Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent
Saathee.com
February 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
Letter from India Part 2: pg 22 An Adult Indian Dance Student: pg 62 Recipe: Heart-Shaped Gulab Jamun: pg 72
New Job ClassiďŹ eds: pg 92
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February 2021
Hello Readers! Turning the page is a natural state of things. A new administration is now in Washington, vaccines are being administered on a larger scale, and hopes of normalcy in a few months calms the senses. We can’t be angry all the time and this short, sweet month of February could be the turning point of bringing down emotional temperatures while the cold temperatures envelope the surroundings. A very tough year for small businesses is hopefully also turning a page. Please continue to support your local businesses, non-profits and schools while better days slowly approach. Stay healthy and connected.
“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”
February 2021 Issue # 273 - Saathee.com Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)
Comments and Suggestions always welcome. Email saathee@saathee.com
Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla 704-527-7570 or rakavid@aol.com
Digital Media & Marketing Jennifer W. Allen
Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews
"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous." - Ingrid Bergman
Contributors for this issue:
Cover: Kerala Lotus flowers bloom in a lake in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The Lotus is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. In Asian art a lotus throne is a stylized lotus flower used as the seat or base for a figure. It is the normal pedestal for divine figures in Buddhist art and Hindu art, and is also often seen in Jain art.
Kirit Shukla, Ahsen Jillani, Taige Shukla Parul Kharod, Shyama Parui, Mo Vidwans Raajeev Aggerwhil, Balaji Prasad, Shivani Tripathi, Preethi Sriram, Rishi P. Oza, and Jalendu Vaidya. Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses.
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February 2021
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In This Issue
Page 22 An Indian-American’s Letter from India. Part 2.
Page 28 Taapsee Pannu stars in the real life story Shabaash Mithu.
Page 42 More Things Change, More They Stay the Same.
Page 34 Increase your India Knowledge: Kanchenjunga.
Content The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14
Treasury & Climate Change . . . . .pg. 44
Recipe: Gulab Jamun . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18
Mirror, Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46
Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74
Letter from India, Part 2 . . . . . . . . .pg. 22
Raajeev’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48
Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 84
Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . .pg. 26
Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50
Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . .pg. 86
Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28
Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . .pg. 54
Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . .pg. 88
Increase India Knowledge . . . . . . .pg. 34
Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60
Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 88
Increase USA Knowledge . . . . . . . .pg. 38
An Adult Indian Dance Student . .pg. 62
AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 90
Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40
News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 64
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 92
Subcontinental Divide . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42
Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66
Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 96
Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
The Soaring (20)20s
Empowering the potential of a new decade
The Editor’s Desk by Samir Shukla
No, everything is not broken. Here’s a sentence or a variation of it you hear almost incessantly. “The country is going to hell in a hand basket. Everything seems broken.” There are myriad problems and dilemmas facing us, to be sure. Name a decade where that wasn’t true. There will never be a perfect world. We continue to work to get close to that conceptual world. First of all, the bug will be contained. That’s the prime directive for the next few months. Americans are finally getting shot, in the arms I mean, and that’s a wonderful thing. With a push and a shove, and massive vaccinations, the normal will be ours. Then it will be off to the races. Let’s imagine the better, turning a cacophony of woes into a serenade of wows. Imagine a renewal, naturally slow but steady. We can endlessly argue about all sorts of dilemmas. Or we can turn poisons into possibilities. It’s not an easy or overnight task, but humanity always finds solutions. You will never get complete participation in anything, but a majority working together for positive outcomes for all is not out of reach. It is committed people and builders using technology, entrepreneurship, and medical advances that can change the trajectory. Let the political extremists toss rocks at each other. They always have and always will. Why waste your time with them? Humans are innately programmed to work to reduce personal pain, discomfort, and isolation, while we seek stability, safety, and mobility, arriving at new ways of attaining these. Weariness jostles the afflicted into action. We are Saathee.com
the creators of technology. We can be its tamers. Every decade has its defining aspects, where despite the badness of each era, progress is made socially, medically and economically. We are heck of a lot better off than folks were 30, 40, 50 years ago in many ways. This new and young decade can keep improving society. The prime challenge is to uplift the everyman and woman, the common worker, economically and socially, and the entire planet will be lifted. There will be reduction in violence, domestic abuse, social upheavals, mass migrations, even wars, if the mass of people around the world feel they are economically empowered and their lives are improving. Understanding the inevitable explosion of technology and using it to help raise the common human is the work of the hour. When a majority of people are economically and socially empowered, divisions will become minor irritations. Everyone wants to change the world, but feel overwhelmed. A simple way to begin this stroll into that better world is to find three things you want to do, and are able to do, that are positive. This could be as simple as saying a genuine hello and how are you to that politically opposite neighbor. Ask them if they need any help with anything. A smile may follow, after the grunts, just as surely as spring follows winter. Actionable effort is the need of the hour. Have you been thinking about planting trees? Well, what are you waiting for? Kneeling and peaceful protesting are worthy efforts but rendered useless unless followed by focused, tactical action to affect the change one seeks. This is a lifelong effort. Making some sort of peace with those of opposing views, whether political, religious, social, economic, is the invisible builder of foundations. You may have to swallow your pride to do this and it may not pay off. If two opposites make even a minor effort to join in a common cause, both will be relieved of a dark layer of distrust. You can't defeat an enemy if you are fighting with your own brethren. Rather than analyzing, reanalyzing, and complaining, just execute your individually chosen tasks. The real problems are subtle prejudices and preconceptions because everyone has those. We can complain about others and their negative or extreme or downright false world views or we can do self-reflection and come out of comfort zones of preconceptions and make a change. If nothing else happens you will at least have a clear conscience. continued on page 70 14
February 2021
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Community Events Beaufort International Film Festival: (February 15-19, 2021) The annual fest will take place from February 15-19, 2021. The purpose of the festival is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries, and screenwriting. The Beaufort Film Society has served as the tip of the spear in forging a new presence for the art of filmmaking in Beaufort County since their formation in 2009. By producing an internationally respected film festival located in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands, they have raised an awareness of the culture and history in the region. For more information including film selections and tickets, be sure to visit Beaufortfilmfestival.com.
Mohit Joshi, Infosys President Speakers Program: (February 18, 2021) The World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host Mohit Joshi, President of Infosys as part of the WACC Distinguished Virtual Speakers Program: “Role of Tech in post-pandemic recovery of financial systems.” In response to the pandemic, many financial institutions have enabled alternative working processes, served customers in new ways, enhanced digital offerings, and ensured the viability of systems across platforms. Joshi will offer his insight into the future of technology in the banking industry, insurance companies, and stock exchanges that permit the exchange of funds and the critical nature of technological platforms that will also help promote economic growth and ongoing recovery. The date is Thursday, February 18, 2021 and program will take place from 12–1pm. Joshi is also Chairman of EdgeVerve Systems – the software subsidiary of Infosys. The cost is free for WACC members; $5.00 (Non-Members). More details and registration at: Worldaffairscharlotte.org.
The American Heritage Festival: Lake City, SC (February 20-21, 2021)
Wilmington Marathon Madness: (February 27, 2021)
Experience marathon madness from Pier to Port with this Boston Marathon qualifier and USATF certified qualifier race. The new course for the full marathon starts Saturday February 27, 2021 at Johnnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach, and runs through Wilmington (total of six bridges) ending in Historic Downtown Wilmington on the Riverwalk in front of the Alton Lennon Federal Courthouse. Runners will span a total 6 bridges (4 of which are flat) and run through some of the best scenery in Wilmington. Details: Wilmingtonncmarathon.com.
Speedway Ice Rink: (Through February 28, 2021)
Step back in time and onto the battlefield at the 6th Annual American Heritage Festival from February 20-21, 2021 at Graham’s Historic Farm in Lake City, SC. Through events such as Revolutionary War and WWII reenactments, Historical Speakers and Live Music Performances... you and your family can celebrate history in a way you’ve never done before. Tickets are $15 and provide full access to the event all weekend long. Kids under 10 are admitted free. Find out more at Theamericanheritagefestival.com. Saathee.com
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The Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord is keeping the winter fun going strong. Open daily through February 28, 2021 the Ice Rink offers unlimited skating Monday through Thursday. Hours are Monday Thursday: 6pm - 10pm ($15 for adults and $10 for kids 10 & under & includes skate rental), Friday - Sunday: 4pm - 10pm ($15 per hour & includes skate rental). To learn more, visit Charlottemotorspeedway.com.
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February 2021
Community Events be Lord Shiva abhishekam all day along with puja all night Whether you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon or long. There will be bhajans, aarti and prasad served. The event planning a fun running weekend getaway with the family, the 24th will be also shown live on the temple’s Facebook page. For annual Myrtle Beach Marathon course is the place to start. With more details, call the temple at 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org. only 25 feet of elevation gain, you’ll be able to tour one of the East Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Show: Hickory, NC Coast’s top vacation towns. Start your running journey on Saturday, March 6, 2021 with a full marathon, half marathon, 5k, (March 26-28, 2021) a virtual family fun run, and a Virtual 10k Race. Learn more details The 51st annual Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Show is held in at Capstoneraces.com/myrtle-beach-marathon. hopes to increase knowledge of the earth sciences. The show will feature many vendors offering gems, minerals, beads, fossils and Maha Shivratri Celebrations: Charlotte, NC (March 11, 2021) jewelry. There will also be an education area, mini mine, fossil & geologist booths, demonstrations, and more. The event will be held at the Hickory Metro Convention Center between March 26 & 28, 2021. Admission is $5 for all 3 days. Free admission for military, law enforcement, and scouts, and Children 12 & under. See more details at Facebook.com/Catawbaannualshow.
Myrtle Beach Marathon: (March 6, 2021)
Summerville Family Flowertown Festival: (March 26-28, 2021) The Flowertown Festival is the YMCA’s premiere fundraiser founded to support health and wellness programs. Every spring, thousands of people visit Summerville to see nature’s bounty awash in color, from the hot pink azaleas, to the purple wisteria, to the delicate white dogwood. On this three-day weekend between March 26 & 28, 2021, festival-goers transcend this gracious Southern town to take in the flowers and hospitality The Hindu Center of Charlotte presents the annual Maha and attend one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Shivratri celebrations on Thursday, March 11, 2021. There will Southeast. Learn more at Summervilleymca.org/flowertown.
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An Indian-American’s Letter from India
How I Saw the Country Change in 2020
Monsoon clouds in the sky are a welcome sight in Mumbai, signaling respite from the intense heat of April and May.
Part 2
Photos by Shivani Tripathi
by Shivani Tripathi
Continued from the January 2021 issue of Saathee Magazine What started off as a plan to spend a few months in Mumbai at the end of 2019, turned into nine months and had gone well into 2020. I imagined adventures in different corners of the subcontinent but now spent days indoors in the suburb of Chembur. The many miles between family, friends and me were greatly reduced through video calls, but points of interest around town only a short car ride away were now unreachable. I had come to India just as monsoon clouds had exited the city and was about to experience their return in 2020. Monsoon: June, July, August The first week of June brought additional worry to residents of Mumbai in the form of Cyclone Nisarga. The only time I felt any fear about living in the city was when it made landfall. Buckets of water were filled, all electronics were fully charged and candles were kept handy in anticipation of what the weather event could do to such a densely populated city, with some of its inhabitants living in unstable structures. Predicted to be potentially catastrophic, Mumbaikars breathed a sigh of relief when Saathee.com
the cyclone left the city intact. Around the neighborhood I saw a few split trees, some rooftop sheds in shambles and red gulmohar flowers sprinkled on sidewalks. Soon after Nisarga’s departure, monsoon season officially arrived in the city by the sea. It is said there are two types of monsoon people: those who take delight in the cool rain and warm cups of chai, and those who are irritated by waterlogged streets and grey skies. Before 2020 I had spent a monsoon, coincidently, in Mumbai and could only remember dark clouds and soaked shoes, and experiencing more annoyance than enjoyment. This season, however, I was writing from home and other than going out for essentials, I had no other distractions. I stepped outside to soak in the season’s first cloud burst and looked up at the sky as droplets splashed across Mumbai and me. Trees covered in months of dust transformed from sepia to a lush hue of green. Such small joys had A crowded chemist shop in Chembur, much more meaning in lockdown. Mumbai. Socially distancing customers was The quiet in my corner of the world strongly enforced in the early stages of the would be punctured by the most lockdown but such is no longer the case. beautiful sounds like the sudden rush of rain, myna birds chirping and the rustling of palm leaves in the breeze. While waiting for their normal lives to move forward, people were traveling back in time. I was hearing children play in open spaces inside localities and a few scooters zipping down lanes while Hindi film songs from the ‘90s echoed into my room from a nearby building. These became the sounds of many evenings to come. Memories of my first visit to India as a child were dusted off and city residents posted on social media how they felt the Bombay of their youth had returned. I couldn’t take enough pictures of vibrant sunsets after a rain continued on page 58 22
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February 19
February 5
The Mauritanian (Director: Kevin MacDonald) Cast: Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley, Tahar Rahim, and Benedict Cumberbatch
Shabaash Mithu (Director: Rahul Dholakia) Cast: Taapsee Pannu Zombie Reddy (Director: Prasanth Varma) Cast: Sajja Teja, Harsha Vardhan, Daksha Nagarkar, and Hemanth
Blithe Spirit (Director: Edward Hall) Cast: Dan Stevens, Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, and Judi Dench
Malcolm and Marie (Streaming) (Director: Peter Levinson) Cast: Zendaya and John David Washington Minamata (Director: Andrew Levitas) Cast: Johnny Depp, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kase, Tadanobu Asano, and Bill Nighy
Nomadland (Director: Chloé Zhao) Cast: Frances McDormand, Linda May, and David Strathairn I Care a Lot (Streaming) (Director: J Blakeson) Cast: Rosamund Pike, Eiza González, Damian Young, and Dianne Wiest
February 26 Nobody (Director: Derek Kolstad) Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, and Christopher Lloyd
Aadhaar (Director: Suman Ghosh) Cast: Vineet Kumar, Sanjay Mishra, Saurabh Shukla, and Raghubir Yadav
Crisis (Director: Nicholas Jarecki) Cast: Armie Hammer, Evangeline Lilly, Greg Kinnear, Michelle Rodriguez, and Gary Oldman
February 12 Land (Director: Robin Wright) Cast: Robin Wright and Demián Bichir
Tom and Jerry (Director: Tim Story) Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Colin Jost, and Pallavi Sharda
Breaking News in Yuba County (Director: Tate Taylor) Cast: Allison Janney, Mila Kunis, Awkwafina, Wanda Sykes, and Juliette Lewis
The Father (Director: Florian Zeller) Cast: Olivia Coleman, Mark Gatniss, Olivia Williams, and Anthony Hopkins
Music (Director: Sia) Cast: Kate Hudson, Maddie Ziegler, and Leslie Odom Jr.
