Saathee Charlotte September 2024 by Shukla Entertainment

Hello Readers

Read the essay "Finding Purpose Amidst a Sea of Extremes," beginning on page 26.

The Jaipur Literature Festival NC debuts in the Triangle in September. Read our part 2 of the upcoming event on page 28.

The Eye on Markets column addresses "Upside Down Stock Market" this month. Turn to page 46.

Read the tribute to "Padma Bhushan Guru C. V. Chandrashekhar" who passed away recently, in our informative Dances of India column beginning on page 58.

This month's recipe is "Makai (Corn) Cheeno." It makes for perfect comfort food or a picnic item. Find it on page 74.

Check out our updated Pops Puzzles and Toons on page 102.

Flip over to our redesigned Classiﬁeds section beginning on page 108.

Share Saathee with friends and family. We would be happy to add anyone in the Carolinas to the Saathee subscription base at no charge, simply visit saathee.com/subscription and also sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter: saathee.com/weekly-e-newsletter

“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.”

- Alice Walker

Cover: Backwaters, Kerala

The Kerala backwaters are a network of lagoons and canals situated parallel to the Arabian Sea of the Malabar coast in the southwestern state of Kerala, India. The area also includes inlets, rivers and interconnected lakes, forming a system of more than 560 miles of waterways.

Photo: Adobe Stock

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.” September

Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla 704-527-7570 or saatheemag@hotmail.com

Digital Media & Marketing

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout DSJ Graphics & Manimaran

Contributors for this issue:

Kirit Shukla, Balaji Prasad, Purvee Shukla, Dipika Kohli, Rika Parui, Dilip Barman Rishi P Oza, Mo Vidwans, Parul Kharod, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Taige Shukla, Ketu Desai, 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.

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

612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209 Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.

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

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.

FEATURING AT THE FESTIVAL OF INDIA

Page 26 Finding Purpose Amidst a Sea of Extremes Page 74 Recipe: Makai (Corn) Cheeno

Page 36 Film Clips: The Buckingham Murders Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan Page 44: Period Poverty, A Global But Secret Problem

The Editor’s Desk pg. 14

Upcoming Events pg. 18

Mirror, Mirror pg. 26

JLF North Carolina Part 2 . . . . . . . .pg. 28

Upcoming Movie Releases pg. 34

Film Clips pg. 36

Thinking About Thinking .

.pg. 40

My Voice: Period Poverty pg. 44

Eye on the Markets pg. 46

Kismuth and the Way II pg. 50 Nutrition for Life pg. 54

Spot the Differences pg. 56

Dances of India

.pg. 58

Personal Finances pg. 62 News Notes pg. 64 Community Focus

.pg. 70 Recipe: Makai (Corn) Cheeno pg. 74 American Dance Festival Review pg. 80 Road to Elecctions

The Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla

Half Century Full Bond

50 years in the Land of Dreams

Humans have always been on the move. We are an eternally restless bunch. Since the beginning of our time, people have hit the road for distant lands for numerous reasons - to escape atrocities, ﬁght for survival, seeking spirituality, adventures. Other reasons include the wrath of nature, changing ecosystems and climates.

There are also, of course, plenty of opportunity migrants, seeking better lives for themselves and their families. Immigrants headed for greener pastures.

There are as many individual tales as there are immigrants. The interlocking of joys and fears, opportunities and achievements, setbacks and disappointments. Lives set oﬀ to other lands for unknowable resets.

Migrations are generally undertaken between two points, where sometimes along the way other points are added, but the path is always nonlinear, with outcomes and results diﬀerent for every person, marked by their individual trajectories.

One such journey was undertaken by a family embarking on a migration, like a small flock of birds taking off, flying across borders, oceans, to a new land, a different world. This was just another one of millions of treks that have been undertaken by humans, over centuries, over millennia.

The types of journeys that result in the resetting of familial paths. This journey was also on an unfamiliar path, a whole new trajectory, taking a long hop from a small town in Gujarat in the ancient land of India to the concrete canyons of New York City in the youngish land of America.

This journey, from that small Indian town to the heaving city mass of New York, was made by my family. Some migrants arrive on foot, many other migrants of the past arrived at American shores in boats, entering via Ellis Island, the iconic gateway for immigrants.

We rode in on a jumbo jet, landing in JFK.

The unknowns of a new city, a new country, spread out in front of us, far and wide.

This little nuclear family, half a dozen wide-eyed humans, a six pack if you will, packed up and moved on two diﬀerent days in 1974.

Our father arrived earlier that year, setting up a small homestead.

The quintet, mom and us four siblings, caught up with him on a lovely September day in 1974, reunited and ready for life’s new adventures. We had hardly unpacked and were immediately tossed into the raging currents and waters that all immigrants must navigate, with minimal instructions or direction.

Our melting into the greater American melting pot began the moment we landed.

Upcoming Events

Atul Purohit Garba Night: Greensboro, NC (September 6, 2024)

Enjoy a night of garba and raas with a live performance by Atul Purohit and band. Bring the whole family! The show will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024, starting at 8:30 pm at the Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd. For more details, call 336-509-5875 or 732-208-3359. Find the online link at Saathee.com/events.

North Carolina Folk Festival: Greensboro, NC (September 6 - 8, 2024)

The North Carolina Folk Festival is a free 3day festival in downtown Greensboro, NC, showcasing multiple genres and artists from all over the world. This year the festival celebrates its 10th year between September 6 & 8, 2024 and will feature headlining performances each day, a North Carolina stage to showcase, a family area, an expanded makers marketplace, food trucks, and a Pre and Post party in downtown Greensboro. Details: Ncfolkfestival.com.

Deva Shri Ganesha: Morrisville, NC (September 8, 2024)

Umesh Barot Garba Night: Greensboro, NC (September 13, 2024)

Enjoy a night of garba and dandiya with the renowned singer Umesh Barot and band on Friday, September 13, 2024, beginning at 8pm at the Greensboro Coliseum. Tickets range from $15 to $30 including group rates. For more info, call 336301-3598 or 336-269-7996. Find the online link at Saathee.com/events.

Charlotte International Arts Festival: (September 13 - 29, 2024)

Blumenthal Arts presents the 3rd annual Charlotte International Arts Festival (C.I.A.F.) which will take place from September 13–29, 2024 as a celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from international and local minds. C.I.A.F. works to expand the artistic identity of Charlotte and surrounding areas by transforming the city into centers of imagination that celebrate a spirit of playfulness. There will be over 200 attractions, cultural festivals, exhibits and performances. Details: Charlotteartsfest.com.

Festival of India: Charlotte, NC (September 14 - 15, 2024)

HSNC and Shidoree Production present enchanting tales of Lord Ganesha from diﬀerent parts of India presented with lights, music, dance and street plays. It will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 4pm, Main Hall, HSNC, Morrisville, NC. Info: Hsnctemple.org.

Samskrita Bharati Classes: Waxhaw, NC (September 10, 2024)

The Samskrita Bharati USA Charlotte Kendram presents Sanskrit classes starting on September 10, 2024, on Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm in Waxhaw, NC area. These are in-person classes for children and adults. Connect with your roots, understand sashtras, and enrich your life. For more details, visit Cltsk.sbusa.org.

India Association of Charlotte presents its annual 28th Festival of India, but with a twist! It will be a two-day event - day one at Belk Theater and on Tryon Street Uptown, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, and day two on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Ballantyne’s Backyard. The fest celebrates India’s rich heritage of artistic and cultural diversity and is an eﬀort to present a glimpse of that to the mainstream community in and around the Queen City. Prepare to be entertained and learn something about the culture as you and your family sample Indian culinary delights, get an artistic Henna tattoo, watch and dance along to popular and pulsating Bollywood music, learn about yoga, see Indian classical dance, and marvel at captivating fashions! Participate in interactive workshops for dance, wind chimes, and traditional Rangoli making while trying on a sari. For details, visit Indiafestival.iacofcarolinas.org.

Rhapsody in Raag Jog: Charlotte, NC (September 15, 2024)

The India Association of Charlotte (IAC) has partnered with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO). This collaboration will be showcased at the 28th Annual Festival of India in September. The highlight will be the closing fusion concert on Sunday, September 15, at 7pm, at Ballantyne’s Backyard. The concert will feature the music of Indian composers Shruti Rajasekar, Anoushka Shankar, and A. R. Rahman, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange through symphonic music. Additionally, the concert will include the Charlotte premiere of “Rhapsody in Raag Jog,” a work by composer Drew Zaremba. This piece features bansuri ﬂutist and saxophonist Anjan Shah and epitomizes a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Info: Charlotteartsfest.com.

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (4 PM)

GANDHI BHAVAN, HINDU CENTER

VIOLIN - R RAGHUL

MRIDANGAM - SAI RAGHAVAN KANJEERA - NERKUNAM SANKAR

LAKSHMI & MUTHUKRISHNAN: (704) 904-9454

IAYASHREE & PANDURANGA: (704) 840-5949

PADMA & VIJAY: (704) 287-3256

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 (4 PM)

GANDHI BHAVAN, HINDU CENTER

VIOLIN: PALGHAT SRIDHAR

MRIDANGAM: KARTHIK NARAYANAN

CMAC MEMBERS - FREE SPECIAL TICKET PRICE: ADULT: $30, CHILD (5-18): $10

ARCHANA & AMISH: (919) 389-7242

VIDYA & BANU SHANKAR: (704) 802-9529

Upcoming Events

Euphoria: Greenville, SC (September 19 - 22, 2024)

Euphoria shines a spotlight on this culinary excellence and charm for which Greenville is known. Since 2006, this non-proﬁt festival not only makes a substantial economic impact on the city year after year, but proceeds from Euphoria are distributed through annual grants to local charitable organizations. The festival will take place between September 19 & 22, 2024 with 200+ local and guest participants supporting over 40 charities. Details: Euphoriagreenville.com.

Mystical

Arts of Tibet: Charlotte, NC (September 21, 2024)

The live performance comprises selections believed to generate energies conducive to world healing. Robed in magniﬁcent costumes and playing traditional Tibetan instruments, the Loseling monks perform ancient temple music and chants for world healing. The monks are particularly renowned for their multiphonic chanting known as zokkay (complete chord). Info: Blumethalarts.org.

UNC Charlotte International Festival (September 21, 2024)

J B Keerthana Carnatic Vocal Concert: Charlotte, NC (September 22, 2024)

The Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) presents a Carnatic Vocal Concert with J B Keerthana & Accompaniment on Sunday, September 22, 2024, starting at 4pm at the Hindu Center of Charlotte’s Gandhi Bhavan. For more details, call 704-339-4126 or 704-840-5949 or visit Onlinecmac.org.

CLTure’s CIAF Day & Night Market: Charlotte, NC (September 22, 2024)

Explore the world at Charlotte’s longest running International Festival. Enjoy a day where you are surrounded by arts, crafts, costumes, food, music, and dance in a market-place style experience. The International Festival will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the UNC Charlotte campus in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, with booths showcasing food and other cultural items. Details: Ifest.charlotte.edu.

Chanakya Youth Festival: Morrisville, NC (September 21, 2024)

The American Association of Bihar and Jharkhand (AABAJ) present a Chanakya Youth Festival on September 21, 2024, beginning at 9am at HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. This is a debate and essay contest for youth with the theme, “Your Voice, Your Art, Your Story.” Topics will be provided two weeks before the event. For details, write to president@aabaj.org.

TGA Garba Ni Ramzat: Raleigh, NC (September 21, 2024)

The Triangle Gujarati Association presents a PreNavratri Garba Ni Ramzat on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the NC Expo Center in Raleigh, NC. This celebration will feature singers Santvani Trivedi, Ramiz Mir, and Bahadur Gadhavi. Doors open at 6:30pm. Food will be available for purchase. For more details, visit Nctga.org.

