Saathee Raleigh February 2022

Bridging Bridging America America and and the the Indian Indian Subcontinent Subcontinent

Saathee.com

February 2022

IN THIS ISSUE Wishcycling, Recycle or Not: Page 22 Events: Page 18 Recipe: Paneer Palmiers with Tomato Coriander Chutney: Page 72

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Hello Readers!

What is wishcycling? Two waste experts explain that it is better to throw something out if you are not sure if it is recyclable. See page 22.

Read the eye-opening essay "Metaworse, how the billionaires ate reality," on page 42.

Yeh Dosti! It is all about friendship. Read the Namaskar Y'all column beginning on page 46.

Read our Personal Finances column to find out about things people believe they know about Wills that aren't really so. Go to page 54.

It’s the month of love. Learn how to make heart-shaped Paneer Palmiers with Tomato Coriander Chutney in our recipe on page 72.

We are seeking writers and recipes. Send a query to Saathee Editor Samir Shukla, Samir@Saathee.com.

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

“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”

February 2022 Issue # 285 - Saathee.com Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)

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

Digital Media & Marketing

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

Jennifer W. Allen

Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews

Contributors for this issue: Kirit Shukla, Raajeev Aggerwhil, Ahsen Jillani, Shyama Parui, Taige Shukla, Lindsey Conger, Preethi Sriram Mo Vidwans & Jalendu Vaidya.

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

Cover: Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal Lake Phewa is stream-fed, but a dam regulates the water reserves, so it is classified as semi-natural freshwater lake. Pokhara, considered the tourism capital of Nepal, is located on its shore. The Annapurna Range, with three out of the ten highest peaks in the world—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu—is within 15–35 mi (24–56 km) of the valley. Photo: AdobeStock

- FOUNDED 1998 -

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

704.527.7570 Fax: 704.527.7590

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Saathee@saathee.com 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 (USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by:

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Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month.

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All content © 2022 Shukla Entertainment, Inc

Saathee, P.O. Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220-1468 Saathee.com

8

February 2022

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February 2022

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In This Issue

Page 22 What is Wishcycling?

Page 50 Spot the Differences

Page 42 Metaworse

Page 34 Increase your India Knowledge: Lake Vembanad

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

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

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72

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

Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46

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

Wishcycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22

My Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54

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

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

Mirror Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56

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

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

College Admissions Insider . . . . . .pg. 60

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

Raajeev’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40

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

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

Saathee.com

12

February 2022

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The Editor’s Desk

Loaded

by Samir Shukla bringing cultural division to a boiling point.” Busse is a hunter, outdoorsman, and conservationist, all things he says the firearms industry was built on.

He spent over 30 years in the industry and built a successful career selling millions of firearms for one of America’s most popular gun companies.

He became disillusioned with the way the industry was evolving, with the NRA becoming more radical in its political leanings and gunmakers profiting from the fears spewed by politicians.

Busse eventually left the industry.

He says the lure of massive profits derailed the industry from its “self-imposed decency” to lock arms with “hardline conservatism and internal policing, which have created irreparable division in the country’s politics and society in general.”

“By the time Obama’s presidency came to an end, the industry had recorded more than 101 million gun sales, a 75 percent increase over the administration of George W. Bush.” He writes in the book, explaining that the industry feeds on fear and propaganda that guns will be taken away from the average citizen if any gun control legislation is considered or passed.

The book exposes the secretive industry from an insider’s point of view. It shows how America’s gun industry shifted from “prioritizing safety and ethics to one that is addicted to fear, conspiracy, intolerance, and secrecy.”

He is especially troubled by the profusion of military style weapons. Busse talks openly about his own transformation where he eventually got disillusioned and left his lucrative job and the firearms industry. He bemoans how talking about his own conscience, or even simple common sense gun control measures, became an act of treason in the eyes of the folks he worked with, as the industry demands intense loyalty.

What are icons of Americanism? Apple pie and baseball come to mind. Add to that a piece of hardware that has thoroughly permeated American lives and politics. Guns. They also seemingly project American culture to the outside world, for better or worse, more so than anything else. The debates on gun ownership and the 2nd Amendment rile our social and political discourses. Everyone has an opinion on the matter and balancing the constitutional rights while working to reduce violence due to guns is an endless debate. When I saw the cover of the book Gunfight, it immediately drew me in to read the book. It’s a fantastic look at the firearms industry from an insider’s view. Below is my review.

Gunfight My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America Author: Ryan Busse (Public Affairs) “I am responsible for selling millions of guns,” author Ryan Busse writes in the prologue of his book Gunfight. The book is an eye-opening tome written by an insider, a former large firearms company executive and NRA (National Rifle Association) member who worked in the gun industry for decades.

America’s gun industry is a multibillion-dollar behemoth. Hundreds of millions of firearms are owned by Americans in every corner of the country.

Busse writes about how the firearms industry at one time “abhorred extremism and prided itself on gun safety has now become mired in fostering extremism and racism, radicalizing the nation and Saathee.com

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

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February 2022

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February 2022

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Community Events Triangle Wine & Food Experience: Raleigh, NC (February 3-5, 2022) The Triangle Wine & Food Experience is an event with all proceeds benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center.

Winemakers and celebrity chefs from all over the world, as well as thousands of donors and supporters, will participate.

This three day affair between February 3 & 5, 2022 includes winery dinners at the Triangle’s top restaurants, wine tastings at area wine shops, and trade events.

The weekend culminates in a Grand Auction, which features a selection of wine and food, and an auction. Find out more at Trianglewinefood.org.

Hasan Minhaj - The Kings Jester Show (February 17-20, 2022) Hasan Minhaj was the host and creator of the weekly comedy show Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix. The series explored the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity through his unique comedic voice. He has also performed at the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and for his one-hour Netflix comedy special Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King. Note that phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. All phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in individual pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Tickets and other info: Hasanminhaj.com. He presents his The King’s Jester show which will be on following dates: - Durham Performing Arts Center, February 17 - Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (Charlotte, NC), February 18 - Peace Center (Greenville, SC), February 19 - Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA), February 20

wine & Chocolate Festival: Greensboro, NC (February 12, 2022) Wineries and wine enthusiasts from across the region will gather on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex - Event Hall B for an unlimited sampling of dozens of North Carolina wines of all styles and tastes. Bottles will be available for purchase. Everyone gets a free souvenir tasting glass.

Enjoy a selection of tasty nibbles and treats, chocolates, and cheeses. Browse through mini boutiques featuring purses, jewelry, clothing and more. Check out Wineandchocolatefestivals.com, look for Greensboro.

Hilton Head Marathon: (February 12, 2022)

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: Charleston, SC (February 16-20, 2022)

The Hilton Head Island Marathon is returning on February 12, 2022, for another fun day of running through Hilton Head Island. Join thousands of runners across three distances (marathon, half, and 5k) and experience this scenic race that’s one of the premier running events in the region. With all races finishing at the same after party, you’ll celebrate your accomplishments with an after party featuring beer, free food, great tunes, and some race swag. Learn more at Hhmarathon.com.

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Experience the nation’s premier celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Hunt for your next piece of fine art, collect handcrafted goods, witness live demonstrations, and get a taste of the Lowcountry. The exhibition will be on February 16-20, 2022, with events across Charleston at different venues. Learn more at Sewe.com/events.

American Heritage Festival: Florence, SC (February 19-20, 2022) The 6th annual American Heritage Festival will be held between February 19-20, 2022. It is a living history showcase of Colonial South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. Battle reenactment will take place with 12 different Revolutionary War regiments participating from 18

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Community Events the east coast. Historical speakers, demonstrations, British and Continental encampments, and a colonial village will be on display. The festival will be held on Graham’s historic farm in Lake City, SC. Details: Theamericanheritagefestival.com.

abhishekham, aarti and prasad on February 28 and March 1. The temple is located at 309 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville, NC. For more details, call 919-599-9667 or visit Hsnctemple.org.

Asheville, NC: Sri Somesvara Temple will begin Maha Shivaratri celebrations on February 28, 2022, from 10am – 3pm with Rudraabhishekam celebrate Shivaratri night Aag Ki Raat: Columbia, SC (February 26, 2022) Aag Ki Raat is a from 11pm – 2am with Annabhishekam. The temple is Bollywood-fusion located about 45 minutes west of Asheville, NC. For more dance competition details, call 828-531-9945 or visit Srisomesvara.org. hosted by USC in Charleston Wine + Food Festival: (March 2-6, 2022) Columbia.

AKR aims to celebrate Visit from March 2-6, 2022 for the 17th annual Charleston South Asian dance Wine + Food Festival. Fueled by a passion for the people and culture by and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, this attracting teams year’s festival will feature over 100 unique culinary from all over the experiences that will fill your belly + feed your soul. For country in the spirit of competition. This year they’re five days, Charleston will serve as the backdrop for a coming back with another lineup at the Koger Center of gathering of top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, Performing Arts. All of the efforts made by AKR are in artisans, and food enthusiasts. Tickets are on sale now. pursuit of helping local charity, Carolina Survivor Clinic. Find the information at: Charlestonwineandfood.com.

Enjoy the eight teams at Aag Ki Raat, a night of fire on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Tickets at the door. For more Indian Idol Tour: Atlanta and Raleigh (March 4 & 6, 2022) information: visit the Aag Ki Raat page on Facebook or The top 4 winners of Indian Email: uscakr@gmail.com.

Idol Season 12, Pawandeep Rajan, Arunita Kanjilal, Sayli Wilmington Marathon: (February 26, 2022) Kamble, and Mohammad Danish, are performing live This is the perfect Friday, March 4, 2022 at Boston Marathon Atlanta Symphony Hall, at qualifying event.

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Wrightsville Beach Sunday March 6, 2022 at and makes a Meymandi Concert Hall, straight shot into Raleigh, NC at 6pm. Call 919downtown Wilmington. The back half of the marathon is in beautiful Greenfield Lake and will finish at Live Oak 355-6265 or visit Intensedmv.com.

Bank Pavilion. Come span the Cape Fear Coast and run from destination to destination on Saturday, February 26, Oak City Revolution: Raleigh, NC (March 12, 2022) 2022. Find all details as well as registration information The South-Asian socioat Wilmingtonncmarathon.com. cultural organization at North Carolina State Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: University, called Ektaa, organizes its premiere Carolinas (February 28-March 1, 2022) competition Charlotte: The Hindu Center will dance celebrate with Lord Shiva every year. Oak City abhishekham all day and night Revolution is the first beginning February 28 – March 1, ever Bollywood - Fusion along with bhajans, aarti, and Dance Competition to be held in the city of Raleigh, NC. prasad. The temple is located at This year eight teams from around the country will 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. For compete. The event takes place on Saturday, March 12, more details, call 704-535-3440 or 2022 at the Stewart Theater on the NC State campus. All proceeds will be donated to Pratham. For details visit, visit Hcclt.org.

Cary: The Hindu Society of NC Facebook.com/OakCityRevolution. will celebrate with bhajans, Saathee.com

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February 2022

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February 2022

What is Wishcycling?

Two Waste Experts Explain

By Jessica Heiges and Kate O’Neill, the Conversation When in doubt, throw it out.

Wishcycling is putting something in the recycling bin and hoping it will be recycled, even if there is little evidence to confirm this assumption.

Hope is central to wishcycling. People may not be sure the system works, but they choose to believe that if they recycle an object, it will become a new product rather than being buried in a landfill, burned or dumped.

The U.S. recycling industry was launched in the 1970s in response to public concern over litter and waste.

The growth of recycling and collection programs changed consumers’ view of waste: It didn’t seem entirely bad if it could lead to the creation of new products via recycling.

