Saathee Charlotte May 2023

The importance of education today is undeniable. Are you prepared for what it costs?

It takes planning to fund the cost of an education considering that between 2006-07 and 2016-17, published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions increased at an average rate of 3.5% per year beyond inflation1. While tuition will be the largest expense, don't forget about these additional costs that may be incurred:

Pre-College Costs

• Standardized test fees

• Test prep courses and materials

• Campus visits

• Moving costs

Additional College Costs

• Room & Board

• Books & Supplies

• Transportation

1 College Board (Trends in Higher Education) 2017

Talk it through with an expert. We’re Here to help.

Rasheed Ulhaq

Dedicated Agent

Phone: 704-709-7520

Cell: 310-418-0816

rulhaq@ft.newyorklife.com

New York Life Insurance Company

Charlotte General Office

1729183 EXP: 3/10/2019

Hello Readers!

This is Saathee’s 25th anniversary issue. Read Saathee Editor Samir Shukla’s essay on page 14.

Many outdoor events and festivals are cranking up for the season. Find them all in our Events section beginning on page 18.

May is Celiac awareness month. Read the informative Nutrition for Life column on page 42.

"Planning Ahead, Don’t Forget Your End of Life Plans” is the very informative Personal Finances column on page 54.

Hop on over to page 66 for delicious Thai Chili Eggplant with Creamy Mushrooms and Crispy Tofu recipe.

Looking for a life partner, a job, or a new business? Check our classifieds section on page 92 and 93.

Don’t forget to visit our newly designed website, Saathee.Com. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Thank you for continuing to read Saathee and please share it with family and friends. We welcome conversations.

Connect with us via email: saathee@saathee.com.

Subscribe to Saathee magazine at saathee.com/subscription.

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

May 2023 Issue #300

- Saathee.com -

Editor Samir Shukla

(Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising

Divakar Shukla

704-527-7570 or rakavid@aol.com

Digital Media & Marketing

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout

DSJ Graphics & Manimaran

Contributors for this issue: Kirit Shukla, Sagar Shukla, Parul Kharod Raajeev Aggerwhil, Shyama Parui, Balaji Prasad, Violet Wei, Mo Vidwans, Dr. Maha Gingrich and Jalendu Vaidya.

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

The majestic peacock is the national bird of India. It is often depicted in temple art, mythology, poetry, folk music and traditions. Peacocks are found in almost all areas of the Subcontinent.

- F OUNDED 1998Saathee Magazine

P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220

704.527.7570

Fax: 704.527.7590

Saathee@saathee.com

Saathee

(USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by: Shukla Entertainment Inc.

612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209

Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Saathee, P.O. Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220-1468

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month. For a free Saathee subscription, visit saathee.com/subscription All content © 2023 Shukla Entertainment, Inc

Cover: Flying Peacock

Photo: Adobe Stock

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Page

Content

28 Film Clips: Randeep Hooda Stars as Swatantra Veer Savarkar

Page 36 High School

Page 14 Spin the Circle Flip the Page

Page 66 Recipe: Thai Chili Eggplant with Creamy Mushrooms and Crispy Tofu

Spin the Circle Flip the Page

Spin the Circle Flip the Page

Shukla

It’s a Wednesday. The record, shiny and black, glistened as I looked at the songs on each side to check what I wanted to play and hear. I placed the vinyl LP on the turntable and put the needle down. I was playing this on a portable turntable, so the sound wasn’t booming, but it felt right. It sounded right. There was a bit of pop and hiss in between the songs, as a record should behave. The room felt happier. I started swaying, moving to the warm sound of analog music, it felt like a summer breeze. Music is meant to be heard in such a manner, analog, old school.

This digitized, rapidly becoming artificial world needs some serious analog love. In the meantime, the old reliable vinyl records are still around, new generations are discovering their sound. This is analog life for digital kids, indeed.

I stared at the record spinning on the turntable. A lovely circular motion. The hour moves with it. Time is always spinning, to the young it moves slow, for the rest it moves quickly. Where did the time go is a common complaint. Where did the day go? Sometimes days move like that. This day, with the music playing, it is moving at a leisurely pace. I’ve had this record for 40 years, bought it back in college. 1983.

Time seems more interesting in specific blocks - 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 40 years. A popular block of time is 25 years. It is a quarter century. When one is 25 in the flush of youth, time seems like a trusted friend. Well, add another block of that quarter century and the middle age of 50 smacks you in the knee. Yeah, that’s what that ache is, not old age creeping in, but time the equalizer giving you a reminder. Before you know it, a quarter century has passed.

I like these blocks of time. They give a sense of pacing. This month of May, this year 2023, marks Saathee magazine’s 25 years of existence. It’s our 25th anniversary. A Quarter century.

Editor’s Desk continued on page 94

The Editor’s Desk by Samir

Used Car Dealership (Buy, Sell or Trade)

Repair Shop (ASE and Toyota certified)

We do all types of work on foreign and domestic cars

Full Service Body Shop (Customization for all cars)

Full Detail Service (with window tinting)

Upcoming Events

NCTGA Kite Flying Festival: Morrisville, NC (May 6, 2023)

The Triangle Gujarati Association presents a family Kite Flying Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11am - 6pm at Cedar Fork District Park, 232 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. There will be kids’ games, food, vendors and of course, kite flying. For more details call 919-522-5511 or visit the website Nctga.org.

Malladi Brothers Live in Concert: Charlotte, NC (May 6, 2023)

Musical Extravaganza: Morrisville, NC (May 7, 2023)

JKYog presents the Surmayee Shaan Bollywood Musical Extravaganza on Sunday, May 7, 2023 starting at 5:30pm. This special musical showcase will feature some of the RTP’s finest singing artists. It will be held at the HSNC Cultural Hall in Morrisville, NC. Tickets run from $15$100. Kids under 5 admitted free. This will be a fundraising event with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support JKYog’s global initiatives to transform lives for the underprivileged in rural India through quality healthcare and education. For more details on the event, visit Jkyog.org/MusicalNight.

Artisphere: Greenville, SC (May 12 - 14, 2023)

The annual Artisphere offers a one-of-a-kind experience. From award winning restaurants to some of the most talented artists gathered on one of the quaintest main streets in the south, Artisphere is for all. This mixture of visual, performing, and culinary arts will be on display along the streets of downtown Greenville from May 12-14, 2023. For more info, visit Artisphere.org.

The Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC), which sponsors many classical concerts during the year, presents a vocal concert by the Malladi Brothers, accompanied by S. Sayee Rakshith on violin and Ravishankar Bhadrachaar on mridangam. It will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 beginning at 4pm at Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu Center, Charlotte. For details, call 704-339-4126, 704-840-5949 or visit, Onlinecmac.org.

Yaariyan: Charlotte, NC (May 6, 2023)

Nrityangan Cultural Academy presents “Yaariyaan” (Love is a lifelong friendship) the academy’s annual recital and performances on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte from 4 - 7pm. All proceeds go towards Friends of Maiti Nepal and Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets range from $15 - $25. For more details, call 704-840-5495 or write to Ritu Mukherjee at ritusdance@gmail.com.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Race & Asian Festival: Cornelius, NC (May 13, 2023)

Charlotte Dragon Boat Race & Asian Festival takes place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 11am to 5pm at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, NC. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history. Explore all the cultural heritage showcases, retail vendors, live music and dance performances, along with exciting dragon boat races. Parking is available offsite with bus shuttles to and from the park. Details at Visitlakenorman.org. Search for the festival.

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes: Charlotte, NC (May 14, 2023)

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes will arrive at Discovery Place Science, Charlotte on May 14, 2023. This will be the exhibition’s only stop in the Southeast. The exhibit features more than 300 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props and original art, much of which has never before been put on public display. The exhibition tells Marvel’s story

Meenakshi Creations LLC

Great Selection & Service

Indian Designer Ethnic Wear for Men, Women & Kids

JEWELLRY

SAREES: Gadwal, Kanchi, Darmavaram and Fancy Sarees

BLOUSES: Readymade and Maggam Work Blouses & Pure Kanchi Lehenga

474 Kimbrell Crossing Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

By Appointment Only: Mon-Fri 11am - 6.:30pm; Sat & Sun 12pm - 7pm

814.203.7215 - meenakshi.creations07@gmail.com - facebook.com/meenakkshicreations

Upcoming Events

in comics, film and other media and commemorates 1939’s seminal Marvel Comics #1—the first-ever appearance of Marvel’s Super Heroes—as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The exhibit traces the story of the company and its influence on visual culture while also uncovering the narratives of individual characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Doctor Strange, giving insight into how Marvel has influenced and drawn inspiration from the ever-changing tides of popular culture. For more details, call 704-372-6261 or visit Discoveryplace.org.

Beaufort Music Festival (May 19 - 20, 2023)

For more than 30 years, the festival has taken place each May in historic Beaufort, and the area will be packed between May 19 & 20, 2023 with locals and tourists alike enjoying the beautiful weather and plenty of great music. The two-day festival takes place on the beautiful waterfront property at Gallants Channel. There will be food trucks, vendors, beer tents and a kid’s area. Details: Beaufortmusicfestival.com.

Got to Be NC Festival: Raleigh, NC (May 19 - 21, 2023)

The Got to be NC Festival will be held between May 19 & 21, 2023 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC. It’ll feature a carnival, children’s activities, music, rides, games, contests and competitions, flea market, food and wine. Go to Gottobencfestival.com.

TAHTS Health Fair: Morrisville, NC (May 20, 2023)

The Triangle Area Hindu Temples and Triangle Indian American Physicians Society present their annual Health Fair on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 9am – 1pm. This is open to all NC State residents. The blood draw days are May 1 – 15, 2023 and you can select any day to have blood sample taken at LapCorp Service Centers. There is a $25 required for registration. It will take place at HSNC, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. Details, visit Tahts.org.

Dances of India: Charlotte, NC (May 21, 2023)

The 20th anniversary edition of annual Dances of India will take place live on Sunday, May 21, 2023 beginning at 3pm. The classical and folkdance performances will take place on the stage at the beautiful Kannapolis Performing Arts Center. Free admission and parking. For more details, visit mahasdancesofindia.com. For more details, visit Mahasdancesofindia.com.

Spoleto Festival USA: Charleston, SC (May 26 - June 11, 2023)

Spoleto presents performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, as well as chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. The Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival and is held at various venues across the historic Charleston, SC downtown area. This year’s festivities will take place between May 26 & June 11, 2023. Details: Spoletousa.org.

Whitewater Center Memorial Day Celebration: Charlotte, NC (May 28, 2023)

Start the holiday with a Saturday morning race through the Whitewater Center’s trail system to go with pass activities and yoga. Enjoy live music throughout the weekend. It takes place on Saturday, May 28, 2023 beginning at 8am. Admission is free. More info at, Center.whitewater.org.

Greenville Jazz Fest (June 3, 2023)

The 2023 Greenville Jazz Fest will bring jazz to the downtown area and local schools from Broad Street to Falls Park Drive. The Fest will feature music from The Rebirth Brass Band, and many others to inspire festival visitors to learn and love jazz music on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 4 – 10pm. Admission is free with food and beverage sales available for purchase. Details: Greenvillesc.gov.

Upcoming Events

Maine Socha Na Tha Dance Drama: Charlotte, NC (June 3, 2023)

Charlotte’s Bollywood Glimpse Dance Academy’s annual Dance Drama (Musical) Production this year is “Maine Socha Na Tha,” (Life is Unpredictable) which will be staged on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Dale F. Halton Theater (CPCC), Charlotte, NC. For more details, visit Facebook.com/BollywoodGlimpse.

Raleigh International Food Festival (June 3, 2023)

The seventh annual Raleigh International Food Festival will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 11am to 9pm. More than 30 countries will be represented at the festival. There will be food, beer and wine, and live performances. Admission is free and the event is pet friendly. It will be held outdoors at the City Plaza along the 400 block of Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Info at Visitraleigh.com.

Swami Mukundananda Discourses: Morrisville, NC (June 3 - 9, 2023)

JK Yog presents daily discourses

“Golden Rules for Living Your Best Life” with Swami Mukundananda at HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. Program begins at 4:45pm on Sat and Sun; 6:30pm on MonFri. Complimentary dinner prasadam served daily. For more information call, 919-6591063 or visit Jkyog.org/nc.

SC Festival of Flowers: Greenwood, SC (June 8 - 11, 2023)

The unique mix of events and attractions make the SC Festival of Flowers in Greenwood, SC a one-of-akind place to visit. The arts and entertainment are alive and well with a wide variety of performances and exhibits. There will be many vendors on hand. Check out the variety of foods and cuisines available. The festival will take place between June 8 & 11, 2023 along the 11,000-acre area of Lake Greenwood. Details at Scfestivalofflowers.org.

Taste of Charlotte (June 9 - 11, 2023)

Taste of Charlotte returns to uptown Tryon Street between June 9-11, 2023. The event is a three-day food festival featuring samples from area restaurants. Enjoy delicious food while strolling the festival experiencing 3 stages of entertainment, performances and interactive tours. Aside from that, a large variety of local, regional, and national partners will provide information, coupons, and free stuff. Admission is free. Details: Tasteofcharlotte.com.

NuvYug India Fest:

Raleigh, NC (June 10, 2023)

NuvYug Cultural Organization presents the 21st anniversary of India Fest in Raleigh, NC. It will take place on June 10, 2023 at Jim Graham Building, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. Enjoy dance and music performances, fashion, crafts, arts, cuisine and exhibitions from and about India. Admission is free. For more details, call 90192289867 or visit Nuvyug.org.

Ratha Yatra: Charlotte, NC (June 24, 2023)

Shri Jagannath Society of Charlotte presents Ratha Yatra on Saturday, June 24, 2023 beginning at 9:30am. There will be puja, ratha pulling, archana, mahaprasad and a cultural program. For details, call 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.

