Saathee Charlotte January 2021 by Shukla Entertainment

Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent

Saathee.com

January 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

An Indian-American’s Letter from India: pg 22 Fats and Oils, the Good & Bad: pg 40 Recipe: Red Lentil Dal Makhani: pg 72

30+ Employment Classiﬁeds: pg 92

The Aggarwal Group at Morgan Stanley Triangle Area Wealth Managers / Advisors

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Hello Readers! Saathee magazine enters its 23rd year of publication. We thrive on support, good wishes and positive feedback and vibrations of the community. This includes our readers, families, and advertisers. Rebuilding community and connections are clearly the prime theme of this incoming year. All the noise from the recently ended year can make us stronger as a community, if most are willing to put in a little personal eﬀort. Here’s to such bridge building and all the quiet and steady work that goes on to move us forward.

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

January 2021 Issue # 272 - Saathee.com Editor Samir Shukla

Happy New Year!

(Samir@Saathee.com)

Comments and Suggestions always welcome. Email saathee@saathee.com

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

Digital Media & Marketing Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." - Benjamin Franklin

Contributors for this issue:

Cover: Mumbai The largest city in India is a thriving, pulsing hub of business and finance. The Municipal Corporation Building, located in South Mumbai, is a heritage building. It is also known as the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation Building, or BMC building for short. The building houses the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Read about the city during the lockdown from an Indian-American’s perpective. See page 22. Photo: Shutterstock

Kirit Shukla, Ahsen Jillani, Taige Shukla Parul Kharod, Shyama Parui, Mo Vidwans Raajeev Aggerwhil, Balaji Prasad, Shivani Tripathi, Lindsey Conger, and Jalendu Vaidya. Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.

- FOUNDED 1998 -

Saathee Magazine P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220

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January 2021

For catering contact: Andy : 704-549-1886 or PassageToIndiaCLT@gmail.com

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The importance of education today is undeniable. Are you prepared for what it costs? It takes planning to fund the cost of an education considering that between 2006-07 and 2016-17, published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions increased at an average rate of 3.5% per year beyond inﬂation1. While tuition will be the largest expense, don't forget about these additional costs that may be incurred: Pre-College Costs • Standardized test fees • Test prep courses and materials • Campus visits • Moving costs Additional College Costs • Room & Board • Books & Supplies 1 College Board (Trends in Higher Education) 2017 • Transportation

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January 2021

In This Issue

Page 22 An Indian-American’s Letter from India.

Page 28 Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao star in The White Tiger.

Page 42 How Does the Philosophical Reset Start?

Page 34 Increase your India Knowledge: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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

Mirror, Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46

College Admissions Insider . . . . . .pg. 74

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

Raajeev’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48

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

Letter from India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22

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

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

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

Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . .pg. 54

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

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

Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60

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

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

Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62

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

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

News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64

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

Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40

Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66

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

Subcontinental Divide . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42

Recipe: Red Lentil Dal Makhani . .pg. 72

Saathee.com

January 2021

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January 2021

Out with the G, In With the D The Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla

Start the New Year oﬀ right. I’m not here to suggest resolutions that will be quickly forgotten. I’m here to give you a bit of your privacy back, if you choose to take action. It is simple. You’re likely not going to do it, but I’ll give a shout out anyway. What am I talking about? Search engines. It’s a plural word, but let’s face it, there’s one beast that has overtaken and dominates online searching and data gathering. Let’s call that beast G***le. You know what I’m talking about. Here I’ll also refer to it simply as G. Most people use G out of formed habit, herd mentality and general laziness. Most searches are for routine, easy and obvious stuﬀ - nearby restaurant, recipe for samosas, movies playing. These things don’t require a monstrous data gathering overlord like G***le. Any of the other search engines will give you similar results. Sure, if you’re looking for the mating habits of dung beetles during the second week of monsoon in Botswana during a leap year, well, then maybe G will give better results. Most people are not that detailed searchers. Even for general school or college assignments, most searches are pretty rudimentary. So what, you say. What else would you use? How about a little quack? I’ve been using the searcher Duck Duck Go for several years now. As an editor and writer, I do deeper online searching than most folks. Of course, I also do lots of quick cursory searches of convenience and general info like everyone else, and Duck Duck Go or, D, essentially gives the same results as G for both types, without doing bodily cavity searches and brain scans that G is set up to do. Saathee.com

Duck Duck Go is known for protecting privacy. They don’t gather mass data or store IP addresses or user information. The search portal is an option if you are becoming averse to always using G. Of course there’s no such thing as complete privacy in our digital world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some precautions. Most of the things we search for online are generally common and easy to find on any search engine. You don’t need G***le to find it for you and then make you their data slave. Yeah, many people use G docs or G suite. It’s hard to get away from it, but possible with some eﬀort. Here’s a place you can really dump G***le. Your phones. Most searching done on phones is for quick, cursory information. This is where Duck Duck Go can help build a little wall against G, which is also beneficial on laptops or tablets, as well. This year when you are looking for something, don’t say G***le it, say “Duck it” and give Duck Duck Go a shot. I’m not a stake holder and I have no incentive to promote the company. I’m convinced after years of use that it is a much less sinister option then G, where the everpervasive tentacles of G have me waking up in a cold sweat some nights. In the New Year kick out G***le and try Duck Duck Go. You’ll help spread the wealth of information. There are of course many other search portals, but for simplicity the old cliché here can apply, D can slay G, David can slay Goliath. Ok, maybe not slay it, but you’ll get a bit of your privacy back and G***le will acquire fewer bits of your soul. Incoming year niceties I won’t repeat the societal dissonance of the year that just ended, but maybe the incoming one can be where we can reconnect with friends or neighbors that have been disconnected, either voluntarily or in a forced manner, via politics or the invisible bug. It’ll be a slow process, especially if there are grudges and bitterness in the mix from a toxic political year, but aren’t we all more alike than unlike? I don’t ever need to shake hands again, but I do want the proximity of human connection. I’m so looking forward to cancelling zoom and meeting in a room. Hang in there. Give someone with an opposing view a warm hello, ask them how they are, for no reason then just to do it. You just may build a bridge. I’ll see you out there, soon. Have a Connected New Year.

Samir Shukla Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com Twitter: @ShuklaWrites Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com 14

January 2021

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January 2021

Community Events A Yagna to Make America Healthy: (January 16 - 31, 2021) According to the American Medical Association, stress is a factor in more than 75 percent of illness in USA. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) initiated this annual health awareness project in 2006. Since its inception, participants have actively taken part via various Yoga Centers, community organizations, schools and colleges regardless of individual faiths and beliefs. They have collectively performed over four million Surya Namaskars. The goal of SNY (Surya Namaskar Yagna) is to encourage all to conduct daily practice of Surya Namaskar for healthful and happy living. Surya Namaskar is an ancient Hindu innovation for stretching and oxygenating almost all organs of the body for deep relaxation with minimum eﬀort and time. The HSS is organizing the SNY from January 16 - 31, 2021. The goal is to oﬀer one million Surya Namaskars across the United States during this 2-week period. Details: Hssus.org/sny. In the Carolinas contact: hss.rtp@gmail.com.

Theater Tours: Charlotte, NC (Through January 31, 2021)

Speedway Lights: Concord, NC (through January 17, 2021) Speedway Christmas happens at Charlotte Motor Speedway through January 17, 2021. The 11th edition of Charlotte’s drive-through light show features more than four million lights over a 3.75-mile course that includes most of the oval as well as the infield. Tune into 101.3 FM to enjoy Christmas music as you take in illuminated Christmas displays at the light show. There are movie nights on the giant Speedway TV every Thursday-Sunday. Tickets and other info can be found at Charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Free Citizenship Classes: (starts January 20, 2021)

Take an up-close look at how these spaces operate and accommodate shows, including how shows load in, where stars prepare for performances, the history of the ghost light and more. Hear behind-thescenes stories from secrets of how Mary Poppins flew over the audience to the experience of having The Hunger Games filmed in Knight Theater and more. You'll explore almost every inch of beloved venues. Tours meet at Spirit Square and last between 90 and 120 minutes and include climbing stairs, standing for extended periods. Wear comfortable shoes. Masks required. For more details call 704.348.5752. Saathee.com

Are you interested in becoming an American citizen? Are you a green card holder? InStepp help prepare you for your citizenship exam with free virtual citizenship classes. Learn everything you need to know about American history, government, and culture to pass the citizenship exam. Get free materials to study. Improve your English and become a part of a community to help you pass your citizenship test. Each 10-week class includes both instructional time and practice sessions for the naturalization interview and citizenship test. Registration and placement testing are required before class attendance. The Winter class schedules are as follows: January 21 – March 29 - Mondays & Thursdays, 6pm to 8pm; January 20 – March 24 Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm; January 23 – March 27 - Saturdays, 10am to 1pm. Details: Instepp.org/citizenship-classes.

Midlands Women’s Fair: Columbia, SC (January 23, 2021) Come out to Midlands Women’s Fair at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 10am - 4pm to get pampered, do some shopping, and have fun with the women in your life. This free event will feature over 80 vendors with products, services, and information for women plus free chair massages, photo booths, makeovers, airbrush & henna tattoos, self-defense classes, health screenings and more. Learn more at Eventbrite.com. 18

January 2021

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Along with our current practice model, we are introducing the new direction in primary care, "Direct Primary Care". DPC practice includes 24/7 access to physicians via phone calls, texts, emails, video/telephone, annual physical examinations with chest x-ray, routine labs and EKG with affordable monthly fees for mostly uninsured and high deductible insured individuals. Please check our website and call our ofﬁce for further details. Covid Testing • Complete Physical Exams • Well Men’s Exam • Well Women’s Exam / Pap Smears / Breast Exams X-rays / Lab Studies • Sports/School (Complete Physical Exam) • Continuing Care of Heart, Lung, Kidney, Thyroid Disease Diabetes, High Blood Pressure Management • Chronic Care Management • EKG / Stress Testing / Echocardiogram Nerve Conduction Studies • Joint Injections • Vascular / Doppler Studies • IV Hydration / IV Antibiotics • Bone Density Testing Minor Surgical Procedures • Allergy Testing • Medical Spa: Botox/Filler Injections, Laser Treatment, Chemical Peel, Skin Treatment Other Providers: Dr. Avinash Shah - Internal Medicine; Dr. Mike Agha - Internal Medicine; Harlee Palmer - PA-C

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Monday & Thursday : 8 AM - 5 PM • Tuesday & Wednesday : 7:30 AM - 5 PM • Friday : 8 AM - 2 PM Saathee.com

January 2021

Community Events Myrtle Beach Marathon: (March 6, 2021) Whether you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon or planning a fun running weekend getaway with the family, the 24th annual Myrtle Beach Marathon course is the perfect place to start. With only 25 feet of elevation gain, you’ll be able to tour one of the East Coast’s top vacation towns. Start near Broadway at the Beach, race along Ocean Blvd, and finish at Pelicans Ballpark for a post-race extravaganza. Start your running journey on Saturday, March 6, 2021 with a full marathon, half marathon, 5k, a virtual family fun run, and for the first time they are oﬀering Blowing Rock WinterFest (January 28-31, 2021) Join in on the 23rd Annual Blowing Rock WinterFest, January a Virtual 10k Race. Learn more details at 28-31, 2021 and enjoy the fun side of winter. Events include Capstoneraces.com/myrtle-beach-marathon. the icy Polar Bear Plunge in Chetola Lake, WinterFeast - 15 Carolina Fiber Fest: Raleigh, NC (March 12-13, 2021) Restaurants under one roof, WinterFashion Show, Ice Carving in Memorial Park, Rotary Chili Cookoﬀ & Tasting, The 15th annual Carolina FiberFest will be held virtually on Winter Art events at BRAHM, Winter Beer Garden and more. March 12-13, 2021. Attracting fiber enthusiasts from the surrounding area and beyond, this family-friendly event More info is available at Blowingrockwinterfest.com. features classes, free demonstrations, and shopping for yarn, ready-to-spin fiber, patterns, tools, accessories, and specialty Republic Day Celebration: Charlotte, NC items. More info can be found at Carolinafiberfest.org. (January 31, 2021) Celebrate India’s Republic Day Celebrations on Sunday, Oak City Revolution: Raleigh, NC (March 20, 2021) January 31, 2021 beginning at noon. There will be flag premiere Bollywood-fusion dance competition Raleigh’s hoisting, national anthems, and a cultural show. The event will take place at NC State’s Stewart Theater in will also be broadcast on Facebook Live. It takes place at the Raleigh, NC on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Hindu Center of Charlotte, located at 7400 City View Dr. For Teams from several universities will compete in more details contact 704-258-3588 or visit Hcclt.org. the fast-paced dance competition. For more details, visit Facebook.com/OakCityRevolution. Beaufort International Film Festival:

(February 15-19, 2021)

Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Show: Hickory, NC (March 26-28, 2021)

The purpose of the festival, taking place February 15-19, 2021, is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries, and screenwriting. The Beaufort Film Society has served as the tip of the spear in forging a new presence for the art of filmmaking in Beaufort County since their formation in 2009. By producing an internationally respected film festival located in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands, they have raised an awareness of the culture and history in the region. For more information, visit Beaufortfilmfestival.com.

