Saathee Charlotte April 2017 by Shukla Entertainment

saathee.com

April 2017

In this issue: War Elephants Still Exist Tech Companies Fight Human Trafficking

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April 2017 Issue # 227 Editor

Samir Shukla

(Samir@Saathee.com)

War Elephants Still Exist page 10

Tech Companies Combat Traﬃcking page 18

HEllo REaDERS!

Full Frame Can you Spot Film Festival the Diﬀerences in these images? page 28

page 68

In THIS ISSuE

War elephants still exist. But in one forbidding place. See page 10 for the story. Read about how tech companies are helping to fight human trafficking in the story on page 18. The internationally renowned Full Frame Documentary Festival returns to downtown Durham in April. Read about it on page 28. California's undocumented workers help the economoy grow. But they may pay the price. Article on page 32. Catch up on the all the activities of the regional community organizations beginning on page 102. The AstroScope, our exclusive monthly horoscope is on page 136. Get daily updates about the community, local and national news, latest movie releases, analysis and videos at our website www.Saathee.com We welcome all comments and suggestions.

QuoTE:

"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

War Elephants Still Exist . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 10 Teatime in the City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 14 Tech Fights Human Trafficking . . . . . pg. 18 Upcoming Movie Releases . . . . . . . . . pg. 22 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 26 Full Frame Documentary Festival . . . pg. 28 California Undocumented Workers . pg. 32 Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 36 Namaskar Y’all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 40 Mirror Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 46 Personal Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 50 Subcontinental Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 52 Thinking About Thinking . . . . . . . . . . pg. 56 Uncertainty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 60 Test Your India Knowledge . . . . . . . . pg. 64 Youth Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 66 Spot the Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 68 Sangeet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Nutrition for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 76 News Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 80 Eye On The Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 84 An Immigrant's Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 90 Heart to Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 92 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 94 Community Organizations . . . . . . . . pg. 102 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . pg. 130 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 134 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 134 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 136 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 138 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 140

Cover: Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Trivandrum Kerala

The temple is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style (kovil) of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram.

Photo: IStockphoto.com

Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla

(rakavid@aol.com)

Ad Design / Layout Nathan C. Andrews

Digital Media & Marketing Assistant Jennifer W. Allen

Contributors:

Kirit Shukla, Judith L. Bergman, Parul Kharod, Ahsen Jillani, Shyama Parui, Ketu Desai, Dilip Barman, Mo Vidwans, Pirya Matani, A. Spaice, Kamesh D. Patel, Balaji Prasad, and Jalendu Vaidya. All contents

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Please contact us prior to submitting articles or photographs. Saathee is published monthly. Deadlines for advertisement, submissions and events information is 15th of the month. For a free subscription, visit Saathee.com and click the “about” button. 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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War elephants come in two forms. The most frightening version is the combat elephant. This is the creature “used in classical and medieval times to charge an enemy’s front lines,” says Jacob Shell, an assistant geography professor with Temple University who has extensively studied war elephants. Ancient rulers — from Alexander the Great to Egyptian pharaohs — used elephants as organic tanks. Their inch-thick skin is extremely hard to penetrate. Swordsman who tried often got trampled flat. Or worse yet, skewered by tusks, sometimes outfitted with metal spikes. Beyond raw power, war elephants also bring psychological terror to the battleground. A trumpeting pachyderm may sound majestic at the zoo. But when there are no fences to hold it back, and that elephant wants to kill you, its bellows are positively nauseating. This is the sort of gore and horror conjured by the phrase “war elephant.” But it would be a highly misleading way to imagine the KIA’s tusked cavalry. The words “war elephant” shouldn’t imply that “the KIA is making these elephants fight and murder,” Shell says. “This is not true. The KIA’s elephants lead pretty good lives overall.” The KIA’s elephants are purely logistical. They don’t stomp on enemies’ ribs. They move stealthily — well, stealthily by elephant standards — along secret jungle routes with cargo on their backs. “They can carry pretty much anything,” says Col. James Lum Dau. “Rice, rations, medicine, weapons. Anything you would normally carry by car.”

War Elephants

STILL EXIST But Only in One

FORBIDDING PLACE.

By Patrick Winn, GlobalPost

There was a time when the most fearsome sound in warfare was not the crack of a riﬂe or the eerie hum of a drone. It was the shriek of an elephant, tusks slick with blood, skulls crunching underfoot. War elephants tend to conjure up Iron Age battles, those archaic campaigns in which hordes dismembered other hordes with arrows and blades. They were exotic cavalry for long-dead empires: Carthage and Macedon, the Mughals and the Khmer. But there is one corner of the planet — and only one — where war elephants persist into the 21st century. That place is Myanmar. Not central Myanmar, where selﬁesnapping tour groups get herded through golden temples. War elephants trod through a more forbidding patch of the country: the northern Kachin State, where modernity is held back by war. There, in remote hilltops abutting China, mankind’s 4,000-year-old war elephant tradition is kept alive. The upholders of this custom obey no government. They are rebels known as the KIA, short for Kachin Independence Army.

Kachin State, mired in war for much of the past century, is hard to traverse by car. For starters, there are few roads. Nor is there much electricity or many hospitals and schools. This development void is a casualty of war. For decades, Myanmar’s army has shelled Kachin villages and blasted rebel positions with attack choppers. In recent months, the strikes have been unrelenting. But even if the war stopped tomorrow — and it won’t — this place would be diﬃcult to modernize. It is both mountainous and pounded by hard rain for much of the year. It’s the sort of landscape that imperial governments often try and fail to fully subdue. As in Appalachia or Tibet, highaltitude, impassible terrain fosters cultures that cherish independence. The Kachin are no exception. While Myanmar’s troops roll around in noisy vehicles, the rebels slink through untamed forests. So do their massive pack animals. Asian elephants “are evolved to be mobile in precisely these sorts of conditions,” Shell says. “They’re happy in the rain, don’t get stuck in mud — the musculature in their feet prevents this — and can ‘fuel up’ by eating the bamboo shoots and other nutritious vegetation they encounter as they traverse the landscape.” An encounter with a KIA war elephant, however, is exceedingly rare. Rajeev Bhattacharyya, an Indian journalist, is among the few who’ve had the pleasure. While traveling around the unruly India-Myanmar border,

Kachin Independence Army rebels ride elephants toward the front line in Myanmar in April, 2012. Credit: Will Baxter/GlobalPost The KIA are among Asia’s largest guerrilla factions. Their namesake ethnic group, the Kachin, was Christianized by American missionaries in the 1800s. They inhabit an area roughly the size of Portugal that is rich with jade, gold and timber. The KIA defends its native turf against domination by Myanmar’s military. They rely on mortar shells, rusty assault rifles, 10,000 fighters (including women) and a little-known corps of about four dozen elephants. “You’ll mostly find them in remote areas. Places where cars and trucks cannot go,” says Col. James Lum Dau, a foreign affairs specialist who has served in the KIA for decades. “In the deep jungle, an elephant is the only way to bring in supplies. There is no other way.” Saathee.com

continued on page 88

April 2017

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www.nabancard.com

TEATIME IN THE CITY Notes from the Editor’s Desk

By Samir Shukla

Bash the Media

Gather around folks. Let’s play everyone’s favorite game: Bash the Media. The “media” has become a favorite punching bag for politicians, especially our commander-in-chief. Media bashing will likely ensue in one manner or another if a political discussion occurs. When I ask someone to define media, the answer is always incomplete. Some will say the “mainstream” media. Others will point to the 24-hour news channels. Bloggers. Websites. Radio talk shows. Magazines. Your neighborhood’s news flyer stuffed into your mailbox. Facebook. Yes, these are all media. There are many more. The definition of the term media in the 21st century is malleable. Traditional newspapers have pared down. The three TV networks from that ancient era years ago are now competing with 100, 200, 300 or more channels beamed to us via satellite. Social media is already appropriately named. There are bloggers out there who have more readers than some small daily newspapers. Contemporary media can range from major news organizations to bloggers, and everything in between that disseminates information of some sort. Add to that politicallytinged or activist TV commercials and you have a trove of info and misinformation clogging the brain. In this era of data mining, taste mining and opinion mining, even clicking on cat videos or celebrities’ “oops” moments create viral “news” items, where the internet aggregators are more than happy to feed you more of the same slop, mimicking your clicks. Every bloke with a computer or smartphone has become a part of the media. The problem with spinning This level of participation is alternative facts and good, but it also creates a blaming the fourth estate tribal environment, and instant knee-jerk reactions. is that it has a way of People with similar beliefs coming back to haunt you. tend to crouch together in dark corners and pat each other on the back. Conversations become unending attacks, communities and friends devolve into partisan nonsense. The truth gets hazy while opinionating runs rampant. Politicians are the quintessential seekers of media and at the same time blamers of it. Our current president loves to bash the “dishonest” media anytime a question or critique is thrown at him, though he fully understands its value in getting him elected. I get the feeling some who voted for him are tiring of his all-purpose media bashing. The problem with spinning alternative facts and blaming the fourth estate is that it has a way of coming back to haunt you. It’s better to be straight with your constituency or stockholders or potential voters than try to weasel them. People are not stupid. They are partisan, but not stupid. Transparency is the equalizing elixir. We live in a world where everyone is walking around with a multimedia device that can broadcast events happening at the precise moment. Blaming the media is not a good place to hide. Make your case, stand by your principles, negotiate deals with policymakers or stockholders, and let the results unfold. This holds for politicians as well as CEOs. Saathee.com

When someone continually blames or bashes the “media” you realize that person is doing so because he or she cannot make a case for themselves. They deflect tough questions by blaming this ghost enemy. If one is able to make concise, studied, fact-researched arguments, backed by what has worked in the past and what has not, then blaming of media or scapegoating perceived enemies becomes unnecessary. Again, people are not stupid. They catch on to B.S. fairly quickly. When politicians bash the media rather than put forth ideas, ask tough questions, and hold them up to give detailed answers. Bashing something is not an answer. It is a cop out. This is not to say news organizations don’t make mistakes. Their op-ed pages are also filled with partisans making their case. There are also myriad hyper-partisan websites and publications out there. They will spin their own tales that fit their own agenda. Fake or sarcastic news is so swiftly passed around via social media, that it increases the need for independent news organizations and non-partisan media to help unshackle the facts. Without some of these gatekeepers the miscreants will run amok, lies will rule the land, and politicians will feel emboldened to continue to pull the wool over people’s eyes. It’s your tax money being used. You should ask hard questions. Here at Saathee we strive to bring factual information to our readers. Do we make mistakes? Yes, it happens. We own up to mistakes and rectify the record. Yes, with the 24-hour news channels, instantly updateable websites and social media, the amount of information, and especially misinformation, can become overwhelming. My advice is to read several news sites when a piece of information is passed on. Read fact check sites that keep politicians’ claims as well as media’s reporting in their scopes and expose the mistakes and lies and reveal the facts. Here’s an unsolicited suggestion. Don’t spread partisan misinformation just so you can feel good slamming the opposition or someone you disagree with. It only harms your own long-term integrity. Imagine sitting face to face with someone and making your arguments. It’s much tougher than posting links on social media. If usually reliable news organizations make a mistake, write to them, they will rectify the record. It is in their interest to maintain their reputation. Without the efforts of reputable news organizations and journalists, the Enrons and Bernie Madoffs, child-molesting priests, human traffickers, crooked politicians, hackers, incompetent CEOs, the local company illegally dumping toxins into waterways, and myriad others would not get exposed. Reputable media spend time and capital documenting and searching for the truth. They make efforts to fact-check themselves and their own reporting. As a consumer of their information, you should also hold them to high accountability. Without them, you would be left with unending partisan mudslinging on social media and unbending rightwing or leftwing echo chambers. The facts whitewashed into oblivion. It’s not a pretty sight.

Samir Shukla

is the editor of Saathee magazine. contact - samir@Saathee.com

April 2017

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April 2017

How Tech Companies are Trying to Combat Trafficking By Christina Asquith, PRI

Sex trafficking and human slavery are certainly nothing new, but the internet has created a lawless space for predators to buy and sell people. Today, more than 150,000 escort ads are posted in the US every day, many of them for children. The human trafficking industry enslaves an estimated 27 million people worldwide. Now, an organization is turning to the very features of the internet that make trafficking so widespread to combat it. Thorn partners with technology companies like Google, Pinterest, Saathee.com

Facebook and others to help identify and rescue children, and possibly catch predators. Last month, a video of Thorn founder Ashton Kutcher went viral when he gave very personal testimony to the US Senate on the tragedy of child traﬃcking. Earlier this year, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee sponsored a bill that eventually became a law to direct $50 million in federal money annually to combat sex traﬃcking and human slavery in the US. Following Kutcher’s Senate speech in February, the White 18

continued on page 88

April 2017

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UPCOMING MOVIE RELEASES April 7

April 21

Blue Mountains (Director: Suman Ganguli) Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Gracy Singh, Simran Sharma, and Yatharth Ratnum

The Mother (Director: Ashtar Sayed) Cast: Raveena Tandon and Madhur Mittal noor (Director: Sunhil Sippy) Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Kanan Gill, Shibani Dandekar, and Purab Kohli

Jaaga Jassos (Director: Anurag Basu) Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Sayani Gupta, and Saswata Chatterjee

The lost City of Z (Director: James Gray) Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Tom Holland, Sienna Miller, and Robert Pattinson

Going in Style (Director: Zach Braﬀ) Cast: Alan Arkin, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Joey King

Kaalakaandi (Director: Akshat Verma) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Sobhita Dhulipala, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Neil Bhoopalam, and Deepak Dobriyal

April 28

Sarkar 3 (Director: Ram Gopal Varma) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, Yami Gautam, Amit Sadh, Jackie Shroﬀ, and Rohini Hattangadi

Bahubali 2 – The Conclusion (Director: S. S. Rajamouli) Cast: Prabhas, Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty, and Sathyaraj

The Circle (Director: James Ponsoldt) Cast: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, and Bill Paxton

aftermath (Director: Elliot Lester) Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace, Martin Donovan, and Frances Conroy

May 5

Mukti Bhawan (Director: Subhashish Bhutiani) Cast: Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Navnindra Behl, Palomi Ghosh, and Geetanjali Kulkarni

atithii iin london (Director: Ashwni Dhir) Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Kharbanda, Paresh Rawal, Tanvi Azmi, and Sanjay Mishra

laali Ki Shaadi Mein laddoo Deewana (Director: Manish Harishankar) Cast: Akshara Haasan, Vivaan Shah, Gurmeet Choudhary, Darshan Jariwala, & Saurabh Shukla

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Director: James Gunn) Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoë Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, and Kurt Russell

April 14

Muzaﬀarnagar 2013 (Director: Harish Kumar) Cast: Aishsarya Devan, Mursaleem Qureshi, Ekansh Bhardwaj, and Dev Sharma

Begum Jaan (Director: Srijit Mukherjee) Cast: Vidya Balan, Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Ila Arun, Priyanka Setia, and Ridheema Tiwari

May 12

Meri Pyaari Bindu (Director: Akshay Roy) Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra

The Fate of the Furious (Direcror: F. Gary Gray) Cast: Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, and Charlize Theron Saathee.com

King arthur: legend of the Sword (Director: Guy Ritchie) Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Elizabeth Olsen, and Jude Law

Hindi Medium (Director: Saket Chowdhury) Cast: Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar 22

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April 2017

FILM CLIPS Sarkar 3

Sarkar 3 is the third film in director Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar trilogy, which chronicles the exploits of a powerful political figure. The crime thriller stars Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role along with Ronit Roy, Jackie Shroff, Manoj Bajpayee, Amit Sadh, Rohini Hattangadi, and Yami Gautam. Varma had originally said he wasn’t interested in the third installment of the film, but changed his mind a couple of years ago and work began on the third film. Sarkar 3 is scheduled for a worldwide release on April 7.

Aftermath

Sanjay Dutt turns lyricist for his next film

being created between India and Pakistan. Veteran actress Vidya Balan leads the cast that also features Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Ila Arun, Priyanka Setia, Ridheema Tiwari, and Naseeruddin Shah. The ﬁlm opens in theaters on April 14.

Noor

Noor is a journalist who juggles her work, love and personal life on a day-to-day basis. One day, Noor’s life takes a dramatic turn when she comes across an eye-opening investigative news story. Director Sunhil Sippy guides the cast that includes Sonakshi Sinha, Kanan Gill, Purab Kohli, Shibani Dandekar and a cameo by Sunny Leone. Look for the ﬁlm, based on the novel by Saba Imtiaz, in theaters around the world beginning on April 21.

Atithii iin London

Since being released from prison over a year ago, veteran actor Sanjay Dutt has been working on resuming his career. The film Bhoomi is already completed and awaiting release. Another film is Torbaaz, an action thriller with Dutt as the protagonist. According to reports Dutt has written a song that will be used in the film. Producer of Torbaaz, Rahul Mittra revealed that when he visited Sanjay Dutt on the sets of Bhoomi, the actor showed him a couple of songs that he had written when in jail. Mittra was impressed and decided to use one of them in his film. The song, “O Meri Aagan Ki Chidiya Hai Tu” apparently fits the theme of Torbaaz and hence was selected. No word on the release date yet.

Salman Khan Shoots with Wolves

The drama Aftermath tells the tale of two strangers’ lives that become inextricably bound together after a devastating plane crash. The ﬁlm is based on the Überlingen mid-air collsion incident from 2002. Legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger returns in the lead role along with Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace, Martin Donovan, and Frances Conroy. The ﬁlm was written by Javier Gullón and directed by Elliot Lester. Look for it in cinemas on April 7.

Begum Jaan

Director Srijit Mukherjee brings to life the story of eleven prostitutes who refuse to part ways with their brothel and each other during the partition between India and Pakistan. Their home falls on the new border

Saathee.com

Atithii Iin London is an upcoming Hindi comedy film, written and directed by Ashwni Dhir. It stars Kartik Aaryan, Paresh Rawal, Kriti Kharbanda and Tanvi Azmi. The movie is a sequel to hit 2010 film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?. The film is a comedy revolving around Kartik Aaryan’s character, who is in a livein relationship with his girlfriend (Kriti Kharbanda) when Paresh Rawal and his wife (Tanvi Azmi) barge into his home as guests, setting off a laugh-riot. The movie arrives in theaters on May 5. 26

Yash Raj Films is working to ensure that their forthcoming spy drama, Tiger Zinda Hai starring Salman Khan, meets international standards of action. In one scene Khan will be seen will be seen with a pack of wolves in snowy forests of Austria. Top notch stunt crews will be involved. In the new film RAW agent Tiger/Avinash Singh Rathore (Salman Khan) returns from the dead to take on an international terrorist organization but this time he has his wife Zoya (Katrina Kaif) by his side. Ali Abbas Zafar will direct this sequel to Khan’s hit film Ek Tha Tiger. The film is tentatively slated to open on December 22. April 2017

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There are always free events, including some panel discussions and Friday and Saturday night outdoor film screenings of films from the previous year’s Festival. These screenings are often particularly good for families who are welcome to picnic and enjoy the showing at Durham’s Central Park just a few blocks from the Festival. It’s important to keep in mind that many films do sell out. If there is a film that you really want to attend but it has “sold out,” there still may be hope. You should plan to go to that film’s “last minute line” at least 30-45 minutes before the film is scheduled to start. Often a limited number of tickets are available for $15 (cash only). Also, some of the invited films are being shown at multiple times, and some of the films chosen for awards reprise on Sunday afternoon. The crowds significantly thin after lunch on Sunday, so tickets should be readily available for those encores. The Festival features over a half dozen venues, mostly in and around the historic Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham at 309 West Morgan Street. Theatres range in size from 53 to 975. Because films are shown in parallel, it may very well not be possible to see all that one may want to see. Some films are ultimately released for a theatrical run or perhaps to be shown on television, but this can be months or even a year or more later. Many films only play the festival circuit. Insightful film discussions, relaxation at parties and around the venues, and dining at the growing number of good restaurants in downtown Durham are all great draws for the Festival. Full details, including the complete schedule of events and film descriptions, are available at www.fullframefest.org.

Full Frame Documentary Festival 2017

By Dilip Barman

The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival returns to Durham, NC on Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 9. It is the country’s largest documentary film festival with over a hundred films, parties, and events. This year is a special one for the Full Frame as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. As always, there will be films in competition for various prizes. There is also each year a curated program, where films are selected aligned with a theme. This year is a great opportunity to see some of the best of the films from Full Frame’s past. Artistic Director Sadie Tillery is the curator and is choosing films forming a retrospective of the Festival. “Full Frame has showcased nearly 2,000 documentaries, from prominent titles to films that may never be shown in a North Carolina theater again,” said Tillery. “It’s the chemistry between these works – between the loud and the quiet, the accessible and the bizarre, the new voices and the legends – that continues to inspire me. It is impossible for a single series to encompass all that this festival has embraced and championed over 20 years. I’ve chosen to reflect on films that remain harder to see, that may not have set box office records, but are essential to the Full Frame canon.” “We are proud to present 71 new titles at the festival this year,” announced Tillery in mid-March. “These selections represent a wide breadth of current work, and illuminate the many forms that documentary film can take. Festival attendees are in for an extraordinary experience that is fitting of our 20th anniversary.” The NEW DOCS program includes 48 titles—27 features and 21 shorts—selected from over 1,750 submissions from around the globe. These films are eligible for the Full Frame Audience Award and are shortlisted for a variety of additional juried awards offering a combined value of over $50,000 in cash prizes. Award winners will be announced at the annual Awards Barbecue on Sunday, April 9. The Invited Program features 23 films—22 features and 1 short— screening out of competition. Included in this program are the festival’s Center Frame screenings, which take place in Fletcher Hall at the Carolina Theatre and include moderated discussions following the films. The best way to attend Full Frame is to purchase a pass, but this year some passes sold out in hours (as press time, student passes were still available). Tickets for individual films will be on sale beginning on March 30 at 11am, and can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Duke University Box Office. Sales end two hours before show time and cost $16 with a $2 discount available to the Duke community, students, military, and teachers. Saathee.com

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April 2017

California’s Undocumented Workers Help the Economy Grow –

But May Pay the Cost

In California, you don’t just see immigrants’ role in the economy, you taste it. By Valerie Hamilton, PRI

Brokaw Ranch Company, in Ventura County, grows hundreds of acres of fruit including avocados, oranges and lemons that end up on tables all across the United States via Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart and Costco. But before it gets there, it starts here, in leafy groves of trees under the California sun, where crews of workers climb the trees with ladders, cut each Saathee.com

piece of fruit by hand and carry it in 80-pound sacks to collection bins. It’s hard, careful work and, at least on this farm, it’s done by immigrants. The Ventura County farm bureau estimates as many as 36,000 ﬁeld workers bring in the county’s crops of citrus,

continued on page 128

April 2017

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New Price! - BASEMENT - Firethorne

Stunning Custom Built Renaissance Villa with 3 levels of indoor/outdoor living. Totally updated. Grand central hall staircase with flanking balconies overlooking the foyer. Formal living areas, open Family Room, and fantastic views from all three Terraces. Magnificent Kitchen is with custom finishes, prep sink, oversized Island, and much more. Luxurious Master Suite, finished basement with Wet Bar, and spectacular tee-to-green view of 12th hole. A wonderful opportunity. $1,069,000

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New Price - Wyndham Hall

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Compelling interest of USCIS: (No example given; discretionary)

uSCIS Suspends H-1B Premium Processing Before Cap Season Deadline

The H-1B visa is a popular nonimmigrant visa category for temporary workers with specialized knowledge. The H-1B visa requires a bachelor’s degree or higher degree that is related to the specialty occupation for which they are applying. Historically, this visa has been highly sought by employees and employers, causing lengthy processing times due to the high volume of petitions each year. Premium processing allows a petitioner or beneficiary to pay an increased fee and file a Form I-907 so USCIS will adjudicate the petition in 15 days. However, USCIS announced that it will suspend all premium processing requests for H-1B petitions starting on April 3, 2017. USCIS claims that this suspension will allow the processing of petitions that have been “long-pending” due to the “high volume of incoming petitions and the significant surge in premium processing requests over the past few years.” The statement by USCIS also states that the temporary suspension will allow the officers to prioritize extension of status cases nearing the 240-day mark. This applies to all FY18 regular and master’s advanced degree cap-subject H-1B petitions, in addition to any capexempt petitions filed after this date. H-1B extensions and petitions not subject to the cap are still eligible for premium processing prior to the effective date. The 240-day period is relevant because assuming a timely extension of status application is filed before the I-94 expiration date, an H-1B employee might be eligible to continue working for up to 240 days beyond the current period of stay. This time is not considered to be granting a “lawful nonimmigrant status” but also does not qualify for an “unlawful presence” while the extension of status application is pending. This authorization would not be extended if you have violated the terms of your nonimmigrant status. You also may be required to stop working and leave the country when the 240 days elapse, or if USCIS denies your extension application. It is important to note that during the suspension of premium processing, all Form I-907s (Requests for Premium Processing Service) will be rejected. The Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, filed for H-1B employees, could also be rejected if one check is written with the H-1B fees and premium processing fees combined. While premium processing is suspended, you may still be eligible to expedite your request. Below is chart of the criteria and examples of potential reasons to expedite an H-1B petition:

Expedite Criteria: (Example) Severe financial loss to company or person: (Time-sensitive project costing significant financial loss if petition is not adjudicated) Emergency situation: (Applicant/Beneficiary is gravely ill) Humanitarian reasons: (Outbreak of war in the home country) Nonprofit whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the U.S.: (Organization broadcasting in regional areas to promote democratic interests) Department of Defense or national interest situation: (Request from official U.S. government entity; delay would be detrimental to the govt.) USCIS error: (USCIS erroneously rejects an application or misses information that was included)

Saathee.com

These criteria are more likely to be successful if documentary evidence is provided to support the expedite request. If the beneﬁciary has a medical condition, a doctor’s note might be helpful in proving expedited processing is necessary. Similarly, if the petitioner claims a severe ﬁnancial loss could occur, contracts or project details should be shared with USCIS to prove the potential loss.

