave!

The best way we can help our neighbors and our communities out of this slump is to keep moving forward, making cautious investments toward the future, knowing that the upturn is the next natural part of the cycle.

Marketing is one your best investments of time, effort and a little cash right now. That’s because marketing keeps your name visible as your competitors April 2009

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and so inclined, you may consider getting a part-time job doing something that interests you. The money you make can replace the income you would otherwise take from your retirement accounts – but be conscious of how much you earn as it may trigger a decrease in your social security benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age in 2008 and you opt to work, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $13,560. When you reach full retirement age, your benefit will be increased.

Personal Finance

By Narendra Dixit

Rattled Retirees Cope with a Roller Coaster Market When the AARP conducted a nationwide phone survey in October 2008, asking working Americans aged 45 and older how the turbulent U.S. economy is affecting them personally, 65 percent said they will have to delay retirement and work longer to compensate for losses. That’s grim news for a populace eager to reap the rewards for decades of keeping their nose to the grindstone. And, it’s just one more bit of proof that we are facing serious times filled with serious financial challenges.

Unfortunately, retired people and those within arm’s reach of their Golden Years are experiencing a perfect storm: fuel prices have been at record highs, driving the price of everything from gas to eggs through the roof. Investment earnings are also down… way down.

We’ve been financing a war, picking up the pieces from natural disasters both here and abroad, watching the housing market disintegrate, and facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Dualincome, working households are struggling, but quite probably those hit hardest are the Americans trying to get by on fixed incomes that simply do not stretch as far. For the first time in a long time, Americans are rethinking their relationship with money.

Uncertain Times According to the Employment Benefit Research Institute’s 2008 Annual Retirement Confidence Survey, only 29 percent of Americans believe they’ll have a financially secure retirement, down 12 percentage points from 2007 – the largest drop since the survey began 18 years ago. Healthcare cost concerns and declining home values weigh heavily into this perception. As Americans have become almost solely responsible for their own financial independence in the absence of pension plans, and with many retirees’ money linked to Wall Street in one way or another, wild 700-point market swings are not for the meek.

Reality Check So, what can you do if you’re at or near retirement age? For starters, you can rethink when you retire.

Delaying retirement by a few years, or even just one year, may help you save more and offset market losses. It may not be what any soon-to-retire worker wants to hear, but keeping your job for a while longer is probably the best way to add new money into your retirement savings.

Consider holding off on retirement account withdrawals as long as possible. The longer you can let them work (and hopefully grow), the better off you’ll be. If you have already retired but are able-bodied April 2009

Making Savings Last Experts usually suggest retirees withdraw four percent of their investment savings in the first year of retirement and then increase it each year to account for inflation. This model gives reasonable assurance – though no guarantees – that a person’s nest egg should last 30 years or more. The four percent strategy is also an effective way to ensure that a big market hiccup during the early years of retirement will not be impossible to overcome.

For those currently living on a fixed income, there are two other savings-preservation options to consider. First, withdrawals can be decreased to even less than four percent, assuming the retiree can still survive at the reduced income level. Second, withdrawals can stay level for a few years rather than being adjusted for inflation. Both options help the retiree withdraw less and keep more money in play to potentially capitalize on future market returns.

Annuities Can Offer a Port in the Storm If an annuity contract has been part of your overall financial strategy, you may be in better shape than most since one of the strongest selling points of annuities are their guarantees. Depending on the type of annuity you hold, it may have a guaranteed income benefit and/or a guaranteed withdrawal benefit, in which case your payments would remain level regardless of market swings. That’s because annuity guaranteed annual payments are based on the amount of money used to fund the initial account balance, which can go up if the market performs well, but which cannot decrease due to poor market performance. In volatile times, annuities can provide a reliable income stream no matter what’s going on around them.

It’s important to note that annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes.

In essence, annuities are contractual agreements in which payment(s) are made to an insurance company, which agrees to pay out an income or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are contract limitations, fees and charges associated with annuities which include, but are not limited to, mortality and expense risk charges, sales and surrender charges, administrative fees and charges for optional benefits. A financial professional can provide cost information and comcontinued on page 110 Narendra Dixit offers securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (member NASD, SIPC) and offers annuity and insurance products through an insurance general agency affiliate, AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. 704-540-1509

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Immigration Matters Layoffs Around the Corner (or Behind the Bend)?

Immigration Concerns from an H-1B Employee’s Perspective

By Emily Sumner, Challa Law Offices In today’s turbulent economy, layoffs are increasingly common. This clearly causes tremendous stress for the laid-off employee: aside from the loss of the job itself, the person affected much search for new work, re-arrange finances to make ends meet while he or she is out of work, arrange for health insurance coverage, etc. However when the person laid-off is a foreign national, he or she must deal with another layer of issues, namely, maintaining valid non-immigrant status. The following questions outline some of the most common issues for laid-off H-1B employees. For simplicity’s sake, we will use questions from Sam, a fictional H-1B employee who has recently been laidoff.

Sam’s Question: Isn’t there a 30-day grace period in which I can file a change of status request, or in which a new employer can file a new H-1B petition on my behalf so that I maintain status?

Challa Law Answer: There is no official grace period.

Technically speaking, an H-1B employee is no longer in valid status starting immediately when he or she is terminated. In practice, if you file a change of status request, or a new H-1B petition relatively soon after the termination of employment, USCIS frequently approves the change of status or H-1B transfer/extension request. However, USCIS does not have to approve such request if you are not in valid status at the time of filing. Remember, if you are not currently in valid non-immigrant status, there is no guarantee that the change of status will be approved.

Sam’s Question: How does USCIS know that I have been laid-off when I file a change of status or a new H-1B petition?

Challa Law Answer: When you file a change of status or extension (H-1B or otherwise), you should always include a copy of your most recent pay stubs to show that you are still in valid H-1B status. If you do not include them, USCIS will likely issue a request for evidence asking for the copies of the pay stubs. If you do not or cannot provide them, USCIS would then determine that you are no longer in valid status.

Sam’s Question: Once I have been laid-off from my job, can I change employers? How soon after the termination do I have to file the new H-1B petition?

Challa Law Answer: See the response to question one April 2009

above. Further, in this instance, USCIS may approve the H-1B petition itself, but not the H-1B transfer or extension part of the request. In that case, the USCIS approval notice would not have the I-94 card at the bottom of the approval notice. You would need to leave the US and re-enter to obtain the I-94 card. If your H-1B visa stamp in your passport is still valid (even if it is for a different employer), you would not have to have the visa re-stamped.

Sam’s Question: I don’t have immediate employment opportunities in the US, but I know I don’t want to return to my home country right now. Can’t I just stay in the US for a while until I figure out what to do next?

Challa Law Answer: Your H-1B status terminates as of the date the employment is stopped. Further, if you are unlawfully present in the US for more than 180 days, you would then face a three year bar to re-enter the US. If you accrue one year or more of unlawful presence, you would face a ten-year bar to re-enter the US. Moreover, if you overstay your period of authorized stay, your visa is void and you must return to your home country to obtain a new visa.

Sam’s Question: I want to change status now to visitor’s status (B) or to H-4 (because my spouse is in valid H-1B status) to maintain valid non-immigrant status. Then when I find a new job in a few months, can I go right back to H-1B status? Will I be subject to the H-1B cap?

Challa Law Answer: Yes, this is a viable strategy. You probably will not be counted against the H-1B when you file the new petition. If you have been counted against the cap in the past six years, you would not be counted against the cap again. If you were counted against the H-1B cap more than six years ago, or if you were working for a cap-exempt employer and now want to work for a cap-subject employer, you would be subject to the H-1B cap.

Conclusion These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding H-1B status following termination of employment from the H-1B employee’s perspective.

Every situation is unique, and it is critical to meet with an experienced immigration attorney who can create the best strategy for your situation.

Contact Lakshmi Challa at 804.360.8482 info@challalaw.com www.challalaw.com Extending H-1B Status Beyond the Six-Year Limitation Period

By Udai V. Singh Established by the Immigration Act of 1990, the H1B visa category allows U.S. employers to augment the existing labor force with highly skilled temporary

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workers, who are admitted to the United States for an initial period of three years and extendable for an additional three years. Typical H-1B occupations include architects, engineers, computer programmers, accountants, doctors and college professors.

Congress has limited the number of H-1B requests that USCIS may approve at 65,000 for fiscal year 2010, i.e. from October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. H-1B extensions or modifications, or persons working for cap-exempt employers like institutions of higher education, or nonprofit research organizations are not counted against the 65,000 cap.

However, the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) and related legislation, regulations and memos have provided that H-1B aliens for whom permanent immigration process is underway may extend their H-1B status in the United States beyond the sixth year in certain circumstances.

USCIS’ Vermont Service Center noted that only one of the following conditions need to be met as of the date of filing of the H-1B extension request: 1) 365 or more days have passed since the filing of any application for labor certification; and, the labor certification, if approved, has not been revoked, is unexpired, or has been timely filed with an EB petition within the labor certification’s validity period; or 2) 365 or more days have passed since the filing of an Employment based immigrant petition that is still pending; or 3) The alien is the beneficiary of an approved Employment based immigrant petition and is not able to file an adjustment of status application or, if such application has already been filed, is unable to adjust status due to the unavailability of an immigrant visa number.

With respect to the first two conditions, the VSC has confirmed eligibility for an extension beyond the 6th year as long as one of these criteria are met prior to the alien’s requested start date, regardless of whether the H-1B extension application is filed prior to the passage of such period of time. For an alien who has already reached the six-year maximum, they are eligible to extend H-1B status beyond the six-year “cap” if the labor certification application or I-140 petition has been pending for at least 365 days prior to the alien’s requested start date on the petition.

If an employee has H-1B time remaining under the regulatory six-year limitation period, the employer may file an H-1B extension petition requesting the amount of H-1B time remaining, plus a one-year extension pursuant to AC21 §106. USCIS will first make a determination on the amount of time that may be granted to reach the six-year limitation of stay, then make a determination as to whether a labor certification application or I-140 petition will have been pending at least 365 days at the conclusion of the initial six-year limitation period. The one-year extension will be granted provided that: 1) A labor certification is unexpired at the time of filing the extension petition, and 2) The labor certification or the I-140 petition was filed at least 365 days prior to the date the alien will exhaust 6 years of H-1B status pursuant to 8 CFR § 214(g)(4); and 3) The extension petition is otherwise approvable.

April 2009

Vermont Service Center has confirmed that aliens remain eligible for a three-year H-1B extension beyond the 6th year pursuant to AC21 section 104 as long as the alien is the beneficiary of an approved I140 petition and is ineligible to adjust status or apply for an immigrant visa abroad because no visa numbers are available at the time the H-1B extension petition is filed. If the priority date becomes current while the extension petition is pending, the beneficiary should still be eligible for a three-year extension of H1B status.

Question for USCIS: Confirm that the 10 day stay authorized prior to commencement of H-1 authorization and the 10 days of stay permitted after expiration of an H-1 petition are not counted towards the calculation of six years of presence in the United States in H-1 classification. Our understanding is that this is not actual H-1 stay authorized through an approved petition, but an administrative accommodation to the needs of individuals who are traveling in and out of the United States. Is this consistent with VSC’s understanding?

Answer: When calculating the six-year limitation, VSC takes into consideration all time in which the beneficiary was physically present in the United States in H status. This includes any time within the 10 days preceding the original beginning validity date granted

by CIS in which CBP may have admitted the beneficiary as an H-1 under 214.2(h)(13)(i). VSC will only grant to the end of the six-year period, although we recognize that CBP may admit the beneficiary for an additional 10 days beyond our validity date pursuant to 214.2(h)(13)(i).

Courtesy: American Immigration Lawyers Association

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Dog Tags Unite People Touched by Diabetes (ARA) - Nick Jonas, the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers, knows first hand that being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is life changing. He also knows, however, that a diabetes diagnosis does not necessarily need to be life restricting. Through carefully monitoring his diet, exercise and blood sugar levels, Nick has been able to simplify life with diabetes while also achieving his dreams.

Nick, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13, is passionate about sharing his personal experiences with diabetes because he knows so many young people, like him, can feel alone when diagnosed with the disease.

As one way of sharing his story, Nick has teamed up with Bayer Diabetes Care to provide young people and their families with the motivation and support they need to help simplify life with diabetes. Bayer and Nick share a common goal of helping people with diabetes simplify their lives by achieving “Simple Wins:” small, everyday victories for managing the disease that can lead to big differences over time. For Nick, a Simple Win is about making other kids with diabetes feel like they can live their dreams.

As part of their latest effort, Nick and Bayer have created limited edition dog tags — modeled after the one Nick wears — to be worn as a symbol of hope and solidarity to unite anyone whose life is touched by diabetes. Two versions of the dog tags are available: one for people who would like to support the cause and another specifically as a medical alert in case of emergency for people with diabetes. Both dog tags feature a lyric from “A Little Bit Longer,” the song Nick wrote about his diabetes.

