Saathee Raleigh December 2024 by Shukla Entertainment

Hello Readers

As we wrap up another year, I want to thank you for being an avid reader of Saathee Magazine. It is has been our honor to serve the community for more than 26 years. Also thanks to our staﬀ: writers, designers, photographers and in the business oﬃce. Some are full time, most are parttime or contributors. Special thanks to Mo Vidwans who has written the Personal Finances column for nearly a decade and the December issue marks his last. We wish him well in retirement

As the new year approaches, we are making plans to expand our coverage of local news and events along with launching Saathee TV which will include coverage of events, interviews with newsmakers and enterainers and more. Happy Holidays and the best to you and family in 2025.

- Divakar Shukla (Publisher)

Some highlights in this issue:

♦ An essay about “A Season of Thanks.” Page 18

♦ How Traditional Indian Wisdom Can Enhance Therapy. Page 30

♦ This month’s recipe: Masala Chickpea Tacos. Page 74

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

“Force always attracts men of low morality.”

- Albert Einstein

Cover:

Haridwar

Haridwar is located in Uttarakhand, India. The city is situated on the right bank of the Ganges river, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus, hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship.

Photo: Adobe Stock

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

December 2024 Issue # 319

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: Shikha Singh, Shyama Parui, Sereena Kumar, Dipika Kohli, Dr. Ayesha Suneja-Seymour, Girish Modi, Mo Vidwans, Raajeev Aggerwhil, Preethi Sriram, 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.

In This Issue

Page 40 Coming Together as a Community Page 28: Knee Problems Lend to Flare Up as You Age Page 14 Editor’s Desk: Entering Exiting

The Editor’s Desk pg. 14

Upcoming Events pg. 18

A Teenage Story pg. 26

Knee Pain as You Age . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28

Indian Wisdom and Therapy pg. 30

Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . .pg. 34

Film Clips pg. 36

Namaskar Y’all pg. 40

Songs Rule in Hindi Films pg. 44

Eye on the Markets pg. 46

Kismuth and the Way II pg. 50

Raajeev’s Corner pg. 54

Spot the Differences

Adult Dance Student pg. 58

Finances

News Notes pg. 64

Community Focus pg. 68 College Admissions Insider pg. 70

pg. 112

Editor’s Desk

by Samir Shukla

Entering Exiting

I suddenly realized my breathing consisted of quick short breaths. My thoughts jumbled, my eyes lost focus for a few seconds, and it felt as if the oxygen had been sucked out of the room. It was an ordinary Wednesday afternoon, quiet, low stress, so not sure why this incident appeared out of nowhere.

I gathered my thoughts, sat up in the chair, the spine straight, feet ﬁrmly touching the ground, and hands dangling on the side.

I closed my eyes to regain balance, concentrated on my heartbeats, made my lungs a focal point, and then inhaled one long and slow breath. The idea was to inhale as much air, slowly, fully, until the urge to exhale reached its limit, like a balloon fully inﬂated. I then exhaled slowly and repeated this a few more times until the whole body seemed to be ﬂoating just above the chair. The mid-day episode subsided. I felt a brief rejuvenation.

Later in the depths of the night, that point when the clock ﬂips to the next day without a care in the world, I repeated my mid-day breathing exercise. At an age when sleep no longer comes easy, these mindful breaths help ease the mind toward slumber. We spend much time and treasure to make our minds and bodies stronger. Each person ﬁnds his or her means of coping and staying healthy. I have a simple routine that requires minimal external necessities. It came to me in a natural manner. This routine requires two readily available substances.

Editor’s Desk continued on page 86

Krish Parlikad

Upcoming Events

Christmas Town USA: McAdenville, NC (December 2 - 26, 2024)

Each December, just west of Charlotte, the quaint town of McAdenville becomes a Christmas wonderland. Almost overnight, the vibrant little town transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A., attracting visitors from across the country. Green, red and white lights will shine from 5:30 to 10 pm each night. A Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 2, 2024, at 102 Main St., McAdenville, NC at 5:30pm. For full details, visit Townofmcadenville.org.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular: Charlotte, NC (December 5 – 29, 2024)

Ballantyne’s Backyard presents this holiday extravaganza from December 5 – 29, 2024. The annual event will once again transform the Backyard into a wonderland, featuring an outdoor half-mile walking trail adorned with over a million spectacular lights, holiday scenes, and festive music. Also on tap is the light castle, a 30-foot by 40-foot structure that visitors can walk through and explore, immersing themselves in a magical, illuminated world. For details, visit Ncholidaylights.com or call 800-830-3976.

The Nutcracker by Charlotte Youth Ballet: (December 6 – 8, 2024)

Be swept away on a magical journey to the land of sweets in the 44th annual production of The Nutcracker. This family-friendly event is a holiday tradition that showcases the artistry of local student dancers and professionals from around the world. Charlotte Youth Ballet is a nonproﬁt organization. The performances will take place from December 6 – 8, 2024 at Dale F. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. Info: Charlotteyouthballet.org.

HSNC

Gala Night: Morrisville, NC (December 7, 2024)

HSNC presents an evening of music with Vibhuti Kavishwar and Shreyas Bedekar. Also featuring campus updates, food and more. The festivities begin at 5:30pm with appetizers. The venue is HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details call 919812-6049 or visit Hsnctemple.org.

ICC Christmas Celebration: Apex, NC (December 7 - 31, 2024)

International Community Church will celebrate Christmas with several events. Dec 7: Christmas Pageant, at 7pm. Dec 14: Carol Service, at 4pm with singing carols in several Indian languages. Dec 25: Christmas morning worship, at 10am. Dec 31: New Year Watch Night Worship at 10pm. Located at 1402 E. Williams St., Apex, NC. For details, call 919233-2900 or visit Icc-church.org.

TAGCA

Seva Health

Fair:

Charlotte, NC (December 7, 2024)

TAGCA Seva is organizing a Health Fair for the community, encouraging a climate of wellness with an interest for everyone to be healthy and ﬁt. Doctors will be available onsite for free medical consultations. As appointments are limited, sign up as soon as possible. Topics: General medical questions of your health; Reviewing medications; Reviewing dental X-rays and more. It takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm. The venue is Pineville Dental Studio, 10635 Park Rd, Suite B, Charlotte, NC. For info, call 704-806-4131 or visit, Tagca.org.

Dhyana Yoga: Morrisville, NC (December 8, 2024)

The Heartfulness Institute Chapter, KYD (Know Your Dharma) of HSNC, HSS and Sewa International present a speech on understanding the concepts of Dhyana Yoga as taught in Bhagavad Gita, with Heartfulness meditation techniques on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 2pm – 3:30pm. The speaker for this event will be Srikanth Katakam, an ardent student of Bhagavad Gita and speaker. The venue is HSNC Cultural Building, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC. Info: Raleigh.center@gmail.com. Registration is free but required: Hfn-rdu.eventbrite.com.

Upcoming Events

Mt. Pleasant, SC: Holiday Market & Craft Show (December 14, 2024)

This show combines goodies from their traditional food market such as locally grown produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves with local artisans. Featuring ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and a wide variety of original art. The Market is on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11am – 4pm at Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market Pavilion. Admission and parking are free.

TAGCA

Queens Night: Charlotte, NC (December 15, 2024)

The Telugu Association of Greater Charlotte Area present a "Queens Night" on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 6 - 11pm, Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Pl, Charlotte, NC. A Telugu band and singer Sumangaly will perform. Details, call 704-671-8044 or visit Tagca.org.

Comedy

Show with Kiku Sharda: Morrisville, NC (December 22, 2024)

Catch the comedy show “Jocks Ka Pitara with Kiku Sharda” on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at HSNC Main Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. The laughs and the fun begins when the doors open at 5pm. For more details, tickets and seats, call 919-599-9667.

The Polar Express Train Ride: Spencer, NC (Through December 23, 2024)

Inspired by The Polar Express book and movie, this holiday favorite comes to life at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Music is played from the ﬁlm’s soundtrack as passengers are served hot chocolate and cookies on board the train. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. Through December 23, 2024. The museum is located at 1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, NC. Details: Nctransportationmuseum.org.

Bollywood

Glam NYE: Charlotte, NC (December 27, 2024)

The event features DJ Phani Vad and will take place on December 27, 2024 beginning at 9:30pm at Queen Park Social, 4125 Yancey Rd., Charlotte. For more details, call 980-337-7727.

Holidays at the Garden: Belmont, NC (Through December 29, 2024)

Enjoy the twinkle of Christmas lights, dancing fountains, and the lively, festive holiday spirit that blankets every corner. Enjoy an outdoor ﬁre, various food trucks, savor a warm beverage that will chase away the chill, and explore The Garden Store for unique gifts. Also, a holiday trackless train ride every Friday, visits with Santa on Saturdays & Sundays. Your winter wonderland adventure awaits at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC from November 29 to December 29, 2024. Info: Dsbg.org.

Ikhor New Year’s Eve Party: Charlotte, NC (December 31, 2024)

Enjoy music, dinner, DJ, and dancing at this New Year’s Eve party at Oasis Shriners, 804 Doug Mayes Place. Free parking. It will take place on December 31, 2024, beginning at 8pm. For more details, call 409-273-1708 or 217790-9452.

First Night Raleigh: (December 31, 2024)

The annual New Year’s Eve festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2pm. Performances and activities will continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh. The night is capped oﬀ with live music, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular ﬁreworks show. Details: Firstnightraleigh.com.

CLT NYE: Charlotte, NC (December 31, 2024)

CLT NYE presented by Ally will help ring in the New Year in the Queen City. This annual, free tradition is back. The night includes a DJ, live music, the lighting of the Queen City crown and ﬁreworks at midnight. The festivities are on Tryon St. at Levine Ave of the Arts at 8pm. Info: Uptowncharlo tt e.com/events/signatureevents/cltnye.

Upcoming Events

Light the Knights Festival: Charlotte, NC (Through January 3, 2024)

The 5th Annual Light the Knights Festival runs from November 27, 2024 - January 3, 2025 at Truist Field in Charlotte. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, thousands of lights, décor, and more. It’s everything you need for a funﬁlled family day out. Tickets and more information are available now at Milb.com/charlotte-knights/ballpark/Christmas.

Christmas at Biltmore:

Asheville, NC (Through January 5, 2025)

ﬀering good tidings of comfort and joy, Christmas at Biltmore awaits you. From Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village, fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and thousands of sparkling ornaments create a one-of-kind holiday oasis. Dazzling by day, the house is truly magical during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, a 40-year tradition not to be missed. The Event runs through January 5, 2025 with select ticket options including the Chihuly at Biltmore Art Exhibition and free next-day grounds access. Details: Biltmore.com.

Speedway Christmas:

Charlotte, NC (Through January 5, 2025)

The 15th season of the Southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light show, Speedway Christmas, features more than ﬁve million lights on a four-mile course that includes the legendary oval, pit road and inﬁeld road course. The show is open 6-10 p.m. rain or shine and features synchronized lights-to-music on 101.3 FM plus drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night through January 5, 2025. More Information at: Charlottemotorspeedway.com.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival: Cary, NC (Through January 12, 2025)

Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre will once again welcome the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival through January 12, 2025. Chinese artisans will be on hand to craft more than 40 new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. These larger-than-life lanterns will captivate visitors at every turn with amazing craftmanship and artistic beauty. Cultural arts performances will also take place each night on the main stage. Info: Boothamphitheatre.com.

Aag Ki Raat Night of Fire: Columbia, SC (February 2, 2025)

Aag Ki Raat is a fusion dance competition held at the University of South Carolina presented by Indian Cultural Exchange. AKR aims to celebrate South Asian dance while helping a local charity. For details, visit Facebook.com/aagkiraat.

Keep up with all the events happening in our region with Saathee Magazine. The best way to find them is in these pages or online at our regularly updated events section:

Saathee.com/events

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The Piedmont region of NC includes Greensboro, Winston

Christmas Pageant

December 7, 2024 I Saturday at 4 PM

The story of God’s love at Christmas.

Christmas Carol Service

December 14, 2024 I Saturday at 4 PM

Christmas Carols singing (Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam & Tamil) with musical instruments by children.

Christmas Morning Worship

December 25, 2024 I Wednesday at 10 AM

New Year Watch Night Worship

December 31, 2024 I Tuesday at 10 PM - Jan 1, 2025

NOWOPEN OPENNOW

A Season of Thanks

Teenage Story by Sereena Kumar

The greens of yesterday are replaced by the auburn golds of tomorrow. I always feel magic lingering in the air when Fall arrives. This year, I have learned to look up because the magic will disappear under my nose if I don’t. As I watch the seasons change from my window, I am reminded of the changes happening in my life. A new chapter unfurls in December. 18. Adulthood. The Holidays have taken on a new meaning for me. I want to stop and think about what I am thankful for before my chapter of childhood closes. Before the memories slip away, I want to hold them in my palms and treasure them.