Filing Tips

• File all premium processing extensions or petitions prior to April 3, 2017. • Do not include Form I-907 with H-1B petitions or extensions after April 2, 2017. • Write separate checks for Form I-907 and Form I-129 to minimize the chance both forms will be rejected. • Include appropriate documentary evidence for the original petition to minimize the chance of a “Request for Evidence” or RFE.

Contact us at info@challalaw.com with any questions regarding ﬁling an H-1B petition or requesting expedited processing. For more details, visit www.ChallaLaw.com.

April 2017

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April 2017

NAMASKAR Y’ALL Reﬂections and a few confessions as an Indian American in the Carolinas My Big Fat Carbon Footprint

a seat wasn’t really a problem. Boy was I wrong. While the ride was comfortable, I was bored to tears as a 20-minute distance from South Charlotte to the University campus took 120 minutes. Over the years, things have improved with the light rail and ride-sharing services but have we really reduced auto emissions? Probably not because when I go back to Mumbai, I see that the number of cars on the road have increased exponentially. If I still lived in Mumbai, I too would ditch public transportation in favor of a car. After all, the environmental benefits of buses and trains are not attractive when the commuter has to put up with pickpockets, indecent stares or hazardous levels of noise pollution. For years, I took Mumbai’s local train to college and work and phew, I am still reeling from its psychological effects. We are all choking the planet but you could take a different approach if you want to calculate just your individual carbon footprint. It can be done using a free, online calculator but be honest and dig up the information on how much energy you use, your transportation, as well as eating and vacation habits. The list for our family is extensive, heavy with energy consumption and laden with guilt. Sometime last year a program on National Public Radio covered a story about the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and I was struck by one figure, 52 million. That’s how many trees we need to plant so that we can offset the negative effects of a coal power plant. In North Carolina alone we have 67 of them. My kids crunched the numbers and based on the population, we North Carolinians need to plant at least 347 trees each. Well, I have added this task to my list of action items and plan to complete my fair share of tree planting before I am 80. Let’s hope that I live and there are no more coal power plants added. On a more serious note, I have been pondering over what I can do to reduce the size of my carbon footprint. It would be hypocritical to say that our family follows or intends to follow a minimalist lifestyle. Moving to a trendy “Tiny House” is not in our plans and neither is a suburban McMansion. Instead of abandoning all the comforts of modern life, I am going on a diet. My attempt is to adopt small changes with big effects which are often recommended to people trying to lose weight. In this case, it will be about consuming less energy. Younger generations are a part of the solution too, so it’s fitting that my children enlightened me about the advantages of using LED lights at home, tested which of our entertainment devices used the least power and discouraged me from buying light fixtures requiring multiple lightbulbs. All of these have noticeably reduced our energy consumption. Motivated by the changes in real life, I have modified the vision of my dream house too. The magnificent villa of my imagination has been replaced by a tastefully designed, midsized home built with natural materials inspired by the Tri Lanka hotel in Sri Lanka and Limalimo Lodge in Ethiopia. I see the home borrowing from nature, not stealing and giving back more than it takes. A girl can dream, can she not?

By Shyama Parui

Stop! Take a look around you. How many light bulbs do you see? If you count carefully the answer may surprise you. More than likely you don’t know the exact number of light bulbs in your house but go ahead and take a wild guess-20? 30? That’s what I had guessed but soon realized that we had a whopping 94 light bulbs in our average sized single family home. The only reason our family had uncovered this fact was because of a math project that my kids worked on. Alas, this discovery shattered my self-image or rather delusion of being an environmentally responsible citizen of the world. How did I end up being such a gluttonous consumer of natural resources? If I recall my formative years, they were spent worry free in a two-bedroom flat that accommodated a big family. It was a time when having your own car, telephone and color television were considered small luxuries. Gas for the kitchen was supplied in cylinders and We are all choking the water supply for the day was planet but you could take a just enough for all essential different approach if you purposes. If you forgot to want to calculate just your turn open the knob to the loft tank, you could be out of individual carbon footprint. water in the middle of your shower. It may surprise you but a bucketful of water was considered sufficient to bathe your kid and washing your car was highly discouraged. Trust me, I am not making all this up. We did our best to grin and bear the unforgiving heat and humidity of Mumbai’s summer because the costs of running the air conditioner all day was forbidding. We were forced to be eco-friendly because we wanted to be wallet-friendly. I still maintain that it was a comfortable childhood and these annoyances were not such a big deal as we constantly learned to do more with less. Even as Mumbai’s real estate prices have risen brutally and it’s ever- increasing population has stripped the city of its natural beauty, these challenges have given rise to creative minds and resourceful ideas that maximize living and work spaces. In comparison, the lifestyle led by middle income Americans appears highly acquisitive and wasteful. In general, the average size of the home has increased along with the desire and need for possessions and as a consequence we are grabbing nature’s gifts in the form of land, water, air, and fossil fuels without any hesitation. Along with millions of other Americans, we contribute to making this country one of the highest users of natural resources and emitter of carbon dioxide. I do want to recognize, however, that one of America’s biggest strengths is that necessities and comforts for human life are accessible and affordable to most. One of the biggest differences I noticed when I started exploring Charlotte in the year 2000 was the poor public transportation. I had heard of the inefficient bus service around the city but the Mumbai girl in me was hardly deterred. I was used to less than ideal bus, train and auto rickshaw services so riding in a temperature controlled bus where all passengers had Saathee.com

Shyama Parui

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

April 2017

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MIRROR, MIRROR A Conversation From the Outside Looking in...

Wednesday. Other notable names in the cast include Emily Browning, Crispin Glover, Gillian Anderson, Corbin Bernsen, and Cloris Leachman. As a Producer for the show, Gaiman has made it very clear that he wants each God to be shown as being from the land they were created from. That being said, there will be Egyptian & African Gods played by black actors, Slavic & Nordic Gods played by Nordic actors, and most importantly there will be Hindu & Arabian deities in the show as well as those who believe in them. Actors Omid Abtahi and Mousa Kraish, the latter playing an Ifrit Jinn, are a nice addition to the multi-cultural cast. There is room for more Gods to be included in later seasons, including an iconic scene later in the story between Shadow and the Goddess Bast so we’ll just have to see. There are also some short stories that were written later about Shadow and one of the Gods in the novel, so if there is room in later seasons we may see those as well. I grabbed a signed first edition of the novel back in 2001 and later on met Gaiman himself at Comic Con in 2007. While I stood there watching him sign the cover of my Sandman #50 comic book, I mentioned that American Gods was one of my favorite stories that he wrote. Since I was in a line of about 100 people and we were being shuffled through so all he could do was briefly smile, shake my hand and give me the Sandman comic, now with his golden signature on its matte black cover, back in the other hand. Whether he heard my compliment or not I don’t know, but I’ve always held out some hope that he did hear my words despite the chaos that is typical for the Comic Con dealer floor. When I was a kid I had a habit of reading some books more than once, particularly since I read at a much higher level than most kids my age. I read all of the Narnia Chronicles and Lord of the Rings books twice and Edgar Allen Poe’s various novellas before I was in high school. Due to the constant requirements to read things for school, I lost my taste for reading books more than once. That changed when I first opened and read American Gods. By the time I shook Neil Gaiman’s hand in San Diego I had read it twice. Since then I have read it once more. It’s just one of those novels that is a delight to read and read again since the prose has so much depth in it. When Starz announced that they would be doing the story as a multi-season show, I was ecstatic. Hearing further that Bryan Fuller and Michael Green would be the show runners made me even more optimistic. Both have worked on some great (though underrated) fantasy & sci-fi themed shows such as Hannibal, Pushing Daisies, and Heroes. Starz has also had some success with shows such as Outlander (also based on a series of fantasy novels) so I think they will do the story of American Gods justice. American Gods will premiere on Starz for an 8 episode arc starting on April 30 in the US and later on Amazon Prime in the United Kingdom. Let’s sit back and enjoy the magical journey of Shadow and Mr. Wednesday meeting all the Gods (Old and New) we all have believed in.

By Jennifer Allen

american Gods Belief Comes to the New World

Neil Gaiman is a name familiar to many that follow comics and/or modern fantasy stories. He has created such classic stories as the Sandman comic series and already had some of his novels transposed to the big and small screen such as Neverwhere, Stardust and Coraline. He’s won Hugo, Nebula and many other writing awards for literature. Most recently he has delved into writing television scripts for shows such as Dr. Who and even done some voice work including playing himself on an episode of The Simpsons. His most auspicious project to date is bringing the novel, American Gods to both comic books and television. The comics have already started with the first issue covering the first chapter of the story. Gaiman is also making a live action version as a (hopefully) six season series on the cable channel, Starz. Most of the story centers around a man named Shadow Moon. When he’s released from prison Shadow accepts a job as a bodyguard for an older man known simply as Mr. Wednesday. After hearing that his wife has died in a car accident, Shadow and Mr. Wednesday embark on a cross-country journey and meet and possibly recruit a vast array of characters who are personifications of Gods who have come to America along with their immigrant followers. These Old Gods appear to be slowly dying however, as New Gods such as Technology and Media have started to take their place. The first season will cover roughly the first 1/3 of the book with some extra scenes included to better flesh out many of the Gods and their motivations. One of the biggest themes from the book is that many different cultures have come to America over the centuries and in turn brought their customs and beliefs with them. These Old Gods are in the New World thanks to these people. The timing of the first printing seems about as fortuitous as the timing of the show’s airdates. The book came out shortly before 9/11… an incident motivated by religion and yet shown to the world through media and technology. And now we have the television version coming soon while an immigration ban in America is taking shape as a result in part to those same events orchestrated 16 years prior. British actor Ricky Whittle will be playing Shadow Moon and veteran fellow British actor Ian McShane will be portraying Mr. Saathee.com

Jennifer Allen

works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer & Graphic Artist .

April 2017

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MASTERING MEANING

Harnessing the Power of American English By Judith L. Bergman

e. A family with inherited wealth f. We can’t afford that g. Affluent h. Bet on

“These Are Taxing Times” a newspaper headline might say. If you were to read this would you understand the double meaning of “taxing?” Both we and our accountants might feel burdened and tired out or taxed by income tax preparation. 1 The high rate of taxation on alcohol and cigarettes are often referred to as a sin tax. This article first appeared in Saathee in April 2010 and is now a chapter in my book with the same title as this article. (See the short author bio below.) This month we will explore the multiple meanings and idiomatic usage of words related to money and finance. BANK has many meanings both as a noun and as a verb! 2 1. A bank is a business establishment with deposit and investment accounts that makes loans (sometimes). 2. People used to give their children a small “piggy bank,” sometimes actually a small ceramic pig with a slot in the top, to save their coins. 3. The supply or stock for future emergency use is called a bank, for example a grain bank. People donate blood to a blood bank, a supply of human tissues or other materials held in reserve for emergencies. 4. An arrangement of objects in a row or tiers is called a bank of elevators, a row of dials or a tier of oars in a ship’s galley is called a bank.

Here are some word pairs that are confusing even to native speakers of American English: 4 First it is necessary to understand the difference between countable and uncountable nouns: Jokes can be counted but humor cannot! Amount vs. Number: Use amount when you are describing something that cannot be counted. Use it with “of” followed a singular noun: “There’s only a small amount of butter left.” Use number when describing something that can be counted. Use it with “of” followed by a plural noun. “There are a growing number of families who enjoy cultural activities together.”

Fewer vs. Less: Use fewer for things that can be counted. “I have fewer handbags than my best friend.” Use less for things that cannot be counted. “I have less patience when I am overtired.”

Suggestions to increase your word power this month: Read the financial news in the Sunday papers and financial advice columns in your favorite magazines (including Saathee) and identify various ways the words featured in this article are used.

Here are two I didn’t know: 5. The funds of gambling establishments or the funds held by a dealer or “banker” in some gambling games or reserve cards, chips or play money in poker are all referred to as the bank. 6. The cushion of a billiard table is called a bank. 7. “The plane went into a steep bank,” means that the pilot had to tip the plane laterally in turning (see also the verb). BANK also has several more meanings in the natural world. 8. A piled up heap of snow left by snowplows is called a snow bank and a mass of clouds is a cloud bank. 9. It’s very pleasant to sit on the bank of a river or lake, the slope of land adjoining a body of water.

References: 1 http://www.idioms.thefreedictionary.com/tax 2 http://www.idioms.thefreedictionary.com/bank 3 http://www.idioms.thefreedictionary.com/money 4 Every Day Vocabulary by Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D., 1998: Doubleday Direct, Inc., Chap. 7 “Commonly Confused Words”, pp. 99 & 102. Answers: 1-d, 2-g, 3-b, 4-f, 5-h, g-e, 7-a, 8-c.

As a verb, TO BANK can mean: 1. To do business with a bank: “We have banked with them for years.” 2. To tip or tilt: “The pilot banked the plane sharply.” 3. To bank a fire is to cover it with ashes. 4. To have trust and confidence in: “I bank on your sound advice.”

While I certainly don’t have to define MONEY, there are quite a few amusing expressions using the word. Do you really know what they mean? 3 1. ___For my money, it’s not worth the effort. 2. ___He’s in the money. 3. ___You’re on the money. 4. ___Money doesn’t grow on trees. 5.___I’ll put my money on that candidate. 6.___He comes from old money. 7.___Put your money where your mouth is. 8.___It looks like they have money to burn. a. Act according to your own advice b. Exactly, precisely correct c. Can afford very expensive purchases d. In my opinion or preference Saathee.com

Judith L. Bergman M.A CCC

is the director of Triangle Speech Services specializing in foreign accent modification. Contact: jlbergman@mindspring.com or 919-489-5464. www.trianglespeech.com

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April 2017

PERSONAL FINANCES all about IRas - Pertinent History

and then let it grow, tax-free, until the time comes to withdraw for retirement pleasures. Then the time arrives to pay the Piper; we will discuss that later. If somebody has the vision to start such a program at the earliest time, the moment he or she starts earning (say at the age of 22) and invest in an IRA to the fullest, that person can become a millionaire at the age of 70 just from these savings; such is the power of compounding effect. Of course it will depend on how and where such monies are invested. Traditional IRAs are similar to employer sponsored retirement plans in many ways. Both are tax-sheltered savings plans that encourage the accumulation of savings for retirement because they allow contributions to be made with pre-tax dollars and earnings to be tax-deferred until your age of 70.5. Funding vehicles and types of allowable investments are the same in any conventional investments. Unfortunately, there are many rules and restrictions we have to follow in order to comply with this savings program. There is a limitation on the highest income level. If your modified adjusted gross income (AGI: line 37 on form 1040) exceeds $98,000 for married filing jointly ($61,000 for singles) then the phase-out level begins for those who are covered by a pension plan at work. Married filing jointly, one spouse not covered by a pension plan, but the other spouse is, the limit is $184,000 for 2016. IRA contributions will always be deductible if neither the taxpayer, nor the taxpayer’s spouse, is an active participant in an employer-maintained retirement plan.

By Mo Vidwans

Over the last 40/50 years, Americans have not shown any strong aptitude or penchant for saving, let alone saving for retirement. Their record is abysmal (however, I must note that most folks of Indian heritage carry a different philosophy). The Economic Policy Institute notes that the average retirement savings for all US families is just $96,776. As low as that number seems, it exaggerates the broader health of retirement savings because some high savers skew those numbers. It is not a surprise then that Congress, in the 70s, decided to do something about it (1974: ERISA introduced first IRA). There were more laws passed over the years (1978, 81, 86, 92, 96, 97, 2001, 06, 10) changing the rules of the savings plan for better. The biggest advantage of IRAs is the tax-deferral nature of these forced savings that are aimed strictly at retirement. IRAs are only for each individual. Not for a couple or for a family. IRAs can be viewed as compulsory savings and once contributed they are locked up for a long period; not to be touched until at least to your age of 59.5 at which time they can be withdrawn without a The biggest advantage of penalty but you need to pay IRAs is the tax-deferred the income taxes. There are, nature of these forced however, exceptions to the savings that are aimed rule of withdrawal and strictly at retirement. under some hardship circumstances these funds can be withdrawn without penalty. It is not something I would recommend. IRA document itself is a written trust or a custodial account whose trustee or custodian must be a bank, credit union or an organization that receives IRS’s permission to act as trustee or a custodian. No one can be a trustee of his/her own IRA because IRS mandates arm’s-length dealing between the beneficiary and those in charge of enforcing the IRA rules like the custodians. IRAs can be invested in multitude of vehicles, running the gamut from mutual funds to individual stocks and bonds to limited partnerships with a myriad of risks and returns associated with it. Self-directed IRAs are also popular because they give the investor the flexibility in investments and ability to anticipate the market changes and act accordingly. I generally recommend self-directed IRAs to my clients, most but not all. Investment restrictions exist but not too many. Investment in life insurance is not allowed. Collectibles such as art, oriental rugs, antiques, rare coins, stamps, rare wines and certain other tangible properties are not in the picture for investing. There are, however, some exceptions for certain coins and precious metals. There are also some other prohibited transactions. It should also be noted that penalties for failure to satisfy the investment restrictions could be severe.

TRaDITIonal IRas Today, a person under 50 can save up to $5,500 (over 50 can add another $1,000) of his earned money in to a Traditional IRA Saathee.com

RoTH IRa These are similar to Traditional IRAs as discussed above except they are funded by after-tax dollars and hence you cannot use them to reduce your taxable income. But there is one big advantage. Of course they grow tax-free and then the withdrawal of these funds, when the time comes, is also taxfree. Obviously you do not get the benefit of reducing the income tax but you do enjoy the fruits of your actions later because no taxes need be paid at the time of withdrawal. It is essential to project your tax level and income level at the time of withdrawal while deciding which route you may wish to take. Many other rules for Roth are the same as Traditional IRA. However, determining whether an individual is eligible to make a contribution to a Roth IRA is simpler than a Traditional IRA. Eligibility is entirely dependent upon an individual’s adjusted AGI and tax filing status. An individual’s active participant status (in defined benefit plans) is not relevant. Also, unlike traditional IRA, contributions can even be made after attaining the age of 70.5. continued on page 100

Mo Vidwans

Vidwans is an independent, board certified financial planner. For details visit www.vidwansfinancial.com, call 984-888-0355 or write to mpvidwans@yahoo.com. 50

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April 2017

SUBCONTINENTAL DIVIDE An Indian Subcontinent & America Dialogue By Ahsen Jillani

Fake news, alternative Truths, World Peace, and other Fantasies

“BREAKING NEWS-Mexican President has sent Special Forces into El Paso, Texas, to eliminate gangs that sell drugs to their biggest customer, the US, and use the cash to bring terrorism and crime back to Mexico. ‘National security is our top priority,’ said the chief of Mexico’s AntiTerror Dept. ‘We will root out these spineless criminals and eliminate them right at the source by killing them in the streets of El Paso. You are either with us in protecting our citizens, or you are also a terrorist.’”

Laughing yet? Well, don’t. Since 9/11, the U.S. has done exactly that in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and presently, Syria. As the polarization between the East and West increases, as the There are intelligent dominos fall through Europe elements on both sides of and America, the debate this argument who are about how we got to this arguing that peace cannot stage is sure to intensify. The UN is already saying that the be achieved through world is under the worst bombs. humanitarian crisis since WW-II. In its defense, Europe, because of liberal EU travel rules, is taking the brunt of the violence that occurs when pressure cookers explode. There are intelligent elements on both sides of this argument who are arguing that peace cannot be achieved through bombs. Bombs, arguably, got us here. As Lebanon was stabilizing toward the end of the ‘70s, the Iranian revolution started. Then the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. The CIA launched a secret war based out of Pakistan which lasted throughout the Reagan and Bush-1 presidencies. In the end, Reagan took credit for bankrupting the Soviets with threats of Star Wars laser weapons and went home to his ranch in California. We don’t know what really happened. We do know that 2.5 million refugees sat for a decade in Pakistani tent cities and many thousands were born or came of age getting minimal assistance from international organizations. Their food and education was taken over by a movement that the US encouraged during the Soviet conﬂict—these were the brave Mujahideen in those days. They subscribed to a radical Islam exported from Saudi Arabia that was so brutal that the Soviets had nightmares about them. Many superstars and heroes emerged from that movement as the US (just as it did in Vietnam), pulled out with zero commitment to infrastructure, political or cultural rebuilding of a country left as a pile of rubble. Congress cut funding and went home to celebrate victory. Osama Bin Laden and other “Freedom Fighters” on the CIA payroll were now free to roam as spiritual advisors for young men returning from Pakistani refugee camps. While Bill Clinton, during various pauses from Monica, did bomb a few places after Bush’s “target practice” Gulf War episode to save billionaire sheikhs, the ‘90s were for the most part a simmering process for the radical Islamists. What had been lost to most Western observers was the fact that Saudi Arabia had received no criticism from US government branches since the oil crisis of the early ‘70s. They proceeded, as they do Saathee.com

now, with impunity, to chop off heads and hands in the town square, and to stone women for being raped because not enough male witnesses came to their defense. The psychology behind this phenomenon is rather simple. Some investigative journalists have been sued by Trump for suggesting that he may be worth under $500 million, which will put him more in line with Oprah Winfrey or Simon Cowell in terms of wealth—rather than Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. But regardless, what keeps Saudi Arabia and the many oil sheikhdoms in the fantasies of the Western elite is the sheer opulence of their lifestyles. It is not just the palaces, the chalets, the yachts, the lambos, the wives, the mistresses, the roasted lamb, and the real gold toilets (as opposed to the Trump madein-China faux-gold stuff); it is the army of servants/slaves that Zuckerberg and Gates can’t even fantasize about. One or two visits to the East and Westerners lose their minds when it comes to 24/7 personalized service, along with unfettered luxury. They come back dazed. They come back and can’t remember human rights abuses, and brutal summary justice; they come back with amnesia about Osama Bin Laden being an Arab whose chief complaint was that the infidels were allowed to set up bases on sacred Arab soil (and may have even consumed alcohol on bases). They forget that 15 hijackers from 9/11 had Arab passports. They forget that Al-Quaeda, Taliban and ISIS subscribe to Arabian Wahhabi philosophies and an Arab superstate will stay on the agenda as long as US weapons can mop up opposition in the Middle East. Much as I hate to side with the isolationists in the West, I do sympathize with those paranoid about “Islamic Terror.” The problem is that these Western “coalitions” should have realized 16 years ago that there would be consequences if you kept bombing one country after another. The speculation today is that ISIS is almost entirely comprised of the 500,000 strong Iraqi military which was fired by the Cheney-Rumsfeld administration. The Iraqi generals came begging after the US invasion, but orders from Washington were to send these people home without an income. So US media showed bomb blasts and shootings in Western cities, and Middle Eastern media showed sleeping babies blown away by US smartbombs, and here we are. The funding for these Wahhabi-leaning fighters remains mysterious—and nobody is asking questions. They are using American weapons to topple Syria, but nobody seems to know how all that came about. In the interim, 25% of every tax dollar keeps going toward the military, which is being built up even more by Trump. The problem in reality may be direr: the US has a volunteer military and nobody really wants to go kill anybody for $20,000/year in today’s America. The generals and the defense contractors know that if America is going to maintain world domination, they will have to rely on technology and not grunts on the ground. And there is that other glitch—the guy who may have naked Trump videos and wants to “Make Russia Great Again”—Putin.

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THINKING ABOUT THINKING By Balaji Prasad

The “logical” Man

“Logic and mathematics are nothing but specialized linguistic structures.” ― Jean Piaget

“Logic” is beautiful. It is like a lump of clay that can be kneaded and twisted into different shapes until you find one that suits your purpose. The legal system runs on the power of this kind of logic. And, so does religion. And, so do many, many other things. Sometimes the logic works with other people too, but sometimes it doesn’t. Democrats find the words and logical constructs that seem to make sense not only to themselves, but also to like-minded Democrats. And, so do their Republican counterparts, with one another. Could it be that what we call logic is actually anything but? Could it be that our power of “logic” allows us to make logic itself whatever we wish it to be, rather than what it supposedly is? Could we be so political that we make our political behavior look apolitical? Maybe we do.

The roots of logic There is a kind of logic that is less pliable. There is something about these constructs that resist our attempts to contort them. Mathematical logic, for instance. One plus one must be two, right? Why is it that math is so stubborn, and doesn’t let us mold it as easily to our whims? The answer could lie in the language of mathematics. It could lie, not so much in what that language allows us to say, but in the things that it does not allow us to say. When you are forced to restrict your expressions, it does a couple of things. It forces you to eliminate many other things that could be said, making it easier to inspect what you said. Second, the repeated exercise of similar templates and patterns leads to a familiarity with these patterns, preventing errors that would occur were the language more expressive, and therefore less repetitive. Third, a certain set of practices have been embedded into the meta-patterns of the language of math – e.g. the emphasis on proofs, and the associated necessity of progression from thought to thought over little bridges of logic that are clear for all to see. These math practices make it likelier that things that are expressed get some degree of prooﬁng before they are asserted. The “logic” that we use in our day-to-day life is a cousin of the logic of math. A poor cousin. A cousin that is not as bounded by rules and norms.

laws that we discover. We have cars that run, planes that ﬂy and explosives that explode, all fueled by our understanding of the underlying logic of the universe. We would probably not have survived in the relentlessly uncaring world that we have been part of, without this facility with logic. Not that our other animal friends do not have a good sense of logic as well. They do. And, it is worth observing that their practice of the logic that they learn is sometimes stronger than our own. But where we human beings shine is in our ability to take that logic to its second- and third-order forms, to express it, to extend it and to preserve its continuity over time using tools that only human beings have had the ability and insight to create.