The dog tags can be purchased at NicksSimpleWins.com, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit the Jonas Brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation, which provides support to programs that motivate and inspire children to face adversity with confidence, determination and a will to succeed.

Nick hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness for the disease among all kids and teens, and he is passionate about helping kids like him with diabetes find ways to manage the disease so they can make their own dreams come true.

For Nick, the following four steps are crucial in helping maintain control of his disease: • Staying educated. Knowing all you can about your diabetes will help you manage it properly. It is important to read, talk with your family and ask questions. Education empowers a young person April 2009

struggling with the disease to feel more comfortable with the disease’s daily challenges. People with diabetes are unable to produce or properly use insulin in their bodies. Insulin is the hormone that converts sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed to live. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 150,000 people younger than 18 have diabetes.

• Carefully monitoring his blood sugar levels. Nick uses the Bayer Contour meter to test how much glucose or sugar is in his blood so he can determine how much insulin he needs and how his treatment regimen is working.

• Careful monitoring of his insulin dosage to make sure that it is adjusted according to his blood sugar levels.

• Careful monitoring of his diet and exercise regimen.

Nick is mindful of making healthy food choices — particularly with carbohydrates — and he makes sure to balance his food intake with his daily activity and insulin levels. Nick also makes sure to exercise, which helps the body use sugars from food more efficiently, and it helps the body respond to insulin better (whether it is insulin made by the body or injected into the body). In fact, exercise is healthy for everyone, even if they don’t have diabetes.

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The Cricket Forum

By Rajesh Ganatra Cricket in Pakistan - does it have a future?

Recently, Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for a pair of Tests and several ODIs. The first Test was played in peace, however, on the 3rd day of the 2nd Test at Lahore, tragedy struck. As the Sri Lankan team was heading towards Gaddafi stadium for the match, terrorists attacked their bus and several members of the team were injured - luckily, none of the team members lost their lives and the injuries were not life-threatening.

Eight Pakistani policemen were not so lucky - they lost their lives in the line of duty trying to protect the cricketers.

Pakistan has experienced escalating violence over the past 18 months, especially after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during late December 2007. However, cricket had never been targeted by terrorists, until this dastardly act. This terror attack shook the cricket world and Pakistani cricket has and will continue to be tarnished by this attack. After the 11/26 tragedy in Mumbai, the Indian team elected not to visit Pakistan during January 2009-February 2009. However, the Sri Lankan team still decided to go ahead with their tour due to promises of a strong security detail - however, the “security” provided had gaping holes in it and the terrorists did not hesitate to exploit the gaps.

Pakistanis have a strong love and passion of Cricket and despite the country’s fragile condition cricket had been a bridge to thaw relations with neighboring India beginning spring of 2004. The cricket world fondly remembers the Indian team’s tour to many venues in Pakistan and the cricketers and fans were greeted with friendship, hospitality and wonderful matches - the ODIs were especially high scoring and both sides played extremely well. Soon after India visited Pakistan, the Pakistanis visited India for a series in which the signs of friendship emerged even more.

Trade along the Wagah border crossing, the only land crossing between the two nations, blossomed after the cricket exchange.

On a side note, Pakistan’s financial markets started to perform extremely well during Spring of 2004 as well - the rallies continued into 2005, 2006, 2007 and early 2008 as well and it seemed like Pakistan was coming along very well in terms of developing itself.

However, the violence and unrest gradually expanded from the tribal areas near the Afghanistan border and enveloped many areas of the country, heading progressively east. Many innocent people lost their lives when they simply went to the neighborhood Masjid to offer prayers - suicide bombers did not spare those holy sites. Recently, the Swat Valley (which was a major tourist attraction and was labeled Switzerland in Pakistan) fell to various elements of the Taliban during February 2009.

April 2009

Then came an attack on cricket, the game that has always bonded nations together irrespective of political events, border disputes and other disagreements. New Zealand and Australia are two other nations who have declared that they will not tour Pakistan due to safety concerns. After the attack, New Zealand and Australia also declared that they would not visit Pakistan for cricket.

The ICC Champions Trophy is a biennial (played every two years) ODI tournament played among eight nations. India last hosted this tournament in 2006 so naturally, the next one was slated for 2008 and Pakistan was going to host it. With the escalating violence in Pakistan and hesitation of several nations to tour Pakistan, the tournament was delayed to 2Q2009, with Pakistan still being the host and giving a chance for stability to set in. However, the Lahore attack cost Pakistan the hosting rights - it was decided that the tournament would be moved to South Africa and be played during October 2009.

With the loss of the 2009 ICC Champions trophy, the next question that arises is the 2011 World Cup, which is currently scheduled to be a “joint hosting” by four nations: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The Pakistani venues and dates are currently under review and those matches may be shifted to India.

It took a long time for the sun to rise on Pakistani cricket, however, nightfall came in one fell swoop.

When will Pakistani cricket see the light of day again?

No telling but right now, it seems like an awfully long night.

Future action Australia visits South Africa April 3, 2009 - 1st ODI @ Durban April 5, 2009 - 2nd ODI @ Centurion April 9, 2009 - 3rd ODI @ Cape Town April 13, 2009 - 4th ODI @ Port Elizabeth April 17, 2009 - 5th ODI @ Johannesburg June 2009 - ICC World Twenty20 Tournament June 2009 - July 2009 - India visits West Indies June 2009 - September 2009 - Australia visits England Cricket schedule is courtesy www.cricinfo.com Note that the aforesaid schedule is subject to change due to acts of nature, political issues, etc.

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

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One Planet Spring is In the Air: Time to Celebrate Our Earth

By Olga Han This is the fourth and final installment of our Earth Day series. I hope I’ve succeeded in spreading the message that by making efforts to save the environment, we not only save our beautiful Earth, but we also save money and energy.

For those of you who have taken even one step toward going green, know that you’ve made a difference. If even one other person in each of your lives catches on to what you’ve been doing— whether it’s cutting back on plastic use or recycling materials by donating them or (like me) not using paper products—that’s twice the amount of people we started with who are making an effort toward saving the environment.

Earth Day 2009 is just around the corner. It arrives on April 22. As this day of awareness comes upon us, we should not only continue our efforts, but why not take the opportunity to celebrate our efforts as well?

Spring is in the air; we’ve already set our clocks forward. Let’s also look toward to a day of festivity.

Here’s a possible invitation.

Come Celebrate the Earth with Us! Date: April 22, 2009 Time: All day!

Place: Our House Theme: The beauty of our Earth.

I know this may be a little over-the-top, but why not have an Earth Day party? April is a month full of observances. It’s springtime. Kids are on spring break.

There’s April Fool’s Day, Take Your Daughter or Son to Work Day, Easter, Sri Rama Navami, Passover, Income Tax Day, the abolishment of slavery in DC on the 16th, Keep America Beautiful month, and of course Earth Day, among many more special days. So why not have a celebration?

There are so many creative (and green) ways to make an Earth Day gathering a day of friendship, collaboration and fun. Start out with invitations—have the kids help out by decorating one of those bags you have stuffed in the pantry closet (paper or plastic). Let your guests know that they should come to your party with that bag/invitation filled with items that can be recycled: old clothes and toys can be donated to charApril 2009

ity or books and computer/office supplies to the local library or school.

So now that you have your invitations, decide on party decorations, activities and favors.

Decorate the house and the yard with fruits and vegetables, flowers from the yard. Wrap those plastic takeout containers in the cabinet and turn them into utensil holders.

Set up an activity table for friends. Start saving toilet tissue and paper towel rolls. These can be turned into really pretty flower vases. Or make a Savaran from Sri Lanka. Dancers shake Savarans to the beat of a drum. Make a drum by using old coffee containers.

When you’re done, you’ll have your very own musical dance party, too! Check out www.makingfriends.com for more craft ideas.

Another thing you and your guests can do, not just for the sake of your party, but also for the greater good of your family and for the Earth, is to plant flowers, trees, or a vegetable garden. There’s nothing more tantalizing than a fresh ripe tomato or a sweet succulent strawberry taken from your own yard. I’m not a great cook, but people are always in awe of the fresh picked herbs and vegetables I use in my dishes.

Freshness can really make even a mediocre dish come to life!

Whether you actually have your own Earth Day Celebration or not, there are activities that you can do that will continue to help our environment.

I’ve always had large dogs in my family. One sunny, breezy day, I took my Akitas to the park. They were in the midst of shedding their undercoats, and some of that fur was jutting through their top layer of hair. This soft, thick cottony undercoat was then caught in the wind and flew across the park. Just then, almost on cue, several birds came swooping down, picking up the fur and away they went back to their nests.

Whether it’s your pet’s fur, hair from your own brush, feathers from your comforters, dried grass, or pieces of string lying around the house, these are all items that our feathered friends can use toward building their nests. You can leave them outside, hanging from a tree or, like my breezy day in the park, let them get caught in the wind.

And going back to the party theme of filling the bags, you can do this on your own. Think of it as motivation for spring-cleaning, too. Just this past week, I finally got around to cleaning out all the clothing closets. It was a chore to get started, but by the time I was done, nine large bags of clothing and shoes for kids and adults, as well as two boxes of children’s videos and books, went to the Good Will. There was actually space for things, I’ll get a tax deduction for the donation, and I feel really good that other people will be able to use the items that my kids outgrew so quickly.

April 22 is Earth Day. Let’s not only acknowledge it then, but make our efforts a way of life. Every day, most of us get up with the sense to give their all to their families, put in their time and energies to their jobs. So many actions we take are second nature to us, such as locking the doors, turning off the lights, grabbing our wallets and cell phones, kissing the kids.

Let’s make saving the Earth second nature today, tomorrow, and every day.

Saathee 70

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The Art Of Living Are You Happy?

By HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

a reality, then silence dawns and the transformation happens. That is enlightenment. It is a personal experience.

God is also a very personal experience. It is something akin to pain. If you have a pain in your leg, can you prove it to anybody? Can you show your pain to anybody?

Much the same way, the opening of infinite consciousness is also a personal experience. The basic substratum of creation — you may call it God or any other name — opens up to us more and more as we get rid of the stresses and start living in the present moment. And then dawns surrender.

Surrender is not an act. One cannot “try” to surrender. Most often, one keeps wondering as to how to surrender. And this struggle blocks one from being “in” surrender. Surrendering is in your nature. Just like it is a child’s nature to love toys, candies, and ice creams.

How can one find his true guru? Just be open and keep learning, and when your learning is complete, it becomes obvious. When you’re on the path, don’t worry about the guru. First look at your own life, your own self. Have trust in yourself. And as knowledge unfolds, you’ll find that there is suddenly a lot of gratitude in you towards somebody and then you can accept him as a master.

What is your commitment in life? You may say you are committed to happiness.

Every living creature wants to be happy. Whether it is money, power or sex, you get into it for the sake of happiness. Some people even enjoy misery because it gives them happiness!

To be happy, we seek something. But despite getting it, we are not happy. A school-going boy may think that if he goes to college, he will be more independent, free and therefore happy. If you ask a college-going boy whether he is happy, he feels that if he gets a job, he will be happy.

Talk to somebody who is settled in their job or business, you already know what he will say! He is waiting to get a perfect soul mate, to be happy. He gets a soul mate, but he now wants a kid to be happy. Ask Live in the moment those who have children if they are happy. How can Life is 80 percent joy and 20 percent misery. But we they relax until the children have grown up and have hold on to the 20 percent and make it 200 percent! It had a good education and are on their own? Ask those is not a conscious act, it just happens. Living in the who are retired, are they happy? They long for the moment with joy, alertness, awareness and compasdays when they were younger. sion is enlightenment. Being like a child is enlightenAll of one’s life is spent in preparing to be happy ment. It is being free from within, feeling at home REPORTED BENEFITS someday in the future. It’s like making a bed all night, with everybody, without barriers. but having no time to sleep.

Don’t judge and don’t worry about what others think How may minutes, hours and days have we spent of you. Whatever they think, it is not permanent. Your our lives being happy from within? Those are the only own opinion about things and people keeps changing moments you have really lived life. Those were per- all the time. So why worry about what others think haps the days when you were a small kid, completely about you. Worrying takes a lot of toll on the body, blissful and happy or a few moments when you were mind, intellect and alertness. It is like an obstruction surfing, swimming or sailing or on a mountain top, liv- that takes us far away from ourselves. It brings us ing in the present and enjoying it. fear. Fear is nothing but lack of love. It is an intense There are two ways of looking at life. One is think- sense of isolation. ing that, “I’ll be happy after achieving a certain objecThis can be handled by relaxing and doing some tive.” The second is saying that “I am happy come breathing exercises. Then you will realize that, “I am what may!” Which way do you want to live? loved, I am part of everybody and I am part of the

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whole Universe.” This will liberate you and the mind Seeking a guru will take a complete shift. You will then find so much Before looking for a guru, it is important to know harmony around.

