Saathee Charlotte December 2021 by Shukla Entertainment

Bridging Bridging America America and and the the Indian Indian Subcontinent Subcontinent

Saathee.com

December 2021

IN THIS ISSUE Lab Workers Shortage: Page 14 Christmas Events: Page 18 Recipe: Chai-Spiced Cookies : Page 72

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December 2021

Hello Readers! Read about why public health workers are fleeing the field in the article titled “Labs with No One to Run Them” on page 22. Find out when comedians are at war, and headed for a round 2 on the essay on page 40. Want to take an online course? Here are four tips to make sure you get the most out of it for your career. Go to page 42. Find out why holiday joy isn’t always wrapped with a bow in an introspective essay on page 48. Look for the easy to make and utterly delicious recipe for chai-spiced cookies on page 72. We are seeking writers and recipes. Send a query to Saathee Editor Samir Shukla, Samir@Saathee.com. Thank you for continuing to read Saathee and please share it with family and friends. Drop us a line with any comments or suggestions. We welcome conversations. See you next month.

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

December 2021 Issue # 283 - Saathee.com Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla 704-527-7570 or rakavid@aol.com

Digital Media & Marketing

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

Cover: St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysore

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews

St. Philomena’s Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, India. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. It was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. It is one of the tallest churches in Asia.

Contributors for this issue: Kirit Shukla, Raajeev Aggerwhil, Shyama Parui, Taige Shukla, Mo Vidwans & 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.

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December 2021

In This Issue

Page 50 Spot the Differences

Page 22 Lab Workers Quitting Their Jobs

Page 18 Events

Page 34 Increase your India Knowledge: Goa

Content The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14

Online Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42

Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 84

Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18

Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44

Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . .pg. 86

Lab Workers Shortage . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22

Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46

Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . .pg. 88

Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . .pg. 26

Mirror Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48

Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 88

Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28

Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50

AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 90

Increase India Knowledge . . . . . . .pg. 34

Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 92

Increase USA Knowledge . . . . . . . .pg. 38

News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62

Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 96

Raajeev’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72

Saathee.com

December 2021

Guitar Star Turning air into sound

The Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla This past September, while watching the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards and Ron Wood interplay their guitars as Mick Jagger sang and strutted on the stage at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, the full majesty of rock, driven by guitars, was cut loose of its moorings. The sky wept in joy. Practically every kid I knew in middle school and later high school dreamed of playing the guitar. Like a rock star, of course. It was the late 70’s and early 80’s and rock ‘n’ roll ruled the radio airwaves. The lead guitarists of rock bands were our idols. Their guitar strings spewed mighty sounds, from subtle to loud, melodic to feedback. In an era before music videos, the Internet, and social media, their mystique added to their legends. My guitar heroes were Keith Richards and Pete Townsend. They were among the guitarists inspiring me to pick up a guitar. Townsend’s riﬀs awoke a primal sense of belonging to something bigger while his words spoke to me, a scrawny immigrant kid trying to fit in. Like many of my friends, I bought a guitar, a small amp and signed up for lessons. I spent hours trying to figure out the chords and riﬀs of favorite songs. I learned to play Townsend’s “Behind Blue Eyes” and the opening notes of that song are still one continued on page 94

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December 2021

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December 2021

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Community Events Christmas Town USA: McAdenville, NC (December 1–26, 2021) The town of McAdenville, NC will celebrate its 66th year of Christmas lights and cheers. The entire town is decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. People can drive through the town to view the lights starting December 1 – 26, 2021 from 5:30pm to 10 pm each night. The 2021 lighting ceremony will take place on December 1. The ceremony will be held on the Plaza of the Pharr Family YMCA, located beside the McAdenville Baptist Church. The ceremony will start at 5pm and the switch will be pulled at 6pm to start another Christmas Town USA season. There are several ways to drive through the town. Find all the details at Mcadenville-christmastown.com.

Myrtle Beach International Film Festival: (December 7-11, 2021)

The 16th annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival returns to South Carolina with even more oﬀerings of independent animation, shorts, documentaries, foreign films, web series, and features. All selections will be shown at the Stone Theaters at The Market Common between December 7 & 11, 2021. Tickets and info: Myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com.

integrates Odissi’s pasts and proposes its possible futures. On December 10 & 11, 2021, Durham audiences will be the first to see the result: ABHIPSAA — a seeking, co-commissioned by Duke Performances and New York’s Baryshnikov Arts Center. Satpathy explores her solo voice, advancing the vocabulary of Indian classical dance; ABHIPSAA — a seeking pairs Satpathy’s choreography with a new musical score. December 6 (noon) there will be a public conversation with Satpathy. Details: Dukeperformances.duke.edu.

Huntersville Holiday 5k/Half Marathon: (December 10-11, 2021) The Huntersville Holiday 5k will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 starting at 7pm and the Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 8am. Registration prices for the Half Marathon will open at $50, the 5k will open at $15 and the Challenge (running both races) will open at $75. Cash prizes will be awarded for each event. Learn more at Huntersvillehalf.raceroster.com.

Pramukh Swami Centennial Celebrations: Matthews, NC (December 11) BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of Charlotte will celebratre Pramukh Swami Maharaj's centennial on Saturday, December 11, 2021 (4pm). There will be a unique cultural and musical program performed by the children and youth of BAPS. Mahaprasad (dinner) will be served. The temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd., Matthews, NC. For more details, call 704573-0805 or visit BAPS.org/Charlotte.

Bijayini Satpathy World Premiere: ABHIPSAA - a seeking: Durham, NC (December 10-11, 2021) “For four decades,” Odissi dance master Bijayini Satpathy writes, “the Odissi I have known and owned has been someone else’s song, someone else’s making, someone else’s idea, someone else’s feelings and emotions.” Hailed by The New Yorker as “a performer of exquisite grace and technique,” Satpathy spent 25 years as Principal Dancer with India’s famed Nrityagram Dance Ensemble before striking out on her own to create this singular solo work that radically Saathee.com

Repticon: Concord, NC (December 18 – 19, 2021) This show features two days of reptiles and exotic animals. See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at good prices and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals. Repticon Charlotte expo will take place December 18 – 19, 2021 at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49 North, Concord, NC. Parking is $7/car. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Repticon.com. 18

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December 2021

Community Events both houses. Tours will be oﬀered Tuesday – Saturday at The annual Gita Jayanti celebration will take place at the 12pm and 3pm, and Sunday at 1:30pm and 3pm. On Friday, Hindu Center of Charlotte on Sunday, December 19, 2021, December 31, one 12 pm tour will be held. Details: from 10am - 12:30pm. The center is located at 7400 City View Historiccolumbia.org. Drive in Charlotte. For more details call 704-535-3440 or visit Speedway Christmas: Concord, NC Hcclt.org.

Gita Jayanti: Charlotte, NC (December 19, 2021)

(Through January 2, 2022) First Night Charlotte: (December 31, 2021)

Make the holidays magical with a visit to Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Featured by Southern Living, the four-mile drive-thru course is adorned with over four million LED lights twinkling across the legendary speedway. One of the Southeast’s largest holiday traditions, the event features hundreds of creative displays and lights synchronized to Christmas-themed music. Speedway Christmas is open nightly through January 2, 2022. Details, Charlottemotorspeedway.com. Charlotte will host the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Friday, December 31, 2021 in downtown streets and various venues, theaters, and concert halls. The family-friendly event is alcohol free with tons of activities for kids of all ages starting in the afternoon and leading up to the countdown into the New Year. For more details, visit Charlottesgotalot.com.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival: Cary, NC (Through January 9, 2022)

First Night Raleigh: (December 31, 2021) With 20+ blocks of programming throughout downtown, WRAL First Night Raleigh is the way to ring in the New Year! Learn a new hobby for the New Year at the daytime Children’s Celebration from 2-6 pm at the NC Museums of History and Sciences. Bounce around music, theater, and other performances after the Early Countdown at 7pm. Ride the First Night Ferris Wheel and the Down Draft amusement ride. Just make sure you’re on Fayetteville Street at midnight for the WRAL Countdown to Midnight and the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop. To learn more, visit Firstnightraleigh.com.

North Carolina’s favorite holiday event returns to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC. This colorful event will run for seven weeks from now through January 9, 2022, featuring all new displays and enhanced programming. Various ticket packages and other information are available at Boothamphitheatre.com.

Holiday House Tours: Columbia, SC (Through December 31, 2021)

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Presents Spaced Out: (January 21-22, 2022)

Guests are invited to see a variety of holiday decorations and experience traditions in two historic homes now through Saturday, December 31, 2021. Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the Robert Mills House, guests will see how a home of its size might have been decorated in the 1820s during the time before Christmas trees were popular. Across the street at the Hampton-Preston Mansion, Christmas of the 1860s was very diﬀerent from today. Eggnog, poinsettias and Christmas trees were all part of the Victorian era holidays. Admission includes a guided tour of

One cannot imagine Sci-fi films without music. From Star Wars to Star Trek and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, fans of the genre can relive unforgettable moments in movie history through the iconic scores with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christopher James Lees. The performances will take place January 21 - 22, 2022 both nights at 7:30pm at the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 South Tryon Street, Charlotte. For more details, call 704.372.1000 or visit Blumenthalarts.org.

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December 2021

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December 2021

Labs with No One to Run Them Why Public Health Workers Are Fleeing the Field

By Anna Maria Barry-Jester, Kaiser Health News There were days, nights and weekends in the early months of the pandemic when Denise Von Bargen was the only person running covid tests at the public health lab in Ventura County. She once had eight or nine employees to assist her, but, one by one, they had all retired or left for other jobs. Like other public health laboratories in California charged with broad-scale disease testing and surveillance, the Ventura lab received federal and state money for new equipment and short-term hires to bolster its response to covid-19. But the funding was temporary, and Von Bargen, the director, could not use it to increase the salaries of her employees, who could earn more money doing less work in the private sector. Operations deteriorated further last month, after the lab lost its license to run routine tests that check the county’s ocean water for deadly bacteria. It appears to have been a clerical error: The licensing paperwork changed, and the staﬀ typically responsible for submitting the application had quit. continued on page 60

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Upcoming Movie Releases All Dates Subject to Change - for the latest information visit Saathee.com/Movies Being the Ricardos (Director: Aaron Sorkin) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, JK Simmons, and Clark Gregg

December 3 Tadap (Director: Milan Luthria) Cast: Ahan Shetty and Tara Sutaria

December 17 Pushpa: The Rise (Director: Sukumar) Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagapathi Babu, Prakash Raj, and Sritej

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Director: Swinton O Scott III) Cast: Brady Noon, Ethan William Childress, and Chris Diamantopoulos Ghani (Director: Kiran Korrapati) Cast: Varun Tej, Saiee Manjrekar, Upendra, Suniel Shetty, and Jagapathi Babu Encounter (Director: Michael Pearce) Cast: Riz Ahmed, Janina Gavankar, and Octavia Spencer

December 10 West Side Story (Director: Stephen Spielberg) Cast: Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, and Rita Moreno

Spider-Man: No Way Home (Director: John Watts) Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jon Favreau, and Jamie Foxx Swan Song (Director: Benjamin Cleary) Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina, Glenn Close The Tender Bar (Director: George Clooney) Cast: Ben Aﬄeck, Tye Sheridan, Lily Rabe, and Christopher Lloyd Nightmare Alley (Director: Guillermo del Toro) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, and David Strathairn

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (Director: Abhishek Kapoor) Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor

The Lost Daughter (Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal) Cast: Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard, and Ed Harris

Don’t Look Up (Director: Adam McKay) Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, and Meryl Streep

December 22

Violence of Action (Director: Tarik Saleh) Cast: Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gillian Jacobs, Eddie Marsan Saathee.com

The Matrix: Resurrections (Director: Lana Wachowski) Cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Neil Patrick Harris continued on page 74 26

December 2021

Film Clips Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Encounter

In a contemporary story embedded in changing social ethos, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor star in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, a love story between a cross-functional athlete and a trans woman. The film is directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Bhushan Kumar & Pragya Kapoor. It is scheduled to release on December 10.