The “logical” foundation of life As logic gets expressed, extended and stretched in diﬀerent directions, things get complicated though. We spew out hundreds of thousands of terms, which we cast into symbolic systems that we manipulate to build term upon term, abstraction upon abstraction, and, sometimes, nonsense upon nonsense. At a certain point in this evolution, the sheer volume of these constructs exceeds our ability to control them, and keep them in line with the things that matter, with the things that exist. The language of logic attains escape velocity, and unchains itself from any pretensions of the need to reﬂect the reality of life. Our logic may sometimes end up mirroring life, but, all too often, “logic” is something other than logic. We move from parsimonious expressions that seek to understand, moving instead toward expansive abstractions that can unintentionally obfuscate and mislead. Sometimes, however, there is no accident; the language of logic is deliberately subverted to serve those who are inclined to serve themselves. So, while logic allows us to live, “logic” may enable us to thrive – to thrive in a world where we compete for resources with other beings.

To lie or not to lie The world is a complex place. There is a lot that we don’t understand, and a lot that we can never hope to understand. But there is a part of the world that we do understand, and even exploit. Some of this understanding has come through the struggle of trial and error, deep thinking and wild theorizing. We discover more only if we imagine beyond what we know, allowing what we know to eventually stretch beyond its current “box”. We are therefore, not just tolerant of wild theory and imagination, but are arguably dependent on it for our very survival. So, the romantic expansiveness of “logic” is an integral part of our toolkit of life, along with the terse neutrality of true logic. Lie we must, for in our lies lie the seeds that may grow The logical foundation of life into the truths that enhance our existence. The only thing is that Whether we give expression to it or not, there is a certain the lying causes some collateral damage. There are costs. logic to life that lies buried, and ever so slightly out of our grasp. We grapple with these unknowns to make them known, to the continued on page 126 extent that we can, so that we might understand the logic of life. Through these engagements with mysteries, many laws of physics, chemistry and biology have been teased out. Such Balaji Prasad is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, theories help us frame, and sometimes even help us understand SAT/ACT Online and Offline Coach, interview, the way thing work in our universe. We often go beyond simple resume, and career coach at NewCranium. understanding, and as nature’s creative child, we too expand Contact: 704.746.9779 the universe by introducing things that operate in line with the Saathee.com

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UNCERTAINTY Conversations in Science & Math By A. Spaice

Water

Where did we leave off last time? Oh, yes: where I’ve just come back from. I was describing the hideaway to you. So much stuff has happened since we last connected. I don’t even know where to start. Sometimes, though, you just start where you are. I got back from everything last week. I guess when I say “everything,” I should give you some context. There was a lot on my mind, because someone I care about very much may be in trouble. I was so worried and anxious, not good, and in such an awkward frenzy, that I just up and left for a while. That was good. I’m back now. It’s strange coming back to your old life, tracing your usual steps, but not feeling the same connection with places or acquaintances anymore. Sometimes I wonder if I should go to Europe, and That's how we meandered have a look around there, see amongst drab paintings, if I can help with the brighter ones, stone investigations to find out statues with the morning more about… but I’m getting light angled just so... too far into the details. I don’t even know the particulars. So I should just tell you about the woman I met yesterday. (Perhaps you might recall me writing before about a friend of mine, a linguist, named Mattie? How we usually talk about strange topics, like artfulness and maxims of conversation, does this ring a bell?) Well, I haven’t seen Mattie for months, but when we last met at a lecture about Concepts of Communication she’d passed me the house and street number of her cousin, a woman about ten years older than me, she said, whose wisdom I’d enjoy. Really, that’s what she said. That I would “enjoy her wisdom.” I’m not good at abstract introductions, so I did nothing. All I knew was that this cousin was a self-made artist, earning enough from something avant-garde and hard to conceptualize that she could afford a comfortable life, a decent existence, all alone. Esoteric things and art people aren’t my scene, so I evaded Mattie’s questions when she tried to follow up. Had we met? Whyever not? But yesterday I was just in the mood. Don’t know why. Maybe because my usual world was fragmenting? So I did it. I found the paper with the address and went over. “Hi. I’m a friend of your cousin, Mattie?” She looked like Mattie, almost exactly. “And I, um. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch with you sooner. The thing is, I’ve… been distracted.” “Work? Something else? People seem to work all kinds of hours these days. It makes me very tired to think about.” “No. Not work. I, um. Actually, I’m… feeling strangely disconnected with everyone I usually hang around with here. They’re… what’s the word… difficult to talk to now. As though they’re all in on some kind of story that just doesn’t fit my picture of things… anymore.” Words seeped out like small balloons. “Plus, the thing is. I’m really very worried. A very close friend of mine is… missing. On the other side of the world, and I have no idea what to do, or… if…” Saathee.com

“Sorry. But is today Monday? It is, isn’t it. Want to go talk about this, maybe at the Museum of Life Studies? It’s really close and it’s free on Mondays. I always go when I remember. What? Oh, where is it? Opposite Susan’s Café, on the street with the giant pumpkin statue, I can never remember the names of places and streets. Want to go?” “Yes.” What followed reminded me very much of the first time I had met Mattie. An easygoing conversation that felt like old friends rekindling. That’s how we meandered amongst drab paintings, brighter ones, stone statues with the morning light angled just so, stonewares, ancient tools that no one could really write an apt description for, and over rugs that made you sneeze. A half-dozen mirrors stood in a line outside of Ancient Ruins, in a hallway filled with porcelain vases flowing with too many white florals. Mattie’s cousin stopped and gazed at them a long while, as though perfectly in tune with a broad, natural world, not unlike the leafy landscape I’d just been hiding out in. In her company, I quite forgot my usual stream of internal monologues. I noticed instead small details, like the way an artwork was hung, or the care someone gave to its framing. Living in the city for more than a dozen years, I never even knew the museum was here. Someone from Warsaw who’d been visiting had once commented on it, how there had been a special silverware exhibition, and how it was exquisite and not to be missed. I missed it, of course. Looking at Mattie’s cousin examining the flowers in this museum, though, I realized maybe I’ve missed a lot of things. Then she spoke. “You are happy you went into the quiet space last week. I can sense that.” She didn’t meet my eye, but focused right on the center of a new bloom. It was oblique, and I didn’t know what to say. So I stood, for maybe ten minutes, wordlessly bewildered at the idea that someone so new to me could immediately detect this much. Normally I’d feel uncomfortable, would I not? Yes, yes I would, and I would try to find a way to flee the situation and get back to where felt safe. But something felt different. I let the moment come that was on its way, so clearly, to both of us. Mattie’s cousin wouldn’t tell me her name, but whereas I’d have normally found this rather off-putting, in this instance it seemed best not to become overly familiar too soon. Then she said, “Miss Vera is fine.” “You… you know this?” “Sometimes you know things from the inside. And yes.” “Is she… safe?” “You might want to go home now. I think you’ll be surprised by what awaits.” She fished in her large red bag for something, and brought out a large, glass travel bottle. “But here. Before you go. Have a sip of water. Do stay hydrated. It’s better.”

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Test Your

Knowledge Cities of India

This city is known as the tourist capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

This famous queen and warrior made her last stand near Gwalior.

Gwalior is renowned for the first evidence of this magical mathematical number.

Gwaliorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous son and former Prime Minister of India.

This famous composer, musician, and legend of Indian classical music was born in

This town, a short distance of Gwalior has many Jain temples from 9th and 10th centuries.

This famous Bollywood and film lyricist was born in Gwalior.

The residential palace of the Maratha rulers of Gwalior, the Scindias.

The huge Gwalior fort was built by which dyanasty?

Answers: 1. Gwalior 2. Rani Jhansi 3. Atal Bihari Vajpayee 4. Zero 5. Tansen 6. Sonagir 7. Javed Akthar 8. Jai Vilas Palace 9. Tomara Dynasty.

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YOUTH CORNER Word World By Kirit Shukla

3. The smallest bone in a human body is in the (a) Shoulder (b) Foot (c) Ear (d) Wrist

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) 11+ words = Excellent; 7 to 10 words = Good; 6 or less = keep looking. Words we found are in solutions below.

Brain Train

Hi Kids. Here is a simple quiz. See if you can solve it.

6. The capitol of Manipur state, India is (a) Imphal (b) Bishnupur (c) Ukhrul (d) Karong

You have one yard long stick. You have to cut the whole stick into pieces that are 3 inches each. It takes 3 minutes to cut each piece. How long (Total time in Minutes) will it take to cut the entire stick into the 3 inch pieces?

7. You and I share money in the ratio of 5:7, if I have $3500, how many $ do you have? (a) 2000 (b) 4900 (c) 2500 (d) 500

The answer given on the bottom of this page (no peeking).

10. The state flower of North Carolina is (a) Cherokee Rose (b) Mistletoe (c) Violet (d) Dogwood

Answers are below. No Peeking. Scholar: All correct; 1st Class: 9 Correct; 2nd Class: 8 Correct 3rd Class: 7 Correct; Need to improve: 6 or less

Word World (Solution): ERGO, FIRE, FIVE, FIVER, FORE, FORGE, FORGIVE, FROE, GIVE, GIVER, GOER, GOFER, GORE, GRIEF, GROVE, OGIVE, OGRE, REIF, RIVE, ROVE, VIREO

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9. The interstate highway between Durham, NC & Atlanta, GA is number: (a) I-85 (b) I-95 (c) I-77 (d) I-65

Answer for brain train: 33 Minutes. Needs only 11 cuts.

Moral: United we succeed, divided we fall.

8. By melting sand, soda & lime we get (a) Limestone (b) Glass (c) Lime soda (d) None of above

6. a

Dadaji’s moral short stories There were many doves and crows that lived in a huge tree. The crow is supposed to be a smart bird and doves are seen as innocent and peaceful. Once, the crow, flying and looking for food, spied a hunter spreading his big net on the ground near that tree. The hunter scattered some corn and rice on the net to attract and trap the birds and catch them. The crow, without wasting time, warned the doves about the grains scattered on the net. A little later, a flock of ducks led by their king flew in. The crow warned the ducks but they were very hungry so they didn’t listen and started eating the grains. Their feet became tangled in the net and got trapped. The ducks were frightened. The hunter saw that and was coming to get them. Their king told the ducks: “All is not yet lost. Listen to me and act as I say. We must act as one. Let us fly away as one bird and carry the net with us.” The ducks rose from the ground and flew over the tree tops with the net. The hunter was amazed to see that and ran after the flying birds. The ducks flew over rough and uneven land so that the hunter could not follow them. The hunter was unable to catch them and left. The king told the ducks: “Now we will fly to where my friend the mouse lives, who will cut the net and free us.“ They did that and all the ducks were freed. They thanked the mouse and flew away.

5. d

2. Music director of 2004 Hindi film ‘Swades’? (a) A. R. Rahman (b) Anu Malik (c) Pritam (d) Sanjay Leela Bhansali

4. b

3. c

1. Arrange these Moons of the planet Jupiter from large to small in size. (a) Leda (b) Europa (c) Io (d) Ganymede

Scholar Answers: 1. d, c, b, a. 2. a 7. b 8. b 9. a 10. d

Who wants to be a Scholar?! Answer the ones you know and research to answer the rest. There is only one correct answer.

April 2017

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

See if you can spot the 10 diﬀerences between the original photo on top and modiﬁed one on bottom. Answers are on pg 134.

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SANGEET Popular Music of India

Jab se hai dekhi maine prem-nagariyā, prem-nagariyā Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bāvariyā; Sānvariyā Tribute to living legends of Bollywood sānvariyā, .. Tu jo milā mujhe to ye sārā samān badal gayā alkā Yāgnik (1966 – Present) Khilane lage phul se meri rāh men Born: March 20, 1966, in Kolkata, in a Phir yun lagā mujhe ki ye dharati nai hui Gujarati family. Nayā ambar huā, teri aur meri chāha men Mother: Shubha Yāgnik, a classical singer. Chanchal havā tarānā koi gāye, Nadiyā bhi koi kahāni kahati Years active as a singer: (1980 - Present) jāye First Hindi ﬁlm: Pāyāl Ki Jhankār, (1980) Jabase mili sajanā tujhase najariyā Singer score: About 2500 songs in 1100 ﬁlms Kho gai hai sudh-budh ki mujhase gathariyāSānvariyā in 16+ languages and judge in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa TV Shows. sānvariyā -2 main to hui bānvariyā; Tune man moh .. Duets with: Kumar Sānu, Udit Narayan, Shān, Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Vinod Rāthod, Abhijit etc. in collaboration with 20+ Meaning (Summary): Music directors. She is still active. My love my love I am mad for you. You have won my heart. Go to her web site for more information. This heart is clear and body is pure. This is spring of dreams By Kirit Shukla

and courtyard of eyes. Heart shatters like a pitcher, oh my love. My love my love I am mad for you. This is how you come close to me and entered in my heart. How do I tell you what have I got. Somewhere its petals of heartbeat, somewhere its the streets of dreams. How do I tell you the strong feelings of my heart. Sometimes you tease me like this and I shy away as if I have forgotten my way. From the time I have seen this love city, I got mad with you. When I found you, everything has changed. Flowers started blooming in my way. Then I felt even the earth looks new, the sky has become new in the affection of you and me. The air is playing some symphony. River is flowing like telling us a story. When my eyes met with yours, my love, I have lost all my senses.

awards Awards: Best playback female singer Filmfare awards: Won - 7 awards: Film Song Music directors Tezāb Ek do tin Laxmikānt Pyārelal Khalnāyak Choli ke pichhe Laxmikānt Pyārelel Pardes Meri Mehbuba Nadeem Shravan Taal Tāl se tāl A. R. Rahman Dhadkan Dil ne ye kaha Nadeem Shravan Lagān O re chhori A. R. Rahman Hum tum Hum tum Jatin Lalit

Also won 30+ awards & honors by other associations. Her famous Hindi song lyrics “ Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bānvariyān …” are given on this page. lyrics in Hindi:

Evergreen and Classic lyrics

Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bānvariyān Song: Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bānvariyān, Film: Swades Year: 2004 Music: A. R. Rahman Singer: Alka Yagnik Lyricist: Javed Akhtar Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi

lyrics in English: Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bānvariyān, Tune man moh liyā, sānvariyā ho -2 Ulajhā sā ye man hai, sulagā sā ye tan hai Sapanon kā sāvan hai, nainon kā āngan hai Chhalake man gāgariyā, sānvariyā ho -2 Sānvariyā sānvariyā, main to hui bānvariyā; Sānvariyā sānvariyā..Jo tu yun pās āyā hai, jo tu yun dil pe chhāyā hai To maine kyā pāyā hai, kaise kahun, Hān kahin dhadakan ki kaliyān hain Kahin sapanon ki galiyān hain, Jo man men rangaraliyān hain Kaise kahun, tu jo mujhe aise bahakāye Kabhi kabhi mujhe to badi lāj si āye Bhuli hun main jaise apani dagariyā Saathee.com

Note: The contents of this article are compiled from the news, books, internet and my knowledge and love for Indian music.

Kirit Shukla

Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

April 2017

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April 2017

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Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities: Chaitra Navratri: Mar 28 thru April 4 Swaminarayan Jayanti: April 1 (Sat) Cheti Chand: April 2 (Sun) Ram Navami: April 4 ( Tues) Mahavir Jayanti: April 9 (Sun) Hanuman Jayanti: April 11 (Tues) Ugadi/Gudi Padava/ Baisakhi Mela: April 22 (Sat) MahaPrabhuji Patotstav: April 29 (Sat) Art Exhibition: May 6 & 7 (Sat & Sun) HINDU CENTER OF CHARLOTTE

7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212 Ph. 704.535.3440 Fax. 704.535.6923 email: administrator@hcclt.org

OF CHARLOTTE Hindu Center of Charlotte Celebrates

Holi, Ugadi, Gudi Padva & Baisakhi

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HINDU CENTER HINDU CENTER OF CHARLOTTE IS ORGANIZING AN

Art Exhibition 2017 6th and 7th May, 12pm to 5 pm (both days).

This is a FREE event. Various local Artists are presenting their artwork. There will be Showcase of all kind of arts like Visual Art/Painting, Crafts, 3D art, Pottery, Handmade jewelry etc. Please join us and soothe your eyes and feed your inner self. Your attendance will be an encouragement to many professional and amateur artists.

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Saturday april 29, 2017, 4:00 to 7:00 PM In Vihar hall of the Hindu Center.

The celebration will begin with reciting Patth, followed by Kirtans, Bhajans, Discourse, Cultural Program, and Arti followed by Mahaprasadam

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OF CHARLOTTE Chaitra Navratri:

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Sri Rama Navami

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Lord Mahavir Jayanti Celebration

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NUTRITION FOR LIFE By Parul Kharod

Minerals

increased risk of heart attacks and prostate cancer. High dairy intake in children can also cause anemia. It is recommended to take no more than 500 mg of calcium in form of supplements. The rest should come from food. • Dairy foods are the best known sources of calcium, but there are a number of other foods that are good sources of this nutrient. Plant foods that are naturally good sources of calcium include certain leafy green vegetables, broccoli, bok choy, tofu, almonds, black beans, black eyed peas, sesame seeds, and blackstrap molasses. You can also choose calcium-fortiﬁed foods including soymilk, or almond milk. • Daily requirement: 1000-1200 mg

We all know that we need vitamins from foods. But often we forget about the other most important component of our food, the minerals. Vitamins and Minerals are known as micronutrients because we need them in smaller amounts compared to the macronutrients, namely carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Here we will talk about the ﬁve most important minerals our body needs. Unless there is a deﬁciency, and you need to take a prescribed dose, it is always advisable to get all your minerals from food rather than supplements.

Potassium • Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. It helps regulate ﬂuids and mineral balance and is needed for muscle contractions and transmission of nerve impulses. A diet low in sodium and high in potassium can help prevent heart attack and stroke. • Potassium is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables; nevertheless, due to increase in fast food diets, many people are not getting enough potassium. Potassium deﬁciency can result in high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, depression and glucose intolerance, as well as increased risk of kidney stones, and increased bone loss. • People who have chronic kidney disease need to monitor for high potassium levels in their blood and eat a low potassium diet if needed. Everyone else should be eating a variety of potassium rich foods. • Bananas are not the only source of potassium. It is present in other fruits and vegetables such as oranges, cantaloupe, tomatoes, white and sweet potatoes, cabbage, spinach, beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and dairy products. • Daily requirement: 3500 -5000 mg

Iron • Iron is an integral component of the hemoglobin of red blood cells and is necessary for oxygen transport throughout the body. Iron also plays a role in supplying oxygen to our muscles. Iron is involved in a number of other chemical reactions in the body and helps maintain energy metabolism and improve immunity. Research suggests iron may even help prevent postpartum depression and help new moms bond with their babies. • Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency internationally. Low iron levels can result in anemia. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are fatigue, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pica (desire to chew on non-food items such as chalk or ice). • Plant sources of iron are beans and legumes, nuts, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit such as dates, apricots and figs. Iron is better absorbed in presence of Vitamin C so sprinkle lemon juice over your dal or eat a citrus fruit with some nuts and seeds. • Daily requirement: 15-18 mg

Magnesium • Magnesium is used by every organ of your body, and is Zinc • Zinc is present in all organs, tissues and fluids in the body. involved in over 300 chemical reactions. Magnesium Zinc has many functions in the body, and is necessary for provides energy, helps keep your cells healthy and strong optimal growth and development, reproduction, appetite, and enables your cells to communicate with one another taste ability, and night vision. Zinc is critical for keeping and enhance optimal functioning. Magnesium also helps your immune system strong. It fights infection, making you regulate blood pressure, keeps your bones strong and less likely to catch a cold or the flu, helps heal wounds. prevents insulin resistance and migraine headaches. • Zinc is widely available in whole grains, nuts and beans. • Low magnesium levels can cause fatigue, abnormal heart Deficiency is rare. Eat more whole grains, sprouted beans, rhythm, muscle spasms, and twitches. and include fermented foods for better absorption of zinc. • Good sources of magnesium are almonds, cashews, sesame • Daily requirement: 15-50 mg seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, bananas, broccoli, peas, green leafy vegetables, avocado and oatmeal. • Daily requirement: 350-600 mg

Calcium • Everybody knows that calcium helps build strong bones. But it has other important functions also. It helps regulate blood pressure. It also helps prevent PMS. • It is important not to consume excessive amounts of calcium. High calcium intakes have been linked to Saathee.com

Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN

is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian with Outpatient Nutrition Services at WakeMed Hospital in Cary and Raleigh. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com 76

April 2017

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NEWS NOTES A Sculpture Face of Adiyogi – the Source of Yoga Unveiled

Prime Minister Modi Unveiled the Sculpture on Mahashivaratri at Isha Yoga Center

Coimbatore: Mahashivarathri was celebrated with hundreds of thousands of people in attendance at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore on Feb 24, as an astounding manifestation of music and meditation, beginning with the spiritual exuberance of the unveiling of the towering 112 feet face of Adiyogi – the Source of Yoga by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in the presence of Sadhguru. Adiyogi, Yogeshwar linga, a powerful energy form and a massive stage set the mood for the multitudes, to revel in anticipation of the nightlong spiritual celebration. The event was attended by Governor of Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, along with other dignitaries. Modi also released the book on “Adiyogi” co-authored by Sadhguru and Arundhati Subramaniam and lit the sacred fire marking the beginning of a Maha Yoga Yagna, an initiative to spread yoga to 100 million people through one million Yoga Veeras in a year’s time. Adiyogi is the largest face on the planet, recognizing the first yogi’s unparalleled contribution to humanity. This iconic face symbolizes liberation, representing the 112 ways in which one can attain to one’s ultimate through the science of yoga. Modi addressed the gathering and said, “Today, yoga has come a long way. There are various definitions, types, schools of yoga and ways to practice yoga that have emerged. This is the beauty of yoga. It is ancient yet modern, it is constant yet evolving. The essence of yoga has not changed. And I say this because it is utmost importance to preserve this essence. Standing before this face of Adiyogi and the Yogeshwar Linga, we are experiencing a colossal presence enveloping everyone in this space. In the times to come, the place where we have gathered is going to be a source of inspiration for all, a place to immerse oneself and discover truth,” he added. Saathee.com

Speaking about the occasion Sadhguru, said “A time has come where we need to understand that human wellbeing can only happen from within. If you know how to take charge of this interiority, then human wellbeing is assured. In this direction, Adiyogi has made an unparalleled contribution as he explored and expounded the science of yoga.” The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has included the Consecration of this face in its official Incredible India campaign as a destination. The unveiling of Adiyogi was part of the largest Mahashivaratri celebrations in the country which was telecast live, simultaneously in 7 languages to over 50 million people through over 23 satellite television channels and several online platforms. The nightlong celebrations included the powerful midnight meditation and discourse by Sadhguru, cultural performances by Kailash Kher, Rajasthan Roots with Kutle Khan, Sounds of Isha (Isha’s home grown, eclectic group of musicians) and dance troop Nritarutya. Maha Annadanam or the offering of food was made for all. “In Tamil Nadu, Amavasya is considered the most important day in the month. We will leave the first offering to Adiyogi to the local people as a way of honoring the common people of the land, as an expression of their love and devotion,” said Sadhguru. An exact 21-ft replica of the face of Adiyogi has also been established by Sadhguru in the United States, within the “Abode of Yoga” at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in Tennessee, a leading center for inner exploration and complete wellbeing.

NASA Study Confirms Biofuels Reduce Jet Engine Pollution

The DC-8’s four engines burned either JP-8 jet fuel or a 50-50 blend of JP-8 and renewable alternative fuel of hydro processed esters and fatty acids produced from camelina plant oil. Credits: NASA/SSAI Edward Winstead

Using biofuels to help power jet engines reduces particle emissions in their exhaust by as much as 50 to 70 percent, in a new study conclusion that bodes well for airline economics and Earth’s environment. The ﬁndings are the result of a cooperative international research program led by NASA and involving agencies from Germany and Canada, and are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.

April 2017

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But women in the capital city Kabul have found a sanctuary — a newly-opened restaurant where the workers are women who have escaped from violence and want to change their lives for the better. Boost Restaurant was opened nearly seven months ago by activist Mary Akrami, director of the Afghan Women’s Skills Development Center. She represented Afghan civil society at the Bonn Conference in 2001. Boost is run by women who have refused to be defeated by the sad tragedies they have experienced. It was Meena Kakar who turned a dark underground space into a wonderful restaurant. Kakar completed her education in Pakistan and today is a womens-rights advocate. In addition to being Boost’s designer and one of the managers, she trains the women who serve at the restaurant. One of those women is 21-year-old Soraya, who cooks traditional Afghani food — Ashak, Mantoo, Kabuli palaw, mash-palaw — for the restaurant. She’s the reason many people have become regulars at the restaurant. Soraya’s life has been marred by tragedy — she lost all her family member in a suicide attack in Pakistan. After that, she came to Afghanistan, where lives in safe house. She has big plans for her future. “I still remember the police misbehavior and that annoyed me, so I decided to become a woman police officer in the future and help women who face tragedies like me,” she said The walls of the restaurant are designed with photos of and mementos from remarkable Afghan women, who have defended womens’ rights. Among them: Soraya the queen of Afghanistan, wife of King Amanullah Khan. Soraya tried to highlight the place of women and fight for their rights in a conservative and religious country. Another is a photo of a woman in a burqua — the wife of former Taliban leader Mullah Omar. She didn’t anything about her rights. The restaurant is on a crowded street in the Qala-eFathullah neighborhood, surrounded by shopping centers and supermarkets. The restaurant is popular with foreigner diplomats, Afghan members of parliament and top government officials. Kakar says the restaurant is already a success and has been life changing for the women who have found both safety and employment within its walls. “This restaurant provides job opportunity for those women who lost their parents and don’t have anywhere to live. We train women and get them to become selfsufficient,” said Kakar. Suniya lost her family when and she was 9 and grew up in an orphanage. Now 18, she says working as a waiter at Boost has given her hope for the future. “Sometimes when I remember [my family], I cry,” said Suniya. “But the women’s nice behavior to me, especially Meena Kakar, whom I call mother, makes me very happy and optimistic.” There are thousands of girls and women have faced the same destiny as Soraya and Suniya — or worse. Only the luckiest find a place to live and a job to become self-sufficient. Boost wants to enable more women to find that dream.