Art of Living National Week Special Course who is a true guru, and who will guide you to the path To find harmony, it is not as if you have to physicalof happiness. ly seek it by sitting somewhere for years and practice.

One who says he is a guru is not a true guru. A guru Whenever you are in love and feel joyous, your mind is not one who claims authority on you. A guru is not is in the present. At some level, to some degree, one who dictates terms to you. A guru simply means everybody is meditating without being aware of it. one who brings more joy, alertness and awareness There are moments when your body, mind and breath into your life. He is the one who helps you get in touch are all in harmony. That’s when you achieve yoga. The with yourself, who reminds you to live in the present art of living lies in the present moment. moment, who pulls you out of your guilt, agitation, sorrow, anguish and allows you to be yourself. Also, a The Art of Living Foundation regularly offers yoga, breathing master lives the values he teaches. and meditation programs in Charlotte. Introductory sessions Enlightenment does not come through authority. are free and ideal for those who want to get a taste of the Somebody cannot command you to get enlightened. techniques. To contact Art of Living Foundation in Charlotte, Once life blossoms, and love and compassion become email charlotte@us.artofliving.org, or Call: 704-248-2647.

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“You Have a Friend Request” The Network Sites Phenomenon

By Jaye Rao Call it your Rolodex on the web, the water cooler for the at-home crowd. It is the new technology way of social networking. Every age, every demographic, politicians, celebrities, college students, senior citizens, everyone is using it. Are you on Facebook?

LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Diggs, Friendstar, Plaxo and Hi5 are a few of the 850 sites connecting millions of people around the world. At first, like many people, I was very resistant to this idea of everyone knowing who my “friends and colleagues” were as I felt it was an invasion of my privacy. I am a private person. I like to personally tell someone what my interests are, what TV shows I watch and what books I read. Despite receiving numerous invitations to join various groups, I resisted the temptation. I just did not understand the fascination people had of this Rolodex on the web!

Two weeks ago, I relented to the peer pressure. I finally joined Facebook. Fascination is an understatement. I marvel at how small the world is every time I have someone new join my circle of friends.

For years, I could not find my elementary school crush, Steve Reeder. I always wondered what happened to that curly brownhaired and blue-eyed Adonis of third grade. I had periodically flipped through the phone book looking up Reeders to no avail. I searched his name on Google many times.

But, it wasn’t until Facebook that I found Steve Reeder! I always knew he would be the successful, reliable, good father type boy. And his Facebook page proved my instincts right. He had four adorable kids, two dogs and a sweet looking wife. To my surprise, he was thrilled to reconnect with me, too.

Aside from Steve, friends I had not kept in touch with since leaving high school were reconnecting by sending me greetings and invitations. What an amazing experience that so many people really do want to know what is going on in your life. I felt more popular than I ever thought possible! I was picking up friends with the ease that politicians only hope to master after running several elections.

Whether it is about friendship or networking or sharing common interests, this forum makes the world a little smaller and friendlier. As humans we tend to belong to various social groups. The temple, a church, neighborhood associations, or Indian associations help us create a sense of belonging. Now, these networking sites allow us to stay connected with one another long after we have stopped attending those groups.

The social networking phenomenon started in 2004 with the launch of MySpace. This site was designed to give budding musical artists a forum to display their talent. Soon, it became much more with college students and high school teens using it for communication and “mini websites.” This was the new way of sharing information, pictures and simply staying connected. Now, MySpace is the largest site boasting over 200 million users from around the world.

The Founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg is a 24year-old Harvard dropout worth $3 billion. Watching an interview with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, you see how captivating this young man is. Zuckerberg underApril 2009

stands societies’ need to communicate and keep in touch. This has earned him a top spot among high tech innovators and revolutionaries.

Furthermore, Zuckerberg, along with his Harvard roommates who founded Facebook have helped change the way even political campaigns operate. The Obama campaign successfully used Facebook as means of instant communication with supporters. This created a real time connection to the candidate and the happenings of the campaign. Traditional websites are a great way to present information but do not provide a sense of actual connection with the individual or business, whereas Facebook does.

This is why this site has created such an instant buzz and has over 175 million users. According to Inside Facebook, an independent blog, Facebook is adding over 600,000 users per day!

Locally, Charlotte City Councilman, Warren Cooksey, says “I find it’s a great way to maintain contact with people I otherwise wouldn’t see regularly. It’s a much friendlier and more open medium than direct e-mail.”

Cooksey also likes Twitter as it has the potential to serve as a general communication tool for politics and public policy. Twitter allows you to “follow” other individuals to learn of their activities and thoughts.

Cooksey says, “My primary goal is for my Twitter followers to have direct access to the major issues I’m considering as a politician.

So far, for example, I’ve exchanged tweets with a citizen about a proposal to expand the fee structure for storm water services, and I also “live tweeted” the 2009 Mecklenburg Republican convention.”

But Facebook has its share of growing problems. Like other technology companies in the first wave of the high tech boom and bust, the social utility company still struggles to find a decent revenue model not solely based on advertising revenue.

Monetizing social networks is a challenge. Do people join Facebook because it’s free or do they join it because of the service it provides?

Now, that I have seen some of the conveniences of Facebook, perhaps I would join even if there were a fee. But would every one of the 175 million users do the same thing? And if all my friends and colleagues were not on Facebook, would I have an interest in paying for the service? These are tough questions to answer. According to Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin, in an AbovetheCrowd.com article, Brin notes that, “I don’t think we have a killer best way of monetizing social networks yet.”

While the executives of social utility companies figure out their revenue models, I am going to take advantage of the wonderful service to keep in touch with my friends and colleagues. I do not know if I am addicted to Facebook yet…but I am enjoying the high for now. Had I ever found a phone number for Steve, I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to call. But like the old commercial used say, “Reach Out and Touch Someone,” network sites like Facebook make it possible.

Saathee 74

Jaye Rao jayrao32@aol.com

saathee.com

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Full Frame continued from page 10 fronts modernity in Kolkata en route to the temple near Hyderabad. Sangeeta Wadhwani in Mumbai is a 35-yearold, single, and wealthy magazine editor seeking hair extensions. There is the factory for hair assemblage in Bangalore and the Italian hair extension company in Rome.

What motivated you to tell this story?

Marco (co-director Marco Leopardi] saw a film that I had made on second-hand clothes, where I followed a shirt from a ten year old boy in Germany through Africa eventually to another boy who also plays football and asked me to consider working on a project about hair extensions. Near his home in Rome, he often saw a helicopter from a hair extension company, which led him to find out more. We were looking for a way to tell a story about a changing India. Really this is a film about India and not hair. India is a country which is growing but sometimes in schizophrenic and contradictory ways. It is very fast, very developed, and has a lot of richness, but also has ancient traditions and caste. We wanted a creative way to tell an interesting story.

Were there any surprises for you either as you learned more about the topic or in the filming itself?

The first surprise was when Marco took me to see the Rome factory near his home. At the end of the tour in the shipping department we saw hair coming from India transformed then sold all over the world – in the U.S., Arabic Countries, Europe – but also back to India. Then in India everything was surprising. I’ve been to India several times and every time there are surprises.

One example is coming upon a family living on the street in not even a tent, surrounded by filth. Yet I saw them grooming this boy, so proudly dressed in a uniform, getting ready for school. They were poor but had dignity.

Have you shown this film to Sangeeta, the Mumbai client for the hair extensions, and/or to the family who donated the hair?

Sangeeta saw the film and liked it very much - she is happy whenever she can be featured. This may be a good way for her to find a partner; she’s 35 and single. I don’t know if the family has seen the film. We sent it to our coordinator in the area and asked to have it shown but don’t know if it happened yet – the villagers have no electricity or phone, and we have no direct contact. We are trying to help the boy with his eye issues.

What does the company Great Lengths think about the film? Incidentally, I noticed, through their web page, that there is a local salon here in NC which sells their extensions.

This was also a surprise for us; we were a little afraid about their reaction. But at one premiere in Rome, Thomas Gold (owner of Great Lengths, a young billionaire) came with his girlfriend and mother and said he was so happy about the film. In the Q&A after the film, a lady said, “but I don’t think that the image of Great Lengths April 2009

comes out positive in the film.” Thomas stood up and I was afraid a fight was starting. He said that he agreed; “you know why? It’s because the helicopter you see is only our second one and you have not seen our main one, which is bigger!” Everybody was laughing and I was relieved.

Has the film screened in India?

Not yet. We’re trying to have it shown at some festivals.

What do you think of the film in the context of the recent Oscar winning Slum Dog Millionaire. Some criticize that many films about India focus on poverty.

Our film is not about poverty, but about poverty and richness and a changing country, and contradictions. We show a lot of richness. We show ancient traditions and spirituality and the cult of beauty - and of course some poverty. I haven’t seen Slumdog Millionaire so I cannot comment.

Did it seem to you that the temples encourage the hair donations? Do they seem to share the worshippers’ views that the donation would help in their self-realization? And do donors typically know or ask what becomes of their hair?

The donors don’t care. They want to make a sacrifice and wouldn’t take any money for it. I don’t think temples encourage the donations; they are just ready to welcome pilgrims. I don’t know how it was ten or fifteen years ago when (donated) hair was just destroyed because only recently has hair become an economic resource. People are donating the hair for a spiritual reason as a sacrifice to God. People make a long line and give a little money for a razor and probably for the barber. Thousands of temples take hair; this one mainly was for poor people. I’ve seen other temples where wealthy would come and donate hair. As far as I saw, temples don’t give feedback about spiritual growth for hair. I saw the biggest pilgrimage center in the world, Tirupati, with many systems for collecting donations. But they don’t allow filming and it was more an industry. We were very pleased to see the temple where our family was going.

How did you film the various scenes of the villagers without interfering in the natural progression of the story? In India, in particular, any kind of camera seems to garner attention.

My last three films were done in Africa, South America (Bolivia and Argentina), and in India. India was the easiest - people were very nice. The family didn’t care about the camera, maybe because they are very simple people.

Maybe the first day the villagers were curious. I had no big problem. The soundman had problems because of the noise! In Mumbai, in the city, rich people seemed like they are acting - but it’s their attitude about life like they are in front of a camera. In Africa, people think you are stealing their soul, and you need a lot of negotiation - they think you will make a lot of money with their film. It’s difficult in Africa, not in India.

Was there an underlying story about the dogs? They looked like siblings.

Yes, they are related. The dog in India is the son of the dog in Italy, who belongs to the Italian businessman.

These businessmen are friends; they both went to college in London, where they met. When they decided to start the hair business, Thomas contacted Myore (who runs the Bangalore factory). They are very good friends and are always on the phone - every day. They see each other several times a year. Both are crazy for their dogs.

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Expires May 15, 2009

Ope

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Raffaele, in your 2005 film, Mitumba: The Second-Hand Road, you address related issues in the international marketing of t-shirts. Could you reflect on your focus on globalization?

Mitumba is the story of a t-shirt which belonged to a young German boy. The mother puts the t-shirt in a collection box, and we follow the path of this charitable donation through Europe and, at the end of the film, back to Africa with a young African boy playing football again with this very t-shirt. There is a desire of people in Africa to dress like people in the West. Second hand clothes are much sought over first hand clothes that come from China – the first hand ones are generally inferior in quality. As I mentioned, this is the reason why Marco, my codirector, contacted me. He had seen this film. He proposed this project as a similar story with hair instead of a t-shirt. Poor but spiritual India through Italy - back to rich India.

What do the two of you hope that viewers of “Hair India” take away from the film?

What we hope is that the film makes people think. In this case we’ve succeeded. I’ve seen people say they hate these rich Indian ladies. Some hate the attitudes of the mother taking her unwilling child to donate her hair.

A documentary film poses questions, not answers, and makes people think. I’ve wanted to share contradictions but don’t want any specific answers - I want people to think. Documentary is telling stories through real life, and is different from journalism or reportage.

Raffaele, can you share any plans that you have for future films, documentary or otherwise?

I am working on a few films. Maybe one which is similar, again in India, is on Indian surrogate mothers. These days there is a boom of surrogacy because of advanced technology, good medical skills, relative liberal education, and a lot of poor people. Again a film on India and contradictions; this time we look at ethics and politics. There is debate about this in the country and we want to be there, following one Indian surrogate mother for the whole nine months to see how she and the country change. India is the only country whose economy is growing in the world; it grew about five percent in the last three months. It is the biggest democracy yet the largest bureaucracy ... a really crucial country. My new film will be called Mother India.

If Saathee readers want to see the film or purchase the DVD, how can they find out more information?

That’s a difficult question – it’s not easy to distribute documentaries especially in Italy. We have a bad market in Italy for documentaries; we’re the only country in Europe that has no public fund for documentaries. But this film is getting good international exposure and success, such as the world premiere in Amsterdam with 800 people. We expect to release the DVD soon. Probably it’s best to contact me by email at production@bbfilm.tv and I would be glad to let you know how to purchase the DVD once it is published, which I think will be in a couple of months.