Upcoming Movie Releases

May 5__________________________________

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (Director: James Gunn)

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Sylvester Stallone

Rama Banam (Director: Sriwass)

Cast: Tottempudi Gopichand, Jagapathi Babu, and Khushbu Sundar

May 12________________________________

Custody

(Director: Venkat Prabhu)

Cast: Naga Chaitanya, Arvind Swamy, Sarath Kumar, and Satya Akkala

The Mother (Director: Niki Caro)

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Joseph Fiennes, Gael García Bernal, and Paul Raci

Love Again

(Director: James C Strause)

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion

Hypnotic (Director: Robert Rodriguez)

Cast: Ben Affleck, Alice Braga, J. D. Pardo, and William Fichtner

Hanu Man

(Director: Prasanth Varma)

Cast: Teja Sajja, Amritha Aiyer, and Raj Deepak Shetty

Book Club: The Next Chapter

(Director: Bill Holderman)

Cast: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Don Johnson

Chatrapathi

(Director: V V Vinayak)

Cast: Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Sahil

Vaid

Music School

(Director: Biyyala Venkat Papa Rao)

Cast: Sharman Joshi, Prakash Raj, and Gracy Goswami

May 19________________________________

Fast X (Director: Louis Leterrier)

Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, and Rita Moreno

Anni Manchi Sakunamule

(Director: B.V. Nandini Reddy)

Cast: Santosh Sobhan, Malvika Nair, and Naresh

Samajavaragamana (Director: Ram Abbaraju)

Cast: Sree Vishnu, Reba Monica John, and Rajeev Kanakala

Master Gardener (Director: Paul Schrader)

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Quintessa Swindell, and Sigourney Weaver

May 26__________________________________

The Little Mermaid (Director: Rob Marshall)

Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy

Salyaprem Ki Katha

(Director: Sameer Vidwans)

Cast: Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani

About My Father (Director: Laura Terruso)

Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, and Kim Cattrall

Swatantra Veer Savarkar (Director: Randeep Hooda)

Cast: Randeep Hooda and Ankita Lokhande

The Machine (Director: Peter Atencio)

Cast: Bert Kreischer, Jimmy Tatro, and Mark Hamill

Kandahar (Director: Rick Roman Waugh)

Cast: Gerard Butler, Ali Fazal, and Travis Fimmel

June 2_________________________________

Jawan (Director: Atlee)

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Priyamani, and Sanya Malhotra

Mem Famous (Director: Sumanth Prabhas)

Cast: Sumanth Prabhas and Saarya

Saathee.com/film-guide has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming. All dates subject to change.

Music School

This heart-warming musical is about how the prevailing Indian education system and parents putting pressure on children to be competitive in their studies. This often leaves no time for art and culture. This film tells the tale of two music and drama teachers struggling to set up a school musical. Paparao Biyyala directs the film that stars Sharman Joshi, Prakash Raj, and Gracy Goswami. It opens on May 12, 2023.

Hypnotic

A detective investigates a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Ben Affleck, Alice Braga, J. D. Pardo, and William Fichtner star in this Robert Rodriguez directed thriller. It opens in movie theaters for Mother’s Day weekend on May 12, 2023.

Simhadri

The trio of S.S. Rajamouli, Jr NTR, and Ram Charan is currently being celebrated across the world, courtesy of their worldwide hit film RRR Now, the Rajamouli and Jr NTR collaboration Simhadri, a Telugu action entertainer, is all set to re-release in theatres. The film, originally released in June 2003, will be rereleased in 4K on May 20, 2023. The film also stars Bhumika Chawla and Ankitha Jhaveri.

War 2

The sequel to the massive action thriller is being directed by Ayan Mukerji and is expected to start its shooting schedule in November. Superstars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. will star in the epic showdown in War 2. Roshan will reprise his role of slick spy Kabir. The film is a part of Aditya Chopra’s YRF Spy Universe, a slate of big budget films starring veteran stars.

Bloody Daddy

Shahid Kapoor had a nice start to this year with his web series Farzi He recently surprised his fans with the first look of the poster of his upcoming film Bloody Daddy. The movie is now slated for release on June 9, 2023 and will skip theaters and release directly online, on Jio Cinema app. Bloody Daddy is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, of Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat fame.

Citadel India

Sikandar Kher is the latest addition to the cast of Citadel India, directed by the hit filmmaker duo Raj and DK. The team of the American TV series, Citadel, recently visited India to promote the series. The Hindi version of the film also stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, whose character was originally played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This will be the first time that Sikandar will be working with Raj and DK.

Jio Studios Announces Slate of Projects

The studio provided sneak peeks at some of their upcoming movies, including the film starring Vicky and Sara which is now titled as Zara Hatke Zara Bach Ke. The film is directed by Laxman Utekar and is going to be a rom-com. Jio studio is preparing to release more than 100 stories in numerous languages. Some projects involve collaborations with renowned directors like as Raj Kumar Hirani, Sooraj Barjatya, Dinesh Vijan, Ali Abbas Zafar, Aditya Dhar, Prakash Jha, Amar Kaushik, and Laxman Utekar. The film line-up includes Dunki, which stars Shah Rukh Khan, Shahid Kapoor starer Bloody Daddy, Bhediya 2 with Varun Dhawan, Bhul Chuk Maaf, which stars Kartik Aaryan and Shraddha Kapoor, Stree 2 with Rajkummar Rao & Shraddha Kapoor, & Section 84, starring Amitabh Bachchan.

Swatantra Veer Savarkar

The life journey of Indian freedom fighter and reformer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, is told in Swatantra Veer Savarkar, starring Randeep Hooda as Savarkar along with Ankita Lokhande. Mahesh Manjrekar directed the film that is slated to hit theaters on May 26, 2023.

VEMA MORTGAGE

NMLS# 1019911

PURCHASE & REFINANCE

• ZERO CLOSING COSTS! (Lender credit of $2500)

• TOP 1 % BROKER IN USA

• MOST LOANS CLOSE IN 15 DAYS

• 600 + 5 STAR RATINGS (GOOGLE & ZILLOW)

• # 1 WHOLESALE BROKER IN TOWN

586-536-5360

866-666-LOAN (5626)

CHIRAG RACHHADIA

NMLS#1890628

CHIRAG@VEMAMORTGAGE.COM

South Kings Drive, Suite 115 (Kings Court) Charlotte, NC 704.370.2455 or

Reservations Available

ANISH SHAH

Broker

Licensed in NC & SC

www.RealtorAnish.com

I AM IN NEED OF NEW LISTINGS!

If you are thinking of selling, please contact me!

COMING SOON: Kenilworth - Ballantyne

Approx 3,500 sq ft cul-de-sac home in desired Kenilworth in Ballantyne with a Private backyard. Completely Upgraded. New LVP Flooring, New paint, New Light fixtures, New quartz countertops, New Backsplash, Newer Cabinets and Appliances. Open Floor plan with lots of natural light. 2 Story Foyer and Great Room, Morning room, Sunroom. Large master bedroom, spacious secondary bedrooms. Newly painted deck. Lots of storage. This one is a must see. Call for pricing

COMING SOON: Robbins Park - Lake Norman

This is a custom designed & built Mediterranean estate home!

Perfect for entertaining inside or out.

Tons of natural sunlight, mature landscaping, ceiling details, heavy moldings, imported tile, marble, stone & metal accents, upgrades, large 1.66 Acre lot, privacy indoors & out, attention to detail throughout. Bring your most discerning clients to see this gem in prestigious Piper Glen Estates.

New Listing - Providence Springs

4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths, 3,600 Sq. Ft. Amazing and well maintained Full Brick home in sought after Providence Springs. Completely Remodeled kitchen with SS appliances and solid countertops. Gleaming Hardwoods that were recently refinished. Large Master suite with sitting area and Custom Closet. Master bath with spacious shower, double vanity and a garden tub. Relaxing Sunroom. Oversized secondary bedrooms with a lot of closet space. Staircase with wood treads and wrought iron spindles. Gorgeous Stone and pavers covered patio with a Fireplace. Fenced-in Backyard.

Piper Glen - Basement Home SOLD IN4DAYS! SOLD

SOLD IN1DAY!

Stately home in LKN boasts amazing outdoor private Living area w/ prof perennial landscape and lighting. Covered back porch w/stone fireplace and a retractable remote controlled screen, Pergola Dining, Built in Outdoor Kit w/ Lynx Grill/Refrig cooking station, 2-tier waterfall. Hardwoods throughout (ex bdrms). Gourmet Kit with High-end SS Appliances, Double ovens, and Carrera marble counters. Master Suite on Main. 2 Laundry rooms (or a craft room). Formal LR/Study. Great Room & Dining Room w/ dbl-sided Fireplace and Wine cooler. Pride of ownership shows through-out. Call for pricing.

Lot – Longbrooke

Here is your amazing opportunity to become a part of the one-of-a-kind gated Longbrooke community! This premiere address offers elegance, privacy and low SC taxes. Longbrooke features custom Old World style estates, rolling topography, the soft lighting of gas lantern lining each street and a fountain garden which serves as a serene focal point for the wooded neighborhood home. Bring your builder and build the home of your dreams here!! $124,000

ONLYONE LOTLEFT SOLD

New Listing - Easthampton

3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, 1,700 sq. ft. Stunning Home in Easthampton. Beautiful and Large cul-de-sac lot with a fenced in yard. 2 Car SideLoad Garage. Big Great Room with Gas logs Fireplace. Nice breakfast area with lots of windows and over looking the backyard. Master Bedroom with sitting area. Master bath with Double vanities. Large walk-in closet. Spacious secondary bedrooms. NEW Paint, NEW Carpet, NEW Landscaping. Very peaceful and private setting. NO HOA. Inviting Front Porch. Per the previous seller: Roof (2011) and HVAC (2016)

Raajeev’s Corner

by Raajeev Aggerwhil

Last month, when my wife and I were returning from Goa to the US, we decided to take a one-day stopover in Mumbai so we could do some shopping. A one-day break would also prepare us for the long trip back to the States. The problem was that our flight into Mumbai would arrive just past midnight on Sunday and our outbound flight to the States was at 2am on Monday morning. By the time we would arrive at the hotel in Mumbai and leave for the airport, we would have only 18 hours. However, as an experienced traveler, I knew that most hotels charge by the rules of check-in and check-out times. According to the hotel rules, our 18-hour stay spanned over two days so it meant we would have to pay for two nights.

I wanted to stay at a really nice hotel but paying $500 for a two day stay seemed like a waste of money. Also, the problem was that some of the luxury hotels would have an elaborate breakfast with over 200 items covering a dozen cuisines. On the surface, it seems like an added benefit, but it was a problem for us because all the hotels stopped serving breakfast at 10am. As my wife pointed out, after sleeping at 3am, we didn’t want to be under pressure of

Pyramid Pyramid

A Bollywood Musical

missing out on the gastronomic feast. We would also miss the second day breakfast because we would end up dining on the airline meals served on 1 foot by 6 inches plastic trays. No, the exorbitant price and the guilt of not utilizing the culinary privilege called for selecting a 3-star, reasonably priced hotel.

I made one last attempt to book a 4-star hotel in an acceptable price range. During my search to find reasonable deals, I found a direct contact for Lemon Tree. I had stayed at the Hotel Lemon Tree in Bangalore a few years ago and was happy with their quality. When I called the gentleman, he was friendly. I explained my dilemma of an 18-hour stay spanning over two hotel days. He assured me that he could accommodate us on a one-day reservation and sent me three different options of hotel rooms with pictures on WhatsApp. Since I consider myself luxuriously frugal, I chose the $125 a day deluxe package. It also came with a free airport pick up and drop off. I was happy to have found an amazing deal and for the next two days, I continued to marvel at my astute bargaining skills. On the day prior to leaving Goa, the gentleman from Lemon Tree asked me to send money via Net Banking to Lemon Tree’s bank account. He sent me the account number via WhatsApp.

Raajeev’s Corner Story continued on page 62

J. Matthew Whitehead, Atty I Nihar M. Patel, Atty I Hugh McAngus, Atty I Monty D. Desai, Atty I Mitchell K. Byrd, Jr. Atty

Namaskar, Y’all

by Shyama Parui

High School Rigmarole High School Rigmarole

Are you in the mood for a quiz? It’s about the age group we love to gripe about, the ones who roll their eyes at every comment you make. They giggle and take selfies at the drop of a hat. You encounter them at the cash register of the grocery store or as you pick up your order at a drive through. Yup, it is about high school aged teenagers. So, tell me whether these statements are right or wrong.

High School students are having the best times of their lives. They are discovering love and their biggest worry is about planning a “promposal” or the number of likes on their latest social media post. Wrong!

In reality, their challenges resemble the ones from Bollywood’s poignant film 3 Idiots rather than the carefree characters of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. Look around and one may find today’s high schoolers burdened by anxiety and overbooked calendars. On the flip side, their list of skills and accomplishments may outnumber those of many adults.

To be accepted in the college of their choice, students must study hard and earn the highest possible Grade Point Average (GPA) Wrong!

Parents and students must dive into a sea of academic details to carefully identify courses that present a favorable profile for future colleges. For past generations, 4.0 was the maximum but in recent years, that is merely the median GPA in some schools. Consequently, graduating in the top 10 percent of the class is like tackling a behemoth. When we were growing up in India, the sole focus of our school and college life was to drown under our books to increase our overall percentage score which ideally meant getting 100 percent “right” on each test. We woke up every morning to begin the arduous journey of moving in that direction. A few succeeded, most did not. However, the expectation that a good college student or future professional is a high schooler who strictly excels academically is a misconception. At the same time, colleges in the US today consider factors such as an applicant’s work experience, leadership abilities, community service, and sports activities, among others, for acceptance decisions. The “what” and “how” of that arguably subjective process is mystifying for most parents. If Rori Gilmore, from the popular show, Gilmore Girls graduated from a local high school in 2023, her chances at being accepted by Yale and Harvard would be as slim as a credit card. Most schools would probably prefer her obsessively driven and maniacally hard-working friend, Paris.

3)Teenagers are so vain and selfish that we need to worry about the world’s future Wrong!

Namaskar continued on page 80

Hope is Like a Blanket

Hope is Like a Blanket

Mirror, Mirror

by Jennifer Allen

“Hope is a gift you don’t have to surrender, a power you don’t have to throw away. And though hope can be an act of defiance, defiance isn’t enough reason to hope. But there are good reasons.”