Harry Potter Return to Hogwarts

The sci-fi thriller Encounter, starring Riz Ahmed, is set to hit theaters on December 3 and will begin streaming on December 10. Lucian-River Chauhan, Octavia Spencer, Rory Cochrane, and Aditya Geddada also star in the film directed by Michael Pearce. In the film, a decorated Marine goes on a rescue mission to save his two young sons from a mysterious threat. As their journey takes them in increasingly dangerous directions, the boys will need to leave their childhoods behind. The story was written by Joe Barton and Michael Pearce.

83 83 tells the inspiring tale of India’s incredible cricket World Cup victory in 1983 against West Indies. Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Harrdy Sandhu star in this sports drama directed by Kabir Khan. The movie opens on December 24.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Don’t Look Up

According to Variety, the Harry Potter “Return to Hogwarts” special will reunite Daniel Radcliﬀe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint for a special to stream on HBO Max. The original Hogwarts wizarding trio will talk about their adventures from two decades ago. The trio will join filmmaker Chris Columbus and other cast members from all eight Harry Potter films for the first time in a retrospective special to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which premiered 20 years ago. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere on HBO Max on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2022. Saathee.com

Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, and Meryl Streep star in the dramatic thriller Don’t Look Up. The film tells the story of two low-level astronomers who must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth. Adam McKay directs the film slated for release on December 10. 28

Veteran filmmaker / director Sanjay Leela Bhansali will release his upcoming film starring Alia Bhatt on February 18, 2022. The film titled Gangubai Kathiawadi, remembered as The Madam of Kamathipura in the pages of history, was pushed into prostitution at an early age, and later became an extremely influential pimp and local influential figure with numerous gangsters and politicians as her clients. December 2021

The Tender Bar

impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind Veteran actor George Clooney takes the directing helm for everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is. It is directed by Roland Emmerich and The Tender Bar, which stars Ben Aﬄeck, Tye Sheridan, Lily stars Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, and Michael Rabe, and Christopher Lloyd. The story is about a boy Peña. Look for it in cinemas February 4. growing up on Long Island who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle’s bar. The drama is slated for release on December 17. The King’s Daughter King Louis XIV’s quest for immortality leads him to capture and steal a mermaid’s life force, a move that is further complicated by his illegitimate daughter’s discovery of the creature. The fantasy romance is directed by Sean McNamara and the cast includes Stars: Pierce Brosnan, William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, and Kaya Scodelario. The movie is scheduled to open on January 21.

Pushpa: The Rise (Part One) Director Sukumar guides the cast, Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagapathi Babu, Prakash Raj, and Sritej for his new film Pushpa: The Rise, part one. The film explores criminal enterprises and the smuggling of the rare red sandal trees in India. The film will hit the theaters on December 17.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge Coming to Broadway

The 355

“Western musical theatre and Indian films are two long lost lovers separated in time,” says Indian film-maker Aditya Chopra, who is set to make his Broadway debut as a director with his worldwide blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Chopra’s debut directorial, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which released in 1995, is still running in theaters. After 26 years, Chopra is set to direct DDLJ again and it will mark his debut as a director on Broadway. He feels Broadway and Indian films are ‘two long lost lovers separated in time’ because of their intrinsic similarities as both celebrate heartwarming stories and human emotions through music and dance. Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical is based on an original story by Chopra and will feature lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani will serve as composers. Rob Ashford (Frozen) will choreograph with associate choreographer Shruti Merchant. The musical is set to be on stage in the Broadway season of 2022-2023, with a World Premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego September 2022.

When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, a wild card CIA agent joins forces with three international agents on a lethal mission to retrieve it, while staying a step ahead of a mysterious woman who’s tracking their every move. The action thriller is directed by Simon Kinberg and stars, Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger, and Penélope Cruz. Look for it to open on January 7.

Moonfall In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler is convinced she has the key to saving us all - but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman believe her. These unlikely heroes will mount an Saathee.com

December 2021

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Knowledge Goa Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is India’s smallest state by land size. Goa’s official language, spoken by most Goans, is Konkani. Panaji is the state’s capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. The state is divided into two regions, North and South Goa. Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states. The city of Margão still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first voyaged to the subcontinent in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon, thereafter, making it a territory of the Portuguese Empire. It remained as such for about 450 years, until it was liberated and annexed by India in 1961. Goa attracts large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year because of its white-sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship, and World Heritage-listed architecture. Around 20% of the land in Goa falls into the Western Ghats of India, a vast mountain range and treasure house of biodiversity. The forests here are teeming with exotic wildlife, including Indian giant squirrels, mongoose, Slender Loris, Indian macaques, and sloth bears. Goa is full of motorcycle taxis and riders, known as pilots, and they’re the state’s most cost-effective form of transport. Goa’s colonial history is apparent wherever you go, from the city of Panjim and its old Portuguese quarter, to the churches, museums and colorful houses dotted across the state. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa is recognized as the secondhighest waterfall in India, measuring about 603 meters. Read about Rhode Island, USA’s smallest state on pg. 38 Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

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December 2021

Increase Your

USA Knowledge Rhode Island Rhode Island is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest state by land size. It is also the second-most densely populated behind New Jersey. Rhode Island’s official nickname is the “Ocean State” - a reference to the large bays and inlets that amount to about 14 percent of its total area. Despite its name, most of Rhode Island is on the mainland of the United States. Providence is the state capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. On May 4, 1776, the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown. The first British troops sent from England to squash the revolution landed in Newport. Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state. Rhode Island, along with Connecticut, never ratified the 18th Amendment prohibition. Polo was played for the first time in the United States in 1876 near Newport. St. Mary’s, Rhode Island’s oldest Roman Catholic parish is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. Rhode Island has no county government. It is divided into 39 municipalities each having its own form of local government. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located in Newport, Rhode Island. The annual Newport Jazz Festival, established in 1954, is one of the oldest such festivals in the US. Read about Goa, India’s smallest state on pg. 34 Saathee.com

December 2021

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Comedians at War: Round 2

Raajeev’s Comedy Corner by Raajeev Aggerwhil

My wife went to a new doctor, and he asked her if she had any traumatic incidents in the past. She told him she had one about 30 years ago. She married me. She has been dealing with PTSD ever since. Over the years, we have had our share of arguments. Our arguments start with one question. “Honey, do I look fat in this sari?” “Well, I can’t tell. It is hiding you like a curtain.” She continues, “You can oﬀer some opinion.” I try to plead the 5th but she insists. I tread carefully. “Before I answer that question, can you tell me where the Tylenol is, if there is extra food in the refrigerator and if the sheets in the guest bedroom are clean?” At this point she starts getting irritated. “Can you be serious?” “I’d like to advise you that your call may be monitored for quality satisfaction and customer service.” It’s ridiculous that my wife always expects me to get roses for her on Valentine’s Day. Roses. They are gone in a few days. How is that a sign of our love? Our love is strong. Our love is going to last forever. I needed something that represented that. That’s why I got her a cactus plant. I said, “Honey. It’s just like you. Sharp and spiky. This plant won’t let me touch it either.” Every time my wife and I have a fight, I lose weight because I am too lazy to cook. After three days of not having breakfast and only having spinach salad for lunch and dinner, I shed a few pounds. To lose weight, other guys need to jog. I need to keep forgetting to put the toilet seat down. When some people have a fight with their spouse, they really fall into their vices like drinking or drugs. My vice is Saathee.com

pizza. Every time we have a good fight, you can find me at Domino’s. “Give me a large mushroom and jalapeno. I’ll tell you when I had enough cheesy bread. “Sir, that’s your fourth slice of deep dish. Legally, we can’t serve you anymore.” I have to go out. I have to be careful. I can’t order into the house. Last time the pizza arrived before the fight even started. She likes pineapple and dried tomato. I like mushrooms and olives. So we end up splitting the pizza like India and Pakistan. Israel and Palestine. It’s agreed that the west side of the pizza will be hers. The east side of the pizza will belong to me with a solid wall of anchovies separating our sectors. We still have to determine who claims ownership of the green pepper strip. Every time my wife and I get on stage to do stand-up, there is a possibility that I may be weight watcher’s next success story. When we first started doing stand-up, I was inclined to try some motherin-law jokes but they didn’t quite work. Because of our sensitive nature and respect for elders, it is hard to come up with good Yo Mama jokes. Yo mama’s so fat, so fat that I am worried that she may have diabetes. Yo mama’s so fat, so fat that I think her BMI index may be too high. Yo mama’s so fat, so fat that I now have to pay for two plane tickets. When we are on stage, we have to be careful and have to walk the fine line of what is considered a private matter and what we can share openly in public. Comedy is based on truth but for humor to thrive, we have to learn to exaggerate the facts continued on page 80 December 2021

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 1 College Board (Trends in Higher Education) 2017 • Transportation

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December 2021

Want to Take an Online Course? Here are 4 tips to make sure you get the most out of it for your career

By Anne Trumbore The “Great Resignation” has left a lot of people with time on their hands. And while this time may be a welcome respite from the daily grind, most folks will need to get back to work eventually. For many, this period is a time of reflection and a chance to pursue a new career. But how do you make the switch? And even if you plan to return to the same field, how do you show that you have kept current with the changes and trends that aﬀected most industries during the pandemic? Traditionally, the answer to these questions has been to go back to school. But rising tuition costs over the past few decades, and the time commitment of traditional degree programs, makes this route prohibitively expensive for a lot of people. That’s where short online courses in business, technology and other fields come in. Over the past 10 years, these courses from providers such as Udemy, Coursera and edX have become more popular, and approximately 75 percent of learners who take them report gaining career benefits from completing them. As a researcher and practitioner who develops these education technologies, I also study the behaviors that make online learners successful. Here are four key actions that studies have shown will help online learners make the most of a short online course to reap the career benefits they desire. 1. Identify the goal Learners who begin a course with a clear idea of what they want to get out of it are more likely to complete their course and earn a certificate. A goal may be, for example, to learn a new skill, gain more knowledge about a topic, improve job performance, get a new job or advance in a current one. In my study of over 4,000 learners who completed an online course in business topics, I found that learners who enrolled in their course with the intention of improving their job performance, starting their own business or getting a continued on page 82

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December 2021

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December 2021

Book Review Read Watch Listen by Jennifer Allen

The Truth About Elves Author: Ekta R. Garg (Atmosphere Press) “I’m Curtis. An elf. No, I don’t have pointy ears. I’m not three-feet tall, and I don’t act like a doofus. I’m right around five-foot-ten and look like your average Joe.” From the get-go, Author Ekta R. Garg makes the reader aware that this won’t be your typical Christmas story. The Truth About Elves is a short novella centered around Curtis Sanders; a single bartender in Vegas who typically only has to worry about when he has time to pick up an extra shift at the bar. For the past eight years, however, he’s also been spending three months out of each year working part-time for St. Nicholas himself up at the North Pole. Told almost exclusively through our protagonist’s pointof-view, we are taken into his world as one of many elves working for Mr. C. We learn that many thousands of people work at “The Circle” each quarter of the year to get everything ready for ‘Night Of’ where Mr. C takes all the gifts by Concorde and the reindeer are actually used to transport packages between various departmental warehouses where all the elves work. As for why all of these people come to The Circle? According to Curtis there are various reasons, but for him it’s been a way to cope with past trauma. Perhaps engulfing himself in work would help him forget what had happened. This year, however, marks the 10th anniversary of what eventually caused him to start working as an elf to begin with. After calling a meeting with the jolly old elf himself, he’s sent on a special assignment to Salt Lake City to shorten his quarterly duties and cope with old wounds in solitude. The book then shifts between both the past and present as the Saathee.com

story slowly reveals how and why Curtis has been dealing with his personal demons. The story reads somewhat like a journal, as it’s told in first person through Curtis’ own experiences. The reader follows along with his thoughts, observations, and emotions as he grapples the realization that despite all efforts, he cannot fully escape his past. Through the events of the story, he begrudgingly accepts that he must move on. Like all Christmas stories, this novella does provide a satisfyingly happy ending for Curtis, thanks in a roundabout way to Mr. C. The overarching plot is somewhat cliché when it comes to past trauma and being forced to face said trauma. However, it does have its own sense of charm which will keep you reading almost nonstop to learn more. The Truth About Elves is a relatively light read at a little over 100 pages, so you should be able to learn all about Curtis in one or two sittings at most. It’s a charming tale that offers not only a unique view of Santa’s Workshop but also how holiday magic can occur for someone who feels that he doesn’t even deserve it. This is Ekta R. Garg’s first fiction release. She also works as an editor, writing contest judge, and offers writing workshops on her podcast, Biblio Breakdown. 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: Info@Saathee.com CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS • FINANCIAL SERVICES Bookeeping & Sales Tax Returns Individual / Business Tax Services Business Financial Statements Preparation Personal Financial Statements Compilations Estate Planning Life Insurance and Annuities Asset Management and Financial Advisory

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A Royal Craze memorable experience for our family. As we toured through the exquisite properties, we caught glimpses of the luxury and privilege that characterized the lifestyle of erstwhile royal families and in some ways still do. Most of the local people we came across were still in awe of the current descendants of past rulers and seemed to revere these honorary monarchs. Coronation and other regal ceremonies continue to this day. The fact that the “Maharajas” or “Rajkumars” have no formal authority and that the state had democratically elected leaders, appeared to be matters of small consequence. Were we caught in a time warp? I scratched my head and wondered. A bigger mystery is the fascination that Americans have for royals. We take pride in our democracy, fierce sense of independence and individuality but we adore any head that wears a crown. We encourage paparazzi to follow an apathetic guy on the street because the poor fellow is 325th in line to inherit a vague royal title. This obsession is fodder for the rumor mills in the publishing world as they thrive on nuggets of news and gossip about these otherwise mortal human beings. They must have their cup runneth over!