Pro-recycling messaging from governments, corporations and environmentalists promoted and reinforced recycling behavior. This was especially true for plastics that had resin identification codes inside a triangle of “chasing arrows,” indicating that the item was recyclable – even though that was usually far from the truth. In fact, only resins #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, or PET) and #2 (high-density polyethylene, or HDPE) are relatively easy to recycle and have viable markets. The others are hard to recycle, so some jurisdictions don’t even collect them. continued on page 78

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February 2022

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February 2022

Upcoming Movie Releases All Dates Subject to Change - for the latest information visit Saathee.com/Movies The Amazing Maurice (Directors: Toby Genkel and Florian Westermann) Cast: Hugh Laurie, David Thewlis, Himesh Patel, and Hugh Bonneville

February 4 Acharya (Director: Koratata Siva) Cast: Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal, Pooja Hegde, and Sonu Sood

Gehraiyaan (Director: Shakun Batra) Cast: Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Ananya Panday

Moonfall (Director: Roland Emmerich) Cast: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, Michael Peña, and Donald Sutherland

February 18

Looop Lapeta (Director: Aakash Bhatia) Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Shreya Dhanwanthary, and Tahir Rah Bhasin Etharkkum Thunindhavan (Director: Pandiraj) Cast: Suriya, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Sathyaraj, and Saranya Ponvannan Badhaai Do (Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni) Cast: Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar

February 11 Death on the Nile (Director: Kenneth Branagh) Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Ali Fazal, and Gal Gadot

Uncharted (Director: Ruben Fleischer) Cast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, and Antonio Banderas 18 Pages (Director: Palnati Surya Pratap) Cast: Nikhil Siddharth and Anupama Parameswaran

Major (Director: Sashi Kiran Tikka) Cast: Adivi Sesh, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Murali SharmaRevathi

Dog (Directors: Channing Tatum & Reid Carolin) Cast: Channing Tatum, Jane Adams, Emmy RaverLampman, and Kevin Nash

Marry Me (Director: Kat Coiro) Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, and Sarah Silverman

Gangubai Kathiawadi (Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali) Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, and Indira Tiwari

Khiladi (Director: Ramesh Varma) Cast: Ravi Teja, Arjun Sarja, Dimple Hayathi, and Nikitin Dheer

February 25

Blacklight (Director: Mark Williams) Cast: Liam Neeson, Tim Draxl, and Aidan Quinn

Jayeshbhai Jordaar (Director: Divyang Thakkar) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Shalini Pandey, Boman Irani, and Ratna Pathak Shah

Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Director: Faraz Haider) Cast: Divyenndu Sharma, Anant Vidhaat, and Avantika Khattri

Bheemla Nayak (Director: Saagar K Chandra) Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Rana Daggubati, Murali Sharma, and Raghu Babu

Aaraattu (Director: B Unnikrishnan) Cast: Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, Sampath Raj, Neha Saxena, and Malavika Menon

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Hey Sinamika (Director: Brinda) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, and Aditi Rao Hydari 26

February 2022

Film Clips Marry Me

Music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian are getting married before a global audience of fans.

But when Kat learns, seconds before her vows, that Bastian has been unfaithful, she decides to marry Charlie, a stranger in the crowd, instead.

The movie, directed by Kat Coiro, stars Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Utkarsh Ambudkar, John Bradley, and Sarah Silverman. It opens in theaters on February 11.

Mere Desh Ki Dharti

Mere Desh Ki Dharti is a humorous yet inspirational take on the lives and journey of young engineers Ajay and his friend Sameer from being abject urban failures to icons of rural India. The film is directed by Faraz Haider and stars Divyenndu Sharma, Anant Vidhaat, Anupriya Goenka, Farrukh Jaffar, and Avantika Khattri. It is slated to open on February 11.

Luck The curtain is pulled back on the millennia-old battle between the organizations of good luck Saathee.com

and bad luck that secretly affects everyday lives. Luck is an animated film directed by Peggy Holmes with voices of the characters portrayed by Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg, among others. The film will begin streaming on February 18.

Uncharted

Uncharted is an actionadventure film directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay by Rafe Lee Judkins, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. Based on the video game series of the same name developed by Naughty Dog, the film stars Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg along with Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, and Antonio Banderas in supporting roles. Nathan Drake and his partner Victor “Sully” Sullivan go in dangerous pursuit of “the greatest treasure never found” while also tracking clues that may lead to Drake’s long-lost brother. Uncharted, directed by Ruben Fleischer, is slated to open in cinemas around the country on February 18.

Bachchan Pandey This is a remake of the 2014 film Veeram in which a kindhearted villager takes down 28

the enemies of his fiancé’s father, to safeguard their family. Director Farhad Samji guides the huge cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Pankaj Tripathi, Prateik Babbar, and Abhimanyu Singh. Bachchan Pandey hits the screens on March 18.

The Batman

In his second year of fighting crime, Batman uncovers corruption in Gotham City that connects to his own family while facing a serial killer known as the Riddler. The cast includes Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Jayme Lawson, Barry Keoghan, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell. The Matt Reeves directed DC adventure starts on March 4.

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The Unbreakable Boy

Phone Bhoot

A young boy with both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism. But what makes him truly unique is his joyous, funny, life-affirming world view that transforms and unites everyone around him. Director Jon Gunn’s drama features Zachary Levi, Patricia Heaton, Peter Facinelli, Jacob Laval. The Unbreakable Boy is set to premiere on March 18.

The Lost City

Phone Bhoot, starring Katrina Kaif, Ishaan and Siddhant Chaturvedi, is Excel Entertainment’s newest offering after Gully Boy and Toofaan. The horror-comedy film is directed by Gurmmeet Singh, written by Ravi Shankaran and Jasvinder Singh Bath. The film is the acting trio’s first movie together. Expect plenty of laughs and spooks when Phone Bhoot hits the cinemas beginning on July 15.

A reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure. The action and comedy film is directed by Aaron and Adam Nee and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, and Channing Tatum. Look for The Lost City in theaters beginning March 25.

Saathee.com

Bullet Train Five assassins aboard a fast-moving bullet train find out their missions have something in common. This fastpaced action thriller is directed by David Leitch and stars Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Zazie Beetz, Aaron TaylorJohnson. Look for this cinematic train to release in theaters beginning on April 8.

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February 2022

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Increase Your

Knowledge

Lake Vembanad Vembanad, also known as Punnamada is the longest lake in India. It is located in the state of Kerala. Several groups of small islands are located in the Kochi Lake portion. Kochi Port is built around the Willingdon Island and the Vallarpadam island.

Kuttanad, also known as The Rice Bowl of Kerala, has the lowest altitude in India, and is also one of the few places in world where cultivation takes place below sea level. Kuttanad lies on the southern portion of Vembanad.

The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in a portion of the lake.

The Vembanad Lake’s wetland system covers an area of over 2033.02 km² thereby making it the second largest wetland system in India only after Sunderbans in West Bengal.

Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad lake and are directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihoods.

The Port City of Kochi (Cochin), is located at the lake’s outlet to the Laccadive Sea. The City of Alappuzha (also known as Allepey), sometimes called the “Venice of the East” for its large network of canals that meander through the town, is sandwiched between the lake and the Laccadive Sea. The Vembanad Wetland system has formed an intricate network of estuaries, lagoons and canals which spans over 196 km in the north–south and 29 km in the east–west directions. Almost all villages in these areas can be accessed via water transport.

Read about Lake Michigan, USA’s largest lake on pg. 38 Saathee.com

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February 2022

Increase Your

USA Knowledge Lake Michigan It is the largest Lake in the United States that is entirely in the country. It is also the largest lake in the world that is located in one country.

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America.

It is shared by the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Ports along its shores include Milwaukee and the City of Green Bay in Wisconsin; Chicago in Illinois; Gary in Indiana; and Muskegon in Michigan.

Twelve million people live along Lake Michigan’s shores, mainly in the Chicago and Milwaukee. The economies of many communities, surrounding the lake, are supported by tourism, with large seasonal populations visiting the lake.

The southern tip of the lake near Gary, Indiana, is heavily industrialized.

Lake Michigan has many beaches. The region is often referred to as the “Third Coast” of the United States, after those of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Two passenger and vehicle ferries operate ferry services on Lake Michigan. From May to October, the historic steamship, SS Badger, operates daily between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. The Lake Express carries passengers and vehicles across the lake between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Muskegon, Michigan.

The National Park Service maintains the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park. Parts of the shoreline are within the Hiawatha National Forest and the Manistee National Forest.

Read about Lake Vembanad, India’s longest lake on pg. 34

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February 2022

Berkley Stories

Raajeev’s Corner

by Raajeev Aggerwhil I was watching a Bollywood movie with my son where they showed a distraught Aishwarya Rai looking for her long lost lover in Europe. She was so happy when she magically found him on the streets of Milan. My son said, “Dad, why don’t they shoot scenes which are at least believable? These things don’t happen in real life.” I smiled and said, “But they do!” Then I told him the story of how I got connected with two of my closest friends, Rajesh and Sanjay, while doing my undergraduate studies at Berkeley in the 80’s.

I had finished my summer internship at Bell Labs in the Chicago area and was looking forward to starting the fall semester. I had just met Rajesh through a mutual friend, Jaideep, on that day. Rajesh had just arrived from India about two weeks earlier. When I was walking around Cory Hall, the Electrical Engineering building, I saw Rajesh sitting in the common discussion area. He seemed to be a bit lost.

Rajesh asked me if there were any places around to eat.

Like me, he was also a vegetarian. That allowed for an instant bonding – common cultural background and common dietary restrictions! I felt it was my righteous duty to introduce this bright IIT gold medalist to a cheese sandwich, the American equivalent of Aloo-Parantha. Pizza could have been a good substitute as well. I took him to a local deli on Euclid Avenue where he had his first avocado and cheese sandwich. While we were enjoying our new world’s version of Aloo-Parantha, Rajesh asked if there were any local shops that carried 220 V appliances. I was a bit surprised because most people would go to these shops before planning a trip to back to India. The Saathee.com

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fashionable thing to do in those days was to take blenders, VCR’s, or two-in-one stereo systems (radio with tape recording capability) for relatives in India.

Back then, among my group of friends, I was probably the only one with a car. Definitely I was the only one with a car in good shape. I offered to drive Rajesh in my Nissan Sentra to East West Appliances on University Avenue. The block where East West Appliances was located had a Bombay Bazaar, an Indian grocery store and an India Sari Palace next to it. I thought he could also shop for some spices for a real Aloo-Parantha as well. Rajesh and I went in the appliance shop, looked around, came out and then went to Bombay Bazaar. When we came out again and reentered East West Appliances, I saw a young Indian man with a big smile on his face.

Rajesh introduced me to Sanjay, his friend, from IIT Kanpur and his future roommate at Berkeley.

I found out that Sanjay had just landed from India. After getting admission in the Ph.D. program at Berkeley, he had informed Rajesh via mail, and they had decided to share an apartment together.

In those days, there was no Internet, no emails and calls to India had to be booked through an AT&T telephone operator which would cost $12.95 for continued on page 80 February 2022

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February 2022

Metaworse How the Billionaires Ate Reality

Subcontinental Divide

by Ahsen Jillani Yeah, yeah, I know I’ve griped about Artificial Intelligence (AI) eating our brains many times before. Actually, I was researching this way back, dating to 1980, when MIT was doing pioneering research on what could possibly happen. And yes, that was a time when a mega-bank supercomputer had about the same processing power as an iPhone today.

In 1980, I would stand at video arcades and stare in wonder at Pac Man eating cherries, apples, bananas and pineapples. The most fascinating aspect of this totally weird reward of colored digital pixels made to look like fruit? You put another quarter in.

I only started noticing the algorhythm game dating back 20 years.

But that was primitive stuff. Last three years, something more insidious started happening. I bought an autographed picture of Tom Selleck for my daughter for Christmas (she loves Magnum PI from the ‘80s). Then all heck broke loose.

Next thing I know, there was an autographed pic of Marilyn Monroe on eBay, certified original, for a mere $5,000. That soon blossomed into Jane Mansfield, Dolly Parton, Audrey Hepburn, and probably even Mickey Mouse. Most were fakes but some were not. Then started the porn star autographs. I am at a point now that I cannot even show a laptop auction to friends or family because there are 15 porn star autographed pics at the bottom of every listing.

If this was limited to eBay, I would use discretion and call it a day. Marilyn Monroe fan pages are now appearing on my Facebook newsfeed. Amazon is sending me notifications saying, Saathee.com

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“Since you looked for Marilyn Monroe, here are men’s undies with Marilyn Monroe photo on them.” LinkedIn is messaging me saying they need me to connect to JFK’s chiropractor. HVAC companies are sending me emails with Marilyn Monroe’s skirt blowing up on the street saying, “Stay Warm this Winter. Call Jose’s HVAC 24/7.”

