Saathee Magazine July 2012 Charlotte

July 2012

Boating on the Kerala Backwaters

In this issue: Chinese Cars, Made in Bulgaria Do you need flood insurance?

Hello Readers!

Ragamala is a Bharatnatyam dance troupe based in Minnesota.

They will perform at the American Dance Festival in Durham in July. Read a fascinating interview with Ragamala on pg. 8.

Chinese cars. Made in Bulgaria? It was bound to happen. Now Chinese manufacturers are building cars in Bulgaria to keep the prices down. Read the story on pg. 14.

Should you also learn and do yoga if you are learning Indian dances? Go to pg. 30 to find out.

China is esablishing “Confucius Institutes” at colleges and universities across America. Are they an educational blessing or trojan horses? The story is on pg. 36.

Interest rates are their lowest in decades. Should you refinance your home? There are many things to consider if you are thinking about it. Go to pg. 68 for the details.

Do you need flood insurance? Read the article about it in our monthly business matters column on pg. 70.

Festivals and holidays are listed on pg. 118.

Find your astrological predictions for the month of July in the AstroScope on pg. 120.

Catch up on all the local and regional community organizations and events on pg. 90 and get up to the minute updates at our website: saathee.com.

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Quote: “It is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.” - Anonymous

July 2012 – Issue # 171 Editor: Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com) Publisher: Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com) Community News Editor: Rajesh Ganatra Ad Design / Layout: Nate “Nageshwar” Andrews Consultant: Himanshu Desai Executive Assistant: Suzie Tanis Contributors: Kirit Shukla, Rajesh Ganatra, Judith L. Bergman, Chandan Sen, Gail Z. Martin, Smitha Prasad, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Amanda Sodhi, Dilip Barman, Anjana Agarwal, Nirja Parikh, Anita Kulkarni, Jay Cohen, Sumeet P. Shah, A.J. Shah, Lakshmi Challa and Jalendu Vaidya.

All contents © 2012 Shukla Entertainment, Inc.

In This Issue Ragamala Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Chinese Cars, Made in Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Saathee Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22 Sangeet and Evergreen Film Lyrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Indian Classical Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 30 Stasis or Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32 Confucius Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Edit Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 38 Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 42 Children’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Astride three Continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48 Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 Healthwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52 Stock Tickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Personal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Marketing Turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62 The Chai Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 68 Business Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Cricket Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 72 Recipes of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74 Immigration Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 76 Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 82 Community Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 90 Pop’s Puzzles and Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 116 Festivals and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 118 AstroScope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 120 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 122 Puzzle Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 124 Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 124 Saathee.com

4

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 20th of the previous month.

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.

- Founded 1998 Saathee Magazine P.O. Box 11468 Charlotte, NC 28220 Phone: (704) 527-7570 Fax: (704) 527-7590 E-mail: saatheemag@hotmail.com

www.saathee.com Cover: Boating on the backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala are famous for canals and waterways that flow by towns, villages, temples, and churches. The picturesque area is very popular with tourists.

Photo: iStock

Saathee Magazine, USPS 021-116, is a free subscription magazine published monthly

by Shukla Entertainment Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Saathee, P.O. Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220-1468.

Postage paid at Charlotte, NC. (ISSN: 1543-8147) July 2012

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American Dance Festival

Ragamala Dance

By Dilip Barman

Aparna’s sister Ashwini also dances with Ragamala.

Trained in Bharatanatayam, the Ramaswamys view this ancient dance form as a platform. In collaboration with diverse and well-known international artists (including violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam, poet Robert Bly, and jazz musician Howard Levy), they use Bharatanatayam to tell universal stories.

Some of the dances that Ragamala have created include Yathra (Journey), which premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The dance is about the trajectory of human life from birth to death. The score includes the sitar of Shubhendra Rao and the pioneering use of Indian cello. Dhvee (Duality) shares both Indonesian and Indian interpretation of the Ramayana. Sthree is set to a score by Dr. L. Subramaniam and is inspired by the Tamilian epic Silappathikaram (The Anklet).

Using a Greek chorus, it probes fundamental Hindu concepts of karma and dharma in the context of the arts and literature of South India’s Sangam Period.

Sacred Earth celebrates the connections implicit in our daily lives that help us transcend the mundane and bridge to the divine. Sangam poetry, describing how wedded humans are with landscapes; the kolam “painted prayers” of Southeastern India, ephemeral designs made from rice flour and put on the front porch providing a daily link between the household and the universe; and ancient wall paintings of the Western Indian Warli people are all integrated into Sacred Earth. Accompanied

by South Indian musicians, the dance starts quietly and contemplatively, building to an affirmation of interconnectedness.

I had the pleasure of talking with Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy in mid-June 2012. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

By the time this issue of Saathee is published, the seventy-ninth annual American Dance Festival (ADF) will be underway in Durham. The oldest and largest festival dedicated to modern dance in the country, it runs through July 28, 2012 and includes 46 performances by 18 companies, including seven world premieres. My friend Jodee Nimerichter, who has been codirecting ADF from 2007-2011, was featured very favorably in an article in the May 25th New York Times as she takes on sole directorship.

As I mentioned last year, “If you think that you might see ballet, well, you might. If you think that you might see something much more modern and theatrical, you will. If you think that you might see amazingly strong athletic performances conveyed apparently effortlessly, with grace and beauty, that you definitely will see.” There are international and internationally acclaimed dance troupes, discussions with artists, matinees especially for children, film, and more. There is a concurrent ADF dance school which, this year, has 426 students from 18 countries and 42 US states.

Dilip: Thanks, Ranee and Aparna, for taking time to speak with me.

Let’s start with the name of your ensemble. Why “Ragamala”?

Ranee: A Painting in Motion was our first production in 1992. This work brought to life the Ragamala paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries. For our production, we commissioned large-scale paintings without the figures that were rear-projected onto the stage.

Aparna: Yes, we became the figures and expressed the moods, traits and iconography of each character. We were inspired by the confluence of art forms in these paintings and their ability to connect with people today.

South Asia, particularly India, certainly has strong dance traditions. ADF had a small festival in India in 1990 and two major Indian troupes recently performed at ADF. I’m excited that this year Ragamala Dance, a Bharatanatyam ensemble based in Minnesota, is presenting their Sacred Earth at ADF. Approximately 80 minutes long and having toured twenty-five cities to strong reviews, it will be performed on the evenings of July 10, 11, and 12, with a post-performance discussion on the first night.

Ragamala Dance, described by the New York Times as “an excellent company”, was founded by Ranee Ramaswamy, who shares artistic direction with her daughter Aparna. Aparna was named in 2010 by Dance Magazine as one of “25 to Watch”, the first time that a Bharatanatayam artist was so singled out.

Saathee.com

Dilip: Ranee, you have been settled in Minnesota for decades continued on page 12 8

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July 2012

Dilip: How have your dances been received in India?

Ranee: Very well. In 2010, we toured Sthree to eight cities in Kerala with the Soorya Festival and got wonderful reviews. In and, Aparna, you were raised in the United States. Could you 2011, we performed at NCPA Mumbai [India’s national center please reflect on challenges, as well as advantages, of being in for performing arts] , which also drew a lot of attention. This the diaspora while creating classically-based art? fall, we will be performing in Madras, Madurai, and Bangalore.

Aparna: We are senior disciples of the great Bharatanatayam dancer and choreographer Alarmel Valli. We met her when she Dilip: You have worked with very well-known poets and came to Minnesota to perform and conduct intensive musicians, such as Carnatic violinist L. Subramaniam. What workshops. We feel that the stars were truly aligned for this was your experience with Dr. Subramaniam like, in particular? meeting and, since then, it has been our greatest fortune to be Ranee: We had never met him. One morning I decided to email her students and learn the him and ask if he would consider creating a score for Sthree. subtleties and aesthetics of Honestly, I had no idea what would happen. Two weeks later I her dance. We are not sure if got a response that he was interested! We did everything via we would have even had a the internet and the phone. It’s funny how an ancient epic was chance to meet her or study brought to life through technology! He is a very busy man, in a with her if we had been different city or country every other day, but he was always living in India; we had to available on the phone and always pleasant. When our script come to Minnesota to meet a was complete and the ragas were established, we sent this to legend of the Indian arts! To him and he created the score. We only wanted to make a small study with Alarmel Valli, we change to one section, and he graciously accommodated us. traveled to Madras for four months each year to Dilip: Let’s talk about your piece Sacred Earth that you will be continue our intensive performing at ADF. I know that we could go on for hours about training in India. this rich piece, but, briefly, what inspired you to create this Ranee: Yes, because of this work? concentrated, but unique Aparna: Sacred Earth explores the interconnectedness between way of spending time with one’s guru, the pressure to meet her human emotions and the environment that shapes them. standards was great. As Bharatanatayam dancers living in the Inspired by the philosophies behind the ephemeral arts of United States, we feel a great responsibility to maintain the kolam and Warli painting and the Tamil Sangam literature of cultural, stylistic and aesthetic integrity of Bharatanatayam. India, Sacred Earth brings both internal and external landscapes This pressure and responsibility, along with the opportunity to to life. Each morning, women in southeastern India perform the experience the work of great artists from all cultures - in dance, silent ritual of kolam, making rice flour designs on the ground theater, and music - inspires us every day. as conscious offerings to Mother Earth. This daily ritual creates a sacred space and becomes a link between the intimate home Dilip: It must be very rewarding to have started a dance troupe and the vastness of the outside world. with family members.

The indigenous Warli people of western India revere the land, Ranee: It is a gift to have two daughters who dance with me and their dynamic wall paintings find the spiritual in the and run the company with me!

American Dance Festival continued from page 08

Dilip: What does modern dance mean to you and how does Bharatanatyam fit into it?

Ranee: We appreciate and watch a great deal of modern dance.

We admire the physicality, the freedom of not having to explain the meaning of each movement, and the comfort of costumes that allow for unrestricted movement. While Bharatanatyam does not share these exact qualities, it is just as creative an art form that is proud of its ancient roots.

Dilip: On both sides of the coin, I’m wondering what modern dance aficionados think about your dance, rooted in thousands of years of history, as well as what classical Indian dance lovers think about it.

Aparna: This is a great question. We don’t believe that the two groups you mentioned yearn for something all that different.

In our opinion, all great art is built on a strong foundation, whether it be a tradition, training, or inspiration. We see our work as steeped in tradition, and able to communicate contemporary thought and emotion. For us, Bharatanatyam is not a static tradition that binds us to existing dances and ritual.

Instead, it is a beautiful language that we use to convey the poetry of life. Therefore, we feel that both modern dance and Indian dance connoisseurs appreciate and understand our commitment to our roots while we look forward and create new work.

Saathee.com

12

everyday. For the Tamil Sangam poets of South India (300 BCE300 CE), the Earth was sacred. Recognizing that human activities are interwoven with all of creation, they drew parallels between inner and outer landscape and used the natural world as a metaphor to examine the intricacies of human emotion.

As Sacred Earth builds from silent, meditative beginnings, the performers create a sacred space to honor the divinity in the natural world and the sustenance we derive from it. We continued on page 78 July 2012

Chinese Cars

Made in Bulgaria China’s first car plant in Europe just revved up.

Can it succeed in a recession?

By Jodi Hilton - GlobalPost.com SOFIA, Bulgaria — There was an unusual display outside the city’s National Palace of Culture recently: a brand-new silver SUV, encased in a glass box and stamped with the words “Made in Lovech” — Bulgaria.

The Great Wall Hover was one of the first cars to roll off the assembly line at a new plant built by Great Wall Motors, one of China’s major car manufacturers, in association with the Bulgarian firm Litex. A celebration was held last month for the opening of the assembly plant about 90 miles east of Sofia.

This is China’s first major foray into car manufacturing in Europe. If Great Wall Motors succeeds, it will gain a muchcoveted foothold in the European market.

Chinese auto manufacturers have been trying for the last several years to break into the European market. As the debt crisis pushes the euro zone into recession, Chinese auto manufacturers see an opportunity to market their relatively inexpensive vehicles.

Other Chinese companies in the past have failed to meet stringent European safety standards. Great Wall Motors is the first Chinese auto manufacturer to have passed the European NCAP safety test, according to Bill Russo, a China auto-industry expert and former executive for Chrysler’s North East Asia division.

By assembling cars in the poorest EU countries, Great Wall Motors can ensure a ready and cheap labor supply while avoiding EU import taxes for its cars.

The new plant is located in an industrial zone outside the tumbledown village of Bahovitsa, population 1,100, where ordinary traffic consists of elderly pedestrians out to tend to their chickens, children riding bicycles and locals driving Soviet-era Lada automobiles.

“Probably a lot of people were doubting in such a place there could be such a company, the only factory of its kind in Bulgaria,” said Iliya Terziev, the executive director of Litex Motors.

This year, the plant will roll out only 2,000 cars. But Terziev said that he hopes the plant will be able to produce 50,000 cars annually when it’s running at full capacity in the next three or four years.

Great Wall Motors in cooperation with Litex will assemble three models in Bulgaria, beginning with a Voleex C-10, a small, five-door hatchback that will sell for about $11,000. The following year, Great Wall will also begin distributing two other models: a pickup truck called Steed and the Hover SUV at $20,000 — about $6,500 cheaper than popular SUVs like the Japanese Subaru Forester.

Inside the spacious and airy plant, groups of young men buzz around brightly colored vehicle shells, installing windshields, seats, engines and axels to pre-made exteriors.

Great Wall has so far hired 120 workers, and expects to hire Saathee.com

up to 2,000 more as production ramps up.

Atanas Novakov, 26, a recent graduate from Sofia Technical University, was hired last year and has worked his way up to team leader.

Brain-drain has plagued Bulgaria for the last decade, due to the fact that there aren’t many good jobs in Bulgaria for college graduates. “This is a great opportunity for guys like me, and very special for Bulgaria,” he said.

Launching an overseas operation in the midst of the European economic crisis is a risk.

In order to win, Great Wall will have to undercut competitors on price, Russo said. The Voleex C-10 will be priced a few thousand dollars less than the similarly styled Toyota Yaris.

Great Wall has also cleared another competitive hurdle for Chinese car manufacturers. Because it can cost about a billion dollars to design a car, many Chinese manufacturers started out copying models from rival companies.

Early on, some of Great Wall’s models have looked very similar to competitor’s vehicles, most notably in the 2006 case of Great Wall’s Peri, which Fiat accused of being a copy of its own Panda. An Italian court subsequently banned the Peri from being imported to Italy.

Great Wall now exports only models of unique design, which it has been doing successfully in many countries, notably Italy, Australia and the Ukraine, with help from an Italian design firm.

Meanwhile, in Bahovitsa, Kalin Krastev, the young, recently elected mayor, said that residents have generally responded positively to the plant. But they will be more receptive, Krastev said, when more jobs become available.

That’s what’s been promised, he said, but “how soon, they won’t say.”

Krastev has been driving a Great Wall truck — a loaner from the company — but probably wouldn’t buy one just now, he said, due to the high cost of gas and low wages, especially for civil servants. “They are not that expensive, but we are in Bulgaria.”

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4. 3 Bachelors “Dhoom Dham” Music: Daboo Malik Singers: Arvinder Singh & Kalpana 5. Department “Kammo” Music: Bappi Lahiri Singers: Mika Singh & Sudesh Bhosle

5 Ghantey Mien 5 Crore (Director: Faisal Saif) Cast: Meera, Abhishek Kumar, Shahwar Ali, Rashid Khan, and Kavita Radheshyam

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July 2012

Rawal admitted to the re-shuffle. But he told Bollywood Hungama, “Initially I was to play the role. But there were date issues, and I had to opt out. Now they’ve been sorted. So I am in.”

Film Clips

Farah and SRK Team-Up Again Farah Khan’s next film starring Shah Rukh Khan will apparently have five leads. While Boman Irani has been finalized for one of the roles, the other three actors are yet to be decided. Farah Khan is keen on introducing a new face for the film. Both she and SRK are excited about the movie as it brings them back after delivering two Bollywood blockbusters - Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. The film will go on the floors by the end of this year.

Bol Bachchan Set for July

The comedy blockbuster Bol Bachchan, featuring Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan with an appearance by Amitabh Bachchan, is set to open on Friday, July 6. The film is produced by Devgn and directed by Rohit Shetty. The film also stars Asin Thottumkal and Prachi Desai.

Ajay Devgn, who plays a pehelwan (bodybuilder) in the film, shocked the film’s crew by lifting a “ballam” and twirling it like a real bodybuilder. The director had picked a lighter ballam for Devgn but the actor insisted on picking up the real thing and impressed the whole crew. The film features music by Himesh Reshammiya and Ajay-Atul.

Manoj Kumar to Direct DNA Report Legendary actor and director Manoj Kumar is all set to return to direction with a film called DNA Report. This will be his first directorial venture since the film Clerk in 1989. “DNA Report is about how a man becomes a victim of a DNA test when he has never had any emotional or physical relationship with a woman. Then how does the DNA report say he’s the father of the woman’s child? This is a subject I’ve never been into,” Kumar told Bollywood Hungama. He added, “I am not a greedy film person even as an actor. While my contemporaries Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor acted in nearly 300 films each, I’ve done hardly 35 films in my entire career.” Among all the films that Manoj Kumar has directed, he considers the 1972 classic Shor his finest.

Freida Pinto Stars in Trishna Freida Pinto returns to India with her next film Trishna, which releases in the U.S. on July 13.

Co-starring Riz Ahmed, the film explores the tension between ancient privilege and modern equality, and comes from filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, director of the Angelina Jolie-Irrfan Khan film A Mighty Heart.

Based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel “Tess of the D’Ubervilles,” Pinto portrays the title character Trishna, who lives with her family in a village in Rajasthan, India’s largest state. As the eldest daughter, she works in a nearby resort to help pay the bills. Jay (Riz Ahmed) is the wealthy son of a property developer. When he takes up managing a resort at his father’s request, he meets Trishna at a dance and their fates cross. Jay finds every opportunity to win Trishna’s affection and she accepts his efforts with shy curiosity. But when the two move to Mumbai and become a couple, Jay’s deep family bond threatens the young lovers’ bliss. Trishna also features Roshan Seth and Anurag Kashyap.

Jackie Shroff in Dhoom 3 Yesteryear superstar Jackie Shroff has signed on for Yash Raj Film’s Dhoom 3. Producer Aditya Chopra approached Shroff to play a pivotal role in the third installment of the popular action packed franchise. In Dhoom 3 Shroff will share screen space with his Rangeela co-star Aamir Khan after a gap of 17 years.

Dhoom 3, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya also stars Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra and is slated for release in 2013.

No 3D for Joker Akshay Kumar fans will have to wait a little longer to see their star in 3D as Shirish Kunder’s sci-fi fantasy adventure film Joker, which stars Kumar in the lead, is no longer a 3D film. The makers of Joker wanted it to be the first 3D film with a big star, but since Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra.One and Don 2 have already been released in 3D, they decided against the format. Joker also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Shreyas Talpade and Minissha Lamba and will release worldwide on September 14, 2012..

Paresh Rawal replaces Prakash Raj in Sher

Ranbir Kapoor signs for Bombay Velvet

Wanted and Singham’s arch-villain Prakash Raj has walked out of the Sanjay Dutt-Vivek Oberoi starrer Sher. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Basically Prakash Raj walked out because of the constant changes in the script. By the time he came around to actually shooting, his role was very different from what he had been narrated. Prakash who is used to playing pivotal parts in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema opted out because of the fluid script.” Paresh Rawal, who has played numerous villains, has stepped in as a lastminute replacement. When asked about replacing Prakash Raj, Saathee.com

Anurag Kashyap has found his hero in Ranbir Kapoor for his ambitious dream project, Bombay Velvet. Kapoor will be romancing Anushka Sharma in the period film set in the sixties.

Apparently Kashyap originally had Ranveer Singh in mind for the lead role, but decided to go with the more bankable star Kapoor. The film is based on Mumbai Fables, a semi-fictional study of Bombay in the 1960s by Gyan Prakash, a historian and professor of history at Princeton University, is expected to go on floors by the end of this year.

22

July 2012

By Kirit Shukla

“Tribute to Past Lyricists”

Song: Shri Rāmachandra kripālu bhaju mana...

Film: Non-filmy Music: Hridaynath Mangeshkar Singer: Lata Mangeshkar Lyric: Tulsidās Based on Indian Classical Rāgā: Yaman Kalyān Taal/Rhythm: Roopak

Saint Tulsidās (1532 – 1623): One of the greatest writers and poets of Hindu scriptures; he wrote the classic epic “Rāmacharitmānas” in Avadhi (a language similar to Hindi). Tulsidas was born to Hulsi and Atmaram Shukla Dube in Rajapur, (Chitrakuta) Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Yamuna River. The legend has Lyrics in English: it that instead of crying at birth he uttered the name of “Rama.”

Shri Rāmachandra kripālu bhaju mana, Tulsidas grew up to be a poet, philosopher and reformer, known Harana bhava bhaya dārunam; Shri Ram...Nava kanja lochana for his devotion to Lord Rama. After being abandoned by his kanja mukha, kara kanja pada kanjārunam parents after birth, his mother’s servant, Chuniya, took him to Kandarpa aganita amita chavi, nava neela neerada sundaram her village of Haripur and took care of him for about five years, Pata pita mānahu tadita ruchi suchi, navmi janaka sutāvaram until her death. He became an orphan and was adopted by Bhaju deena bandhu dinesh dānava, daitya vansha Narharidās, a Vaishnava, who became his first Guru and nikandanam Raghunanda ānand kanda koushala chanda repeatedly narrated the story of Rama to him. Tulsidas went to dasaratha nandanam Shira mukuta kundala tilaka chāru, udāra Varanasi and studied the Vedas, Sanskrit, and astrology and anga vibushanam Āajanu bhuja sharachāp dhara, sangrāma jita began narrating the Rama Katha. One day, when his wife went khara dushanam to visit her father, he swam across the Yamuna to see her in the Iti vadati Tulasidās shankara, sesha muni mana ranjanam middle of the night. She remarked that if he were even half as Mama hriday kunja nivās kuru, kāmādi khala dala ganjanam. devoted to God as he was to her body of flesh and blood, he would be redeemed. Those words changed his life. After that he Meaning (Summary): Praise Lord Sri Rama, O Heart! for he became a sadhu (Hindu ascetic) and spent most of his time at removes the fear of cycles of birth and death and other Varanasi, Prayag, Ayodhyā and Chitrakuta. He traveled across perils. His eyes, face, hands and legs are all like freshly India to meet saints and the people for the purpose of meditation. blossomed lotuses. Praise Lord Rama, whose beauty is In 1575, he wrote the epic poem “Rāmacharitmānas” (Rama unparallel by even countless cupids, whose body is like a Kathā) partly in Sanskrit and Avadhi languages, in Ayodhā (the beautiful blue cloud, whose garb gleams like lightning and birthplace of Rama). This epic is broken up into stanzas called who is married to the daughter of Janaka. Sing the glory of the Chaupāis, Dohās or couplets which can be sung to any Ragas. It lord, who is the upholder of the poor and who vanquished the is filled with exquisite poetry and consists of seven chapters demonic races. He is the moon of queen Koushalyā and the which cover the different periods of Lord Rama’s life, taking us dearest to the King Dasaratha. Praise Lord Ram, who wears a right from his boyhood through his exile and his life in the forest, crown, adorned with ear rings, tilak on his forehead and who is to the abduction of Sita, the war with Rawana in Lanka and the decorated with jewelery. He who has long arms, who bears a recovery of his wife Sita, and finally establishing Rama Rājya. bow and arrow and defeated Khar – Dushan in battle. Tulsidās The last chapter is philosophical and gives advice on how to live proclaims, O! Lord you have filled the hearts of Lord Shiva, a better life. He sent the manuscript of the “Rāmacharitmānas” Ādisesha and Saints with bliss. Please reside in my heart and to his friend Todarmal, the finance minister of Mogul emperor expurgate the inferior feelings of desire.