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Community Focus Events of note Aag Ki Raat: Night of Fire Dance Competition 2009 The Indian Cultural Exchange at the University of South Carolina will present “Aag Ki Raat: Night of Fire Dance Competition 2009” on Saturday, April 11, 2009 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Ira and Nancy Koger Center on the campus of The University of South Carolina, Columbia. Tickets are $10. Contributions will be donated to Ekal Vidyalaya, to further education efforts in rural India. For details call 803.251.2222.

A humor filled Hasya Kavi Sammelan is scheduled on Sunday, April 12, 2009 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville, NC. Tickets are $10.

Indian Food will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 pm for free. The featured poets include: Manjit Singh (Haryana), Surendra Dubey (Chhattisgarh), and Rajendra Rajan (Uttar Pradesh). They have each participated in national and international Kavi Sammelans including at India’s prestigious Red Fort, and have enthralled audiences in around the globe. They have recited in many radio and TV programs including Door-Darshan and All India Radio, and are widely published in major newspapers and literary journals.

Details: Sudha Om Dhingra (919.678.9056), Mrs. Saroj Sharma (919.460.7830). National sponsor is International Hindi Association www.hindi.org.

Get to Know Indian Classical Music The Blumenthal Center’s Education Institute and Friends of Music at Queens are partnering for a Get to Know the Show highlighting Indian classical music in support of the upcoming performance of Ravi Shankar in the Belk Theater on May 4, 2009. Viswas Chitnis, featured sitar artist, and tabla accompanist, Chris Johnson, will introduce attendees to Indian music known as Raga Sangeet which can be traced back nearly two thousand years to its origin in the hymns of the Hindu temples. Learn about the sitar through an educational presentation, listen to Indian classical music based on melody and rhythm, and learn the similarities and differences between classical Indian music and Western classical music. There will also be an opportunity for Q & A, so that by the end of the event, attendees will have some new insights that will help them better appreciate and enjoy Ravi Shankar’s performance. One lucky person will win a raffle for two free tickets to the show. All participants will receive a voucher to redeem for the purchase of a discounted ticket to the public show. Offer valid as long as tickets are available. The event takes place on Saturday April 18, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Dana Auditorium on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte. The event is free but participants must RSVP by calling 704.348.5784 or visiting online at www.blumenthalcenter.org/workshops.

April 2009

"I am an Indian Woman" art exhibit “I am an Indian Woman” exhibit will feature art from artists around the region. The juried art exhibit is presented by India Center and India Association of Charlotte, NC. The opening reception will take place at Loch Walker Gallery and Skyway Gallery in Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte on April 18, 2009, 11am - 1pm. The exhibit will be displayed through June 30, 2009.

A New Abode for Sri Venkateswara The construction of temples and other houses of worship by Hindus across this vast nation are almost always preceded by a technological and population boom that sows the seeds of spiritual awakening. It is fulfilling experience, as many have left their homeland behind and seek to establish roots amidst the cultural crosscurrents of the melting pot called the United States.

In many respects the emergence of Sri Venkateswara Temple of NC in Cary is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial, religious and nationalistic aspiration. The burgeoning subculture has fueled a renaissance in all things Hindu, furthering the ancient traditions in a pioneering zeal that has created an abode for a revered deity. If recent history is a reliable harbinger, the temple will lay the foundation for an accelerated establishment of centers of excellence in performing arts, language and spiritual learning programs for new generations of Hindus.

Above all, it should become the magnet that draws people together to introspect and seek release from the worldly distractions. The S.V. Temple of NC was conceived over 10 years ago has quickly garnered huge patronage and goodwill of the greater Carolinas and southern Virginia communities. The rituals at the institution represent the best of the broad Vaishnava Agama Shastra in the Pancharathra tradition. The temple will boast the only sannidhi for Lord Viswaksena in North America and another rarity is the twin abode for Sri Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha. The consecration ceremonies for the temple will take place amid the elaborately designed and ornate construction at the campus in Cary, NC. The event will draw the top priests and scholars from across the country and the globe. The mukhya acharya for the event will be Pandit Sri Komanduri Vardaramanujan. Sri Komanduri is a

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past principal of T.T.D Veda Patashala in Tirupathi and an eminent scholar and priest who has led many consecrations over the past 40 years. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji will also attend. The mobilization for this monumental task has been underway for over a year.

Hundreds of devotees are engaged in putting together the fundraising, logistics, infrastructure, facilities and human resources. The pranpratistha will take place May 23-28, 2009. Additional information about the event is available at www.svtemplenc.org or write to pranapratistha@svtemplenc.org. The temple can be reached during business hours at 919-468-0040.

Look for a feature story on the temple in the May issue of Saathee.

Community Reports: Correction: Last month we incorrectly place the photo of dancers Nirupama and Rajendra with the Bhangra article in the Community Focus section. The couple performed at an Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (IPAAC) event and should have been placed with the IPAAC write-up.

Classes at NCSU: Dr. Pankaj Jain, Lecturer, Dept. of Foreign Languages at North Carolina State University is offering Sanskrit and Jain Traditions (non-violence) classes during Fall 2009 semester. For more details write to pjain5@ncsu.edu or visit www.IndicUniversity.org.

HSNC Om Squad Om Squad is the moniker for the Youth Group of Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) and was started last year as an effort to unite the Hindu youth of the triangle area and get them to actively participate in cultural and religious activities at HSNC. Although the activities of Om Squad will be targeted for High School and College Students, the organization is open to all and there are no formalities to join. Visit the HSNC Om Squad group on Facebook or send email to HSNCOmSquad-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe to the Yahoo Group HSNCOmSquad. On February 27, 2009 Om Squad held a Garba and Bhangra Night at HSNC Main Hall.

The aim of this program was to introduce Om Squad to the high school and college c o m m u n i t y.

Formal planning on the event started on in early January and from that day until the very day of the event things were constantly being planned, and since the planning team was all students (most were 9th and 10th graders, with two 12th graders) the group could not meet on a daily basis. Nonetheless the vital element of communication was present. During the last week before the event the planning team started April 2009

to heavily publicize at schools.

Meanwhile Geet Bazaar Desi Radio assisted with publicizing to a wider audience in the Triangle area. The Garba and Bhangra Night was a success. Garba music was by sargam group and DJ Rang provided the music for Bhangra.

Over a 100 people attended the event. The participation and the constant surge of energy were incredible and those who were not familiar with steps from garba or dandiya got some quick lessons from those that did. Food and drinks kep the energy levels high.

The response from those who came has been to do it again, and not annually but quarterly. If this event was to judge the success of Om Squad then this group has a bright future in this growing community. The group thanks all the student volunteers who came out to help set up and manage everything on the night of the event.

Dancer Becomes the Dance

By Jayanthi (“Jay”) Balachandran Dance enthusiasts witnessed a breath-taking performance by one of India’s leading Odissi dancers Sujata Mohapatra on Saturday, March 6, 2009 at North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) in Durham, North Carolina. A superlative orchestra of professional, live musicians from India accompanied her. The troupe included a vocalist, a percussionist, a flautist and a violinist. The program was presented through collaboration with the Indian Classical Music and Dance Society (ICMDS), Triangle Oriya Association and Pani Dance Academy. Odissi is one of seven classical styles of dance that exist in India today. It originates from the East Indian state of Orissa. It is a highly lyrical dance style, with codified body movements, hand gestures and facial expressions. Its grace and fluidity mark the hallmark of the style and bring to life the awe-inspiring sculptures that are carved in the ancient temples of Orissa. Dance was considered a mode of worship and the temples became the seat of devotion. Odissi is a judicious combination of grace, sculpturesque poses, spirituality and mellifluous music. Its distinct features are (a) Tribhangi – poses formed by three “bends” in the body and (b) the Chauka – a square-like stance with the feet and hands. Pure and emotive dance are learned and mastered over many years of arduous training and discipline. As Sujata put it succinctly in her own words: “Learning Odissi requires dedication, discipline and determination.” The enchanting costumes of vibrant colors and rich textures, coupled with ornate jewelry and facial make-up, provide a captivating visual spectacle all of its own. Sujata is not only an exquisite dancer in her own right, but is also the daughter-in-law of one of India’s legendary figures in the field of Odissi – Kelucharan Mohapatra. His name is synonymous with the East Indian classical dance style and has been responsible for carving a niche for Odissi in the annals of not just classical dance in India,

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but the world over. He brought the ancient dance style from obscurity to fame and gave it the prominence it now enjoys all over the globe. Kelu Babu, as he is fondly referred to, which means an elderly, respected gentleman, was a “father figure” to all of his students.

He was a dancer and choreographer par excellence and moved audiences to tears with his soulful performances. Sujata has at least eighteen years of rigorous training behind her, under the astute guidance of Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her dance is an epitome of the master’s stylistic techniques and reflects perfection and fluidity that is nothing short of flawless and pristine. Her dance is poetry in motion and the years of work and devotion to her art come across effortlessly in her performances. She commenced her recital in Durham, NC with an invocation number called Mangalacharan. It portrays an auspicious beginning to a performance and invokes the blessings of the presiding deity Lord Jagannath (one of the pantheons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses enshrined in Orissa).

Salutation is made to the Gods, the “Guru” or “teacher” and the audience. She then went on to present a Pallavi. This is a purely technical dance in Odissi.

It literally means, “blossoming”. It starts with slow music and dance and builds up to a crescendo by the end. Sujata’s command over her dance was evident as the most challenging of movements flowed easily from one to the other. The third number was titled “Aahe neela Saila” and was a pure expressional piece.

Sujata portrayed a seamless combination of body movements, hand gestures and facial expressions to depict a devotee who longs to get a glimpse of the Lord within the temple.

Sujatha brought out a myriad fleeting emotions with intense feeling and thorough grasp over the medium. The feature item of the program was a number on “Rain” from the immortal works of one of India’s eminent poets – Kalidasa. Sujata depicted the wonders of nature with aplomb and endeared one and all with her inimitable portrayals of animals and birds in the backdrop of the monsoon rains. The final piece was a Tarana. This is normally presented at the end of a concert as a finale.

It was an adaptation from another Indian classical dance style known as Kathak, but was executed in the Odissi style with complex choreography and artistic dexterity. The live musicians were the backbone for the program by providing perfectly rehearsed, soulful music that enhanced the dancers presentation and transported the audience into a whole other world of aesthetic delight. Needless to say, it was a scintillating performance that left a lasting impression on the audience’s mind and continued to linger long after the show was over.

April 2009

Aradhna Performance in Raleigh

It is always interesting to see the crowd’s reaction to Aradhna when they perform live. First of all they have to get over the hurdle that these are Yeshu bhajans sung in Hindi by people with white skin. Chris Hale, who plays sitar and sings lead vocals, may look white on the outside, but after growing up in Nepal and India and living there for 25 years is really an Indian on the inside. After competing in Battle of Band shows in India for many years in front of thousands of people with his electric guitar, he switched to more intimate shows like those in Raleigh by playing his sitar.

For the last 10 years he has been accompanied by Pete Hicks, who was born in India and returned to play with Chris on his band competitions. While touring together they came up with the idea to sing Indian style bhajans instead of western style rock music.

They found lyrics written by several Indians expressing their devotion to Yeshu and set forth on composing and arranging music in the bhajan style. For them it was the best way to express their own devotion through music. They still struggle to this day with how to market themselves. Are they a fusion band? Are

they just entertaining others? Are they teaching easy to learn kirtans? After traveling all over the world in such places as India, South Africa, Dubai, and England, they have steadily built up a group of faithful followers. Aradhna performed in March in Raleigh.

The first night was a perfect illustration of the confusion over what Aradhna is all about. The performance was initially scheduled for the Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville, but with five days to go before the concert, the booking was canceled. Since they already had the E.S. King Commons building reserved for the following night, the NC State authorities allowed the concert to be held at the same location on Friday night. Because of the venue change or short notice there were only around 30 people present. In speaking to the tabla player, Jim Feist, after the dismal turnout – he mentioned that he had a feeling it would be a packed house the next night. The passion and enthusiasm that Jim showed on tabla was amazing as he played with all his heart as if it was thousands watching him.

The band played to a big crowd on Saturday night. The first evening was mostly Caucasians, but the second night was clearly dominated by Indians most of which were young students. They performed “Jaya Dev,” a song written in Sanskrit by Brahmabandhab Upadhyay over 100 years ago. Chris and Pete set the words to music. Another crowd pleaser was “Yeshu Muktinath.”

Besides Chris on sitar, Pete on guitar and Jim on tabla, Travis McAfee played electric bass and Pete’s wife Fiona played classical Indian viola. After the show some people wanted to see Chris’ sitar as the best sitar maker in the world made it in New Delhi.

