Saathee Charlotte November 2022

Politics can become even more complex during an immigration crisis. Read the essay on page 22.

Read about the six pillars of lifestyle medicine in our Nutrition for Life column beginning on page 32.

Say what? Hearing aids are now available over-the-counter? Find out more on page 36.

Manipuri, the most soothing Indian classical dance form is explored in our Dances of India column on page 46.

A brand new Spot the Differences puzzle is on page 50.

Learn how to make Creamy Spiced Corn on the Cob, an easy crowd pleasing item for Thanksgiving or anytime in our recipe on page 68.

Thank you for continuing to read Saathee and please share it with family and friends. Drop us a line with any comments or suggestions. We welcome conversations.

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

Cover: Rajasthan

A camel drawn cart passes by one of many architectural wonders in the desert state of Rajashan, also known as “Land of Kings.”

Photo: Adobe Stock

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

November 2022 Issue # 294

- Saathee.comEditor

Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising

Divakar Shukla

704-527-7570 or rakavid@aol.com

Digital Media & Marketing

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout

DSJ Graphics & Manimaran

Contributors for this issue: Kirit Shukla, Taige Shukla, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Rishi P. Oza, Parul Kharod, Balaji Prasad Mo Vidwans, & Jalendu Vaidya.

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

- F OUNDED 1998Saathee Magazine

P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220

704.527.7570

Fax: 704.527.7590 Saathee@saathee.com

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(USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by: Shukla Entertainment Inc. 612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209

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"Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts."

- E. B. White

Paper Future

The Editor’s Desk

by Samir Shukla

My brain is becoming a square sheet of paper trying to fit into the round holes of digital whirlwinds. It’s a slow-motion stroll battling the roller coasters of our mind-numbing digital world, continually held like some glowing priceless metal in the palms of our hands. This madness afflicts all. It spares no one.

I have recently increased my efforts to imprint memories directly on my brain, rather than turning them into binary abstractions on a hand-held device. The endless collection of data, photos, videos, apps, is a runaway train looking to slow down.

I still capture photos and videos on my phone, of course, but am spending more time just gazing at vistas, a flower, the light streaming through a window creating otherworldly shadows, myriad things of beauty and interest, whether stationary or in motion. I gaze and close my eyes for a moment to record it, to remember and recall later. Saved on the most powerful cloud and hard drive of all. This is rather important with the creeping fogginess in my brain, the old battle-scarred supercomputer. It’s maintenance.

This slow gaze at something worth recording is a meditative exercise that also helps balance the slowly increasing wobbliness of my footing when walking down the road, trying to get to the sunny side of the street, attempting to catch up with my future self.

It may be a losing battle, but I know my future self is looking back signaling to me to keep bouncing forward. This meditative exercise also includes rubbing my hands together to loosen that rectangular shape embedded in the stiff palm by that ever-present device.

I’m still interested in gadgets but am no longer awed. The gadgets and gizmos, warp drives and hyper drives of science fiction films and stories lit up my youth. Somewhere along the alleyways of the Internet, social media and way too much streaming, I try to detox from this tech deluge every so often and attempt to slow the roller coaster down.

I’m now gazing at a sprawling tree, close my eyes and save, then look up at an intriguing cloud formation, close eyes and save, and look down again at a tree branch and watch a bird just being a bird. Eyes shut and save. My brain responds with a thanks. Technical advances will continue to march forward at hyper speed, now I’m willing to let most pass me by.

It’s funny how certain old and established mediums remain vital. Among all the dizzying array of apps and technical doodads available, old-school email remains the most used and productive tool of communication.

Digital Past

A handwritten letter can seem an oddity that is also more real than a thousand texts or WhatsApp missives. A paper map can save a lot of headaches when you are on the road, out of reach of cellular signals. Records, yes, those round vinyl things that were relegated to the dustbins of history are more popular now than CDs.

We store so much data in the cloud, but its advisable to remain vigil and keep a few essential documents on paper. They may save the day someday, if embroiled in legal or tax matters. Maybe even matters of the heart.

Sometimes the endless shards of communication are surmised simply and more effectively on a single sheet of paper.

The roller coaster I’m on in this moment is slowing. I’m groggy as I get off. There’s a group of kids playing with abandon in the neighbor’s yard. I record this moment in my brain. The handheld device tucked away in a pocket. This precious, just passed moment, when recalled later, will make that future moment more real.

Samir Shukla

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

Upcoming Events

TGA Diwali Dinner 2022: Morrisville, NC (November 5, 2022)

The Triangle Gujarati Association of NC presents its annual Diwali Dinner on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 6pm. This will be an evening filled with food, fun, music, performances, and more. There will be food options for adults and kids. Live music performed by the Swar Sarita group from India. It will take place at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. For more details, visit Nctga.org.

WNC Pottery Festival: Sylva, NC (November 5, 2022)

Verse & Vino: Charlotte, NC (November 10, 2022)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation presents the ninth annual Verse & Vino — an evening of writers, fine wine, and library supporters. Featuring New York Times bestselling authors David Baldacci, Adriana Trigiani, and Sarah McCoy plus newcomer Javier Zamora. Sheri Lynch, author, speaker, and radio legend will be the emcee. Charlotte Convention Center on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Details: 704-4160603 or visit, Foundation.cmlibrary.org/verse-vino.

Cape Fear Kite Festival: Kure Beach, NC (November 5-6, 2022)

Set your sights to the sky at the 15th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival between November 5 & 6, 2022. An annual tradition, both amateur and professional kiters take to the sky with a dazzling array of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes seaside at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Pack picnics or visit food trucks and various vendors on-site during the two-day festival. Bring the whole family and your four-legged friends for fun beside the shore. Details: Kure-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

NC International Festival: Raleigh, NC (November 5 – 6, 2022)

Master potters will exhibit some of North Carolina’s finest pottery at this one-day festival (10am – 5pm) in Sylva, NC. Technique demonstrations and contests will keep pottery lovers busy between checking out local art galleries & boutiques, and shopping at the street fair. $5 entrance fee. Details: Wncpotteryfestival.com.

Statesville Pumpkin Festival: (November 5, 2022)

Classic cars and two stages of live music are marquee attractions at this fest, but pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors are the true reason for celebrating. Say cheers to pumpkins in the Corks, Taps and Barrels Garden featuring local breweries and spend time playing in the Kids’ Zone. The festival takes place on November 5, 2022 from 8am – 5pm. Details: Statesvillepumpkinfest.com.

The North Carolina International Festival will take place November 5 - 6, 2022. There will be myriad performances, music, dances, food, bazaar and more. The venue is N.C. State Fairgrounds - Expo Building, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC. The timings are Saturday, 10 am – 10 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm. For more details call 919-606-0647 or visit NCvibes.com.

Mythical & Medieval Fest: Myrtle Beach, SC (November 12 – 13, 2022)

The Mythical & Medieval Fest is a Renaissance themed festival to raise money for Caleb’s Dragonfly Dreams; a local non-profit in Myrtle Beach, SC that provides positive activities to children that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and reside in group homes or shelters. This noble charity will provide you with a whimsical realm filled with a fairy forest, medieval combat, princesses, artisan’s village area, fire show and so much more. The event is geared toward the whole family with free activities like archery, Viking toss and fight circle. All shows and live music are included with your paid admission between November 12 & 13, 2022. More info can be found at Mythicalmedievalfest.com.

Upcoming Events

Cucalorus Film Festival: Wilmington, NC (November 16 – 20, 2022)

Known for its gorgeous riverside setting and its laid-back, rock n’ roll atmosphere, the 27th annual Cucalorus Film Festival is a noncompetitive festival showcasing 127 worldwide films, a diverse selection of Stage performances (bold, original productions in dance, music, comedy, and theater), and more than 50 Connect Conference events (entrepreneurship-focused panels, speakers and workshops). The fest will take place between November 16-20, 2022 in downtown Wilmington, NC. Check out the website for performance schedules and locations at Cucalorus.org.

Leadership Conference: Charlotte, NC (November 18, 2022)

India Association of Charlotte (IAC) announces a new event Leadership Conference on “Reimagining Futures: A New Landscape for the Arts in Charlotte.” It will take place on Friday, November 18, 2022 (5:30 pm) at UNC Charlotte, Robinson Hall (9027 Mary Alexander Road), Room 118. After the strong success of the Regional FOI (Festival of India) in Matthews in April 2022 and the annual FOI Uptown in Charlotte in August 2022, IAC is proud to continue its core mission of celebrating and nurturing Artistic and Cultural Diversity in communities. IAC is collaborating with UNC Charlotte to present a leadership symposium on the theme of leveraging artistic diversity to strengthen social cohesion within the civic life of Charlotte and surrounding communities. This symposium introduces and is a steppingstone towards a new vision for the arts in Charlotte. It will emphasize various facets of cultural and artistic diversity and their role in shaping our future, with insight from a panel of distinguished speakers from Art, Corporate, Educational and Public sectors. This event is free, but registration is required. Register at eventbrite.com and search for Reimagining Futures.