~ Rebecca Solnit

We live in interesting times as a series of events have come to pass which appear superfluous on the surface, and yet upon further analysis reveal much deeper meaning.

I’ve been aware of the Eastern concept of Saṃsāra for several years now. Birth, Life, and Death in a constant cycle. On the surface, it tells us that all beings are aimlessly drifting through existence, destined to end and then return to do it all over again. On a much deeper level, it invokes us as beings with free will to make specific choices to break this seemingly endless cycle and reach true enlightenment.

Some who prefer a much more Western way of thinking would find such notions far too abstract and feel that one life is plenty enough to worry about, let alone multiple lives.

I am endlessly amused pointing out to these selfsame Western believers that even our day-to-day tasks are in themselves… cyclical. We wake up. Get ready for work. Go to work. Do our work. Finish work. Go home. Rest for a short while before going to bed and starting the process all over again the next day. This became even more on-the-nose when the pandemic forced many of us to remain

quarantined in the tiny fishbowl environments of our homes for months on end.

Fritz Lang’s 1927 science-fiction film, Metropolis, has an iconic scene which shows the main protagonist stumbling through a factory within the underbelly of the aforementioned city. These faceless workers move in an almost sensational yet mindless rhythm with the very machinery they’re operating. Lang’s intent was to portray each of their movements as erratic yet calculated in their repetitive nature.

The protagonist then has a strange vision depicting these laborers “sacrificed” to a machine known only as “Molach” and even as they are pushed past steam and fire into the mouth of this synthetic “God,” more workers have already marched up the stairs in near perfect unison to become this mythical being’s next round of sustenance. Nearly 100 years have passed since the iconic film’s initial release, and yet its overarching themes still palpitate through other stories and even mirror us in so many ways.

“Maybe the point of hope isn’t to make dreams come true. Maybe it’s just the blanket that keeps us warm while we chase them.” ~

Jonathan Barouch

Our modern media feeds are flooded with a cacophony of senseless brutality, important figureheads spouting halftruths, and an overall sense that you as one person won’t make much impact on the world at large. It’s as if this over stimuli of negative information has engulfed you in a cloak

Mirror continued on page 80

May is Celiac Awareness Month

May is Celiac Awareness Month

Nutrition for Life

by Parul Kharod

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the lining the small intestine. This prevents nutrients from being properly absorbed which may cause many malabsorption issues such as anemia, stunted growth in children, weak bones, and lack of energy. There may be gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation or both. However, many people may not have any specific symptoms. Celiac disease is diagnosed with blood tests. An endoscopy and biopsy are done to confirm the blood tests. There is no treatment for Celiac other than strictly following a glutenfree diet.

Celiac in the Asian Population

Until a few years ago, Celiac was thought to be a Western disease. However, there are increasing numbers of cases of celiac in the Asian population.

An editorial in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2011 stated that Celiac disease is an “impending epidemic” and added that “what we see clinically is the tip of an iceberg that threatens to grow bigger”. According to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, celiac disease affects close to six-eight million people in India, yet both the disease and the gluten-sensitivity remains heavily under-diagnosed. According to a paper published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2021, several studies suggested that, in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East countries, Celiac disease is present and as prevalent as in Western countries.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein. It is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is what makes dough rise and make it soft and pliable. It is a reason why we can make nice soft chapatis from wheat flour. Rotis made from any other flour will not have the same texture. Bread, pizza crust and other baked goods also rise and have a nice soft and spongy texture because of gluten.

Happiness or “Hair-me stress”? Happiness or “Hair-me stress”?

Thinking About Thinking

by Balaji Prasad

“It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”

You may not be happy because you choose not to be happy!

The statement above may sound wrong. After all, who, in their right mind, would choose to be unhappy!? Or it may appear to lack empathy for those who are visibly in relatively more difficult circumstances.

Is it possible that one might mis-define “happiness” in a way that makes it not only unattainable but also undesirable since such a pursuit might even produce the opposite of the intent connoted by the word?

Can you find happiness in a hairball?

Human beings are immensely creative. We have solved many problems and invented many many things over the centuries. Creativity is clearly a major strength.

The irony is that our strength could hold within it the potential for a weakness that could lead to a self-destruction that eclipses any benefits that arise from the strength. If we look, it will not be hard to find examples of our creations that do do us harm, sometimes immeasurably so.

One of our foundational creations is language, which gives us a medium for even further creativity, so that we can create a parallel universe based on words, some elements of which are doubtlessly helpful in grasping some aspects of the complex and infinite world we live in. But the very same

medium also enables us to create fantasies populated with unicorns, demons, reptile-haired gorgons and such. And, as the famed Man of La Mancha used to, we can skillfully persuade ourselves that the windmills around are our archenemies, driving us to go forth valiantly on our steeds, lance in hand, to vanquish these dastardly foes.

And so, we use our words to create faithful images of things that exist as an artist of nature might. On the other hand, and, perhaps, even more predictably, we wax Picassoesque and paint grotesque things that bear no resemblance to anything living or dead or which will ever exist. And which fill us with terror, anger, and other emotions which impassion us to chase mirages. These strange and intractable things tangle together inextricably with the not-so-alien things with real-word parallels: things such as pencils and paper and shoes and ships. The curse is not so much that there are all these nonsensical things; it is that there are things that make sense that are hopelessly tangled up with the nonsense. This is the hairball!

Take “me” out to the hairball game!

The hairball of nonsensical fiction is bad enough. But there is one genre of fiction embedded in it which is particularly subversive to our existence. And that is the notion of “me”. More fantasy stories have been written about this mythical creature than about anything else in the universe. The same logic and linguistic gymnastic abilities inherent in our curse of creativity, and which allows us to create the hairball, also endows us with the power to compound the hairball with a “me”.

It is not that there is no “me”. There is. And this “me”, again, is nature’s gift to us. We are endowed not only with this entity but also, along with it, the insatiable urge to

Thinking continued on page 94

- Rabindranath Tagore

Indian Astrologer Passed down from 7 generations

Pandit : PRATAP RAJ

Expert in Palm Reading, Face Reading, Patra Reading & Photo Reading

Specialist in bringing back loved ones Expert in removing Black Magic & Evil Spirits

804-738-0034

Bush Lake Dr., Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

CONVENIENCE

Granite Falls, NC: $250,000 Currently Closed

Denver, NC: $199,999+ Inv., Annual Sales $2,000,000. Fuel Gallons 280,979

Gastonia, NC: $45,000, Annual Sales $500,000 , NO GAS

Charlotte, NC: $1,000,000, Annual Sales $7,000,000

Rocky Mount, NC: $59,000, Annual Sales (call for details), Fuel Gallons 327,300

Charlotte, NC: $59,900, C-Store Distributor, Annual Sales $813,000 --REDUCED

OTHER LISTINGS:

Livestock and Pet Supply Store, NC $499,000, Annual Sales $2,000,000+

Specialty Food Store: Hickory, NC $649,000, Annual Sales $397,469

Tire Shop: Monroe, NC $545,000, Annual Sales $872,122

Burger Franchise: Albemarle, NC $195,000, Annual Sales $688,128 Seats 65

Sandwich Shop: Charlotte, NC $239,000, Annual Sales $367,212

Importance of Dances of India Performance Importance of Dances of India Performance

Dances of India

by Dr. Maha Gingrich

The 20th anniversary of Dances of India performance is this month on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Kannapolis Performing Arts Center at 3 pm. This year it is a free inperson event for the whole community. This community outreach initiative receives great support from the local and international community of the Carolinas.

In the past audience members have travelled from as far away as Raleigh-Durham, South Carolina, Ohio, New York, Michigan, and many other states to see this show. I hope we will see all of you again. I want to thank everyone who contributed to the continued success of this stellar show for 19 years paving path to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

However, many times, people ask me as to why I am sticking with only traditional dance styles and not open to incorporating Bollywood in my show. In my opinion, everything has its own place. It all depends on individual teacher’s own vision and passion. My passion is the

traditional dance styles that include classical dances and traditional folk dances.

I love to research and learn about the influences of Indian dances on world cultures. I want to show people visually our similarities and differences. Our signature dance, “Unity in Diversity” has been acclaimed by many for its uniqueness and the beauty of inclusion. I believe when you know where you are coming from, it is easier to understand where you are going.

Ever since I was five, I had a strong desire to dance. My father nourished my wishes. I discovered that dancing was not predicated upon the movements of legs and arms, but that it grew from an inner urge for prayer in motion. I see many of my students in the same light. Either the parents are fulfilling their own unmet dreams through their children or the students want to experience the energy of dancing. My students’ enthusiasm, motivation, energy, and happiness while dancing is totally contagious. Their hard work and my creativity are a fine blend of success.

Irrespective of the general opinion, there is a demand for

Dances of India continued on page 82

Looking Past Financial Aid Sticker Shock Looking Past Financial Aid Sticker Shock

College Admissions Insider

by Violet Wei

After careful planning of your college list, paying close attention to tuition costs and merit scholarship awards, that first glimpse of a financial aid offer can still induce sticker shock on even the most prepared students and their families. This is often due to this price tag including the cost of housing and meal plans, a price factor that is rarely considered in the initial pricing discussions.

These days, Room and Board costs can add an unexpected ten thousand dollars, or up to fourteen thousand dollars in some cases, to the final bill. A reasonable in-state tuition cost at a state university can turn a $14,000 college into a $30,000 college at the mere mention of a shared room and breakfast buffet.

Thankfully, there are a few things to note that can reduce that initial stress right away. Colleges will base this Room and Board amount on what the “typical first-time student chooses.” This often means this price is reflecting all the most expensive choices for an incoming freshman. Why do they do this? Part of it is marketing. If families become accustomed to this higher amount, they may not question pricing options further and the college easily wins by selling a premium housing package. The other part of the equation is the desire to take care of nonresident and international students. Many students attending college are far from home for the first time, so choosing a premium dorm room and all the extra “flex dollars” in their meal plan is an easy price to pay for a parent looking to reduce homesickness.

In the eyes of the college, it is better to over-deliver and suggest the best options on campus than market only their lowest price options and risk getting in trouble for misrepresenting their costs.

This is great news for families looking for a better deal.

If you navigate to the Housing website of your intended college, you will find a breakdown of the dorm building costs. This is where you can pull out your financial aid letter once again to determine the type of room that was quoted to you, as a base line of how much you can try to save. You need to first identify if the prices on the website are quoted by semester or by the academic year, to be able to properly add the meal plans for an accurate adjusted quote.

In the dorm building breakdown that every college Housing page should have (which can be difficult to

locate, keep looking!), you should see that different buildings are priced according to how many rooms are available, how recently they were renovated and amenities. You should be able to locate a few dorm options that are lower in cost than your financial aid letter quote. You can compare rooms by looking at the layouts provided on the school’s Housing page, visit Youtube for real student’s room tours or even tour these buildings in person if the school is close.

Another option to consider, which is not available on all campuses, is a triple or quad room. This is typically a larger room which would fit more than the traditional two students but can drastically reduce the rate. At the University of Pittsburgh, choosing the quad option instead of the traditional double room at Holland Hall can drop the fee by almost $1,000 per semester.

Meal plans follow the same “over deliver” method. Typically, the most unlimited and comprehensive meal plan is the one quoted, because many students will be far from home. However, every college has other meal plans to consider to better fit within a budget. Some plans limit the availability over the weekend, when students are already busy and eating out with friends. Some plans limit the number of visits to the dining room to two meals, when many students are already accustomed to not waking up in time for breakfast. Some plans reduce the number of “flex dollars” at the campus restaurants and limit students to the dining room only. Looking once again at the University of Pittsburgh, students can save $600 per semester by limiting their weekend choices and reducing their “flex dollars” to use at campus restaurants. With a little flexibility, there can be a meal plan to help your dream school become a better financial fit.

The numbers involved with college tuition can make any parent nervous, but it’s important to keep in mind that the financial aid letter is just the first step in negotiation, offering the suggested prices for the average student. So, take a deep breath and look at the numbers beyond the financial aid letter, to see the flexibility and housing price options available that are published right on the college website. The chances are good that you’ll find a way to shave a few thousand dollars off the original sticker price before your exploration of the Housing page is complete.

Violet Wei is a College Counselor and Outreach Coordinator. Website: MoonPrep.com Contact: Violet@moonprep.com.

Spot the Differences

See if you can spot the 15 differences between the original photo and modified photo on the bottom. Answers are on page 88.

(Loan Officer NMLS # 69811)

Work: 704-941-3652

Mobile: 704-661-4904

maneesh@goFHM.com

(Fairview

●

Planning Ahead

Don’t Forget Your End-of Life Plans

Personal Finances

by Mo Vidwans

I would not blame you if the first thought that came to your mind was, “what on Earth are you talking about?” I have seen and witnessed too many stories where the painful result usually is that because someone had not prepared for the end of their life properly, and with forethought, things did not go well after the sad demise of that person. What should have been a time of sharing some meaningful memories and reminisce the time they had together, becomes an unresolved nightmare of unfinished business or, worse, disagreements amongst the family members about a myriad things like business and medical care decisions to the eventual funeral plans. One of the worst things to experience is when such an event happens to a young family, where usually such planning is on the backburner for obvious reasons.

Generally, when none or very little planning is done ahead of time, the painful process of winding down the estate, whatever that is, takes much longer. It is also more expensive and can easily sour many well-developed relationships. One just has to go through such experience to realize that something must be done ahead of time so that all kinds of ill-feelings and stresses can be avoided or eliminated. But the question is what exactly must be done now?

One of the greatest legacies one can leave behind for their loved ones, and especially for the trustee who will handle the estate, is to ensure that they have all the information necessary if the estate holder is unable to speak for him/herself due to illness, injury or death. If the process of handling the estate is planned ahead, then much less time will be consumed for stressful searches of different accounts and other estates, deciding among family members how the estate division should happen and in resolving conflicts.