Experience a celebration of Charlotte’s diverse Asian community at the inaugural CLTure Day + Night Market, a festive multicultural event which will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2024 from 12 noon to 10pm in Ballantyne’s Backyard. Bringing together several of Charlotte’s top East and South Asian community organizations and businesses for a full day of authentic cuisine, cultural performances, local market shopping, art exhibits, and games & interactive activities. Info: Charlotteartsfest.com.

Sampoorna Gita Lectures: Cary, NC (September 22 – 28, 2024)

Chinmaya Mission of Triangle presents wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a guide for anyone navigating life’s challenges—whether you’re a student, a householder, or enjoying your retirement. Join Swami Shantanandaji, a spiritual teacher and leader, as he brings Lord Krishna’s teachings to life, oﬀering practical steps to enrich your journey and empower the soul. September 22 – 28, 2024 at 930 Reedy Creek Rd, Cary, NC. Info: Chinmaya-rdu.org or 919-539-2537.

Charlotte Film Festival: (September 24 - 29, 2024)

The festival was created to give established and emerging filmmakers a weekend festival to showcase their works for industry peers and avid enthusiasts of independent film. Over the years, it has attracted filmmakers from around the world as well as industry professionals, and a dedicated audience. The fest will be held from September 24-29, 2024. Details: Charlottefilmfestival.org.

Upcoming Events

World of Bluegrass:

Raleigh, NC (September 26 - 30, 2024)

The International Bluegrass Music Association moved its annual business convention and festival to Raleigh in 2013. The event features a trade show, convention, showcases, and street performances. Many well-known regional and international performers have been lined up for the events taking place between September 24 & 28, 2024. Info: Worldofbluegrass.org.

Facing East - Kathak Festival:

Raleigh, NC (September 27 – 29, 2024)

Grand Navaratri Mahotsav and Garba Nights: Greensboro, NC (October 3 – 12, 2024)

Enjoy nine nights and two weekends of garba and raas presented by Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont (GCAP) from October 3 – 12, 2024. Also on the weekends, October 4 – 5, & October 11, 2024 beginning at 7pm there will be live music with Nimesh Nagar. Entry is $10, Free for GCAP members. Location: 127 Landmark Dr., Greensboro. Info: 336-430-7961

India Food Fest: Charleston, SC (October 6, 2024)

The inaugural iteration of Facing East will take place September 27 – 29, 2024 at Stewart Theatre, NCSU, Raleigh, NC. Performances will be on September 28, 2024, and will feature the legendary kathak exponent Pt. Rajendra Gangani Ji. The festival features performances, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It is to provide Kathak dancers with an opportunity to showcase their expertise and creativity. Details: AakritiKathakFoundation.org/events

JLF North Carolina:

Chapel Hill, NC (September 27 – 28, 2024)

The Jaipur Literature Festival, held annually in Rajasthan, India, will hold a satellite festival in NC. The JLF North Carolina is set to debut on September 27 - 28, 2024. The festival is renowned for its spirit of inclusiveness and camaraderie, bringing to life South Asia’s unique multilingual literary heritage and its shared narrative with the rest of the world, blending it with the literary ﬂavors of the host regions. Info: Jlﬂitfest.org/north-carolina.

Rangtaali w/ Aishwarya Majmudar: Concord, NC (September 28, 2024)

Friends of Charlotte presents Rangtaali with singer Aishwarya Majmudar and band on Saturday, September 28, 2024, beginning at 7pm at the Cabarrus Arena in Concord, NC. For more details, call 704-915-2938 or 803-412-1805. Part of the proﬁts will go to charity. Find the online link at Saathee.com/events.

The Dream Mile Run & Walk: Cary, NC (September 28, 2024)

Vibha works to bring opportunities for children and will hold the run / walk event on Saturday, September 28, 2024, beginning at 8am at Bond Park, Cary, NC. Choose your participation distance: 1 mile, 5K, or 10K. For details, write to coordinator@raleigh.vibha.org or visit Raleigh.vibha.org.

The India Association of Greater Charleston presents a Food Fest on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11:30am – 4:30pm at Scottish Rite Center, 1051 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., Charleston, SC. Free parking and entry. Henna, vendors, saree draping, balloon art ... Info call 501-932-7010 or info@iagcchs.org.

Global Mela:

Norcross, GA (October 12 – 13, 2024)

The annual mela takes place at Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA on October 12 – 13, 2024 from 11am – 7pm. Free entry and parking. Enjoy performances, kids’ activities, shopping, exhibitions and more. Info: 770416-1111 or visit amsglobalmall.com.

TGA Sharad Purnima Garba: Morrisville, NC (October 18, 2024)

Triangle Gujarati Association presents fusion garba, with DJ Bennii, on Oct 18, 2024 at 8pm at HSNC Main Hall, Morrisville. Tickets from $5 - $15. Details at Nctga.org or call 919-353-0550.

BU Ganesh Prasad Vocal Concert: Charlotte, NC (October 20, 2024)

CMAC presents a vocal concert by BU Ganesh Prasad on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 4pm, Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu Center, Charlotte, NC. He will be accompanied by Palghat Sridhar on violin and Karthik Narayanan on Mridangam. Free for CMAC members, $10 - $30 for others. Info: 704-9049454 or visit Cmaconline.org.

Finding Purpose Amidst a Sea of Extremes

Mirror by Jennifer Allen

“The public yearning for Order will invite many stubborn uncompromising persons to impose it. The sadness of the zoo will fall upon society.” ~ Leonard Cohen

In 1989, Billy Joel released a banger of a song where he often “goes to extremes” with lyrics taking on a somewhat manic-depressive tone in terms of his relationship with then wife, Christy Brinkley, during a tumultuous time in their marriage. It was an apology of sorts to her, and when you listen to the song as a whole, the swift rhythm of the backing track matching his punctuated words gives the listener a taste of his frustration at an attempt to ﬁnd some sort of common ground. By the end of the song he, and we, don’t

have a deﬁnitive answer on the subject; instead, he’s still left confused as to why he must always reach one ultimate peak or another in said relationship.

While that singular song touched upon Joel’s own personal struggles, it’s no less relevant when inserted into a different context. The lyrics are just as significant when say… the subject is a family member who holds you or another to lofty standards as far as life accomplishments. Many are taught from an early age to be people-pleasers; however, it can become remarkably exhausting to invariably satisfy every whim another may have. This often leads to a toxic co-dependency to which only one side benefits.

And despite such interdependence, we as human beings in this newly digital age are more driven than ever by conﬂict and division to the point that it has become a mangled paradoxical push-pull of tragedy and redemption. An act of countercultural courage and resistance can be a Mirror, Mirror continued on page 90

Mirror,

Anjana Patel RPH

Speaks

fluently in Gujarati and Hindi

Have a trusted licensed pharmacist review your medications to help pick the right Medicare plan.

● Apply for extra help to lower prescription copays for brand and generic medications (based on certain financial eligibility)

● Supplements, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C which includes dental, vision, and hearing benefit)

● Assistance for individuals that are new to Medicare, individuals looking to switch to Medicare Advantage, or will be turning 65.

Jaipur Literature Festival North Carolina Part 2 Jaipur Literature Festival North Carolina Part 2

The Jaipur Literature Festival, held annually in Rajasthan, India, will hold a satellite festival in NC. The JLF North Carolina is set to debut on September 27 - 28, 2024. This edition marks the expansion of the acclaimed festival, renowned globally for its celebration of words and ideas.

The festival is renowned for its spirit of inclusiveness and camaraderie, bringing to life South Asia’s unique multilingual literary heritage and its shared narrative with the rest of the world, blending it with the literary ﬂavors of the host regions. JLF USA is known for its intellectually charged atmosphere with sessions, talks and performances.

JLF NC will make its debut in North Carolina at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. The Research Triangle (Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham) is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, fueled by world-class universities, thriving tech industries, and an award-winning arts, culture and food scene. The fest is supported by Carolina Performing Arts, UNC Modern Indian Studies Initiative, Carolina Asia Center, UNC Global, UNC Institute of Arts and Humanities and additional partners across the state.

Here are comments from some of JLF North Carolina organizers:

Alison Friedman of Carolina Performing Arts: “North Carolina’s relationship with India is crucial to our state’s growth and prosperity. More than 440,000 Asian Americans live in North Carolina, with Indian Americans making up the largest ethnic group, much of that population centered around the Research Triangle. Greater understanding between India and the United States is important to building a prosperous and inclusive future for our state.

We need to ensure young people, our future leaders, are engaged in global conversations and exchanges of ideas and cultures. It therefore is ﬁtting for the main day of the festival to be hosted at UNC Chapel Hill, the oldest public university in the United States and one of the country’s leading global public research universities.

Jaipur Literature Festival-North Carolina takes Indian authors as its starting point and brings a larger conversation about words, ideas, culture, and

creativity to our campus. I’m excited about the breadth of authors and thinkers in our inaugural festival – standup comedy, science ﬁction, food, politics, diplomacy, gender, public health, AI and digital humanities, music, dance, visual art…. We are packing a lot in just a day and a half!”

Q & A with Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts:

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you co-founded the Jaipur Literature Festival.

The Jaipur Literature Festival’s inception dates back to 2001 when John and Faith Singh from Anokhi visited the Edinburgh Festival to explore how the arts created value for built heritage. They went on to establish the Jaipur Viraasat Heritage Festival, where authors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple curated a literature silo. When that festival ran into diﬃculties Faith asked us to consider taking it over. Namita, William and us at Teamwork Arts decided that we would look at taking forward the literature program and set up the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2008. The festival swiftly burgeoned, evolving into one of the globe’s foremost literary gatherings. Its genesis lay in the aspiration to bring together the best of thinkers, speakers, and writers from across the world, fostering dialogue, debate, and cultural interchange. The main idea behind the festival is to celebrate the power of words and ideas. Jaipur, known for its rich culture, literary heritage, and diverse history, was chosen as the festival’s venue. Across the years, the festival has transformed into a quintessential forum for propelling discourse and nurturing imaginative expression, rendering it as the premier hub for authors, thinkers, intellectuals and opinion makers worldwide. In 2024, the festival completed 17 years and featured more than 550 speakers from across the globe, and a range of enriching sessions and incredible performances, and a diverse audience.

How did the North Carolina festival come about? How was NC selected?

The idea for the North Carolina festival emerged from our desire to expand the reach of the JLF USA and bring its unique blend of literary discussions and cultural celebrations to a new audience. We have been hosting JLF International in USA for a long time having editions in Colorado, Houston and New York. In 2024 we launched two new editions in Seattle and North Carolina. North Carolina was selected as its the research triangle and for its vibrant university and innovation community, and the enthusiasm of local partners and supporters who were eager to host the festival. The state’s commitment to education and the arts made it an ideal location for a festival that aims to inspire and engage people of all ages.

What is your role in picking and organizing the satellite festivals?

As the producers of JLF USA, Teamwork Arts is responsible for the comprehensive planning and execution of the festivals. Our role encompasses the selection of host cities, which involves identifying locations that align with our vision of cultural and literary celebration. We collaborate closely with local partners to ensure that each

festival resonates with the community and maintains the high standards and unique spirit of the original Jaipur Literature Festival.

Our team curates a diverse and engaging program that includes a mix of local and international authors, performances, and interactive sessions. We also handle all logistical aspects, from venue selection to event management, ensuring a seamless experience for participants and attendees. Additionally, our eﬀorts extend to promoting the festivals both locally and globally, drawing in audiences and fostering an atmosphere of cultural exchange and literary dialogue.

How do the satellite festivals diﬀer from the main Jaipur Festival?

While all JLF International Festivals share the core values and ethos of the Jaipur Festival, each city specific festival is tailored to reflect the cultural and literary landscape of the host city. This means that while attendees can expect the same type of discussions, performances, and community engagement, the content and themes may vary to resonate with local audiences. Additionally, these festivals often feature local authors, artists, and cultural elements, providing a distinct flavor that sets each festival apart.

Is there anything that will be unique or exclusive at the North Carolina festival?