Atif Aslam in Concert: Greensboro, NC (November 20, 2022)

Popular singer, songwriter, composer and actor Atif Aslam will perform live in concert with his band on Sunday, November 20, 2022, beginning at 7pm at Tanger Center, 300 N. Elm St, Greensboro, NC. Tickets start at $49 and are available through Ticketmaster. For more details, call 610-714-8999.

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Huntersville, NC

(Through November 20, 2022)

History comes alive with nonstop, day long entertainment, arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, and feasting. The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European-style art, food and entertainment festival combining outdoor

theater, crafts, circus entertainment, and marketplace. Each weekend from October 1 to November 20, 2022, has a theme including a Kids weekend, Halloween, & Pirate Christmas. Info: Carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast: Durham, NC (November 24, 2022)

The Triangle Vegetarian Society presents the annual vegetarian Thanksgiving Day feast at Parizade in Durham on Thursday, November 24, 2022. In addition, there will be a PreThanksgiving feast at the vegan restaurant Coco Espresso, Bistro & Bar in Chapel Hill on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The Triangle Vegetarian Society provides information and support for those interested in any aspect of plant-based diets. For more details on the Feast, visit Trianglevegsociety.org.

Christmas Town USA: McAdenville, NC (December 1 - 26, 2022) McAdenville is known as Christmas Town USA and has been lighting up the entire town for Christmas for decades. Walk or drive through the downtown area to view the frosty majesty of the winter landscape. Green, red and white lights will shine from 5:30 - 10:00 pm each night. There will be Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, 2022 at 5:30pm at Dynamo 31, 102 Main St. The countdown is always exciting before a child "flips the switch" and turns on the light display. An evening in Christmas Town U.S.A. is like a magical trip back in time. Details at, Townofmcadenville.org.

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit our regularly updated page: Saathee.com/events

Shital Patel, JD, LCSW Mental Health Therapist

The Complexities of Politics During an Immigration Crisis

Immigration Matters

by Rishi P. Oza

The influx of migrants at the nation’s southern border is nothing new. What is new is that the humanitarian crisis is now becoming more of a political football with state governors becoming the enforcers and, in some cases, exploiters of the feeble federal response. While legislation and implementation of immigration policy is generally the purview of the federal government, the release of migrants into the United States is increasingly becoming a state and local issue with locales bearing the burden of absorbing these populations into their local fabric.

Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida have turned to political grandstanding to try to drive home the point of lax federal enforcement of border policy. While this has garnered national headlines, Governor Abbott has instituted a busing campaign of transporting migrants to “sanctuary jurisdictions”, such as Washington DC, Chicago and New York, far from the border towns and interior cities of Texas that have historically borne the brunt of released migrants. Governor DeSantis, not to be outdone and ostensibly with an eye on a run for the presidency in 2024 and a potential challenger in Governor Abbott, sought out an even splashier headline – flying migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in

Immigration

Upcoming Movie Releases

Kuttey (Director: Aasmaan Bhardwaj)

Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Tabu, and Konkona Sen Sharma

Phone Bhoot

(Director: Gurmmeet Singh)

Cast: Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter, and Siddhant Chaturvedi

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Director: Eric Appel)

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, and Rainn Wilson

Causeway (Director: Lila Neugebauerj)

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry

Mili

(Director: Mathukutty Xavier)

Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa, and Sunny Kaushal

Double XL

(Director: Satramm Ramani)

Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, and Mahat Raghavendra

Like Share & Subscribe (Director: Merlapaka Gandhi)

Cast: Santosh Sobhan, Sudharshan, Brahmaji, and Aadukalam Naren

Enola Holmes 2 (Director: Harry Bradbeer)

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Adeel Akhtar, and Helena Bonham Carter

Urvasivo Rakshasivo (Director: Rakesh Sashii)

Cast: Allu Sirish, Anu Emmanuel, Sunil, and Kedar Shankar

Spirited (Directors: Sean Anders & John Morris)

Cast: Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Director: Ryan Coogler)

Cast: Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angela Bassett

Rocket Gang (Director: Bosco Martis) Cast: Aditya Seal and Nikita Dutta

Monica, O My Darling (Director: Vasan Bala) Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte, and Radhika Madan

The Fablemans (Director: Steven Spielberg) Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, and Paul Dano

Itlu Maredumilli Prajaneekam (Director: AR Mohan) Cast: Allari Naresh, Anandhi, Vennela Kishore, and Sampath Raj

Uunchai (Director: Sooraj Barjatya) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa

The Son (Director: Florian Zeller)

Yodha (Directors: Sagar Ambre & Pushkar Ojha)

Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Disha Patani, and Raashi Khanna

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, and Anthony Hopkins The Menu (Director: Mark Mylod) Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and John Leguizamo

Novemver

Bheed (Director: Anubhav Sinha) Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, and Dia Mirza

i l m C l i p s

Four Samosas

Drishyam 2

The sequel to the hit film is slated for release on November 18, 2022. This is a gripping tale of an investigation and a family which is threatened by it. Will Vijay Salgaonkar be able to protect his family this time? The film, directed by Abhishek Pathak, stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Akshaye Khanna.

Breathe: Into the Shadows Season 2

Abhishek Bachchan, Amit Sadh, Nithya Menen and Saiyami Kher will reprise their characters in the new season of Breathe: Into The Shadows while Naveen Kasturia joins the sequel. The series will begin streaming on November 9, 2022. The psychological thriller will once again feature protagonist Abhishek Bachchan. The eight-episode original series is co-created and directed by Mayank Sharma who also helmed the previous season.

Set in LA’s Little India neighborhood, Four Samosas is a quirky romantic comedy about a wanna-be South Asian American rapper, who along with three friends - first-time thieves - plan a heist on a grocery store owned by his exgirlfriend’s father, to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement. The film is written and directed by Ravi Kapoor. It stars Venk Potula, Sonal Shah, and Karan Soni. The film releases on December 2, 2022.

Monica, O My Darling

The film tells the tale of a young man desperately trying to make it big with some unlikely allies and a dastardly diabolical plan to pull off the perfect murder. Vasan Bala directs Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte, and Radhika Madan for the film that is slated to open on November 11, 2022.

The Son

exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. The thriller is directed by Mark Mylod and stars Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and John Leguizamo. The movie opens in cinemas on November 18, 2022.

Marlowe

Yodha

Yodha is about an airplane hijacking where a soldier helps the passengers and fights against the terrorist. Of course, the damage to the engines makes the situation deadly. Sidharth Malhotra, Disha Patani, and Raashi Khanna star in this action thriller that is directed by Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha. Look for the film on November 11, 2022.

Peter has his busy life with new partner Beth and their baby thrown into disarray when his ex-wife Kate turns up with their teenage son, Nicholas. Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, and Anthony Hopkins star in drama The Son, directed by Florian Zeller. It is slated to open on November 11, 2022.

The Menu

In late 1930’s Bay City, a brooding, down on his luck detective is hired to find the exlover of a glamorous heiress. Neil Jordan directs Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, Colm Meaney, and Jessica Lange. Look for the film on December 2, 2022.

Salaam Venky

A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an

Veteran actress Kajol returns in the new film Salaam Venky, directed by Revanthi. The film, based on a true story, tells the tale of Sujata, an ideal mother, who battled the most challenging situations one can ever face with a smile. Look for on December 9, 2022.

Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

Nutrition for Life by Parul Kharod

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It is also in the middle of the holiday season. We just celebrated Diwali, and now are gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year parties.

What a dilemma. To eat or not to eat!

This year let’s be a little proactive and not wait until January 1 to make resolutions about our health. How about we start now, while we are in the middle of party season, and learn how to be mindful about our eating habits.

Mindful Eating refers to being aware and making intentional choices about what, when, and how much you eat while also enjoying the foods you eat. There is gratitude and pleasure without the guilt. Mindful eating allows you to make choices that will be satisfying and nourishing to the body without being judgmental.

It helps with improved overall health without the stress. Once you practice mindful eating, it does not matter what month or celebration it is. You can enjoy the festivities without feeling guilty or causing any disruption or harm to your health.

Now let’s talk about Lifestyle Medicine. Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions to prevent and treat chronic conditions. It treats the underlying cause of disease rather than its

symptoms. The goal is to apply evidence-based lifestyle changes to look at the whole person rather than treating a single disease. This is becoming increasingly popular due to the plethora of evidence for it. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) certifies physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians in this specialty.

According to lifestyle medicine, there are six pillars of health we should be focusing on:

Relationships

Nutrition

Nutrition is about eating foods that nourish the body and avoiding the foods that do harm. This principle helps with preventing and treating all chronic diseases. The largest amount of evidence for what type of foods we should be eating is for plants! ACLM advocates for primarily a plantbased diet.