Let us start with a list of all the assets in an estate that includes everything that belongs to the person and will be distributed to the next generation or whoever. I should point out that the trustee does not have to know what the exact

amounts are and/or the dollar value of each account or each piece of asset but just the fact as to where he/she can find the information. This includes account numbers, a phone number to call someone or passwords and account IDs. Once a person is gone it takes much longer to put all this together, sometimes months, for the trustee and much effort and time is wasted. If there are special assets like heirlooms, wedding dresses or rings, jewelry, or even furniture and vacation cottages in specific locations, then the person who is giving that away needs to discuss that with all parties involved/interested. Settle these matters ahead of time so that these arguments don’t raise their ugly heads after the demise of the trustor and beneficiaries all know who is getting what.

By the same token, if there are items to be disposed of or discarded, then there should be clear instructions for that too. Stamps or coin collection or similar, antique cars or other items could fall into this category. What it comes down to is the fact that the trustor must imagine what will happen after death and take proper steps accordingly now while he/she is alive and well.

If there are too many relatives involved who are interested in all these things, then calling a meeting together to tell them, or may be discuss, as to what the Trustor has decided is a good idea so that everyone knows ahead of time and not get surprised when the Will is read. This way the Trustor can adjust his/her thinking, too.

Here is a chronological list of what the immediate steps are:

1. Prepare your Will. Almost 50 percent of the US population does not have a Will. I am on my 4th Will. Things change much over the decades, and you must make a new Will just about every 10 years. Assets change in nature and value; the trustees change and of course addresses too.

2. Assign a Trustee. I suggest at least two or three; but assign them in order so that only one trustee steps in; it is a good idea to avoid joint trustee situation, with some rare exceptions. The reason for two or three is that the trustees have a right to refuse the job in which case you need to have a name of the next in-line person. You do not wish to have State step in and assign a Trustee. All these available and willing trustees should know where to find the details of your assets (the list I talked about above) so that they are not in the dark about any of your wishes.

3. Prepare your list of all the assets and discuss that with the first trustee, at least. This list is to be updated every year.

4. Relax, enjoy, and keep good health. Now you know that you have it under control.

India’s Wild Tiger Population Continues to Grow Tigers once roamed across Asia, their numbers as high as 100,000 at the start of the 20th century, before the species plummeted to the brink of extinction.

By 2006, their population in India hit a record low of just 1,411 individuals.

India’s efforts at conservation through several decades has paid off. According to the results of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE), 2022 released in April 2023 by Prime Minister of India, the population of wild tigers in the country is estimated to be a minimum of 3,167. This is an increase of 619 tigers from the 2018 AITE, where the number was 2,461.

A target to double wild tigers globally, also known as Tx2, was set by governments in 2010 at the St. Petersburg International summit on tiger conservation, and India’s tiger numbers continue to contribute significantly to this.

India is home to a majority of tigers in the wild, which is about 70 percent of the world’s wild tiger population, which stands at around 4,500, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The extensive survey involved 641,449 km2 of foot surveys, 32,588 camera counts and 641,102 person days. The survey was led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with State Forest Departments. WWF-India was an implementing partner in the survey.

While the future of India’s tigers across vast landscapes has always been a challenge in the face of numerous threats, the latest estimate indicates the relevance of the conservation measures that have been implemented by the Government, Global Tiger Forum, WWF, and other organizations working in the sector.

Ravi Singh, CEO & SG, WWF-India, said, “Project Tiger was conceptualized with the goal of restoring tiger populations and protecting their habitats in India. Today, after five decades, Project Tiger is recognized as one of the most successful species-specific conservation programs globally. The current minimum estimate of 3,167 tigers in the country, as announced by the Prime Minister of India, epitomizes the commitment of the government, local communities and concerned citizens towards protecting our national animal. And to keep this momentum going and see growth and stability in tiger numbers, this exceptional conservation program will require continued dedication of combined efforts and management of human-wildlife interactions.”

The report was released alongside celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, the Indian government’s conservation program launched in 1973.

“We have thousands of years of history related to tigers … The tiger is considered our brother in many tribes,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address. “A better future for humanity is only possible when our environments are protected and our biodiversity continues to expand.”

Today, tigers exist on just 7% of the land they used to occupy, according to the WWF.

NC State University Student Youngest Elected Official on UN National Council

Sanskriti Deva Kulshreshtha, a rising senior at NC State University, is the youngest elected official on the United Nations National Council. She represents the Southeast Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico) of the United States. She was elected at age 17 and was recently re-elected for a 2-year term. She led the Global Engagement Summit, which took place in February 2023. She planned the entire conference which was attended by world leaders and also spoke during the conference at UN headquarters in NYC. She was appointed to this committee by the President of the National Council. She is also the Chair of the Nominating committee ensuring elections are fair and there is representation for all and has about a year and a half on her current term. She says, “I will have the honor to continue to represent the interests of my region, chair another Global Engagement Summit, and continue work on issues such as human rights.”

Kulshhreshtha is also a winner of Miss Teen India USA international beauty Pageant and is a national award winner of NCWIT women in Technology. She is a Science Fair state level winner and a regular performer in the annual Festivals of India cultural show. She is slated to graduate from NC State in 2024. Find her details at: Linkedin.com/in/sanskritideva.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that the 41st Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) will be held from July 6th to 9th, 2023 in the historical city of Philadelphia, PA,” Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI announced during a colorful gala held in early March at the Royal Albert’s palace in Edison, New Jersey.

Inaugurated by India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal, and Bollywood Star Bhagyashree among others, prominent among those who were part of the Gala included, Dr. Ravi Kolli, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI, Dr. Sumul Rawal, Treasurer of AAPI, Dr. Pradip Shah, President of AAPI-NJ, and Dr. Sudhir Parikh, senior advisor to AAPI.

“The 41st annual convention will be the best in the history of AAPI,” Dr. Kolli said and thanked the Organizing Committee led by AAPI’s National Convenor Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Kavita Gupta. “Our focus will be on mind, body, and spirit,” Dr. Kolli said, with special attention to mental health, removing the stigma, and access to care, artificial intelligence, and lifestyle medicine.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Convention coordinator noted that AAPI is the largest organization of physicians after the American Medical Association. “We treat one of seven Americans; our Doctors are spread in every corner, and that is our strength,” he said. Philadelphia was a historic place to hold the Convention because it had the first hospital in America back in 1751, the first medical school in 1752. “We want to put the best Convention forward.” He thanked Consul General Jaiswal and his team.

Consul General Jaiswal praised AAPI’s contributions, and highlighted India’s latest campaign on making the food grain millet, a global superfood – “for our health and the health of the planet” because it consumes less water and contains essential nutrients. The former Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf also addressed the gathering through video.

“AAPI is an umbrella organization representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up 10 percent of total physicians in the US and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US. We are proud of our achievements and our contributions to the healthcare industry and the millions of people we serve,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI said.

For more details, visit Aapiconvention.org.

Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances

Unforeseen circumstances, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness, can sometimes affect the processing of USCIS application, petition, or immigration request.

USCIS has discretion to take the measures on a caseby-case basis upon request, if you have been affected by an unforeseen circumstance.

You can request assistance by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

When you request help, explain how the impact of an unforeseen circumstance created a need for the requested relief. For example, if you lost all evidence of status or employment authorization, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request.

Update your address with USCIS to ensure you receive all correspondence and benefits in a timely manner and avoid possible delays related to your case. To update your address with USCIS, visit How to Change Your Address page. Note that changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not change your address with USCIS. Contact USPS if you need to temporarily hold or forward your mail due to unforeseen circumstances or a temporary relocation. For more details, visit Uscis.gov.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Announces its 2023–2024 Season

Charlotte’s Blumenthal Performing Arts Center has announced its upcoming 2023 – 2024 season. Lots of Broadway shows, plays, and musicals have been booked, and the lineup was revealed at a media event on March 28, 2023. The season kicks off in the fall 2023 and runs through 2024.

Broadway hits include Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Steven Sondheim’s Company. Other shows are the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the brand-new, pre-Broadway tour of The Wiz, the film-to-stage comedy adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire, along with favorites like Mamma Mia! and Disney’s The Lion King. Charlotte is one of the first three cities in North America to welcome another film-to-stage adaptation, Back to the Future: the Musical.

Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “We are thrilled to present the largest Broadway season in the region, including several first national tours that won’t be seen anywhere else in the area for some time. Fans from across the Carolinas and Tennessee will have the opportunity to travel to Charlotte for the chance to see these exclusive Broadway shows, further establishing Charlotte as a cultural destination in the region. The local economic impact of this type of

tourism will be significant, as we’ve seen with our other major cultural initiatives like Immersive Van Gogh, the Charlotte International Arts Festival, and others.”

Blumenthal also has the regional exclusive on presenting some major shows. Charlotte will be the only place in the Carolinas and surrounding areas this 2023–2024 season to see the productions Company, Back to the Future: the Musical, The Wiz, Message in a Bottle (featuring the music of Sting), and Cookin’

Also present at the media event were Bree Stallings, Blumenthal’s Director of Artistic Experiences, who spoke about the organization’s outreach to local artists and connecting the visual arts communities with the performing arts communities. Season sponsors Jarian Kerekes, Equitable Head of Social Impact & Equitable Foundation, who spoke about the organization’s efforts to work with underserved youth and students at several local high schools and connect them to the arts community, and Weston Andress, PNC Bank Regional President, Western Carolina, also attended the event.

For full details, visit BlumenthalArts.org.

Indian Economy Continues to Show Resilience Amid Global Uncertainties

expected to be constrained by slower consumption growth and challenging external conditions. Rising borrowing costs and slower income growth will weigh on private consumption growth, and government consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace due to the withdrawal of pandemic-related fiscal support measures.

“The Indian economy continues to show strong resilience to external shocks,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, World Bank’s Country Director in India. “Notwithstanding external pressures, India’s service exports have continued to increase, and the current-account deficit is narrowing.”

The Reserve Bank of India’s has withdrawn accommodative measures to rein in inflation by hiking the policy interest rate. India’s financial sector also remains strong, buoyed by improvements in asset quality and robust private-sector credit growth.“Spillovers from recent developments in financial markets in the US and Europe pose a risk to short-term investment flows to emerging markets, including India,” said Dhruv Sharma, Senior Economist, World Bank, and lead author of the report. “But Indian banks remain well capitalized.”

Three-day International Conference on Defense Finance & Economics New Delhi

India’s growth continues to be resilient despite some signs of moderation in growth, says the World Bank in its latest India Development Update, the World Bank India’s biannual flagship publication, released in early April.

The Update notes that although significant challenges remain in the global environment, India was one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The overall growth remains robust and is estimated to be 6.9 percent for the full year with real GDP growing 7.7 percent year-on-year during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2022/23. There were some signs of moderation in the second half of FY 22/23. Growth was underpinned by strong investment activity bolstered by the government’s capex push and buoyant private consumption, particularly among higher income earners. Inflation remained high, averaging around 6.7 percent in FY22/23 but the current-account deficit narrowed in Q3 on the back of strong growth in service exports and easing global commodity prices.

The World Bank has revised its FY23/24 GDP forecast to 6.3 percent from 6.6 percent (December 2022). Growth is

The three-day International Conference on Defense Finance and Economics (ICDFE-2023) concluded in New Delhi on April 14, 2023. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari was the Chief Guest at the valedictory session of the conference.

Raksha Mantri (Defense Minister) Rajnath Singh had inaugurated the conference on April 12, 2023. Organized by Ministry of Defense (Finance), it witnessed participation of over 350 eminent policy makers, academics and government officials from within the country and abroad. Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kenya attended the conference.

Discussions ranged from international perspective on strategic allocation of defense budget, the importance of human resource management in defense and the significance of defense spending for a state’s national security. The panelists also discussed the defense finance perspective, including the significance of defense procurement and timely payments including the implementation of a faceless bill processing and payment system that the Defense Accounts Department is currently implementing.

There were several eminent speakers present.

Raajeev continued from page 32

I offered to pay by credit card, but he said the discounted rate only applied if I paid electronically. I may be frugal, but I am not a sucker. I called my banker at the same bank, and he confirmed that the account number did not belong to a hotel but to an individual. I also called Lemon Tree hotel’s front desk in Mumbai, and they confirmed that they did not have an account with that bank. I then told the individual that he was a fraud and blocked him on WhatsApp. Since the best rate Lemon Tree was offering for my 2-day stay was $400, I decide to get a 3-star hotel using Priceline.

The hotel we found near Andheri West was around $50 a night, so it didn’t pinch if we would pay for two days. They had excellent reviews about the staff being very friendly and helpful. I was aware from prior experience that the hotel ratings in India are inflated so a 3-star hotel in India would be equivalent to a 2-star hotel in the US. I was wrong. We checked into the hotel late Saturday night. The hotel was decent from outside and the rooms were decent, with clean sheets and towels. The air conditioning was working, and they had hot and cold water coming out of a proper shower. There was no need for a bucket and a mug. The rooms were extremely small, less than ½ the size of a regular room.

Maybe I have lived in the US for too long, so I take many comforts for granted. This was a 1-star hotel at best. Motel 6 is far better than a hotel like this. However, as the Priceline reviews indicated that the staff were very friendly and that made up for mediocre amenities. We were happy because the primary purpose of our Mumbai trip was shopping and repacking our stuff for our trip to back.

The next day we got an Uber and headed to Linking Road and Khar for shopping. On the way back, as our car stopped at the traffic light near Juhu, my wife pointed out to Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow. The driver mentioned that he gives darshan every Sunday morning. Right then, we saw a white Mercedes S550 pull into the driveway. I wondered if my favorite Bollywood icon was in the car with his family. I thought about the remarkable comeback he had made in the movie Mohabbatein. I told my son how a little over 20 years ago the Bollywood superstar was on the verge of bankruptcy after the failure of his company and he pleaded with Yash Raj Chopra for a job. He, because of his tremendous talent, creativity and persistence had defied age and changed the Bollywood industry.

Right then, we heard a knock on the door of the car. A street merchant was selling a bunch of tube roses. My wife, out of curiosity, asked him how much. He said 250 rupees. Tube roses are my wife’s favorite flowers. I’ve been married long enough to know that. However, I knew we would have only two hours to savor the smell of the flowers in our room before we headed out to the airport. I diffidently asked my wife if she wanted it. She said, “Nahin… koi point nahin hai. No, there is no point.” The seller must have sensed some confusion and he repeated his offer a couple of times. My wife kept saying, “No.” Then all of a sudden, he yelled, “Chalo. 100 Rupees. 100 Rupees.” That was too good to be true. My wife said, “Suno. Koi jarorat nahin. Bekar jayenge. Listen. There is no point. They’ll go to waste.”