The Girl on the Train (Streaming) (Director: Ribhu Dasgupta) Cast: Parineeti Chopra, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Avinash Tiwary
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February 2021
Film Clips Shabaash Mithu
film is written and directed by Ribhu Dasgupta and stars Kirti Kulhari, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Parineeti Chopra. The film begins streaming on February 26.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Shabaash Mithu is Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj’s biopic. Raj is nicknamed “Lady Tendulkar of Indian Women’s cricket.” This true story is directed by Rahul Dholakia and stars Taapsee Pannu and Zeel Thacker. Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and the only female cricketer to surpass the 6,000 run mark in Women’s One Day International matches. The film opens on February 5.
The Mauritanian
Feature film adaptation of the musical about a teenager from Sheffield, England who wants to be a drag queen. Jamie is 16 and he doesn’t quite fit in. He is terrified about the future but supported by his loving mom and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. The film is directed by Jonathan Butterell and stars Max Harwood, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Adeel Akhtar, and Samuel Bottomley. It opens later this year.
the MARFLIX vision as #Fighter! Looking forward to my first flight alongside the exceptional @deepikapadukone. All buckled up for this #SiddharthAnand joyride.” Filming should begin in late 2021.
Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi to star in Sriram Raghavan Film Andhadhun director Sriram Raghavan has roped in Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi for his next cinematic venture. Reportedly, Vijay Sethupathi plays the leading man in the film along with Kaif as the female protagonist. This is the first time that Sethupathi and Kaif will be seen together. There are no further details about the project. Kaif is currently awaiting the release of Sooryavanshi in which she will be seen opposite Akshay Kumar. She has also started preparing for the film project Phone Booth alongside actors Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi. She will soon start working on her superhero film slated to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.
Tom and Jerry
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone Signup for Fighter A detainee at the U.S military’s Guantanamo Bay detention center is held without charges for over a decade and seeks help from a defense attorney for his release. The taut drama, starring Jodie Foster, Shailene Woodley, Tahar Rahim, Zachary Levi, and Benedict Cumberbatch, and directed by Kevin MacDonald, opens on February 19.
The Girl on the Train The story follows a recent divorcee who spends her daily commute fantasizing about a seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes daily, but something shocking happens there one day. The Saathee.com
Filmmaker Siddharth Anand and Hrithik Roshan’s have collaborated on two hit films, Bang Bang and War. Now Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone will share the screen for the first time in Siddharth Anand’s film Fighter. Taking to Twitter on his birthday, Hrithik Roshan shared the announcement video along with the release date, September 30, 2022. “Presenting a glimpse of 28
This animated film is a contemporary adaption of the classic and beloved HannaBarbera cartoon, which reveals how Tom and Jerry first meet and form their rivalry. The movie is directed by Tim Story and features the voices of Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, and Rob Delaney. Tom and Jerry begin their never ending chases and rivalry when the film opens on February 26. February 2021
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February 2021
Tusshar Kapoor to Co-Star with Naseeruddin Shah Tusshar Kapoor, after producing Akshay Kumar starrer Laxmmi, has now announced his next film Maarrich. Kapoor will be seen on screen as one of the central characters. Directed by Dhruv Lather, the film also stars veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in a pivotal role. Sharing a few glimpses from the film, Kapoor took to his social media handle to formally announce the film. “Almost 20 yrs down this wonderful journey of making stories come to life, beginning 2021 with #Maarrich..a departure from my usual style, a film that challenges me to evolve as an actor! Excited to share glimpses, even more excited to share screen space with Naseer Sir after long.” Kapoor essays the role of a cop named Rajiv who works a complicated double murder case.
Vidya Balan’s Short Film Natkhat in Race to Represent India at the Oscars Raya and the Last Dragon In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon. This animated movie is directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada and features the voice talents of Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina. Look for it on March 5.
Roberrt
The short film Natkhat starring Vidya Balan is one of the Indian films that are in the race for Oscar 2021 in the Best Short Film (Live Action) Category. Balan also served as a producer of the short. Directed by Shaan Vyas, the film premiered at Tribeca’s We Are One: A Global Film Festival. Natkhat revolves around the life of a mother who tries to teach her son about patriarchy and misogyny prevalent around them. She teaches him about gender equality when she observes that he has starts showing and leaning to patriarchal norms just like the other men in the family. Other Indian films that are in the race for the same category are Keith Gomes’ Shameless and Tushar Tyagi’s Saving Chintu. Oscars are slated for April 25, 2021.
Roberrt is an upcoming Kannada language action film written and directed by Tharun Kishore Sudhir and produced by Umapathy Srinivasa Gowda under the banner of Umapathy films. The film stars Darshan, Asha Bhat, Jagapathi Babu and Vinnod Prabhakar. Music is composed by Arjun Janya, while cinematography and editing are handled by Sudhakar S Raj and KM Prakash respectively. It is slated for release on March 11.
Kangana Ranaut starrer Dhaakad Gets Release Date
Haathi Mere Saathi
Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film, Dhaakad, an actionpacked, high octane spy thriller is India’s first such film led by a female character. It is slated for theatrical release on October 1, 2021. Ranaut, who will play the role of Agent Agni in the film, recently flew to Bhopal to kickstart the shooting of the film. The filmmakers released an early look recently which features Ranaut wielding a sword against the backdrop of gore. Talking about the new film poster, Ranaut said, “Dhaakad is India’s first femaleled high octane spy thriller and I am excited as this film is going to mark the beginning of a new era for Indian cinema. An action entertainer of this huge scale deserves a holiday weekend release and I can’t wait for the audience to meet Agent Agni on 1st October”.
Rana Daggubati, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Pulkit Samrat star in Haathi Mere Saathi, which is based on real life events of conservation of elephants. The dramatic film is laced with fantasy elements by director Prabu Solomon. The movie is slated for worldwide release on March 26. Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
Increase Your
Knowledge Kanchenjunga Kanchenjunga, also spelled Kangchenjunga, is India’s highest peak and world’s third highest mountain, with an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 meters). The mountain lies on the border of Sikkim, India and Nepal in the Himalayas. Due to the difficulty involved in accessing it from India and its remote location in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga region is not much explored by hikers and trekkers. It has, therefore, retained much of its pristine beauty. There are four climbing routes to reach the summit of Kanchenjunga, three of which are in Nepal from the southwest, northwest, and northeast, and one from northeastern Sikkim in India. To date, the northeastern route from Sikkim has been successfully used three times. Kanchenjunga was first climbed on in May 1955 by a British Kanchenjunga expedition. They stopped a few meters short of the summit in accordance with the promise given to the Chogyal (former monarchs of Sikkim) that the top of the mountain would remain intact. Every climber that has reached the summit has followed this tradition. The town of Darjeeling in India is known for its famous view of Kanchenjunga, which is located about 46 miles away. The name Kanchenjunga is derived from four words of Tibetan origin and interpreted in Sikkim as the “Five Treasuries of the Great Snow.” The mountain holds an important place in the mythology & religious ritual of local inhabitants. Kanchenjunga Main is the highest elevation of the Brahmaputra River basin.
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February 2021
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February 2021
Increase Your
USA Knowledge Denali Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America. It is located near the center of the Alaska Range. Denali is located about 130 miles from Anchorage and 170 miles from Fairbanks in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road, according to the National Park Service. Travelers along it see the relatively lowelevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America’s tallest peak, 20,310’ Denali. Denali is the third most prominent and third most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest and Mount Aconcagua. On the eve of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the name of the highest peak in North America changed from “Mount McKinley” to “Denali.” According to the National Park Service, the Koyukon people who inhabit the area referred to the peak as “Denali” for centuries. In 1896, a gold prospector named it “Mount McKinley” in support of thenpresidential candidate William McKinley; that name was the official name recognized by the Federal government from 1917 until 2015. In August 2015, 40 years after Alaska had done so, the United States Department of the Interior announced the change of the official name of the mountain to Denali. About 400,000 travelers journey to Denali National Park and Preserve each year, primarily between late May and early September.