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Community News & Events Compiled by Rajesh Ganatra

Charlotte Art Of Living (Healing with the Breath) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through self-development 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.

Upcoming Events: April 17-20: Sri Sri Ayurveda Vegetarian Cooking Course In Charlotte. Learn the principles of Ayurveda and discover fascinating knowledge about living a healthy, lively and balanced lifestyle through this eye-opening course.

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 am8:30 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) 704.450.6130 (Ajay Patel) 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) April 2009

Charlotte Gita Study Group Charlotte Gita Study Group cordially invites folks to listen to Swami Pratyagbodhananda. Swamiji will speak (in English) on Bhagavad Gita: Important Concepts. Sri Swami Pratyagbodhananda, a disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, is a traditional teacher of Vedanta.

He has been teaching for the past two decades in Surat, India and at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, PA. Swamiji teaches texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagatavam. With his love and understanding, he has endeared himself to all those with whom he has come in touch.

Venue: 3001 Stanbury Drive, Matthews, NC 28104 (Brookhaven) Dates/Timing: Fri Apr 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. & Sat Apr 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Info: Rajesh Venky & Savitha Mathur, 704.845.0464, rvenky@aol.com Shridhar and Kruti Dave, 704.844.9567, skdave@hotmail.com

Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) CMAC sponsors many classical concerts during the year in Charlotte.

Membership forms are available at concerts.

Info: 704.541.3361 (Rama Rachakonda), 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan), lakshmi7778@yahoo.com cmacmusic@yahoo.com www.onlinecmac.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

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.

Info: 704.839.3256 (Ravi Anupindi) www.dattapeetham.com www.dycusa.org

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 Saathee 90

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 “Pati-Patni 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

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 selfesteem, 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 saathee.com

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Community News & Events schools today. The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and South Carolina. The group is currently 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.

Main phone: 704.535.3440.

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. 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 pradip_bulsara@hotmail.com.

Upcoming Event: Sun Apr 12 - Chetti-Chand celebration at 5 pm.

Info: 704.535.3440. www.hcclt.org

April 2009

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.”

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.

Upcoming programs: 1. Smt. Padma Talwakar, Vocal Concert, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at CPCC, Tate Hall 2. Shri Anand Bhate Gandharva, Vocal Concert, Saturday, June 20, 2009 at CPCC, Tate Hall.

3.

Dr. Rajeeb and Reena Chakraborty, Sarod & Sitar Jugalbandi, Saturday, September 19, 2009 at CPCC, Tate Hall.

4. Smt. Yogini Gandhi and her troupe, dance Odissi and Kathak Style, Saturday, October 31, 2009 at CPCC, Pease Auditorium.

Info: Sarla Kumar 704.846.4423 Chaula Jain 704.364.0984 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 is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based, South Asian organization. We promote the self-reliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and Saathee 92

referrals in a confidential manner. We spread awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community and we cooperate and collaborate with organizations in the USA and elsewhere with similar objectives.

Countries in South Asia include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Though there are differences in language, customs, and religions across these countries, these regions share many basic cultural and historical similarities. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. If you need help or are in search of information regarding domestic violence call an advocate of Kiran.

Services offered are confidential and free of charge: • Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner • Non-judgmental help and support to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations • Emotional support • 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. Translators and crisis counselors do not disclose any information provided by our clients. Info: Crisis Hotline: 1877- NC-KIRAN or 1877-625-4726 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 2 windows of the Hearst Tower on 6th street, and Varsha in the six windows of the TransAmerica building on 7th Street 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.

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Community News & Events Carolinas chapter of North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals. NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for on-going Career Developmental and Professional Networking activities. It arranges various events and maintains deeper ties with Businesses & the community. It provides various effective ways for Carolinas’ Indian Professionals to connect with successful professionals in many fields.

Info: hd@netipcharlotte.org (Hardik Shah) www.NetIPCharlotte.org Pratham - Charlotte Area Pratham Charlotte chapter 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 for the greater community.

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 and 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

April 2009

SouthPark Cricket Club South Park Cricket Club is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it has 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 East 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.

Info: 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 member and non-members alike. TAGCA in association with Hindu Center is organizing Telugu Saathee 94

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: 704.905.9127(Captain-Syed) 704.493.7629(Vice Captain-Mohsan)

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, 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 BhagavadGita, becoming God conscious. Come and join in the kirtan, mantra meditation, and discourses on the top saathee.com

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Community News & Events 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 The NC Chapter, offers workshops, books, CD’s, and DVD’s on spirituality and enlightenment from living enlightened master Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

Over 500 videos are available at youtube.com/LifeBlissFoundation Satsangs in the Greensboro /Winston-Salem area include Life Bliss Meditation, video discourse, Q&A, and Nithya Spiritual Healing Prayer, a method of energy healing.

Satsang Locations: Weekly - Wednesdays, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Integrative Therapies, 7-E Oak Branch Dr. Greensboro, NC 27407 2nd & 4th Fridays, 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm, 3090 Diaz Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Meditation workshops are taught on a regular basis. Info: 336.644.1111 www.lifebliss.org Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greensboro, NC The Center organizing regular Sai April 2009

Bhajans, Study Circle, Balvikas class for students and Service Activities.

All devotees are welcome to the Center. 1st Sunday of the Month 4 6 pm, all other Sundays 10 am 12:15 pm.

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 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 etc.

Info: www.duke.edu/web/aid/

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. Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona. 1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560.

Info: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org Bengali Association of North Carolina (BANC) BANC seeks to promote Bengali culture, language, music, arts and social activities by offering varieties of programs for members of INDOAmerican community within North Carolina and adjacent states. The association is organized exclusively for charitable, cultural, social and educational purposes.

Info: 919.461.2386 (Ratan Ray), ratanray@hotmail.com 919.510.7943 (Swaty Sen), swaty_sen@yahoo.com banc_members@googlegroups.com www.banc-online.org

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

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.

Balagokulam Gokulam is where Lord Krishna’s magical childhood days were spent.

Child Relief and You (CRY) An organization in the Raleigh area working with the India-based chari-

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Community News & Events table 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. CRYRDU 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.

Info: 919.544.2815 CMRDU1@gmail.com www.chinmaya-rdu.org Datta Yoga Center - Raleigh Mission: Spread the teachings of 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 Swamiji-trained 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 April 2009

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 selfesteem, 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. The group is currently 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 (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 Hasya Kavisammelan “Hasya Kavisammelan” on Sun Apr 12 @ 6:30 p.m. Venue: Hindu Bhavan (Temple Hall) 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina.

Tickets: $10. Indian Food will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 pm for free. Manjit Singh of Haryana is a talented Haasya Kavi. Writer of six books and 2 CDs to his credit, Manjit Saathee 98

Singh is a recognized star in India.

From the podium, he will make you laugh and laugh and deliver the serious message that will be remembered for a long time to come. This is his second trip to the US. Surendra Dubey of Chhattisgarh is a leading satirist in India who has entertained and awakened the conscience of millions of people with his humor containing a deep penetrating satire.

Writer of 6 books and 3 CDs to his credit, Dr. Dubey is a maestro of haasya-vyang. This is his second trip to the US as well. Rajendra Rajan of Uttar Pradesh is a gifted poet.

Rajan’s forceful voice with an equally effective message leaves the audience spellbound willing to listen to him more. He has two books to his credit. This is his first trip to the US. The featured poets have each participated in over 1500 national and international Kavi Sammelns including at India’s prestigious Red Fort, and have enthralled the audiences globally. Info: Sudha Om Dhingra, 919.678.9056 Mrs. Saroj Sharma, 919.460.7830 Heritage India Association of North Carolina (HIANC) Heritage India Association of North Carolina aims at providing Indian cultural experience through performing arts, fine arts, cultural arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” It organizes three colorful events annually and the 2009 celebrations are as follows: - Gandhi Jayanti on October 4 at the Marbles Kids Museum - Children’s Day on November 14 at the HSNC Cultural Hall.

Group performances by youth, children and adult artists from the Triangle community are welcomed for all three events.

Info: Yash Garg at 919-870-5222 Harsha Shah at 919-362-0520 chander@bellsouth.net 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.

Sun Apr 12 - “Hasya Kavisammelan” at Hindu Bhavan (Temple Hall) 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina. Tickets: $10. (See lisiting saathee.com

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Community News & Events for “Hasya Kavisammelan” in this section for more details).

Info: 919.851.0225 (Saroj Sharma) 919.461.0001 (Vinod Goel) vgoel2@nc.rr.com 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, Weekend 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.

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). HSC-NCSU 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) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) conducts weekly activities to develop character and leadership skills in participants, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-confidence 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 April 2009

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 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 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.

Sat Apr 18 - Carnatic Flute & Violin Concert by V.K. Raman (Flute) & Mysore Srikanth (Violin) with Shri.

Vijay Ganesh (Mridangam) - 6 p.m. @ West Cary Middle School, 1000 Evans Road, Cary, NC. Fri May 8 - Carnatic Vocal Concert by S. Sowmya accompanied on violin by Shri R. K. Shriramkumar. 7 p.m. @ Green Hope High School, Cary, NC. Info: www.icmds.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 victim to different types of exploitation, including sex trade. IAFF has created an orphanage education fund to help 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 Saathee 100

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 a new project under specific guidelines. Make a commitment today to build a better tomorrow for all.

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 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 w w w. i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m m u n i t y church.org 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 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. saathee.com

India Association of the Triad Presents

Spring Mela 2009 Mouth watering Indian food Henna Designs/Herbal Tatoos Indian Shopping Fiesta W riting in Indian languages Enjoy Dance pr esentations and join in!

To Reserve Exhibition tables, call 336-664-1163

Saturday, April 25th, 2009 11.00am to 8.00pm Gujarati Samaj 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409

Visit IATNC.org for more details

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Community News & Events 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 begins at 4:00 p.m. and it includes kirtan, aarti, Bhagavad Gita discourse, vegetarian feast, and Sunday school for children. Info: 919.593.6827, golokanandapriya@hotmail.com Yoga classes - Krishna Priya at krsnapriyahg@yahoo.com Kiran KIRAN is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based, South Asian organization. We promote the self-reliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner. We spread awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community and we cooperate and collaborate with organizations in the USA and elsewhere with similar objectives.

Countries in South Asia include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Though there are differences in language, customs, and religions across these countries, these regions share many basic cultural and historical similarities. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. If you need help or are in search of information regarding domestic violence call an advocate.

Services offered are confidential and free of charge: • Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner • Non-judgmental help and support to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations • Emotional support • Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing April 2009

• KIRAN’s services are completely confidential. Translators and crisis counselors do not disclose any information provided by our clients. Info: Crisis Hotline: 1877- NC-KIRAN or 1877-625-4726 Kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org 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, non-sectarian, 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 www.ncpaa.org Pratham - Triangle Area Founded as a UNICEF initiative, Pratham is a grass-roots organization 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 Saathee 102

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/ Rasik Ranga Mancha Rasik Ranga Mancha is presenting their 2009 annual production, “Mohini” - 3-act play, written by Vasant Kanetkar, directed by Dr. Vijaya Bapat. It will be held as usual at the Durham Arts Center, in Durham NC on Sat Apr 25 and Sun Apr 26 - 1.30 p.m. each day. Free baby-sitting is available on Sat Apr 25.

Info: Nitin Rane 919.303.0845 Gauri Joshi 919.386.0195 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 S.V. Temple of North Carolina Incorporated over ten years ago by a small group of devoted members of the community, it is now racing towards the grand opening and Pranapratistha on May 28, 2009.

Built on over 9 acres of centrally connected triangle area, this grand tribute to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts is designed to exacting standards of shilpa shasthra and features the only shrine in North America to incorporate abodes to Lord Viswaksena and Lord Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha as part of Srinivasa Parivaram. The temple rituals are performed in accordance with Pancharathra Agama Shastra.

The temple encourages devotees to frequently visit the premises, its website and subscribe to the newsletters to get updates about the progress of construction activity and preparations for the elaborate consecration ceremonies starting on May 23 and ending with the sanctification, Kumbhaprokshana and Pranapratistha on May 28. Religious pundits, scholars and spiritual leaders from across the globe to grace this unique celebrations. So don’t miss this unique and once in a life time opportunity to witness this rare saathee.com

Community News & Events spectacle. Info: 919.468.0040 pranapratistha@svtemplenc.org, 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 in the community.

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 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

April 2009

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.