At that point, I made an executive decision and gestured to him that I wanted to buy them, but the traffic light turned green. The poor merchant signaled that he would make good

on the sale. As we passed Amitabh Bachchan’s house on the right, we saw the 30-something aged merchant run alongside our car on the left. He ran and ran. On our urging, the driver slowed down a bit, but he had to keep going as there was no immediate place to stop. The young entrepreneur kept following. He had to make the sale. Within a few seconds after we stopped, he came and handed the fragrant Rajnigandha flowers. I handed him the 100-rupee bill I had in my palm and we left.

Later in my car, I regretted I should have given him more. He earned it. There is no social security system, no unemployment benefits, and no government subsidies. I pointed out to my son how hunger adds clarity in life. It motivates us. It drives us to excel. I wanted to remind him how privileged he and his brothers were to live a comfortable life in the US but decided against it. I am aware that our younger generation has its own set of problems, be it related to social media, peer pressure or finding meaningful work that also pays well.

Back in our 1-star hotel room, we had to squeeze all the items from our shopping bags into our suitcases, so we started unpacking and repacking. In the cramped quarters, it was challenging to find space to move between the three of us and all our luggage. As we packed one suitcase, we had to move to a different corner to start on a new suitcase.

When we were about to leave, I wrote a thank you note for the cleaning staff, like I always do when checking out of a hotel room. However, instead of $5, I tucked Rs. 200 under the vase that also held the Rajnigandha flowers. On the plane, when I was ignoring the instructions of the flight attendant on how to fasten seatbelts, I looked out onto the dimly lit shanty towns next to Chattrapati Shivaji airport, supposedly the largest in Asia. I thought about the hungry flower vendor who made the sale. Perhaps, he lived here. I thought about the hotel workers in Andheri West who were so eager to help me with my luggage for a small tip. Perhaps they lived here. I thought about the con artist who tried to swindle 10,000 rupees from me. He surely didn’t live here. There are enough suckers in the world. I thought about Gully Boy, the Bollywood movie that was India’s submission for the Oscars three years ago and was filmed here.

Then I thought about Amitabh Bachchan and his bungalow in Juhu, Shahrukh Khan’s bungalow in Khar and the one billion dollars building of Mukesh Ambani overlooking the slums of Mumbai. As I scrolled through the selection of Hollywood and Hindi movies offered in the in-flight entertainment system, I imagined that all these people were a part of a Bollywood musical, performing on the individual floors of a giant Maslow’s Pyramid, dancing to the beats apropos to their needs at that point in time.

On this trip to Mumbai, I stayed in a 1-star hotel for two nights and juggled the needs of packing all my purchases into suitcases in cramped quarters. But on a different night I had been privileged enough to treat my whole family to a luxurious stay at the Luxor, shaped like a Pyramid in Las Vegas, where we felt like Bollywood royalty ourselves. I guess somedays I get to be at the top of the Pyramid and somedays I’m on the bottom. And the key is to find happiness in both!

Raajeev Aggerwhil

is a Los Angeles-based comedian. Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy

To see his videos on YouTube, search for his name.

by Sagar Shukla

Ingredients Directions

1 Asian Eggplant

1 package of Beech Mushrooms (or White Mushrooms)

1 package of Firm Tofu

1 small White Onion

3 cloves Garlic

1 Banana pepper

1/2 cup Peanuts

2 sprigs Thai Basil

1 sprig Cilantro (for garnish)

1 cup Jasmine Rice

2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce

1 tbsp Soy Sauce

1 tbsp Sesame oil (for sauce)

1 tbsp Sriracha (or to taste)

2 tbsp Canola Oil

1 tbsp Tahini Paste

1 tsp Lemon Juice

1 tsp Miso Paste (optional)

2 tsp Sesame Seeds

1/4 cup Corn Starch

1 tsp Salt

Saathee RECIPES

Thai Chili Eggplant with Creamy Mushrooms and Crispy Tofu

Ever been to a Thai restaurant and order that delicious and fragrant garlic-y, basil-y eggplant? Well, here is a recipe to make it at home! I always enjoyed this dish with tofu and have spent a long time figuring out how to make it as crispy as possible. Check out the specific preparation steps to ensure you can get yours crispy as well. The slight twist to this dish is the creamy mushrooms and tofu combination - the tahini sauce is a great balance to the spicy and tangy eggplant. I hope you enjoy it!

Servings: About four

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes

1. Cut the eggplant into thin diagonal cuts (about 1/2 inch thick). Soak in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and set aside. This prevents the eggplant from soaking up too much oil during cooking.

2. Wrap tofu block in cheese cloth or paper towels, place in a plate and add weight on top, set aside (see image 1 below). This pulls the water from the tofu so it can become extra crispy. After 10 min. remove the tofu from the cloth and cut the block into 1/2 inch squares. Oil a baking tray with canola oil, place tofu on the tray and cover every piece in cornstarch. This is an important step to create a crispy exterior. The entire surface of each piece should be covered with cornstarch. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees and place tofu in the oven for 20 minutes.

3. Chop banana pepper into slices, mince the garlic cloves, and dice the onion. Heat the pan on medium heat and add canola oil. Drain eggplant and add to the pan. After 5 minutes of cooking, add the peanuts, garlic, and onion. Whisk the sesame oil, Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame seeds together in a bowl. Add to the eggplant sauté after 10 minutes of cooking. Cover the pan, adjust temperature to low heat, and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. Chop up Thai basil and add to the mixture during the final minutes of cooking. Chop up cilantro and place on top for garnish.

4. Rinse and drain the mushrooms. Heat a pan to medium heat and cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes (no oil). This removes excess water from the mushrooms, so they do not get soggy. Once tofu is done, add all tofu to the mushroom pan. Mix tahini paste, lemon juice, and salt and add to the pan. Cook for 5 min until everything is covered in the sauce.

5. Serve with jasmine rice!

Know

● My insurance insists their body shop is better, am I obligated to use their recommended shop? NC law allows you to use any shop you prefer.

● How many estimates do I need to get insurance coverage? One, from the body shop you prefer.

We will not charge you over what we can bill and get paid from insurance.

Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities:

Balaji’s Brahmotatsava: May 19th, Friday thru May 21st, Sunday

Gayatri Jayanti Havan: June 3rd, Saturday

Rath Yatra: June 24th, Saturday

Gauri Vrat: June 29th ,Thursday to July 3rd, Monday

Jaya Parvati Vrat: July 1st, Saturday to July 5th, Wednesday

Guru Purnima: July 3rd, Monday

Hindu Center’s 41st Anniversary: General Body Meeting / Mela / Health Fair - July 29th, Saturday

Independence Day: August 19th, Saturday

Janmastami: September 7th, Thursday

Mahavir Das Lakshan Parv: September 12th, Tuesday Thru September 19th, Tuesday

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: September 19th, Tuesday Thru September 24th, Sunday

Ganesh Visarjan: September 24th, Sunday

Anant Chaturdashi: Septembet 28th, Thursday

O F C HARLOTTE

H INDU C ENTER

Saturday, June 3, 2023 (4-7 pm) - Vihar Hall

Ratha Yatra

Saturday, June 24th, 2023

All are welcome. Mahaprasad will be served.

O F C HARLOTTE

Bangladesh Hopes to Change Tack on Dwindling Forests

Bangladesh Hopes to Change Tack on Dwindling Forests

By Kamran Reza Chowdhury

New Laws Coming

New Laws Coming

Bangladesh, home to the largest mangrove forest in the world, is on the cusp of passing two new laws that will rewrite the rules for how forest resources are used and conserved.

The laws, which will likely be passed during the next session of Parliament starting in June, have been described as a “paradigm shift”. Instead of exploiting forest resources, officials will be bound to protect rapidly depleting green cover in a country with a growing population and burgeoning economic activity in forest land.

The Forest Bill, 2023 is set to replace the Forest Act, 1927, a colonial-era legislation that largely treats forests as a source of revenue for the government. It allows the Forest Department to auction timber and issue permits for extracting fish, fruit, honey, timber from the Sundarbans – a reserve forest and one of the last strongholds of the endangered Bengal tiger.

A second proposed law, the Forest Conservation Bill, 2023, will ban the cutting of trees even outside forests.

Major changes proposed by the new laws:

◼

◼ While the Forest Act, 1927 authorizes Forest Department officials to manage forests and protect wildlife, the draft law includes the provision of collaborative forest management.

◼

◼ The proposed law recognizes the rights of forest-dependent and ethnic minority communities – rights not recognized by the old law.

◼

◼ The Forest Conservation Bill, 2023 proposes protecting woods

Bangladesh continued on page 76

ISRO Successfully Conducts the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) successfully conducted the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX). The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka in the early hours on April 2, 2023.

The RLV took off by a Chinook Helicopter of the Indian Air Force as an underslung load and flew to a height of 4.5 km (above MSL). Once the predetermined pillbox parameters were attained, based on the RLV’s Mission Management Computer command, the RLV was released in mid-air, at a down range of 4.6 km. Release conditions included 10 parameters covering position, velocity, altitude and body rates, etc. The release of RLV was autonomous. RLV then performed approach and landing maneuvers using the Integrated Navigation, Guidance & control system and completed an autonomous landing on the ATR air strip. With that, ISRO successfully achieved the autonomous landing of a space vehicle.

The autonomous landing was carried out under the exact conditions of a Space Re-entry vehicle’s landing —high speed, unmanned, precise landing from the same return path— as if the vehicle arrives from space. Landing parameters such as Ground relative velocity, the sink rate of Landing Gears, and precise body rates, as might be experienced by an orbital re-entry space vehicle in its return path, were achieved. The RLV LEX demanded several stateof-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system.

In a first in the world, a winged body has been carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by a helicopter and released for

carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift to drag ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph. LEX utilized several indigenous systems. Localized Navigation systems based on pseudolite systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, etc. were developed by ISRO. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landing site with a Ka-band Radar Altimeter provided accurate altitude information. Extensive wind tunnel tests and CFD simulations enabled aerodynamic characterization of RLV prior to the flight. Adaptation of contemporary technologies developed for RLV LEX turns other operational launch vehicles of ISRO more cost-effective.

ISRO had demonstrated the re-entry of its winged vehicle RLV-TD in the HEX mission in May 2016.

The re-entry of a hypersonic sub-orbital vehicle marked a major accomplishment in developing Reusable Launch Vehicles. In HEX, the vehicle landed on a hypothetical runway over the Bay of Bengal. Precise landing on a runway was an aspect not included in the HEX mission. The LEX mission achieved the final approach phase that coincided with the re-entry return flight path exhibiting an autonomous, high speed (350 kmph) landing. The LEX began with an Integrated Navigation test in 2019 and followed multiple Engineering Model Trials and Captive Phase tests in subsequent years.

The IAF team hand in hand with the Project team and multiple sorties were conducted to perfect the achievement of release conditions. Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, DOS S Somanath witnessed the test and congratulated the team.

With LEX, the dream of an Indian Reusable Launch Vehicle arrives one step closer to reality.

Bangladesh continued from page

and trees outside forest land, whereas the existing forest law has no application outside designated forest land.

◼ ◼ The preambles of the new laws state that the forest is no longer to be a source of commercial goods, while the purpose of the 1927 Forest Act is to generate revenue from forests.

“Once passed, the two laws would bring a drastic change in protecting and preserving forests, trees and rich biodiversity. It will be a total paradigm shift in the forest sector of Bangladesh,” Mohammad Shahab Uddin, minister of environment, forest and climate change, told The Third Pole.

He explained why two different laws are needed. “The proposed Forest Bill would authorize the forest officials to conserve the forest and protect biodiversity in the forest as declared by the government. But there are woods, gardens and greenery outside forest land. People can freely cut trees from there so they need to be protected.”

Reforming a law with ‘contradictions’

“Globally, forests are no longer regarded as a source of government revenue,” said Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a member of the ruling party and the chair of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

“Given Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, we must change our focus from revenue generation to conservation. We back the government to make the forest laws conservation-focused,” he said.

Mohammad Abdul Quddus, a senior adviser at Arannayk Foundation, a non-profit organization working to protect Bangladesh’s forests, said the proposed laws have some good provisions.

“These provisions would protect the forest, biodiversity and forest ecosystem,” Quddus said.

Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmad, a former chief of Bangladesh’s Forest Department and ex-country director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Bangladesh chapter, highlighted how since British colonialism the Forest Department has served to mobilize revenue for the government.

“Every year, the government sets specific targets for the Forest Department to generate revenue by issuing permits to local forest-dependent people such as fishers and honey collectors. [The government] auctioned confiscated timber and other valuable items,” he said.

“I would not term the Forest Act, 1927 a bad law. But it has contradictions: the Forest Department officials are tasked to generate revenue for the government on one hand and conserve forests on the other. It’s hard to strike a balance between the two contradictory duties,” said Ahmad, who has also served as chief conservator of forests.

He described how there were instances when lower revenue generated by the forest division “came under censure from the top forest officials”.

“We tried to persuade the government that revenue generation and conservation of forest cannot go together,” said Ahmad, adding that he would be “extremely happy” if the government shifted focus from revenue generation to conservation by amending the current law.

Colonial roots of forest legislation in Bangladesh

Since the reign of the Mughal empire in the 16th century, under which swathes of forest was converted into cultivable land, Bangladesh has been losing forest cover. In the mid1850s, the railway network was built, for which big trees were cut indiscriminately to make railway sleepers. Building boats and ships for transportation on the inland waterways network also heavily depleted forests.

“A naval chief of British India drew the attention of the government to protect the forest as the felling of trees would ultimately exhaust the resources for making ships,” Laskar Muqsudur Rahman, a forest law researcher and former forest official, told The Third Pole.

In response, the British government promulgated the first forest law in 1865, a year after the creation of the Forest Department. In 1878, they enacted a comprehensive Indian Forest Act, which contained the provision of revenue generation from the forests.