The 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 26 & 28, 2021. Admission is $5 for all 3 days. Free admission for military, law enforcement, scouts, and Children 12 & under. See more details at Wilmington Marathon Madness: (February 27, 2021) Experience marathon madness from Pier to Port with this Facebook.com/Catawbaannualshow. Boston Marathon qualifier and USATF certified qualifier Summerville Family Flowertown Festival: race. The new course for the full (March 26-28, 2021) marathon starts Saturday February is a fundraiser founded in 1972 to Festival Flowertown The 27, 2021 at Johnnie Mercers Pier support health and wellness programs. Every spring, in Wrightsville Beach, and runs thousands of people visit Summerville to see nature’s through Wilmington (total of six bounty awash in color, from the hot pink azaleas, to the bridges) ending in Historic purple wisteria, to the delicate white dogwood. On this Downtown Wilmington on the three-day weekend between March 26 & 28, 2021, festivalRiverwalk in front of the Alton goers transcend this gracious Southern town to take in the Lennon Federal Courthouse. Runners will span a total 6 bridges (4 of which are flat) and run flowers and hospitality and attend one of the largest arts and through some of the best scenery in Wilmington. Learn crafts festivals in the Southeast. Learn more at Summervilleymca.org. more at Wilmingtonncmarathon.com. Saathee.com

January 2021

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An Indian-American’s Letter from India

How I Saw the Country Change in 2020

Fragrant amaltas flowers shower an empty Central Avenue during lockdown in Chembur, Mumbai.

Part 1

by Shivani Tripathi

Mumbai is a diverse, spirited, fastpaced metropolis. Residents take pride in saying it is a place that values hard work more than caste and creed, and the city by the sea has a reputation of being one of the safest places in India for women. These qualities, along with my native-level fluency in Hindi, made me gravitate to this part of the world in autumn of 2019 as part of my dream to travel, to write, to be inspired. India is a place where I can feel both comfortable and challenged, a place that is both familiar and foreign to me, a person born and raised in the United States. After exploring Mumbai, I was to journey through other parts of India and then venture outside the subcontinent. I chose to reside in Chembur, a section of Mumbai that Hindi film personalities like Ashok Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Vidya Balan have called home, and where the gates of the iconic filmmaker Raj Kapoor’s RK Studios still stands. Bungalows from another era are nestled between modern high rises, quiet public gardens neighbor bustling malls, and a posh golf club is adjacent to a former camp for Saathee.com

Photos by Shivani Tripathi

refugees of Partition. Chembur is close enough to points of interest, but distant enough to be a place of rest after a long day, a community with fewer distractions. I spent the rest of 2019 and early 2020 exploring festivals, museums, theaters, heritage sites, concerts, food tours and much more across Mumbai. I was making friends with the largest city in India but was also feeling restless to explore a diﬀerent part of the country. Longing to be surrounded by nature, fresher air and quiet, I made plans to make the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh the next stop in my journey. I took to mask wearing not long after landing in Mumbai as the air quality would often be measured as “Unhealthy” and some days even thirty minutes outdoors unmasked would give me a headache, sore throat and chest congestion. I chose March for my departure but almost as soon as I had booked accommodations, they had to be canceled. A “Janata Curfew” was announced for Sunday, March 22, 2020 and residents of India were asked to remain indoors from 7am to 9pm as a show of solidarity against a novel corona virus making its way to every corner of the globe. It was an unforgettable morning. I awakened as if in the peaceful suburb of my childhood, as the typical sounds of Indian neighborhoods had vanished. No shrill horns were echoing from the street, the vegetable vendor was not announcing his presence to neighborhoods, the sound of construction or repair wasn’t reverberating. An eerily empty lane in a Only birds were to be heard. With my eyes I residential neighborhood in witnessed a Chembur that longtime residents Chembur, Mumbai. told me existed decades ago — a sleepy part of what was then Bombay, where kids would play in empty streets and the pace of life was slow and steady. The streets were again empty but life had come to a standstill. Two days later, a nationwide lockdown was announced for a 21-day period. The news came in the evening and the next day I went to a small grocery store around continued on page 58

January 2021

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January 2021

Upcoming Movie Releases All Dates Subject to Change - Visit Saathee.com/Movies for updates Wrath of Man (Director: Guy Ritchie) Cast: Jason Statham, Scott Eastwood, and Josh Hartnett

January 14

The Dig (Director: Simon Stone) Cast: Carey Mulligan, Lily James, and Ralph Fiennes

January 22 The White Tiger (Streaming) (Director: Ramin Bahrani) Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao, Adarsh Gourav, and Mahesh Manjrekar

Most Eligible Bachelor (Director: Bhaskar) Cast: Akhil Akkineni, Pooja Hegde, and Sudigali Sudheer Rang De (Director: Venky Atluri) Cast: Nithiin, Keerthy Suresh, Suhas, and Vineeth Vakeel Saab (Director: Venu Sriram) Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Anjali, Nivetha Thomas, Prakash Raj

Nine Days (Director: Edson Oda) Cast: Winston Duke, Benedict Wong, Tony Hale, and Bill Skarsgård No Man’s Land (Director: Conor Allyn) Cast: Frank Grillo, Jake Allyn, George Lopez, and Andie MacDowell

Aranya (Director: Prabhu Solomon) Cast: Rana Daggubati and Vishnu Vishal

January 15 Sardar Udham Singh (Director: Shoojit Sircar) Cast: Vicky Kaushal and Banita Sandhu

Born a Champion (Director: Alex Ranarivelo) Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Katrina Bowden, Dennis Quaid

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (Director: Will Gluck) Cast: James Corden, Margot Robbie, David Oyelowo, and Sam Neill

January 29 The Little Things (Director: John Lee Hancock) Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Chris Bauer and Jared Leto

Haathi Mere Saathi (Director: Prabhu Solomon) Cast: Rana Daggubati, Vishnu Vishal, Pulkit Samrat, and Shriya Pilgaonkar

Breaking News in Yuba County (Director: Tate Taylor) Cast: Allison Janney, Mila Kunis, Awkwafina, and Juliette Lewis

Mortal Kombat (Director: Simon McQuoid) Cast: Ludi Lin, Joe Taslim, Chin Han, and Hiroyuki Sanada

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Palmer (Director: Fisher Stevens) Cast: Justin Timberlake and Juno Temple

January 2021

Film Clips Sardar Udham Singh

Sardar Udham Singh is a biographical film about Udham Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter best known for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London to take revenge for 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, Punjab. The film stars Vicky Kaushal as Singh and is directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by Rising Sun Films. Look for the film in cinemas beginning January 15, 2021, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.

Mere Desh Ki Dharti Ajay and his friend are contemporary young men with dreams, insecurities, confusions and dilemmas marking their lives. Both are engineering graduates who are struggling to be successful in their lives. The film is their journey of desperation to succeed, the failures on the way and their redemption where life takes an unconventional route which makes them redefine their individual identities. The movie, directed by Faraz Haider and starring Divendu Sharma, Anupriya Goenka, and Anant Vidhaat is set to open on January 22, 2021.

No Man’s Land

Johnny Depp and Bill Nighy star in director Andrew Levitas’s film Minamata. In the film, war photographer W. Eugene Smith travels back to Japan where he documents the devastating eﬀect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities. It is set to open on February 5, 2021. A modern Western inspired by the real-life “no man’s land” areas along the Texas-Mexico border. While out on a fatherson border patrol, Jackson accidentally kills a Mexican immigrant boy. When Jackson’s father tries taking the blame, Jackson flees south on horseback, becoming a gringo “illegal alien” in Mexico. Chased by Texas Rangers and Mexican Federales, Jackson journeys across Mexico to seek forgiveness from the dead boy’s father only to fall in love with the land he was taught to hate. No Man’s Land is directed by Conor Allyn and stars Frank Grillo, George Lopez, and Andie MacDowell. Look for it beginning January 22, 2021.

The Marksman The White Tiger

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao, and Mahesh Manjrekar star in the movie about the epic journey of a poor Indian driver who must use his wit and cunning to break free from servitude to his rich masters and rise to the top of the heap. The White Tiger, directed by Ramin Bahrani, begins streaming on January 22, 2021. Saathee.com

Minamata

Liam Neeson stars as a rancher on the Arizona border who becomes the unlikely defender of a young Mexican boy desperately fleeing the cartel assassins who’ve pursued him into the U.S. Robert Lorenz directs the taut action drama which premieres on January 22, 2021. 28

Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati Launch India’s First Influencer-led Online Marketplace Veteran actor Akshay Kumar and fellow star Rana Daggubati are launching Socialswag, India’s first influencer-led online market place. The App will enable users to connect with celebrities, influencers, bloggers and other notable figures through personal interactions and learning forums. This will enable interactions in a number of ways such as master classes, live-chats, shoutouts and virtual selfies. Speaking about the app, Akshay Kumar, said: "I believe being able to connect with fans through this platform will give not only me, but all my peers an additional opportunity to closely connect with fans in these changing times." Kumar recently appeared in an advert for PagarBook, a government initiative, which was formulated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of his policy of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to help make India more selfsuﬃcient and sustainable. His App is set to launch across India in February 2021.

Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan Planning Krrish 4 Hrithik Roshan delivered his biggest blockbuster with his last January 2021

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Tandav Set in the capital city of the world’s largest democracy, Tandav, the series will take viewers inside the closed, chaotic corridors of power and uncover the manipulations, charades as well as the dark secrets of people who will go to any lengths in pursuit of power. Alongside Ali Abbas Zafar, Tandav is also the digital debut of Dimple Kapadia and presents actors Saif Ali Khan, Zeeshan Ayyub and Sunil Grover in eclectic roles. Created and Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and Produced by Himanshu Kishan Mehra and Ali Abbas Zafar, the 9-part series features an ensemble cast headlined by Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Sunil Grover. Talking about the theme of the show, Creator, Director and Producer Ali Abbas Zafar said, “Through Tandav, we take audiences into the power-hungry world of politics. As you watch the show, you’ll realize that there is no right or wrong, there is no black or white; world of power is about the world of greys. I believe that content must be film War, hitting the Rs. 300 crores at the box oﬃce. Now, backed by credible performances and I am fortunate to have according to Bollywood Hungama, his father Rakesh such heavy weights in the show.” Tandav will premiere on Roshan is working on the script for the fourth installment Amazon Prime starting January 15, 2021. of Krrish. In the film Kiara Advani will co-star and Hrithik Vijay Setupathi joins Shahid Kapoor is set to play four characters. No word on when the filming begins. for Web Series

Director Ridley Scott’s Film Gucci in the Works Filmmaker Ridley Scott is directing the upcoming murder movie, Gucci, based on the designer Maurizio Gucci. The cast Adam Driver starring as Maurizio Gucci and Lady Gaga portraying the role of Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci. Jeremy Irons has been cast as Maurizio’s father, Rodolfo Gucci. According to Variety, “Patrizia Reggiani had been abandoned after 12 years of marriage by Gucci in 1985 for a younger woman. Reggiani was tried and convicted of orchestrating her ex-husband’s assassination on the steps of his oﬃce in Italy in 1995. She gained the nickname the Black Widow during the trial and served 18 years before being released from prison in 2016.” Jared Leto, Al Pacino, Jack Huston, and Reeve Carney are also starring Shahid Kapoor delivered the blockbuster Kabir Singh and in key roles. The film is set for November 24, 2021 release. now has been signing a lot of projects. Once he wraps filming for Jersey remake, he has plans of beginning an Varun Dhawan to step into Govinda’s Shoes for original streaming series. The web series will be directed by Raj and DK and will be Shahid Kapoor’s big debut on the Bade Miyan Chote digital medium. Kapoor will be joined by the superstar of Miyan Remake South India films Vijay Setupathi. A source told Bollywood Bollywood Hungama reports Hungama, “Vijay Setupathi has been roped in for a pivotal Varun Dhawan will portray role in the series. Raj and DK wanted someone of his stature Govinda’s part in the remake to join the cast of the action thriller. The team plans to of the comedy Bade Miyan kickstart the shoot of the same from January in Mumbai and Chote Miyan. The original Goa. The action thriller will be an episodic series and have film had Amitabh Bachchan both Shahid and Vijay in a never seen before role. The and Govinda playing the untitled show will also mark Vijay’s debut in a series on the main leads and now director OTT platform.” Both actors have been paid huge sums for Jackky Bhagnani is helming the show. “Both Shahid and Vijay have charged whopping the remake. Producer David Dhawan will produce the film. remunerations to come on board for the actioner. The series This will be the father-son duo’s fourth project together. The will be designed for the pan-India audience.” No dates yet movie is likely to release in 2022. on when the series will air. Saathee.com

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USA Knowledge Puerto Rico The island of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. It is located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Puerto Rico is Spanish for “rich port.” Puerto Rico has 17 lakes, all man-made and more than 50 rivers, most originating in the main mountain range Cordillera Central. Puerto Ricans emerged mainly from three traditions, Taíno, African, and Spanish. Slavery was abolished in Puerto Rico in 1873. After the Spanish-American war ended in 1898, Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States as part of the terms of the Treaty of Paris. Puerto Ricans have been citizens of the United States since 1917, and can move freely between the island and the mainland. Puerto Rico does not have a vote in the U.S. Congress, which governs the territory with jurisdiction under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950. The Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by a Constitutional Convention on February 6, 1952, and 82 percent of the voters in a referendum that followed. It was modiﬁed and ratiﬁed by the U.S. Congress and approved by President Truman in July of that year. One of the most important holidays in Puerto Rico is Three Kings Day. Traditionally, the island (and most of the Latin world) marked the eve of January 6, rather than December 25, as the day of exchanging gifts. The holiday is rooted in religion and people celebrate with social gatherings, food, and gift giving.