Even more interesting to me is the collaboration between the 1,000 billionaires who own 90 percent of the wealth on the planet. “Since you bought HP inkjet, here are a few suggestions.” Folks, I bought the printer already. Am I going to purchase one for every room so I can print out Marilyn Monroe pics on each one and then put them on multiple platforms with terms like “authentic reprint” (meaning photocopy)?

So as Elon Musk fights Mark Zuckerberg about the real meaning of MetaWhatever, we are being fed a steady diet of how good life is going to be when virtual reality hits the goggles. You see, this is not like The Matrix movie thing, where everyone in a dark oily garbage world was plugged into the same reality. Today’s reality is much more brutal in that it constantly custom designs your environment for you. My google news feed is a prime example. In addition to Marilyn Monroe, it has endless articles on European sports cars. It also has irrelevant political news because I read politics as part of my job. If there was a nuclear blast continued on page 94 February 2022

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February 2022

Yeh Dosti!

All About Friendship Photo By Uttam Parui

Making and keeping friendship for life is just as hard in the current era of connectedness as it was a few decades ago. Moving to a different part of the world or entering a different phase of your life such as parenthood can complicate matters. However close knit your inner circle is, geographic distance will challenge its strength. If your buddies can’t relate to your feelings or have different priorities, it can deplete the rewards of that bond. In those scenarios cultivating camaraderie with a new set of guys or gals becomes vital. As immigrants, we consider having an alliance with folks from our home country an absolute must. Speaking in our mother tongue, watching Indian movies and having a conversation without having to offer much explanation works like chicken soup for the soul.

So, I often wondered why friends were conspicuously absent from my parents’ lives. My father handled his numerous acquaintances, relatives, neighbors, and business associates while my siblings and I hung out with a loyal band of friends. On the other hand, my mother usually socialized with her siblings. My aunt who lived down the street was Maa’s confidante and sounding board. Despite ups and downs, these sisters stuck together. They were loyal movie companions who planned on watching the first day, first show of every release with Dharmendra in it. Correspondingly, they also comforted each other through somber rituals of bereavement. Perhaps, their friendship just looked different than mine.

Namaskar, Y’all

by Shyama Parui People meet, hit it off, hang out, hang out again and before you know it, they are friends. And then come the stories, about that epic trip to Goa or Vegas or on the flip side, the fist fight you got into with your “frenemy”.

You may still remember the person you confided in, when your first Valentine sent roses or the one who listened patiently when you talked endlessly about your romantic trials and tribulations. In life, good friends are like the sugar dissolved in lemonade. You can probably drink it sour but adding those sweet, white crystals in the right amount, makes your tastebuds do cartwheels. They are the Veeru to your Jai or perhaps the Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte to your Carrie.

What lies in the heart of friendship?

With the passage of time and changing circumstances, the definition of friendship evolves and folks who fit that definition can and often change. When we first meet someone, most of us do not pre-determine the parameters of a potential friendship nor do we consciously evaluate the person’s ability to fulfill them. Our acceptance or realization of a connection tends to occur either impulsively or gradually. If the interaction is too intentional, vested interests may be lurking beneath the surface. Personally, with my independent spirit and Can friends cause heartache? introverted nature I believe in quality over quantity. My While Galentine’s Day and bromance are worth close pals include those who genuinely care about me. I celebrating, friends often get a bad rap. When we got into don’t have to worry about impressing them or wonder if continued on page 94 they are judging my family.

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February 2022

Why I Dance My Voice

by Preethi Sriram Pandemic Ponderings The pandemic time has made me an introspective person. Or maybe I have always been introspective, and pandemic just increased that ability.

In this time, I contemplate further why I learn to dance, especially within the Indian Classical arts form.

I am older and so no one urges me to learn Indian Classical Dance or the Indian Arts. Sometimes in classes I have been in, people will ask the “youngsters” why they take class. If I was asked as a kid, I would have been unsavvy and answered that “My friends are here.” “We get to hang out after.” Or maybe “There is a soda machine in the break room area” and I want to have a nice cola drink after class.

My most unsavvy answer that I probably would have not answered in such a realistic way but would have been thinking as my friends and I would maybe snicker if I were gutsy enough to have said so is “because I have no choice.” But kids these days, they are savvier. Probably more self-actualized than I ever could have been at their age.

I could have stopped as a teenager after high school when I had the chance. No one would have stopped me, or to become philosophical, I would have had no other motivation factors to push me to attend any dance classes. Moving to another state and school would have been a great way to end the journey.

Job wise, at this time, I probably do not need to have it added to my resume. That went with the wayside after high school and college. These days, kids can add it to their resumes (they probably did back in the day, but prior to social media and mass sharing of information, it was not known at least to me). I don’t think I ever actually had it added as an extracurricular activity to my resume even in school.

Today, maybe I could add it to my resume, but being honest, no one really would care (and realistically, for resume purposes in the job market, it would not be beneficial to add it, unless it was a role that I was specifically applying related to dance or something within the given field that would benefit the position directly) or may generate a slight pique of interest and seen as a nice hobby. Maybe it would be seen as a nice workout. A great form of exercise.

But that brings me to the present of why dance? continued on page 74

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February 2022

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February 2022

Spot the Differences See if you can spot the 10 differences between the original photo on top and modified one on bottom.

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February 2022

Things People Believe They Know about Wills That Aren’t Really So

need Wills if they want to determine who eventually receives their property.

State laws about Wills are the same throughout the United States Not so. Estate settlement and government laws vary by State. That is why your Will should be reviewed by an Attorney in the State where you live.

Personal Finances

Will is the only way to leave property to others Not completely true. Even though there are many other ways and instruments at our disposal to transfer property at the end of our lifetime a Will remains an important part of a complete estate plan.

by Mo Vidwans

I have always proposed strongly that everyone should have a Will, the only document that expresses your desires A Will is always valid regardless of its content and wishes after you are gone. There are other instruments That is not correct. This is not the case if a person is that can be used too but a Will is the easiest, most common defrauded or is subject to what the and is not very expensive. law refers to as undue influence Unfortunately, there are so many by another. people that spend a lifetime, earning and saving for the future You must be at least 21 to make a yet do not take even the simplest valid Will steps to determine how the assets The person must of legal age to they have worked for so hard will make a Will. The legal age varies eventually be managed and from State to State; some have it at distributed to loved ones and 18 as the minimum age. others. As I have written before, half the population in these United A person can completely States does not even have a Will. disinherit a spouse Although all this is true, the Incorrect. Although a Will may real problem could be that they attempt this, the surviving spouse believe they know things about may file a claim for a “marital Wills that are simply not true. share” a minimum amount Here I am examining several guaranteed under the laws of supposed facts about Wills and most States. other estate plans that I have come across. Given below are some of those ill-conceived thoughts.

One spouse always has the same rights to the other spouse’s estate Only the wealthy need Wills In many States, the rights will depend on several factors Incorrect. If you have any assets at all, even if your assets including whether the rights were acquired before or after are modest, you need a Will. the marriage.

The law usually distributes the property of a deceased person the same way he or she would have Incorrect again. State laws step in the picture and they distribute property according to what is on the books and the laws passed. Spouses and children may receive equal amounts regardless of need and no provision is made for distribution to friends and charity.

Once a Will is made nothing can change it except a completely new Will Not true. A codicil (amendment) added to an existing Will can alter its provisions. It can be changed in other ways.

Witnesses must be told the content of the Will This is not required at all. They only need to know that they are witnessing a person’s Will and that they are witnessing the signature of that person whose Will it is.

Couples who own property jointly don’t need Wills Joint ownership can be sensible and help reduce the expense and delay of probate but both spouses typically A Will is the most effective way to leave life insurance need individual Wills to distribute property that is not proceeds and assets held in qualified retirement plans Incorrect. Usually, the proceeds of a life insurance policy jointly owned. or the remainder of retirement plans are distributed Only those with children and others who depend on according to the terms of the beneficiary form. them need Wills Not true. Even people with no children or dependents continued on page 80 Saathee.com

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February 2022

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Take Another Little Piece of My Heart Mirror, Mirror

by Jennifer Allen “You may not control all the events that happen to you. but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ~ Maya Angelou The past year has been one of “wash, rinse, repeat” for a great many of us… and not by choice. Just as we thought socializing would reach a new level of normalcy, we as a society get struck with yet another virus variant and everyone slinks back into their customary hidey hole once more.

If this keeps up, we’re eventually going to run out Greek letters to call this virus and have to start getting creative….

Now it’s evolved into something called ‘Deltacron?’ I can’t keep up anymore. Honestly, I never thought I’d ever compare the name of a biological virus to a potential character from the Transformers franchise.

And so, we don our masks… again. We wait for a new immunity shot… again. We see and hear about people who (for various reasons) refuse to get said immunity shot… again.

It’s like we all suddenly woke up stuck in the same Punxsutawney, PA motel room day after day like Bill Murray but instead of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You, Babe” on the alarm… we hear Janis Joplin’s version of “Take Another Little Piece of My Heart.” This constant push and shove of socialization versus isolation has become so physically, emotionally, and mentally draining for many of us that we’re barely able to function as semi-normal people anymore.

With yet another Valentine season on the horizon, we need to be careful that our very human essence isn’t chipped away as we try to find a place where something as simple as a hug won’t be scrutinized as a life-or-death situation. Perhaps, alternatively, we should focus on what we can do for ourselves to persevere in a world still dangling by an unpredictable strand of thread. continued on page 78

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Deep Space Food Challenge NASA Offers $1 Million for Systems to Feed Tomorrow’s Astronauts

By Jennifer Harbaugh As NASA prepares to send astronauts further into the cosmos than ever before, the agency aims to upgrade production of a critical fuel source: food.

Giving future explorers the technology to produce nutritious, tasty, and satisfying meals on longduration space missions will give them the energy required to uncover the great unknown.

In coordination with the Canadian Space Agency, NASA is calling on the public to help develop innovative and sustainable food production technologies or systems that require minimal resources and produce minimal waste.

Dubbed the Deep Space Food Challenge, the competition calls on teams to design, build, and demonstrate prototypes of food production technologies that provide tangible nutritional products – or food.

Over time, food loses its nutritional value. That means for a multi-year mission to Mars, bringing along pre-packaged food will not meet all the needs for maintaining astronaut health. Additionally, food insecurity is a significant, chronic problem on Earth in both urban and rural communities.

Disasters that disrupt supply chains further aggravate food shortages. Developing compact and innovative advanced food system solutions through initiatives such as the Deep Space Food Challenge could have applications in home and communitycontinued on page 76

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February 2022

What’s the Difference Between Deferred Vs. Waitlisted?

Four Things Students Should Do College Admissions Insider

by Lindsey Conger Deferred or waitlisted? It can be confusing to understand the difference between deferred and waitlisted for college applications. The similarity is that both options place students in a sort of limbo state where they must wait longer to see if they will be admitted.

Deferral means that the college has chosen not to accept you in the early round, however, they will give your file a second look during the regular admission round. While waitlisted means the college has finished reviewing your application and the decision is to put you on the waiting list.

Whether you are deferred or waitlisted, don’t panic.

Remember, you have not been denied. Here are four steps you should take.

Decide if the university is still your top option. Is the university still your “dream school?” Or have things changed since you have sent in your application? If another school might be a better fit for you, this deferment or waitlist has opened your options for you, and a chance for you to reconsider your college list.

Update your resume and LinkedIn. Our students send in not only a resume, but also their LinkedIn profile with their applications. Your LinkedIn profile serves as a portfolio to add any research papers, pictures from service projects, or videos of you performing an extracurricular activity. We advise students to provide the universities with specific details highlighting their impressive extracurricular activities.

Ask for another letter of recommendation. Ask a supervisor at an internship, coach, teacher, or manager at a job to write you a letter of recommendation. This recommendation should add something new to your application.

Write a deferral or waitlist letter. If you are still committed to attending the school, you should send a letter of continued interest. This letter should be about

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one page in length and should show how you are a strong candidate now. It is important you send the letter immediately.