Akbar. Abdur Rahim, famous Muslim poet in the court Akbar, wrote that the “Rāmacharitmānas” is the breath of the life of saints. This Kathā is being narrated and explained in detail even today by many scholars like Shri Morāri Bapu, Bhāi Shri and others in India and across the world. Tulsidas passed away on the Assi Ghāt, on the bank of the river Ganga. Like the year of his birth, traditional accounts and biographers do not agree on the exact date of his death. Through Asia, the Ramayana has served not only as poetry, but as the ideal of life and embodiment of the principles, as the basis for festivals, plays and rituals, as the foundation for religion and as an eternal tale of love and duty. Other works include: Dohāvali, Kavitāvali, Gitāvali, Krishna Gitāvali, Hanuman Chālisā, and Vinay Patrikā.

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

See this song on Nazar Television in July.

Visit saathee.com for Nazar Television local listings.

Saathee.com

24

July 2012

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July 2012

How to initiate children to enjoy classical music

By Anita Kulkarni

Evolution of Carnatic music - a series

By Smitha K. Prasad Dear readers, over the past few columns, we have looked at the contribution of women to the ever evolving field of Carnatic music. Women started off as mainly composers and then with the passage of time, rose to become prominent performers. This month, we look at the last of the trinity of female performersSmt. D. K. Pattammal.

Smt. Damal Krishnaswamy Pattammal (1919-2009) was born into an orthodox Brahmin family. Her father, a music enthusiast, inspired her to learn music. Her mother, despite being a talented singer, was not allowed to perform in public; in fact, even singing for family and relatives was not permitted in keeping with the orthodox tradition that Brahmin women were not allowed to perform on stage. As a child, Pattammal attended numerous concerts and on returning home would notate the krithis (musical compositions) that she had heard in the concert.

She then trained under many vidwans to acquire a rich repertoire of compositions. She was a trailblazer in the field of Carnatic music by being the first Brahmin woman to perform publicly. Pattammal was also the first woman to perform complex concert items such as the Ragam Tanam Pallavi in intricate talas (rhythmic cycles).

Pattammal was one of the earliest musicians to sing in films.

Readers may remember from previous columns that Smt. Pattammal only sang songs in films if they were either devotional or patriotic.

Several of her films highlighted India’s freedom movement against the British; as a result, they were banned by the British government. Her signature song “Shanti Nilava Vendum” called for world peace reiterating the non-violent ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi. Many people still remember the patriotic songs that she sang over AIR (All India Radio) at the stroke of midnight on August 14, 1947 when India attained freedom from British rule.

Smt. Pattammal, like the other musicians in the trinity of female Carnatic musicians, also received the Sangitha Kalanidhi title (in 1970). Additionally, she received the Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian honor) in 1998.

Till we meet next time, do listen to one of Smt. Pattammal’s most popular songs “Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai”- you will be able to find clips of her rendition on the Internet, either on YouTube or other similar services.

She also has many recordings that are available from music sellers.

Encourage singing for fun. Many children enjoy singing songs with their parents or friends as a group activity. Teach them simple sing-along songs or bhajans. Children have a very fast grasping ability, and will be humming along to any tunes you teach them. In fact, if this is made a group activity with other children, they will be more enthusiastic to meet their friends and sing together on a regular basis, develop the artistic skill in singing or playing instrument in them.

Once your child reaches around seven years of age, enroll him in music classes if he has shown a consistent interest in music.

Initially, music classes will be about exposing your child to the basics of swara and tala, while instilling the discipline of learning in a systematic method.

You all know, these are just some guidelines to nurturing the musical instincts of your child. The more music reaches their ears, the more likely they will seek it out as they grow up!

I’m glad to announce that I’ve started a ‘Raag Sarita’ series on www.anitakulkarni.com under the video section. I’ve covered about ‘The History and Introduction of Hindustani Classical Music’ and the term ‘Raga’. In the next episode, I’ll introduce the most popular ‘Raga-Yaman’. Your feedback through email will be appreciated.

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By Dr. Maha Gingrich Do dancers need to know Yoga?

Recently, I am noticing that most of the kids are not very flexible. Due to busy schedules of parents and kids, many kids do not take time to stretch. As dance teachers, that will pose a challenge to teach intricate dances with difficult Karanas or a sequence of poses to students. Dance and Yoga are connected in many ways.

I read that Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra was inspired by an encounter with Lord Nataraja (The founder of Dances). If that is true, I can easily see the connection. Yoga means Union. Yoga and dance both begin with union of the body and mind. Both are approached in sequence through logical steps. Both are universal sciences, suited to all students who seek self realization.

We begin dance with Namaste (Salutation) just like (Surya Namaskar) sun salutations in Yoga. Using the Anjali or prayer hand gesture, we touch our forehead which represents the Ajna Chakra in Yoga, and then we bring our hands down to our chest which represents Anahata Chakra. Even the hand gesture (mudra) for meditation is Arala in both yoga and dance. When I was teaching yoga, I taught these dance hand gestures (Hasthas) to people suffering with arthritis.

I also taught the Vrikshasana, the tree pose (Standing on one foot), among others, with dance movements to find both inner and outer balance. Many of the advanced poses in dance require flexibility of body and a systematic way to control the body movements. Out of 108 poses (Karanas), very few can be performed without training in Yoga for flexibility.

Even the word Hatha Yoga would mean the balance of Ha (Sun) and Tha (Moon) that are part of our dance ornaments that we place as part of our head dress. Dancers need to balance these two forms representing masculine and feminine energies.

We need to have the strength in our foot steps while depicting the graceful movements with our hands.

I strongly recommend that during summertime or anytime during the year enroll your child in Yoga classes or buy a yoga DVD and practice yoga with your child at home. There are Yoga DVD’s specifically for kids, too. Flexibility has to start at an early age. This will prevent injuries from sports and other activities. This will also increase their endurance and will improve their posture.

I know personally that dance and yoga have influenced all aspects of my life. I always say that dance is a meditation in motion. It is a gift given to our culture and many other cultures around the world. Take time to enjoy and appreciate your gift.

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July 2012

Stasis or Crisis?

How did we get here?

Since the UPA’s second term began in 2009, economists and investors have been clamoring for new financial reforms that will reduce India’s budget deficit and stimulate its now slowing growth. But corruption allegations that forced Singh to remove his former telecommunications minister and brought tens of thousands of protesters onto the streets weakened his Congress Party’s mandate.

As a result, the prime minister was not able to push through any significant financial reforms during his government’s twoyear, post-election honeymoon period.

Meanwhile, despite concerns about a rising budget deficit, his government passed laws enshrining universal education as a basic right and expanding a government food subsidy to cover three-quarters of the rural population and half of city dwellers — which some estimates say will cost nearly $20 billion.

Singh’s “Report to the People” at the UPA anniversary function on Tuesday heralded as achievements four bills aimed at curbing corruption by making the government more efficient and transparent — including one designed to create nationaland state-level ombudsmen, which was demanded by anticorruption activist Anna Hazare last year.

But all four are still far from being passed.

Worse, opposition from Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress — a new coalition partner for the UPA in its second term — forced Singh to roll back a move to allow direct investments from big foreign retailers like Walmart through executive fiat in December, killing his only significant attempt at economic reform and sparking accusations of “policy paralysis.”

“Managing the economy has become almost synonymous with managing the coalition,” said Pai Panandiker, president of the RPG Foundation, an independent think tank.

“They [Singh and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi] are not able to manage the coalition,” Panandiker said, referring to the opposition to economic reforms from Congress Party allies like the Trinamool Congress. “That is why they they cannot manage the economy. That is the crux of the whole problem.”

Government paralysis has already taken a toll. Economic growth dropped below 7 percent last year, India’s slowest pace since the 2008 global financial crisis.

Factory output fell by an 3.5 percent in March. Foreign institutional investors — that is, fund managers in the US and Europe — pulled $140 million out of Indian markets in April, exacerbating a plunge that has seen the rupee plummet more than 10 percent against the dollar since March 1. And though most analysts say it’s too soon for comparisons to the balance of payments crisis of 1991, what few measures Singh’s government has taken have served only to throw gasoline on the fire.

“The final trigger came with the political outcomes in Greece and in France,” said Shubhata Rao, chief economist at Yes Bank.

But the foundation was laid by “the measures introduced in the budget, which weren’t really global-investment friendly.”

Breaching an unheard of 56 against the dollar this week, the rupee has been hitting record lows on a daily basis. Some say it could be headed for 60, raising the specter of a vicious cycle and a possible crisis if foreigners abandon Indian markets wholesale. But as recently as this January, when investors were looking forward to a possible rate cut from the central bank and a bold new budget from the finance ministry, it was Asia’s best performing currency.

The battered Rupee and its effects

By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost.com COIMBATORE, India — Combating charges of “policy paralysis,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised India’s gas prices by the steepest amount ever on Wednesday, in an effort to woo back foreign investors and slow the fall of the plummeting rupee.

But the sudden, bold, and much needed move could well put an end to hopes of a third term for his United Progressive Alliance coalition — and could also lead to a call for early polls.

By hiking the petrol prices charged by India’s state-owned oil companies nearly eight rupees per liter — or more than 10 percent — the government will dramatically reduce fuel subsidies, and thus reduce the fiscal deficit. But even though that is exactly the move that economists and investors have demanded to signal that Singh is willing to make the hard choices needed to get India’s economy, and the rupee, back on track, he is already facing demands that he reverse the decision from his coalition partners.

This could be the beleaguered prime minister’s moment of truth. If he faces down his recalcitrant allies, Singh could once again emerge as the hero of reforms who averted a financial crisis and put India on the path to rapid growth in 1991.

If he caves to pressure, he could erase any achievements he has made since taking office in 2004 and send India’s flagging economy spiraling. Sticking to his guns might bring down the government, forcing snap polls. And rolling back yet another policy would virtually ensure his Congress Party’s failure in the next scheduled election.

For now, however briefly, the prime minister appears to have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

His most truculent ally, Mamata Banerjee of the West Bengalbased Trinamool Congress, has intimated that she has no plans to withdraw support for the government — despite her howls of protest over the petrol price hike. And though he has also criticized the petrol price hike, Mulayam Singh Yadav, the head of another powerful regional party that is not yet part of the UPA, was seated on the dais at a function celebrating the third anniversary of the coalition’s second term on Tuesday, suggesting that Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi may already have secured Yadav’s backup if Banerjee does pull out.

Still, the maneuver truly came at the eleventh hour. And it remains to be seen if it will be enough. The rupee continued to slide Thursday, setting a new record low of 56.4 against the dollar in intraday trading after closing at 55.98 the day before.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports speculated that a panel of government ministers have discussed a price hike in diesel and kerosene. A move that would be even riskier politically.

Saathee.com

continued on page 80 32

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The US has 325 of these controversial Chinese cultural outposts. Some Americans sing their praises, while others fear the long-term impact.

By Benjamin Carlson - GlobalPost.com HONG KONG, China — An increasing number of American universities have at least one interest in common with China’s Communist government: Confucius Institutes.

First established in 2004, these controversial cultural outposts have multiplied at colleges around the country, with over 80 in the US this year — more than any other country in the world.

Funded by Beijing, and explicitly designed to improve China’s “soft power” around the globe, Confucius Institutes came under fire in May 2012 when the US State Department unexpectedly announced new rules targeting them.

In a recent surprise announcement on May 17, the US said that many of the program’s language teachers were in America on improper visas, and would have to leave the country to reapply. In addition, the note said that Confucius Institutes would have to obtain additional accreditation.

The rules caused a stir in China, where netizens Whatever its motive, mocked both countries, and a nobody can doubt that nationalist tabloid asked, “Why is Washington so Confucius Institutes are a afraid of Confucius?” In core part of the Chinese America, affiliated Govt strategy to build soft universities scrambled to power around the world. compose defenses for their Confucius Institute staff.

Many speculated that the policy was America’s tit-for-tat response to China’s crackdown on illegal foreigners.

Less than a day later, after a furious diplomatic back-andforth, the State Department reversed itself completely. Now, it said, teachers could stay in the US, and would even get US government help to obtain the correct documents. The department spokesman went so far as to call the original decision “sloppy and not complete.”

Why such a big blowup over a few dozen cultural facilities?

While many people see the institutes as benign, bringing skilled language instruction to far-flung universities like Kansas, New Hampshire and Texas — not to mention Stanford and Columbia — critics worry about the long-term impact of having Communist Party-sponsored facilities on American campuses.

“The [Confucius Institute] is a tool of the Chinese government and Communist Party to promote China’s interest Saathee.com

abroad,” says Chris Reardon, a China expert at the University of New Hampshire, which has one of these institutes. “It is up to the foreign host institution to institute safeguards and oversight.”

In particular, critics worry that the Confucius Institutes could inhibit academic freedom by refusing to engage in debate over issues that Beijing views as sensitive: Tibet, Taiwan, China’s military, Falun Gong.

Many users of China’s microblog service, Weibo, share this view. “It’s very necessary for the US to prevent China from promoting enslaving education and authoritarian thoughts,” wrote one.

“The teachers probably only teach about enslavement and dictatorship. Teachers from Taiwan won’t be sent back,” wrote another.

Moreover, some people believe that because of their ties to Beijing Confucius Institutes could serve as a cover for monitoring Chinese students abroad, industrial espionage and recruiting spies.

In testimony before Congress this March, Steven Mosher of the Population Research Institute, a human rights NGO, pointed out that the parent organization of Confucius Institutes, Hanban, is indirectly controlled by China’s United Front Work Department, which is responsible for “subversion, cooption and control.” He cited the work of James F. Paradise of UCLA, who called the institutes “Trojan horses” for China.

Perhaps even more telling, the propaganda chief of China has said that the Confucius Institutes are “an important part of China’s overseas propaganda set-up.”

But defenders point out that these fears are still only hypothetical. As it stands, Confucius Institutes simply offer straightforward language and cultural programming.

In April, middle school students in Alabama were treated to a traditional Chinese orchestral concert at Troy University’s Confucius Institute. And for universities that lack adequate Chinese instruction, the institutes can seem like a blessing; each institute brings $100,000 to several million dollars in funding per year, along with native Chinese teachers and cultural events.

“Among the faculty who teach about Asia, there was considerable concern originally about the Confucius Institute,” said Kristin Stapleton, director of the institute at the University of Buffalo. “Some thought it [would] lead to attempts to influence academic programs on campus. However, those fears have subsided, as our programs have developed and people have seen their worth.

“So far, we have not experienced any attempt to limit our academic freedom. … They give us a lot of latitude to accomplish those goals and have never tried to interfere with our school’s academic freedom. If they did, of course we would not be able to host a Confucius Institute.”

Whatever its motive, nobody can doubt that Confucius Institutes are a core part of the Chinese government’s strategy to build its soft power around the world. Since the program was founded in 2004, Beijing has spent more than $500 million, according to estimates from Bloomberg.

By 2020, Beijing wants to have 1,000 of them, up from 325 today.

Of course, the US is engaged in a bit of cultural diplomacy of its own, even with the drawdown in spending since the Cold War. The University of Nebraska, for its part, has set up an institute to promote American culture and history in Xi’an, China, where it gives programs on jazz and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.”

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By Swapna Krishna The Newlyweds Author: Nell Freudenberger (Knopf) Amina Mazid is a woman living in Bangladesh, and at twenty-four, she is about to be married. Not to just anyone, though - Amina is going to move to Rochester, New York with her new husband George Stillman, whom she met on an online dating site. Amina is excited to build a future in a new country with her new husband, but she has unrevealed desires and hopes of which she tells George nothing. What Amina doesn’t know, though, is that George is harboring his own secrets that could tear their delicate marriage apart.

“The Newlyweds” is a beautifully depicted cross-cultural story of two very different people. The novel is told from Amina’s point of view, and her story is, in some ways, a very sad one. She is leaving everything she knows and loves in hopes that she will have a better future with George in America. But, at the same time, she doesn’t feel that she can truly confide in George. From the beginning, she wants her parents to come live with her and George in Rochester, yet she knows that George isn’t willing to invite them into their home permanently. This lack of communication is telling and characterizes the marriage for much of the novel.

It’s interesting when the main character isn’t necessarily the most sympathetic, which is the case in “The Newlyweds.”

That’s not to say that Amina isn’t likeable, but that it’s George who many will likely feel for the most. The cultural differences between Amina and George are vast, yet it’s often him, rather than her, who is willing to bridge the gap. It brings up the question of compromise, which is so important in marriage and is relevant whether your marriage is cross-cultural or not. It also will provoke thoughts of what Amina might owe George - is she beholden to him for marrying her and providing her with a chance at a better life, or is that to be expected because he’s in love with her?

That being said, Amina is a woman that readers will fall in love with, despite her flaws, or rather, because of them. She is torn between what she wants and what George wants, what her culture dictates versus what might make her marriage a little better, a little easier. Her experiences in Rochester with a brand new culture make for a quintessential immigrant tale, and Amina’s thoughts about the process illustrate it beautifully.

Nell Freudenberger’s writing in “The Newlyweds” is poetic.

She constructs her characters so carefully, with such art, that the reader comes to know them intimately by the end of the novel. It’s difficult to remember that Amina is part of Fredenberger’s imagination, rather than a woman living her life in Rochester, beyond the confines of the book.

This is a quiet novel that speaks in whispers, in hushed tones that contain incisive observations and profound thoughts. It’s not about explosive revelations or twists and turns; instead, it’s about subtlety. In fact, it’s difficult to understand exactly what Saathee.com

the driving force of the novel is. In a less talented author’s hands, it could have easily been boring, dragging on for chapters where nothing happens. But Freudenberger makes this novel as compelling as any fast-paced thriller. Readers will race to discover what happens to Amina as she tries to find her way in the United States. Freudenberger has left the novel openended, and readers will clamor for a sequel as no one will be quite ready to let go of Amina and George when the last pages are finished.

The Legend of Pradeep Mathew Author: Shehan Karunatilaka (Graywolf Press) W.G. Karunasena (also called Wije) is a sportswriter who has spent his life drinking his days away. Now, his doctor informs him that, unless he stops drinking, he will die soon. Instead of doing the responsible thing, Wije chooses to continue with this lifestyle and decides to make a documentary about the history of Sri Lankan cricket. He wants to focus on Pradeep Mathew, a cricketer that almost everyone else has forgotten about, but finds difficulty at every turn in his search for information. Who was Pradeep Mathew, and why do people not want his story told?

When I first heard about “The Legend of Pradeep Mathew,” I had no idea it was the same book that had been published as “Chinaman” in other countries (though the change of name is wise, especially for US audiences, yes?). “Chinaman” won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2012, and when it was awarded, I lamented that the book wasn’t available in the US. Now it is, and that made me even more excited to pick up “The Legend of Pradeep Mathew.” (And let me add that chinaman isn’t meant to be offensive - it’s the word used to describe a leftarm spinner in cricket.)

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of cricket. It’s not my game; I don’t really understand the rules, as much as I’ve tried. Therefore, the fact that “The Legend of Pradeep Mathew” is about a cricket player gave me some pause; that is, until I started reading the book. I was instantly taken in by Karunatilaka’s unique writing style. It’s at once engaging, but never pretentious. The words flow easily and beautifully, but the prose is never so lofty as to lose the reader or abandon the story in favor of poetry. It’s a lovely balance, and makes for a great reading experience.

The novel is centered on Wije’s search for Pradeep Mathew.

It’s clear from the beginning that someone or something is standing in Wije’s way. Time and again, he’s promised full funding if he drops his inquiries into Mathew, or he watches as people come forward with information about the cricketer and then disappear. This mystery is one of the driving forces in the story, and Karunatilaka does a wonderful job renewing and keeping it fresh over the course of the book. continued on page 80 Swapna Krishna Read more book reviews on her blog at www.skrishnasbooks.com

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pop track oozes joy, positive energy, youthfulness and hipness.

C’mon, bring on the party. “Tera Naam Japdi Phiran (Version 2)” (4.11) also works quite well, actually—the tempo is faster and is even better to dance to.

“Luttna (Saif Ul Malook)” (5.01) is a really innovative Sufi composition—who could have thought rock and dubstep could work for a Sufi number? The song has a psychedelic feel and the chorus is brilliant. Masuma Anwar, Sahir Ali Bagga and Anupam Amod all do a wonderful job collaborating as vocalists. The reverb is awesome and the electric guitar riffs give the song an appropriate dark feel. This track is totally awesome. “Luttna (Version 2)” (4.44) is way too subdued compared to the original to leave as much of an impact. But, that’s just my opinion. Listen and decide for yourself.

“Jugni” (6.57) certainly stands out in the album thanks to two very strong vocalists—Arif Lohar and Harshdeep Kaur—both roped in for one composition. Arif Lohar’s “Jugni” on the Pakistani Coke Studio was really haunting, too. It’s a wonderful rendition, with gorgeous melody and gorgeous lyrics.

Well, Pritam certainly is back in full form as they’d say in India.

Cocktail is an interesting concoction—give it a gulp, erm, listen, for “Second Hand Jawani,” “Tera Naam Japdi Phiran,” “Luttna,” “Jugni,” “Yaariyaan” and “Tum Hi Ho Bandhu.” It’s good to finally have a soundtrack where more than half the songs are very enjoyable and there’s not much filler.

By Amanda Sodhi Cocktail - Original Soundtrack Well, the promos of Homi Adajania’s Cocktail sure seem exciting and promise an entertaining romcom. Let’s see if the soundtrack, by Pritam, is also as entertaining to the ears. Cocktail stars the Love Aaj Kal pair Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, in addition to Diana Penty and Randeep Hooda. Dimple Kapadia and Boman Irani are also along for the ride. There are ten compositions, so without wasting any more time, let’s jump right into the soundtrack.

“Tum Hi Ho Bandhu” (4.42) is a catchy, positive beginning to Cocktail’s soundtrack. It has a really upbeat, electronic-synth feel to it. Irshad Kamil’s lyrics are warm and adequate. Kavita Seth’s husky vocals really stand out and are a clever choice for this composition, perhaps the best thing about the song. Neeraj Shridhar’s vocals offer an interesting contrast to Kavita Seth’s.

“Daaru Desi” (4.30) is another super cool composition. Benny Dayal and Shalmali Kholgade’s (“Pareshaan”) vocals are extremely breezy and youthful sounding. The acoustic guitar and percussion arrangements are pleasant on the ears and the entire composition has a chilled out, seductive touch. Benny and Shalmali’s vocal pairing has a nice, laidback feel. This is a feelgood song with feel-good lyrics.

“Yaariyaan” (6.18) is a much mellower composition. The drum solo at the beginning followed by the electric guitar riffs sounds great, but what really makes the song special is Agnee’s lead vocalist Mohan Kannan’s vocals. The man’s got a really soulful voice with a captivating, soothing texture. The lyrics are beautiful and capture the feelings of heartbreak and wishing one’s beloved the best nonetheless very well. Shilpa Rao also does justice to her portions. Both Mohan and Shilpa, are without a doubt, two very gifted vocalists with very deep voices. The semi-classical touch Mohan offers is really quite lovely.

“Yaariyan (Reprise)” (5.14) is an interesting alternate version.