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Fats and Oils The Good and the Bad Nutrition for Life by Parul Kharod One aspect of all of us being stuck indoors for the past several months is that people have started cooking and baking more at home. So let’s learn about different fats used for cooking and how they affect our health. Nutritional Functions of Fat Fats are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The primary function of fat is storage for energy. Fat has nine calories per gram. All fats have the same number of calories regardless of the type of fat. Fat is also important for absorption of fat soluble Vitamins A, D, E, and K, and for other important cellular and hormonal functions. Types of Fats Fats belong to a group of substances called lipids, and they come in liquid or solid form. All fats are a mix of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. THE GOOD: Unsaturated Fats Unsaturated fats are considered healthy fats because they play many beneficial roles. They can improve blood cholesterol levels and help lower inflammation. Unsaturated fats are found in plant foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados and olives. The oils are liquid at room temperature. There are two types of unsaturated fats monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats: • Monounsaturated fats are found in high concentrations in olive, peanut, bran, and canola oils, avocados, nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and seeds such as pumpkin and sesame. • Polyunsaturated fats are found in high concentrations in sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean, and flaxseed oils, walnuts, and flax seeds. THE BAD: Saturated Fats Saturated fat is mainly found in animal foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy. Saturated fat is solid at room temperature such as ghee, butter, lard, and animal fats. Saturated fats raise the LDL cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease. A few plant foods are also high in saturated fats such as ghee, coconut, coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil. THE UGLY: Trans Fats Trans fats are called the ugly fats and are worse than saturated fats because they raise bad LDL and lower good continued on page 56 Saathee.com

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Bang or Whimper: How Does the Philosophical Reset Start? Subcontinental Divide by Ahsen Jillani I want to cry about this, but I promised the editor that I would be a positive person in 2021, and here I am, smiling so broadly that my jaw is sore. In my column a month ago, I joked that two presidents and two first ladies may be in the same bed in the White House on January 20, and one isn’t going to leave. Well, it may have gotten worse. Militia goons are now an organized army ready to receive orders on twitter to even attack Republicans who dare cross the line (or cross the president) by hinting that there are diﬀerent realities on Earth-1 – a place where people got sick of a globally abusive, toxic leader with a blonde wig, and booted him. But I have to be positive, so here goes. We are all gonna die!!!! Seriously, however, with infection and fatality numbers setting records daily, and a slow vaccine rollout happening despite the constant bungling and interference from an outgoing administration that thinks math is a Chinese ploy, we are still in a fierce battle. And the collision of democracy and autocracy in the vast blackness of mushy liberty is a debate we will have for centuries now, given that half the nurses in a major Texas hospital are refusing the vaccine. The medical angle is one angle. Going into the holidays, I have attended a few events with no masks, in packed restaurants that require no masks if the manager is a like-minded macho “Don’t Tread on Me with Your Mask” kind of guy who winks at you and flips a secret bird to the governor. It is okay. The accelerating death rate and increasing non-compliance by a solid right-wing base may easily exceed deaths that the 1918 Spanish Flu caused in the US. That national mandate to shut us down for a designated period will come from Joe Biden – and set half this nation on fire. I, nonetheless, keep scratching my head about that other angle – America’s incredible global economic power. I have a sneaking feeling that many of our trading partners, who themselves use brutal quarantine rules, don’t really want Americans with fat wallets to be beaten back into their homes. I mean, what’s a few million senior citizens, obese people, and diabetics when the French wine, the Dutch cheese, the Swedish furniture (and meatballs), and the Chinese everything else under the sun – well, it’s time to buy. I’m puzzled, but not really, about how the wealth of billionaires has gone up by 30 percent in one year of a continued on page 94 Saathee.com

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behaviors, trends and patterns to make them more noticeable to the audience. However, there is always a realworld comparison to which a dystopian story is based. George Orwell specifically used Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and Napoleon Bonaparte among others as influences for ‘The Party’ while writing 1984. While the world has not quite hit a definitive state of dystopia as yet, there are tiny cracks that have begun to peek through the democratic wall of certain countries. In Hungary, for example, panic over the pandemic has begun a downward spiral of the country’s democracy. The legislature gave Prime Minister Viktor Orban totalitarian power pretty much indefinitely. Because of this all lower courts are suspended and free speech has become restricted. Various local governments here in the US have had to create ever shifting restrictions as a precaution to keep the populace safe. The problem then arises when so many regulations are put into place that people almost feel like they’re under house arrest. I realize there are good intentions behind such rules, but humans are by nature social creatures. For some, the forced isolation has already yielded some terrible results to both our psychological and economic states. As far as corporate monopolies achieving power, a few immediately spring to most people’s minds. Apple. Facebook. Disney. Netflix. Amazon. Google. These and others have burrowed their brand into our daily lives, and either trampled over or simply bought out their competition. While their initial goals may be diﬀerent, their overall goal seems to be ‘converting’ the general populace to use their products whether we like it or not. I still hold out hope, however as we’re also hearing about people are coming together in ways that didn’t seem possible just a few months ago. There’s plenty of heartwarming stories in the news about incredible acts of kindness and generosity; from shopping for neighbors to buying meals for first responders to various companies and charity organizations sewing facemasks and giving them out for free to keep everyone safe. Still… despite the eerie silence in public spaces, the preventable deaths that should weigh heavily on the consciences of public oﬃcials, even despite the authoritarian tendencies of too many leaders, the world at large has not devolved into a dystopia… yet. Fictional dystopian tales are there to warn us of preventable futures. The creators of these stories have shown us one of many possibilities to avoid the collapse of human society as a whole. It’s now up to us to heed those warnings and keep this idea where it belongs… as an idea rather than reality.

Who Will Save You Now? A Dystopian Future is not as Fictional as We Once Thought

Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen

“The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” - George Orwell (1984)

As far back as I can remember, there has been some form of fiction to describe a possible broken society that we as human beings could potentially create. Often these stories fall into one of three diﬀerent categories: governmental infringement, corporate totalitarianism, and reactionary primitive feudalism. Governmental infringement is probably the version most are familiar with. This is where the ruling body puts in place specific rules which are meant to keep the general populace “safe” when in truth this is simply a means of control. George Orwell’s 1984 is a perfect example of this trope, though more recent examples would be Veronica Roth’s young adult Divergent series or the film Minority Report. What frightens me most is these types of stories are often based on fact. George Orwell had very clear conceptions when he wrote about ‘The Party’ (an overarching entity that controls the populace through socialist means), ‘Big Brother’ (a central leader figure who uses charisma through various types of media to quell the masses), and the ‘Thought Police’ (a secret task force who uses constant surveillance to observe the general populace and then punish those who don’t agree with The Party’s ideals). Do all of those sound familiar? And this was from a book written in 1949. The second most popular is reactionary primitive feudalism which is where the world has reverted to more tribal style of society. Often the cause of this is an outside source such as nuclear war, environmental change, governmental or economic collapse, or a world ravaging disease. The Mad Max films, Snowpiercer, and The Last of Us video games are just a few stories where people must deal with not only the harsh environment but also fellow human beings who will do just about anything to survive. Generally this involves becoming much more brutal by nature. Finally there’s the dystopian societies run by corporate totalitarianism. These are generally ones who are run by an overarching corporation who has created such a monopoly that they’ve also managed to gain political power. Because of this, both workers and consumers are often exploited by this political-industrial conglomeration, and eventually individual free will is removed. An example of this the “Buy ‘N Large,” corporation in the Pixar film, Wall-E in which the US president also happens to be the company’s CEO. Jennifer Allen The first concept of a political dystopia is often easier to works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic Artist, recognize within fiction, since it exaggerates certain Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and all around Pop Culture Geek. Saathee.com

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Mightier Than a

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Here is an example of an instruction manual for a #2 pencil.

Rajeev’s Comedy Corner by Rajeev Aggerwhil

Another year has gone by. I was recently watching the news and heard that students in middle and high school had a terrible year. In some school districts, the number of students getting an F increased more than three times to 40 percent. I think with the lack of classroom learning, lack of social interaction and peer to peer learning, our cognitive abilities have declined. Furthermore, watching streaming TV shows nonstop has probably contributed to our minds becoming mush. This decline has also been accelerated because of the penetration of digital access: anytime digital media. If this trend continues, society will become less intelligent. Luckily, there is a vaccine in sight. However, I tried to imagine if such a trend continued for several years. I wondered how companies would operate in an environment where most people have lost their ability to think or have basic common sense. The US is a litigious society, so companies would need to be extra cautious providing instructions for trivial things. Saathee.com

Congratulations on the purchase of this sophisticated mightier-than-a-sword writing instrument. Please read the following instructions carefully for your own safety and for the safety of all others around you. The schematic diagram of this writing instrument is included below. Please note that the pink spongy end will be referred to as the “eraser side.” The other corner will be referred to as the “writing side,” “the blunt side” or simply the “dark side.” Take the writing instrument out of the clear plastic wrapping. Depending on your order, your packet may contain a pack of 6 or 12 such writing instruments. You can choose to discard the transparent plastic wrapping and store the instruments in a separate box. These instruments do not need to be refrigerated. Now carefully insert the writing side in the pencil sharpener. Caution: Under no circumstance should you insert the eraser side of the pencil in the sharpener. Doing so may cause an irreparable harm to your writing instrument and may also render your sharpener dysfunctional and beyond repair. The company will not be liable for damage to the pencil, your body or your ego if these instructions are not followed properly Please note that the instructions for the use of the pencil sharpener may vary depending on the type of pencil sharpener and is beyond the scope of this continued on page 56 48

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You Think Therefore I Am

a Yam Thinking About Thinking by Balaji Prasad

“In the end, we are self-perceiving, self-inventing, locked-in mirages that are little miracles of self-reference.” - Douglas Hofstadter, I Am a Strange Loop “He gets things done! He’s an accomplisher.” they said, nodding with approval and with an unmistakable tone of admiration. People who get things done are recognized, even idealized as role models to be emulated. But is getting things done all that it is made out to be? Or as is often the case, is there more to things than meets the eye? I did therefore I am Doing definitely feels more real than thinking. Maybe Descartes erred, and might have reframed his famous “I think therefore I am” as “I did Saathee.com

We idolize doing, deeds and doers. therefore I am” and might have had to stare at the ceiling a little less than he did. Doing is real stuﬀ. Thinking? Who knows? You can’t touch it and feel it. You can’t run your fingers through it. And so, we idolize doing, deeds and doers. And the “I am” part of the Descarteism grows through our deeds and accomplishments. Surely my “I am” will dominate your “I am” if it is clear that I did more than you did. The interesting thing is that the whole thing works in reverse too. The more of the state of I-amness I accumulate, the more I am seen as doing a lot even if I do very little. If someone with a greater state of I-amness does the same thing as me, they are seen as doing much more than me. And they accumulate even more I-amness through their non-deeds that are seen as big deeds. And even if I do a really big deed, the lack of I-amness I have relative to, say, someone like a Bill Gates, my deed will be little more than dust. This thing is like compound interest: it feeds on itself when it’s there. There is a nagging feeling of hollowness that haunts the doer though as he realizes that all this I-amness and recognition boost starts to come a little too easily over time. “Maybe it’s not me; it’s you!” he says, scratching his head. “Could it be that I see myself and my deeds through your eyes? And if you have illusions about me, then your illusions about me end up becoming my illusions about me?”

continued on page 78 54

January 2021

Nutrition

Raajeev Corner

continued from page 40

continued from page 48

document. However, under the CYA or CYB (Cover-your-Backside) regulation, we would like to advise you that you should not put your finger, especially your pinky, or any other hanging parts of the body in the sharpener. The company will not be liable for damage to the pencil or to yourself (physical or psychological) if instructions are not followed properly. Once your pencil is sharpened, hold it with your thumb, forefinger and middle finger and start writing. For optimal writing quality, the pencil should be facing the paper at a 45-degrees to 55-degrees angle. An angle above 80-degrees may be uncomfortable and may cause unnecessary strain on your wrists. A perpendicular angle (90degrees) or an obtuse angle (over 90 degrees) while writing may result in an early onset of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Please consult your physician if you notice any tingling and numbness in your fingers or hands. Keep in mind we will not be held liable for any issues of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome or any other problems related to tingling and numbness. Use at your own risk. Please be advised that the sharpened pencil can be dangerous to young children. It should not be left unattended. Under no circumstances should either side of the pencil (especially the sharpened side) be put in the ear. Again, serious injuries to the ear drum have been reported by unscrupulous people with horny ear drums. Either side of the pencil should not be put in your eye. Injuries to eye or retina have been reported by people who did not exhibit carefulness and tried to use the sharpened side of the pencil as mascara. Do not use the sharpened pencil to take a splinter out from your child’s finger. Using the sharpened side this way can be dangerous and may cause the sharp edge of the lead to break and get buried in the skin.