“The earth is our true home and it is always there, beneath us and around us. Breathe, take a mindful step, and arrive. We are already at home.” Thich Nhat Hanh,

A Teenage Story continued on page 90

Mrs. Farhath Abdul Kareem

Knee Problems Tend to Flare Up as You Age

An Orthopedic Specialist Explains Available Treatment Options

By Angie Brown

Knee injuries are common in athletes, accounting for 41% of all athletic injuries. But knee injuries aren’t limited to competitive athletes. In our everyday lives, an accident or a quick movement in the wrong direction can injure the knee and require medical treatment. A quarter of the adult population worldwide experiences knee pain each year.

As a physical therapist and board-certiﬁed orthopedic specialist, I help patients of all ages with knee injuries and degenerative conditions.

Your knees have a huge impact on your mobility and overall quality of life, so it’s important to prevent knee problems whenever possible and address pain in these joints with appropriate treatments.

Healthy knees

The knee joint bones consist of the femur, tibia and patella. As in all healthy joints, smooth cartilage covers the surfaces of the bones, forming the joints and allowing for controlled movement.

Muscles, ligaments and tendons further support the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL, and posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL, provide internal stability to the knee. In addition, two tough pieces of ﬁbrocartilage, called menisci, lie inside the joint, providing further stability and shock absorption.

All these structures work together to enable the knee to move smoothly and painlessly throughout everyday movement, whether bending to pick up the family cat or going for a run.

Causes of knee pain

Two major causes of knee pain are acute injury and osteoarthritis.

Ligaments such as the ACL and PCL can be stressed and torn when a shear force occurs between the femur and tibia. ACL injuries often occur when athletes land awkwardly on the knee or quickly pivot on a planted foot. Depending on the severity of the injury, these patients may undergo physical therapy, or they may require surgery for repair or replacement.

by Dr. Ayesha Suneja-Seymour

In an age of increasing mental health challenges, modern therapy practices have proven highly eﬀective in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional struggles. Therapy teaches individuals coping methods for managing external pressure and allows patients to receive neutral feedback on their daily problems. While Western therapeutic models often focus on cognitive processes and behavioral strategies, many ancient cultures, such as India’s, oﬀer timeless wisdom that deeply resonates with the emotional, spiritual, and holistic dimensions of human experience. By integrating traditional Indian wisdom into modern therapy, we can create a more comprehensive and meaningful healing journey for individuals, fostering balance, mindfulness, and inner awareness.

Through practices like meditation, individuals can learn healthier responses to stress, while seeking therapy to address deeper psychological issues. Combining traditional Indian wisdom and modern therapeutic practices enhances individuals’ overall well-being and cultivates a sense of belonging.

Indian wisdom emphasizes the connection of the mind, body, and spirit, as exempliﬁed in Ayurveda (an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent), yoga, and meditation. The focus on holistic health can signiﬁcantly improve emotional well-being since these practices encourage greater self-awareness and a better quality of life. Holistic healing can prevent health problems

How Traditional Indian Wisdom Can Enhance Modern Therapy Practice

before they occur since individuals are attuned to their body’s health signals and practice a lifestyle that nurtures all aspects of their being.

The body is a vessel for consciousness Yoga, for example, improves physical ﬂexibility and sharpens the practitioner’s mind since they must remain present in the moment, dwelling in their consciousness while their bodies move in space. Meditation, in contrast, quiets the mind. The person closes eyes, listens to breath, and detaches from the chaos of daily life. Their body is simply a vessel for their consciousness. Therapists who encourage their clients to practice yoga and meditation often observe a transformation in them. The clients take control of their healing journey rather than just waiting to improve. They can better control their emotions with pranayama (breath control) and mindfulness, observing their thoughts without reacting and learning to calm themselves in highstress situations.

The purpose of therapy is to witness the recovery of individuals, and if meditation and yoga can aid in this mission, it is time for modern therapy to consider them a special brand of medicine.

Taking ownership of their healing journey is crucial for therapy clients, and understanding their identity and potential is equally important. There can be a disconnect between how one perceives themselves and how the world perceives them. Vedantic philosophy, rooted in the Vedas of Hinduism, states that humanity’s ultimate goal is to pursue self-knowledge and understand one’s true nature. Two principles guide this philosophy: The Atman, which refers to the true self, is the essence of a person. The Ahamkara, Traditional Indian Wisdom continued on page 82

Narender Dudee DDS

Upcoming Movie Releases

December 6

Pushpa 2: The Rule (Director: Bandreddi Sukumar)

Cast: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna

That Christmas (Director: Simon Otto)

Cast: Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Sindhu Vee, and Bill Nighy

The Order (Director: Justin Kurzel)

Cast: Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, and Marc Maron

Y2K (Director: Kyle Mooney)

Cast: Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison, Fred Durst, and Alicia Silverstone

Chaava (Director: Laxman Utekar)

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna

Werewolves (Director: Steven C Miller)

Cast: Frank Grillo, Katrina Law, and Lou Diamond Phillips

The Return (Director: Uberto Pasolini)

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, and Amir Wilson

The Six Triple Eight (Director: Tyler Perry)

Cast: Kerry Washington, Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon, and Oprah Winfrey

Oh, Canada (Director: Paul Schrader)

Cast: Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, and Uma Thurman

December 13

Kraven the Hunter (Director: JC Chandor)

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, and Russell Crowe

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Director: Kenji Kamiyama)

Cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, and Miranda Otto

Nickel Boys (Director: RaMell Ross)

Cast: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Daveed Diggs

Dirty Angels (Director: Martin Campbell)

Cast: Eva Green, Ruby Rose, Maria Bakalova, Christopher Backus

Zero Se Restart (Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra)

Cast: Vikrant Massey, Shantanu Moitra, and Jaskunwar Kohli

Carry-On (Director: Jaume Collet-Serra)

Cast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Dean Norris

December 20

Badass Ravikumar

(Director: Himesh Reshammiya)

Cast: Himesh Reshammiya, Prabhu Deva, and Sunny Leone

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Director: Jeﬀ Fowler)

Cast: Ben Schwartz, Alyla Browne, and Jim Carrey

Erracheera (Director: Suman Babu)

Cast: Sriram, Kamal Kamaraju, Suman Babu, Ayyappa P Sharma, and Suresh Kondeti

Mufasa: The Lion King

(Director: Barry Jenkins)

Cast: Aaron Pierre, Blue Ivy Carter, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Robinhood (Director: Venky Kudumula)

Cast: Nithiin and Sreeleela

Magic (Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri)

Cast: Sara Arjun, Aakash Srinivas, Anmol Kajani, and Siddharth Tanuku

The Brutalist (Director: Brady Corbet)

Cast: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce

Sarangapani Jathakam

(Director: Mohanakrishna Indraganti)

Cast: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Roopa Koduyur, and Viva Harsha

December 25-27

Nosferatu (Director: Robert Eggers)

Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe

Baby John (Director: Kalees)

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroﬀ, and Sanya Malhotra

Upcoming Movies continued on page 84

Saathee.com/movies has the latest info on where the movies are showing or streaming. All dates subject to change.

i l m C l i p s

The Return

After 20 years Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, where he finds his wife held prisoner by suitors vying to be king and his son facing death at their hands. To win back his family and all he has lost, Odysseus must rediscover his strength. The film will be released on December 6, 2024.

Patang

Three young friends bond with each other in this coming of age story set against a backdrop of kite-ﬂying as a sports event. Vamsi Pujit, Preethi Pagadala, Pranav Kaushik, and S P Charan star in the ﬁlm directed by Praneeth Prattipati. Look for it on December 27, 2024.

Baby John

The story revolves around a DCP who transforms and travels to diﬀerent places in life to safeguard his family. Kalees directs the cast including Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroﬀ, and Sanya Malhotra. Look for it on December 27, 2024.

Homestead

During a rapid collapse of society, a rich man’s mountain compound struggles between the military compulsions of its veteran operators and the rural values of its member families. Ben Smallbone directs Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri and Susan Misner. Releases on December 20, 2024.

Flight Risk

A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem. Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace star in the ﬁlm directed by Mel Gibson. It hits theaters on January 25, 2025.

A Complete Unknown

At the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, a young Bob Dylan shakes up the folk music scene by going electric and siring rock as the voice of a generation - deﬁning one of the most transformative moments in music. James Mangold directs Timothée Chalamet as Dylan along with Elle Fanning and Edward Norton. December 27, 2024.

Mahavatar

Vicky Kaushal is slated to play Chiranjeevi Parashurama in Amar Kaushik’s Mahavatar. The big budget epic will explore thematic spectacle while respecting the sanctity of the ancient text surrounding the story. The ﬁlm goes on the ﬂoors next year and is slated to be released in 2026.

●

Coming Together as a Community

Namaskar, Y’all

by Shyama Parui

Hurricane season was almost over but the news of a massive storm kept brewing in September. I remember watching the rain from our home, just a little south of Charlotte. While the leaves ﬂuttered and branches swayed, a few of our old cypress trees collapsed unable to carry the weight of their rainsoaked limbs. Crossing my ﬁngers, I hoped that things would calm down.

In the next few hours North Carolina’s coast survived, the piedmont relaxed but much to everyone’s surprise, the mountains bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s fury. On the heels of the storm, pictures and videos of horrific losses started emerging. Towns renowned for their picturesque beauty were crushed by the rain, floods and mudslides. The streets looked like rivers and chunks of major interstate highways fell apart. Unfortunately, narrow roads and limited road access to and from these previously idyllic locations trapped the residents and visitors who did not have sufficient opportunity to evacuate. I wonder if they had ever imagined the extent of the damage possible. Our family mourned the destruction of some of our favorite vacation spots like Asheville, Boone, and Chimney Rock.

Even though it was the beginning of the joyful days and nights of Durga Puja, a cloud hung over the festivities. After researching about rescue eﬀorts in the area and identifying organizations that were helping, our local Bengali organization, Srishti of Charlotte planned a drive to support Operation Air Drop. Within two days, several families put together a cart full of essential items. It was impressive to see a large part of a Walmart

Namaskar continued on page 88

12/31/24

Songs Rule in Hindi Films

Indian cinema has come a long way in the last 70 years in promoting and popularizing music and songs of all genres. Bollywood produces nearly 400 Hindi films per year and most films are filled with songs and dance numbers. No other country in the world churns out so many movies and so many songs. In Hollywood movies songs are no longer included, except for musicals. In India, a film’s box office success often depends on how good its songs are. No wonder the producers spend almost half the budget of making entire film in picturizing songs. Stars are flown from one country to another just to shoot one or two lines! It is not surprising that nonfilmy songs have become things of the past and nonplayback singers hardly get by.

In the days of K. L. Saigal and Pankaj Mullick there were no duets because the singers’ egos prevented them cooperating with other singers. In the early days Naushad, Anil Bishwas and S. D. Burman were reluctant to write duets in their compositions. For example, “jaaye to jaaye kahan” (Taxi Driver) and “na ye chand hoga” (Shart) could have been duets. I have made 24 duets of these old solo songs on my own and people love them.

My Voice by Girish Modi

Poster from the classic film

Silsila . Courtesy of Yash Raj Films

Gaining Momentum

Eye on the Markets

by Ketu Desai

The economy is gaining momentum. Third quarter GDP printed 2.8%. The Citigroup economic surprise index has moved into positive territory, indicating that economic data is beating expectations. The consumer continues to power ahead behind a strong labor market. Initial jobless claims remain near all-time lows. There are over 7 million open jobs. Wages are growing, while household debt payments to disposable income are near all-time lows. Around 40% of homeowners don’t have a mortgage, and the majority of the remaining have positive carry.

High stock and home prices have increased consumer conﬁdence. Americans have more than $35 trillion in home equity, which is up 81% since the end of 2019. Real time measures of consumer spending including, TSA air travel data, credit card data, gasoline demand, hotel occupancy, bank lending, box oﬃce weekly grosses, Broadway show attendance, restaurant booking data, freight rates, and truck tonnage all point to continued strength.

This is not just consumer spending; it is fiscal spending and corporate CapEx supporting growth. Less than 30% of the $2.4 trillion from the Infrastructure Bill, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS Act has been spent. AI spending alone will likely hit nearly $1 trillion in the coming years, benefiting a wide range of industries. In short, the consumer, government, and corporations are all in good shape to support the economy.