During flight tests in 2013 and 2014 near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, data was collected on the effects of alternative fuels on engine performance, emissions and aircraft-generated contrails at altitudes flown by commercial airliners. The test series were part of the Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions Study, or ACCESS. Contrails are produced by hot aircraft engine exhaust mixing with the cold air that is typical at cruise altitudes several miles above Earth’s surface, and are composed primarily of water in the form of ice crystals. Researchers are most interested in persistent contrails because they create long-lasting, and sometimes extensive, clouds that would not normally form in the atmosphere, and are believed to be a factor in influencing Earth’s environment. “Soot emissions also are a major driver of contrail properties and their formation,” said Bruce Anderson, ACCESS project scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. “As a result, the observed particle reductions we’ve measured during ACCESS should directly translate into reduced ice crystal concentrations in contrails, which in turn should help minimize their impact on Earth’s environment.” That’s important because contrails, and the cirrus clouds that evolve from them, have a larger impact on Earth’s atmosphere than all the aviation-related carbon dioxide emissions since the first powered flight by the Wright brothers. The tests involved flying NASA’s workhorse DC-8 as high as 40,000 feet while its four engines burned a 50-50 blend of aviation fuel and a renewable alternative fuel of hydro processed esters and fatty acids produced from camelina plant oil. A trio of research aircraft took turns flying behind the DC8 at distances ranging from 300 feet to more than 20 miles to take measurements on emissions and study contrail formation as the different fuels were burned. “This was the first time we have quantified the amount of soot particles emitted by jet engines while burning a 50-50 blend of biofuel in flight,” said Rich Moore, lead author of the Nature report. The trailing aircraft included NASA’s HU-25C Guardian jet based at Langley, a Falcon 20-E5 jet owned by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and a CT-133 jet provided by the National Research Council of Canada. “Measurements in the wake of aircraft require highly experienced crew members and proven measuring equipment, which DLR has built up over many years,” said report coauthor Hans Schlager of the DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics. “Since 2000, the DLR Falcon has been used in numerous measurement campaigns to investigate the emissions and contrails of commercial airliners.” Researchers plan on continuing these studies to understand and demonstrate the potential benefits of replacing current fuels in aircraft with biofuels. It’s NASA’s goal to demonstrate biofuels on their proposed supersonic X-plane.

For more information about NASA’s aeronautics research, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/aero

This Kabul Restaurant Boosts the Dreams of Afghan Women By Sitara Sadaat, PRI

Afghanistan is not a safe place for women. Domestic and Sitara Sadaat lives in Kabul and is a correspondent for The Fuller other kinds of violence and discrimination are endemic, and Project for International Reporting. She is also a member of Sahar Speaks which gives voice to Afghan women journalists. justice is not enforced fairly. Saathee.com

April 2017

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April 2017

EYE ON THE MARKETS Trends and Commentary Improving Economy and the Federal Reserve

By Ketu Desai

While much of what you read and see would have you believe that the recent stock market rally is entirely due to the new president, the reality is that while his policies would be pro-growth, the economy was trending up even prior to him taking office. As the economy has improved, the Federal Reserve has started to and will accelerate the removal of stimulus and raise interest rates. In this article, we will review what has occurred, highlight where we are now, and the impact of higher interest rates. In 2008, we had one of the most significant recessions and financial crises of recent economic history. The entire banking system was on the verge of The combination of the collapse. This extraordinary election, economic growth, crisis created the need for and changes in Federal extraordinary measures by Reserve policy could mark policymakers. During this time, and the subsequent an important turning point years, the Federal Reserve for markets. and global central banks provided unprecedented stimulus to the global economy. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to effectively zero for many years. The impact of this is that it promotes people to borrow money, as it is nearly cost-less to do so, to work on new projects and help the economy grow. It further incentivizes people to spend or invest their money, as keeping it in the bank does not earn you much. To provide further support to the economy, central banks engaged in a policy called quantitative easing. Without providing the technical details, this policy is basically the Federal Reserve buying longer maturity bonds to create money in the financial system. This policy again promotes economic growth. This policy has resulted in developed world central bank balance sheets ballooning to ~$15 trillion, and they own almost half of $43 trillion in developed world government bonds. Fast forward to today, the policy measures have worked in the sense that we are now seeing stronger economic growth around the world. Inflation in the United States is near its 2% target. Both Japan and Europe are witnessing improved economic growth. The United States has started to normalize policy in that it has raised interest rates slightly from zero. It is expected that the Federal Reserve raises interest rates three times this year, each by 0.25%. The first of these increases is expected in March. As interest rates rise, the goal is to prevent the economy from over-heating. An increase in interest rates, increases the cost of financing, and also increases the opportunity cost of taking your money out of the bank, thus slowing the economy down. Changes in interest rates have an important impact not just on financial markets, but also the lives of average Americans. Saathee.com

The level of interest rates impacts the lives of most Americans. For instance, as interest rates rise, you will over time see slight increases in the amount of money you earn from your savings in the bank. If you plan to borrow money, the cost of a mortgage, construction loan, business loan, will all increase. As the cost of money increases, many of these assets that are heavily financed could see a decrease in volume or price or both. For instance, house prices may decline because a buyer’s mortgage payments increase, thus lowering the affordability. Specifically, an increase from 4% to 5% in mortgage rates for a $400,000, 30-year mortgage, increases the monthly payment from about $1900 per month to about $2150, or nearly $90,000 more during the life of the mortgage. This is a meaningful amount for many borrowers. Changes in interest rates also impact financial assets. As interest rates go up, the price of your fixed income portfolio will go down. In particular, if you hold bonds, whether corporate, sovereign, or municipal, the price will go down. It also impacts the value of gold. The impact on gold can vary depending on what is going on in the economy and world, however, generally, as interest rates rise, gold prices tend to decline. Gold is an asset that does not provide yield or interest, or cash flow, it is a safe haven asset. As interest rates increase, for many investors, it is better to keep money in cash at the bank than to hold a yield-less asset such as gold. The impact of changes in interest rates on equities really depends on many other factors. From a textbook perspective, where all other things are held constant, higher interest rates have a negative impact on stocks. Although if the economy is improving, and investors want to unload their bond portfolios, stocks could continue to rise as interest rates rise. Stocks and bonds have moved in tandem in recent years, largely due to Federal Reserve policy. It will be very interesting to see how the relationship changes as the policy normalizes. The combination of the election, economic growth, and changes in Federal Reserve policy could mark an important turning point for markets. It could mark a change in how various asset classes move in relation to each other. It could change the forward-looking return dynamics for many asset classes. Changes in interest rates and interest rate policy reaches nearly all aspects of American economic and financial life. It will be extremely interesting how the Federal Reserve follows through on their forecast. Last year, they expected multiple rate increases, and only did one. We will have more information in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned!

Ketu Desai

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

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Tech Fighting Trafficking

War Elephants

continued from page 18

continued from page 10

he stumbled across a KIA unit trailed by elephants. Armed with riﬂes and machetes, the guerrillas were seeking wild elephants in hopes of capturing a few new recruits — essentially drafting more of the beasts into their war. The Kachin elephant handlers were friendly but guarded. “But they did say that the demand for elephants is huge,” Bhattacharyya says, “perhaps because of the ongoing war.”

House — led by Ivanka Trump — invited a number of antitrafficking groups in to discuss what can be done. Policy proposals may follow. Traditionally, law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking have been insufficient, given the fluid nature, anonymity and enormous reach of the internet. Thorn’s approach is interesting because it creates tech tools specifically geared to helping the authorities. In 2011, law enforcement officials in the US turned 22 million images and videos of child abuse over to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to identify the victims, according to the center’s US Sentencing Commission testimony cited by Nicholas Kristof in The New York Times. In the US alone, 9 million computer IP addresses were tracked sharing child pornography files. The sheer volume of victims and perpetrators is overwhelming for law enforcement. Child abuse images are often traded on peer-to-peer networks or inside password-protected chat rooms. Most buying and selling of sex occurs online, on listings sites like Backpage or Craigslist — where escort ads are posted, and customers text in to make contact. That’s not illegal. The challenge for law enforcement is that many of those featured in the ads may be underage girls who are trafficked — mixed in with women posting ads voluntarily. “These transactions don’t happen in the open,” says Julie Cordua, CEO of Thorn. “I can go on to backpage.com and put my couch up for sale and if I click the next tab I can buy a 14year-old for sex, and this is not illegal, because an escort is not illegal. Every day, hundreds of thousands of ads are posted, and some are children, but how do we know? It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.” Innovations in tech and data science can make that process more efficient. Thorn is using machine learning, in which computers learn what advertisements represent a child, and create an algorithm to predict what other ads are more likely to be associated with a child. That, they hope, can reduce the thousands of images of children in circulation. They’re also using facial recognition software that recognizes signs of aging and can identify children from photos. They are working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s database of missing children that could be matched to images from online ads. This helps detectives in tracking down and identifying children. There is also a new texting application called Befreetexting designed to reach trafficked children who have sporadic access to cellphones. “These kids are held kind of captive, so they can’t pick up a phone, but they can text, and so we can create a text hotline,” Cordua says. By sorting through the images to identify which are children, law enforcement can hone in on victims. The goal is to get to children as quickly as possible. That’s just one side of the problem. Creating technology to go after the predators, either the customer or the pimp, has proven more difficult.

Not so long ago, in a similar landscape, another Southeast Asian guerrilla faction relied on elephants to elude invaders. Loaded down with rice sacks and ammo, pachyderms supplied the Viet Cong in their struggle against US forces. Mud trails in Vietnam would destroy a jeep’s chassis. But they were easy to traverse on elephant back. Still, the communist forces found that elephants were easily spooked by gunfire. According to one former People’s Army of Vietnam officer, Lt. Pham Van Phan: “They’re not easy to manage … especially when there’s fighting going on.” In an account preserved in the book “War Elephants” by John M. Kistler, the Vietnamese officer notes that troops can become deeply devoted to these animals. They would hesitate to abandon their elephants even during intense battles. American forces, however, were not so sentimental. US fighter jets and attack choppers would often rain down munitions on any elephant suspected of aiding the communists. A New York Times story from 1966 tells of such a massacre: “United States Marine pilots also strafed a column of eleven pack elephants … five of the animals were killed and five others seen to fall.” Once the US-Vietnam War ended, there were practically no war elephants in service around the world — except for the guerrilla zones in Myanmar. These conflicts, which pit indigenous guerrillas against Myanmar’s army, have simmered since the 1960s. The nation’s recent transformation from dictatorship to democracy has done little to tame these wars. In fact, Myanmar’s wars are getting worse. Army strikes in the unruly hinterlands have actually intensified since a 2015 general election, widely celebrated as the end of tyranny in Myanmar. The military is even trying to build a stockpile of drones. As these wars persist, the elephants soldier on. Today, there are no proper combat elephants left. They were rendered helpless centuries ago by cannons. Historical accounts indicate that an elephant will survive a few musket-fired bullets. But not a cannonball. Once assault rifles came along in the 20th century, the combat elephant’s fate was sealed. An Asian elephant is literally as big as a barn. They make easy targets for even the clumsiest recruit with an AK-47. While battle elephants are no more, Myanmar, also called Burma, is a fitting last stand for its less-deadly counterpart: the logistical war elephant. Myanmar was perhaps the last place where combat elephants went head-to-head with soldiers on the battlefield. The year was 1825 and the beasts belonged to a millenniumFor more details on Thorn’s work visit, www.WeAreThorn.org. old Burmese royal dynasty. They were helping the royals fend off a distant invader: British imperial troops. Christina Asquith is director of Across Women’s Lives, and founder This resistance ultimately failed. The British brought a of The Fuller Project for International Reporting. weapon the Burmese had never seen — rockets — and the elephants were slaughtered in deafening bursts of flame. Saathee.com

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direct support and witnessing the government’s actions for each other. He’s on a mission to scale up his volunteer corps now that Trump is pursuing his immigration agenda. “People are afraid,” he says. “[Immigrants] who have to go to these check-ins, or to court, are caught between a monster and a beast. No matter what they do, they’ll be chewed up.” He refers to the case of Guadalupe García de Rayos, a mother in Phoenix who was removed from the US in February after a routine visit with immigration oﬃcials. Juan Carlos Fomperosa Garcia, a single father also in Phoenix, was deported under similar circumstances last week. After García’s case, a mother of four in Denver, Jeanette Vizguerra, took sanctuary inside a church instead of keeping her appointment with ICE. The uncertainty of what will happen during check-ins is real. But if undocumented immigrants don’t go to their appointments, they become fugitives. And Ragbir says that would make them law enforcement targets for the rest of their lives. He’s put his faith in the prosecutorial discretion of ICE. It’s in their power to make case-by-case decisions about who gets to stay and who has to go. It’s how Ragbir himself has stayed in the country since 2006, despite a removal order against him. “Obama deported more than 3 million people. He wasn’t liberal,” says Ragbir. “But an opportunity might have been there for people’s rights to be upheld.” Some 3 million people were removed from the US during the Obama administration, with a focus on undocumented immigrants who recently arrived and those who had criminal records. His administration was also marked by a slowdown in the number of people crossing the southern border, according to a report by the Migration Policy Institute. Ragbir doubts that the current harsh anti-immigrant discourse, the raids and what’s already happened at check-ins signal that the Trump administration will allow people the chance to defend themselves. Ragbir runs a program for immigrants with scheduled check-ins from his oﬃce at the Judson Memorial Church, a

Here’s How One New Yorker is Helping Immigrants — Himself Included — With Government Check-ins By Tiziana Rinaldi, PRI

Ravi Ragbir spent a big part of his morning one-day last week asking people who were filing into a New York City federal building a simple question. “What’s going on? Do you need help?” He stood near the Worth Street entrance of the Jacob K. Javits federal office building, in lower Manhattan, where the New York field office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is located. It’s the same building that may swallow Ragbir up on March 9. He’s an immigrant from Trinidad who knows the inner workings of the detention and courts systems where he’s been trying to reverse an order for his deportation since 2006. He chose visibility and to check in regularly with the government, which up to now has chosen not to deport him just yet. His next appointment is on Thursday, though, and he does not know what will happen — no one does. He could be separated from his wife and adult daughter, both of whom are US citizens. But at that entryway, Ragbir assigned well-trained volunteers to help heavy-hearted immigrants whom he met on the sidewalk. He did not want them to go upstairs alone, to appointments with immigration agents that could end in their deportations. Meanwhile, Father Fabian Arias stood with his statue of the Madonna, ready to provide ashes to passersby, building employees and deportation officers. That’s what providing sanctuary means to Ragbir, the executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, a national interfaith network that fights for the rights of undocumented migrants and their families. For them, sanctuary is not just about a city’s policies and battles with the federal government’s agenda. It’s about communities providing Saathee.com

continued on page 132

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HEART TO HEART Heartfulness: Purity weaves destiny

The Science of Spirituality Traversing the Terrain of Consciousness

order all together. Only through the inner spiritual journey can we experience all the various levels of contentment, stillness, restlessness and love. And then finally, we move to a different focus altogether – when we are able to appreciate the osmosis between our Maker and ourselves. As we move forward on the journey, our subtle bodies – mind (manas), intellect (buddhi) and ego (ahankar) – become more and more refined through spiritual practice coupled with an attitude of continuous improvement, and this leads to the refinement of our consciousness. But what happens if we do not work on our refinement? What if, instead, our ego becomes more and more inflated because we think we have reached some great spiritual height and are better than others? Will our consciousness still be refined and continue to evolve? No, it is not possible. We will instead regress. An ego that is colored by the filter of “I am great,” or “I have reached the pinnacle,” or even “I am unworthy and useless,” will become so rigid and contracted that consciousness will devolve into a compacted state. Then the rest tumbles like a domino effect: intellect no longer expands to include intuitive wisdom, and thinking does not evolve into feeling. We will be stuck in a very narrow mental process and worldview. When the intellect and thought processes are limited by education only to reasoning and rote learning, without the intuition and inspiration of the heart, then again we remain stuck in a narrow worldview. Consciousness cannot expand and evolve. So even if we are on a spiritual journey, doing regular practice, as long as these subtle bodies are not refining and becoming more and more subtle, we will continue to spin in one place, like mice do in spinning wheels in the cages of pet shops. Or even worse, our consciousness will contract and harden. It will become more and more compacted, like the consciousness of minerals and rocks. This dullness is known as a tamasic consciousness in Yoga.

By Kamlesh D. Patel

The journey towards infinite consciousness is vast and full of wonder, even though there are ups and downs. In the last article of this series, Kamlesh D. Patel gives some tips on how best to be successful on the journey, with the support of transmission and our own interest. A simple process of meditation with yogic transmission can help us traverse all levels of consciousness. The terrain along the journey goes up and down, right and left, in all directions. So just as a person who is not used to walking gets tired journeying across such a rugged terrain, a person who is not used to the ups and downs of the superconscious and subconscious states also gets tired and finds it very difficult. But with the help of transmission, a person can traverse the various states of consciousness with much more ease. Take for example the heart chakra, which is like a galaxy in itself, with many constellations, including five major ones. The way we move from one to another happens in a most wonderful way. We remain awestruck in disbelief at times while witnessing the inner wonders unfold in front of our heart’s eye. With the help of transmission, we are able to move at lightning speed. The atmosphere at each point or station varies enormously, just as it would from galaxy to galaxy. And that gives us the temporary experience due to the conditions prevailing at each spiritual station. This constant change can be frustrating for us as we move on the spiritual journey. After all, we like the feeling of steadiness and constant familiarity. But if we are to evolve, if consciousness is to evolve, this change is a must. The idea of remaining comfortable in a particular state will slow down our evolution. And as we move on, after years and years of spiritual practice we realize that each successive stage is more and more So how do we avoid these pitfalls? refined and expansive. Then we truly appreciate the need for a little inconvenience raising its head now and then during our • The first way is to meditate with transmission. It helps us journey. It is precisely at this time, when we feel uncomfortable regulate the mind, dive deep into the heart, and move from with the inconvenience, that we need to increase our efforts to thinking to feeling, intellect to wisdom. cross to the next phase. If we can do that on our own, it • The second is to remove the habits and behavior patterns strengthens us to cross more and more spiritual states as we that keep us stuck in a rigid worldview through the proceed on our journey. process of cleaning of the underlying impressions from the Help is always available from a Guide of caliber who past that have caused them. supports us as we cross the spiritual stages. And that support • The third is to create a vacuum in the heart, the prayerful becomes more and more necessary as we journey to higher and higher states, just like a Sherpa becomes more necessary the closer the mountain climber is to the peak of Everest. We can only really appreciate the inner beauty of all these stages when continued on page 100 they are experienced; it is not possible to know by reading about them in a book or imagining them. Kamlesh D. Patel Even states like peace, love, restlessness, contentment, Kamlesh D. Patel is the fourth spiritual fearlessness and courage exist across wide spectra. They are guide in the Sahaj Marg system of Raja Yoga not absolute states but continually evolving and deepening. meditation, teaching Heartfulness meditation For example, we may feel peace soon after starting a spiritual free of charge. contact carolinas@heartfulness.org for more information or visit practice, but the peace we feel many years later is of a higher Saathee.com

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COMMUNITY FOCUS Events of Note

Hill, the UNC campus and the surrounding historic neighborhoods. It is a true Carolina showcase with thousands of UNC alumni crossing the ﬁnish line each year. With it’s unique “Crash The Party” category, this event embraces the fun rivalry across neighboring campuses like NC State, Duke, and East Carolina University. The Tar Heel 10 Miler beneﬁts the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s We Build People Campaign. Check out tarheel10miler.com for registration and other information.

Isha Yoga Inner Engineering Workshop - apr 6-9 (Durham) Inner Engineering gives you the opportunity to intellectually explore the basics of life using methods from the distilled essence of yogic sciences. The course imports practical wisdom and powerful yoga practices to manage your body, mind, emotions, and the fundamental life energy within. This 4-day workshop will take place from April 6-9 at the Levin Jewish Community Center in Durham. To learn more information contact 919.339.1512 or raleigh@ishausa.org.

Charlotte Jazz Festival, april 20 - 23 Blumenthal Performing Arts’ jazz festival returns featuring the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis. Charlotte Jazz Festival will take place April 20-23 at Levine Center for the Arts and Romare Bearden Park. “The idea of a jazz festival of this magnitude was a longtime dream for many in our city. The huge success of the first year was proof that Charlotte jazz fans were eager and ready for this,” said Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. One of the new elements is the addition of several tented events at Romare Bearden Park. The final event at the park is free fun for the whole family, as the community is invited to a picnic to celebrate the closing of Charlotte Jazz Festival. Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can also catch intimate club performances at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Mint Museum. Plus, a jazz brunch at Wells Fargo Atrium and late night jams at the Westin Hotel. The jazz pavilion outside of Knight Theater will offer free lunchtime jazz hours and evening happy hours. Other events include the second line parade, youth jazz competition, workshops where kids can get handson instruction and more. The main stage shows at Knight Theater, featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will take place on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. and The Jazz Age: Untamed Elegance on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. For full details visit www.CharlotteJazzFestival.com or call 704-372-1000.

anouskha Shankar Concert - april 7 (Durham) Sitar maestro Anouskha Shankar will perform on Friday, April 7 at Page Auditorium, Durham at 8pm as a tribute to her father Ravi Shankar. Shankar comes to Duke Performances with a six-piece classical ensemble to play the timeless ragas she learned as a child, paying tribute to her father’s rich legacy while also forging her path as a master in her own right. Tickets range from $10 - $55. For more details visit, www.dukeperformances.duke.edu.

arijit Singh in Concert - april 7 (atlanta) Classical Indian Playback Singer, Arijit Singh was recently awarded as the best live performer in Musical concerts in India and abroad. He is one of the hottest performers in India currently and will perform a live concert with his band at the Inﬁnite Energy Arena near Atlanta on Friday, April 7 starting at 9pm. Tickets are available through www.axs.com.

Samir & Dipalee Concert - april 21 (Charlotte) Samir & Dipalee are prolific singers and performers. The duo has sung playback songs in Hindi films as well as on TV. They will perform songs from decades of Hindi films during a live concert on Friday, April 21 in Charlotte. The venue and time are yet to be decided. For more information call 843-814-4538 or write to rsaddy@yahoo.com.