How To Write The Deferral or Waitlist Letter The letter must display your continued interest in attending the school. In the first paragraph, convey why the school remains your top choice. Don’t lie; only write a deferral letter if you are committed to attending.

Next, describe your most recent accomplishments. Update the admissions officers on things that have occurred since you applied.

You want to make your candidate profile stronger and showcase why you would be a great asset to the university.

Here are some examples of things to include: - High test scores on standardized tests (ACT, SAT) - High grades in challenging courses - Accomplishments in extracurricular activities - Shadowing or volunteer hours - Independent projects, such as research End the letter by restating why this particular university is the right fit for you. Be specific and personal.

Once you have finished writing your deferral letter, email it to the admissions office. Do not delay sending it!

Lindsey Conger is a college counselor and tutor at Moon Prep. She helps students create memorable personal statements and tutors students to increase their academic profile to universities.

Website: MoonPrep.com Contact: Lindsey@moonprep.com

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February 2022

News Notes Indian Skier Arif Khan Qualifies for Two Winter Olympics Events

India and UK Launch Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

India is not known for winter sports. India also doesn’t win many Olympics medals, whether in summer or winter. Arif Khan wants to help change that. Jammu and Kashmir-based alpine skier Khan has qualified for two different events of the Winter Olympics, set to be held in Beijing beginning February 4, 2022.

Khan achieved the feat by qualifying for his second event — giant slalom — a month after booking his first Winter Olympics ticket in alpine skiing slalom category in an Olympic qualifier in Dubai.

The news was confirmed by his promoter JSW Sports.

“JSW-supported Alpine skier Arif Khan who had earlier earned a provisional quota for the slalom event at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has now qualified for the giant slalom event as well.

“For the first time in history, an Indian will be competing in two different events at the Winter Olympics,” JSW Sports wrote in a Facebook post last month.

India was represented by two athletes — Jagdish Singh (cross country skiing) and Shiva Keshavan (luge) — in the 2018 Winter Games. Khan is a professional alpine skier from north Kashmir’s Tangmarg and has represented India in more than 100 ski events held across the world and has been undergoing training in Europe for the past year.

In January India and the United Kingdom launched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations that are expected to help double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030. The FTA to give major lift to Indian exports in labor intensive sectors like Leather, Textile, Jewelry and processed Agriproducts. The FTA with the UK to provide certainty, predictability and transparency, creating a more liberal, facilitative and competitive services regime, said Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. He called for enhancement of sectoral cooperation by addressing market access issues and removing trade restrictions.

Goyal launched the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the United Kingdom along with Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK Secretary of State for International Trade in New Delhi last month. The FTA is expected to facilitate the target of doubling bilateral trade between India and United Kingdom by 2030, goals set by the Prime Ministers of both the nations, Narendra Modi and Boris Johnson in May 2021.

Goyal said that both India and UK are vibrant democracies, with a partnership built on our shared history and rich culture. The diverse Indian diaspora in UK, who act as a “Living Bridge”, adds further dynamism to the relations between the two countries, he added.

He added that India is also expected to register a quantum jump in the export of Marine Products through the recognition of 56 marine units of India.

The Minister also informed that it was agreed to explore during the FTA negotiations, the possibility of an Interim Agreement to provide quick gains for benefitting businesses in both nations. “Our endeavor is to deliver a comprehensive, balanced, fair and equitable FTA, to benefit our small, medium and micro-enterprises in both nations,” he said.

Election Primaries in NC SC GA VA The primaries for the upcoming 2022 elections are gearing up. North Carolina’s statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, the NC State Board of Elections has announced.

The civilian voter registration deadline for the statewide primary is April 22, 2022. Find out how to register, the local ballots, early voting and other information at Ncsbe.gov.

South Carolina statewide primaries are on June 14, 2022.

Find details at: Scvotes.gov.

Georgia primaries are on May 24, 2022. Find details at: Georgia.gov/voting.

Virginia primaries are on June 21, 2022. Find more details at: Elections.virginia.gov.

Saathee magazine will feature more information for voters, including registration deadlines, and early voting, every month as the election season progresses.

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2021 Tied for 6th Warmest Year, NASA Analysis Shows

By Robert Margetta, NASA Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2021 tied with 2018 as the sixth warmest on record, according to independent analyses done by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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Continuing the planet’s long-term warming trend, global temperatures in 2021 were 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.85 degrees Celsius) above the average for NASA’s baseline period, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. NASA uses the period from 1951-1980 as a baseline to see how global temperature changes over time.

Collectively, the past eight years are the warmest years since modern recordkeeping began in 1880. This annual temperature data makes up the global temperature record – which tells scientists the planet is warming.

According to NASA’s temperature record, Earth in 2021 was about 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 1.1 degrees Celsius) warmer than the late 19th century average, the start of the industrial revolution.

“Science leaves no room for doubt: Climate change is the existential threat of our time,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Eight of the top 10 warmest years on our planet occurred in the last decade, an indisputable fact that underscores the need for bold action to safeguard the future of our country – and all of humanity. NASA’s scientific research about how Earth is changing and getting warmer will guide communities throughout the world, helping humanity confront climate and mitigate its devastating effects.”

This warming trend around the globe is due to human activities that have increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The planet is already seeing the effects of global warming: Arctic Sea ice is declining, sea levels are rising, wildfires are becoming more severe and animal migration patterns are shifting.

Understanding how the planet is changing – and how rapidly that change occurs – is crucial for humanity to prepare for and adapt to a warmer world.

NASA’s full dataset of global surface temperatures for 2021, as well as details of how NASA scientists conducted the analysis, are publicly available from GISS. GISS is a NASA laboratory managed by the Earth Sciences Division of the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The laboratory is affiliated with Columbia University’s Earth Institute and School of Engineering and Applied Science in New York.

For more information: visit: Nasa.gov/earth.

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India’s green cover has touched nearly onefourth of its geographical area with “forests” and “trees outside recorded forest areas” put together recording an increase of 2,261 sq km (0.3 percent) in 2021 compared to the previous assessment in 2019, shows the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2021) released last month.

The total green (forests and trees) cover has now reached 8,09,537 sq km (24.6 percent of geographical area), which includes 7,13,789 sq km of forest cover — 21.7 percent of the area. Overall, forest cover has recorded an increase of 1,540 sq km (0.2 percent) while tree cover increased by 721 sq km (0.8 percent) in the past two years.

Releasing ISFR 2021, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the government’s priority to focus on increasing/conserving the forest cover quantitatively and enriching it qualitatively and noted that 17 states/UT’s have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover.

Yadav also underlined India’s commitment to increase green cover and reminded what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised at the UN climate conference (COP26) in Glasgow (UK) in November last year when he appealed to world leaders to focus on LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as a joint global campaign for a sustainable future.

ISFR 2021 shows that five states/UTs — Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya — have more than 75 percent forest cover while 12 states/UTs — Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa, Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Assam, Odisha — have forest cover between 33 and 75 percent.

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February 2022

Paneer Palmiers with Tomato Coriander Chutney

Saathee RECIPES

By Taige Shukla

Ingredients Puff Pastry (1 pack) For ChutneyTomatoes (2) Garlic, minced (2 cloves) Fresh coriander (cilantro, a handful) Ginger, minced (½ inch) Lemon juice (½ teaspoon) Cumin (¼ teaspoon) Garam masala (¼ teaspoon) Sugar (a loving pinch) Salt and pepper (to taste) For more heat- add a deseeded green chili For Paneer-(you can also use ready made paneer) Quart of Whole Milk 1/8 cup lemon juice Spices to taste- Cumin, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper

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Directions

What is February without heart shaped foods in honor of Valentine’s Day? A palmier is a French pastry that resembles the shape of butterfly wings or a heart. These French pastries are typically enjoyed as a sweet dessert around the world and became my favorite treat while I was living in Spain! I discovered them at one of the oldest bakeries in Madrid, La Mallorquina, operating since 1892 in Plaza del Sol. I first attempted making palmiers as a Valentine’s Day treat last year, so this year I was inspired to give a savory version a try, and it did not disappoint- it even got Amma’s seal of approval! You can also give the sweet version a try by filling it with cinnamon and sugar in place of the paneer and chutney. If you want the full details for the sweet palmiers, visit my Instagram page @whatsthe_chai! The savory version is in the recipe here.

These flaky pastries filled with Indian flavors are the perfect Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day treat. Serve them as an app before a romantic Valentine’s meal or at a potluck with your gal (and guy) pals, or really anytime! Happy Valentine’s Day Saathee Fam, enjoy!

Servigs: About 15 Prep Time: 1 hour Cooking Time: 20 - 25 minutes

1

Thaw 1 puff pastry sheet for at least 40 mins. In the meantime, prepare the paneer. In a mediumsized pot, bring the milk to a slow-boil on medium-high heat until the surface of the milk begins to foam. Reduce the heat and stir in the lemon juice until the milk is completely curdled. Once the curds and whey are completely separated, strain the curds through a clean cheese cloth. Hold it under running water for about a minute then squeeze out as much of the water as possible. Press the curds (while still in the cheese cloth) into a square shape and place it under something heavy for about 1520 mins to ensure all the excess water is drained.

2

Then, using your hands, crumble the prepped paneer and toss in spices to taste. Also prepare the chutney by adding the ingredients listed to a blender and blending until well combined.

3

Once the pastry sheet has thawed, roll it out into a 12x10 inch rectangle and top with a drizzle of olive oil. Next, spread on a thick layer of chutney, followed by a layer of the paneer crumbles, and topped with more chutney and cilantro.

4

Assemble the palmiers. Start by folding the bottom of the sheet up about 2 inches and fold it over one more time. Repeat this from the top of the sheet. Once they meet in the middle fold on half over the other. Place the rolled sheet in the freezer for 30 mins.

5

Remove the rolled pastry sheet and cut it into ½ inch slices. Each slice should look like a thin heart shape. Lay the slices flat on a prepped baking sheet and bake at 390°F for 20-25 mins, flipping the palmiers halfway through. Bake until puffed, golden and flaky!

72

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February 2022

an understanding of the philosophies of Indian culture and thoughts and the history of the dance itself. To express the sentiment of the dance, there is more to it than just a simple technical execution of the dance. Dancers can be amazing technically, but if they cannot express or convey the ideas of the dance or make the audience feel beyond the physical aspect of the dance, then they have only given a surface view of what the dance is meant for. The artist must know the “why” of their art and the why of the art form itself.

As an adult, when I am learning a dance piece, to fully understand how to convey the emotions of the dance, I need to know the meanings of the song- if it is in a language I do not know, what are the lyrics? Who wrote the song? What is the emotion of the song? If the song is about Krishna, who is Krishna? What texts have Krishna noted in it? Is it the Mahabharatham?

Not only do I learn about Krishna, one of the Hindu incarnations of Lord Vishnu, through reading a book, I need to understand who Krishna is. How does he look?

Neela Megha Shyamalan. What does that mean? How to convey that phrase?

I not only read and delight of the various tricks of the child Krishna when reading, I enact the role of Krishna: stealing the butter from the Gopis. I enact when Krishna puts mud in his mouth and gets chastised by his mother.

I become the adorer of Krishna, who is Yashoda who sees the universe within the mouth of Krishna. I am Arjuna, the friend of Krishna, the Gopis who swoon, and even the deer who forgets oneself when listening to Krishna’s flute.

When dancing these pieces, I am communicating this story not only to the direct audience in front of me (if there is an audience), but I feel I am also connecting with my ancestors if they by chance are watching me. I am telling them about Krishna as a mischievous child. Or Krishna charming the Gopis.

Maybe they will be soothed and calmed from any difficulties they may have. Maybe they will tell me my technique is off. Maybe a better dancer somewhere in the line of my ancestors (or a great critic) will say to sit more in my adavu form and keep my back straight. Maybe they will tell me to stick to my day job.

But I still feel I am connecting, and I feel connected to those before me and those who may come. I am telling them their story. Our story. The story of humanity through story telling. While I can be a very direct person, the art form is subtle and intricate. The stories that are used for the dance have messages that can reach different people in different ways. It can go from superficial to deep depending on who receives the message and what they are ready to learn. It does not force any one specific message but allows the receiver to learn at their time. This is a lesson for me. It teaches me how to be subtle in my communication when it is needed and to understand the audience and what they can enjoy.