To further support this, the Fed is easing policy as it cut 50 bps in September and expects to cut twice more this year. They also forecast another 100bps of cuts in 2025 and 50bps in 2026. Ironically, long-rates have actually moved up since the Fed cut rates. The more cuts that occur, inﬂation risks increase, and growth risks are reduced. The result is higher long-term rates. This is exactly what we have seen. Five-year breakeven rates (a proxy for forward inﬂation) have meaningfully moved up since the Fed cut, breaking above 2%.

While the Fed is likely to follow through with these expected cuts this year, if the current momentum continues it is likely that the number of rate cuts we get this cycle will be less than expected. Long rates are likely to continue to move to a level that is more consistent with nominal GDP.

The Case for (not) Moving On

Kismuth and the Way II by

Dipika Kohli

Have you heard this one: If you don’t like something, change it. You are not a tree. Focus. Focus is what I need. I need to tell you a thing, now. Before I get too distracted. It’s really important that I get this right, or do my best to try to. Because it’s about change. It’s that time of year.

Most of my life, I have been an advocate for setting sail, at the ﬁrst opportunity to do so, for sheer adventure’s sake. It’s my nature. Why go? You don’t know what you don’t know, and there is so much in the big world to discover. Yes, I said those things, and often it was easy to make the case for moving on, but it wasn’t easy for people to receive that message. You have no idea how many tried to talk me out of things.

Still, I journeyed. I couldn’t help it. I went, I came back, I wrote things, I went again, I came back, and so on, more or less most of my life, until March 2020. Hard stop. I was in Vietnam, which was more or less wide open for the ﬁrst year of the pandemic, it turned out; not knowing how long this would be I had taken stock of my situation and opted to extend my visa a few times and ‘sit things out.’ Fast forward to the summer of 2021, and things got kinda tough; I was in lockdown in Saigon. Needless to say, I didn’t move much.

I think I got used to this. I think I began to appreciate the value of not moving around. Plants. Pets. Familiar faces of those neighbors (who were a family with relatives in Australia), those other ones (who were the police guys living all together), my foreigner neighbors (teachers), the lady

Kismuth continued on page 86

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Americans Face an Insurability Crisis as Climate Change Worsens Disasters

A look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage

By Andrew J. Hoﬀman

Home insurance rates are rising in the United States, not only in Florida, which saw tens of billions of dollars in losses from hurricanes Helene and Milton, but across the country.

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, homeowners’ insurance increased an average of 11.3% nationwide in 2023, with some states, including Texas, Arizona and Utah, seeing nearly double that increase.

Some analysts predict an average increase of about 6% in 2024.

These increases are driven by a potent mix of rising insurance payouts coupled with rising costs of construction as people build increasingly expensive homes and other assets in harm’s way.

When home insurance averages $2,377 a year nationally, and $11,000 per year in Florida, this is a blow to many people. Despite these rising rates, Jacques de Vaucleroy, chairman of the board of reinsurance giant Swiss Re, believes U.S. insurance is still priced too low to fully cover the risks.

It isn’t just that premiums are changing. Insurers now often reduce coverage limits, cap payouts, increase deductibles and impose new conditions or even exclusions on some common perils, such as protection for wind, hail or water damage. Some require certain preventive measures or apply risk-based pricing – charging more for homes in ﬂood plains, wildﬁre-prone zones, or coastal areas at risk of hurricanes.

Homeowners watching their prices rise faster than inﬂation might think something sinister is at play. Insurance companies are facing rapidly evolving risks, however, and trying to price their policies low enough to remain competitive but high enough to cover future payouts and remain solvent in a stormier climate. This is not an easy task. In 2021 and 2022, seven property insurers ﬁled for bankruptcy in Florida alone. In 2023, insurers lost money on homeowners’ coverage in 18 states.

But these changes are raising alarm bells. Some industry insiders worry that insurance may be losing its relevance and value – real or perceived – for policyholders as coverage shrinks, premiums rise, and exclusions increase.

How insurers assess risk

Insurance companies use complex models to estimate the likelihood of current risks based on past events. They aggregate historical data – such as event frequency, scale, losses and contributing factors – to calculate price and coverage.

However, the increase in disasters makes the past an unreliable measure. What was once considered a 100-year event may now be better understood as a 30- or 50-year event in some locations.

What many people do not realize is that the rise of socalled “secondary perils” – an insurance industry term for ﬂoods, hailstorms, strong winds, lightning strikes, tornadoes and wildﬁres that generate small to mid-size

Insurance Crisis continued on page 72

Ratings Ransom: Hostage Situation with Uber

Raajeev’s

Corner

by Raajeev Aggerwhil

I was in Toronto a couple of months. Instead of getting a rental car, I thought I could get by with Uber, because that way I don’t have to answer 20 questions from the rental car agent before I even get to the car:

“Do you want to add a Collision Damage Waiver to cover potential damage to the vehicle?” “No, thank you.” I wanted to say, “No, I’ll just shrink-wrap the car—it’s cheaper.”

“Do you want to prepay for your fuel?” “Nah, I like the thrill of trying to ﬁnd the cheapest gas station right before I return it!”

“Do you want to add a GPS system to your rental?” “Sure, because I’m the only person on the planet who doesn’t own a smartphone.”

“Do you want to add our extended roadside assistance?” “I think I’ll pass. I’ve got AAA on speed dial, a nagging wife, and an unhealthy amount of overconﬁdence!”

Too many questions! With Uber, the only queries I have to answer are simple ones, like “Does this driver look like he has a body in the trunk?” Uber is great, because I can avoid some of the other problems of driving myself, like having to navigate the road; it gives me plenty of extra time to focus on navigating more important matters, like navigating this morning’s Wordle. And I don’t have to

worry about parking or traﬃc tickets; if I want the car to stop in the middle of a tow zone at the airport, now it’s somebody else’s problem!

However, my Uber driver added some new worries to my mind. He was from Bangladesh and when he saw me, he said, I almost didn’t pick you up because your Uber rating was low. At ﬁrst, I ﬁgured maybe it was a language barrier issue – so I told him “No, I’m not the one with a rating; I want you to drive the car!” Turns out Uber rates the passengers just like the drivers – and my rating was low?! My passenger skills are top-notch; I excel at sitting on my butt and letting somebody else do the work!

I was shocked. “What is my rating?” “4.63” “Out of what?” He said, “Out of 5.” It didn’t seem that bad. It’s over 92%! I was starting to hope that my driver was better at driving than he apparently was at math. But it seems that anything below perfect was considered disastrously low when it comes to Uber ratings, which proves one thing – the company was being run by my mother.

So, what could have caused this catastrophe? I started reﬂecting on my past Uber rides. I have always been very friendly toward my past Uber drivers. I would also tip them generously. There were two possible answers. Sometimes I would wait a couple of days to rate their ride and give them a tip. Believe me, if I must give somebody extra money, it’s going to take me some time to convince myself to go through with it. The other possibility was that during my

Spot the Differences

See if you can spot the 15 diﬀerences between the original photo on top and modiﬁed below Answers are on page 104

Mahakala Bhairava

Preethi Sriram

On August 04, 2024, one of the dance performances that I had attended was for a show called HariHaran by the Gurukrupa School of Dance. A solo performance was performed on a song called “Yam Yam Yaksha Roopam Mahakala Bhairava Stotram.”

The dance performed was a very powerful choreography in praise of Lord Maha Kalabhairava, which is supposed to be a frightening manifestation of Lord Shiva.

The dancers showcased the gruesome form of Shiva as Lord Maha Kalabhairava. The expressions provided by the dancers were terriﬁc in showcasing his fearsome form.

Watching this dance made me want to learn more about the song itself as well and this manifestation of Shiva. As a kid, I have always had some draw to both Shiva and Kali in forms that some may see as horrible or frightening.

For me, the frightening characteristics of Kali and Shiva were always wonderous.

The skulls Kali wears around her neck are beautiful. This is beautiful because she is a mother, and she is a protector. Her rage is justiﬁed. She protects her children.

When pondering what I would do if I saw the forms of Kali in person, I could easily say that I would be so

delighted. I could feel that with such an innocence as well that only children can understand when not yet fettered to the worldly attachments.

I could easily think that if I were in her way, and she ran over me, I would feel so fortunate. This is not in any way a “dark” feeling, but a feeling of being blessed to be able to be so fortunate to encounter her.

Lord KalaBhairava also wears skulls around his neck and is quite terrible looking. In the Stotra, the description noted is that he has a “Dirgha Jiwha” or a long tongue as well as sharp teeth.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the concept of what one may ﬁnd beautiful may change in one’s diﬀerent stages of life. This concept can also be impacted by knowledge.

What one ﬁnds scary can change with exposure to new ideas. For instance, in daily life, a new neighbor moving into the neighborhood who comes from a diﬀerent background or culture may be initially “scary” to the other neighbors.

Maybe they look different from the other neighbors. Or maybe they wear different clothes. They may talk in a different strange sounding garble/a menacing “tongue.” It may be uncomfortable to not know what they are saying, and they may seem unfamiliar.

Adult Dance Student continued on page 110

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Using a Covered Call Strategy to Generate Income

Personal Finances by Mo Vidwans

In the world of Stock Market investing, covered call strategy is a neat way to generate some extra income, and we will discuss the basics of that here. It assumes that you own and handle your own account and is not operated by some agent. You have been buying and selling (even though I would assume it would be mainly buying) your own securities as and when you decide.

Let me explain what a “call” is ﬁrst and then we will consider a covered call strategy as the title of this article suggests (there is also a naked call strategy which we will not consider here for the primary reason that it is a risky proposition). It is called covered because you already own it.

Call is a way to put your stock on the market and make some money even if you do not sell it. Let us consider this: In your account that you operate yourself, you already own a stock, and you think the stock price may not be moving as briskly as you would like. There could be many reasons you would wish to sell a stock, but I just took this as an example.

Now let us put some terminology behind these deals so that we get conversant with it. A covered call strategy involves writing an “I wish to sell” call intentions against the shares you already own.

The price you choose to sell the shares is called “strike price.” You write the call option contract (one contract is 100 shares) to sell one contract say three months from now at a strike price.

The buyer of your contract will pay you some money now (called option premium) to buy your contract; this money is your extra income.

When the time comes, three months from now, if the stock reaches or exceeds the strike price, you will have to forgo the shares that you put out at the strike price. The buyer of the contract will pay you the strike price for all the shares. This is the basic concept. Most of it is well-mechanized.

So, you tell the market (exchange) that you wish to sell this stock at a certain price (higher than today’s price) say three months from now (or could be six months, nine months or even one month from now). These are all standardized practices and your broker/dealer will be more than happy to help you with all that, especially when you are just starting to put your covered call(s) on the market.

Someone on the open market buys your call contract and pays you some money for buying the contract. Now if the price does not reach your expected price, the one who bought your covered call contract will not go through the deal and you can pocket the call contract money he paid you in advance. This is the extra income. If all the circumstances line-up and the buyer of the contract wants to buy it, then he must also come up with the full price for the number of shares he is buying.

You must decide which stock and how many shares, the contract price and period and the strike price, and see if someone bites into your oﬀer. The longer the period, the higher the strike price and contract price.

You have a way to get out of the contract by buying back the contract at a price. The option premium is a function of the current stock price, the strike price, interest rates, time to expiration and the stock’s implied or expected future and volatility. Premiums tend to be greater in more volatile markets and increase the attractiveness of the covered call strategy.

The writer already owns the stock

Writing a call option without owning the stock (this is the naked call) exposes the option writer to potentially unlimited risk because if the option were to be exercised, the writer, not owning the stock outright, would have to purchase the stock in the open market, conceivably at a ruinous price, to deliver it to the owner of the option. However, the covered call option is not risky since the writer already owns the stock prior to writing the option.

Now you can probably comprehend how and where the names of covered and naked options come from. Clever and appropriate.

News Notes

Broadway Musical Version of Slumdog Millionaire in the Works

The sleeper hit film, Slumdog Millionaire, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2008, is now going to be turned into a Broadway musical. Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of the protagonist that embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity courtesy of the TV quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Famed composer A.R. Rahman won an Oscar for the song “Jai Ho” from the film and will now lead the effort to turn the story and music from the film into a Broadway musical. According to trade reports, Rahman will also write new music for the production. The film, made on a small budget and directed by Danny Boyle, became a huge hit. No word yet on when the production will open on Broadway.