The North Carolina festival will feature several unique elements that highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage and literary traditions. Attendees can look forward to exclusive sessions with renowned local and international authors, special performances that celebrate North Carolina’s artistic legacy, and interactive workshops designed to engage and inspire participants. Additionally, the festival will include discussions on topics relevant to the local community, providing a platform for important conversations and new perspectives.

What other cities has the festival been held in?

JLF International Festivals have been held in various cities around the world, including London, Valladolid in Spain, Toronto, Adelaide in Australia, Doha, and in the Maldives.

JLF USA has editions in New York, Houston, Colorado and Seattle. Each festival brings the unique charm of the Jaipur Literature Festival to new audiences, creating a global literary movement that celebrates diversity and creativity.

Is there a plan to make this an annual event in NC?

The North Carolina festival was launched to make it an annual event, given the enthusiasm and support from the local community. Our aim is to establish a long-term presence in the state with programs in Raleigh and UNC Chapel Hill, fostering a tradition of literary celebration and cultural exchange that can grow and evolve over the years. We look forward to collaborating with our partners and audiences to make this vision a reality.

For full details on the festival, visit: Jlﬂitfest.org/north-carolina

Tickets: Carolinaperformingarts.org/events/jaipur-literature-festival-usa

Upcoming Movie Releases

September 6

Emergency (Director: Kangana Ranaut)

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and Satish Kaushik

Legend of the White Dragon (Director: Aaron Schoenke)

Cast: Jason David Frank, Aaron Schoenke, Michael Madsen

Sundarakanda (Director: Venkatesh Nimmalapudi)

Cast: Nara Rohith, Virti Vaghani, Sridevi Vijaykumar, and Vasuki Anand

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (Director: Tim Burton)

Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe

Lucky Baskhar (Director: Venky Atluri)

Cast: Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary

The Greatest of All Time (Director: Venkat Prabhu)

Cast: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, and Meenakshi Chaudhary

The Thicket (Director: Elliot Lester)

Cast: Peter Dinklage, Levon Hawke, and Juliette Lewis

Rebel Ridge (Director: Jeremy Saulnier)

Cast: Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, and James Cromwell

September 13

Speak No Evil (Director: James Watkins)

Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy

The Buckingham Murders (Director: Hansal Mehta)

Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, and Ranveer Brar

The Killer’s Game (Director: J J Perry)

Cast: Dave Bautista, Soﬁa Boutella, Terry Crews, and Ben ingsley

Saathee.com/movies has

September 20

Transformers One (Director: Josh Cooley)

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, and Steve Buscemi

Wolfs (Director: Jon Watts)

Cast: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Richard Kind, and Poorna Jagannathan

The Substance (Director: Coralie Fargeat)

Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid

Omni Loop (Director: Bernardo Britto)

Cast: Mary-Louise Parker and Ayo Edebiri

Never Let Go (Director: Alexandre Aja)

Cast: Halle Berry, Percy Daggs IV, and Anthony B Jenkins

September 27

Devara: Part 1 (Director: Koratala Siva)

Cast: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Prakash Raj

The Wild Robot (Director: Chris Sanders)

Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Mark Hamill, and Catherine O’Hara

Megalopolis (Director: Francis Ford Coppola)

Cast: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, D B Sweeney, and Dustin Hoﬀman

Meiyazhagan (Director: C Prem Kumar)

Cast: Karthi, Arvind Swamy, Sri Divya, and Rajkiran

The Line (Director: Ethan Berger)

Cast: Alex Wolﬀ, Scoot McNairy, and John Malkovich

Abrupto (Director: Ethan Marlowe)

Cast: James Marsters, Hana Mae Lee, Sid Haig, and Robert Englund

October 4

Joker – Folie à Deux (Director: Todd Phillips)

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and Brendan Gleeson

CTRL (Director: Vikramaditya Motwane)

Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat, and Sumukhi Suresh

The Buckingham Murders

A grieving cop who loses her child to murder is tasked with investigating a missing child. Exploring themes of trauma, immigrant experience, and the human need for closure. Hansal Mehta directs the cast that includes Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, & Ranveer Brar. Look for it on September 13, 2024.

Wolfs

A professional fixer is hired to cover up a high-profile crime. But when a second fixer shows up and the two “lone wolves” are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in unexpected ways. Jon Watts directs George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Poorna Jagannathan. It releases on September 20, 2024.

Devara: Part 1

This is an epic action saga set against coastal lands, telling action ﬁlled tales. The protagonist rescues the deprived and puts fears in evildoers. Look for the ﬁlm, directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Prakash Raj, on September 27, 2024.

Never Let Go

This is a story about a family that has been haunted by an evil spirit for years. Their safety and their surroundings come into question when one of the children questions if the evil is real. Halle Berry and Christin Park star in the ﬁlm directed by Alexandre Aja. It will be released on September 20, 2024.

The Wild Robot

A robot is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. Directed by Chris Sanders, the animated ﬁlm features Pedro Pascal and Lupita Nyong’o. It is slated for release on September 27, 2024.

Megalopolis

Artist Cesar Catilina seeks to leap the City of New Rome into a utopian, idealistic future, while his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, remains committed to a regressive status quo. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It stars Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito. September 27, 2024.

Monster Summer

When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island. Director David Henrie guides the cast that includes Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, and Kevin James. It releases on October 4, 2024.

Do You Suffer From “Priorititis”? Do You Suffer From “Priorititis”?

Thinking

About

Thinking

by Balaji Prasad

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life –to be happy – it’s all that matters.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

It is critical to prioritize the things that matter to your existence.

Prioritization has always been important. But never more so than now. This ability must be understood to merit a new level of signiﬁcance, as the volume of the world we live in has grown uncontrollably, automated and accelerated by modern technology.

An existential crisis

It is an existential crisis that you are up against, if you realize that your “existence” needs to be carved out from the vast expanse around you that you call “my world”, which is a clumsy mix of real things inextricably entangled with meaningless nonsense. A way to get this at a deeper level is to visualize yourself throwing a dart into the murk around you. Can you have conﬁdence that the dart will land on something that is essential to your existence? Or is it more likely that it will ﬁnd a home in something that is either completely nonsense or something that’s “meh”?

RUBY REALT Y RUBY REALT Y

Period Poverty A Global, but Secret Problem

500 million women face period poverty across the world. Where specifically could this problem be occurring? Everywhere. Even in our own city. Does this surprise you? Many people are unaware of period poverty or unsure of what it means. The premise of this issue is people are unable to afford menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, or have consistent access to clean water and private toilets. Women in these situations suffer every month despite the fact that periods are healthy and normal.

The lack of access to vital period resources has caused students to miss over 50 schooldays every year and adults to miss a similar number of workdays. The inability to attend school or jobs keeps the women in the vicious cycle of poverty. Students will fall behind in their classwork and employees with tasks, both will struggle to keep up. Only seven countries have menstrual leave policies, many unpaid. Not only are these people’s education and income compromised but

My Voice by Rika Parui

Upside Down Stock Market

Eye on the Markets

by Ketu Desai

The stock market turned upside down in July. There was a violent rotation in which investors aggressively sold secular winners (large cap tech, semiconductors, AI, weightloss companies) in favor of the underperformers (small caps, regional banks, biotech, and real estate). It was a historic rotation. Small caps beat large caps over a seven-day period by the widest margin since 1986. By many metrics it was a 99th percentile move. The rotation began when we got a weaker than expected CPI. The cooler inﬂation data increased the likelihood that the Fed would cut rates.

The market has priced in over a 95% chance that the Fed will cut rates in September. The underperformers not only beneﬁted from lower rates, but also from the shift in Presidential odds. Positioning among the secular winners was stretched. The Nasdaq relative to the Russell 2000 reached record levels, higher than the dot.com bust. Much of the rotation had to do with technical and positioning factors. Unwind of the Yen carry trade was an important contributor. Hedge funds de-grossed to levels similar to many market bottoms.

The question over the coming weeks will be what the stock market leadership will be. We have three potential options. The ﬁrst option is what it has been for the better part of the last two-years, large cap tech, semiconductors,

AI related names, and weight-loss companies. These are the best companies in the world. They are at the heart of major secular themes, they have the best balance sheets, highest cash flow generation, the best margins, are not sensitive to rates, and have the largest buybacks. They will benefit the most from the trillions that will come into the market as FOMO starts to hit those sitting in cash. With significant geopolitical and election uncertainty around the globe, money will flow for the best.

The counter to this is that they are full in terms of valuation and positioning. While they will continue to have strong earnings growth, the growth will decelerate. Sentiment has also turned on these names. In previous quarters, the market was excited about investments related to AI, now it is questioning the return. It is likely that this will be an overhang for the time being. After a huge run, decelerating growth, and full positioning, they might be in for a period of consolidation.

Another option is the continued revival of the laggards. This includes small caps, biotech, regional banks, and real estate. Sentiment and positioning in these areas is very low. Short positioning in the Russell 2000 is higher than it was during the COVID lows. Small caps trade at nearly 30% discount to large caps. Not only are they cheap, but their earnings are also expected to increase. By the fourth quarter, small caps will outgrow large caps, growing north of 20%.

Expanding Windows

Kismuth and the Way II

by Dipika Kohli

It was still early March 2020, before the news that we were going to enter a four-years-and-counting tailspin from ‘normal’ life. When the pandemic broke, I was in Da Lat. The good part of this was, I love this hill station of Central Viet Nam. The downside was, once news spread about the complexity of ‘coronavirus’, I couldn’t leave. Interestingly, work took me there. A weeklong workshop. I called my part of it ‘Expanding Windows,’ and, as this happened at a fancy resort with lots of people converging, it was a chance for me to try out something new. Opening the door to the garden at the end of my on-stage part, inviting people to walk through it, and join some of the things I set up in the garden was, for me, the highlight. Me, on stage, at the workshop gig: ‘Personal growth is so, so possible. Expanding windows can become... doors.’ Some took me up on the invite.

Getting out of the room, into the sun and light, was, I think, unusual for workshops in Southeast Asia. Two participants made it a point to tell me this, beaming, and I thought, Cool.

March turned into April, and I was still in Da Lat. There was a small hotel that gave me a break rate, and I had a balcony overlooking a small green clearing. I think there was one other person there, but he never left his room. When the lockdown restrictions were lifted, I walked into the city center, and I met more people like me, who were waiting to go to their countries. Russia and Thailand, I remember. We talked in those pockets of quiet. Summer came and with it, massive North Carolina-level storms. I got a cold, an older lady gave me a coat and sweater and made two sisters who spoke amazing English come and talk to me to ask if I was okay. I was okay. I also wasn’t. By the time the autumn came, I would shift to Ho Chi Minh City, ‘waiting the pandemic out’ at a hotel at ﬁrst, then moving into a ﬂat.

Kismuth continued on page 86

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National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Nutrition for Life

by Parul Kharod

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the month of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to raise awareness for prevention.

According to the World Health Organization: In 2022, 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

These statistics are not just limited to the aﬄuent Western countries. According to UNICEF’s World Obesity Atlas for 2022, India is predicted to have more than 27 million obese children, representing one in 10 children globally, by 2030.

Diet, sleep habits, and physical activity play a huge role in fueling weight gain, especially in children and teenagers.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released guidelines for developing healthy habits for children and parents to combat this issue.

Tips to Support Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Children and Teens

Nutrition

• Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses/legumes, nuts, and seeds

• Avoid processed packaged foods

• Reduce consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt

• Limit eating out – especially fast food to once a week

• Make a habit of packing school lunches from home and packing healthy snacks

• Make sure to drink enough water; avoid sugary and diet beverages including juices

Nutrition continued on page 94

Spot the Differences

See if you can spot the 15 diﬀerences between the original photo on top and modiﬁed one below

Dances of India

by Dr. Maha Gingrich

Guruji, Late Prof. C. V. Chandrasekhar, lovingly known as Chandrasekhar Sir by his disciples, passed away on June 19, 2024. He was an amazing Kalakshetra style Bharatha Natyam Guru, dancer, scholar, musician, composer, and choreographer. His talents were many and there is not enough space to describe him here. He retired in 1992 as the Head and Dean of the Faculty of Performing Arts of M.S. University, Baroda. He then continued to teach at the dance institution called Nrityashree, in Chennai, India,

I always say dancing is a family aﬀair. Professor Chandrasekhar Sir and his wife Smt. Jaya Chandrasekhar were one of the well-known dancing couples of Bharatha Natyam in India. Especially during the 1970s and ’80s they were the top Bharatha Natyam dancers in India and travelled extensively all over the globe as he was invited by many to perform, teach and choreograph. He continued to perform on stage well into his seventies with perfection.