Upcoming events: Sat May 2 @ 7:00 p.m. - Vidwan V. V. Subramaniam & V. V. S. Murari (Violin duet), Tiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam (Mrudangam) Venue: Sutton Main Stage Theatre, Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh NC 27607 Fri May 8 @ 7:00 p.m. - S. Sowmya (Vocal), R. K. Shriramkumar (Violin), Neyveli Narayanan (Mrudangam) Venue: Green Hope High School, Morrisville, NC (Joint program with ICMDS) Sat May 16 @ 7:00 p.m. Sathyanarayana (keyboard), Embar Kannan (violin), Poongulam Subramaniam (mrudangam) Venue: Hindu Bhavan (Temple Hall) Info: (919)-773-1580 www.sifaa.org Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj - Darshan and Meditation Programs Sri Swamiji teaches Dhyan Yoga, an ancient meditation technique that helps in dealing with stress, worry and physical illness. From the age of 14, for the next 12 years, Sri Shivabalayogi meditated 23 hours a day for eight years, and then 12 hours a day for another 4 years, to become a God-Realized Yogi. Sri Swamiji embodies the physical and spiritual presence of Sri Shivabalayogi, who left his body in 1994, and continues his mission to bring people into the line of meditation to help create a more peaceful world. Free meditation programs include one hour of silent meditation followed by kirtan, prasad, and an opportunity to speak with Sri Swamiji individually and receive his blessings and guidance. Free meditation programs: April 29 and May 6, 7 pm at Ganesh Place Ashram, Durham; May 7, 7 pm at The Barn at Valhalla, Chapel Hill. Meditation Retreat, May 9-16 (day and half-day registration also available).

Info: Marty 919.929.0462 Carol 919.878.4663 www.shivabalayogiguru.org St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Monthly Mass and regular services Saathee 104

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/tam ilsangamofcarolina Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) The Triangle Area Telugu 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.

Sun Apr 5 - Ugadi Program at 4:00 p.m.

Venue: HSNC Bhavan, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. 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 of 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 saathee.com

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Saathee 105

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Community News & Events 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 the surrounding areas. TGA sponsors musical programs, dramas and other cultural activities to help maintain the Gujarati culture and heritage in the community.

Info: Arvind Shah 919.233.7677 Harsha Shah 919.362.0520 Ravi Parikh 919.387.8808 Kanak Purohit 919.465.9856 Hemini Patel 919.387.2900 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 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 United States.

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.

Upcoming Events: Sat Apr 18 @ 7:00 p.m. - Potluck dinner at Maggie Gaduet’s home April 2009

573 Woodbury in Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, NC. 545-0494, jermag1@earthlink.net 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

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 and mingle.

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) All programs are from 11 am - 12 pm (noon), followed by Aarti and Prasad Saathee 106

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 the thriving Indian-American community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote cross-cultural understanding between communities.

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) 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 volunsaathee.com

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Community News & Events teers and invites Kannadigas living in and around Greater Greenville area to join the organization.

Info: 864.430.4973 www.kagg-sc.org Masjid Noor-UL-Huda The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. First Saturday and Third Saturday of every month from 6 to 8 pm an Islamic session is held by Hafiz Mohammed Basheer.

Quranic Reading classes are conducted daily. Children are encouraged to attend this class. Contact Dr. Shami at 803.749.0827, or Hafiz Mohammed Basheer at mosque phone number: 803.754.2632.

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

April 2009

Rajagopal. The Secretary: Mrs. Usha Bilgi. The Treasurer is Mrs. Malathi Nagaraj. Info: www.sirigannada.org 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

Saathee 108

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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Writers & Photographers We are always looking for contributors. If you have an interesting tale to tell, an opinionated opinion or just want to get something off your ches, write to us. We may publish your piece in a future issue of Saathee. Children are encouraged to submit poems, short stories or other original writings. Photographers contact us if you have taken interesting photos in South Asia

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Saathee 109

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Personal Finance

Stock Tickers

continued from page 58

continued from page 54

plete details. It is also important to note that guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

reading the economic “tea leaves” and wait for a genuine change in the underlying trends for the better.

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. In 2008, 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.

Little Cuts Equal Big Savings Living on less means finding more places to cut costs. Consider turning the heat down a degree or two, going without air conditioning if possible, clipping coupons, and cooking at home rather than eating out.

Insurance deductibles can be increased to lower premiums, and you can trade in a gas-guzzler for a fuelefficient automobile. Vacations may need to be postponed (or kept closer to home) and movie nights may involve a rental rather than going to the theater. There are usually places to cut back thousands of dollars a year if you are willing to make some sacrifices.

Don’t Panic You may be scared. But, the one thing you should not do right now is pull all your money out of the market. Diversification is still a prudent investment strategy for the long term. If the ups and downs are too much to handle, consider moving some, not all, of your money into lower risk investments such as bonds, CD’s, or annuities, but do not opt for safety at the expense of losing out on significant growth should the markets steady themselves. Even if you are 65, you do not need all of your retirement savings immediately. Some will not be accessed for a decade, which is why a big picture investment mix is best, helping protect what’s there & make gains down the road.

Going forward keep your long-term strategy and your timeline in mind: small portfolio shifts can loosen the knot in your stomach, but major pull-outs, especially when the market is down, are not a good idea.

For help understanding the current market and how it impacts your investment plan and retirement horizon, be sure to contact your financial professional.

GE – 46998B This article is not intended as legal or tax advice. Accordingly, any tax information provided here is not intended to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the tax payer. Seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

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.

Rajesh Ganatra is also the Community News Editor for Saathee and writes the “The Cricket Forum” column.

Contact: rajeshtganatra@rocketmail.com

The Indian Cultural Exchange at the University of South Carolina Presents:

Aag Ki Raat: Night of Fire Dance Competition 2009 When: April 11th, 2009 Time: 6:30 P.M.

Writers & Photographers We are always looking for contributors. If you have an interesting tale to tell, an opinionated opinion or just want to get something off your ches, write to us. We may publish your piece in a future issue of Saathee. Children are encouraged to submit poems, short stories or other original writings. Photographers contact us if you have taken interesting photos in South Asia

saatheemag@hotmail.com April 2009

Where: The Ira and Nancy Koger Center at The University of South Carolina Price: $10

Box Office: (803) 251-2222

Contributions will be donated to Ekal Vidyalaya, to further education efforts in rural India.

Saathee 110

saathee.com

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April 2009

Saathee 111

saathee.com

Clues Down:

By Kirit Shukla 1

2 9

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1. “__ Corner,” Saathee’s feature of word puzzle.

2. Pertaining to a nature of a node.

3. Formally “Vadodara,” a city in Gujarat, India.

4. Alabama. (*) 5. “Hee Hee,” Saathee’s feature of “__” (Laughter.)

6. Above in place or position.

7. Any intoxicating fermented liquor.

8. “ ___ Rafi,” was a versatile singer of Hindi films.

10. Professional Engineer. (*) 12. Old Testament. (*) 14. A newborn infant.

15. Bashfulness; Timidity.

18. Sharp to the taste; Sour or acid.

21. A thought, conception or notion.

22. Inflammation of the ear. (Pathology) 24. Sitting down position of Yoga. (Sanskrit word) 25. To attach securely in place.

26. Mentally bright.

28. A pointed steel instrument used in sewing.

30. A compound, Sodium Chloride used in food.

34. To get more drugs, when running low.

35. The lower extremity of the face, below mouth.

37. Whatever or whichever it may be.

39. Nevertheless; in the time remaining.

41. Virginia. (*) 42. Arkansas. (*) (Puzzle solutions are on page 118. NO peeking!)

43

45

Hee Hee

(Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase)

Clues Across: 1. The official currency of Japan.

3. A guitar like stringed musical instrument, having a circular body with tightly stretched parchment.

7. Amplitude Modulation. (*) 9. A milky white gem, a variety of silica. (SiO2) 11. A convex molding forming or approximating in section a quarter of a circle or ellipse.

13. Beneath and covered by.

15. A rough design, plan or draft as of a book.

16. This beverage is most famous export of Assam.

17. Being the remaining one of two or more.

19. Olympic Airlines. (*) 20. “Festivals and __,” Saathee’s feature.

22. The unit of measurement of electric resistance.

23. To curse, damn. (U.S. Informal) 24. The smallest component of the element.

25. The front part of the head.

27. Of or pertaining to tension; Ductile.

29. A bound collection of maps.

31. The part of a chair or a sofa on which one sits.

32. To perceive with the eyes; to look at.

33. A grayish-white element. (Symbol: As) 36. A valley.

38. Showy; Lively; stylish.

40. Ultimate; Contingent.

43. Industrial Engineer. (*) 44. Not any; Never a. (Dialectal) 45. A gift.

April 2009

(Booddhoo is foolish. Mafatlal is a freeloader.)

Priest: “Today I am going to give a lecture on lies.

Do not tell lies. But, before I start, please raise your hand if you have read the 21st chapter of Gita?”

Almost everyone in the temple raised their hands.

Priest: “Well, the Gita has only 18 chapters.” ***** Job interviewer: “When is your birthday?”

Booddhoo: “April first.”

Job interviewer: “Which year?”

Booddhoo: “Every year!” ***** Bank cashier: “I am sorry, I cannot cash your check unless you have some ID. Don’t you have some friends in this locality?”

Customer: “No. I am this locality’s burglar.” ***** Employee: “ I am not coming to work today.”

Boss: “Why?” Employee: “Because, I already have worked eight hours in my dream!” ***** Wife: “Why are we short of money every week? You are earning, so economy is not that bad for us!”

Husband: “The trouble is that I work five days a week and you spend seven days a week.”

Saathee 112

saathee.com

YOUTH CORNER

EZ-BZ

(Created By Kirit Shukla)

TEST YOUR OWN IQ

(Find & circle the words in the puzzle).

(They are pertain to “Chocolate”).

AERO BROWNIES CADBURY CAKE CHERRY COOKIES CREAMY CURL EASTER FLAVOR FONDUE GERMAN HERSHEY

(The common letters are “DR” - Fill in the blanks)

1. The Hindu Holy town in “Char Dham Pilgrimage” in Himalayas, Uttaranchal, India. _ _ DR _ _ _ _ _ 2. Castings. _ _ _ _ DR _ 3. A play.

DR _ _ _ 4. The driving spindle of a lathe. _ _ _ DR _ _ 5. The lightest element. (H) _ _ DR _ _ _ _ 6. Frank D. Roosevelt. (*) _ DR 7. The Airport. _ _ _ _ DR _ _ _ 8. The person who draws the order.

DR _ _ _ _ 9. Ten times ten. _ _ _ DR _ _ 10. The king of the Heaven. (Hinduism) _ _ DR _ 11. Take back; Remove. _ _ _ _ DR _ _ 12. Formerly “Chennai”. _ _ DR _ _ 13. The principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop’s throne. _ _ _ _ _ DR _ _ 14. Not moist or wet.

DR _ 15. A group of symptoms that together are characteristics of a disease or alike. _ _ _ DR _ _ _ 16. Operated by pressurized water. _ _ DR _ _ _ _ _ 17. Situated near kidneys. _ DR _ _ _ _ 18. To flow off gradually.

DR _ _ _ 19. Fourfold. _ _ _ DR _ _ _ _ 20. To direct a speech to. _ _ DR _ _ _ 21. A panel like area between the head of a window and a sill of a window above. _ _ _ _ DR _ _ 22. A liquid globule.

DR _ _ 23. Various or diverse. _ _ _ DR _ 24. A mallet for shaping sheet metal. DR _ _ _ _ _ 25. The bottom layer; Lowest level. _ _ DR _ _ _

KISSES KITKAT M&M NEILSONS PUDDING SENSUAL SMARTIES SNICKERS SOUFFLE SUGAR SWISS TRUFFLE TURTLE

(Puzzle solutions are on page 118. NO peeking!)

The unused 10 letters spell “Main ingredient of chocolate”

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April 2009

E

Saathee 113

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Who wants to be a scholar?

Festivals & Holidays

By Kirit Shukla There is only one correct answer.

Compiled by Kirit Shukla

1. Arrange these cities of the world from the larger to smaller by population per census of year 2000. (a) Charlotte, NC (b) Karachi (Pakistan) (c) Mumbai (India) (d) Dhaka (Bangladesh) 2. The Music director of 1957 Hindi film Mr. X was (a) O.P. Nayyar (b) C. Ramachandra (c) Chitragupta (d) N. Dutta 3. “Amdavad–Rajkot” distance by NH#8A is about (a) 150 Kms. (b) 225 Kms. (c) 300 Kms. (d) 375 Kms.

April 2009

4. The cricket sport is believed to be originated in (a) India (b) Australia (c) England (d) Africa 5. “Franklin Pierce” was US President for the period (a) 1850-1883 (b) 1853-1857 (c) 1857-1861 (d) 1861-1868 6. To “Go Red” is to (a) Blush (c) Irritate

(b) Be angry (d) Become bankrupt

7. Find “?” number in the series: 3,2,6,4,12,?,24,16 (a) 10 (b) 9 (c) 8 (d) 7 8. The state nickname “Bluegrass State” is (a) Maine (b) Illinois (c) New Jersey (d) Kentucky

10. The highest number of vegetarians reside in this state in India (a) Bengal (b) Kerala (c) Punjab (d) Gujarat 11. “Shri Sahajanand Swami,” the founder of the Swaminarayana Sampradaya was born in (a) 1780 (b) 1781 (c) 1782 (d) 1783 If you weigh 65 kg. the calorie consumption for the activity/per hour of walking 5km/hr. is (a) 100 (b) 200 (c) 300 (d) 400 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 118 (No peeking!)