The 25th New York Indian Film Festival Submission Deadline Announced

The 25th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) will take place June 20 - 22, 2025. There will be three days of screenings, panels, and conversations celebrating the best in independent cinema from the global Indian community. The organizers have announced a submission deadline for filmmakers as December 31, 2024. For filmmakers, this is a special opportunity to showcase their work on one of the most prestigious platforms dedicated to Indian storytelling. Submit now to be considered for a chance to premiere at NYIFF’s landmark 25th anniversary and gain visibility with an international audience, industry professionals, and critics. Submissions are open across categories, including narrative features, documentaries, and short films. Submit here: Filmfreeway.com/NYIFF25.

Launch

of the O

ﬃcial Website of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The website (pbdindia.gov.in) of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was jointly launched in mid-November by External Aﬀairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi. Minister of State for External Aﬀairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also joined the launch ceremony.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is a ﬂagship event of the Government of India. It provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indian Diaspora. The 18th PBD Convention will be organized from January 8 – 10, 2025 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the State Government of Odisha.

The theme of PBD Convention for 2025 is “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Youth edition of PBD will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Aﬀairs and Sports. President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the Valedictory Session.

The launch of the PBD website marks the commencement of online registration for participation in the PBD Convention 2025. The website will also facilitate reservation of accommodation in Odisha and provide detailed information on PBD 2025.

India’s Conducts a Successful Test of Hypersonic Missile

According to news reports, India has successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile, which was developed domestically.

The country has achieved a military and defense milestone that places it among a very small group of countries that have developed such advanced technology.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the test a “historic achievement” in a post on X, adding that it placed India among a select group of nations possessing such critical and advanced technologies.

The United States, China, and Russia have already tested such long-range missile systems.

The Indian missile, developed by the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation along with technical industry partners, is designed to carry payloads for ranges exceeding 930 miles for the country’s armed forces, the government said in a statement.

U.S. and India Sign Cultural Property Agreement

In late summer, the U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Govind Mohan, Secretary, Indian Ministry of Culture, signed a Cultural Property Agreement between the two countries in the presence of Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This event marks the culmination of nearly two years of diligent work by experts from both countries and fulﬁlls President Biden’s and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage highlighted in the joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Aﬀairs, working with the U.S. Embassy in India, worked in partnership with the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India to bring this cultural property agreement to fruition.

Cultural property agreements prevent the illegal trade of cultural property and simplify the process by which looted and stolen antiquities may be returned to their country of origin. The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage worldwide and to restrict traﬃcking in cultural property.

Ambassador Garcetti stated at the signing ceremony: “This cultural property agreement is about two things. First and foremost, it’s about justice – returning to India and to Indians, what is rightfully theirs. Secondly, it’s about connecting India with the world. Every American and every global citizen

deserves to know, see, and experience the culture that we celebrate here today. To know Indian culture is to know human culture.” He also congratulated the Government of India for hosting UNESCO’s 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, noting that by hosting this important meeting, India demonstrates its commitment to not only protecting its own cultural property, but to also assisting other countries in doing the same.

With this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing U.S. bilateral cultural property agreement partners. The U.S.-India Cultural Property Agreement was negotiated by the State Department under the U.S. law implementing the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

India and Spain Launch India’s First Private Military Aircraft Plant During President of Spain’s Visit

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sanchez paid an oﬃcial visit to India on October 28 – 29, 2024.

This was President Sanchez’s first visit to India and the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years. He was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and a high-level official and business delegation.

The two leaders noted that this visit has renewed the bilateral relationship, setting the stage for a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. They also expressed satisfaction at the progress of bilateral relations since Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Both leaders instructed their teams to continue upgrading the bilateral agenda further and forging cooperation in all dimensions of political, economic, security, defense, people-to-people and cultural cooperation.

President Sanchez was granted a cultural welcome and held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Vadodara. He also visited Mumbai where he interacted with prominent business leaders, cultural ﬁgures and representatives of the Indian ﬁlm industry.

The Laasya School of Dance presented the “Nava Vimshati Festival” on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at East Chapel Hill High School. The event featured dance compositions, guest performers, and a presentation of the 8th classical dance form Sattriya, from Assam. Rohini Ananth from UAE and Sridevi Jagannath (Director Of Laasya), performing as Dvidala, presented Sattriya. There was also a panel discussion for the holistic development of a dancer focusing on mental health, nutrition, parenting skills and theater. Senior dancers of the school presented “Triyam” - a thematic presentation. The event featured 180 dancers from the school and was attended by over 800 people. Mayor of Morriseville T J Cawley awarded Laasya School a recognition by the Town of Morriseville.

Community Focus

Photos Courtesy: Laasya School Of Dance & Music

5 Insider Tips for BS/MD Admissions Success

College Admissions Insider

by Brandie Erickson

Applying to a BS/MD program can feel overwhelming, but gaining insights from admissions insiders can make all the diﬀerence. After speaking with experts in the ﬁeld, we’ve gathered key tips to help you stand out during the admissions process. Here’s what you need to know:

First Impressions Matter:

When admissions readers open your application, the ﬁrst thing they often review is your academic performance. Your GPA, SAT, or ACT scores set the initial impression and show your potential to handle the academic rigor of a BS/MD program.

One of the ﬁrst items on the reader’s checklist will be to look at whether the student can keep up with the demands of the school they are applying to. Strong grades and test scores provide an early indication of your academic strengths and are the foundation on which the rest of your application is evaluated.

Course Rigor Matters:

Admissions readers also consider the rigor of your course load in the context of what your school oﬀers, not just your grades. Did you take advantage of advanced placement (AP) courses or honors classes that are available? Schools want to see you challenge yourself academically, even if your school has fewer AP oﬀerings.

Readers will assess how students have pushed themselves within the opportunities they had. Taking the initiative to enroll in AP or advanced courses speaks volumes about your commitment to learning. If your school does not oﬀer many APs, highlight any independent study, dual enrollment, or other ways you challenged yourself academically.

Essays Provide Context:

While grades and test scores help create a strong ﬁrst impression, your essays are essential for painting the full picture of who you are. Admissions readers rely heavily on the content from your essays to understand your personality, motivations, and the experiences that make you unique.

A Caution on AI Tools:

While it might seem convenient to use AI tools like ChatGPT to help draft your essays, admissions readers can often detect AI-generated content. Your essays must reﬂect your authentic voice and experiences—so be mindful of relying too much on automated writing tools or other outside help.

Avoid Common Application Mistakes:

Even top students can fall into traps that hurt their applications. Not following instructions, exceeding word limits, or even contradictory statements can leave a poor impression on the reader.

Minor mistakes can be overlooked, but recurring mistakes show that you should have taken the time to proofread everything and be speciﬁc in your responses.

Show Real Commitment:

BS/MD programs often track demonstrated interest, meaning they notice if you have attended campus tours, participated in informational sessions, or contacted admissions oﬃces. These actions show that you are serious about the program and make you stand out.

Students who go the extra mile to showcase their passion make a lasting impression. Demonstrating this level of interest signals a genuine commitment to the school and its speciﬁc program.

Focus on What You Can Control:

By focusing on your academic performance, challenging yourself with a rigorous schedule, and crafting thoughtful, specific essays, you can create a strong first impression. Remember, the admissions process is not just about being perfect. It is, however, about showing why you are passionate about medicine and what makes you a great fit for a BS/MD program.

Brandie Erickson

For more details, contact Brandie@moonprep.com

damage – is becoming the main driver of the insurability challenge, particularly as these events become more intense, frequent and cumulative, eroding insurers’ proﬁtability over time.

Climate change plays a role in these rising risks. As the climate warms, air can hold more moisture – about 7% more with every degree Celsius of warming. That leads to stronger downpours, more thunderstorms, larger hail events and a higher risk of ﬂooding in some regions. The U.S. was on average 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.6 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer in 2022 than in 1970.

Insurance companies are revising their models to keep up with these changes, much as they did when smokingrelated illnesses became a signiﬁcant cost burden in life and health insurance. Some companies use climate modeling to augment their standard actuarial risk modeling. But some states have been hesitant to allow climate modeling, which can leave companies systematically underrepresenting the risks they face.

Each company develops its own assessment and geographic strategy to reach a diﬀerent conclusion. For example, Progressive Insurance has raised its homeowner rates by 55% between 2018 and 2023, while State Farm has raised them only 13.7%.

While a homeowner who chooses to make home improvements, such as installing a luxury kitchen, can expect an increase in premiums to account for the added replacement value, this eﬀect is typically small and predictable. Generally, the more substantial premium hikes are due to the ever-increasing risk of severe weather and natural disasters.

Insurance for insurers

When risks become too unpredictable or volatile, insurers can turn to reinsurance for help.

Reinsurance companies are essentially insurance companies that insure insurance companies. But in recent years, reinsurers have recognized that their risk models are also no longer accurate and have raised their rates accordingly. Property reinsurance alone increased by 35% in 2023.

Reinsurance is also not very well suited to covering secondary perils. The traditional reinsurance model is focused on large, rare catastrophes, such as devastating hurricanes and earthquakes.

As an alternative, some insurers are moving toward parametric insurance, which provides a predeﬁned payment if an event meets or exceeds a predeﬁned intensity threshold.

These policies are less expensive for consumers because the payouts are capped and cover events such as a magnitude 7 earthquake, excessive rain within a 24-hour period or a Category 3 hurricane in a deﬁned geographical area. The limits allow insurers to provide a less expensive form of insurance that is less likely to severely disrupt their ﬁnances.

Protecting the consumer

Of course, insurers don’t operate in an entirely free market. State insurance regulators evaluate insurance companies’ proposals to raise rates and either approve or deny them.

The insurance industry in North Carolina, for example, where Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage, is arguing for a homeowner premium increase of more than 42% on average, ranging from 4% in parts of the mountains to 99% in some waterfront areas.

If a rate increase is denied, it could force an insurer to simply withdraw from certain market sectors, cancel existing policies or refuse to write new ones when their “loss ratio” – the ratio of claims paid to premiums collected –becomes too high for too long.

Since 2022, seven of the top 12 insurance carriers have either cut existing homeowners’ policies or stopped selling new ones in the wildﬁre-prone California homeowner market, and an equal number have pulled back from the Florida market due to the increasing cost of hurricanes.

To stem this tide, California is reforming its regulations to speed up the rate increase approval process and allow insurers to make their case using climate models to judge wildﬁre risk more accurately.

Florida has instituted regulatory reforms that have reduced litigation and associated costs and has removed 400,000 policies from the state-run insurance program. As a result, eight insurance carriers have entered the market there since 2022.

Looking ahead

Solutions to the mounting insurance crisis also involve how and where people build. Building codes can require more resilient homes, akin to how ﬁre safety standards increased the eﬀectiveness of insurance many decades ago.

By one estimate, investing $3.5 billion in making the twothirds of U.S. homes not currently up to code more resilient to storms could save insurers as much as $37 billion by 2030.

In the end, if aﬀordability and relevance of insurance continue to degrade, real estate prices will start to decline in exposed locations. This will be the most tangible sign that climate change is driving an insurability crisis that disrupts wider ﬁnancial stability.

Article courtesy of Theconversation.com

Andrew J. Hoﬀman is a Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan

Justin D’Atri, Climate Coach at the education platform Adaptify U and Sustainability Transformation Lead at Zurich Insurance Group, contributed to this article.

www.caryinternalmedicine.com

Dr. Patel and Dr. Juneja are both recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for excellence in diabetes management and for providing highquality healthcare for heart/stroke patients. Please visit ncqa.org for both recognitions.

Vijay K. Juneja, MD Board Certified Internist Diabetologist

Prashant K. Patel, MD Board Certified Internist Diabetologist

by Shikha Singh

(IG: @spicymillennial)

Masala Chickpea Tacos

Hello Saathee readers! Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly weeknight dinner? These Chickpea Masala Tacos are packed with ﬂavor and come together in just 30 minutes! Roasted, spiced chickpeas add a satisfying crunch, while a creamy, easy-to-make avocado sauce balances everything with a touch of freshness. Not only are they a hit for taco night, but they also make a great meal prep option—the chickpeas and avocado sauce can double as hearty, ﬂavorful salad toppers for a lighter, carb-free twist. Perfect for a crowd or just a cozy night in, these tacos will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients Directions

Chickpeas:

1 can of chickpeas (15 oz), drained

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp garam masala

Avocado Sauce:

1 avocado, sliced

1 tsp salt

Juice of 1/2 lime

1/2 cup nonfat yogurt

1 cup chopped cilantro

1 jalapeño chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

Servings: 3 - 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Toss in all the ingredients for the chickpeas together in a large bowl.

Step 2: Lay on a baking pan with parchment paper. Bake for 20 mins or until crisp.