Sanam Marvi Concert, april 12 (Chapel Hill) Carnatic Veena Concert, april 22 (Morrisville, nC) Sanam Marvi is Pakistan’s next inspiring Suvithra music presents an evening of diviner of South Asia’s humanist, folk Carnatic music performed on the Veena by and Sufi texts. A vocal warrior for Srivani Yalla. The Veena is an ancient tolerance, spirituality and peace, her instrument that predates the sitar. The renditions balance immediacy and performance is on Saturday, April 22 elegant ornamentation, lending new light beginning at 6pm at The Forum by Taurya, to a cherished repertoire of Sufi, Ghazal, 4000 Bearcat Way, #100, Morrisville, NC. Tickets are $5-$10. Tickets qawwali and folk songs. This rising star’s and more details can be found at www.SuvithraMusic.org. revelatory interpretations of the Indian sub-continent’s mystics reach across cultural borders and Dances of India - april 29 (Charlotte) generations to offer solace in our uncertain and often troubled Celebrate the history and culture of times. She will perform on Wednesday, April 12 beginning at India with the 15th anniversary of 7:30pm at Memorial Hall on the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. For Dances of India presented on more details visit, www.carolinaperformingarts.org. Saturday, April 29 beginning at 4pm at the Halton Theater on CPCC Tar Heel 10 Miler - april 22 (unC-Chapel Hill) Central campus. Choreographer Dr. With over 6,400 runners in 2015, the Tar Heel 10 Miler is Maha Gingrich and a large ensemble of dancers will present designed to celebrate health and showcase downtown Chapel classical and folk dances. Stories will be brought to life through Saathee.com

April 2017

COMMUNITY FOCUS

dance dramas, costumes and masks. The performances will end MerleFest, april 27 - 30 (Wilkesboro, nC) the signature ﬁnale dance “Unity in diversity” - set to The inimitable roots music gathering MerleFest 2017 will take international dance styles and music. For more details call 704- place from April 27 - 30. It is the festival’s 30th year and the 330-6534 or visit To Purchase tickets call 704-330-6534 or online lineup of performers is as intriguing and eclectic as ever. at: tix.cpcc.edu/events/dances-of-india-2017 For the DOI web Dozens of bands and musicians will perform page: www.cpccfoundation.org/dance-of-india/. over the course of four days with some of the headliners that include Zac Brown Band, The Avett Brothers, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Haasya Kavi Sammelan, april 23 (Morrisville, nC) Superlatives, Del McCoury Band, Leftover The annual Hasya Kavi Sammelan (Humorous Poetry Festival Salmon, and Jim Lauderdale. This year the in Hindi-Urdu) will take place on Sunday, April festival will mark a few one-of-a-kind 23. The evening, presented by International happenings, like a museum of MerleFest Hindi Association and Hindi Vikas Mandal, History, special backstage tours, a tiny home display, and more will feature humor and heart-warming yet to be announced. MerleFest will also feature the festival recitals with Dr. Sunil Jogi, Gajender favorites including, the little pickers tents for kids, the family Solanki, and Sudeep Bhola. The venue is and environmentally-conscious atmosphere and the cool air of Hindu Bhavan Cultural Hall, 309 Aviation the Blue Ridge Mountains on the campus of Wilkesboro Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. The dinner will be from 5:30 - 6:45pm and the program will start at 7pm. Reserved Seats: Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. For more details visit, $100, $50, $25. General Admission: $10 members $15 non- www.MerleFest.org. members. For more details cal 919-656-5224 or 919-363-2759. Mika Singh Concert - april 7 (Charlotte) Singer Mika Singh will perform live in Kshetra Sangeetham Vocal Concert - april 23 (Charlotte) The Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) presents Charlotte on Friday, April 7 at 8pm at a “Kshetra Sangeetham” vocal concert by Dr. Vijayalakshmy Ovens Auditorium. He will perform and group on Sunday, April 23 at the CPCC Tate Hall, beginning with a live band. For tickets and info call at 3:30 pm. For more details about the artists and tickets call 704-769-5511 or 843-814-4538 or write to 704.814.9355, write to memberservices@onlinecmac.org or visit rajivsaddy@hotmail.com. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com. www.onlinecmac.org. Music for Meditation with K. Sridhar on Sarod, april 8 (Wilmington, nC)

lamhe Musical Extravaganza, april 21 (Morrisville, nC) A fundraiser to help struggling Indian farmers, Lamhe a journey of Yash Chopra musical extravaganza, will be presented on Friday, April 21 beginning at 7pm at HSNC, Morrisville, NC. Scripted and directed by Aadi Singh, the evening will feature multiple talented singers and musicians. Proceeds will beneﬁt Indian farmers in need. Tickets begin at $15. Child care is available for $5 (includes a magic show). Food will also be available for purchase. For more details call 919917-8611 or 919-888-2196.

lincolnton Food, Wine & Brew Fest - april 22 The Lincolnton Food, Wine & Brew Fest appeals to foodies, wine enthusiasts, craft brew connoisseurs, art and music lovers. There is something for everyone. There are activities and offerings for individuals, groups and families. The festivities will take place on Saturday, April 22 featuring NC wineries, local craft breweries, food trucks and a mix of fine artists from the region. For more information visit www.lincolntonfoodwinebrewfest.com. In an era of Bollywood glitz and glam, the music of K. Sridhar stands out in sharp contrast. At his concerts, you hear a musical MCaS Beaufort air Show - april 29-30 (Beaufort, SC) family legacy going back fourteen generations, spiced up by Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort will host nearly 100,000 of tutelage under India’s finest musicians (Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar its closest friends and neighbors at the MCAS Beaufort Air Khan, Z.M. Dagar) while each raga is spontaneously improvised. Show on April 29-30. There is no cost to the general public to Sarod maestro K. Sridhar will perform on Sat, April 8 at UNCW’s attend the show and will showcase Naval aviation at its best Beckwith Recital Hall and will begin at 7:30PM. Tickets are $5-$30. with a demonstration by the United States Naval Flight He will perform rare from his vast repertoire. For more details visit Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. For more information https://www.facebook.com/events/1792675704278408/. More info call 843.228.7675 or visit www.beaufortairshow.com on K. Sridhar can be found at www.sridhar.org. Saathee.com

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

nC Science Festival, april 7 - 23 (statewide) The NC Science Festival is a 2-week long celebration of the educational, cultural, and financial impact of science in North Carolina. The goal is to connect with folks from all walks of life - Fostering a sense of community through exciting events that are fun, educational, and inspiring for future generations. The North Carolina Science Festival and others like it offer an opportunity to celebrate science in welcoming settings. This Festival provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in North Carolina. In an era when recent reports indicate that the United States is losing ground as the world leader in science and technology, and fewer students than ever are pursuing careers in science and technology, the North Carolina Science Festival energizes the state’s effort to respond to these challenges while building new and stronger relationships among the education, business and cultural leaders who will lead that response. There are over 407 events in every NC country for every age group. Full details can be found at www.ncsciencefestival.org.

walkathon. This year’s focus in on supporting The Nature Conservancy’s eﬀorts to plant and restore 1.6 million acres of land by planting one billion trees by 2025 through their plant a billion trees initiative. BAPS walkathon hope support planting of 100,000 trees in 2017. The event takes place at 200 W. McDowell St., Matthews, NC. For more details, visit www.BAPScharities.org/Walk17Charlotte.

Charlotte asian Film Festival, May 26 - 27 Creative Yatra, in association with Charlotte Asian Heritage Association (CAHA) is launching a new film festival. The Charlotte Asian Film Festival (CAFF) will be a joint effort of the local Asian-American community and others who see value in this addition to Charlotte’s cultural landscape. The Festival will be held on May 26-27 at UNC Charlotte Center City in Uptown as part of Asian Heritage Month celebration. The screenings will include full-length feature films, shorts and documentaries that provide a window on various facets of Asian society, culture and history both in the native lands and in the diaspora. This showcase for film-making as an art form will provide a unique opportunity for film connoisseurs to enjoy international films with an Asian focus. Creative Yatra is an organization that promotes art, culture and creativity in local communities. CAFF will be organized in partnership with UNC Charlotte, SEAC (Southeast Asian Coalition), Light Factory and Charlotte Film Society. For more details, write to charlotteasianfilms@gmail.com.

art Exhibition, May 6 - 7 (Charlotte) The Hindu Center of Charlotte is organizing an Art Exhibition on May 6 - 7, 12pm -5pm both days. This is a free event featuring various local and regional artists are presenting their artwork. There will be Showcase of all kind of arts including visual art, paintings, crafts, 3D art, handmade jewelry and more. Much of the artwork will be for sale as well. For more details call 704-620-4503 or write to Santvanajain@gmail.com. Bappi lahiri in Concert, May 19 (Charlotte)

Classical Dance Performance, May 6 (Chapel Hill) Suvithra Music presents a classical dance performance featuring Srividya Angara Sinha (Kuchipudi) and Shubha Nagarajan (Odissi) on Saturday, May 6 starting at 6pm in the Hanes Auditorium, Chapel Hill High School. Tickets begin at $10. For more details write to music@suvithra.com or visit www.SuvithraMusic.org.

Legendary singer, composer and musician Bappi Lahiri will perform live in concert with Garima Khiste (Voice India fame) along with a live orchestra. Catch tons of hits and lively melodies in this concert that will support Charlotte’s Hindu Center’s Expansion project. The concert will take place on Friday, May 19 at Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr., Charlotte with dinner from 6 - 7:30pm and show beginning at 8:15pm. General admission is $25, while tickets with dinner begin at $50. For more details call 704-207-5672 or 704-488-8145. You can also write to rsaddy@yahoo.com.

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Concert, May 20 (Charlotte) Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt performs on the Mohan Veena, a modiﬁed guitar that sounds like the classical veena. He performs with pure yet delicate Indian classical music. He will be accompanied by Pandit Subhen Chatterjee on tabla. The concert is on Saturday, May 20 beginning at 6pm at CPCC Central campus. Tickets range from $15 - $35 BaPS Walk Green, May 7 (Matthews, nC) The BAPS Charities’ annual walk will take place on Sunday, and India Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (Ipaac) May 7 beginning at 10 with registration and 12pm with members attend for free. For more details visit, www.Ipaac.org. Saathee.com

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Shankar Mahadevan Concert - May 5 (Raleigh) Veteran singer Shankar Mahadevan will perform live on Friday, May 5 at Duke Energy Center, Memorial Hall Auditorium in Raleigh beginning at 7:30pm. He will be supported by Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Mahadevan. The concert is a fundraiser for Aim for Seva. Tickets range from $25 - $199. For tickets and more details visit, www.aimforsevausa.org.

unkahee an untold love Story, May 6 (Charlotte) Unkahee or “unspoken” is based on the mysterious relationship between one of India’s most proliﬁc poets – Rabindranath Tagore and his sister-in-law Kadambari Devi. Starting when they ﬁrst met as just young children, the story will explore the evolution of this bond between the two – from tender young friendship, to the classic “artist and muse” relationship, to something much more: soul mates torn between ardent longing and scarring guilt. Nrityangan will present this performance on May 6 beginning at 4pm at Ovens Auditorium in charlotte. The performance is a fundraiser for Maiti Nepal and The Tree House Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets begin at $15. For tickets and more information, ritusdance@gmail.com or call 704-840-5495.

Community News

2 to Tango 3 to Jive, live review of Play By Pirya Matai, Photos by Palani Mohan

Heart to Heart

continued from page 92

state, so that we connect with the inner Self. • The fourth is to refine and perfect our character. A characterless person has a limited view of existence, and this restricts consciousness. He steals, lies or cheats as he has lost his radar, his center. He is off-center. A person who is off-center cannot easily traverse the terrain of consciousness.

Continuous improvement is necessary. When ego manifests as an arrogant attitude – “I am the best” or “I know” – there is no room for improvement. When intellect does not evolve to wisdom, there is no inspiration, and again consciousness is restricted. When thinking does not deepen to feeling, when desires and thought remain predominant, there can be no evolution of consciousness. It is easy to observe this evolution in outer behavior. For example, when passion dominates, we are only interested in satisfying our own desires, no matter how noble they may be. When compassion dominates, we sacriﬁce our own desires for the sake of others – automatically consciousness has expanded to encompass the other. As we receive, we keep giving more and more. There is generosity of heart. So meditation is for strong-minded people who want to evolve faster than others. The practical tools are all there for reﬁnement – we just have to want it! Note: Thanks to Saathee magazine for running these articles on spirituality for a year and hopefully we shall have another opportunity some other time. You may also access many other articles at http://www.heartfulnessmagazine.com

The critically acclaimed Hindi play “2 to Tango 3 to Jive” was presented to a full house in Chapel Hill, NC on March 12. The play centers around the taboo subject of extramarital affairs in a classy, humorous, and thought provoking way. Saurabh Shukla, one of the finest actors of Indian Theatre/Cinema, directed and starred in the play along with Achint Kaur and Preeti Mamgain who play potential mistresses. The play centers around the character of Parminder Sethi (Saurabh Shukla), a successful hotelier who wishes to add some spice to his life. He encounters three women (Achint Kaur and double role played by Preeti Mamgain) in hopes of pursuing extramarital relations with but instead learns a powerful lesson from each of the ladies. His character soon learns that an extramarital affair is actually quite complicated and not the piece of cake he originally thought it would be. All three of the immensely talented actors had the audiences on the edge of their seats with their talent and comedic timing. The play concluded with a standing ovation and a special cake was presented to Saurabh Shukla celebrating his 54th birthday. 2 to Tango 3 to Jive was sponsored by AKM Realty and brought to North Carolina by Arvind Mahajan and Neha Mahajan of Live Spectrum Entertainment. Saathee.com

Personal Finances continued from page 50

RolloVER anD ConVERSIonS There are stricter rules for both rollover and converting one IRA to another. If rollover is required I strongly suggest doing it as a custodian-to-custodian kind. You can do unlimited of these. Should you choose to do it yourself then only one is allowed per year and then you have to make sure you do the rollover within 60 days. Conversion has its own set of stricter rules especially when you have both Roth and Traditional IRAs. It also involves paying taxes, from non-IRA money, at the time of conversion. I will continue with a question/answer session next two months. I welcome any questions on this article or the previous ones, also the suggestions for any future financial subjects of your interest that you would like to know more about.

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April 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Charlotte

agaram Tamil Palli Agaram Tamil Palli serves the Tamil speaking community in Greater Charlotte area by conducting Tamil language classes at CPCC, central campus. For Further Details: Megalai Ezhilarasan agaramtp.coord@gmail.com 704.456.9881 http://agaramtamilpalli.wordpress.com

art of living (Charlotte) Art of Living is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. This is done through self-development programs that recharge the body, mind and spirit and allow people to function at their optimum potential. People from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions are welcome. For Further Details: 980.216.8732 charlotte@us.artoﬂiving.org www.artoﬂiving.org/charlotte

association for India’s Development (Charlotte) A volunteer movement committed to promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID Charlotte supports grassroots organizations in India and initiates eﬀorts in various interconnected spheres such as education, livelihoods, natural resources, health, women’s empowerment and social justice. For Further Details: Kiran Uppalapati - 704.307.6450 Venkata Ramana Duddu - 662.231.2350

BaPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte) A spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selﬂess service. Activities include: Daily Arti - 6:30 am & 6:30 pm; Weekly Satsang Sabha held every Sunday which includes Bhajans and spiritual discourses: Adults: 4pm, Young Men (Ages 23-36) - 3pm, Young Women (Ages 23-36) - 4pm, Teens - 4:30pm, and Children - 5pm. The Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd, Matthews, NC, 28105. For Further Details: 704.573.0805 www.baps.org

Bethel Christian Fellowship BCF was founded to “Raise Up The Next Generation For Jesus Christ.” The Fellowship oﬀers services in various Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam) with a Sunday School from 9 - 9:55 am and Sunday Worship from 10 - 11:45 am. The Fellowship is located at 7604 New Town Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 For Further Details: 803.792.7223 Pastor Rajan Samuel - pastorofbcf@gmail.com www.bethelchristianfellowship.org

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of the Carolina Khadayata Samaj. For Further Details: carolinakhadayatasamaj@yahoo.com Jaswant Mehta - 704.839.1965 Rita Shah - 704.321.0740

Carolinas Christian assembly Carolinas Christian Assembly located on 12601 Idlewild Road in the city of Matthews, NC, oﬀers worship, fellowship and community assistance to all South Asians living in the Charlotte area. Pastor, Dr. Shibu Cherian, oﬀers free counseling services to married couples and is a licensed premarital counselor. For Further Details: 404.840.6745 (Mobile) www.carolinaschristianassembly.org

Charlotte Gita Study Group Beginners and advanced students of the Gita are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Sunday from 3 - 5pm. This course is based on the Home Study Course of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Saylorsburg, PA. Each session starts with meditation followed by a recorded lecture in English and discussion For Further Details: rishi@solveron.com - 513.518.5300 skdave@hotmail.com - 704.844.9567

Charlotte Malayalee association The association promotes and facilitates the cultural, educational, social and economic welfare of the Charlotte Malayalee community. For Further Details: cltma@cltma.org 704.517.5850 www.cltma.org

Charlotte Marathi Mandal The Mandal adds to the vibrancy of Charlotte with various events including the Ganapati Festival which are designed to keep the cultural values and traditions alive. The community is encouraged to participate. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/charlotte-marathi-mandal

Charlotte Sahaj Marg Center Sahaj Marg which means Simple or Natural path, is a Raja Yoga system of spiritual training based on the heart centered meditation. The features of this meditation include transmission of divine energy into the heart of the practitioner and cleaning of deep impressions, thereby regulating the mind. Regular meditation integrates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of human being, while still encouraging people to maintain a normal family and working life. A group meditation is held at the Unity of Charlotte on Wednesdays. For Further Details: Srikanth Katakam - 704.496.4411 www.sahajmarg.org www.meetup.com/Balanced-Life-Meditation/

Charlotte Telangana association This association was formed to promote Telangana cultural activities within greater Charlotte area. It brings together all

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April 2017

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

the Telangana people living in the area to discuss, plan, and take action around the development of Telangana focusing both on rural and urban areas. For Further Details: President: Devender Reddy Gudepu - 702.510.8355 charlottetelanganaassociation@gmail.com www.charlottetelangana.com

Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a remedy for universal ills. The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all-day sits for established students. Ten-day courses are also available for all students. Never a charge for a course. For Further Details: 704.277.5013 - rbddesai@gmail.com 704.807.3933 - madhaviparikh@yahoo.com www.dhamma.org

Classical Music association of Charlotte (CMaC) CMAC sponsors many classical concerts during the year in Charlotte. Membership forms are available at shows. Upcoming Events: Sun, April 23: “Kshetra Sangeetham” vocal concert by Dr. Vijayalakshmy and group, CPCC Tate Hall, 3:30 pm For Further Details: Lakshmi & Muthukrishnan - 704.814.9355 Jayashree & Panduranga - 704.442.1186 memberservices@onlinecmac.org www.onlinecmac.org

Gurdwara Sahib (Charlotte) The Gurdwara works to enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas. Regular Program: Every Sunday: 10 - 11am, Asa Di War by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 11am - 12pm, Keertan by Children, 12 - 1:15pm, Keertan by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 1:15 - 1:30pm, Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar. Located at 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262 Upcoming Events: Sat, May 13: SYANA Speech Symposium at 10am For Further Details: www.charlottegurdwara.org

Hindu Center of Charlotte The Hindu Center of Charlotte holds many regular events and religious ceremonies. The temple library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genres such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health. The temple is located at 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212. Upcoming Events: Sun, April 2: Cheti Chand Tue, April 4: Ram Navami Sun, April 9: Mahavir Jayanti Tue, April 11: Hanuman Jayanti May 6-7: Art Exhibition For Further Details: 704.535.3440 / 704.607.8412 (facility manager) admin@hcclt.org www.hcclt.org Saathee.com

India association of Charlotte The organization works to foster better understanding of the rich diversity of Indian culture by the larger community in and around Charlotte. The annual Festival of India is held every September in downtown Charlotte. For Further Details: Toni Sawhney - 704.604.2133 Lal Vishin - 704.545.3727 www.indiafestival.net

Indian american Muslim Council (IMaC) of Charlotte IAMC is committed to promoting peace, pluralism and social justice through advocacy. The organization is also committed to promote and protect human rights and dignity in India as they are the foundation of freedom and justice. IAMCCharlotte seeks to reach out to Indian Muslims living in Charlotte to strive for Inter-Community understanding with focus on Indian Diaspora. For Further Details: Ashfaq Mehdi - 704.904.5778 Afzal Syed - 704.770.1103 iamc-charlotte@yahoogroups.com

Indian Performing arts association of Charlotte (IPaaC) IPAAC promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting wellknown artists from India and oﬀers music classes at various locations in Charlotte. Upcoming Events: Sat, May 20: Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt For Further Details: Jyoti Kulkarni: 704.804.1275 Chaula Jain: 704.248.1515 contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

Jain Center of Greater Charlotte (JCGC) JCGC serves the spiritual, cultural, and social needs of Jain families around metro Charlotte area. It is dedicated to the practice, understanding, promotion, and preservation of the Jain faith. Members meet regularly for worship, ceremonies, and festivals throughout the year. These activities include celebrating major religious festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Diwali, and programs like Swadhyay, Poojas and children’s Pathshaala. Located at 7631 Malliard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262. Upcoming Events: - Sat, April 08 (Baras): Samhuik Ayambil (Chaitra Navpad) @ 11:30 am - Sun, April 09 (Teras): Mahavir Janma Kalyanak & Cultural Program @ 8:00 am - Mon, April 10 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman @ 6:30 pm - Tues, April 25 (Chaudash): Pakkhi Pratikraman @ 6:30 pm - Thur, April 27 (Ekam): Snatra Puja @ 10:00 am Regular events: Weekdays: 9:30am - Prakshal and Puja; —- 7:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo Weekends: 10:30am - Prakshal and Puja —- 7:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo For Further Details: JCGC President Vipul Shah - 704.705.0314 info@jaincenterus.org www.jaincenterus.org 104

April 2017

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April 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

JET uSa (Charlotte) Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) Charlotte chapter is a non-proﬁt running under the guidance of Sri Jeeyar Swamiji. For Further Details: chinnajeeyar.org/jet_usa/localchapters/charlotte/ jetnc@jetusa.org 704.847.1574 / 248.495.4590 www.Facebook.com/JETUSA.Charlotte

communities in India and provides support to meet those needs. Sangamithra works collectively towards realizing its vision. For Further Details: info@sangamithra.org www.sangamithra.org www.facebook.com/SangamithraFoundation

Shanti niketan Senior Center of Carolinas The Center values diversity, holistic health, peaceful living, civic and community engagement, especially for under-served populations including Refugees, Immigrants, and Minorities (RIM). Eﬀorts are made to support a rapidly diversifying population with the understanding that a vibrant diverse population adds to the strength and well-being of the whole community. Located at Midwood International & Cultural Center, 1817 Central Ave., Room 208, Charlotte, NC. For Further Details: http://uisac.org/

Kriya Yoga (Charlotte) The group promotes Kriya Yoga Meditation as taught by the lineage of realized masters such as Mahaavatar Baba Ji, Lahri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteshwar Giri, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Hariharananda, and Prajanananada. A sincere seeker who follows the path of Kriya Yoga with love and devotion and a desire for spiritual growth can attain Self-realization. The center hosts two annual initiation programs and a weekly Sunday meditation for initiates. For Further Details: Adesh Gupta - 704.814.7476 info@charlotte.kriya.org www.kriya.org

Shri Rang avadhut Parivar (Parspar Devo Bhav) Devotees of Guru Dattatraya Rang Avadhut and Shri Prem Avadhut meet on Thurs from 6-8pm in Charlotte for recital of “Datta-Bavani,” singing devotional Dattatraya Bhajans and reading “Guru-Lilamrut.” Info about meetings, literature, Videos, as well as biographies of Nareshwar Ashram and Shri Avadhut’s lives are available. For Further Details: Bharat Shah - 704.724.6247 Nagesh Patel - 704.399.7805

Pratham - Charlotte Pratham organizes grassroots programs in the area of primary education and has made an impact on the learning levels of several million children through its Read India campaign. With nearly half the children in India who attend schools not learning to read and write at the required level, Pratham is trying to ﬁll an important gap in the area of primary education. For Further Details: Anju Desai - ajdesai66@gmail.com - 980.622.0125 Shubhra Chakraborty - shubhra.chakraborty1@gmail.com 704.942.4798 www.prathamusa.org

Probasi of Charlotte Probasi’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area. For Further Details: Swapan Nandi - 704.708.5993 Anindita Paul Bhunia - 704.360.2326 welcome@probasi.org www.probasi.org

Shri Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shri Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad. In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at a sponsor’s house from 3 - 5pm. For Further Details: Ramesh Dhanani - 704.392.4488 admin@issvcharlotte.org issvcharlotte.org

Sahaja Yoga Meditation Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes are free to attend and meant for all age groups who desire to ﬁnd his or her true self, which is full of peace, joy of life and love for others. Sahaja Yoga was founded and developed by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and teaches very simple techniques of meditation. Sessions are conducted weekly or biweekly at 5935 Hickory Grove Rd, Charlotte. For Further Details: www.meetup.com/SYCharoletteNC/

Sangamithra Foundation A Charlotte-based charity organization formed by a group of people who strive to make a diﬀerence in society. The team has taken the path of identifying the needs of underprivileged Saathee.com

Sindhi association of the Carolinas The Sindhi Association of the Carolinas (SAC) organizes religious, cultural, community, and social events in Charlotte. SAC also sends donations for the needy to the schools in India for Scholarships and for camp refugees in India. For Further Details: sindhiassociationcarolinas@gmail.com 704.779.2396

South Park Cricket Club (SPCC) The South Park Cricket Club is a group of gentlemen who play competitive cricket for fun. SPCC is based in Charlotte and has been a part of the Carolina Cricket League since 2010. The Club practices every Wednesday at 5:30pm at Kilborne District Park in Charlotte. For Further Details: anishtr@hotmail.com www.southparkcc.org

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April 2017

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Srishti of Charlotte Srishti works to fulﬁll the NC community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali culture, literature, theatre, music and popular arts. Literally, the word Srishti means an act of creation. Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, ethnicity, languages, and backgrounds who are interested in East Indian traditions. For Further Details: Santanu & Bhabani Sarkar - santanu_kumar@yahoo.com committee@srishticharlotte.org www.srishticharlotte.org

Telugu association of Greater Charlotte area (TaGCa) TAGCA was formed with an intention of preserving and promoting the Telugu cultural heritage and traditions among the Telugu speaking people residing in Greater Charlotte area. The association organizes social and cultural events and festivals that reﬂect the Telugu people culture from India. For Further Details: pr@tagca.org www.tagca.org

Trimurti Temple Devasthanam The temple grounds oﬀer many areas to explore including 14 sanathis with traditional Mandabams for various Hindu deities. Open daily with a Morning Puja at 10am and Evening Puja at 7pm. Sunday Abhisekhams at 11am as well as other special pujas. The temple is located at 6519 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216. For Further Details: 980.219.7556 contact@trimurtitemple.org www.trimurtitemple.org

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC) VPSC’s objective is to ﬁll devotional need for hundreds of Vaishnavs in Carolinas to worship and pray together, to observe and celebrate festivals, and to engage in humanitarian and educational activities. Paath and Bhajan recitations are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4 - 6pm. A VYO Youth (ages 6-14) educational Meet is also scheduled on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month. The Shrinath Dham Haveli is located at 1006 Vickie Lane, Matthews, NC 28104. For Further Details: Bhupinbhai Shah - 704.224.6500 Prathmesh Shah - 704.763.3059 vsccarolinas@gmail.com

Vibha Charlotte Vibha Charlotte is volunteer driven organization dedicated to create a brighter future for underprivileged children. This group came together through a strong belief in Vibha’s mission and resolved to create a positive societal impact in India. The group works to organize social events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the organization’s mission. For Further Details: Volunteers@charlotte.vibha.org sites.vibha.org/Charlotte