Namaskar, Y’all by Shyama Parui

On a mundane morning, I was driving my two sleepyheads to school when I noticed a familiar face on the window of a pickup truck. It was a sticker of Queen Elizabeth smiling above the dented and mud splattered exterior of the aging vehicle. The hilarious sight livened up the conversation in the car as we conjectured theories about the causes of a royal craze. It’s hard to miss the bold headlines of tabloids at the airport or grocery store that scream gossip about Prince William and Harry and their respective wives or the popularity of Netflix’s The Crown. I must confess that I too have peered through those magazines and royal bio-pic kind of shows out of curiosity. That same desire to know more, motivates me to explore museums. Forts and palaces preserved as museums entice me with their intriguing history and the dark secrets they may hold. The opportunity to stay at two palace-hotels in India, oﬀering regal treatment and opulent interiors, was a

Saathee.com

continued on page 94

December 2021

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Holiday Joy Isn’t Always Wrapped with a Bow Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen “Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you’re giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.” ~ Caroline Kennedy As yet another year draws to a close, we’re lambasted by the typical downpour of holidays which often drill inside our heads that the only way to achieve joy is with spending money on a myriad of decorations, gifts, and food. While all of that was pleasant when I was much younger, over time I’ve grown past the desire for overabundance. Now all that I crave is something so simple that it can be achieved through something big, small or somewhere inbetween. Joy. The perception of joy is as diﬀerent as each person, place or thing which harnesses it. Indeed, many great thinkers have questioned what the true definition of enjoyment is even at its base level. The most straightforward view is that it’s a state of finding an experience pleasurable. In turn, that feeling is often described as the opposite of anguish which most living creatures seek to avoid. While that does seem like a sound definition, I have observed especially in the last few decades that joy and anguish are, in fact, two sides of the same coin. Enjoyment often leads to misery which in turn causes us to seek out ways to extinguish it. Eventually it becomes a never-ending ebb and flow of sensations. This is perhaps why many beliefs have illustrated the need for restraint. Within the warrant of self-control, the pleasures that we do experience are more specialized. You essentially keep yourself from relying on any potential attachments, since such embellishments are constantly evolving and rarely stable. The ideal existence is then built upon the exercise of self-constraint. You avoid the very concept of desire and in turn develop a sort of selfsuﬃciency. On the other side are those who see absolutely no need to suppress either pain or pleasure. Often cited as hedonists or epicureans, these seekers of the profane drift upon the constant wave of ups and downs in search for perfection by means of continued on page 74

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Coming Soon - Hallstead Great investment opportunity in Concord. 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full baths, 2 car attached garage, Almost 2,400 sq. ft. Gourmet Kitchen. Loft, lots of storage space. A must see! New Listing - 2376 Whitley Road Amazing, one-of-a-kind Opportunity in Fort Mill. Custom built, over 6,800 sq ft on almost 4 Acres of pristine land. NO HOA. Close to everything. Great location and top rated Schools. Circular Driveway, Peaceful outdoor space. Grand 2 story Foyer and Great Room. Lots of Windows. Abundance of natural light. Gourmet Kitchen. Expansive master bedroom, Master Bath has a separate steamed shower. Extra Large Sunroom/conservatory which is great for relaxing, exercising, collecting plants, etc. Spacious secondary bedrooms with large closets. Entire main floor has Luxurious Heated Marble Floors. Basement tiled floor is Heated as well. Huge open Basement that is perfect for entertaining. Lots of storage space. State of the art security system. This one is a must see! $1,399,000

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Happy Holidays! I hope you are well and safe! I am here to help and navigate you through these difficult and challenging times with any of your real estate needs. Please call anytime to discuss your situation. We will get through this together! Thanks for 20 years of business. Rental - Guildford Townhomes Beautiful, brand new construction with stone exterior, covered front porch and attached 1-car garage. Graceful open floor plan, Kitchen withENTED stainless steel appliances and granite counters, spacious Master Suite and walk-in closet. New townhome community located off of Kimmerly Glen Lane (from W.T. Harris). Look for the Guildford Townhome sign on the right. Be the first to call this home!! $1495/month

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12 Worst Habits for Your Financial Health

and if you don’t have to pay that then you are in eﬀect earning that kind of return on your money that would have normally gone to paying the credit card payments. I don’t know any place where you can earn that kind of interest.

Part 2

8. Not doing tax planning to reduce taxes. Doing taxes every year is one of the most disliked activities for many and I can understand why; it is forced on you, something one must do. Not most cherished activity, Personal Finances though it can become one if you understand and manage by Mo Vidwans your taxes well. You can literally save much money over the years. I am talking all legally allowed activity only. Initially it is done by managing your taxable and non-taxable assets and then paying more attention to itemized deductions, foreign taxes if any and as you get closer to age 60 + and Last month, we discussed some of the habits that are retirement, doing many other tax-wise things that are legal. considered bad for your financial health. This month I will For all this to happen you need to get proper tax advice over continue with that thought and make the total of 12 habits the years, and not just at the tax time, or educate yourself in that need to be avoided. these matters. It is a simple matter of setting up priorities and getting interested to take advantage of tax planning. 6. Not having insurance, especially when you are young. We always need all kinds of insurance, but you need it 9. Not paying attention to your health. most when you have a young family to Health generally doesn’t become support. And God forbid if an issue until late in most people’s something bad happens to the bread lives, but generally at that time, either earner(s) in the family, then we have it is too late or we have to pay much to worry about how the family will more attention and time to improve be taken care of. Not a pleasant our health. In general, it is possible to thought. Until the children are on improve our health at any age if we their own, there is a strong need to just get serious about it. But it have some backup plan to have becomes easier if we are paying enough money to get the family attention to it from the beginning. through the next 10 or 15 years or Why am I focusing on this? We never until the need is over. A Term life think about it, but health and health insurance policy is a good way to go. costs can become big issues in later You would not need it after a certain age, say 70 and up, and then it is not time in your life. Just remember the easy and simple to control it. I am not best insurance policy is the one you talking about concerns that come up never have to use; that goes for not naturally because our body ages; just life insurance policy but also any concerns like hearing, eye and teeth other insurance policy. problems, mental agility or even joints and stamina issues. I am only 7. Not getting rid of credit card thinking of issues that can be debts. controlled, maybe by us managing Having and using credit cards is them from an early age like weight, such a great attraction for so many, as perhaps blood pressure, diabetes and it is like having a printer at home that cholesterol and so on. All we can do can print money on demand. It sure is give it a sincere helping hand. But seems that way at times, but those if those things can be controlled from printers have long and strong tethers attached to a Bank and the beginning you give yourself a better chance of enjoying these tethers don’t break easily (or let’s say it is in the grandchildren and other events like festivities and family interest of the Banks that issue the cards not to break them) celebrations. The cost of managing our health rises very and if we are not careful the banks get their evil arms quickly as we age according to Medicare, which means our wrapped around us stronger and stronger in the form of share of that cost rises too. Keep in mind that Medicare does interests and penalties and so on. A credit card is a not pay for everything. convenience and needs to be used carefully. One way to do that is to make full payments on them every month so that 10. Counting on social security for full support. there is no balance at the end of the month and no interest Social security was never meant to completely replace to pay. Get rid of the outstanding debt and the interest that your income in retirement; it never was and never will be. you are paying on it; you can negotiate with the bank. Many banks charge in the neighborhood of 15 – 18 percent interest continued on page 56 Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

Personal Finances

continued from page 54

Today, the best of the social security payment will cover only about 30-40 percent of your total costs in retirement. At best it was meant to keep food on the table and roof over your head. So, it is imperative that we should not be depending much on social security and create other means of sustaining ourselves like savings in our retirement. 11. Not keeping your skills marketable. There used to be a time when once we start a job in our youth, we retire from that job. That is a dream long gone; not even your parents would be talking about those jobs if they have retired recently. Now there is a strong need to know what skills are needed in future markets every five years or so and prepare/train ourselves for them while we are working in our present job. Overall, people will change their jobs every five years or sooner (or at least they are expected to) which means we are considering 7 - 8 job changes over our career, if not more. Knowing what skills we have currently and what skills are needed in the future is almost a must and we must be working towards getting that new job in the near future all the time. Such is the world children which include room & board, tuition, books, supplies, fees, computers and internet access. The American of work we have inherited and live in now. Opportunity tax credit is worth up to $2,500 per student for each of the first four years of college. 12. Not having a will (package). Almost half the population in the United States doesn’t 4) Maximize your IRA deductions. You have until April 15, have a will. When asked why not, the first answer I get is 2022. usually “everything I have will go to my wife (or husband).” OK, what about when that second spouse dies. I cannot 5) Contribute fully to your 401K; if you are not then you are possibly over-emphasize the importance of having a will, leaving money on the table. actually the package which consists of four important documents including a will. It is possible to use a free online 6) It is best to review all your itemizing items to ascertain if package for such purposes (which is better than not having you can take itemized deductions every other year. You can a will) but generally it is best to get an attorney involved to defer, for one month, payments of mortgages, property taxes medical payments and donations to January or bring draft such documents. You must go prepared with all the answers for the way them all in December depending on which year you wish to take the itemized deductions. you wish to get these documents prepared and some advance thought is required for that before you get to an 7) It is best to report transactions if you have investments or attorney. Most attorneys can provide a checklist before inheritance in a foreign country. IRS is getting strict about attending an appointment. reporting all such transactions on your 1040 at the tax filing time; please pay attention to that. 8) Give the gift of cash. You can give a gift up to $15,000 to Some Tax Tips to Act on Before the any one person free of gift tax. If you’re married, you each can give a person up to $15,000 tax free — $30,000 in total. Year is Over In most cases, the gift isn’t complete until the recipient of a check cashes or deposits it. So, confirm the recipient does 1) Consider getting rid of poor performers from your this by the end of the year. investment portfolio. Capital losses you incur can oﬀset your capital gains plus up to $3,000 of your other income. Also, contact your accountant or tax preparer for other tips Excess losses can carry forward and can help oﬀset future that maybe specific to your financial situation. gains and income. 2) If you know that you cannot itemize deductions, then make sure that you have at least $600, per couple, to claim for donations. This should be in cash and not in goods.