Going back to my attempts of yoga and meditation, the physical aspect of the dance is the physical yoga of the body. The meditation comes in as one is dancing on the different divinities.

As a student of Classical Indian Dance, I am learning the concepts of yoga and meditation through the art form.

We all have different abilities and suited differently per

My Voice

continued from page 48

If I wanted to exercise, technically, I don’t necessarily need Bharatanatyam or any other Indian Classical Dance form for that matter to do so. It is just not efficient in comparison to the market availability of many other products available. I could turn on any numerous exercise videos from a list of selections (which I do, maybe once in a blue moon).

So, what about Yoga? With me being too nervous to go to the gym during pandemic time, I have tried to learn to stretch out on my own. I have tried to meditate. Maybe I am currently not at the stage of an expert of that, but yoga and meditation are not easy. They are within themselves a practice that takes much time and dedication and sitting quietly is harder than it looks.

What drives me then to dance, if I can barely turn on an exercise video or find it difficult to stretch religiously and sit quietly?

Is it because I am trying to be “cool?”

The Richter scale for cool for dance is not available for Indian Classical Dance at the moment. Since I will say that I am already cool, it is not necessary for me to add Indian Classical Dance to be any cooler. I am beyond the societal constructs anyway of what it means to be cool.

So out of everything, the instinctual question is why do I want to learn dance? What is my motivation?

Being an adult, most of these questions come from oneself. Again, no one asks you why you do what you do.

And if they do, the superficial answers may come about.

So, it is important to explore who am I. But I am not just me but am a product of many generations before myself.

To know myself, I need to know history.

An aspect of my learning in Indian classical dance involves trying to understand the history of the dance form itself and to truly understand the dance. I want to understand the dance form and structure of the people who came before me to have a deeper understanding of the art itself.

One of the aspects I really want to understand as an older, and more mature student of dance, is the concept of the devadasi. This is a concept that many students of the Indian Classical Arts may be aware of, or may have heard the terms, but there is a treasure trove of philosophy regarding this prior artist group.

In the book Women of Pride: The Devadasi Heritage by Lakshmi Vishwanathan, the author delves into the lives of the Devadasi and the dance form of classical Indian dance from a historical view. This book is a fascinating read of the historical aspects of the Devadasi for those who are interested.

Understanding the concept of the Devadasi, helps me to also understand some of the “whys” of the dance itself especially with the why I am taking an Indian Classical form of dance. The devadasi through the art was communicating. This gives the “Aha!” moment for me as well.

For me, the dance is a form of communication.

Who am I communicating with though and what sources are used and cited when communicating information?

For Indian classical dance, one cannot just robotically dance the moves. Sure, it is possible, but there needs to be Saathee.com

continued on page 80 74

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February 2022

Deep Space Food Challenge

continued from page 58

based local food production, providing new solutions for humanitarian responses to floods and droughts, and new technologies for rapid deployment following disasters.

“Feeding astronauts over long periods within the constraints of space travel will require innovative solutions,” said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.

“Pushing the boundaries of food technology will keep future explorers healthy and could even help feed people here at home.”

In October 2021, Phase 1 of the challenge culminated as NASA awarded 18 teams a total of $450,000 for their concepts for innovative food production technology that produces safe, acceptable, palatable, nutritious food products that are stable and high quality, while minimizing necessary resource inputs.

NASA and the Canadian Space Agency jointly recognized 10 international teams for their winning submissions. NASA’s supporting partner of the challenge, the Methuselah Foundation, sponsored two $25,000 awards to international teams for their outstanding innovation. The Canadian Space Agency awarded 10 teams $30,000 CAD each to their winning teams.

NASA now invites both new and existing teams to enter Phase 2, which will require teams to build and demonstrate prototypes of their designs and produce food for judging. Interested participants from the United States can compete in Phase 2 for part of a prize purse up to $1 million.

“We are excited to continue collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency to conduct the next phase of this challenge and identify solutions from across the globe,” said Reuter.

dehydrated powders that could be processed into food products. Other technologies involved cultivated plants and fungi or engineered food such as cultured meat cells, all of which could be grown or produced by the crew on deep space missions.

Details about the winning submissions and teams can be found on the challenge website at this link: Deepspacefoodchallenge.org/winners.

All teams involved in Phase 1 of the challenge met the registration requirements to enter Phase 2. New teams are welcomed and highly encouraged to participate after providing the required registration information, due by February 28.

Interested participants from the United States can compete for part of a prize purse of up to $1 million from NASA. The Canadian Space Agency is hosting a parallel competition with a separate application and judging process, as well as its own prize purse, for participating Canadian teams.

Qualifying teams from other countries around the world may compete but will not be eligible for monetary prizes.

The Deep Space Food Challenge is a NASA Centennial Challenge. Centennial Challenges are part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington and are managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Subject matter experts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida support the competition. NASA, in partnership with the Methuselah Foundation, manages the U.S. and international Deep Space Food Challenge competition.

The Competition The Deep Space Food Challenge asks competitors to create a food production technology, system, or approach that could potentially be integrated into a complete food system to sustain a crew of four on a three-year deep space mission.

Everything needed to store, prepare and deliver food to the crew, including production, processing, transport, consumption, and disposal of waste should be considered. Proposed technologies such as plant growth systems, manufactured food products, and ready-to-eat solutions combined could provide the future crews with a variety of options that would provide the needed daily nutrition.

In Phase 1, NASA’s judges grouped U.S. submissions based on the food they envisioned producing. Among the designs were a variety of systems that ranged from complex to very simple. Teams proposed technologies to produce ready-to-eat foods such as bread, as well as Saathee.com

For more information about NASA’s prizes and challenges, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/solve Also visit: Deepspacefoodchallenge.org 76

February 2022

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Wishcycling

continued from page 56

continued from page 22

The plastics industry developed codes in 1988 to identify categories of plastic resins that products were made from. Surrounding them with ‘chasing arrows’ wrongly suggested that they all were recyclable, when in fact many communities only processed the more common types. In 2013, the graphic was changed to a solid triangle.

Wishcycling entered public consciousness in 2018 when China launched Operation National Sword, a sweeping set of restrictions on imports of most waste materials from abroad. Over the preceding 20 years, China had purchased millions of tons of scrap metal, paper and plastic from wealthy nations for recycling, giving those countries an easy and cheap option for managing waste materials.

The China scrap restrictions created enormous waste backups in the U.S., where governments had underinvested in recycling systems. Consumers saw that recycling was not as reliable or environmentally friendly as previously believed.

An unlikely coalition of actors in the recycling sector coined the term “wishcycling” in an effort to educate the public about effective recycling. As they emphasize, wishcycling can be harmful.

Contaminating the waste stream with material that is not actually recyclable makes the sorting process more costly because it requires extra labor. Wishcycling also damages sorting systems and equipment and depresses an already fragile trading market.

Huge waste management companies and small cities and towns have launched educational campaigns on this issue. Their mantra is “When in doubt, throw it out.” In other words, only place material that truly can be recycled in your bin. This message is hard for many environmentalists to hear, but it cuts costs for recyclers, local and regional governments.

We also believe it’s important to understand that the global waste crisis wasn’t created by consumers who failed to wash mayonnaise jars or separate out plastic bags.

The biggest drivers are global. They include capitalistic reliance on consumption, strong international waste trade incentives, a lack of standardized recycling policies and the devaluation of used resources. To make further progress, governments and businesses will have to think more about designing products with disposal and reuse in mind, reducing consumption of single-use products and making massive investments in recycling infrastructure.

My own journey over the past year was one of selfrealization. Between all my bouts of social discourse with a convention here and movie there in our shiny yet scary climate… I paused long enough to analyze certain aspects of my current existence that obstruct the path I ultimately wish to follow.

While I won’t go into the gritty details, I will mention that each of these roadblocks encircle two very important words that have become a mantra for many: “I can’t.”

This small phrase prevents just about all of us from broadening our life experiences, and tossing a highly contagious virus into this recipe of negativity hasn’t exactly bolstered our overall confidence either. We all need to brush past those terrifying boundaries and find a place of solace where the restriction of “I can’t” is no longer apparent.

My own odyssey has been a deeply emotional one.

I’ve always been a very empathic person… to the point I was often labeled a ‘cry baby’ as a child. I eventually forced myself to ‘toughen up’ to avoid further bullying, and in turn came across as a bit standoffish in certain social situations later in life.

These past few years have helped me recognize that bold emotions are not a hinderance. Just like people, emotions can only be understood once you take the time to get to know them. Instead of brushing past difficult feelings like strangers on the street, I now wish to treat them like old friends that come visit bearing just the gift I need in that particular moment.

While loss and pain experienced over one’s lifetime may feel tender to the touch, such deep feelings can also help nurture my inner strength and self-confidence. It’s better to be a willow tree with its strong yet flexible branches dancing in the wind than to be the rigid, sedimentary stone sitting nearby.

The past year was all about reflection about what’s been holding me back, and now this new year will be all about breaking free from those confrontational bindings and move on. This will cultivate in a Valentine’s Day celebration to recover a mostly forgotten love for myself, first and foremost. Only then, can the rest of my intended pilgrimage continue upon its course.

This is the year where all of us can recoup a little bit of that determination to see past “I can’t” and instead discover a brand-new phrase to incorporate into our daily lexicon.

“I will.”

Take another little piece of my heart now, baby… because you know you got it if it makes you feel good.

Jessica Heiges is a PhD Candidate in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley.

Kate O’Neill is a Professor of Global Environmental Politics, University of California, Berkeley.

Article courtesy of theconversation.com Saathee.com

Jennifer Allen works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic Artist, Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and an all around Pop Culture Geek. You can reach her at Info@Saathee.com 78

February 2022

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Personal Finances

Raajeev

continued from page 54

continued from page 40

three minutes. Rajesh had some idea of the arrival schedule but because of absence of cell phones, WhatsApp, or text messages, it was hard to convey the latest information in a timely manner.

When Sanjay landed at the San Francisco airport, his only option was to call Rajesh on his landline from a pay phone using borrowed quarters from another Indian traveler. He tried but could not get through. He asked an Indian couple for assistance, but they were going in a different direction. However, a couple of Pakistani students who were heading to Chico State offered to give him a ride to Berkeley.

So now you can imagine a scenario of a young engineer, arriving for the first time in the US from India, riding with strangers to arrive in a strange city of over 100,000 people. There is only one person he is looking for and within one minute of taking the exit from Highway 80, he sees the only person he knows in the whole city walking on the street. This scene was right out of a Bollywood movie!

Sanjay didn’t have any other bags because the airline had misplaced his luggage. I guess some things don’t improve over time. Sanjay thanked the students who gave him a ride and all three of us went to their future home on Dwight Avenue. Their apartment became a sanctuary for me for the following two years.

We had some good times together. Sanjay and I worked on some research projects in Software Engineering together. While we were developing algorithms to solve complex problems, we figured out a way to solve another complex problem: how to “communicate” with our loved ones in India for free. Calls were too expensive; telegrams were too messy, and emails were in a nascent stage. The solution was simple. We urged Rajesh to try it after he returned from his trip to India. We booked an operatorassisted collect call to his home and when they asked for our name, we gave the name, “Raju Pahunch Gaya. Raju reached safely.” His father got the message, and we had a good laugh.

My son laughed and said, “That was pretty creative, Dad.” I told him we were three starving students and all of us were Banias!

It has been over thirty-five years since this incident.

Rajesh and Sanjay are still two of my closest friends. They both are tenured professors at top universities in the US. Recently, I stayed overnight at Rajesh’s house because I had a comedy show. In the morning, we decided to FaceTime Sanjay. As we were reminiscing about our times together, Rajesh pointing to me and said, “His job is to make people laugh.” I said, “Unlike you guys whose job is to make people cry … mostly undergrad students!”