We need to eat fiber rich complex carbohydrates found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds at regular intervals to help balance mood and stabilize blood

Nutrition

Say What?

Hearing Aids Available Over-the-Counter for as Low as $199, and Without a Prescription

By Phil Galewitz

Consumers can now buy hearing aids directly off store shelves and at dramatically lower prices as a 2017 federal law finally takes effect.

Where for decades it cost thousands of dollars to get a device that could be purchased only with a prescription from an audiologist or other hearing professional, now a new category of over-the-counter aids are selling for hundreds of dollars. Walmart says it will sell a hearing aid for as little as $199.

The over-the-counter aids are intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss — a market of tens of millions of people, many of whom have until now avoided getting help because devices were so expensive.

“From a conceptual point of view, this is huge that this is finally happening,” said Dr. Frank Lin, director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He predicts it could take a couple of years for the new market to shake out as manufacturers and retailers get accustomed to selling aids and consumers become familiar with the options.

Hearing care experts say they are pleased to see the lower prices. Lin said he believes prices will fall further as more competitors enter the market in the next two years.

Prices and features will vary for the new OTC hearing aids — much as they do for prescription aids. A pair of

prescription devices typically sells for $2,000 to $8,000. Some of the technology found in the pricier prescription aids will be available in the cheaper OTC aids.

The OTC aids cost less partly because they do not bundle the services of an audiologist for a hearing evaluation, fitting, and fine-tuning the device. Instead, the new devices are intended to be set up by the consumers themselves, although manufacturers will offer technical assistance through apps and by phone.

Some new companies have entered the market, including Sony. It will sell its lowest-cost, self-fitting OTC hearing aid for $999 at Best Buy and other retailers.

Walmart said it will offer an assortment of OTC hearing aids, including some at $199 to $299 per pair from the South Africa-based company hearX, which also makes Lexie devices. Initially, the devices will be available at Walmart stores in Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. But the company expects to make them available nationwide soon.

Walgreens will offer the Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aid for $799 a pair. The offerings at Walgreens, CVS, Best Buy, and Walmart will also include a Lexie hearing aid developed in partnership with Bose.

Costco, one of the largest sellers of hearing aids dispensed through a hearing professional, would not reveal whether it will offer any over the counter.

Hearing Aids continued on

‘Tis Decision to be Jolly!

Thinking About Thinking by Balaji Prasad

“We believe in the reasons, because we’ve already made the decision.”

- Daniel Kahneman

We make decisions every day. But maybe we don’t make decisions at all!

It could be that there is a machine inside us that cranks out decisions that we are not even aware that are being made. And that we simply come in after the fact and take credit for these decisions using our extensive argumentative skills to do so.

So, what is this mysterious machinery?

Machine learning

Our brains are sophisticated statistical machines. Over time they capture a lot of data about things that happen in and around us. They cull and curate fast and furiously as the terabytes, zettabytes and yottabytes of data plummet towards us from inside, outside and from every imaginable direction. They classify, aggregate and transform the contents from this deluge and make them all somehow fit in a manner that seemingly makes sense. Sense! That’s what we are about: we need things to make sense to us, which is, in other words, making it all fit with whatever we desire to have these things fit in with. And this is where things get complicated.

Our brains may be multi-layered machines in which some parts are changeable and reprogrammable, but some just are not. Some parts are not as much like software as they are like firmware: things that can be potentially changed but at exorbitant cost and Herculean effort, to the point where it may as well be unchangeable. These parts may be what we could think of as emotions: the decisive and unyielding parts of us that strike with the predictability, fury and venom of a king cobra when faced with things that pose discomfort.

And then there is the substratum — the hardware — that came with the machine in its original packing, and which is beyond our ability to directly access, control and change. This layer is our gift from nature: the parts that keep us alive and breathing despite our every attempt to hack, hijack and sabotage it.

So, when we “make” decisions, it may be this fantastic statistical machine that hums silently under the surface making us make all these decisions while we tell stories to ourselves about the decisions we make. Because we’re good at telling stories with the words, logic and language that we have. And therein lies a problem!

Anup Desai or Parag Patel 1000 Bearcat Way, Suite 105, Unit 3 Morrisville, NC 27560 520-252-5271 eFax: 704-973-7935 parag@desaillp.com

Anup Desai or Bhishma Patel 2423 Plantation Center Dr. Suite B Matthews, NC 28105 704-845-0918 or 704-845-0915 eFax: 704-973-7935 anup@desaillp.com or bhishma@desaillp.com

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

RRR

A Universal Story Transcending Cultural Boundaries for the Greater Good

by Jennifer Allen

We’ve all become aware of some of the most iconic fictional duos of all time, right?

Kirk & Spock; Butch & Sundance; Thelma & Louise; Calvin & Hobbes; Holmes & Watson; Batman & Robin; Han Solo & Chewbacca

Well now Western audiences can add two more names to that list: Bheem & Rama Raju.

I don’t think anyone could have predicted how much S. S. Rajamouli’s film would explode into mainstream culture since its March 2022 release. Yet, many outside South Asia who had never seen a Tollywood film have been inexplicably drawn to watch this thanks to social media and general word of mouth singing its praises. It’s satisfying to see audiences outside of the Indian subcontinent stating that RRR is one of the most enjoyable, uplifting and emotionally gratifying movies they’ve seen in recent memory.

Though this is a film which will depend on how open minded one can be about the way Indian cinema, especially South Indian cinema well… is. If you’re willing to suspend considerable belief and embrace all the quirks

and idiosyncrasies, then it will ultimately be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

To broadly explain what I mean, RRR is an amalgamation of set pieces which include (but are not limited to) an attempted residential siege with CGI animals flying everywhere, a dance battle involving an inventive use of suspenders, a prison break sequence with the two leads piggybacking and dispensing a gratuitous amount of violence via a pair of English rifles, and a plethora of slowmotion shots with various uses of both fire and water.

It ramps everything up to 11 by telling the laws of physics, gravity, and sometimes all common sense to take a break for the sake of entertainment.

On top of the spectacular visuals, the film’s overall tone switches from light-hearted comedy and feel-good moments of friendship to downright dark and somber as both Bheem and Rama Raju are often forced to do terrible things in service of a greater good.

There’s also an overtone of ‘The British are evil’ that is much more explicit than Western audiences may be accustomed to. It’s not a new concept by any means. There’s a reason why the most overall celebrated holiday in the world involves a country’s independence from the British sovereignty.

Still, RRR does not shy away from depicting some scenes showcasing the British Raj’s cruelty upon Indian civilians.

Mirror

Mirror, Mirror

BHAVEN SAYANIA DMD,

NEAL PATEL DMD,

Manipuri

Most Soothing Indian Classical Dance Form

Dances of India

by Dr. Maha Gingrich

We just celebrated Diwali festival, and the graceful, smooth, almost ballet like movements of Manipuri dance came to my mind. As you may know, there are many stories associated with Diwali. One is to celebrate the return of Lord Rama to the Kingdom of Ayodhya as a narrative of the victory of good over evil and the day of the festival is said to coincide with Rama’s triumphant return after defeating the demon king Ravana. Then also on Diwali day, people light up the night to guide Goddess Lakshmi into their homes to bring good fortune and prosperity for the year to come. Then there is the story of Lord Krishna’s victory over the powerful demon king Narakasura also holds particular significance to Diwali.

Manipuri dance is counted among major classical dance forms of India, especially noted for themes based on Vaishnavism and spectacular execution of Raas Leela dance dramas based on love between Radha and Lord Krishna. Other themes included in this art form associate with Shaktism, Shaivism and on the sylvan deities called Umang Lai during Manipuri festival of Lai Haraoba.

Situated on the northeastern region of India, Manipur presents a beautiful picture of nature and charm. The word Manipur is derived from the words “Mani” a jewel and “pur” a place. I wish we could see this beautiful, graceful and

spiritual dance form more often. For centuries, people of Manipur have expressed their emotions and faith through dance and music.

A bit of History

Traditionally the people of Manipur considered themselves to be the Gandharvas mentioned in the Vedic texts who were singers, dancers and musicians associated with devas or the deities. The region is also mentioned as Gandharva-desa in ancient Manipur texts. Although texts of ancient Manipur gradually fizzled out, the oral tradition of Manipuri, with records tracing back to early 18th century, have references about the place in Asian manuscripts and archaeological findings speak volumes about the art.

The British colonial rule in the 19th century saw decline of various Indian classical dance forms which were subjected to contemptuous fun and discouragement. Manipur was annexed by the British colonial government in 1891, and with this the flourishing period of Manipuri dance came under the clutch of colonial rule like other ancient Indian classical dance forms. The Manipuri dancers somehow survived in the temples of the region like the Govindji temple of Imphal. Many classical dance revivalists joined hands between 1920 and 1950 in reviving the different ancient classical dance forms.