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February 2021
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February 2021
Detoxing and Cleansing Nutrition for Life by Parul Kharod There are plenty of books, websites, and internet forums that suggest we should all be doing some sort of detox or cleanse on a routine basis. This is a big money-making business. There are several benefits touted for these regimens including weight loss. But does our body need detoxing or cleansing? It is important to understand that our body is built with its own natural cleansing and detoxing system. We have several organs that help prevent toxins from entering the body and help with removal of unwanted substances from the body. The liver: Our liver is a detox machine! It is our body’s main filter. The liver produces a family of proteins called metallothioneins which metabolize dietary nutrients like copper and zinc. They also neutralize harmful metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury to prepare for their elimination from the body. Liver cells also produce various enzymes which regulate the metabolism of drugs and are an important part of the body’s defense against harmful chemicals and other toxins. The kidneys: Our kidneys are remarkably eďŹƒcient in filtering out waste substances and moving them out of the body. The skin: Our skin is our first line of defense. It provides a barrier against harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and chemical toxins. The respiratory system: We have fine hairs inside the nose that trap dirt and other substances. Mucus present in the airways can also trap unwanted substances. The immune system: Our immune system has a network of defense mechanisms for prevention as well as destruction of harmful substances. The intestines: Lymph nodes present in the small intestine routinely screen out parasites and other foreign substances before nutrients are absorbed into the blood from the colon. Food is our fuel. If you put in the right kind of fuel in your body, these organs will do their work and the body will automatically clean itself. Problems happen when the body is clogged with excess fat, sugar, and salt and the organs are not able to do their work. So the goal is not to do temporary fixes and do cleanses or detoxes but to make longterm lifestyle changes. continued on page 56 Saathee.com
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February 2021
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More Things Change, More They Stay the Same Thank You, Mr. President and (Maybe) Big Tech? Subcontinental Divide by Ahsen Jillani Last month I wrote about what might happen. It happened. The goons invaded the US Capitol, desecrated Congressional offices, and ran off with Nancy Pelosi’s podium. The coup was successful for the most part; then the liberals impeached the president, and then the Big Tech machinery finally fired up and started isolating Donald Trump under this new law called “Political Correctness.” I’m writing this days before Joe Biden takes office with thousands of Americans dying daily, an economy in shambles, and a country that left-wing pundits are saying was divided by Trump. I’ve written almost 50 columns since Trump was elected and have discussed all aspects of the toxic message that he brought to the surface in our society. But sadly, it took a riot just a couple of weeks before his departure that finally and violently put the cherry on top of the bitter cake of racism. These rioters (seditionists?) were really us. These were off-duty cops, firefighters, veterans, millionaire business people who flew in on Lear jets, and average Joes we work with every day. What happened then was not about this man whose daddy got arrested during a KKK riot in New York in 1927. Or the man documented to not rent to colored people. Or the man who spent eight years trying to prove Obama was born in Kenya. What really happened is that a battlefield studded with hyper-information, Big Tech created an almost perfect general for the racists in America to regain control of their own miserable lives. How appropriate and all-American to have an obese, junk food eating, reality-show guy who is all about cheating on taxes, on wives, on bank loans, to awaken those that dream about making America white again. Yes, the rioters were our neighbors. And I maintain my assertion from months ago that Trump is still the most powerful politician in America. Almost 48 percent of voters pushed that Trump button – and you think about it and tell me why. He got a lot more votes this election cycle than in 2016, which means that without the liberal machinery of activist celebrities, tech moguls, SuperPAC’s, and of course, those registering colored voters, he would have swept this election. Indeed, the state-level races were a slaughter for Democrats, proving that new voters still favored conservatives at local levels despite the referendum on Trump. But, truthfully, we do need to thank Trump for his legacy. He left like the man-child he is, not even shaking continued on page 94 Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
What can Janet Yellen do About Climate Change as US Treasury Secretary? By Rachel Kyte, the Conversation Janet Yellen is poised to be the next U.S. Treasury secretary, and her inbox will require every ounce of her vast experience to pilot the economy through a daunting confluence of challenges. How the U.S. manages the economic recovery from the pandemic, the financial risks from climate change and inequality together will determine the chances of American prosperity over the coming decades. First, Yellen will need to ensure that economic stimulus packages produce a job-rich recovery from the pandemic. She can help guide the U.S. to the sweet spot of immediate growth that also puts the country on the path toward a cleaner, more resilient future. This means measures that steer investment and job creation in the sectors of the future, including clean energy, energy efficiency, clean transport and resilient agriculture. Second, she will have a crucial role in orchestrating a total government approach to climate risk and resilience. That includes working across every department and agency involved in the regulation, policy and management of financial markets and the economy. Third, the pandemic has revealed the extent of the nation’s lack of resilience. With climate shocks only expected to intensify, Yellen’s role in the nation’s recovery also means confronting inequality. Yellen, a former Federal Reserve chair and professor of economics, is respected by her peers and international financial institutions, and she will be in a position to persuade banks and businesses to take climate change seriously. But there will be no honeymoon. I have been involved in international sustainable development and climate diplomacy for years as a former World Bank vice president and senior U.N. official, and I see several ways Yellen can use the power of the U.S. Treasury to lay the foundation for real and lasting progress on climate change. Finding a way to put a price on carbon The good news is that Yellen has a keen understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and their interplay, and the roles that financial regulators and economic leaders can play. For example, she is sensitive to the need to put a price on carbon pollution to help curb emissions. The cost of that pollution today is borne by the public, from bad air quality to extreme weather and sea level rise. A carbon price, continued on page 70 Saathee.com
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February 2021
Love in a Time of Mainstream Geekery Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen It’s February once again which means that many of us are flooded with red and pink reminders of Valentine’s Day. Often the holiday is seen either as blight for those who are single, or an obligation for those who are not. With the current state of the world, a holiday such as this must be treated quite differently than in past years. While that doesn’t mean we should write off Valentine’s Day entirely, I do think we must instead think more creatively on how to make the occasion all the more memorable. Finding love in a world now dominated by online matchmaker sites built on algorithms adopted from the same methods used in South Asian cultures for decades can feel intimidating for some. It’s gotten so insane that there’s a dating site for just about every type of person out there. It’s safe to say that at this point in our existence, finding a long-term partner is so much easier than it used to be. With my own self-construed lifestyle as a fan of many things considered “geeky” by cultural standards, I’m often lumped into a category that until around 20 years ago was generally ridiculed as being extremely unlucky when it comes to romance. Now… to clarify, being a geek is so much more than just enthusiasm about pop culture or tech innovations. At the end of the day, geeks are just regular people who happen to be very passionate about specific fandoms. Also keep in mind that just because you happen to love the Marvel movies doesn’t mean you’ll get along great with someone who prefers the original comic books. The same could be said about someone who prefers let’s say… ShahRukh Khan films as opposed to Salman Khan ones. Honestly, geek culture has gotten so incredibly massive and spans all sorts of interests that just about everyone has some form of “geekery” entwined within their lives. Even if you don’t think you can be that passionate about anything, just remember that something as simple as being a fan of a specific sports franchise, preferring specific clothing designers or collecting memorabilia still counts! Saathee.com
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I still have fond memories of going to my first Star Trek convention a little over 30 years ago. At this point all we had was The Next Generation still showing new episodes on air and both The Original Series and The Animated Series appearing in syndicated reruns. As a 16 year-old at my first ever convention, I was absolutely flabbergasted to realize that I’d finally found a place where I fit in. I was no longer the weird girl who liked sci-fi, comic books and video games. I was just another person who happens to also love Star Trek. Being a geek was such a niche thing back in those days that it’s seen as a bit of a trope now. I still remember one particular day at my high school where they asked students to wear Hard Rock Café T-shirts and sweatshirts, I walked around proudly wearing a joke ‘Ten Forward’ sweatshirt (a popular hangout spot on the Enterprise from Star Trek: The Next Generation) and didn’t even care when a couple folks told me my contribution “didn’t really count” towards the spirit of the day. Fast forward to today where Apple Watches are now common fashion wear, playing a video game on your phone is not frowned upon, and standing in line to see the next Star Wars movie is not a social death sentence. In fact, we now live in a world where some of the most popular movies and TV shows have sci-fi or fantasy themes. Video games have advanced to the point where their stories, visuals and even their soundtracks are now on par with their live action equivalents. If you want to acquire some specific knowledge about your favorite celebrity, then it’s only a Wikipedia search away. As far as finding love in a world before this all happened? Well, I actually first met my now husband at that same Star Trek convention 30 years ago and have almost exclusively had both friendships and relationships with fellow geeks pretty much my whole life. I’ve been one of the lucky ones, though. It’s never felt odd to me to be a woman who also happens to enjoy what’s normally been considered ‘guy stuff’. This is probably due in no small part to the fact that my mother was the exact same way. As a girl who collected comic books and baseball cards herself, she encouraged me to read various comics and fantasy novels and even bought me my first ever Dungeons & Dragons reference book. This continued on page 64 February 2021
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February 2021
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Raajeev’s Comedy Corner by Raajeev Aggerwhil
During this long seemingly endless period of self-isolation, there is one thing I miss deeply: the excitement of opening a fortune cookie after finishing the last bite of Szechuan tofu with brown rice at my favorite Chinese restaurants. Sure, all of them still give out fortune cookies with takeout but it is more fun tearing the cookie apart and reading the small strip with family and friends surrounded by the authentic ambience of China. According to Wikipedia, “Fortune cookies are often served as a dessert in Chinese restaurants in the US and other countries, but they are not Chinese in origin. The exact origin of fortune cookies is unclear, though various immigrant groups in California claim to have popularized them in the early 20th century. They most likely originated from cookies made by Japanese immigrants to the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. The Japanese version did Saathee.com
not have the Chinese lucky numbers and was eaten with tea.” Like fortune cookies, it is widely believed that the popular dish Chicken Tikka Masala was created in an Indian restaurant in London. It was a contribution of the South Asian immigrants to the UK. I wonder if Indian immigrants in the US can create a concept of Desi fortune cookies at Indian restaurants which would have witty pearls of wisdom from Indian culture and literature. Here are a few of my favorite quotes by Mahatma Gandhi that would make it to the list: “Eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” “My life is my message.” Since I have been meditating for over 20 years, while researching material for this article, I came across some of Buddha’s quotes that really resonated with me. I believe they not only transcend time but will appeal to Indian and non-Indian customers: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love continued on page 56 48
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Spot the Differences See if you can spot the 15 dierences between the original photo on top and modified one on bottom. Answers are on pg 88.
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Of Mountains and Molehills Thinking About Thinking by Balaji Prasad
“Let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.” - William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
There are many things in this world and so little of me. And this is so even when the definition of “world” is just that part that is practically accessible to me, i.e. my world. If I dealt with everything in my world as if they were all equal then this would definitely result in many things becoming unequal, even marginalized, because, pragmatically, it is just impossible for me to devote my attention to everything. These inequalities would happen but they would happen randomly based on what my eye catches at any given point in time, often driven by what circumstances and the people that I get exposed to happen to be engaging in. If I flow along with the circumstances and people in my sphere, I am little more than a dead fish that gets carried along by the stream I happen to have been dumped into. Saathee.com
Life is a combination of being a dead fish and a live fish. It is neither completely random, buffeted around by circumstantial currents, nor is it completely driven by the life-form that surely exists within but which sometimes feels completely absent. If you are a deep philosopher, you might just say I am neither fish nor fowl or anything else, and I care not who I am or what I am or what I do, and what everything else and everyone else around me does. I am because I am, and there may not even be an I. But on the off chance that you’re not cast in such a mold, it helps to pause, take a deep breath once in a while and ask, “How alive am I?”. A life in the land is worth two in the slush So, assuming that there is a driver behind the wheel who likes to drive as much as possible, it is necessary to have a map and a destination — or two or three — that feels like it is worth being at. This means that it is also necessary to figure out how to find the relative worth of different destinations and journeys. Otherwise, we would be back at square one where everything is like everything else and we have only a million shades of grey and one deep philosopher. Or a pretty dejected human being. Some things are really, really important. Really. Like food. And water. Maslow’s Hierarchy, for those who are into models lays out quite well the core things that we cannot get by without. When we don’t have these basics, nothing else matters much. Maslow’s continued on page 78 54
February 2021
Nutrition
Raajeev Corner
continued from page 40
continued from page 48
Safety issues with commercial detox/cleanse products The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken action against several companies selling detox/cleansing products because they (1) contained illegal, potentially harmful ingredients; (2) were marketed using false claims that they could treat serious diseases; or (3) or were marketed for unapproved uses. Some detox and cleanse products may cause electrolyte imbalances. Harmful effects are more likely in people with a history of There are other quotes from famous Indian leaders that gastrointestinal disease, colon surgery, severe hemorrhoids, kidney disease, or heart disease. would be worthy of making into Desi fortune cookies.
and affection.” “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Some benefits of detoxification According to Ayurveda, when the bodily systems are not working efficiently, there is buildup of Ama. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Removing the Ama is the main goal of cleansing. Ayurveda also recognizes the importance of bringing the systems back into balance. There are Ayurvedic regimens such as Panchakarma and Purvakarma that are done as detoxifying cleansing process. However these are best done under the instruction of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can personalize the treatment based on your individual doshas.