Because most people have estates smaller than amounts subject to state and federal taxes, it is a waste of time to consider planning to minimize these taxes Not so. It is true that under federal tax law changes, larger amounts can be left to heirs free of gift or estate tax. Keep in mind that the value of your home, savings and other investment assets will keep on increasing in the future. In some cases, state inheritance or estate taxes apply at much lower level than federal taxes.

A personal representative (or trustee) need not be named for a small estate Incorrect. A personal representative should always be named. Necessary decisions are always best made by someone you know and trust rather than a court appointed representative who may be unknown to you.

You should not name your husband or wife to administer your estate That is not true. If the spouse will be healthy and willing to take the responsibility, then that is the answer.

Unfortunately, you have no way to know if that will be the case. That is why it is necessary to name another younger person or professional administrator to act if necessary.

A good Will rarely needs revision Absolutely not true. Even the best Will may need to change depending on the circumstances, your wealth and health, the trustees assigned and needs of the loved ones.

Tax laws change every so often, so can your charitable wishes. People change their Will substantially generally about 3 to 5 times over their lifetime.

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

My Voice

continued from page 74

our bodies and mental capacities, and I am more suited for this form of yoga and meditation currently.

The dance as an entirety is a form of worship.

The why of dance and the drive of dance comes now to a full circle.

It is a form of exercise in its most simple form, a medium for learning the history and philosophies of India from a kinesthetic manner, a channel for communicating and soothing the spirts still here, a type of yoga and meditation, a spiritual service to society for lessons in dharma, and a way to worship the divinities.

The Classical Indian Arts is an all-inclusive package.

Raajeev Aggerwhil is a Los Angeles-based comedian.

Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy See his videos on YouTube, search for his name.

Saathee.com

Preethi Sriram is a classical Indian dance enthusiast and lifelong learner of dance.

Contact: SriramPreethi@hotmail.com 80

February 2022

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MAGAZINE A FREE monthly features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas 81

e-mail

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February 2022

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

- Consideration of fee waiver requests due to an inability to pay;

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is offering immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.

Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the Marshall fire in Colorado.

The following measures may be available on a caseby-case basis upon request:

- Flexibility if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;

- Flexibility for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;

- Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Documents, and Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94); and Rescheduling a biometric services appointment.

- Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the US. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;

Note: When making a request, explain how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created a need for the requested relief. If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, include an explanation in your description and a copy of a police report, insurance claim, or other report, if available, to support your request.

All Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requirements remain in place. Those affected by natural disasters should visit I-9 Central for more information on how to complete Form I-9 if an employee’s documents are lost, stolen, or damaged.

For more details, call 800-375-5283 or visit Uscis.gov.

- Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole

by USCIS; - Expedited processing of advance parole requests; - Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; -Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;

Saathee.com

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February 2022

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83

February 2022

Who wants to be a Scholar?!

Answer the ones you know and research the rest.

There is only one correct answer!

1. Arrange these longest living ocean animals from most to less in years. (a) Longfin eels (b) Ocean Quahog (c) Bowhead whale (d) Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Word World

2. How many Oscar awards were received by the film Gandhi? (a) 8 (b) 9 (c) 10 (d) 11

By Kirit Shukla

O R G

U

3. What color is usually reserved for close friends or family on the Valentine’s Day? (a) Red (b) Pink (c) Purple (d) White

N

D

H

G

O

4. A ’Motor-cade’ is (a) Old car race (c) Motor race

5. According to research, the temperature of Earth’s inner core is about (a) 7,800°F (b) 8,800°F (c) 9,800°F (d) 10,800°F 6. A triangle has each side = 3’,4’&5’. It is the (a) Acute angle Δ (b) Right angle Δ. (c) Isosceles Δ (d) Obtuse angle Δ

Make words using 5 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Plural words are not allowed.

Use all letters for the subject word (underlined in solutions below)

7. What is the total area of India? (a) 1.23 Million mi² (F) 1.25 Million mi²

10+ words = Excellent; 6 to 9 words = Good; 5 or less = keep looking.

Words we found are in solutions below.

9. Sir Isaac Newton, an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian, and influential scientist invented the laws of (a) Gravity b) Refraction of light (c) Motion (d) All of above

Here is a simple quiz. See if you can solve it. No peeking!

Match the number in column 1 with letter in column 2

10. For no liability insurance in the NC state gives (a) 1 Point (b) 2 points (c) 3 Points (d) 4 Points

Popular Beaches Across the Word......Location A. South Goa, India B. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil C. Spain D. French Polynesia E. Zakynthos, Greece F. Mexico G. British Virgin Islands H. California I. South Africa J. New Zealand

Answers are on bottom left. No Peeking.

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

Timeless Advice

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

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

4.d 10.c

5.c

6.b

Word World (Solution): DOGGO, DONOR, DOUGH, DRONGO, DUGONG, GOURD, GROUND, GROUNDHOG, GUNDOG, HOUND, ODOUR, RONDO, ROUND, UNHOOD Saathee.com

(b) 1.24 Million mi² (d) 1.26 Million mi²

8. Which major tennis tournament occurs first in the year? (a) Wimbledon (b) French Open (c) U.S. Open (d) Australian Open

Brain-Train

1 Smugglers’ Cove 2 Bora Bora 3 Playa Del Amor (Hidden Beach) 4 Glass Beach 5 Koekohe Beach 6 Arpoador 7 Boulders Beach 8 The Baths 9 Beach of the Cathedrals 10 Colva Beach

(b) A domestic car (d) A process of automobiles

- Alice Walker 84

February 2022

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PUZZLES AND JOKES

Clues Down: 1. One of the paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs & in vertebrates female sex hormones.

2. Grandpa in Gujarati.

3. A large compound muscle of the inner hip.

4. A small short hair, seta, or bristle.

5. A chemical element symbol for “Tin.” 6. Of the recurring beat in a rhythmic series of sound.

7. Antioxidant Infusion Drinks; also a lady servant in India.

8. Partial or total darkness.

9. Having sufficient power or skill to do something.

10. An intermediate state that is not clearly defined.

12. Arising from anger.

16. Relating to Amir Pnueli, Israeli scientist known for his work on temporal logic.

18. The daughter of the Titans Coeus & Phoebe. (Greek) 21. The capital of Saudi Arabia.

22. A downtown commercial and financial area in Chittagong,; also the second largest city of Bangladesh.

24. The business conducted or services offered by a bank.

25. Sudden and unexpected.

27. Hectare. (*) 29. A group of native American people who were living in what is now New Jersey and along the Delaware River.

31. Another name of Shankar Bhagwan.

33. A Western US mountain state. Capital: Salt Lake City.

35. A working frame for oxen.

39. Women's Tennis Association. (*) 41. The fifth sign of the Western Zodiac.

43. Inspector General. (*)

By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues Across: 1. The Indian classical dance that originated in Orissa.

7. To be the father or sire of; to procreate.

11. A city in Venezuela; Seaport in Spain on Mediterranean.

13. Leg Before Wicket (*). (In Cricket) 14. To revise & make ready (a manuscript) for a publication.

15. The capital and largest city of Libya.

17. Large white hoary cushion plants of New Zealand uplands (small solitary flower heads); Sheep Plant.

19. A Christmas carol.

20. A pick used to pluck a stringed instrument like guitar.

22. Anti-satellite weapons.

23. One of the two organs in your face used for seeing.

24. Body Guard. (*) 25. Before.

26. Ohio. (*) 28. The common Arabic word for God in English.

30. Short for brassieres.

32. A hearer.

34. A Sanskrit word in India that means Zodiac.

36. To express gratitude to.

37. Urinary Bladder. (*) 38. A state in US. Cap. Des Moines.

40. A claw-like plate at the tip of the fingers and toes.

42. Durga; The wife of Lord Shiva.

44. Protons, Neutrons, Electrons. (*) 45. Touchdown. (*) 46. Also Known As. (*) 47. Of or connected with ancient Greece.

Saathee.com

(solution on page 88)

Hee Hee

Jokes & Riddles From Around The World

Wife: “My doctor advised me to take rest for a month in Switzerland or Hawaii. Where should I go?”

Husband: “To another doctor.” ***** Two men were arguing about whose dog was smarter.

The first man said, “My dog is so smart that when the mailman comes, he takes the mail and brings it to me.”

The second man replied, “I know…”.

The first man was surprised and asked, “How did you know?”

The second man said, “My dog told me.” ***** A mathematician wandered back home at 3am, only to be cornered by his wife.

“You’re late!” she scolded. “You said you’d be home by 11:45.”

“Actually,” the mathematician replied, “I said I’d be home a quarter of 12.”

86

February 2022

WordFind

Math Magic Fill in the empty squares to get = the final given answers.

Use the remaining numbers from 1 to 9 only once (except 2): Note: Follow the order of operation per basic math rule: ×,÷, +, The multiplication or division is done before addition and subtraction. (solution on page 88)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle.

EZ-BZ

Subject: Some Indian Languages BENGALI BODO DOGRI ENGLISH GARO GUJARATI HINDI HO KANNADA KASHMIRI KONKANI MAITHILI MALAYALAM

MANIPURI MARATHI MIZO NEPALI ODIA PALI PUNJABI RAI SANSKRIT SINDHI TAMIL TELUGU URDU

The unused 20 letters spell is ”The subject words..” (answer on page 88)

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

1. 1st month of the Gregorian calendar year. _ _ _ _ ARY 2. 2nd month of the Gregorian calendar year. _ _ _ _ _ ARY 3. A state in North India. Cap. Chandigarh. _ ARY _ _ _ 4. Relating to or being either of two small laryngeal cartilages to which the vocal cords are attached.

ARY _ _ _ _ _ _ 5. A moonwort. (fern) _ _ _ ARY 6. A cell lacking a nucleus. _ _ ARY _ _ _ 7. A system of numbers having 2 as its base. _ _ _ ARY 8. Of or relating to Indo-Iranian or its speakers.

ARY _ _ 9. A genus of North American hardwood trees with the husk of the fruit dehiscent and the nuts angular. _ ARY _ 10. The annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ARY 11. Being a monovalent organic radical (such as phenyl) derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by the removal of one hydrogen atom - often used in combination .

ARY _ 12. A city in Belarus in the Minsk region . _ ARY _ _ _ 13. A storage oil jar used in Ancient Greece.

ARY_ _ _ _ _ _ 14. A string of beads used in counting prayers. _ _ _ ARY 15. A city west of Raleigh in east central NC. _ ARY 16. A journal. _ _ ARY 17. A group of subatomic particles of 3 quarks. _ ARY _ _ 18. Exhausted in strength, endurance and vigor. _ _ ARY 19. A Hindu religious teacher; Guru! _ _ _ ARY _ 20. The modified upper part of the trachea . _ ARY _ _ 21. A major river in Afghanistan & Tajikistan. _ _ _ _ ARY_ 22. Wages. _ _ _ ARY (Puzzle solutions are on page 88. NO peeking!)

Saathee Puzzle Master Kirit Shukla kiritsshukla@gmail.com

Saathee.com

87

February 2022

Festivals & Holidays Spot the Differences Solutions from page 50

February 2022 Feb. 1 - Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) Feb. 2 - Imbolc / Groundhog Day Feb. 4 - World Cancer Day Feb. 4 - National Wear Red Day Feb. 5 - Vasant Panchami Feb. 12 - Jaya Ekadashi Feb. 14 - St. Valentine's Day Feb. 14 - Hazrat Ali Birthday Feb. 15 - Nirvana Day Feb. 16 - Magha Purnima (Full Moon) Feb. 21 - Presidents' Day Feb. 26 - Vijaya Ekadashi Feb. 28 - Lailat Al Miraj March 2022 Mar. 1 - Mardi Gras Mar. 1 - Maha Shivaratri Mar. 2 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Mar. 2 - Ash Wednesday Mar. 8 - International Women’s Day Mar. 10 - Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar. 17 - Āmalaki Ekadashi / St. Patrick’s Day Mar. 17 - Holi (Full Moon) Mar. 19 - Hola Mohalla (3-Day Sikh Festival) Mar. 18 - Dhuleti / Shab'e Barat Mar. 20 - Shivaji Jayanti / Parsi New Year Mar. 20 - Spring Equinox / Ostara Mar. 22 - Rang Panchami Mar. 28 - Pāpmochini Ekadashi Mar. 30 - Magha Puja Day Mar. 31 - Darsh Amas

Puzzle Solutions from page 86-87

Math Magic from page 87

Saathee.com

88

February 2022

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89

February 2022

Astroscope Aries (March 21 – April 20)

FEBRUARY 2022

Libra (September 22 – October 20) You will feel delighted this month as you receive positive vibes from loved ones. Your confidence will be on par as you start planning a new dream project. Avoid family disputes and remain focused. Rewarding travel is possible this month, but it may not be comfortable. You could end up paying for your partner’s mistake. Make quick decisions to move forward, as great opportunity is waiting for you.