Dances of India continued

Spot the Differences

if

are on

Retirement Spend Without Fear of Running Out of Money

Personal Finances by Mo Vidwans

What almost looks like an oxymoron statement because it seems self-contradicting, I will venture to say that it is possible to achieve a successful retirement with proper planning. This proper planning begins long before you ever think of retiring.

One of the key events of retirement is that the monthly income stream stops; a stream we usually have known and depended upon for a long time to support us and our families and all the events that usually ensue when we have a family. Now the young ones are on their own and we are left on our own and are required to support ourselves as per our desires and dreams.

Assuming proper planning is done from the beginning, and we will have to define this later, it is not that difficult. What makes it harder is when we wake up in the middle of our career, say around the age of 50 or later, and realize that we haven’t much thought about retirement and how we would be supporting ourselves during that time.

The right time to start saving and thinking about retirement is when your start working. Why would that be? As I have explained before, and so have some other articles in this magazine, the reason is the wonder of compounding. If you invest diligently for the first 10 years, say just $100 per week, and then even if you stop doing that after the first 10 years, you will have loads of money available to you for your retirement just because of the magic of compounding. That money grows and grows at a hefty rate and comes handy when the time comes for using it, usually after the age of 65. If it is invested in a taxdeductible program or in a ROTH, it is even better. Young folks, who are just starting really need to consider this point seriously. A careful thought given to put some money away for retirement, not to be touched until retirement, will go a long way to satisfy your retirement needs, potent desires and dreams too. Sometimes help is needed from a financial

planner for such planning because it is difficult to imagine a life 40-50 years from now without some help.

That leads me to the next important aspect of retirement; namely that the money stream, whatever that is, is fixed and will not change unless you decide to do so. Let us imagine that, with a retirement somewhere between our age of 65 and 70, there still will be a life of 15 to 25 years left (if not 30) which is long time to support ourselves on our savings alone, perhaps with some help from Social Security. Two serious things happen in that period. Inflation never stops taking its toll and the medical expenses only go up as we age. Now living/surviving for so many years after retiring is a phenomenon that was not experienced by our older generation; their life expectancy was hardly a few years after they retired. This is one fact that social security banked on when it was started back in 1933-34 but that is not the case today.

Let us look at inflation first: a 2 percent inflation will double our cost of living in 35 years, a 3 percent inflation will double the cost of goods in 23 years and 5 percent inflation will double the cost of a gallon of milk in 14 years. Now you can see why the Federal Reserve is working feverishly to bring the current inflation down as fast as possible without going into a recession. Their goal is 2 percent inflation and they had succeeded in keeping it there for quite a while in the past. For us the impact is that we must account for all this in our planning.

Medical expenses: We all get the benefit of Medicare at the age of 65 and we must pay monthly premiums for that which are currently $170.10 per person. A recent study by Fidelity found that a couple retiring in 2020 will have to put out $295,000 out of pocket expenses in their lifetime on the average. This was an increase of 3.5 percent over 2019 figures. If any special needs develop then it could be on top of these numbers.

The idea here is not to scare anyone but to put a realistic picture in front so that we can start preparing and planning for it at an early age. By doing so we get a longer period for such preparation. We all know there are plenty of events we still have to plan for starting with the birth of a child to religious activities to college education to weddings to new cars to house maintenance; the list could be endless.

There are a few key things that every family must do. Have a good idea about your expenses (monthly/annually) and your income stream. This is the starting point, especially the expense list because that is one thing that you have complete control over but, generally, we can’t control the

Personal Finances continued on page 74

Charlotte Student Sings National Anthem at Charlotte Checkers Game

Isha Mishra, a 14-year-old student, sang the National Anthem at the Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game in the Bojangles Coliseum on Saturday, October 15, 2022. This is the first time an Indian American has sung the anthem at the Checkers game. The Checkers played and won the match against Hartford Wolfpack with score of 3-1.

IAAC Literary Festival 2022

The Indo-American Arts Council will bring another year of outstanding writers, poets, translators, and editors at its international literary festival, scheduled for November 2022. Live in-person events, featuring celebrated and emerging voices from India and the Indian diaspora will be held in New York City over the weekend of November 12, 2022. These interactive discussions will be complemented by a series of recorded programs that will be launched on the online platform from November 7 - 11, 2022. Details, visit Iaac.us.

New Era Begins at Ekal Foundation New President Dr. Subra Dravida

After two years of hosting annual organizational meets virtually, “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF)”, last month hosted an inperson International Conference in Chicago for its USA, Canada and India components to review and recalibrate the roadmap for the future.

The main agenda of the conference was to put Ekal on the FastTrack after some setbacks in 2020-21 due to Covid pandemic. Thus, Ekal is launching a new technology driven era by appointing Dr. Subra Dravida, V.P. of Qualcomm’s technology division as the new President of EkalUSA. After the previous President, Suresh Iyer, a successful entrepreneur in the field of Information Technology had brought EVF to the threshold of digitized world.

Dravida has been associated with Ekal for some time now. He had been the President of New England Chapter of Ekal for 4 years, then a member of Board of Directors and recently, an Executive V.P., working closely with Suresh Iyer and Ekal-USA Chairman, Arun Gupta.

Ekal is a literacy movement globally undertaken by NRIs and Indians that also provide healthcare training, economic empowerment, and integrated village development to the rural folks. Currently, it is running 78,000 schools that is grooming 2.1 million each year across rural-tribal parts of India.

For more details, visit Ekal.org.Iaac.us.

Upakar Foundation Unveils 2022 Scholars

Upakar Foundation has announced its 2022 class of scholars. Upakar Scholars receive up to $8,000 each in tuition scholarship over their four years of undergraduate studies.

This year’s recipients of the Upakar Khuba Watumull Scholarship are Ekaansh Jain of Lawrenceville GA, who is attending Georgia State University; Kartik Negi of Covington GA, attending Kennesaw State University; and Vivek Patel of Bristol PA, attending Penn State University. Neetu Watumull established the Khuba Watumull Scholarship in honor of her late father, a successful businessman who generously supported educational organizations through his philanthropy.

This year’s recipient of the Upakar India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) Scholarship is Karan Saini of Burke, VA, attending Virginia Commonwealth University. IDRF partners with Upakar to fulfill a core mission to empower young people through access to quality education.

This year’s recipient of the Upakar Shanti S. Gupta Memorial Scholarship is Vikram Repalle of Roswell NM, attending the University of California Irvine. A pioneer in satellite and telecommunication research with several patents to his name, Shanti S. Gupta, Potomac MD, was an ardent supporter of education to empower people of all ages. This scholarship was established by his family to honor his loving memory.

This year’s five Scholars join 18 existing Upakar Scholars who have been renewed for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Upakar President Jyotsna Gupta Jalil said, “Upakar is committed to helping our Scholars complete their undergraduate degrees and pursue their career goals. We will support our Scholars by extending the 4-year time limit of their scholarships if they need to take time away from their studies due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Upakar was founded in 1997 in the Washington DC to provide highly qualified college-bound IndianAmerican students with need-based tuition assistance.

Since its inception, Upakar has awarded 184 scholarships for more than $740,000. For qualifications criteria, visit the organization’s website. Upakar scholarship applications for 2023-24 will be available in February 2023. The submission deadline will be April 30, 2023. For more information, visit Upakar.org.

BAPS Charities’ Largest Blood Drives in USA and Canada

SXSW Will Host First-Ever South Asian House in Festival’s History

For the first time in South by Southwest (SXSW) history, an innovative initiative to highlight, recognize, and appreciate South Asians from the seven countries – India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives – as well as accomplished members of the diaspora, will be unveiled at the first-ever South Asian House at SXSW in March 2023 in Austin, TX.

BAPS Charities organized a record-breaking 100 blood drives across North America in partnership with local blood banks. These drives helped collect 4,000 pints of blood to potentially save 12,000 lives (one pint can save up to three lives). The 100 blood donation drives were organized to commemorate the Centennial Celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose compassion towards all inspired the creation of BAPS Charities, the humanitarian arm of BAPS. He lived by the motto ‘In the joy of other, lies our own’ – which was the theme of the drives.

BAPS Charities’ nationwide campaign to donate blood was time relief during the worst blood shortage crisis in over a decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian. Doctors and medical providers are often being forced to make difficult decisions impacting patients requiring blood transfusions. As a result, Red Cross issued a call-to-action for all potential donors, volunteers, and blood drive organizers to help mitigate the crisis.

BAPS Charities volunteers guided the blood donors with registration and flow. After their blood donation, they also made sure that the donors were relaxed, had a snack and drank liquids until they felt better.

Anna Feltham, Account Manager, American Red Cross Blood Services in Chicago, IL, said, “The blood collected today will go a long way towards replenishing blood supplies and, ultimately, saving lives. With the 145 units we collected, up to 435 lives may be saved. Amazing!”