HDL cholesterol. They increase inflammation which has been linked to many chronic conditions. To identify transfats, look for the words like hydrogenated oil, shortening, Vanaspati, or margarine on the ingredient list. Which oils should be used for cooking? There is a misconception that foods fried in olive oil are healthier than foods fried in other oils. For long term health, it is better to avoid all fried foods or at least limit them to a few special occasions per year. Studies have shown that oil heated at a higher temperature causes chemical changes that increase inflammation. Reheating oil can further damage the components and produce more toxic compounds that are very damaging to the heart. It is advisable to limit the amount of oil in cooking. Olive oil has a very low smoke point and should not be heated at a high temperature. So it is good for cold dressings and marinades. For sautéing, use oils from nuts and seeds such as sesame oil, peanut oil, mustard oil, or grapeseed oil. Use unrefined instead of refined oils. Cold pressed oils are extracted in a heat-controlled environment so they retain nearly all of their natural nutrients. Refined oils are made with high heat and chemical solvents which destroys the flavor and nutrients in oils. Blending two diﬀerent oils can also help the balance of fatty acids. So instead of using just one single type of oil, it is better to keep a variety of oils. You may eat olive oil in a salad, sauté your vegetables in peanut oil, and make a stir fry in sesame oil. Buy smaller sized bottles of 2-3 varieties. It is important to limit the total amount of oil, no matter which oil you use. When food is served, you should not see any visible oil on your plate. This is also one reason to limit eating out as all restaurant foods have a lot of oil.

Is Ghee bad? Ghee, or Ghrita, as it is known in Sanskrit, has a special place in the diet according to Ayurveda. Ghee contains Butyric acid and Conjugated Linolenic Acid which are considered anti-inflammatory, and are important to replenish our gut lining. Ghee is said to balance the doshas, increase digestive fire Agni, and enhance memory. Per Do not attempt to use this writing instrument for the temporary Ayurvedic recommendations, it is okay to have a small relief of hemorrhoids. Doing so may cause severe damage to your amount of ghee in your diet. Ghee is saturated fat, so use in back side. small amounts. Do not use the sharpened side of the pencil to scratch your head or create an illusion of more hair. Accidental injuries such as bleeding and even death from lead poisoning have occurred in cases of creative morons trying to experiment with ingenious ways of using this instrument.

Do not use this writing instrument as a stirrer in coﬀee or tea What about coconut oil? because the lead from the pencil may dissolve in the hot water and Many of the health claims for coconut oil refer to research over a period of time, may cause lead poisoning. that used a special formulation of coconut oil made of 100 Congratulations once again! You may start using this writing percent medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs have a shorter chemical structure than other fats and are digested instrument now. diﬀerently. Commercial coconut oil contains mostly Lauric While researching this article, I found out that pens and acid, which is not an MCT. Coconut oil is mostly saturated pencils are both more dangerous than sharks. Every year, 6000 fat so best to limit it. If you like the taste, use virgin people go to the hospital for pencil-related injuries. Many unrefined coconut oil sparingly in baking or cooking.

Parul Kharod continued on page 64 Saathee.com

is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com 56

January 2021

Letter from India continued from page 22

the corner and saw shelves quickly emptying as people franticly filled their baskets. When I asked a store employee when things would be back in stock, he said no one knew. Living in America my entire life I have witnessed panic at stores before hurricanes and blizzards, but this was my first lockdown, that too in a country where I had come for holidays. Initially, returning to the US was not an acceptable option to me as murky transportation rules and chaos at Indian airports made getting on a flight appear hazardous, especially since Covid-19 was synonymous with international travel. And I did not feel unsafe or alone in India, as I was joining over 1.3 billion people in the largest lockdown on Earth.

above me. An earthy scent was a travel buddy while shopping for essentials. And not having to worry about scooters, cars, autorickshaws, bikes approaching from all directions, once chaotic crossways became a pedestrian’s paradise. Stalls selling paan were shut so streets that were once dotted with maroon spots were soon blanketed with flowers of the season, fragrant yellow amaltas, also known as the Golden Shower Tree. I began spending hours on the terrace and would observe more and more people frequenting their balcony and terrace, spaces that were forgotten in the city’s frenzied schedule. Mumbai’s pale blue sky had changed and would shine bright turquoise on many days. Where there was clarity in the sky, there was confusion on the ground. In a population which shops for produce many times a week, the vegetable vendor with a cart was not visible. Through word-of-mouth and social media, I came to know a large maidan, or open-air space, had become a fruit and vegetable market which allowed for social distancing in the midst of mango season. But soon the makeshift bazaar was closed due to mingling and again people searched for reliable sources of seasonal produce.

Socially distanced customers wait in line outside a grocery store. Chembur, Mumbai

Pre-monsoon: April, May The loudest sounds of the day continued to be house crows, rose ringed parakeets, bulbuls and the Asian koel, which would sing into the night as late as one o’clock in the morning, and as early as four in the morning. The wingedresidents were reveling in their own music, feeling they reclaimed the city after decades of destruction in the name of development. I could now hear sliding doors shut in the building across the street from me, the whistling of pressure cookers constantly at work and even squabbles regarding housework between family members from an adjacent building. Household helpers such as cooks and cleaning ladies were either not coming for fear of catching the virus, which at the time was seen as a rich person’s disease, or because neighborhoods forbade them from coming, thinking people of lesser means are more likely to catch and carry Covid-19. Easy-to-use mops became bestsellers and jokes about millions of Indians doing everyday housework for the first time were being forwarded on WhatsApp. After months of inhaling a swirl of dust and scents I can only describe as chemical concoction or something’s burning, I no longer needed a mask to protect myself from the once unhealthy air. Factories were not exhaling smoke, there were no vehicles emitting exhaust and dusty construction work came to a halt. Buses were in service for essential workers but the once-crammed carriers were now mostly empty. Walking to the grocery store I would sometimes stop in my tracks, wondering where the fragrance of flowers was coming from, and it was then I would notice blooms on tree branches Saathee.com

A pre-monsoon rainbow is visible in a cleaner, bluer sky over the city of Mumbai.

Along with my purse, a thaila, or large shopping bag, became my companion and passport when venturing outside. Having a thaila meant you were out purchasing essential items such as food and medicine. Outside stores white rings were drawn on the ground to aid in giving people room, an alien concept in a society where space is maximized and there’s somehow always room for a few more folks. Customers were able to stand one meter, or about three feet apart, the distance that was mandated. Inside stores though, I found myself trying to stay a safer six feet apart from shoppers, which was the guidance in America, and a tough task to achieve. At a posh grocery store, between light instrumental music, a recording in

continued on page 82 January 2021

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January 2021

Minimizing Government Inﬂuence on our Individual Planning

At the moment the limit on when the estate taxes apply is high (over $11 million per person) and over 99 percent of us don’t get affected by it. But that is today; just a few years ago that same limit was just over $5 million. By today’s law, the $11 million limit is supposed to revert back to over $5 million at the end of 2025. New elected officials and changes in governments due to elections can alter these situations. We look at our today’s total estate and decide in our own minds that we really don’t have to worry about estate taxes even then. Most of the time we forget the high insurance value we may have or an inheritance that we were not expecting which might push us over the $5 million limit. It might be wise to know that not too long ago that estate tax limit was under $1 million. I have written exclusively about SECURE act just a few months ago which made sweeping changes to the retirement planning rules that we were all banking on. Courtesy of TCJA act of 2017 we are also experiencing some of the lowest tax rates of recent times. Even though it may not go up for all layers of income, they could go up for those in the upper incomes, who are more likely to be affected by the changes in the tax rates. These possibilities have created enough anxiety in many minds to reconsider their investment strategies. Most common one is if and when to convert retirement accounts to ROTH IRA at today’s low-income tax rates. That will also depend on the income tax rates of the inheritors of your accounts when the time comes. It is also very possible to convert the account into a regular account by paying taxes now and then invest in individual stocks when the step-up in basis comes in the picture and the inheritors pay none to very little taxes. To be willing to invest in stocks your own risk tolerance has to be accounted, too. As you can see, there are many facets to this equation that need to be addressed simultaneously. Life insurance planning is a strategy that is quite popular and is being used by many to pass on estate to the next generation rather successfully. The reason for it is that, if structured properly, life insurance has enormous income tax benefit under the tax code. A permanent life insurance policy can function much like a ROTH IRA with the ability to withdraw money from the policy tax free. A permanent life insurance policy is also more flexible in many other ways. Needless to say, these rules are also subject to the whims of Congress but the same rules have been around a long time and are heavily bolstered by a strong lobbying effort. Medicaid and Veterans benefits are two most common government programs that people turn to for help with the devastating cost impact especially for long-term care. They need much improvement and intervention by the government but are most unlikely to get its attention.

Personal Finances by Mo Vidwans

With so many new laws enacted just since 2017 when the TCJA passed (the latest was CARES about the insurance adjustment due to Corona virus) we had much more to think about our own financial situations, which can be affected by these laws and indeed they have. Especially the TCJA of 2017 which affected how we were doing the tax returns and then the SECURE act which forced us to throw our thoughtfully made retirement plans out the window. Many people had diligently saved for years, if not decades, in their retirement accounts. They had carefully structured estate plans with hopes that years of savings and hard work would not only support their own retirement but also help provide a legacy for their children and perhaps even grandchildren. And then Congress pulled the rug from under their feet. So, the obvious question I am pondering is if it is possible to plan and do things that will minimize the impact of such sudden actions by the Congress. Or at least take more control and keep things as private as possible. One thing I notice many times is that while doing great financial planning work (worrying about IRAs, 529 plans and tax planning etc.) we don’t pay much attention to avoiding probate upon a person’s death. If you have a will-based estate plan or do not have one yet then it is possible that some or all of your estate may get exposed to probate – a court process where a judge comes in the picture and tells the executor and family members what to do and settle the final financial affairs. It’s a process which adds totally unnecessary delays, costs, headaches for sure and slows down all progress. It is no wonder that people want to avoid probate. Adult guardianship (also known as living probate) is another scenario where we have to be careful how to draft our documents; in essence we should be all ready for it if the need arises. If someone becomes mentally incompetent due to a variety of reasons like Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, sudden accident, or a prolonged illness, then someone must be there (with proper power of attorney) to take over and make decisions for that disabled person. A constant thought in the back of our heads is “oh, that will not happen to me,” but just be cognizant of the fact that everyone else is thinking the same way and these things do keep happening to people. Mo Vidwans Many times, just a durable POA is not sufficient and is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit, VidwansFinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to: mpvidwans@yahoo.com consideration must be given to creating living trusts. Saathee.com

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Dancing with Masks Dances of India by Dr. Maha Gingrich First, I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! I know everyone is happy to say goodbye to 2020. I know I am happy for sure! If not for the gift of dance, I would have gone insane working from home. My article title has a twist to it. Today when we use the word mask, we all think of our new norm of wearing a mask everyday due to the pandemic. When I saw the cover photo for December issue of Saathee magazine, I wanted to talk about dance styles that use masks extensively. We all know how suďŹ&#x20AC;ocated we feel sometimes wearing these masks to protect ourselves. Can you imagine the dancers from several dance styles wearing huge masks and actually dancing for hours? Sometimes these shows are outdoors exposing the dancers to all seasons, including harsh heat. For example, in Kuchipudi dance style, most of these masks are made of paper mĂ˘chĂŠ, which is a composite material consisting of pieces of paper or pulp and they are sometimes reinforced with cloth, bound with an adhesive, such as glue, or starch. It feels really hard on the face as it does not have much flexibility. Dancing in these masks is an art in itself. It is sometimes very hard to breathe and it also blocks your vision due to the type of mask you may have to wear with the size of your face. There are many dance styles that actually use paint on their faces as a mask while wearing large head gear. These dance styles include, American Indian/Native American dances, African tribal dances, Indian tribal dances, and so on. Let us not forget the most elaborate facial paints used in classical dances such as Kathakali, Manipuri, Yakshagana, and Kuchipudi, among others. An entire chapter in the Natya Shastra refers to the importance of facial makeup and costumes and its symbolism in representing characters from epics. In particular, the two dance styles Yakshagana and Kathakali look very similar due to their costumes, masks, and makeup. They both draw their themes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata; both of them emphasize continued on page 94

Saathee.com

January 2021

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January 2021

News Notes North Carolinian Pens an Autobiographical Book The book, Don’t Re ‘Tire’, Re ‘Fresh’!, is an autobiographical work by NC resident Rafiq (Bandukwala). It is sequenced into six chapters and begins with a collection of short stories that are tagged to his life and events spanning decades. Rafiq covers his life’s story from birth to meeting and marrying his wife Lalita, his friend and wife of 50 years. He writes of their early meeting, their inter-faith marriage and moving to the United States. Their travels together to over 65 countries are documented in chronological order. There are “nuggets of acquired wisdom” he talks about, most that come with experiences of living a life. The book is interspersed with short poems and philosophical advice. The book ends with “conversation starters” - with short sections devoted to religions, politics, governments, poets and poetry, economy, hot spots of the world and more. The gist of the book is to refresh rather then retire while always putting positivity first. Bandukwala resides in Raleigh, NC. He is a graduate of Jai-Hind College in Mumbai and an engineering graduate of the College of Engineering in Pune, India, and NC State University. The book is available on Amazon.