Mo Vidwans 3) Kids are back in college, so let’s make sure you get all the is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit, education tax breaks that you can. If you are under a certain VidwansFinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to: income limit you can claim the education expenses for your mpvidwans@yahoo.com Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

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December 2021

syphilis every day, Masinde said. While California also has state-run labs, he noted, they simply don’t have the capacity to pick up the slack for shuttered county labs. Counties are struggling to recruit and retain staffers for other positions as well. An informal survey conducted by the California Directors of Public Health Nursing found that at least 84 public health nurses have left their jobs since March 2020. Many retired, part of a graying workforce challenged with recruiting nurses into an obscure field requiring special accreditation. Public health nurses are trained in nursing and community health, and often work with families, or community groups, not just individual clients. They do home visits after births, work on early childhood development and help respond to outbreaks of infectious disease. “So providing more of a holistic approach, and also addressing the social determinants of health,” said Michelle Curioso, public health nursing director for Kern County and president of the California Directors of Public Health Nursing. Like lab staffers, public health nurses must be specially certified to work in public health departments. In California, the average annual salary for a registered nurse is more than $120,000, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, while public health nurse job postings in several counties offer salaries starting around $65,000. Nursing shortages have been particularly severe in rural California. In Butte County, several public health nurses retired earlier than expected, said Monica Soderstrom, Butte’s director of public health nursing, and two young nurses who went on pregnancy leave decided not to return after finding jobs with higher wages. “It has been difficult to fill our vacant positions,” said Soderstrom, “as we are competing with hospitals and clinics paying sign-on bonuses due to covid staffing needs.” The loss of top county health leaders — department directors and health officers charged with leading the pandemic response in local communities — has been particularly stark, mirroring a sobering national trend. Seventeen of California’s 58 counties have lost their health officer since March 2020, and at least 27 have lost a director or assistant director. The director and deputy director of the state Department of Public Health also resigned. The collective expertise lost with those departures is hard to overstate. Take, for example, Dr. Robert Bernstein, who moved to California in 2018 to become health officer for rural Tuolumne County after more than two decades working in public health for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Florida Department of Health, among other organizations. In California, health officers must be physicians, and are charged with enforcing state and local statutes and protecting the public from health hazards. In March 2020, just as the pandemic was making its first surge across the state, Bernstein was asked to resign by the county board of supervisors. According to Bernstein,

Lab Workers

continued from page 22

“The biggest threat to [public health labs] right now is not the next emerging pathogen,” said Donna Ferguson, director of the public health lab in Monterey County, “but labs closing due to lack of staffing.” Across California and the country, public health departments are losing experienced staffers to retirement, exhaustion, partisan politics and higher-paying jobs. Even before the coronavirus pandemic throttled departments, staffing numbers had shrunk with county budgets. But the decline has accelerated over the past year and a half, even as millions of dollars in federal money has poured in. Public health nurses, microbiologists, epidemiologists, health officers and other staff members who fend off infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, inspect restaurants and work to keep communities healthy are abandoning the field. It’s a problem that temporary boosts in funding can’t fix. The brain drain is sapping community health oversight in ways big and small. The people who staff public health labs, for example, run complex tests for deadly diseases that require specialized training most commercial labs lack. While their work is largely unseen by the public, they touch almost every aspect of society. Public health labs sample shellfish to make sure it is safe for eating. They monitor drinking water and develop tests for emerging health threats such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They also test for serious diseases, such as measles and covid. And they typically do it at a fraction of the cost of commercial labs — and faster. Public lab directors are typically required to hold doctorates, and they must have appropriate credentials for their labs to be certified. Ferguson said it feels like there’s a revolving door on her lab, as recent college graduates join for a few months to gain experience, at a starting pay of $19 an hour, and then move on to higher-paying jobs at hospitals. It’s all but impossible to hire qualified staffers for part-time roles, like the ones created with temporary bursts in funding, because of the training required. In California, many lab positions require a public health microbiologist certificate from the Department of Public Health. California has 29 public health labs, down from nearly 40 before the 2008 recession. A lab in Merced has been without a director for months and could soon close. While there’s no official count of how much the field has shrunk, nearly every lab is missing key staff members, said Godfred Masinde, who is president of the California Association of Public Health Laboratory Directors, lab director for San Francisco and filling in as lab director in Fresno County. Dozens of public health microbiologist positions are unfilled around the state. “We have funding now; we have equipment,” Masinde said. “But we don’t have the staff to run the equipment.” His San Francisco lab typically runs 100,000 tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia each year, and 150 to 200 tests for

continued on page 78 Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

News Notes Duke Diya’s Awaaz Showcase

UNC Charlotte Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Photos: courtesy Enterprise Entertainment

Photo courtesy: UNCC

Awaaz, Duke University’s largest student-run production, is an annual South Asian cultural showcase consisting of performances from Duke’s wide array of dance and music groups - from tap and modern dance groups to Bollywood and bhangra dance groups, to classical music groups. It was held on October 22, 2021. Each performance has a South Asian twist, and in between each performance, there is a themed skit (this year, the theme was Survivor). The organizers were able to have this year’s Awaaz in person and celebrated South Asian culture despite the obstacles thrown by the pandemic. Awaaz also has a philanthropic element. Each year, the organizers donate all ticket proceeds to a local South Asian charity organization. This year, the partner chosen was Kiran, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end the cycle of abuse and to serve and empower South Asian victims of domestic violence in North Carolina. Saathee.com

The Niner Nation commemorated UNC Charlotte’s 75th anniversary on September 23, 2021, with a series of activities including a drop-in celebration, a community service event and a virtual conversation with Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “Together, Niner Nation has built a remarkable university,” said Gaber. “All of our accomplishments have been made possible by the students, exceptional faculty and staff, dedicated alumni, generous friends and strong leaders who helped move us forward – starting with Miss Bonnie.” Students, faculty and staff had an opportunity to sign the anniversary cake, designed by students and faculty in the College of Art + Architecture and constructed by the 3D Fabrications Lab, during the 75th Drop-in celebration held at the Student Union. More than 100 faculty, staff, students and alumni participated in the Founders Day Community Service event held at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion. The volunteers assembled over 900 care packages for four local community partners. Founded in 1946 by Bonnie Cone to educate veterans returning from World War II and seeking to pursue a college degree through the GI bill, UNC Charlotte has evolved to become a world-class research university. UNC Charlotte—North Carolina’s urban research university—leads research and education in academic disciplines essential to NC’s national and global competitiveness: energy, computing and technology, education, manufacturing, bioinformatics, business, cybersecurity, and health and life sciences. The student body that has grown to more than 30,000 students and over 3,700 faculty and staff, and alumni that number more than 80,000 in the Charlotte Region. December 2021

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December 2021

Prime Minister Modi Meets with US Congressional Delegation

The ceremony took place at the historic Gem Theatre in Kannapolis, NC. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was organized with a mission is to recognize, promote, and commemorate musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers from the state of North Carolina. The NC Music Hall of Fame Museum is located in Kannapolis, NC. For more details visit, Northcarolinamusichalloﬀame.org.

Ekal Appoints New CEO Photos courtesy: Ekal

On November 13, 2021, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Congressional delegation led by Senator John Cornyn which included Senator Michael Crapo, Senator Thomas Tuberville, Senator Michael Lee, Congressman Tony Gonzales and Congressman John Kevin Elizey Sr. Senator John Cornyn is the co-founder and co-Chair of the Senate caucus on India and Indian Americans. The Congressional delegation noted the management of COVID situation in India in-spite of the challenges of large and diverse population. Prime Minister noted that people’s participation based on democratic ethos of the country played a key role in managing the worst pandemic of the past 100 years. Modi also appreciated the consistent support and constructive role of the US Congress in deepening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership which is anchored in shared democratic values. There was discussion on regional issues of mutual interest, including those related to South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister and the visiting delegation noted the increasing convergence of strategic interests between the two strategic partners and expressed desire to further enhance cooperation with an aim to promote global peace and stability.

NC Music Hall of Fame Double Induction 2021 Ceremony

Squirrel Nut Zippers Saathee.com

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame held its 2020 and 2021 class induction ceremony on October 21, 2021. The 2020 ceremony was cancelled due to the pandemic, so the hall combined two years of inductees into this ceremony. There were live performances including by the Briarhoppers, Squirrel Nut Zippers and others. The 2020 inductees included six nationally known and awardwinning legends from North Carolina: The Briarhoppers, Jermaine Dupri, Donald Lawrence, Michael T Mauldin, Charles Whitfield, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers. This year’s double ceremony also included 2021 inductees Tony Rice and Robert Moog. 64

Ramesh Shah, 2nd from left and his family

“Ekal Abhiyan” (‘Ekal Mission’), an umbrella organization for all the ancillary Ekal branchlets has appointed a new CEO. After the departure of former CEO of “Ekal Abhiyan” Bajrang Bagra, to tackle another assignment of national importance, Ramesh Shah, the former President and Chairman of Ekal-USA has been unanimously appointed as the new CEO of “Ekal Abhiyan.” He is the first Indian American who rose from a footsoldier level to this distinctive honor, whose sole focus and establishment is not United States but rural India. Rameshbhai, as he is popularly known, has been a founder member of Ekal-USA and credited with building a modest “one-teacher-school” project 32 years ago into a national brand in U.S. for selfless social work with now over 60 chapters in U.S., Canada and beyond. While endorsing his successor, Bagra, an admired leader, expressed confidence and admiration for the new CEO. In a statement he said, ”Rameshbhai will improve upon working of Ekal in fields of operational eﬃciency and organizational growth. He was my guide and supporter for all matters related to foreign chapters. Moreover, his unmatched passion and long experience in serving the community in multiple sectors has always been a great asset.” December 2021

CaroMont Family Medicine Welcoming Bankim Patel MD For more than fifteen years, CaroMont Family Medicine of Gastonia has offered patients excellent care through friendly staff and experienced providers. Dr. Patel is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Our providers have over thirty combined years of experience in family medicine. Our experienced medical professionals and staff offer convenient, complete primary care for every member of your family. We focus on the growing needs of our community by offering the convenience of same-day appointments, ample parking, as well as a Spanish-speaking provider.

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December 2021

Women in Cloud and IndiaSpora Launch Community Fundraising Campaign to Support Women in India

Guru Grace Academy Table Tennis Tourney

Funds to stabilize women & families impacted by Covid who might otherwise fall into a cycle of poverty.

Guru's Grace Academy located in Apex, NC conducted their 2nd Knockout Table Tennis tournament on November 12, 2021. Avyukth Chellamani, 6th Grade student in Fred J Carnage Middle School was the Winner, Adithi Kishore, 8th Grade student from Mills Park middle school got Runnersup and Vedant Aladar, 6th Grade student from Mills Park middle school got 3rd position. Mr. Cyrus, former Loyola basketball captain, and basketball coach was the chief guest and gave away the prizes to the winners. TT Coach tK took care of the arrangements for the tournament.

The organizations Women in Cloud and Indiaspora recently announced the launch of a community fundraising campaign to provide cash assistance to women in India who have lost the primary earning member of their family due to COVID-19. Women in Cloud is coordinating this community fundraising campaign as part of its #empowHERfamily initiative, a cross-sector effort with the goal of providing economic relief to women in India who have been affected by the pandemic through strategic advocacy, digital skilling opportunities, and cash relief. “Four out of ten women lost jobs in India in 2020, while a total of 17 million women lost their livelihoods during the nationwide lockdown in March and April of 2020,” said Women in Cloud Co-Founder and Indiaspora member Chaitra Vedullapalli. “While the public health crisis may be over, there is an ongoing need to educate, skill, and assist women who are struggling with the longer-term economic impacts of the pandemic.” Indiaspora, Women in Cloud’s community fundraising partner, will facilitate donations through its online giving platform ChaloGive. Indiaspora launched ChaloGive in 2019 to encourage greater charitable giving from the Indian diaspora. In 2020 and 2021, Indiaspora raised more than $4 million through ChaloGive to support COVID relief efforts in India and in the United States. GiveIndia and its network of more than sixty nonprofit partners in India will identify qualifying beneficiaries and coordinate distribution of funds raised through this campaign. Beneficiaries will receive cash assistance as a one-time direct bank transfer of $400. Recipients will include daily wage earners and tribal communities, among other underserved populations. Donations and info: Chalogive.org/empowherfamily. Indiaspora is a nonprofit community of powerful global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for positive impact by providing a platform to collaborate, engage, and catalyze social change. Details at IndiaSpora.org. Women in Cloud is a community-led economic development organization taking action to generate $1B in net new global economic access for women entrepreneurs by 2030 through partnerships with corporations, community leaders, and policymakers. For additional information visit Womenincloud.com/empowherfamily. Saathee.com

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial event was conceptualized in 2003 under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (then the Chief Minister of Gujarat). The Summit has today evolved into one of the most reputed global forums for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive socio-economic development. In its 10th edition, the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022 with the central theme: From Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, presents a unique opportunity to address shared contemporary challenges and chart a path forward for global sustainable development by augmenting international cooperation and partnerships. Gujarat is committed to realizing Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and with this endeavor in its cognizance, the State has been working in resonating the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Gujarat. As a precursor to the Summit, seminars, events and exhibitions to showcase Gujarat’s distinctive accomplishments, strengths across sectors, and its preparedness to lead Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s growth story will be organized.

continued on page 78

December 2021

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HINDU CENTER Support Hindu Center Expansion Leave a Lasting Memory on HC Wall.