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Greensboro

art of living (Greensboro) The Art of Living Foundation offers programs to uncover the strength, peace, and joy that lie at the core of every human being. Part I courses are offered regularly in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Greensboro which cover breathing techniques to eliminate stress & tension; skills for improving relationships at home and at work; practical wisdom to get the most out of life; insight into the laws that govern the mind & emotions; lowimpact yoga and the breathing-based technique called Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath. For Further Details: Sonal Chhawchharia - sonal.chhawchharia@gmail.com Puja Verma - puja_usa@yahoo.com http://us.artofliving.org/greensboro

BaPS Greensboro BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Greensboro features activities which include Sunday Sabhas: Shishu (Toddlers) sabha: 4 - 5pm; Bal/Balika sabha: 4:15 - 5:30pm; Kishore sabha: 2 - 3:30pm; Main sabha: 4 - 6pm; Gujarati classes: 2:30 - 3:45pm and Arti at 6pm followed by Mahaprasad. Fresh Shayona snacks available on Sundays. Located at 922 Gallimore Dairy Road, High Point, NC. For Further Details: bapsgreensboro@gmail.com

Greensboro Cricket Club (GCC) There are several teams that play cricket in Greensboro, NC. The goals of GCC are fun, ﬁtness, and friendship. For Further Details: Venky - venkyhot@hotmail.com

Gujarati Cultural association of Piedmont (GCaP) The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont serves the Asian Indian community through sponsored events, cultural, educational and social programs. Located at 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 For Further Details: Jack Dhekar - 336.254.1727 Manubhai Patel - 336.253.7182 www.gcap.us

India association of the Triad (IaTnC) The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad area, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community. For Further Details: committee@iatnc.org www.iatnc.org

Indian association of the Carolinas (IaC) The mission of the IAC is to promote the Indian culture by hosting community events such local picnics, Diwali and Garba and similar celebration and sports events. Their Center is located in Winston-Salem. For Further Details: Gopal - 336.509.5943 Hasmukh - 336.971.5594 (Membership Help) indianac14@gmail.com www.indianac.org

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April 2017

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April 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Indo-american Society of nC (IaSnC) The objectives of IASNC are to support the Indian, South Asian and American community residing in Greensboro, NC and vicinity and other individuals interested in learning the culture, traditions, and arts of India. Speciﬁcally, IASNC promotes Indo-American cultural, arts and sports events and also school based volunteering activities. For Further Details: Krishna Balu - balu4428@inﬁonline.net - 336.292.9462 www.iasofnc.org

Indo-uS Cultural association of Winston-Salem The Indo-US Cultural Association’s primary mission is to increase awareness of the cultural heritage of India which is tremendously rich in its diversity and history. The Association seeks to reach out to the thriving Indian-American community within the Piedmont and Triad areas to share the vibrant Indian culture and promote cross-cultural understanding. For Further Details: Manish Kumar - kumar.manish1983@gmail.com - 336.565.6427 www.indouswinston.org life Mission, uSa This ashram has been established to provide helpful beneﬁts for all - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. All these beneﬁts can be achieved through the natural remedies of yoga therapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy and diet. The ashram is located at 8136 NC Highway 119, South Mebane, NC 27302. For Further Details: 336.421.0690 Dr. Manoj - 848.459.7401 lifemissionusa@gmail.com www.lifemissionusa.org

Prabhupada Village Prabhupada Village is a rural Hare Krishna community situated in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Puja/Worship of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai/Sri Pancha Tattva starts at 5:00am every day. Every Sunday at 3pm there is chanting, dancing, feasting and philosophy. The temple is located at 1283 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046. For Further Details: 336.593.2322 / 336.793.7138 prabhupadavillage@gmail.com / sarvadrik@gmail.com www.prabhupadavillage.com

Quan am Buddhist Temple All interested in Buddhism are welcome. The temple is located at 1410 Glendale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27407 For Further Details: www.ChuaQuanAm.com

Sri Mata Shakthipeetham of nC The mission of Sri Mata Shakthipeetham is to provide a place of worship for Hindus in Triad Area according to Agama Sastras (in a traditional way) in all religious, charitable and educational dimensions and perform and uphold Hindu religious activities as deﬁned in Vedas. The Temple is located near Winston-Salem, NC. For Further Details: smsofnc@gmail.com www.aumsrimata.org Saathee.com

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center (Greensboro) The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center regularly conducts Sai Bhajans, Study Circles, various service activities and SSE classes (for students) every Sunday from 9:45am - 12:15pm. For Further Details: Swami Rajendran - 908.875.6964 Dr. Varatharajah - 336.851.9150 www.sathyasaicentergso.org

Winston-Greensboro Cricket Club (WGCC) Everyone from Triad Area in North Carolina, from the cities of Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem and all nearby locations are welcome to come and join the club. The goals of the WGCC are fun, ﬁtness, and friendship. WGCC is also a member of the Carolina Cricket League. Practice Sessions during the regular season are held every Wednesday at 5:30pm in Weston Park, Winston-Salem. For Further Details: www.wgcricketclub.com

Raleigh

art of living (Raleigh) Art of Living gives practical knowledge and techniques to unlock deepest potential and bring fullness to life. The techniques are effective in reducing stress levels and increase health, physical energy, enthusiasm, self-esteem, awareness, and clarity of mind. Advance courses are also available once every few months. Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar’s mission is to create a violence free, stress free society and One World Family. The Center is located at 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560. For Further Details: 919.659.5939 rdu@us.artofliving.org takeabreathraleigh.org www.artofliving.org/us-en/raleigh

BaPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Raleigh) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir of Raleigh invites everyone to the regularly scheduled events: Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4 - 6pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad. Mahapuja conducted every Purnima at 7pm. Many classes are conducted. Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona. Located at 1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560. For Further Details: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org http://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Raleigh

Bengali association of north Carolina (BanC) The Bengali Association of North Carolina (BANC) seeks to promote Bengali culture, language, music, arts and social activities by oﬀering varieties of programs for members of INDO-American community within North Carolina and adjacent states. The association is organized exclusively for charitable, cultural, social and educational purposes. For Further Details: exec@banc-online.org www.banc-online.org 110

April 2017

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Bhartiya Senior Citizens of nC (BSCnC) BSCNC is an organization for senior citizen of Indian origin that are age 60 years and over. BSCNC members meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Cary senior center in Bond Park in Cary, NC from 10 am to 3 pm. The next meeting will be on April 8, where the members will celebrate Ram navami and Hanuman Jayanti. For Further Details: 919.793.6588

Carolina Rajasthani association (CRa) The Carolina Rajasthani Association’s mission is to preserve and promote Rajasthani culture, values, heritage and traditions. CRA’s purpose is to preserve and promote the Rajasthani culture and heritage and promote their rich culture by celebrating traditional festivals. For Further Details: carolinarajasthanis@gmail.com carolinarajasthanis.org

Chinmaya Mission Raleigh-Durham (CM RDu) Chinmaya Mission was founded by Swami Chinmayananda. Not satisﬁed with degrees in literature and law or with other worldly aspirations, he pursued the spiritual path under the guidance of Swami Shivananda and Swami Tapovanam. Dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and other Hindu scriptures and to provide to individuals and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness. CM RDU conducts weekly discourses (Satsanga-s) and study groups for adults, and classes for youth (Yuvakendra) and children (Bala Vihar). For Further Details: www.chinmaya-RDU.org

Dada Bhagwan Foundation (Raleigh) Every living being is in constant pursuit of happiness; no one likes suﬀering. This search only ends when the source of eternal happiness is found. This can only be attained through realizing your true Self. A path to eternal happiness was discovered by A. M. Patel, also known as Dada Bhagwan, and was revealed to the world as Akram Vignan, a spiritual science. It is based on the foundation of Self Realization. This unique science provides practical day-to-day solutions that lead to harmony and happiness in life. Dada Bhagwan Satsang, Raleigh center invites everyone to the regular events at HSNC, Saturdays 5 - 7pm. General Satsang followed by Aarti and Prasad. Satsang Venue: HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Rooms 5 & 6, Morrisville, NC. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 x 1003 wcraleigh@us.dadabhagwan.org www.dadabhagwan.org

Datta Yoga Center (Raleigh) Mission: Spread the teachings of Sadguru Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore. Activities: Namasankeertana - Bhajans written, composed and sung by Pujya Sri Swamiji. Kriya yoga classes conducted by Pujya Sri Swamiji-trained teachers from India. The group meets on the ﬁrst Saturday of every month and every major festival day for Satsang and Namasankeertana (divine singing). For Further Details: Saathee.com

Srinivas & Anita Chittineni - srinivasrc@yahoo.com 919.484.1993 Suresh Kota - info@dycusa.org - 919.461.0843 www.dycusa.org

Duke Diya Diya is a Duke University student organization that committed to providing a forum for interaction through events relating to South Asian Americans and anyone interested in South Asian culture, politics or economics. Duke Diya represents the six major nations of South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Social events like club mixers and semiformals, especially with other Duke cultural groups and South Asian organizations at UNC and NC State, are also an extremely enjoyable aspect of life with Diya. For Further Details: diya.duke@gmail.com www.dukediya.com

EKTaa Student organization (nCSu) EKTAA (meaning unity) is the South Asian Student Organization at North Carolina State University (NCSU). The organization was founded in 1970. The motto is “unity within diversity.” EKTAA strives to spread culture and heritage of South Asia all over the campus as well as the local community and the organization works hand-in-hand with many organizations on and oﬀ the NCSU campus, as well as South Asian organizations from area universities. For Further Details: ektaaexec@ektaa.org www.ektaa.org

Geet Bazaar Radio (nCSu) Every Sunday morning from 10am - 12pm on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond. They specialize in the music of the Indian ﬁlm industry, with lots of ghazals, qawwalis, bhajans, and Indi-Pop to round out the mix. Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge. For Further Details: Dr. Afroz Taj & John Caldwell - 919.851.1119 geetbazaar@wknc.org

GEM Raleigh Church of God Come and join in every Sunday from 10:45am to 1pm. They have worship services, prayer meetings, Sunday school, and much more. Located at 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 For Further Details: Pastor Thankachan Mathai - 919.395.6208 globalem@gmail.com

Gokul Bhajan & Vedic Studies (Raleigh) Weekly satsang of parents and children singing bhajans and glorifying past times of Lord Krishna. Satsang every Friday 7pm - 9pm at the HSNC in Morrisville, NC with a dinner afterwards. Gokulam Learning Center in Durham every 1st & 3rd Saturday from 5pm - 9pm with a dinner afterwards. Children learn slokas, learn presentation skills, manage and lead various projects such as book distribution, charity for cow protection, food for the poor, and prison seva. 112

April 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

For Further Details on Gokul bhajan and Vedic Studies: bkdasa@gmail.com 919.491.9536 www.gokulbhajan.com

Gurdwara atlantic Coast Sikh association One of the oldest Sikh associations in the Southeastern US. The association meets every Sunday for Diwans along with Akhand Paths celebrated on appropriate dates. Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time. Located at 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC 27705. For Further Details: Bhai Dyal Singh Rangila - 919.309.1045 acsagurdwara.tripod.com

Heritage India association of nC (HIanC) Heritage India Association of NC aims at providing Indian cultural experience through performing arts, cultural arts, ﬁne arts & crafts of India. Its mission is “to preserve and promote Indian heritage and culture.” During the year, HIANC presents several annual events and also coordinates Indian dances for the main stage performances for the Raleigh International Festival. For Further Details: www.saathee.com/hianc

Hindi naatak Group The Hindi Naatak group is based in Raleigh-Triangle area. Its motto is to promote Indian culture and heritage by utilizing local talent to stage Hindi Plays. Explore your dream to act on stage in a professional 2/3 act Hindi play. You must meet following criteria: You are male or female of 20 to 50 years of age. You can read and speak Hindi ﬂuently. You have some experience in working on or oﬀ stage. You can make 3-4 months of weekend commitment for the project. Also need a team who can work behind the scenes to manage rehearsals, publicity, sales of tickets, and other arrangements. For Further Details: HindiNaatakNC@gmail.com

Hindi Vikas Mandal of nC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) based in the Raleigh-Triangle area, promotes study and appreciation of Hindi Language, and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has special focus on the youth for the preservation of Indian heritage. Every year HVM has been organizing KaviSammelan (Poetry Reading); Independence Day Function with over a dozen other Indian organizations of the RTP area participate in this function where HVM takes the lead; celebrates Dushera Festival and a members’ picnic. HVM also conducts weekly Hindi classes (10:30 - 11:30am on Sundays) at HSNC for children. For Further Details: https://www.facebook.com/hindivikasmandal/

Hindu Society of north Carolina The Hindu Society of NC temple is open daily from 7am - 9pm. Morning Aarti: Mon-Fri 10.30am, Sat-Sun 10am. Evening Aarti: Mon-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 6pm. There are many other regular events taking place at the temple. All major religious celebrations are observed. Facility rentals are also available. Activities: Yoga, Hinduism and Meditation classes; Weekend Saathee.com

Community Classes: Jain pathshala, Hindi classes, Sanskar Gurkul Classes, Tamil classes, Balmukund classes; Youth Aﬀairs: Ohm Squad is the youth wing of HSNC involved in the youth activities like camp, games, craft and arts. Located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC and serves the greater Triangle area. For Further Details: 919.481.2674 (Temple Oﬃce) info@hsnconline.org www.hsnconline.org

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) The HSS conducts activities to develop character and leadership skills in participants, emphasizing values such as self-discipline, self-conﬁdence and a spirit of selﬂess service (seva) for humanity while maintaining Hindu cultural identity in harmony with the larger society. Activities are tailored to include yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture. The HSS also has a Balagokulam forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest the divinity of Lord Krishna’s magical childhood in Gokulam. There are Chapters in Cary, Morrisville and Chapel Hill. For Further Details: www.hssus.org www.balagokulam.org

HumSub HumSub is dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with the residents of the Research Triangle Park and North Carolina. For Further Details: www.humsub.net

Immanuel assembly of God A full Gospel Christian church serving the Indian / South Asian community in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. Service is oﬀered Sundays at 10:30am & Bible Study is Wednesdays at 7pm. The Church is located at 5419 S. Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713. For Further Details: Pastor Sam Daniel 919.442.8537 thechurch@immanuelassembly.org www.immanuelassembly.org

India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) The Triangle chapter of IDRF supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India in serving their populations’ critical needs around education, childcare, healthcare, women empowerment and tribal welfare, as well as relief and rehabilitation in times of natural disasters. For Further Details: info@idrf.org www.idrf.org

Indian Christian Prayer Fellowship An Indian Christian Prayer Fellowship based in the RTP area that meets every Friday from 7:30 - 9pm. This group is part of the Carolina Christian Fellowship, so you get to be part of a bigger church community while you also have fellowship with like minded people with similar culture in a smaller group. 114

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Located at the Cary Church of God on 107 Quade Drive, Cary, NC. For Further Details: 919.451.9662 919.929.0706 www.carolinachristian.net

International Hindi association IHA promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States. The Raleigh Chapter periodically organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents. Open to those interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry. For Further Details: Saroj Sharma - 919.460.7830 / 919.851.0225 www.hindi.org

Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is dedicated to promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area by inviting top artists from all over the world to perform. Upcoming Events: Sat, April 22: Hindustani Vocal Recital, 6pm Sun, May 7: Sitar Recital by Pandit Hindol Chattopadhya, 6pm Sat, Aug 12: Sangeet Symphony For Further Details: questions@icmds.org www.icmds.org

ISKCon new Goloka Temple of nC New Goloka temple is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Visitors are welcome any day of the week to come have darshan of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda. Every Sunday at 4pm, there is a special program consisting of arati, kirtan, Bhagavad-gita discourse, and a prasadam feast. From 4:30 - 5:30pm, there is a Sunday School program for children ages 3-7 and 8-12. Children take part in learning Bhagavad-gita slokas and bhajans, understanding the basic philosophy, reciting and hearing stories from the Vedas. New Goloka also provides educational classes and programs for adults. New Goloka Daily Darshan Times 4:30 - 5am, 7:15am 1pm, 4:15 - 5:45pm, 7 - 8pm. Saturday and Sunday Darshan open from 7:15am - 8pm. The Radha-Krishna temple is in a rural setting at 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Hillsborough, NC. For Further Details: 919.732.6492 newgoloka108@gmail.com www.newgoloka.com

Indian Talent Discovery Foundation ITDF was established to promote any form of art that has originated in India. The primary objective of the foundation is to encourage local talent to excel in the chosen art to become professionals. The art can be in any form such as Indian Classical and Bollywood dance, Indian music, Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry, traditional medicine, Vaasthu Shasra, and so on. For Further Details: contactus@itdfoundation.org www.itdfoundation.org

Indo-american Friendship Foundation The foundation works to improve Friendship between the People of India and USA through Cultural and Technological Exchanges. The Center is located at 1413 Boxwood Lane, Apex, NC 27502 For Further Details: Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra - President 919.362.7653 www.iaﬀ1.org

InStepp InStepp’s mission is to create a vibrant community by empowering women who’ve come up against some challenges in their lives to rise above those challenges and succeed personally and professionally through innovative, genderresponsive training, educational and prevention services. InStepp welcomes all women from South Asian cultures and can provide services in many South Asian Languages. For Further Details: 919.680.8000 info@instepp.org www.instepp.org

International Community Church ICC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. Church services at Reedy Creek Baptist Church 1524 N. Harrison Avenue Cary, NC 27513 For Further Details: 919.233.2900 Pastor: Joseph B. Jesudason http://www.icc-nc.org/ Saathee.com

ISSo Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple ISSO’s primary objective is to advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Original Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Himself. A new Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir will be opening soon at 500 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. Bhoomidaan and Murtipratishtha yajman opportunities are available for a limited time. They organize a weekly “Satsang Sabha,” every Saturday, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad. For Further Details: 919.964.1008 issonc@issousa.org www.issonc.org

Jain Study Center of north Carolina (JSCnC) The JSCNC was organized to study and understand Jain religion, philosophy, rituals, and literature and to educate the children. Over the years the Center has participated in many activities for youths and adults, where an environment is created making members feel like a part of the family. Jain pathshala and swadhyay are held routinely for children and adults respectively. For Further Details: jscnc101@gmail.com jscnc.org

Kiran, Inc Kiran serves and empowers South Asian victims of domestic violence in NC by helping them rebuild their lives and ending the cycle of violence. Although domestic violence is rarely 116

April 2017

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talked about in South Asian communities, it is a rampant and preventable public health problem. Kiran is passionate about promoting healthy family relationships in South Asian communities and raising awareness on the prevalence of domestic violence in South Asian homes through outreach and advocacy. Kiran’s core services comprise of a 24 hour free and conﬁdential hotline, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, translation assistance, resource referrals, skills development and other culturally sensitive support services needed to meet the unique challenges of South Asian victims. For Further Details: 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 877.625.4726 Oﬃce: 919.831.4203 kiran@kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org

Krishnadham uSa The mission is to foster the richness of Hindu cultural heritage by imparting the values of love, wisdom and devotion in future generations. Provide a platform for learning and for sharing our experiences and values with the society at large. The time is coming when a new Vedanta inspired sanctuary will manifest. This inspirational experience will be expressed in buildings, pathways, water ﬂows, and connections with the surrounding natural setting at a location not far from Lake Jordan in Chatham County of NC and will be recognized as Krishnadham USA. Current address is at 795 Beaver Creek Road, Apex, NC 27502 For Further Details: info@krishnadhamusa.org bakulparikh11@gmail.com www.krishnadhamusa.org

Maitri (nCSu) A student organization at NC State that aims at unifying various cultures at university. The organization works to help and support Indian students at NC State, but also creates opportunities for them to immerse in the global culture while retaining their rich Indian identity. For Further Details: maitri.ncsu@gmail.com www.maitrincsu.org

nuv Yug Nuv Yug is a cultural organization with a mission to promote awareness of Indian cultural arts and heritage. Striving to create synergy among various cultural groups from the South Asian region. For Further Details: www.nuvyug.net

Pakistani american anjuman The North Carolina Pakistani-American Anjuman (NCPAA) is a non-political, cultural and social organization that strives to promote the presence of the people from Pakistan living in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Their mission is to provide cultural and social interaction for the families and individuals of the Pakistani community and to oﬀer a variety of programs and services to its members. Several events are presented during the year including a family dinner on the second Friday of every month. For Further Details: www.ncpaa.org Saathee.com

Pratham - Triangle area Pratham is a grass-roots organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. It is one of the largest NGOs in ﬁeld of literacy movement in India. Pratham continues to evolve, grow and works to meet the continually changing needs of the children it educates. The NC chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers and resources to deliver the vision of “Every Child in School and Learning Well.” For Further Details: Rajeev Thalla - rajeev.thalla@gmail.com Monica Awasthi - awasthimonica@yahoo.com www.prathamusa.org

Professional Indians’ association PIA is a meetup group is made of Indian professionals and grad students interested in cultural events, socializing and meeting/making friends with like-minded people around the Triangle. Monthly events include meeting at bars/restaurants, Bollywood movie nights, potlucks, Indian concerts/performances, outdoor activities, community service and volunteering. It is an opportunity for professionals to share their thoughts on respective industries, social causes, the economy and politics. For Further Details: http://www.meetup.com/PIATriangle/

Raleigh Sai Center Parthi Sai devotees of Triangle area meet every Sunday from 4 - 6:15pm in the Mini-Hall of Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville. There is also a study circle, Bhajan Practice, Veda Chanting etc. between 4 - 5pm depending on the week, followed by bhajans from 5 - 6:15pm. The center carries out several service activities as well, including Human Values Education (SSE) classes for the children of diﬀerent age groups. For Further Details: rsc.president@yahoo.com raleighsaicenter.org

Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of nC The Ramakrishna Vedanta Society draws inspiration from the timeless, philosophical wisdom of the Vedanta as practiced and preached in the modern day by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Practical Vedanta and the message of the harmony of religions and the spiritual oneness are studied. Regardless of background and/or knowledge the organization welcomes participants. For Further Details: 919.806.5928 vedantanc@gmail.com www.vedantanc.org

RTP Maharashtra Mandal The Mandal is a home away from home for Marathi-speaking people. The goal of the Mandal is to advocate the vibrant culture, the rich heritage and the language of Maharashtra. The Mandal is dedicated to showcase the cultural, social and traditional attributes of Maharashtra to the local community through variety of entertaining programs, and events. For Further Details: mail@rtpmm.org www.rtpmm.org 118

April 2017

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Sahaj Marg Meditation (Triangle) Sahaj Marg translates to “The Natural Path.” It is a simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular spiritual practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives. Sahaj Marg system of meditation is freely oﬀered to seekers worldwide through Shri Ram Chandra Mission. In the Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sunday & Wednesday evenings. For Further Details: Raj Solanki - raj_solanki@yahoo.com www.srcm.org www.sahajmarg.org

Sahaja Meditation Ongoing meetings, seminars and workshops are available in Raleigh. There is never a charge for Sahaja Meditation instruction. RSVP in meetup: Sahaja-Meditation-TriangleGroup Thursdays at 7:30pm. Located at 9308 Fairbanks Dr, Raleigh, NC. For Further Details: balaram.krishna@gmail.com 919.757.3135 www.sahajamediation.com

Sewa RTP Sewa RTP - a chapter of Sewa International - is a team of volunteers who organize various activities - ranging from local community service to fundraisers for developmental projects in India. Currently Sewa RTP has following activities on monthly basis: Sewa Day, Workshops / Seminars, Assisting Community in Emergency situations, Chapter Meetings - 3rd Thursday of every month. Sewa International USA is a Hindu faith-based humanitarian service organization. For Further Details: www.sewausa.org/rtp

Sky Meditation and Kaya Kalpa Yoga Beneﬁts include longevity, wellness and stress management. Triangle Sky Meditation group holds weekly group meditation and simpliﬁed physical exercises every Friday in Cary for those who have attended Shri Vethathiri Maharishi’s Kaya Kalpa Yoga course. Kaya Kalpa Yoga Courses are held several times a year for anyone 14 years and above. For Further Details: Rajendran Kailasam - 919.824.8429 sky.cary@yahoo.com www.vethathiri.edu.in

South Indian Fine arts academy (SIFaa) SIFAA is a non-proﬁt organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music. For Further Details: 919.773.1580 www.sifaa.org

SV Temple of north Carolina The temple is built on over nine acres of centrally connected triangle area. This grand tribute to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts is designed to exacting standards of shilpa shasthra Saathee.com

and features the only shrine in North America to incorporate abodes to Lord Viswaksena and Lord Sudarshana/Lord Narasimha as part of Srinivasa Parivaram. The temple rituals are performed in accordance with Pancharathra Agama Shastra. For Further Details: 919.468.0040 comm@svtemplenc.org www.svtemplenc.org

Tamil Cultural association of north Carolina (TCa nC) TCA NC was formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of the organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area. For Further Details: tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org

Triangle area Telugu association (TaTa) TATA is committed to building a vibrant Telugu Community and promoting Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area of North Carolina. For Further Details: committee@tataonline.org www.tataonline.org

Triangle Bangladesh Society (TBSnC) TBSNC strives to arrange musical programs by artists who have captured the hearts and minds of millions of Bengali, Urdu and Hindi-speaking music fans all around the globe. For Further Details: Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org

Triangle Gujarati association (TGa) TGA’s mission is to promote and serve Gujarati culture in the Triangle area by organizing various events and programs throughout the year and impart Gujarati culture and language on the youth. For Further Details: nctga00@gmail.com www.nctga.org

Triangle Rang Mandal Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 - 10:30pm to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere. Special programs are organized on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti and on the occasion of Pujya Sri Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit to the US. For Further Details: rangmandal@gmail.com

Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS) The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues. For Further Details: barman@cs.unc.edu www.trianglevegsociety.org 120

April 2017

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Triangle Vipassana Meditation Vipassana, which means to see things as they are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques and was taught 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills. The Triangle Vipassana Meditation group holds weekly group sittings in Cary and Raleigh on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, a 3-hour sitting on the 3rd Sunday each month, and one full-day sitting once every few months for established students (those who have taken at least one ten day course). For Further Details: Hitesh & Vaibhavi Parekh - 732.213.9660 / 919.601.3555 carync.sittings@gmail.com www.dhamma.org

urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis, the Triangle’s Urdu Literary Society, meets monthly in the FedEx Global Education Center on the campus of UNC: Chapel Hill. Meetings include discussions of the life and works of major South Asian poets as well as opportunities to share original poetry and other writing. Urdu Majlis is cosponsored by the Carolina Asia Center and the South Asia Section of the UNC Department of Asian Studies. It is an intellectual endeavor with no political or religious aﬃliations. For Further Details: Afroz Taj - taj@unc.edu - 919.851.1119 Seema & Ashraf Faruqi - pasbaan@hotmail.com - 919.596.4792

Vaishnav Samaj of Triangle area A group of like-minded devotees who meet for religious worship and understand Pushti Marg Principles at large. Regular Bhajan recitations are held 2nd Sunday of the month from 4-6pm and Seniors are requested to encourage youngsters to participate in the activities. For Further Details: Arvindbhai Shah - 919.233.7677 Vithalbhai Shah - 919.803.9027

Vibha Raleigh Vibha is dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged children. The Raleigh Action Center has a group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers from varied backgrounds, including working professionals and students. This group came together through a strong belief in Vibha’s mission and resolved to create a positive societal impact in India. The group works to organize social events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the organization’s mission. For Further Details: volunteer@raleigh.vibha.org sites.vibha.org/nc

Vraj Education Raleigh Kendra The Vraj Education Raleigh Kendra is conducting comprehensive weekly teaching of Hinduism and Pushtibhakti Marg backed by Vraj Temple Pennsylvania. Raleigh Vaishnav children will get an opportunity to recognize, learn, and exercise Pushtimarg guidelines and leverage rich Shri Vallabh Mahaprabhuji heritage to improve individual life style. For Further Details: vraj.raleigh@gmail.com for timing and location information. www.facebook.com/VrajEducationCenter/ Saathee.com

Regional

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India (EVFI) was established to help in the overall development of the remote tribal and rural villages in India. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA along with EVFI is committed to the cause of eradicating illiteracy from tribal areas. Education is the key to self-esteem, self-sustenance, and economic freedom. The Carolinas Region of the EVFI USA conducts fundraising and awareness programs in Raleigh & Columbia. For Further Details: Southeast Regional President: Chander M. Aggarwal cmaggarwal44@gmail.com - 407.454.3739 Carolinas Regional President: Janak Dalal jaydalalcolumbia@gmail.com - 803.665.4050

Grihastha Family Institute The Grihastha Family Institute has a mission of preparing everyone with the basics and nuances of marriage and family management, and to compensate for the loss of traditional structures, norms and methods that used to support the family structure. 3 Day workshop camps and private consultations are available. For Further Details: krishna@grihastha.org www.grihastha.org

Hindu Society of Eastern nC (Greenville, nC) The temple celebrates major festivals and holds regular bhajan seesions and Geeta study. For Further Details: Temple - 252.752.2670 B.S. Srivatsa - 508.654.0360 Hindutemplenc@gmail.com

ISKCon Temple of the Holy name in Prabhupada Village The Temple of the Holy Name, situated in Prabhupada Village, a rural community, is a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Prabhupada Village is also home to the Bhaktivedanta Archives and the Festival of India. Everyone is welcome to take darshan of Sri Sri Parama Karuna Nitai Gaurasundara from 5am-7:30pm, 7 days a week. Special program every Sunday at 3pm with arati and kirtan, bhajans, discourse on the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and a pure, vegetarian feast. Festivals celebrated year round. Temple location: 1283 Prabhupada Rd. Sandy Ridge, NC 27046 For Further Details: 336.593.2322 tothn@iskconpv.org www.iskconpv.org

nithyananda Sangha north Carolina (Inner awakening) Inner Awakening works to spread the knowledge of Yoga and meditation by letting people experience the teachings of Vedic Science in its purest form delivered by the enlightened master Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda. Nithyananda Sangha North Carolina is part of a worldwide movement for meditation and healing. Paramahamsa Nithyananda is a global leader in the science of enlightenment and the author of more than 300 books published in 27 languages. For Further Details:

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Rural Yoga Community at Prabhupada Village Situated in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gathers its inspiration and guidance from the books, letters, lectures, and example of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada For Further Details: 336.593-8108 / 336.558-7340 madhuhadasa@gmail.com www.prabhupadavillage.com 1310 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046

Sri Somesvara Temple (asheville) The Sri Somesvara Temple is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It is a Vedic Shiva temple at the center of Mount Soma, a community commonly referred to as “Mount Kailash of the West.” People travel great distances to experience Sri Somesvara’s powerful Linga, profound silence, and timeless vibrations. The temple is open every day from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Aarti is at 6pm. For Further Details: 828.476.4073 www.srisomesvara.org

South Carolina

american South asian Cultural association of Columbia, SC The American South Asian Cultural association of Columbia’s fundamental goal is to increase cultural awareness and develop cultural understanding among American South Asian Community in Columbia, SC area. A lunch meeting will be held on the second Sunday every month between 12:30 2:30pm at Persis Biryani & Indian Grill, 1728 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Cost is $11 per person. For Further Details: Contact in the evenings: 803.233.7042 / 512.547.7077

Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Carolina Buddhist Vihara is a temple and monastery in South Carolina, USA. It is a non-proﬁt organization dedicated to oﬀering teachings of the Buddha, primarily by bringing Theravada Buddhist nuns and monks to Greenville. “Theravada” refers to the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism, the highly traditional school found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, and Thailand. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: 6:30pm (puja), 7pm (meditation), and 8pm (“Dhamma” talk or discussion). A youth program is also held once a month. The Temple is located 113 Woodridge Circle, Greenville, SC 29607 For Further Details: 864.329.9961 greenvillebv@gmail.com www.carolinabuddhist.net

Hanahan Table-Tennis Training Center The primary focus & mission of the HTTTC is creating a Saathee.com

professional image for the “sport” of “table-tennis” in the United States. The center is open on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 7-10pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 2-6pm. No partner needed but athletic attire is required. The center is located at City of Hanahan Gym on 1253 Yeamans Hall Road., Hanahan, SC 29410. For Further Details: 843.256.3949 tthanahan@hotmail.com www.tthanahan.com

Hindu Society of Greater Spartanburg A daily Aarti is conducted at 7pm, Balvihar classes are from 10-11:45am on scheduled Sundays, and Satsang is on second Sunday of every month from 5-7pm. Temple is located on 1130 Fairview Church Road in Boiling Springs, SC 29303. For Further Details: 864.599.7048

Hindu Temple and Center (Columbia, SC) The temple is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 12 noon and between 5pm and 8:30pm. On weekends, the temple is open between 8:30am to 1pm and 5pm to 8:30pm. Bal Gokulam (Sunday School) classes are held every Sunday from 10:30am to 12 noon. Classes are designed to help children build physical, mental, cultural, social & spiritual lives. It is located at 5704 Kiawah Road, Columbia, SC 29212. For Further Details: 803.772.6940 www.hindutemplesc.org

India assoc. of Greater Charleston (IaGC) The India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC) was incorporated when the residents of Indian origin in Charleston felt the need to organize a community of people who were interested in the culture and heritage of India and share the profound beauty of this culture with others. They celebrate various events throughout the year including Diwali & various Picnic gatherings. For Further Details: Omi Hasija (Chairperson) - 843.766.4661 iagcchs@gmail.com www.indiaassociationofgreatercharleston.com

Indian upstate Fellowship Service The Indian Upstate Fellowship holds weekly service on Sundays, 5:30 - 7:30pm, followed by dinner, in Greenville, SC. For Further Details: Pastor Suresh Jonnalagadda - 864.561.1016 www.indainupstatefellowship.org

Kannada association of Greater Greenville (KaGG) An organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Kannada culture in the Greater Greenville area of SC. KAGG is a primarily run by volunteers and invites Kannadigas living in and around Greenville area to participate in the organization. Kannada classes for children are also conducted. For Further Details: 864.430.4973 kaggculturalcommittee@gmail.com www.kagg-sc.org 124

April 2017

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Masjid noor-ul-Huda (MnH) The Mosque is open for five daily prayers in congregation every day of the year. On the first and third Saturday of every month from 6pm - 8 pm, an Islamic session is held by Hafiz Mohammed Basheer. Quran reading classes for children are also conducted daily. The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, SC. For Further Details: Masjid main number - 803.754.2632 info@noorulhuda.org / www.noorulhuda.org

Spartanburg Buddhist Center of SC The Center’s resident monks seek to preserve Theravada Buddhist traditions and welcomes all who are interested in Buddhism, Southeast Asian culture, or meditation. Since the center opened in 2010, a regular English-speaking group meets at 6pm on Thursdays for meditation, a brief Dhamma talk, and short discussions. The Center is located at 770 Bryant Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. For Further Details: 864.327.8726 https://www.facebook.com/spartanburgbuddhist2012

association caters to the cultural and social needs of the Telugu people living in and around Greater Greenville Area. TAGG organizes events to celebrate major festivals and organizes a picnic during the summer as scheduled activities. In addition, TAGG screens choice Telugu Movies mostly throughout the year and organizes special cultural events from time to time, usually performed by artists from USA and visiting from India. For Further Details: www.taggsc.org

Vedic Center of Greenville Daily Aarti is conducted Monday - Friday at 8pm. Bal Vihar classes are conducted Sundays from 11:15am - 12:30pm. Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam is held on 2nd Saturday of each month at 9am. The Center is located at 520 Bethel Road, Mauldin, SC 29662. For Further Details: President: Geera Desai - 864.451.4305 864.967.2852 www.vediccenterofgreenville.org

send your organization's updates and events to us by the 15th of the month for inclusion: info@saathee.com Visit saathee.com for regular updates

Telugu association of Greater Greenville Telugu Association of Greater Greenville (TAGG) is a nonproﬁt organization devoted to the awareness and promotion of Telugu Culture in the Greater Greenville Area. The

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Undocumented Workers continued from page 32

avocado and strawberries in peak harvest season, and that 95 percent of them are foreign-born. Ranch owner Ellen Brokaw said immigrant labor is essential to Ventura County’s farms. “There’s no way that we can take care of and pick our crops without immigrant labor,” she said. She said she has advertised widely for US-born workers, as part of rules tied to a guest worker program. But they don’t seem to want the job. “It’s hard work, and it’s not very well-paid,” she said. Starting pay is $12 to $13 an hour. “Sometimes some people apply, but almost never do any of them stay.” With a gross domestic product worth $2.448 trillion, California has the largest economy in the US and the sixthlargest in the world. It’s also the state with the most immigrants, more than a quarter of its population. These two facts are not unrelated — but the way immigrants build that economy is more complex than it seems. Betty Yee, California state controller, said undocumented immigrants’ labor is worth more than $180 billion a year to California’s economy — about equal to the 2015 gross domestic product for the entire state of Oklahoma. Labor from undocumented immigrants is fundamental not just to agriculture, but to child care, restaurants, hotels and construction. “This is a workforce, a supply of labor from our undocumented workforce, that actually does provide just the basic foundations of these sectors and industries of being able to succeed and thrive,” she said. Undocumented immigrants make up an estimated 10 percent of California’s workforce, and the work they do is often at the bottom rung of the wage scale. That’s part of what makes their place in the economy controversial and keeps the immigration debate heated. President Donald Trump argues that undocumented immigrants drain the economy, drive down wages and take jobs from US-born workers. For the most part, economists disagree. Major studies show immigration as a whole benefits the US economy, and that undocumented immigrants have little to no impact on employment levels of native-born workers. There is, however, debate about whether low-skilled immigrant labor puts downward pressure on wages for low-skilled workers, with some studies finding no effect and others finding immigration lowers wages for some low-skilled native workers and prior immigrants. But it’s complicated. An undocumented immigrant from Korea, who asked he not be named because of fears of deportation, said some immigrants may indeed be taking more than they give. “I’m not a Trump supporter but at the same time I don’t discredit everything he said. If he said there are some immigrants taking more, maybe there are some immigrants who are taking advantage of system,” he said, speaking through an interpreter. You could argue that he is one of them. He came from South Korea three years ago on a student visa and overstayed. Now, he works at a nightclub in Los Angeles and makes about $5,000 a month under the table, he said. He doesn’t pay taxes, although he said his employer does. But “taking advantage” cuts both ways. We met at Los Angeles’ Koreatown Immigrant Workers’ Alliance, where he’s looking for help collecting years of unpaid wages. His former

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boss has threatened to turn him in to immigration authorities in retaliation. The man said that’s just part of the immigrant experience. “I’m undocumented, I don’t have papers. I don’t have a Social Security number, I don’t have a green card, so it becomes kind of natural for employers to take advantage of me,” he said. “I just have to take it.” That’s the ﬂip side to undocumented immigrants’ contributions to the economy — businesses proﬁting more by paying vulnerable workers less. Some economists argue that immigration may make the pie grow — but leaves workers with a smaller slice. Los Angeles’ $18 billion garment industry is a case in point. Nearly all of the city’s garment workers are immigrants, many without papers. Last year, an investigation by the federal Labor Department found 85 percent of factories were breaking wage laws. “Wage theft is actually really good for business,” said Mar Martinez, coordinator of the Garment Workers Center, a workers’ advocacy group in Los Angeles’ Fashion District. She said garment workers, who are often paid by the piece, earn an average of $5 to $6 an hour — far below California’s $10.50 minimum wage. Factory owners, many of whom are themselves immigrants, get away with it because a large number of workers are undocumented and afraid to speak out. “Wage theft is normalized in the industry because of the kind [of] underground nature of the industry,” she said. “The answer should not be to exploit that person but to pay that person lawfully. And I think that that ultimately creates better wages for everybody.” Back at Brokaw Ranch, the pay’s not great, but it’s not bad — the product of an industry where labor demand outstrips supply. Workers harvesting avocados earn $16 to $20 an hour, depending on how fast they work. I caught up with a Mexican man named Luis as he hurried down a ladder with a sack of fruit, humping it downhill between the thickly planted trees to a collection bin. Asked about his job, he paused for a minute to catch his breath. “I wouldn’t think rich people would try to do the work we do, like going down the hills, up the hills,” he said. “It’s pretty heavy work.” But he plans to keep at it. It’s his fourth year working here, and at 21, he has a wife and family. He’s undocumented — “illegal, they call it,” he said, and so he does his best to keep his head down and stay on the right side of the law. “I’m trying to do good. ‘Cause I’m planning to live my whole life right here,” he said. “I like California. It’s a good state.” And with a wave, he heads back to work.

Thinking about Thinking continued from page 56

Truth is the return on our lies When we make our language ﬂexible and pliant, it helps us express more than what exists or can even exist. As I suggested, the creativity this enables may help us improve our collective lot in life. But it can also enable us to be political. We may use language, not simply as a tool that cuts through the unknown, but also as an artiﬁce that helps us gain at the expense of other. We have survived this way for eons. Man will live and die by logic … and “logic”.

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April 2017

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April 2017

POP’S PUZZLES & JOKES By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues across:

1. The basic monetary unit of USA. 6. A picture taken by a camera. 10. Skill; craftsmanship 11. The upper, thin bract enclosing the flowers in grasses. 13. “ __-BZ”, Saathee’s feature for testing your own IQ. 14. Maine. (*). 15. Brandy distilled from wine in the Gascony district, France. 17. Of or shaped like a figure bounded by three sides/angles. 19. Ground or Earth; land. 20. A member regarded as a descendent from Shem. 21. The Friday before Easter Sunday. (April 14, 2017) 23. In a position above, but in contact with and supported by. 24. Any class of word naming a person, thing, place etc. 25. A word by which a person or thing is known. 27. “ ___ Washington”, first president of the United States. 29. The possessive form of ‘HE’. 30. The basic unit of magnetic flux density in MKS system. 31. Massachusetts. (*) 33. Luxury Sedan. (*) 34. Puts (food) in mouth, chews if necessary and swallows. 35. Small fragments of igneous rock ejected from a volcano. 38. A long, thin, wood, metal, or usually fiberglass runner, fastened to boots, used in pairs, to glide over snow. 40. Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory. (*) 41. To offer in payment of an obligation. 42. To be filled with longing or desire; to feel sympathy. Saathee.com

Clues Down:

1. A slight wetness; moisture. 2. A natural mineral from which the metal can be extracted. 3. Local time. (*) 4. Victim of jokes played on first April. 5. “Hare ___ , Hare Krishna”. 6. Put wooden/metal pins so as to fasten or secure. 7. The mighty ape, Hindu God, an ardent disciple of Rama. 8. Texas Examination of Current Administrators and Teachers. (*) 9. Ounce. (*) 12. Capital of Michigan, USA. 15. Dryness and barrenness; lifelessness. 16. Immigration by Jews to Israel. 17. More than enough; superfluously. 18. A procession leaving a place of assembly. 19. A male descendant. 21. The creator and eternal ruler of the universe; almighty. 22. Living in the country; rustic. 26. A person who owns and operates a flour mill. 27. To enter. 28. Having nothing in it. 30. Capture; seize; to get hold of. 32. American Institute of Electrical Engineers. (*) 34. Eastern Standard Time (*) 36. To the same amount or degree; equally. 37. Literacy Research Association. (*) 39. Delaware. (*) (Puzzle solutions are on page 134. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee

Mafatlal: “Will this shirt shrink after a few washes?” Shop owner: “Sir, it may get torn, but it will not shrink.”

•••••••••••••• Chakram and his wife moved to Charlotte from New York. Booddhoo: “Have you developed a new circle of friends?” Chakram: “Heck no. My wife will not allow even a triangle.” •••••••••••••• Judge: “How long have you been married?” Mafatlal: “Twenty one years.“ Judge: “Is that not testimony to the qualities of you wife?” Mafatlal: “No. Only testimony to my powers of endurance.”

•••••••••••••• First prisoner: “Nobody comes here to visit you. Don’t you have any relatives?” Second prisoner: “I have many, but they all are here in the jail.”

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••••••••••••••

April 2017

Word Find (Created By Kirit Shukla)

Find & circle the words in the puzzle. (Subject: “Sociology”)

AGEISM CENSUS CLASS CRAZE CRY CULTURE DEMOGRAPHY DISASTER ESTEEM FAMILY GERONTOLOGY GOOD GROUP HEALTH INCOME

LAW LIES MINORITY MONEY PUBLIC RACISM RELIGION SACRED SELF STATUS SURVEY THEORY TIME VALUES

The unused 9 letters spell is ”The subject of this puzzle.”

Math Magic Use these numbers only once: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] 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 134)

EZ-BZ

TEST YOUR IQ

The common letters are “AO” - Fill in the blanks)

1. First class; superior; first-rate. A-O _ _ 2. Very unusual; remarkable. _ _ _ _ AO _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. “ _ Tse-Tung”, Chin. communist leader. (1893-1976) _ AO 4. A non-Muslim; ‘Kaffir’. _ _ AO _ _ 5. Former name of Mount Cook. AO _ _ _ _ _ 6. A tropical American tree of the sterculia family. _ _ _ AO 7. A Chinese religion founded by Lao-tzu. _ AO _ _ _ 8. Dried or salted codfish. _ _ _ _ _ AO 9. America On Line. (*) AO _ 10. Adjacent but outside the eyeball. _ _ _ _ AO _ _ _ _ _ 11. Extreme confusion or disorder. _ _ AO _ 12. “ ___ Gaekwad”, Maharaja of Baroda State, from 1875 to 1939 and a noted patron of the arts. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AO 13. A seaport in N Honshu, Japan. AO _ _ _ _ 14. A form of interactive entertainment in which an amateur singer sings along with recorded music. _ _ _ AO _ _ 15. The mother-in-law of Ruth. (Bible) _ AO _ _ 16. Largest island of the Netherlands Antilles. _ _ _ _ _ AO 17. The crying sound of a cat. _ _ AO _ 18. African Barbary sheep, with large horns. AO _ _ _ _ 19. A title of the ancient Egyptian king. _ _ _ _ AO _ 20. The wealthiest state of SE Brazil. _ AO _ _ _ _ _ 21. Hello or Goodbye in Italian language. _ _ AO 22. The traditional costume of Vietnamese woman; a long, high-necked, tunic split along the waist sides. AO _ _ _ 23. A person born or living in Laos. _ AO _ _ _ _ 24. Peshwa of Maratha empire. (1700-1740) _ _ _ _ _ AO 25. The main artery of the body. AO _ _ _

(Puzzle solutions are on page 134. NO peeking!) Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

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April 2017

Immigrants Checking In continued from page 90

member of his coalition. He teaches faith leaders and private citizens how to quietly provide comfort to embattled immigrants during hearings, while bearing witness to ICE practices. Before the new administration came along, he had nearly 600 volunteers. But the outpouring of support since the November election has filled three training sessions per week for the past five weeks. They say about 100 people show up per training. His goal is to help keep migrants from going underground. “The fear of living as a fugitive is very high,” says Ragbir. “People [would] rather not do that. They also want to show that they’re willing to do whatever is needed to live in this country, to be part of the system.” Ragbir himself will be an early test case for this program under the Trump administration. His annual check-in is scheduled for this Thursday at the federal building in downtown Manhattan where he brought his volunteers last week, and countless times before. This time, he plans to take about 15 people — faith leaders, community members and elected officials — into 26 Federal Plaza with him. “Yes, I’ll be there,” he says. “But I don’t know if they’ll handcuff me. We’ve seen the impact of this administration.” Ragbir’s entanglements with the US immigration system began in 2001, seven years after he immigrated to the US with a green card. That means he came as a legal permanent resident. He was convicted for wire fraud after the mortgage company that he worked for was investigated for fraudulent loan applications. He served a five-year jail sentence, then spent two years in immigration detention while he was in deportation proceedings. Alina Das is a professor at New York University School of Law and is representing Ragbir. “Because his conviction is considered an ‘aggravated felony’,” she says, “he wasn’t given a chance to cancel his deportation order.” Ragbir was released from immigration detention in 2008 under very onerous conditions of supervision, which included wearing an ankle monitor and reporting to immigration officials three times per week. It was then that he immersed himself in community work and was eventually hired to lead the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City. He is seeking to vacate his criminal conviction, saying he was denied due process and proper laws were not followed. If successful, Ragbir could seek to have his lawful permanent residency restored. In 2011, ICE granted him a stay of removal; officials exercised their discretion to not deport Ragbir, who was by then known both for his advocacy and his contributions to the immigrant community. He now checks in with immigration officials much less frequently. But his legal challenge to his criminal conviction won’t be heard in time for his next scheduled check-in and he’s not sure if immigration agents in the Trump administration will give him that chance before deporting him to Trinidad. The day after Trump was elected, Ragbir’s wife, Amy Gottlieb, says she feared the worst. “I was so devastated on so many levels,” she says. “I knew that this new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment and antiimmigrant policies were going to impact us directly.” She too works for a nonprofit, the social justice organization American Friends Service Committee. And she has accompanied Ragbir to all of his previous check-ins. “Ravi will walk in with people who know him and his Saathee.com

work,” says Father Juan Carlos Ruiz, who co-founded the New Sanctuary Coalition Movement. Ruiz will remain outside to hold prayers and organize participants in civil protest. “There are a lot of people who don’t have Ravi’s resources,” says Ruiz. “It’s really about the risk that too many immigrants face at [these check-ins], even after they’ve turned their lives around, they’ve formed families, they’ve paid their debts to society.” That’s why both Ragbir and the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City are scaling up the accompaniment program. They’ve been raising not only the number of volunteers, but also the profile of people they recruit to match name recognition with high risk cases like Ragbir’s. Ragbir declined to say which elected officials will be going to his appointment. According to Ruiz, they have attracted more clergy members and community leaders willing to lend a hand and spread the word. “People want to be present. They ask, ‘what can I do to help?’” ICE has not published a specific policy or statement about immigrants who bring supporters to their appointments. PRI has contacted ICE several times for comment on its accompaniment policies, but the agency has not responded. Ira Mehlman, the media director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which advocates for fewer immigrants in the US, says he has “no particular objection to people having a friend accompany them to an ICE hearing, [if the agency] has no policy against it.” Kyle Barron is a law student at New York University who collaborated with Ragbir for three years and has accompanied many people to the ICE field office in New York City. “It’s very much like the Social Security office, except for a palpable sense of fear and anxiety,” she says. “If they see that someone is part of a community, that they’re not alone, we have to think that it affects their decision.” Jamila Hammami, executive director of the nonprofit Queer Detainee Empowerment Project, says the group also sends social workers, case managers, staff and volunteers to accompany their members to appointments with federal agents. “We find it to be a great tool, as our folks don’t want to go ‘underground,’ but they do fear ICE,” she says. “It is completely understandable why they would, especially in this new era where ICE is picking up women from court while filing documents for domestic violence and folks are being picked up outside of church.” In El Paso, Texas, in February, immigration agents arrested an undocumented immigrant in court who had just won a protective order in a domestic violence case. Some attorneys say this has had a chilling effect on witnesses and victims of domestic violence who have become unwilling to testify. ICE agents also conducted a raid outside of a church homeless shelter in Virginia in early February. Barron says that when people are given a reprieve from the threat of deportation, it’s transformative. “It’s one of the most incredible things to recognize what people go through.” That’s the sense of relief that Gottlieb hopes to see on her husband’s face Thursday. “We’ve been pushing and struggling for humane immigration for so many years. Frankly we have not been successful at all, but the way that a person lives while feeling beaten down by the system — it’s exhausting.” Still, Ragbir will be at the federal building at 10:00 am on Thursday. And he hopes he’ll be home with his family that night.