Sunidhi Chauhan’s vocals are jazzier and Arijit Singh’s accompanying vocals are a treat to hear, as well. This acoustic version focuses more on the piano and cello, but it sounds too upbeat compared to the original which blended better with the mood of the lyrics.

Party time, Miss Pooja style oye! “Second Hand Jawaani” (4.02) is the dance number of the year. I mean how can one not get up and shake it with fantastic beats like this. Miss Pooja and Neha Kakkar’s vocals gel together rather well. The dholak and hip-hop beats are irresistible and the lyrics are amusing. Nakkash Aziz’s vocals are average but that doesn’t matter too much since the ladies steal the show here anyway. C’mon go have some masti and set the dance floor on fire with this energetic number.

So, looks like the party is here to stay with “Tera Naam Japdi Phiran” (3.39). Let’s pretend we didn’t hear the lame English portions by Shefali and Nikhil D’Souza—they are both good vocalists but this song is strictly a Javed Bashir show. The man’s pure desi vocals are glorious. Check out his previous work with Mekaal Hasan Band if you haven’t yet. Ok, back to “Tera Naam Japdi Phiran”—another song perfect for the clubs. The electronicSaathee.com

amanda Sodhi is a Bollywood journalist, lyricist, screenwriter, and PR/marketing practitioner based in Los Angeles.

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W R

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What store does a dog refuse to go to?

A flea market.

E

Where does a snowman keep his money?

In the snowbank.

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What did the wave say to the boat?

Nothing. It just waved.

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Why was 6 afraid of 7?

Because 7 8 9!

There was a queen of the jungle. She was fond of babies. She made an announcement: “I want all the animals in my palace with their babies. I will award a prize to the most beautiful baby.” Many animals came to the queen’s palace with their babies. She was looking at the babies one by one. When she came to a monkey, she said: “This is an ugly baby. I will not give you award.” The baby monkey started crying. The mother monkey said to her baby: “Do not cry my child. You are more precious to me than anyone else in the world. I love you. We do not want the prize from the queen; because she does not know that every child is precious.”

Question: Why the queen was not right?

Moral: The love of a mother has no equals.

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Word World (Solution): ARIES, ARISE, ARSE, ARTS, ASTER, EARS, EATS, RAISE, RASE, RATE, SARI, SATE, SATI, SATIRE, SEAR, SEAT, STAIR, STAR, STARE, STEAR, SWAT, SWEAR, SWEAT, TARE, TAWSE, TEAR, TERAI, WAIST, WAIT, WAITERS, WARE, WART, WASTE, WATER, WEAR.

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4. The stage manager has to ring the curtain up and down. ___ 5. Her ten-year-old grandson runs rings around her on the computer. __ 6. Those excuses for incomplete homework ring hollow. ___ 7. The phone will ring off the hook after they make that announcement. ___

Mastering Meaning

By Judith L. Bergman M.A. CCC

a. Announced that he would be a candidate for election. b. Has more skill or ability. c. Sound familiar d. People will call continuously. e. Sounds likely and factual f. Doesn’t sound true or sincere. g. In the theater, raise and lower the curtain on the stage.

Newspaper headlines and advertising copy are a rich language resource for non-native speakers of English but the “riches” are often “hidden in plain sight.” Often ESL speakers may not recognize the “play on words” using idioms, metaphors and multiple meaning words.

Here are three examples I found in the Raleigh News & Observer that were in the (1) Sports (2) Sunday coupon book and (3) a jewelry store ad. We’ll feature another three headlines in our August column.

Suggestions to increase your mastery of meaning: Pick one headline a week and check the online reference below to find out if key words in the headline have multiple meanings or are in idiomatic phrases.

Two Duke divers take an Olympic plunge Scott Fowler’s Commentary column in the June 14, 2012 N & O Sports section was a feature article about two Duke students who are strong hopefuls to qualify for the American Olympic diving team and may even win a medal. Plunge, of course can mean to dive but the meaning of the metaphor take a plunge is revealed in the last sentence: “And then, a leap into the unknown.” To take the plunge may mean to decide to do something that may be risky, important or difficult or that you have been thinking about doing for a long time. 1

References: 1 http://www.idioms.thefreedictionary.com/plunge 2 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/joint 3 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stuff 4 http://www.idioms.thefreedictionary.com/ring

Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-e, 4-g, 5-b, 6-f, 7-d.

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

The best stuff in the joint.

This is the clever headline of an ad for an arthritis remedy that was in Sunday N & O coupon booklet. Would you have paused and seen the humor in the play on words? The expression stuff would typically refer to the featured drink, usually alcoholic, offered in a “cheap or disreputable gathering place” 2 or joint.

The remedy is being advertised as the best “substance” that could be absorbed into one’s joints i.e. shoulders, elbows, hips or knees, or a place where two or more bones are joined and may articulate (move). Joint is also an adjective meaning a collaborative or shared undertaking, as in “ The project will be a joint effort.”

Out of joint is an idiom that can mean “out of order,” “in a bad mood” or “inconsistent.” In the Free Dictionary referenced below there are other uses that are crude, vulgar or refer to illegal items.

Stuff has several meanings as a noun and verb. 3 It is the substance or essential element out of which things are formed.

Shakespeare wrote, “We are such stuff/As dreams are made on” However, you might also talk about “cleaning out all the stuff in your basement” meaning household articles or even worthless objects. If you have too many items to fit in your suitcase you might have to pack it tightly or stuff things in. You can also stuff a crack with caulking, i.e. plug it up. “Stuff it!” is an informal, even vulgar slang expression meaning to be quiet and stop acting up. Do not use this in the office!

“I do.” Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?

This is a very clever headline above a photograph of several lovely wedding rings handcrafted by a local Durham jeweler and advertised in the N & O on May 9. A word or phrase that “has a nice ring to it” sounds interesting and attractive.4 The response “I do” spoken by a bride during the marriage vows would “have a nice ring to it” and would be followed by the wedding ring ceremony! The correct grammar would be that the wedding vow has “a nice ring” with it, i.e. part of the cerermony.

Match these idioms containing ring with their meaning: 1. That name doesn’t ring a bell. ___ 2. He threw his hat in the ring. ___ 3. Her story rings true. ___ Saathee.com

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July 2012

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July 2012

By Chanden Sen The Millennium Development Goals: Hurtling Towards 2015 A common man’s approach to what is going on vis-à-vis the Millennium Development Goals, or MDG, would be to visit www.un.org, choose your language, and click on the hyperlink on your right which says Millennium Development Goals.

To galvanize support for the MDG, United Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in June 2010 established an Advocacy Group of eminent personalities who have shown outstanding leadership in promoting the implementation of the Goals – in such fields as education, food security, health, environment, and the empowerment of women.

The Group supports the Secretary General in building political will and mobilizing global action for the benefit of the poor and most vulnerable, aiming for the achievement of the MDGs by the 2015 target date. In the words of Dr. Moon, “We need to expand the coalition for action. That is why I established the MDG Advocacy Group, some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers coming together to combat poverty.”

It’s worth mentioning here that Goal #1 refers to the eradication of poverty. Other goals are child and maternal health, education for all, environmental sustainability, global cooperation, the eradication of HIV, and a few more. I hope that, writing from memory, I did not leave out any important Goal.

Adopted by world leaders in the year 2000, and set to be achieved by 2015, the Millennium Development Goals represent the most important promise ever made to the world’s most vulnerable people.

In June 2010, with only five years remaining to achieve the MDGs, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon launched the MDG Advocacy Group of eminent personalities to support him in building political will, rallying additional support, and spurring collective action to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

The MDG Advocacy Group is comprised of 21 individuals who have each shown outstanding leadership in promoting and working toward MDG achievement. MDG Advocates include Heads of State and Government, business and political leaders, prominent academics and philanthropists.

Under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Jose Rodrigues of Spain, and H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Advocates individually, collectively and in small groups engage with Member States, civil society, academia, parliaments, and the private sector to develop new and groundbreaking ideas and ways to accelerate MDG implementation.

Now for the MDG Report of 2011, we note that the Report is based on a master set of data that has been compiled by an InterAgency and Expert Group on MDG Indicators led by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, in response to the wishes of the General Assembly for periodic assessment of progress towards the MDG. The Group comprises representatives of the international organizations whose activities include the preparation of one or more of the series of statistical indicators that were identified as appropriate for monitoring progress towards the MDG, as reflected in a list given in the preamble of the Report. It may be noted that a number of national statisticians and outside expert advisers also contributed.

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For those readers interested in more details, I refer you to the Report itself, which can be found at www.un.org. in the words of Dr. Ban Ki-moon, “Already the MDGs have helped to lift millions out of poverty, save lives, and ensure that children attend schools. They have reduced maternal deaths, expanded opportunities for women, increased access to clean water, and freed many people from deadly and debilitating disease.”

“At the same time the Report shows that we still have a long way to go in empowering women and girls, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the most vulnerable from the devastating effects of multiple crises, be they conflicts, natural disasters, or volatility in prices for food and energy.”

“Between now and 2015,” Dr. Moon continues, “We must make sure that promises made become promises kept. The people of the world are watching. Too many of them are anxious, angry and hurting. They fear for their jobs, families, futures.”

“World leaders must show that not only do they care, but that they have the courage and conviction to act.”

Wolfensohn’s World Bank, and the Aftermath When the G8 nations met in France, in 2003, they decided to invite some non-members, including India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Nigeria—- all rapidly growing economies with increasing political strength.

President Chirac of France began the meeting by inviting the President of China, Hu Jintao, and the Prime Minister of India, Atal Vihari Vajpayee, to address the group. After that, when President Chirac called on Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, President of Brazil, the latter, after preliminaries, jokingly and warmly said that he was delighted to be there but maybe it would be fitting to meet in 2004 in Rio de Janeiro, considering the fact that soon, only the US and Japan would be at G8 meetings and the other members of this august group would be replaced by the invited guests of 2003 (the BRIC nations, Brazil, Russia, India and China).

I’m quoting the above incident, related by James D. Wolfensohn, to show how inclusive the former World Bank President was, during his tenure. An Australian by birth, Wolfensohn tackled global poverty with a passion and energy that made him a uniquely important figure in a fundamental arena of change.

Indeed, during his tenure, the World Bank, fully sixty years old, adopted the mission statement: To fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results.”

In the words of Wolfensohn, “The World Bank remains an extraordinarily unique establishment that nurtures growth and development in the public and private spheres. It is, in my judgment, one of the jewels of the international scene.”

Yet it was not always so. On June 2, 1995, his second day of office, when Wolfensohn addressed several hundred employees of the World Bank, there was strain and apprehension in the air.

The World Bank had come under increasing criticism in the years gone by, and their popular leader, Lew Preston, had been “wrenched” from them after only three years in office.

The previous day, June 1, Wolfensohn had sent the entire staff an open letter with a simple message: He needed their help. He wanted the Bank, while financially responsible, to be idealistic as well. He wanted to make poverty continued on page 118

Chandan Sen Contact: chandansen33@hotmail.com

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July 2012

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Tidbits: Debate: The first of three presidential debates between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will take place on Wed, October 3, 2012 at the “The most important political office is that of private citizen.” University of Denver.

– Louis Brandeis These celebrities support: The Green Party of the United States Obama: George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek, The Green Party of the United Kal Penn, Steven Spielberg, and Tobey Maguire.

States is a federation of state Green Parties. Committed to ecology, social Romney: Ted Nugent, Chuck Norris, Kid Rock, Jon Voigt, Jerry justice grassroots democracy and Bruckheimer, and Donald Trump. non-violence, Greens are renewing democracy in the United States Party National Conventions through community-based organizing without the support of corporate donors. Whether the issue is universal health care, Green Party National Convention: corporate globalization, alternative energy, and election reform July 12 – 15, 2012 (Baltimore, MD) or decent, living wages for workers, Greens take on the Republican National Convention: powerful corporate interests opposed to reform. The Federal August 27 – 30, 2012 (Tampa, FL) Elections Commission recognizes the Green Party of the United Democratic National Convention: States as the official Green Party National Committee. The September 3 – 6, 2012 (Charlotte, NC) Green Party of the United States is also a member of the Federation of Green Parties of the Americas and the Global The general election is Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Many states Greens. The highest Green Party decision making body is the will be holding early voting. Look for the dates in future issues Green National Committee, composed of delegates from each of Saathee. accredited state party and caucus. Greens are grassroots Voter Registration Deadlines: activists, environmentalists, advocates for social justice, nonviolent resisters and regular citizens who’ve had enough of South Carolina: October 6, 2012 corporate-dominated politics. The party devotes its attention to Georgia: October 8, 2012 establishing a national Green presence in politics and policy North Carolina: October 12, 2012 debates, while continuing to facilitate party growth and action Virginia: October 15, 2012 at the state and local level. The Green Party of the United States Get Involved was formed in 2001 as an outgrowth of the Association of State Green Parties (1996-2001). The initial goal was to help existing North Carolina Democratic Party (www.ncdp.org) state parties grow and to promote the formation of parties in North Carolina Republican Party (www.ncgop.org) all 51 states and colonies. Helping state parties is still the Libertarian Party of North Carolina (www.lpnc.org) North Carolina Green Party (www.ncgreenparty.org) primary goal.

South Carolina Democratic Party (www.scdp.org) The 2012 Green Presidential Nominating Convention will be South Carolina Republican Party (www.scgop.org) held from July 12-15 in Baltimore, MD on the campus of South Carolina Libertarian Party (sclibertarians.net) University of Baltimore. The candidates competing for the South Carolina Green Party (www.scgreenparty.org) Green Party’s presidential nomination are: Roseanne Barr http://www.roseanneforpresident2012.org Kent Mesplay http://mesplay.org Jill Stein http://www.jillstein.org How will the Green nominee be chosen?

State Green Parties have been participating in primary elections and hold statewide conventions and caucuses to apportion delegates for the nomination, which will take place on Saturday, July 14 at the Green Party’s 2012 National Convention in Baltimore. During the one or more rounds of voting by delegates, the first presidential candidate to gain more than half of the votes will win the nomination. The 50 states, District of Columbia, and US territories have widely varying rules for party status and ballot access, so the various state Green Parties have their own rules for choosing delegates.

The Green Party is tracking the results of the state primaries, conventions, and caucuses.

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it fully with your doctor first. If you heat a healthy diet, there is no use to take supplements. Rich sources of this compound are oily fish, legumes and whole grains.

Reference: Nutrition411.com Try the following recipe to get Coenzyme Q10: Ingredients: 1 lb cod or halibut cut in 4 portions 4 tsp mustard / 1 tbsp olive oil divided ½ cup sliced or coarsely chopped almonds 2 cloves garlic One pound spinach 2 tbsp tomato paste Juice of one lemon / Salt and pepper to taste

By Anjana Agarwal Facts about Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) Coenzyme Q10 is a compound discovered about 50 years ago.

This compound is naturally found in our cells, with the highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Coenzyme Q10 is essential for energy production, muscular contraction, and the synthesis of protein. It is also a powerful antioxidant, responsible for damaging free radicals. Free radical can cause harm, and are thought to contribute to the aging process. They also lead to many diseases, including heart disease, Parkinson and cancer. Coenzyme Q10 decreases as we age, and also decreases in certain disease states, along with use of some medications. Deficiency of this compound can occur due to poor eating habits, impairment of biosynthesis, or excessive use by the body.

Research continue to cover a range of potential benefits, but according to the Natural Standards, which evaluate complementary and alternative therapies, there is unclear and inconsistent scientific evidence in humans, as much of the encouraging research is done in labs.

Method: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, spray the cooking sheet with cooking spray. Mix lemon juice, almonds, 1 tsp oil, and salt pepper in a small bowl. Spread mustard on each portion of fish and pressed the equal almond mixture on each piece. Bake the fish until opaque in the center about 8-9 minutes. Heat remaining oil in a pan, add garlic, cook until fragrant, add tomato paste, salt pepper to taste, add spinach cook until spinach is just wilted.

Serve the fish with spinach and lemon wedges.

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Following are the some of the promising benefits of Coenzyme Q10: Hypertension: An analysis of studies of people with hypertension found that CoQ10 lowered systolic blood pressure 10 to 17 points, and diastolic 8 to 10 points. Possibly by dilating the blood vessels. The Natural Standards gives this compound a “B” for hypertension, citing good evidence, but also needs more studies.

Heart Condition: CoQ10 may benefit in heart conditions due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and by improving the blood vessel function. But the Natural Standard states there is not enough evidence to recommend against its use in people with heart disease, and that the evidence that this compound helps treat heart failure, in particular, is unclear. Still, CoQ10 is prescribed for certain heart diseases in many European countries and in Japan.

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13.585 billion for the next financial year 2012-13 for the successful execution of Thar Coal project, which includes implementation of significant infrastructure projects and facilities to investors to participate in the large scale projects.

The Sindh Finance Minister, Murad Ali Shah stated in his budget speech that in light of the current energy shortages that are being experienced by Pakistan the development of Thar Coal has been a central policy agenda for the present government given the vast potential of Thar Coal. Shah indicated that the projects for development of Thar Coal are at various stages of feasibility and financial close, which would eventually lead to installation of over 4000 megawatts (MW) by 2015-16 and on this basis, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently executed between the Sindh government and Global Mining Company of China (GMC). GMC has expressed the keenness to invest around $1.5 billion on key infrastructure projects in Thar Coalfield and the power generation is expected to commence by 2014. Other projects on the table include PKR 654 million includes construction of the Islamkot Airstrip, development of GIS for Thar Coalfield, installation of Reverse Osmosis across district Tharparkar, Mithi and Islamakot, improvement and widening of road network from Karachi seaport to Thar, improvement of road from Wangomore Thar Coalfield and water carrier from Nabisar to Thar Coalfield.

The U.S. Markets encountered some turbulence during early June 2012 but had a very decent recovery from 6/4/20126/20/2012 to reattain key levels - the Dow traded above 12,700, the NASDAQ Composite exceeded 2,900 and the S&P 500 traded above 1,340. The U.S. economy added only 69,000 “nonfarm” payrolls during May 2012 and the unemployment rate dipped down to 8.2% that month; although the private sector has gained jobs for 27 straight months, strong concerns remain about the labor market and the durability and longevity of the U.S. Economic Recovery. In addition to the softening labor market, the housing market continues to be quite soft, and there are continued concerns about the financial and political condition of the Euro Zone. During mid-June 2012, a deal was reached with Euro Zone finance ministers to lend weak Spanish banks €100 million (US $125 million) to shape up their shaky finances, however, major concerns remained about Spain even after this deal was reached. Facebook (NASDAQ-FB) had its famous IPO on 5/18/2012 with a lot of snafus —- and although the stock managed to hold its offering price of $38 per share on its maiden day of trading, the stock had a nadir of $25.52 intraday on 6/6/2012 before rebounding a bit to the $31-32/share range. Apple (NASDAQ-AAPL) is working on a new operating system for its iPad, iPhone and ITouch (iOs6) which shall be coming out this fall and shall have many new significant features, one of which will be a new mapping programs, which shall pose a substantial challenge to Google (NASDAQGOOG). Yahoo! (NASDAQ-YHOO) and the television channel CNBC are forming an alliance in which CNBC will be the primary content provider for Yahoo! Finance, and this will dramatically increase its presence on the Yahoo! Finance website, which attracts nearly 40 million viewers per month.

By Rajesh T. Ganatra After a strong start to CY2012 in which the Mumbai Sensex started off the year at 15,454 and had several closes in the 18,000s during late February 2012, the index slipped below 16,000 during early June 2012 due to constant concerns about inflation and a slowing economy, however, the Sensex subsequently experienced a sharp rally and nearly attained 17,000 on 6/15/2012. Ever since March 2010, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised India’s benchmark interest rate from 4.75% to 8.5% via a series of 13 rate increases and then on April 17, 2012, the RBI cut interest rates for the first time in three years by 50 basis points (0.50%). The overall economic indicators are softening, which may prompt the RBI to lower interest rates again in the near future, possibly at its review meeting on June 18, 2012 and if not then, definitely in July 2012.

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) Growth rate slowed down sharply to 0.1% in April 2012 due to shrinkage in capital goods output and lower manufacturing output. The manufacturing sector, which contributes to over 75% of the IIP index, barely grew 0.1% in April 2012 compared to a growth rate of 5.7% in April 2011. Capital goods output declined by 16.3% in April 2012 compared to a growth rate of 6.6% in April 2011. Mining output contracted by 3.1% in April 2012 compared to a growth rate of 1.6% in April 2011. Power generation witnessed a slowing growth rate of 4.6% during April 2012, compared to a growth rate of 6.5% during April 2011. Consumer goods production showed an improved growth rate of 5.2% in April 2012, compared to a 3.2% growth rate in April 2011. The consumer durables segment expanded by 5% in April 2012, compared to the 1.6% growth rate witnessed during April 2011.

Data released during May 2012 indicated the Indian economy expanded 5.3 percent in the January 2012-March 2012 period, which was the slowest quarterly growth figure in the past nine years and well below the expectations of 7%+ growth that has been the norm for some time now. The Indian Rupee remained at historically low levels against the US$, touching INR 55.77 to the US$ during mid-June 2012.

The Karachi KSE-100 stepped back from its recent bullish gallop ... the index had reached 14,600 during early May 2012 which represented a near-triple off the nadir of 4,929 in late January 2009. One of the major forces behind the substantial advance in the market had been recent reforms and simplification of the Capital Gains Tax (CGT). However, some profit-taking ensued after the aggressive run, and the Pakistani market also got caught up in the global market sell-off to settle in the 13,500-13,600 range during mid-June 2012. Pakistan’s trade deficit for the financial year ending June 30, 2012 is likely to exceed $21 billion, which is in excess of 50% higher than the estimate of $14 billion that had been set. This was a combination of the prices of exportable commodities dropping vs. the soaring prices of imported goods. The Pakistani Rupee remained extremely weak and at historical lows against the US$, reaching PKR 94.52 to the US$ during mid-June 2012 – the PKR has even touched 96 to the US$ in “Havala” (unofficial) dealings!

The Sindh government has allocated approximately PKR Saathee.com

continued on page 84 rajesh T. Ganatra Contact him at rajeshtganatra@rocketmail.com

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July 2012

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New Price - Lake Park

New Price - Marvin Creek Don’t Miss This Beautiful 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath Home in Prestigious Marvin Creek! Kitchen has Granite Counter Tops, SS appliances.