Nearly 50 years later, the colonial government enacted the Forest Act, 1927. In 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country seceding from Pakistan. The Forest Department assumed responsibility for protecting the forests and its biodiversity.

Though the Forest Department continued to protect some reserved forest where human entrance is not allowed, the overall destruction of forests continued.

In 2002, researcher Mohammad Millat-e-Mustafa wrote that during the 1980s 8,000 hectares of forest were lost every year. He was referring to a USAID-CIDA survey that suggested that “50 percent of Bangladesh’s forests had been destroyed within the last 20 years”.

Last year, the Arannayk Foundation conducted a study on the Reinkhyong reserve forest, which covers 30 percent of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and is one of five reserve forests in Bangladesh.

The study found that nearly 60 percent of the trees inside the reserve forest have been lost, with no difference detected between the reserve forest and the forest outside the reserve.

New laws are only as good as their application

Ishtiaq Ahmad said the proposed laws are a step in the right direction. “The greatest advantage the new laws will bring is that forest officials will no longer be under pressure from the government to think of generating revenues from the forest. It will have a remarkably positive impact on the psychology of the officials,” said Ahmad.

Farid Uddin Ahmed, a former executive director of the Arannayk Foundation, said the proposed laws would not jeopardize the livelihoods of local people, who are the real protectors of the forests and environment.

“Our experience shows that the local people do not destroy forests as it involves their survival. Their interests must be guaranteed. The people collecting honey, fish, golpata [nipa palm] and other items from the Sundarbans must be given the chance to continue but in a sustainable way,” he said.

Researcher Rahman, however, highlighted an important challenge for the government. “With regard to conserving the forest, sincere and unbiased application of the law is more important than framing a new law. The new laws will not help conserve the forest if they are not applied properly,” he said.

Article courtesy of The Third Pole thethirdpole.net

Open 7 Days a week for Buffet Lunch & Dinner A La Carte

Now offering delivery during dinner! Sunday thru Friday, 5:30pm-9pm, call 704.542.3933 (12 mile radius)

Now offering delivery during dinner! Sunday thru Friday, 5:30pm-9pm, call 704.542.3933 (12 mile radius)

• Full Service Catering in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, & Virginia

• Business / Corporate Functions, Weddings, Birthdays, Holidays, Community Gatherings, etc.

• Preferred Caterers for Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Westin Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Columbia Convention Center, Ballantyne Hotel and more.

of meaninglessness to steal you away from further disappointment. This isn’t depression… not exactly. It’s more like a shield that protects you from any vital force necessary to see past the mundane and instead be wondersmitten by the beauty hidden beneath the grotesque.

This sensation is known by many names: burnout, apathy, alienation, ennui, fatigue, melancholy, lethargy, tedium. Each one describes our ever-growing desensitization with the world due to repetition and resistance to change it.

We can’t seem to get away from the sensationalism of mass shootings, hate crimes, war, climate change, AI, economic divides, and censorship. It’s like we’ve collectively reached a state of existential stupor and news outlets are then forced to magnify their stories with so much pomp and circumstance just to keep the public interested; “give ‘em the ol’ razzle-dazzle” as they say.

Yet, I think deep down we all long for a sense of hope. We yearn for magic, some deeper truth clinging to our desire for transcendence. We want to break that cycle and reach the enlightenment Saṃsāra so often teases in its teachings. The real conundrum then becomes… do we really want to?

We exist in a world where (optimally) every deplorable human act should be balanced out by a beautiful one, and yet ‘good deeds’ don’t seem to get the same amount of ratings. Because of our capacity for conscious thought, we all have the potential for both the greatest good and the most dreadful evil. Morality has hit a much greyer area as of late, however. Whether this is due to the aforementioned desensitization or something else, I’m not entirely sure.

I still cling to hope that we can be better; that we can do better. Occasionally a beacon of light peeks through the clouds and shines in defiance of the gloom surrounding it. Stories like Metropolis offer us a glimpse into an alternate reality through metaphor. Such cautionary tales remind our collective conscience that we all have the capacity to change our fate but must make an effort to do so.

The life by which you live is not simply a piece of the entire existence but is in a certain sense the whole of everyone else’s. Perhaps one single raindrop in the ocean can cause just enough ripples to make a difference. We just require that extra push, the desire to break the cycle. We can play a role to better ourselves if the proper litany is there.

Take a leap of faith. Let the blanket of hope rather than resignation comfort you as you surrender to the uncertainties of change. While this transition may not happen immediately, it will happen if you remain vigilant. Just remember that change is rarely straightforward. It can be as complex as genetics and as slow as evolution.

Things don’t always change for the better, but they will change, and we can play a role in that change if we make the choice… to act.

Jennifer Allen

works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic Artist, Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and an all around Pop Culture Geek. You can reach her at Saathee@Saathee.com

Both vanity and selfishness are human traits exhibited by people of all age groups. In fact, I marvel at the willingness of our youth to lend a helping hand. Be kind to them, as they may be the one who offers you a seat on the bus or leverages the power of social media to collect relief materials in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Selfies and games may have invaded some of their time but their ability to seize opportunities to contribute to altruistic actions is admirable. When my friends and I were at that age, we watched Mumbai’s struggles as bystanders. The idea that we could be an instrument of social improvement was not instilled in us. Building empathy and problem-solving skills is an essential part of education as the future needs professionals who can empathize with others and find affordable solutions. The world desperately needs more boys and girls who can “harness the wind”.

4)The adolescent years of a child are the hardest phase of parenting. Right!

My personal experience confirmed this suspicion but for reasons that I had not anticipated. My skills as a mother are tested daily and I often wonder whether I am meeting the passing grade. Aside from the predictable door slamming and mood swings, I see my children work diligently and stay out of trouble. Nevertheless, the complexity of my life has increased tenfold. My husband and I are self-appointed tutors on subjects we haven’t reviewed in a long time. That’s the easy part but it is painful to witness my kids and their peers working hard, with no idea if it will be enough. Acceptance rates at colleges are shrinking as are job opportunities under the gloomy forecast of a possible recession and inflation. Along with grammar and algebra, we are also polishing our negotiation skills and teaching our kids the art of balancing practical versus aspirational goals for college and beyond. After all, calculating the return on your investment in college expenses does not come naturally to 11th graders. Even if ivory towers of prestigious universities have been tainted, most families yearn to send their offspring to a four-year college program for several good reasons.

We cannot club high school students as either the morons depicted in American Pie or the geniuses we admire from Hidden Figures. What I have come to realize is that as a society, as employers, colleges, teachers, and even as parents, our expectations in general have increased and we ask more and more of our youth, burning some of them out before they are eligible to vote. High school life was very different for us. We may fret and fume over our kids’ social media, social life and their dating world or worry that we haven’t adequately prepared them for those complexities. However, more than likely our parents did not aim to teach us how to navigate through problems in a foreign country, they taught us important values and the rest we figured out independently. We can do the same for our children with the right intention.

Dealing with uncertainties and confusion is as much a part of the high school rigmarole as shopping for prom dresses and daydreaming of life as a grown up.

Shyama Parui

is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

LAW OFFICES OF DAVID A. CONCHA

725 East Trade St., Suite 105

(Court Arcade Building)

Charlotte, NC 28202

Tel: 704-525-8824

Fax: 704-525-8820

We can also serve your needs in the following areas: Auto Accidents

Workman’s Compensation DWI, Speeding Revoked License and Similiar Traffic Infractions and Simple Divorce

SERVING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

My parents are IMMIGRANTS therefore I can understand your situation. You will be treated with the utmost integrity and respect. Saturday and telephone consultations available

I Believe in the Value of Relationships.

I view every client relationship like a partnership and truly believe that my success is a result of your success.

Rajarshi Desai

CPA, PLLC 7301 Carmel Executive Park Drive Suite #200

Charlotte, NC 28226

704.541.9966 or 917.612.1489 (cell) Fax: 877.294.7979

E-mail: rd@rajdesaicpa.com

Member: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and NYSSCPA

I am committed to providing close, personal attention to my clients. I take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from 15 years of my public accounting experience including several years of Big 4 accounting firm’s advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. My continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education and extensive business relationships is indicative of my commitment to excellence.

• Audit Representation and Tax Resolution to 100% clients satisfaction before federal, state and local tax authorities, including filing past year returns.

• Review for possible Federal or State income tax exposure.

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services.

• Payroll and Sales Tax preparation and Compliance.

• Financial reviews and compilation including compliance testing.

• Corporate, partnership, individual, trust and estate tax consulting, planning and compliance.

• Mergers and acquisition reviews including business valuations.

• Comprehensive business services in accounting and auditing.

• Management information systems consulting and technology implementation services.

Member American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

classical dances. These dances not only teach discipline, but also stories from Hindu religion, long term commitment to an art form that is very difficult to learn and a perfect balance of right and left brains. The stories told through dances are not known even to some of the new generation of Indians coming to the USA. Many of my students have been admitted into prestigious colleges due to their longterm commitment to these classical dance forms and training. When these students commit to the traditional dance forms for 7 to 10 years, their commitment to achieve their goals is apparent in their college applications.

Several people also ask me about the language barrier these second-generation Indians face in this country. They wonder how these students can express the stories told through dancing so beautifully. This language barrier is not unique to second generation. As India has so many spoken languages, it is almost impossible to learn them all. As teachers/gurus we explain the stories to the students to bring out the inner emotions of storytelling using dance as a medium. These classical dances have written instructions on the ways you can use your body to tell a story or express an emotion.

Many teachers, who moved to the USA making it their home, have a great opportunity to take it out of India and spread these seeds of culture. Many of the Indian dance teachers in the USA. teach these dances to support themselves financially. Some teachers like me may want more out of it, such as reintroducing our culture to our own Indian community, introducing the culture to the nonIndian community and building recognition, appreciation, interest and respect for our ancient culture. As we are learning Western culture, we should also teach Indian culture in exchange. We all must learn to grow.

Traditional dances have already gained popularity in the US, thanks to many great musicians and performers who continue to contribute to this popularity. Each person’s contribution to these arts becomes an integral part of the overall vision to share these beautiful dance forms with the world.

In my opinion, despite instant gratification of being on the stage with Bollywood dances, there are still many parents who want their children to learn Indian classical dances. The need and search for authentic exposition is pressing and dance shows of this dimension and character is indeed the need of the hour to keep the culture alive. Indian dance is a Science, a discipline, an art, and an exposition at the same time. With the co-operation, philanthropy and good will of the art lovers of the US, I am confident of promoting and fostering an appreciable understanding of the ancient cultural heritage of India among the aesthetic public. Arts are not to be restrained from sharing with others. They are suitable for all cultures. Dances of India production gives me this opportunity to share with pride my Indian heritage.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

For questions or comments, contact via email at GingrichMaha@gmail.com

But Our Parents and Grandparents Always Ate Wheat, so what changed?

What changed is the type of wheat! Over the past several years, there has been a change in the variety of wheat grown. The three genome types are diploid, hexaploidy, and tetraploid. Hexaploid wheat is believed to stimulate the production of antibodies in the body, thereby causing the auto-immune disorder that is Celiac disease.

Other conditions recommended to avoid gluten: Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity

Recent research has shown that it is possible to be sensitive to gluten without having celiac disease. Signs and symptoms can be similar to celiac such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, unexplained anemia, muscle cramps, leg numbness and bone or joint pain. There are no tests to diagnose gluten sensitivity. The important thing is to rule out celiac before trying a gluten-free diet.

Wheat Allergy

This is a true allergy to the proteins present in wheat, namely gliadin and glutenin. Symptoms of a wheat allergy reaction can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. Therefore, it is advised that people with wheat allergy have quick access to an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen or Adrenaclick, at all times. People with wheat allergy can eat all other grains, including rye and barley.

Hashimoto’s/Lupus/Autoimmune disorders

Certain autoimmune conditions have shown benefits from limiting gluten. There are no consistent studies, so patients must rely on trial and error and symptom improvement to see the effects.

Autism

There is some evidence to suggest that gluten-free caseinfree diets that eliminate all wheat and dairy may be helpful for children with Autism.

Summary

• First, consult a gastroenterologist to test for celiac and other autoimmune conditions.

• A gluten-free diet is not a weight loss diet.

• Do not eliminate gluten without proper tests.

• If you do need a gluten-free diet, follow these guidelines:

- Consult a registered dietitian to help you plan a - wellbalanced gluten-free diet.

- Limit packaged processed foods.

- Choose foods that are naturally gluten free.

- Include a variety of gluten-free whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds.

Parul Kharod

is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com

Quiz Corner

Word World By Kirit Shukla

E A N E E

SR G

Make words using 5 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Plural words are not allowed. Use all letters for the subject word (underlined in solutions below)

9+ words = Excellent; 6 to 8 words = Good; 5 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

Brain-Train

Here is a fun quiz. See if you can solve it. No peeking! Match the number in column 1 with letter in column 2

number of stars in flag A. 50 B. 5

Who wants to be a Scholar?!

Answer the ones you know and research the rest. There is only one correct answer!

1. Arrange these FIFA cup winners in chronological order.

(a) Brazil (b) Germany

(c) Italy (d) France

2. The highest grossing Indian film (as of March 2023) is:

(a) Dangal (b) Padmaavat

(c) Pathaan (d) RRR

3. The underground pipe line with a yellow caution flag on the ground:

(a) Electric(b) Phone

(c) Water(d) Gas

4. “Tycoon” means

(a) Magnate(b) Labor Leader

(c) Hurricane(d) Autocratic Ruler

S5. How far is the Moon from the Earth? (Avg.)