Chandrasekhar Sir received his M. Sc. Degree in Botany from Banaras Hindu University and received a postgraduate diploma in Bharatha Natyam. He continued his training at

A Tribute to Padma Bhushan Guru C. V. Chandrasekhar

the internationally renowned Kalakshetra in Chennai, under the mentorship of Rukmini Devi Arundale, Karaikkal Saradambal, K.N. Dandaydhapani Pillai and others. He started his dancing career in 1947, when there were few male dancers. He also received training in classical music under teachers like Budulur Krishnamurthy Sastrigal and M.D. Ramanathan.

Chandrasekhar Sir received numerous accolades. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Bharatha Natyam in 1993, which is India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, and received the Kalidas Samman in 2008. In 2011, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. Among his notable choreographic productions are Kalidasa’s Ritu Samharam and Meghadootham, Aparajitha, Pancha Maha Bhootham, Arohanam, Bhoomija and Bhramarageeth

I also remember his choreography to Gujarati poetry without compromising the dance style. That was my inspiration to choreograph Bharatha Natyam dances using many diﬀerent languages and stories to connect with the audience without compromising the purity of the dance style.

Dances of

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Best Ways for Couples to Share Finances

Personal Finances

by Mo Vidwans

Most marriages have loving and devoted relationships, no doubt, but there can still be some aspects that could be contentious if not handled properly. Money can be one of those in a marriage, or any relationship. According to a 2021 Fidelity Investment survey of individuals ages 25 or older in a married or long-term relationship, one in ﬁve identify money as their biggest challenge in that relationship. It’s not surprising if you think about it. These days most men and women get into a relationship with some property of their own, have already lived a life where they had to make some decisions about their own money (how much to spend, how much and where to invest to mention a few) and then they ﬁnd someone to love and spend the rest of their lives with. The question of money management stands out like a sore thumb. When they are dating or in a serious relationship, they are talking and questioning about a lot of things, but how the money gets handled is rarely one of those.

It will not be surprising to you, especially to those who have gone through this, that there is no simple answer. There is also no right or wrong way of doing it either. Actually, it depends primarily on the skills and decisionmaking ability the two parties bring to a union of this sort. If that understanding is created at the beginning of dating and each other’s skills evaluated, then it gets a lot easier. But then we are usually so enamored with the other party that I do not know anyone who would ask those kinds of questions on the ﬁrst date (or on the second one or later, for that matter) unless we wish to kill the potential of the relationship. Therein lies the dilemma. One thing is for sure; when they become inseparable, then they should, perhaps, focus on their individual strengths. One person may be good at managing the day-to-day budgets and bills and the other could be looking at the big picture with a long- term focus.

Here is what I have seen so far as to how these things get handled.

My Money and Your Money

The individuals in a relationship do not combine their finances. Of course, the common expenses like groceries, rent/mortgage, utilities and others are to be shared. Often a common budget is created and spent accordingly but otherwise the finances, respective investments and even insurance stay separate. Many details need to be worked out here and usually couples with some mutual understanding can figure all that out. Some unusual expenses like house renovations, car repairs or medical expenses especially when one party or children get sick need to be worked out. The key understanding here is that common expenses are to be shared equally.

In my opinion, it should be front and center even though perhaps not immediately but soon after they get serious; because it could be a key consideration in such a relationship, as it should be. Now I admit this is a Financial Planner talking; but I must say it is hardly ever an exigent matter, generally not even on the distant horizon for many couples.

Because different people bring different backgrounds of upbringing with them as well as variety of experiences and then they are trying to mix these embedded ideas and attitudes into a common finance philosophy. It is hard to find a golden mean agreeable to both parties. Sometimes the challenge is about who spends too much or who does not save enough but perhaps the most difficult issue is more basic than that, which is how to combine the two finances (asset bases) and the two different ways of spending and saving.

Diﬀerent buckets can also be created following the same philosophy if that helps the partners to understand the concept of how much to save and how much to spend.

All Joint Accounts

Here both partners bring all their assets together and share expenses. Generally, at the beginning of the relationship some common understanding is created about such matters and then they can stick with it. If there is a ‘prenuptial agreement’ then it will be in writing but most of the time that is not necessary. In such an arrangement all incomes and expenses are shared including investments which means also that there must be much common understanding between the partners about the long-term plans. This strongly suggests that along with just romancing each other, the partners are seriously talking about ﬁnancial matters somewhere during the dating phase. This is always a smart thing to do, but if it really happens is another issue.

News Notes

Rhapsody in Raag Jog:

Part of Festival of India, Charlotte

The India Association of Charlotte (IAC) has announced a partnership with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO).

This collaboration will be showcased at the 28th Annual Festival of India in September. The highlight will be the closing fusion concert on Sunday, September 15, at 7pm, at the open-air setting of Ballantyne’s Backyard.

The one-hour concert will feature the music of renowned Indian composers Shruti Rajasekar, Anoushka Shankar, and A. R. Rahman, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange through symphonic music. Additionally, the concert will include the Charlotte premiere of “Rhapsody in Raag Jog,” a groundbreaking work by composer Drew Zaremba. This piece features bansuri ﬂutist and saxophonist Anjan Shah and epitomizes a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Lal Vishin, President of the India Association of Charlotte, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, aligning perfectly with our mission, to celebrate Indian culture, and also leverage art and music to build bridges across manmade barriers of color, religion, ethnicity, etc., that keep us from thriving as an inclusive community.”

The Charlotte Symphony connects with music lovers each year through its lively season of concerts, broadcasts, community events, and robust educational programs.

The annual Festival of India is organized by IAC, established to serve the Indian American community in the Charlotte area. Info: Indiafestival.iacofcarolinas.org

Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Presented at the World Congress of Philosophy in Rome

Akshar-Purushottam Darshan – a classical philosophical school of thought and practice of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya – was presented at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy.

The eight-day conference was hosted between August 1 - 8, 2024, at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, one of the oldest universities in the world and the largest in Europe. It attracted more than 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from over 120 countries and diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

The prestigious academic event, organized by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), served as a platform for some of the brightest minds from around the world to engage in discussions and an exchange of ideas. Through as many as 89 philosophical sub-disciplines, they sought to address contemporary global challenges and foster a deeper understanding of human existence.

During the conference, on August 2, 2024, an insightful session was held by the Congress that focused on spiritual ecology and AksharPurushottam Darshan.

Chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the session aimed to catalyze a reexamination of underlying attitudes and beliefs about the environment through a lens of religious philosophy, speciﬁcally Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.

Scholars from the UK, USA and India presented their research on how the philosophical exploration of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan ﬁnds practical expression through devotion, ethical living, and service to humanity and the natural world.

In addition to the formal sessions, swamis used interactive workshops, collaborative dialogues, and informal gatherings to make meaningful connections with scholars. This allowed them to share philosophical ideas and learn from each other in a genuine spirit of open academic dialogue and mutual enrichment.

Professor Noburu Notomi, President of the Philosophical Association of Japan and host of the next World Congress of Philosophy was also present at the meeting. He invited BAPS to present the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the 26th World Congress of Philosophy, scheduled to be hosted in Tokyo in 2028.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (B.A.P.S) is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. For more details, Baps.org.

U.S.-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue Held in New Delhi

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi facilitated the ﬁrst ever U.S.-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue on August 5-6, 2024, at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi and hosted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The dialogue focused attention on cancer, strengthening U.S.-

India biomedical research cooperation, and jointly developing solutions to improve the health and well-being of the global community.

The U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti gave remarks and Nobel Laureate Dr. Jim Allison presented a scientific public lecture titled ‘Beyond Checkpoint Inhibition’. Participants included the U.S delegation, key Government of India (GOI) senior officials, leadership from the American and Indian private sectors, NGOs and Patient Advocacy Groups that work in cancer-related fields, faculty members from various GOI institutions, young researchers including PhD and post docs from government Universities. At the event, Ambassador Garcetti said ‘This exchange embodies the strength of the bond between our two great nations, built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for a healthier future; it’s a tangible way to show how the United States and India are moving our partnership forward for health’.

Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science and Technology said, “The Department of Biotechnology is committed to accelerate discovery of innovative solutions towards cancer treatment through multidisciplinary approaches. The India-U.S. Cancer Moonshot Dialogue, which included two-days of scientiﬁc discussions, is a testament to our commitment to revolutionize cancer cure, leveraging biotechnology advancements for a cancer-free tomorrow.”

Adding to that, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research said, “The two-day scientiﬁc deliberation was very fruitful and will foster collaboration between people, organizations, and between public and private entities to identify potential areas of mutual interest between the two countries in cancer research and management.”

Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, account for about 63 percent of all deaths in India. Cancer cases in India are estimated to increase by nearly 13 percent in 2025, compared to 2020. In June 2023, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reaﬃrmed the strong health partnership between the United States and India by announcing new commitments to accelerate the ﬁght against cancer, including convening a U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue to advance the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

The U.S.-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue will accelerate cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.

Ragas Live Festival

Pioneer Works will present the Ragas Live Festival, 24 hours of music performed by musicians from around the globe from October 19 (7pm) - October 20 (7pm), 2024. In collaboration with NYC Radio Live, Brooklyn Raga Massive and the Society for Arts and Culture of South Asia.

The event is inspired by raga, the classical music tradition from South Asia, where speciﬁc modes harmonize with the moods and energy of particular times of day, such as sunrise, sunset, or the darkest hours of the night. Master musicians from the raga tradition are presented alongside legends in ambient music, minimalism, jazz and global traditions.

For the passionate, deep-listening audience the festival has attracted since 2012, Pioneer Works provides an ideal setting. The natural light in the main hall shifts with the ragas during the day, and the outdoor garden allows participants to listen to music under the stars at night.

Among the performers include, Debashish Bhattacharya, who brought the slide guitar to a new level of virtuosity, will perform a unique set inspired by the earliest recordings of raga. He’ll be joined by vocalist Anandi Bhattacharya and tabla maestro Subashish Bhattacharya.

The violin pyrotechnics of Ganesh Rajagopalan will be featured in a traditional set of Carnatic music. Rajagopalan ﬁrst performed at the age of 7 and quickly rose to fame, by the time he was 10 years old he had toured the world and completed his 100th stage appearance.

The trailblazing modular synthesist and vocalist, Arushi Jain will create her signature lush analog and electronic textures inspired by the raga idiom. Jain, also known as ‘the modular princess,’ has been making waves. An inﬂuential Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, her album Under the Lilac Sky was featured as Best Jazz & Experimental Album by Pitchfork.

Homayoun Sakhi, the greatest living exponent of the 18-stringed rubâb, the national instrument of Afghanistan, will be joined by tabla phenom Salar Nader. Born in Kabul into one of Afghanistan’s leading musical families, Sakhi is the heir to a musical lineage that began in the 1860s, when the ruler of Kabul, Amir Sher Ali Khan, brought a number of classically trained musicians from India to perform at his court.

For more info, visit Ragaslive.com.

AAPI Leaders Spread Message of Health & Wellbeing at India Day Parade in New York

“On this auspicious occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) as he led the dozens of physicians who had joined the India Day Parade in New York City

•

President Biden’s Executive Action and the Consequences of November

Immigration Matters

by Rishi P. Oza

USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) has announced the Executive Action program by President Biden to “promote the unity and stability of families.” Biden’s initial announcement would allow spouses and children of US citizens who entered the country without inspection to apply to remain in the United States and be granted a legal entry, thus paving the way for them to apply for a green card without leaving the United States.