Hard wood floors in Kitchen, Dining Room and Foyer. Upgraded Lighting. Large 3rd Floor can be Rec Rm/Media Rm. Master Suite w/ Trey Ceilings, Huge Master Bath w/ Dual Vanities and walk in Closets. Nice Deck, Irrigation system, Fenced Yard, Huge Lot on Cul-De-Sac Street.Amenity Center has Pool, Lazy River, Tennis,Playground,walking trails. Marvin Elementary within walking distance! $489,900

New Listing - Weston Glen Incredible 5 bedroom, 4 Full Bath Evanshire floor plan. 2 story great room, Gourmet Kitchen, Guest Bedroom and Full bath on the main Floor. Incredible, fenced-in Private backyard with Pavers, Huge Master Bedroom with wet bar. Beautiful Master Bath w/ Dual Vanities and separate Shower and Garden Tub. Large secondary bedrooms and closet space. This one is a Must See! Only $309,900

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New Listing - Cameron Wood Beautiful FULL Brick home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, Bonus Room, Huge Screened Porch, Incredible Location, cul-de-sacstreet. Many recent new upgrades. $309,000

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New Listing - Providence Pointe Beautiful home in Providence Pointe. 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths. Guest Bedroom/Full Bath on Main. Gourmet Kitchen, 2 story great room, Huge Master Bedroom w/ spacious Master Bath. Office w/ French Doors, Lots of Hardwood. New Paint and New Carpet Through-out. This one is a must see! Call For Details. $319,900

New Listing- Marvin Creek Don't Miss This Beaut. 5 BDR 4BA Home in Prestigious Marvin Creek. Kit has 42" Cstm Cabnts w/ Grnte Countr Tops, SS Appliances, 2 Str Grt Rm, 3rd Floor Bonus/Rec Room w/ Surround Sound. H/W Floors, Plantation Shutters, Crown Molding, Central Vac, Intercom. Mstr Suite w/ Trey Ceilngs, Lrg Mstr Bath w/ Dual Van. & 4 walk-in Closets. Huge Fenced Flat Backyd w/ Irrig. Screened-in Porch & Nice Deck. $539,000

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SHORT SALE - Timberlands Over 3,500 Sq. Ft., 5 Bedrooms, Almost $100,000 Below Purchased Price. OPEN FLOOR PLAN AND HARD TO FIND MASTER DOWN. IT HAS BOTH FORMALS, AND GREAT KITCHEN WITH A LOTS OF COUNTER SPACE. IT HAS 5 LARGE BEDROOMS WITH WALK-IN CLOSET ON .28 ACRE LOT. PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS. PRICED TO SELL! DON'T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Bank must approve the offer. Only $159,900

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Coming Soon- Stonebriar Totally Remodled! New Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, New Paint and Carpet! Large rooms and well maintained. Huge deck overlooks wooded private yard.

Cherry cabinets in kitchen. 2 story foyer/great room. Plantation shutters in front windows. 3car garage - unusual in this neighborhood. Close to I-485.

Great Buying Opportunities Amazing Short Sales and Foreclosures available in Marvin Creek, Ballantyne Country Club, Longview, Brookhaven, Piper Glen, Firethorne Country Club etc.

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New Listing- Courance Incredible Custom home in Heart of Charlotte. Great Curb Appeal, Gourmet Kitchen with Top-of-the-Line Appliances, Custom Cabinets, 2 Story Dining Room & Living Room, SeeThru Fireplace with Stone Surround, Amazing Master Suite with His & Her Baths and Walk-In Closets, Large Secondary Bedrooms, Huge Private Stone Patio, Beautiful Yard, Pine Hardwood Floors, Lots of other upgrades. Myers Park HS. This one is a must SEE!!! Price $619,900 New Listing- Southampton Commons Beautiful home with spacious 2-story Greatroom with gas log fireplace. 3 bedrooms plus a den on main level, perfect for home office or 4th bdrm if closet were added. Storage area added under stairs accessed through garage. Private fenced backyard backs up to Rec center. Awesome Kitchen with Lots of Cabinets and Countertops. Dining Room and Breakfast Area.

Don't Miss This Beauty! Won't Last Long! Price is $214,900 Coming Soon- Davis Lake LAKEFRONT LIVING WITHIN MILES OF IBM/UNCC! BETTER THAN NEW. NEUTRAL DECOR/VAULTED CEILING IN SUNKEN DEN, HARDWOOD FLOORS IN FORMAL AREAS & DEN, LARGE MASTER SUITE ON MAIN, 2 OR 3 BR'S UP HUGE REC RM OR 3RD Bedroom ,2ND DEN & REC RM/HOBBY RM ON LOWER LEVEL. SCREENED PORCH & DECK OVERLOOK NEIGHBORHOOD LAKE.

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refinanced loan gives you a smaller tax benefit than the previous loan you had) from your monthly savings.

Break-Even Analysis: Divide your total costs by your net savings to determine how many months it will take to pay off the cost of refinancing. For example, if you will save $100 a month on the refinanced mortgage and the refinanced mortgage costs you $3,000 it would take you two and half years or 30 months, to break even and start enjoying the savings accomplished by refinancing your mortgage. If you plan to move within the next two and half years, then refinancing might not be for you.

Should You Refinance?

By Sumeet Shah As a real estate closing attorney, my articles are generally about legal issues and not as much about personal finance or business insights. However, with interest rates at historic lows, I felt that it is imperative that I write about the analysis one should perform to determine if the time is right for you to refinance.

When looking to refinance, most homeowners only look at the bottom line—the month to month savings in your mortgage payment. But the decision to refinance depends on many variables such as: How long have you owned the home?

How long do you expect to stay in this home?

Has your ability to qualify for financing changed since you took out your original loan?

Do the savings justify the cost or the hassle?

Will you incur a penalty if you pay off your current loan too soon?

Other Costs: If your current note includes a prepayment penalty you’ve got to factor that in as well. Some penalties can be as high as six months interest on 80 percent of your balance, but diminish the longer you hold the loan.

Points vs. Interest Rate: You will also need to perform a comparison of points vs. interest rate for your new loan.

Generally, lower points (each point is 1 percent of the amount financed) produce a higher interest rate. If you plan on staying in your home for a few years, a zero-point loan option would likely be a better deal because you may not have the opportunity to recoup those costs. If you know you are staying longer with more time to recoup costs, consider a cheaper interest rate with points.

There is not a better time to look at your refinance options than now. If you wanted to refinance in the past and did not qualify, there are many new government programs that you may qualify for now that may allow you to refinance.

Moreover, with interest rates so low you may be able to save a lot of money in general by refinancing. Now is the time for you to talk to your lender or other mortgage professionals about your refinancing options. Get some references from friends, real estate or legal professionals about various lenders and shop around. We may not see interest rates this low ever again!

There are other reasons to refinance your old loan as well.

Perhaps you want to reach into the equity that’s built up in your home since you bought it. In that case, you can do a “cash-out refi” by taking out a new mortgage based on the home’s current worth, pay off what you still owe on the old loan and pocket the difference. Or maybe you want to shorten the period you’ll be making payments. You can do that by swapping your current 30-year mortgage for a 15-year loan.

With rates at historic lows, you may even be able to achieve this with little or no increase in your monthly cash outlay.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for general information only, and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice.

Another reason to refinance might be to jump from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) – where your rate changes with market conditions – to a fixed-rate loan which offers the certainty of set payment amounts no matter what happens to mortgage rates in the future. Your options are practically endless. However, what you truly save is based on how much the new loan costs and how long you’ll be in the home.

Sumeet P. Shah is Principal Attorney at Shah Legal Group, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. His areas of practice include franchise, corporate, real estate, and estate planning and business litigation. He can be reached at sumeet.shah@shahlegalgroup.com or (678) 274-9335.

Here are some things to consider in an analysis to see if there is a cost benefit to refinance:

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comfortable using the sites, and visit the business pages of other businesses you respect, big national companies, and thought leaders like authors and speakers to see what they’re doing and what ideas you can borrow and adapt. Don’t stress out about it—just have fun and let the creativity flow.

By Gail Z. Martin Your Summer Sales Advantage Ready to throw in the (beach) towel because you expect slow sales this summer? You could be missing a big opportunity.

Summer sends many people on vacation, but it also slows down hectic workplaces, meaning that the people who are still in the office may have more time for a phone call, a lunch meeting, or an early morning coffee with you. The person you’ve been trying to reach for months just might be available for a conversation—and in a frame of mind to actually focus on what you have to say.

Budgets for many companies are due in October, and the planning and wish lists begin over the summer. This is a great time to let your customers know if you’ve got new products, updated equipment, or new services available. Did you miss a sale last year because it “wasn’t in the budget”? Follow up with your contact and offer to get them an updated quote well in advance of this year’s budget planning.

Having a slow couple of weeks? Use that time to plan, network on social media, create a new information product, or get caught up on your filing, accounts receivable, or phone calls.

The more relaxed summer atmosphere can he just the thing to stoke your creativity on a big project like a book, article series, new speech, video or other item that’s been on your to-do list.

Summer can be a great time to invest in yourself. Take a working vacation and attend a conference to learn new skills or get a dose of motivation. Buy a home study course and listen to the CDs in the car when you take a trip—or download the MP3 audios and listen by the pool. Take time off on a beautiful afternoon and read a business book in the park. You’ll make good use of your “slow” period and have new skills and a brand new can-do attitude come September.

Do a mid-year look at your goals. Have you hit your revenue goals? Is your business where you thought it would be by the year’s half-way point? How is your to-do list coming along?

Congratulate yourself on what’s gone well, and take a few moments to think about where things are behind schedule.

What can you do in the remainder of the year to adjust? Where might your plans have been a tad over-ambitious? If you need help to assess, get it!

Prepare now for the Fall. Once Labor Day is over and the kids are back in school, everyone gets serious about business again.

Get a jump on the competition by doing your prep work now to have the materials, videos, presentations, web sites and other elements ready to launch so that you can dive into the fall ahead of the competition.

Rest and restore. No one can work at full speed forever.

You’ve earned a break, and you’ll return to work with a better attitude, more creative ideas and a whole new level of energy if you just give yourself permission to take some time off. Do whatever you find more relaxing and rewarding, whether that’s sleeping late and lounging by the pool or trekking into the wilderness. You deserve it—and you’ll be twice as good when you come back.

Make this the summer to finally master social media. Use some of your slow time to play around with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pintrest and other sites. Make it playtime— enjoy what you’re doing and have fun making connections. Get Saathee.com

Prepare now for pent-up demand While everyone is watching the bouncing ball of the Dow Jones index, the majority of people are missing an important fact. After lean times comes a spurt of spending due to pent-up demand.

People are paying off debt and watching pennies now, and that’s an appropriate response. But once indicators start looking up, the companies and individuals who have put off essential purchases are going to start buying again. They may not start splurging on luxuries, but the things that are difficult to live without or do business without.

Are you getting ready?

Position yourself now while it’s slow and you have breathing room. Use this time to rethink, rebundle, and repackage your services and products. Big corporations have shed qualified, educated, proficient people by the hundreds of thousands.

Many of those folks will decide life is better in the wild than on the game preserve, and they will need the tools to survive. If you offer coaching, consulting and professional services, they need you in bite-sized pieces to get off to a good start.

Once the dust settles, existing companies are going to realize that the firms that survive are the ones that keep moving forward. You can’t grind to a halt and expect to make it. They will continue to need professional services, work-related products and expertise in order to compete in a new, leaner environment.

Consumers also will continue to need essential goods and services with a few affordable luxuries thrown in from time to time. If you can offer a good value, they will respond.

And here’s another thing to think about—the exodus of corporate talent into the small business pool is a great gain for those of us already in business for ourselves. We get access to corporate-trained experts who were previously out of our reach, people whom we couldn’t afford to hire full time but who we can afford piecemeal. As they become consultants, coaches and small business owners, we can now “rent” them and reap the benefit. This is a huge source of new ideas, best practices, and fresh approaches. So ride the wave!

The best way we can help our neighbors and our communities out of this slump is to keep moving forward, making cautious investments toward the future, knowing that the upturn is the next natural part of the cycle.

Marketing is one your best investments of time, effort and a little cash right now. That’s because marketing keeps your name visible as your competitors cower and fall away. If you meet a real, urgent need, demand for your services will continue among surviving businesses. Widen your net via online marketing to serve a global audience.

But don’t stop fishing!

Gail Z. Martin is the author of 30 Days to Social Media Success, and the host of the Six Figure Social Media Success virtual boot camp. Learn more about Gail and her books at www.GailMartinMarketing.com.

Gail Z. Martin owns DreamSpinner Communications.

Contact her at Gail@GailMartinMarketing.com

62

July 2012

Access One Realty

Business Broker & loan Broker

Paving Your Access to the Future

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Businesses Available for Sale Listing Business Code

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Price ‘000

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Marion, NC

450

1,253

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(SA) C-store, Rest., RE

Asheville, NC

449

608

96

(PH) C-store, Grill, RE

Taylorsville, NC

325

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(CV) C-store Leased

Creedmoor, NC

250

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114

(CQ) C-store,Grill,lease

Claremont NC

179

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(ND) C-store, Grill, RE

Henderson, NC

175

596

69

(UH) C-store with RE

Rocky Mnt, NC

149

431

81

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Louisburg, NC

130

1,364

90

C-store leased

(FH) C-store with RE

Holly Sprng, NC

99

307

(SS) C-store,Grill,lease

Morganton, NC

89

1,415

(CN) C-store Leased

Charlotte, NC

89

369

(UH) C-store Leased

Rocky Mnt, NC

49

431

(EH) C-store Leased

Claremont, NC

15

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Taylorsville, NC

10

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Pittsboro, NC

10

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Customer Satisfaction & Confidentiality is our goal!

Chandravadan Shah Broker-In-Charge

919-439-5483 cs.real@gmail.com

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July 2012

Bombay Cuisine Taste The Difference Now Open in Mooresville

CATErING PICk uP SPECIAL CHICkEN & VEGETABLE ENTréE Half trays.....30.00 Full trays.....50.00 ( Plus other selections)

Chicken Entrée

Tandoor

Vegetarian

Chicken Tikka Masala Butter Chicken Chicken Vindaloo Saag Chicken Pepper Chicken Chili Chicken Chicken 65

Haryali Chicken kabob Ginger Chicken kabob Chicken Tikka Chicken Pepper kabob Tangri kabob Tandoori Chicken

Paneer Makhani Paneer kheema Saag Paneer Channa Pindi Saag Channa Daal Makhani Aloo Gobi Lasooni Gobi Malai kofta Vegetable Makhani

HYDErABADI BIrYANI’S Served with raita or Salad (Halal Meat Available on request)

Half Large Chicken...............................35.00 ...............................55.00 Vegetable ............................30.00 ...............................50.00 Paneer ................................35.00 ...............................55.00 Goat ( halal ) .......................40.00 ...............................65.00 Shrimp ...............................40.00 ...............................65.00

SOuTH INDIAN ( Minimum order 60 pcs )

Idli Sambhar w/Chutney... 40 cents each Mendu Vada w/Sambhar & Chutney... 40 cents each uppma w/Chutney... Half tray 25.00 Full tray 50.00

LuNCH BuFFET Including Soft Drinks

T ALL WE ACCEP ORS COmPETIT COuPONS!

Monday to Thursday --- $7.95 Friday to Sunday --- $9.95

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LuNCH Monday to Friday --- 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday & Sunday --- 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

DINNEr Monday to Thursday --- 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm Friday & Saturday ---- 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm Closed for Sunday Dinner Free delivery within 8 miles (minimum $20.00 excluding catering)

Now Open in Mooresville 645 Brawley School road, Mooresville, NC 28117 Tel: 704.994.5599 For catering information, contact:

Bhupen Engineer 704.877.7345 E-Mail: BombayCuisine2012@gmail.com

River Hwy (150)

W. Plaza Dr.

illi W

Exit 36

so

am nR

ey Sc

d.

Brawl

d. hool R

i-77

Exit 33

Taste The Difference

HINDu CENTER O

Support hindu Center Expansion leave a lasting memory on hC Wall.

Sponsor a BrICK $1001 $5,001 for 5 X 7 marble plaque $10,001 for 8 X 11 marble plaque Expansion project update: grading work has begun.

Upcoming Hindu Center Events & Activities: Hindu Center’s General Body Meeting, Anniversary Celebration & Health fair: July 28th Saturday.

Balaji’s Brahmotatsava: Aug. 3rd (Fri) to Aug. 5th (Sun) Janmastami: August10, Friday Independence Day: August 19, Sunday Voice Of India Radio Program: Sunday 9:30 AM to Noon on WNOW - 1030 AM Daily Aarti: Noon and 8 PM

HINDU CENTER OF CHARLOTTE 7400 City View Drive,OF Charlotte, NC 28212 HINDU CENTER CHARLOTTE 704.535.3440 704.535.6923 7400Ph. City View Drive, Fax. Charlotte, NC 28212 704.535.3440 • Fax. 704.535.6923 email:Ph. administrator@hcclt.org or visit: hcclt.org email: administrator@hcclt.org • hcclt.org

OF CHARLOTTE

e r t n e C u d n Hi 0th Anniversary!

3

Saturday, July 28th 9am - 6pm

Ganesh Puja: 9 AM to 9.30 AM in the bhoomi of our new upcoming Vedanta Bhavan Yagna: Performed by Youth: 9.30 AM to 11 AM Sponsors: $1,001 Grand Sponsors, $301 Sponsors – Front rows seating For only $31 Youth Sponsors ages 5 & up.

Our goal is to have lots of youth participated as this project is for out next generation.

Parents – Please reserve the spots.

Contacts: Temple 704-535-3440, Lokubhai – 704-607-8412, Nimish Bhatt – 704-491-1186, Guptaji - 704-996-1418, Dinesh Shah – 704-502-9094, Chidaabhaji – 980-213-9523 Kisanbhai – 704-365-4561, Jayaben Shah -704-543-1981, Prathmesh Shah–704-763-3059, Hemant Amin – 704-258-3588, Ravi Patel – 704-201-7358, Bhojwani – 704-361-2462.

General body meeting: 1pm to 2 pm. All members are requested to attend. lunch / Anand bazaar: 12 PM- 4 PM (Vihar Hall foyer) To sponsor a food stand or for more information contact: Sunder Mirchandani:704-691-2974, 828-325-070; Nimish Bhatt: 704- 491- 1186; Loku Hemnani: 704- 231- 3056; Surendra Patel: 704- 564- 9436; or Prathmesh Shah: 704-763-3059

dance Competition 3 PM- 6 PM Vihar Hall Participate in the dance competition or just enjoy the show!!

To participate in the dance competition contact: Anu Shenoy: 704- 466- 0455 Rashmika Patel: 704- 596- 7188 Ritu Mukherji: 704- 844- 9505 Sunu: 704- 608- 0186

Health fair: 11 AM- 4 PM Gandhi Bhavan learn about your health and how to improve it. one-on-one Wellness, medical and dental consultations.

For more information contact: Rajeev Puri: 704- 649- 2165 Vipul Mistry: 704- 392- 8789 Dr. Anoop Kalia: 704-674-3632

For donations / sponsors contact: Pujari, Bal Gupta, Ravi Venkata or Hemant Amin.

To Volunteer Please contact Nimish Bhatt, Hemant Amin, or anyone above.

Saathee Readers Forum My Very Indian Adventure: Nine Novel Nights

By Nirja Rakesh Parikh “Pag pag me phool khile, khushi ap sabko itni mile, kabhi na ho dukho ka samna, yahi he apko navratri ki subhkamna” We all know each Hindu celebration has a mythological legend behind the festivities.

There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri, as in all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. “Nav” means “nine” and “ratri” means “night.” Thus, “Navratri” means “nine nights.” It is one of the most celebrated festivals and holds special significance in the hearts of the people. The zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in festive activities of the season is enchanting.

In these nine nights, people dance the garba in a circle. The original word is “Garbha” which means “inside” as in inside of an earthen pot which people still use to store drinking water. The significance of the garbha (earthen vase) dates back to when women would carry it on their heads with a little diya (light) burning inside of it while dancing around Ma Ambaji. This notion was done to enhance energy and power. According to Vedic tales, Ma Amba came to earth as symbol of shatki (power) and successfully destroyed rakshas (demons) in nine days. The dance symbolizes an offering to Ma Amba. The dance is performed by rhythmic claps with women singing songs in praise of Amba Ma. The Garba dance consists of coordinated hand, leg, neck movements and characterized by twirls.

This past year, I was in Vadodara celebrating all the nine nights at United Way Garba. United Way Garba has been in the Guinness Book of World Records for the past five years. Let me take this time to describe United Way Garba, so one can understand why it was included in Guinness Book of World Records. When we think of big garbas in USA, we immediately think of New Jersey or NYC, which probably has a few thousand participants. But can you imagine going to garba with 50,000 other people, or even more? Merely making one circle around took approximately 30 minutes, and there were not just a few circles, but maybe 50 different circles with coordinated and rhythmic moves. The magic of United Way Garba is that all these 50 circles look like one big circle to the eye, that one would think it has been pre-rehearsed with a special choreography.

It was a treat to the eye to witness this synchronization. And you know what? I was withdrawn to this spiritual experience, even amongst the huge crowd. United Way Garba is known throughout the nation as the best garba celebration, and many Bollywood stars came to celebrate navratri in Vadodara such as Dino Morea, Bipasha Basu, Ranbir Kapoor and Dia Mirza.

People in Gujarat are so crazy about navratri that many businesses are closed during the nine days so that everyone can dance away at night time! In contrast to garba in America, where one can get tickets merely by entering the hall; I had to wait five hours in the scorching heat to get an entrance ticket!

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But that long wait was worth it! My navratri experience was the most glamorous memory from my India trip!

Navratri in India can be compared to going to an outdoor club each night. Here is the general flow of how the nine nights went: My friends and I dolled up all nine nights with outfits and mixed matched different clothes to make our own unique design. My friends and I traveled on a scooter and what a thrilling experience that was! I had never sat on a scooter all dressed up in Indian clothes in my life, but I loved it; it was such a carefree feeling with the wind blowing in my face and playing antakshree by singing songs obnoxiously out loud.

Then, we would enter the navratri ground, where we had to go through intense security check which really impressed me. I was spellbound by the diligence all the participants displayed as the security checked our purses and made us take off our shoes.

After entering the ground, we danced away our energy to the live music. Despite being outdoors, the ground was so soft with mud that it cushioned our feet to dance even more. Eventually, we would rest during intermission. Intermission was a one hour break before another one hour of garba, where people socialize, take pictures, rest and eat tasty food from the many vendors.

Personally, intermission was my most favorite part of the night because I got a chance to escape eating Guajarati food and try different dishes (cheese naan became my favorite). After navratri ends around 1am, we would all go out with our friends to restaurants to eat even more! What a magical experience!

Basically during these nine nights, I had the chance to dance my heart off, learn unique garba moves, dress up every day, eat various types of junk food, ride in triples on a scooter, enjoy all nine nights and create friendship with three amazing girls!

Before I started my nights of navratri, I was very apprehensive and nervous because of many reasons: First off, I was aware of the huge crowd during garba, and I was nervous that I would get lost from my friends in the crowd. Luckily, that never happened, but it could have because there were more than 50,000 people in the garba ground. Furthermore, everyone in Vadodara had way more different garba moves than the basic ones I was used to doing in USA, so I was afraid I would not be able to catch up. Somehow, though, during the time spent dancing all nine nights, I learned the Vadodara style and can’t wait to show them off in USA. Lastly, the day before garba officially started, I had a huge blister on the sole of my foot. This blister was so large that it caused me to limp; therefore I was saddened that I would not be able to fully enjoy garba. Miraculously, I was able to dance all nine nights with this blister and, yes, the blister got worse but I did not feel any pain at night while I was dancing. In fact, I felt strength and power as I made each circle. I guess that is the mystical power of Ma Ambaji during this season.

My message to readers out there: During my navratri experience, I saw so many people from Europe who specifically came to India to enjoy our Indian culture of garba. We Indians are so lucky to have festivals such as navratri instilled in our rich culture. Why not take advantage of our cultural festivals? If other people can appreciate our culture, why can’t we as Indians take a break and experience navratri in India? I assure everyone that not only will you enjoy it, but you will have a true spiritual journey and a chance to learn more about our culture. Personally, I know that I do not regret taking a break and going to India because I will never forget these cherished memories. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

If you have an interesting remembrance, essay, experience, travel story, or other short writings you would like to share with Saathee readers, send us an email with potential topics and samples. We will review the article get back to you if we can use it. - Send query to saatheemag@hotmail.com July 2012

anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file over 20% of NFIP claims and receive onethird of disaster assistance for flooding. When it’s available, disaster assistance is typically a loan you must repay with interest.