The month could begin with a flux of money in your account, but that may not last very long. Don’t try to make easy money, as this may create problems. Consider spending for either social or religious events. Plan to buy an investment property.

You may enjoy a happy love life during second half of the month. Be careful in taking your medications, or you many end up with a minor but long-term health issue. Avoid any long-distance journey this month.

Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

It’s time to listen to your partner and work as a team for financial gain and other enjoyable activities. Also be sure to share your success with those around you, as this will open up new opportunities. Don’t hesitate to take risks and spend on luxury items for an overall rewarding month. Watch your health as well, as too many activities may lead towards minor health problems.

Your knack for diplomacy to sort out problems will ensure success. You should find numerous activities to earn money as this will be a very busy period. Students and young people should make brave and positive decisions. An accident is possible this month, so be sure to drive carefully. Ups and downs in your love life may lead to an unnecessarily serious dispute with your partner. An unexpected rise in income may delight you during the last week of the month.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21) A hectic work schedule could lead you towards the decision to change your career. Since you could be earning just enough to survive, be open to new opportunities including going to school.

Don’t compromise your morals to make easy money. Avoid disputes with enemies in order for them to have their way. Enjoy good health this month.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) You may experience a major change in your life this month.

After a good start, you could face multiple issues with your social life, creating confusion in the process. Watch your health seriously. Your career will remain busy with profitable results. Be sure to meditate for peace of mind and to build confidence. You may receive limited assistance from your kids.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 21) An increase in your bank balance and an active schedule will help you build confidence. Try to control your expenses to avoid unnecessary financial stress. A good relationship with your superiors will help bolster any future projects. A health issue could slow you down during the second half of the month. Enjoy business-related travel as it will bring major success. Your extended family could help in solving some unexpected issues.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Success and opportunities are on the way for you this month.

However, overconfidence may lead you to accumulate unnecessary expenses. Be prepared to focus on work, as the rewards could be much better than you expect. Enjoy spiritual power and religious thoughts since they could bolster your mental health. Take risks and accept change. Your enemies won’t dare harm you this month.

Aquarius (January 22 – February 18) You should enjoy a very happy family life this month. A pleasant work environment could also help you feel comfortable. You will make mature and bold decisions as this is a perfect time to start new ventures. It may take time, but a major change is on the way. Avoid unnecessary travel and social gatherings. Ignore fear and have faith in your capabilities.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) Destiny will favor you this month. You may hypothesize about some bold business decisions, but financial risks must be avoided. Your superior may also attempt to persuade you to cheat at work. Don’t compromise your morals. Avoid family disputes as they could disturb your peace of mind. You should enjoy good health this month. Friends or coworkers could also lead you astray, so avoid them if at all possible.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) A para-psychic experience could adjust your way of thinking about life. This is a good time for a change in employment, business, love life, or general activities. An increase in income is clearly indicated. Your popularity will be on the rise and your social circle should grow. Unexpected expenses due to a health issue may distract your budget this month.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21) Try to glide through this month peacefully. An egotistical attitude may harm you, so try to avoid parties or meetings.

Instead, focus on work and abide by your morals. A minor blood-related health issue may create problems. Support from your family, particularly your partner, should help you feel comfortable. Focus on building your savings as a major investment opportunity is on the way.

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5387 Manor Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

770-469-7677

GROW WITH US! Indore Oil Company is excited to enter the Gasoline supply market in North Carolina and South Carolina. Indore Oil Company is one of the Oldest INDIAN owned Jobbership in the Southeast. We have over 30 years of industry knowledge and expertise. We specialize in helping Convenience Store owners grow their business. The Southeast is a fiercely competitive Gasoline market and Retailers find it hard to compete and make a profit on price alone and must find other ways to gain a competitive edge. We represent some of the topmost recognized brands in the country, Chevron, Texaco, Citgo, Marathon, Valero, and Motiva-76. Re-imaging and re-branding your station to one of our Six brands will give you the opportunity to increase your pull-margin. Give us a call and let’s fuel America together. We can help you to install new Fueling Equipment, Canopy upgrade, and LED Price sign and any image related item.

Umesh (Pat) Patel, Mihir Patel

Saathee.com

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February 2022

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Need Producers & Co-Producers for a South Indian feature film project. Investment of $250,000. Contact directorjpr007@gmail.com or 919-999-0509.

Convenience Store for Lease in Gaffney, SC. Inside sales $90k+/month including kitchen $25k+. Gas 27k gallons. Lotto sales $1100.

ATM $850. Call 862-754-9990.

Assets Sale (Best offer) in Chester, SC. Convenience store (2,500 sf) fully equipped.

Car Wash w/ 4 self-service units.

Laundromat (4,500 sf) w/ new roof. Contact 843-718-9183 or tbabikir@gmail.com.

Subway Franchise for Sale North Charlotte. Doing good business at great location with proximity to highway & other businesses. Contact: sc20200908@gmail.com.

Convenience Stores for Sale: Pinetops, NC $275,000 + Inv., Annual Sales $540,000 Fuel Gals 60,000; Bennettsville, SC $249,000 + Inv., Annual Sales $440,000, Fuel Gallons 10,800; Louisburg, NC $199,000 + Inv. Annual sales $816,000 Fuel Gallons 120,000; County South: 704-440-4433 / Countysouth.biz.

For Sale: Family Fare Franchise Convenience Store w/ Gas Station in Durham, NC. Share 50% of the profit. Inventory paid for by the franchise. Call 732-447-3370.

C-Store for Sale in Gaston County/Gastonia, NC. Located at very busy intersection. Only Text 973-723-6924 for details.

Earn income cooking from home! DishDivvy, the #1 platform for HomeCooks is coming to the Carolinas! 100% Free to signup and join.

More info: www.DishDivvy.com/signup C-store with Property for Sale or Lease in Denmark, SC with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Gross income $55K / Lotto $25K per month. Daily income not included. Call 904-307-4770.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES House Help Needed: Part-time cooking, housework, and personal help for North Indian vegetarian couple near Hindu Center in Charlotte. Fluency required in English and/or Hindi. Contact 704-408-1504 or househelp177@gmail.com.

Hiring Chef for a popular restaurant in Cary/Morrisville NC. Excellent Pay! Call 919434-5078.

Now Hiring Front Desk couple & Housekeeping couple for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Accommodations provided.

Contact 850-502-9608.

Manager Couple needed for franchise hotel 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Must be Fluent in English.

Accommodations provided.

Text/call 704-701-9975.

Saathee.com

Gujarati family in Greenville, NC seeking House Help (part-time) with evening cooking & light cleaning. Call 252-565-3563.

Front Desk & Housekeeping / Laundry help needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord, NC. Legal status required.

Accommodations provided. Call Rick 704772-5554.

Childcare Needed for infant in Cary, NC to begin in February 2022 for 4-5 days per week (some flexibility). Good pay. Applicant should be fully vaccinated. Text or call 919360-7959.

Looking for GMs to operate franchise motels in Richburg, SC. Legal status & fluent English required.

Accommodations provided. Call 864-694-6299 / leave message.

Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk/Manager, Night Auditor and Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte/ Gastonia / High Point. Offering good pay!

Accommodations provided. Call 704-4600379 between 6 to 9pm.

Hotel Positions for Immediate Hire: General Manager for Franchise Hotels. Front Desk & Housekeepers, $14 and up per hour.

Contact 704-649-6833 or abcone@abcinns.com.

Full-time Nanny needed (Live-in / Live-out) Winston-Salem, NC. Gujarati preferred.

Call/text 980-298-2828.

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

Front Desk & Laundry help needed for Motel in Durham, NC. Accommodations provided. Call Ken Patel at 919-452-3131 or email kenco00@gmail.com.

Eyebrow Threading Position: Winston Salem, NC. Excellent Pay + Tips & Benefits!

Some Experience & fluent English required.

Call 336-422-7582.

Housekeeping Help Wanted (single or couple) for Motel near Richmond, VA Airport. Accommodations provided. Contact 804-475-5895 or 804-304-2027.

Perfume Store Help Needed in Charlotte and Pineville, NC. For more information, please call Veer Singh at 415-265-8686.

Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte: Front Desk, all shifts (experience a plus) & Housekeeper. Must be fluent in English.

Competitive salary & accommodations provided. Call 704-464-4427 or e-mail 123nash@gmail.com.

Fully vaccinated House Help needed for Gujarati elderly vegetarian couple in Morrisville, NC. Part-time from 10-2pm with cooking, light cleaning, and personal help.

Driving a plus to take to doctor’s appointments and stores.

Contact meenadavepac@gmail.com 92

Front Desk/Night Auditor needed for Motel 6 in Burlington NC. Experience preferred.

Excellent Pay & Flexible Hours! Apartment provided. Please contact Renu 732-318-4878 or Aswin 336-693-9157.

Gas Station / C-store Help Wanted in Charlotte, NC (15 minutes from UNCC).

Must speak English. Salary commensurate per experience. Please call 704-733-0553.

Energetic Team Member Needed: Management couple or individual for franchised hotel in Raleigh. Fluent English & legal status required. Previous hotel experience preferred. Accommodations provided. Contact hotel.raleigh@gmail.com or 919-757-7462.

Virginia Econo Lodge & Suites hiring experienced Front Desk and Housekeeping couples for interior corridor property.

Accommodations provided. Call 804-3178587 or 804-317-1915.

Housekeeping Couple wanted for franchise hotels in Shelby, NC. Accommodations provided. Must have legal status. Contact 704-974-1521 and leave a message if no answer.

Help Wanted at Convenience Store in Belmont, NC. Full or Part-time. Experience and legal status required. Call 704-807-6519.

Manager Couple needed for 100-room franchise hotel in Kinston, NC. Fluent English a must. Accommodations provided.

Text/call 647-720-8412.

Looking for Energetic Employee (Fulltime/ Part-time, single or couple) for Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise fast food restaurant - Columbia, SC. Weekend availability preferred. Some English required. Call Dax Soni 803-470-8089.

Hotel Help Needed: Front Desk (2nd & 3rd shifts), Housekeeping & Laundry for Franchise Hotel in Charlotte, NC. Accommodations provided if needed. Text / Call 980-229-8216.

Hiring Couples for Housekeepers, Front Desk Clerks, Assistant Managers, Managers, and Renovation Managers. Positions available in NC, SC, FL, TN, IL and IN. Contact Harin at 919-800-7131.

BUY LAND IN 2022!!!

Let Bob put your idle cash or 1031 into a good passive Land Investment today!!!

THANK YOU SAATHEE! Learn how to build value buying land near Siler City, NC. Contact Bob Atkinson “The Land Man” 919-362-6999 or visit www.learnaboutland.com February 2022

Housekeeping and Front Desk (single or couple) Needed for Franchise Motel in South Carolina. Accommodations provided.

Call 704-915-1026.

Gas Station in Rock Hill, SC seeking help.

Single or couple. Hourly rate $11-15, depending on experience.

No accommodations. Call 803-659-3330.

MATRIMONIAL Looking for a well-accomplished USraised groom for beautiful Gujarati girl, 37,5'6", US citizen, Neurologist in MA. Open to relocation. Refer NM and text 678-3048184.

Looking for Groom for Marathi girl, 39, 5’1”. Lead Solution Architect, H1B, divorced with no kids in FL. Refer RK and text 678304-8184.