“Work is undoubtedly worship, but laughter is life.” – Sardar Patel “Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.” -Jawaharlal Nehru “Time is not measured by the passing of years but by what one does, what one feels, and what one achieves.” -Jawaharlal Nehru “Give me blood and I will give you freedom!” -Subhash Chandra Bose “You cannot shake hands with a closed fist.” -Indira Gandhi “There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.” -Indira Gandhi
Fasting or Upavas Finally, we could tap into sources such as the Panchatantra, The concept of withholding food for a certain number of for eternal pearls of wisdom: hours is present in various religions. In Hinduism, there are various days in the year where abstinence is observed. In “Never give advice, unless you are asked for it.” – Panchatantra Jainism, people fast for anywhere from eight hours to eight “Only the brave succeed in life.” -Panchatantra days. In Islam there is fasting done during Ramadan. “Never make friends with people who are above or below you in Fasting is practiced by many as a ritual for detoxifying the status. Such friendship will never give you happiness.” - body. Fasting is practiced to maintain self-control from the Panchatantra pleasures enjoyed through the five senses, and to gain control over the mind. Fasting allows our tissues and organs to More creative owners of restaurants could come up with cleanse through a mechanism called autophagy which allows their own customized fortune cookie messages with a touch old cells, toxins, and even cells that may be prone to becoming of humor: cancerous or dysfunctional to be degraded and cleared-out of our system, essentially detoxifying our bodies. “Jiski badi gaadi, uska right of way. – The bigger car gets the right of way. Intermittent Fasting “The world is flat … like our Roti.” The recent popularity in Intermittent Fasting is also based “Don’t goof off. Your job and fortune may get outsourced to on these above mentioned principles. The ideal way to do India.” intermittent fasting is to eat within an eight hour period and let the body rest for the remaining 16 hours. This fasting can The restaurant managers could also get inspiration from be done daily or on alternate days or for 1-2 days per week. Hollywood movies customized for the Indian palate: It is important to remember that our body is equipped to “Mama always said arranged marriage was like a box of chocolates. cleanse itself. There are proven methods to clean and detoxify the mind and body as needed. But what should be avoided You never know what you’re gonna get.” (Forrest Gump) “Frankly, my Dear. I don’t give a damn about bland food.” (Gone is marketing gimmicks that try to sell detoxing or cleansing books, programs, and supplements. Cleansing or detoxing with the Wind) “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel hungry?” should not be done for weight loss or for any quick fixes. It should be done mindfully. The goal should be not just to (Dirty Harry) remove physical toxins, but to also restore the mind-body “Go ahead, make me a chapati.” (Sudden Impact) system to a healthy state of balance and harmony. “May the Garam Masala be with you.” (Star Wars) “Nan. My name is James Nan.” (Dr. No) Parul Kharod is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical continued on page 64 Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com Saathee.com
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February 2021
Letter from India continued from page 22
shower had swept the sky clean for the sun to slowly descend. But the spell cast by such moments would be broken by news of the rising number of cases in the city. Ambulances were taking patients from hospital to hospital hoping to find an empty bed, often waiting for hours and in more than a few instances, the sick passed away on route. Days were spent sometimes in amazement, at times in a daze and even in dismay at what was occurring in India and around the world. There were more questions than answers and any small talk between people included the question of whether lockdown would be extended. Eid, a time for celebrating and gathering with family and friends was observed very differently with lockdown restrictions in place. Would limitations be in place in November during Diwali? The gradual “unlocking” of India was publicized and soon I started receiving messages from ride-booking services such as Uber and Ola, announcing they Bus stops across Mumbai are back in service and ready to display signage encouraging take me from Point A to Point B citizens to take proper steps with safety protocols in place to protect themselves and such as masked drivers, frequent their family. seat sanitation and lowered windows for ventilation. The unease of being less than sixfeet-away from a stranger aside, where would I go? Restaurants were open only for delivery, shops and malls were shuttered and museums, theaters were closed. Traveling to another Indian state for a change of scene seemed just as futile. Entry guidelines and quarantine rules were confusing and I would joke to friends that post-lockdown the rare sound of a plane flying overhead would shock me as if I’d never heard the sound before, or give me déjà vu as if it were an echo I had heard in another lifetime. As the fourth month of lockdown commenced in July, I started listening to Christmas carols and searched streaming platforms for wholesome, American films to escape from what could’ve been a mix of lockdown fatigue and perhaps seasonal depression from not being exposed to enough sunlight. Video conferencing with family and friends often provided the ray of sunshine I craved. Curious to know what my day was like I would get equal parts excitement and envy for the unique treats I would have delivered such as kadhai paneer pizza and pani puri sorbet. But however hard we tried not to discuss the topic we all wanted to forget for a few moments, how the pandemic was changing our lives would always make its way into conversations. I would be asked when I will be returning home, as many were doing in India and around the world. My journey began with the desire to live a life that was different from the one I had known in America, and that was still Saathee.com
possible in India even if it meant spending much of my time indoors. I was indeed more creative and feeling enthused by the fictional worlds I was creating on blank pages. I would glance up from my laptop and see red whiskered bulbuls perching on a tree branch outside my window, my lunch might be a Maharashtrian-style tiffin with ingredients such as tender coconut, jaggery and tamarind water, and sunsets were spent on a terrace with the azaan in Arabic echoing from afar and a mother scolding her son in Tulu in an apartment nearby. Hair salons in Mumbai were allowed to open end of June but it wasn’t until mid-August that I made an appointment. I hadn’t read any sensational stories of the coronavirus being spread in salons in either India or America and thankfully the business I enjoyed visiting before the pandemic had many safety measures in place. Before the pandemic I would ride in an Ola or Uber cab almost every day and after five months of only walking to destinations, I stepped into a car. While chatting with the driver during the 25-minute journey I noticed there was hardly any traffic on the road and visibility was the best I had witnessed in Mumbai, as I saw green hills in the place of grey haze. The driver told me about taking the car with family and friends in tow to their native village in Uttar Pradesh. He confirmed what many news outlets had reported: hundreds of thousands of people were dotted along long stretches of road in the scorching heat of May. He admitted he was getting a fraction of the riders he did before the pandemic and although initially worried about being exposed to unknown people, he told me what millions said as reason to ease the strict lockdown: if you go out to work you might die of Corona but if A Mumbaikar on the move in the monsoon rain. you don’t work, you’ll surely die of hunger. I reached my destination and before entering the hair salon my temperature and oxygen levels were checked, my handbag was sanitized by UV light, I was dressed in an isolation gown and was given sanitizer for my hands. A fraction of the staff was on duty and those present had on a face mask, face shield, isolation gown and gloves. The experience of something as simple as getting a haircut was initially anxiety inducing but ultimately liberating. With many safety precautions in place, I was able to relax and allow myself to feel a sense of normalcy, which until then I did not know how much I had missed. Noticeable unlocking of Mumbai: September, October, November In Chembur, complaints of a foul-smelling odor were reported a few times to local authorities but the source was never traced. My guess is that chemical and fertilizer
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continued on page 82
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Max Out These Special Tax Credits for 2020 Tax Returns
some degree of assurance, only when you file your 2020 tax return. Since the stimulus check was an advance payment of that credit, you will have to subtract that amount from the actual credit to determine if you got too much or not enough. However, there is good news here: if your stimulus check is greater than or equal to the credit, you don’t owe anything to the Government (when has this happened before) but if your stimulus check is less than the credit then you get the leftover credit on your 2020 tax return. Thank goodness, they are not taking anything away, if they over-estimated. This is like heads you win and tails you win too. Since the stimulus check amount was calculated from either 2018 or 2019 returns and the actual credit will be calculated from the 2020 return that you will file soon, in theory you could still do something to reduce your 2020 AGI. Of course, now most of these suggestions would be applicable to the new LAW that was just passed recently. Let us find the ways we can reduce our AGI. If you haven’t taken the RMD last year because it was not necessary to do so, that would have reduced the AGI. This year too, try to donate an amount equivalent to the RMD directly to the charitable organization and hence reduce your AGI. Deferring income until the next year will be another strategy. If you have been tempted to cash out stock market gains, perhaps wait till next year. If you are still working and expect a bonus, may be your boss will consider your request to push the payment to next year. Obviously, you don’t want to forgo the income but just postpone it to next year. Seniors with dependent children under 17 could get a $500 “recovery rebate” credit for each child. There is another way, unrelated to the recovery rebate credit, where you could claim some donations even if you don’t itemize. Just for 2020 the CARES law allows you to claim a credit for cash donations up to $300 each return even if you don’t itemize. This is a welcome sign, albeit only for 2020, since most of us don’t itemize now because the standard deduction is made so high. So at least for one year we can take advantage of this offer in the LAW. It is for cash donations only and is for per return and not per person. So single or married filing jointly all will claim the same deduction of $300. Here is another favor CARES law has bestowed upon us. Generally, your medical deduction for the medical expenses would be 10 percent of your AGI; for 2020 tax returns it is reduced to 7.5 percent. So, if you are able to take medical expenses in your itemized deductions that is another benefit to think of. The donation limit is also increased for this year only. It behooves us to take advantage of these special concessions offered; some of them will disappear for 2021.
Personal Finances by Mo Vidwans
The CARES act passed early last year has created some opportunities for us. We all have heard of stimulus check, most of us who could fit into the criteria have received one already and I assume that it has come quite handy for many, although it may not be enough. How that will work out as far as the taxes are concerned is still a mystery to many. I am not surprised with that because I don’t think it was explained too well. In the CARES act, there was a new credit introduced called “recovery rebate” tax credit. Under normal circumstances, when we would file our taxes for 2020, we would get this tax credit. In other words, get some more money as a refund because of this credit passed in the CARES act. Now because of the COVID situation, Congress decided to give each person/family, that qualifies, an advance payment for that credit early in 2020, when it was most needed instead of waiting till you file your 2020 return. That was very nice of Congress to think that way. And it also became very useful for congress to show concern. So, when you file your 2020 tax return it is all supposed to work out. Depending on the income you show on your return for 2020, your actual “recovery rebate” will be calculated by IRS, then the advance payment (stimulus check) will be subtracted from it and accordingly your “credit” will be adjusted. This credit is only available for 2020. Stimulus check amount and the recovery rebate credit are generally calculated the same way. Both start at $1,200 ($2,400 for joint filers) and an additional amount of $500 is added for each child at or under age 16. The credit, according to CARES, fades out gradually when Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is above $75,000 for single taxpayers, $112,000 for head-of-household filers or $150,000 for married couples filing joint return. So why is there a problem or a concern? Where the two differ is the actual information the two calculations are based on and the reason for that is IRS just would not have the latest information until you file your 2020 returns. Until then, for most people, IRS calculated the stimulus check amount using the old information like from your 2018 return or if you had filed early in 2019 then from that return. Now if you didn’t file a return for those years but still received Social Security or any other Government benefits, IRS used that information to create the amount for the Mo Vidwans stimulus check. is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit, The actual credit that you should get is calculated, with VidwansFinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to: mpvidwans@yahoo.com Saathee.com
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The Adult Indian Dance Student My continuing journey of lifelong learning My Voice by Preethi Sriram My journey in Bharthanatyam began around the age of six, when my mother started me in Indian dance classes. I took classes every Sunday up until the age of 13. When I was young, I was also put in ballet classes. The difference between the initial ballet classes and the Bharthanatyam classes felt like polar opposites. I recall, the precocious child that I was, feeling like the movements being taught in ballet were too simplistic, and the way that we were treated was how a child is treated. Looking back, the movements taught in the beginner ballet classes were of course geared toward preschool beginners, and maybe the level I was put in was too simple for my mental age. Within Bharthanatyam classes, I never felt treated as a “child.” The movements and motions felt that it had meaning and did not feel simplistic or silly. After the initial stages of Ballet and Bharthanatyam, there came the additional differentiation of teaching styles. In ballet, at least my initial experiences felt less structured, while it was a different feeling with Bharthanatyam, where the teachers seemed to start out strict. I actually appreciated the strictness and discipline of learning from the Bharthanatyam teachers when it was conducted in a fair and just manner, and the teacher reciprocated and modelled what was expected for the student. As a child, I enjoyed dance class as I made friends through the class, and enjoyed seeing them and playing with them. Class was a means to see my friends every Sunday and being part of shows and festivals was a way to have sleepovers and play video games the night before the festival. If I compare it to food, from a child perspective, dance was the sprinkles and the socialization was the ice cream. Or the classes were the “chore” and the sleepovers and parties were the reward. In high school, we moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, which changed the direction of my continued on page 94 Saathee.com
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News Notes Kevadia Emerging as a Global Tourist Destination: PM Modi In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kevadiya in Gujarat is no longer just a small block in a remote area; it is becoming a tourist destination in India. Modi was speaking after flagging off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat and inaugurating several railways related projects in the state, via video conferencing. Continuing with the development journey of Kevadiya, where the Statue of Unity is located, Modi said it is attracting more tourists than even the Statue of Liberty in New York. More than five million visitors have come to see the Statue of Unity after it was dedicated to the nation. It is estimated, as the connectivity improves, about 100,000 visitors per day are expected in Kevadiya. He said the area was developed while keeping environment protection in mind. Initially the area had almost no connectivity or tourism infrastructure. Attractions now include, grand Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar, Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Arogya Van and Jungle Safari and Poshan Park. It also has Glow Garden, Ekta Cruise and water sports. The Prime Minister said due to increasing tourism, Adivasi (local tribal) youth is getting employment and local people are getting modern amenities. There are new opportunities for local handicrafts items in the Ekta Mall. About 200 rooms are being developed for Home Stay in Adivasi villages.
USCIS to Replace Sticker that Extends Validity of Green Cards USCIS announced in January, it will replace the sticker that is currently issued to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to extend the validity of their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (PRC or “Green Card”), with a revised Form I-797, Notice of Action. LPRs file Form I90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when their Green Cards expire or are about to expire. The revised Form I-797 notice will serve as a receipt notice for the Form I-90. When presented together with the Green Saathee.com
Card, the revised Form I-797 notice will extend the Green Card’s validity for 12 months from the date on the front of the Green Card and will serve as temporary proof of the LPR’s status. This change ensures that LPRs with a recently expired Green Card will have documentation of identity, employment authorization, and authorization to return to the US following temporary foreign travel. Applicants who file Form I-90 to replace an expiring Green Card will receive the revised receipt notice in the mail. This notice will be printed on secure paper and will serve as evidence of identity and employment authorization when presented with an expired Green Card. For questions specific to employment, see I-9 Central (Uscis.gov/i9-central). Your Green Card page (Uuscis.gov/green-card).
Mirror
continued from page 46
attitude may have boosted my chances at finding relationships, but I think it more stems from the fact that I’ve always been proud about my enthusiasm for geeky things. My advice for you is simply this: embrace your geekiness but also remain true to both yourself and your partner. Also accept the fact that you may not always appreciate the same types of pop culture. For instance, my husband enjoys military movies more than I do… and that’s perfectly fine! As long you are willing to encourage your partner’s own interests along with your own, then you can both have fun and ride along on this mainstream geek train for as long as it lasts.
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.