Ekal Foundation Raises $6.5 Million During Virtual Gala The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF) hosted a star-studded Gala called ‘“Future of India” on December 5, 2020. This 2020 Gala raised a recordsetting $6.5 Million in pledges and donations for the organization’s special projects. The celebrities that lent their support were iconic cricketer Kapil Dev, film star Vivek Oberoi, Honorary Minister Piyush Goyal, leading entrepreneur Ajay Piramal, Bollywood singer Sanjeevani Bhelande and numerous other entrepreneurs. The Gala was chaired by Mohan Wanchu, Chairman and CEO of EC Info Systems, who, like all previous Galas, had ushered in this concept as well. The main objective of the evening was to raise funds but also acknowledge gratitude to loyal philanthropists who have consistently supported Ekal through the years. Earlier in the year, after successfully working to control the Covid-19 pandemic in 102,000 rural and tribal villages of India, Ekal had raised funds through 10 regional mid-year virtual concerts. There was enthusiastic support for Ekal’s projects, including Integrated Village Development (IVD), E-Shiksha, Tailoring Center, Saathee.com

Telemedicine, Arogya Initiative, Ekal-on-wheels, Gramotthan Research Center (GRC) and others. Among the high net-worth donors, 15 pledged $250,000 or more while Ajay Keshap confirmed donation of $1,000,000. Wanchu, welcoming the virtual audience opened up the evening with an anecdote about a Rikshaw-puller and how Lok-kathakars (a cadre of cultural story-tellers) from an Ekal village transformed his life for better. Ranjani Saigal, Executive Director of “EVF” gave a brief outline of all Ekal special projects, which was followed by former ZEE-TV CEO & Chairperson of Ekal-Global, Dr Subhash Chandra giving an overview of what Ekal is all about. The person that stole the show was the movie star and philanthropist Vivek Oberoi who also happens to be Ekal’s brand Ambassador. He emphasized that “the donation to Ekal wasn’t a subsidy for the needy, but a divine investment in India’s future.” He further appealed to the youths of India to join “inquisitive, creative and passionate organization like Ekal” to give purpose to their lives. Global business tycoon, Ajay Piramal said, “Ekal’s emphasis on dispensing quality education and primary healthcare in rural area is a game changer. No one understands rural-tribal mindset better than Ekal with its wide-spread presence in villages nor anyone has committed pool of huge selfless volunteers.” For more information, visit Ekal.org/us.

Raajeev

continued from page 56

times, the injuries are the result of a pencil being stuck in someone’s eye. While other times, sharp pencils stab and cut the skin. Of these 6000 injuries, more than a 100 prove to be fatal. (Source: Sharksider.com) Let’s hope even after this pandemic is over, we never have to live in a dystopian society where we would need such superfluous instructions for mundane activities. On the other hand, when I look at some existing contracts with my cell phone and mobile service carriers, I notice a universal trend. Their agreements have become longer and tedious with more sections in fine print. For example, the Apple iTunes end-user agreement contains a clause prohibiting its use to construct weapons of mass destruction. “You will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacturer, or production of nuclear, missile, or chemical or biological weapons,” the agreement reads. (Source: NPR.org) Recently, while setting up my new iPhone 12 and scrolling through multiple screens of a long legal agreement, I was thinking of the bumper stickers I used to see around 1984 during my college days at Berkeley: “George Orwell was an optimist.” I don’t know how close we actually are to the Orwellian society of overarching government and big corporations as imagined by the author. I do know that he was onto something. One thing is for sure. Our overdependence on the digital media and the social isolation imposed by the pandemic has slowed down our mental faculties. I, for one, find myself relying on Siri for more advice. I asked it to review the legal agreement on my behalf and then asked, “Siri, can you bring me a mightier-than-a-sword writing instrument so I can sign it?” Siri responded, “Do you mean a pencil? Please refer to page number 27 of the instruction manual for its use before proceeding.” Raajeev Aggerwhil is a Los Angeles-based comedian and is a regular contributor to Saathee. Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy. 64

January 2021

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January 2021

Project Decluttering 2021 (v1.0) amyloid is a metabolic waste product that’s found in the fluid between brain cells (neurons). A build-up of beta amyloid is linked to impaired brain function and Alzheimer’s disease.” Since youth is not on my side anymore it is imperative that I dedicate more hours to beauty sleep.

Namaskar, Y’all by Shyama Parui Ever wondered what sleep, yoga, bins and the “Unfriend” button have in common? I don’t know about you, but I think of all of them as essential to decluttering. While cleaning out the closets and organizing may seem like a springtime activity, any day is a good day to cleanse our minds and surroundings. If you are curious about what inspired me to get on this project, it was the simple activity of emptying a box of photographs and arranging it in an album, the old-fashioned way. The joy it gave me to look through the pictures, relive fond memories and save them for others in the family to enjoy was a satisfying way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It also provided the opportunity to discard some things that I would prefer to forget. Stepping into 2021, my top goal is to reduce tangible and intangible clutter to tidy up my life. Consequently, my other priority will be to do it in a way that does not drive my family crazy. To that end, I tapped into lessons I learned from my observations, my experience as an immigrant, this past year, and the small nuggets of wisdom entangled in the World Wide Web.

Unplug Unplugging unnecessary devices to focus on the task at hand may sound simple, but it is not easy. As a parent, I am trying to juggle things constantly and thereby not doing complete justice to what needs my attention. If my work does not need an electronic device, I am vowing to unplug it. Our hyper dependence on electronic media has also increased interaction with others via the screen. We all know that this boon can quickly turn into a bane. So, I plan to unfriend or unfollow people who weigh me down, upset me or rob me of my positive energy. It may not be their intention (unless they are hate-mongers, hurtful individuals, or bullies) and it is certainly not their responsibility to nurture my mental health, but it is very much our prerogative to choose our friends. When I first made my journey from India, it gave me an opportunity to start my “Friend List” over and while I regret losing touch with some precious individuals, I was able to keep my distance quite literally from toxic acquaintances. I am filled with gratitude for friends and relatives with whom I have a deep and genuine relationship. They will stay in the “Keep” pile unlike the superficial and destructive ones.

Project Plan Sleep Since my teen years, I’ve been guilty of cutting down on my sleep to make time for other things and before I realized, it became a habit. Scientific studies point out the importance of sleep in swishing and rinsing beta-amyloid out of the brain. According to the National Institutes of Health, “BetaSaathee.com

Release Letting go of physical objects that have sentimental value can be hard and if you have two family members who continued on page 82 66

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January 2021

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Red Lentil Dal Makhani

Saathee RECIPES

Happy New Year everyone! Winter is here, so I decided on a cozy classic, Dal Makhani. This rich dal originated in the Punjab region of India and is traditionally made with whole black lentils (Urad), kidney beans (Rajma), spices, butter, and cream. I put my own little twist on the traditional recipe by substituting red lentils for the whole black lentils. I mainly chose to take this route because I could not find the black lentils at my local grocery store (and I happened to have some red lentils at home). I typically try to keep recipes easily accessible to every household, so I figure why not stick to ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores… in this case red lentils! An added bonus with red lentils is that they do not need to be soaked overnight. Apart from the lentil substitution, this recipe is pretty true to form and it’s the perfect protein packed meal (or even side dish) to keep you nice and warm during the winter months. I chose to prepare my Red Lentil Dal Makhani in an Instant Pot, cutting down on time and clean up, since everything is executed in one pot! For those who do not own an Instant Pot, I have included instructions for traditional pressure cookers as well (below step #2). Your Dal Makhani can be served with warm naan, basmati rice, or even as a side dish. Garnish with lemon and cilantro! Serves: 3-4, Total Time: 45 mins - Check out the video at Saathee.com/Taige

Ingredients 1 cup red lentils ½ cup red kidney beans (soaked for at least 4 hrs, unless canned)

Directions 1

In an Instant Pot: start on “Sauté” mode. Add oil & cumin seeds and cook until sizzling then add onion and sauté for 6-7 mins. Stir in garlic, ginger, tomatoes, chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt to taste. Cook for 5 more mins, while lightly mashing the tomatoes.

Now add in the kidney beans, lentils, and 3 cups of water. Mix until everything is combined. Set Instant Pot to “Manual” or high pressure for 30 mins. Make sure the vent is in “Sealing” position. When timer goes oﬀ, turn vent to “Releasing”.

1 onion (diced) 2 tomatoes (diced) 3 cloves garlic (minced) 1 tbsp ginger (minced) 1 tsp cumin seeds (ajwain)

Option without Instant Pot: Cook lentils & kidney beans in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water on medium heat for 10 whistles. Meanwhile in a separate large pot follow step 1 above. Then mix the cooked lentils into the large pot with spiced veggies and cook on low until dal thickens (about 60 mins.). Stir in more water (1/2-1 cup) and cook for another 30 mins. Finally follow the rest of the steps below.

1 tsp red chili powder ½ to 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp coriander powder ½ tsp turmeric 1-2 tbsp ghee Salt to taste Optional: ½ cup cream

Saathee.com

By Taige Shukla

Mix ghee into the dal, feel free to add water until you get your desired consistency and adjust the spices if needed. If you want a creamy dal now is the time to stir in your ½ cup cream. Garnish with lemon & cilantro and your Red Lentil Dal Makhani is ready to serve!

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January 2021

How to Ace Your College Interview Extend Your Answers When answering the interview questions, don’t just give a College Admissions Insider short answer. For example, if they asked what your favorite by Lindsey Conger subject was, just saying “AP Literature” isn’t enough. A better answer would be “AP Literature because I love exploring diﬀerent forms of writing. After reading ‘King College interviews can be an intimidating part of the Lear’ and ‘Hamlet’ in the class, I realized my love for college application process, but it doesn’t have to be Shakespeare and joined a local theatre group’s production stressful. Often, the point of college interviews isn’t for the of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’” school to learn more about you, but so that you can learn more about the school. An alum or student interview has Prepare Questions for the Interview very little weight in the overall admission decision. For many, the most dreaded part of the interview is: “What Instead, the alumni or student interview is there, so you questions do you have for me?” Research beforehand so you can ask questions, learn about their experiences, and get can ask a few questions to the interviewer as well. Think more excited about attending the university if you are about things you couldn’t find easily on the website. Don’t accepted. The interview is also a great way to demonstrate be overly personal, but you can ask questions like, “What an interest in the school. was your favorite class you took outside of your major?” or If it is an in-person interview with a faculty member or “Any advice for incoming freshmen?” admission oﬃcer, the interview will likely play a more significant role. They will be making the decisions, and if it Preparation is key for a successful interview. Take is a highly competitive program, then the interview might advantage of this opportunity to showcase your talents and be one of the deciding factors. To prepare, here are three tips demonstrate interest in the school. To fully prepare for the to help you through the college interview season. interview, this free can help you strengthen your case and prove why you are the right student to be admitted. To find Practice Common Interview Questions the course go to Eventbrite.com and type in 133041756475 in College admission interviewers aren’t trying to trick you. the search box. For the most part, they will ask you open-ended questions that allow you to talk about your interests and Lindsey Conger extracurricular activities. Before the interview, research is a College Counselor and tutor at Moon Prep. She helps students create some of the most common interview questions and prepare memorable personal statements and tutors students to increase their academic profile to universities. www.moonprep.com them with a friend or family member. Saathee.com

January 2021

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January 2021

Happy New Year from the Saathee Family The fresh promise of this incoming year is about mending fences and reconnecting after a difďŹ cult year. Saathee is a resource for all community members. We will continue our work of bridging communities. Visit Saathee.com for news, new movie releases, classiďŹ eds, events, videos and much more.