Sponsor a BRICK $1001 $5,001 for 5 X 7 Marble Plaque $10,001 for 8 X 11 Marble Plaque Expansion project update: Grading, Parking Lot and foundation completed. Building work in progress, stone work 90% complete and outside stonework started!!

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Annual Membership: $101, Students & Seniors $31 Donate Brick and Become life member for $1001!

Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities: Balaji Anniversary: December 18th, Saturday Gita Jayanti: December 19th, Sunday New Year’s Day: January 1st, Saturday Vaikuntha Ekadasi: January 12th, Wednesday Lohri: January 13th, Thursday Pongal / Bhogi Pallu: January 15th, Saturday Kite Flying / Makar Sankranti: January 15th, Saturday Republic Day: January 29th, Saturday Vasant Panchami: February 5th, Saturday Maha-Shivratri: March 1st, Tuesday Holika Dahan: March 17th, Thursday Dhuleti: March 19th, Saturday

HINDU CENTER OF CHARLOTTE 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212 704-535-3440 email: administrator@hcclt.org Fax. 704-535-6923

OF CHARLOTTE Lord Venkateshwara Anniversary

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Gita Jayanti

Sunday, Dec 19, 2021 (10 am to 12:30 pm)

New Vedanta Bhavan

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HINDU CENTER

Tiruppavada Seva for Lord Venkateshwara Saturday, Jan 1, 2022 (11am – Noon)

This service consists of cooking a large quantity of rice as pulihora and offering it to the Lord. The cooked rice is heaped up in mukha mantapam to take definite customary primidal trapezoid shape and the delicacies are deposited there on with coconuts, flowers, sandal paste, kumkum, deepam and is offered to the Lord with appropriate mantras. Minimum Suggested donation for this seva $21 (This includes the archana).

Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Nir-Aamayaah | Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet | Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Hindu Center Celebrating Vaikuntha Ekadasi

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 (Temple will open in the morning at 6 am)

Morning start 6 am: Suprabatham, Nitya Puja 7 am: Vaikunta Dwara Aradhana Followed by opening of Vaikunta Dwara Evening 7 pm: Vishnu Sahastranama Parayanam, 8:15pm Sayanotsavam and Lalli songs to Lord. For more details on Lord Venkateshwara Anniversary or Vaikuntha Ekadasi talk to Hindu Center Priests 704-535-3440 Lakshmikanth Bhattar 980-254-1022; Balaji Bhattar 704-906-2109 Vijay Raghava Bhattar 803-470-8377; Kaushik Srinivasa: 980-263-1238 Badri Naryan: 704-998-1861

OF CHARLOTTE Lohri

Jan 13, 2022 Puja: (Thurs., 7 pm )

Pongal / Bhogi Pallu: Jan 15, 2022 (Sat., begins at 5 PM)

Abhishek/ Pooja with Bhajan/Shlokas. Followed by Kari/Bhogi Pallu & Mahaprasad Kari / Bhogi Pallu: Parents / Grandparents will Bless & Shower their kids with fruits, candies, coins, cranberries etc., supplied by Hindu Center. Please bring kids and don'tmiss this unique event. Dress up in Indian tradition outfits if possible.

Makar Sankranti Kite flying: Jan 15, 2022 (Saturday, Noon to 5 pm) Weather permitting, Nirav Pandya 570-205-2636 or HC 704-535-3440

January 29, 2022 Satruday at Noon also on Facebook Live Nirav Pandya 570-205-2636, Anju Jain 704-620-4503, Anitha Gowtam 704-206-9348 or Hemant Amin 704-258-3588

Chai-Spiced Cookies

Saathee RECIPES

What are the holidays without the scent of freshly baked cookies in the air? One of the most requested desserts from my family this time of year are my sugar cookies with homemade icing. They’re so simple yet always a hit. So of course I had to add a Desi twist for my Saathee family! The best part is you likely already have every ingredient you need for this recipe in your pantry. If you’re like me, masala chai is something you always ﬁnd super comforting, so imagine those aromatic spices in softy, chewy, cookie form; “It’s like drinking chai, but in cookie form!”- One of my favorite taste testers and little cousin. Keep this recipe on hand for all your upcoming gatherings, your friends and family will love you for it. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Ingredients 1 ½ cups all-purpose ﬂour ¾ tsp baking soda ¾ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¾ tsp ground cardamom ¾ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp all spice ½ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp ground cloves Pinch of ﬁnely ground black pepper ¾ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk Optional: ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling For ¾ cup icing- 2 cups powdered sugar + 3-4 tbsp milk or water + 1 tsp vanilla

Saathee.com

Serves: 18-20 people Prep Time: 30 mins By: Taige Shukla

Directions 1

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet, or 2, with parchment paper. Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl; ﬂour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and all of the spices. Feel free to adjust the amount for spices, depending on the level of masala ﬂavor you typically enjoy in your chai.

In a medium bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients together: brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until well combined. Note: You can substitute about ½ cup of apple sauce for two eggs (FYI: this will make the cookies very soft).

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined, using your hands to make sure everything is fully incorporated; it should form into a thick dough. Cover and let cool in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Split the dough and roll into about 18-20 balls. Option: roll each one into granulated sugar until completely covered. Place each dough ball on parchment paper- lined baking sheets, spaced 1-2 inches apart in case the cookies spread.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the edges begin to lightly brown. Remove from oven and let them cool completely before decorating. Option: Make your own icing by mixing 3-4 tbsp of milk or water and 1 tsp vanilla into 2 cups of powdered sugar. Adding milk or water until you get your desired consistency. Decorate and enjoy!

December 2021

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December 2021

Upcoming Movies

Mirror

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extreme sensations. It can be quite liberating to toss away any and all concerns about restriction and discipline. Having the freedom to do and think as you wish certainly has its perks. As I originally mentioned, however, pleasure is subjective to the one who desires it. That is to say… enjoyment exists only insofar as it is felt by the one who experiences it. Watching a film or listening to a piece of music may bring joy to one person, while that same film or music may conversely administer pain to someone else. In modern society, we find ourselves entrapped within a whirlwind of capitalism, where joy is discovered through the acquisition of wealth and consumption. The various holidays through the tail end of calendar year have tapped into this unrelenting complacency through the practice of gift giving, extravagant holiday decorations, and gluttonous amounts of food & drink. But… is there any way at all to restrict ourselves against such overstimulation of commercialism, and what role could our enjoyment play in such resistance? That can be quite diﬃcult to achieve when it’s drilled into our psyche over and over again that owning the newest and best electronic device, wearing the most stylish clothes, or driving the flashiest car will provide the happiness we all crave. But is this addiction to consumerism strictly subjective, or instead influenced by what societal norms tell us we should legitimately feel. Essentially… our methods of attainting enjoyment are profoundly shaped by the culture of our time. As I touched upon in my article last month, there is the added benefit that while pleasure is subjective it is often heightened when shared with others. Going to a concert and feeling the mutual energy flowing between each member of the crowd can elevate your own gratification. To me, the greatest enjoyment is generous and reciprocal; neither merely for the self, nor the other. While we may still live in a world where egoistical enjoyment stands tall, we always have the option go against this instinct and instead consider the pleasure of others above our own. I personally find myself gradually shifting from a constant need of shiny things for myself to instead a mindset of providing more nonmaterialistic pleasures for others. Something as modest as a hug, a warm smile, or a kind word can be so much more impactful than a holiday card or snazzy trinket that could be forgotten about a month’s time. Who I am and who I can become is not just because of my own actions, either. My overall happiness has become a communal task shared with family, friends, and even acquaintances. Achieving a fully enjoyable life can be an unrelenting ebb and flow of both resistance and compliance, but if we make an eﬀort to alter relations with ourselves, with others and with the world… then I believe joy can be achieved whether you exchange physical gifts or simply enjoy each other’s company for an evening. Happy holidays to all… and may joy find you in new and exciting ways during the upcoming New Year.

Sing 2 (Director: Garth Jennings) Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Bono The King’s Man (Director: Matthew Vaughn) Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickinson, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance

December 24 Shyam Singha Roy (Director: Rahul Sankrityan) Cast: Nani, Sai Pallavi, Krithi Shetty, and Madonna Sebastian Kunjeldho (Streaming) (Director: Mathukkutty) Cast: Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Rekha, Jasnya Jayadeesh, and Gopika Udayan 83 (Director: Kabir Khan) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Harrdy Sandhu Bro Daddy (Streaming) (Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran) Cast: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kaniha, Meena, and Kalyani Priyadarshan Agent (Director: Surender Reddy) Cast: Mammootty, Akhil Akkineni, and Sakshi Vaidya Minnal Murali (Streaming) (Director: Basil Joseph) Cast: Tovino Thomas, Harisree Ashokan, Baiju Santhosh, and Femina George The Tragedy of Macbeth (Director: Joel Coen) Cast: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and Brendan Gleeson A Journal for Jordan (Director: Denzel Washington) Cast: Michael B Jordan and Chanté Adams American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story (Directors: Andrew & Jon Erwin) Cast: Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, and Dennis Quaid

December December 31 31 Jersey (Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri) Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Pankaj Kapur, and Tusshar Kapoor

January 7

Jennifer Allen works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic RRR (Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri Artist, Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and an all around Pop Culture Cast: Jr.NTR, Ram Charan and Ajay Devgn Geek. You can reach her at: Info@Saathee.com

Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

News Notes

Lab Workers

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supervisors were upset that he had ordered rabies vaccines for two children bitten by bats — including a bat that tested positive for rabies — against their parents’ wishes. The county declined to comment on the matter, saying it is legally prohibited from discussing personnel matters. Bernstein moved to Butte County and became health officer after his predecessor resigned in May 2020. Bernstein watched as colleagues in neighboring counties, facing menacing public threats over covid-related health orders, began quitting, seemingly one after the next. In some communities, public health officers also faced rude and derisive pushback from local elected officials, even as law enforcement leaders openly refused to carry out their health directives. “You might, as a public health officer, have the authority and responsibility to recommend or even mandate certain public health actions,” Bernstein said, “but you need a partnership with those in authority to carry [them] out.” By September this year, Bernstein was disillusioned with the dynamic and the notion that his family could get caught up in the covid rancor. “ I just decided that as a dad of 16-year-old triplets, I don’t need me or the kids to be threatened in any way, and I can do good public health work at the state level or federal level or even international level,” Bernstein said. Michelle Gibbons, executive director of the County Health Executives Association of California, said local departments are seeing the cascading effects of those toplevel defections, with midlevel managers hesitant to move into senior positions, even though top officials can command salaries of more than $200,000. The state budget this year included $3 million for an assessment of California’s public health infrastructure, and public health leaders believe it will show that staffing and training are major issues. Still, the budget did not include additional long-term funding for health departments. Amid negative headlines and a lobbying blitz, Gov. Gavin Newsom eventually agreed to add $300 million a year for public health, a handshake deal not scheduled to begin until July. Advocates warn that the timing matters: Many public health workers are hanging on to see their communities through the pandemic and will leave once it ebbs. “We’re going to see a huge wave of retirements when this is over,” said Kat DeBurgh, executive director of the Health Officers Association of California. In Ventura County, Von Bargen, exhausted by the pandemic, has been trying to retire for a year. She didn’t want to abandon the lab she fought so hard to keep open, and it took that long to find a replacement. Her successor will start early next year, at which point Von Bargen, too, will join the ranks of former public health employees.