April 2009

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.April Fool’s Day .Rama Navami .Sahajanand Swami Jayanti .Kamadaa Ekadasi .Mahavir Jayanti .Hanuman Jayanti (Full Moon) .Good Friday .Easter .Baishakhi .Varuthini Ekadasi .Shri Vallabhacharya Jayanti .Darsha Amas (No Moon) .Akshaya Trutia / Akha Trij .Parashuram Jayanti May 2009

9. The area of Canada is approximately — Sq. Kms. (a) 9986000 (b) 9976000 (c) 9966000 (d) 9956000

12.

Apr. 1 .

Apr. 3 . ....

Apr. 5 .

Apr. 7 .

Apr. 9 .

Apr. 10 Apr. 12 Apr. 14 Apr. 21 .....

Apr. 25 Apr. 27 .....

May 1 May 5 May 7 May 9 .....

May 10 May 20 May 24 May 25 May 26

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.Ganga Saptami .Mohini Ekadasi .Narsinha Jayanti .Buddha Poornima (Full Moon) .Tagore Jayanti .Mother’s Day .Apara Ekadasi .Bhavuka Amas (No Moon) .Memorial Day .Jarathost no Diso

Major Holidays & Festivals of Jun. 09/Jul. 09 Jun 3 .

Jun 7 .

Jun 14 Jun 21 .....

Jun 24

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.Bhim/Nirjala Ekadasi .Vata Savatri Poornima (Full Moon) .Flag Day (US) .Father’s Day .First Day of Summer (US) .Ratha Yatra

Jul 4 . . . . . . .Independence Day (US) Jul 7 . . . . . . .Guru Poornima (Full Moon)

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April 2009

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VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 23 After a rocky start, the month will start improving, although it may seem impossible at the time. Don’t make a random decision. Speculation just might bring some good luck. Don’t expect a major gain, though. A health improvement will bring hope and happiness for the sick. Drive safe. The last days of the month will offer an opportunity to make some extra money. Wait for right time to make a move.

General Predictions for April 2009 ARIES MAR 20 - APR 20 You’ll start out lucky, but of course destiny will be as rude as always. It’s like you’re asleep, having the best dream ever, and suddenly you hear a knock on the door. It’s fate, coming out of the blue with a wake-up call as usual. You’ll probably start spending to earn name and fame, but expenses and losses will cross all limits. Your spouse and kids will push you that way. Only the last couple of days will actually turn out good. Don’t think big this month. Try not to spend for luxury and fun. No matter how tempting it is. Don’t. And by the way, don’t buy a vehicle or invest in business this month.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 21 After a major hit, the second half of the month will bring plenty of success for you. It may not seem like it, but it will happen. You should probably wait for the right time to make your move, though. An unexpected opportunity will probably come by, so grab it or you’ll regret it. Your mother’s health or a propertyrelated problem might force you to change some plans. You really need to watch your language, or some narcissistic comment will probably cost you.

This is a period of major ups and downs, so take the challenge. It might turn out to be fun, and anyway, life’s a roller coaster as it is.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 21 Time is going to fly so you better make quick and bold decisions. Your luck will be on your side, for once. Well, most of the time, at least. Your associates might try to trick you, so watch them. Good news about your wealth will lighten your mood. You’ll do great at your work and get a major victory. Again, though, you must take immediate action. Ignore the fact that making a move gets tiring after a while. Get used to it! Being addicted to an unhealthy product may cause a health or family problem this month.

Control yourself.

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22 An increase in your income and status is clear this month, but you really should follow traditions. A very important career opportunity can make you seriously happy in the second half of the month. You might also get an opportunity to start your own business.

However, a lack of confidence will be your main rival.

Believe in yourself. Go with your gut! During the last week of the month, a major personal choice is going to be crucial. New ideas will pop into your head, and you should try some of them out.

LEO JUL 22 - AUG 23 You might miss the benefits of a very powerful spiritual indication during last week of the month. If you keep working hard and honestly, you might see a huge opportunity coming your way. On the downside, you might suffer a serious health problem. If you’re looking for somebody, then now would be a good time to pick out a life partner. Your friend can help you in making the right choice.

April 2009

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LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 23 A major health problem might take away your peace of mind this month. Watch your health and enemies closely. Very closely. Your people may create your problems, this time. Now is not a good time for students, either. You might miss a very valuable opportunity and regret the loss. The best thing in the month is that you won’t lose confidence, which might actually help. It’ll help you fight bad consequences. This spirit will lead you to victory.

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 22 You’ll go head on with confidence. Your stars will guide you towards confident actions and victory during the second half of the month. You’ll enjoy not only success, but the ride towards it, too. Keep moving forward, but remember: take baby steps. Perfect teamwork will fill you with a sense of relaxation. A last minute decision will bring in some extra income for you during the last days of the month. Just keep on going with power and confidence.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21 You might go against your morals and traditions to support new ideas. It might create friction in the house, but the success that results will shut them up temporarily. You’ll have to go back to your old traditions to avoid any major arguments. You’ll also enjoy a promotion coming your way, but it won’t come to you right away. Avoid any business-related travel this month. A wrong decision might mess up your investments.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may experience the loss of moral support. A lie or a cheat will control your thoughts and drive you crazy until you make a mistake. Even though a silver lining is visible, don’t rush to reach out and grab it. Just watch yourself and avoid compromising your ideas. The golden slogan of the month is “Wait and watch.” Just relax and hang out with your friends.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19 Something good is going to happen this month, unless you are strongly fighting to enhance your ego. Learn to compromise and just be happy.

Powerful support from your family will delight you during the second half of the month. Your actions will decide whether you’ll get success or a failure, happiness or problems. Of course you should pass up unnecessary expenses this month, as always.

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Be like a teen. Your luck is going to bring plenty of success and benefits. Expenses for a social gathering will also relax you. You’ll actually like spending, for once. You’ll bask in healthiness. Family happiness must be the main thing if you really want to have fun. You’ll meet new friends during the last week of the month. Bring them closer and plan to spend time with them. You’ll feel good. Don’t forget that quick actions are a serious must.

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

Access One Realty Paving Your Access to the Future

Business Broker & Loan Broker - One-Stop Shop We have Extensive Experience Buying, Selling, Leasing: Businesses, Commercial Real Estate, Homes Motel, Conv. Stores / Gas Stations, Dry Cleaning, Laundromat, Office, Land, Retail, Apartments, Foreclosures, Homes (DW) Motel, Franchised, 100-units, Ext. corridor. High Point / Charlotte area, NC Asking: $1.8 million, Average Gross: $511,000. No Punch list.

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

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

Additional Bar / Grill / House on State Highway with 1 acre land available for $175,000 (IM) Motel, Independent, 14-units, Ext. corridor. near South Hill, VA Asking: $275,000. Firm. Projected Gross.: $90,000. Includes separate house.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(NB) C-Store / Branded Gas Station, near Galax, VA - near NC border Asking: $1.35 million + Inv., w/RE. In: $95,000/mo. Out: 70,000 gal./mo.

(KE) C-Store / Gas Station, near Fayetteville, NC Asking: $1.1 million + Inv., w/RE. In: $55,000/mo. Out: 60,000 gal./mo.

(MG) Gas Station / C-Store, near Morganton, NC Asking: $675,000 + Inv., w/RE. In: $50,000/mo. Out: 30,000 gal./mo.

Plus: Lottery: $3,000 net/month. Gas: 10c/gall. Area: 4,000 SF. Deli possible.

(RL) Branded Gas Station / C-Store, near Lenoir, NC. Cash Flow: $12,100/month Asking: $250,000 + Inv, In: $80,000/mo. Out: 10,000 gal./mo. Rent: $3,000. Area: 5,000 SF (FA) Branded Gas Station / C-Store, Check Cashing, near Asheville, NC Asking: $250,000 + Inv, In: $84,000/mo. Out: 40,000 gal./mo. Check-Cashing: $3,600. Rent: $3,000.

(AB) Gas Station / C-Store, near Morganton, NC - NEW LISTING Asking: $175,000 + Inv., In: $60,000/mo. Out: 10,000 gal./mo. Rent: $1,275.

Plus: Game Machine, Lottery, ATM: $3,500 net/month. Dry County. Cash flow: $12,000/month (AL) Branded Gas Station / C-Store, Check Cashing, near Marion, NC Asking: $175,000 + Inv., In: $50,000/mo. Out: 30,000 gal./mo. Rent: $4,000. 2,500 SF. 35% margin - inside sales. 12c/gal. outside sales. Check Cashing: $1,200/mo. net.

(MW) Branded Gas Station / C-Store, near Wadesboro, NC Asking: $150,000 + Inv., In: $40,000/mo. Out: 20,000 gal./mo. Rent: $2800. 2,500 SF. (IR) Gas Station / C-Store, near Marion, NC Asking: $99,000 + Inv., In: $48,000/mo. Out: 10,000 gal./mo. Rent: $3,200.

Plus: Lottery, ATM, BillPay: $1,950 net/month. Gas: 6c/gall. Area: 3,000 SF. Cash flow: $9,790/mo.

(RD) Gas Station / C-Store, Check Cashing, near Gaffney, SC - Net: $8,000/mo.

Asking: $95,000 + Inv., In: $40,000/mo. Gross: 30%. Out: 30,000 gal./mo. Rent: $2,200/mo.

(RH) Gas / C-Store, near Asheville, NC. No Alcohol - Net: $6,000/month.

Asking: $35,000 + Inv., In: $20,000/mo. Gross: 40%. Out: 17,000 gal./mo. Rent: $1,700 Electronic Games, net: $1,500/month.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(AR) Indian Restaurant, Leased, near Raleigh, NC Asking: $125,000, Gross: $300,000, Cash Flow: $60,000. Area: 2,250 SF. Rent: $4,300 (NQ) Subway, Leased, Raleigh, NC - PRICE REDUCED Asking: $119,000, Gross: $233,000, Net: $72,000. Area: 1,200 SF. Rent: $2,300.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(PD) Dry Cleaning Store / Plant with two drop stores, near Cary, NC Asking: $599,000. Leased. Gross: $462,000. Close to affluent homes, shopping, offices, hospital.Motivated Seller - Pick up Drop Stores available separately too.

(SK) Dry Cleaning Store / Plant, near Henderson, NC. Store closed.

Asking: $275,000. with Real Estate. Gross: $120,000. No competition in 20 miles ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(BD) UPS Store, busy Shopping Center, Charlotte area, NC - NEW LISTING Asking: $125,000. Leased. Gross 2008 (app.): $215,000. Cash Flow: $32,000 Currently absentee owned. Ideal for owner-operator.

April 2009

Chandravan Shah Broker-In-Charge 919-439-5483 cs.real@gmail.com

Atul Patel Prov. Broker 919-455-3152 apatel.real@gmail.com

Customer Satisfaction & Confidentiality is our goal

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Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Gas Station For Sale. Siler City $845K - everything included.Gross $1.2M 100Kgal. outside Very Profitable.Won't last long Financing arranged for qualified buyer 919-454-6076 Liquor Store & C-Store for Sale on Lease: Reduced Price! In Clover, SC (Near Gastonia): Asking $115 k + Inventory (Negotiable) on lease .Gross for both $385k. Call Rocky 803.810.5105 EVOS. Successful Franchisor of America’s First Healthier Fast Food.

Burgers, fries, and shakes that are 5070% less fat, 100% full of flavor!

Franchise opportunities now available in NC. 919-815-3026 www.evos.com Liquor Store For Sale: Seneca, SC. 10 Year Lease. Rent $1050. Gross $375k. Call Harry 864-882-2523 For Sale: New UPS STORE, near the airport. Will take best offer!!! Contact Kamlesh at 704-299-1790 ASAP. Location is 3120 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 Quizno’s Sub Store For Sale: Near Concord Mills Mall & Lowes Motor Speedway.

Contact Nil Patel: 704-979-8600 Convenience Store With Gas Station For Sale: In South Carolina, absentee owner, excellent opportunity for owneroperator. $50,000 + inventory, living accommodations on property. Return to your investment in one year. Call 704649-5138 or 704-258-2281.

C-Store / Gas & Auto-Workshop For Sale: Charlotte, NC - Great Interstate Location, 4-5 minutes to Downtown.