(a) 236,855 miles (b) 237,855 miles

(c) 238,855 miles (d) 239,855 miles

6. Three tablespoons is equal to

(a) 1/4 Oz(b) 1.0 Oz

(c) 1/2 Oz(d) 1.5 Oz

7. What is the annual salary of the PM of India?

(a) Rs. 1.2 Lacs (b) Rs. 1.4 Lacs

(c) Rs. 1.6 Lacs (d) Rs. 1.8 Lacs

8. Who has won the most women’s solo Wimbledon titles?

(a) Martina Navratilova(b) Billie Jean King

(c) Serena Williams(d) Steffi Graf

9. Scholars often credit Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi (c. 780 – c. 850) as the mathematician who formalized

(a) Calculus(b) Geometry

(c) Algebra(d) Trigonometry

10. The national flower of Nepal is (a Jasmine(b) Lotus

(c) Rose (d) Rhododendron

Answers are on bottom left. No Peeking. Scholar: All correct; 1st Class: 9 Correct; 2nd Class: 8 Correct; 3rd Class: 7 Correct; Need to improve: 6 or less

Key Word Search

Fill in blanks of these clues, then take the first letter of each word and unscramble them to find this month’s Key Word.

India’s unit of currency. ___

Official language of the United States. ___

Brain Train:

Word World (Solution): Eager, Serene, Reneg, Egress, Eagerness, Green, Saner, Agree, Grease, Earns, Grass, Genre, Erase.

Harry S. _____. Former president of the United States. Capital city of Hawaii. ___

Bombay is now known as ___ .

The first whole number above zero. ___

Answers on page 88

PUZZLES AND JOKES

By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues Across:

1. The Pine Tree State.

6. Spiritual monastery in India.

12. ______ Hemingway.

14. Traditional greeting or farewell. (Hawaii)

15. Holiday on the 2nd Sunday of May to honor moms.

17. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry capacity = ¹/₁₀ ephah.

18. Automatic Identification System. (*)

19. Air Force. (*)

21. Melted cheese poured over toast or crackers. Welsh dish.

23. Optimal Level of Functioning. (*)

25. An Indian bread, baked in tandoor ovens.

26. Hawaii. (*)

27. Ground Level. (*)

28. A single spot or pip on a playing card, die or domino.

30. Antagonist character in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.

33. A spring door lock opened from the outside by a key.

35. Registered Nurse. (*)

36. The speed of red cell settling in a graduated tube of fresh whole blood; Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate.

38. Doctor. (*)

39. The capital city of 1 Across.

41. A locality located in the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in Province of Lleida province, Catalonia, Spain.

44. Regional Transport Office. (*)

45. The events or experience of former times.

46. To bring an event to a natural stopping point.

48. Virginia. (*)

50. The football stadium at Western Michigan University.

51. Small town in 1 Across.

Clues Down:

1. U.S. holiday in May to honor soldiers who died in batt

2. Fragrance.

3. Global system of interconnected digital networks for communication.

4. “HEENAR”: Unscramble the letters (made up word).

5. East Southeast. (*)

7. Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes. (*)

8. Human Leukocyte Antigen. (*)

9. Of or relating to a monarch.

10. Ampere-Hour. (*)

11. The 5th month of the Gregorian calendar.

13. Resembling or pertaining to train oil.

16. Please ____ down.

20. A common weather occurrence in London.

22. A washing of all or part of the body in water.

23. Cooking or motor ____.

24. A treatise describing the plants of a region or time.

26. Suspend.

29. An itinerant gambler. (Irish)

31. Savage.

32. A critical examination, observation, or evaluation.

34. A widely used domesticated animal in deserts.

37. A portable appliance that burns fuel, used for cooking.

39. Airman. (*) (Navy)

40. An official language of Pakistan.

42. Arachidonic Acid. (*)

43. United States Dollar. (*)

47. Netherlands. (*)

48. Alternating Current. (*)

(solution on page 88)

Hee Hee

Jokes & Riddles From Around The World

Booddhoo: “Do you sell 3% milk?”

Cashier: “No! We sell skim, 1%, 2% and 4% (whole) milk.”

Booddhoo: “Give me 2% and 4% milk. I’ll make 3% by adding equal parts of both.”

Booddhoo: “Guru, what does my future depend on?“

Guru: “Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.”

Q. Where does today come before yesterday?

A. In the dictionary.

The English alphabet goes from A to Z but my name goes from Z to A. What am I?

Answer: A Zebra.

WordFind

Math Magic

Fill in the empty squares to get = the final given answers. Use any number from 1 to 9, except 4, only once:

Note: Follow the order of operation per basic math rule: ×,÷, +,The multiplication or division is done before addition and subtraction. (solution on page 88)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle.

Subject: Maine

ACADIA AROOSTOOK BANGOR BATES

BATH

BELFAST BRANN

CALAIS

CASCOBAY CHAMPLAIN DOWNEAST EAGLELAKE

The

JOHNMARIN KENNEBEC

KNOX LEWISTON MANSFIELD ME

MILO MOOSEHEAD MT

OXFORD SACO SHAKERS

(answer on page 88)

EZ-BZ

TEST YOUR IQ

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

1. Generally used to press buttons. FIN _ _ _ _ _ _

2. Saturated acyclic hydrocarbon; Lamp oil. _ _ _ _ _ FIN

3. A person who behaves in an offensive manner. FIN _

4. Vomiting. _ _ _ FIN _

5. A seed-eating perching bird, having a conical beak. FIN _ _

6. To state explicitly. _ _ FIN _

7. A match or competition which precedes the last one. _ _ _ _ FIN _ _

8. Excessively particular, as in tastes or standards. FIN_ _ _ _

9. Minute (particles). _ _ _ _ _ FIN _

10. The management of money. FIN _ _ _ _ _

11. To pass time at leisure; idle. _ _ _ FIN _

12. Unbounded space, time, or quantity. _ _ FIN _ _ _

13. A natural liking of someone. _ _ FIN _ _ _

14. Long box for the deceased. _ _ _ FIN

15. Roundhead fish. _ _ _ _ FIN

16. A light midday meal. _ _ _ FIN

17. The act or fact of pretending. _ _ _ _ FIN _

18. Having no ambiguity. _ _ FIN _ _ _

19. To cheat, swindle. FIN _ _ _ _

20. The concluding part of a performance. FIN _ _ _

(Puzzle solutions are on page 88. NO peeking!)

kiritsshukla@gmail.com

unused 13 letters spell “The nickname of Maine.”

Saathee Puzzle Master Kirit Shukla

Festivals & Holidays

May 2023

May 1 - Maharashtra / Gujarat Day

May 1 - Beltane / May Day

May 1 - Mohini Ekadashi

May 2 - National Teacher Appreciation Day

May 3 - Narsingh Jayanti

May 4 - National Day of Prayer

May 5 - Buddha Purnima / Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon)

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 7 - Tagore Jayanti

May 9 - Lag BaOmer

May 14 - Mother’s Day

May 15 - Aparā Ekadashi

May 18 - Vat Savitri Vrat

May 19 - Jyeshta Amas (No Moon)

May 20 - Armed Forces Day

May 22 - Maharana Pratap Jayanti

May 26 - Shavuot

May 29 - Memorial Day

May 30 - Nirjala Ekadashi

May 30 - Gayatri Jayanti

Key Word Search Answers from page 84

Rupee.

English.

Truman.

Honolulu.

Mumbai. One.

Key Word of the Month: Mother

Math Magic from page 87

Spot

1. Removed a farmer

2. Added a snake on the road

3. Added a lizard on the road

4. Added birds in the sky

5. Changed color of shirt

6. Removed the white car

7. Added a scooter

8. Removed one of the pans

9. Removed electrical wire tower

10. Added a logo on the machine

11. Another bird added

12. Airplane added

13. Plough added

14. Bucket replaced with pan

15. Towel color changed

Puzzle Solutions from page 86-87

Astroscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

MAY 2023

This month will be for fun and enjoyment. Take life easy and enjoy a vacation. Multiple new ideas and thoughts will flood your mind, so be sure to sit back, analyze them, and wait until the end of the month to finalize any decision. Spend time with friends and siblings as they will help you relax and prepare you for any new projects. A minor health ailment could be there.

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

Time will fly during the first half of the month and luck will favor you for most of it. Your associates may share in your success. Good news regarding wealth will delight you. You should perform well at your place of work and achieve major success as long as you take immediate action for any major decisions. Unhealthy thoughts may create unwanted issues during the last week of the month.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You won’t want to work this month. Be prepared for a drastic change in lifestyle or career. You may even be able to alter your mindset, particularly to return to some old projects. React aggressively toward competitors during the last week. This is a good time for religious study and activities. Destiny is controlling life, so be sure to relax and enjoy it.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Destiny will greatly favor you at the beginning of the month, so be sure any and all major decisions are made then. Afterwards, uncertainty in the workplace and problems with your associates may take shape. Avoid short trips or plans with friends. Enjoy good health and peace of mind. Try to complete any pending projects during the last week of the month.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Don’t wait until the end of the month to make major decisions. You may feel continually active and busy. Also, you could face family issues during the last week. Stay focused on work and ignore them for now. Don’t act aggressively, but instead wait and watch. Pay attention to your health. Business related travel may bring good rewards for you. Avoid legal disputes and curb expenses as well.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

You could enjoy good luck this month, but a very busy schedule may also lead you towards making mistakes. Unexpected expenses and frustration may also disturb your peace of mind. Your health may be in jeopardy. Try to focus on creative activities such as reading or writing to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Libra (September 22 – October 20)

Be careful during the first half of the month as both friends and ideologies could lead toward a major loss. Don’t take any major risks or trust business partners blindly. Things may not appear bad in the beginning of the month, but your situation could deteriorate during the last week. This is also not a good time for students. You may develop a tendency to not listen to advice.

Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)

A very busy period is shaping up for you. A minor misunderstanding with your partner is possible. You could benefit through your competitors, though smart yet contradictory decisions should lead to success. Luck may not help during the last week, but a practical approach to earning money may bring good results. You should enjoy good health but may also be forced to isolate away from associates to remain so.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Your health could be a major concern this month. You may make several mistakes at your place of business, and competitors will try to take advantage of this. Take a breath and remain focused on your work routine. Any risk taking tendencies should be analyzed first to ensure you’ll make the right decision. You could also feel lost this month and attempt to gain help from spiritual powers. Plan a vacation and relax.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 21)

Life will take a major turn soon after overcoming an unexpected situation. Misfortune could strike you down and temporarily tear down your confidence. Financial risks should be avoided. However, you can count on positive change soon, so be sure to control yourself and pass the time quietly. Also try to drive very carefully and watch your health.

Aquarius (January 22 – February 18)

This month will be all about working hard. Disputes with your partner or associates may force alterations to business plans. You may not feel happy or comfortable this month and this stress could cause you to react aggressively and create more problems. Spend time understanding the situation before making brash decisions. Don’t compromise your morals, but don’t rush into immediate action either.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

A dispute with authority may create problems during the first half of the month, and the involvement of a family member could make it worse. This is not a favorable time for students. Uncertainty may fuel your fears, so it’s very important that you meditate in an attempt to boost your self-confidence. The second half of the month should be somewhat better than the first. Plan or participate in a religious event. Try to avoid travel, if possible.

)

Modern Indian Cuisine

Listed in Top 50 Restaurants in Charlotte: Charlotte City Magazine

Best Indian Restaurant in Charlotte : BOB Awards 2006 to 2021

Listed in Top 10 restaurants in Charlotte : Creative Loafing

Voted in Top 10 Restaurants in Charlotte : Open Table Ballantyne

"Cuisine of India"

Best New Restaurant in Charlotte 2010 - Creative Loafing

Listed in Top 50 Restaurants in charlotte Charlotte City Magazine

Best Caterer: BOB Awards 2012

Preferred Caterer for Ritz Carlton and Ballantyne Hotel

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Gas Station for Lease near Charlotte. Great traffic / neighborhood. Inside sales $75k/month. Lotto commission $70k / year. ATM $8k / year. Air / Vac / Bitcoin $10k / year. Potential to grow business like MO, check cashing, WIC, deli, money transfer. Call 828-205-3040. Start Your Own Tutoring Business: 10 years of experience.We can help you from A to Z to set up your tutoring business or help improve your existing business. Call Nirmala 919-672-4724.

C-Stores for Sale: Williamston, NC $89,000 + Inv., Annual $710,846, no gas; Forest City, NC $179,000 + Inv, Annual $641,906, no gas; Stokes, NC $379,000 + Inv, Annual $724,800, fuel gals 114,000; Jonesville, NC $895,000 – Currently Leased; Contact: County South: 704440-4433 or Countysouth.biz.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Front Desk Help Wanted: Franchise Hotel in Fort Mill, SC. Previous hotel experience preferred. Fluent English, legal status, and computer skills a must. 2nd (3pm-11pm) and 3rd (11pm-7am) shifts. Email details to bwhospitality78@gmail.com.

Hiring Threading Specialists at Jill's iBrow Threading Salon in Fayetteville, NC. Call 336-686-7007.

Experienced Live-In Manager

Couple needed for independent motel in Fayetteville, NC. Salary plus accommodations. Call 910-494-7228.

Convenience Store Help Wanted (single or couple) at VGO Store in Camden, SC. 2 BR house provided walking distance from store. Call Ron at 415-728-6595.

Couple/Single Needed for Front Desk, Housekeeping, & Laundry at Economy Franchise Hotel in NC. Accommodations provided. Contact 704-465-8129.

House Help Needed: Full-time or live-in. Includes caring skills for vegetarian couple near Hindu Center. Please call or text 980-267-7476.

Gas Station / C-store Help Needed at stores near Huntersville & Northlake areas. Must speak English. Family friendly oriented people. Pay $15/hr and up. Call 704-402-4661. Looking for Nanny for 7 month-old in south Charlotte. Please call Niharika at 980-319-2464.

Front Desk Manager Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text or Call 704701-9975.

Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, NC. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482

Experienced Live-In Manager

Couple needed for independent motel in Florence, SC. Must have legal status. Salary plus accommodations. Call 843-992-8424.

Sales Associate Wanted for jewelry store in Winston Salem. Please call 786-502-0333.

Immediate Hire: Accounting manager (must have experience). Hotel GMs - Wyndham, Choice, and Hilton brands (must have experience). Front Desk (multiple locations). Pay rates higher than competition. Contact 704-649-6833 or abcone@abcinns.com

Gas Station / C-Store Help needed in Greensboro, NC & surrounding areas. Multiple positions available from cashiers to managers. Must have prior experience & speak English. Great pay! Call 336-509-4054.