The seminars will focus on topics such as:

• Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Agro & Food Processing.

• “Export-led Growth” by propelling Local goes Global to achieve the per annum export target of US$ 1 trillion by FY28.

• Positioning Gujarat as a global investment destination for textiles by augmenting PM MITRA Parks and PLI Scheme for technical textiles.

• International Conference of Academic Institutions with focus on the National Education Policy 2020 for knowledge and skill-based economy.

• Holistic Healthcare: Good Health and well-being for All. • Opportunities in Dholera Special Investment Region – India’s first Greenfield Industrial Smart City as well as on.

• Startups for Inspiring Disruptive Innovations. The pre-Summit exhibitions will include the 15th edition of ENGIMACH one of India’s most acclaimed Engineering, Machine Tools and Automation Exhibition as well as Signature Sparkle 2021 which is one of the biggest Gems and Jewelry Retail exhibitions of India. The Summit will host flagship events on key national initiatives as well as emerging global agendas. As India completes 75 years of its Independence in 2022, “Azadi @ 75” will focus on flagship initiatives of the Government of India such as PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, PLI Schemes with the vision of making India Aatmanirbhar as well as transformative governance reforms undertaken for reducing compliance burden for ease of doing business and ease of living. The seminar on Transitioning to a Green Economy will focus on global agenda pertaining to sustainable economic development and climate change with focus on National Hydrogen Mission and Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. The seminar on TECHADE will focus on technology & innovation as the drivers of next economic growth. The Roundtable with Global Financial Institutions (IFIs) will focus on FinTech, Sustainable Infrastructure Financing, Asset Monetization, Alternative Investment Funds as well as emerging opportunities in Aircraft Leasing and Bullion Exchange at GIFT City. The Summit will provide a platform for B2B and B2G meetings as well as for countries and states to organize seminars to promote and showcase investment opportunities in their region. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2022 - Towards a Sustainable & Aatmanirbhar Bharat will be organized at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It will be held from January 10 – 12, 2022 in Gandhinagar. For more details, visit Vibrantgujarat.com.

Article courtesy of Kaiser Health News (khn.org).

Saathee.com

December 2021

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Raajeev

continued from page 40

Hello Readers

creatively. A lot of people have been asking us if we did comedy together. They encouraged us to develop an act saying, “Oh. It will be fun. You look good together.” Inspired by that, we explored developing our set. I wanted to just go on stage to an open mike and riﬀ. She preferred to have scripted material, so we decided to meet halfway. Rather than having completely scripted material, we decided on the topics and went to an open mike. Unfortunately, after we were done and sat in our car, we had a real argument! We are still working to develop a joint routine together. In the meantime, we continue to perform in a sequential order. She continues to make fun of my frugality and absent-minded nature. She gets a good laugh. I have to be a bit more careful though because if I cross a line and put her down, I may appear like a jerk in front of the audience. I am self-conscious of that fact because the first few years of our marriage I was a jerk. But now that I have been doing meditation for the last 20 years, it makes me an enlightened jerk!

Our Community Organizations section guides you through all the organizations in the Carolinas. Non-profits, social organizations, religious organizations, meditation groups, etc. You can find our Community Organizations section on line at

Saathee.com/community.asp For adding organizations or updating information, send an email to: Saathee@saathee.com

Raajeev Aggerwhil is a Los Angeles-based comedian and is a regular contributor to Saathee. Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy See his videos on YouTube, search for his name.

Saathee.com

December 2021

4. Choose the brand wisely Currently, I am working on a broader study to confirm that hiring managers feel that “nondegree credentials” like certificates from online courses improve a candidate’s resume, particularly if the potential employee does not have work experience in the field. These same hiring managers value the reputation of the institution that offers the course over the specific credential that is earned from it – a badge vs. a certificate, for example. In my survey to hiring managers, the results of which have not yet been published, a majority responded that they prefer nondegree credentials from academically distinguished universities over credit-bearing certificates from for-profit institutions. Fortunately, many highly recognizable, academically selective universities and companies now offer these short courses for low or no cost. It’s easy to learn data analytics from IBM, business strategy from Darden, machine learning from Stanford and many more topics from top schools, such as Python, computer science, robotics, economics of health care and even the science of happiness from University of Michigan, Harvard, Penn and Yale. If a learner recognizes the name of the institution offering the course, chances are hiring managers will too. While short online courses have not lived up to the hype 10 years ago that they would disrupt higher education, they are helping millions of learners around the globe try new fields and learn skills to advance their careers.

Online Courses

continued from page 42

new role were more likely to experience career benefits than those who enrolled only because they wanted to learn something new about the topic. 2. Rewatch videos and retake tests Among the same sample of over 4,000 people taking online courses, I also found that learning behaviors associated with persistence – such as watching more videos or retaking tests – were shown to be more strongly associated with perceived career benefits than social behaviors like forum posts, comments and views – or even grades. In fact, the same study showed that grades don’t have any correlation to whether or not a person gains career benefits as long as they eventually pass the course. The lesson here is to try and try again. Taking a course that is challenging may prove to be more useful than one a learner can breeze through. 3. Finish the course Many short courses are now only four or five weeks long, with fewer than three hours of time required per week. Learners who complete their online courses are more likely to learn something new, improve performance, get a raise or new job or start a new business. They can also receive a digital certificate or badge they can post on social media channels to inform potential employers that they have successfully passed the course.

Article courtesy of The Conversation (theconversation.com)

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December 2021

Who wants to be a Scholar?! Answer the ones you know and research the rest. There is only one correct answer!

1. Arrange these the longest total coastline on a world map, from most to least in length. (a) Norway (b) USA (c) Canada (d) Indonesia

Word World

By Kirit Shukla

2. The first song Lata Mangeshkar sang was in Marathi film at the age. (a) 13 (b) 15 (c) 17 (d) 19 3. What color is Tinkerbell's dress? (a) Pink (b) Green (c) Red (d) White 4. A ’Misanthrope’ hates (a) Reasons (c) Wars

5. The Sun’s radius is approximately? (a) 595,800km (b) 645,800km (c) 695,800km (d) 745,800km

6. The volume of a sphere of 2 Ft. dia. is approx. (a) 4.19 cu. ft. (b) 5.19 cu. ft. (c) 3.19 cu. ft. (d) 2.19 cu. ft.

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)

7. The hottest temperature recorded on Earth in (a) Kabili, Tunisia (b) Rajasthan, India (F) Nasiriyah, Iraq (d) Death Valley, USA

16+ words = Excellent; 10 to 15 words = Good; 9 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

8. The winner of World Series 2021. (a) Yankees (b) Astros (c) Braves (d) Patriots

Brain-Train

9. Physicist, Albert Einstein was born on? (a) March 14, 1877 (b) March 14, 1878 (c) March 14, 1879 (d) March 14, 1880

Here is a simple quiz. See if you can solve it. No peeking! Match the number in column 1 with letter in column 2 World Dams, Country...

10. The tallest mountain in the US is (a) Mount Bear (b) Mount Saint Elias (c) Mount Bona (d) Mount Denali

...River

A. Vakhsh River 1 Hoover Dam, USA B. Zambezi River 2 Ataturk Dam, Turkey C. South Saskatchewan River 3 Bhakra Dam, India D. Euphrates River 4 Guri Dam, Venezuela E. Colorado River 5 Tarbela Dam, Pakistan F. Sutlej River 6 Kariba Dam, Zambia G. Dixence River 7 Three Georges Dam, China 8 Grand Dixence Dam, Switzerland H. Caroni River I. Yangtze River 9 Gardiner Dam, Canada J. Indus River 10 Nurek Dam, Tajikistan

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

Timeless Advice

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Brain Train: 1-E, 2-D, 3-F, 4-H, 5-J, 6-B, 7-I, 8-G, 9-C, 10-A Scholar 1. c, d, a, b, 2.a 3.b 7.d 8.c 9.c

4.d 10.d

5.c

6.a

Word World (Solution): AITCH, ASTIR, CHRIST, CHRISTMAS, MAIST, MASTIC, MATCH, MATHS, MISACT, MISCAST, RACIST, RATCH, SACRIST, SAITH, SHIRT, SITAR, SMART, SMITH, STACH, STAIR, STARCH, STICH, STRIA, TACHISM, TARSI, TRASH, TRASS, TRIAC, TSARISM. Saathee.com

(b) Cultural Activities (d) Humanity

- Abraham Lincoln 84

December 2021

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December 2021

PUZZLES AND JOKES

Clues Down: 1. The twelfth month of the calendar year. 2. To consume entirely; Use up. 3. Steamer. (*) 4. The evergreen African plants of the heath family. 5. The nation. (Hindi ) 6. The second month of the later ancient Egyptian civil calendar and Coptic calendar. 7. Institute of Company Secretaries of India. (*) 8. Getting rid oneself of (something not wanted). 9. Average Order Value. (*) 10. The objective aspect of or the content within an intentional experience. 12. To pardon oﬃcially often before a trial or conviction. 14. Tellurium. (*) (Chemical element symbol) 18. Those which cause deterioration. 21. Gigantic; Huge. 24. Of, relating to, or causing death. 26. Marked by compassion for people and animals. 29. A sarcastic challenge or insult. 31. Nonpersonal liability. (*) 32. A town located in eastern Bulgaria some 30 kilometers from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. 33. Network Device Enrollment Service. (*) 34. A source of harm or ruin. 36. The religion of the Yoruba people near Niger river. 37. Islamic astronomical book that tabulates parameters used for astronomical calculations of the positions of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. 38. Intensive Care Unit. (*)

By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues Across: 1. Dry barren land; To abandon a person or cause. 6. Resident of a western city in Italy near the Arno River. 11. More than is due, usual, or necessary. 12. Used to represent the sound of a sneeze. 13. The day before that commemorates the birth of Christ. 15. Each. (*) 16. Related to a fish scale resembling the tooth of a comb. 17. East Indian shrubs whose fine fiber resembles flax. 19. Extended play. (*) 20. Drug Enforcement Administration. (*) 22. Bombay Stock Exchange. (*) 23 A subgiant yellow main star in the constellation Aquila. 25. To produce a pattern or design on a hard material by eating into the material's surface (acid or laser beam). 27. Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. (*) 28. In no way; to no degree. 30. Uncle’s wife. 32. A city in India where Taj Mahal is located. 33. Beautiful maiden dwelling in the mountains. (Myth). 34. In proximity to. 35. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet. (μ) 36. Attribution to ideal characteristics. 39. Flowerless spore-producing vascular plants; Greenery. 40. A print made from a design cut into a mounted piece of linoleum. 41. The entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts. 42. __ Christ. Saathee.com

(solution on page 88)

Hee Hee

Jokes & Riddles From Around The World

Wife: “Why did you come home so early today?” Husband: “My boss got angry. Told me to leave the ofﬁce at once and go to hell, so I came straight here.” ********* You’ll ﬁnd me in Mercury, Earth, Mars and Jupiter, but not in Venus or Neptune. What am I? Answer: The letter “R.” What goes away as soon as you talk about it? Answer: Silence. If I have it, I don’t share it. If I share it, I don’t have it. What is it? Answer: A secret.