Raajeev
continued from page 56
“I love the smell of cumin in the morning.” (Apocalypse Now) “Here’s Curry!” (The Shining) “Love means never having to say you hate Dal Chawal.” (Love Story) “You can’t handle the pickles. (A Few Good Men) “Mrs. Chutney, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” (The Graduate) “Turmeric, for lack of a better word, is good.” (Wall Street) “Here’s looking at you, Pakoda.” (Casablanca) “Say “Namaste” to my little Samosa!” (Scarface) “You WILL be back.” (The Terminator) “Hasta la vista, burger.” (Terminator 2) Not only are Indians gaining power around the world in every industry, we could actually change the world one fortune cookie at a time. Fortune cookies may have been created by the Japanese, mass marketed by the Chinese but could be perfected by the Indians. Imagine the envy in every Chinatown as people head to Little India in their cities. It might not be the same as the Olympics but world domination in the fortune cookie market is solid gold. Sources: Blog.hubspot.com/sales/famous-movie-quotes, Brainyquote.com, Successories.com, Medium.com, Quotes.net, Goodreads.com, Scrolldroll.com, Azquotes.com, AFI.com
Raajeev Aggerwhil is a Los Angeles-based comedian and is a regular contributor to Saathee. Follow him on Instagram @raajeevcomedy See his videos on YouTube, search for his name. 64
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Folks who live close to us play various roles like advisor, babysitter, lawn care expert, security agent.
Love Thy Neighbor
Surprisingly, while browsing for cards during the festive season, I did not find any specific ones made for neighbors. I wondered if it was because we often take them for granted or, perhaps, neighbors soon evolve into friends, teachers, maybe even loved ones. Hopefully, they are not your arch nemesis. Whatever the case, we could always show a little neighborly spirit this month to the people who live on our street or in the same building. We can take our cue from Australians who have a designated Neighbor Day to encourage people to make meaningful connections with others. Today, we can navigate the world on our devices and zoom into the living rooms of our relatives all the way in India through video calls and conferences. Nevertheless, proximity remains an important factor in building social relationships. In the field of psychology, the “proximity effect” refers to the idea that physical and psychological nearness tends to increase interpersonal liking. There are more opportunities to meet people who live close by and it gives us a chance to know them better leading to positive interactions. This closeness may help break down some of our preconceived notions, too. When one of our favorite neighbors moved and were replaced by someone less than ideal, it made me doubly appreciate the importance of having good neighbors. As I have mentioned in my previous article “Yatra – My India Diary (October 2018),” my neighbors were our lifeline when a series of accidents hit us in 2018. It was the company of wonderful families that made community events like Breakfast with Santa and movie nights at the pool more
Namaskar, Y’all by Shyama Parui On a sunny morning, you had stepped outside the house to water the plants but your mood darkened as soon as you realized that you had accidentally locked yourself out. You didn’t panic because a spare key is always in the safe hands of your friend next door. Last summer, when you finally managed to pack your family, bags and beach gear and head off to the Outer Banks, a nagging question arose in your head as soon as you reached the Interstate. “Did I close the garage door?” The answer was just a phone call away. Your nosy neighbor agreed to check (a bit too eagerly) and reported back that you had indeed left the garage door open, but he pulled it down. Phew, one less thing to worry about! Most people will have numerous stories about their neighbors, especially from 2020. Some may be juicy gossip but a lot of them are tales of how they helped one another. Folks who live close to us play various roles like advisor, babysitter, lawn care expert, security agent, or news reporter for the ‘hood. Chances are we have reciprocated by wearing a few of those hats ourselves. The Bengali movie, Pasher Bari (The House Next Door), the Hindi TV show called Nukkad (Street Corner) and the American TV show, The Wonder Years are all classics in the history of entertainment and I think much of their popularity can be attributed to the depiction of amusing scenarios which can arise in any neighborhood thereby making them relatable to people from all walks of life. Saathee.com
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Treasury Department can influence USAID, which provides aid to countries in need; the Millennium Challenge Corp., which supports economic development to reduce poverty; the Export-Import Bank, which provides financing to boost U.S. exports; the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, which helps connect U.S. companies with infrastructure projects overseas; and the potentially powerful International Development Finance Corp. In the right hands, the tools of the DFC can help channel funding to green and resilient infrastructure in low-income countries. Financing climate-friendly projects could help the U.S. reclaim both soft power overseas and its international climate leadership. However, support for pandemic recovery and climate resilience cannot mire low- and middle-income countries in more debt. The debt crisis, worsened by the virus, demands careful choreography among international financial institutions, European allies, China, central banks and private financiers. And it will need some fresh thinking. The Treasury secretary’s inbox is daunting in its complexity. There’s a lot riding on Janet Yellen’s shoulders, head and heart.
Yellen Climate Change
continued from page 44
coupled with incentives and standards, will speed up the drive to clean technologies by making polluting expensive for companies and risky for their investors. Yellen said last year that she could see a way forward with bipartisan support for a carbon tax that charges polluters for their carbon emissions and redistributes the proceeds to Americans in quarterly payments, a move that would help low-income residents in particular as the world shifts to cleaner energy. After years leading the Climate Leadership Coalition, a bipartisan platform advocating for effective carbon pricing, she has the credibility to engineer progress on such a hotbutton issue. More of her views can be seen in the recommendations of a task force Yellen co-chaired in 2020 with Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of England, for the economic think tank the G30. The task force recommended that to achieve net-zero emissions, all countries need to price carbon appropriately; shift incentives for companies and their executives so sustainability is a priority; and harness markets to speed up the rate of transition away from fossil Courtesy of theconversation.com fuels. The task force also recommended that countries set up Rachel Kyte is Dean of the Fletcher School, Tufts University Carbon Councils, independent government bodies that would “supervise and oversee markets to ensure the Edit Desk delivery of real, positive planetary outcomes and continued from page 14 dramatically lowered greenhouse gas emissions. There is no magic wand. We can realign ourselves. It That advice may be redundant with the appointment of Gina McCarthy in the new role of national climate advisor. doesn’t have to happen with massive government spending, which is essentially our own money often just circling the carcass. Bringing climate risk awareness to the financial system It needs to be a combination of the power of free markets, Yellen has an important role to play and a mechanism already at hand: the Federal Stability Oversight Council. It enthusiastic business starters, efficient government was created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and spending and connectedness in communities and Consumer Protection Act to identify risks to U.S. financial neighborhoods that can make this happen. Economically empower the voiceless and watch the stability and respond to emerging threats. The council is chaired by the Treasury secretary and comprises all major rippling beneficial effect. I’m not naive. We are not just going federal financial regulators. This is a place where Yellen can to hold hands and get along. Political divisions are real. insert climate risk awareness into the U.S. finance’s central Economic and racial inequities are real. Climate change is very real. nervous system. I’m not interested in regurgitating the obvious. I am In the past few years, other countries’ central banks have both introduced climate-risk stress tests to determine interested in the simple efforts that ameliorate these financial institutions’ vulnerability to climate change and constantly shifting challenges to build foundations for imposed rules around exposure to fossil fuels. The U.S. lags, lasting change. We will never eliminate all problems, but we but there is momentum for Yellen and the FSOC to build on. can make them manageable. I’ll go on a limb and say this decade will be economically The Federal Reserve has already identified climate change as a risk to financial stability, and in December, it and socially soaring with small efforts of those who care. joined the Network for Greening the Financial System, a What are your three things? I’m wagering on a renewed sense of purpose and global leadership group of central banks and financial forward gaze. This is a kickoff for the Soaring 20s of the 21st regulators. Century. Get that shot in the arm and stroll into the possible. Let’s get to work. Using international aid to rebuild soft power Yellen, whose Senate confirmation hearing went smoothly on January 19, will also be coordinating efforts across the government to most effectively manage U.S. Samir Shukla global financial engagement on climate change and other Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com risks. Twitter: @ShuklaWrites She has unique reach through international finance. The Newsletter: ShuklaWrites.Substack.com Saathee.com
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Heart Shaped Gulab Jamun
Saathee RECIPES
It’s February and love is in the air… oh wait no that’s just the sweet smell of my favorite dessert, Gulab Jamun! That’s right! What better time to learn how to whip up one of India’s most popular desserts than during the month of love. Because let’s be honest, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, especially when it involves syrup and fried dough. While I’ll never complain about having Gulab Jamun on my plate, I must say Amma’s (my grandma’s) recipe is by far my favorite, so naturally I have to share it with you all! Growing up, my cousins and I always looked forward to birthdays and special occasions because we knew we would be guaranteed one thing, Amma’s Gulab Jamun, which is milk-based dough, deepfried and topped with warm syrup. “Gulab” stems from the Persian words gol and ab meaning flower water (the syrup) and “Jamun” is a small, round, Indian fruit (the shape of the dough). Traditionally the dough is shaped into balls, however, being the festive sap I am, I chose to attempt heart shapes and I must say they turned out beautifully! So, customize your Gulab Jamun by pulling out your favorite cookie cutter shapes. This dessert can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature. You can also choose to serve it plain or topped with dried nuts such as pistachios or almonds. Amma’s Gulab Jamun recipe is super simple and delicious, so give it a try and wow your loved ones. Happy Valentine’s Day! Watch the “How-To” Video at Saathee.com/Taige By: Taige Shukla, Special thanks to Charu (Amma) Shukla
Ingredients
Directions
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk 1 ¼ cup pancake mix 2 tbsp unsalted buttered (softened)
2
Divide the dough into equal parts. Divide according to what size you would like each dough ball. Since I chose to use a heart shaped cookie cutter (feeling festive for Valentine’s Day) I only ended up with 8 larger pieces, if you choose to make them smaller you can end up with almost 14.
3
Shaping the dough. For traditional round Gulab Jamun, simply roll each piece between the palms of your hand to form a ball. If you choose to do a fun shape (like a heart) press the dough into your choice of cookie cutter or mould and carefully remove. Be gentle when shaping the dough, you want it to maintain its smooth texture.
4
Now prep the syrup. Add sugar and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let syrup simmer for about five minutes or until it becomes slightly sticky. Note: the syrup should not be thick. Once the syrup is ready turn off heat and set aside. You can also choose to add a few saffron strands to your syrup to give it a more floral taste.
5
In a deep pan or Kadhai, add oil and 1 tbsp of ghee (optional). Add enough oil to almost fully submerge the pieces of shaped dough. Warm the oil on low-medium heat and add 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry until golden-brown and set aside to cool for about 5 mins. Repeat this process for the rest of the dough. Be sure to maintain the low heat so the dough can cook all the way through without cooking too fast or burning.
6
Finally take the fried dough shapes and add them to the prepped syrup, it should still be warm. Let soak for at least two hours and then enjoy!!
¼ cup milk 1 ½ cups sugar 2 cups water Oil for frying Optional: 1 tbsp ghee Few Strands of saffron
Saathee.com
Start by prepping the dough. Combine instant nonfat dry milk, pancake mix, butter, and milk into a bowl. Gently mix until a soft dough is formed. Feel free to add an extra splash of milk to get the right consistency (soft & smooth). Side note: If you don’t have pancake mix, simply combine ¼ cup All Purpose flour with a pinch of baking powder and add to the dough mixture.
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Trump’s H-1B Immigration Changes that Biden May Keep
the registration window closed, USCIS conducted its lottery and selected registrants at random for submission of the H1B paper package. Those selected registrants had to then submit their filings for consideration by USCIS. The US Departments of Labor and Homeland Security attempted to revise other H-1B regulations in October 2020, which resulted in a significant hike in the prevailing wages required to be paid to H-1B applicants. The rule change was struck down by the US District Court for Northern California, which reverted the system back to its preOctober rule set. Now, DHS has issued a revised final rule that does not amend the way that wages are calculated, but how the random H-1B selection process is conducted. The new rule replaces the previous random selection process with a wage-based selection approach, which would prioritize the selection of H-1B registrations based on employers who pay the highest wages. USCIS has repeatedly asserted that the H-1B program is filled with exploitation and abuse and that the scheme unfairly depresses wages for American workers. Critics argue that favoring only the highest paid workers may unintentionally deprive lower paying industries from needed H-1B talent (i.e., teachers and private laboratory workers). By prioritizing the highest wage level workers (Level IV), USCIS would starve new college graduates of employment opportunities, along with employers that may not be able to operate on Fortune 500 budgets. Moreover, USCIS and the DOL fail to consider that the required wage levels that are used for H-1B visas are created by these same agencies, which undercuts the rationale that wages are depressed. What remains uncertain is the approach that the incoming Biden Administration will take with respect to
Immigration Matters by Rishi P. Oza The last few weeks of the outgoing Trump Administration have been as rocky and unpredictable as any time in recent American political memory. President Trump’s unverified insistence on a “stolen election” has been panned by critics and rebuffed by the courts, including cases before the President’s own judicial appointees. While the media spotlight has predictably been focused largely upon the buffoonery of the President and his followers, the Trump Administration continues to tinker with immigration regulations that may have a wide-ranging impact upon individuals in the United States; more notably, some of these changes may not be overturned by President-elect Joe Biden after his inauguration. On January 8, 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service issued a final rule that is designed to alter the way in which H-1B registrations are selected. The H-1B selection process underwent noticeable systemic changes last year, as USCIS stopped requiring applicants to submit the full H-1B application paper filing on April 1st for consideration under the H-1B CAP lottery. Instead, USCIS replaced the full filing with a shortened registration process, in which an employer had to input limited information (company name, address, FEIN, etc.) into an online system, along with their employee’s passport and biographic information. This electronic filing streamlined the registration process significantly, which resulted in an easier and faster registration process and a lower cost for registrants with the only complaints coming from attorneys who were now unable to charge large fees for document preparation. Once Saathee.com
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February 2021
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Community Organizations equality for ourselves. The flotsam and jetsam floating around us is worthless; it’s bilge. We, individually, are the most important thing in the world. These things shouldn’t rule our lives and turn us into dead fish flopping about in the slush. To be alive, we need just one important life skill: to know the difference between a mountain and a molehill. That should not be hard if we open our eyes and see the big stuff and ignore the little things that circumstances and people incessantly throw at us. Can we? Or will we feed more and more into Mark’s and Jack’s and others’ business models and other similar things that give us illusions of “who we are” rather than being whatever we are, even if we are just small fish in the vast ocean?