The program would not beneﬁt those that entered the United States lawfully or with a visa and have merely overstayed their allotted time.

While the public and practitioners alike received little information about the implementation of this new program, USCIS has begun to provide more speciﬁcs as to a candidate’s eligibility for the process. To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole, on a case-by-case basis, under this process, you must:

**Be present in the United States without admission or parole;

**Have been continuously present in the US for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024;

**Have a legally valid marriage to a US citizen as of June 17, 2024;

**Not have any disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety; and otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

According to reports, applicants will only be eligible to submit their applications through the MyUSCIS.gov online portal but will not be able to link their attorney’s accounts to their ﬁlings. USCIS will require a $580 ﬁling fee per applicant.

While litigation over the legality of this executive action is almost assured, if successfully implemented, this program would permit thousands of individuals that entered the country unlawfully to obtain the necessary documentation to apply for permanent residency in the United States.

Notably, Biden’s proposal is markedly diﬀerent from his predecessor, Barack Obama’s, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Immgiration continued on page 86

Community Focus by Taige Shukla

Additional content: Divakar Shukla

Sister Shivani’s 2024 Schedule

September 10: Charlotte, NC

September 11: Raleigh, NC

September 13: Columbus, GA

September 14: Atlanta, GA

September 15: Greenville, NC

September 16: Asheville, NC

THE

BRAHMA KUMARIS

Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in India in 1937, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 110 countries on all continents and has had an extensive impact in many sectors as an international NGO.

The Brahma Kumaris acknowledge the intrinsic goodness of all people. They teach a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and universal truths. The international NGO offers meditation courses and one-onone/group meditation sessions, workshops and programs.

Founded in India in 1937 by Prajapita Brahma Baba, Brahma Kumaris (BK) is one of the largest spiritual organizations in the world led by women. Once the BK “World Spiritual University” and headquarters were established in Mount Abu in Gujarat, India in the mid-1950s, the teachings began to spread worldwide. The organization’s philosophy is that one’s identity comes from the soul within, beyond labels and physical/ material factors. BKs work to achieve their goals through guided meditation and Raja Yoga.

We recently visited the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center in Charlotte, which opened in March of this year. We met with Ila Joshi, Beena Thakkar and Neeta Kukreja, members of the center. They shared with us the positive effect these practices have had on coping with everyday stressors and maintaining their inner calm. Kukreja told a story of how she was able to allow herself grace during a stressful work situation, over which she had zero control, and the positive outcome that resulted not only for her inner well-being, but for the health of the third party involved. The story exemplifies the BK practice of releasing the hold external factors may have on oneself. The founding members of the Charlotte Center, Rohit & Shri (Shetty) have been teaching and practicing Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 20 years. They have been managing the services of the Brahma Kumaris in Charlotte and the greater North Carolina area for 18 years, presenting talks and conducting meditation workshops in the Carolinas and neighboring states. Meditation is an integral part of their daily lives, and they firmly believe that self-transformation leads to world transformation.

A renowned practitioner and teacher, BK Sister Shivani, will be in the US in September. In her early 20s Sister Shivani witnessed firsthand how the spiritual lifestyle positively affected her mother’s behavior and personality, and soon thereafter started to attend a BK center herself.

As a top scholar and graduate from Pune University, Sister Shivani used her engineering mindset to dive further and create a deeper understanding of the spiritual knowledge afforded by the BK teachings.

BK Sister Shivani first became a household name in 2007 through her “Awakening with Brahma Kumaris” series, throughout which she discusses issues in daily life and solutions incorporating spiritual insight. She has also recently released her book The Power of One Thought and travels the world sharing her wisdom on how to overcome mental strains. She will be visiting the Carolinas and Georgia in September to continue sharing her practical knowledge and BK learnings.

Find a local center and more details at brahmakumaris.us

Sister Shivani

BK Center Charlotte

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Phone: 704-541-9966

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If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, we now offer “Direct Primary Care" membership plan. INCLUDES: 24/7 access to physicians via phone calls, texts, emails, video/telephone, annual physical examinations with chest x-ray, routine labs and EKG. All at affordable monthly fees for mostly uninsured and high deductible insured individuals. Please check our website and call our ofﬁce for further details. CarolinaMedAssoc.com

Mike Agha, MD; Tejal Patel, MD; Avinash Shah, MD

by Purvee Shukla

Makai Cheeno (Corn Cheeno)

Makai or corn is a late summer quintessential veggie that is beloved around the world. This is a tasty side dish that goes with any dinner or lunch. It is a popular dish in Marathi cuisine. It is easy to make and can serve as comfort food. Incidentally, this was made with corn grown on our farm in Monroe, NC. You can use store bought corn cobs, fresh or frozen corn kernels. This dish is savory and fragrant, blending your familiar ingredients in Indian kitchen with a staple of American diet. We hope you enjoy this dish for your next gathering or picnic with your family and friends.

Ingredients Directions

5 Corn cobs (or one cup crushed kernels)

2 Tbsp Vegetable oil

½ tsp Mustard seeds

½ tsp Cumin seeds

Ginger one inch piece chopped

Small green chilies 2 – 3 chopped

¼ tsp Hing

¼ Tbsp Turmeric powder

Salt to taste

1 ½ cups Milk

Sugar 1 Tbsp or as per taste

1 Tbsp Lemon

Fresh coriander small handful

Servings: 2 - 3

Prep Time: 15 -20 minutes / Cooking Time: 20 - 25 minutes

Peel husk from fresh corn and wash it well. Or use kernels. Use a large grater to coarsely grate the fresh corn. If using corn kernels grind them in a grinder, keep it coarse and chunky. Don’t paste or puree.

Once grated, set a nonstick pan on medium heat, add oil, once oil heated, add mustard and cumin seeds, ginger, green chilies, and hing, stir and cook for a minute.

Add turmeric powder, stir for a few seconds. Immediately add grated corn along with salt. Stir and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Then add the milk and stir well, turn to medium-low heat and cook for 15 – 18 minutes or until mixture thickens. Make sure to keep stirring to keep from sticking. Once thickened add sugar, lemon juice, and coriander. Mix well and the dish is ready.

Serve hot, garnish with grated coconut or sev or your favorite garnish. Add optional chaat masala for added ﬂavor.

Hindu Center Expansion

Leave a Lasting Memory on HC Wall. Sponsor Plates for $1001, $5,001, $10,001, $25,001 or more Expansion project update:

Work Completed: Grading, Parking Lot , foundation, stone work inside and outside.

Work Continues: Main Shikhar and electrical.

2024 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities:

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: September 6th, Friday Thru September 11th, Wednesday

Ganesh Visarjan: September 11th, Wednesday

Navratri: October 3rd, Thursday to October 11th, Friday

Dashera: October 12th, Saturday

Sharad Purnima: October 19th, Saturday

Karva Chauth / Diwali Expo: October 20th, Sunday

Children’s Garba: October 27th, Sunday

Dhan Teras: October 29th, Tuesday

Kali Chaudas: October 31st, Thursday

Diwali / Mahavir Nirvana Day: November 1st, Friday

Annakut/Govardhan Puja/New Year: November 2nd, Saturday

Karthik Poornima Deepotsavam: November 14th, Thursday

Tulsi Vivah: November 15th, Friday

Diwali Cultural Show: November 16th, Saturday

Diwali Dinner: November 23rd, Saturday

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

O F C HARLOTTE

Hindu Center & Marathi Community

Celebrate: Charlotte Ganesh Festival (Friday, Sept 6th to Friday, Sept 11th)

Morya Bhajan: Mon/Tues at 6 PM / Daily Aarti: 7 PM Followed by Mahaprasad

For more information, please contact the Hindu Center at 704-535-3440 or Reena Roy 704-607-8412

New Vedanta Bhavan

Support

Hindu Center Expansion Leave a Lasting Memory on HC Wall.

Sponsor Plates for $1001, $5,001, $10,001, $25,001 or more

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42nd Anniversary Navratri Celebrations – 2024

Navratri: Thurs., Oct 3rd to Fri., Oct. 11th in Temple (Oct 4th & Oct 5th at Park Expo)

Dashera: Oct 12th Lord Sri Ram Abhisekham 6:30 pm, Ravan Dahan 7:30 pm

Sharad Purnima: Sat., Oct. 19th (Vihar Hall)

Children’s Garba: Sunday Oct. 27th (Vihar Hall)

Date / DaySpecial

Oct. 3rd, ThursSeeding of Jawara: Puja 11 am to NoonNoon

Oct. 3rd, Thurs Sthapna: Puja 6 - 7 pm, Stuti 7 - 7:30 pm7:30 pm 8 - 9 pm (Temple)

& Artists)

Oct 4th, Fri & Oct 5th Sat Stuti: 6.30 - 7 pm, Puja: 7 - 7:30 pm7:30 pm 8 – 8.30 pm (Temple) Park Expo 9:30 pm - 1:30 am (Indian Group)

Oct 6th - 10th Sun - Thurs Stuti: 6:30 - 7 pm Puja: 7 - 7:30 pm7:30 pm 8 - 9 pm (Temple)

Oct 11th, FriAsthami Havan: 6 - 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 - 9 pm (Temple) followed by Visarjan

Oct 12th, Sat Dashera / Vijyadasmi:7:00 pm

Ravan Dahan: 7:30 pm

Lord Sri Ram Abhisekham: 6 - 7 pm

Lord Sri Ram Darshan: 7:45 - 8:45 pm

Oct 19th, Sat Sharad Purnima:7:30 pm8 - 11 pm (Vihar Hall)

Oct 27th, SunChildren’s Garba:6 pm4-7 pm (Vihar Hall)

Navratri Sponsorships:

Mukhya Yajman (3): Navratri – 9 Days - $2001, Daily Yajman $301 Asthami & Navchandi Havan: Mukhya Yajman $1001 (1 couple), Yajman $101 / couple (11 couples only)

Daily Aarti Sponsors: at the Temple $101, Prasad Sponsors $101

Dashera: Lord Sri Ram AbhiseKham $31, Lord Sri Ram Archna $11

Venue: Park Expo – Freedom Hall, 800 Briar Creek Rd (Next to Bojangles Arena)

Park Expo on Independence Entrance:

Members: $10 at the Gate only. Membership is $101/year (Seniors - $31) for Calendar Year 2024.

Non-members 18 yrs and above: $20 / person in advance and $30 at the gate.

Student with ID & Seniors $10 at the Gate only.

$10 Parking charge/charged by Bojangles. Carpooling encouraged

Contacts:

Decorations: Rashmika Patel – 980-322-3505, Prerna Amin – 704-258-1696, Ameeta Patel 203-434-4004

Advertising / Marketing / Banners / Sponsors: Vijay Patel – 704-277-2468, Rajnibhai Patel – 704-488-8145, Bharat Bhai Patel – 704-459-1954 Nirav Pandya 570-205-2636

Fundraising: Ravi Patel, Hemant Amin, Rajni Patel, Bharat Patel, Nirav Pandya, Vivek Vemunoori

Religious, Decoration, Aarti, Prasad, & Garba: Deepakben Jadeja -704-819-9814 Bharti Patel – 704-678-9991, Hemant Amin – 704- 258- 3588, Surendra Patel – 704-564-9436, Pravin Shah – 704-307-8336, Dinesh Shah, Mahesh Patel and Loku Hemnani, Jatin Patel, Anju Jain, Niketa Mittal

Dashera: Jagdish Patel, Hemant Amin, Mittal Patel and Harshal Jambusaria

Sound: Subodh Patel, Nayan Patel

Vendors: Reena Roy, Nirav Pandya, Ameeta Patel, Hemant Amin

Advertising banners outside temple: $251 for all 15 days – Park Expo included $501 For all other info call Temple – 704-535-3440

American Dance Festival 2024 Review

by Dilip Barman

Another season of American Dance Festival has come and gone. My travel precluded my attending as many shows as I usually do, but I did get to go to several including performances that I will remember for years to come.