December 2021

WordFind

Math Magic Fill in the empty squares to get = the final given answers. Use the remaining numbers from 1 to 9 (except 5) 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: Bhagavad Gita ARJUN ARROWS BHAKTI BHOOT BOOK CHARIOT CONCH DEATH DEEDS DEVOTION DHARMA DIALOUGE DIVINESONG DRONA ETHICS

HEROS HORN KARMA KARNA KAURAVAS KNOWLEDGE KRISHNA MOKSHA SANJAY SIGN SOUL VERSES WAR YOGA

The unused 12 letters spell ”The subject.” (answer on page 88)

EZ-BZ TEST YOUR IQ The common letters are “EMB” - Fill in the blanks)

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase 1. A biodegradable and compostable cotton fiber that breaks down naturally after disposal. _ EMB _ _ _ 2. Early stage development (multicellular organism). EMB _ _ _ 3. To retain in the memory. _ _ _ EMB _ _ 4. To fit together the parts of. _ _ _ EMB _ _ 5. To hug. EMB _ _ _ _ 6. An apparatus used in distillation. _ _ EMB _ _ 7. Glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire. EMB _ _ 8. A Swiss pine. _ EMB _ _ 9. Ninth month of the Gregorian calendar. _ _ _ _ EMB _ _ 10. A Bantu language in Kenya. EMB _ 11. A group of musicians performing with two or more instruments as a single eﬀect. _ _ _ EMB _ _ 12. Twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. _ _ _ EMB _ _ 13. A rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum, originally from West Africa. _ EMB _ _ 14. An earthquake. (Informal) _ _ EMB _ _ _ 15. The oﬃce of an ambassador. EMB _ _ _ _ 16. A person belonging to a particular group. _ EMB _ _ 17. A robot resembling a woman in appearance. _ EMB _ _ 18. A person's voice sound unsteady or hesitant. _ _ EMB _ _ 19. A suburban town in NW London, England. _ EMB _ _ 20. A Bantu language in NE Zambia. _ EMB _ 21. A Tanzanian island forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, lying within the Swahili Coast. _ EMB _ (Puzzle solutions are on page 88. NO peeking!) Saathee Puzzle Master Kirit Shukla kiritsshukla@gmail.com

Saathee.com

December 2021

Festivals & Holidays Spot the Diﬀerences Solutions from page 50

December 2021 Dec. 1 - World Aids Day Dec. 4 - Solar Eclipse (Full) / Darsh Amas (No Moon) Dec. 6 - Hanukkah Ends Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 8 - Bodhi Day Dec. 11 - Pramukh Swami Maharaj Birthday Dec. 14 - Mokshadā Ekadashi / Gita Jayanti Dec. 18 - Dattatray Jayanti Dec. 19 - Margashirsha Poonam (Full Moon) Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Dec. 26 - Kwanzaa Begins Dec. 30 - Safala Ekadashi Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve

1. Sewer removed 2. Statue Removed 3. Trash Can Removed 4. Flower Color Changed 5. Window Added 6. Person Added 7. Window Removed

8. Spire added 9. Bush Added 10. Light Pole Added 11. Color Changed 12. Building Added 13. Tree Added 14. Statue Removed 15. Spire Removed

2 15 14

January 2022 Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day/ Year 2022 Begins Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa Ends Jan. 2 - Darsh Amas (No Moon) Jan. 6 - Epiphany Jan. 9 - Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Jan. 12 - Vaikuntha Ekadashi Jan. 13 - Lohri / Maghi Jan. 14 - Makara Sankranti (Uttarāyan) / Pongal Jan. 17 - Poshi Poonam (Full Moon) Jan. 17 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 17 - Tu B'Shevat Jan. 23 - Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Jan. 24 - Swami Vivekanand Jayanti Jan. 26 - Republic Day (India) Jan. 28 - Shat Tilā Ekadashi

5 10

6 1

7 13

3 4

Puzzle Solutions from page 86-87

Math Magic from page 87

Saathee.com

December 2021

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December 2021

Astroscope Aries (March 21 – April 19)

DECEMBER 2021

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

You will maintain an optimistic demeanor this month. Money will ﬂow into your accounts, but at the expense of extended work hours. If you attempt to make easy money, it could ruin your reputation. You may also spend on social and religious events. This is a good time to invest in real estate. A happy love life is clearly indicated. An old health problem may continually bother you. Don’t plan any long-distance journeys.

Love and happiness will be all around you. You will enjoy full conﬁdence and work on your dream project. Life should move very smoothly, though minor health problems and a family dispute could be there. Just ignore them. Travel may be troublesome, but very rewarding. You may end up paying for your partner’s mistake. Any long-distance journeys must be avoided this month. Focus on your talents to accomplish success.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This will be a very busy and successful month for you. Things should turn positive for students and teens. Remain careful while driving to avoid any potential accidents. A misunderstanding with your partner may develop serious problems within your relationship. Unexpected ﬁnancial issues may arise during the last week of the month. Watch your health.

To enjoy true success and a happy marriage, you should listen to your partner this month. Your schedule will be very busy, and income should rise. Don’t forget to share with others. You may also enjoy supremacy among your peers, so be sure to take every possible opportunity to enhance it. Also don’t hesitate to spend on luxury items. Don’t forget to get enough rest and keep eye on your health.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

After a positive start, things may turn sour during the second half of the month. A dispute with your partner could be resolved through mutual understanding. At your workplace, your performance will be exceptional and rewarding. This is also a favorable time for developing or buying real estate. A lack of conﬁdence may constantly bother you, but your partner should be there for support. Take any health issue seriously this month.

A very hectic schedule awaits you this month. In return, you will gain enough to survive. You may waste much of your energy on useless pursuits. Try to slow down, focus on work, and don’t get involved in too many projects. Remember to curb your expenses and avoid any major investments. If you maintain your integrity and keep focused, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This month should move very fast for you. Delving deeper into a beloved hobby should bring good returns. A recommendation from your superior may help with a rise in income, though unexpected expenses and losses may wash away most of it. You may face health problems during second half of the month. Focus on business-related travel to enjoy the best results.

Unexpected ﬁnancial gain through speculation or a business deal may delight you this month. You could be forced to cheat at your workplace, so don’t compromise your morals. You may experience a disagreement with family which could disrupt your peace of mind. Avoid making any major investments this month. You should enjoy very good health. Friends may lead you towards wrongdoing, so avoid such temptation whenever possible.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Work on a family project as a team and enjoy great returns. A very happy family life is clearly indicated. Your income will rise as will your status. This is the perfect time to take risks or start a new venture. Avoid the stock market during the middle of the month. Avoid travel or spending too much time with friends. Try to keep away from parties and focus on work. You will also enjoy good health this month.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) If you can control your expenses, you will enjoy good luck and success this month. You may need to work extended hours, but your income should rise and be much more than initially anticipated. You may also feel very spiritual this month. A great life-changing opportunity may come your way, so be sure to accept it. You’ll be able to defeat your enemies. Be careful while driving and listen to your partner this month.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) This is a very positive time to enjoy a long-distance journey along with earning some extra cash. Enjoy a higher status in society by arranging social or religious gatherings. Political support along with your family background could also help elevate this. Don’t expect much from your partner this month. Self-conﬁdence will be on point to keep you on track with a very busy schedule.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) A lack of conﬁdence and egoistical words could greatly harm you this month. Avoid parties and public gatherings. Keep working hard and maintain your morals. Your partner will prove to be great support for you. You may enjoy good health, however, be sure to get your blood tested. Great family support and a slow rise in savings may help you feel more comfortable. Any travel may end up in disaster, so avoid it if at all possible. Saathee.com

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December 2021

CLASSIFIEDS Virginia Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Hiring experienced Front Desk and C-Store for Rent Hudson, NC. $1000 per Housekeeping. Accommodations with month. Good location. No liquor license kitchen available on property. Please call but can acquire one. No gas but has tank 804-317-8587 or 804-517-7484. & pumps. Call Atul Gor 704-657-6669. Experienced Housekeeping Couple Subway Franchise for Sale N. Charlotte. Needed for Franchise Motel off of I-95 in Doing good business at great location with NC. $4.50 per room. Accommodations proximity to highway & other businesses. provided. Call 919-464-5688. Contact: sc20200908@gmail.com. Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

C-store with Property for Sale or Lease in Denmark, SC with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Gross income $55K / Lotto $25K per month. Daily income not included. Call 904-307-4770.

near Kannapolis. Accommodations provided. Attractive salary! Text or Call 704-701-9482.

Hotel Positions for Immediate Hire: Convenience Stores for Sale: General Manager for Franchise Hotels. Summerville, SC $1,850,000 + Inv., Hotel Front desk, Housekeepers $14 and Annual $1,438,000, Fuel 512,460; up per hour. Contact 704-649-6833 or Louisburg, NC $320,000 + Inv. Annual abcone@abcinns.com. $1,173,600, Fuel 180,000; Louisburg, NC Looking for part-time Babysitter/Nanny $199,000+ Inv., Annual $816,000. Fuel (Live-in or live out) in Concord, NC. 120,000; County South: 704-440-4433 / Please call 704-453-6383 for details. Countysouth.biz. Manager Couple needed for franchise Growing Liquor / Wine Store for Sale in hotel 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Must be lucrative Fort Mill, SC area. New Fluent in English. Accommodations apartments, houses, etc close to store. provided. Text/call 704-701-9975. Great time for quick ROI opportunity & Looking for Business Partners for retail negotiable, Serious Inquiries only. stores in the Triangle/Triad area. Must be Asking $35k +inv. Call/Text 646-477-4654. dedicated to learning the business for 6 to 12 months to later be given the EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES opportunity as a partner. Please txt/call Nanny Required for family of 3 kids in Abhi 336-554-1377. South Charlotte/Waxhaw area. Live-in/ Front Desk Clerks and Housekeeping live-out ok. Driving a plus for drop offs/ needed for Franchise Hotels in Columbia & Spartanburg, SC. Accommodations pick-ups. Please contact 701-347-2447. Gas Station in Rock Hill, SC seeking provided with kitchen. Call 336-944-8003. Help. Single or couple. Really good pay for experienced people. Call 803-792-4452. Immediate Openings for Front Desk Clerks (2nd & 3rd shifts) in SC. Must have good computer & communication skills. Fluent English & reliability required. Experience preferred. Email resume and/or contact info to employment9210@gmail.com. Fully Vaccinated House Help needed: Part-time cooking, light cleaning, and some personal help for North Indian vegetarian couple near Hindu Center in Charlotte. Fluency required in English and/or Hindi. Contact 704-408-1504 or househelp177@gmail.com Eyebrow Threading Position: Winston Salem, NC. Excellent Pay + Tips & Benefits! Some Experience & fluent English required. Call 336-422-7582. Servers & Cooks needed for Restaurant in Morrisville, NC. Excellent pay! Call 919-434-5078. Saathee.com

Need Experienced Cashier for Gas Station / C-Store in Greensboro, NC area. Contact Jagdish Oza 336-327-4175.

Experienced Threading Practitioners or Licensed Estheticians needed in Charlotte & Raleigh. Full or part-time. Great pay & flexibility. Must have good English skills. $250 signing bonus and/or referral bonus. Call 980-225-4575. Full-time Gas Station Cashier / Manager Help Needed (single or couple) in Roxboro NC. Willing to train the right candidate. Excellent pay with housing & profit sharing from additional revenue generated by candidates. Contact 919-995-2314. Front Desk / Manager Couple Needed for 52-room franchise hotel in Fort Mill, SC (near Carowinds). Hotel experience, fluent English, and basic computer skills a must. Accommodations provided. Email resume: bwhospitality78@gmail.com Full-time Gas Station Cashier / Manager Needed in Royston, GA. Seeking hardworking individual. Willing to train the right candidate. Excellent pay with housing included, if desired. Call 404797-5517. Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk/Manager, Night Auditor and Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte/ Gastonia / High Point. Offering good pay! Accommodations provided. Call 704-4600379 between 6 to 9pm. Sales Managers, Customer Service Members & Sales Associates needed for all Rug & Home locations in Raleigh, Pineville (Charlotte), Asheville, Gaffney and Kannapolis. Full Benefits. Competitive Salary based on experience. For details or to apply, send your resume to careers@rugandhome.com.