By A. J. Shah Flood Insurance Many homeowners and business owners aren’t prepared for the most common type of natural disaster: floods. Many typically think flood insurance is just for people and businesses on the coast or along the banks of a river. However, flooding frequently occurs because of storms, heavy rains, or water main breaks. In fact, unless you live or have a business on the top of a mountain, just about any area is susceptible to flooding.

Heavy rains can make instant rivers where there wasn’t even a trickle before. All it takes is for a big storm to come after the ground is already saturated. Or you could simply read the stories about some of the people who experienced Hurricane Katrina and had inadequate or no flood insurance. In the Katrina-hit area, only 1/3 of homeowners and 1/4 of businesses carried a federal flood policy. Statistically, according to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), 20 percent, or 1 in 5, of flood claims from areas that Unless you live or have a have low to moderate flood risk. business on the top of a By securing flood mountain, just about any insurance, you have the area is susceptible to option to protect two types of insurable flooding.. property: building and contents. The first type covers your building, while the latter covers your possessions; but neither covers the land they occupy.

Flood insurance is not optional for everyone. If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance. If during the life of the loan, the maps are revised and the property is now in the high-risk area, your lender should notify you that you must purchase flood insurance.

For high risk areas of flooding, Congress has mandated federally regulated or insured lenders to require flood insurance on properties.

In comparison to other forms of homeowners and property insurance, flood insurance is significantly less expensive. Part of the reason for that is flood insurance is underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP.) A flood protection plan can be purchased from most independent insurance agents, so you can probably get a policy from the same company you regularly deal with. The NFIP is under the administration of FEMA so rates are fairly consistent no matter where you live in the country.

However, there are variables that apply, such as proximity to a floodplain. If you live in a moderate-to-low risk area and are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, your flood insurance premium may be as low as $129 a year, including coverage for your property’s contents. The closer you live to a flood zone the higher your rate. There is one difference, the amount of coverage. If you want to make sure you are fully covered, the cost of your policy will depend on the extent of the coverage you choose.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that 33 percent of household hold the false belief that flood damage is covered by a standard homeowner’s policy.

FEMA states approximately 50% of low flood zone risk borrowers think they are ineligible and cannot buy flood insurance.

Anyone can buy flood insurance as long as their community participates in the NFIP, even renters. Unless one lives in a designated floodplain (high-risk) and is required under the terms of a mortgage to purchase flood insurance, flood insurance does not go into effect until 30 days after the policy is first purchased.

If you are eligible, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through an insurance company that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Flood insurance is available for residents of approximately 19,000 communities nationwide.

According to the FEMA flooding is consistently the leading cause of property damage in the United States. Natural disasters can’t be prevented, but you may be able to better deal with the results if you’re prepared. Getting your affairs back in order after a flood has disrupted your life or business may be done in a timely manner if you carry flood insurance.

You may visit www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ regarding Residences and Businesses in High-Risk Areas Homes and buildings in high-risk flood areas with mortgages flood insurance, flood zone maps, flood plain maps and flood from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to have information. You can also contact your insurance agent or flood insurance. These areas have a 1% or greater chance of company to find out more about federal flood insurance. flooding in any given year, which is equivalent to a 26% chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), these claims have averaged over $33,000 each over the past ten years, and the average annual U.S. flood losses from 2001-2010 were more than $2.7 billion. a.J. Shah is a Principal at JAG Insurance Group, in Charlotte, NC. JAG specializes in Property & Casualty Business Insurance and Personal Lines Insurance. A.J. can be reached at ajshah@jaginsurancegroup.com or 704.981.1011.

Residents and Businesses in Moderate-to-Low Risk Areas Homes and businesses located in moderate-to-low risk areas that have mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are typically not required to have flood insurance.

However, flood insurance is highly recommended because Saathee.com

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July 2012

By Rajesh T. Ganatra Hello cricket fans! There’s a lot happening in the world of Cricket. Check all the upcoming action below as well as an interesting statistics chart.

West Indies visit England 3rd ODI - June 22, 2012 @ Headingley, Leeds Only 20-over: June 24, 2012 @ Trent Bridge, Nottingham Pakistan visits Sri Lanka 1st Test - June 22-26, 2012 @ Galle International Stadium 2nd Test - June 30-July 4, 2012 @ Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo 3rd Test - July 8-12, 2012 @ Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

July 24, 2012: 2nd ODI @ Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota July 28, 2012: 3rd ODI @ R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo July 31, 2012: 4th ODI @ R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo August 4, 2012: 5th ODI @ Pallekele Int. Cricket Stadium August 7, 2012: 20-over match: @ Pallekele International Cricket Stadium New Zealand visits India August 23-27, 2012: 1st Test @ Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad August 31-September 4, 2012: 2nd Test @ M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore September 8, 2012: 1st 20-over match @ Indira Priyadarshini Stadium, Visakhapatnam September 11, 2012: 2nd 20-over match @ MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Statistics Here is a look at some players who have had at least 100 catches throughout their career:

New Zealand visit U.S.A. & West Indies 1st 20-over match: June 30, 2012 @ Lauderhill, Florida 2nd 20-over match: July 1, 2012 @ Lauderhill, Florida 1st ODI: July 5, 2012 @ Kingston, Jamaica 2nd ODI: July 7, 2012 @ Basseterre, St. Kitts 3rd ODI: July 11, 2012 @ Basseterre, St. Kitts 4th ODI: July 14, 2012 @ Basseterre, St. Kitts 5th ODI: July 16, 2012 @ Basseterre, St. Kitts 1st Test: July 25-29, 2012 @ North Sound, Antigua 2nd Test: August 2-6, 2012 @ Kingston, Jamaica South Africa visits Zimbabwe 1st 20 over - June 20, 2012 @ Harare Sports Club 2nd 20 over - June 21, 2012 @ Harare Sports Club 3rd 20 over - June 22, 2012 @ Harare Sports Club 4th 20 over - June 23, 2012 @ Harare Sports Club 5th 20 over - June 24, 2012 @ Harare Sports Club Australia visit England 1st ODI: June 29, 2012 @ Lord’s of London 2nd ODI: July 1, 2012 @ Kennington Oval, London 3rd ODI: July 4, 2012 @ Edgbaston, Birmingham 4th ODI: July 7, 2012 @ Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street 5th ODI: July 10, 2012 @ Old Trafford, Manchester

rajesh T. Ganatra Contact him at rajeshtganatra@rocketmail.com

South Africa visit England 1st Test: July 19 - 23, 2012 @ Kennington Oval, London 2nd Test: August 2 - 6, 2012 @ Headingley, Leeds 3rd Test: August 16 - 20, 2012 @ Lord’s, London 1st ODI: August 24, 2012 @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 2nd ODI: August 28, 2012 @ The Rose Bowl, Southampton 3rd ODI: August 31, 2012 @ Kennington Oval, London 4th ODI: September 2, 2012 @ Lord’s, London 5th ODI: September 5, 2012 @ Trent Bridge, Nottingham 1st 20-over: Sept 8, 2012 @ Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street 2nd 20-over: September 10, 2012 @ Old Trafford, Manchester 3rd 20-over: September 12, 2012 @ Edgbaston, Birmingham India visits Sri Lanka July 22, 2012: 1st ODI @ Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota Saathee.com

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July 2012

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likely to be locally produced. Good labeling practices by retailers will indicate the manufacturer or producer of that bulk item and whether it’s organic and/or Fair Trade Certified. For example, the bulk products from Frontier, available in most natural food stores and health-food departments of grocery stores, are natural and sustainably grown. Many are certified organic, too. (Frontier also sells its bulk products online in 1pound quantities at www.frontiercoop.com.)

Bulk bin bargains: How to make cents of buying in bulk Does the phrase “buying in bulk” make you think of club stores, duffel-bag-sized packages of potato chips and 5-gallon jars of mayo? Think again. Buying in bulk isn’t just for big families or those with a lot of storage space. It’s for anyone who wants to save money. What’s the secret? “Bulk” refers to how the store offers the product, not how much you have to buy.

You can purchase a pinch or a pound - however much you need - and save yourself money while reducing packaging waste.

The idea that you have to buy large quantities is one of the misperceptions about buying bulk. Ellen Bouchard, bulk manager at Frontier Natural Products Co-op, describes and dispels the following common bulk-food myths and provides shopping tips for consumers.

Myth No. 4: The bulk selection is limited.

Another misconception. Some products you’ll likely find in the bulk aisle: beans, flours, grains, nuts and seeds, cereals, herbs and spices, pastas, teas and coffees, and household and toiletry items such as laundry detergent and soaps.

Myth No. 5: Bulk products are low quality.

False. Bulk products are most often of equal or higher quality than their packaged counterparts. Many exotic and gourmet items are only available in bulk, as are some Fair Trade Certified and certified organic products. For example, do you know how many types of cinnamon exist? In some bulk spice aisles, you can find multiple varieties of cinnamon, ranging from traditional Korintje (3 percent oil) to premium Vietnamese (5 percent oil) to Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka.

Tips for buying in bulk * Before you go shopping, look in your cupboards to see which items you usually purchase in packages or cans that you can now purchase in the bulk aisle. Glass is safer than plastics for food storage, so you might want to buy some airtight glass jars in various sizes. * Explore the store’s bulk section a bit, trying one or two new items each visit. * When filling your containers, use the scoops or the dispensers provided. Take your time and be neat, but if you spill something, there’s no need to panic. Just ask a staff person for help in cleaning it up.

Myth No. 1: You must buy in large quantities to buy bulk.

False. In fact, bulk offers an easy and economical way to expand your food horizons by letting you try small amounts of * Most stores will have you write down the item number and unfamiliar products. You can buy just a pinch of the exotic spice price of the item (from the bin) before you take your selections or a cup of the unfamiliar grain called for in a recipe. Or you to the register. might purchase small quantities of a number of spices and seasonings or spice blends, such as garam masala, to experiment with a new ethnic cuisine. If you think you might Courtesy of ARAContent.com like to try something new, buying in bulk enables you to purchase a small quantity without worrying about wasting money.

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Myth No. 2: It’s wasteful to buy in bulk.

Quite the opposite, because you can buy just the amount you need. Keep in mind that prices for bulk products are considerably lower than the packaged versions, and the full amount of your purchase goes toward the product, not packaging or advertising. In addition, manufacturing that package wastes energy and resources. So when you buy in bulk and reuse storage containers, it’s a positive contribution to the planet’s health.

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Myth No. 3: It’s hard to know what’s in those bins and if it’s fresh.

Again, not true - bulk foods are often of higher quality, fresher, and more natural than packaged products. They’re also more Saathee.com

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2010 date that was in effect prior to the dramatic retrogression of the date to August 15, 2007 in the May 2012 Visa Bulletin.

Strategies for Employees Impacted by Visa Unavailability and Retrogression Strategies for Employment-Based Visas despite Visa Unavailability for Indian and Chinese EB-2 Applicants

By Lakshmi Challa The Department of State (DOS) recently announced that the new immigrant visa numbers for Indian and Chinese EB-2 applicants have been exhausted. The June 2012 Visa Bulletin will reflect a “U,” signifying that these visas are “Unavailable.” This means that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not be issuing any Green Cards for Indian and Chinese nationals for the EB-2 preference until the beginning of the next fiscal year starting this October 1, 2012.

The DOS issued the following statement regarding this unavailability: “Despite the retrogression of the China and India Employment Second preference cut-off date to August 15, 2007, demand for numbers by applicants with priority dates earlier than that date remained excessive.”

The DOS further explained that this increased demand for EB2 visas was due to a large number of petitions originally filed under the EB-3 preference which have since “ported” or upgraded to the EB-2 preference category. Recall, the EB-3 preference category is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. This preference category encompasses immigrants who possess at least a baccalaureate degree or at least two years of training or experience. On the other hand, the EB-2 preference category is for professionals holding at least an advanced degree or foreign nationals of exceptional ability. As such, an immigrant who has filed a petition originally under the EB-3 category but subsequently acquires an advanced degree can “port” or upgrade their EB-3 petition to the EB-2 category while retaining the priority date of their already filed EB-3 petition.

Although USCIS could not pinpoint the exact number of such “upgrades,” it maintains that the continued availability of the EB-2 preference numbers for countries other than India and China are being substantially jeopardized. Therefore, USCIS designated the India and China EB-2 preference category “Unavailable” for the remainder of the fiscal year. Visa numbers will once again be available for Indian and Chinese nationals under the EB-2 preference category beginning October 1, 2012 under the 2013 fiscal year visa numbers.

What is the effect of this DOS announcement on USCIS procedures? This announcement means that DOS will be unable to give EB-2 visas to USCIS service centers and field offices to approve pending EB-2 adjustment of status (I-485) applications from Indian and Chinese applicants. Instead, requests from USCIS for visas in the India and China EB-2 category will be put on hold by DOS to be authorized at the beginning of the next fiscal year.

In the meantime, USCIS confirmed that it continued to accept and process adjustment of status applications for EB-2 Indian and Chinese applicants if their priority date was within the EB2 cutoff dates established in the April and May 2012 Visa Bulletins and their petition was filed before June 2012.

Furthermore, USCIS has stated it will make every effort to return the India and China EB-2 preference cut-off date to the May 1, Saathee.com

Quick Overview of Immigration Process Before we can explain the strategies available to people impacted by visa unavailability and retrogression, it helps to understand some of the basic terms and procedures involve in filing an employment-based immigrant petition.

For the EB-3 and EB-2 preference categories, the first step in starting your visa application is submitting a request for Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The Labor Certification is the process of proving that there are no qualified American workers for the position being offered. The date the application of Labor Certification is received by the DOL is your “priority date.” Your priority date is extremely important because it represents your place in the waiting line for an available visa. Once the Labor Certification is issued, you can move on to filing your employment-based permanent residency application (Form I-140) with USCIS. For EB-2 petitions involving a National Interest Waiver or Schedule A professions, your priority date is the date USCIS receives your I-140 application.

Therefore, filing your employment-based immigration petition or requesting the Labor Certification is necessary to establish that all-important priority date which protects your place in line.

Note that once the I-140 petition is approved by USCIS, this approval only means you are eligible for a visa. The approval of the I-140 does not itself grant you a visa or lawful immigrant status. Only when your priority date is “current”, meaning you have reached the front of the line for a visa, you may adjust your status by filing a Form I-485. Once your adjustment of status application is approved by USCIS, then you will be granted permanent residence status and issued a “Green Card.”

Strategy 1: File Early Even though visa numbers for your preference category may be unavailable, starting and filing your employment-based immigration petition (I-140) earlier rather than later has substantial advantages. A visa number does not have to be immediately available for you to file your I-140 application. The I-140 petition can be filed at any time. Once approved by USCIS, the petition merely “waits in line” until a visa number is available. Then, when a visa number is available, you can file for adjustment of status (I-485) which, as stated above, adjusts your status to that of a legal permanent resident.

As for potential immigrant applicants who fall under preference categories that have available visa numbers, you too should start your petition and file as soon as possible. When visas are available in your category now, it means you can file the I-140 and the I-485 adjustment of status at the same time.

Once the I-485 is filed and pending, even if the cut-off dates later retrogresses, while your I-485 is pending, you will still receive the benefits of getting approved work authorization (work permit) and approved travel documentation which allows you to travel freely in and out of the United States.

Strategy 2: Know Your Options Oftentimes, potential immigrants will qualify under more than one employment-based immigrant preference category.

For example, an applicant with an advanced degree filing under

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Visit ragamala.net for more information about Ragamala. For full details about the American Dance Festival, visit americandancefestival.org. Sample video clips, ticketing surrender to the beauty of this sacred Earth that has been given information, schedule (including select performances that to us to safeguard, cherish, and pass on to future generations. include a post-performance discussion with the dancers – highly recommended!), and more are readily available in an Dilip: Can you hint at what audiences can expect in Sacred easily navigable website. American Dance Festival is a treat for Earth? the eyes, mind, and soul.

Ranee: I invite your readers to come out and fully experience it! Aparna and I choreographed this piece. Five dancers, Note: American Dance Festival logo and photographs courtesy of including Ashwini, start with a ritual meant to be evocative of American Dance Festival. Images of Ragamala Dance by kolam creation, white rice flour floating from their hands as photographers Ed Bock and Hub Willson and provided courtesy of they slowly walk. I invoke the Goddess, unifying the heavens Ragamala Dance. All images are used with permission. with Earth. Story-telling; drumming, violin, and vocals by four accompanying South Indian musicians; and, of course, the six Immigration Matters dancers led by Aparna propel the piece forward. continued from page 76

American Dance Festival continued from page 12

Dilip: The kolam offerings illustrate how the quotidian can be a contemplative bridge to the sacred, as clearly you are trying to do with the dance. Why did you pick that specific practice, and what unity did you find in working with that, as well as Warli paintings and Sangam poetry?

Ranee: It is a practice that I grew up in South India watching, learning, this ritual of creating a sacred space, offering back to the Earth for what we have received, and an announcement to the public of the happenings inside a home. Large designs suggested a celebration, small designs were permitted, and an absence of a kolam indicated that the lady of the house was not well. Ten days of no kolams showed mourning due to death.

Also, we do the kolams to invoke Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. She permanently resides in Vishnu’s heart. We created the kolams on the Earth (known as Bhooma Devi, whom Vishnu rescued from under the ocean and placed on his shoulder). They are inseparable. If we seek prosperity we need to respect the Earth. The Warli people live one with nature, their paintings reflecting the activities of their everyday lives. The Sangam literature of classical South India describes the land as five tinais or landscapes, and their poems describe this land, their fauna and flora, the people who live there, and their emotions. These are essentially love poems, which are very abstract with no names of people but only their emotional conditions. In Bharatanatyam, love is the most predominant emotion that brings all other emotions to the fore. The symbolism is of the woman as human soul wanting to unite with the Divine, or the man in her life. Together they represent Lakshmi and Vishnu. These are our inspirations.

Dilip: Do you have any advice for children and teenagers who are learning dance - any kind of dance, be it Bharatanatayam, jazz, ballet, or other? I am specifically thinking that in the diaspora, there often is a pressure to strive for a career in fields such as in the sciences, engineering, or medicine. If one truly enjoys dance and is told that one has some talent, what options might one consider pursuing?

Ranee: No matter what you pursue, try to be the best at it.

Work hard and put more than 100 percent of your efforts towards it. In this country, there are so many opportunities to learn and succeed. If dance is what you love and if you are truly good at it, “follow your bliss”, as Joseph Campbell said.

Dilip: Thanks to you and the ensemble for your time today and for being such a creative and compelling exponent of the classical Indian arts.

Saathee.com

the EB-2 category may also be a business investor in which case, he or she could also apply for permanent residency under the EB-5 Investor visa category. There is also the EB-4 preference category which allows applicants in certain professions, such as Religious Workers, Broadcasters, and Physicians, to apply for permanent residency. The priority date for the EB-5 and EB-4 categories generally remain current throughout the fiscal year.

In other words, visa numbers are almost always available for applicants filing under EB-5 and EB-4. As such, it is important to know your options when it comes to which preference categories you could potentially file under. If visa numbers are unavailable for the EB-2 and EB-3 preference categories, there is a chance you might be eligible to file your petition under another preference category where visa numbers are available, avoiding the lengthy wait in line for a green card.

Strategy 3: Keep Up with Changing Times Lastly, it is important to keep USCIS updated with any significant life changes that could result in an “upgrade” in your preference category. As stated earlier, an immigrant who has filed a petition under the EB-3 category who subsequently earns an advanced degree can port their petition to the EB-2 category and retain the benefits from the earlier priority date of the already filed EB-3 petition. Therefore, it is essential that you review your status periodically to determine whether your current status qualifies you to port to higher preference category.

Final Thoughts In conclusion, just because the priority date for your preference category is not current and a visa is not available does not mean you should do nothing and delay filing an immigrant petition. The more advantageous thing to do is to start the process of putting together a strong application and have the application filed as soon as possible. Additionally, as you start gathering information for your petition, you might also discover that you are eligible to file under another preference category where visa numbers are available.

The longer you delay your filing, the longer you will have to wait to receive your green card. On the other hand, if you go ahead and file now, you will have less time to wait later, when a green card does become available. This is because when the new visa numbers are released for the next fiscal year, and other immigrant applicants decide to start their filing, your petition will already be in line waiting, in front of all the others.

Contact Lakshmi Challa at info@challalaw.com www.challalaw.com 78

July 2012

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July 2012

Stasis or Crisis

continued from page 32

Why did it all go south? Following the disastrous rollback of the move to open the market to retailers like Walmart and Carrefour in December, Indian business leaders and global investors were hoping for an investment-friendly budget in March, if not some measures to reduce the fiscal deficit.

Instead, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee formulated new tax rules that made India even less attractive for investors. With the General Anti Avoidance Rule, he sought to tax investments routed through Mauritius and other tax havens — a move that made India a less attractive destination for foreign capital by reducing prospective returns.

And he proposed a retrospective amendment to the tax laws that circumvents a recent Supreme Court ruling and will force Vodafone to pay some $3.5 billion in taxes and penalties associated with its 2007 acquisition of Hutch Telecom.

Though implementation of the General Anti Avoidance Rule has been delayed until 2013, the message sent to foreign institutional investors, as well as companies seeking to make acquisitions or other direct investments in India, was that the rules could be rewritten at any time.

to $1.2 billion, hardly enough to finance three weeks of oil and other imports. Today the central bank has around $290 billion in reserves to play with.

But the bad news is that a substantial dip in those much larger reserves could still have dramatic effects, said Panandiker. “If it starts unloading the reserves, that can create a kind of panic situation,” Panandiker said. “If the outflow is about $10 billion, then this kind of crisis situation comes.”

According to Crisil’s Joshi, the central bank has wisely stuck to the sidelines so far, as intervening and failing could be far worse than letting the rupee find its own bottom. But nobody can predict what might happen in the future.

“It’s like going to a doctor. He can tell you that your blood pressure is rising, your sugar levels are dangerous, and you probably are getting clots in your arteries, but he can’t tell you exactly when the heart attack will happen,” Joshi said. “With the economy, the parameters are becoming worse, just like the patient I was talking about. When will it translate into a heart attack [like 1991]? I don’t think anybody can say.”

One thing is clear, though: It’s time for the patient to make some lifestyle changes — which is exactly what Singh has prescribed.

Books

continued from page 40

Stasis or crisis?

With the most pessimistic analysts predicting that the rupee could fall as low as 60 before Singh’s move to hike petrol prices, the danger was growing that stasis would spin into crisis. So far experts agree with the finance minister that it’s too early to press “the panic button.” But because perception can be as important as hard economic data in determining the flow of investment, the tipping point is impossible to predict.

“A panic comes when there is a substantial outflow of foreign money — what is called hot money,” said Panandiker. “If foreign institutional investors sell here to take money out, what happens is that there’s a crash in the share market, and the money going out will result in a fall in the value of the rupee.”

The result is a vicious cycle. The more the rupee drops, the riskier investing in India becomes, because the risk of currency depreciation compounds the risk of a drop in share prices.

So at some point, the further the rupee drops, the more money foreign investors pull out of India, and the more money investors pull out, the further the rupee drops. The only thing the central bank can do then is to intervene directly to buy rupees and try to prop up the currency’s value to break the cycle. But there’s a limit to how much the Reserve Bank of India can spend.

“We are running a high current account deficit, and that situation is not likely to be corrected very soon,” said Dharmakirti Joshi, chief economist at credit ratings agency Crisil, the Indian arm of Standard & Poor’s. “If the European problems are contained, we might be able to get financing for our current account deficit. But if the euro zone problems increase, there’s an issue of insufficient financing and then again pressure on the rupee.” (A high current account deficit, largely due to a poor balance of trade stemming from high oil prices, was primarily responsible for the economic crisis of 1991.) The good news — and the reason most analysts remain guardedly optimistic that India can get back on track — is India’s central bank has much more in its kitty today than it had in 1991.