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January 2021

Community Organizations Hello Readers Our Community Organizations section guides you through all the organizations in the Carolinas. Non-profits, social organizations, religious organizations, meditation groups, cricket associations, and many others are listed here and updated regularly. This month, you can find our Community Organizations section on line at Saathee.com/community.asp. The section will be back here on these pages in the near future. Contact: Saathee@saathee.com

Thinking

continued from page 54

You think therefore I am! “My inflated sense of I-amness comes from you,” he realizes, somewhat deflated. “Without you, I just am, without any sense of ‘I am’. I am just a thing of nature like the buffalo that roam free in the wilderness, like the electrons that circle nuclei, like the hurricanes that go where they go, tearing everything down along their path, as they move.“ But wait a minute! Isn’t it good to be a natural thing that can live free? Free from eyes that judge who I am from the deeds that I do and from the I-amness that I have accumulated? Wouldn’t it be good for me to be free from you?

I yam what I yam As Popeye the sailor said so eloquently, “I yam what I yam”. And that’s where we’ll let things rest. People and societies define all kinds of things that are measured and judged as the “done” things and that are worthy of reward (or approbation). It doesn’t necessarily mean that all the things that a society idolizes or denigrates at any given point in time is what one should adopt as one’s own. And be willing to be judged by. Then you will not be you. And that would be a tragedy. For the world. But mostly for you. Because it will be a life that is not fully lived. Doing can be fun. A little child builds sandcastles on a bustling beach for no reason at all. The sweet-throated songbird on the tree outside warbles long and strong and eﬀortlessly puts a Michael Jackson to shame. Neither gets awards and trophies for what they “do”. Nor do they get titles such as Chief Sandcastle Oﬃcer or Warbler Laureate. They do simply because they want to do. And there’s no Iamness that arises from their actions. They are oblivious to judging and measuring eyes, including their own. So why not be like Popeye, jam with it, and be a yam? Even if you’re called Mr. Potato Head because of it. And if you are you and I am I, then the world suddenly gets two for the price of one. But who’s counting?

“I am a strange loop” It is interesting to realize that there is only one of you in this whole wide universe of millions of galaxies and planets. Exactly one! You are one of a kind. A completely “genuwine”, original, authentic you. As Dr Seuss said so crisply, “there is no one alive who is youer than you.” So I am strange. And you are strange. Each of us is strange because none of us fits a perfect pattern. Yes, there can be similarities just as one dog may be similar to another one, but yet be a unique and strange dog. I am also a loop. There is this processing unit inside that keeps on keeping on, crunching everything that comes its way, digesting it, assimilating it, regurgitating it and looping Balaji Prasad back over and over again. Uncontrollably. And unstoppably. is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and All this makes me more me than you can ever hope to be. K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com. Saathee.com

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Praveen Gudivada Broker-Realtor® NC 813-469-5198

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Deepali Hole Broker-Realtor® NC 980-500-9392

Nilay Naik Real Estate Agent SC 704-837-0012

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A N ISH S H A H Licensed in NC & SC

Broker

www.RealtorAnish.com www.RealtorAnish.com

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SOLDAY!

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Letter from India

continued from page 58

polished English requested shoppers not to panic and to maintain distance between each other. Store owners always seemed nervous of either running out of provisions, being reprimanded or shut down by police for not following protocol regarding limited hours of operation, social distancing and number of customers allowed inside. Many items were available but many brands were not. I would try to purchase provisions for weeks so I would have to make fewer trips, but finding autorickshaws to help carry the load wasn’t easy. Checkpoints were placed all across the city and traveling from one part of Mumbai to another would require a special pass or permission. A few autorickshaw drivers were willing to brave distances of only a few minutes so to make a bit of money without being punished by police. Middle-aged men at the chemist shop, or middle-aged women accompanied by their sons at the grocery store were typical sights around Chembur. Young men traveling alone or in groups of two were much more likely to be stopped and questioned by police. Lanes of shuttered shops and restaurants made me think of the shopkeepers I would sometimes chat with, who before the lockdown said business wasn’t great but was moving along. How much longer could they endure the lockdown? In a nation of over a billion citizens a shortage of labor is unheard of but became the situation faced by many essential businesses. When I would call shops to request delivery to avoid crowds, I was often told “the boys” have left for their hometown and it would be a much faster to pick up items myself. Soon, disturbing images of tens of thousands of migrant workers walking hundreds of miles back to their villages were on every screen, and so were visuals of potentially hundreds of millions more Indians becoming food insecure and falling into dire poverty. The opportunities many Indian villages lacked was made up by the comfort of having familial support and at least one meal a day, which was not possible if migrants remained in India’s metropolises. As someone who was teased in school for belonging to a poor country, the meteoric rise of India Inc. in the past few decades was a source of pride for me and for Indians in India and around the world. However, in a matter of a few weeks, grim statistics and stories of millions who were living hand-tomouth in cities, walking hundreds of miles to their families in underdeveloped villages shattered misconceptions of how many Indians are prospering and how many are still disadvantaged, impoverished. The cleaner air, quieter streets were paid with a heavy price—at the cost of millions losing their livelihood. My days quickly became consumed with news from both India and America, especially New York City where close family and friends reside. The ambulance sirens that were synonymous with NYC’s struggle with Covid-19 were soon heard in Mumbai. In May, my social media timeline was flooded with Mumbaikars searching for hospital beds for loved ones suspected of having Covid-19. From rarely hearing ambulance sirens I would now hear about six or more vehicles a day wailing up and down the streets Saathee.com

Chembur, a constant reminder of how dangerous the outside world had become. It was becoming clear I would have to remain mostly indoors whether in India or the US, and reading about how America’s largest city was being ravaged by Covid-19 made me wonder whether there was any completely safe place for life in pandemic. Video calls became more common with family and friends and I was often asked questions I did not have clear answers to: How long would this strict lockdown last? Is it safer in India or America? Will I be returning soon?... To be continued in the February issue of Saathee Magazine.

Shivani Tripathi cannot remember a time she wasn't madly in love with Indian cinema and writing. She spends time in New York, North Carolina and Twitterpur at @Shivani510

Namaskar

continued from page 66

attach their emotions to all possessions, then you are in serious trouble. My mother seems to have an eternal connection with all her belongings and somehow after skipping a generation, the same “pack rat” gene has emerged. While attachment to certain mementos is endearing, excessive collection of outdated clothes or faded books is equally frightening. Mumbai’s tight flats do not permit people to go overboard but larger homes, garage space and easy availability of storage rentals in the Charlotte area makes it tough to rein in our tendency to store. Not everything needs to be thrown out, but we can optimize our resources by rearranging our priorities. My husband and I packed only two suitcases each when we first moved to the United States and that compelled us to be very purposeful about what accompanied us in the long journey across continents. The shelf space in our closets and in our lives is limited, and the aim will be to utilize it for objects that are most relevant to the present. Practice Yoga Decluttering the conscious mind will perhaps be my biggest challenge this year. Anger, hurt feelings, irritation, disappointments will trickle into my mind and interfere with productive work. While that might indicate that my emotional processes are fully functioning and allowing me to experience the complete spectrum of feelings, I would prefer to increase my focus on the priority of the moment. Who needs the distraction of lingering irritation caused by a rude cashier from the previous day? Based on sporadic practice, I can attest to the benefits of yoga. Armed with determination and an eﬀective calendar app, I plan to make yoga an essential part of my daily routine. Will residual fears caused by the most recent pandemic clog my mind, or will I successfully reorganize my life? Only time will tell, but it will be rewarding even if I am able to partially attain my goal. As I turn the night lamp oﬀ, I am hoping to wake up with joy of getting a restful night’s sleep…. “Wait, did I lock the doors? Why did she make that comment on my post? Did the kids brush their teeth?” Help! My project will not be as easy as the New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop.

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

January 2021

Who wants to be a Scholar?! Answer the ones you know and research to answer the rest. There is only one correct answer! 1. Arrange the scrabble tiles from high to low points. (a) H (b) I (c) J (d) K

Word World

2. Who was India’s first femaie music director of Bollywood? (a) Usha Khanna (b) Saraswati Devi (c) Jaddan Bai (d) Sneha Khanwalkar

By Kirit Shukla

A E

3. If you are born on Jan. 14th, your zodiac sign is (a) Capricorn (b) Sagittarius (c) Libra (d) Aries

4. The world’s first cartoon with sound (1928) was (a) Donald Duck (b) Snow White & 7 Dwarfs (c) Fiddlesticks (d) Steamboat Willie 5. The distance between the moon and Earth is approximately. (a) 92k miles (b) 75k miles (c) 238k miles (d) 100k miles

6. The total surface area of Earth is about (a) 147x10⁶ miles² (b) 197x10⁶ miles² (c) 97x10⁶ miles² (d) 247x10⁶ miles² 7. Atomic number of Hydrogen (Symbol H) is (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

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)

8. This India state has maximum number of states with common borders. (a) Gujarat (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Kerala (d) Andhra Pradesh

9+ words = Excellent; 7 to 9 words = Good; 6 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

9. Number of dramatic works written by William Shakespeare (a) 19 (b) 49 (c) 29 (d) 39

Brain-Train

10. This US state has the maximum number of states with common borders. (a) Florida (b) California (c) Tennessee (d) North Carolina

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

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

Motto

State Welcome Signs 1. Virginia... 2. Oklahoma... 3. South Carolina... 4. Alabama... 5. Nevada... 6. Kentucky... 7. New York... 8. Indiana... 9. West Virginia... 10. New Hampshire...

A. … Live Free or Die B. … Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln C. … Wild and Wonderful D. … Discover the Excellence E. … Is for Lovers F. … Smiley Faces, Beautiful Places G. … Crossroads of America H. … Sweet Home I. … The Empire State J. … 125 Years of Vision

Dadaji’s moral stories for kids THE SNEEZY SPIDER

There was a spider who was always sneezing, so his name was Sneezy Sam. He never caught enough food and felt hungry all the time. He would catch insects for his food, but he sneezed so loud they would escape from the web. He went up a tree and found the insects he liked but he sneezed so hard that all of them vanished. Some bugs were resting on a cow, he climbed up to catch them. But alas, he sneezed again, the cow got scared and hit him with her tail. The spider fell on the ground. Hungry Sam found a mound with insects. He ate one and sneezed. Sam thought he would die hungry. He decided to find some herbs that would stop his sneezing. He searched far and finally found a cure and was able to eat and lived a happy life.

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

3.a

4.d

5.c

6.b

COKE, COPE, PACE, PACK, PEACOCK, PECK, POCK

Moral: Take care of your health.

Word World (Solution): CAKE, CAPE, CAPO, COCA, COCK, Saathee.com

January 2021

PUZZLES AND JOKES

Clues Down: 1. The first month of the calendar year. 2. Leave out or exclude. 3. Relating to the study of the structure of cells and

By Kirit Shukla

tissue seen under a microscope. 4. Not Applicable. (*) 5. A sharp lancet formerly used for bloodletting 6. Depend on with full trust or confidence. 7. Thrifty and eﬃcient use of material resources 8. The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli; India. 9. Persons or things from a western region or country. 10. Greatest in amount, quantity, or degree. 12. To soil, dirty, defile. 16. Worthless, empty ideas. 18. An ancient North American people of the SW US. 22. Maori name for New Zealand. 24. White wolf. (Originated from the Comanche Tribe} 25. Amarillo Lone Star Eightball League. (*) 26. Regarded as right or true. 28. Becomes full. 30. Entertainment Complex in Burlington, Iowa. 32. Elk (Eurasia), Largest species in deer family. 33. Dual Screen. (*)

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase

36. Dialectal British variant of EWE. Clues Across:

41. Rail Gourmet. (*)

1. A portable toilet (USA); The name of six kings of Portugal. 5. Independence. 11. Friendly, sociable and pleasant. 13. Used normally as an utterance at meeting or parting. 14. A city on the Nišava River in central southeastern Serbia. 15. Tapered marine fishes living on the bottom of cold seas. 17. Makar Sankranti; Northward movement of Sun. (1/14/21) 19. A monetary unit of Laos, = One hundredth of a kip. 20. The annual harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. 21. A wild pig. 23. To receive and pass on (information or a message). 25. Not quite; very nearly. 27. Yorkshire School Of Shiatsu. (*) (UK) 28. Dutch type of sailing vessel as a dedicated cargo vessel. 29. Belief in selfless, charitable, spiritual love of the soul. 31. Flightless, large bird of Australia, like an ostrich. 33. A fine misty rain. 34. A land locked country in SE Asia, Capital: Vientiane. 35. By or through society. 37. Deteriorate. 38. “ __, Re, Ga, Ma,”; the first note in Indian classical music. 39. Zone System. (*) 40. Having the margin irregularly notched. 42. A ballroom dance in ³/₄ time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close. 43. Adjective of “Toga”; an outer garment of ancient Rome. Saathee.com

(solution on page 88)

Hee Hee

Jokes From Around The World

Booddhoo went to see a psychiatrist. Psychiatrist: “Do you ever get homesick?” Booddhoo: “Yes, but only when I am home.” ********* Professor: “You should always ask why until you get the correct answer.” Booddhoo: “Why?” Professor: “So you can have the correct answer.” Booddhoo kept on asking ‘Why?’ and the Professor eventually got frustrated. Professor: “Why do I have you as my student?” Booddhoo: “See? You shouldn’t ask ‘Why?’ every time.” ********* 86