Restaurant Help Wanted: Chef for tandoori and general cooking at Indian Perfume Store Help Needed in Charlotte restaurant in Charlotte. Please call 980- and Pineville, NC. For more information, 938-8363. please call Veer Singh at 415-265-8686. Nanny Needed in South Charlotte, NC Front Desk & Housekeeping Needed for near Tyvola region for assistance with motel in Richmond, VA (Airport area). newborn. Hours are flexible. Contact 470- Legal status required. Accommodations 269-0368 or shakun.bansal18@gmail.com. provided. email airportbw@gmail.com or Hotel Help Needed: Front Desk (2nd & 804-512-7810. 3rd shifts), Housekeeping & Laundry for Manager Couple and Housekeeping Franchise Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Couple needed for Motel in NC. Excellent Accommodations provided if needed. pay. Accommodations provided. Call 910Text/Call 980-229-8216. 817-4313 or 910-995-1707. Immediate Opening for experienced live-in Manager for 50-room Urgently Hiring Young Energetic independent motel in Charlotte, NC. Employee for Tropical Smoothie Cafe Attractive salary plus bonus and store in Charlotte, NC. Full-time or Partcomplimentary two-bedroom apartment. time. Excellent Pay! Some English Please call 704-906-9170 or send resume required. Call Pravin Patel 803-974-0291. to dpmonick@yahoo.com. 92

December 2021

Hiring Couples for Housekeepers, Front Desk Clerks, Assistant Managers, Managers, and Renovation Managers. Positions available in NC, SC, FL, TN, IL and IN. Contact MB at 980-208-3038. Night Shift Clerk position available at Hotel near Charlotte airport. Good pay with accommodations provided. Call Tarun 704-350-5161. Convenience Store Help Needed in South Carolina. Single or Couple. Legal status a must. Apartment allowance provided. Good pay! Contact 864-6348866 for further details. Franchise and Independent Hotels in NC looking for Front Desk Help with computer knowledge and Housekeepers (single or couple). Accommodations provided. Call 704-465-8129.

MATRIMONIAL Looking for NC-based groom for beautiful 35-year-old US citizen Sindhi girl, 5’6”, divorced, no children. Refer DP 678-304-8184. Looking for a life partner? Saathee can help you reach hundreds of potential matches. E-mail info@saathee.com.

SERVICES Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All.

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

Safa, Pagh, and Turban Tying Service for weddings, baraats, parties, photoshoots, and other events. Centered in North Carolina and able to travel wherever your event is located. Contact us for bookings! Carolina Turban Crew: 919-752-7309 or Carolinaturbans@gmail.com.

Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte: Front Desk - all shifts (experience a plus) & Housekeeper. Must be fluent in English. Competitive salary & accommodations provided. Call 704-464-4427 or e-mail 123nash@gmail.com.

Saree Draping: specializing in draping sarees, dupattas and jewelry for Weddings, Engagements, Baby showers, Birthdays, etc. Contact Rital Patel at info@bridaldraping.com or www.bridaldraping.com.

Looking for Motel Help: Couple or Family for a 50-room independent motel in Fayetteville, NC. Basic English and computer skills preferred. Accommodations with 4 bedrooms / 3.5 baths provided. Call Nima: 910-257-8036.

Priest Available for these services: 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.

Experienced Manager & Front Desk (single or couple) needed for Franchise Motel in SC. Accommodations provided. Call 704-915-1026 or email bwpointesouth@gmail.com. Beauty Parlour Help Wanted: in Cary, NC. Esthetician, Cosmetologist or Threader. Choose: salary or hourly plus tips commission. Call 919-649-1228. Full-time Sales Associate needed for Men's Clothing Store in Charlotte. Must be energetic, dependable with positive attitude & flexible schedule. Previous retail experience preferred. Must speak fluent English. Contact Nick 276-6181166 or email at suitcityusa@gmail.com Saathee Classified ads: Sell your business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Get more customers. Get great adversting results with Saathee Magazine, weekly email newsletter and Saathee.com. Call 704.527.7570 or email info@saathee.com. Saathee.com

Deepti Beauty Parlor: (Concord, NC near Highland Creek/Skybrook): Threading, Waxing, Facial, Bleach. For appointment call 704-957-0892. Live Dhol, Tabla, and Music Services for all types of events including Weddings, Concerts, Birthday Parties, Graduation Parties, or any other Festivities. Serving the Carolinas since 2006. Open to travel. Contact Jeetu Singh at 919-752-7309 or email dholi.jeetu@gmail.com. Travel Passion: International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Ppt Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509-5509076 or 509-550-9034 Email: travelpassion24@gmail.com Pari Beauty in Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 31 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912. email: gescpl@gmail.com 93

Saathee Classified ads: Sell your business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Get more customers. Get great adversting results with Saathee Magazine, weekly email newsletter and Saathee.com. Call 704.527.7570 or email info@saathee.com. Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti. Kishor Trivedi Home: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity. Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-641-4761 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com Neeta's Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270. Looking for work? Check Saathee.com for additional help wanted classified ads. New postings added daily. Visit Saathee.com/employment-opportunities

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Namaskar

Edit Desk

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of my favorites. There were also the requisite opening notes that every kid worth his weight in guitar strings learned or tried to play. “Stairway to Heaven.” There were rumors that several guitar shops banned people from playing “Stairway to Heaven” while testing out guitars as the guitar salesmen were driven mad by hearing that riff over and over every hour of every day. Mind you those were just rumors. The song, of course, remains a timeless guitar standard. I set my guitar aside after a few years, well, more like abandoned it. I found it easier to work with words and sentences than chords and riffs. Writing is a lazy man’s passion and I found it perfectly suitable for my restless and constantly evolving frame of mind. I also lacked the discipline required to master musical instruments. I have written about music ever since my passion for learning to play music slowly waned. Variations of guitar-like instruments have been around for centuries. The acoustic complexities of a classical guitar, the sensuous strumming of a flamenco player, the signature windmill playing style of Townsend, Jimi Hendrix coaxing previously unimagined, ungodly sounds out of his guitar, these are some of the cultural markers, musical ethos and histories created by guitarists. It is the quintessential rock instrument and the most widely played musical instrument around the world. One imagines a lonesome cowboy in the vast and open American West playing for himself and maybe his horse, wishing for that pretty woman to sing to; or the young rocker flailing his hair and his instrument playing in front of tens of thousands of people, making them sway to his vibes. That’s the soul of the guitar. The connection between varied styles and generations separated by decades. A guitar can be reconfigured in myriad variations and tuned to the player’s choice. One of my favorite bands made a glorious blast of sound using detuned or weirdly tuned guitars. Sonic Youth’s dual guitar interplay and experimentation is like discovering the spaces between the possible, the unexplored vibrations in the ether. The guitar is pervasive in all genres of music. It can tag along to ancient rhythms and percussion or accompany all contemporary forms of music. When music gels, and the guitars do their magic, there’s nothing better. If you are able to close your eyes and melt into the music, become part of the soundwaves swirling around your entire being, then all is well in our chaotic world and time stands still, if only for a few moments. One of these days, I’ll dust off the ole electric guitar still lurking in my basement and make some noise. Return to that primal teenage urge to imitate but also create original sounds. Until then, well, I’ve got my words. They keep me fine company while I’m listening to the masters of metal or nylon strings animate the air.

A passage through time will illustrate that powerful emperors not only offered leadership and protection to their kingdoms but also provided patronage to artists and other traders. Like any government, their effectiveness varied but they provided the foundation to grow existing economies often bringing prosperity. Exquisite monuments showcasing the arts and architecture as well as intellectual and literary treasures grew under successful kings and queens with Emperor Akbar being the oft-quoted example in India. Atrocities and wasted wealth Sadly, on the flip side were the ambitious, maniacal, ruthless, or simply incompetent rulers who committed horrific atrocities on humans, wasted their wealth or destroyed their states due to poor decisions. Often the grandeur of their gilded crowns and jewels came at the expense of their subjects and colonies. As an Indian it is impossible for me to overlook the oppression that the British Crown subjected India to and as an American, I cannot ignore the grave injustices committed against the native peoples of this land by colonists who worked under direction of various European monarchs. The allure of the sparkles and power can, however, be irresistible. From ancient times, the queens and princesses were the original fashion influencers with the authority to coax or even force the average person to follow a trend. Literature and cinema have dedicated an entire genre to center around His and Her Majesties thereby stoking vivid fantasies about strategic maneuvers in extravagant settings. In today’s world, the average person who memorizes publicly available details about the princes of an obscure nation, perhaps feels an unknown connection with them. That feeling might lift him or her out of ordinariness and allow the romanticized version of glamorous lives to be experienced vicariously. Wealth, fame, and power Easy access to information has also exacerbated celebrity worship. And let’s not deny that most people either openly or secretly desire fame, wealth and power that is often associated with royals. Our culture considers these measures important for success and rewards their acquisition in the form of status and attention. And when we are struck by boredom, contemporary tittle-tattle offers an escape from the drab routines of work or household chores and diverts our judgement or criticism toward seemingly perfect people with magical lives. After all, we like being assured that no one can have it all.

Samir Shukla

Shyama Parui

Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com Twitter: @ShuklaWrites // Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com

is a longtime North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: Shyamashree_Parui@hotmail.com Saathee.com

December 2021

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Advertisers 37 Venue....................................................................4

County South Realty & Business Brokers..................95

New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq).................41

Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan)...19

CrossOver Lending Group, Inc..................................31

North American Bancard ........................................11

Aldersgate Retirement Community (Charlotte)..........29

Days Inn (Waynesville) ................................................4

NSD Tax & Accounting Services................................31

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) .....................................59

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........44

One2 Entertainment .................................................95

Anil & Anjali Bedi LLC (CPA & Consultants)...............89

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC)......................................67

Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine......................24

ATMA Hotel Group....................................................25

DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) ...................................................63

Patel, Hitesh (Mortgage Loans).................................43

Bala Sure (Broker / Realtor, NC & SC)......................37

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani).............................................51

Patel, Kiran (Real Estate)...........................................61

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)............13

Duke Performances (Odissi: Bijayini Satpathy ) ...........3

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)....................................43

Bashyam Shah LLP - Immigration Law Group..........32

Eesha Realty, LLC.....................................................39

Patel, Tony (Real Estate)............................................73

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................80

Elite Motors (Charlotte) .............................................17

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate)..........................................33

Bela's Indian Grill......................................................15

Fairview Home Mortgage .........................................63

Pizza Twist (Concord)................................................41

Best Western (Waynesville).........................................4

Fincare.US (Recession-Proof Your Retirement)..........67

Pramukh Mandapam ...............................................33

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

Geological Resources, Inc.........................................31

PropertyZoom (Madan Khatri)...................................47

Bliss Yoga ................................................................51

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

Raj Jewels (Morrisville, NC) .....................................6-7

Blooming Buds.........................................................91

H2 Laser & Skin .......................................................55

Raja Reslan, Financial Advisor (Edward Jones) ........65

Blooming Smiles Pediatric Dentistry .........................83

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events) ......................68-71

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)......61

Bombay Grille (Charlotte)..........................................79

Home Decorators Of America (Atlanta) .....................97

Saathee.com............................................................58

Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate)..................77

Idolize Brows & Beauty ...........................................91

Saffron Restaurant and Catering...............................47

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

Indore Oil .................................................................49

Saint Mary's School (Raleigh) ...................................98

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner).............36

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv..89

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC.........................................91

C4D Mortgage (Jubi Chackunkal, P.E.) .....................19

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent) 43

Shah, Anish (Real Estate) ...................................52-53

Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai)............................81

Jay Bale (Real Estate - Commercial & Residential)....45

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) .........................47

Carolina Medical Associates.....................................35

Kanha Realty (Swetal Patel) ......................................67

Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band).........................35

Carolina Medical Partners.........................................37

Kasarla, Gopal (Mortgage & Real Estate)...........25 / 49

Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara) ............................16

Carolina Pharmacy .................................................10

Khanna & Sons Jewelers .........................................23

SP Orthodontics (Matthews) .....................................73

CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel)................65

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................45

The Blue Taj..............................................................57

CCS Network Technology LLC (Hospitality)................19

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

Travel Passion ..........................................................47

Charlotte Chess Center ............................................59

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

Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate).............................................55

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat ..............................76

Malaya Kitchen.........................................................85

Uni World Travel........................................................63

Chiro-Carolina

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Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors) ........................21

Union Family Eye Associates (Dr. Keshav Bhat).........77

Color Master Collision Center ...................................15

Matthews Family Dentistry ......................................85

VAS Mortgage (Ashwani Dalal) ...................................5

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).......................35

Meenakshi Creations LLC.........................................21

VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal)..................................5

Concord Children's Clinic ......................................85

Meineke Car Care Center (Raghu Mothukuri) ...........65

Vema Mortgage LLC (Sebastian George) .51/61/89/95

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte)...................................57

Neeta's Beauty Parlor...............................................35

Venu Parepalli (Insurance) .....................................75

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Saathee Charlotte December 2021

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