Prior to the 1991 balance of payments crisis, which spurred the liberalization of the economy responsible for India’s rapid economic growth, the country’s forex reserves had dwindled Saathee.com

“The Legend of Pradeep Mathew” isn’t necessarily written for cricket fans, as the narrator states: “If you’ve never seen a cricket match; if you have and it has made you snore; if you can’t understand why anyone would watch, let alone obsess over this dull game, then this is the book for you.”

That being said, an understanding of the sport can only help while reading it. I’ll admit there were times I was completely lost, though Karunatilaka does an excellent job explaining as much as he can without being repetitive. He weaves in Sri Lankan history with the cricket, and this is where the novel really shines. It’s smart and well-written; readers will close the book with a newfound understanding of cricket and Sri Lankan history, politics, and the current issues the country faces.

In the end, “The Legend of Pradeep Mathew” is a genius of a book with a powerful twist at the end that will leave readers with dropped jaws. The novel is not exactly what you think of when you hear the term “South Asian literature”; it’s not tragic or heavy. In fact, it’s actually very funny, full of unique and well-developed primary and secondary characters that will stick with the reader long after the last pages are turned. It’s a story of real life, of love and obsession, of history and culture, and it’s an amazing thing to behold.

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July 2012

2ND LOCATION OPENING SOON IN THE UNIVERSITY AREA!

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2nd Location Opening soon: 8215 - F University City Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28213

Events of Note Bhakti Rasamrita Swami Charlotte Bhakti Yoga presents Bhakti Rasamrita Swami on Monday, July 23, 2012, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Vivek Hall, Hindu Center located at 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212. Swamiji is a charismatic monk from a Vedic monastery in India. He is instrumental in introducing Vedic philosophy to students of reputed educational institutions across India and other parts of world. He has been spreading “Essence of Bhagavad Gita” to followers worldwide. The discussion will be followed by a free vegetarian dinner. For further details and RSVP write to CLTBhaktiYoga@gmail.com.

Super Seniors Group Savan Ka Mahina Trip The Super Seniors Group of Charlotte is organizing a 2-day trip to Savannah, GA on July 25 – 26, 2012. The groupo will leave the Hindu Center of Charlotte on July 26 at 6 am and return the following day in the evening. The cost is $100 per person and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hotel accommodations.

The trip will cover the temple in Columbia, SC, temple in Savannah, Swami Narayan temple, boat ride in Savannah, boardwalk, sightseeing and shopping. For further details call Bina Bhojwani (704.334.2462), Jaya Shah (704.543.1981), or Deepak Jadeja (704.819.9814).

two decades in the financial services and investments, Awasthi has gained expertise in a diverse set of asset classes and industries, and has enjoyed living and working in some of the world’s most dynamic financial centers including Mumbai, New York, Singapore and Tokyo. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Amdavad and an MBA from Tulane University, New Orleans. He has lived in Raleigh for the past six years with his wife Monica and their three children Neil, Sheila and Eva. Dalip and Monica are on the Board of Pratham, Raleigh Chapter and devote their time to various other charities and causes. Awasthi can be contacted at dalip.awasthi@yahoo.com.

Governor of North Carolina Beverly Purdue has appointed Piyush Patel, a resident of Cary, NC, to serve as a member of UNC Asheville Board of Trustees. Patel is a technology professional with 25+ years of experience with prominent companies like IBM and Qualcomm in various capacities. He holds 27 patents and is involved in many civic organizations in triangle community including Share and Care foundation. As a Trustee, he will be advising the Board of Governors on matters pertaining to the university, the Chancellor concerning management and development of the institution. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from S.P. University, Gujarat and a post graduate degree in electrical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ. Patel has lived in Cary, NC for past 17 years with his wife Sulbha and their two children. Contact him at piyush@thepatelfamily.org.

Kuchipudi Dance Ballet Indian Classical Music and Dance Society (ICMDS) in collaboration with Sai Krishna Bhavan presents the Kuchipudi Dance Ballet: “Mahishasura Mardini” by Natya Kala Ratna, NatyAcharya: Sri Pasumarthi Venkateswara Sarma & Troupe. The Community Reports: performance will take place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 6pm at the Green Hope Rupal Shah Receives Harvard Hero Award High School, Cary, NC. Sri Pasumarthi Rupal Shah, originally from Moshi, Venkateswara Sarma is a well-known artist, teacher, and Tanzania, and living in Clemson, SC choreographer. Inspired by the ideas of his Guru Padmasri Dr. since 1999, was recently awarded a Vempati China Satyam, he has choreographed various popular “Harvard Heroes” award. Shah attended ballets and played various leading roles. In addition, he has Southern Wesleyan University in played many roles in dance dramas choreographed by his Central, SC, and after graduating in 2004 Guru. In 1980, he started teaching dance at his school Sri Bala with a BS in Biology and BA in Tripura Sundari Kuchipudi Natya Kalakshetram. Pasumarthy Chemistry, received her MS degree in is known for his enthusiasm and deep interest in the field of Microbiology from Clemson in 2007. She dance. He lives the characters that he portrays in his ballets. has been working at Harvard University This dance drama “Mahishasura Mardini” has a script, songs, since 2007 and is now the Tuberculosis direction, and the main role of Mahishasura is performed by Research Laboratory manager.

She was nominated for the Pasumarthy Venkateswara Sarma is stunning. For further Harvard Heroes award by laboratory mates and colleagues in details visit www.icmds.org.

May and received the award at a ceremony on June 5, 2012. The Harvard Heroes Award is designed to recognize “above and Community News: beyond” achievement among Harvard’s staff. This year the Harvard Heroes program is a University-wide program. It is NC Governor Purdue’s Recent Indian-American Appointees also part of the 375 Year Celebration of Harvard University. The Dalip Awasthi was appointed to the North Carolina State criteria for nomination and selection were set by a UniversityBanking Commission by Gov. Beverly Perdue of NC. With over wide advisory committee. Only a few individuals from over Saathee.com

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July 2012

HALAL ME AVAILA AT BLE

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Shops at Fresh Market - Cornelius, NC 704.896.8827 20601 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, NC 28031

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July 2012

grossing films, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. “Aheli” is the autobiography of Maitree Devi and the show depicts a dramatic love triangle based on all arrays of emotions. Over 120 dancers, ranging from as young as five, participated in the evening’s goal to bring awareness to the horrific social problem of sextrafficking and to raise proceeds for children and women that need rehabilitation. Weddington Elementary School teacher Jill Helms exclaimed, “It is amazing to me that there were so many dancers and the staging was so well-choreographed. The story was beautifully told through dance!” Many who attended the show, including Michele Twomey and her family praised, “The show helped such an important cause and we are so glad that we could be a part of.” Mukherjee presented several styles of Indian dance including her specialties of Kathak, Bollyood and fusion. Proceeds from the evening will go Maiti Nepal, an organization that rescues and rehabilitates young, sexually trafficked girls in the India-Nepal area. Started by Anuradha Koirala, it has grown steadily and was recently featured in “CNN Presents.” Koirala was also recognized as part of the CNN “100 Influential People.” Mukherjee and her students have raised proceeds for the Maiti Nepal Charitable Trust for two years in a row. Prominent Charlotte-area piano instructor Diane Higgins had this to say: “Thank you so much for inviting my husband and me to your beautiful Indian performance…

We were extremely impressed with the artistry and precision of the dancers, and their beautiful costumes…What a memorable evening of an intriguing cultural experience!” For further details on Nrityangan Cultural Academy contact Ritu Mukherjee at ritusdance@gmail.com.

12,000 Harvard staff were selected as Harvard Heroes in 2012.

Shah was among those chosen for the award and received it from Harvard President Drew Faust. “I am personally honored to receive this award. It is the highest honor given to a staff member at Harvard University and I am humbled to receive it.

My work at Harvard University has taught me a lot, including the value of basic science research especially in the field of Infectious Diseases. I have grown a lot since I came to Harvard in 2007 and I look forward to learning more,” Shah said.

Stock Tickers

continued from page 56

The US Dollar held steady against most major foreign currencies but gained a bit ground against the Euro and British Pound – during mid-May 2012, €1 equaled $1.25-$1.26 (compared with $1.32-$1.33 a few months ago) and £1 equalled $1.59-$1.60 (compared with $1.61-$1.62 a few months ago). The US$ was at even-exchange levels against the Canadian Dollar and remained below par against the Australian Dollar and the Swiss Franc. During mid-June 2012, Crude Oil hovered around $85 per barrel due to anticipated lower global demand. During mid-June 2012, Gold was hovering around $1,580-$1,590 per ounce and Silver was trading around $28.00-$29.00 per ounce.

There are eight meetings of the Federal Reserve Board every year and there have been four meetings so far in CY2012: January 24-25, March 13, April 24-25 and June 19-20. No moves on interest rates were made at those meetings and the remaining four meetings will be held as follows: July 31, September 12, October 23-24 and December 11. From the comments released by the Fed subsequent to the meetings, it appears that interest rates will be held at the current historical low levels for some time to come, most likely throughout CY2013 and into CY2014 due to the continued challenging economic conditions. In August 2011, the USA lost its coveted ‘AAA’ rating and was downgraded to ‘AA+’. During June 2012, Standard & Poor (S&P) warned that the reasons for the Nrityangan’s Annual Dance Recital and Fundraiser downgrade are indeed persisting, and even getting worse. If

By Delia Patel the USA does not get its political gridlock sorted out and debt The Nrityangan Cultural Academy showcased its annual dance situation under control, then the country may be dealt another recital and fundraiser on June 8, 2012 at the Elevation Church downgrade in the near future. in Charlotte, NC. The evening drew more than 950 attendees and the academy raised over $12,000 for the Maiti Nepal Special Note: This article contains the ideas and thoughts of its author Charitable Trust. Artistic director and teacher Ritu Mukherjee and it does not necessarily imply the viewpoints of “Saathee” presented Aheli, a dance drama based on one of India’s highest magazine or its principals.

Saathee.com

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Sonu Nigam Performs in Raleigh One of the most expressive and emotive singers in all of music performed on June 1, 2012 in Raleigh, NC. Sonu Nigam floated his voice over the stage. And there was no turning back. He sang mostly newer songs and didn’t do many covers of classics.

But the audience didn’t seem to mind. And his band was tight and knew their way around the songs.

One complaint. The introduction for Sonu Nigam was a long video. A looong video. The self-promotion was a bit much, especially because all in attendance already knew and loved Sonu Nigam. They didn’t really need what seemed like a 15minute video extolling Nigam’s talents and his musical history, all his awards and projects.

But that’s a minor complaint because as soon as he started singing, that voice, that voice that can swing between several octaves, all complaints disappeared.

Along with the songs, Nigam prsented a hilarious segment where he sang about everyday vegetables – aloo, gobi – in different singers’ voices and styles.

Of course at the end of the show as people were walking to their cars, a few did complain. They complained that he didn’t do many older songs. He didn’t sing their favorite song. When you have someone like Sonu Nigam, a performer with dozens if not hundreds of hits, it is simply not possible to sing all the songs. It is not possible to please everyone.

The concert was presented by NCIAP Medical Care, and organized by Arvind Mahajan of Livespectrum Entertainment for raising funds for the non-profit NCIAP clinic for helping uninsured people at very low fee. This clinic is at 5720 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh NC 27612 and is open Mon – Fri from 9 – 5 pm. For details visit www.nciap.org. NCIAP medical care was able to raise more than $50,000 for clinic.

Also, a part of the program leading up to the concert a “Taal Pe Taa”l - A NC State-wide Singing Competition was organized

by Livespectrum Entertainment supported by NCIAP Medical Care Clinic to promote and find the best singing talent in NC. It was judged by renowned professionals in the music field: Kenz Desai, Kirit Shukla, Swati Kanitkar, Madhumita Saha, and Poonam Sirohi.

Winners were declared by Sonu Nigam. They were awarded on June 1st at concert and the winner sang at the concert as well.

First place winner was Manjit Singh, Second was Sampada Agarwal and third was Jaisal Amin.

The first round of the competition was held on May 6 at Griffith Auditorium in Duke University. There were 75 participants who registered for the first round. The second round was held at Stewart Theater in NC State University on May 20. There was an audience of more than 700 people in both rounds combined.

For further details on future shows and competitions visit www.livespectrum.com.

Saathee.com

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July 2012

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July 2012

serving north, south indian and indo-chinese dishes (Veg & non-Veg)

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various Indian languages are used in the Sunday services.

Contact for further details Rev. Dr. K.C. Paul (704.771.1414), Rajan Mathew (704.756.4969), Jose Varughese (704.453.6177), Varughese K. Thomas (803.322.9549).

Charlotte Art of Living (Healing with the Breath) 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 come together in service and celebration.

For Further Details: 980-216-8732 charlotte@us.artofliving.org www.artofliving.org or www.artofliving.org/charlotte

Charlotte Gita Study Group Beginners and advanced students of the Gita are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 3 - 5 pm. This course is based on the Home Study Course of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Saylorsburg, PA. Each session starts with a meditation followed by a recorded lecture in English, supplemented by discussion among the group.

For further details: Rishi and Shikha Bhatnagar, rishi@solveron.com, 513.518.5300 Shridhar and Kruti Dave, skdave@hotmail.com, 704.844.9567 Naras and Beena Eechambadi, narasee@gmail.com www.freewebs.com/gitastudy

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.

Charlotte Hindu Center Table Tennis The group meets every Monday and Wednesday from 6.30 - 10 pm. New players come after 7.30 pm for orientation. The TT action takes place at the Vihar Hall of Charlotte’s Hindu Center, 7400 City View Drive , Charlotte, NC 28134. All levels and types of play. Free coaching and lessons. For further details: s_jan@yahoo.com or visit www.ttclt.com.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Regularly scheduled activities include a daily Aarti at 6:30 am and 7 pm. Darshan: Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm and 4 - 8:30 pm, Sat/Sun 6:30 am-8:30 pm. Gujarati classes are held every Sunday from 3 - 4 pm and “Satsang Sabha” is held every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The Swaminarayan Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28105.

For Further Details: 704.573.0805 704.573.0820 (fax)

Charlotte Indian Karaoke Group CIKG invites karaoke lovers to come and sing Hindi songs on karaoke. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or experienced. The most important thing is to get together and have fun. The event is held once a month, usually on Friday or Saturday. Entry and participation is free.

For Further Details: Dinesh Patel at cikgrocks@yahoo.com Charlotte Kannada Koota The Charlotte Kannada Koota is an organization that promotes understanding of Karnataka culture and provides a medium for people of Karnataka (Kannadigas) to get together. The activities include social get-togethers, music, and drama.

For Further Details: 704.526.9990 (Appan Patil), agm_patil@hotmail.com 704.281.8732 (Raj Kulgod), kraj7@yahoo.com

Bethel Christian Fellowship Bethel Christian Fellowship offers services in various Indian languages (i.e. Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.) .Sunday School Time - 11:15 - 11:45 am; Sunday Worship Service time : 11:45 - 1:15 pm. Sunday Service Location: Fort Mill Church of God, Student Life Center Building, 216 Academy Street, Room 102. Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715. Saturday Service Location: Life Builders Church - 730 Oak Dale Rd, Charlotte NC 28216. For further details: 803.792.7223; pastorofbcf@gmail.com (Pastor: Rajan Samuel).

Carolina Sanskritk Maharashtra Mandal CSMM promotes Maharashtrian culture and language.

Maharashtra mandal is committed to serve Carolina Marathi community with various cultural, social and traditional Marathi programs and events.

For Further Details: Sangeeta Korde, sangeet_k@yahoo.com, 704.421.4279 Sonali Tamhane, sonali_tamhane21@yahoo.com, 704.364.8605 Rajendra Desai, raj21desai@yahoo.com, 704.451.4578

Charlotte Kriya Yoga Group Charlotte Kriya Yoga Group Promotes Kriya Yoga Meditation practices as taught by 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- even in one lifetime.Center hosts two annual initiation programs and a weekly Sunday meditation for initiates.

For Further Details: Agupta1@Carolina.rr.com www.kriya.org

Carolinas Christian Assembly - Charlotte Everyone is cordially invited to join for Sunday worship, Bible class, Sunday school: Sundays from 9 am - 12 pm. English and

Charlotte Tamil Sangam Charlotte Tamil Sangam works to bring together the vibrant Tamil community in the Charlotte area and strives to promote

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Gurdwara Sahib - Charlotte The Sikh Heritage Society strives to unite and enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas. “Gurdwara” address: 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Regular Program: Every Sunday: 10 - 11am, Asa Di War by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Keertan by Children, 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm, Keertan by Bhai Satnam Singh Jee, 1:15 pm - 1:30 pm, Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar.

For Further Details: Gurdwara: 704.509.2828 704.541.0350 (Sajjan Dhaliwal), sajjan@carolina.rr.com, 704.948.8091 (Inderjeet Rajpal), irajpal@aol.com

the Tamil language, arts and culture. For Further Details: Lakshmanan Krishnan (lakshmanank@hotmail.com) or visit www.cltts.org Charlotte Telangana Association Charlotte Telangana Assoc was formed to promote Telangana cultural activities within greater Charlotte area and also bring together all the Telangana people living in the area to discuss, plan, and take action around the development of Telangana focusing both on rural and urban Telangana areas. “CTA” will also actively engage in educating private, public and non-profit organizations about the great resources that Telangana has for business activities, political climate of Telangana reason.

For Further Details: www.charlottetelangana.com

Hindu Center of Charlotte The Hindu Center is located at 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28212.

Temple Phone: 704.535.3440.

The library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genre such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health. Library info: 704.554.0765.

Children’s Religious Oriented Program (C.R.O.P.) is for children Kindergarten through 12th grade to educate them in culture and understand religious practices. A glimpse on understanding The Bhagvad Gita provides children with an opportunity to learn about the GITA with simplicity, ease and in an inclusive discussion format. Info on CROP 704.547.1676 (Chetna Patel) patel4260@bellsouth.net. The Senior Citizens Group meets on the 1st Sunday of every month at 4 pm and followed by Satyanarayan Katha at 5 pm. Future trips and activities are in the planning stages. Info on the group: 704.334.2462 (Gobind Bhojwani). The sloka class teaches children above the age of five different Hindu hymns, their meaning and significance. The class meets Sundays at 9:30 am.

Info on the class: 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan). Info on the Social Welfare Committee: 704.372.1265 (Narain Amar) or 704.948.5609 (Dhinakaran Pillai). The Vedic Havan is held at the vedant hall on second Sunday of every month at 10:30 am to 12:00 pm noon followed by Prasadam. Info: 704.825.9223 (Swadesh Sawhney). The Pranayam classes are held on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Info: 704.649.5374 (Kajal Jain), 704.554.0765 (Manisha Naik), or 281.304.5597 (Sanjay Vyas) pranayamclt@aol.com. Yoga classes are held Sundays at 9 am. Info: 704.864.8212 pradip_bulsara@hotmail.com. Free Table Tennis Open Play & Coaching is available for Members and their families (especially children 10 years and over). The hours are from 6.30 – 10 pm every Wednesday in the Vihar Hall. No prior registration is necessary. There are five good tables and can add more as necessary. Free coaching is also available from Srinivas Janardhan (SJ) and three other experienced certified coaches from Charlotte Table Tennis Club (CTTC). For further details visit www.TTCLT.com or contact SJ (s_jan@yahoo.com), Hemant Amin (hvamin@hotmail.com) or Chetan Thakker (chetanthakker@yahoo.com).

Upcoming Events: Thu Jul 12 - Sun Jul 15: Katha by Pujya Goswami 108 Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayashri.

Sat Jul 28: Anniversary celebration and Health Fair For Further Details: www.hcclt.org

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 universal remedy for universal ills. The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all day sits for established students (those who have taken at least one ten day course from S. N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers). Ten-day courses are also available for all students. There is never a charge for a course. New center now open in Jesup, GA. To apply for a 10 day retreat visit www.patapa.dhamma.org For Further Details: 704.277.5013, rbddesai@gmail.com 704.563.5440, dspranger@gmail.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 concerts.

For Further Details: 704.541.3361 (Rama Rachakonda), 704.814.9355 (Lakshmi Muthukrishnan), lakshmi7778@yahoo.com cmacmusic@yahoo.com www.onlinecmac.com Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation 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, economic wellbeing and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012. This will cover all the villages in tribal areas where there are no schools today. The Carolinas Region of the EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in North and South Carolina.

For Further Details: Ekal Charlotte Chapter: Neena Narumanchi neena.narumanchi@gmail.com Ekal Columbia: Janak Dalal / jaydalalcolumbia@gmail.com

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Jain Center of Greater Charlotte (JCGC) The JCGC serves the spiritual, cultural, social, and community needs of Jain families in and around metropolitan Charlotte area. JCGC is dedicated to the practice, understanding, promotion, and preservation of the Jain faith. The members of JCGC meet regularly for worship, ceremonies, and festivals throughout the year. JCGC constructed and opened the doors to its Jain Temple in September 2011 in North Charlotte. The Jain Center is located at 7631 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262 and will coordinate and carry out numerous religious activities year-round. These activities included celebrating major religious festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Diwali, and routine programs like Swadhyay, Poojas and children’s Pathshaala.

Upcoming Events: Mon Jul 2: 6:30 p.m. - Aarti and Mangal Divo, 7:00 p.m. - Pakkhi Pratikraman Sun Jul 8: 10:30 a.m. – Pathshaala for kids, 12:00 noon - Light Lunch will be served.

Wed Jul 18 (Ashadh Vad Chaudas): 6:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo, 7:00pm - Pakkhi Pratikraman.

Fri Jul 20 (Shravan Sud Ekum): 10:30 a.m. – Snatra Puja, 12:00 noon – Light Lunch, 7:30pm - Aarti and Mangal Divo Sun Jul 29: 10:30 a.m. – Prakshal and Puja, 4:00 p.m. - Regular monthly meeting. Swadhyay, Pathshaala, followed by Aarti and Mangal Divo All Other Weekdays: 9:30am - Mon-Friday - Prakshal and Pooja, 7:30pm - Chaityavandan, Aarti and Mangal Divo Weekends: 10:30am - Prakshal and Pooja,7:30pm – Chaityavandan, Aarti and Mangal Divo Street Address: 7631 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 For Further Details: JCGC President – Suresh Shah: 704.717.8481 info@jaincenter.us www.jaincenter.us

IAMC (Indian American Muslim Council) - Charlotte Chapter IAMC formerly known as IMC-USA (Indian Muslim Council – USA) is an Independent not for profit, tax exempt organization committed to promoting peace, pluralism and social justice for all through advocacy. The organization is also committed to promote and protect human rights and human dignity in India as they are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. IAMC-Charlotte, seeks to reach out to Indian Muslims living in and around Charlotte to join our efforts as we are dedicated to promote Peace, Human Rights and Social Justice for all in India, to strive for Inter-Faith, InterCommunity understanding in the United States with particular focus on Indian Diaspora and to build alliances and relationships with individuals and groups who share our basic values. The IAMC-Charlotte chapter is supported by donations from its members.

For Further Details: Ashfaq Mehdi 704.904.5778 Afzal Syed 704.770.1103 iamc-charlotte@yahoogroups.com India Association of Charlotte (Festival of India) Is a nonprofit organization with the goal of fostering better understanding of the rich diversity of Indian culture, by the larger community in and around Charlotte. A key activity is the annual Festival of India, which will be held on September 22-23, 2012 in uptown Charlotte.