Step 3: While the chickpeas are being baked, blend all the ingredients for the avocado sauce together. (You can store this sauce in an airtight jar for up to 5 days)

To assemble, enjoy on warm tortillas with the avocado sauce spread evenly and topped with the roasted chickpeas. Add fresh, home made Pico de Gallo or thinly chopped red onions for an extra punch of ﬂavor!

For more recipes, visit Saathee.com/category/recipes

Ravi

Leading annual medical missions to remote areas of Kenya and India.

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PCL injuries are less common and occur when the tibia experiences a posterior or backward force. This injury is common in car accidents when the knee hits the dashboard, or when patients fall forward when walking up stairs.

The menisci can also experience degeneration and tearing from shear and rotary forces, especially during weightbearing activities. These types of injuries often require rehabilitation through physical therapy or surgery.

Knee pain can also result from injury or overuse of the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings and patella tendon.

Both injuries to and overuse of the knee can lead to degenerative changes in the joint surfaces, known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness. This disease affects the knees of over 300 million people worldwide, most often those 50 years of age and up. American adults have a 40% chance of developing osteoarthritis that affects their daily lives, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint.

Age is also a factor in knee pain. The structure and function of your joints change as you age. Cartilage starts to break down, your body produces less synovial ﬂuid to lubricate your joints, and muscle strength and ﬂexibility decrease. Leading to painful, restricted movement.

Risk factors: There are some risk factors for knee osteoarthritis that you cannot control, such as genetics, age, sex and your history of prior injuries.

Fortunately, there are several risk factors you can control that can predispose you to knee pain and osteoarthritis specifically. The first is excessive weight. Based on studies between 2017 and 2020, nearly 42% of all adult Americans are obese. This obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes and osteoarthritis and can also play a role in other knee injuries. A lack of physical activity is another risk, with 1 in 5 U.S. adults reporting that they’re inactive outside of work duties. This can result in less muscular support for the knee and more pressure on the joint itself.

An inflammatory diet also adds to the risk of knee pain from osteoarthritis. Research shows that the average American diet, often high in sugar and fat and low in fiber, can lead to changes to the gut microbiome that contribute to osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.

Preventing knee pain: Increasing physical activity is one of the key elements to preventing knee pain. Often physical therapy intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis focuses on strengthening the knee to decrease pain and support the joint during movement.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults spend at least 150 to 300 minutes per week on moderate-intensity, or 75 to 150 minutes per week on vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. These guidelines do not change for adults who already have osteoarthritis, although their exercise may require less weight-bearing activities, such as swimming, biking or walking.

The agency also recommends that all adults do some form of resistance training at least two or more days a week.

Adults with knee osteoarthritis particularly beneﬁt from quadriceps-strengthening exercises, such as straight leg raises.

Treatments for knee pain: Conservative treatment of knee pain includes anti-inﬂammatory and pain medications and physical therapy.

Medical treatment for knee osteoarthritis may include cortisone injections to decrease inﬂammation or hyaluronic acid injections, which help lubricate the joint. The relief from these interventions is often temporary, as they do not stop the progression of the disease. But they can delay the need for surgery by one to three years on average, depending on the number of injections.

Physical therapy is generally a longer-lasting treatment option for knee pain. Physical therapy treatment leads to more sustained pain reduction and functional improvements when compared with cortisone injections treatment and some meniscal repairs.

Patients with osteoarthritis often beneﬁt from total knee replacement, a surgery with a high success rate and lasting results.

Surgical interventions for knee pain include the repair, replacement or removal of the ACL, PCL, menisci or cartilage. When more conservative approaches fail, patients with osteoarthritis may beneﬁt from a partial or total knee replacement to allow more pain-free movement. In these procedures, one or both sides of the knee joint are replaced by either plastic or metal components. Afterward, patients attend physical therapy to aid in the return of range of motion.

Although there are risks with any surgery, most patients who undergo knee replacement beneﬁt from decreased pain and increased function, with 90% of all replacements lasting more than 15 years. But not all patients are candidates for such surgeries, as a successful outcome depends on the patient’s overall health and well-being.

New treatments on the horizon

New developments for knee osteoarthritis are focused on less invasive therapies. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new implant that acts as a shock absorber. This requires a much simpler procedure than a total knee replacement.

Other promising interventions include knee embolization, a procedure in which tiny particles are injected into the arteries near the knee to decrease blood flow to the area and reduce inflammation near the joint. Researchers are also looking into injectable solutions derived from human bodies, such as plasma-rich protein and fat cells, to decrease inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis. Human stem cells and their growth factors also show potential in treating knee osteoarthritis by potentially improving muscle atrophy and repairing cartilage.

Further research is needed on these novel interventions. However, any intervention that holds promise to stop or delay osteoarthritis is certainly encouraging for the millions of people aﬄicted with this disease.

Angie Brown is Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University Article courtesy of theconversation.com

Knee Pain

Vikas Patel, MD

Elizabeth Ju, MD

Katharine Hodinka, MD

Evan Darwin, MD

which refers to the ego, creates a distinction between self and the outside world through identiﬁcation with thoughts and experiences.

Overattachment to the ego is how individuals stray from ﬁnding their true nature, causing them to overindulge in desires or negative self-perceptions. Therapy patients often struggle with their sense of self, allowing their ego to drive feelings of inferiority. The therapist’s job is to decipher whether their patients are following their ego and thereby are disconnected from their true self or accessing their consciousness to cultivate inner peace.

In this philosophy, it is universally understood that every person is capable of reaching their divine nature. Therapy can allow individuals to diﬀerentiate between their egoic patterns and true selves, so they are more capable of minimizing their self-deprecating thoughts and emotions before they overtake their minds.

Another avenue for calming the mind is mindfulness and meditation. In recent years, therapists have increasingly embraced the idea of “prescribing” these lifestyle changes to clients for healthier living. According to the National Library of Medicine, individuals who consistently practice mindfulness meditation experience changes in attention, increased awareness, and reduced reactions to emotional stimuli. Instead of feeling anxious and defeated when coming across an everyday stressor, individuals can better regulate their behavioral reactions and acknowledge that their stress is temporary.

Meditation can be especially beneficial for individuals with panic disorders reduce their anxiety. Living with a psychological disorder is already difficult. Therefore, since mindfulness can help individuals deal with their pain, it is in the interest of therapists around the world to utilize this tool for their patients’ benefit. Indian culture already makes great use of meditation. The convergence between ancient wisdom and meditation has the potential to transform mental health systems and should not be underestimated.

One fact remains—individuals need to take control over their lives and spearhead their healing process with the support of their therapist. The idea of karma, where every action has a consequence and will return to them, encourage individuals to reﬂect on their behaviors and choices. This framework is important for modern therapy practices since clients are motivated to take responsibility for their actions and take charge of their personal growth. They are more intentional with their actions and are the ones who implement positive change in their life. Life is a series of causes and eﬀects, and therapy helps patients make this connection, so they recognize the severity of their actions.

Dharma embodies purposefully living, guiding individuals to align their actions with ethical principles, ultimately serving both themselves and their community. The person lives righteously, always following their values and beliefs. Similarly to the other forms of traditional Indian wisdom, the idea of accountability is fundamental to dharma. Once a person embraces their true calling, they can fulﬁll their social role, improve mental well-being, and pursue a path of liberation (moksha). When a person

becomes aware of their unique purpose, they feel part of a community, which is vital for those feeling disconnected from others due to mental health challenges. In therapeutic settings, individuals can make a verbal commitment to their destiny and experience a surge of motivation.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches the principle of nonattachment, where individuals focus on their actions rather than their outcomes. They can accept defeat and disappointment since they understand they ultimately tried their best. Their motivation comes from acting according to their moral code and values, not the possibility of success. Individuals who use nonattachment move forward after falling short of their goal, and they do not dwell on their failure, but rather use it for motivation.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is where individuals learn to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reﬂect their values. Both approaches emphasize productive engagement with life, building resilience in the face of unexpected outcomes. Learning to release control and accept uncertainty lives. For example, they recognize that their present actions are more signiﬁcant than their future desires. They are ultimately free from the shackles of their mind that place pressure on them.

Seva, or selﬂess service, involves helping others without expecting something in return. This generous action could range from being someone’s shoulder to cry on to providing charity to the less fortunate. The person completing the service demonstrates humility; they do not consider themselves superior to everyone else. They help others while simultaneously removing vices like anger and pride from their lives. Most important, they are part of a community, fostering a sense of belonging for the individual. This is the power of compassion and service. Considering many therapy patients feel powerless in their lives and concerned about the state of the world, therapists have begun asking clients to incorporate small acts of kindness into their daily routines. Clients often come back to their therapist and report greater self-esteem and empathy. They may ﬁnd healing through aiding others.

Modern therapy practice can benefit from incorporating traditional Indian wisdom into the field. Indian wisdom can enhance modern therapy by promoting a holistic approach to healing. Mindfulness and meditation encourage individuals to cultivate a feeling of inner peace. Karma reminds individuals that their actions create ripples that can return to them, encouraging small acts of kindness to cultivate positive energy and outcomes. Clients find purpose in their lives when they complete seva and follow dharma. When therapists integrate ancient Indian practices into therapeutic settings, clients can experience deeper emotional and psychological healing. Holistic healing enriches the therapeutic process and leads to a more fulfilling life among individuals.

Dr. Ayesha Suneja-Seymour

is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Personal Growth Coach, an advocate for women’s mental health, blending the wisdom of her Indian heritage with modern psychology. She has provided therapy and psychoeducation in diverse settings, from rehab centers to women’s wellness programs. Contact: info@doctorayesha.com.

Film Music continued from page 44

Raj Kapoor changed singers’ attitudes in the film Barsaat and included the duet “chhod gaye balam”, which was a trendsetter. It was the first romantic duet in the voices of Lata and Mukesh and was the first film for composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan. Subsequent films of Raj Kapoor like Aah, Awara, Shri 420 and Sangam had broken box office records because of romantic duet songs.

Shankar-Jaikishan and O. P. Nayyar were the most proliﬁc composers in the 50’s and 60’s and they popularized duets more than any other composers and gave us evergreen songs that are sung even today. R.D. Burman and Laxmikant-Parelal followed suit and gave us some nice duets, too. Composers’ use of raag Bhairavi extensively in many of the duets is the main reason why duets are so popular. Lata and Asha, who were reigning queens in those days, together had sung 35 duets under Shankar-Jaikishan alone. Had it not been for them, singers like Mukesh, Raﬁ, Hemant Kumar and Kishore Kumar would not have become great singers. Their duets made them household names around the world.

In the middle of 1980s and continuing throughout 1990s, Alka Yagnik displaced Lata as the undisputed queen of romantic songs. There were other female singers like Anuradha Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam (Lata clones) and Kavita Krishnamurthy, but they were no competition to Yagnik. Her duets with Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet and Sonu Nigam are not only chart busters but the most melodious ever created by maestros Nadeem-Shravan, Anand-Milind and Anu Malik.

These musicians have composed all kinds of songs, be they fast-track, sentimental or dance numbers. But their forte was always melody. Most of their compositions were inspired from old time ghazals, westerns and Latino songs. Lyricists Anand Bakshi and Sameer have penned so many of these melodious songs.

I ﬁnd sweetness and romanticism in Yagnik’s voice more than mesmerizing because she does not sing in high pitch (sharp) like Lata. Her voice matches and blends with voices male singers of her time more than even Lata’s and Asha’s. Hence, it is no miracle that Alka Yagnik has captured hearts of millions of music lovers (including an old timer like me) and was nominated 35 times and won 8 coveted Filmfare awards for best female singer; while Kumar Sanu was nominated consecutively 14 years from 1992 till 2005.

In Khal Nayak, Laxmikant-Pyarelal made Alka lead singer instead of Lata or Asha for the ﬁrst time and won the Filmfare award! These singers had become so popular that Lata and Asha were now asking to sing duets with Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan. I went through discography of Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan and Anand-Milind and only one duet of Lata-Kumar Sanu “tujhe dekha to ye jaana” (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) and one duet of Asha-Kumar Sanu “chehra kya dekhte ho” (Salami). Nadeem-Shravan replaced Shankar-Jaikishan, and Anand-Milind replaced LaxmikantPyarelal while Anu Malik replaced R. D. Burman in the 80’s and 90’s.

Even though I grew up listening to songs of the 50’s and 60’s, I have never enjoyed them as much as I have enjoyed

songs of the 80’s and 90’s. Kumar Sanu-Alka Yagnik duets like “bazigar-o-bazigar” (Bazigar), “yeh dua hai meri” (Sapne Sajan ke), “aisi deewangi” (Deewana), “mehﬁl mein bar bar” (Soldier), “churake dil mera” (Main Khiladi Tu Anadi), “pyar mein dil diya” (Anari), “mujhse mohabbat ka izhar” (Hum Hai Rahi Pyar ke) are only a handful of songs that come to mind that blow away your senses. I can list similar Alka’s duets with Udit and Sonu too. These songs are in my repertoire along with songs from the 50’s and 60’s and I hum them constantly.

