Saathee Charlotte February 2019 by Shukla Entertainment

Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent

Saathee.com

February 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

New Delhi Running

OUT OF WATER?

In Concert Sonu Nigam & Neha, Javed Ali

Indian Expressions LLC

Presents Friday, April 26th, 8pm at Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte NC For inquiries and sponsorships, Contact:

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February 2019 Issue # 249 Editor

Samir Shukla

(Samir@Saathee.com)

page 14 Delhi is Rapidly Losing its Groundwater

page 18 Upcoming Events in the Region

Hello ReadeRs!

Groundwater plummets in Delhi. Experts warn that Delhi could reach “zero groundwater levels” by 2020. See page 14 for the story. WhatsApp wants researchers to tackle its fake news problem. See page 32. The Fast Track to Medicine. What is the 6-year medical program? Go to page 52 to find out. The health care industry spends $30B per year pushing everything from drugs to stem cell treatment. See page 70. Read about the Bollywood Effect and how it portrays women in our writer’s analysis on page 74. Pop’s world famous puzzles and jokes are on page 118. The AstroScope, our exclusive monthly horoscope is on page 122. There are many new classifieds in our section on page 124, find everything from nannies to a new job or business opportunities. As always, we welcome your comments.

Quote:

"Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women like to be a man's last romance." - Oscar Wilde

page 28

Film Clips and Movie News

page 50 Spot the Diﬀerences in these Images

In tHIs Issue

The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 12 New Delhi Losing Groundwater . . .pg. 14 Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 WhatsApp’s Fake News Problem . .pg. 32 Mirror Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Sangeet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 College Admissions Insider . . . . . . .pg. 52 Test Your India Knowledge . . . . . . . .pg. 54 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 58 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . . . .pg. 62 Subcontinental Divide . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64 Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72 My Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74 Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 76 Buy Right, Sit Tight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 80 House Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 82 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 86 Community Organizations . . . . . . . .pg. 96 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 122 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 124 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 128

Cover: Likir Gompa, Leh,Ladakh

Likir Monastery or Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, Northern India. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was established in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chosje, under the command of the fifth king of Ladakh, Lhachen Gyalpo. Photo: Shutterstock

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla

(rakavid@aol.com)

Ad Design / Layout Nageshwar Andrews

Digital Media & Marketing

Jennifer W. Allen & Dhruv Pathak

Contributors for this issue: Kirit Shukla, Judith L. Bergman, Parul Kharod, Jahnavi Patel, Dr. Sona Isharani, Kristen Moon, Mo Vidwans, Balaji Prasad, Ahsen Jillani, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Amit Rupani, and Jalendu Vaidya. All content

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month. For a free Saathee subscription, visit saathee.com/subscription 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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February 2019

The Editor’s Desk By Samir Shukla

more than blasts of emotional tit for tat hurled about either in person or in texts or messages or social media. The soft power of thoughtful dialogue seems to take a backseat to 24-hour information and news cycles. In our current climate of political and ideological grandstanding, it seems that reasonable voices are drowned out or have simply decided to not waste their breath or peace of mind. This can change. It can change with people that form the quiet and reasoned majority becoming involved with subtlety but razor sharp focus. Those who want to connect with friends or other communities, but not wallow in the mud pits of social media, have to forge the slower paths. They must construct their own methods of slowness. Conversations caressed with facts and spoken with personal experiences that are refined with the passage of time can and will repulse negativity and falsehoods. This effort requires thoughtful slowness, layered with requisite maturity. I often wonder and think back to a time just a couple of decades ago, just before the advent of the internet and cell phones. We did everything we do now, but there was measured pleasure in slower information. Of course, we also didn’t know what was technologically possible until it happened. But comparing the times, it seems phone conversations were warmer and less hurried, good information was more valuable because it didn’t come easily while bad information had to work much harder to gain ground. Now text messages and social media posts fly at the speed of light. Isolation, distrust, hate, pettiness, and narcissism mushroom and permeate the senses like white noise. I’m not interested in turning back the time, just turning back to slower, thoughtful connectedness. Everyone has some personal space or interest they can crawl into or draw upon to slow it down and regain focus when needed. There’s one place I can return to a slowness I love. Yes, it’s very convenient to have access to music instantly on my phone, and as a fervent music lover, that’s a benefit. But I’m finally working on getting my old turntable repaired and dusting off my record collection. It’s been too long since I’ve heard the faint crackle of a record when the needle hits the vinyl, just before the song kicks in. Today, I’ve decided, I’m putting the needle down in the grooves on a happily spinning record, the ongoing record called life, and transport back to a time of cherished slowness. It’s a start.

slow. It. down.

Everyone wants everything instantly. This is the dilemma of our times. This need for instant gratification will only accelerate as technology moves exponentially forward. Access to evolving technology and our digital lives have made this need for instant gratification and instant communication an untamable beast. Add to that the inevitable and incoming Artificial Intelligence infusion, which is intriguing and will make our lives easier in many ways. It will also contribute to reduction of common sense and instinctive intelligence that humans have evolved over the eons. Patience is no longer a virtue. This is not only true of young people; corrosive impatience afflicts pretty much all age ranges. Of course, the ability to access instant factual information has enormous value. The prime dilemma is that instant gratification and communication also comes with a price. This need for immediacy often ...just before the advent of replaces or reduces quality the internet and cell with vast amounts of useless quantity, unravels patient phones.We did everything thoughtfulness and dialogue, we do now, but there was often reduces simple decency measured pleasure in... and, worst of all, spreads misinformation at a rapid pace. Our attention spans are getting worse due to information and sensory overload. Social media feeds this isatiable beast. The impatience I observe among contemporary youngsters reminds me of my own impatience and restlessness at that age. The difference obviously is that we didn’t have the instant access to what we were looking for and didn’t instantly communicate random thoughts and emotional outbursts. This helped in holding distrust and conflicts at bay. A slap on the face gave a bit more time to think about why you received a slap on the face. Today that slap, or simple critique, is immediately returned with a punch, even though you may have deserved that slap. I also fall into this trap of immediacy now and then, often grabbing my phone for updates, maybe out of boredom, but usually because it is there, waiting for me to tap in. This happens even though I have turned off all notifications. It has become such a distraction that I’m now working on purposeful slowness. This slowness doesn’t have to be at the cost of productivity or the basic things that need to get done during the day. It means limiting my time on social media and taking thoughtful time to respond to queries or critiques. It means sitting face-to-face with family and friends, setting aside devices and connecting in that warmest mode of information exchange, a conversation. We must devise pauses to technology lest it pummels us into mushy submission. Sometimes a quiet and studied pause will accomplish more than a shout or burst of action. Things unsaid during heated moments will soften conflict and endure Saathee.com

Samir Shukla

Editor of Saathee magazine contact - Samir@Saathee.com

February 2019

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Seasonal flooding also spreads contaminants throughout the city’s water supply, says Lall. “There are many areas that flood in the absence of sewers and mobilize anything that is on the ground.” The status of surface water in Delhi is also grim. Residents rely on the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, for drinking, bathing, and washing. The river, however, is a toxic stew of sewage, industrial chemicals, and agricultural runoff. A recent report found that wastewater and fecal sludge from 1,500 unauthorized slums empties directly into the Yamuna. Water distribution in the city is managed by the government-owned Delhi Jal Board (Delhi Water Board). Eighty-one percent of Delhi households have some access to piped water, although the supply, which is drawn both from underground and from the Yamuna River, is not always clean or reliable. Water that goes into the pipes often does not stay there. Up to 40 percent of the city’s water is lost due to theft and leaks. Based on the 2011 census, roughly 625,000 households are not attached to city pipelines at all. The majority of these households are located in slums or informal settlements. Millions of residents who are excluded from, or underserved by, the city distribution system collect water from borewells or tanker trucks. Illegal borewells, some reaching more than 120 meters into the ground, are ubiquitous throughout the city. A March 2018 report found that groundwater is “overexploited” in 15 of Delhi’s 27 administrative divisions. Illegal groundwater extraction has played a role in Delhi’s looming groundwater crisis, but other factors are at play. The Delhi metropolitan area comprises its own capital territory, and is bordered by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, states that pump large amounts of groundwater for their own use, Lall said. Collectively, water users in the region are extracting groundwater faster than the natural recharge rate. According to the Indian government’s 2016-2017 Ground Water Year Book, Delhi uses 390 million cubic meters of groundwater a year, about 25 percent higher than the natural recharge rate of 310 million cubic meters. That imbalance amounts to annual deficit spending that results in a drop in groundwater. Today, groundwater levels are considered critical or semi-critical in 90 percent of the city–and demand continues to grow. The groundwater shortage is further complicated by Delhi’s unchecked urbanization, which is disrupting rejuvenation of the city’s aquifers. Concrete and other infrastructure has haphazardly overtaken the metropolis, blocking rainwater from absorbing into the ground. Illegal extraction, regional consumption, and urbanization have taken a toll. According to a May 2018 government report, groundwater levels in Delhi now decrease, on average, by 0.5 to 2 meters per year. In some areas of Delhi, the water table is 80 meters below ground, down from around 40 meters in 2000. In a trip to Delhi last year, Circle of Blue co-founder and director J. Carl Ganter witnessed the city’s water stress firsthand in the Sangram Vihar neighborhood. Like countless areas of Delhi, the informal settlement is not connected to the city’s water network, forcing residents to rely on alternative water sources. “The cruel irony here in Delhi is that many living in the poorest informal neighborhoods like this one are water refugees,” noted Ganter in his reflections on the trip to Sangram Vihar. “They are families from nearby states like Rajasthan and

Groundwater Plummets in Delhi Experts warn that Delhi could reach “zero groundwater levels” by 2020.

The Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, is widely recognized as India’s most polluted river. Photo © J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue

By Kayla Ritter, Circle of Blue

Delhi is running short — maybe even out — of groundwater. A harrowing report in June from NITI Aayog, a government-chartered think tank, warned that Delhi, along with 20 other Indian cities, could reach “zero groundwater levels” by 2020. It was a stunning claim that drew attention to an urgent sustainability question in a country that pumps more groundwater than any other. It’s also a hard claim to prove. Veena Srinivasan, leader of the Water, Land, and Society Program at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, told Circle of Blue that she doesn’t believe this claim can be substantiated. But groundwater decline is still a key challenge in underserved, fast-growing suburbs of the city, she said. Whether its leaders can guide Delhi, poised to become the largest metropolitan area in the world within the next decade, through a period of rapid population growth while maintaining an adequate water supply is one of the most critical questions in the city today.

a Plethora of Problems Like other global megacities, some the size of small countries, Delhi is attempting to accommodate the needs of tens of millions of people by layering new infrastructure atop water systems that were developed centuries ago. Traditionally, the city relied on a water-supply network of check dams, stepwells, and natural drains. Under this system, rainwater was gathered during the monsoon season and then utilized throughout the year. Recent decades of breakneck growth — the population of the metro area now approaches 29 million, according to the UN — led to the neglect of this ancient network. The city’s natural drains have largely been paved over or choked by waste. Lakes and other waterways have either dried up or become ﬁlled with trash and other pollutants. Sewage contamination is widespread. “Sewers, where they exist, discharge untreated or partially treated water,” Upmanu Lall, a professor at Columbia University and director of the Columbia Water Center, told Circle of Blue. Saathee.com

continued on page 94

February 2019

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Community Events East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival: Washington, NC (February 8-9, 2019)

The 23rd annual East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival celebrates the art related to the outdoor, recreational lifestyle enjoyed in Eastern North Carolina. The festival includes exhibits, vendors, a duck decoy carving competition, a duck calling competition, a retriever dog demonstration, clay shooting and more. The event will be held across downtown Washington, NC from February 8-9, 2019 with exhibits, food vendors, competitions, arts & crafts, and more. Learn more at www.artsofthepamlico.org/event/23rd-annualwildlife-arts-festival/

Dola Re Dandiya: UNC Chapel Hill, NC (February 9, 2019)

Come enjoy an evening of garba-raas and bhangra performances featuring competitive collegiate teams hailing from coast to coast. Proceeds support the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation. Event will take place at Memorial Hall, UNC-Chapel Hill. For ticket and sponsorship info, contact uncdrd.outreach@gmail.com or dolaredandiyz@gmail.com.

Junoon Bollywood Dance Show: Charlotte, NC (February 9, 2019)

The Seema School of Dance presents the Bollywood dance show Junoon on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Marvin Ride High School, 2825 Crane Rd., Waxhaw, NC. All donations will go to the Hindu Center construction project. For more details call 980-213-9648 or write to seematiwati@gmail.com.

Myrtle Beach Stamp & Postcard Show (February 9-10, 2019)

Myrtle Beach Stamp & Postcard Show is a 2-day event being held on February 9-10, 2019 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Stamp Club, the show will feature Dealers, Stamps, Covers, Supplies, Picture Postcards, Collections, Door prizes. Admission and parking are free. Contact 843-347-0087. Saathee.com

NBA All-Star Weekend: Charlotte, NC (February 15-17, 2019)

The kings of the NBA will converge into the Queen City for the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend Feb. 15-17, 2019. The NBA All-Star game was ﬁrst held in Charlotte in 1991. The 68th annual game will take place at Spectrum Center, home of Charlotte Hornets, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. More than 150 city events are expected during the weekend, including several ticketed and non-ticketed public events at historic Bojangles’ Coliseum and the Charlotte Convention Center. The 2019 NBA All-Star Game will be the biggest sporting event the city of Charlotte has ever hosted. This is an international event that will place Charlotte in the global spotlight. More than 1,800 members of the media from around the world are expected to attend the NBA All-Star events and the events are expected to bring thousands of visitors to Charlotte. Coverage of Sunday’s All-Star Game and the games, activities and activations leading up to and following the event is expected to reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories and be heard in more than 40 diﬀerent languages. To learn more about all the events going on during the weekend, visit www.charlottesgotalot.com/2019nbaallstar

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: Charleston, SC (February 15-17, 2019)

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature through ﬁne art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, food, drink and the people who honor them all. The largest event of its kind in the US, SEWE makes its home in Charleston, SC and plays host to hundreds of artists and exhibitors, plus experts in wildlife and nature art. This year’s event will be held between February 15 & 17, 2019 at various venues in Charleston. More information including ticket prices can be found at www.sewe.com 18

February 2019

Triad Home & Garden Show: Winston-Salem, NC (February 15-17, 2019)

Wine, Women, & Shoes: Charleston, SC (February 21, 2019)

This special event will feature designer shopping, wine tasting, savory bites, a fabulous fashion show, contests, live auctions, raﬄes and more. Beneﬁting the Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina, the show is meant to create hope, safety and opportunities for young women. The event will be hosted at the Hotel Bennett in Charleston on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6-9:30pm. Details about the event can be found at www.winewomenandshoes.com

Southern City Film Festival: Aiken, SC (February 22-24, 2019)

Browse through displays of decorative home accessories, lamps, lighting, textiles, wall decor garden furniture, and more. The Triad Home & Garden Show will be held at the Education Building of the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds between February 15-17, 2019. Tickets are $8 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free with paying adult. See more info at triadhomeandgardenshow.com

The Southern City Film Festival was founded in 2015 and hosted its ﬁrst festival in the fall of 2016 in Aiken, SC. The Southeast is so rich with talent from all mediums that they wanted a place to showcase and celebrate that talent. This year’s festival will run from February 2224, 2019 with parties, ﬁlm premiers, educational workshops, and a community wide Oscars Watch Party all in The Ally in downtown Aiken, SC. To learn more, visit www.southerncity.org

Great Outhouse Races: Sapphire, NC (February 16, 2019)

Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won’t find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina. Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line. The races start on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11am. To learn more, visit test.skisapphirevalley.com/great-outhouseraces-ski-sapphire

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Community Events Nuv Yug India Fest: Raleigh & Charlotte, NC (March 2019)

The Nuv Yug Cultural Organization presents the 16th annual Nuv Yug India Fest. The fest celebrates Indian culture with fashion, arts & crafts, exhibitions, and cuisine. The fest will also host over 1000 local dance and music performers at each location and a fashion show. The fest will be held over two weekends at the Jim Graham Building of the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on March 16-17, 2019 and at the Marvin Ridge High School, Wax haw (Charlotte) on April 6 - 7, 2019. Rain or shine, the festivities will go on! Admission is free for both days of the Raleigh event and $6 for both days of the Charlotte event. To learn more, visit nuvyug.net

North Carolina Rice Festival: Leland, NC (March 1-3, 2019)

The 2019 North Carolina Rice Festival will be held on March 1 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, March 2 at the Leland Municipal Park, and March 3 at various locations within the city. This event showcases live music both days, arts & crafts vendors, art contests, rice cooking contest, a kids play area and a beer garden for the adults and even so much more. For more information, contact 910-795-0292 or ncricefestival@gmail.com.

Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: Charlotte, NC (March 4, 2019)

Hindu Center of Charlotte presents Maha Shivaratri on Monday, March 4, 2019. There will be Lord Shiva Abhishekam all day. Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated by performing puja all night long including rudraabhishekam. Evening aarti and prasad will be presented. The Center is located at 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte For more details call 704.535.3440 or visit, www.hcclt.org.

SC Comicon: Greenville, SC (March 9-10, 2019)

Hosted by Borderlands Comics and Games, SC Comicon is the Upstate’s premier comics and popculture convention. This family-friendly event in Greenville, SC has something for fans of all ages— from the top creators in comics and celebrity guests, to games, toys and collectibles, and cosplayers... plus plenty of events and contests for the kids. The convention will be at the Greenville Convention Center (formerly TD Convention Center) on March 9 & 10, 2019. Tickets, guests and other info are available at sccomicon.com

CLT Pulse: Charlotte, NC (March 16, 2019)

Charleston Wine + Food Festival: (March 6-10, 2019)

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Charleston STEM Festival: (March 9, 2019)

The Charleston STEM Festival is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and math in the Low country. The 6th annual festival will be highly visible outdoor event that provides opportunity for engagement and exchange between children, teens, families, and local STEM professionals. This exciting event will take place on March 9, 2019 from 10am-3pm at Exchange Park and will feature ~ 80 exhibitors who will provide hands-on activities, live performances, interactive demonstrations, and family-oriented STEM entertainment. After the festival, Partner Events will occur throughout the Lowcountry. The Charleston STEM Festival is an initiative of the Lowcountry STEM Collaborative (www.lcstem.org) managed by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science (SCCMS) at Clemson University. See more info at charlestonstemfest.org

Visit from March 6-10, 2019 for the 14th annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Fueled by a passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, this year’s festival will feature over 100 unique culinary experiences that will ﬁll your belly + feed your soul. For ﬁve soul-smackingly good days, Charleston will serve as the backdrop for a gathering of top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe. Tickets are on sale now. See all the information including ticket prices and venues participating at charlestonwineandfood.com/2019-festival/ 20

CLT Pulse is University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Premier Bollywood-Fusion Dance Competition. Eight of the nation’s finest Bollywood-Fusion dance teams will take the stage on Saturday, March 16, 2019 to display their unique styles and love of dance. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Safe Alliance Partner. Competing teams are: Champa & Chameli; Gator Adaa; ATL Insaafi; USC Moksha; Minnesota Junoon; UTSA Sapna, Punjabbawockeez, and Miami University Nishaana. Exhibition Teams are Tulane University’s Jazbaa and Texas A&M Akh Mastani. The event will take place at Hickory Ridge H.S. Auditorium, beginning at 6pm. For more details visit, www.pulseatcharlotte.wixsite.com/cltpulse. February 2019

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positive. But ARTS Day is more than a collection of speakers and meetings with lawmakers, it is the annual culmination of a movement. The mission of Arts NC is to unite people and communities to strengthen and celebrate a creative North Carolina, an idea that is embodied in our annual two-day conference. Tuesday, March 26, 2019 festivities will be held at Edenton Street UMC in Raleigh starting at 9:30am. Wednesday, March 27, 2019 festivities will be held at the Arts Day Pavilion on Halifax Mall in Raleigh starting at 8am. More information can be found at artsnc.org/arts-day/arts-day-2019/.

Anoushka Shankar Live: Durham, NC (March 21, 2019)

MyShadi Bridal Expo: Raleigh, NC (March 31, 2019)

Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar will perform live on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 8pm, Carolina Theatre of Durham. Under the tutelage of her father, the sitar paragon Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar established herself as one of the world’s best classical sitarists when she was barely a teenager. At twenty, she became the first Indian woman and the youngest person ever to be nominated for a World Music GRAMMY. Though Shankar has continuously thought outside of convention and beyond her pedigree, her mastery of the music tradition and its intricacies is absolute, giving her the tools and flexibility to move within and beyond heritage. Tickets are available by calling 919.684.4444 or visit, www.dukeperformances.duke.edu/events/anoushka-shankar.