For Further Details: Toni Sawhney 704-604-2133 Lal Vishin 704-545-3727 www.indiafestival.net Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (IPAAC) IPAAC (Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte) promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting well-known artists from India.

For Further Details: Sarla Kumar 704.846.4423 Chaula Jain 704.364.0984 contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

Kiran KIRAN is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based, South Asian organization. Promoting the self-reliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner.

The group spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community and we cooperate and collaborate with organizations in the USA and elsewhere with similar objectives. Countries in South Asia include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Though there are differences in language, customs, and religions across these countries, these regions share many basic cultural and historical similarities. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. For help or information regarding domestic violence call an advocate.

Services offered are confidential and free of charge: • Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner • Non-judgmental help and support to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations • Emotional support • Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing • KIRAN’s services are completely confidential. Translators

Indian Visual Artists Association of Charlotte (IVAAC) IVAAC was founded by artists of Indian origin living in the Charlotte, NC area in their pursuit of a creative outlet, stemming from an urge to express the flow of their innate artistic moods and ideas. The vision is to promote the enigmatic and intriguing Indian culture into meaningful forms of expression that exposes the rich traditions and diversity of one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, in today’s fast blending global culture and to create an organization that provides planning and funding required to ensure and support a vibrant and culturally diverse Indian art community.

For Further Details: 704.540.8799 (Amit Shah), 704.688.5387 (Kinshuk Agarwal) www.ivaac.org

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Insurance solutions for: ● Hotels/Motels ● Medical Offices ● Professional Offices ● Restaurants

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● Gas Stations ● Liquor Stores ● Dry Cleaners ● And more

HENNA’S DuLHAN Create a Lasting Impression for your Engagement, Wedding & Reception.

Helping Carolina Dulhans for over 7 years.

A.J. Shah Principal Ph: 704.981.1011 E: ajshah@jaginsurancegroup.com 401 North Tryon Street, Floor 10 Charlotte, NC 28202

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and crisis counselors do not disclose any information provided by our clients. For Further Details: Crisis Hotline: 1877- NC-KIRAN or 1-877-625-4726 Kiran@Kiraninc.org http://www.kiraninc.org

month, an additional Satsang Sabha is held at the sponsor’s house at 3 - 5 pm.

For Further Details: 704.392.4488 - Ramesh Dhanani admin@issvcharlotte.org

Net IP Charlotte NetIP Charlotte is the only official Carolinas chapter of North America’s Largest Network of Indian Professionals. NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for on-going Career Developmental and Professional Networking activities. It arranges various events and maintains deeper ties with Businesses and the community. It provides various effective ways for Carolinas’ Indian Professionals to connect with other successful professionals.

For Further Details: www.netIPnc.org

SouthPark Cricket Club South Park Cricket Club is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it has been an active member of the Mid Atlantic Cricket Conference since 2002. The club’s home ground is located at the Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC. For Further Details: 847.722.9865 (Baseet Ahmed), baseer_11@yahoo.com www.southparkcc.org Srishti of Charlotte Srishti based in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the past 6+ years has emerged to fulfill the North Carolina community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali culture, heritage, literature, theatre, music and popular arts.

Literally, the word Srishti means an act of creation. Though established and coordinated by a group of Bengali families, Srishti welcomes and brings together people of varied cultures, ethnicity, languages, background and nationalities who are interested in East Indian traditions. Members include not only Bengalis but also Indians from other parts of the country.

Sristhi’s 3rd annual kids talent contest presents: Little Achievers Felicitation Program. Every child is unique. Their success in school or life begins with strong words of affirmation, encouragement and appreciation in every little thing they do or can do. If your child has a talent, this is the time to show it. Contest is open to children age 3-13 yrs and is divided into 3 different age groups in following categories: Dancing, singing, poetry, short poem, Mantra recitation, on spot essay writing and arts. Contest date is Sept 1, 2012 at Gandhi bhavan - Hindu center from 12 -4 pm. Official entry form available at saathee.com/lafp. Deadline for receipt of the application is August 25, 2012. For more info call Manisha Singh 704-778-3158.

For Further Details: Samiksha Bose: 704-321-1964 Santanu Sarkar : 704-541-3451 Rituparna Mukherjee: 704-844-9505

Pratham - Charlotte Area Pratham is India’s largest non-profit organization with grass roots programs in the area of primary education. Pratham has made an impact on the learning levels of several million children through its Read India campaign which reached 31 million children across India. Pratham has developed an accelerated learning technique which helps children to read & write in two months. With nearly half the children in India who attend schools are 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 or 980-622-0125) and Shubhra Chakraborty (shubhra.chakraborty1@gmail.com) or 704-9424798). www.prathamusa.org.

Probasi of Charlotte Probasi is the Bengali community based in Charlotte and surrounding areas. The community’s goal is to organize cultural and educational program related to Bengal in the Greater Charlotte area, to increase Bengali cultural awareness, and to provide community service in the area.

For Further Details: www.probasi.org Sangamithra Foundation Sangamithra Foundation was formed by a group of people who strive to make a difference in society and has taken the path of identifying the needs of underprivileged communities in India and provides support to meet those needs. The first project of providing a water filtering system to a school in India was successfully completed within just months of the founding of the organization. The foundation is reaching out on a global scale and working collectively towards realizing its vision.

For Futher Details: www.sangamithra.org www.facebook.com/SangamithraFoundation; email: info@sangamithra.org; twitter: @sangamithraUSA.

United Cricket Club Forming a team this March of experienced as well as beginners that love cricket. Team will play in the Atlantic League.

Practice is every Sunday at Reedy Creek Park (11 to 4pm).

Sunday and Monday evenings for ages 15 and up. Join the fun.

For Further Details: 704.905.9127(Captain-Syed) 704.493.7629(Vice Captain-Mohsan)

Greensboro

Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal On the 1st Saturday of every month, Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal Vadtal has kirtans and bhajans at the Hindu Center of Charlotte at 5 pm. After the bhajans, there is Aarti and Mahaprasad. In addition, on the 3rd Sunday of every Saathee.com

Greensboro Cricket Club (GCC) Good news for cricket lovers! There are several teams that play cricket in Greensboro. The goals of GCC are fun, fitness, and friendship. For info on play and location contact below players.

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Spice Group

8145 Ardrey Kell Rd. Charlotte, NC 28277 704-246-6538

230 East WT Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28202 980-322-0049

Corner of Tom Short & Ardrey Kell in the Fountains Shopping Center

Corner of N. Tryon and WT Harris across from CMC University Hospital

Kingfisher Special Night Every Tuesday.

Call for details

Kingfisher Special Night Every Tuesday.

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9 127 N.Tryon Charlotte, NC 28202 704-887-9707 Ivey's Building First floor opposite to Bank of America Headquarters.

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127 N.Tryon Charlotte, NC 28202 704-887-9707 Ivey's Building First floor opposite to Bank of America Headquarters.

Spice Bakes Now Open!

Catering Available Host Private Events Spice Group Wishes You A Very Happy Independence Day!

For Further Details: 336.421.0690 848.459.7401 (Dr. Manoj) lifemissionusa@gmail.com www.lifemissionusa.com

For Further Details on the cricket club: 336.501.3566 (9:00 am - 9:00 pm, S&S) Dev, Greensboro Warriors, happy4mehta@yahoo.com; Venky, Triad Tigers, 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.

GCAP, 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 For Further Details: Narendra Patel: 336.601.1978 (Pres.)

Dipak Patel: 919.478.4759 (Vice Pres.) www.gcap.us

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Greensboro, NC The Center regularly conducting Sai Bhajans, Study Circle, various service activities and SSE class (for students) in Greensboro, NC all Sundays — 9:45 am - 12:15 pm For Further Details: Swami Rajendran 908-875-6964 Dr. Varatharajah 336-851-9150 Temple of the Holy Name 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 5:00 am every day. Every Sunday at 3 pm with chanting, dancing, feasting and philosophy. Temple is located at 1283 Prabhupada Rd, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046 For Further Details: 336.593.9888 or 336.593.9888 madhuhadasa@gmail.com www.prabhupadavillage.com

India Association of the Triad 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, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community.

For Further Details: Ruby Singh - 336.430.9068 rs7227@gmail.com Krishna Balu - 336.292.9462, balu3103@triad.rr.com www.iatnc.org

Triad Hindu Temple The Triad Hindu Temple is located at 2424 Huffine Mill Rd., Greensboro. Its mission is to serve the Hindu Community and promote Hindu Culture through religious, social and educational activities. Regularly scheduled events include Puja, bhajans, children’s programs, celebration of holidays and community service.

For Further Details: www.triadhindutemple.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: Manjunath C Shamanna, 336.413.5090 http://indouswinston.org/contact.aspx

Triad Nepalese Community Center (TNCC) TNCC is an association of Nepalese and friends living in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. The Piedmont Triad region encompasses the cities of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, and the surrounding areas. TNCC was established with a view to: Bring together Nepalese residents of this region and their friends to work cohesively toward preserving and promoting Nepalese ethnicity, culture and arts; Promote friendship, cooperation and mutual respect among the Nepalese people and the diverse Triad community; Provide direct and supportive services to the community; Empower community members to achieve skills and confidence in order to contribute to the well being of the Triad community; Collaborate closely with local organizations and agencies to fulfill our mission to address any challenges of the community.

For further details: info@nctncc.org www.nctncc.org/portal/home.html

Life Bliss Foundation The NC Chapter offers workshops, books, CD’s, and DVD’s on spirituality and enlightenment from living enlightened master Paramahamsa Nithyananda. Many videos are available on YouTube. Satsang in Greensboro is held the first Wednesday of each month. The meeting includes meditation, video discourse, and Q&A. Satsang Location: First Wednesday of the month, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Integrative Therapies, 7-E Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro NC 27407. Meditation workshops are taught on a regular basis.

For Further Details: 336.644.1111 www.lifebliss.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. 8136 NC Highway 119 South Mebane, NC 27302.

Upcoming Programs: July 5 - 11: Youth Camp Aug 11: Nandotsav Saathee.com

Raleigh AANC - Assamese Association of North Carolina AANC is a Socio Cultural organization with the objective of promoting and providing understanding of Assamese Culture 98

July 2012

Vedic Gardens & Nursery not only offers you the widest selection of Indian plants, but also beautiful landscaping designs. We have created countless stunning and tranquil outdoor spaces for our valued clients since 2001. We incorporate your vision and requirements into our design plans.

Vedic Gardens offer meditation gardens, waterfalls, all organic vegetable garden, designer patios, tiki bars, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fire-pits, fire places & much more.

Call or visit us today!

Vedic Gardens & Nursery, LLC 1109 Morrisville Carpenter Rd. Cary, NC 27519 919-460-1181 919-612-7100 Web: Vedicgardens.com info@vedicgardens.com Like us on facebook at: Facebook.com/vedicgardens

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Bengali Association of North Carolina (BANC) 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: 919.461.2386 (Ratan Ray), ratanray@hotmail.com 919.510.7943 (Swaty Sen), swaty_sen@yahoo.com banc_members@googlegroups.com www.banc-online.org

and Language. AANC celebrates Assamese festivals and organizes cultural activities like Bihu Dance, music, songs and social get-togethers with essential touch of Assamese culture.

Everyone from Assam as well as anyone with any connection to or interest in Assam or Assamese culture is most welcomed.

For Further Details: 919.200.4020 assameseassociation.nc@gmail.com Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (AFICE) Interested in exploring the diverse cultures of the world?

Become a host family for a high school exchange student! All the students will come from various countries around the world, and all students speak fluent English. They are of high school age (15-18) and will attend local high school in their respective communities. Each student will live as member of their American host family, sharing household duties and responsibilities.

AFICE is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing cultural gaps by allowing foreign students the opportunity to live as part of an American community.

For Further Details: lathapamarthi@earthlink.net www.afice.org

Bharatiya Senior Citizens of North Carolina (BSCNC) BSCNC is a nonprofit organization for senior citizens of Indian origin that are age of 60 years and above. The BSCNC members meet on the second Saturday of each month at Cary Senior Center in Bond Park in Cary NC from 10am to 3pm. The Next meeting will be on Saturday July 14th at which there will be a Video of One of the Play (‘’Natak’’) and members will play “Indoor Games” like ‘’Carrom Board and Playing Cards’’.

For Further Details: Bhartiben Patel 919.886.4391 Mulchandbhai Patel 252.446.7891 Mahendrabhai Patel 919.793.6588 Carolina Rajasthani Association Upcoming Events: Sat Aug 25 - 5:00 p.m. - Teej Pooja at Hindu Bhavan Temple For Further Details: www.carolinarajasthanis.org Sushma Maheshwari - 919-880-8529, sushmaofnc@yahoo.com Shruti Singhi - 919-412-4819, mshruti@yahoo.com

Association for India’s Development (AID) Duke University Chapter AID’s mission is effect social change in India, by supporting projects with grassroots non-governmental organization in India in the areas of literacy, health care, rural credit, women’s empowerment etc.

For Further Details: http://www.duke.edu/web/aid/ Balagokulam Gokulam is where Lord Krishna’s magical childhood days were spent. It was here that his divine powers came to light.

Every child has that spark of divinity within. Balagokulam is a forum for children (4-15 years age) to discover and manifest that divinity. It will enable Hindu children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots and learn values. This is done through games, yoga, stories, songs, shlokas, arts/crafts, and Seva (selfless service) in the community. Balagokulam sessions are free for all and are held on Saturdays.

For Further Details: balagokulam.rtp@gmail.com hss.charlotte@hssus.org (Charlotte region) www.balagokulam.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir invites everyone to the regularly scheduled events: Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4 - 6 pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad. Mahapuja – every Purnima at 7 pm. Many classes are conducted. Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona. 1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560.

For Further Details: 919.469.6605 www.swaminarayan.org Saathee.com

Chinmaya Mission Chinmaya Mission is a worldwide non-profit organization promoting spiritual growth, started by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The Chinmaya Mission Raleigh Durham (CMRDU) chapter conducts Balavihar classes from 3 year old to youth on Sunday from 10 am to 11:30 am at Reedy Creek Middle School, Cary. The classes are tailored to each age group by special curriculum created by experienced Swamijis and Acharyas exclusively for CM Balavihar. Trained teachers conduct the classes. Curriculum includes learning to chant the Bhagavad-Gita verses, shlokas, singing devotional bhajans, stories from scriptures, family pujas, meditation, and fun activities like overnight lock-ins, picnics, and competitions.

Introduction to Hindi and Sanskrit is also included. This year’s theme being Rama - My Brother, the children will learn to incorporate helpful virtues throughout their life. All festivals are celebrated with families and Prasad. Parents wishing to enroll their children in Balavihar can register through the website. A regular adult study group is conducted for adults on Sunday mornings at Reedy Creek Middle School, as well as other locations in the Triangle.

For Further Details: Venkat Mandavilli at 919.387.8434 Srinivas Andhavarapu at 919.439.4444 www.chinmaya-rdu.org

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Dada Bhagwan Satsang Download some spiritual books and enrich the spiritual foundation. Subscriptions for monthly spiritual magazine “Dadavani” are also available.

When in India, don’t miss opportunity to visit Tri Mandir at Adalaj near Ahmedabad.

Visit www.dadabhagwan.org and watch Satsang on Web TV. For children - visit www.kids.dadabhagwan.org Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation RTP Chapter 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, economic well being and happiness. Ekal Vidyalya (One School One Teacher in one village) plans to establish 100,000 schools in tribal areas by 2012. This will cover all the villages in tribal areas where there are no schools today. The Raleigh Chapter EVFUSA conducts fund raising and awareness programs in the Triangle area.

For further details: Ekal/RTP: raginiusa@yahoo.com Geet Bazaar Radio Program Every Sunday morning from 10 am - 12 noon on WKNC 88.1 FM, join hosts Afroz Taj and John Caldwell, for a wide variety of music from India, Pakistan, and other countries and languages of South Asia. Geet Bazaar will also publicize community events free of charge.

For Further Details: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroj Taj) taj@unity.ncsu.edu GEM - Raleigh Church of God Attend worship services, prayer meetings or Sunday School.

For Further Details: 919.395.6208 (Pastor Thankachan M.) globalem@gmail.com Heritage India Association of North Carolina (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, Heritage India Association of North Carolina presents several events and also coordinates Indian dances for the main stage performances for the Raleigh International Festival.

For Further Details: yashcgarg@gmail.com Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM), based in the RTP area, promotes study and appreciation of Hindi language and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has a special focus on the youths for the preservation of Indian Culture and heritage.

For Further Details: Saroj Sharma 919.851.0225 V.P. Tiwari 919.423.0365 Saathee.com

Hindu Society of North Carolina - Morrisville, NC The Hindu Society of North Carolina, located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, N.C. serves the Indian community in the Triangle area and its vicinity. Temple timings are: Mon. - Fri. 8 - 11 am and 5 - 9 pm, Sat. - Sun. 8 am - 7 pm. Daily Aarti and Puja is also conducted by the Priest. Other regular religious and cultural programs: Monthly Vedic Havan, Tuesday Hauman Chalisa recitation, Sri Ramakrishna Study Group, Sri Sai Baba Group, Gita Study Group, Devi Puja, Vaishnav Bhajan Group, Akhand Ramayana Recitation, Weekend Language and Spiritual Knowledge Classes, and Sloka classes for Children.

Yoga classes are also offered twice a week (Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.) at the Cultural Hall. Priest services are available at your home and/or at the Temple at a nominal charge.

For Further Details: Saroj Sharma at 919.654.5224 or 919.851.1225 Arvind Shah 919.434.8021 hsnc@hsncweb.org www.hsncweb.org Hindu Students Council (HSC) - NC State University HSC-NCSU is a chapter of the national organization Hindu Students Council (HSC). HSC-NCSU is a cultural and religious student organization. It aims to provide opportunities to learn about Hindu philosophy, spirituality and cultural heritage through various activities, events and projects and is dedicated to provide “seva” (service) to the community.

For Further Details: 919.676.0298 (Mrinmoyee Sanyal) msanyal@ncsu.edu www.hsc-ncsu.org Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) The HSS conducts weekly 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. HSS is inspired by the idea that the whole world is one family. HSS started in 1989 in the United States and currently has over 100 chapters (shakhas) across the country. The Research Triangle Park chapter meets every Saturday. Activities are tailored to include yoga, games, songs, lectures and discussions on Hindu dharma and culture.

For Further Details: hss.rtp@hssus.org - Triangle area hss.charlotte@hssus.org - Charlotte region.

Hum Sub Hum Sub 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: 919.931.3572 - President (Meena Jeyakumar) 919.757.6666 - Vice President (Sunny Surana) www.humsub.net Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS) ICMDS is dedicated to the task of promoting Indian classical music and dance in the Triangle area. ICMDS invites the top 102

July 2012

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Upcoming Events: Sat Aug 11: “Mahishasura Mardini” - A Colorful Kuchipudi Dance Ballet of Natya Kala Ratna, Natyacharya, Shri Pasumarthi Venkateswara Sarma and Group at 6pm. Venue: Green Hope High School, Cary, NC. For Further Details: www.icmds.org Indo-American Friendship Foundation Did you know that about 90 percent of rural orphans are female and most of them are abandoned at birth due to their gender? Not one of them gets the opportunity to become a doctor, engineer, or even receive basic education. Because they cannot live in the orphanage when they turn 18, many of them fall victim to different types of exploitation, including sex trade.

IAFF has created an orphanage education fund to help qualified orphans to rise as high as they can climb in the educational/professional ladder. For Further Details: 919.362.7653 (Dr. Subhas C. Mohapatra) www.iaff1.org Indus Foundation Indus Foundation was founded in NC by a group of professionals with the sole purpose of giving back to the community and the country that has helped members achieve success. Every dollar is wisely spent back into the community without any overheads. Current major projects: Indian Cancer Society rehabilitation Center in Mumbai, Mental Healthcare Center for socially rejected Women in Indore, and three Educational Centers in Gurgaon. Adopt an on-going project or launch a new project under specific guidelines. Make a commitment today to build a better tomorrow.

For Further Details: 919.461.0001 (Dr. Vinnie Goel, Chairman) 919.467.0598 (Dr. Shri Kulkarni, President) 919.319.7294 (Dr. Vijaya Bapat, Vice-President) www.indusfoundation.info International Community Church CC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. The pastor is Joseph B. Jesudason and the church office is located at 1215 Franklin Jones Road, Suite #204, Raleigh, NC 27606.

For Further Details: 919.233.2900 www.internationalcommunitychurch.org International Hindi Association 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: 919.656.5224 (Saroj Sharma) 919.678.9056 (Sudha Om Dhingra) www.hindi.org

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International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO) Primary objective of ISSO is “To advance the Sanatan Dharma in accordance with the principles and teachings of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, founded and ordained by Lord Shree Swaminarayan (Shree Sahajanand Swami),” enabling His devotees from both the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) and Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony. The Raleigh-Durham chapter organizes a “Satsang Sabha” every two weeks, typically on Friday or Saturday evenings, which includes Kirtan bhakti, Katha, Aarti and Mahaprasad.

For Further Details: 919.363.2356 (Niraj Joshi) niraj_joshi@yahoo.com www.swaminarayan.info Kiran KIRAN is a multi-cultural, non-religious, community based, South Asian organization. Promoting the self-reliance and empowerment of South Asian women who are in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals in a confidential manner.

The group spreads awareness of South Asian women’s issues in the community and we cooperate and collaborate with organizations in the USA and elsewhere with similar objectives. Countries in South Asia include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Though there are differences in language, customs, and religions across these countries, these regions share many basic cultural and historical similarities. KIRAN operates a crisis phone line Monday- Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. For help or information regarding domestic violence call an advocate.

Services offered are confidential and free of charge: • Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner • Non-judgmental help and support to women who are experiencing oppressive/crisis situations • Emotional support • Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing • KIRAN’s services are completely confidential. Translators and crisis counselors do not disclose any information provided by our clients. For Further Details: Crisis Hotline: 1877- NC-KIRAN or 1-877-625-4726 Kiran@Kiraninc.org www.kiraninc.org Lakulish Yoga and Health Retreat Lakulish Yoga and Health Retreat is a secluded resort in Caswell County, located at 8136 N.C. Highway 119 South, Mebane, NC 27302. It is a place of natural beauty that stimulates a spirit of detachment and inspires and uplifts visitors. This resort is hallowed by a Yogi, a Sannyasi who ensures that the true practice of Dharm and Yoga flourishes here, offering the North Carolina community and visitors an ongoing program of free Yoga Classes. The classes are offered each Wednesday from 6 - 8 pm, and each week on Saturday from 11 am - 1 pm.

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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 Association The Pakistani-American Association (NCPAA) is a nonpolitical, non-sectarian, cultural and social organization that promotes Pakistani culture to all the communities in the Triangle Area of NC. Several events are presented during the year including a family dinner on the second Friday of every month.

For Further Details: payamber@ncpaa.org http://ncpaa.org Pratham - Triangle Area Founded as a UNICEF initiative, Pratham is a grass-roots organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. With a goal of reaching 20 million children, Pratham 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. Pratham’s North Carolina 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 details: Gunvant Bhakta, 919-488-8975; Punit Chhabra, 919-380-9569; Sudha Rathie, 919-481-4451; Harshad Shah, 919-341-8894.

For Further Details: www.prathamusa.org Priyadarshini Arts Known for their unique dance drama pieces, is a non-profit, duo sister team, promoting India’s Vedic and modern heritage through the various forms of dance and acting.