So many of these songs are preppy, lively and full of romance in every word and every note. They ﬁll your hearts with joy and ecstasy and keep you younger for many years to come. If songs of the 50’s and 60’s were in golden era, the songs of the 80’s and 90’s are truly in the diamond era, because they embellish romanticism.

Girish Modi

is an 85-year-old retired engineer who is passionate about Indian music and classical dances. He donates money to various Indian organizations and provides free photo service.

Contact: girish39@yahoo.com.

Upcoming Movies

continued from page 34

A Complete Unknown (Director: James Mangold)

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, and Edward Norton

Sitaare Zameen Par (Director: R S Prasanna)

Cast: Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh

The Fire Inside (Director: Rachel Morrison)

Cast: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, and Judy Greer

Oye Bhootni Ke (Director: Ajay Kailash Yadav)

Cast: Mimoh Chakraborty, Rohit Suryavanshi, Nikita Sharma, and Diana Khan

Babygirl (Director: Halina Reijn)

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas

Patang (Director: Praneeth Prattipati)

Cast: Vamsi Pujit, Preethi Pagadala, Pranav Kaushik, and S P Charan

January 10, 2025

Grind (Director: Mark Cantus)

Cast: Ginger Lynn, August Kyss, and Scott Alan Ward

The Last Showgirl (Gia Coppola)

Cast: Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, and Brenda Song

Den of Thieves 2 (Director: Christian Gudegast)

Cast: Gerard Butler, Jordan Bridges, and O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Kismuth continued from page 50

who bicycled from her house to deliver coﬀees and juices every day. She and I liked being out of the house. We were the only ones taking risks getting caught, walking in the alley as we did even when the strictest lockdowns were on. Xin chào. Bạn có khỏe không. Smalltalk.

With this experience, now, I don’t know if I believe what I used to. That it’s always, hands down, a good idea to move on. After all, I personally experienced the communal feature of Vietnam, which is, I think, quite noteworthy for the individualistic nomad. Juxtaposed suchly, I saw people taking care of each other because of propinquity (and, really, just that reason). Maybe that’s one point to make a case for staying put: social support, social security.

I haven’t spent a ton of time thinking about this, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I hear echoes of words of traditional friends saying things like wanting to stay in one community, put down a root, grow, nurture and just be Stationarily. We didn’t argue. We were respectful of each other’s viewpoints. I moved on, they stayed where they were. We lost touch. Diﬀerences of philosophy can do that. Fallouts, drifts, diﬀerences of opinions. Changes of luck. We change as we go. But now I think I know better more about what they meant to share.

Maybe I can talk about it from where I am, here in Phnom Penh. After all, it’s been eleven years since I landed in this place. I didn’t mean to stay here. It just made sense, at the times that it came up to ask the question, along many points of decision trees, Should I stay or should I go? Easy, familiar, comfortable, inexpensive, with amazing fruits, and very nice people, who smile and say hello. This is Phnom Penh. There are the regular places that you know will be welcoming, like the one I wrote about when I shared ‘Tea’ with you, back in the ﬁrst month of this iteration of Kismuth & The Way.

You don’t always have to be zipping around or making melodramatic shifts. I guess that was what I was hoping to convey this year, in this column. How you can ﬁnd a lot of detail if you stop thinking about what isn’t nearby, stop being so saudade-y, my issue, and simply enjoy what is. This can take a great deal of fortitude because we are human and it’s hard to sit still and be (mostly) content. But you can do it. You can learn from observing. You can examine a particular space, let’s imagine a cubic inch, for example, and turn it over and over, to still and slow, learn, and understand. See. That which is around you, as it is.

This is, I feel, a very un-instagrammable thing, but, I think, it’s a quite valuable effort. Observing and noticing is the beginning of understanding. Which matters. Which always did. Being older, though, you get it, what elders were saying when they were saying it. ‘Take a breath, Dipika. Slow down.’ Maybe I have. Maybe I can. Maybe I will continue to. But first, a little jaunt. Another chapter, of ‘The Way,’ is in the offing.

Dipika Kohli

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

Editor’s Desk continued from page 14

These two substances are air and water. My recently evolved morning routine consists of exercises with air and water.

Over the passage of time, without even realizing a routine was forming, a habit has emerged. It is simple and has become a practical and useful path to help soften the grind of life.

Every morning, I do some attentive breathing. Using air, oxygen, as energy, I engage in three long inhales and slow exhales, each separated by a few seconds. After that I grab a glass of room temperature tap water and take three swallows, each separated by a few seconds, being mindful of the ﬂow of that water further into the body.

Each breath of air and each gulp of water marks a single directional point. One is for patience, another for focus, and third for a pleasant temperament.

These achievable yet elusive states of mind are melted into the air I breathe and water molecules that I drink. I ﬁnd the sustenance for contentment in these two handy and readily available substances.

Three slow, deep breaths. Three gulps of water. This routine to start the day has begun to infuse an energy that is quite helpful as I stroll further down the myriad alleys of life. It helps to ease the maneuvering of relationships entanglements. It forms a force ﬁeld against the negativity, toxicity and dissonance of our contemporary lives.

Impatience is a global disease in our instant everything digital world. This leads to a lack of clarity and focus. Often the result is an unpleasant temperament and attitude. The ﬁrst mindful breath of air and the ﬁrst gulp of water is fuel to increase patience for the day.

A lack of focus is detrimental to all facets of life. The second breath and gulp are to help remain focused, as much as humanly possible, for the day.

Making your temperament joyful for others, and yourself, can help soften even the most toxic, narcissistic, and immature personalities we deal with on a regular basis. The third breath and gulp are for this contagious aspect of our interactions. A grumpy vibe gets passed onto others; a joyous vibe gets absorbed by others.

I don’t know if this ritual makes the world go round, or puts any money in the bank, or if anything else, but it does give me an invisible armor to fight off and manage the externalities, things thrown at me daily and trying to get me off balance. I recall those breaths and gulps as needed throughout the day.

I also follow this routine just before slumber. It isn’t complicated. Maybe it will work for you. Maybe not. Air and water tagged to mindful disposition makes the basic and elementary aspect of life that we all tackle with, entering and exiting each day, a little smoother.

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

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parking lot turned into a sorting and loading zone for helicopters that would be dropping off donated items to Western North Carolina. Many volunteers were managing the entire process efficiently with such a positive attitude that I was moved. There are times when my cynicism outweighs my optimism, but watching a community come together for a selfless purpose restored my faith in humanity.

Survival of the ﬁttest may be the rule of the jungle but in today’s world I’d like to believe that we care for the weakest too. The instinct to look after people was evident in the outpouring of support for the victims. In fact, some anthropologists believe that groups of humans evolved into a civilization when they helped their members heal from injury or illness, rather than when humans invented tools like the wheel.

A big part of the immigrant experience is not only putting roots in unaccustomed earth but also seeking friends and forging ties with those in proximity. While no one can replace our respective families, bonds with friends and neighbors create the feeling of home. And just as we stay informed and connected to the news from our hometowns, I strongly feel that we should seek equal or more involvement in our current community. After all, it is the person next door who is most likely to come to your assistance and we would perhaps fracture the foundation of a community if we were unwilling to lend a hand when others need it.

Even as the roads are being repaired and homes are rebuilt in Western Carolina, more assistance will be required on the long road to recovery. An opportunity awaits every North Carolina resident to cement the foundation of the state because if there is a crack in one part, it will eventually weaken the entire state. The South Asian diaspora is rich with talent and skills, and these could be invested in diﬀerent ways to assist places hit by natural disasters. As an example, tutoring could be oﬀered to students who missed classes due to school closures.

Several organizations are already holding fundraising events such as musical concerts and that can be continued with the added beneﬁt of showcasing a variety of cultural performances. This will also increase awareness of the richness of Indian heritage among the local population as they appreciate the fact that Indian dances and music extend beyond “Bollywood”.

While it is intimidating to think that individuals need to ﬁx entire towns, it may be easier to believe that each person can play a small role that they are most capable of, and it will sum up as impactful. In my opinion, anything is better than inaction. The beneﬁts of community spirit will grow depending on how well its members nurture it and I am certain that North Carolina will soon reemerge as a strong state.

Shyama Parui

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

Personal Finances

continued from page 62

Let us take an example. Imagine we are still back in October of 2022, and you own 300 shares of Microsoft (MSFT). You do not expect the share price to appreciate much over the next three to six months; so, you decide to employ a covered call strategy.

Let us say the price then was about $242 per share. Since one option contract involves the purchase of 100 shares, you write or sell one contract with a strike price of $250 and expiration of Jan 20, 2023. You receive a premium of $10 for each share in the contract.

At the expiration of the contract time, if the stock price exceeds $250 you will have to deliver / surrender 100 shares. In exchange you will receive $250 for each share of MSFT.

You have already received $10 per share so it makes a total of $260 per share plus any dividends if they were declared within the period. Your proﬁt is $18 ($260-$242) per share over the two-month period, which is substantial.

As it happened, the Microsoft shares closed at $240 on Jan 20, 2023. Because the option expired “out of money,” which means useless, you keep your shares and $10 premium that was already paid (and the dividends).

It is still a good return, and you are ready to play this call again.

The covered call strategy allows an investor to beneﬁt from price appreciation up to the strike price. The premium earned by writing an option depends in part on the strike price and the time to expiration. The lower the strike price the greater the premium since it is more likely that the stock price will exceed the strike price and the option will be exercised and the option-writer has to be ready for it. When the prices drop again, the stock can be bought back if there is still interest in it.

Farewell

Now I must bring your attention to another important piece of news. I will be retiring, and this will be my last article for Saathee magazine. For over 9 years now, under the stewardship of the Editor Samir Shukla, I have been writing these Financial Planning articles for the readership of this magazine.

It was my privilege and a pleasure to be able to serve you. My primary thought always was that everyone should have reasonable knowledge about estate and ﬁnancial planning to make some meaningful and pertinent decisions in their family aﬀairs and I sincerely hope that they were useful.

I also wish to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for the artist, Aby Rao, who was very resourceful and punctual in creating the art. My best wishes to you all. Thank you.

Mo Vidwans

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

RUBY REALT Y RUBY REALT Y

Vietnamese monk and peace activist, emphasizes the importance of “Walking Meditation.” It’s a way to thank Mother Earth and treat her as a sentient being. I have the pleasure of taking a philosophy elective at my school, where we practice Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindful walking outside. Walking on the Earth that has held me for 17 years, I say to myself: Breathe in the cool winds. Breathe out the crunch of the leaves under my feet. I know one thing that won’t change as I walk into age 18—I’ll always be a nature-loving kid at heart. I have resolved not to get wrapped up in what is artiﬁcial. Instead, I’ll look at the path ahead and let nature envelop my soul.

Like Mother Nature, who has provided me with a path to walk on, my friends have helped me ﬁnd my direction. I am forever grateful for my friends who have come from all walks of life. It’s a gift to be able to spot my friends in the busyness of high school hallways, and it’s the little moments with them that make all the diﬀerence. Throughout high school, I have learned that it’s better to have a small group of friends who will love me unconditionally rather than a big group of popular friends.

Our relationships are authentic, and I feel comfortable unveiling my raw emotions. It saddens me that my friend group is approaching a fork in the road; everyone has diﬀerent plans. Despite this, I know our connection, made up of inside jokes and favorite songs, will bridge the physical distance between us. Our youthful enthusiasm and childlike wonder will still be preserved even in adulthood.

I am truly fortunate to have such inspirational parents to look up to and provide me with a steady ground to walk upon. As I see how much they have accomplished, I want to do the same. My mom recently spoke at the first-ever Wake County Educational Summit for South Asians. She spoke with such passion and conviction in her voice. Watching her, I know I, too, can find my voice. When I was a child, my mom’s bedtime stories of butterflies sparked my imagination and have now shaped the writer I am today. Although my home next year won’t be where my mom is, I will still hold her patient voice in my head. Sereena, you are exactly where you need to be. Don’t ever doubt yourself.

We often get caught up in the worries of applying to college and the rush of daily life. But if you pause and look closely, you will see you are surrounded by support. Nature oﬀers gifts in the form of sparkling snow, and the wind whispers reassurance as it softly brushes by your ear. Your family is there, cheering you on to the ﬁnish line. To all the high school seniors who are unsure of what is to come: let life slow down. Notice the fall leaves darting through the sky and feel the grass beneath your toes. Over the Holidays, hug your family and friends a little tighter. These moments go by quickly; you’ll only catch them if you look up from the ground and count your reasons to be thankful.