“BAPS Charities has been organizing blood drives for years, but I think this year is a record attempt by thousands of donors to save lives,” said Nilkanth Patel, President, BAPS Charities. “Our past campaigns helped save 44,000 lives, and with this year’s campaign, we have helped save another 22,500 lives.”

Through various activities such as health fairs, bone marrow and blood drives, walkathons, and disaster relief operations, BAPS Charities sincerely serves the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities.

BAPS Charities is a nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, visit Bapscharities.org.

Brainchild of veteran producers, curators, and programmers Rohi Mirza Pandya, Monika Samtani, Jitin Hingorani, and Kirtana Banskota, SAH will showcase programming around film/television, dance/music, technology, business, fashion, comedy, and climate change from a South Asian world view. The two days of plenaries, sessions, panel discussions, workshops, art exhibits, book launches, music concerts, and more will take place during the first weekend of SXSW, March 11 and 12, in the iconic 4th Street neighborhood of downtown Austin, just blocks from the Austin Convention Center event headquarters.

“We are thrilled to be commissioned to curate the firstever South Asian House in the 37-year-history of this iconic film, tech, and music festival that is now in the global spotlight,” proclaimed the curatorial team. “Our subcontinent is rich in history, art, culture, and science, and we want the thousands of expected attendees at SXSW to experience our contributions to the world first-hand. Never has South Asia been represented on such a massive scale at an A-list festival.”

One of the highlights will include a red carpet and awards ceremony on Oscar Sunday to recognize South Asian talent and filmmakers who have been featured at past SXSW festivals, as well as those nominated for the 2023 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Academy) Awards. All the curated events at the SAH will require an official SXSW badge or attendees will be required to RSVP to each event on a first-come, first-served basis.

“During the weekend-long experience, hosted at The Pub on 4th Street, co-influencers, celebrities, icons, and enthusiasts of South Asian academia, film, music, culture, design, fashion, business, tech, and climate change will exchange ideas and synergies in this inclusive and thoughtprovoking environment that has put Austin on the international map,” said Niles Patel, owner of The Pub and long-time Austinite.

“South Asians are one of the most accomplished minority groups living and working in the United States,” said SXSW Director of Global Sales Neil Minocha. “As a proud South Asian, I have been working towards this kind of programming for years. I look forward to paying tribute to the vast contributions the diaspora has made in almost every major industry through the establishment of the South Asian House.”

For details, visit Southasianhouse.com.

Laasya School of Dance & Music Presentation

Dream Bharatanatyam Arangetrams of Two Grandmothers

The website for the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was jointly launched on October 13, 2022 by the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Shri V. Muraleedharan also participated in the launch ceremony of the website.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is a flagship event of the Government of India and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indian Diaspora. The 17th PBD Convention is being organized from January 8 – 10, 2023 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

The 17th PBD Convention will be held in a physical format after a gap of four years. The last PBD Convention in 2021 was held virtually during the Covid pandemic.

The theme of PBD Convention 2023 is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2023. The Youth PBD will be held on January 8, 2023, in partnership with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

On January 10, 2023, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the Valedictory Session.

The launch of the PBD website (pbdindia.gov.in) marks the commencement of online registration for participation in the PBD Convention 2023. The website also provides various other information about PBD 2023.

Launching the website, EAM said that, since 2014, the Government has accorded the highest priority to our more than 32 million Diaspora and that our engagement is founded on the 4Cs of Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute. He added that PBD Convention 2023 will also include a first ever digital exhibition on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)- Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle”.

In his remarks, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh spoke about the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Madhya Pradesh and encouraged the Diaspora to participate in the PBD Convention 2023 in large numbers.

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, Laasya School of Dance and Music presented the Bharatanatyam Arangetrams by two grandmothers in their sixties, Ratna Kumari Vanguri and Vandana Devalapalli, engaging the audience for over two hours with their scintillating dance performances. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off in their dance journey. With this accomplishment, they have become a source of inspiration not only to young students, but also to the many mothers who felt very inclined to pursue their own dreams, no matter how old they are. Both women have been learning Indian classical dance for the last 12 years from their Guru Smt Sridevi Jagannath, Artistic Director, Laasya School of Dance and Music, Durham, NC.

Both women had a desire to learn Indian classical music and through hard work conducted their Arangetrams.

With Guru Sridevi, they were able to pursue their childhood dreams, and come to this stage in their dance journey to present their dance recital together. The peculiar aspect of these dance partners is how they have overcome their personal disabilities, Vanguri is a breast-cancer survivor and Devalapalli had multiple back surgeries and a recent neck surgery. Guru Sridevi says age is no limitation, if one has a keen intent in learning and performing the ancient Indian classical dance skills.

Hasita Oza, a great exponent of Kathak dance, one of the eight Indian classical dances, was the guest of honor at this dance recital. She complimented Guru Sridevi for teaching Indian classical dance in the Triangle Area for over 30 years.

Find more community and worldwide news itmes on our website: Saathee.com.

Bhavan

by Taige Shukla

Ingredients Directions

4 corn on the cob halves (I used frozen)

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1-2 cups water ½ tsp salt

1-2 cups whole milk (you will need more if using 2%)

¼ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp sugar

Pinch of turmeric Salt to taste

Creamy Spiced Corn on the Cob

This month I have a super simple side dish that will be sure to wow at your upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations! Maize, makka, makai, corn, it is used all over the world. The simple cereal grain has been dressed up and down for all occasions; from popcorn and tortillas to grits and polenta, this master of disguise never disappoints. In India corn has been seen in sabzis, roti and, as a personal favorite, a street-side snack. In case you’ve never experienced it, Indian Street Corn is simply corn on the cob that has been roasted and covered with lemon, salt and your favorite Indian spices. Always a crowd favorite at any BBQ or cook out.

Here we’re putting a Desi twist on a traditional American favorite, creamed corn, just in time for Thanksgiving. Creamy Spiced Corn on the Cob, or as I like to call it Amma’s Mast Makai, is something my cousins and I always look forward to this time of year! The spiced-curdled sauce paired with the sweet crunch of the corn kernels is a flavor combo that can’t be beat! This side dish uses only a handful of ingredients and always leaves you wanting more. In the recipe below the measurements are for 4 frozen cobs (or 2 large corn cobs halved) but feel free to use as many corn cobs as you’d like, just adjust the measurements accordingly. I hope everyone has a happy, safe, yummy Thanksgiving. (By popular demand, we are republishing this recipe that originally appeared in the November 2020 edition of Saathee.)

Servings: 8 pieces Prep Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 15 - 20 minutes

Start with a medium pot or pan with high edges (adjust size according to the amount of corn you use). On med-high heat, add oil and mustard seeds. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Once seeds are sizzling add the corn.

Now pour in water until the corn is halfway submerged. Bring to a boil, add in salt, and cook until the water is almost completely evaporated. Be sure to rotate the corn occasionally.

Once water has evaporated, add in milk. This time add enough milk to completely submerge the corn; just enough so that you can still see a small part of them. Stir in sugar, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Let milk boil until it has curdled and almost evaporated. Be sure to stir the milk throughout this process to ensure that it doesn’t burn.

Finally, top the corn with the spiced milk mixture that you are left with. Feel free to add a bit more milk in step 3 if you desire more of the mixture. And there you have it, Creamy Spiced Corn on the Cob.

Hearing Aids

De Wet Swanepoel, the co-founder of hearX, said its Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aid will allow consumers to program it to their needs. Other OTC devices will offer preprogrammed settings.

“There are a lot of products out on the market and there is going to be a need for a lot of education for consumers about what is the difference between devices,” he said.

Some consumers may want to see an audiologist either in person or online to get their hearing tested before buying an OTC aid, Lin said. An audiologist could also recommend which hearing aid is best for their kind of hearing loss.

Traditional fee-for-service Medicare and most health insurers cover routine hearing tests. But Medicare and most private insurers don’t cover the cost of hearing aids, although many private Medicare Advantage plans do.

Consumers can also take hearing tests online or through an app on their phone or computer, Lin said.

Another factor that could fuel demand for the new devices is that the stigma of wearing a hearing aid is diminishing because people commonly use ear devices to listen to music.

More than 37 million American adults have trouble hearing, and only 1 in 4 adults who could benefit from a hearing aid have used one, federal health officials estimate.

The hearing aid industry has remained largely insulated from price competition because of consolidation among manufacturers, widespread state licensing laws that mandate sales through audiologists or other hearing professionals, and the acquisition of hearing professionals’ practices by device-makers.

Spurred by decades of complaints about the high cost of hearing aids, Congress in 2017 ordered the Food and Drug Administration to set rules that would enable over-thecounter sales, with hopes it would boost competition and lower prices. But the covid pandemic slowed the FDA effort, and last year President Joe Biden ordered the FDA to produce those rules. The final regulations were announced two months ago. Under the federal rules, the new category of hearing aids bypasses state dispensing laws.

Audiologists, who could lose business, caution that the new category won’t help people with severe hearing loss. And over-amplifying sound can damage hearing, said Sarah Sydlowski, past president of the American Academy of Audiology.