The MyShadi Bridal Expo returns to the Southeast with the largest event of its kind showcasing everything you need for your special day. Over 100 vendors will be under one roof for your Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Sikh wedding planning. The expo will feature exclusive shopping boutiques for clothing and jewelry along with fashion shows, free food sampling, Mendhi, hair, & makeup demos, and so much more. The show comes to Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from noon to 5pm. If you can’t make it then, there will also be shows in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, March 10 and Orlando, FL on Sunday, April 28. Admission and parking are both free! For more information, visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com

Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Show: Hickory, NC (March 22-24, 2019)

The 49th annual Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Show is held in hopes to increase knowledge of the earth sciences. The show will feature many vendors oﬀering gems, minerals, beads, fossils and jewelry. There will also be an education area, minimine, fossil & geologist booths, demonstrations, and more. The event will be held at the Hickory Metro Convention Center between March 22 & 24, 2019. Admission is $5 for all 3 days. Free admission for military, law enforcement, scouts, organized youth groups, organized senior groups, and Children 12 & under. See more details at cvgmc.com

North Carolina Science Festival: April 1-30, 2019

Once again April 2019 will be a month long celebration of science in North Carolina. With so much to cover North Carolina needs an entire month to help spread science education through exciting, educational and fun, hands-on science events. The educational, cultural and ﬁnancial impact of science aﬀects all North Carolinians and to make sure that continues through to future generations. Over 400 STEM events for all ages will be available throughout the month. See further info including events and venues at www.ncsciencefestival.org

Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Fest: Hickory, NC (March 23, 2019)

More than 100 vendors will be on hand with Antique southern traditional pottery as well as contemporary antique furniture, textiles and folk art. This 22nd annual festival will be on Saturday, March 23, 2019 and includes special programming featuring pottery videos, demonstrations and an annual lecture presented by a special guest. To learn more, visit catawbahistory.org/catawba-valley-pottery-andantiques-festival

Columbia International Festival (April 6-7, 2019)

NC Arts Day Conference: Raleigh, NC (March 26-27, 2019)

Arts Day is a gathering of artists and arts leaders from across the state to convene as peers and prepare for action, then meet with their elected representatives at the NC General Assembly to deliver a message about the Arts that is simple, inclusive, and Saathee.com

The Columbia International Festival showcases the music, culture, food and performing arts of the various cultures, nationalities, races and language groups represented in South Carolina. The event brings all of the area’s international communities together to build better community/race relations between various ethnic/cultural/language groups and with the South Carolina community at large. Events include an international food court, cultural entertainment, fashion show, bazaar, cultural demonstrations, and many more. The event will be held on April 6 & 7, 2019 at the Cantey and Goodman Buildings of the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Learn more at www.cifonline.org February 2019

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Upcoming Movie Releases February 1

Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t It Romantic (Director: Todd Strauss0Schulson) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Liam Hemsworth, Tom Ellis, and Betty Gilpin

ek ladki Ko dekha toh aisa laga (Director: Shelly Chopraq Dhar) Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Jisshu Sengupta, Atul Kulkarni, and Danny Denzongpa

118 (Director: K V Guhan) Cast: Kalyan Ram, Niveda Thomas, and Shalini Pandey

amavas (Director: Bhushan Patel) Cast: Sachin Joshi, Nargis Fakhri, Vivan Bhatena, Mona Singh, Navneet Kaur Dhillon, and Ali Asgar

Happy death day 2u (Director: Christopher Landon) Cast: Suraj Sharma, Ruby Modine, and Jessica Rothe

February 8

Hum Chaar (Director: Abhishek Dixit) Cast: Prit Kamani, Simran Sharma, Anshuman Malhotra, and Tushar Pandey

sonchiriya (Director: Abhishek Chaubey) Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpai, Ashutosh Rana, & Ranvir Shorey

February 22

total dhamaal (Director: Indra Kumar) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Wasri, and Ritesh Deshmukh

dev (Director: Rajath Ravishankar) Cast: Karthik Sivakumar, Rakul Preet Singh, Prakash Raj, and Ramya Krishnan

Cold Pursuit (Director: Hans Petter Moland) Cast: Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Tom Bateman, and Emmy Rossum

How to train Your dragon: the Hidden World ( Director: Dean DeBlois) Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington, and Gerard Butler

the Rhythm section (Director: Reed Morano) Cast: Blake Lively, Sterling K Brown, and Jude Law

March 1

sandeep aur Pinky Faraar (Director: Dibakar Banerjee) Cast: Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra

the Wedding Guest (Director: Michael Winterbottom) Cast: Dev Patel, Radhika Apte, and Jim Sarbh

the lego Movie 2: the second Part (Directors: Rob Schrab & Mike Mitchell) Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie, Stephanie Beatriz, Will Arnett, Channing Tatum, & TiďŹ&#x20AC;any Haddish

setters (Director: Ashwini Chaudhary) Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Sonnalli Seygall, Ishta Dutta, Pawan Malhotra, & Vijay Raaz

February 15

Chaos Walking (Director: Doug Liman) Cast: Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Nick Jonas, David Oyelowo, and Mads Mikkelsen

Gully Boy (Director: Zoya Akhtar) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vijay Varma, and Kubra Sait

luka Chuppi (Director: Laxman Utekar) Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Aparshakti Khurrana, and Pankaj Tipathi

alita: Battle angel (Director: Robert Rodriguez) Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jackie Earle Haley, Ed Skrein, and Mahershala Ali Saathee.com

February 2019

Film Clips Sooryavanshi

Veteran actor Akshay Kumar and director Rohit Shetty are teaming up for the first time for the upcoming film Sooryavanshi, which will feature Kumar as an ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) officer. Glimpses of his character have already been seen in the end credits of the Ranveer Singh-starrer Simmba. Before starting filming for Sooryavanshi, Kumar has pending shoot for two films — Mission Mangal and Good News. Filming for the super cop action-drama Sooryavanshi is likely to commence this year and the film is slated for release later this year. Kumar will be next seen in the film Kesari in March.

Sonchiriya

Gully Boy

Zoya Akhtar directs Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Kalki Loechlin, Vijay Varma, and Kubra Sait in the coming-of-age story based on the lives of street rappers in Mumbai. Rapping in the gullies (alleys) of Mumbai, the protagonists hope to make it big time. The movie hits cinemas on February 15.

Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar

Director Dibakar Banerjee guides Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra in the movie Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, a romantic black comedy. The film follows the story of a man and woman who represent two completely different characters, a Haryanavi Police Officer and someone from the corporate world. They are united by their mistrust, suspicion, and hate for each other. Look for it in theaters on March 1.

Dev Patel Slated to Release Two Films in March

Isn’t It Romantic

Director Abhishek Chaubey will release his new film Sonchiriya, featuring Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpai, Ashutosh Rana, and Ranvir Shorey on February 8. The film is set in the Chambal valley in the 1970s, when dacoits and bandits ruled the area. Multiple gangs fight to take control of the valleys on the one side as government forces bear down on the dacoits. Singh Rajput portrays a character that goes against his gang members and fights for his own cause. The movie was filmed on location in Chambal and the music is music is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Cold Pursuit

Priyanka Chopra, Liam Hemsworth, Tom Ellis and Betty Gilpin star in the upcoming movie Isn’t it Romantic. The film, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, tells the tale of a young woman disenchanted with love who mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romantic comedy. The film begins its run in theaters on February 15.

Reliable action star Liam Neeson returns in the Hans Petter Moland directed ﬁlm Cold Pursuit, which tells the tale of a snowplow driver seeking revenge against the drug dealers he thinks killed his son. Laura Dern, Tom Bateman, and Emmy Rossum costar in the movie that is based on the 2014 Norwegian ﬁlm In Order of Disappearance. Catch it in theaters beginning February 8.

Total Dhamaal (Total Fun) is an upcoming Hindi comedy directed and co-produced by Indra Kumar. It is the sequel to 2011 film Double Dhamaal and the third installment of the Dhamaal film series. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Madhuri Dixit, Esha Gupta, Boman Irani, and Anil Kapoor. The songs are composed by Himesh Reshammiya and the movie releases on February 22.

Total Dhamaal

Saathee.com

The Wedding Guest, directed by Michael Winterbottom, stars Dev Patel, Radhika Apte, and Jim Sarbh in a story centered on a mysterious British Muslim man (Patel) on his journey across Pakistan and India. It is scheduled for release on March 1. Patel’s second film is Hotel Mumbai, the true story of humanity and heroism recounting the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel by a group of Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai, India. Among the dedicated hotel staff is the renowned chef Hemant Oberoi (Anupam Kher) and a waiter (Patel) who choose to risk their lives to protect their guests. As the world watches, a desperate couple (Armie Hammer and Nazanin Boniadi) is forced to make unthinkable sacrifices to protect their newborn child. Hotel Mumbai is directed by Anthony Maras and will play in cinemas beginning March 22. February 2019

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February 2019

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February 2019

WhatsApp Wants Researchers to Tackle its

FAkE NEWS Problem

Here are some suggestions

By Jon Roozenbeek, Melisa Basol, and Sander van der Linden

Last February, Cadbury Chocolate fell victim to a hoax. An image went viral in an Indonesian WhatsApp group called “Viral Media Johor” and later in a Nigerian group. Obviously, the post was fake news. The man in the image is Aminu Ogwuche, who was arrested on suspicion of involvement with the bombing of a Nigerian bus station back in 2014. He has never worked for Mondelez, the company that makes Cadbury chocolate, and their products are not infected with HIV. Indeed, it’s not even possible to contract HIV from eating food contaminated with HIV-positive blood. But the problem that this story and others like it pose is real. Rumors, hoaxes and misinformation ﬁnd fertile breeding ground on social media. But as Google, Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms increasingly crack down on misinformation, the purveyors of false stories are seeking refuge on direct messaging apps such as WhatsApp. In developed countries, WhatsApp is primarily used as a personal messaging app. But in developing countries many people rely on it as a social network. Here, it’s not uncommon to join groups with hundreds of members. People follow groups dedicated to topics ranging from interests in sports and entertainment to media and politics, often ﬁnding them through websites such as the Brazilian Grupos de Zap. Despite WhatsApp’s limitation of 256 members per group, thousands of groups can exist at any given time dedicated to a political candidate, party or a social movement.

connected to right-wing populist candidate Jair Bolsonaro were accused of creating thousands of WhatsApp groups supporting him and using them to spread false content about his opponents. Sometimes, WhatsApp rumors have even led to murders, most recently in Mexico and India.

What can be done? WhatsApp maintains that it neither can nor wants to access any of the messages that are sent on the platform. So, content moderation, as Facebook and Twitter are carrying out, isn’t an option. It has started to ban users who show suspicious behavior or may really be software bots. It has also added a notiﬁcation to show when a message has been forwarded from another account and has limited the number of times you can forward a link. But WhatsApp has also commissioned us and several other research groups to investigate the problem of misinformation on the app and look for alternative ways to address it. Our prior research shows that a game-based inoculation approach can help people develop resistance to online deception. In contrast to existing technology-based solutions, we have had some success with a psychological intervention in the form of an online game, Bad News. The idea is that when people play this game, which we developed in collaboration with the Dutch anti-disinformation platform DROG, they will learn more about the various techniques of misinformation and how they are often deployed. It’s based on an idea from social psychology called “inoculation theory” which holds that preemptively warning and exposing people to a weak dose of misinformation will encourage them to cultivate mental defense against it, leaving them better prepared. We now plan to develop a new adaptation of our game that can educate players about the complex spread of misinformation on WhatsApp and its potential social consequences. This free-toplay online game will be used as a novel digital media literacy tool in India and other countries. To do so, we are collaborating with the Digital Empowerment Foundation, a large media literacy organization in India that will conduct workshops with the new game. Addressing the current spread of misinformation in India is particularly important considering the upcoming elections there. Although our game clearly isn’t the only solution to help counter the spread of fake news on WhatsApp, we hope and expect that ﬁnding new ways to improve media literacy will empower people around the world to become less susceptible to misinformation.

Whatsapp’s misinformation problem The problem is that WhatsApp is particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Because its messages are encrypted so that only recipients can read them, the app provides a safe haven from snooping individuals and governments. This, combined with a mistrust of government, often prompts people to use WhatsApp to exchange private information that they feel hasn’t been “contaminated” with pro-government or corporate bias. But as the encryption stops WhatsApp from moderating messages, it’s difficult, if not impossible, for the company to fact-check or delete misleading messages or links. WhatsApp itself isn’t at the root of misinformation. Political polarization, ethnic tensions, the rise of instant communications and a growing mistrust of politicians all contribute to the current environment in which fake news has flourished. But because misinformation on WhatsApp is so difficult to debunk, stories like the Cadbury rumor and other health-related hoaxes emerge again and again. For example, false rumors about vaccines can cause dangerous dips in the number of vaccinations. Fake stories about politics can also quickly spread from group to group. During the recent Brazilian elections, business people Saathee.com

Reprinted courtesy of www.theconversation.com

February 2019

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February 2019

Mirror, Mirror

A Conversation From the Outside Looking in... By Jennifer Allen

Britain would become the conquerors in their own right and make the phrase, “The sun never sets on the British Empire” a reality. The Government of India Act in 1858 was one of the more notable moments.

What’s Your History? only a little Vial Knows for sure

Have you ever wondered why you have blue eyes when the rest of your family has brown? Have you ever been curious as to why your cousin is just so much taller than his siblings? Maybe you can’t quite figure out where you got your natural singing talent from when both of your parents can’t seem to carry a tune in a bucket. A year ago, Shyama Parui mentioned in one of her Namaskar articles that we as human beings are all essentially DNA mutts with all sorts of “races” tossed into the mix of who we are. While that (especially in North and South America) is very true, it only makes us all the more curious as to where certain traits come from that make us who we are. The recent “trend” has been people grabbing DNA tests so that they can see just what their lineage really is. Some tests reveal where your ancestors came from. Others offer some potential health problems you could have later on in life depending on your family medical history. Regardless, many folks have caught the “I want to know where I come from” bug. I am one of those people. I’ll admit it. I got one of those “Buy a DNA test for half price for a limited time only!” ads on my television screen and thought While it is fascinating to that maybe it was finally time look into our past, we must to learn just where I come from. I already knew that never lose sight of our most of my ancestry is from future either. the British Isles (Ireland & Scotland) but I was also told that I have some German and Native American ancestors as well. Well, after spitting into a tube, mailing said tube in, then waiting five weeks before that email came saying “Your Ancestry Results are in!” I immediately logged in to see what that little bit of spit revealed. Turns out I am a mixture of English, Welsh, French, Irish, Scottish, Germanic, Swedish, and Portuguese? Absolutely no Native American showed up in my results at all. However, I have since been told that some Tribes refuse to let the DNA folks poke into their history. My potential Tribe is one of them so the pool to pull from may just simply not be available. Who knows? So I am a “European Mutt” according to their results. Knowing now that I also have Viking ancestry certainly helped explain a few things about who I am. They did come to the British Isles around the late 6th century AD, and made a huge mark on the rest of Europe and North America over the corresponding centuries. Some also eventually settled in Ireland, which could explain why the Irish have a reputation for both having outrageous tempers and an affinity for alcohol. It seems so ironic knowing that I come from a region known for both being invaded and then invading others. The Celts, the Romans, the Vikings, and the Normans (French) all made their mark on the British Isles. Yet within just few more centuries Saathee.com

I realize that, as Shyama did a year ago, many while Indian and Pakistani Americans have ancestry from that region it doesn’t always mean you are 100 percent this or that. A lot of the subcontinent has had its own melting pot of ethnicities as it were. The aforementioned British rule of India alone made sure of that, but there was also trade with Eastern Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the rest of Europe. Foreigners visit. Some stay for the trade and, some of those traders want to marry and start a family. Love is a strange beast, and we’ve learned that it can cross many boundaries. In the 21st century, the concepts of “race” and “culture” have blended together to the point that you will see people of all sizes, colors, and genders in celebration for many diﬀerent faiths. An Indian American who celebrates Christmas is just as common as a Caucasian Brit who dances at Holi or an African who makes the pilgrimage to Mecca. I personally follow a Native American faith but also respect and include both South Asian and East Asian customs into my daily life. While it is fascinating to look into our past, we must never lose sight of our future either. We as human beings have the greatest capacity to see how all of those little bits of DNA thread together and create that other interesting person next to you. So if you get that itch to grab your own DNA kit like I did, you may be surprised that we’re all not as “pure” as we may think. But in the end, does it really matter?

Jennifer Allen

works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer & Graphic Artist .

February 2019

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Namaskar Y’all

Reﬂections and a few confessions as an Indian American in the Carolinas By Shyama Parui

namaskar amigos

You can blame it on my sweet tooth! On a recent trip to the gorgeous tropical island of Dominican Republic, which is primarily Spanish speaking, I found myself struggling to communicate simple things. I had heard a rumor that sugarcane juice was available at the breakfast buﬀet and all I wanted was to taste a glass of the refreshing drink and introduce it to my children. Small juice stands were common at street corners in Mumbai, where you could see the long canes being crushed and the juice extracted with the help of iron rollers moving to a rhythmic beat against the unrelenting noise of traﬃc. A glass of iced sugarcane juice topped with a sprinkle of ginger and rock salt was a divine remedy against the soaring heat of summer. Trying to recreate that experience for my kids was harder than I imagined. When we inquired where the sugarcane juice was served, the hostess at the restaurant looked confused. I tried again using the sugar sachet from the table as a visual aid. She smiled and nodded much to I have deep admiration for my satisfaction and brought people who have relocated to the table, a plate full of from their native lands to sugar cane, peeled and cut into bite size pieces. It was other parts of their country our turn to be confused. We or the world... put our teeth to work, crushing and grinding the canes to savor the juice, but it was not the same. After a family brainstorming session, we decided it was time to inaugurate the use of a translator app. Finally, we were able to explain to the server that we were looking for jugo de caña. Alas, it ended up being a fruitless exercise as the object of desire was not available.

Traversing to a country where we didn’t speak the language was a novel experience, but also timely. It provided the perfect opportunity to break out of our comfort zones. In a way, it was also humbling to recognize that we belong to a smaller pool of people who speak English. Based on information from statistica.com, Chinese is the most spoken language in the world with almost 1.3 billion native speakers, followed by Spanish and then English. Hindi comes in ﬁfth Saathee.com

with Bengali close behind it. Surprisingly French and German although popular, are not as widely used. A tourist’s lack of fluency in the local tongue is one thing but moving to such a country for an extended period is a different challenge. A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroad when I was offered an exciting career opportunity in Belgium. While the possibility of living in an amazing city was alluring, I was terrified at the thought of leaving my toddlers in the care of someone I couldn’t communicate with. I have deep admiration for people who have relocated from their native lands to other parts of their country or the world, where they have little or no knowledge of the local language. My parents for example, grew up in rural Bengal with very little exposure to Hindi and zero awareness of Marathi. I can only imagine how hard it must have been when they first moved to Mumbai. How foreign everything must have sounded! It must have been a struggle to ask simple questions like, “What is the price of one kilo of potatoes?” or “Can I see the black and gold saree displayed at the window?” My mother may have had the hardest time haggling over prices to make sure she got a good bargain. Day to day activities such as conducting business, dealing with clients, and making small talk with neighbors may have taken a lot more effort even though they were in the same country. For the average person, the multitude of India’s dialects adds pride as well as complexity. In time my parents became more proficient, although conversing in a Bangla-Hindi mish mash became their unique style. As kids we would giggle over their Hindi as they frequently mixed up karta hai/ karti hai. Since Bengali is a natural gender language like English, their translation from Bengali to Hindi was far from perfect. My children, who currently learn Spanish in school, have the same struggle. How on earth does one determine if a table is masculine or feminine? Interestingly, a little digging up on dictionary.com revealed that until the 1200s English also had grammatical gender. Experts are not sure how or why the change occurred but personally, I am glad it did. One could get muddled up trying to remember that the sun was feminine in English (as it was in ancient practice) but masculine in Hindi. I guess we would have to reconcile it as the English Yin to the Hindi Yang. Gaffes are almost impossible to avoid when you are a beginner in any language. Going back to our trip, a restaurant server introduced himself in Spanish, since I didn’t hear the name I asked, “Cómo te llamas?”, and was puzzled when I saw my friend chuckling from across the table. As soon as the server left, she told me that I may have unknowingly declared my love to him because “te amo” meant “I love you” in Spanish. With the similarity of the sounds, I am sure many tourists have innocently professed their affection to strangers when all they wanted to know was a name. continued on page 94

Shyama Parui

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

February 2019

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Sangeet

Popular Music of India

By Kirit Shukla

Contemporary Film lyrics Moh Moh Ke dhage

Song: Moh moh ke dhāge ... Film: Dum Lagā Ke Haishā Year: 2015 Lyricist: Varun Grover Music: Anu Malik Singer: Papon, Monāli Thakur Hindustani Classical Raga: Puriyā Dhanāshri Rhythm: Kaharavā Starring: Ayushmānn Khurrānā and Bhumi Pednekar

lyrics in english: Moha moha ke dhāge moha moha ke dhāge Hum.. Yeh moha moha le dhāge teri ungaliyon se jā uljhe –2 Koi toha toha nā lāge kis tarah girahā yeh sulajhe Hai roma roma ika tārā –2, Jo bādalon mein se guzare Yeh moha moha le dhāge teri ungaliyon se jā uljhe Koi toha toha nā lāge kis tarah girahā yeh sulajhe Tu hogā zarā pāgal tune mujhko hai chunā –2 Kaise tune ankahā tune ankahā sab sunā Tu hogā zarā pāgal tune mujhko hai chunā Too dina sā hai mein rāt ānā donon, Mil jāyein shāmon ki tarah Yeh moha moha le dhāge teri ungaliyon se jā uljhe Koi toha toha nā lāge kis tarah girahā yeh sulajhe Ki aisa beparwāh man pehle toha na thā –2 Chitthiyon ko jaise mil gayā, Jaise ik nayā sa patā Ki aisa beparwāh man pehle toha na thā Khāli rāhein, hum ānkh munde jāein, Pahunche kahin toha bewajah Yeh moha moha le dhāge teri ungaliyon se jā uljhe Koi toha toha nā lāge kis tarah girahā yeh sulajhe

The Assamese singer Papon received several awards as a best playback singer for this song. He is a founder of his own six member folk-fusion band. Singer Monāli Thakur was born in Kolkata. She also won several awards for best female playback singer for this song. lyrics in Hindi:

Meaning: These threads of attachment have gotten entangled in your ﬁngers. I have no clue, how to solve open this knot. Every particle of my body is a musical instrument that passes through the clouds. You must be a little insane that you have chosen me. How did you listen to everything that was untold? You are like a day, I am like a night, come let’s meet like both meet in the evening. My mind was not so carefree earlier. The letters seem to have found a new address. My mind wasn’t so carefree earlier. I walk with my eyes closed. I’ll reach at least somewhere, even for no reason. These threads of attachment have gotten entangled in your ﬁngers. I have no clue how to open this knot. Saathee.com

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Youth Corner Word World

2. Music director of 1952 Hindi film Baiju Bāwra. (a) Naushad Ali (b) Madan Mohan (c) Ravi (d) Vasant Desai

3. The city near the intersection of I-85 & I-77 is (a) Columbia, SC (b) Atlanta, GA (c) Charlotte, NC (d) Charleston, WV

Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Letters cannot be used more than once per word. Use all letters for the subject word (underlined in solutions below) 11 + = Excellent; 6 to 10 words = Good; 5 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

4. The chemicals used for fragrance in dryer sheets & fabric softeners are harmful to the (a) Skin (b) Respiratory organs (c) Brain (d) All of the above

never stop learning

5. The first electric traffic signal was installed in (a) Detroit, MI (b) Cleveland, OH (c) New York, NY (d) Charlotte, NC

After high school, you know there are mentors and guidance available for courses you like to take to get a college degree. The courses you take depends on what you want to be: an engineer, doctor, lawyer, sportsman, artist, musician, etc. Remember you learn to earn: money, fame, and leadership. Your aptitude and working diligently are both very important. Usually, getting a degree, a job, making money, marriage, family, and social life and all part of life. I have met people who have more than enough amenities but are unhappy. Why? Did you know that happiness is a state of mind? Remember the saying: “If the money is lost, nothing is lost; if health is lost, something is lost; if the character is lost, everything is lost.” You want to be better and be happy in life, so never stop learning.

6. Our Moon spins around its own axis at the rate of about __ Earth days. (a) 12 (b) 15 (c) 20 (d) 27

7. The area of a hexagon side (a=5 Ft.) is approx. (a) 50 Sq. feet (b) 55 Sq. feet (c) 65 Sq. feet (d) 70 Sq. feet [Hint: Area = {3(√3÷2)}a² ]

8. Two tablespoons of cooking oil has about (a) 65 Calories (b) 55 Calories (c) 45 Calories (d) 35 Calories

dadaji’s moral short stories

A man received a goat as a gift. He happily carried the goat on his shoulders. Three hungry rogues saw this and hoped to steal the goat for a meal. One of the rogues walked up to him and said, “Sir, why are carrying a dog on your shoulder?” The man replied, “Dog? This is the goat I got as a gift.” The rogue responded, “Sir, don’t get angry. I am only telling you what I see.” Then he walked away. A little further along the road, the second rogue met him and said in a sad voice, “You should not carry a dead calf on your shoulder.” The man said, “A dead animal? No, this is a live goat that I got as a gift.” The second one said, “Don’t get mad at me. You can carry a dead calf if you want to.” Soon he met with the third rogue. “ Sir,” the third one said, “It is not proper to carry a smelly donkey on your shoulder.” The man was puzzled. He became worried that each person he met said his goat was a diﬀerent animal. A dog, a dead calf and a donkey? He thought perhaps all of these men were right and his goat maybe a goblin! Scared, he ﬂung the goat to the ground and ran back to his home as fast as he could. The rogues picked up the animal and left.

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10. “To absolve” is to (a) Forgive (c) Abolish

(b) Solve (d) Punish

Answers are below. No Peeking.