Lease $4500/month. 3 month deposit, no royalty fees. Purchase $550K. All EPA requirements current. Only Experienced & Financially able Call 704.641.5902 Complete Hotel Renovations: for Existing and New Construction Properties. Motels for sale in NC, SC, GA & TN. Call 704-906-9899 Businesses For Sale: CC Stores: Charlotte, NC, $195K + Inv.; Greenville, SC, $699K + Inv., GR $1.6M; Statesville, NC, $1.9M, + Inv., GR $4M; Hudson, NC, $95K + Inv., GR $1M; Peachtree, GA, $1.7M + Inv., GR $3.5M; Many Locations and Opportunities Available!! 704-8149435 www.countysouth.biz 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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Immediate Need: looking for an Indian maid who can babysit a baby as well. Please call 917-400-8011.

April 2009

EyeBrows Threading: Need Eyebrows threading help for established beauty salon in Cary area. 919-244-4425 Kitchen help needed for the Leading Franchise fast food restaurant at UNCC area. Please contact 704-909-7783 .

Eyebrow & Facial Threading Practitioner Wanted: For Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem, NC. Full and/or parttime. Call Bill 248-721-3255 (cell) or email resume to bk56@sbcglobal.net.

Eyebrow Threading Artist Needed: for location in Columbiana Center, Columbia, South Carolina.

Licence preffered. Please call 980-875-1246 or E-mail to dsai8@yahoo.com.

Quiznos Now Hiring: Couple or Single needed for Quiznos in Durham, NC. Good Salary & opportunity for growth. Call Ketan Patel 919-423-4380 Hiring for Quiznos. Need Manager in Charlotte area with or without restaurant experience. Anyone can apply housewifes, professionals, students, etc. Manage store and few young employees. Contact sen07@yahoo.com or 704.728.3135 Help Wanted: Quiznos Restaurant in Raleigh, NC area. Couple or single person needed for full time or part time.

Opportunity to grow, will train.

Excellent Pay. Please Call Vinit at 919358-4876.

Restaurant Help Wanted: Part-time waiter needed 10 to 15 hours per week for an Indian Restaurant in South Charlotte area. Talented and English speaking. Please call 704.724.5555.

Gas Station / Convenience Store Help Wanted: 30 minutes from Greensboro area & 40 minutes from Triangle area. Looking For A Full Time Employee. Preferre a married couple.

Experience is a plus. Willing to relocate. Good salary. Call 336-324-1837 Hotel Help Wanted: Looking for a couple for housekeeping. Franchise motel experience preferred but not necessary. Accommodations provided.

Call 919-208-3514 Motel Help Wanted: Franchise Motel in Raleigh, NC. Couple needed for night audit & housekeeping. May consider single for night audit. Experience preferred but not required, will train. Accommodations provided. 919.395.0710.

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.

Hotel Help: Manager, Front Desk, Housekeeping & Maintenance for franchise motel in NC. Experience preferred.

Couples welcome. Accommodations provided. Call 252-623-9115 Saathee 118

Housekeeper/ Mother's Helper Desired: Help required for cooking and housekeeping. Assistance to mother needed for 1 yr old twins and newborn.

Position in (North) Raleigh, NC. Call 917-319-0093.

Part Time Help Needed: in South Charlotte. Baby on the way. Light housekeeping and cooking. Must drive.

May become full time after summer.

Call 704.845.0665 or 704.756.3275 Full / Part Time Nanny Needed: For 1-2 months from mid-April in Greensboro, NC. Baby onthe way. Cooking & post-partum help. Call 336-617-3944 Nanny Needed: in Charlotte, NC for a newborn starting Mid/End of May 2009.

Light housework & cooking assistance preferable. Call 732-372-3490 or email: venu.gul@gmail.com Gas Station Help Wanted: Full time help for convenince store near Charlotte, NC. Short or Long-Term positions available. Accommodations Provided! Call 704.701.9975 PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT: For Rent: 2 Bedroom Furnished Townhome in South Charlotte. Near I77, I-485, Movies, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Medical Offices etc. Bus stop outside the community. 704-644-8015 or tjayashree@gmail.com House for Rent or Rent to Own: in University area, safe neighbourhood near I-85, 485, Concord Mills. 4 bed 2.5 bath, office, lots of sunlight. Call 704.510.1443 Home For Sale: Morrisville / Cary, NC. 3392 sf, 4 br, 3-1/ 2 Ba. Open floor plan. Great Schools. Near Davis Dr. & High House Rd. Asking $425,000. Call Mary Kim 919.454.8039 Pat Hensley Realty Group @ RE/MAX United.

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 or rent: Close to downtown Charlotte, Airport, South Park Mall. Great Schools (Myers Park High & AG Middle). Near Light Rail. 2br & 1.5 bath. $139,000. Rent $850/mo Call 704.641.9336.

Home for Sale: Idlewild Rd area, near Hindu Center & BAPS Mandir. 3 Brs & 3 bonus rooms & Sun Room. All upgrades.

2000 sf. Asking $130K. 704.563.2455 or 704.516.2631.

House for Rent: Close to UNCC in Charlotte. 4 br & 2.5 ba. Nice home with huge backyard. Rent $1250 / mo. for details call 704.957.5010 PRODUCTS: American Mattresses Too Soft? Try a Duroflex mattress from Aleppy!

Rubberized coir with 3’ latex foam cushion. Limited quantities. BilliBeds, 919.321.1284, carrom1@hotmail.com saathee.com

SERVICES: Harmonium/Keyboard Player: For any occasion/party, Garba-raas, traditional Indian wedding songs, programs & lessons. Kirit 704.568.8206.

Olive Beauty Parlor: Threading, facials, waxing, hair cut, massages, pedicure, manicure, etc. Call for appointments & AVON @ 704-5416324. Time: 4pm to 8pm everyday.

MUSIC CAMP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS DURING SPRING & SUMMER BREAK: for 4+ ages. Regular personal/group classes once/twice a week. Also Provide Home Classes.

Lessons for beginner, intermediate & advanced level. Charlotte Area / Triangle Area / Triad Area. Contact: Krupesh @ 817-683-5850.

Bollywood, Bhangra, Fusion, & Hip Hop Dance Lessons In Charlotte: Dance instructor/choreographer with 10+ years of experience in various dance styles (Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Fusion, Reggae). Private & group lessons for males and females of all ages! Dance Group & Choreography for special performances for weddings & other events. Call 919.395.2679 Email: dancevolutions@gmail.com.

Nivee Beauty Care: in Charlotte Univ. area. For your threading, waxing, facials, make-ups, henna & more Nivethika: 704.756.2817 for appointment.

April 2009

Beautician: In Cary, Apex, Holly Springs area. Threading, Waxing, Bleaching, Facials Pedicure manicure.

Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l diploma from Mumbai with 20 years of experience Appointments Call Anita: 919-557-7998 Tax Returns: Tax Preparation with e-filing; Sales/Payroll Taxes and other realted services for 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 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 Beautician in Matthews, NC: Pari Beauty - Threading, waxing, bleach, facial, manicure, pedicure & much more. 18 years of experience. For appointment call 704.846.7912 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 E-Mail: krsnapriyad@hotmail.com

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Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum), for any occasion, barat, doli, graduation, birthdays, baby showers and any other festivity.

Affordable rate.

Instructional classes also available. Call Ritu Bhandari at 704-843-7202. email: sbhandari@carolina.rr.com Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Showers, Funeral Seva.

Call Daveji 704.780.3563.

God Blessings to All. Babysitter Available full-time or parttime. Experienced. Speaks Hindi, Gujarati and English. Call 704.619-1603.

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.

Ad Submission 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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Index of Advertisers A Complete Driving School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Abbi, Chitra (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Access Realty & Funding (Chandravadan Shah) . .117 Agie Photography (Agie Sundaram) . . . . . . . . . . .99 AKM Realty (Arvind Mahajan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Amberly Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants) . . .39 Ankusha Travels (Sahana Ghantasala) . . . . . . . . .49 Around The World Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Asad Enterprises (International Calling) . . . . . . . .63 Ashirvad Tours & Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Bashyam, Spiro & Edgerton LLP (Immigration Law) 29 Bhalodia, Sanjay (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Bhindi Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover Blooming Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Bombay Grille Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Care Pediatrics (Dr. Sarath Dommaraju) . . . . . . . .65 Carolina Retina Institute (Amit Kumar MD) . . . . . .97 Cary Cardiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Cary Children's Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Cary Internal Medicine & The Diabetes Center, PA .69 Cary Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Cary Photo & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Chandni's Beauty Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 CJ Tax & Accounting Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Concha, David - Immigration Attorney . . . . . . . . .42 County South Realty & Business Brokers . . . . . . . .99 Countywide Sealcoating & Striping . . . . . . . . . . . .23 CrossOver Lending Group (Tony Xie) . . . . . . . . . .41 Dale's & Tandoor Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Dances of India (Dr. Maha Gingrich) . . . . . . . . . . .34 Dave & Dave Inc. (Accounting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Desai Desai Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Dhamaaka (Live Music, DJ & More) . . . . . . . . . . .20 Dish Network (Reality on Dish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 DJ Hangama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 DJ Kenz (Kenz Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 DJ Don (David Pandoria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 DJ Mav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Elegant Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Eshaan Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Evershine Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Eye Care Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Fairview Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Festival Of India (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Friends Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Global Mall (Atlanta) . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover Goels Plaza - Banquet & Conference Center . . . . .39 Grand India Mart (Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Greater Triangle Realty (Thomas John) . . . . . . . . . .9 Gujarati Natak (Gujarati Samaj of VA & NC) . . . . . .6 Hindu Priest Services (Balaji) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 ICMDS (Upcoming Concerts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Imagin Photojournalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Inchin's Bamboo Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 India Assoc of the Triad (Spring Mela) . . . . . . . .100 Indian Food & Spices (Fayetteville) . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Indu Conv. Store Greensboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 International Comm Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Isaac, S (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ITaxLogic (Tax services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 IWP Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 K.B. Zaveree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Kadhambam Spices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Kalashri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 KD Photographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory . . . . .57 La Bella Studio (Photography & Cinematography) . .5 Lightning Minds (Training In Oracle Tech) . . . . . . .82 Limon Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Mahabazar.com Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Make My Trip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Malani Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover Mandap World (Nita Govan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Maruthi Pediatrics (Dr. Badriprasad R. Donthi) . . . .22 Montessori Children's House of Dur (Applications) .73 Montessori Children's House of Dur (Summer Camp)87 Nagpal, Sunil (MetLife Financial Services) . . . . . . .61 Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Natya Performance Academy (Maniktala) . . . . . . .21 Nazar Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 NC Dermatology Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 NC Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat (Pankaj Gupta, MD, FACS) 59 New York Life (Employment Opportunity) . . . . . .119 Oxford Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 April 2009

Palika Bazaar & Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Parekh , Bipin & Smita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Patel Brothers (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Patel, Champa (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Patel, Shailesh DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Patel, Shital (Clearline Mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Poplai, Deepak (White Insurance) . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Prashant Video Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Pretty Inspirations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Pristine Fashion Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Property Net Realty (Suku Pandiyattu) . . . . . . . . .83 Psychometric Diagnostics (Shafi Parekh) . . . . . . . .11 R.P. Videography (Rashmi Patel) . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Rajdeep Mandap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Rajdeep Video (Ramesh Panjabi) . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Rama Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 Ravi Shankar Concert (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews) . . . . . . . . .67 Refulgent Technologies Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Roopkala Sarees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Royal India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 s2s Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Saathee Subscription Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Saathee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Sangam Mart (Indian Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Shah, Kirti (CPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Sharma, Leena (New York Life Ins Co.) . . . . . . . . .69 Sitar Indian Cuisine (Durham) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Sleep Inn (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Smart Property Group (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . .88 Sonal Furniture & Custom Draperies . . . . . . . . . .122 SV Temple (Srivari Pranapratistha) . . . . . . . . . . .37 Taj Indian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Taj Mahal Restaurant (Raleigh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 The Montessori School of Raleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Tower Restauant (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Travel Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Travelinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Triangle Indian Market (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Triangle Phycian Group (Dr. Varadarajan) . . . . . . .85 Triangle Spine & Sports Medicine (Hari Kuncha, M.D.)80 Ttravel Guru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Udupi Cafe (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Usha Decor (Wedding Planning & Decor) . . . . . . . .49 VGS India Mart (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Vyas Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Wake OB/Gyn (Dr. Nanda Shah) . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 White Horse Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Worldwide travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Zamana Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

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Ez-Bz answers: 1. Badrinath 2. Foundry 3. Drama 4. Mandrel 5. Hydrogen 6. FDR 7. Aerodrome 8. Drawer 9. Hundred 10. Indra 11. Withdraw 12. Madras 13. Cathedral 14. Dry 15. Syndrome 16. Hydraulic 17. Adrenal 18. Drain 19. Quadruple 20. Address 21. Spandrel 22. Drop 23. Sundry 24. Dresser 25. Bedrock Youth Corner: The unused 10 letters spell â&#x20AC;&#x153;COCOA BEANS.â&#x20AC;?

Answers to - Who Wants to be a Scholar?

1.d, c, b, a 6.a 7.c

2.d 8.d

9.b

3.b 4.c 10.d 11.b

5.b 12.c

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