However, Nicholas Reed, an audiologist and assistant professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins, said the devices are likely less dangerous than listening to music with earbuds turned up too high. The regulations require the new aids to have safe maximum audio levels to help protect consumers’ hearing.

Tom Powers, a hearing aid industry consultant in New Jersey, said the new devices will be clearly labeled as FDA approved and consumers should watch for that. These are different from inexpensive personal devices that amplify sound but do not address other components of hearing loss, such as distortion.

Reed recommends looking for OTC hearing aids with generous return policies, exceeding a month. Consumers

may want to try a device for a few weeks to see how it works. If one brand doesn’t work, they should try another.

Switching may be necessary, since it’s unclear whether consumers will get in-store help in selecting an aid without an audiologist. Some stores plan to provide assistance. Walmart said it would include information on its website to help people find devices that are right for them.

Reed also said consumers should look for devices labeled as “self-fitting” because it shows the companies have proved to the FDA that people can set up these devices themselves about as well as if they had professional help.

“If you are tech savvy, then I say jump right in,” Reed said, though noting “there is nothing wrong with talking to a trained audiologist.”

Nancy M. Williams, president of Auditory Insight, a hearing health care management consulting firm, said she reviewed eight major OTC hearing aid products, from $499 to $1,299. Some look like earbuds or are nearly invisible, while some look like traditional hearing aids that wrap around the ear. The OTC aids she reviewed largely have limited or no Bluetooth connectivity, a feature that allows users to customize the devices, and only about half have rechargeable batteries. But all eight allow the user to personalize the devices based on the results of their hearing test.

She recommends that people try at least three OTC aids to see which works best for them.

The American Academy of Audiology, a professional organization for audiologists, posted information online for consumers about OTC hearing aids, and the Hearing Loss Association of America, a consumer advocacy group, also has online advice.

Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, said consumers should take their time looking at new options. “This is all going to be a little confusing,” she said. But the new options, she added, will lead to more people getting help with their hearing. “The benefits outweigh the risks,” she said.

Article courtesy of Kaiser Health News Find more at Khn.org.

Saathee

Garbage in, garbage out

Good machine learning needs good data, as any AI expert will testify. But with our penchant for imaginative fabrications and creative characterizations, we create narratives, theories and wild fantasies that bear little resemblance to anything living or dead. And all this garbage coexists with the data that rushes in constantly from outside. There is no clear delineation between the two kinds of things – the garbage, and the data – and so we are at the mercy of this swirling mix of sense and nonsense that we do our best to make sense with.

If we can somehow make our internal curator work more diligently, perhaps we could be more conservative about what we allow entry to, and what we don’t. However, there are so many layers underneath in which our curator lies, and may have been compromised by, that we may not even be able to trust the curator to be less than corrupted by emotion and other things. So maybe we need to go deeper … go back in time to fix the issues that are baked and caked in from the past? That sounds good in theory, but using a corrupt curator to uncorrupt itself is clearly a challenge, and a paradoxical proposition.

So maybe all we can do is to be a bit wary of the various things that we think we “make” decisions about, take a little less credit for them, and take everything with a grain of salt – no, make that bushels of salt!

In the meantime, there is the holiday season that is approaching. So, the next best thing to all these desired repairs is to make a decision that could circumvent all these things: Make a decision to be jolly!

‘Tis decision to be jolly!

Balaji Prasad

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

Personal Finances continued from page 54

income stream that much. Secondly, even more important, take a good look at your health and give a serious thought as to how you can improve it and then maintain it.

So, buckle up. The ride can be bumpy but never impossible. More advance planning we can do, the better off we will be. What I see in my profession is a gross lack of understanding as to what is involved (especially when something is decades away) and how to overcome those obstacles. Given plenty of time, all those things are certainly possible, but nothing should be left to chance. Success comes only to those who are well prepared for it via hard work.

Mo Vidwans

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

Dances of India continued from page 46

Dance style

The traditional style of this art form incorporates graceful, gentle and lyrical movements. The fundamental dance movement of Raas dances of Manipur is Chari or Chali. Manipuri dances are performed thrice in autumn from August to November and once in spring sometime around March-April, all on full moon nights. While Vasant Raas is scheduled in spring when Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated by the Hindus, the other dances are scheduled around post-harvest festivals like Diwali.

Themes of the songs and plays comprise of love and association of Radha and Krishna. One composition and dance sequence are dedicated for each of the Gopis/milkmaids while the longest sequence is emphasized on Radha and Krishna. The dance drama is performed through excellent display of expressions, hand gestures and body language. Acrobatic and vigorous dance movements are also displayed by Manipuri dancers in many other plays.

Costumes & Musicians

The costumes for Manipuri dancers, particularly for women are quite unique from other Indian classical dance forms. A male dancer wears a bright colored dhoti, also referred as dhora or dhotra that covers lower part of his body from waist. A crown decorated with peacock feather adorns the dancer’s head, who portrays the character of Lord Krishna.

The costume of female dancers resembles that of a Manipuri bride, referred as Potloi costumes. The most distinguished of these is the Kumil costume that is an exquisitely embellished long skirt in the shape of a barrel with a stiffened bottom. The top border of Kumil adorns a wavy and translucent fine skirt tied in three places around the waist in Trikasta and opens like a flower. A velvet choli or blouse adorns the upper part of the body and a translucent veil white in color covers the head. The dancer wears round shaped jewelry or garlands of flowers to adorn her face, hand, neck, waist, and legs that synchronize well with her costume. The unique aspect of this style, unlike other Indian classical dance forms, is that a Manipuri dancer does not wear a ghunghroo or bells.

The drummers, who also dance while drumming, are male artists. The musical instrument generally used in this art form includes the Pung that is a barrel drum, cymbals or kartals, harmonium, flute, pena and sembong. Accompanists also include a singer.

Through years, the classical dance form Manipuri has retained its heavenly beauty and rich content. This dance lives through its people as a vital part of their social, religious, and spiritual existence. Their deep religious faith and strict discipline in dancing has contributed to the continuation and retention of such purity in this style. I would love to see more people promote this beautiful dance form here in the USA.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

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

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Massachusetts, a hotspot for New England liberals in the summer. By bringing the migrant crisis to the doors of democratic mayors and governors, as the logic goes, heads would turn, and the migrant crisis would be truly realized.

The sad reality of these stunts is that the mayors and governors of democratic cities and states are in no more of a position to impact federal immigration policy than Governors Abbott and DeSantis. These governors have a right to be angry – for years, they have been on the frontline of thousands of incoming migrants, most of whom are fleeing genuine crises in their home countries, but also many of whom are attracted to the economic possibilities of work in the United States. Upon arrival, these individuals and families need shelter and resources, the cost of which often falls on already-stretched local budgets.

Both Governors Abbott and DeSantis know that Mayor Muriel Bowser cannot dictate what happens at the southern border anymore than these governors can impact federal tax policy. By simply dumping migrants into DC and Chicago streets, these governors are treating migrants as a disposable commodity and not people. True leaders would not simply ship migrants to faraway places with no coordination with leaders at end destination but would instead consult with mayors and governors from Republican and Democratic cities and states and create coalitions on handling new migrants. Doing so would not only raise awareness as to the sheer numbers of those arriving but would build a national profile for these governors as genuine leaders trying to address a problem and building consensus, instead of grandstanding.

Demanding that politicians that announce their jurisdictions as “sanctuaries” are forced to put their local resources where their mouths are is fair, and border states should not be left to their own devices to care for the hundreds of migrants that arrive each day. However, these governors know that real change at the border is going to require a legislative answer. Instead of aiming for national headlines, these governors may want to start asking their state’s senators why immigration reform is not more of a priority.

Neither senators Cruz and Cornyn of Texas nor Rubio and Scott of Florida have put forth any serious immigration reform legislation or even shown an interest in engaging in immigration reform discussions with their Democratic counterparts in recent years, a failure which will continue to keep their states on the frontlines of this crisis. Absent action in the Senate, state governors should seek to show actual leadership acumen in dealing with the humanitarian crisis and put the value of a human life above Facebook Likes or Retweets. Anything less will continue to raise calls about whether these governors are interested in being leaders of their just their political parties, or for the entire country.

Rishi P. Oza

is Partner at Brown Immigration Law, a firm that focuses solely on immigration law; he practices in Durham. roza@rbrownllc.com.

Nutrition continued from page 32

sugars and hormones. We also need to limit/avoid saturated fats and trans-fats from dairy (especially paneer & cheese), animal proteins, and packaged processed foods. Plus, we need to eat mindfully!

Exercise

We need to incorporate physical activity into each day. Stand, rather than sit; take the stairs; stretch; garden; go for a walk. Remember that any movement is better than no movement! Also remember that exercise does not offset a bad diet. So, eat smart and move more!