Scholar: All correct; 1st Class: 9 Correct; 2nd Class: 8 Correct; 3rd Class: 7 Correct; Need to improve: 6 or less

5.b

Moral: People will say anything. Do not believe them blindly. Instead, think about what’s right before you act.

9. Carolina Panthers’ final 2018 record. (a) 7 - 9 (b) 10 - 6 (c) 8 - 8 (d) 6 - 10

Word World (Solution): EASE, EAST, HASTE, HATE, HEAT, HEST, SAATHEE , SATE, SEAT, SETA, SHEA, SHEET, TEASE, TEES, THEE, THESE

1. Arrange these Presidents of US, past to present. (a) Obama (b) Carter (c) Clinton (d) Trump

Scholar Answers: 1.b, c, a, d 2.a 3.c 4.d 6.d 7.c 8.c 9.a 10.a

By Kirit Shukla

Who wants to be a scholar?!

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

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Spot the Differences See if you can spot the 10 diďŹ&#x20AC;erences between the original photo on top and modiďŹ ed one on bottom. Answers are on pg 120.

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College Admissions Insider By Kristen Moon

Howard university College of Medicine Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University College the Fast track to Medicine of Medicine admits a limited number of students into their 6 Year direct Medical Programs BS/MD program. Entrance requirements for the program include a minimum science GPA of 3.25 and a minimum overall Imagine instead of spending eight years on your GPA of 3.5. The student must earn a minimum of 504 on the undergraduate and medical degree, you could finish in just six. MCAT. An interview and letters of recommendations are With an accelerated direct medical program, also called required as well. combined BS/MD or BA/MD programs, this is a possibility. These competitive programs give students the opportunity to university of Missouri-Kansas City school of Medicine UMKC School of Medicine is located in Kansas City and go directly from undergraduate to medical school, with no need to apply to medical school. The benefits for these programs are offers a BA/MD program that fuses medical science and clinical huge — instead of being faced with the uncertainty of med skills with the liberal arts and humanities. Applicants must school acceptance, students can enter into their freshman year receive an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 in the 17 core with the assurance that they are well on their way to becoming requirements of the university. Applicants must achieve a minimum of 24 on the ACT to qualify, and 1160 on the SAT if it a doctor. was taken after March 2016. Positives of an accelerated Program For those who are certain in their chosen career path of The application process for medical school is usually extraordinarily stressful and highly competitive. Therefore, by medicine - and you want to get there fast - an accelerated direct gaining acceptance into a medical program could be a good fit for you. With the above direct medical program, you listed programs you can get your MD in just six years. don’t have to worry about Many times you are medical school come cramming eight years of application season. Instead, you can focus on doing your intense schooling into six or best and growing as a seven years. student, with the assurance that your future is secure. Acceptance into an accelerated program also means you will save money because these programs tend to take one or two years less than a standard program. You will be ahead of your peers and will be well on your way to earning your MD by the time they even enter medical school. negatives of an accelerated Program Students must commit their senior year of high school to a career in medicine. That can be a lot to ask of high school students who are still trying to figure out future interests and goals. Some students know from a young age that a doctor is what they want to be, but for those who aren’t as sure, an accelerated program might be too big of a commitment. Of course, if you do decide against medicine after joining an accelerated program, you can get out of it, but that might cause you stress and disappointment. Remember, the accelerated program is just that accelerated. Many times you are cramming eight years of intense schooling into six or seven years. You will most likely be going to school year-round to finish your degrees so quickly. There isn’t much time or flexibility for some of the more typical undergraduate experiences, such as regular socializing, traveling, or getting a summer job or internship.

six-Year Programs Once you’ve weighed the beneﬁts and drawbacks, and you’ve decided that this is the right choice for you, here are two options for an accelerated direct medical program. Saathee.com

Kristen Moon

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Known as the “Land of High Passes” this region is a part of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The largest town in Ladakh is ____ ?

The many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh are known as ____ ?

Ladakh’s culture and history are closely related to ____ .

The disputed part region between India and China, located to the east of Ladakh ___ .

Tibetan Buddhists make up about ___ percent of Ladakh’s population.

The Muslims of Ladakh are predominantly ___ .

Which glacier, located in Ladakh, is a dispute point between India and Pakistan?

A popular annual Ladakhi festival typically held in June.

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Mastering Meaning Harnessing the Power of American English By Judith L. Bergman

7. “Gum is not good for teeths.” SPIDER 8. “I’m afraid of spider.” SMOKE 9. “House is giving smoke smell.” FORK 10. “I don’t use fork when I eat spaghetti.” MOUSE 11. “I saw mouse.” SHIRT 12. “I went to t-shirt shop.” And I’ve just listened to excerpts from the “Introducing Yourself” screening test for another group of clients, who read from a script and filled in the blanks. These clients decided not to enroll in training. (Their native language is in parentheses.) 13. “I earn a Master Degree in the field of Financial Mathematic.” (Mandarin Chinese.) 14. “I born in Brazil.” “I graduate in 2003.” (Portuguese) 15. “...in Raleigh, United State and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in the fields of Pharmacy.” (Mandarin) Every language has rules governing its speaking patterns. These rules are different in different languages and these rules are learned and used unconsciously by native speakers. Many languages do not use articles before nouns including the languages of India (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam etc.) as well as Thai and Russian among many others. Other language patterns omit pronouncing plural endings, linking or past tense verbs. All of my clients who speak these native languages, habitually omit some of these features in English, giving their speech a primitive and telegraphic quality that detracts from their “vocal resume.” the best strategy for learning and using articles, third person singular nouns or any other grammatical form correctly is to use a good self-study program with quizzes and audio Cds or a Cd RoM for listening and speaking practice. We recommend RULES : Rules for Using Linguistic Elements of Speech by Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker & Lynda Katz Wilner which you can order from www.ESLRules.com. This program includes five audio CDs for listening and speaking practice. Another very good program is English Grammar in Use: A self-study reference and practice book with a CD-ROM for intermediate students of English, by Raymond Murphy, 3rd Edition, 2007: Cambridge University Press.

Recently my adult son earned a second degree in accounting and “suited up” (business dress) for a Skype interview with a recruiter from an agency specializing in filling job vacancies in that field. Next week he’s going to an in-person interview with another recruiter for one of the other five big “job matching” sites paid by employers to find the “perfect” match. My son (and I) are confident that with his 4.0 average and excellent speaking and other “soft skills” and prior job experience, he will “be found” by a good employer very soon. My clients do not always do well in these types of interviews. They have advanced degrees in such fields as mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering. When they contact me they are already working, often in technical fields such as I.T., clinical research or finance. However, their participation in group meetings and their client and customer contacts are problematic. These individuals are not getting the promotions they deserve even though they think they are fluent speakers of English and are doing outstanding work. Unfortunately, “fractured grammar,” meaning very poor and primitive spoken English, remains a serious problem and a career obstacle for many Many languages do not use non-native speakers of articles before nouns English and penalizes them as much, if not more so, than including languages of does their foreign accent. India. And, most important, they are NOT AWARE of their errors. The problem is not only the poor use of spoken English. The problem is that many clients minimize the importance of good spoken grammar. They are reluctant to do the extra work with drills involving repetition and speaking out loud, drills that are required to correct their spoken English grammar. All who enroll and are tested receive a detailed chart analyzing all their errors in spoken grammar, syntax (sentence structure) and semantics (word usage and word meanings) heard during their recorded evaluation with practice instructions. Here is a selection of actual test responses from Indian clients with unacceptable errors in grammar. Can you correct them? Read each sentence out loud and say it again correcting the error. Do not change the TEST WORD to the plural form. Correct everything that you notice. The corrected sentences are at the end of this article. SNAKE 1. “I’m scared of snake.” 2. “My son like blue snake.” SUN 3. “Sun raise daily morning.” SHOES 4. “I have pair of shoes.” CLOWN 5. “Clown is funny.” DOG 6. “Dog eats bone.” GUM Saathee.com

deﬁnite articles1 identify or point out a noun with which the listener is already familiar. “The” is used before: (1) Singular nouns (The hat is on the table.) (2) Plural nouns (The children liked the snacks.) (3) Uncountable nouns which do not have plural forms. Examples are furniture (objects), and wind, rain or snow (words describing the weather). “The rain was heavy last night.” continued on page 94

Judith L. Bergman M.A CCC

is a speech-language pathologist and corporate speech trainer who owns Triangle Speech Services and specializes in foreign accent modiﬁcation. Her book, Mastering Meaning: Harnessing the Power of American English, is now available at lulu.com and amazon.com. Contact her at www.trianglespeech.com or bergmanj783@gmail.com or 919-489-5464.

February 2019

Dances of India By Dr. Maha Gingrich

Perini shiva thandavam – a Revived art Form

When I was 6 years old, Guru Padmashri Nataraja Ramakrishna came to our house and told my father that he wishes to teach me Kuchipudi dance form. I remember him doing a small dance in our living room. I was astonished to see a man do such exemplary facial expressions depicting a woman. He left such an impression, that even today I remember his dance and the song quite clearly. He sure was a gift to the classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. While many of our ancient temples and art forms have been preserved throughout the ages, many more have been lost as well to the devastations of time and foreign rulers. Solely, due to the dedication and determination of some great men and women, some of these precious cultural gems have been revived. The rebirth of Telangana‘s heritage dance, Perini Shiva Thandavam also known as Perini, is one such success story. This dance flourished centuries ago in the Telugu-speaking regions, reaching its peak during the Kakatiya Dynasty’s rule. The dance finds mention in the early medieval work Bharataarnavam by Nandikeshwara. Based on this work, Guru Nataraja Ramakrishna first made mention of Perini in his award-winning book Daakshinaatyula Natyakala Charithra. I actually have a copy of it in my library. As it is written in Telugu language, my reading is a bit slow but steady. Perini is the militant male dance tradition of the 10th century A.D. This dance honored Lord Shiva and was performed before a battle. The rulers of Kakatiya Dynasty, whose capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal, were great devotees of Lord Nataraja, the king of dances. As I mentioned before, during their rule, the Perini dance form attained its highest peak. The breathtaking temples they left behind are a clear example of their legacy. Due to its spiritual history, this dance style became a natural method to stimulate the warrior spirit. With the fall and destruction of Warangal, however, the grand tradition of Perini Thandavam was lost during the pillage and plunder of the Turkic invaders. This majestic dance form almost became extinct until 1974. For the first time in 800 years, this dance form was revived, and adorned the stage. This credit goes to the decades of hard work by the great Guru Padmashri Nataraja Ramakrishna. Perini takes its name from the Sanskrit word Prerana, which means, “to inspire and invigorate.” It is obvious that the rhythm, chanting of syllables and the incredible speed of the dance clearly inspires the warriors, dancers, and audience alike. When you watch the dance clip online, make sure you look at the unbelievable footwork of the dancer. Dancing to such amazing speeds and using the same foot repeatedly is not an easy task. It takes a lot of stamina, practice, and great fitness by the dancers to execute the rhythms. As you watch this dance style, the most immediately noticeable aspect of this dance is the rapid-fire tempo and execution of moves. It is easy to see why it was the masculine dance of warriors. Saathee.com

The music for this unique dance form is accompanied by Conch shell, drums, bells, and tongue twisting rhythmic syllables enabling dancers to reach a point of frenzy resulting in the audience to sit by the edge of their seats. As the time passed, they introduced two varieties of Perini, one is Perini Shiva Thandavam for men emphasizing the vigorous male martial aspects, and the other is Perini Lasyam for women focusing on graceful feminine movements. Classical dance has two styles, Marga and Desi. Marga is more spiritual in nature, while Desi is more popular and dramatic in nature and theme. The ﬁve most important elements of this Perini dance style are Ghargaram meaning footwork; Vishamam the acrobatic element; Bhavashrayam, the imitation of nature, animals, and demons; Kaivaram, in praise of kings and gods; Geetham meaning music.

There has been some debate about whether Perini is a classical (saastriya) or colloquial (janapada) dance. However, even a casual observer of dance can see the reminiscence of traditional dance styles like Kuchipudi and Bharatha Natyam at play. It is ﬁlled with the emotions or rasas of Raudram (fury) and Veeram (valor). Indeed, the text on which it is primarily based (Nritta Ratnavali) and Natyacharya Nataraja Ramakrishna’s own training in Kuchipudi and revival of Andhranatyam only further weight the argument in favor of classical status. Perini is now considered the state dance of Telangana. To ensure that the eﬀorts to revive this dance form do not perish, it is essential to continue to support this dance form. If the students, teachers, and audience continue to propagate this dance style, I am sure this traditional dance will be preserved and passed on to the next generations.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

For questions or comments contact via e-mail at: Gingrichmaha@gmail.com

February 2019

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February 2019

Thinking About Thinking By Balaji Prasad

I make P’s Some people somehow seem to always have fewer emergencies. They know that there are big-P “Problems” and then there are the little-p “problems”. And, that these two kinds of problems live in diﬀerent universes. For many people, the universe serves up all kinds of little-p problems, and, only occasionally, does a big-P problem thunder in. However, there are many – way too many– who seem to face a disproportionate number of big-P Problems. The fact is that problems don’t decide on their own to be small-p or big-P problems. It comes down to what lies in the I of the p-holder – how much the I inﬂates the problem. Bigger I’s create bigger P’s. Smaller I’s create smaller p’s. If you mind your I, the P’s will follow. The relative universe will shrink, as the number of big-P problems dwindle, and as the optional problems increase in proportion. Many problems, then, can be viewed somewhat indulgently, and we might say, “You know, I’d love to solve that problem, but it’s no big deal if I don’t”. “Problem? What problem!?” you say, with eyebrows raised, as you glance away, and look at something else.

emerging from emergencies

“Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds boy, She’ll beat you if she’s able You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet. Now it seems to me some ﬁne things Have been laid upon your table But you only want the ones that you can’t get.” ~Desperado, by The Eagles (Glenn Frey, Don Henley)

To be desperate is, literally, to be without hope, if you look at the etymology of the word. That meaning doesn’t quite seem to fit the way it is currently used though. If you really had no hope, you would not be desperate. You would resignedly stand back and watch helplessly as things unfolded. Or, if more philosophically inclined, you would be stoical about it; you would tell yourself that pain and pleasure are all just the fabric of life. In either case, you would see, though, that nothing can be done. Your only choice would be what attitude to take toward that which is old is the new gold So why do little p’s become big P’s? Because you are spoiled inevitable. rotten maybe? Maybe you have it too good. You have so many desperado things, and so much that came to you so easily, that you fail to In reality, though, a desperate person is not without hope. appropriately value the things you have. They seem almost There is tremendous desire for something. At the same time, cheap – cheap enough that you don’t think too hard about there is an equally tremendous giving them up in exchange for the thing you are desperate fear that the thing desired about at the moment. Until, the loss of these things sends their might not come to pass, value soaring again. Desperation causes you to give up the bird unless you move a few in the hand for the two in the bush. Until the bush turns up The thing is that your head mountains. And, that is what empty. So you come back full circle, to get desperate about the is full of vandals, who will we often see: desperate things you used to have but don’t have anymore because you set off alarms now and people attempting to move failed to value them when you did have them. The old becomes then, without any sense of... gargantuan mountains. And, the new new: a new and improved new. getting crushed under the But “new” and “old” are just time-based labels for things weight of those mountains. that happen to occur at certain points in time. In reality, many Desperate people end up in jail. things have a value that is relatively independent of time. If I They commit suicide. And, worse. value peace of mind in general, it is something that I would Desperation is not a sense of true hopelessness. It is hoping value regardless of what time of day or year it is, would I not? so gut-wrenchingly to attain something, that it spurs you on to So, what causes me to give up something of value for something burn up whatever – yourself, others, resources – to get to what of lesser value? you desire. However, the trouble is that you cannot burn your left hand to strengthen your right hand. The whole thing fails the theory of relativity not so much because the thing you yearn for is challenging to It is just, as Einstein said: everything is relative. So I end up attain. It is because you want it so bad, and so quickly, that your deprioritizing my peace of mind for the sake of whatever it is system gets “maxed out”, causing you to act as if you are in a that happens to draw my passion with intensity. Also, I never 911-emergency situation. The issue is that emergencies require quite make this trade-off consciously - the compromise of my a different kind of response than regular problems do. peace of mind - but I do it nevertheless. Then, if I find myself However, not everything is an emergency, though it may lamenting about that which I gave up, should I not tell myself appear so, when your heart is pounding, and your head is that it was me that did this? throbbing. You generate many false alarms mixed in with and continued on page 94 indistinguishable from real alarms. In the former case, some vandal breaks the glass, and sets off the alarm, causing Balaji Prasad everyone in the building to go nuts. In the latter case (i.e. a real fire), there is an absolute need to act decisively and powerfully, is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and Offline Coach, interview, sparing no resource to make sure that life and limb are resume, and career coach at NewCranium. preserved. The thing is that your head is full of vandals, who Contact: 704.746.9779 will set off alarms every now and then, without any sense of balaji.prasad@newcranium.com fairness. Saathee.com

February 2019

Subcontinental Divide An Indian Subcontinent & America Dialogue

By Ahsen Jillani

and go home with the alpha male at the party. Of course, the next morning you find out that his Rolex is fake, his fancy car is rented, and he is only house-sitting the fancy home at the beach. But you waffle because anything is better than blaming yourself and you were able to live out the fantasy for a night. America, this is the morning after. Much is playing out as so many of us are washing our faces to return to low-paying, dead-end jobs. Ocean waves are still breaking behind us. We feel strangely better with bull stats slung at us about immigrants, the trade war, the beauty of the stock market, the liberal fantasy about climate change, the respect for the flag from a draft dodger, the abhorrence of abortion by a man whose lawyer arranged abortions for rich Republicans’ mistresses. It’s not my boss, it’s the Mexicans—the president says so. Time to return to the coal mining job I love so much while I cough out black gunk and struggle to breathe. The president says so. A fake Rolex is okay. Fake wrestling is okay. Fake stats are okay. I just want to feel better. Many liberal pundits are screaming about 2020 already as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), is first out of the Democratic gate for a presidential run. While Rome collapses, the 5th grade bully in the Oval Office is busy thinking of new nicknames for the opposition as the government grinds to a halt and the stock market flirts with recession-level drops. The left, however, seems to have a handle on what has been learned from 2016. Firstly, Americans want someone else to blame in this global economy where they are not faring too well in manufacturing— where blue collar income lies. Secondly, the 2018 midterms proved that the GOP platform has basically vaporized besides The Wall. Americans still want healthcare, and not promises. And jobs, well, what politician doesn’t bark about those mystery jobs for unskilled workers who in the best circumstances don’t have the stamina to compete with driven and motivated foreign labor that depends on the paycheck for the family’s next meal. And lastly, what matters…. Short of Sen. Jeff Sessions (later Attorney General), nominee Trump had about zero support amongst the shocked Republican leadership. But they not only followed their constituents who in turn were following this foul-mouth, womanizing Pied Piper dog-whistling racist tunes, they proceeded to become his disciples just to avoid being on his morning Twitter Broadcast from his bathroom. But even the spineless have a brain: What matters to the GOP (besides keeping their names off of Twitter), is that they are already in a minority amongst registered voters. Without vote suppression, fear mongering

2020: a Blurred Vision

Depression has many manifestations and people react to its crushing weight by using unique techniques. Indeed, you can come full circle and pull yourself up by the flip flops and get back on your feet. Or not. But one fairly common coping mechanism entails blaming everyone and their brother for what ails you. This year will be my 40th in America; and during this time, I have known people whose pay has not increased by one cent. Every small business boss keeps giving them the same lame excuse: they are lucky to have a job—the economy is terrible. Since most of us are not economists, we believe the higher ups. After all, the president, the Congress, the governor, the boss, well, these are rich people and should know what’s best for us. Truth is always the first victim in the tsunami called Ignorance. As I write this, the government is under the longest shutdown in US history. 800,000 federal employees and perhaps millions of contractors are now in danger of losing homes, healthcare, cars, and possibly their livelihoods and life savings. Some stats say that 60 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. While millions of us deplete those to pay bills, we are watching a constitutional crisis play out on a daily basis. We have a president who has never told the truth and doesn’t plan to start now. We Much is playing out as so have cracks in our many of us are washing our democratic system which, with or without Russian faces to return to lowintervention, are starting to paying, ded-end jobs. show signs of becoming dam breaks. In 2000, the Bush/Gore controversy in Florida gave the nation a preview of what Electoral College flaws can yield. In 2016 and beyond, we learned that the system can easily be broken. The firewall in the US Senate is formidable and analysts are now wondering why Rhode Island (population: 1 million) and California (population: 40 million), both with two senators, carry the same weight in deciding America’s fate. Depression. Why Donald Trump is still commanding 85-90 percent of Republican support is not a mystery and liberal commentators are constantly harping on the psychology of it. I now firmly believe that even if not a single meme was designed and posted on social media from the outskirts of Moscow by the Internet Research Agency, Trump would still have won the Electoral College. The reason was depression. We as a nation are at that stage of denial where our misery is always someone else’s fault: It’s the Chinese, the Mexicans, the crime, the abortionists, the gays, the terrorists, the Obamacare insured losers (many are low-income Trump voters as well, but who cares). And when depression mixes with WWE wrestling as smoothly as vodka with orange juice, you say What the Heck Saathee.com

continued on page 90

Ahsen Jillani

a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad , Pakistan , and now lives in Mint Hill. He owns Must Media, a PR company focusing on both political and corporate clients.

February 2019

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February 2019

HINDU CENTER Support Hindu Center Expansion

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Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities: Maha-Shivratri: March 4 (Mon) Holika Dahan: March 20 (Wed) Dhuleti: March 24 (Sun) Ugadi / Gudi Padava / Baisakhi in Temple: April 5 (Fri) Chaitra Navratri: April 6 (Sat) thru April 14 (Sun) Holi /Ugadi/Gudi Padva/ Basant Mela: April 27 (Sat) Cheti-Chand: April 7 (Sun) Mahavir Jayanti: April 7 (Sun) Ram Navami: April 14 (Sun)

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OF CHARLOTTE

MAHA-SHIVRATRI March 4, 2019 (Mon)

Lord Shiva Abhishekham all day Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated by performing Pooja all night long including Rudhrabhishekham.

Evening Puja Abhishek, Bhajans, Aarti and Prasad

Holika Dahan

March 20, 2019 (Wed, 7:30 pm) Puja & Aarti 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Dhuleti:

March 24, 2019 (Sunday at 12:30 pm) COLOR, MUSIC & FOOD

HINDU CENTER

Hindu Center of Charlotte celebrates Spring Festival / Basant Mela encompassing

Holi, Ugadi, Gudi Padva & Baisakhi

with a Mela & Cultural Program with music, dance, and flavours from all over India ! Cultural Program Contacts Email: hc_cultural@yahoo.com Anitha Gowtam 704-206-9348 Sarika Milhoutra 201-696-1877 Amulya Deepak 704-589-4033 Riya Annesha 980-349-9476 Sponsorships Call: 704 206 9348/ or email: hc_cultural@yahoo.com HC Contact Reena Roy reena.roy@hcclt.org; Hemant Amin 704 258 3588

Food Stalls

Community Entertainment

Apparel, Jewelry, Crafts Dance Competitions

Special Musical

WHEN: April 27 (Sat) 11am – 7pm (tentatively) WHERE: Vihar Hall Hindu Center ENTRY: $5/person (FREE for kids under 5)

Ugadi / Gudi Padva / Baisakhi In Temple on

April 5, 2019 (Friday)

Lord Balaji Archnas all day every hour $11 donations.