Sereena Kumar is a senior at Enloe High School and has a passion for writing. Contact: slkumar@mycomedical.com

Sanchez and Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara. This plant will roll out the ﬁrst “Made in India” C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India.

DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with 65,000 Additional Visas for Fiscal Year 2025

Increase Will Help Address the Need for Seasonal Workers and Reduce Irregular Migration

The Dept of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of Labor, announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for 2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each ﬁscal year. These additional H-2B visas represent the max permitted under the authority of Congress and are identical to the additional temp visas provided in 2024.

American businesses in industries such as hospitality and tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and more turn to seasonal and other temporary workers in the H-2B program to help them meet demand for their goods and services. The supplemental visa allocation will help address the need for seasonal and temporary workers in areas where too few U.S. workers are available, willing and qualiﬁed to do the temporary work and address the labor needs of American businesses.

Consistent with prior years, the Department is publicly announcing its plans to make these supplemental visas available to ensure American businesses with workforce needs are able to plan ahead.

“The Department of Homeland Security is committed to further growing our nation’s strong economy,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, the Department of Homeland Security is helping to ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met, keeping prices down for consumers while strengthening worker protections and deterring irregular migration to the US.”

The H-2B visa program permits eligible employers to hire noncitizens to perform temporary nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. The employment must be of a temporary nature, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal need, peak load need, or intermittent need. Employers seeking H-2B workers must take a series of steps to test the U.S. labor market. They must obtain certification from DOL that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work for which they seek a prospective foreign worker, and that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. The maximum period of stay in H-2B classification is three years.

Desai & Mehta CPAs PLLC

Our Services:

♦ Monthly Bookkeeping

♦ Payroll

♦ Tax Planning

♦ Corporate & Partnership Tax Return

♦ Personal Tax Return

♦ Consulting & Tax Planning

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Rajarshi Desai, CPA rd@desaimehtacpa.com 917-612-1489

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you personalized assistance. We are an extension of your business team.

♦ Big 4 firm experience

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7301 Carmel Executive Park Drive Suite # 320 Charlotte, NC 28226

Phone: 704-541-9966 Fax: 877-294-7979

Ronak Mehta, CPA rm@desaimehtacpa.com 803-295-1801

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

HUNTERS VALLEY

FOR SALE

Almost 3,700 Sq. Ft. Beautiful and Well Maintained Full Brick Home in Sought After Hunters Valley. Excellent Location and Top Rated Schools. Large Private Backyard with Mature Trees. Open Floor Plan with Lots of Windows and Natural Lights. Five Bedrooms and 3 1/2 Baths. Home has Two Story Foyer, Big Formal Dining Room, Butler's Pantry, Formal Living Room, Oversized Great Room with Fireplace, Kitchen with Island and Large Walk-in Pantry, Primary Bedroom with Trey Ceiling, Master Bathroom With Jacuzzi Tub, Walk-in Shower, Dual Vanities, Spacious Secondary Bedrooms with Walk-in Closets, Nice Deck. Lots of Storage. Home needs updating and it is reﬂected in the asking price. This is an Excellent buy! $719,900

NEW PRICEFORT MILL

Gorgeous Townhouse in Sought after Ayrshire in Fort Mill. New Neutral Paint. Beautiful open layout with lots of natural lights. Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash. Great room with Gas Logs Fireplace. Primary Bedroom with Trey ceilings. Large Master Bath with dual vanities and a big walk-in shower and a garden tub. Huge walk-in closet. Spacious secondary bedrooms. Hardwood Galore. Modern light ﬁxtures. Close to Highways and Shopping. Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer are included. This one is a must see! $374,900

LOT – LONGBROOKE

ONLY ONE LOT LEFT

Here is your amazing opportunity to become a part of the one-of-a-kind gated Longbrooke community! This premiere address offers elegance, privacy and low SC taxes. Longbrooke features custom Old World style estates, rolling topography, the soft lighting of gas lantern lining each street and a fountain garden which serves as a serene focal point for the wooded neighborhood home. Bring your builder and build the home of your dreams here!! $139,000

RENTALS AVAILABLE IN BALLANTYNE & STEELE CREEK

Two and Three bedroom Townhouses and a Three Bedroom Single Family home available for Rent in Ballantyne and Steele Creek. Please call for details.

RENTAL: SULLIVAN FARMSTATESVILLE , NEW CONSTRUCTION

Beautiful 5 bedroom and 2.5 bath NEW CONSTRUCTION home with a two car attached garage in the heart of Statesville. Conveniently located near I-40, I-77, shopping and restaurants. This new community will have a pool and walking trail for residents to enjoy. This home offers an amazing open ﬂoorplan with lots of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with an island and SS appliances including gas range. Walk in pantry, walk in closets. Main ﬂoor has a luxury owner's suite with spacious walk in closet. Primary bath has large walk in shower and double vanity. Spacious secondary bedrooms with walk in closets. Lots of storage. $2,295/month

RENTAL - BELL FARMSTATESVILLENEW CONSTRUCTION

This beautiful 3 bed and 2 full bath RANCH home with a Two Car Attached Garage is a MUST SEE! It showcases a family room that extends effortlessly to a chef's kitchen with SS appliances including gas range and a large pantry. The breakfast room opens out to a patio for morning coffee and starlight suppers. The luxe owner’s suite includes a bathroom with a large walk in shower and double vanity. Two spacious secondary bedrooms have walk in closets. Enjoy plenty of storage. $1,990/month

AVENUE CONDOMINIUMS

Gorgeous End Unit on 23rd Floor of the Sought After Luxurious Avenue Condominiums. Open ﬂoor plan with Lots of Natural Lights. Floor to Ceiling Glass Panels gives you Amazing City Views. Beautiful Balcony! New Neutral paint. Kitchen Island, Stainless steel Appliances, lots of Modern Finishes. Avenue has a Stunning Lobby with Concierge, Pool, Fitness Center, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Grill, Community Room, etc. 2 Parking spaces. This one is a must see! $619,900

FOR SALE

Thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs for last 24 years!

I am here to help and navigate you through these challenging times with any of your real estate needs. Please call anytime to discuss your situation.

Ranked #1 at Ballantyne Ofﬁce 2008 - 2023

Overall Ofﬁce Sales Leader 2008 - 2023

Most Units Sold 2008 - 2023

AWARDS

Commendable Customer Service Award 2008 - 2023

President’s Cup: Overall Company Sales Team Leader 2008 - 2019

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“Anish has been our agent for more than a decade and we have done multiple deals with him. He is one of the best agents I have worked with across the nation, and we hope / expect to continue working with him in the future.”

“Anish recently assisted me in selling my home and guiding me through the process of purchasing a new one, and I couldn’t be more satisﬁed with the results.

I wholeheartedly recommend Anish to anyone in need of a dedicated, knowledgeable, and reliable real estate agent. His expertise, integrity, and exceptional service truly make them stand out in the industry. I am immensely grateful for his assistance and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Raajeev

continued from page 54

visit to India, many Uber drivers would cancel the ride after they found out that I was going for a short distance. This practice is illegal, and when I would argue with them, they would not only cancel the ride but also might have given me a low rating, which seems very unfair; you shouldn’t be able to judge me negatively until after you’ve gotten to know me!

“We rate everything now: our food, our rides, our streaming services—and apparently, now even our ability to sit still and not annoy the driver. I wonder if plants will start rating us for oxygen usage next.”

It seems ridiculous that society has become so focused on ratings systems – particularly when we should be able to wield this power when dealing with people who deserve it. Can you imagine?

“I’m giving my congressman a rating of two stars—great at cutting ribbons, terrible at cutting the budget. Five stars if you’re a lobbyist, one star if you’re a constituent.”

“This ﬂu virus gets a review of one and a half stars. You want to improve your rating? Don’t overstay your welcome!”

“I’m leaving my wife a review of one star. Signed, anonymous.”

But now I must worry about my own passenger rating on Uber. I don’t want to be forced to rent a car just because I am not able to get timely rides from Uber. I don’t know the answers for my lower rating on Uber but for all my subsequent rides on Uber, I would give the driver a 5-star rating and give a generous tip immediately after completing the ride. Well, it’s called a “tip” but let’s be honest; it really should be called a “ratings ransom”. “Give me an extra $20 or you’ll never see your precious 5-star rating again!”

The rise of the ratings system needs to be checked and companies like Uber and the rental car agency need to remember that while a question or a system may seem helpful on the surface, the further we push our customers towards inconvenience, the greater the risk of them choosing another option. And for me, that option might end up being my all-time favorite ride — my couch at home.

Raajeev Aggerwhil

is a Los Angeles-based comedian. Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy

To see his videos on YouTube, search for his name.

Eye on Markets

continued from page 46

With higher rates and high market multiple, many index level returns will have to come from earnings. Continued multiple expansion at the index level is likely limited. The good news is that strong economic growth will be conducive to earnings growth, expected to grow 15% next year and another 13% in 2026. The sweet spot for investors will be in areas of the market that have a low multiple with earnings growth and that beneﬁt from a higher growth environment. Returns in these areas will not only beneﬁt from earnings growth but multiple expansion.

An area that stands out is financials. Financials are expected to grow earnings 18% in the fourth quarter and are expected to have a long-term growth rate of 14%. They trade at 28% discount to the S&P 500. Banks are in a process of their multiple re-rating. Since the financial crisis, they have had significant capital requirements and restrictions. Basel III endgame will raise capital requirements by 9%, significantly lower than the 19% originally feared.

A positively sloped yield curve means that net interest income (NII) has bottomed out for banks. We are on the verge of capital markets and M&A activity restarting after three years. Goldman Sachs said on their earnings call, that they “see signiﬁcant pent-up demand from our clients,” and their “backlog rose in the third quarter.” Most banks rallied during the earnings season, as credit losses were meaningfully below expectations.

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

Looking forward, the market will focus on US election results, Fed meetings, earnings and economic data.

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

Over 10 Years of Experience

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

Go to our regularly updated Events page here

Editor’s Desk: Read Saathee

Editor Samir Shukla’s essays collected here.

Watch a selection of our carefully 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.

CarToon Corner

Tune Your Brain

Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110

Anjana Patel RPH

Speaks fluently in Gujarati and Hindi

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

● Specialist in Medicare insurance including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare drug plans and dental vision and hearing plans

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

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

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.

One, ___, Three

Modi is Prime Minister of ____.

Hornets are part of ____ Basketball Association.

The National Bird of USA. Bald ____.

Saturn has lots of ____.

Niagra Falls is a ____fall.

Answers on page 104

Hello Readers

We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com

Magic Maze Answers on page 110

Go Figure! Answers on page 104

Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions

December 2024

Dec. 1 - World AIDS Day

Dec. 1 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)

Dec. 2 - Cyber Monday

Dec. 3 - Giving Tuesday

Dec. 4 - National Cookie Day

Dec. 5 - World Soil Day

Dec. 6 - St. Nicholas Day

Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Dec. 8 - Bodhi Day

Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day

Dec. 11 - Gita Jayanti / Mokshada Ekadashi

Dec. 14 - Dattatreya Jayanti

Dec. 15 - Margashirsha Purnima (Full Moon)

Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 23 - Festivus

Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve

Dec. 25 - Christmas Day

Dec. 25 - Hanukkah Begins

Dec. 26 - Sabarimala Mandala Puja

Dec. 26 - Saphala Ekadashi

Dec. 26 - Kwanzaa Begins

Dec. 30 - Darsh Amas (No Moon)

Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve

Key Word Search Answers from page 103 Two India National Eagle Rings Water

Key Word of the Month: WINTER

Go Figure! answers from page 103

1. Removed tree

2. Added snake

3. Added plane

4. Added ﬂowers

5. Removed cigarette

6. Changed dress color

7. Removed window

8. Added birds

9. Changed ﬂag color

10. Added rabbits

11. Removed tree

12. Added cloud

13. Added house

14. Added tree

15. Added lady

Puzzle Solutions from page 102

Astroscope

Aries

(March 21 – April 20)

DECEMBER 2024

An aggressive attitude could lead to disaster this month. Don’t rely on your partner too much. A family member’s ill health may induce mental anxiety by the end of the month. A fruitless long-distance journey is also possible. Financially you will do well but a lack of happiness and stress could become the root cause for bewildering actions. Legal disputes must be avoided. Just slow down and go with the ﬂow.