Hello Readers Our Community Organizations section guides you through all the organizations in the Carolinas. Non-profits, social organizations, religious organizations, meditation groups, cricket associations, and many others are listed here and updated regularly. This month, you can find our Community Organizations section on line at Saathee.com/community.asp. The section will be back here on these pages in the near future.
Balaji Prasad is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com.
Namaskar
continued from page 66
Contact: Saathee@saathee.com
Thinking
continued from page 54
hierarchy is really a pyramid. As you climb higher in the pyramid and get your head in the clouds and then into the stratosphere, you start aspiring for things that have to do with what others think of you and such. Until you really attain escape velocity and become that grandmaster philosopher who really doesn’t think about any earthly matters, least of all about what others think of you. A lot of it does seem to have to do with others, and how they view you. Or, more correctly, how you speculate that others view you. Because if you think about it, others think about you as much as you think about them, and that may not be a whole lot. That makes you stop and wonder. Hmmm … do my Facebook posts really get me as much as the time it takes me to formulate them and watch for “likes” and other positive-strokes emojis? Are people really paying as much attention to my posts as they are to their own posts and the reactions to them? If not, should I be investing my time in something else that is more beneficial to me? Should my life be driven by circumstances created by Mark and Jack? Am I just a dead fish that they carry in their current while I get tossed and turned around in the tides that go up sometimes and down sometimes? Surely this is slush? Wouldn’t it be better for me to find land and stand strong and stable on it, wanting none of this stuff and avoid drowning in all this? I don’t mind being a fish, but at least I would like to be a fish that is alive.
enjoyable. Similarly, they also made cold mornings at the school bus stop more tolerable. Horror stories of property owners fighting over and across the fence are not uncommon. Those situations can rob you of your peace and sanity regardless of whether the disputed area is an acre of land or an entire nation. My experiences in my childhood neighborhood taught me intangible skills that I grew to appreciate in a foreign land among people who did not resemble me at all. Building #3 in Piramal Nagar with its fading colors and unimaginative name was in a suburban lane of Mumbai, but the families who inhabited it more than made up for its appearance. For starters, its residents represented different regions and religions of India making this miniscule geographic area into a microcosm of the country. Growing up, my “normal” meant that families speak different languages at home and bow to other “gods”. In that environment being open minded came naturally. It is hard to replicate those early lessons in accepting diversity that were integrated in everyday life, in adulthood. Fortunately, my kids discovered that Portuguese, Spanish, French, Tamil, and English can all be spoken on the same street in North Carolina. The diversity of heritage, mutual respect for each other’s differences, and kind heartedness of our neighbors was a gift that will remain with the kids for many years to come. Now that we have moved to a new house, I am looking forward to getting acquainted with our neighbors. I am optimistic that 2021 will gradually introduce the terms social proximity, COV-immunity and mask freedom to our vocabulary and consequently give us more opportunities to mingle with the families on our block. Looking forward to a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Shyama Parui
Strive for inequality! is a longtime North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. It’s time for a revolution! We must seek more than You can reach her at: Shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
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were now completely ignored. As long as majority of customers and staff had a mask on, social distancing in retail venues is mostly unenforced. Poor air quality has returned with a vengeance. Dust from resumed construction, emission from vehicles back on the road, burning of garbage, pollution from large industries and cooler weather is mostly to be blamed. The city surpasses an air quality index of 300 nowadays, which is in the category of “hazardous.” But restricted travel on Mumbai’s famed local train network, closed schools and limited number of attendees allowed at weddings and places of worship are reminders that the battle with Covid19 is ongoing. I continue to hear ambulance sirens daily but oddly enough, it’s the American news that makes me remain vigilant here, as the shocking death toll and diverse demographics of patients reminds me there is no telling the effect the coronavirus might have on a person. The longest time I have spent outside the United States coincides with the longest time I’ve spent in India. Looking back at all the photographs and videos I took; I can recollect what I saw but cannot always remember how I felt. Maybe because a myriad of emotions was experienced in the span of even a day, from pandemic-induced anxiety to the thrill of opening a crate of mangoes, or the helplessness from reading the daily news to the rush of hearing a sudden downpour in June. As of now I plan on coinciding my homecoming with the availability of coronavirus vaccines for the greater American public, which could potentially mean spending a little less than two years in a city associated with making dreams come true. The legendary “Spirit of Mumbai” is not a myth as the city has won my heart by sheltering me and showing me what I’m made of. My instinct told me India would provide me with the inspiration and stories I was in search of and its largest metropolis did not let me down.
Letter from India
continued from page 58
factories were back in business and what was once a part of the everyday air, had become odorous to now discerning noses. I had a feeling the air quality citizens of Mumbai were enjoying, which was comparable to the suburbs of North Carolina, was slowly on its way out. After many months I saw domestic help returning to housing societies, but now with masks on, and autorickshaws were back on the streets like before except drivers were now rubbing their hands with sanitizer at stop lights. Familiar street intersections had also changed. In Mumbai, individuals selling items such as flowers and toys would weave between vehicles making money in-between green lights. Now vendors were replaced with beggars. Children and elderly individuals were tapping on car windows or putting their hands inside autorickshaws to receive money or even food. I would read about families and communities becoming destitute due to the lockdown and was now witnessing it with my own eyes. Migrant workers were coming back to the city and many were receiving lesser wages and a harder life upon their return. I remember a worker approaching me for money as I was leaving my building compound, saying he was weak with hunger. While many were in search of fulfilling basic needs, many others were preparing for the festivities of Navratri and Diwali. Malls and many stores reopened in August and owners were praying the season of celebration would help them get back on their feet. I tried to do all my shopping online but also wanted to support smaller shops so I set out to visit nearby open-air markets. I noticed smaller vendors appearing on street corners which they hadn’t occupied before. Upon asking a few questions I would find out they were previously employed at shops or working as domestic help and took to selling flowers, earthen lamps and other Diwali-related items as well as fashion jewelry and street snacks to make a living. I made my way through lanes, weaving around and dodging people eating at stalls or lowering their mask to speak to others. Many sellers wore a mask around their neck but would properly wear it when asked. Owners of larger shops were breathing a sigh of relief saying people were happily coming to stores and spending money after months of being stuck indoors.
Shivani Tripathi cannot remember a time she wasn’t madly in love with Indian cinema and writing. She spends time in New York, North Carolina and Twitterpur @Shivani510
Immigration
continued from page 74
implementing “midnight regulations,” which are those issued after the election but not yet effective. The PresidentElect’s transition team has telegraphed that most of the immigration-related regulations issued by the Trump Administration may be halted immediately upon PresidentElect Biden’s inauguration, but the H-1B changes may gain traction. Democrats have continued to seek to cater to unions, which have often accused the H-1B program as resulting in American worker job loss. Although the President-Elect has not clarified its position on this new position, industry will undoubtedly push back, as it has remained fiercely protective of H-1B talent that the American economy continues to demand. As is always the case with most of the Trump Administration’s regulatory changes to the immigration, litigation should be expected.
Hello 2021: December, January The anticipated rise in coronavirus cases post-Diwali celebrations, compounded by cooler temperatures, thankfully did not occur. Centers that were reconstructed for a post-Diwali surge will instead be used for vaccinating healthcare workers. Days before December 25th a night curfew was announced for the city in order to curb large gatherings during Christmas and especially New Year’s, and it appears to have been an effective tactic in keeping new cases from skyrocketing. India technically hasn’t been completely “Unlocked” and as of January 2021 is in the phase “Unlock 8.0”. When I stroll through Chembur it appears the world is back the way it Rishi P. Oza was aside from face masks. The white circles on pavement is a partner at Brown Immigration Law, a firm that focuses solely on immigration outside shops demarcating where customers should stand law; he practices in Durham. roza@rbrownllc.com Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
Who wants to be a Scholar?! Answer the ones you know and research to answer the rest. There is only one correct answer! 1. Arrange these islands from large to small size (a) Sri Lanka (b) Madagascar (c) Australia (d) Greenland
Word World
2. The last Gujarati film released in 2020 is (a) Mr. Jasoos (b) Golkeri (c) Paatra (d) Fari Ek Var
By Kirit Shukla
L E
3. Which one of the 4 is least like the other 3? (a) Scorpion (b) Snake (c) Lizard (d) Dart frog
I
A
C
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P
(b) 9.5 hours (d) 11.5 hours
8. This city is at the crossing of NH 11 & 8 (India) (a) Jaipur (b) Udaipur (c) Ajmer (d) Bikaner 9. The international telephone access code for Pakistan is (a) 91 (b) 92 (c) 93 (d) 94
Brain-Train 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. The lowest point in North Carolina is (a) New Bern (b) Ashville (c) Kitty Hawk (d) Wilmington
City Where Located
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
A. Kolkata B. Delhi C. Agra D. Jaipur E. Amritsar F. Pune G. Mumbai H. Udaipur I. Madurai J. Vadodara
Dadaji’s moral stories for kids THE WEAVER BIRD AND THE MONKEY
A yellow weaver bird made an elaborate nest on a tree branch next to a water pond. Most weaver bird nests are cylindrical in shape with downward-facing, narrow entrances to deter potential predators. A monkey would often jump along these trees. One cold winter, he sat down near the nest as he was shivering. The weaver advised him to build a little house that will protect him from the cold. Monkey grew upset and said, “Mind your own business.” The bird replied, “I saw you shivering and felt sympathy for you. Otherwise, who am I to give you advice? You are strong and...” The monkey then smashed the nest in anger; destroying both the bird’s home and the eggs housed inside.
Scholar 1. c, d, b, a 2.a 3.b (Snake has no legs) 4.d 5.c 6.b 7.d 8.a 9.b 10.c Brain Train: 1-E, 2-D, 3-F, 4-H, 5-J, 6-B, 7-I, 8-G, 9-C, 10-A Word World (Solution): ACNE, APNEIC, CAIN, CANE, CAPE, CAPON, CEIL, CINE, CLAN, CLAP, CLEAN, CLINE, CLIP, EPICAL, EPIC, ILEAC, INLACE, LACE, LAIC, LANCE, LICE, NICE, PACE, PANIC, PANICLE, PECAN, PELICAN, PENCIL, PICA, PICAL, PICE, PLACE, PLAICE, PLICA Saathee.com
5. A day on Saturn is (a) 8.5 hours (c) 10.5 hours
7. Melting point of Nickle (Symbol Ni) is about (a) 1153° C (b) 1253° C (c) 1353° C (d) 1453° C
16+ words = Excellent; 11 to 15 words = Good; 10 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.