OF CHARLOTTE Cheti Chand 2019 Sindhi New Year april 7, 2019 (sunday)

Chaitra Navratri:

Celebration from April 6 thru April 14

Lord Mahavir Jayanti Celebration april 7, 2019 (sunday)

Sri Rama Navami

April 14 (Sunday) with Ramayan Reading Ram Sita Kalyanam: April 13 (Saturday)

Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations April 19, (Friday)

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Nutrition for Life By Parul Kharod

inflammatory enzymes in the body, meaning that they have a widespread anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, flavonoids have been associated with higher levels of “healthy” HDL straight from the Heart! cholesterol and better overall cardiovascular health. Cacao contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA), which is associated with February is the month for Heart Awareness and Valentine’s elevated mood and higher energy levels. Day. So we will learn some facts about our hearts and chocolate!

Heart Health Your heart is about the size of your two hands clasped together. It beats 100,000 times per day. The beating sound is the clap of valve leaflets opening and closing. Your heart is one giant pump. Every minute, your heart pumps about five quarts (1.5 liters) of blood through a system of 60,000 miles of blood vessels! The right side of the heart pumps blood into your lungs, while the left side pumps it back into your body. A woman’s average heartbeat is faster than a man’s by almost eight beats a minute. Age and fitness level affect your heart rate; as children grow or Cacao is a true superfood! adults get fitter, the heart rate It is a naturally rich source gets slower. The heart has its of antioxidants and dietary own electrical supply and will continue to beat when fibers. separated from the body. Every cell in the body gets blood from the heart, except for the corneas. So our heart is the hardest working muscle in our body, and it is most critical to keep it healthy. People from South Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka—have a four times greater risk of heart disease than the general population and have a much greater chance of having a heart attack before age 50. The risk is made worse by the fact that South Asians also have a greater degree of insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition in which the body does not process insulin efficiently. South Asians are also more likely to have high triglycerides and low HDL (the good cholesterol). A variant of HDL known as HDL2b, which is thought to mediate the good effects of HDL, is low in as many as 93 percent of South Asian men and 63 percent of women. Additionally, the Body mass index (BMI) in South Asians often falls into a thin-fat syndrome. People may have an acceptable BMI, but they also carry more of their weight in their abdomen. This accumulation of visceral fat increases other risk factors making this population more prone to having heart disease. Health benefits of Cacao Moving on to the more pleasant topic of chocolate! Cacao is a true superfood! It is a naturally rich source of antioxidants and dietary fiber. It is considered to be one of the highest sources of flavonoids and polyphenols. Cacao is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Cacao is also an excellent source of fiber. The fat present in raw cacao is monounsaturated, similar to olive oil and avocado. The nutrients present in raw cacao can help lower risk of diabetes, maintain healthy blood pressure, strong bones, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve health of the nerves. Flavonoids are a class of antioxidants that are abundant in both cacao and cocoa powder. Flavonoids inhibit proSaathee.com

Cacao or Cocoa? The health beneﬁts of chocolate have been known for centuries and proven with various research studies. But all chocolate is not the same. Let us learn about which type of chocolate actually has health beneﬁts.

Cacao The cacao bean is the seed of the fruit of the cacao tree. This tropical tree, native to South America, grows in wet lowlands. Its thick trunk has large, leathery leaves and small, pinkish ﬂowers on the branches and trunk, followed by the fruit, or pods. Each pod yields about 20-40 seeds or cacao beans.

Raw nibs and Cacao Powder After harvesting the cacao bean, it is dried. It is very rare to ﬁnd a whole cacao bean in the market. Usually the beans are cracked and shelled and sold as cacao nibs. The nibs are also ground and sold as cacao powder. This raw powder has all the beneﬁts of the whole cacao bean. Cacao powder is very versatile and can be added to a variety of recipes. Cocoa liquor Cocoa liquor is a paste made from ground, roasted fermented cacao beans. This is what is used in making chocolate bars.

Cocoa Butter Cocoa butter is the fat that remains after cocoa solids have been removed from cocoa liquor. It is 100 percent fat and is used in a variety of products in food and cosmetics.

continued on page 92

Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN

is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian with Outpatient Nutrition Services at WakeMed Hospital in Cary and Raleigh. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com February 2019

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February 2019

My Voice Readers' Forum

By Jahnavi Patel

the Bollywood eﬀect: Women Portrayed in Bollywood

Bollywood, the Indian film fraternity, which has featured women from the iconic Saira Banu to the contemporary Sonam Kapoor, has been a part of the Indian Society for more than a century. In recent years, though, Bollywood has become an integral division of Indian society. It has become a source that plays a large impact on the thoughts, dreams, and goals of the Indian population. Traditions are another device that influences the Indian community on a monumental scale. Traditions have been the backbone of Indian society for millennia. They symbolize the rich history and the culture India has to offer to the world. Traditions influence many aspects of society today, like clothing, foods, television, and even politics. But the influence Bollywood has had on our traditions is fascinating. Films have become an important source of outlook. The citizens of India have begun to view and create films in a modern manner. Movies such as Lust Stories, a film which Bollywood films adapt to released in 2018, features four this culture and create women diving into a journey films that would encourage of rediscovering their sexualities. Another film and promote the idea of a would be Talvar, directed by submissive woman. Meghna Gulzar, which exposes the audience to the incriminating facts and truths on the rape culture that exists in India. Films and, subsequently, traditions have begun to become modernized and display feminism within them. They have been created to educate the audience of the Indian population and expose them to the hard truths the Indian society carries. Still, a large portion of Indian traditions revolves around arranged marriages and the misogynistic views of women. The patriarchal society is and was reflected in films. Demeaning perspectives and traditions were often a part of daily life and were more likely encouraged within Indian society. The perspectives were demeaning because they viewed women as objects instead of human beings. Bollywood played a large role in creating and expanding such viewpoints. One example of the misogynistic perspective would be the film Vivah, directed by Sooraj Barajatya, which had the main actress, “typified as a girl who would wake up early, sing bhajans (hymnals), worship her husband and cook for the family,” according to a review in India Today. This movie dictated that the only aspirations a woman has are to take care of her husband and his family, nothing else. Another example would be the 2016 film, Sultan, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, which is about a female wrestler who is about to qualify for the Olympics but gives up on pursuing her career after marriage to support her husband’s career. This is because making sacrifices for their families are what is expected of women in India. Women should not care about themselves but about their families; more specifically, the patriarchy. But the most effective and popular example of a misogynistic and wellSaathee.com

received film is the Yash Raj produced film Kabhie Kushi Kabhi Gham. Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham, a patriarchal Bollywood film. The film was directed by Karan Johar and was released in 2001. The blockbuster dictates the “duty” of what the Indian patriarchy defines a married women’s life to be revolved around. Through the help of the film Kabhie Kushi Kabhi Gham and various other contemporary movies, I will discuss the stereotypes that women have been labeled within the past and how Bollywood, today is making an effort to challenge such stereotypes and taboos. The classic Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gham centralized women to only be important when it comes to being nurturing and family oriented. The film symbolizes that married women only have one motive, and that is to oblige to their husbands and the elders of their family. This displays the submissiveness that is depicted in the film. The Karan Johar directorial film dictates that women have a lower position in India’s patriarchal society, and instead of challenging this quota, the film embellishes the sexist views. Women’s rights in India have always been a controversial subject. Journalist Deepa Narayan from The Guardian once wrote, “Women’s oppression starts innocuously: it occurs in private life, within families, with girls being locked up in their own homes. This everyday violence is the product of a culture that bestows all power on men, and that does not even want women to exist.” Bollywood films adapt to this culture and create films that would encourage and promote the idea of a submissive woman. Films such as Vivah and Sultan are results of promoting the image of a submissive woman. The submissive woman listens to her elders, does not fight back against patriarchy, and is content being ignorant. Directors such as Karan Johar have played a large role in creating such submissive images of women in India. Karan Johar is a well established Bollywood director and producer who is known for his family-oriented romantic films. Most of his films focus on the values and social controversies that revolve around the Indian culture. After the release of his patriarchal film, Kabhie Kushi Kabhi Gham, Johar also began to revolutionize his films. His first controversial film was Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which released in 2006. The film circulates around two couples and their respective families. One married couple (Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta) who has fallen out of love and another who has recently been wedded but are not in

continued on page 92

Jahnavi Patel

Jahnavi Ninad Patel is a student at Meredith College, Majoring in Business and Psychology, and is the creator of @BollyDivine an entertainment website featured on Instagram. Contact Address: jnpatel@email.meredith.edu

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Personal Finances Parental support As mentioned above, if parents can’t afford to take on college debt they shouldn’t. Parents would ideally like to support and cover their children’s education, not all parents are in a position to do so and they should be very realistic and practical about it. Students can support their college ambitions many different ways but parents don’t have any alternatives if they are thinking of cashing their retirement accounts. If parents decide to take a loan for their children’s education they should make sure that they can pay it off with their own earning power in the near future. Federal direct plus loan is available for parents to borrow from US Education Dept. This will cover any cost not covered by the student’s financial aid package. Unfortunately, parents generally need to start paying back as soon as the full disbursement of the loan is done but they can request some deferment especially if the student is still in school. Interest rates for Direct Plus loans are higher than some private options and this loan cannot be transferred to the student eventually. There is also a stiff origination fee. Borrowing from Home Equity was always an option until the beginning of this year when the tax law changes orchestrated by Congress made it not so attractive. With a home-equity line of credit (HELOC) borrowers can withdraw as and when they need the money up to the amount pre-approved by the bank which will depend on the equity which is already accumulated in your home. These loans are often floating interest loans. A home-equity loan is a one time borrowing deal and the money is all yours at that point but the interest rate is fixed and is usually lower than the HELOC. Parents have to consider many factors such as how much they need, how much they can afford and the time frame for paying it back. Private Parent loans lenders offer private student loans for parents; typically these loans need a strong credit history. These loans can be more expensive than the alternatives. Students also have an option of taking on private student loans which may be offered by state-based agencies, public companies, market based lenders and banks. All these loans require a cosigner, often the parents, because most college age students don’t have enough credit history to obtain them on their own. Such loans can and will affect the credit record of both people on the loan.

By Mo Vidwans

education loans should Parents or students Get them?

This is the season for student loans; well, it started back in September of last year but we are right in the thick of it at the moment and deciding how much do we need, but most important question always is who should be borrowing the money for the education. Should it be the student who should sign the paperwork or is it the parents? According to Sallie Mae’s “How America pays for college 2017” report this decision will be faced by many; in fact about 42 percent of families borrowed money to pay for college for the 2016/2017 academic year. It seems that more students take out loans than parents and it seems to be a personal choice based on the families’ preferences and ﬁnancial circumstances. There are many options available and both the students and the parents have to sift through those to decide the best path for them. Here are three main things to think about when considering this borrowing decision.

Federal loans The interest rate on Federal student loans is fixed regardless of the student’s credit history or ability; this is unlike the credit card or similar debts where If parents decide to take a the rates will depend on your loan for their chidren’s creditworthiness. Also a education they should cosigner is not required and make sure that they can these loans are typically less expensive than a private pay it off with their own... student loan or even a Federal parent plus loan. Because of all these reasons students should try and exhaust their federal student loan eligibility before looking at other options. There are other benefits too in addition to what is mentioned above. When the time comes to pay back you can apply for an income driven payment plan where the loan payments are based on a percentage of the borrower’s discretionary income and family size. It is hard to believe but some federal student loans can be forgiven under certain circumstances. Those who choose to work for the government or in qualifying non-profits or in teaching, for example, may qualify for a loan discharge. One has to be so inclined to go in that kind of field though. This is all well and good but there are limits. The federal student loans may not or would not fully cover the cost of the schooling or college of their choice because there is a limit as to how much one can borrow, both annually and in total. This limit depends on the student’s years in school and whether or not he or she is a dependent. If the federal loans would not fully cover the cost of schooling and other scholarships and grant opportunities are exhausted, then different types of appropriate loans need to be considered. This is where we turn to our parents to determine how much financial responsibility they are willing to bear or take on; to be frank without putting them into any kind of bad or awkward situation. As a rule and I have mentioned this before, parents should not consider cashing their retirement savings to support children’s education. Saathee.com

Motivated students There is no easy way out, but there are other solutions available. If the parents have thought about this dilemma while the student is still young and help them to be good in studies, they can certainly go after the merit scholarships available at many diﬀerent levels. They can also get credits in college for doing great AP work in high school. That is one path which is reasonably free of looming dangers except having to do dedicated and focused hard work in high school.

Mo Vidwans

Vidwans is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit www.vidwansfinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to mpvidwans@yahoo.com. 76

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Buy Right, Sit Tight Rational side of the investing pendulum

By Amit Rupani

Make large numbers Work to Your advantage in the stock Market

We know that investing is all about numbers. Large numbers behave diﬀerently than small numbers. When you stretch small numbers to large numbers, things invariably converge to its underlying property. Roll a six sided dice ﬁve times and the average number can be anywhere between 2 to 5. But when you roll the same dice for 1000 times, the average number will be between 3.49 and 3.51. Statistically, average number will not be outside of this range. And if you continue to roll the dice beyond 1000 times, the average number will be Buy right and sit tight is the no brainer concept to tackle around 3.5 regardless of the outcomes. So the average will stock market volatility. always converge and stay very close to 3.5 as the frequency Happy Investing! increases. Let’s look at how large numbers behave in the game of Amit Rupani, CFA Cricket. Below is a table showing batting average of 3 cricketers. is an Independent Investor, practices Value Investing principles, manages money for longterm wealth creation through Equities asset class. Email: rupaniamit@yahoo.com

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Sachin has the highest number of One Day International innings at 452, followed by Virat at 208 innings and Shikhar at 114. Let’s assume that these cricketers score either five consecutive hundreds or five consecutive ducks in their next five innings. We want to check the impact on their batting averages with big outcomes. As the last two columns shows, Sachin’s batting average is impacted the least and Shikhar’s batting average is impacted the most. Now let’s look at how large numbers (time periods) behave differently in the stock market. The chart below shows that $1 invested in the S&P 500 in 1950 would have grown to almost $1283 by end of 2018. Annualized S&P 500 return (with dividends reinvested) have been 10.93 percent. A normal investor may not have a 69 year investment horizon, but 30 years would be a reasonable investment horizon. Studies have shown that you pick any 30 year period from 1930 to 2018, the markets have given a return close to 10 percent (dividends reinvested) all the time. This means that in the world of stock market, the average number converges to 10 percent, if you stay invested for long-term. Let the bigger time periods work to your benefit without worrying about short-term volatility. The best thing I loved about the chart works is that for the investor who started investing in 1950 and remained invested until now, the 2000 and 2008 crashes looked like small corrections.

The father of value investing, Benjamin Graham, explained this concept by saying that in the short run, the market is like a voting machine. But in the long run, the market is like a weighing machine. Saathee.com

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February: Kids’ dental Health Month

For those of you that have never had tooth or gum issues, congratulations! Everyone else who suffers with cavities and / or gum problems, you understand the value of a comprehensive cavity prevention routine. Teeth and a beautiful smile are one of those things that we often take for granted, until we have an issue. I am blessed to work with minors and their parents from their very first tooth (or first dental visit, recommended by age 1) until the patients graduate from my practice with their now adult teeth and needs or they go off to college. Baby teeth are very important and can be present until children reach 13 years of age! Primary teeth help us bite, chew, speak correctly, save space and guide permanent teeth into place.

Cavities risk is very individual and I evaluate each of my patient’s cavities risk at each appointment; depending on their diet, Fluoride status, hygiene practices and appearance, family history, etc. The risk of cavities can change from appointment to appointment. It is not static. Accordingly, I give patientspecific recommendations and solutions. Contrary to what insurance companies want us to believe, there is no one size fits all recipe for cavity prevention....they are general guidelines. If you have more specific concerns, ask your child’s Pediatric Dentist. Happy and Healthy Smiles!!!

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1. Brush teeth with a soft bristle brush as soon as they are 1/2 way in the mouth. The risk of cavities can (Usually first tooth appears change from appointment around age 6 months). to appointment. It is not 2. Discontinue any bottles static. filled with milk or juice to bed, as soon as teeth appear in the mouth. 3. Floss teeth wherever they are touching and the brush cannot reach. 4. Drink or cook with adequately fluoridated water. (It helps If you have any Pediatric Dental Questions, send them to me or the developing teeth and the teeth in your mouth on a systemic Saathee magazine and I will try to answer them in future issues. level.) 5. Help your child brush their teeth 2X daily with a smear of Dr. Sona Isharani fluoridated tooth paste once they are 2 years old. Dr. Isharani is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and 6. Children should receive supervision and help with brushing practices in Greensboro. and flossing until they are 9-10 years of age. Contact: info@triadpediatricdentistry.com (Attn: Dr. Sona) 7. Spend extra time on back molars, where there are lots of fissures, grooves, pits and where decay can easily start. 8. If a child has especially “groovy” back teeth, we suggest sealing them as a preventative measure...to aid in helping keep these areas clean. (Reminder: these are permanent teeth and the child will have them for the rest of his/her life (if they are cared for properly). 9. Maintain a healthy diet and avoid snacking on and sipping Kirti H. Shah, CPA on sugary things all day. (I.e. this includes but is not limited to: Certified Public Accountant fruit snacks, dried fruit, and any type of juice, sweet tea, sodas, Offering premier accounting, tax, and consulting services chocolate milk, and sports drinks). in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2001 10. Choose snacks and treats that “wash off” your teeth easily (i.e. raw fruits, veggies, cheese, pudding, yogurt, limited • Year-round accounting and 704.588.0011 bookkeeping services amounts of plain chocolate). Fax: 704.588.0022 • Quarterly and yearly payroll and 11. If you are going to indulge in chewing gum, be sure to pick tax services sepa@sepaconsultings.com a sugar-free type that is sweetened with Xylitol. • Tax preparation / planning for www.sepaconsultings.com 12. Avoid ice chewing, it is bad for your teeth and could individuals & businesses eventually crack them. 10960 Winds Crossing Drive • Compilation, review, and audit of 13. Always go to bed with a clean mouth. Drink only water after Suite 400 financial statements your evening brushing and flossing. Charlotte, NC 28273 • Assistance in new business setup

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News Notes Trump of his commitment to expand key pillars of the bilateral Tulsi Gabbard Running for President relationship including economic relations and trade ties, Democrat Tulsi Gabbard announced in defense and security, energy, science and technology and global early January that she would run for issues, among others. president in 2020, entering what is expected to be a crowded field of Democratic contenders. “I have decided to run and will be making a formal announcement within the next week,” the Hawaii congresswoman said on CNN in an interview that aired on “The Van Jones Show.” Gabbard, who was elected to Congress in 2012, was the first Samoan-American and the first Hindu member of Congress. An Iraq veteran, Gabbard, 37, serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee. Gabbard was born April 12, 1981. She has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district since 2013.

kamala Harris Expected to Run for President

Sen. Kamala Harris has decided to seek He succeeded Ambassador Navtej Sarna, who retired at the the 2020 Democratic nomination for end of 2018, in Washington. president, sources close to her told KCBS Radio. She is expected to announce her US-India Business Council (USIBC) Hosted a Welcome candidacy on or around Martin Luther King Day (past Saathee’s deadline for Reception for Shringla, new Ambassador of India to the press). United States. She is an attorney and politician serving as the junior United States Senator for California since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 32nd Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to a Tamil Indian mother and a Jamaican father. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a breast cancer scientist who immigrated to the US from Madras (now Chennai) in 1960.

Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla presents his Credentials to President Donald Trump

Ambassador of India to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla presented his credentials on January 11, 2019 to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump at the Oval oﬃce of the White House. President Trump welcomed Ambassador Shringla to Washington and wished him success in his high responsibilities as India’s Ambassador to the United States. The President fondly recalled his friendship with Prime Minister Modi and his recent telephone conversation with the Prime Minister. He highlighted the broad range of strategic interests and fundamental democratic values shared between the two countries. Ambassador Shringla in his remarks conveyed warm greetings from the President and the Prime Minister of India to President Trump and the First Lady. Ambassador Shringla also added that India was greatly encouraged by the President’s strong personal commitment to take the India-US strategic partnership forward. Ambassador Shringla assured President Saathee.com

Photo: Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla speaking at his welcome reception at the U.S.-India Business Council on 15 January 2019. On 15 January 2019, the United States-India Business Council (USIBC) hosted a welcome reception in honor of Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ambassador of India to the United States. Congressmen, senior US government oﬃcials, representatives of U.S. companies, industry associations and a cross-section of the media were present at the event. In his remarks, Ambassador Shringla spoke about the remarkable transformation that India-US. relations have undergone in recent years. He emphasized that this transformation has been characterized by a growing convergence of strategic and commercial interests. He also

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highlighted the multifaceted cooperation between India and the U.S. in a wide range of sectors, including trade and economic cooperation, security and defense ties, energy, and science and technology. Ambassador Shringla stated that India-U.S. trade relationship reached new heights in 2017 with bilateral trade reaching $126 billion. He noted with satisfaction that this upward trend continued in 2018 marked by new developments such as purchases of petroleum, LNG and civilian aircraft from the U.S. He expressed conﬁdence that this remarkable growth would continue in 2019 and beyond. Ambassador Shringla also held a meeting with Thomas J. Donohue, CEO and President of U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with Nisha Biswal, President of the USIBC. Formed in 1975, the USIBC has a membership of over 300 companies. Its aim is to engage the private sectors of both countries to enhance investment ﬂows and serve a direct link between business and Government leaders.

great warrior, philosopher poet and guru. He fought against oppression and injustice. His teachings to people focused on breaking the barriers of religion and caste. His message of love, peace and sacriﬁce are equally relevant today. Modi said that Guru Gobind Singh, his values and teachings will continue to be the source of inspiration and the guiding spirit for the mankind in years to come. He added that the Commemorative Coin is a small eﬀort on our part to show our respect and reverence to him. He urged the people to make a resolve to walk the talk on the 11-point path shown by Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.

New USCIS Tool Calculates Fees, Helps Avoid Incorrect Payments

USCIS has launched a new Online Fee Calculator (www.uscis.gov/node/71802) to assist members of the public in calculating the correct fee amount to include when filing their forms with USCIS at an agency lockbox facility. A list of forms processed at USCIS Lockbox facilities is available on the USCIS website. USCIS developed the Online Fee Calculator to help reduce the number of applications rejected due to incorrect fee amounts. The Online Fee Calculator will determine the exact filing and biometric fees an individual needs to include with their forms and will always have the most up-to-date fee information. In fiscal year 2017, USCIS processed more than 11 million applications. For applications that require fees, USCIS rejects forms submitted with an incorrect payment amount. Fee issues, including incorrect fee amounts, are consistently a leading cause of rejection. When using the Online Fee Calculator, filers select a form, or combination of forms, and answer a series of questions. The tool then calculates the correct fee amount that the filer must submit. The Online Fee Calculator works on all browsers and on both desktop and mobile devices. To protect privacy, the tool does not collect user data. For forms filed at Lockbox facilities, USCIS accepts payment via check, money order, or credit card with Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. For more information on payment, see the USCIS webpage on paying USCIS fees. For more information on USCIS, visit www.uscis.gov.