132

April 2017

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Spot the Diﬀerences Solutions from page 68

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS

1. Words Removed 2. Words Removed 3. Man Removed 4. Color Changed 5. Seagull Added

april 2017 Apr. 1 - April Fool’s Day Apr. 5 - Rama Navami Apr. 7 - Kāmada Ekādashi Apr. 8 - Vāman Dwādashi Apr. 9 - Palm Sunday Apr. 11 - Hanuman Jayanti/Chaitry Purnima (Full Moon) Apr. 11 - Hazrat Ali Birthday Apr. 11 - Passover Begins Apr. 11 - Theravada Apr. 14 - Good Friday Apr. 14 - Baishakhi Apr. 16 - Easter Sunday Apr. 18 - Tax Day Apr. 22 - Earth Day Apr. 23 - Varuthini Ekādashi Apr. 23 - Lailat al Miraj Apr. 26 - Darsha Amās (No Moon) Apr. 26 - Administrative Professionals Day Apr. 28 - Akshay Trutiā / Parashurām Jayanti Apr. 28 - Arbor Day Apr. 30 - Ādi Shankarāchārya Jayanti

6. Dog Added 7. Window Removed 8. Color Changed 9. Family Removed 10. Person Added

5 1

3 6

Puzzle Solutions

from page 130

May 2017 May 1 - Gujarat– Maharashtra Day / Beltaine May 2 - Yom Ha'atzmaut May 5 - Cinco de Mayo May 6 - Mohini Ekādashi May 7 - Tagore Jayanti May 9 - Narasimha Jayanti May 10 - Karma Jayanti/Buddha Purnima (Full Moon) May 11 - Nārad Jayanti / Lailat Al Bara'ah May 14 - Mothers Day / Lag B'omer May 20 - Armed Forces Day May 22 - Aparā Ekādashi May 25 - Darsha Amās / Vat-Savitri Vrat (No Moon) May 27 - Ramadan starts May 28 - Maharaja Pratāp Jayanti May 29 - Guru Arjundav Shahid Day May 29 - Memorial Day May 31 - Shavout

Math Magic

from page 130

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135

April 2017

General Predictions for APRIl 2017

ASTROSCOPE aRIES (Mar 20 - apr 20) -

You've reached a dormant period, so you will not see any signiﬁcant changes until the end of the month. Watch your health and avoid disputes with friends or associates. Don’t get involved in new business deals; simply try to maintain the situation. The best thing you can do is “wait and watch” for now. Luck won’t be in your favor, but at the same time there won't be adversity either. On a positive note, travel for family matters will bring good results.

changes during this month. Be careful and don’t tell lies to achieve success. SCoRPIo (oct 23 - nov 22) -

TauRuS (apr 20 - May 21) -

This is the time to slow down in life. You may want to throw a party, but it is not advisable. Don’t get involved in new ventures and try to maintain your reputation. You will gain rewards in the coming weeks. Travel should also be avoided. It is advisable to spend some time for yourself. This will help you in rebuilding your reputation and personality. Income will rise.

GEMInI (May 21 - Jun 21) -

Your hopes and aspiration will be realized in this month. You can enter into new enterprises and there will be a lot of support from your well-wishers. This month will bring substantial gains in your business, trade, and job. Avoid travel as much as possible. The period is not good for your love life. You will see dramatic change in behavior of your relatives and family members.

CanCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22) -

You may have to change your plans due to unavoidable circumstances. You will see a change on the way; happening with good intentions. You may have to wait, so remain patient. Remember that while you may feel like you’re losing something, things will look up for you in the end. Keep working on your projects, and you will start seeing good results after second week of the month.

An unexpected positive turn in your social life will bring lots of luck for you. Your income is definitely going to rise due to your efforts. Don’t forget to be easy going and engaging this month. A birth announcement in the family is also possible. You may gain much success in your business or job and will gain favor with your senior officers and authorities. It will be an action-oriented period for you. In the first half of the month, you might face difficulties in day-to-day pursuits. Competitors will try to tarnish your image. A dispute with your partner is strongly indicated. The month will end with some improvements and a relaxed state of mind. Substantial financial gain is possible in last week of the month. Your friends or associates will bring good news for you. During this month however much you may try, you will not be able to maintain peaceful relations with your friends and siblings. Business-related travel could bring you good revenue in the second half of the month. Try to curb your expenses. The time is good for artists and politicians. This is not a good month to buy a new vehicle. Drive carefully. lEo (Jul 22 - aug 23) -

Now is the time to act and make quick decisions. You will be very active and busy during the month. Don’t try to avoid or skip your responsibilities. You may gain a lot of success in your business and will earn favor of your senior oﬃcers and authorities. Keep an eye on your partners. Handle any problem with daring and conﬁdence. You will enjoy your love life; be brave. VIRGo (aug 23 - Sep 23) -

During this month, you may lose your clarity of thought. You will feel lack of conﬁdence. You may not be able to remain perfectly tuned with colleagues. Risk-taking tendencies should be curbed. Your friends and associates will not come forward to help. Time will improve signiﬁcantly in the last week of the month. Some para-psychic powers will help you during this phase of life.

SaGITTaRIuS (nov 22 - Dec 21) -

CaPRICoRn (Dec 21 - Jan 20) -

aQuaRIuS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) -

Even though you will lose opportunity to gain higher status, a marked increase in your income is indicated. You will feel more courageous. Any journeys undertaken shall be fruitful. You will be interested in supporting your brothers and sisters. Your relations with your clients, associates and other concerned persons will deﬁnitely improve as the period rolls on. A speculation of inheritance could bring money for you. This period will give you mental anxiety. Try to develop a resistance towards the odds. Your spouse’s health problems may disturb you more. Your friends, siblings or associates will help you. Your family atmosphere will also be quite happy. Take advice from young but experienced people before making any decisions. You may develop an eye or throat-related problem. Don’t increase your debt.

lIBRa (Sep 23 - oct 23) -

Time will ﬂy for you. You will have tremendous energy to carry out day-to-day pursuits. You will dream and will try to materialize your dreams. You may lose control over your spending. Even though the time is very good and relaxing, do not make any major career or business-related

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PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) -

136

•By Jalendu Vaidya • Contact: 973-223-5047 www.jmvaidya.com

April 2017

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Serving North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia Saathee.com

137

April 2017

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

Subway for Sale: 2 locations in Goldsboro, NC . Low rent/operating costs. Call 848-219-9427. Gas station business for sale: Mount Airy, NC. High gas margin, good inside volume. Kitchen & diner is ready. $110,000 plus inv. Other businesses for sale including beauty shop. Call Rose Mun 704-649-0021. Jewelry Store for Sale in Charlotte mall. Currently running and profitable. Call Zack 252-673-6692. Properties for Sale: Motels in high traffic areas. Well maintained and renovations newly complete. Retail location w/ 4 renovated apartments (tenants on site). Serious buyers only. Call 336-244-4199. Gas Station/ Convenience Store for Sale in Greenville, SC area. BP brand. Net worth $75K + inv. Call 864-205-3825. Restaurant/Bar for Sale. Located in downtown Cary, NC. 6,800 SqFt. Specializing in Craft Beer, Bourbon, & Food. Pool Tables, Dart Boards and Patio. Great Rating on Facebook. Text inquiries to 919-935-8582. Convenience Store for Sale. No gas pumps. Inside Sales $30-35K. Asking Price $75K. Contact 336-615-0443. Dry Cleaners for Sale in Mooresville, NC. Drive-thru service and full plant. Great location in large strip mall. Contact KP at 304-237-4107. Indian & nepali Grocery Store for Sale (Central Market) near uptown Charlotte. Walking distance from 2 complexes with large South Asian population. Contact 704-763-2877 or kdhimal2@gmail.com Retail / Convenience Stores: C-Store: Monroe, NC $1.9M + Inv, Property Included; C-Store: Charlotte, NC $150K + Inv, Annual Sales $2.8M; C-Store: Landrum, SC $85K + Inv, Owner Financing Available; Call 704-821-8888 or visit www.Countysouth.biz.

Gas Station for lease in Jackson, NC. Inside sales: $30K, Gas $20K, Lottery $25K per month. Looking for $50K + inv. $1600 per month. Call 252-676-7454. Motel for Sale: Recently renovated 20room all brick Motel in Trion, GA. Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apartment w/ 3 bedrooms & full kitchen included. Owner financing available. Call 770-309-8156 or 813-484-0238. C-store for Sale or lease 45 miles from Columbia, SC along with displays for fresh produce & frozen items. Gross income $45K. Lotto $25K. Call 904-307-4770. Gas Station/C-Store w/ Deli for Sale in Gastonia, NC. High-traffic. Excellent location close to major highways & hospital. GR $2.5M. Must have capital for inventory. Contact 704-609-3047 or amitrpatel@hotmail.com. C-Stores with Gas available: Multiple locations in NC and SC with an average investment of $160k. Call Brian at 864300-4889.

Gas Station Help needed. Single or couple for location 1.5 hours east of Raleigh. Good pay. Fluent English required. Must have own transportation. Contact 919-389-5750.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Hotel Help Wanted in Charlotte. Competitive salary & accommodations provided. Front desk - all shifts (experience a plus) & housekeeper. Must be fluent in English. Call 704-464-4427 or e-mail 123nash@gmail.com.

assistant General Manager/Front Desk Manager needed for Franchise hotel in Charlotte to oversee operations. Fluent English & computer literacy a must. Email jaygogia@gmail.com or call 561460-4488.

Housekeeping Couple needed for independent Motel in South Carolina. Accommodations provided. Legal status required. Call 864-384-6900 only between 9am-5pm.

Motel Help Wanted: Couple needed for front desk & laundry at independent motel in Greenville, SC. Legal status & fluent English required. Contact 864-5179587 or 864-376-7543. Housekeeper needed for brand new Franchise hotel near Savannah, GA. Contact Ketal 843-540-3733.

Experienced Threading Practitioners or licensed Esthetician in Charlotte & Raleigh. New locations now open. Full or part-time. Great pay and flexibility. Experience required. Good English skills. Please call 980-322-1110 (M-F 9-5)

Manager needed for limited service Vegetarian Gujarati cook needed for property in South Carolina. Please call household in Concord, NC. Must have 803-517-4662. own transportation. Call 704-495-4590. Motel Help Wanted: Housekeeping, Housekeeping needed (single or couple) Managers & Night Auditors for for Franchise motel in Winston Salem. Independent & Franchise Motels in Carolina. Accommodations Accommodations provided. Legal status South provided. Call 803-387-6715. required. Call Jay 423-544-6834. licensed Esthetician for Eyebrow Gas Station Help Wanted Immediately: Threading needed in Greensboro, NC. Multiple stores in Greensboro area with full-time & part-time positions. Must have Call 336-686-7007. prior experience and be able to work Couple needed to manage motel in NC. flexible hours. Great pay! 336-509-4054. Must speak English. Excellent pay.

Accommodations provided. Call 910- Restaurant Servers and Hosts needed for full-service restaurant in Morrisville, 817-4313 or 910-995-1707. NC. Excellent Pay opportunity. Email Experienced Travel agents needed in resume to raleighbg@gmail.com or call North Carolina. Guaranteed salary plus Gas Station/Convenience Store for Sale other benefits. Sent resume to 919-523-6670. in Claxton, GA. $100k inside sales. Hotel Help Wanted: Experienced Front travelconsolidator1975@gmail.com. Contact Biren 912-704-2607. Desk Clerks needed for Franchise Hotel Housekeeping couple needed for Hotel Dry Cleaners for Sale in Spindale, NC. in Cleveland / Akron, Ohio. in Charlotte, NC and Manager needed Serious inquiries only. Contact Moe Patel Accommodations provided. No English for Hotel in Virginia. Fluent English 828-286-2816 or patel155565@yahoo.com. necessary. Call 919-673-7623 or required. Call Mr. Patel 828-446-3080. C-Store/Gas Station for lease/Sale in ram@omdevelopmentcorp.com. Front Desk Clerk needed for Motel in Gastonia, NC. Great Opportunity with Convenience store/gas station help Durham, NC. Must have front desk high potential. Only serious inquiries; wanted in Rock Hill, SC. Single or experience, computer literate, fluent in must have capital for goodwill/ Couple. Full-time or part-time. Good pay. English, and legal status.Call 919-452inventory. Please call 980-250-4995. Legal status required. Call 803-792-4452. 3131 or Email kenco00@hotmail.com.

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April 2017

Gas Station Help Wanted: Single or couple, full-time in Albemarle, NC. Must speak fluent English & have legal status. Experience a plus. Call 704-915-1026. Part-Time Gujurati nanny needed aSaP in Ballantyne Area. Evening hours around 4-7pm. Transportation must be available. Call 317-679-5408. Hotel Management Firm now Hiring: Housekeepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager of franchise hotels. Experience required. Email resumes to abcone@abcinns.com or call 704-649-6833 (M-F, 9AM-5PM).

live-In nanny needed to care for newborn in South Charlotte starting in May. Call or text 848-219-8450.

Retail Sales associate needed for Clothing & Sports Store in Columbia, SC. Must have legal status and speak fluent English. Opportunity to advance quickly to management. Contact 706877-0315. nanny needed to take care of 1.5 yearold + cooking near Concord Mills in Charlotte. Live-in/Live-out is fine. Call or text 814-431-3442. Kitchen Help needed for Hindu Center of Charlotte. Part-time cooking assistant for Maha Prasad. Call Ashok Shah at 704-460-5569. Full-time Gas Station help wanted in Rock Hill, SC. Must speak fluent English & have legal status. Call 704-737-7230. Hotel Help Wanted: Managers & housekeeping for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Experience required. Accommodations provided. Send resume to rsrkcorp@yahoo.com. Call 803-606-9994 between 12-6 pm.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

lanD FoR SalE:

learn about land in the apex, nC area (named the #1 place to live by Money Magazine). The landman, Bob atkinson can help! Call 919-362-6999 or visit www.learnaboutland.com Townhome for sale: Southpark area of Charlotte near Park Road Shopping center. 2 br and 1.5 bath, fireplace, two reserved parking spaces, Meyers Park High School district. $150k. Email rakavid@aol.com. Saathee.com

SERVICES

Fitting, Repair and alteration of Indian Dresses -- Punjabi, Chania Choli, Sari Fols, Pants (Lengths) and more. Good quality work and reasonable cost. Call Taraben Rana at 864-578-9450. Traveller's Inn: 820 Hospitality Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

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 Journalism Professor with four decades experience in academic writing offers editorial and writing services in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and marketing. Contact Prof. Sankaran Ramanathan Tel: 919-641-3545, E-mail: sankaran_ramanathan@hotmail.com. alterations for Indian outfits (blouses, dresses, sherwani) available in Charlotte, NC & Atlanta, GA. Contact Sewing Basket @ 678-571-7709.

neetaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Call for appointment. 704-968-0270. Wedding Photographer available for Virginia & North Carolina. Contact Shilp Shah 757-553-6319.

Fresh Homemade sweets and snacks available from award winning specialist. Pick up or delivery available in the Carolinas. Call for details. 336887-0440. Leave a message.

Beauty Parlor in Columbia and Charlotte area: Waxing, Threading, Bridal Henna & Makeup, Facials. Call for appointment: 704-526-8707.

looking for a multilingual Priest to perform Hindu Rituals at your home? Contact Sastriji 704-231-0751 or 704-6257578; Email: sastrigal2007@gmail.com

Pretty Face - Indian beauty parlour. Threading, facials, waxing, etc conveniently located in the Ballantyne /South Charlotte area. Call for appointment 704-726-8928.

Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All.

live Band for Garba / Raas, Wedding songs, bhajans. Advnaced booking required. Call 704-568-8206. 139

Pari Beauty In Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 27 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. Call: 704-846-7912. 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: 336-486-7925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com Gujarati Families: I am interested in learning everything Gujarati, culture, food, language, etc .If willing to help, please call Nik 803-579-1405. Certified Henna/Mehndi artist available in NC and other states. For all occasions (corporate, birthday parties, weddings, etc). For free consultation: 832-290-0059 or email: a r p n a 0 0 1 @ g m a i l . c o m ; Facebook.com/Nikki-Aggarwal-HennaArtist-1673373292919497/. Will work closely with you to meet your needs.

Priest available for the following 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 704438-6334. Garland Design Studio By: GP. Flower shop for all occasions. E-mail Ghanshyam.patel53@gmail.com or call 704-548-2852 / 704-779-0277. F a c e b o o k . c o m / GarlandDesignStudioByGp/

Saathee Classifieds Business ads are $25 Personal ads are $15 Upgrade to color or add a box for additional $10 Saathee.com ads posted daily (call for rates) We accept all credit cards and checks. Ads up to 25 words. Deadline for print is the 20th. Web ads daily.

How do I Submit classifieds? 1. on-line: saathee.com (classified section) 2. e-mail: info@saathee.com 3. Fax: 704.527.7590 4. For more info call 704.527.7570 Saathee Magazine PO Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220 April 2017

Advertisers Index Accounting Solutions (Muhammad Kamran Awan).137

DJ Desi (Amit Vasi)................................................... 28

Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices)..................................129

Aggarwal Group (Morgan Stanley).............................. 5

DJ Lalit (Lalit Hemnani)...........................................141

Patel, Tony (Real Estate)............................................21

AIM for Seva - (Shankar Mahadevan Concert)..........11

Embassy National Bank..............................................3

Pathak, Atul (Real Estate)..........................................37

Akruti Collections......................................................19

Eye Level..................................................................63

Payal Groceries........................................................ 31

Anand, Versha (Real Estate) .....................................17

Friends Travel.........................................................135

Piedmont Health (Gastroenterologist V Trivedi, MD) 103

Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants)......141

Gandhi International Market......................................42

PP Tax & Accounting Services.................................. 51

Aroma Indian Cuisine (Charlotte)...............................81

Geological Resources, Inc.......................................135

Puja Boutique (Charlotte)........................................103

Around The World Market (Charlotte)......................127

Global Mall / Legacy Jewels ..................................143

Raghu Mothukuri Allstate Agent................................41

Asiana Fusion.Sushi................................................. 19

GNC (Komal Deliwala - Health & Wellness Coach)....85

Rajbhog Foods....................................................... 119

Aspect Commerical Realty (Prashant Parmar).......... 97

Godavari (Truly South Indian - Charlotte)...................57

Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi)......41

Austin Village Eye Care (Dr. Keshav Bhat)..................83

Great Smiles Dental Group (Matthews, NC).............. 43

Raj's Photography.................................................... 85

Avani's Creations......................................................25

H2 Laser & Skin....................................................... 91

Ram Realty (Ram Kalagara)....................................105

Bappi Lahiri & Garima Khiste Concert (Charlotte, NC)21

Handy Andy Services..............................................101

Regal Oaks Dental .................................................133

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Charlotte)............61

Hindu Center of Charlotte (Events)...................... 72-75

Religious Ceremonies (Swminath Sastrigal)..............77

Barot, Tushar (State Farm)........................................ 47

Hull & Chandler, P.A. (Ketan Soni - Legal)..................53

Ribald Floral and Events......................................... 141

Bashyam, Spiro & Coats, LLP (Immigration Law)......95

Idolize Brows & Beauty ...........................................62

Ritu Selects - India Inspired Couture.........................89

Battineni, Sekhar (Real Estate)..................................27

Illume MD (Laser Hair Removal)................................17

Robert Brown LLC (Oza, Rishi: Immigration Law)....137

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

India Grocers (Charlotte).........................................111

Roop Beauty (Pooja Patel).........................................83

Bhowmik Dave Photography.................................... 53

Indian Expressions (Samir & Depalee Concert)......... 15

Rose Mun Realty (Businesses For Sale)....................41

Bipin Parekh Realty, LLC...........................................79

Insurance Shopping (Sonal Patel - Independent Agent) 27

S S Event Services (Event planning, Photo, Video).....36

Blooming Buds.......................................................137

International Community Church ............................. 62

Saffron Restaurant and Catering...............................45

Bollywood Photo Booth / DJ Hangama.....................77

ISSO - NC (International Swaminarayan Satsan Org)....58

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

Bombay Grille (Charlotte)........................................125

K & M Accounting.................................................... 45

Shah, Anish (Real Estate)................................... 34-35

British International School of Charlotte.....................30

Kabab-Je................................................................. 51

Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) .........................93

Cabarrus Co. Ext Master Gardener Volunteer Assoc. 86

Kasarla, Gopal & Veena (Real Estate & Mortgage).....78

Shining Stars Academy............................................ 87

Carolina Horse & Carriage........................................45

KB Zaveree.................................................................4

Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band)...................... 105

Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai)......................... 117

KD Financial & KMD Realty.......................................69

Shyama Beauty Parlour............................................31

Carolina Performing Arts (Sanam Marvi Concert)......16

Khanna & Sons Jewelers............................................9

Sithara (South Indian Restaurant - Charlotte)............78

Carolina Wedding Belle (Event Design & DĂŠcor)........47

Krut Systems (LED, Signs, Solar).................................8

SJ Iyer Realty............................................................19

Carolinas Christian Assembly....................................99

LED Lights (Smart Energy Solutions).......................142

Sonal Furniture (Atlanta)........................................... 24

CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel)................85

Maadhurya Photography..........................................23

S. Charlotte Endocrinology (K. Narasimhan, MD).... 109

Charlotte Chess Club ..............................................31

Maharani Indian Cuisine (Charlotte).......................... 83

Southern Oncology Specialists (Dr. Swetha Gujja).....86

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat ............................113

Malani Jewelers.....................................................144

Sri Somesvara Temple (Mt. Soma, North Carolina)....65

Charlotte Music School.............................................39

Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors)........................ 43

Sweta Bhardwaj 8 Spa...........................................107

Chaupatti (Casual Indina Kitchen - Charlotte)............89

Matthews Family Dentistry ...................................... 91

Thakkar, Beena (Realty)............................................ 29

..................................................101

Maxim Tours.............................................................65

The Blue Taj..............................................................71

CMAC (Saxophone concert by Dr. Kadri Gopalnath)..27

Meritage Homes.......................................................54

Travel Universe.......................................................121

Concha, David (Immigration Attorney).......................51

Mishra Architecture PLLC.........................................93

Travelinks................................................................. 77

Concord Children's Clinic ...................................... 91

MyTripFare (Travel agent)..........................................93

Ttravel Guru..............................................................46

Copper Restaurant (Charlotte)...................................71

Nagpal, Sunil MassMutual Financial Group)..............55

Tuggle Duggins, PA (Scott C. Gayle - Attorney at Law).. 93

County South Realty & Business Brokers............... 129

Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan)............................ 119

Tyagi, Rita (Real Estate).............................................49

Curry n' Cakes (Charlotte).........................................39

Neeta's Beauty Parlor.............................................126

Uni World Travel........................................................97

Dance Of India (Charlotte - Dr. Maha Gingrich)......... 20

North American Bancard ........................................ 13

Vallabh Pushti Samaj of Carolinas (VPSC).................67

Darji, Iyer, Joshi & Patel (Accounting & Tax Services).97

Nrityangan Cultural Academy (Ritu Mukherjee - Recital)29

Vedic Gardens..........................................................23 Vyas Travels..............................................................41

Chiro-Carolina

Dentist (Dr. Prashant Rao-Cedar Walk Dentistry).....105

OM Tech Training ...................................................107

Dentist (Pineville Dentistry - Lina V. Mistry, DDS)....... 99

Panache by Jia.........................................................49

Woodlands Vegetarian Cuisine (Charlotte).................48

Desai & Desai LLP (CPA & Financial Services)..........33

Paracha Ent. (Mika Singh Concert)........................... 12

Worldwide Travels ....................................................20

Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC)....................................107

Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine....................123

Yafa Halal Market & CafĂŠ........................................109

Devam Jewelers.........................................................7

Patel Brothers (Charlotte)..........................................38

Yogiraj Swami (Hindu Religious Ceremonies)..........103

Delhi Palace / Spices of India (Columbia)..................85

Patel, Champa (Real Estate)................................... 103

Zafran Kabab Palace (Charlotte / Pineville)................25

Saathee.com

140

April 2017

Ribald Floral & Events Specializing in South Asian Weddings • Mandaps • Fresh Flowers • Fresh Floral Garlands • Table Decorations • Room Decorations • Receptions • Linens & Dishware • and more!

WIDE SELECTION of MUSIC HINDI ♦ TAMIL ♦ TELUGU ♦ BHANGRA ♦ HIP HOP DANCE ♦ POP ♦ 70’S, 80’S & 90’S

ANNIVERSARIES, BIRTHDAYS, BRIDAL SHOWERS, BABY SHOWERS, CORPORATE EVENTS, HOUSE PARTIES, WEDDINGS OR RECEPTIONS

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ribaldfarms.net

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704-299-3610

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Serving Gas-Stations, Motels, Medical offices, Restaurants and all other businesses. C-Corp., S-Corp. & LLCs

www.abacconsulting.com

Anil Bedi (FCA, CPA, CGMA)

28 Years of Experience. serving the entire southeast, including North Carolina & south Carolina

Saathee.com

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April 2017

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open: M-F 9am to 6pm, Sat 10 to 5 (1/2 Mile from Patel Brothers & same shopping center as India Grocers) rebates Available with Duke Energy and other small utility companies in small towns. Call for details