1. Golden Temple 2. Hawa Mahal 3. Infosys 4. Lake Palace 5. Laxmi Vilas Palace 6. Lotus Temple 7. Meenakshi Temple 8. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel 9. Taj Mahal 10. Victoria Memorial
(b) Women (d) Marriage
6. A circumference of circle of radius = 3.5 ft. is divided in 11 equal parts. Each arc is equal to (a) 1.5 feet (b) 2 feet (c) 2.5 feet (d) 3 feet
Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Letters cannot be used more than once per word. Use all letters for the subject word (underlined in solutions below)
India’s Famous Buildings
4. Gamophobia is the fear of (a) Sports (c) Knees
Moral: Don’t offer advice to strangers without asking permission. 84
February 2021
Email: superdesibazaar@gmail.com Search Super Desi Bazaar on Facebook
SUPER DESI BAZAAR Formerly Apna Sabji Mandi
PUZZLES AND JOKES
Clues Down: 1. The second month of the calendar year. 2. Put (things) in a neat, attractive or required order. 3. Higher Education Servicing Corporation. (*)
By Kirit Shukla
4. Something that is put in . 5. Occupational Health Unit. (*) 6. “I” missing in the African country. Cap. Windhoek. 7. Workers who mix icing for baked goods. 8. According to - often used with as. 9. Right ear; used in audiology in writing medical Rx. 12. Northern Michigan University. (*) 14. A bad crime or sin. 15. H₂O. (Chemical formula for) 18. A common fungal infection of the skin; Ringworm. 21. A person who uses a concise statement of principle. 23. Not belonging to the same genetic linkage group. 25. Am not, are not, is not. (usually ' before t) 27. A squirrel's nest. 30. Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea. (*) 32. Fit to be used. 34. “ ____ Chambers”; Canadian-born American actress. 35. Inner of two bones of the forearm. 36. Swinging boats in action at a playground.
Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase
37. “ ___ Bhaji”; Indian buns. Clues Across:
40. Senior Airman. (*) 42. Maine. (*)
1. To create something; The current style of dress. 7. The brand name for Apple based tablet. 10. Emergency Room. (*) 11. Made something better. 13. A timber beam on an opening, supporting a wall above. 16. A role-playing video-game series created, developed, and published by AliceSoft. 17. A rough, prickly case around the seeds of the chestnut. 18. Teaching Assistant. (*) 19. One. (Spanish) 20. Group of peoples in SE Asia of valley paddy-rice culture. 22. Clothes to be worn for a special purpose. 24. The city where Taj Mahal is located. 26. A guard worn to shield body parts against impact. 28. North Northeast. (*) 29. A commune with town status in SE Luxembourg. 31. A tape measure. 33. A country in SE Asia; Cap. Jakarta. 35. The day when the sun starts to go northwards. (Sanskrit) 37. A layer of a folded or laminated material. 38. A loud, unpleasant and prolonged noise. 39. Back space. (*) (Computer) 41. Analog. (*) (NASA) 43. Dental instruments to remove tartar from teeth. 45. A day for gift giving to a sweetheart. (2/14/21) Saathee.com
44. Same as Clue #41 Across. (solution on page 88)
Hee Hee
Jokes From Around The World
Booddhoo: “Where do you bathe?” Mafatlal: “In the spring.” Booddhoo: “I did not ask you when, I asked you where.” ********* Q: Which flower talks the most? A: Tulips, of course, because they have two lips! Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An impasta! Q: Why couldn't the pony sing himself a lullaby? A: He was a little hoarse. ********* 86
February 2021
WordFind
Math Magic Use these numbers only once: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9) in empty squares, to get = the final given answers. Note: Follow the order of operation per basic math rule: ×,÷, +, The multiplication or division is done before addition and subtraction. (solution on page 88)
Find & circle the words in the puzzle. (Subject: Islam) AKBAR ALI ALLAH BANDAGI BEGUM CALIPH DUA EID FASTING GREEN HAJJ HIJARA JIHAD KALAM KHUDAHAFIZ MADINA
MADRESA MECCA MOSQUE MUHAMMAD MUSLIM PAKISTAN PROPHET QURAN RAHIM SATAN SHUKRIA SIN SUFISM SUNNI TAHARA
The unused 10 letters spell means ”A journey to Mecca.” (answer on page 88)
EZ-BZ TEST YOUR IQ The common letters are “WI” - Fill in the blanks)
Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase 1. A female partner in a marriage. WI _ _ 2. Twisted wires armed with sharp points. _ _ _ _ WI _ _ 3. To become steadily less; shrink. _ WI _ _ _ _ 4. A city in Anambra State in SE Nigeria. _ _ _ WI 5. The quality of being wise. WI _ _ _ _ 6. The Jewel of Kedah, is a district and an archipelago of 99 islands in the Malacca Strait. _ _ _ _ _ _ WI 7. To reverse or change the direction of a tape. _ _ WI _ _ 8. A person who is very good at something. WI _ 9. The art of representing an object by lines. _ _ _ WI _ _ 10. A N central state in U.S. cap. Madison. WI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 11. A country in SE Africa, Cap. Lilongwe. _ _ _ _ WI 12. To float on a liquid : not sink. _ WI _ 13. To take a quick look at something. _ _ _ WI _ _ 14. A woman who has lost her spouse by death. WI _ _ _ 15. A Salishan people of Vancouver Island. _ _ WI _ _ _ _ 16. A square card reader for contactless and chip. _ WI _ _ _ 17. The largest social units in Aotearoa Māori society. _ WI 18. A secret society among the Ojibwa Indians whose aim is to prolong life by herbal & ritual means. _ _ _ _ WIWI _ 19. To cause to sway to and fro. _ WI _ _ 20. To deduct tax from income. WI _ _ _ _ _ 21. A small flightless grayish New Zealand bird. _ _ WI 22. Trimmed with eyelet embroidery. _ WI _ _ 23. One that gives evidence. WI _ _ _ _ _ 24. To get the better of by superior cleverness. _ _ _ WI _ 25. One skilled in magic. WI _ _ _ _ (Puzzle solutions are on page 88. NO peeking!)
Kirit Shukla kiritsshukla@gmail.com
Saathee.com
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February 2021
Festivals & Holidays Spot the Differences Solutions from page 50
February 2021
1. Words Removed 2. Color Changed 3. Light Removed 4. Speaker Added 5. Bell removed 6. Smaller bench added 7. Window Removed 8. Flag Added
Feb. 1 - National Freedom Day Feb. 1 - Imbolc Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day Feb. 5 - National Wear Red Day Feb. 7 - Shattila Ekadashi Feb. 11 - Maghi Amas (No Moon) Feb. 12 - Lincoln’s Birthday Feb. 12 - Chinese New Year (Year of the Ox) Feb. 14 - St. Valentine’s Day Feb. 15 - Presidents’ Day Feb. 15 - Parinirvana Day Feb. 16 - Vasant Panchami Feb. 16 - Mardi Gras Feb. 17 - Ash Wednesday Feb. 18 - Ratha Saptami Feb. 23 - Jaya Ekadashi Feb. 25 - Hazrat Ali Birthday Feb. 26 - Māghi Purnima (Full Moon)
9. Basket of Pears added 10. Man Added 11. Support Removed 12. Shirt Color Changed 13. Man Added 14. Color Changed 15. Fence Break Removed
8 4
1 7
3
5 15 11
14
March 2021
2
Mar. 6 - Janki Jayanti Mar. 8 - International Women’s Day Mar. 8 - Dayanand Jayanti Mar. 9 - Vijaya Ekadashi Mar. 11 - Maha Shivaratri Mar. 11 - Lailat al Miraj Mar. 13 - Phalguna / Darsha Amas (No Moon) Mar. 14 - Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar. 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Mar. 21 - Spring Equinox / Ostara Mar. 25 - Āmalaki Ekadashi Mar. 28 - Palm Sunday Mar. 29 - Holi / Phalguna Shukla Purnima (Full Moon) Mar. 29 - Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
10
12
13
6 9
Puzzle Solutions from page 86-87
Math Magic from page 87
Saathee.com
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February 2021
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February 2021
Astroscope
February 2021
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Some of your problems will continue through the middle of the month, though the last week will be much more comfortable. Remember that there won’t be any major financial problems, but family, health and your partnership might take a major hit. Try to not act overly aggressive. Business-related travel will prove to be favorable. Let time pass quietly.
Try to be practical this month. Even though your income should rise, an unexpected health problem or dispute with your partner could be there. Speculation can be beneficial for you. Others will appreciate your written work. You may be curious about philosophy or metaphysics. Business-related travel might not provide good results. Be careful while driving.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Your religious / spiritual inclinations will intensify this month. A sense of relaxation will prevail during the last week. A rise in income is clearly indicated. Short distance travel will be fruitful and pleasant. You might get involved in new business deals. However, you will also experience issues with family and especially with your partner.
A large illusionary cloud will surround you this month. This could prove to be negative or positive, but either way you won’t have control over what happens. Use your cunning and self-confidence to withstand this. Don’t dispute with your partner. This is not a good time to start a new venture. An unexpected change in career or financial loss is also possible. Use the power of prayer to help escape this illusion.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) You will be quite happy this month. Your efforts will provide good results. Long distance travel can be rewarding, but short distance travel must be avoided. This time is also good for love and romance. An increase in the size of your family is possible. However, you may face bitterness with a sibling or friends. Sudden health-related problems are also possible.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Peace of mind and a steady flow of income would normally be there, but unexpected expenses or legal problems may disturb these. Seriously curb your expenses and control any risk-taking tendencies. You should also watch your health, though there will be some improvement after middle of the month. This month can be described in one word: caution.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) It will feel like you have little to no control this month as fate may play cruel games with you. Try to maintain self-discipline. Heavy financial losses are also possible. Let yourself surrender to a higher power. You may need to remain cautious in your dayto-day pursuits. Don’t take any risks. Try to pass the time quietly.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) This will be to be a good period for you. There will be opportunities to gain more responsibility. You will overcome your competitors and should receive recognition for your inventive work. Overall, your reputation and respect from others will rise. Try to act with courage and confidence. You may also, however, learn some discouraging news during the month.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) You will see mixed results this month. You may have to work hard but you should be rewarded for it. You will experience a lack of confidence and yet still gain an increase to financial returns. Some unexpectedly heavy expenses are also possible. Your subordinates should extend their full support towards you. Some minor stomach relief is also possible.
Leo (July 23 – August 22) You will experience more tension and anxiety this month. You may feel more self-centered and selfish. An accident is possible at your place of business/job. You may try to spend money to settle worthless family issues. Don’t get involved in any new ventures. Somebody may cheat on you which will result in some lost income. Minor health relief is also possible.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) This month will make you comfortable. There will be a rise in status as well as happiness within your family life. You must avoid travel or any dispute with your siblings. Your associates may not fulfill their responsibilities for you. This is a good time to start a new venture as your efforts will provide good results. Be sure to take full advantage of your good fortune while it lasts.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22) You may face major financial problems this month as your normal flow of income will not be there. Unfortunately, you won’t take this issue too seriously. Your parents’ health is also likely to suffer. Do not sign any important documents. Friends and associates may break your trust. An opponent will be successful in damaging your business and reputation.
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C-store with Property for Sale or Lease 45 miles from Columbia, SC along with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Gross %55K / Lotto $25K/month. Daily income not included. Call 904-307-4770. High Volume Gas Station w/ Convenience Store for Sale / Lease just 25 minutes north of Charlotte. Inside Sales $55k + Lotto $2500. Asking price $89K + inventory. Call Avin 704-909-0478. C-store w/ Coin Laundry & Car Wash with Property for sale or lease. 50 miles from Columbia, SC. Store is new. Contact 843718-9163 or tbabikir@gmail.com for further details. Lakeview 12-unit Motel for Sale on Lake in Hartsville near Florence, SC. Call 843332-8145. Convenience Stores for Sale: Holly Springs, NC $69,000+ Inv., Annual Sales $350,000; Greensboro, NC $250,000+ Inv., Annual Sales $255,000, no gas; Morven, NC $350,000 + Inv., Inside Sales $437,000; County South: 704-440-4433 or visit www.Countysouth.biz. Fully Furnished Studio Rental for personal service professionals (hair stylists, brows, massage, facials.) Aura Salons is in Fort Mill close to Charlotte, Rock Hill, & Waxhaw. Great rates and modern build out. Contact 704-606-7887 or aurasalons@outlook.com.
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Indian Restaurant for Sale in high traffic area, North Charlotte. Serious inquiries only. Call 515-441-4390. 32-room Motel for Sale in Birmingham, AL for 2.5 times gross revenue. Owner financing possible. Contact 801-631-3658 or hasuvila@yahoo.com. C-Store for Sale by Owner in Gastonia, NC. Owner retired. Located near highway and State Park. Easy in and out access. Call 973723-6924 for further details. High Volume Gas Station/C-Store for Sale or Lease in the heart of Gaffney, SC. Neighborhood store on busy street with new pumps! Call 704-726-7544. Saathee Classified ads: Buy or sell business, or property. Find the perfect job, hire the perfect employee. Call 704.527.7570 or email info@saathee.com.