The Prime Minister greeted the nation on Lohri on this occasion. The Prime Minister earlier urged the people of the country to follow the path of devotion and sacriﬁce for the nation along the lines of obind SGingh in his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat on December 30, 2018. He attended the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna on January 5, 2017 and released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the occasion.

U.S. Chamber Launches New Innovation Initiative at India’s Raisina Dialogue

India Releases Commemorative Coin of Rs. 350 to Mark Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13 released a commemorative coin of Rs. 350 in the national capital to mark the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh. He lauded the lofty ideals and values of the Guru Gobind Singh – the selﬂess service to humanity, devotion, heroism and sacriﬁce and urged the people to follow his path. The Prime Minister addressed a select gathering at his residence after releasing the commemorative coin to mark the birth anniversary. Modi said that Guru Gobind Singh ji was a Saathee.com

NEW DELHI—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) launched a new innovation initiative at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The initiative, “Fair Value for Innovation” will examine economic underpinnings that enable breakthrough innovation, and it will explore how policymakers can harness innovation capital in India and around the globe through research, advocacy, partnerships, and programs. The Raisina Dialogue is India’s most influential conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, convened by the Observer Research Foundation and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. “The promise of India’s innovation ecosystem is real, and the U.S. industry has a stake in it,” said Patrick Kilbride, senior vice president of GIPC. “Innovation has revolutionized life in India and pulled millions out of poverty, but India will need to go further and become a disruptive innovator in order to take full advantage of the innovation revolution. As recognition of this promise, India is the very first market where we’re launching this important initiative.” “We believe India is ideally positioned as a thought-leader and regional economic power to help bring the benefits of innovation in AI,” said Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of the Government of India. “We want to capitalize on this disruption and innovate for social and inclusive good. Innovative technologies can augment India’s capacity in healthcare, improve outcomes in education, develop innovative governance systems for our citizens, and bolster inclusive prosperity.” February 2019

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“Innovation is a critical component of all competition and intellectual property (IP) is one of the key tools to protect competitive advantage arising from that innovation,” said Francis Gurry, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). “The good news is that India’s IP system is aligning with the international IP ecosystem more than ever before, positioning the economy as a promising global innovation hub.” “The future of work in India is uncertain, but full of opportunities,” said Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation and Curator of the Raisina Dialogue. “We are pleased that this discussion explored the enablers of transformative innovation in India—a fine segue to brainstorm policies, programs, and action needed for India to leverage the possibilities of technological disruption, manage associated risks, and enhance its preparedness to compete as a knowledge economy.” For more details, visit www.uschamber.com.

Duke Energy’s Solar Rebates Power Private Solar System Growth in North Carolina

Another wave of solar energy launched in January when the window opened for customers to apply for Duke Energy’s solar rebate program. The Duke Energy solar rebate program is one of many customer programs the company is implementing as part of the Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina law passed in 2017. The rebates have helped many residential and business customers take the solar leap. “We are proud to make Birdsong the first Charlotte brewery to go solar,” said Chris Goulet, president of Birdsong Brewery. “Partnering with Duke Energy and its solar rebate program made the project’s economics even more attractive. The company’s solar installation is a big step toward making our organization more sustainable.” North Carolina is No. 2 in the nation for solar power, including more than 8,000 Duke Energy customers in the state owning private solar systems. The company’s rebate program launched this summer attracted so much interest that capacity for residential and non-residential customers was fully subscribed within weeks. There is still capacity for nonprofit customers in 2018. More than $6 million has been distributed to customers in 2018, with additional rebates set to be paid later in the year as systems are connected. The program will run through 2022, with an estimated 7,500 customers expected to receive Duke Energy rebates for solar systems. The company is now accepting new applications from customers who want to participate. Rebates are available for an additional 20 megawatts of new rooftop solar installations for residential, non-residential and nonprofit customers. Per the N.C. Utilities Commission order earlier in the year, the company will also reallocate any 2018 capacity for projects that have not been installed. That means customers who were waitlisted in 2018 with already-installed projects will be allowed to collect any available rebates. Any unconnected customers, or those that connected projects Oct. 3, 2018, or later, are eligible to apply in 2019. Saathee.com

Under the program, residential customers are eligible for a rebate of 60 cents per watt for solar energy systems 10 kilowatts (kW) or less. For example, a typical rooftop array of 8 kW is eligible for a $4,800 rebate. Installed systems 10 kW or greater are eligible for a maximum rebate of $6,000. Nonresidential customers are eligible for 50 cents per watt. Nonproﬁt customers (such as churches and schools) are eligible for an enhanced rebate of 75 cents per watt for systems 100 kW or less. More details at: news.duke-energy.com

Subcontinental Divide continued from page 64

and gerrymandering, they can never really win any election in an America that is headed toward being a colored majority by 2042. Putin or not, where the colossal and generational battles of a democracy are fought are in the courts. Brett Kavanaugh’s conﬁrmation circus in the Supreme Court was just a preview of how far the Republican leadership is willing to go to rule the soul of America in the generation to come. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is sick, and as I write this, the White House is slobbering over a conservative replacement. There is not much love lost between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. While Trump entertains the depressed base with The Wall, McConnell will ﬁll the national judicial benches with judges who will cripple the ideals that make America America. 2020 may not have any relevance if the judiciary is compromised for three decades. Now that is depressing.

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My Voice

continued from page 74

love (Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji). The films brought out social concepts like divorce, adultery, and sexual compatibility. Issues as such would be considered taboos in India and had created an upheaval of disapproval towards the film. The film surprisingly did well in the box office. The reason why this film is considered a revolutionary film is that for the first time in Bollywood, a filmmaker was celebrating the importance of choice. The film accentuated that everyone has the right to choose who they want to love, and for a country where 90 percent of marriages are arranged, this was a big deal. After the release of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Karan Johar began to focus on breaking taboos in the Indian society. He produced films like Wake Up Sid, which released in 2009 and My Name Is Khan, which released in 2010. Wake up Sid revolves around being passionate about our life goals. The film speaks highly on not giving up and creating a place in society for ourselves using merit. In a country where corruption rates are constantly high, the film touched many hearts and worked as an eye opener towards the younger generation. My Name Is Khan is a movie about the journey of an Indian Muslim, Rizwan Khan, who decides to embark on a mission to tell the president of the United States of America that he is a Muslim, his last name is Khan, but he is not a terrorist. This film was revolutionary for not just India but also America. The film displays the negative treatment and torture Muslims had to go through after the horror of 9/11 because of their religion and last names. Such raw and tantalizing work made Karan Johar a well-respected and highly regarded individual in the Indian film fraternity, yet even after such great breakthroughs in Bollywood, Karan Johar refused to put a stop to sexism. A theme which has shown its identity through Bollywood films over and over again. Sexism is not an issue that has been newly discovered but has been around since the beginning of Indian cinema. In 2017, there was a study done where researchers utilized 4,000 films to decipher if Bollywood films still carried sexist ideologies. The research concluded that “Woman characters are still mostly described with surface-level qualities, such as attractiveness and beauty—whereas men are represented as “strong” and “successful” the researchers noted. The films for this research included those from the 1950s to 2016. Nishtha Madaan of IBM India co-wrote the paper with Sameep Mehta of IBM and researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, and Delhi Technological University. Although sexism remains to be a significant issue within the Indian society and cinema, Bollywood has gradually begun to introduce films that feature gender equality. An example of this gradual but astounding change is the film NH 10. A film released in 2015, which focused around a scorned woman’s journey towards revenge. The film follows and focuses on rapes and lack of protection the Indian government and society offers. Navdeep Singh, the director of NH 10 focuses on the power a female carries and how that power is all she needs to protect herself, even in the direst of circumstances. Another movie that pushed the boundaries of patriarchy in India is the film Parched, which released in 2015. Leena Yadav the director of Parched, describes the journey of four women settled in Rajasthan. A wife, mother, dancer, and child, who talk about men, sex, and life struggles, the film dwells deeper into the abuse of the patriarchy and how these four women work together to be rid of their demons and create a new life for them away from the hell that was burdened on them. Saathee.com

Such films have been created to demonstrate how confining and suffocating the patriarchy has always been. By making such films, Bollywood is finally taking its first steps towards a brighter and stronger future. Such films, which feature gender equality, such as NH 10 and Parched display the change that India drastically needs; and if the entire Indian film fraternity vocalizes and protests for this change, there is nothing that the females of this world cannot conquer. The audience can also help make a positive change in Bollywood by searching and supporting films that centralize gender equality. Bollywood has begun to display a ray of modernism through films like Parched and NH 10. It is clear that the times have begun to change and so have the ethical practices, but one can only wish that the community keeps up and follows on this very track. Bollywood is an influential platform, and, if utilized the correct way and for the right things, there is nothing it cannot accomplish.

Nutrition

continued from page 72

Cocoa Powder Cocoa powder consists of the cocoa solids left after the cocoa butter is removed from the liquor. It is the most commonly available form of cacao. It is low in fat and still contains some of the nutrients present in the cacao bean.

Chocolate Bars Chocolate bars are made by mixing cocoa liquor with cocoa butter. Other ingredients such as sugar, milk, nuts and spices are added for ﬂavor and taste.

dark Chocolate The darkness of chocolate depends on the quantity of cocoa liquor present. Studies show that to really get the beneﬁts of the phytochemicals and antioxidants present in chocolate, look for 70 percent or higher content. Baking Chocolate Also known as semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, baking chocolate bars typically contain about 35 percent cocoa liquor.

Milk Chocolate Milk chocolate is a mixture of chocolate plus condensed milk or powdered milk and sweeteners. It only contains less than 10 percent cocoa liquor. Plus it has extra sugar, fat, and artiﬁcial ingredients. This is your average candy bar.

White Chocolate White chocolate has no cocoa and so does not have any health beneﬁts. It mostly contains cocoa butter mixed with sweeteners and dairy ingredients.

To summarize, choose your chocolate wisely. It may just help your heart!

For further information about diet and how to keep your heart healthy, access past articles on saathee website: Heart Health: saathee.com/post_valentines-heart-health Fats Part I: saathee.com/post_fats-good-bad-ugly Fats Part II: saathee.com/post_fats-ii-cholesterol-heart-health February 2019

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Mastering Meaning

New Delhi Groundwater

continued from page 58

continued from page 14

Bundelkhand where fiercely persistent drought and over- (4) Proper nouns such as oceans, rivers, buildings, bridges, pumping has caused wells to go dry, farms to go bankrupt, and tunnels, hotels, theatres, museums, titles, families, multiple some farmers even to take their own lives.” name countries (I’m visiting the United States.) However, do not use “the” before the following nouns: Can delhi’s Water Be saved? Continents: “He went to Asia.” Lakes: “We live near Jordan Lake.” The NITI Aayog report declared that Delhi could exhaust Streets: “Turn right on Main Street.” its groundwater as soon as 2020. Some experts believe the city Cities: “I live in Raleigh.” is doomed to this fate, as short-term growth outstrips an Singular names of mountains (Mt. Rushmore), parks (Central interest in long-term water sustainability. Other activists, Park), states and most countries. though, are attempting to avoid this doomsday scenario, or to Individual’s names Uncountable, abstract names: love, liberty. “We value liberty.” develop alternative water sources. Restoration of the city’s traditional water networks is one the Indefinite articles, “a,” “an” and “some,” classify a noun. way to spare Delhi’s water. Installing porous pavement in the 2 “A” is used with singular nouns except those beginning with city could help rainfall seep into the ground. The Delhi a vowel, where we use “an,” “Some” is used before plural government is also placing renewed focus on wastewater nouns (“Do you want some cookies?”) treatment and rainwater harvesting. In parts of the city, officials are taking a grassroots approach References to water management. Recently, the community of Kirti Nagar 1 Feinstein-Whittaker, Marjorie & Lynda Katz Wilner, RULES: became one of Delhi’s first slums to receive a sophisticated Rules for Using Linguistic Elements of Speech, 2007 2nd edition, water supply network, with pipes that deliver clean water to www.ESLRULES.com, 2 the community twice a day. Ibid. pp. 313-314 A group of local women act as “guardians” of the water network, and are responsible for notifying the government if Corrected sentences: the pipes or valves break. 1. I’m scared of a /that snake. In other slums, the government is working to improve water 2. My son likes the blue snake. access, build latrines, and educate residents about the city’s 3. The sun rises every morning. water issues. So far, these efforts have proved somewhat 4. I have a pair of shoes. successful, but only widespread change will reverse Delhi’s 5. The/A/That clown is funny. groundwater crisis. 6. The dog is eating the bone. 7. Chewing gum is not good for your teeth. Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where 8. I’m afraid of a /that spider. she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers 9. I smell smoke coming from that house. of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. 10. I don’t use a fork when I eat spaghetti. 11. I saw a mouse. Circle of Blue is recognized globally for its trusted reportage and 12. I went to the t-shirt shop. education about the competition for water between food, energy, health 13. I earned a Master’s Degree in the field of Financial and the environment in a changing climate. Mathematics. 14. I was born in Brazil. I graduated in 2003. Find more details at, www.circleofblue.com. 15. In Raleigh, United States and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Pharmacy. This is Judith Bergman’s final article for Saathee magazine. She has written many informative pieces for years. We extend our thanks for her work and long association.

Namaskar

continued from page 40

A potential beneﬁt, however, is being oblivious to harsh words that might be said or having a secret code to communicate with your family or friends that others won’t comprehend. But don’t underestimate the power of non-verbal expression. Experts often say that humans communicate more non-verbally than verbally. The ability to be adept at reading body language will set you apart whether you want to be a master negotiator or realtor. Ancient Chinese wisdom reminds us that learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Inspired by that I am going to continue to learn Spanish determined to expand my vocabulary which is now only a ﬁstful of sand picked up from a vast desert. I am also grateful to everyone who taught me what little I know. The list includes my kids, Spanish speaking friends, the friendly people of the Dominican Republic, translation sites and apps, and Dora, The Explorer. Adios. Saathee.com

Thinking about Thinking continued from page 62

The interesting thing about life is that we value multiple things. Often, at the same time. We sometimes end up giving up X for Y, and sometimes Y for X. Or, sometimes, some of each. When we prioritize our X’s and our Y’s relative to one another, we can be at peace knowing that the universe may not give us everything we desire, but at least we asked for what we really want. However, when we have too many 911-emergencies, we are too busy being desperate, and have too little time to think about what we really want. Then it won’t matter at all what the universe gives us. Because solutions do not exist for undeﬁned problems. When we create fewer emergencies, we emerge. And ﬁnd peace in smaller p’s. 94

February 2019

Community Organizations followed by a recorded lecture in English and discussion For Further Details: dshetti@gmail.com - 214.587.7331 skdave@hotmail.com - 704.844.9567

Charlotte

art of living (Charlotte) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through self-development programs that recharge the body, mind and spirit and allow people to function at their optimum potential. People from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions are welcome. For Further Details: 980.216.8732 charlotte@us.artoﬂiving.org www.artoﬂiving.org/charlotte

Charlotte Malayalee association The association promotes and facilitates the cultural, educational, social and economic welfare of the Charlotte Malayalee community. For Further Details: cltma@cltma.org 704.517.5850 www.cltma.org

Charlotte Marathi Mandal The Mandal adds to the vibrancy of Charlotte with various events including the Ganapati Festival which are designed to keep the cultural values and traditions alive. The community is encouraged to participate. For Further Details: 704.565.9237 committee@charlottemarathimandal.org www.saathee.com/charlotte-marathi-mandal

BaPs shri swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte) A spiritual organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selﬂess service. Activities include: Daily Arti - 6:30 am & 6:30 pm; Weekly Satsang Sabha held every Sunday with spiritual discourses: Adults: 4pm, Young Men (Ages 23-36) - 3pm, Young Women (Ages 23-36) - 4pm, Teens - 4:30pm, and Children - 5pm. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/baps-charlotte

Charlotte telangana association Association promotes two diﬀerent aspects, to promote Telangana cultural activities within greater Charlotte area and also to bring together the Telangana people living in greater Charlotte area. Also plans and takes action around the development of Telangana focusing both on rural and urban areas. For Further Details: Charlotte.telangana@gmail.com www.charlottetelangana.com

Bethel Christian Fellowship BCF was founded to “Raise Up the Next Generation For Jesus Christ.” The Fellowship oﬀers services in various Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam) with a Sunday School from 9 9:55 am and Sunday Worship from 10 - 11:45 am. For Further Details: 803.792.7223 Pastor Rajan Samuel - pastorofbcf@gmail.com www.bcfcog.org 7604 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC

Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a remedy for universal ills. The group holds weekly group sits and monthly all-day sits for established students. Ten-day courses are also available for all students. There is never a charge. For Further Details: 704.277.5013 - rbddesai@gmail.com 704.807.3933 - madhaviparikh@yahoo.com www.dhamma.org

Carolina Khadayata samaj All Khadayata families of NC and SC are welcome to be part of the Carolina Khadayata Samaj. For Further Details: carolinakhadayatasamaj@yahoo.com Jaswant Mehta - 704.839.1965 (Charlotte) Sharad Mehta - 336.554.5211 (Greensboro) Mukesh Shah - 919.523.0141 (Raleigh)

Carolinas Christian assembly The Assembly oﬀers worship, fellowship and community assistance to South Asians living in Charlotte. Sunday morning worship services are currently being held at New Heaven Community Church, 8823 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC at 9:30am. Pastor Cherian, oﬀers free counseling services to married couples and is a licensed premarital counselor. For Further Details: Dr. Shibu Cherian (Pastor) 704.208.9099 12601 Idlewild Rd., Matthews, NC www.carolinaschristianassembly.org

Classical Music association of Charlotte (CMaC) CMAC sponsors many classical concerts during the year in Charlotte. Membership forms are available at shows. Upcoming Events: Sun, March 17, 2019: Jugalbhandi concert- Santur (Sandip) & Flute (Raman) accompanied by Mridangam and Tabla, CPCC Tate Hall, 3:30pm Sun, May 5, 2019: Vocal concert by Ramakrishnan Murthy and party, Hindu center, Gandhi Bhavan, 3:30pm For Further Details: Lakshmi & Muthukrishnan - 704.814.9355 Jayashree & Panduranga - 704.442.1186 memberservices@onlinecmac.org www.onlinecmac.org

Charlotte Gita study Group Beginners and advanced students of the Gita are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Sunday from 3 - 5pm. This course is based on the Home Study Course of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Saylorsburg, PA. Each session starts with meditation Saathee.com

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February 2019

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Community Organizations dance from the Indian subcontinent. For Further Details: Jyoti Kulkarni - 704.804.1275 Chaula Jain - 704.248.1515 contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

suďŹ&#x20AC;ering. This search ends only when the source of eternal happiness is found. It can be attained through realizing your true Self. A path to eternal happiness was discovered by Gnani Purush A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan and it was revealed as Akram Vignan, a spiritual science. It is about Self Realization. Satsang held Every Sun 1- 3pm & once a month Sat 2-7pm, which includes Q & A Sessions, Aarti & Mahaprasad. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 x 1027 wccharlotte@us.dadabhagwan.org 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte, NC www.dadabhagwan.org

IsKCon (Charlotte) There are weekly meetings to learn and practice bhakti-yoga - for all ages. Celebration of festivals, delicious prasadam, heartfelt kirtan, spiritual discourses, class for kids, association with visiting monks and teachers, and make friends. Bhagavad-Gita class is held on every Friday at multiple locations in Charlotte. For Further Details: 980-277-GITA (4482) Iskconofcharlotte@gmail.com

Gurdwara sahib (Charlotte) The Gurdwara works to enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas. Regular Program: Every Sunday: 10 - 11am, Asa Di War by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 11am - 12pm, Keertan by Children, 12 - 1:15pm, Keertan by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 1:15 - 1:30pm, Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar. For Further Details: 704.509.2828 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC www.charlottegurdwara.org

Jain Center of Greater Charlotte (JCGC) Serving the spiritual, cultural, and community needs of Jain families. Dedicated to the practice, understanding, and preservation of the Jain faith. Members meet for worship, ceremonies, and festivals. JCGC organizes religious activities yearround - including celebrating religious festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Diwali, and programs like Swadhyay, Pujas and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pathshaala. Regular events: Weekdays: 9:30am - Prakshal & Puja; 7:30pm - Aarti & Mangal Divo Weekends: 10:30am - Prakshal & Puja 7:30pm - Aarti & Mangal Divo For Further Details: JCGC President: Saumya Kothari: 858.382.351 info@jaincenterus.org 7631 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC www.jaincenterus.org

Hindu Center of Charlotte The Center holds many regular events and religious ceremonies. The temple library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genres such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health. Upcoming Events: March 4: Maha Shivaratri March 20: Holika Dahan March 24: Dhuleti For Further Details: 704.534.3440 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC www.saathee.com/hindu-center-charlotte

Jet usa (Charlotte) These organizations are operated across the world to empower the communities across the world. Activities include personality development and spiritual activities like discourses / puja / homam etc. VTSeva (Volunteering Together for Service) focusing on various service activities. For Further Details: charlotte.jetusa.org jetcharlotte@jetusa.org 704-981-1JET

India association of Charlotte The organization works to foster better understanding of the rich diversity of Indian culture by the larger community in and around Charlotte. For Further Details: Toni Sawhney - 704.604.2133 Lal Vishin - 704.545.3727 indiafestival.iacofcarolinas.org/

Kriya Yoga (Charlotte) Promotes Kriya Yoga Meditation as taught by the lineage of realized masters such as Mahaavatar Baba Ji, Lahri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteshwar Giri, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Hariharananda, and Prajanananada. A sincere seeker who follows the path of Kriya Yoga with love and devotion and a desire for spiritual growth can attain Self-realization. Two annual initiation programs and a weekly Sunday meditation are held. For Further Details: Adesh Gupta - 704.814.7476 info@charlotte.kriya.org www.kriya.org

Indian american Muslim Council (IMaC) of Charlotte Committed to promoting peace, pluralism and social justice through advocacy as well as promote and protect human rights and dignity in India as they are the foundation of freedom and justice. IAMC-Charlotte seeks to reach out to Indian Muslims living in Charlotte to strive for Inter-Community understanding with focus on Indian Diaspora. For Further Details: Ashfaq Mehdi - 704.904.5778 iamc-charlotte@yahoogroups.com

Indian Performing arts association of Charlotte (IPaaC) IPAAC promotes Classical Hindustani music in and around the Queen City. IPAAC is the result of a shared dream of a small group of music enthusiasts to bring the rich world of classical music and Saathee.com

Pratham - Charlotte Pratham organizes programs in the area of primary education through its Read India campaign. With nearly half the children in 98

February 2019

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Community Organizations India who attend schools not learning to read and write at the required level For Further Details: Anju Desai - ajdesai66@gmail.com - 980.622.0125 Shubhra Chakraborty - shubhra.chakraborty1@gmail.com 704.942.4798 www.prathamusa.org