I was there for opening night in mid-June, Ballet Hispanico, as well as for the second and third performers that and the next week, Hung Dance and Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE. After that I could only catch shows in the last week of the season, the last week of July, which included Radical System Art, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and ShaLeigh Dance Works.

What were most memorable for me were Hung Dance, Radical System Art, and ShaLeigh Dance Works. Hung Dance (from their website hungdance.com: “Dance is the art of resisting reality”) from Taiwan performed a stunning 1piece 1-hour performance. Exploring the notions of freedom and flight, the dancers had long pheasant feather-like headpieces effectively elongating their spines through their headgear and producing an elegant and imposing effect on the audience.

I saw ShaLeigh Dance Works perform a few years ago where they explored dance for those with limited or no vision. The audience was blindfolded and yet through their creative movement that included suitcases dragging for the impression of an airport, water spraying for feelings of touch, and more, we could enjoy and appreciate the dance. This year their “enVISION: The Next Chapter” continued with half the audience blindfolded and the other half with ear plugs. As their program notes ask, “Can we listen to what we see? Can we see what we hear?”

The dance was uniquely impactful to say nothing of its educating the audience about diﬀerently-abled perceptions of the world around us. My teenage daughter exclaimed that this was her favorite ADF performance!

Radical System Art presented a thought-provoking piece called MOI - Momentum of Isolation. Through a series of interconnected dance skits, they explored how technology and digital devices build increasing social isolation. Through cleverly artiﬁcial interactions such as between a dancer and a strangely animate chest of drawers or dancers unable to demonstrate emotion, the dancers bring the viewer face to face with the slowly creeping digital world that in some ways entraps us and divorces us from true emotion. What we do about it - if anything - of course remains up to us.

I could write pages on each of the performers. I loved the lighting, set design, deep red “House of Mad’moiselle”, and more of Ballet Hispanico; the stirring music (including music by artists like Tito Puente, Fela Kuti, and Stevie Wonder) and use of community dancers by Ronald K. Broen; and the strong base in classical ballet of Paul Taylor.

We are lucky to have ADF, the country’s largest contemporary dance festival, in the Carolinas. There are a few more post-season dances coming up in September and October.

I recommend keeping an eye on americandancefestival.org for details on these and, in 2025, news about next year’s season. If you haven’t experienced contemporary dance, it’s a treat with a broad net that can inspire and thrill.

If you have seen contemporary dance - well, you know it’s draw, so bring friends in summer 2025 to ADF!

Dilip Barman is a lover of culture and teacher of math and vegan food/nutrition teacher. Check out his monthly show somanycooks.com.

Contact: dilip@trianglemathinstitute.com

ShaLeigh

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Tel: 704-525-8824

Fax: 704-525-8820

IMMIGRATION SERVICES:

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Election News and Upcoming Dates

NC State Board of Elections Recognizes Two More Political Parties

Constitution Party: The State Board of Elections last month recognized the Constitution Party of North Carolina as an oﬃcial political party in the state.

Recognition of this party means voters now have another choice of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, or Republican parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the Constitution Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.

The Constitution Party of North Carolina also will have candidates on ballots, they include Walter Vinny Smith for governor and Wayne Jones for lieutenant governor.

We The People Party: The State Board of Elections last month recognized the We the People Party of North Carolina as an oﬃcial political party in the state.

Recognition of this party means voters now have eight choices of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, Republican, or We the People parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the We The People Party if they wish.

We The People also will have candidates on ballots in November. They include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Nicole Shanahan for president and vice president of the United States, Jeﬀ Scott of Charlotte for N.C. Senate District 40, and Mark Ortiz of Kannapolis for Rowan County Commissioner.

NC Becomes Seventh State to Add Citizenship

Requirement for Voting Amendment to November Ballot

Voters in North Carolina will join those in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin in deciding a ballot measure to prohibit noncitizen voting. These measures would change their respective state constitutions to say that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections. Republican-controlled state legislatures placed all seven ballot questions on the November 2024 ballot.

The Road to 2024 Election

Notable Upcoming Dates:

September 10, 2024: Presidential debate, ABC

October 15, 2024 – November 1, 2024: Early voting in Georgia

October 17 – November 2, 2024: Early voting in North Carolina

October 21 – November 2, 2024: Early voting in in South Carolina

November 5: Election Day 2024

Voter Registration Deadlines:

North Carolina: October 11, 2024

South Carolina: October 5, 2024

Georgia: October 7, 2024

(Conﬁrm all dates with your State Board of Elections. We are not responsible for typographical errors).

State Election Board Websites: North Carolina: Ncsbe.gov

South Carolina: Scvotes.gov

Georgia: Sos.ga.gov/state-election-board Virginia: Elections.virginia.gov

Useful Resources:

Ballotpedia is a non-partisan site that oﬀers lots of information for voters. A feature is their Sample Ballot Lookup Tool. It is an easy way to look at your ballot. Link: Ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup.

Vote.Gov is a non-partisan information site. A team of USA.gov staﬀ and Presidential Innovation Fellows developed Vote.gov as a trustworthy online voter registration tool. Vote.gov directs Americans to registration rules for their own states.

The non-partisan FactCheck.org website monitors all forms of TV ads, print ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases and fact checks statements made there.

The Federal Elections Commision (FEC) was created to promote confidence and participation in the democratic process. Find it at Fec.gov.

Tears and laughs, this chapter of my life. I came to understand what the philosophers and poets mean when they talk about solitude. Up until then, no solo tour I’ve done came even close to the depth of quiet space and sheer aloneness I would feel in my isolation in Viet Nam. But wow, there were some moments. War veterans, for example, in Ho Chi Minh City, telling me their side of the ‘American War’ story, at isolated moments when that kind of thing simply cascades out, naturally. What a gift to get to hear them.

Viet Nam was open for the first year of the pandemic, besides the time I mentioned above when things were very new with ‘coronavirus.’ When the border closed with Cambodia, I had fifty dollars’ worth of dong (local currency), an expired credit card, zero people in the country whom I knew, not a word of Vietnamese, extremely low levels of cultural awareness, and far too much optimism that things were going to be over ‘soon.’ But in the indefinite period of waiting that followed, small decisions—Should I do laundry today? —would give way to much bigger contemplations. What is it that matters to me? Who do I want to become, next?

At first, everyone and everything was new. But kind of like starting boarding school in high school or studying abroad in Japan for a year, I knew this game, of starting from scratch. At least, a little, anyway. In time, I got to be known. In the alley where I wound up living for a year, in District 3. I’d be waving ‘hi’ to different neighbors: the family opposite my house, the two Europeans, a printer I got to know very well who took care of me when I needed to print my weekly zines and, once, a US election ballot, the young woman at the bakery I could say ‘Have a nice day’ to, the jewelry shop couple who exchanged US dollars for me, the two hotel receptionists at the first place I stayed in HCMC who said it was OK to use their address to receive a package from Ha Noi, the kids at the cafe who co-worked beside me who asked me if I like pho.

There was my neighbor who taught me how to say ‘tomato’ so I could shop for one, the sixtysomething ladies who stopped talking to me loudly in very slow English over time, changing over to almost-medium paced Vietnamese and with whom I started to crack bad jokes, strung together from the few words I knew I could pronounce and be understood. I wish I could talk about it with you in real life. There were so many stories of just being, together, in the odd pandemic reality, them, me, us. Together. The many plus sides of a collectivist culture... more to say, some other day, about that.

Recalling it reminds me how it felt to slow down. How I spent my days like this. Extended waiting, ﬂecked with tiny, unforgettable moments that showed me a slice of life unlike anything before or since. Maybe expanding windows really can become doors.

Dipika Kohli

is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and other projects at dipikakohli.com.

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

Foremost, parole as a concept is rooted in statute – the Immigration and Nationality Act §212(d)(5) states that “[t]he Attorney General may…in his discretion parole into the United States temporarily under such conditions as he may prescribe only on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or signiﬁcant public beneﬁt any alien applying for admission to the United States…”

Unlike former President Barack Obama’s DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, which was truly a creation of the executive branch, parole was created by Congress and as is widely known in immigration circles, Congress has plenary power to regulate immigration, meaning Congress’ authority is absolute.

Modeling his Executive Action based upon existing statute provides Biden with strong legal insulation against attack – by using an authority created by Congress and given to the President, he has wisely formulated his executive action to follow the powers granted to him under statute. In short, unlike DACA, Biden isn’t simply making it up.

Republican Attorneys General successfully sued to prevent USCIS from accepting new DACA applications, arguing that the Executive Branch had exceeded its authority by circumventing the will of Congress; simply stated, if Congress wanted to create the DACA program, it would have done so and by not passing a statute cementing DACA as law, Congress acted with intention.

Biden can use this argument to his beneﬁt by arguing that Congress has passed a statute and that he is merely using his power as President to implement Congress’ will.

Undoubtedly, the outcome of the upcoming election will surely dictate the fate of Biden’s executive action with the newly minted Democratic-nominee Vice President, Kamala Harris, assuredly keeping the program intact while formerPresident Trump’s intentions remain unclear.

The former president has made immigration a centerpiece of his campaign and has largely railed against pro-immigrant programs, instead promising to enact mass deportations.

While the speciﬁcs of Trump’s proposal have not been provided (i.e. How would such a massive program be funded? Where would deportees be held while awaiting removal?), the enormous logistical challenges of implementing such a program would constitute a Herculean undertaking for any federal bureaucracy.

Regardless, immigration will likely continue to be topof-mind for Americans as the election hits its stretch run.

Now with early voting scheduled to start in some states as early as September 20, 2024 the policy prescriptions for ﬁxing our immigration system continue to hang in the balance while America sorts out who will sit in the Oval Oﬃce and the halls of Congress for the years ahead.

Rishi P. Oza

ANISH SHAH

NC & SC REALTOR®

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING, PLEASE CONTACT ME!

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tricky thing depending on when and how it’s introduced into the greater medium.

If, for example, a popular celebrity jokingly stated in an interview that yellow is a terrible color, their fanbase could either scoﬀ at them for such a silly comment… or suddenly stop wearing anything yellow as a sign of agreement with this person. You could say this anonymous mob behavior is a form of survival instinct. The innate desire to be a part of a community is how we as living beings feel as though we have worth and purpose within the universe. It is through others who know, love, and depend on us that we feel indispensable.

But then comes a conundrum of Ontology vs Epistemology which has been debated for decades: if an individual does not have fulﬁlling relationships with others, do they truly exist?

The question itself contains a slew of caveats. Is this only valid for face-to-face relationships? Must a requirement be to know the other person intimately? The integration of social media and its peculiar niche to reveal moments from a person’s life to any and all who are willing have given many a shiny new instrument by which they can share with likeminded individuals and fulﬁll that desire for validation.

And so, we now reside in a globally interconnected world by which most of those within it have some access to share their own tiny snippets of life. Such saturation has caused many to evolve their tactics to the realm of the outrageous just to be noticed. One of the easiest ways to do this as of late is to voice a point-of-view which pivots between one extreme or another. This is an especially eﬀective method for those involved in politics, as it will gain traction from those who are either for or against the oﬀered rhetoric.

And as they say… even bad press is good if it keeps that person within the public’s consciousness.

We are living through a time of uncommon helplessness and uncertainty, touching every aspect of our lives. In such times we tend to react by seeking an authority ﬁgure who bombards our screens with promises to alleviate any and all things which would disrupt our good will. Unfortunately, most tend to use two hands to do so: one open palmed as a symbol to help if only to obscure a tightly clenched ﬁst residing just behind it.

The truth is that the ﬁery pit of politics has no deﬁned right or wrong side. It is only ever won or lost by what “extreme” promises a candidate may present in regard to societal needs.

This unconscious impulse is akin to a child reaching out to a parent to protect them from the “bad things” within a world they don’t yet understand. It can also evolve into an extremely dangerous one, as it is the foundation for many a war and dictatorship in the history of the world thus far.