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Gas Station / C-store Help Wanted in N. Charlotte (15 minutes from UNCC). Legal status required. Must speak English. Salary commensurate per experience. Please call 704-733-0553. Franchise Motel in Rockingham, NC looking for single or couple for Housekeeping and Front Desk with basic computer skills. Accommodations with kitchen provided. Contact 910-995-5134. Long term Nanny needed in Huntersville, NC starting in March. Caring for all baby needs including some light cooking and vegetable chopping. Contact 704-302-3663 or lakshmi.v.raghuraman@gmail.com. Virginia Econo Lodge now hiring experienced Front Desk and Housekeeping staff for newly renovated interior corridor property. Private accommodations with full kitchen provided. Please call 804-317-8587 or 804-517-7484. Live-In House Helper / Nanny needed in Greenville, SC for cooking, light housekeeping and help with 5 year-old girl 318-562-0664. Convenience Store Help Wanted on South Blvd in Charlotte, NC. Daily evening shift. Call Vipul 704-431-8310. Front Desk Clerks needed for 7-3 and 3-11 shifts at franchise hotel in Fort Mill, SC (near Carowinds). Legal status, fluent English and computer skills a must. Call 704-302-3318. Full-time Sales Associate Needed for Perfume store in Greensboro/Raleigh, NC. Fluent English preferred. Contact via text 336-554-1377 or email durhamperfumes@gmail.com. Energetic Team Member Needed for multiple hotel properties in Raleigh, NC to work night shift and other hotel duties as needed. Fluent English, legal status, and some computer skills required. Accommodations provided. Contact hotel.raleigh@gmail.com or 843-433-4210. Urgently looking for PT/ FT person for 3rd shift at 7-Eleven in Mint Hill, NC. Nice working environment in clean small store. Salary more than industry standards w/ shift premium. Call 980-289-9285 or apply by email at manishdass_m@yahoo.com. Full-time Nanny needed (Live-in/Live-out) Winston-Salem, NC. Gujarati preferred. Call/text at 980-298-2828. 92
Need Housekeeping Couples & Front Desk Clerks for multiple Hotels in Columbia, SC. Call Mayuri at 803-743-3998. Hiring couples for Housekeepers, Front Desk Clerks, Assistant Managers, Managers, and Renovation Managers. Positions available in NC, SC, FL, TN and IN. Contact MB at 980-208-3038. Looking for Energetic Employee (Fulltime/ Part-time, single or couple) for Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise store in Columbia, SC. Weekend availability preferred. Some English required. Call Yogi Patel 410-708-8475 or Dax at 803-470-8089. Motel Help Needed: Front Desk for franchise motels near Greenville, SC. Fluent English & legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 864-469-9241. Elder Care Help needed in Charlotte / Waxhaw, NC. 84 year-old male needs daily assistance. Good pay! Full or part-time. Call for details 704-568-8206. Hotel Help Wanted: Looking for all positions (GM / AGM / Front Desk / Housekeeping / Laundry) for properties in Charlotte & near Greensboro, NC. Contact 704-502-2630 or Gm.nita.shah@gmail.com. Full-time/Part-time Sales Associate needed for a Men's Retail Clothing Store in Charlotte. Must be energetic, dependable, have positive attitude & flexible schedule. Previous retail experience preferred. Fluent English required. Contact Nick 276-6181166 or suitcityusa@gmail.com. Housekeeping Couple needed for newly renovated Franchise Motel in Burlington, NC. Accommodations provided with kitchen. Please call Renu 732-318-4878 or Aswin 336-693-9057. Front Desk Help & On-Site Maintenance needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord, NC. Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call Rick 704-772-5554. Help Wanted at Convenience Store in Concord, NC. Full or Part-time. Good Pay! Experience and legal status required. Call Sam at 704-787-1567. Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk/Manager, Night Auditor and Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point. Accommodations provided. Call 704-4600379 between 6-9pm. Help Wanted for C-Store/Gas Station in Columbia, SC area. Multiple positions open. Salary commensurate with experience. Call 803-414-4883. Live-In Indian Nanny needed for 3 yearold, cooking and light cleaning. Contact Khyati Shah at 551-689-2491 or vikram0802@gmail.com. February 2021
Hotel Help Wanted: Housekeeping Couple & Front Desk for multiple franchise hotels in Cary & Durham. Call Amit 434-446-9250. Single or couple wanted for Front Desk and general resident duties at independent motel 45 minutes from Raleigh. Must speak English. Accommodations provided. Contact Bob Shah at 847-354-8120. Housekeeping couple needed immediately for 36-Room franchise motel in North Carolina. Accommodations with Indian TV channels provided. Call Bipin Patel at 910-916-3288. Cashier wanted for Convenience Store near Charlotte. Must speak English. Accommodations provided. Text / Call 704701-9975. Single or couple wanted for Front Desk and general resident duties needed for franchise hotel in Fort Mills, SC (near Carowinds). Must have basic computer skills, hotel experience, be guest friendly, fluent English and legal status. Email resume to mars803@gmail.com. Home Cooking help needed: Working parents with new baby need assistance with Indian / vegetarian home cooking in Charlotte. Flexible hours. Must have own transportation. Please call 706-627-7638. Franchise Hotel in NC is looking for single or couple for Housekeeping and Front Desk clerks with computer knowledge for 3rd shift. Accommodations provided. Contact 704-465-8129. Full-time position to join the team at 7Eleven in Charlotte, NC. New store and location. Flexibility in shifts a plus. Standard pay. Please contact 704-491-9970 or 711independence@gmail.com. Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Wilmington, NC. Accommodations provided. email ilmhotelemployer@gmail.com or call 910-262-8357 Now hiring Cashiers for Gas Station / CStore near Greensboro, NC. Must speak English & have basic computer skills. Experience preferred. Good pay! Please call 336-509-4054. Cashiers wanted (single or couple) for Gas Station in Rock Hill, SC (Exit 77). Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 803-792-4452. Join the team at Manhattan Jewelers at Fourseasons Town Center Mall in Greensboro, NC. Should be honest and hard working. Must have basic computer skills. Training provided. Email info@manhattan-jewelers.com for more info or text 336-880-3698 with your resume. Saathee.com
Experienced Front Desk Clerk needed for Franchise Hotel In South Carolina. Accommodations provided with kitchen. Call 336-944-8003. Eyebrow Threading Position: Winston Salem, NC. Excellent Pay + Tips & Benefits! Some Experience & fluent English required. Call 336-422-7582. Housekeeping Couple and Front Desk wanted for Franchise Hotel in Hickory/Conover, NC. Accommodations provided. Legal status required. Good pay! Call Rick 919-724-6772. Convenience Store help needed immediately in Charlotte, NC. Full-time including weekends and evening shifts. Call 704-241-4499. C-store / Gas Station Help Wanted in Gaffney, SC. Part-time or Full-time. Single, Couple or Family. Legal status required. Fluent English & previous experience preferred. Call 704-726-7544. Sales Manager required for Sports & Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name brand Clothing store in Concord Mills Mall. Must be Dependable, Mature, & Honest w/ flexible schedule. Salary per hour with benefits & some overtime. Will train a beginner & the right candidate. Call/Sms 704-231-5038 or email pvdadlani@gmail.com. Couple needed for franchise hotel 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Must be Fluent in English. Accommodations provided. Text or call 704-701-9975. Housekeeping Motel Help Wanted in South Carolina. Enjoy excellent weather & work conditions! Legal status required. Call Raj 704-915-1026. Front Desk needed for motel in Richmond, VA (Airport area). Legal status required. Accommodations provided. Call 804-5127810 or email airportbw@gmail.com.
SERVICES Neeta's Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270. SBA Business Loans for all businesses new or existing. SBA pays first 6 months of interest and principle. For full details, call Raj at 678-249-0022. Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti. Kishor Trivedi Home: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-4867925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 31 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912. 93
Saree Draping: specializing in draping sarees, dupattas and jewelry for any event. Weddings, Engagements, Baby showers, Birthdays, etc. Contact Rital Patel at info@bridaldraping.com or www.bridaldraping.com. Henna for all Occasions: Weddings are our specialty. Other services include hand over heals, body art, and energy healing. Call for details 919-370-2371. Ezhenna.com. Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All. IT, Telecom & Civil Engineering service Providers: website design, digital marketing, software products, education, training & certifications with placement assistance. Best quality at a reasonable price. Contact: 704-726-5695; email: gescpl@gmail.com Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity. Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-641-4761 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com 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. Travel Passion: Call for International & Domestic Air tickets. We process India Visa, OCI, Indian Ppt Renewal, Hotel bookings & Tour packages. Call 509.550.9076 or 509.550.9034 Email: travelpassion24@gmail.com
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February 2021
Adult Dance Student
Subcontinental Divide
continued from page 62
continued from page 42
hands with his successor, leaving us with the lucid revelation that half our neighbors (and many of our family members) are on a totally different ship. He left us with Franklin Graham once again comparing the GOP “yes” votes during House impeachment to the betrayal of Jesus. He left us with evangelicals who helped elect him, but whose leader Jerry Falwell Jr has a sex scandal about at par with Trump himself. So, here it is, a man who his niece claims paid someone to take his SAT exams, and who his ex-federal judge sister claims did his college homework. He is revered at around the same level as Jesus by nearly half of America. The man who was allegedly having sex with a porn star while his new wife and infant son were at home waiting. Someone explain all this to me. Or just look in the mirror and say, “Geez, I’m colored. Maybe something is wrong with me.” Yeah, we are starting a new era now with a competent Covid-19 policy, some qualified people, and an inclusive world view. Yes, we will fight hard to rebuild the lost prestige internationally. Yes, we will attempt to rebuild bridges burned in nuclear and environmental treaties. Yes, unfortunately, we might start bombing countries again because Trump really didn’t want to bomb anyone in a reality show presidency. Yes, something else will happen … Which bring us to the alternate agenda: Democrats know that Trump is a formidable god-like entity, and it would be great to ban him from public office for life during a Senate trial. They need to keep the pressure on to squeeze the GOP vote with scary interviews and scenes of violence. Social media – well, well, Musk wants to squash Zuckerberg and Bezos is shutting down Parler, and Bill Gates is the largest farmland owner in America now. Who gives a darn anymore? We need to boycott the whole lot of them and the world will be a better place. I switched to the messaging App Signal, and then, well, same raunchy pics and dirty jokes from cousins are coming in triple encrypted and open source this time. What changed? We can walk that fine line shutting Trump accounts, or disabling Parler’s servers, but in the end, this has become a battle between the American Experiment, info overload, brutal data gathering, and just plain old obscene capitalism that made the Europeans spread around this planet like a pandemic - stealing, enslaving, and gutting good-natured colored people who welcomed them to their shores. Businesses now seem to be, well, businesses, and a gay slur, a hint of sexism or racism, an actor slapping a butt, an old man winking at you – all that costs you dollars. That’s our new religion now. Walk the walk. Don’t be Trump. That’s the other end. Has anything really changed? Talk to your neighbors. And … Antifa caused the Capitol riots … right after they stole the election.
straightforward journey in dance. At that time, switching teachers put a detour in the journey as different teachers have slightly different styles of teaching, and I was required to start from the beginning. As high school was coming to a close, and SATs/college applications became the central focus, dance classes went to the periphery, and soon I stopped taking classes. I still had not gotten very far in the actual content for the classes. I did not “graduate” from Bharthanatyam or have an Arangetram that I heard many other students within my age group accomplishing. But something about the classes and the music and the dance itself had stayed with me. The art form itself has intrinsically impacted the way I think, and it is something that always seems to lure me back. Now, as an adult student, my age as a dance student is beyond the age that I actually tell anyone what age I am. With regards to end goals, that too has evolved from my childhood. In my childhood, classical dance was about having an Arangetram, or the first full solo piece to show that the dancer achieved their milestone and “graduated” from their training. Not having ever completed the Arangetram or “graduation” the “first time” has made me that much more interested in the art form not as an end goal, but as life long journey. While the art form in itself is humbling in its content and the amount to be learned, I have become that much more humbled learning that there is so much I thought I knew of the art form, but so much I did not know. As an adult, I realize there is so much for depth, philosophy, history, and technique that I could have never fathomed as a child within the dance form. I am at the age where there are other expectations and responsibilities that come with the stage of life, but even with that, going back to the dance form as a beginner, is something that I do not mind. Within Indian philosophy, life is cyclical, and I understand that lesson through my dance journey now as an adult of restarting dance classes: To use the word “restart” seems as if my journey is linear, but I have started and stopped numerous times as an adult for various reasons, and the journey feels almost cyclical. I have made a place for Bharthanatyam in my life or from another perspective, it is the siren that keeps calling me back and wants me to come to the place I belong.
This series of articles is about the journey and unique insights of an adult dance student learning classical Indian dance. An introduction to the experiences and a perspective of taking classical Indian dance as both an American and an Indian, and how this shapes her personal journey, begins this series. Further articles Opinions reflected are of the writer and not necessarily of Saathee will delve into specific topics and experiences from the perspective magazine. of the adult student. Ahsen Jillani a former editor and publisher, is originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, and now lives in Mint Hill. He owns Must Media, a PR firm focused on political and corporate clients. Contact: aj@must-media.com Saathee.com
Preethi Sriram is a classical Indian dance enthusiast and lifelong learner of dance. Contact: SriramPreethi@hotmail.com 94
February 2021
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February 2021
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