Substance Abuse

Wine was once lauded as a great prevention remedy for heart health. However, there is increasing evidence of how alcohol of any kind, increases risk of cancer. There are many studies showing correlation of alcohol and breast cancer, with even one glass of wine. The recommendation is to significantly reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking. Don’t rely on alcohol as a stress reducer.

Stress

Stress increases cortisol levels in the body which then travels to the gut and causes multiple issues. Be aware of the signs of too much stress and ask for help before you think you need it. Watch out for muscle tension, headaches, upset stomach or difficulty sleeping. Be compassionate with yourself as well as with others. Regularly practice deep breathing, yoga, meditation. Make a list of activities you like to do to help unwind.

Sleep

Optimal sleep is extremely important for your weight, blood sugars, blood pressure, and hormones. Practice proper sleep hygiene. A regular bedtime and wake time that allows for 7 to 9 hours of sleep is optimal. Have a winddown routine that includes limiting screen time and being in a dark, cool room.

Relationships

Several neurological studies have shown that people who have social relationships are able to prevent or delay cognitive decline including memory loss and dementia. Social relationships were found to be more powerful for the brain than doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku! Reach out to friends, peers, older adults and family by phone, email, text, or social media platforms. Even brief virtual connections can improve your mood and immune response.

Hope you all start thinking about your lifestyle and how you are doing in these areas. Seek out professional help from dietitians, counselors, or any other health professionals if you feel you need help.

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

Indian Developers Replace Chinese on Some of Nepal’s Largest Hydro Projects

By Ramesh Bhushal

In recent years, Nepal has started to shift hydropower projects worth billions of dollars from Chinese developers to Indian companies. This is happening, experts say, not for economic or ecological reasons – two areas where Nepal’s ambitious pursuit of hydropower has been criticized – but because India, as Nepal’s principal buyer of the exported electricity, apparently refuses to buy power produced by Chinese-built plants.

The story of the 750-megawatt West Seti hydropower project in western Nepal shows how geopolitics is steering this shift. In 2012, Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Three Gorges Corporation to develop the project, one of the largest planned in the country at an estimated cost of USD 1.2 billion. This was followed by a 2017 deal to set up a billion-dollar joint venture company. In 2018, however, the Chinese company backed out, citing lower-than-expected returns, and geographic and other development challenges.

According to the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), the government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating domestic and foreign investment in the country, the Chinese company had asked to downsize the project from 750 MW to 600 MW, arguing that the larger amount was not economically viable. “Nepal’s government agreed to the terms and asked for documents to proceed to start the project but the company didn’t submit required documents,” reads a report prepared by IBN for other government agencies.

A different reason was given by Sher Bahadur Deuba, the prime minister of Nepal and chair of IBN. “India won’t

buy electricity from the West Seti hydro project if it’s built by Chinese companies, so I am going to give it to India,” Deuba told the media in May 2022 while campaigning for local elections.

The following month, the IBN decided to award the West Seti project to India’s state-owned National Hydro Power Company (NHPC), with an agreement signed in August. In a press release, Deuba said: “We will be able to reduce the trade deficit with India by selling electricity and this will help foster better cooperation and mutual sharing of water resources between two countries.”

Another project downriver of West Seti, Seti River-6, was included in this agreement. The total cost of the two projects is now estimated at USD 2.4 billion, although IBN was, when this article was published, yet to upload documents with details about the projects to its website.

‘Geopolitical games’ hamper hydropower development

During a ceremony in August to mark the signing of the agreement, NHPC’s president AK Singh said: “It is our history that when we enter a project, we complete it. We understand that West Seti is taken as a harbinger of development. We will not leave any stone unturned.”

This is not how this turn of events is perceived by everyone. “There is a strong sense of feeling in Nepal that India promises but doesn’t stand by its promises and we need to deal with it quickly,” said Ranjit Rae, India’s former ambassador to Nepal, during a webinar in August hosted by the Institute of Chinese Studies – a thinktank funded by the Indian government. This year, there have been reports of problems with the 900 MW Upper Karnali and Arun III projects being built by Indian companies in Nepal, with

deadlines extended and local protests overcompensation for relocation.

Dipak Gyawali, Nepal’s former minister of water resources, told The Third Pole that the West Seti deal is a loss to Nepal. “Signing an agreement doesn’t ensure project development, as it has been going on for years. It’s not the time to celebrate but to look at how badly the agreement was done as it doesn’t talk about sharing of water resources between two countries,” Gyawali said, explaining that the project will increase the flow of water to India during winter and help irrigate land there, “but there is nothing in return that Nepal is going to receive”.

The story of Nepal’s largest planned hydroelectric plant, the 1,200 MW Budhi Gandaki project, is even more complicated. It was supposed to have started generating electricity this year, but construction work has not yet started. In 2017, a few days before leaving office, the cabinet of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal decided to award the project to the China Gezhouba Group Corporation, without a bidding process. Later that year, the incoming Nepali Congress party-led government headed by Sher Bahadur Deuba scrapped the contract, citing irregularities and lack of transparency around its award.

A court action followed. Then, in February 2018, another government came to power in Nepal, with KP Oli as prime minister heading a coalition of Communist parties. This returned the project to the China Gezhouba Group Corporation in September 2018. In July 2021, Sher Bahadur Deuba returned as prime minister; on 7 April 2022 his government decided to revoke the Chinese company’s license for the Budhi Gandaki project. The decision was made after an announcement in April of a commitment between Nepal and India to expand cooperation in the power and energy sector.

“We can clearly see more geopolitical games being played in Nepal’s hydropower in recent years and it will eventually hamper project development,” said Dwarika Nath Dhungel, former secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Indian rules exclude Chinese companies from Nepal hydropower

As governments changed in Nepal, India altered its rules regarding the purchase of power.

In 2016, India introduced an export-import guideline stating that it would buy electricity from companies that are either fully Indian-owned or are at least 51% owned by Indian companies. After complaints and lobbying by Nepal, India amended the guideline in 2018 and removed the 51% provision, but still there is a caveat. The procedure document reads: “Indian entities may import electricity provided that the generating company is not owned, directly or indirectly by any natural/ legal personality(ies) whose effective control or source of funds or residence of beneficial owner, is situated in/ citizen of a third country with whom India shares land border and that third country does not have a bilateral agreement on power sector cooperation with India.”

Though China is not mentioned explicitly, in effect this excludes China. “We have heard from Indian officials that they won’t buy electricity from companies that have Chinese investment. Furthermore, they won’t buy electricity from those companies using Chinese equipment to produce electricity,” said Ganesh Karki, vice-president of the Independent Power Producers’ Assoc. of Nepal (IPPAN).

“India buys electricity only from those projects that don’t have Chinese investment, but still it’s better than no trade,” said an official at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

“I don’t see a situation where India can encourage Chinese investment in Nepal’s hydropower as India itself has enough capacity and resources to develop hydro projects in Nepal,” said Rae, India’s former ambassador to Nepal. “It’s evolving though. We had said it was India and Nepal only earlier but now India has been flexible to multilateral investments but not China.”

Some experts believe this side-lining of China will harden, especially in hydropower development. “It’s a double standard of India as it has been welcoming investment from [China] to its territory but discouraging [Chinese] investment to its neighbor,” said Anup Kumar Upadhyay, former water resources secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation. He added: “Fighting on such a large battlefield with such a weak weapon won’t help [India] achieve anything.”

Others emphasize that this is not just about investment, but is a strategic matter for India. “China sees Nepal’s water resources through the lens of development and it is a money-making business for them. But for India, it’s a strategic resource and is an issue of security so water is far more important to them,” said former water resources minister Gyawali.

He added: “Sadly Nepal doesn’t have its own lens –neither [a] development lens nor a security [lens]. It is lost somewhere and that is an even bigger problem.” Moreover, with development and security the only lenses through which hydropower is looked at, other important issues such as ecological impact or whether projects make economic sense are ignored.

Nepal’s electricity-exporting plans

These issues have become more important relatively recently, with India only opening its market to Nepal’s electricity in November 2021. According to Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, India had agreed to buy 39 MW produced by two hydropower projects – the 24 MW Trishuli and 15 MW Devighat plants, both developed by India. In June 2022, it increased the amount to 364 MW.

Nepal added 710 MW of hydropower to its national grid in 2021, giving the country an energy surplus for the first time and expanding its installed hydropower capacity to 2,190 MW, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority. This is still far from the government’s stated aim of creating 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2026. The Nepal Electricity Authority hopes to now achieve this by 2030, through power purchase agreements for 4,839 MW with private companies and producing 4,341 MW itself.

In a June press release, the managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Kul Man Ghising, stated that “the quantity of electricity sold in June and earnings [USD 13 million] made from it suggest trading of electricity with India has been moving forward smoothly”. He also voiced an ambition to transmit electricity through India to its neighbors: “In addition to India, we will sell at least 100 MW electricity to Bangladesh soon and works are in progress. It will happen in next one year.”