Human conﬂict has shifted beyond the physical and bloody to the point that a short video posted on YouTube or TikTok can cause just as much devastation to the human psyche. A seemingly innocent message on Facebook or X could be construed as damningly oﬀensive just because said

thought does not mesh within the world’s mindset at that particular moment.

Ultimately… we seek to ﬁnd light and order amidst despair and chaos. We cling to others who share similar goals in order to feel truly important. But is it those in power or the public who put them there who truly beneﬁt when all is said and done?

Just be prepared to pay the price of giving oneself over to false comfort.

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

News Notes continued from page 66

on Sunday, August 18, 2024. “As we celebrate 77 years of India’s independence, we are reminded of the sacriﬁces, struggles, and unwavering spirit that have shaped the world’s largest democracy.”

Dr. Kathula, who assumed charge last month as the President of AAPI, an over four decades old physician organization, while addressing the tens of thousands of Indian Americans who had come to participate in the world’s largest India Day Parade, said, “On behalf of the entire leadership team of AAPI, I wish you and your families a joyous and reﬂective Independence Day. Let us continue to honor our heritage by contributing to the betterment of society and the world.”

Applause from the crowds reached a crescendo as the colorfully decorated Float bearing AAPI’s name, symbol, and message of health and well-being all rolled on in New York City Streets.

A record number of people, both Indian Americans and mainstream Americans thronged the sidewalks, ﬁlling Madison Avenue from 38th to 27th Streets, cheering jubilantly as the ﬂoats portraying the rich heritage of India and the rise of India as a world power, meandered through the Big Apple. It was a lovely sunny day. The crowds acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Indian Diaspora and their motherland, India.

The parade was organized by the Federation of Indian American Organizations (FIA), led by Dr. Avinash Gupta, a Regional Director of AAPI.

“We are extremely happy to be part of this great event,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the President-Elect, leading the parade in New York City. “On behalf of the over 120,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States, I want to convey our greetings to all the people of Indian origin, especially to over two million Indian Americans across the United States, who continue to make India proud and make India stand tall among peoples of the whole world. On this very special day of celebrating our freedom, we take special pride in saluting our beloved tricolor. Let us recall with pride the great sacriﬁce of our freedom ﬁghters, whose undying love for India secured us our freedom,” he added.

Sense and nonsense

There is indeed a considerable amount of nonsense out there. Much of it is just “word soup” and “number soup” that you have accepted as being as real as real things that actually exist. And it is not just words and numbers and other symbolic constructs that confuse matters; it’s also “logic”!

Unfortunately, what is called “logic” is anything but. There are many indoctrinated cause-eﬀect and other supposedly meaningful connections among the real and imagined things inside the recesses of your mind. If these “logical” things have been taught from the cradle onwards, and repeated incessantly by almost everyone you have met, everywhere, you have likely accepted and embedded these in your mind in a way that feels native and correct.

But surely! Surely, everyone cannot be wrong at the same time? If we could somehow visit and ask Galileo, he would probably answer this with, “Oh yes, my friends, they absolutely can”. Taking a more modern example, did everything everyone asserted during the covid times, with intense passion, sometimes even with red faces, turn out to be right? How many of these things were wrong? And how many were grievously wrong?

Finessing nonsense

Unfortunately, nonsense cannot be completely avoided. It is everywhere around you, and some of it has also seeped deep inside you, lodging there almost permanently.

The best that can be done is to “ﬁnesse”. In the card game of Bridge, a “ﬁnesse” is an attempt to win with a card that is not inherently a guaranteed winner. But if the cards are played thoughtfully in the right sequence, it is possible to increase the probability of winning.

In real life, too, you can’t always see the lie of the cards around you. You will have partial and incorrect information, sometimes even misinformation. So, like a skilled bridge player, you consider probabilities that are based on not committing to one view of the world that could be completely incorrect; you stay open to diﬀerent possibilities. And you tease out reasonable probabilities in this game of chance. You play certain cards at certain times, and in a certain sequence. Sometimes, you don’t play some cards at all!

Priorities, priorities, priorities!

Life is full of choices. You don’t have to do everything and make it all part of your existence. Yes, sometimes you may feel as if there is no choice with certain things. But people have done things that have felt diﬃcult at the time they did it – people have walked out of bad jobs, bad marriages and other situations, throwing themselves into the great unknown. They did these things because they decided to prioritize something else that they saw as being more meaningful and essential to their existence.

You can too! Unless you suﬀer from “priorititis”, the inability to exercise choice. In that case, the universe, which includes other people, will make the choice for you. Sometimes, that is not a bad strategy, if it is a conscious one.

The universe moves too, not just you. And you cannot always make the right choices when you don’t know which way the universe will move from its current orientation.

One very important kind of choice is the choice to lose. Taking what you consider to be a “loss” is hard. But, often, big wins in the important things in life can come from a willingness to take losses in the things that don’t matter as much. And when you are able to cast out those things that don’t really matter, you shrink your “existence” and make it much more meaningful. There is an unexpected side eﬀect from this: you will need to make fewer choices in the smaller existence you create for yourself.

So, don’t suﬀer from priorititis – it can be a debilitating disease!

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 62

Here, depending on the strengths of each partner, the responsibilities can still be split between them, and a monthly meeting to talk about issues is a good idea.

The retirement accounts will, however, remain separate because of the nature of the beast.

Let the Individual Expertise Decide

Let us admit that none of us is good at everything (for some that is a hard pill to swallow). In a partnership it almost behooves us to ﬁnd out who is good at what and then decide how and who would make key decisions, not only in ﬁnancial matters even though that is where it starts but does not have to end there. In such arrangements, creating a bucket philosophy (as mentioned earlier) helps a lot because then both partners know where their limits are before a serious discussion needs to happen. Many couples seem to follow this philosophy.

Regardless of what you decide, we all need to understand the following.

In most cases a ‘prenuptial agreement’ should be seriously considered.

Joint accounts are usually not a good idea. It should be one person’s account with the other person as a full beneﬁciary.

In case of a divorce (I do not wish that on anyone, but practicality prevails), courts usually split the property evenly no matter who owned what. For the nine Community Property States, that is the case for the property created jointly while married.

For newlyweds, this discussion is a must, in my point of view, long before they get serious, and should happen as soon as possible. Whoever said wedded life is all roses was probably perennially single.

Mo Vidwans

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

Physical activity

• Incorporate physical activity into daily routine

• Encourage everyone to move more

• Avoid sitting in one place for long periods

Sleep

• Children who do not get enough sleep may be at risk of gaining weight.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following amounts of sleep per night: 1–6 years old: 11–13 hours, including naps 6–12 years old: 9–12 hours

13–18 years old: 8–10 hours

• It is important to set a daily routine for sleep.

• It is best to go to sleep by 10-11 pm and avoid staying up past midnight.

Screen time

• Screen time can take away from time children could be spending being active

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to two hours or less per day

• Remove mobile devices from bedrooms at night

• Avoid creating a habit of snacking while watching TV

Stress/Anxiety

• Stress and anxiety can interfere with appetite hormones causing binge eating

• Help your children learn to cope with stress

• Teach breathing and other stress relief activities

Other Tips

• Avoid forcing your child to “clean up his plate.” Practice mindful eating, and teach/learn good portion control without judgement

• Avoid comparing your child with others

• Do not talk about your own weight issues in front of children

• Avoid talking about dieting or body image issues in front of children

• Avoid making negative comments about your own body or the bodies of others, such as labeling people as “fat” or “bad”

• Avoid blaming children for their weight, such as by saying they lack willpower

• Help your child learn that eating a variety of foods and being active are normal and enjoyable, not things to be done only to control their weight

Healthy habits created in childhood help with living a longer healthier adult life. Making lifestyle changes as a family will help everyone get healthier rather than shaming or isolating one member, whether it is a child or an adult.

Parul Kharod

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

Editor’s Desk continued from page 14

These migrations, connecting two points, the familiar and the unfamiliar, have marked the passages of countless lives, loosening familial bonds in a familiar land and reconnecting elsewhere in an unfamiliar land.

The points of India and the United States turned out to be natural connectors for us. I know of no two other countries that are such natural partners, bound in similarities and spirit, with irrefutably connected auras.

Diﬀerent, yes, yet gazing at the same horizon. The two most diverse democratic countries, one young one ancient, are seeing their paths converge more and more in recent years, to help settle the unraveling of a hardening world.

You can argue with me, but India and the United States will ease humanity through this most technologically unhinging century. They will help a disjointed world move forward. No other partner countries are up to the task.

Our migration marked the setting up of roots. Over the years, other family members followed. Children and grandchildren were added to the family. We are today what the blending of the two cultures made us, in sync, belonging to both, but now as American as samosas and naan.

Sometimes, though, I imagine, like many migrants have likely imagined, and that is what might have been, what could have evolved, what roads would have marked our lives, if that migration in 1974 had not been taken. If we had stayed put. This occasionally practiced philosophical ‘what if’ is a unique marker of humans, the only species on this planet that would consider those two simple words together.

We were migrants of opportunity. My thinking is that yeah, our lives would be a little diﬀerent, but the essence of the pursuits would have been the same. The six of us would still be the same person individually but colored with a diﬀerent palate. That is the magic of these two lands. For me, this duality, ancient and young, feels natural, wholly real and complete.

We are proud Americans who are proud of our heritage – our past, our elders and traditions – and they are interwoven with our present, our children and contemporary mores. A classic American story.

Today is another lovely September day, 50 years later, in 2024. A half century has ﬂowed by like a fast-moving river, along the way encountering soft breezes and hard rains, joys and setbacks. Seeds were planted and now the roots have long settled, the horizons of both East and West have clearly melded. There is, for us, only one horizon, no matter in what direction we gaze. And that is the horizon of what is to come, sitting contented and settled, yet always ready.

A half century has passed since our family’s migration, with lives realigned and now fully intertwined to the lands of these United States. An American story continues.

50 years. Half century. Full bond.

Samir Shukla

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

Eye on Markets

continued from page 46

These are also the areas that are most likely to benefit from rate cuts. Nearly 50% of small cap debt is either floating rate or short-term. Nearly 75% of large cap debt is long-term fixed. This allows small caps to disproportionately benefit from rate cuts. The combination of rate cuts, accelerating earnings, and high short positioning will likely lead to at least short-term outperformance from the laggards.

The final option is large-cap value stocks. This includes financials, industrials, healthcare, and utilities. These sectors make up a large part of the S&P 493. Among these, financials are particularly attractive. With the Fed on the verge of cutting, we are seeing the yield curve dis-invert. A positively sloped yield curve will mean that net interest income (NII) has bottomed out for banks. Lower rates should also start to open up capital markets. A softer regulatory environment, including modifications to Basel III Endgame is a further catalyst. The combination of higher NII, de-regulation, and the return of capital markets will drive upward earnings revisions. They trade at just 12.2x cash flow, a 32% discount to the S&P. It is likely that we are in the process of re-rating banks, leading to multiple expansion.

Financials are the third best performing sector for the year, despite negative flows. From a technical perspective, financials appear to be breaking out of a multi-year base. The charts show a bullish cup-and-handle formation. With positive earnings revisions, low positioning, and bullish technicals, financials appear to be taking a leadership role.

Ketu Desai

is the principal of i-squared Wealth Management Inc. (www.isquaredwealth.com), an investment management firm based in New Jersey. ketu@isquaredwealth.com

Period Poverty

continued from page 44

so is their safety. When products such as pads and tampons are unattainable, women who menstruate resort to whatever they ﬁnd around them. This includes rags, sponges, newspapers or even leaves. This becomes a sanitary issue; not only is this extremely uncomfortable to use but it can also cause severe infections, such as urogenital infections, vaginosis or urinary tract infections. No one deserves to put their health at risk for a natural bodily function.

Similarly to the need to drink water, eat food, and access shelter, the need for period products is vital to survival. Mensuration is an important and inevitable part of a woman’s life; it indicates that she is healthy and brings other health conditions to her awareness. It is important that our society supports those who menstruate by having easy, inexpensive access to period products. This is the ﬁrst step to becoming a more equitable society. Continuing to avoid the topic of period poverty or menstruation, in general, only digs a bigger hole. Creating awareness will assist in the destigmatization of this issue and help society accept that period products are fundamental resources.