Taurus

(April 21 – May 20)

This will be a very busy yet successful month for you. Luck should favor you except regarding health and the relationship with your partner. This period will turn out more positive for students and younger generations. Be very careful while driving to avoid potential accidents. Misunderstandings with friends may cause serious problems. Avoid taking out a loan during the last week of the month.

Gemini

(May 21 – June 20)

Short term prospects don’t look too bright, but a new partnership will bring great success in the long run. This is an excellent time to meet new people. Avoid family disputes, as they could lead to unpleasant circumstances. You might receive an excellent piece of news. This is also a good period for love and romance. You could beneﬁt from political and legal transitions in the world.

Cancer

(June 21 – July 22)

Bad decisions at the beginning of the month can bring forth unexpected problems, which could also affect your health. The good thing is your family will support you and by the end of the month, some good news should delight you. Don’t plan any sort of travel right now. The course of action right now is to sit back, relax and keep your head down.

Leo

(July 23 – August 22)

If you can control your expenses, you should enjoy good luck and success this month. You may need to work extended hours, but the impact of this on your income should be more than anticipated. You may feel very spiritual this month. A life changing opportunity could come your way, so be sure to accept it. You should also be able to defeat your enemies. Remain cautious while driving and listen to your partner.

Virgo

(August 23 – September 21)

A lack of conﬁdence mixed with egoistical speech could harm you this month. Avoid public gatherings and instead keep working hard to maintain your morals. Your partner can prove to be a great support. You should also enjoy good health, however, be sure to get your blood tested. Family assistance and a slow boost in savings may help you feel comfortable. Travel could prove disastrous, so try to avoid it.

Libra

(September 22 – October 20)

Love and happiness are in the air as you enjoy supreme conﬁdence while working on your dream project. Life should move very smoothly. A minor health problem and family disputes could be there, but you can ignore them for now. You may end up paying for your partner’s mistake. Any long-distance journey could be troublesome, but very rewarding. Focus on your talents and enjoy success.

Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)

To enjoy both career success and a happy married life, be sure to listen to your partner this month. Your schedule should be quite busy, and your income will be on the rise. Don’t be afraid to share with others. You may also enjoy dominance amongst your peers, so be sure to take advantage of it. Also don’t hesitate to spend on luxury items. Stay vigilant as destiny can offer you some unexpected surprises.

Sagittarius

(November 21 – December 21)

You may be very busy shufﬂing between work and a happy social life. Some unexpected expenses could be there, but overall happiness is clearly indicated. Your subordinates should be very supportive this month. The last days of the month may bring a major change for you. Income could ﬂow in from multiple directions. Long distance journeys can prove to be very successful.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 21)

This period should move rapidly for you. Working on developing your hobby can produce good returns. A recommendation from your superior may lead to extra income. However, unexpected expenses and losses may wash away most of it. You could face a health issue during the second half of the month. Focus on business-related travel to enjoy the best results.

Aquarius

(January 22 – February 18)

Working on a project with family should lead to great returns and a happy household. Your income and status are both on the rise. Try to avoid the stock market, travel, or spending time with friends during the middle of the month. It is best to remain focused on work, and perhaps even start a new venture. Enjoy good health for the foreseeable future.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

This is a good time for an enjoyable long-distance journey as well as earning a little extra money. Relish in a higher social status by arranging communal or religious gatherings. Don’t expect much from your partner this month. Political support and family accomplishments could hoist you well above others. Your conﬁdence should be on par and help you tackle a very busy schedule.

CLASSIFIEDS

Business Opportunities

Partnership / Purchase Opportunity

Free standing Convenience Store with gaming and lotto in Georgia, 31061. Monthly revenue $20-$25 K. Call 301-852-1916.

Discover a Low Investment Business Opportunity in the financial industry that allows you to work from home, part-time or fulltime, and achieve excellent income potential. Call 908-590-4414 to set up an appointment for more details.

C-Store w/ Gas Station For Sale in NE Georgia near SC Stateline. Includes property. Please text 228-363-1023.

Adeia Services

Home / Business Cleaning / Sanitizing Franchise $699. + Royalties. Financing $99 down, $30 / month for 24 months. For details contact J. Edward Wolfe at jedwardwolfe46@gmail.com.

Employment Opportunities

Gas Station / C-store Help Needed at stores near Huntersville & Northlake areas. Must speak English & be family friendly oriented. Please call 704-402-4661.

Home Help Needed

for elderly lady in State Road, NC. Flexible hours. Duties include basic household cleaning & vegetarian cooking. Call Mike 336-244-4199 for details.

Housekeeping Couple Needed for Hotel near Charlotte airport. Good pay with accommodations provided. Call Tarun 704-350-5161.

Hotel Help Wanted

Hiring experienced operations manager for interior corridor hotel in Suffolk, VA. Call/Text 804-991-0306 or 804-317-1915.

Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, NC. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482.

Looking for Passionate Salesperson for Men’s Clothing Store in Spartanburg, SC. Must be fluent in English. Call David at 704-267-6272.

Seeking Two People

Full-time, single or couple to fully manage & operate Convenience Store with Gasoline. in South Hill, VA. Contant Mahesh at 703-627-3259 or tridah@gmail.com.

Hotel Help Wanted

Looking for Manager & Front Desk for properties in Charlotte. Contact Nita Shah 704-502-2630 or gm.nita.shah@gmail.com

Beauty Parlour Help Wanted in Cary, NC. Esthetician, Cosmetologist or Threader. Choose: salary or hourly plus tips commission. Call 919-649-1228.

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

Realtors Wanted:

In Myrtle Beach and other parts of SC & NC. Join the team of Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC for the best commissions and low fees. Call Bipin for details: 704-608-8469.

GM Opportunity

for a Wyndham Days Inn, located in St. Pauls, NC (near Lumberton & Fayetteville). Exterior corridor hotel with recent full renovation. Includes 2 BR apartment. Please contact Ish Patel 706495-1630 for further info.

Looking for a Cook

to prepare healthy, vegetarian meals for working couple in Charlotte. Can be Indian or International Cuisine for weekly / monthly pick-up or delivery. Call or text (preferred) Pratik at 828333-7160.

Front Desk Manager & Housekeeping Couple Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text / call 704-701-9975.

Gas Station Seeking Help in Rock Hill, SC. Single or couple. Good pay for an experienced person! No accommodations. Call 803-659-3330.

Autobody Shop Hiring Now! Auto Body technician needed in Charlotte / Mooresville, NC. Great pay! Willing to sponsor a Visa for well qualified applicant. Call 704-663-0032 or email: VS@ColorMasterPremium.com.

Hotel Help Wanted

Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte (Airport Area) & Winston-Salem (Near Hanes Mall). Accommodations provided. Call 704-626-4849 between 4-8pm.

Front Desk / Night Auditor Wanted for Franchise hotel (ABVI) in Goldsboro, NC. Accommodations provided. Contact Ketan 919-394-6224.

Now Hiring Couple

to run a Small Motel in Richland, NC. Accommodations provided. Call for details 910-545-4158.

Hotel Help Wanted

Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point, NC & Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Call 704-460-0379 between 6-9pm.

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

Rent Jan 1, 2025 Venue, Home or Office on 10 Acres - US 64 Apex, NC

Saathee Classified ads

Sell your business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Call: 704-527-7570 for details.

Seeking Groom

Well-educated MS Software Engineer, BE Computer Engineer Girl. 32 year-old, never married, well-settled, and goodlooking. Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, US H1-B-140 approved living in Anaheim, CA. Looking for Boy, preferably IT/ Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh 260-602-3354.

Telugu Girl Looking for Groom. Divorced, 33 years-old. MS in Computer Science & 4 years of Software Engineering living in High Point, NC. Caste no bar. Contact 512-826-6401.

Seeking Bride

Well-educated MD Internist / Hospitalist (Non-Interventional Cardio Fellowship) Man. 35 year-old, never married, wellsettled, and good-looking. Vegetarian, Spiritual, Gujarati, only child, US Citizen. Looking for Girl, preferably Medical professional but will accept any higher education. Text Shailesh with details 260-602-3354.

US citizen, Hindu, business graduate, 33 currently working in a federal position in Raleigh, NC. Looking for educated bride. Call 336-683-7631 or cstore1947@yahoo.com.

Saathee Classified

Looking for a life partner? Saathee can help you reach hundreds of potential matches. E-mail saathee@saathee.com.

Room for Rent

In Rock Hill, SC with separate bathroom and common kitchen. Includes utilities & internet. Good offer for 2 people! Call 803-659-3330.

Property for Sale in India

Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat.Bunglow on property is still functional. Located right before Raguvir tenaments. Call Rajesh: 706-633-4577.

Services

Pari Beauty in Matthews

Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 35 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912.

Math Tutoring

Looking to boost your child's mental math skills? Master Math with Abacus provides top-quality, remote tutoring with a proven track record. ISO-9001 certified training for grades 1-8. Call for details. WhatsApp: 798-053-5065.

Affordable Wedding Photography

20 years of experience in Indian wedding photography. Specializing in film & digital photos. Engagement, Wedding, and Receptions. Contact Vivek: email: vivekweddingmemories@gmail.com or call 347-321-4746.

Sam’s Handy Services

Gas station & motel painting, LED lights installation, carpenter work and other services. Call Srinivas for quote: 910-434-3334.

Priest Available for Shree Satya narayan katha, Shanti hawan, Vastu shanty, Weddings, Baby shower, Bhumi pujan, Mata ki chowki pujan, Funeral, all types of karmakand. Please call Viral Bhatt 704-438-6334.

Neeta's Beauty Parlor

Full service. Near the Hindu Center of Charlotte. For more details on our services and to make and appointment please call 704-968-0270.

Priest:

Ganesh, Shiv, Lakshmi, Randal, Paduka Pujans; Wedding, Baby Shower, House warming, Satyanaryan Katha, Mundan & Yagnopavit; Funeral, Navchandi, Tarpan, Havans, etc. Online puja available. Call Rajendra Bhatt 732-841-7832.

Bini’s Salon: Greensboro

Eyebrow threading, Waxing and tinting; Lash lift & tint; Facials, Body waxing, Tanning beds & more. Call for appointment: 336-288-4826 or walk-in at 3606 N Elm St, Unit D in Greensboro, NC.

Gujarati Priest

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

Travel Passion

International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Passport Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509-550-9076 or 509-550-9034 or email travelpassion24@gmail.com.

Adult Dance Student continued from page 58

This fear can be taken in a negative direction or can be taken positively.

In the positive direction, by overcoming one’s own trepidations and fear, maybe an understanding can occur.

Pam Pam Pam Papanasham- This translates from the Stotram noting that Maha KalaBhairava destroys sins.

In the context of the neighbors, given time, the “sin” of ignorance is destroyed and becomes knowledge.

The “tongue” garble of the neighbors which once seemed demonic, is now an exposure to a new language.

Going from the worldly, back to the divinities, the concept of the skulls can be explored from various vantage points. It can be seen as gruesome, and it can be misunderstood or taken out of context.

But when exploring the concepts in Sanatana Dharma, the skulls represent the impermanence of the material body.

The skulls worn by Kali and KalaBhairava demonstrate that the human form is but a shell, or carrier for the atma.

In daily life, from fear of the foreign neighbor, another fear is the concept of time.

Will we make it in time to school? If we wake up too late, we may miss the bus. Is there enough time to play outsideor should one keep studying all the time. Can we make it in time to the meeting for work if there’s a traﬃc jam?

When will we stop having to keep switching the time twice a year. Can society stop doing that and stick to one time, or is it arbitrary?

How to manage time properly before time starts catching up and we lose track of that time.

Does time truly heal wounds? Maybe it may take a few cycles for the healing to occur. Maybe a new start is needed to learn a lesson.

KalaBhairava is fearful because Kala also represents time. Krishna notes to Arjuna in Bhagavad Geetha that he is time. The ultimate “destroyer” of the mortal form is time.

But is that truly fearful? Or is that a “truth?” Does the truth in this case set one free?

If through understanding one understands time, they can maybe start to try to use that time wisely.

Being enlightened to that helps one to rise above the initial fear of what time is, and to see how magniﬁcent KalaBhairava truly is in his divine and great form. Asato ma sad gamaya

From ignorance, understanding KalaBhairava can take one to truth. The Indian Classical Arts is a medium to be able to teach the abstract and yet very real concepts of time and to be able to meditate upon these complex constructs throughout one’s journey in time.

This series of articles is about the journey and unique insights of an adult dance student learning classical Indian dance and the experiences and perspective of taking classical Indian dance as both an American and an Indian.

Preethi Sriram

is a classical dance enthusiast and lifelong learner of dance. Contact: SriramPreethi@hotmail.com

Magic Maze & Puzzles4Kids answers pgs 102 -103

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