January 2021

WordFind

Math Magic Use these numbers only once: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) 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. (solution on page 88)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle. (Subject: Olympics Cities)

EZ-BZ

ATHENS

PARIS

ATLANTA

PYEONGCHANG

BARCELONA

TEST YOUR IQ The common letters are “JO” - Fill in the blanks)

RIO

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase

BEIJING

TOKYO

CORTINA

ROME

LONDON

SALTLAKECITY

LOSANGELES

SEOUL

MEXICO

SOCHI

MILANO

SYDNEY

NAGANO

TURIN

OSLO

VANCOUVER

The unused 20 letters spell words “Related to this puzzle.” (answer on page 88)

1. The second largest (Blue) city in Rajasthan. JO _ _ _ _ _ 2. A magic spell, hex, or charm. _ _ JO 3. The tibiofemoral joint. _ _ _ _ JO _ _ _ 4. One who pushes you in a crowd. JO _ _ _ _ _ 5. Deer nut, wild nut growing in Arizona deserts. JOJO _ _ 6. A number equaling more than half of a total. _ _ JO _ _ _ _ 7. Humor, one found in Hee Hee in Saathee. JO _ _ 8. An archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan; built around 2500 BCE. _ _ _ _ _ JO _ _ _ _ 9. A mandolinlike instrument with round resonator. _ _ _ JO 10. An administrative urban city in Assam. JO _ _ _ _ 11. A former province of western France, on the Loire. It was an English possession from 1154 until 1204. _ _ JO _ 12. A city in Will & Kendall Counties in Illinois. JO _ _ _ _ 13. A 144 tiles-based game developed in China. _ _ _ JO _ _ 14.South Africa: an exclamation expressing a surprise. _ JO _ 15. An evergreen shrub bearing fruit like guava. _ _ _ JO _ 16. The biggest city in Africa. JO _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 17. Put oﬀ or postpone. _ _ JO _ _ _ 18. A paid position of regular employment. JO _ 19. An American Indian of AZ, UT and NM. _ _ _ _ JO 20. A crazy or extremely eccentric person. _ _ _ _ JO _ 21. A spider monkey or capuchin. _ _ JO _ 22. A Fortune-teller. (Sanskrit word) JO _ _ _ 23. A winter sport in which a person wearing skis is drawn over snow or ice (as by a horse or vehicle). _ _ _ JO _ _ _ _ 24. “ ___ Biden”. JO _ _ _ _ 25. A glazed ceramic tile of Portugal & Spain. _ _ _ _ _ JO (Puzzle solutions are on page 88. NO peeking!)

Kirit Shukla kiritsshukla@gmail.com

Saathee.com

January 2021

Festivals & Holidays Spot the Diﬀerences Solutions from page 50

January 2021

1. Color Changed 2. Window Removed 3. Purse Removed 4. Crack Removed 5. Hat Added 6. Headlight Removed 7. Color Changed 8. Sign Added

Jan. 1 - New Year's Day Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa Ends Jan. 6 - Epiphany Jan. 12 - Swami Vivekanand Jayanti Jan. 14 - Lohri / Maghi Jan. 14 - Makara Sankranti (Uttarayan) / Pongal Jan. 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 20 - Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Jan. 20 - US Presidential Inauguration Jan. 24 - Putrada Ekadashi Jan. 26 - Republic Day (India) Jan. 28 - Poshi Poonam (Full Moon) Jan. 30 - Gandhi Nirvana Day

9. Clouds Removed 10. Window Removed 11. Man Removed 12. Window Added 13. Trash Removed 14. Support Added 15. Spire Removed 9 12

11 15

February 2021 Feb. 1 - National Freedom Day Feb. 1 - Imbolc Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day Feb. 5 - National Wear Red Day Feb. 7 - Shattila Ekadashi Feb. 11 - Maghi Amas (No Moon) Feb. 12 - Lincoln’s Birthday Feb. 12 - Chinese New Year (Year of the Ox) Feb. 14 - St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 15 - Presidents’ Day Feb. 15 - Parinirvana Day Feb. 16 - Vasant Panchami Feb. 16 - Mardi Gras Feb. 17 - Ash Wednesday Feb. 18 - Ratha Saptami Feb. 23 - Jaya Ekadashi Feb. 25 - Hazrat Ali Birthday Feb. 26 - Māghi Purnima (Full Moon)

5 10

8 3

1 Puzzle Solutions from page 86-87

Math Magic from page 87

Saathee.com

January 2021

Looking for a Job or a business? Want to take music lessons? Want to Sell a business? CHECK OUT THE SAATHEE CLASSIFIEDS!

Page 92

Saathee Classifieds. They Work For YOU! An inexpensive way to reach thousands of South Asians throughout the Carolinas.

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For rates and information, contact Divakar Shukla. Email: Saathee@Saathee.com or call 704-527-7570

Saathee.com Your web connection to the South Asian Community of the Carolinas. Events, Videos, movies, listings, and more! Saathee.com

MAGAZINE A FREE monthly features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas 89

e-mail

E-NEWSLETTER Reach thousands of registered readers. Plus ask about Saatheeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Astroscope

January 2021

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

After a good start, your ﬁnancial picture will improve by the end of the month. Aggressively try to curb your expenses but be prepared to take calculated risks. You may come across a good money-making opportunity in the middle of the month. Be sure to grab it but be cautious. Don’t overreact to any issue. Take advantage of your reputation to protect yourself against any awkward situations.

Ventures undertaken this month may be fruitful if they link to government agencies. There may be a rise in status and position. Avoid any type of journey this month. Your enemy will try to tarnish your image, but their efforts will end in failure. You might get a very good piece of news this month. A minor accident is also possible.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

During this month you may become fascinated with someone of the opposite gender. Unexpected yet favorable events are likely to take place. A family member’s attitude will be quite uncertain this month. An interest in the occult or parapsychology will develop with positive experiences possible. Sudden monetary gain could be there. Your friends may not keep their promises.

Compromise is better than stubbornness. You will ﬁnd good prospects for a rise in income at your present job or business. This is a time that’s not favorable for change. You may gain beneﬁts due to changes in government policy or political actions. A misunderstanding may spoil your family environment. Aggressive and quick actions will help you more than prayers. Postpone any long-distance journey.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Even though things are improving, it will take a while to get back on track. The period is very good for ﬁnancial gains. Your expenses will be under control and bank balance should go up. However, a sense of insecurity won’t let you enjoy it. Any longdistance travel may prove exhausting. Be prepared to work hard. Watch your health.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Politics will help you more than moral or religious activities. You may achieve great status and become more famous. However, don’t dispute with your partner and/or family. Selfconﬁdence and boldness are very important during this period. Change your strategy to achieve success. Social or business-related short distance journeys might prove very fruitful.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) This month will relieve you of tension and anxiety. Domestically you will feel happy. Don’t plan any travel during this month. There are chances of gaining a promotion if employed. Your mind will shift towards a more romantic and realistic philosophy. There is a possibility of a prolonged illness, so keep a good eye on your health. Don’t work long hours.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) An unexpected rise in income will delight you as it will help cover your expenses. You should feel relaxed in the middle of the month. If you ignore your health, you may experience some serious physical issues. Avoid speculation during middle of the month. You may get good news regarding family matters. Keep away from any court or legal issues.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) A lack of confidence may create problems for you. Try to maintain that confidence by being more flexible. Avoid indulging in any immoral deeds such as cheating on your partner or underthe-table deals. It’s a much better time for business trips. A meet up with an old friend/love is quite possible. Try to curb your expenses on luxury items. Don’t get involved in any minor disputes with your family.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) Don’t try to act on instinct or you may be in dire trouble. Temptation may be there to indulge in wrongful acts, but you could also ﬁnd solace in some form of occultism. Health problems may disturb your peace of mind. A memorable journey is also possible. Your family and associates will help you in making favorable ﬁnancial deal.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Wait and watch. Adopt this slogan for at least a month. A good period is on the way, but don’t take any steps forward just yet. Illusion may create big problems for you, so try to control your imagination and dreams. Keep yourself active, but don’t attempt to make any drastic changes. Travel must be avoided. You may have to depend upon undesirable people. Just be sure to take it easy.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) You may have to change your ideologies twice this month, so it’s best to not make any quick decisions. You may recoup the lost opportunity. Don’t lose hope. The period is good for ﬁnancial gains, but the amount of upkeep involved will deteriorate any long-term effects. A fast and busy journey will prove beneﬁcial. Minor health relief is also possible.

Jalendu Vaidya 973-223-5047 Saathee.com

January 2021

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January 2021

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES C-Store for Sale by Owner in Gastonia, NC. Owner retired. Located near highway and State Park. Easy in and out access. Call for further details. 973723-6924.

Eyebrow Threading Position: Winston -Salem, NC. Excellent Pay + Tips & Single or couple wanted for Front Benefits! Some Experience & fluent Desk and general resident duties English required. Call 336-422-7582. needed for franchise hotel in Fort Mills, Housekeeping Couple and Front SC (near Carowinds). Must have basic Desk wanted for Franchise Hotel in computer skills, hotel experience, be Hickory/Conover, NC. guest friendly, fluent English and legal Accommodations provided. Legal status. Email resume to status required. Good pay! Call Rick mars803@gmail.com. 919-724-6772.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

32-room Motel for Sale in Birmingham, AL for 2.5 times gross revenue. Owner financing possible. Contact 801-631-3658 or Gas Station / C-store Help Wanted in hasuvila@yahoo.com. N. Charlotte (15 minutes from UNCC). C-store with Property for Sale or Legal status required. Must speak Lease 45 miles from Columbia, SC English. Salary commensurate per along with displays for fresh produce experience. Please call 704-733-0553.

& frozen items. Gross %55K / Lotto Franchise Hotel in NC is looking for $25K/month. Daily income not single or couple for Housekeeping and included. Call 904-307-4770. Front Desk clerks with computer for 3rd shift. High Volume Gas Station/C-Store for knowledge Sale or Lease in the heart of Gaffney, Accommodations provided. Contact SC. Neighborhood store on busy street 704-465-8129. with new pumps! Call 704-726-7544.

Home Cooking help needed: Working parents with new baby need assistance with Indian / vegetarian home cooking in Charlotte. Flexible hours. Must have own transportation. Please call 706627-7638.

Convenience Stores for Sale: Oak Island, NC $529,000 + Inv., Annual Sales $1,300,000, no gas; Greensboro, NC $250,000+ Inv., Annual Sales $255,000, no gas; Morven, NC $350,000 + Inv., Inside Sales $437,000 NC; Looking for full-time position to join County South: 704-440-4433 or visit the team at 7- Eleven in Charlotte, NC. www.Countysouth.biz. New store and location. Flexibility in Lakeview 12-unit Motel for Sale on shifts a plus. Standard pay. Please Lake in Hartsville near Florence, SC. email 711independence@gmail.com. Call 843-332-8145. Live-In Indian Nanny needed for 3

Cannon Pharmacy (Kannapolis) is looking for a Pharmacy Technician who can speak Guajarati/Hindi (or any other Indian dialect) with 1-3 years’ experience in retail pharmacy. Call 336-266-1085. Convenience Store help needed immediately in Charlotte, NC. Fulltime including weekends and evening shifts. Call 704-241-4499. Experienced Front Desk Clerk needed for Franchise Hotel In South Carolina. Accommodations provided with kitchen. Call 336-944-8003. Live-in Caretaker needed in Charlotte, NC. Duties include cooking, light housekeeping and companionship. Gujarati preferred. Call or text Anu at 919-624-3190.

Housekeeping couple needed immediately for 36-Room franchise motel in North Carolina. Accommodations with Indian TV Saathee Classified ads: Sell your year-old, cooking and light cleaning. channels provided. Call Bipin Patel at business, or property. Find the perfect Contact Khyati Shah at 551-689-2491 or 910-916-3288. job, hire the perfect employee. Get vikram0802@gmail.com. more customers. Get great adversting Join the team at Manhattan Jewelers C-store / Gas Station Help Wanted in results with Saathee Magazine, weekly at Fourseasons Town Center Mall in Gaffney, SC. Part-time or Full-time. email newsletter and Saathee.com. Greensboro, NC. Should be honest and Single, Couple or Family. Legal status Call 704.527.7570 or email hard working. Must have basic required. Fluent English & previous info@saathee.com. computer skills. Training provided. experience preferred. Call 704-726Email info@manhattan-jewelers.com 7544. LEARN for more info or text 336-880-3698 with Front Desk Help & On-Site your resume. ABOUT LAND Maintenance needed for Franchise

Hotel / Motel Supplies

Urgently looking for PT/ FT person for 3rd shift at 7-Eleven in Mint Hill, NC. Nice working environment in clean small store. Salary more than industry standards w/ shift premium. Call 980-289-9285 or apply by email at manishdass_m@yahoo.com.

Hotel / Motel Supplies: Toiletries, towels, utensils and much more. Contact Mr. Hari at Shree Hari imports 404-903-3362 or hari.imports2020@gmail.com.