Family seeks groom for beautiful US citizen Punjabi girl 30, 5'3", works in Medical Office Administration in FL. Refer PH and text 678-304-8184.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential Plot for Sale in Gandhinagar, Gujarat with compound wall in a gated community with 24 hour security. Near SG Road, Infocity, DLF IT Park, Multispeciality Hospitals. Swagat Rainforest III, Sargassan Circle, Gandhinagar. Call Himanshu 201406-3169.

SERVICES Nanny Services Available in South Charlotte. Also seeking paying guest for the same location. Call 704-388-1416 or 704-4693605 for more details.

Travel Passion: International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Ppt Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509-550-9076 or 509-550-9034 Email: travelpassion24@gmail.com Live Dhol, Tabla, and Music Services for all types of events including Weddings, Concerts, Birthday Parties, Graduation Parties, or any other Festivities. Serving the Carolinas since 2006. Open to travel. Contact Jeetu Singh at 919-752-7309 or email dholi.jeetu@gmail.com.

Saree Draping: specializing in draping sarees, dupattas and jewelry for Weddings, Engagements, Baby showers, Birthdays, etc.

Contact Rital Patel at info@bridaldraping.com or www.bridaldraping.com.

Licensed Home Daycare. Infants to 6 years old. South Charlotte/Pineville area. Part-time availability from 7:30am-12:30pm. Contact Natalie Murphy for inquiries at 704-351-3332 or nsayube@att.net Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas,

Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-7803563. God Blessings to All. Safa, Pagh, and Turban Tying Service for weddings, baraats, parties, photoshoots, & other events. Centered in North Carolina & able to travel wherever your event is located.

Contact us for bookings! Carolina Turban Crew: 919-752-7309 or Carolinaturbans@gmail.com.

Pari Beauty in Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 32 years of experience.

Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-8467912. email: gescpl@gmail.com Priest Available for these services: Shree Satya narayan katha, Shanti hawan, Vastu shanty, Weddings, Baby shower, Bhumi pujan, Mata ki chowki pujan, Funeral, all types of karmakand. Please call Viral Bhatt 704-438-6334.

Learn English from Gujarati. Practical for any age at your place and time. First watch Rajnikant Patel English videos on YouTube, then call 980-320-6347 for more info. Leave message if no answer.

Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti. Kishor Trivedi: 336774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com

To Submit a Classified visit: saathee.com/submit-classified , email: info@saathee.com or call: 704-527-7570

Free Subscription Subscribe online at saathee.com/subscription or e-mail your name, address & phone number to saathee@saathee.com NOTE: The mailing list information is kept strictly confidential. We DO NOT sell our mailing list to outside agencies and the phone number is used only to verify your address. Shukla Entertainment does use the mailing list to mail Saathee Magazine advertising supplemental fliers, mailers, etc. Free subscription for NC, SC, & GA only.

Moving? Please drop us a line so we can update your mailing address.

Read Print edition on-line:

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For advertising information call: 704-527-7570 Saathee.com

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February 2022

Namaskar

Subcontinental Divide

continued from page 46

continued from page 42

somewhere on this planet, I would probably still be seeing what Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter is eating in New York on a winter day.

I am no fan of political radicalism on either side. But I’m also not blind to how the social media and internet retail giants are guiding us into a new reality they have defined for us. Yeah, they banned Trump, and yeah, they started shutting down conspiracy theory and anti-vax sites and putting disclaimers underneath posts they saw dangerous enough to issue warnings about. And sure they have defined a new truth based on the science du jour that is about as legitimate as the right wing kooks. But this is leading somewhere that is far less glorious than you might imagine. Hear me out.

You are now the well-disciplined army of Bezos, Musk, Zuckerberg, Gates, and all the do-gooders whose $400 million yachts blow 4,000 gallons of pollutants into the air every three hours. But you are all polite Gen-Z people. You high five each other at coffee shops about climate change activism, reduction of global ozone depletion due to cattle flatulence, animal rights, sustainable chocolate production, veganism, and other things that make people hug people in tears all over the world now due to the power of social media. You are not like those authoritarian right wing kooks hunting deer and gutting them in the snow while chewing tobacco. You are sophisticated and engaged. You are in the science and fact Matrix.

Sadly, the billionaires are not in any science matrix.

They are greedy businessmen out to steal your money for their yachts and their stockholders. When this ends, and it will when we all awaken, you will be in your zerogravity chair with foot pedals attached, and electrodes on your feet and hands, and a helmet with light beams looking at where your eyes are pointing inside the new reality Main Street market. Two scenarios: One, virtual safari to Kenya. Use the virtual currency sold to you at 10 cents on the dollar to purchase the trip, and then it takes you to Main Street to purchase the virtual sponsored content clothes and bags. You paused at a store window, they got you in the database.

Second scenario comes a little later after the honeymoon. You really book a safari using “Joe”, maybe Zuckerberg’s Alexa, and it’s pretty easy to create a Main Street with sponsored stores that just steal your money and your preferences. With today’s gaming technology, a virtual salesperson will populate an empty store shelf with medium shirts in an instant. YouTube has millions of videos you can’t distinguish from real life already. It’s all lose and lose, ain’t it? In the end they’ll tell you all this data gathering will create 300 million well paying jobs globally.

Remember that when they steal your money from those too.

trouble as kids, our parents could immediately identify our partners in crime. And the worst punishment in school was being separated from your “best friend” in the seating chart. That was probably stemming from the teacher’s wisdom gained through years of experience. These days, inane challenges shared by “friends” on social media urges teen groups to do participate in bizarre activities such as, throwing eggs on passing cars. Yikes!

It is true that individuals tend to engage in poor conduct when they are egged on, so to speak, by their posse. During adolescence, angst or even isolation can rise if individuals are struggling with friend related complications. At that confusing phase of life friends can be invaluable, but they can also turn into your enemies.

Unfortunately, peer pressure is not limited to younger age groups. Seemingly mature individuals fall prey to its dangers. Giving in could mean bowing to demands made by a dominant “friend” to dress a certain way or purchase certain brands or by simply agreeing to every suggestion made by the clique. While childhood gave us the freedom to fight, swear katti (cut off) and take a break from mean kids, as adults we may tolerate superficial or even hurtful people far longer than we should. Maybe your stomach churns at the recollection of your friend’s betrayal, yet you feel obligated to invite them to your next soiree. Our social circle gets entangled by the ties to our spouse and/or children making it hard to detach from folks who fail to be decent to us. It could also be the result of our own misguided rationale for holding on to them or an unwillingness to face a confrontation.

Is it time to unfriend?

After reaching my milestone birthday of 40, I realized that I have probably completed at least half of my life and I resolved to spend the second half (or quarter) making myself happier. The onset of the pandemic reinforced that resolution. With youth slipping from my grasp, self-care has become vital. If I am unable to respect or trust someone, I have given myself permission to steer away from them. In the absence of mutual respect and honesty, there is simply no need for closeness. Toxic individuals demanding conformity or scheming to control you should have no place in your life. Certain affiliations can create conflicts of interests or on the rare occasion, threaten the safety of loved ones so, snipping those links are essential.

Depending on the severity of the transgressions, unfriending could be temporary like a trial separation or have the finality of a divorce without the complications of a marriage and for all you know, it could be therapeutic.

As I introspect on this subject, I realize the importance of being a more authentic friend and I vow to treasure the true gems who make me happy even when I am drowning under work, overwhelmed, or just miserable.

Ahsen Jillani a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, and now lives in Mint Hill. He owns Must Media, a PR firm focused on political and corporate clients. Contact: aj@must-media.com

Shyama Parui is a longtime North Carolina resident and an ardent writer.

You can reach her at Shyamashree_Parui@hotmail.com Saathee.com

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February 2022

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February 2022

Advertisers 37 Venue....................................................................5

Hindu Center Charlotte ............................................79

Raj D Batra Photography ..........................................67

Aag Ki Raat (Bollywood Dance Competition USC, ICE)..45

Home Decorators Of America (Atlanta) .....................97

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

Allstate (Krish Parlikad) .............................................37

Inchin's Bamboo Garden..........................................43

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

Anil & Anjali Bedi LLC (CPA & Consultants)...............30

Indore Oil .................................................................91

Rajeev Devgon, CPA ................................................53

Apna Bazar (Morrisville)............................................59

Insurance - Tushar Barot, Supreme Insurance Serv..95

Ratia Revolution (Mental Health Therapy).................21

Bashyam Shah LLP - Immigration Law Group..........16

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent)73

RB Realty Group (Ravi Bheemarao)...........................33

Best Western (Waynesville).........................................5

Intense Tour (Indian Idol Top 4 - Season 12) ...............3

Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews) ....................25

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

Jet Direct Mortgage (Pooja Oberoi - Loan Officer).....47

Residential Plot for Sale in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.......15

Blooming Buds.........................................................75

Kanha Realty (Swetal Patel) ......................................61

S & S Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. ......................25

Bombay Central (Grocery & Take Out Food)..............10

Kasarla, Gopal (Mortgage & Real Estate)...........45 / 89

Saathee.com............................................................44

Brown Immigration Law (Rishi Oza, Partner).............98

KDP CPA ..................................................................39

Saint Mary's School (Raleigh) .....................................4

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

Khanna & Sons Jewelers .........................................19

Sarika CPA PLLC........................................................9

Carolina Law Group..................................................62

KidzCare Pediatrics...................................................36

Satyam Primary Care (Amit Sharma, MD).................65

Cary Internal Medicine & Diabetes Center, PA...........71

Life Mission USA (Summer Youth Camp)..................24

Shah & Associates, CPA, PLLC.................................61

Cary Medical Clinic...................................................39

Maadhurya Photography..........................................89

Shah & Trivedi CPA, PLLC.........................................47

CCS Network Technology LLC (Hospitality)................35

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

Sheraton Chapel Hill (ATMA Hotel Group) .................13

Chandni's Beauty Salon ..........................................49

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

Shukla Music Lessons..............................................41

Chapola Brothers Grocery (Apex)..............................51

NC Dermatology Associates .....................................70

Singh, Manjeet (Real Estate).....................................29

Corner Stone Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine.........49

North American Bancard ........................................11

Sistar Mortgage (Indradevi Swaminathan) ................23

County South Realty & Business Brokers..................83

NSD Tax & Accounting Services................................91

Sitar Indian Cuisine (Durham) ...................................81

Crescent Dental (Dr. Kavita Ghai) ..............................71

Nunna Realty (Shiva Nunna) .....................................51

Souvenir Saffron from Kashmir.................................15

CrossOver Lending Group, Inc..................................91

One2 Entertainment .................................................47

Spectrum Family Medicine (Sujatha Sajeevan, MD)..21

Darji, Iyer, Joshi & Patel (Accounting & Tax Services).21

Park Gastroenterology (Valli Kodali, M.D.) .................23

Spices Hut ...............................................................52

Days Inn (Waynesville) ................................................5

Patel Brothers (Cary).................................................77

Taaza Fresh Indian Bistro..........................................63

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........83

Patel, Hitesh (Mortgage Loans).................................75

Travel Passion ..........................................................41

DishDivvy .................................................................35

Patel, Kiran (Real Estate)...........................................31

Tutoring (Nirmala Koripella - A+ Tutoring)............68-69

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani).............................................41

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)....................................95

Uni World Travel........................................................31

Eesha Realty, LLC.....................................................57

Patel, Tony (Broker / Realtor).....................................67

VAS Mortgage (Ashwani Dalal) .................................15

Fairview Home Mortgage .........................................61

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate)..........................................73

VAS Realty LLC (Ashwani Dalal)................................41

Four Points by Sheraton (Myrtle Beach)....................17

Pediatric Dentist of West Cary (Dr. Arti Dahiya)........29

Veeru Ganne (Real Estate - Eastside Realty) .............55

Geological Resources, Inc.........................................75

Pizza Twist (Morrisville)................................................9

Vema Mortgage LLC (Sebastian George) .31/67/73/95

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

Pramukh Mandapam ...............................................65

Wake Spine & Pain...................................................53

Grand India Mart (Groceries).....................................32

Proficient Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. ...............37

West Cary Medicine (Dr. Kareem M.D.) ....................23

Greater Triangle Realty (Thomas John) .....................63

PropertyZoom (Madan Khatri)...................................43

Y2 Academy (SAT Prep) .........................................85

Saathee.com

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February 2022

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