Probasi of Charlotte Probasi’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area. For Further Details: Swapan Nandi - 704.708.5993 Anindita Paul Bhunia - 704.360.2326 welcome@probasi.org www.probasi.org

sahaja Yoga Meditation Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes are free to attend and meant for all age groups who desire to ﬁnd his or her true self, which is full of peace, joy and love for others. Sahaja Yoga was founded and developed by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and teaches simple techniques of meditation. Sessions are conducted weekly or biweekly. For Further Details: 5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte www.meetup.com/SYCharoletteNC/

samskrita Bharati sthanam of Charlotte The organization promotes Samskritam (Sanskrit) as an everyday language and provides access to its rich and diverse repository of knowledge. Trained teachers teach Samskritam in spoken and written forms in an interactive and engaging environment. Start your journey to speak this ancient foundational language by attending a one-day introductory workshop. No prior knowledge is needed. Four Further Details: Shreedhar Murthy: murthy90232@gmail.com or 513-967-4775 Joy Vyloppully: vykuntha@gmail.com or 704-906-5665. www.sbusa.org

sangamithra Foundation A charity organization formed to make a diﬀerence in society. The team has taken the path of identifying the needs of underprivileged communities in India and provides support to meet those needs. Sangamithra works collectively towards realizing its vision. For Further Details: info@sangamithra.org www.sangamithra.org

shanti niketan senior Center of Carolinas The Center values diversity, holistic health, peaceful living, civic and community engagement, especially for under-served populations including Refugees, Immigrants, and Minorities (RIM). Eﬀorts are made to support a population with the understanding that a vibrant diverse population adds to the strength and well-being of the whole community. For Further Details: NimishBhatt@bellsouth.net / 704.491.1186 Located at 7701 Wallace Ln., Charlotte www.uisac.org Saathee.com

shree swaminarayan satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad. In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at a sponsor’s house from 3 - 5pm. For Further Details: Divyesh Chauhan - 704.965.9735 Sanjay Savaliya - 704.779.7574 admin@issvcharlotte.org issvcharlotte.org

shri Rang avadhut Parivar (Parspar devo Bhav) Devotees of Guru Dattatraya Rang Avadhut and Shri Prem Avadhut meet on Thurs from 6-8pm in Charlotte for recital of “Datta-Bavani,” singing devotional Dattatraya Bhajans and reading “Guru-Lilamrut.” Info about meetings, literature, videos, as well as biographies of Nareshwar Ashram and Shri Avadhut’s lives are available. For Further Details: Bharat Shah - 704.724.6247 Nagesh Patel - 704.399.7805

sindhi association of the Carolinas The Sindhi Association of the Carolinas (SAC) organizes religious, cultural, community, and social events in Charlotte. SAC also sends donations for the needy to the schools in India for Scholarships and for camp refugees in India. For Further Details: sindhiassociationcarolinas@gmail.com 704.779.2396

south Park Cricket Club (sPCC) The South Park Cricket Club is a group of gentlemen who play competitive cricket for fun. SPCC is based in Charlotte and has been a part of the Carolina Cricket League since 2010. For Further Details: anishtr@hotmail.com www.southparkcc.org

sparsh of Greater Charlotte Sparsh seeks to build community, preserve our heritage, and showcase the culture of the states of Bihar and Jharkand through cultural, charitable, and social events. For Further Details: sparshofcharlotte@gmail.com 980-221-9641 www.facebook.com/sparshofgreatercharlotte

srishti of Charlotte Srishti works to fulﬁll the NC community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali culture, literature, theatre, music and popular arts. Literally, the word Srishti means an act of creation. Brings together people of varied cultures, ethnicity, languages, and backgrounds who are interested in East Indian traditions. For Further Details: Santanu Sarkar - santanu_kumar@yahoo.com 704. 541.3451 www.srishtiofcharlotte.org

telugu association of Greater Charlotte area (taGCa) TAGCA was formed with an intention of preserving and 100

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Community Organizations promoting the Telugu cultural heritage and traditions among the Telugu speaking people residing in Greater Charlotte area. The association organizes social and cultural events and festivals that reﬂect the Telugu people culture from India. For Further Details: pr@tagca.org www.tagca.org

trimurti temple devasthanam The temple grounds oﬀer many areas to explore including 14 sanathis with traditional Mandabams for various Hindu deities. Open daily with a Morning Puja at 10am and Evening Puja at 7pm. Sunday Abhisekhams at 11am as well as other special pujas. For Further Details: 980.219.7556 contact@trimurtitemple.org 6519 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC www.trimurtitemple.org

Vallabh Pushti samaj of Carolinas (VPsC) VPSC’s objective is to ﬁll devotional need for Vaishnavs in Carolinas to worship and pray together, to celebrate festivals and to engage in humanitarian and educational activities. Paath and Bhajan recitations are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4 - 6pm. A VYO Youth (ages 6-14) educational Meet is also scheduled on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. For Further Details: 1006 Vickie Lane, Matthews, NC www.saathee.com/vallabh-pushti-vpsc

Vibha Charlotte Organization dedicated to create a brighter future for underprivileged children. This group came together through a strong belief in Vibha’s mission and resolved to create a positive societal impact in India. Organizes social events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the organization’s mission. For Further Details: Volunteers@charlotte.vibha.org sites.vibha.org/Charlotte

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art of living (Greensboro) Offers programs to uncover the strength, peace, and joy that lie at the core of every human being. Courses are offered in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Greensboro which cover breathing techniques to eliminate stress & tension; skills for improving relationships; practical wisdom; insight into the laws that govern the mind & emotions; low-impact yoga and the breathing-based technique called Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath. For Further Details: Sonal Chhawchharia - sonal.chhawchharia@gmail.com Puja Verma - puja_usa@yahoo.com www.artofliving.org/us-en/greensboro

BaPs shri swaminarayan Mandir Greensboro The mandir features activities which include Sunday Sabhas: Shishu (Toddlers) sabha: 4 - 5pm; Bal/Balika sabha: 4:15 - 5:30pm; Kishore sabha: 2 - 3:30pm; Main sabha: 4 - 6pm; Gujarati classes: 2:30 - 3:45pm and Arti at 6pm followed by Mahaprasad. Fresh Shayona snacks available on Sundays. For Further Details: Saathee.com

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Gujarati Cultural association of Piedmont (GCaP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural, educational and social programs. For Further Details: Janak Patel - 919.799.1603 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC www.gcap.us

India association of the triad (IatnC) The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad area, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community. For Further Details: committee@iatnc.org www.iatnc.org Indian association of the Carolinas (IaC) The mission of the IAC is to promote the Indian culture by hosting community events such local picnics, Diwali and Garba and similar celebration and sports events. Their Center is located in WinstonSalem. For Further Details: Gopal - 336.509.5943 Hasmukh - 336.971.5594 (Membership Help) indianac14@gmail.com www.indianac.org

Indo-american society of nC (IasnC) The objectives of the IASNC are to support the Indian, South Asian and American communities residing in Greensboro, NC and vicinity and other individuals interested in learning the culture, traditions, and arts of India. Speciﬁcally, IASNC promotes IndoAmerican cultural, arts and sports events and also school-based volunteering activities. For Further Details: Krishna Balu - balu4428@inﬁonline.net - 336.292.9462 www.iasofnc.org

Indo-us Cultural association of Winston-salem The primary mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India which is tremendously rich in its diversity and history. The Association seeks to reach out to the thriving IndianAmerican community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote cross-cultural understanding. For Further Details: President: Aanchal Chopra - indouswinston@gmail.com 336.575.5348 www.indouswinston.org life Mission, usa This ashram has been established to provide helpful beneﬁts for all - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. All these beneﬁts can be achieved through the natural remedies of yoga therapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy and diet.

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Community Organizations For Further Details: 336.421.0690 Dr. Manoj - 848.459.7401 lifemissionusa@gmail.com 8136 NC Highway 119, South Mebane, NC www.lifemissionusa.org

Quan am Buddhist temple All interested in Buddhism are welcome at the temple. For Further Details: 1410 Glendale Dr, Greensboro, NC www.ChuaQuanAm.com

sri Mata Hindu temple of north Carolina The temple strives to meet the community’s Religious, Spiritual, Cultural, Artistic and Literary Needs. Panchayatana Puja is the system of worship in the Smarta Sampradaya of Hinduism. It is said to have been introduced by Sri Adi Shankara. It consists of the worship of Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya and Ganesha. Weekdays: 6:30 - 7:30pm; Sat & Sun: 10:30am - 12:30pm. For Further Details 336.LOK.MATA (565.6282) info@matahindutemple.org 8535 Lasater Road, Clemmons, NC www.matahindutemple.org

sri sathya sai Baba Center (Greensboro) The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center regularly conducts Sai Bhajans, Study Circles, various service activities and SSE classes (for students) every Sunday from 9:45am - 12:15pm. For Further Details: Swami Rajendran - 908.875.6964 Dr. Varatharajah - 336.851.9150 www.sathyasaicentergso.org

Winston-Greensboro Cricket Club (WGCC) Everyone from Triad Area in NC, including Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem welcome. The goals of the WGCC are fun, ﬁtness, and friendship. WGCC is also a member of the Carolina Cricket League. Practice Sessions during the regular season are held every Wednesday at 5:30pm in Weston Park, Winston-Salem. For Further Details: www.wgcricketclub.com

Raleigh

aaBaJ (american association of Bihar and Jharkhand) A socio-cultural organization that brings together the Indian diaspora connected with Bihar and Jharkhand. AABAJ celebrates Holi, Diwali, Chatth and other festivities while promoting and sensitizing the unique culture, music and cuisine from Bihar and Jharkhand. Also conducts Yoga and Art classes, and provides leadership and learning opportunities for the next generation. For Further Details: Pragyan Shrivas 919-371-2800 Samarendra Kishore 919-438-0009 aabajmail@gmail.com

art of living (Raleigh) Art of Living gives practical knowledge and techniques to unlock deepest potential and bring fullness to life. The techniques are eﬀective in reducing stress and increase health, physical energy, Saathee.com

enthusiasm, self-esteem, awareness, and clarity of mind. Advance courses are also available. Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar’s mission is to create a violence free, and stress free society. For Further Details: 919.659.5939 rdu@us.artoﬂiving.org 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC www.artoﬂiving.org/us-en/raleigh

assamese association of north Carolina AANC has the objective of promoting and providing understanding of Assamese culture and language. AANC celebrates Assamese festivals and organizes cultural activities like Bihu Dance, music, songs and social events with Assamese culture. Everyone from Assam as well as anyone with any connection to or interest in Assamese culture are welcome. For Further Details: Nilaskhi Phukan - 919.949.1618 - nilakshi_phukan@yahoo.com 919.200.4020 assameseassociation.nc@gmail.com

BaPs shri swaminarayan Mandir (Raleigh) A spiritual organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selﬂess service. Activities include: Daily Arti - 7am & 6:30 pm; Weekly Satsang Sabha held every Sunday which includes Bhajans and spiritual discourses: Adults: 4pm, Young Men (Ages 23-36) 3pm, Young Women (Ages 23-36) - 4pm, Teens - 4:30pm, and Children - 5pm. For Further Details: 1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC saathee.com/baps-shri-swaminarayan-mandir-morrisville-nc

Bengali association of north Carolina (BanC) BANC seeks to promote Bengali culture, language, music, arts and social activities by oﬀering varieties of programs for members of Indian-American community within North Carolina and adjacent states. The association is organized exclusively for charitable, cultural, social and educational purposes. For Further Details: exec@banc-online.org www.banc-online.org

Bhartiya senior Citizens of nC (BsCnC) The organization for senior citizen of Indian origin that are age 60 years and over. BSCNC members meet on 2nd Saturday of each month at Cary senior center in Bond park in Cary NC from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The next meeting will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019. Members will celebrate Valentine’s Day and a musical program will be presented by members. For Further Details: mahenlata@gmail.com

Chinmaya Mission Raleigh-durham (CM Rdu) Chinmaya Mission was founded by Swami Chinmayananda. Dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and other Hindu scriptures and to provide to individuals and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness. CM RDU conducts weekly discourses (Satsanga-s) and study groups for adults, and classes for youth (Yuvakendra) and children (Bala Vihar). For Further Details: www.chinmaya-RDU.org 104

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February 2019

Community Organizations dada Bhagwan Foundation (Raleigh) Every living being is in constant pursuit of happiness; no one likes suﬀering. This search ends only when the source of eternal happiness is found. It can be attained through realizing your true Self. A path to eternal happiness was discovered by Gnani Purush A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan and it was revealed to the world as Akram Vignan, a spiritual science. This is based on the foundation of Self Realization. All are invited to the regular satsang events at HSNC, Saturdays 5 - 7pm, followed by Aarti and Prasad. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 x 1003 wcraleigh@us.dadabhagwan.org 309 Aviation Pkwy, Rooms 5 & 6, Morrisville, NC www.dadabhagwan.org

datta Yoga Center (Raleigh) Spreads the teachings of Sadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore. Activities: Namasankeertana - Bhajans written, composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji. Kriya yoga classes conducted by Pujya Sri Swamiji-trained teachers from India. The group meets on the ﬁrst Sat of every month and every major festival for Satsang and Namasankeertana (divine singing). For Further Details: Suresh and Madhavi Kota - 919.434.1604 www.dycusa.org

duke diya A student organization committed to providing a forum for interaction through events relating to South Asian Americans and anyone interested in South Asian culture, politics or economics. Duke Diya represents the six major nations of South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Social events like mixers and semiformals, especially with other Duke cultural groups and South Asian organizations at UNC and NC State, are organized. For Further Details: diya.duke@gmail.com www.dukediya.com

eKtaa student organization (nCsu) EKTAA (meaning unity) is the South Asian Student Organization at NC State University. The motto is “unity within diversity.” EKTAA strives to spread culture and heritage of South Asia all over the campus as well as the local community and the organization works hand-in-hand with many organizations on and oﬀ the NCSU campus, as well as South Asian organizations from area universities. For Further Details: ektaaexec@ektaa.org www.ektaa.org

Geet Bazaar Radio (nCsu) Every Sunday morning from 10am - 12pm on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a variety of music from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond. They specialize in the music of the Indian ﬁlm industry, with lots of ghazals, qawwalis, bhajans, and Indi-Pop. Listen to Geet Bazaar worldwide using the NC State Student Media App or live streaming on wknc.org. For Further Details: Dr. Afroz Taj & John Caldwell - 919.851.1119 geetbazaar@wknc.org Saathee.com

GeM Raleigh Church of God Come and join in every Sunday from 10:45am to 1pm. They have worship services, prayer meetings, Sunday school, and much more. For Further Details: Pastor Thankachan Mathai - 919.395.6208 globalem@gmail.com 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC

Gokul Bhajan & Vedic studies (Raleigh) Weekly satsang singing bhajans and glorifying past times of Lord Krishna. Satsang every Friday 7pm - 9pm at the HSNC in Morrisville, NC with a dinner afterwards. Gokulam Learning Center in Durham every 1st & 3rd Saturday from 5pm - 9pm. Children learn slokas, presentation skills, manage and lead projects such as book distribution, charity for cow protection, food for the poor, and prison seva. For Further Details: bkdasa@gmail.com 919.491.9536 www.gokulbhajan.com Gurdwara atlantic Coast sikh association One of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern US meets every Sunday for Diwans along with Akhand Paths celebrated on appropriate dates. Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time. For Further Details: Yadvinder Singh - 919.477.7035 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC acsikhassociation.org

Heartfulness Meditation (triangle) Heartfulness meditation is a heart-based meditation system open to all. It is a simple system of meditation centered on the supremacy of heart that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives. Heartfulness meditation is freely oﬀered to seekers worldwide through Shri Ram Chandra Mission. In the Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sunday at 8:30am & Wednesday at 7pm. For Further Details: Raj Solanki - raj_solanki@yahoo.com www.heartfulness.org

Heritage India association of nC (HIanC) The Association provides Indian cultural experience through performing and cultural arts, ﬁne arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” During the year, HIANC presents several annual events such as Heritage India Festival in April, Gandhi Jayanti in October, Children’s Day in November, and also participates in the International Festival of Raleigh in October. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/heritage-india-association

Hindi Vikas Mandal of nC The Mandal, based in the Raleigh-Triangle area, promotes study and appreciation of the Hindi Language, and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has special focus on the youth for the preservation of Indian heritage. Every year HVM organizes Kavisammelan (Poetry Reading);

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February 2019

Community Organizations Harrison Avenue Cary, NC 27513 For Further Details: 919.233.2900 Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason www.icc-nc.org

Independence Day Function, Dushera Festival and a members’ picnic. HVM also conducts weekly Hindi classes (10:30 - 11:30am on Saturdays) at HSNC for children. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/hindi-vikas-mandal

International Hindi association IHA promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States. The Raleigh Chapter periodically organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents. Open to those interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry. For Further Details: Saroj Sharma - 919.460.7830 / 919.656.5224 www.hindi.org

Hindu society of north Carolina Open daily from 7am - 9pm. Morning Aarti: Mon-Fri 10.30am, SatSun 10am. Evening Aarti: Mon-Fri 7pm, Sat-Sun 6pm. There are many other regular events taking place at the temple. All major religious celebrations are observed. Facility rentals are also available. Activities: Yoga, Hinduism and Meditation classes; Weekend Community Classes: Jain pathshala, Hindi classes, Sanskar Gurkul Classes, Tamil classes, Balmukund classes; Youth Aﬀairs: Ohm Squad is the youth wing of HSNC involved in activities like camp, games, craft and arts. Located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/hsnc Humsub HumSub is dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with the residents of the Research Triangle Park and North Carolina. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/hum-sub

Immanuel assembly of God A full Gospel Christian church serving the Indian / South Asian community in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. Service is oﬀered Sundays at 10:30am & Bible Study is Wednesdays at 7pm. The Church is located at 5419 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713. For Further Details: Pastor Sam Daniel 919.442.8537 thechurch@immanuelassembly.org samimmanuelag@gmail.com www.immanuelassembly.org

Indian Classical Music & dance society (ICMds) ICMDS is dedicated to promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area by inviting top artists from all over the world to perform. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/icmds

Instepp Located in Durham, the organization has served women residing in the Triangle area and oﬀers long-term support and training to women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human traﬃcking; women who are transitioning back into the workforce following separation or divorce; women transitioning from prison or jail, and immigrant women, including women from South Asian cultures, who are victims of crimes. For Further Details: 919.680.8000 info@instepp.org www.instepp.org

International Community Church ICC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. Church services at Reedy Creek Baptist Church 1524 N. Saathee.com

IsKCon of nC (Hillsborough) New Goloka temple is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Visitors are welcome any day of the week to come have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda. Every Sunday at 4pm, there is a special program consisting of arati, kirtan, Bhagavad-gita discourse, and a prasadam feast. New Goloka also provides educational classes and programs for children and adults. New Goloka Daily Darshan Times 4:30 - 5am, 7:15am - 1pm, 4:15 5:45pm, 7 - 8pm. Sat and Sun Darshan open from 7:15am - 8pm. Located at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Hillsborough, NC. For Further Details: 919.732.6492 newgoloka108@gmail.com iskconnc@gmail.com www.newgoloka.com

Jain study Center of north Carolina (JsCnC) The JSCNC was organized to study and understand Jain religion, philosophy, rituals, and literature and to educate the children. Over the years the Center has participated in many activities for youths and adults, where an environment is created making members feel like a part of the family. Jain pathshala and swadhyay are held routinely for children and adults respectively. For Further Details: jscnc101@gmail.com jscnc.org

Kiran, Inc. Kiran serves and empowers South Asian victims of domestic violence in NC by helping them rebuild their lives and ending the cycle of violence. Although domestic violence is rarely talked about in South Asian communities, it is a rampant and preventable public health problem. Promotes healthy family relationships and raises awareness domestic violence through outreach and advocacy. Kiran’s core services comprise of a 24 hour free and conﬁdential hotline, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, translation assistance, resource referrals, skills development and other culturally sensitive services needed to meet the challenges of South Asian victims. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/kiran-inc www.kiraninc.org 24 hours Crisis line: 877-NC-KIRAN (877-625-4726) kiran@kiraninc.org Oﬃce: 919.831.4203 Krishnadham usa The mission is to foster richness of Hindu cultural heritage in children and to provide learning experiences on cultural values 108

February 2019

Community Organizations under the guidance of Vaishnavacharya Shri Dwarkeshlalji Mahoday. Krishnadham will be established on a 16 acre sized tract located at 795 Beaver Creek Road in Apex, NC. Krishnadham USA is having weekly Satsangs and Monthly manoraths to celebrate various Pushtimargiya festivals. They meet at 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102 in Morrisville, NC 27560 on Saturdays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for Satsang. For Further Details: Hemant Sura - 919.608.2412 krishnadham.nc@gmail.com

Maitri (nCsu) A student organization at NC State that aims at unifying various cultures at university. The organization works to support Indian students at NC State, but also creates opportunities for them to immerse in global culture while retaining their rich Indian identity. For Further Details: maitri.ncsu@gmail.com www.maitrincsu.org www.facebook.com/MaitriAtNcsu

Pakistani-american anjuman The North Carolina Pakistani-American Anjuman (NCPAA) is a non-political, cultural and social organization that strives to promote the presence of the people from Pakistan living in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Their mission is to provide cultural and social interaction for the families and individuals of the Pakistani community and to oﬀer a variety of programs and services to its members. For Further Details: www.ncpaa.org

Pratham - triangle area Pratham is a grass-roots organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. It is one of the largest NGOs in ﬁeld of literacy movement in India. Pratham continues to evolve, grow and works to meet the continually changing needs of the children it educates. The NC chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers and resources to deliver the vision of “Every Child in School and Learning Well.” For Further Details: Sri Rajgopalan - rajagoph@yahoo.com Ravi Sundarajan- ravisrajan@yahoo.com www.prathamusa.org

Radha Krishna temple of nC Opening Phase 1 on April 29, 2018 in Apex, NC with keertans/chantings, havan, pooja, abshik, bhog, aratis, and all day festivities. The Temple is located at 635 Hollands Chapel Road, Apex NC, 27523. For Further Info: 919.685.0447 or 919.306.3175

Raleigh sai Center Parthi Sai devotees of Triangle area meet every Sunday from 4 6:15pm in the Mini-Hall of Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville. There is also a study circle, Bhajan Practice, Veda Chanting etc. between 4 - 5pm depending on the week, followed by bhajans from 5 6:15pm. The center carries out several service activities as well, including Human Values Education (SSE) classes for the children of diﬀerent age groups. For Further Details: rsc.president@yahoo.com raleighsaicenter.org Saathee.com

Raleigh Won Buddhism Meditation Center Won Buddhism is a simpliﬁed expression of Buddhism that stresses equality between the sexes, between the ordained and laity and teaches practical spirituality of both mind and body. Sundays from 5-6:30pm, the center cultivates a peaceful state of mind with various forms of meditation. Also contemplate and discuss practical dharma teachings. Thursdays from 7-8:15pm is the opportunity to rest and restore. Meditations include Qi-gong, deep silent sitting, and lying down relaxation. Located at 2816 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC. For More Details: 919.933.6946 ncwonbuddhism@gmail.com www.WonBuddhismNC.org

Ramakrishna Vedanta society of nC The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society draws inspiration from the timeless, philosophical wisdom of the Vedanta as practiced and preached in the modern day by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Practical Vedanta and the message of the harmony of religions and the spiritual oneness are studied. Regardless of background and/or knowledge the organization welcomes participants. The address is 3109 Globe Road Morrisville, NC 27560. For Further Details: 919.412.8304 vedantanc@gmail.com www.vedantanc.org