Cashiers wanted (single or couple) for Gas Station in Rock Hill, SC (Exit 77). Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 803792-4452.

We specialize in helping groups invest in land. Contact Bob Atkinson “The Land Man” 919-362-6999 or visit www.learnaboutland.com

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Hotel in Concord, NC. Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call Rick 704-772-5554. Retail Sales Associate needed immediately for Sports & Men’s Designer Clothing store in Concord Mills Mall. Must be Dependable, Mature, Honest w/ positive attitude & flexible schedule. Salary with some benefits. Will train beginners. Call 704231-5038 or email pvdadlani@gmail.com January 2021

Couple needed for franchise hotel 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Must be Fluent in English. Accommodations provided. Text or call 704-701-9975. Housekeeping Motel Help Wanted in South Carolina. Enjoy excellent weather & work conditions! Legal status required. Call Raj 704-915-1026. Front Desk needed for motel in Richmond, VA (Airport area). Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 804-512-7810 or email airportbw@gmail.com Elder Care Help Needed: for mother in Charlotte / Fort Mill area. Part-time / full-time. Personal care, light cleaning & some vegetarian food prep required. Schedule negotiable. Call 803-230-4402 Urgent Hiring: Need Single or Couple to manage Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Matthews, NC. Part-time or Full-time. Call Dhruvit Patel 904-806-8071.. Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Wilmington, NC. Accommodations provided. email ilmhotelemployer@gmail.com or Call 910-262-8357 Full-time/Part-time Sales Associate needed for a Men's Retail Clothing Store in Charlotte, NC. Must be energetic, dependable, have positive attitude & flexible schedule. Previous retail experience preferred. Fluent English required. Contact Nick 276618-1166 or suitcityusa@gmail.com. Hotel Help Wanted: Franchise Motel in Asheville, NC needs young couple for Housekeeping (room cleaning), Accommodations provided. Legal status required. Contact 727-430-1809 or ramada28803@yahoo.com. Hotel Help Wanted: Housekeeping Couple & Front Desk for franchise hotel in Raleigh, NC. Best environment and nice accommodation provided. Family opportunities. Call Deep 605-323-8802. Hotel Help Wanted: Housekeeping Couple & Front Desk for multiple franchise hotels in Cary and Durham. Call Amit 434-446-9250 Cashier wanted for Convenience Store near Charlotte. Must speak English. Accommodations provided. Text / Call 704-701-9975. Saathee.com

Motel Help Needed: Front Desk & GMs for franchise motels in Richburg, SC. Fluent English & legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 803-230-4402. Motel Help Wanted for Front Desk Clerk. Must have legal status. Accommodations provided. Call Neal 404-642-1611. . Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk/Manager, Night Auditor and Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point. Accommodations provided. Call 704-460-0379 between 6- 9pm. Hotel Help needed at Virginia Econo Lodge. Hiring experienced front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance personnel for interior corridor property. Accommodations provided. Call 804-317-8587.

MATRIMONIAL Hindu Sindhi family seeks match from US raised attractive Hindu Sindhi Girl for Son, 40 Years, Handsome, Well Settled, USA Citizen, Never Married. E-mail Biodata Recent Photo to: sunderusa@gmail.com or call 228-918-5558.

SERVICES Henna for all occasions: Weddings are our specialty. Other services include hand over heals, body art, and energy healing. Call for details 919-370-2371. Ezhenna.com. Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All. IT, Telecom & Civil Engineering service Providers: website design, digital marketing, software products, education, training & certifications with placement assistance. Best quality at a reasonable price. Contact: 704-7265695; email: gescpl@gmail.com Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity. Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-641-4761 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com 93

Priest Available for these services: Shree Satya narayan katha, Shanti hawan, Vastu shanty, Weddings, Baby shower, Bhumi pujan, Mata ki chowki pujan, Funeral, all types of karmakand. Please call Viral Bhatt 704438-6334. Travel Passion: Call for International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Ppt Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509.550.9076 or 509.550.9034 Email: travelpassion24@gmail.com Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 31 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912. 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. 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 Neetaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270. Looking for work? Check Saathee.com daily for additional help wanted classified ads visit Saathee.com/employmentopportunities

To Submit a Classified visit: saathee.com/submit-classified 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 We accept all major credit cards. Ads up to 25 words. Deadline for print is the 20th. Web ads daily.

January 2021

Dances of India

Subcontinental Divide

continued from page 62

continued from page 42

pandemic. But I am less confused about mom-and-pop businesses going bust. The movements I’m tracking at local and state levels are less about orders on Amazon; they are about coffee shops, butchers, take-out Chinese restaurants. You know, people who were always there, your friends, your neighbors in strip shopping centers, smiling – people who knew your name. By some estimates, 25 percent of them went belly up this year. So, in this confusing 3-dimentional chess game with pharma stockholders, governments, trading partners, smiling billionaires, and then the liberty warriors trying to squash the deep state, we really do have an existential crisis – what are your rights. Here in these them thar parts of the world, we like the them thar Liberty and Freedom in a world where the flag colors don’t run, and guns are only pried off our cold, dead hands. And I am conflicted about that. Working with lots of conservative clients, most pre-Trump, I have a good sense of where they stand about government interference in their affairs. This pandemic is a unique once in a lifetime enemy for which we have no philosophical weapon. We are intellectually crippled by implications and consequences. And here comes the dilemma (and here comes the Positivity … wait for it) – we just jumped out of an airplane, and the parachute didn’t open. We have that emergency cord to pull, but, alas, we are a free people. Leave that decision to us. And I wonder, deep into those cold nights with the cat sleeping on my chest, “Am I angry? Or just stupid?” I mean, America has united as a community behind much – a postCivil War rebuilding, two World Wars, voting rights (somewhat in stealth), polio vaccinations, helping neighbors in disasters. Deeply seated Christian values bring neighbors to my door during holidays with snacks and cards with “Peace and Joy” gold foiled on them. Why do some also bring out their claws if women who have travelled 2000 miles on foot with babies ask for asylum? I don’t know. In the two Americas Joe Biden swears to serve, we will have to deal and heal. Are we responsible for the neighbor’s health? If a small business wants to open without masks and people without masks want to shop there, can the government intervene? Should my taxes support the poor who I think don’t really want to work and deserve nothing? Where is my French wine and Dutch cheese? Now, I’m being positive here, and I am smiling. Without some shady real estate guy on twitter at 4am, this country can finally engage in this unique debate, and perhaps we will intellectually redefine the intent of the Founding Fathers. If we are crossing into socialism from individualism, maybe it’s time to discuss this in a civil manner. If our responsibilities as a community are colliding with our conscience, perhaps it is time to discuss that without an AR15 assault rifle on our shoulders. I am seeing 2021 as a positive. Maybe we’ll talk. Maybe it’s the same old same old … Ahsen Jillani a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, and now lives in Mint Hill. He owns Must Media, a PR firm focused on political and corporate clients. Contact: aj@must-media.com Saathee.com

on rousing the sentiments of Raudra (anger) and Veera (valor); their ornaments, musical instruments and even the methods of presentation are similar. Both are performed on significant occasions and festivals and both of them beat Chande, a high-pitched percussion instrument to invite the neighboring villagers/audience to the performance. Their masks are the most unique and outstandingly elaborate in their presentation. The 17th century dance style Kathakali is rooted in Hindu traditions. When I was little, I saw Mahabharatham being staged by some great Kathakali dancers. First, I was a little scared by the facial makeup and the elaborate costumes and dance movements. I do not remember how that fear transformed into fascination. The movements were very powerful and hypnotic. Unlike other dance forms, the makeup used in Kathakali is a highly developed art, involving great skill in the application of the paints. I actually saw the dancers lay down on the floor to get their makeup done, as it takes quite a few hours to complete the face painting. Meticulous care is taken to see that each mask is perfectly applied on the face, with each color in its right place, to enhance the dramatic effect of the dance performance. This aids in doing the exaggerated and wonderful facial expressions. Each particular facemask represents a different type of character. To act, the use of the eyes and eyebrows are far more evolved and involved than in Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak or any other school of the classical dance. Eyes and eyebrows are constantly used to aid the process of communication in the most effective manner with great intensity. During the drama, the dancers do not speak, but they use varied hand movements known as “Mudras” and mime to constitute a complete sign language. The movements are explosive, accompanied by nonstop drumming that begins before the performance and lasts throughout the whole dance-drama. On the other hand, the twin of Kathakali, the Yakshagana’s source is very diverse. State of Karnataka claims its origin. State of Andhra Pradesh dates it back to 1250 A.D. This dance form has become common to many regions of India and has different names. The themes enacted as mentioned before were from the Bhagavatham, as well as the stories of epics from Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The costumes and makeup indicate the characteristics of each individual, hero or the villain. Some artists amazingly do their own makeup and wear other gear to create a look of the hero or the villain characters like the demon Ravana. The most fascinating part of this dance style to me is the ability of dancers to make quick consecutive circles in mid-air while dancing and wearing these masks and heavy head gear. Our cloth masks will go away at some point as the pandemic ends, but the traditions of dancing with masks and the magical transformations of characters remain for years to come.

Dr. Maha Gingrich For questions or comments contact via e-mail at Gingrichmaha@gmail.com. 94

January 2021

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Advertisers Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan)...37

DJ Sam (Sanket Shah) .............................................19

Patel Brothers (Charlotte)..........................................24

Aggarwal Group (Morgan Stanley) ..............................3

Elev8 Ev3nts.............................................................47

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)....................................39

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

Fairview Home Mortgage .........................................43

Patel, Tony (Real Estate)............................................91

Anil & Anjali Bedi LLC (CPA & Consultants)...............97

Fincare.US (Recession-Proof Your Retirement)..........39

Pizza Twist (Concord)................................................13

Around The World Market (Charlotte)........................16

Geological Resources, Inc.........................................53

Pramukh Mandapam ...............................................35

Aspect Commerical Realty (Prashant Parmar) ..........43

Global Engineering Services (GES)............................35

Raghu Mothukuri Allstate Agent................................63

ATMA Hotel Group....................................................59

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

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

Bala Sure (Broker / Realtor, NC & SC)......................23

H2 Laser & Skin .......................................................17

Raja Reslan, CFAÂŽ| Financial Advisor (Edward Jones)31

Bashyam Shah LLP - Immigration Law Group..........36

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

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)......43

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................73

Hirak Patel (Real Estate)............................................45

Ram Realty (Ram Kalagara)......................................79

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

Home Decorators Of America (Atlanta) .....................44

Ramana Coaching Center ........................................51

Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC...........................................52

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv..97

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Blooming Buds.........................................................47

Jyoti's World Cuisine ................................................31

Saffron Restaurant and Catering...............................23

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

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

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC.........................................65

Bombay Grille (Charlotte)..........................................95

Khanna & Sons Jewelers .........................................21

Shah, Anish (Real Estate) ...................................80-81

Brijal Shah (Keller Williams - Real Estate)..................31

Kumar, Kokila (Real Estate - Allen Tate).....................19

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) .........................49

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

Lead Designs FF&@ Procurement...........................41

Shree Hari Imports (Hotel / Motel Suppliers) .............41

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner).............57

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte) ..........................25

Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band).........................67

C4D Mortgage (Jubi Chackunkal, P.E.) .....................35

Mahulkumar Makati (Adjuster)..................................47

SLV Realty LLC (Krishna Vemuri)...............................17

Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai)............................85

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

Sona Realty (Venkat Suryadevara) ............................55

Carolina Medical Associates.....................................19

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

Sue Mrithunayan (Realtor) ........................................13

CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel)................29

Malaya Kitchen.........................................................67

SV Temple of NC (Fundraiser) .....................................4

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

Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors) ........................33

Thai Express Charlotte..............................................29

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

Matthews Family Dentistry ......................................33

The Blue Taj..............................................................75

Chiro-Carolina

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Monroe Oil Company................................................98

Travel Passion ..........................................................35

Classified..................................................................92

Nagpal, Sunil (MassMutual Carolinas).......................91

Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate).............................................49

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).......................65

Neeta's Beauty Parlor...............................................67

Union Family Eye Associates (Dr. Keshav Bhat).........25

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte)...................................75

New York Life Insurance (Rasheed Ulhaq).................11

Vema Mortgage LLC (Sebastian George) .39/45/65/97

County South Realty & Business Brokers..................63

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

Volkswagen of South Charlotte (Gene Patel - Sales) .29

Dentist (Pineville Dentistry - Lina V. Mistry, DDS) .......73

Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC (Viral Mehta) ......................32

Vyas Travels..............................................................49

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........45

One2 Entertainment .................................................49

Windsor Run (Retirement Community)........................5

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC)......................................53

Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine......................10

Worldwide Travels ....................................................37

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January 2021

Supreme Insurance Services Inc.

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January 2021

69 Years

Monroe Oil Company is a Trusted Full Service Wholesale Petroleum Distributor. Our corporate office is in Monroe, NC and we are expanding with additional offices in GA to better service and grow the Southeast US Region.

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