Front Desk Help & Housekeeping / Laundry needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord, NC. Accommodations provided. Call Rick 704-772-5554.

Need Nanny in Concord, NC area to take care of 10 month-old baby from 9am-5pm. Contact 979-888-0976.

Help Wanted for Indian Grocery Store in Morrisville, NC. Fluent English required. Good salary and accommodations available. Contact 919-518-4456.

NOW HIRING Experienced Eyebrow Threaders

Beautiful iBrows in Carolina Place Mall. Full-time or part-time available. Hourly pay plus tips. Call Hashim 202-213-5227.

Convenience Store Wholesale Business Help Wanted in Indian Land / Fort Mill, SC. One part-time / full-time bookkeeper & 2 fulltime store associates. Contact Harry: 803-228-0711 or palcodistributors@gmail.com.

Hiring Housekeeping Couple for motel in Greenville / Simpsonville, SC. Accommodations provided. Call or text 828-386-5184.

Hotel Help Wanted: Night Auditor/ Laundry/ Maintenance for Franchise Hotel in Lake Norman area. Call 704929-0853.

Looking for Nanny (live-in or 9 to 5) for 1 year-old in Morrisville, NC. Please contact via Whatsapp at 334333-4216.

Help Needed at Perfume Stores in Charlotte & Pineville, NC. For details, please call Veer Singh at 415265-8686.

Manager Couple Needed for Motel in North Carolina. Excellent pay. Accommodations provided. Call 910817-4313 or 910-995-1707.

Live-in House Helper Needed in Greenville, SC for daily cooking and light housework. Lady preferred. Please call 318-562-0664.

Manager Wanted (single or couple) for franchise hotel in Fort Mill, SC. Hotel experience, basic computer skills and legal status a must. Accommodations provided. Email mars803@gmail.com.

Household Help Needed in South Charlotte for light housekeeping and cooking. Veg or non-veg cooking ok. Male with car preferred. Room and board available. Call 704942-4798.

Manager / Front Desk needed for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Accommodations Provided. Call 803-517-4662.

Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point, NC & Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Call 704-460-0379 between 6-9pm.

Seeking Live-in Couple/Individual w/ good communication skills for management of 64-room branded hotel property near Florence, SC (right off i-95). Prior hotel experience preferred. 3BD/2BR apartment provided. Contact 419-902-9515.

Seeking a Home Care Provider in Morrisville, NC. Duties include assistance with daily living, travel to health appointments, and light cleaning. Live-in and/or medical background preferred but not required. Please contact 571-4261623 or 786-521-1413.

Seeking Vendors for Durham Refugee Day, a multicultural community event. Join in at Durham Central Park on July 8, 2023. For more info, visit durhamrefugeeday.com.

Saathee Classified ads: Buy or sell a business. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Get great adversting results. Call 704-527-7570 or email saathee@saathee.com.

Looking for Groom for 50-year-old good-looking, 5'2" woman. Never married, slim, well-accomplished vegetarian, attorney in NJ. US-born & belongs to Gujarati community. Looking for mature and understanding partner, preferably on the East Coast. Please text 470 239 0059 and refer AK.

Looking for suitable match for well accomplished 40 year-old, Gujarati man. 5'8'', (Divorced, no kids) U.S Citizen in North Carolina. Contact : 704349-2902 or shanti00021@gmail.com.

Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti. Kishor Trivedi: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 EMail: kishor7@juno.com.

Travel Passion: International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Passport Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509-550-9076 or 509-550-9034 or please Email: travelpassion24@gmail.com

Priest Available for Shree Satya narayan katha, Shanti hawan, Vastu shanty, Weddings, Baby shower, Bhumi pujan, Mata ki chowki pujan, Funeral, all types of karmakand. Please call Viral Bhatt 704-438-6334. Saree Draping: specializing in draping sarees, dupattas and jewelry for Weddings, Engagements, Baby showers, Birthdays, etc. Contact Rital Patel: info@bridaldraping.com or www.bridaldraping.com.

For Rent: Indian house common in south Charlotte close to Matthews 51 & I-485. Two furnished bedrooms with bathroom & kitchen. Washer/dryer separate. Prefer two females. Email rooms.rent21@yahoo.com.

Mid-sized Franchise Outdoor Corridor Property for Sale in South Carolina. Serious buyers only. Proof of funds required. No owner financing or lease. Email tshingala@gmail.com.

Seeking Match for 30 year-old Gujarati man. 5' 10", Mech Engineer residing in Southern California with family on the east coast. Contact akshar102@gmail.com or 909-325-5074.

Hindu Punjabi Khatri parents seek match for daughter. 31 year-old, 5ft 4in. Fair, slim, and very pretty. Medical office administrator in Central Florida. Prefer suitors from the southeast. Please respond with full details to nudaak@gmail.com.

Priest: Ganesh, Shiv, Lakshmi, Randal, Paduka Pujans; Wedding, Baby shower, Housewarming, Satyanaryan Katha, Mundan & Yagnopavit; Navchandi, Tarpan, Garud Puran, Havans, etc. Online puja also available. Call Rajendra Bhatt 732-841-7832.

Pari Beauty in Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 33 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. email: gescpl@gmail.com or call: 704-846-7912.

Neeta's Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call 704-968-0270 for appointment.

Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-7803563. God Blessings to All.

Indian Astrologer and Spiritual Healer in Glen Allen, VA. We do horoscopes, birth charts, negative energy removal, black magic removal, etc. Contact 804-738-0034 or astroprataprajusa@gmail.com. To Submit a Classified visit: saathee.com/classifieds or email: saathee@saathee.com or call 704-527-7570

Business ads are $25

ads are $15

text: additional $10 or a BOX for $15 Ads up to 25 words .

We began the magazine on a whim, with a folded 4-page flyer and run off on a copy machine. Over the years of churn and technological hops and bounces, we have printed the magazine, black and white at first, newsprint later, and full glossy color for many years, continually month after month. The internet was still fairly young when we started Saathee in May of 1998. The madness of social media and smart phones still a few years away.

Incidentally, print media is also analog, old school, an older friend of records. Print still has gravitas, something you hold and flip and keep on the living room table for later perusing. It is static, yet visually dynamic. The digital hurricanes today pummel us daily with a deluge of content. Cutting through the noise is a challenge. Putting down that handheld beast of incessant information is difficult.

A suggestion. Slow it down. Grab a cup of chai, set aside the digital devices, and pick up a good book or a magazine, hey, if you happen to be reading this on the print version of Saathee, you already have something worth reading. :)

Over the years, we have had challenges, pretty much as any business or enterprise does. But it is a joy to produce this content, the lovely print magazine and our related digital versions. Passion is a good word. The bumps and the triumphs along the way have been thrilling, humbling and educational. We have evolved as an information source, evolved as people, as first and second-generation immigrants, as citizens.

The warm month of May beckons even the grayest of spirits. Outdoor season is cranking up, for music, travel, festivals, gatherings. We will celebrate Saathee during this month of memories, and then roll forward. The record continues to spin. It’s time to flip it onto the other side. Your companion and friend, Saathee, is here with you.

It’s time to flip the page, continue flipping the pages, for another round of time weaving into months and years. Nice, clean blocks of time. Stay with us for the ride. If you just recently discovered us, join us for the ride.

Samir Shukla

Editor of Saathee Magazine

Contact: Samir@Saathee.com

Twitter: @ShuklaWrites

Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com

Neeta’s Beauty Parlor

preserve it and keep it alive for its lifetime: an urge that kicks in whenever danger so much as hints at its presence. Alas, this gift too brings an attendant curse with it! Hidden within what is undeniably a strength is also a capability to protect ourselves not from lions and sharks, but from the windmills seen by the Quixote within us.

Worse, thanks to our creative storytelling abilities, since the “me” we seek to preserve and protect is likely not the “Me” that is the gift of nature, our resources and efforts may be grossly misplaced, making them unavailable for what may really be in our self-interest.

Stress is not happiness!

So, we and the co-creators of the story of our existence –the hair-me mess — are driven by a strong compulsion to do something to bring this tumbleweed-like aberration under our control, much as the valorous Don Quixote did.

And try as we may, using whatever microscopes and instruments we can outfit ourselves with, we can’t unentangle the “hair-me mess”, for we can’t figure out where the illusory “me” is, where the stories about the universe are, and what part of this unholy mess is something even remotely real. All this is, to put it mildly, a source of considerable stress for the harried Quixote.

If we see that the stress – and therefore the feeling of unhappiness — is a product of the gift-curse of our creativity, maybe it becomes clearer that many forms of unhappiness really arise from some place inside us.

Is It possible to avoid writing fantasy fiction that torments? Is it worth considering shrinking the “me”, and redefining it to something closer to what nature created? Is it possible to exercise the gift of creativity to write useful non-fiction, and studiously delete the fictional “me” from these stories, as far as possible? And, say, with grace to the universe: “It’s not you. It’s me!”

Balaji Prasad

is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com.

Personal Finances continued from page 54

The other worry I always have is parents giving away too much money to their children, while they are alive, just because they were asking for it or they need it or something similar. That thought is noble but should not be the prime thought in the minds of any senior people. The primary thinking must be to make sure that you have enough to live on, something that will last you for your lifetime with all its ups and downs, in good/bad health and other aspects like inflation. Leaving something for the next generation is nice but not mandatory, essential, or required by any law. Charity of your own welfare comes before anyone else’s.

Mo Vidwans

704.968.0270

is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit, VidwansFinancial.com, call 734-476-0579 or write to: mvfinancial@yahoo.com

Advertisers

360insureall.com (Maqsood Khan)................................43

Aishwarya Majumdar (Live in Charlotte Sept 30, 2023)....6

Allegacy Federal Credit Union..........................................73

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) ............................................77

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group (Bob Ziker).........................23

Bala Sure (Broker / Realtor, NC & SC).............................67

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)..................16

Bashyam Shah LLP - Immigration Law Group................64

Bhindi Jewelers ..............................................................2

Blooming Buds................................................................55

Blooming Smiles Pediatric Dentistry................................77

Blumenthal Performing Arts (Events)...............................24

Bombay Grille (Charlotte).................................................78

Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate).........................25

British International School of Charlotte.............................9

British Swim School.........................................................22

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner)....................40

Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center....................................33

Carolina Law Group ........................................................34

Carolina Medical Partners...............................................75

Carolinas Pediatrics (Uma Periyanayagam, MD, FAAP)...29

Charlotte Chess Center ..................................................11

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat ....................................83

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Dept...........4

Chiro-Carolina ...........................................................79

Color Master Collision Center..........................................67

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney)..............................81

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte).........................................91

County South Realty & Business Brokers........................45

Dances of India..................................................................5

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)................53

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC).............................................81

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani)....................................................43

Dosa n' More (Fort Mill, SC).............................................89

Eesha Realty, LLC............................................................35

Elite Motors ....................................................................17

Ensure Home Loans (Ramesh Nallavolu).........................45

Fairview Home Mortgage................................................51

Four Points by Sheraton (Myrtle Beach)...........................59

Geological Resources, Inc................................................65

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ...........................................99

H2 Laser & Skin..............................................................97

Health Markets (Medicare, Health, Life, Supplemental)....61

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events).............................68-72

Hitch Hiker's Guide to College.........................................33

Hitesh Rathod (Real Estate).............................................33

Home Decorators Of America (Atlanta)............................57

Indian Astrologer (Pandit Pratap Raj)................................45

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv.........81

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent)...49

JVC Realty (Balaji Tatineni Realtor / Broker).....................85

Khanna & Sons Jewelers................................................15

Kumar, Kokila (Real Estate - Allen Tate)............................97

Life Mission USA (Summer Youth Camp).........................47

Maadhurya Photography.................................................53

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte).................................29

Malak Jewelers...............................................................27

Malani Jewelers............................................................100

Malaya Kitchen................................................................97

Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors)...............................19

Maxim Tours....................................................................21

Meenakshi Creations LLC...............................................19

Mehta & McConnell, PLLC (Injury Lawyers).....................63

Mint MedSpa & Laser Studio..........................................75

Neeta's Beauty Parlor......................................................94

New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq)..........................5

North American Bancard .................................................7

Nrityangan Cultural Academy Performance.....................11

NSD Tax & Accounting Services......................................21

One 2 Entertainment.......................................................51

Patel & Samatova, Law...................................................39

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)...........................................49

Patel, Tony (Real Estate)...................................................79

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate).................................................55

Persis Indian Grill (Fort Mill, SC).......................................89

Pramukh Mandapam......................................................65

Queen City Smiles (Dr. Kanupriya Tewari)........................25

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi).............39

Ram Mortgage & Realty (Mayank Patel)..........................39

Rug & Home......................................................................3

Saffron Restaurant and Catering.....................................95

Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC........................................55

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC...............................................37

Shah, Anish (Real Estate).......................................30 & 31

Sheraton Chapel Hill (ATMA Hotel Group)........................98

Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band)...............................45

Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara)...................................10

Technone LLC (Securtiy Systems)...................................43

The Blue Taj.....................................................................91

Travel Passion.................................................................53

Tutoring Business Development......................................21

Union Family Eye Associates (Dr. Keshav Bhat)................95

Uniworld Travel................................................................51

VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal)..............................37 & 53

Vasthra Vedika Boutique..................................................23

Vema Mortgage LLC (Chirag Rachhadia)...............29 & 95

Vimal Realty (Vimal Patel - Realtor).................................41

Windsor Run (Erickson Senior Living)..............................13

Worldwide Travels............................................................49

Laser Hair Removal – utilizing FDA approved Lumenis Lightsheer device for faster treatments for men and women –hair removal for all areas (face, chest, back, legs, bikini, etc.)

Hair Restoration – ALMA TED is an FDA approved device, designed to address hair shedding, hair loss, and hair thinning. TED is an ultrasound-based system that uses sound waves' power and air pressure combined with topical Hair Care Formula.

Skin Resurfacing – A series of Clear + Brilliant® fractional laser treatments can leave your skin feeling smoother, younger looking and give you that “radiant glow.”

RF Microneedling – Radiofrequency microneedling is used to rejuvenate the skin. It can target acne scars and early signs of aging, like fine lines and sagging.