RtP Maharashtra Mandal The Mandal is a home away from home for Marathi-speaking people. The goal of the Mandal is to advocate the vibrant culture, the rich heritage and the language of Maharashtra. The Mandal is dedicated to showcase the cultural, social and traditional attributes of Maharashtra to the local community through variety of entertaining programs, and events such as Makar Sankrant, Shiv Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, Picnic, Ganesh Festival and Diwali. For Further Details: mail@rtpmm.org www.rtpmm.org sahaja Meditation Ongoing meetings, seminars and workshops are available in Raleigh. There is never a charge for Sahaja Meditation instruction. RSVP in meetup: Sahaja-Meditation-Triangle-Group Thursdays at 7:30pm. Located at 9308 Fairbanks Dr, Raleigh, NC. For Further Details: balaram.krishna@gmail.com 919.757.3135 www.sahajamediation.com

sewa RtP Sewa RTP - a chapter of Sewa International - is a team of volunteers who organize various activities - ranging from local community service to fundraisers for developmental projects in India. Currently Sewa RTP has following activities on monthly basis: Sewa Day, Workshops / Seminars, Assisting Community in Emergency situations, Chapter Meetings - 3rd Thursday of every month. Sewa International USA is a Hindu faith-based humanitarian service organization. For Further Details: www.sewausa.org/chapter/raleigh/raleigh-overview 110

February 2019

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Community Organizations shree swaminarayan Hindu temple (Isso) ISSO’s primary objective is to advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Original Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Himself. They organize a weekly “Satsang Sabha,” every Saturday, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad. Temple is now open daily 8am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm; Daily Sandhya Aarti: 7pm; Weekly Satsang Sabha: Saturday 5pm to 8pm. Located at 500 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/issonc

sky Meditation and Kaya Kalpa Yoga Beneﬁts include longevity, wellness and stress management. Triangle Sky Meditation group holds weekly group meditation and Simpliﬁed Physical Exercises every Friday in Triangle area. SKY Meditation initiation and SKY Kaya Kalpa Yoga Courses are held several times a year for anyone 14 years and above. For Further Details: Rajendran Kailasam - 919.824.8429 sky.cary@yahoo.com www.vethathiri.edu.in

south Indian Fine arts academy (sIFaa) SIFAA is a non-proﬁt organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music. For Further Details: sifaa.music@gmail.com www.sifaa.org

sri shirdi saibaba Mandir of nC Sri Shirdi Saibaba Mandir of North Carolina (SSMNC) promotes Sai philosophy and facilitates worship and services similar to Shirdi SaiBaba Temple, located in Shirdi-India. This organization is dedicated to sponsoring and supporting religious, spiritual, cultural, educational and charitable activities in the United States and abroad. The temple is located at 1150 NW Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27513. For Further Details: 919.386.1085 info@shirdisaimandirnc.org www.shirdisaimandirnc.org

sV temple of north Carolina The temple is built on over nine acres of centrally connected triangle area. This grand tribute to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts is designed to exacting standards of shilpa shasthra and features the only shrine in North America to incorporate abodes to Lord Viswaksena and Lord Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha as part of Srinivasa Parivaram. The temple rituals are performed in accordance with Pancharathra Agama Shastra. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/sv-temple-nc

tamil Cultural association of north Carolina (tCa nC) TCA NC was formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of the organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area. For Further Details: tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org Saathee.com

triangle area telugu association (tata) TATA is committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of North Carolina. For Further Details: www.triangletelugu.org

triangle Bangladesh society (tBsnC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical programs by artists who have captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali, Urdu and Hindi-speaking music fans all around the globe. For Further Details: Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org

triangle Gujarati association (tGa) TGA’s mission is to promote and serve Gujarati culture in the Triangle area by organizing various events and programs throughout the year and impart Gujarati culture and language on the youth. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/triangle-gujarati-association

triangle Vegetarian society (tVs) The mission is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues. TVS was formed promote the nutritional, ethical, environmental, and other aspects of vegetarianism. Open to all, they aim to build a sense of community among people of varying interests in plant-based diets, encouraging healthy, and sustainable choices. For Further Details: barman@cs.unc.edu www.trianglevegsociety.org

triangle Vipassana Meditation Vipassana, which means to see things as they are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques and was taught 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. We holds weekly group sittings in Cary on every Saturday. These sittings are only meant for old students who have completed 10 day Vipassana course as taught by S N Goenka in tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. For Further Details: Hitesh & Vaibhavi Parekh - 732.213.9660 / 919.601.3555 carync.sittings@gmail.com www.dhamma.org

urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis, the Triangle’s Urdu Literary Society, meets monthly on the campus of UNC: Chapel Hill. Meetings include discussions of the life and works of major South Asian poets as well as opportunities to share original poetry and other writing. Urdu Majlis is co-sponsored by the Carolina Asia Center and the South Asia Section of the UNC Department of Asian Studies. It is an intellectual endeavor with no political or religious aﬃliations. For Further Details: Afroz Taj - taj@unc.edu - 919.851.1119 Seema & Ashraf Faruqi - seemafaruqi@hotmail.com - 919.596.4792

Vaishnav samaj of triangle area A group of like-minded devotees who meet for religious worship and understand Pushti Marg Principles at large. Regular Bhajan recitations are held 2nd Sunday of the month from 4-6pm and 112

February 2019

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Community Organizations Seniors are requested to encourage youngsters to participate in the activities. For Further Details: Arvindbhai Shah - 919.233.7677 Vithalbhai Shah - 919.803.9027

IsKCon temple of the Holy name in Prabhupada Village The Temple of the Holy Name, situated in a peaceful, rural area, is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Come and take darshan of Sri Sri Parama Karuna Nitai Gaurasundara from 5am-7:30pm, 7 days a week and invite you to their special program held every Sunday at 3pm with arati and kirtan, bhajans, discourse on the Bhagavad-gita, As It Is, and a pure vegetarian feast - all free! Festivals are celebrated year round. Temple is located at 1283 Prabhupada Rd. Sandy Ridge, NC 27046 For Further Details: 336.593.2322 tothn@iskconpv.org www.iskconpv.org

Vraj education Raleigh Kendra The Vraj Education Raleigh Kendra is conducting comprehensive weekly teaching of Hinduism and Pushtibhakti Marg backed by Vraj Temple Pennsylvania. Raleigh Vaishnav children will get an opportunity to recognize, learn, and exercise Pushtimarg guidelines and leverage rich Shri Vallabh Mahaprabhuji heritage to improve individual life style. For Further Details: vraj.raleigh@gmail.com for timing and location information. nithyananda sangha north Carolina (Inner awakening) www.facebook.com/VrajEducationCenter/ Inner Awakening works to spread the knowledge of Yoga and meditation by letting people experience the teachings of Vedic Won Buddhism Meditation temple Science in its purest form delivered by the enlightened master Won Buddhism is a simpliﬁed expression of Buddhism that Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda. Nithyananda Sangha North stresses equality between the sexes, between the ordained and laity Carolina is part of a worldwide movement for meditation and and teaches practical spirituality. Join on Saturdays and Sundays healing. Paramahamsa Nithyananda is a global leader in the science from 10-11:30am at the peaceful, wooded temple location for of enlightenment and the author of more than 300 books. meditation, chanting, Qi-gong exercise and practical dharma talks. For Further Details: The primary teacher is Rev. Wow-Gong. Located 8021 Old NC 86, 704.766.1420 / 704.992.6114 Chapel Hill, NC. innerawakening.org For More Details: nithyananda.org 919.933.6946 ncwonbuddhism@gmail.com nuv Yug www.WonBuddhismNC.org Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the region. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/nuv-yug ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help Prabhupada Village in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages A rural, ISKCON, devotional community, nestled in the foothills in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspiration and guidance is derived committed to eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is from the books, letters, lectures, and example of His Divine Grace the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, and economic freedom. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of The Carolinas Region of the EVFI USA conducts fundraising and ISKCON, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. awareness programs in Raleigh & Columbia. Following Srila Prabhupada’s personal example, spiritual values For Further Details: in order to achieve true happiness, prosperity and spiritual Southeast Regional President: Chander M. Aggarwal fulﬁllment are taught. Serving Hindu communities, visiting homes cmaggarwal44@gmail.com - 407.454.3739 for fellowship, worship, scriptural study, and kirtan. Also facilitate Carolinas Regional President: Janak Dalal spiritual festivals, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam jaydalalcolumbia@gmail.com - 803.665.4050 discussions, teach puja, and vegetarian cooking. For Further Details: Grihastha Family Institute 336.593.8108 or 336.593.3031 The Grihastha Family Institute has a mission of preparing everyone sarvadrik@gmail.com with the basics and nuances of marriage and family management, www.facebook.com/outreachseva and to compensate for the loss of traditional structures, norms and www.prabhupadavillage.com methods that used to support the family structure. 3 Day workshop camps and private consultations are available. sri somesvara temple (asheville) For Further Details: The Sri Somesvara Temple is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains www.grihastha.org of Western North Carolina. It is a Vedic Shiva temple at the center of Mount Soma, a community commonly referred to as “Mount Hindu society of eastern nC (Greenville, nC) Kailash of the West.” People travel great distances to experience Sri The temple celebrates major festivals and holds regular bhajan Somesvara’s powerful Linga, profound silence, and timeless seesions and Geeta study. vibrations. The temple is open every day from 9:30am to 6:30pm. For Further Details: Aarti is at 6pm. Temple - 252.752.2670 For Further Details: B.S. Srivatsa - 508.654.0360 828.476.4073 Hindutemplenc@gmail.com www.srisomesvara.org

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Community Organizations

India assoc. of Greater Charleston (IaGC) The India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC) was incorporated when the residents of Indian origin in Charleston felt the need to organize a community of people who were interested in the culture and heritage of India and share the profound beauty of this culture with others. They celebrate various events throughout the year including Diwali & various Picnic gatherings. For Further Details: Omi Hasija (Chairperson) - 843.766.4661 iagcchs@gmail.com www.indiaassociationofgreatercharleston.com

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american south asian Cultural association of Columbia, sC The American South Asian Cultural association of Columbia’s fundamental goal is to increase cultural awareness and develop cultural understanding among American South Asian Community in Columbia, SC area. A lunch meeting will be held on the second Sunday every month between 12:30 - 2:30pm at Persis Biryani & Indian Grill, 1728 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Cost is $11 per person. For Further Details: Kannada association of Greater Greenville (KaGG) Contact in the evenings: 803.233.7042 / 512.547.7077 An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Kannada culture in the Greater Greenville area of SC. KAGG is a Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, sC) primarily run by volunteers and invites Kannadigas living in and Dedicated to offering teachings of the Buddha, primarily by around Greenville area to participate in the organization. Kannada bringing Theravada Buddhist nuns and monks. “Theravada” refers classes for children are also conducted. to the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism, the highly traditional For Further Details: school. The meditation is on Monday, & Thursday from 6- 8pm & 864.430.4973 for women only on Friday 9- 10am. Sutta discussion on Saturday kaggculturalcommittee@gmail.com from 2-4pm. Located at 113 Woodridge Circle, Greenville, SC 29607 www.kagg-sc.org For Further Details: 864.329.9961 Masjid noor-ul-Huda (MnH) greenvillebv@gmail.com The Mosque is open for five daily prayers in congregation every www.carolinabuddhist.net day of the year. On the first and third Saturday of every month

dada Bhagwan Foundation (Columbia) Every living being is in constant pursuit of happiness; no one likes suﬀering. This search ends only when the source of eternal happiness is found. It can be attained through realizing your true Self. A path to eternal happiness was discovered by Gnani Purush A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan and it was revealed to the world as Akram Vignan, a spiritual science. This is based on the foundation of Self Realization. Weekly satsang held Every Sat 5- 7pm at Regency Inn, 1335 Garner Ln, Columbia,SC 29210 which includes Question/Answer Sessions Satsang, Aarti & Mahaprasad. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 x 1035 wccolumbia@us.dadabhagwan.org www.dadabhagwan.org

Hindu society of Greater spartanburg The Society holds Satsang from 5-7pm on the second Sunday of each month. There are usually around ten families present. The Society also celebrates many religious and social festivals based on the Hindu calendar. The temple is quite active in sponsoring children’s programs, such as Rangoli classes and classical and contemporary dance classes. Located on 1130 Fairview Church Road in Spartanburg, SC. For Further Details: 864.599.7048 pluralism.org/proﬁle/hindu-society-of-greater-spartanburg/

Hindu temple and Center (Columbia, sC) The temple is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 12 noon and between 5pm and 8:30pm. On weekends, the temple is open between 8:30am to 1pm and 5pm to 8:30pm. Bal Gokulam (Sunday School) classes are held every Sunday from 10:30am to 12 noon. Classes are designed to help children build physical, mental, cultural, social & spiritual lives. It is located at 5704 Kiawah Road, Columbia, SC 29212. For Further Details: 803.772.6940 / www.hindutemplesc.org Saathee.com

from 6pm - 8pm, an Islamic session is held by Haﬁz Mohammed Basheer. Quran reading classes for children are also conducted daily. The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. For Further Details: 803.754.2632 / www.noorulhuda.org

spartanburg Buddhist Center of sC The Center’s resident monks seek to preserve Theravada Buddhist traditions and welcomes all who are interested in Buddhism, Southeast Asian culture, or meditation. Since the center opened in 2010, a regular English-speaking group meets at 6pm on Thursdays for meditation, a brief Dhamma talk, and short discussions. The Center is located at 770 Bryant Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. For Further Details: 864.327.8726 www.facebook.com/spartanburgbuddhist2012 telugu association of Greater Greenville An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Telugu Culture in the Greenville Area. The association caters to the cultural and social needs of the Telugu people living in and around Greenville Area. TAGG organizes events to celebrate major festivals and organizes a picnic during the summer as scheduled activities. In addition, TAGG screens choice Telugu Movies mostly throughout the year and organizes special cultural events. For Further Details: www.taggsc.org

Vedic Center of Greenville Daily Aarti is conducted Monday - Friday at 8pm. Bal Vihar classes are conducted Sundays from 11:15am - 12:30pm. Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Saturday of each month at 9am. Temple is open from 9 to noon and from 5 to 9 PM daily. Various religious services are oﬀered by Priest Bhattarji. The Center is located at 520 Bethel Road, Mauldin, SC 29662. For Further Details: President: Janak Desai - 864.884.5183 www.vediccenterofgreenville.org

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February 2019

Music Lessons - Charlotte Harmonium & Keyboard

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117

February 2019

Pop’s Puzzles & Jokes By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase

Clues across: 1. The central state of India; Cap. Bhopal. 3. The Commander-in Chief of USA. 10. The Midwestern state of US; Cap. Columbus. 12. “ ___ Zedong”. The found father of Republic of China. 13. Doing Business As. (*) 14. A day of celebration of the lovers in the US. (Feb. 14) 17. A bowl cleaning fluid injected in to the rectum. 18. Excrement. ( Ireland, slang). 19. Towards. 20 . A sudden upsetting event or experience. 22. Teaching assistant. (*) 23. The amount paid to buy something. 25. Physically in contact with & supported by (a surface). 26 Local government Association. (*) 28. A federal passenger railroad service in US. 30. Burns the surface of. 32. A fungal decease affecting vines, caused by mildew. 34. A red-tailed nonvenomous large snake. 35. A group of tents, cabins or huts. 37. A band of sworn soldiers in the Spartan army. 39. Of or elating to Indo-Iranians. 41. A metal money. 42. South Carolina. (*). 43. “ ___ Uzumaki”, A fictional Japanese character of Ninja. 45. Professional Engineer. (*) 46. A form of Krishna worshipped by Pustimārgi Vaishnavas. (Feb. 25, 2019 is His Pātotsav ) Saathee.com

Clues down:

1. Change position. 2. A ﬁgment of imagination; ghost. 3. A composition in verse. 4. Emergency Medical Technician. (*) 5. Formerly, Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam. 6. Functioning by means of ions. 7. The code for Airport Koeln, Germany. 8. National basketball Association. (*) 9. An Americas omnivorous animal of weasel family. 11. A surgical opening constructed by bringing the end of small intestine out on the surface of the skin. 15. Network Attached Storage. (*) 16. The crest of a rooster. 21. The mascot of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. 22. Fortune-telling playing cards. 23. A corpse. 24. A city in the west coast of Sicily, Italy. 27. A republic on west coast of Africa, Capital: Libreville. 29. Advertisement. (*) 30. Having a continuous even surface. 31. The largest borough in Bradford county, PA. 33. Not abridged, or curtailed. 36. A curved structural member spanning an opening. 38. Member of the Institute of Acoustics (*) . 40. A ﬂat leavened Indian bread baked in tandoor. 44. Rheumatoid Arthritis. (*) 45. The sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet.(π) (Puzzle solutions are on page 120. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee

Jokes From Around The World

Lawyer: “If you tell me the truth, I will save you.” Thief: “I will tell you everything but I will not tell you where I hid the money and jewelry I stole!” ••••••••••••••

Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake. ••••••••••••••

Boy: What do you call a fake noodle? Girl: An impasta.

••••••••••••••

A student went to his music lesson on a Tuesday evening. Teacher asked him: What musical instrument is found in the bathroom? Student: A tuba toothpaste •••••••••••••• 118

February 2019

Word Find (Created By Kirit Shukla)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle. (Subject: “Poison or Venom”)

Math Magic Use these numbers only once: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) in empty squares, to get = the final given answers. Note: Follow the order of operation per basic math rule: ×,÷, +, The multiplication or division is done before addition and subtraction.

ANTIDOTE ARSON BITE BOXJELLYFISH CHLORINE CYANIDE DARTFROG DEATH DIGOXIN ITCH IVY KINGCOBRA LIZARD

MARBLEDSNAIL MERCURY NAUSEA OAK PESTICIDE RASH SCORPION SNAKE SUMAC TABUN TARANTULA TOXIN

The remaining unused 8 letters spell means ”Killed with something fatal.”

(solution on page 120)

eZ-BZ

TEST YOUR IQ The common letters are “BB” - Fill in the blanks) 1. A thin sphere of liquid enclosing gas.

2. Father. A form of address in Muslim families.

3. Husband. (Humorous way!)

4. Shorten. (a word, phrase ot text) 5. Bunny.

6. Better Business Bureau. (*)

7. Gnarled; lumped.

8. A town in Central Uganda on Lake Victoria.

9. Move unsteadily from side to side.

10. The reﬂux of the tide towards the sea .

11. A shock absorber.

12. British Broadcasting Corporation. (*)

13. Had soundtrack changed in diﬀerent language.

14. To become wet and muddy.

15. A woman who is superior of a convent of nuns.

16. Filled with the network spread by a spider.

17. An eraser used in cleaning pencil marks.

18. Behavior Based Energy Eﬃciency. (*)

_ _ BB _ _ _ BB _

_ _ BB _

_ BB _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BB _ _ BB _

_ _ _ BB _ _

_ _ _ _ BB _ _ _ BB _ _

_ BB

_ _ _ BB _ _ BB _

_ _ BB _ _

_ _ _ BB _ _

_ BB _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _ BB _ _ _ BB _ _ BB _ _

19. A spool or reel.

_ _ BB _ _

21. Plump and rounded.

_ _ _ BB _

20. A building occupied by nuns and monks. 22. A space telescope launched by NASA in 1990.

_ BB _ _

_ _ BB _ _

23. Barbecued. (*)

BB _ _ _

24. The oﬃce a superior of a monastery of men.

25. A hand-basket made from wicker.

_ BB _ _ _

(Puzzle solutions are on page 120. NO peeking!)

_ _ BB

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

Saathee.com

119

February 2019

Festivals & Holidays

spot the diﬀerences solutions from page 42

February 2019

Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day / Imbolc Feb. 4 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Feb. 5 - Chinese New Year (Pig) Feb. 10 - Vasant Panchami Feb. 12 - Lincoln’s Birthday Feb. 14 - St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 15 - Nirvana Day Feb. 16 - Jayā Ekadashi Feb. 17 - Vishwakarma Jayanti Feb. 18 - Presidents’ Day Feb. 19 - Māghi Purnima (Full Moon) Feb. 19 - Guru Ravidās Jayanti Feb. 19 - Shivaji Jayanti Feb. 21 - Atthāi (Jain) Feb. 25 - Shrināthaji Pātotsav Feb. 26 - Sita Jayanti

1. Woman on bike added

6. Elephant added

3. Hot air balloon added

8. Color changed

2. Clouds added

4. Window removed

7. Man removed

9. Airplane added

5. Tower added

10. Window removed

3 5

March 2019

Mar. 1 - Swami Dayanand Sarasvati Jayanti Mar. 2 - Vijayā Ekādashi Mar. 4 - Mahā Shivaratri Mar. 5 - Mardi Gras Mar. 6 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Mar. 6 - Ash Wednesday Mar. 8 - International Women’s Day Mar. 10 - Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Mar. 17 - Āmalaki Ekadashi Mar. 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara Mar. 20 - Hazarat Ali’s Birthday Mar. 21 - Holi (Full Moon) Mar. 21 - Purim / Hola Mohalla / Magha Puja Mar. 22 - Dhuleti Mar. 25 - Rang Panchami Mar. 31 - Pāpmochini Ekadashi

Puzzle Solutions from page 118

Math Magic from page 119

Saathee.com

120

February 2019

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Astroscope -

February 2019

aRIes (March 20 – april 20) The process of entering into new ventures and other major changes will continue for you until the last week of the month. There won’t be any major changes in relations, but ﬁnances, career and partnerships could receive some grand diversiﬁcations. Try not to act too hyper or aggressive. Business-related travel would prove to be favorable. Watch your health.

tauRus (april 20 – May 21) A big cloud of illusion will surround you this month. It may be negative or positive, but you won’t have any control over the situation. Intelligence, confidence and spirituality can help you pass through this cloud. Don’t dispute with your partner. The time is not favorable for entering into a new venture. An unexpected change in career or financial loss is also possible. GeMInI (May 21 – June 21) A happy state of mind and steady flow of income will be there, but unexpected expenses or legal problems may disturb everything. Try very hard to curb your expenses. Be careful while making any comments in public or at parties. Meditation can help in making the right decisions. A minor health improvement will be there after middle of the month.

CanCeR (June 21 – July 22) This will be a good period for you. There are chances of getting involved with more responsibilities. You will overcome your enemies or competitors and could also receive recognition for your inventive work. Overall your reputation and respect from others will increase. You may also receive some discouraging news. Try to act and move forward with courage and conﬁdence.

leo (July 22 – august 23) This month will relieve you of your tensions and anxiety. However, you will be prone to act more selﬁsh. An accident is possible at your place of work. You may try to spend money on meaningless family issues. Don’t get involved in any new ventures. Someone may cheat with you and you could lose money. Some minor health improvement is also possible.

VIRGo (august 23 – september 23) You might face major financial problems this month. Your flow of income will not be normal, and you may not react seriously about this issue. Your parents’ health is also likely to suffer. Do not sign any important documents. Your friends and associates may break your trust. An opponent will be successful in damaging your business and reputation.

metaphysics. Business-related travel might not produce good results. Be careful while driving.

sCoRPIo (october 23 – november 22) Your spiritual inclinations will intensify this month. A sense of relaxation will prevail in the last week. A rise in income is clearly indicated. Short distance travel will bring good luck and be very fruitful. You might get involved in new business deals. However, you will experience some problems with family, particularly with your partner.

saGIttaRIus (november 22 – december 21) You will be quite happy during this month. Your eﬀorts will provide positive results. Long distance travel will be rewarding, but short distance travel must be avoided. The time is also good for love and romance. An increase in family is possible, but you may have a bitter experience with your sibling or friends. Sudden health-related problems are also possible.