Just as long as that electricity does not come from Chinese-built projects, or those using Chinese equipment.

Article courtesy of thethirdpole.net

Quiz

By Kirit Shukla

in New York city from more to less in height

of 2022. (a) 432 Park Ave (b) Steinway Tower (c) Central Park Tower (d) 1 World Trade Center

2. The best-paid male actor of Bollywood in 2021 earnings per project is (a) Aamir khan(b) Salman Khan (c) Prabhas(d) All of them

3. The atomic mass of Helium is: (a) 2(b) 3 (c) 4(d) 5

N4. Ineffable means (a) Speechless(b) Unspeakable (c) Rude(d) Effortless

5. Who discovered first that the Earth is round? (a) Isaac Newton (b) Archimedes (c) Eratosthenes (d) Christopher Columbus

6. Volume of a cuboid with each side is equal to 6”, 7”and 8” respectively is (a) 336 cu. in.(b) 326cu. in. (c) 316 cu. in.(d) 306 cu. in.

7. The chemical formula for “chloroform” is (a) CHCl(b) CHCl₂ (c) CHCl₄ (d) CHCl₃

8. The winner of 2015 Cricket World Cup. (a) India(b) West Indies (c) New Zealand(d) Australia

9. The first known computer/calculator was? (a) Slide Rule(b) Analytical Engine (c) Abacus(d) Difference Engine

10. The highest mountain in Georgia is (a) Rabun Bald(b) Grassy Ridge (c) Wolfpen Ridge (d) Brasstown Bald

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

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Nov. 1 - All Saints

Nov. 2 - Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Nov. 3 - Dev Oothi Ekadashi

Nov. 6 - Daylight Saving Time

Nov. 7 - Dev Diwali

Nov. 9 - Kartika Purnima (Full Moon / Lunar Eclipse)

Nov. 7 - Guru Nanak Jayanti

Nov. 8 - Election Day

Nov. 11 - Veterans Day

Nov. 13 - World Kindness Day

Nov. 14 - Nehru Jayanti / Children’s Day (India)

Nov. 19 - Utpanna Ekadashi

Nov. 23 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)

Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving Day (US)

Nov. 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Nov. 25 - Black Friday

Nov. 26 - Small Business Saturday

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Astroscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Even though there could be problems at your workplace and changes in responsibility, you should maintain a steady flow of income. If involved in a partnership, luck will surprisingly favor you. This is also a good time to participate in social and cultural activities to accumulate more contacts. A very happy family life is clearly indicated. Avoid advice from friends or associates. Enjoy a fun short distance trip.

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

It’s time to slow down as caution is key this month. An old health issue may bother you. Expenses could go out of control, so don’t make any abrupt decisions. Your child could prove to be a helping hand. Your destiny may prove stronger than you believe. Spend more time with family and try to resolve a lingering familial issue. Meditation may help this month.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Major changes are on the way this month. You could revise your ideologies and adopt new path. Listen to your inner voice and act immediately. Be very cautious about any public comments. Financially you will enjoy good luck. Your relationship with your partner may take a turn this month. A sense of relief will offer peace of mind by the end of the month.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

An additional source of income will provide favorable results as money will come to you from multiple directions. Keen planning by your partner will delight you. Avoid family issues for now and focus on your career. A great idea may also click in your mind; be brave to implement it. Follow your instincts to enjoy success, and don’t wait until the end of month to make a move.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

After a negative start, things will improve during the second half of the month. An egotistical comment could prove costly. Unexpected family problems will also affect you harshly. You must not act on any decision of your own, but instead follow your partner’s lead. Better times are on the way, so just relax and wait. A major health problem could also bother you. Your fear complex may cost you a fruitful opportunity.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

An unexpected rise in income will delight you as it will cover your expenses. These expenses will, however, continue to expand by the last week. You may feel relaxed and enjoy some introspection during the middle of the month. Health issues might take serious turn, so be sure to not ignore them. You may hear of good news regarding your child.

Libra (September 22 – October 20)

Relax and enjoy life, though you may neglect morality and traditions in doing so. The last week of the month should bring in extra income. You may, however, lose financial support from your partner. A setback in the field of education is possible. Just ignore it and focus on enjoying the material world. You may suffer due to a false allegation at work, so be watchful. Your kids may prove to be of great help.

Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)

You will experience power of artistic expression and interpretation. A journey with friends or siblings will bring happiness for you. You will achieve a commendable status and enjoy respect in society. You could develop enmity with someone of another gender. Avoid getting involved in partnership deals or any other business risks. You may also experience bad luck in the money market.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

A lack of confidence may cause problems, so try as much as possible to remain flexible. Avoid any nefarious deeds such as under table dealings to ward off any haphazard tendencies. Instead, take a trip with friends. You could even bump into a friend/love from long past. Try to curb expenses on luxury items. Don’t get involved in minor disputes with your family.

Capricorn

(December 22 – January 21)

Steady progress is clearly indicated this month but remain cautious during this transit. Don’t make any long-term commitments. Travel in connection to your career may prove fruitful. This is not a good time to attend religious or social ceremonies. Remain stubborn, but don’t turn down needed help.

Aquarius

(January 22 – February 18)

After a positive start, things may spiral out of control. A sudden change could place you in an embarrassing situation. Don’t argue with your partner and otherwise try to avoid conflict. However, this is a good time to make new friends or begin a love affair. Family problems could lead to spending a substantial amount of money. Avoid stress if possible or be prepared for a bout of depression. To counter this, spend some money to fix or decorate your living space.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

You are entering a period of confusion and self-distraction. You may have to slog, as the monotonous repetition of work could prove cumbersome. Keep at it and try to avoid bringing unnecessary attention to yourself. You may sense a sudden positive change, but this could be nothing more than an illusion. Your family can help you in adverse situations. Don’t take on any new debt by the last week of the month.

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They even went so far as to kill young women and children which I personally found very difficult to watch.

One of the most prominent anti-British themes is expressed in a very early scene when Governor Buxton (Ray Stevenson) mentions in all his mustache twirling glory that an Indian’s life isn’t even worth a single rifle bullet. This will become a very important metaphor that has great payoff by the end of the story, let me tell you.

Both Stevenson and Alison Doody (mostly known for her role as Elsa in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) are present as cookie cutter antagonists who chew the scenery so much that’s almost laughable in an already grandiose production. The real heart of the story, however, are Jr. NTR’s and Ram Charan’s performances as Bheem and Rama Raju respectively.

Watching their friendship grow throughout the movie is a testament to their chemistry which is undeniably a joy to watch and experience.

Both men experience melodramatic revelations, betrayals, and misunderstandings that push them to their absolute limit until finally they do try to make amends. How many reprehensible acts can one commit for a noble cause before they become no better than the enemy they swore to defeat? How much can and should a man sacrifice to protect a friend? How much knowledge of a person’s past would alter your perception of who they are in the present? How far can you test the bonds of brotherhood before they break?

All these questions and more are explored over the course of this 3-hour epic.

It’s proof that quality stories can be universal. The story of a brotherly bond that forms between two people from different backgrounds to which both gradually reach a common ground is a compelling one.

The fact that a movie primarily spoken in Telugu has become so acclaimed outside of India is because of this gratifying story concept. It’s a shame that Hollywood has taken it upon themselves more recently to rely on remakes and familiar intellectual properties to put butts in seats.

I initially watched RRR on Netflix, dubbed in Hindi due to a rights issue with other streaming services. As a nonnative speaker of either language I was not deterred by the dub, but I have since learned that Rajamouli is not fond of certain dubs as the Telugu language is a large part of the culture the story depicts. I absolutely sympathize with his reasoning, even if most Western audiences may not fully understand it.

Overall, I’m glad Indian cinema is finally getting the worldwide recognition it deserves. Hopefully more films, past and present, will find a broader spectrum of viewers… all thanks to a beautiful tale which at its core is about two men’s amazing bond of friendship and love.

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

She Said (Director: Maria Schrader)

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, and Andre Braugher

Drishyam 2 (Director: Abhishek Pathak)

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Akshaye Khanna

Strange World (Director: Don Hall) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid

Pinocchio (Directors: Guillermo del Toro & Mark Gustafson) Cast: Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton Bhediya (Director: Amar Kaushik)

Cast: Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon

Disenchanted (Director: Adam Shankman) Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and Maya Rudolph

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story (Director: Rian Johnson) Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista

White Noise (Director: Noah Baumbach) Cast: Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle

Bones and All (Director: Luca Guadagnino) Cast: Timothee Chalamet and Davod Gordon Green

Dante’s Hell (Director: Boris Acosta) Cast: Eric Roberts, Vittorio Gassman, and Franco Nero

Battle for Saipan (Director: Brandon Slagle) Cast: Casper Van Dien and Jeff Fahey

Rhino (Director: Oleh Stentsov) Cast: Evhen Chernykov and Alina Zievakova

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