Since this issue lacks attention, many people may be wondering how come these items are so expensive and

inaccessible. This is due to a phenomenon called the “tampon tax.” This term is used because menstrual hygiene products are listed as luxury items and are therefore taxed at the highest rate. Those who menstruate will conﬁdently debunk this idea, as periods are not a luxury and often cause extreme discomfort. Ideally, goods necessary during menstruation essentially would be classiﬁed as tax-exempt health products like prescription medicines or food.

As a young Indian American woman living in North Carolina, I have always been unsettled by the shame around periods so when I heard about Days for Girls, I was eager to join their eﬀorts. Days for Girls is a non-proﬁt organization which has teams across the world who sew and create menstrual kits that include underwear, soap, reusable pads, and more. They also help spread awareness and educate the recipients of the kits. Many of the girls facing period poverty have never learned enough about their body to understand menstrual cycles, due to being seen as “dirty” or “unnatural.” Every time I volunteer or conduct more research on this topic I am further enlightened and cannot help but share what I have learned with others.

Although many local organizations have been supportive, my request for holding a donation drive of period products was turned down by some. This was due to a reluctance to discuss periods with young children and boys who were not aware of the topic. To me, this reinforced the idea that people think of periods as dirty or something that should be hidden. If this mindset continues to stay, women will continue to suﬀer. Periods are natural and should be accepted as that. Spreading awareness helps get the message to those who can help women suﬀering from period poverty as well as breaks the stigma of periods.

For those who do not experience this on a daily basis, these problems may seem distant. However, that is far from true. Many choose not to speak up about this issue because they are embarrassed or have been shamed for this. If you, or someone you know, faces period poverty, menstrual aid pantries are located in North Carolina. Locations include The Kindness Closet, On the Spot, Period Kits North Carolina, and Katey’s Kits. Iredell Statesville Schools are a part of the Red Cart Project which provides items to students at school. College students specifically struggle with finances and can go to their university’s pantry to access products. In order to find more resources, contact the local service directory in your area by calling 211 or visiting 211.org.

If you wish to help and are able to, you may donate time or money to organizations such as Days for Girls, The Pad Project, or any of the North Carolinian menstrual aid pantries listed above. Another accessible way to help is conduct research on politicians and vote accordingly.

As a citizen you have the power to help make decisions such as making period products easily and readily available. Writing to local politicians to make your values and this issue known is another great way to help. Along with helping hands, we need to hear your voice.

Rika Parui

is a senior in high school and is passionate about raising awareness about women’s issues.

Contact: rikaparui24@gmail.com

Find the latest Job Openings, Matrimonials, Business Opportunities and more Classiﬁeds here.

Go to our regularly updated Events page here

Editor’s Desk: Read the essay “Summer Still” here.

Watch a selection of our curated videos here:

Go to our Movies Page Here: Find all the latest releases coming up as well as ﬁlms opening this week.

Go to our Recipes Page Here: Lots of delicious recipes found in Saathee are gathered here.

12/31/24

Tune Your Brain

Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110

PUZZLES & TOONS

Answers on page 104

Puzzles 4 Kids Answers on page 110

Key Word Search

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

Batman is a ____ hero.

The opposite direction of South is ____.

Largest American state ____. Academy Awards are known as the ____. Opposite of smooth ____.

____ Edison, famous inventor.

A story has a beginning and an ____.

Answers on page 104

Hello Readers

We are adding new puzzles and cartoons to these pages over the next few issues. We welcome comments and suggestions. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com

Magic Maze Answers on page 110

Go Figure! Answers on page 104

Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sep. 2 - Labor Day

Sep. 2 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)

Sep. 5 - Teachers' Day

Sep. 7 - Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi

Sep. 8 - Grandparents Day

Sep. 11 - Radha Ashtami

Sep. 11 - Patriot Day

Sep. 14 - Parshva Ekadashi

Sep. 15 - Visvesvaraya Jayanti

Sep. 15 - Engineers Day

Sep. 15 - Onam

Sep. 16 - Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad

Sep. 17 - Anant Chaturthi

Sep. 17 - Bhadrapada Purnima (Full Moon)

Sep. 20 - POW/MIA Recognition Day

Sep. 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon

Sep. 27 - World Tourism Day

Sep. 28 - Indira Ekadashi

Key Word Search Answers from page 103

Super

North

Alaska

Oscars

Rough

Thomas

Ending

Key Word of the Month: SENATOR

Go Figure! answers from page 103

9. Window added color

10. Removed building

Removed lamp post

Removed blue circle

Added crow

Added plane 7. Removed boat 8. Added color on bridge

11. Added Dolphin

12. Added Tower

13. Added Clouds

14. Removed pillar

15. Added boat

Puzzle Solutions from page 102

1. Man removed

Bird removed

Astroscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

SEPTEMBER 2024

Libra (September 22 – October 20)

This will be an action-oriented period. You may gain success due to business-related travel; enjoy it, but also try not to move too fast. An increase in savings and a happy family life are clearly indicated. Friends and family will offer whatever assistance you need. However, some health issues could disturb your peace of mind.

Taurus

(April 21 – May 20)

Even though a heavy workload may keep you occupied, this month will be very productive. You may feel hardship and stress because of excessive work. You may enjoy success and love this month. Second half of the month is good for making many social and business-related decisions. Control your ego to avoid unexpected problems.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You will see mixed results this month. A plethora of opportunities may come your way, but they could also pass you by. Timely decisions can help earn some additional income. A very positive change is possible during the last few days of the month. Start looking to invest in real estate but stay away from the stock market or other ﬁnance options.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You may not experience any major changes in your dayto-day life as it should remain happy and comfortable. You will stay busy due to a heavy workload with a minor increase in income also possible. Enjoy co-operation and support from your partner and friends. You could see opportunity coming on the horizon but wait until the end of next month to seize it.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

After a very positive start, the month will take a downward turn. Unexpected expenses will greatly affect your budget. Hold off on helping others, as business partners could take advantage of your good heart. This is a favorable time to invest in real estate property. A minor health issue could be there. Avoid parties and social gatherings for the remainder of the year, if possible.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

This month should see you be of an amiable disposition to avoid friction. You may incline towards religious and social activities or even develop a taste for high philosophy or literature. Your workplace can survive due to your prompt, positive action. In lieu of the possibility for a pleasant journey, be sure to drive very carefully.

Unexpected health problems could take center stage this month. Remain cordial with family, else you could deteriorate relations with them. Many opportunities could come your way, but you may not be able to utilize them. Financial losses are also possible due to a serious legal problem. Support from family and your partner can help extinguish them. Avoid speculation.

Scorpio

(October 21 – November 20)

You should feel quite comfortable this month due to a potentially unexpected rise in status. Upon meeting higher ofﬁcials and authorities, your fame and reputation will surely escalate even further. You might also be inclined to visit sacred places. A balanced state of mind is indicated, along with overall happiness, especially with family.

Sagittarius

(November 21 – December 21)

This month should be very comfortable and relaxing. A pleasant environment could become the catalyst to discover an attraction towards someone of a different gender. With a little more effort, you can increase your income above expectations. You may wish to throw a big party to enjoy some music and poetry. Your family will extend their full support towards you.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 21)

Income and expenses should balance each other out this month. You may experience delays in pursuits along with ups & downs in education or business. Wise decisions can counteract any desire to overspend. An investment in long term savings will prove beneﬁcial. This is also a good time to seek a new workplace or ﬁeld of study. Disputes with family are likely, but you should still listen to your parents.

Aquarius

(January 22 – February 18)

There appears to be no reason for distress, yet confusion will still consume your mind. Your income, job and health will be in order, but peace of mind won’t be there. Meditation may help to build back your self-conﬁdence. Also remain noble and assist the needy to feel satisﬁed and happy. A longdistance journey during the last week can prove rewarding.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

Your caliber and skills will bring excellent results in your activities. If you involve learned people in your project, results can be even better. Strenuous efforts are required to satisfy your aspirations, and such acts will pay dividends. Some kind of family-related problem will need attention, however. The state of your health should remain satisfactory.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Looking for Couple

to manage Dry Cleaner locations in Charlotte & Mooresville, NC. Competitive pay and a good opportunity for starters. Will provide training. Saturday half day & Sunday off. Contact Dipesh Patel 980-226-3095.

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Hotel Help Wanted

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Front Desk & Laundry Help needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord, NC. Accommodations provided. Call 704772-5554.

Matrimonial / Seeking Companion

Seeking Bride

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Seeking Groom

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

Store Help Needed

at Perfume Stores in Charlotte & Pineville. For details, please call Veer Singh at 415-265-8686.

32 year-old US Citizen, Hindu, NonVegetarian, never married, well educated Family Physician Doctor working in Durham, NC. Look for a good looking Doctor/Dentist US citizen groom, Hindu, Non- Vegetarian, Never married. Text Ashok at 919-423-2937 with details.

Travel Passion

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Home for Sale

in Sumter, SC. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Includes Furniture & TV. Text 803-4648925 if interested.

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Saathee Classified ads Sell your business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Get great adversting results with Saathee Call 704-527-7570 or email saathee@saathee.com.

Services

Looking for Students who want tutoring in middle school biology or prealgebra. Online sessions available in the evenings or weekends. If interested, please email nalinimehta1000@gmail.com.

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Dances of India continued from page 58

There are a few things I did not know about Guruji. I found this information during my research (Credit: Ashish Mohan Khokar). “Born in Shimla on May 22, 1935, C.V. Chandrasekhar was exposed to Carnatic music at an early age. Though he was sent there to learn music from T.K. Ramaswamy Iyengar and Budalur Krishnamurthy Sastri, Rukmini Devi wanted him to train in Bharatanatyam as well. Even before his arangetram in 1950, he became an integral part of the famed Kalakshetra dance dramas. “The first role that I performed was that of a kattiakaran in ‘Kuttrala Kuravanji’,” he had recalled during an interview with The Hindu.” In one of my interviews, he maintained: “Changes in dance and tradition will come; what is important is to have a firm foundation. The grammar of classical dance is its soul. Just doing some new fangled stuff on stage means nothing and is hardly even remembered. The beauty and essence of Indian classical dance lies in its tradition.”

“Dance is my mission. I have been given awards that I value, such as the Padma Bhushan, Kalidas Samman and the Akademi Award. My students and wider family of dance love me and that’s my biggest reward,” he said.

I was not aware of the above details about Chandrasekhar Sir. I wish there was a way to incorporate the life stories of gurus into teaching. This way our students know other aspects of our lives that could inspire or at least allow students to know us better. Let me know your thoughts if you have any ideas.

So, on a personal note, he lived a full life (89 years), filled with achievements while sharing his immense dance knowledge with his disciples and he expected nothing less than perfection. He directly or indirectly mentored and inspired many dancers, including me. He inspired and paved the way for many other male Bharatha Natyam enthusiasts to pursue this beautiful dance form. He stood tall with confidence, his hair was always neatly combed, always had a scarf hanging on his shoulder, his face serious, his eyes almost smiling, and his presence was always known when he entered the classroom. I remember, there used to be a sense of respect and unspoken challenge to do your best when he was watching. He performed with perfection, making us all watch in awe. He made younger dancers feel ashamed of their performance due to Guruji’s perfection, amazing ability to tell you a story through Bhava or expressions, and consistent flow of positive energy throughout his performance, exuberating tremendous stamina.

As these generations of great gurus pass away, I hope the knowledge they have shared continues to be instilled in our next generation of students. This way their legacy continues, our traditions are practiced, our values are transferred, and our unparallelled beauty of these dances are admired by the new generation and diverse cultures.

C.V. Chandrasekhar Sir was born on May 22, 1935, and passed away on June 19, 2024. I seek his blessings as I continue to pursue teaching this beautiful dance form to all my students and my community.

Dr. Maha Gingrich

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

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