CaPRICoRn (december 21 – January 20) You will feel like a puppet this month as fate may play games with you. Try to control yourself internally. Heavy ﬁnancial losses are also possible. Surrender yourself and let destiny take its course. You may have to be cautious in your day-to-day pursuits. Any risk-taking tendencies must be curbed. Try to pass the time quietly. Be patient. Wait and watch for next month.

aQuaRIus (January 20 – February 19) You will get mixed results this month. You may have to work hard, but this labor will be rewarded. You will experience a lack of conﬁdence, but you should still be successful in gaining an increase in your ﬁnancial returns. Some unexpected heavy expenses are also possible. Your subordinates shall extend their full support towards you. Some minor stomach relief is also possible.

PIsCes (February 19 – March 20) This month will make you comfortable. There will be a rise in status as well as happiness with your family life. You must avoid travel and any disputes with siblings. Your associates may not fulﬁll their responsibilities towards you. The time is good for getting involved in new ventures and your eﬀorts will yield good results. Try to take full advantage of the abundance you’ll receive this month.

lIBRa (september 23 – october 23) Try to be practical in this month. Even though your income will be on the rise, an unexpected health problem or dispute with your partner could be there. Speculation can be beneﬁcial for you during the month. Others will appreciate your written work. You may be interested in philosophy or Saathee.com

122

By Jalendu Vaidya

Contact: 973-223-5047 www.jmvaidya.com

February 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

subway Franchise Restaurant for sale in Holly Springs, NC. Please call 919518-4456. Convenience store/Gas station for sale/lease in Thomasville, NC. Skilled game machines, lottery & ATM. Dry county. Very reasonable price. Owner financing available. Quick closing. Call 704-408-4920 or 973-207-6798. Franchise Hotel for sale near Rock Hill/Richburg, SC. 32 Units. Current owner retiring. Includes owner’s apartment. Financing available. Call 803-230-4402. Convenience store Properties for sale in Forest City, NC and Gaffney, SC. Call 980-250-4995. Businesses for sale: Frenchies and independent motels available with finance. Call 404-903-3362. C-store for sale in Wadesboro NC. Owner Retiring. Perfect Opportunity. Call 336-825-4442 for more details. Franchise Restaurants for sale: 2 locations in Goldsboro, NC Low rent / operating costs. Call 848-219-9427

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Hotel Help needed: Front Desk & Housekeeping (single or couple) for 25room Motel in Gastonia. Full-time or part-time. Accommodations provided. Contact 704-675-3970 between 5-9pm. looking for sales Person for Mall Clothing Store in Charlotte. Full-time or part-time. Fluent English and legal status a must. Students welcome. Good pay with commission. Contact Prakash at praaya@gmail.com or 704-258-4149. nanny needed for a 1 year-old in South Charlotte. Must have skills to engage with child. Should have own transportation. Good English is mandatory. Pay rate negotiable. Contact 732-762-0392. C-store / Gas station Help Wanted in Gaffney, SC. Part-time or Full-time. Single, Couple or Family. Legal status required. Fluent English & previous experience preferred. Call 704-726-7544 Hotel Help Wanted: Housekeeping & Maintenance couple. Accommodations provided. For meeting stop by Lamplighter Inn in Charlotte M-F between 9am-2pm or call 803-554-6377. Full time nanny needed (Live in / Live out) immediately to take care of 10 month-old near Charlotte. Also cooking and light housekeeping. Contact Rinku at 410-782-5151. Housekeeping needed for franchise Hotel near Charlotte. Accommodations provided. Legal status required. Call 864-384-6900 between 9am & 5pm.

subway for sale in Hickory, NC. Profitable. $1200/month rent includes Power, Water, Trash, Heat/Air, Building Maintenance (Inside & Out). Selling Due to Health Reasons. Make a Reasonable Offer! Call 828-244-1205. Convenience store for sale near Cowpens, SC. No gas. Good location. Contact 704-813-2462. Retail / Convenience stores: C-Store: employment opportunities for Greensboro, NC $759,000 + Inv, office assistant, warehouse manager Property incl., owner financing & store manager in Rock Hill, SC for available; C-Store: Greensboro, NC Men's clothing business. Store $1,100,000 + Inv, Property Incl., owner manager positions also available in financing available; Call County South Charleston SC, Raleigh NC, Macon, at 704-821-8888 or visit GA. Good compensation for qualified www.Countysouth.biz applicants. Call 704-277-3233. Independent 23-room motel for sale Front desk Clerk needed for Hotel in with two bedroom house and owner Raleigh, NC Legal status required. inancing. Call 803-464-5736. Fluent English and basic computer skills preferred. Accommodations leaRn provided. Call 301-526-6532. aBout land C-store/Gas station Help Wanted in Davidson County (35 min drive from We help High networth Charlotte). Full-time. Honesty, Cash Buyers in the consistency, and punctuality a must. Carolinas. Contact Bob atkinson Great package with vehicle & “the land Man” 919-362-6999 or accommodations. Call 704-408-4920 or visit www.learnaboutland.com 973-207-6798. Saathee.com

124

Retail sales: Long-Term Sales position for Sports & Men’s Designer wear in Concord Mills. Dependable, Mature, Honest, Loyal, Customer friendly with positive attitude & flex schedule. Salary based on experience with some benefits. Will train beginners. Call 704231-5038. Convenience store help wanted in Concord area. Part-time or full-time. Good salary! Call 704-787-1567. looking for nanny for 5 month-old girl in Concord, NC. Full-time, MonFri, 10am-5pm. Contact Divya at 248719-0928. Front desk Clerk needed for franchise motel in Charlotte. Full-time or parttime. Experience & fluent English required. Must be honest & reliable. Call Nina 704-299-3364. laundry assistant needed in Charlotte area. Call between 9am & 11am MonFri only at 704-596-3601. Motel Help Wanted: Housekeeping & Front desk/night auditors for multiple hotels in Raleigh. Legal status required. Some computer skills & fluent English required. Accommodations provided. Call 843-433-4210 (Raghu), 919-757-7462 (Pranay) or hotel.raleigh@gmail.com Full/Part-time nanny/House Helper needed in Charlotte, NC (weekdays) for 2 year-old. Must be able to drive. Flexible hours. Call 646-339-6192. eyebrow threading Position available in Winston-Salem, NC. Excellent Pay + Tips & Benefits! Some Experience and fluent English required. Contact 336422-7582. Cashier/Clerk wanted (full-time, 2nd shift) for gas station /convenience store off I-77 in Rock Hill, SC. Call 704-907-5884. Front desk / shift Manager wanted (single or couple) for Franchise Motel in Fort Mill, SC (near Charlotte). Previous hotel experience, fluent English, and basic computer skills required. Accommodations provided. Email resume: bwhospitality78@gmail.com.

experienced nanny needed for 1 yearold toddler in Charlotte (Steele Creek). Mon-Fri, 12pm to 6pm in home. Must have own transportation. Call or text 773-458-0457. Convenience store help needed immediately in Charlotte, NC. Fulltime & part-time including weekends. Call Vimal at 704-299-2580. February 2019

night auditor wanted for Red Roof Inn in Anderson, SC. Fluent English required. Accommodations provided. Contact 614-981-1885 or 619-592-2504. seeking Babysitter/ nanny (Live-in / Live-out) in Charlotte area for 1 yearold baby. Contact 571-228-2450 Hotel Help needed: Front desk (Single/Couple) and Housekeeping (Couple) needed for Independent Hotel. Accommodations provided. Legal status, Experience & English required. Contact 301-338-4035. Part-time Pakistani/Indian cook needed for household in Gastonia, NC. Also some light cleaning and laundry. Schedule negotiable. Call 919-270-8011. Front desk/ Management Help needed for mid-scale Choice brand interior corridor property in Fort Mill,SC (Carowinds area). Legal status and fluent English required. Please call 803-237-8799. live-in/live out nanny needed starting Immediately for 8 month-old babies in Fort Mill, SC (10 mins from Ballantyne). Call Gauri at 980-254-8070. sales associates needed (parttime/full-time) for UPS Store in Charlotte. Must have good computer knowledge. Call SK at 704-964-5520. looking for GMs to operate franchise motels in Richburg, SC and Rock Hill, SC. Legal status & fluent English required. Accommodations provided. Call 803-230-4402. Full-time live-in / live-out nanny needed for 9 month-old near Charlotte. Includes cooking and light cleaning. Call or text Jitender at 718350-5845. Hotel Management Firm Hiring: Housekeepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager of franchise hotels. Experience required. E-mail resumes to abcone@abcinns.com or call 704-6496833 (M-F, 9AM-5PM). threaders, estheticians & Cosmetologists wanted in Charlotte & Raleigh. Great pay & flexibility. Experience required. Good English skills. Call 704-612-2255 (M-F, 9-5) Motel Help Wanted: Housekeeping, Managers & Night Auditors for Independent & Franchise Motels in South Carolina. Good pay and accommodations provided. Call 803664-0477 Saathee.com

Housekeeping couple needed: Hotel in Cleveland / Akron, Ohio. Accommodations provided. No English necessary. Call 919-673-7623 email: ram@omdevelopmentcorp.com

Front desk Help needed for Franchise motel in Richmond, VA (Airport area). Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 804512-7810. Part-time vegetarian cook wanted for household in S. Charlotte / Fort Mill area. Schedule negotiable. Call 803230-4402. Manager wanted for 22-room Hotel in Dallas, NC. Accommodations provided. Call 704-674-8395. Hotel Help needed: Housekeeping couple and Front desk for Franchise Hotel in Hickory/Conover, NC. Accommodations provided. Legal status & fluent English required. Call Rick 919-724-6772. Hotel Help Wanted: Housekeeping and Laundry for 100-room franchise Hotel near Rocky Mount, NC. Email vsarla18@gmail.com. Full-time assistant Manager needed for Gas Station in Rock Hill, SC. Experience, good English and legal status required. Call 704-737-7230 Convenience store help wanted in Charlotte (University City area). Experience preferred but not required. Call or text 704-904-5613.

looking for work? Check Saathee.com daily for additional help wanted classified ads visit Saathee.com/employmentopportunities

PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

used Hotel locks and RFId keys. Onity, Kaba-Ilco, Saflok and Vingcard. Also selling RFID keys for all major hotel brands. Contact Neal 410-3491967 skhospitality@yahoo.com or Neal@JSKcards.com Clothing for sale: Wholesale cost Kurtis, Kurtas, Lawn Kurtas, Leggings, Etc. Cotton, Cotton Silk, Rayon, Chiffon, Pashmina/Georgette work. All Sizes. Call Jay 862-220-1390. Hotel equipment for sale: 93 rooms of Hotel furniture in mint condition & works well for franchise or independent hotels. Also Onity T-24 Locks in working condition. Call Rusab at 704-772-5554. 125

MATRIMONIAL

Parents looking for match for son and daughter. Roman Catholic, Caste no bar. 32 year-old son, 5'11", unmarried, doctor / surgeon in Saudi Arabia. 37 year-old daughter, 5'4”, unmarried, PhD in English, professor in India. Send bio-data, pictures to smparmar.299@gmail.com or via WhatsApp +91,8849931465.. affluent Hindu-Punjabi parents seek match for us citizen daughter: 27/5’4”, slim, very pretty, fair complexion, family oriented. Professional health care worker. Financially secure. All serious inquiries will be promptly responded to. Send biodata & photos to nudaak@gmail.com or 520-442-5482. looking for a life partner? Saathee can help you reach hundreds of potential matches. E-mail info@saathee.com.

SERVICES

need help with your tax filings? Contact Bhaskar CPA for affordable personal and business tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services. Contact 704-770-7125 or lak123cpa@gmail.com.

licensed cosmetologists and Dermalogica certified skin care. 20 years of beauty services. Visit our site and call for appointment: browthreading-by-pooja.business.site/. Deals changes every month, so check regularly!

Belmont alterations & designing: Custom alterations or stitching for your Punjabi suits, blouses, sarees, dresses, cholis, and lehengas. Also available for henna/mendhi art. Contact 704-898-5376.

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

SERVICES CONTINUED NEXT PAGE February 2019

CLASSIFIEDS CONTINUED SERVICES CONTINUED Wedding doli Rental: Customizable /elegant designs. Impeccable service. Based in Chapel Hill with broad travel range. Add'l info: text 919-824-5144 or visit: www.DulhanDoliRental.com neeta’s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270. need an affordable dJ for Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity? Look no further! Contact DJ Rahul at 980-319-7389 or TheRealDJRahul@gmail.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 Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 29 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912.

Priest specializing in all kinds of Hindu Ceremonies. Poojas, Vrathas & Homams/Havan, Satyanarayan Pooja, Rudraabhishegam, Gruhapravesam & Japam, Baby Showers and Weddings. Self- Transportation to Pooja site anywhere. Call Pralad Joshi: 704-5002210 (home), 704-450-6447 (cell)

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 Carolina software testing Hub: QA / Mobile / ETL Testing / Business Analyst Training in Charlotte and Fort Mill. Hands on Technology, Live Projects and training on Testing Tools. Resume & Interview Guidance with Job Placement assistance. Call: 704552-4010 / 704-806-8907 / 803-228-0468 Catering services for special events. 25-years of experience with fine dining food. Can help with delivery pickups, serving food, etc. 2-3 additional staff also available. Call 704-957-1925.

Priest available for the following 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.

Bridal makeup artist available by appointment. Call 803-397-5863. Photographer available for all occasions. Call 803-397-3761.

To Submit a Classified visit: Saathee.com/classifieds or email: info@saathee.com or call 704.527.7570 Business ads are $25 Personal ads are $15 Upgrade to color for an additional $10 or add a box for $15 Saathee.com ads posted daily Ads up to 25 words. Deadline for print is the 20th. Web ads daily.

Serving Buyers and Sellers Since 1989 Our experienced and talented agents can speak

English, Hindi & Gujarati Offering Motels, Restaurants, Dry Cleaners, Laundromats, Convenience Stores, Land and more CONVENIENCE STORES:

C-Store: Elkin, NC $139,000 + Inv. Annual sales $1,950,000, Fuel Gallons 660,000 C- Store: Charlotte, NC $699,000 Property Incl., Owner financing available C- Store: High Point, NC $1,750,000+ Inv. Property Incl., Owner Financing available C- Store: Lillington, NC $59,000 + Inv., Annual Sales $828,000, Fuel Gallons 180,000 C-Store: Warren County, NC $699,000 + Inv. Property Incl. Annual Sales $925,000 C-Store: Gastonia, NC $75,000 + Inv, Annual Sales $750,000+, Avail with Prop for $399,000 C- Store: Richburg, SC $489,000 + Inv. Property Incl., Annual Sales $930,000 C- Store: Charlotte, NC $119,000 + Inv., Annual Sales $1,300,000+, Fuel Gallons 330,000

Let Us Help You Buy or Sell A Business!

County South Realty & Business Brokers 303 Indian Trail Road South Indian Trail, NC 28079

704-821-8888 www.CountySouth.biz

FOOD:

Family Restaurant: Lincolnton, NC $360,000, Annual Sales $1,080,000

OTHER SERVICES

Grocery Store: Statesville, NC $239,000, Annual Sales $1,400,000 Dry Cleaner: Triangle Region, NC $500, Annual Sales $706,000 ~ REDUCED Beauty Wholesaler: Charlotte, NC $165,000

More listings available at:

Saathee.com

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Two Convenient Charlotte Locations! arlotte h C h t u o S ille) (Pinev

North Ch arlotte ( Univer

sity)

Finest Indian & Pakistani Groceries • Fresh Vegetables Frozen Foods & Ice Cream • Fresh Sweets & Snacks Stainless Steel Utensils • Clean & Organized

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 10 AM - 8:30 PM University Location is the BIGGEST INDIAN GROCERY STORE IN SOUTHEAST, USA

South Charlotte

North Charlotte

(Pineville)

(University)

704.540.2013

704.509.2305

10701 CENTRUM PARKWAY, PINEVILLE, NC 28134

8109 UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD. SUITE A

ACROSS FROM CAROLINA PLACE MALL (Next to Wells Fargo Bank, Across From Best Buy)

(Next to Value City Furniture)

CHARLOTTE NC, 28213

Advertisers Index Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan)...73

Gilles Law, PLLC (Immigration & Family Law) ...........37

Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine......................83

Akruti Collections......................................................45

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ..................................131

Patel Brothers (Charlotte)........................................127

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) .....................................79

H2 Laser & Skin .......................................................80

Patel, Champa (Real Estate)......................................75

Anil & Anjali Bedi LLC (CPA & Consultants)...............33

Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center........................87

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)..................................103

Around The World Market (Charlotte)........................38

HelloMyCPA Consulting Inc.......................................37

Patel, Tony (Real Estate)............................................49

Aspect Commerical Realty (Prashant Parmar)........111

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events) ......................66-69

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

Austin Village Eye Care (Dr. Keshav Bhat) ...............117

Home Decorators Of America (Sonal Furniture - Atlanta) .81

Persis.......................................................................70

Bai's Home Décor ....................................................27

Hull & Chandler, P.A. (Ketan Soni - Legal)..................51

PNC Bank (Commercial Financing - Reena Ruwala).107

Bala Sure (Broker / Realtor, NC & SC)......................29

Idolize Brows & Beauty ...........................................65

Pramukh Mandapam ...............................................71

Balance by Touch Massage .....................................23

Illume MD (Laser Hair Removal) .............................121

Raghu Mothukuri Allstate Agent .............................129

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)............63

Inchin's Bamboo Garden Charlotte...........................21

Raj D Batra Photography ..........................................33

Barot, Tushar (Insurance)........................................111

India Grocers (Charlotte).........................................113

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

Bashyam Shah LLP - Immigration Law Group........109

Indian Grocery (Columbia) ........................................77

Rajbhog Foods .......................................................101

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................95

International Community Church ...........................111

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)....129

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

Javed Ali Live In Concert (Charlotte)............................5

Ram Realty (Ram Kalagara)....................................123

Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC...........................................42

Jay Bale (Real Estate - Commercial & Residential)....11

Ramana Coaching Center ........................................59

Blooming Buds.........................................................73

Jyoti's World Cuisine (Vegan & Vegetarian)...............30

Red Line Auto Services (Charlotte)............................85

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

K & M Accounting ....................................................90

Robert Brown LLC (Oza, Rishi: Immigration Law)......73

Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate)..................21

K Scott Weddings (Wedding & Event Designer).........75

Rocket ATM............................................................117

British International School of Charlotte.....................48

KB Zaveree.................................................................4

Royal Events LLC (DJ Service & More)......................37

C4D Mortgage (Jubi Chackunkal, P.E.) .....................33

KD Financial & KMD Realty.......................................61

Saffron Restaurant and Catering ............................121

Carolina Elite Ventures .............................................55

Khanna & Sons Jewelers .........................................13

Sani Designs ............................................................43

Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai)............................99

KMD Realty (Divyesh Chauhan) ................................51

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC.........................................75

Carolina Software Testing ........................................45

Kumon Math and Reading Center ...........................97

Shah, Anish (Real Estate) ...................................56-57

Carolina Tax Service and Bookkeeping .....................51

Life Mission USA ......................................................31

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) .........................82

Carolina Wedding Belle (Event Design & Décor)......103

Maadhurya Photography..........................................19

Shining Stars Academy ............................................89

CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel) .............117

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................93

Shyama Beauty Parlour............................................29

Charlotte Chess Center ............................................79

Malak Jewelers........................................................25

Singh Tutoring ..........................................................77

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat ..............................84

Malani Jewelers.....................................................132

Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara) ............................34

Charlotte Music School.............................................91

Malaya Kitchen.......................................................105

Sonu Nigam & Neha Kakkar Live In Concert (Atlanta) .9

Chiro-Carolina

..................................................105

Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors) ........................39

Southern Oncology Specialists (Dr. Swetha Gujja).....85

Code Ninjas..............................................................47

Matthews Family Dentistry ....................................115

Subway For Sale ....................................................129

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).....................115

Monroe Oil Company................................................53

Thakkar, Beena (Realty) ............................................45

Concord Children's Clinic ....................................115

Mount Soma (Sri Somesvara Temple).......................31

The Blue Taj..............................................................17

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte)...................................17

MyShadi Bridal Expo (Raleigh) ..................................10

Travelinks .................................................................43

County South Realty & Business Brokers ...............126

Nagpal, Sunil (MassMutual Carolinas).......................26

Triveni Supermarket .................................................49

Dentist (Pineville Dentistry - Lina V. Mistry, DDS) .......93

Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) ..............................35

Ttravel Guru..............................................................44

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........71

Nawabs Kebabs (Charlotte) ....................................107

Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate).............................................41

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC)......................................39

Neeta's Beauty Parlor...............................................45

Uni World Travel......................................................101

DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) ...................................................71

Neetu Singh Realty Group ......................................107

Vyas Travels..............................................................75

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani)...........................................101

North American Bancard ........................................15

Windsor Run (Retirement Community)......................16

DJ Murali..................................................................77

Nuv Yug India Fest......................................................3

Yafa Halal Market & Café..........................................41

Eye Level (locations) ...............................................130

OM Tech Training ...................................................105

Zafran Kabab Palace (Charlotte / Pineville)................11

Fairview Home Mortgage .........................................35

One2 Entertainment .................................................65

Zest Of the Rest .....................................................87

Saathee.com

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February 2019

RESTAURANTS FOR SALE

Rajdeep Media Production PROFESSIONAL 4k Videography & Photography THE BEST PACkAGE DEALS TO SUIT TO YOUR BUDGET

FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Weddings, Engagements, Arangetrams, Sweet 16, Anniversary, Theater, Business Conferences... Profitable and well established good-volume franchised locations in strip mall plazas on US hwy 117 in Goldsboro, NC. The restaurants are surrounded by many daytime businesses, ATV park, and residential homes. New 118-acre industrial park coming soon.

Top Sandwich Franchises (2)

• Live video stream available • Share your videos & photos at no additional cost • Editing services for videos and photographs

(Numbers below are for both combined)

Listing Price: $450,000 (includes transfer fees) Gross Sales: 2016 $754,000 2017 $725,000 2018 $590,000

Videography & Photography Are Our Passion!

(Through September 30)

Inventory: $9000 (excludes in asking price)

• Topmost editing with 25 years experience in the industry

• Professional sound system available with wireless mics

Initial Open Date: April 2000

Call Ramesh Panjabi: 336-847-0254

Sachin Patel

Décor Type: Tuscany II

848-219-9427

Restaurant Size: ~1,500 SF with

sachinpatel83@yahoo.com

Email: ramesh@rajdeepmedia.com Website: www.rajdeepmedia.com

Seating Capacity of 54

Wishing You a Happy Valentine’s Day! • Home Insurance • Auto Insurance • Landlord/Condo insurance • Rental Insurance • Umbrella policy

SWITCH & SAVE UP TO $500/YEAR Call me for a quote and see how much you can save!

• Life insurance • Commercial insurance • Retirement planning & Annuities • Supplemental Benefits for Small Businesses

704-788-8421 Cell: 704-612-3762 RaghuSAgency@Allstate.com

Raghu Mothukuri

1036 Branchview Dr. Suite 101 Concord, NC 28025

Please call me for all your insurance needs.

Saathee.com

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February 2019