For Further Details: Varshana at priyadarshini.arts@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/user/PriyadarshiniArts

Professional Indians’ Association [PIA] PIA is a meetup that serves young South Asian professionals in the Triangle Community. The 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. This will also be 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/

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Punjabi Unlimited Punjabi Unlimited is dedicated to promotion/creation of a public awareness and education about Punjabi Arts, Culture, Sports, Language, Music, Dance etc. All welcome who are “Punjabi at Heart.” For Further Details: Gurpreet Burmi president@punjabiunlimited,org; Arvinder Singh vicepresident@punjabiunlimited.org www.punjabiunlimited.org Raleigh Karaoke Group Raleigh Karaoke Group meets once a month for the South Asian community of the Triangle area to showcase their talent and lose themselves in nostalgia through song. Events are free and open to the entire music loving community for singing or listening to friends sing so bring your fans along if you wish and pass the word. Choose from over 15,000 Hindi Film, NonFilm, Ghazals, Gujrati, Punjabi, Kanada, Koli, Konkani, Malayalam, Malayalam Muslim, Marathi, Oriya, and English Songs including holiday favorites. Sessions are held at Zayka Indian Cuisine in the Brier Creek area of North Raleigh (919.361.5370) on the third Friday of the month from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM but please call or e-mail for a confirmed date.

For Further Details: Shafi Parekh at (919) 413-3924, Email at shafi@pdiagnostics.com Raleigh Sai Center Parthi Sai devotees of Triangle area meet every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Mini-Hall of Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville. There will be Study circle, Bhajan Practice, Veda Chanting etc. during the 4-5 pm slot depending on the week, followed by bhajans from 5:00 - 6:00. The center carries out several service activities as well. The Human Values Education (SSE) classes for the children of different age group will be from 3:30 - 5:00. All are invited to participate in the Satsangh and service activities.

For Further Details: Ganesh Kumar, President, Raleigh Sai Center at (919) 413 0579 or (919) 833-7523 E-mail rsc.president@yahoo.com.

RTP Maharashtra Mandal RTP Maharashtra Mandal promotes Maharashtrian culture and language. Maharashtra mandal is committed to serve RTP community with various cultural, social and traditional marathi programs and events.

For Further Details: 919.468.8824 (Jayant Yete) 919.757.7300 (Neeraj Shikarkhane) www.rtpmm.org

S. V. Temple of North Carolina S.V. Temple of North Carolina 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 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 July 2012

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Upcoming Events: For Further Details: 919.468.0040 comm@svtemplenc.org www.svtemplenc.org Sahaj Marg Meditation - Triangle Area Sahaj Marg translates to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Natural Path.â&#x20AC;? It is a natural, 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 Triangle area, group meditations are held on Sundays and Wednesdays.

For Further Details: (919) 303-7447 (Raj Solanki) (919) 493-6180 (Devi Sekar) raleigh.center@gmail.com> www.srcm.org, www.sahajmarg.org SAMPIGE - Triangle Kannada Association The Triangle Kannada Association is a cultural association for people residing in the Triangle area from Karnataka, India.

Sampige organizes Kannada (the language spoken in the Karnataka area) activities in music, dance and drama as well as social activities.

For Further Details: sampigeeditor@yahoo.com www.sampige.org Share and Care Foundation Carolina Chapter Share and Care Foundation Carolina Chapter is part of Share and Care Foundation based in New Jersey. It is a charitable organization focused their work in Rural India and their main goal is to empower children and women by providing funding to NGOs for their education, vocational training and microloans. More than 90% of donations reach the empowered people with the least administration and marketing cost.

For further details: 919.237.2816 (Manu Patel), Patelmanu@hotmail.com 919.481.4618 (Piyush Patel) www.shareandcare.org Sikh Gurdwara of North Carolina The Sikh Gurudwara of North Carolina welcomes visitors of all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. All peoples, regardless of their origin or orientation, are welcome to attend our services and share in the blessings of God. Religious services are held every Saturday evening and Sunday morning, followed by a community meal (langar). In addition to religious services, we offer educational programs for children and young adults. Adults participate in religious discourse during monthly study circles. Members of the Sangat (congregation) regularly participate in community service projects in the Triangle area. The Sikh Gurdwara at North Carolina is located at 3214 Banner Street in Durham, NC 27704.

For Further Details: 919.220.9917 / www.sgncweb.org Saathee.com

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 the present.

Upcoming Events: For Further Details: 919.773.1580 www.sifaa.org Sri Shirdi SaiBaba Mandir NC SSMNC promotes Sai philosophy and facilitates worship and services similar to Shirdi SaiBaba Temple, located in ShirdiIndia. This Organization is dedicated to sponsor and support religious, spiritual, cultural, educational and charitable activities in the United States and abroad. Mandir Timings: Monday - Friday 9 - 10 am, 12 noon - 1pm, 6 - 9 pm. Sat - Sun 9 am - 9pm. Details at www.shirdisaimandirnc.org or call 919.386.1085.

St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Holy Qurbana and Sunday School are held in Malayalam/English, led by Reverend Dr. M. K. Thomas at 225 Bashford Road, Raleigh, NC. For Further Details: 919.461.1773 sec@stgregoriosnc.org www.stgregoriosnc.org Tamil Cultural Association of North Carolina (TCA NC): TCA NC is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of providing youths with exposure to Tamil culture. Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of a wonderful organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area.

For Further Details: tca_nc@yahoo.com www.tcanc.org Tamil Sangam of Carolina The Tamil Sangam is an organization that promotes understanding of Tamil culture and provides a medium for people of Tamil culture to get together. The activities include music, drama, lectures, Tamil movies, etc.

For Further Details: 919.461.3057 - Alli Dass (President) www.tamilsangamofcarolina.org Telugu Christian Fellowship of NC (TCFNC) The Telugu Christian Fellowship of North Carolina (TCFNC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to reach out to Telugu Christians living in North Carolina, to be united and bonded together as a Telugu Christian family of God and encourage and pray for each other. TCFNC provides a place for Telugu Christians for time of worship, prayer and fellowship. They also provide a forum for kids to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and to equip them to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ. The group organizes, each year, an Annual Telugu Christian Family Conference.

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Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) The Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA) is a non-profit organization (started in 1983) 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: 919.741.9343 (Ishtiaque Mohiuddin) Ishtiaquem@gmail.com www.tbsnc.org Triangle Chapter-India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) IDRF is a registered, tax-exempt non-profit organization that supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced nongovernmental 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: www.idrf.org.

Triangle Gujarati Association (TGA) TGA’ s mission is to promote and serve Gujarati culture in the Triangle area by organizing various events throughout the year and impart Gujarati culture and language on the youth.

Upcoming events: For Further Details: www.nctga.org Triangle Rang Mandal Devotees of Pujya Sri Rang Avdhoot Maharaj meet every Saturday in Cary or Raleigh from 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM to sing devotional Dattatreya Bhajans and Datta-Bavani in a spiritual atmosphere. Special programs organised 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.

Upcoming Events: Wed Jul 4 @ 5:00 p.m. —- Fourth of July Potluck at the Davis’ residence, 7337 Fontana Ridge Lane, Raleigh, NC. Sat Aug 4 @ 6:00 p.m. - Vegan Potluck Dinner and discussion on Adventism and Vegetarianism Raleigh Seventh-Day Adventist Church - 4805 Dillard Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606. This will be a joint event with the Seventh Day Adventists. After the vegan meal, there will be a discussion about Adventism in general, as well as its views on Saathee.com

vegetarianism and vegetarian diet.

For Further Details: barman@cs.unc.edu www.trianglevegsociety.org Two Cents of Hope (TCH) Two Cents of Hope was started by a group of Indian students at NC State University with the belief in empowering youth via education. The goal is to uplift the weaker sections of the society through education. The foundation lies in the power of cents giving TCH its name. As J. Carney put it, “Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean, and the pleasant land.” By using coin boxes to collect loose change, the total donations result in a collection that yields considerable amount of money, enough to give education to a poor student - indeed a firm footing for the rest of his or her life. Apart from the coin collection other sources of funding includes fundraising events (Trishna, Crescendo, and Booth in Cary Diwali) and sponsors. In the last three years TCH has funded $21,689, which includes 77 projects benefitting 270 students and two schools in India. To keep a coin box at your place or to know more about Two Cents of Hope, email coordinator@nc.twocentsofhope.com. www.twocentsofhope.com Urdu Majlis Urdu Majlis is a literary organization for the promotion of Urdu language and literature and has no political, national or religious affiliations. The group has regularly scheduled monthly meetings in which enthusiasts and scholars of Urdu literature meet to discuss the life and works of a selected literary figure.

For Further Details: 919.851.1119 (Dr. Afroz Taj) 919.596.4792 (Ashraf and Seema Faruqi) taj@unity.ncsu.edu

Regional Cape Fear Cultural Association of India - Wilmington Cape Fear Cultural Association of India is an organization that promotes understanding of Indian culture and promotes a medium for people of Indian culture to get together.

For Further Details: Shashin Patel, President. (910.790.9448) Sanjay Batish, Vice-President. (910.371.9860) Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) develops and promotes trade, business, commercial and professional relationships between India and the United States, especially within the state of Georgia. GIACC was formed recognizing the need for promoting bi-lateral activities among South Asian and mainstream communities in the United States and South Asia.

For Further Details: 678.762.7589 AniThirdM@aol.com, ani@giacc.org.

770.840.1925 - susan@giacc.org. www.giacc.org 110

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Hindu Bhavan of Fayetteville, NC Hindu Bhavan of Fayetteville, NC is a nonprofit organization.

Ceremonies and events take place regularly. Temple Address: 907 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28302.

For further details: 910.485.4626 910.484.8956 hindubhavan@yahoo.com www.hindubhavan.org Hindu Society of Eastern NC (Greenville, NC) Upcoming Events: July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, Aug 19, Aug 26: Geeta Study with B.S. Srivastava from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

July 8, Aug 19, Aug 26: Bala Vihar with Roopa Gandhi from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Aarti/Prasad at 12 noon.

Sun July 1 - Guru Poornima – Sri Sathyanarayana Katha by BS Srivatsa Sun Aug 5 - Bhajans by devotees 11 a.m. to 12.00 Noon Sun Aug 12 - Sri Krishna Janmashtami Pooja, by BS Srivatsa 11.00 a.m.to 12.30 noon Sun Aug 19 & 26 - Geeta Study with B.S. Srivatsa from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Info: B.S. Srivatsa 508.654.0360 Hindutemplenc@gmail.com Sri Somesvara Temple Sri Somesvara Temple is located near Asheville, NC. Temple hours are 8 am - 7:30pm. Regularly scheduled pujas: Subrabhath Aarti - 8 am, Rudrabhishek Nityapuja - 9 am - 12 noon, Pradoshakala puja and mangala aarti - 6 pm - 7:30pm.

The temple also hosts special events. Contact the temple: 828.476.4073. The temple is located at 95 Mount Soma Blvd., Clyde, NC 28721 Upcoming Events: July 14: Karthikeya puja For Further Details: www.srisomesvara.org

South Carolina Bethel Christian Fellowship Bethel Christian Fellowship offers services in various Indian languages (i.e. Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, etc.) and Sunday Worship services are at 11:30 a.m.

Address: Fort Mill Church of God, Student Life Center Building, 216 Academy Street, Room 102. Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715 For Further Details: 803.792.7223 Pastor Rajan Samuel @ pastorofbcf@gmail.com www.bethelchristianfellowship.org Carolina Buddhist Vihara (Greenville, SC) Regular beginner meditation program conducted by a Buddhist Monk. Activities are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings: 6:30 pm (puja), 7 pm (meditation), and 8 pm (“Dhamma” talk or discussion). A “youth program” is also held once a month.

For Further Details: dhammasc@hotmail.com Saathee.com

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Hindu Society of Greater Spartanburg The daily Aarti is at 7:00 p.m., Balvihar classes are conducted from 10 - 11:45 am on scheduled Sundays, and Satsang is on second Sunday every month from 5 - 7 pm. Temple is located on 1130 Fairview Church Road in Boiling Springs, SC 29303.

For Further Details: 864.599.7048 India Assoc. of Greater Charleston (IAGC) The IAGC was founded in Charleston to bring together people who were interested in India and to provide a forum to increase the understanding of the heritage of India in US. For Further Details: 803.884.0859 iagcfolks@yahoo.com International Fellowship Church of Greenville, SC International Fellowship Church offers Sunday worship services and other weekly activities for people of Indian origin.

For Further Details: 864.234.1256 (Pastor Suhas Raiborde) www.internationalfellowshipchurch.org Masjid Noor-UL-Huda The Mosque is located at 517 Winmet Drive, Columbia, S.C. On the first Saturday and third Saturday of every month from 6 PM to 8 PM, Islamic session is held by Hafiz Mohammed Basheer. Quranic Reading classes are conducted daily, and everyone is encouraged to send their children to these sessions.

For Further Details: 803.749.0827 (Dr. Shami) 803.740.5127 (Qari Abdul Khader Multani) 803.754.2632 (Mosque main number) Mrudani School of Performing Arts Mrudani School of Performing Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the classical arts of India. Mrudani School offers classes in Bharathanatyam (Kalakshetra style) and Kuchipudi in Columbia, Orangeburg, and Charleston, SC. For Further Details: Monica @ 843.849.7841 Anuradha @ 803.347.3851 classicaldance.india@gmail.com Sirigannada Sirigannada, the Kannada Association of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization was created on July 18, 2004 by the interested Kannada speaking people of South Carolina. It is a voluntary organization primarily run by memberships and donations from Kannadigas of the State of South Carolina.

For Further Details: www.sirigannada.org Telugu Association of Greater Greenville, SC Telugu Association of Greater Greenville, SC, serves the Telugu community of the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina. The group sponsors several events throughout the year.

For Further Details: www.taggsc.org July 2012

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Pop’s Puzzles & Jokes

By Kirit Shukla

Note: * denotes abbreviation of the word or phrase Clues Across: 1. The official state bird of Maine.

9. “ _ - BZ”, Saathee’s feature to test your own IQ. 11. Flee; to go away rapidly.

12. Idle; Sluggish.

14. The vertical distance to point P on a plane parallel to Y-axis, measured from X-axis, in Cartesian system.

16. To put in a certain physical position.

17. A stalk of bananas; the trunk of a tree.

18. To attack from all sides.

20. Any of the 12 legendary peers of Charlemagne’s court.

23. An early English public assembly or court; Moot.

24. A wind whose speed is 64 to 72 miles per hour; Hail.

27. A vase used to hold the ashes of a cremated body.

28. A silver white, soft metallic element. (Symbol: Sn) 30. One of the great lakes between lakes Huron & Ontario.

31. Produced artificially; Constructed; shaped.

33. Freakish notion; Whim.

35. Heavy columns used to support weight, e.g. of an arch.

37. Not speaking; Voluntarily silent.38. A road-side motel or a hotel 39. Producing effects.

42. A crisp shell of pastry for holding a scoop of ice cream.

44. A lute-like instrument of India, with a long, fretted neck, a resonating gourd, 3 to 7 playing strings and number of strings that vibrate sympathetically.

46. Timeless; That remains fresh, vital, interesting etc.

47. Nickel. (*) (A chemical element.)

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Clues Down: 1. To go from one side to another of.

2. To cause injury, damage, or pain 3. July 4th, is the ___ Day of USA. 4. Related, as by blood.

5. Moving upward: said of air currents or winds.

6. Old-fashioned.

7. The successful establishment of a plant in a new locality.

8. Eastern Time. (*) 9. The first woman, Adam’s wife. (Bible) 10. The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet. (ζ) 13. Indian Standard Time. (*) 15. The leader of prayer in a Muslim mosque. (Arabic) 19. Amuse; to give hospitality to guests.

21. A parcel of land in a cemetery.

22. Of, contained in or derived from urine.

23. A tiny, solid particle, as of salt or sand.

25. To adjust or adapt to a particular situation.

26. Too submissive; easily imposed on.

27. A person chosen to render a decision in a dispute; an official who administers the rules in team sports.

29. A fame, reputation or character.

32. Emergency Room. (*) 34. A woman’s handbag.

36. A poetry; Verse; a simple lyric that can be given a voice.

40. According to: used especially in business.

41. A yellowish brown color.

43. Oregon. (*) 45. Rhode Island. (*) (Puzzle solutions are on page 124. NO peeking!)

Hee Hee At a party, Mafatlal: “Do you drink alcohol?”

Booddhoo: “Nope.”

Mafatlal: “Hold my beer while I tie my shoes.”

•••••••••••••• Young man: “Why can’t I marry yet?”Astrologer studied his horoscope and said: “Because you are destined to be happy throughout your life.”

•••••••••••••• The store owner saw a new customer entering the store. To impress the customer, he picked up the phone and started talking loudly, as if he is making a deal with a huge amount of money. After a while, the owner put the phone down and then asked the customer what he could do for him.

Customer: “I have come from a telephone company to repair your phone, which was out of order.”

•••••••••••••• Reporter: “When did you act really the best in your life?”

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••••••••••••••

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July 2012

YOUTH CORNER (Created By Kirit Shukla) (Find & circle the words in the puzzle).

(Subject: “Prison” )

BOREDOM CALENDER CELLS CHAIN CONFINED DIRE FOUL HANDCUFF INCARCERATED INCUSTODY JAILOR LESSON

LOCKUP LOSS NASTY OFFENDER PAROLE PENITENTIARY PUNISHMENT SECURITY SENTENCE SOLITARY TIME VISITOR

The unused 6 letters spell: “The chief administrative official of the prison ”

EZ-BZ TEST YOUR OWN IQ The common letters are “EU” - Fill in the blanks 1. The soul or spirit. _ _ EU _ _ 2. An act of causing a painless death.

EU _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. “ __ Sigmund,” Austrian neurologist; 1856-1939. _ _ EU _ 4. A very small constellation near the celestial equator and Pegasus. _ _ _ _ _ EU _ 5. Giving neither acid nor alkaline reaction. _ EU _ _ _ _ 6. A line of persons waiting to be served. _ _ EU _ 7. Normal digestion.

EU _ _ _ _ _ _ 8. Counterfeit; False; Sham. _ _ EU _ _ 9. “Leonhard __,” Swiss mathematician.

EU _ _ _ 10. A constellation near the celestial pole. _ _ _ _ EU _ 11. Helping to learn, designating a method of computer programming, proceeds to find answers. _ EU_ _ _ _ _ _ 12. Place. e.g. In place of; instead of. _ _ EU 13. A strait with a violent current or tide.

EU _ _ _ _ _ 14. A tie score: (in tennis, 40 each). _ EU _ _ 15. A crumbly topping, as for a coffeecake, made with flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon. _ _ _ EU _ _ _ 16. A modern concert hall. _ _ EU _ 17. A large island in Aegean sea, E of Greece.

EU _ _ _ _ 18. A dense, white opacity of the cornea. _ EU _ _ _ _ 19. Detective; a bloodhound dog (Rare). _ _ EU _ _ 20. The official currency of European Union.

EU _ _ 21. A building for preserving historical objects. _ _ _ EU _ 22. Far Eastern University. (*) _ EU 23. Any watery discharge from the eyes or nose. _ _ EU _ 24. A speech praising a person who died recently. EU _ _ _ _ 25. The gathering of persons after separation. _ EU _ _ _ _ (Puzzle solutions are on page 124. NO peeking!)

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

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July 2012

Astride

continued from page 48

July 2012 July 1 - Canada Day July 3 - Guru Purnimā (Full Moon) July 3 - Gauri vrat ends.

July 4 - Independence Day (US) July 5 - Jaya Parvati Vrat Jagaran July 14 - Kāmikā Ekādasi July 19 - Divāso July 19 - Hariyāli Amās (No Moon) July 21 - Ramadan July 23 - Naga Panchami July 24 - Randhan Chhatha July 25 - Shitala Saptami July 25 - Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti July 29 - Putradā Ekādasi July 30 - Pavitra Baras August 2012 Aug. 2 - Rakshābandhan/ Shrāvan Purnimā (Full Moon) Aug. 10 - Janmāshtami Aug. 13 - Ajā Ekādasi Aug. 14 - Independence Day (Pakistan) Aug. 14 - Lailat al Qadr Aug. 15 - Independence Day (India) Aug. 17 - Darsh Pithori Amās (No Moon) Aug. 18 - Pateti Pārasi New Year-1382 Aug. 19 - Eid-Ul-Fitr Aug. 20 - Ramzān Eid Aug. 23 - Khoradad Sāl (Parsi) Aug. 27 ~ Kamalā Ekādasi Aug. 29 - Thiru Onam Kerala Aug. 31 - Akshar Purnimā (Full Moon) September - October 2012 Sep. 3 - Labor Day Sep. 9 - Grandparents day Sep. 18 - Kevdā Trij Sep. 19 - Ganesh Chaturthi Sep. 20 - Rishi Panchami Sep. 20 - Sāmā Pāncham Oct. 8 - Columbus Day Oct. 16 - Navarātri begins Oct. 23 - Navarātri ends Oct. 24 - Dusserā Oct. 26 - Bakri Eid Oct.29 - Sharad Purnimā (Full Moon) Oct. 31 - Halloween Oct. 31 - Sardar Vallabbhai Patel Jayanti Saathee.com

the core of the Bank’s agenda, and thus make it outward facing, not inward facing.

He asked the employees to think of people, not numbers first, although it was essential they lend prudently, and keep the work of the Bank profitable. In Wolfensohn’s words, “We all work at the Bank because we care about the world. We care about poverty, the environment, social justice and the other issues that make up the dreams of this institution. These should be our guiding lights.

Wolfensohn knew that his new agenda would not be well received. He knew what was expected of him. He should be a figurehead, an emissary to the many officials and heads of state that he would meet, while the Bank went about its business.

But Wolfensohn was very conscious of what he was doing. A man of surprising imagination and drive, an ex-Olympic fencer and a prominent banker in London and New York, in the years to come he would motivate, scheme, charm and bully the constituencies at his command to broaden the distribution of the world’s wealth.

Here I quote Sri Aurobindo: “The existence of poverty is the proof of an unjust and ill-organized society, and our public charities are but the first tardy awakening in the conscience of a robber.”

During his tenure, Wolfensohn visited 120 nations, since travel was part of his job. In Mali, he met with Amadou Toumani Toure, affectionately known as ATT, the general who had led the overthrow of a long-standing dictator and had subsequently kept his word and stepped down to permit a democratic transition.

When Wolfensohn told ATT that he was struck by the poverty in Mali, the latter replied, “We are not poor; there are no homeless people here. Our culture, our traditions, our history, and our solidarity are our wealth. And we know what we want.”

This was a recurring theme in Wolfensohn’s experience—-we know what we want. The finance minister of Mali,Soussaila Cisse, had prepared a long wish list for Wolfensohn. The latter was startled to hear that debt was one of the crushing problems his country faced. At $3 billion, Mali’s debt was about the same size as its GDP. Roughly one third of that was owed to the World Bank, and the debt service payments continued to limit not only the country’s ability to invest in its future but also the freedom of its government to set its priorities, especially on education.

In the simple and profound words of a man in a flowing white robe, “Money comes into my left-hand pocket, and the same amount goes out of my right hand pocket, leaving me next to nothing.” Apart from debt forgiveness, Wolfensohn worked on the pressing problem of corruption, but his efforts in this area were markedly less successful. In a diary entry, Wolfensohn had written about corruption:- Continue to fight against the scourge in all countries in all our initiatives and activities.

Three more notes from his diary are worth quoting:On poverty alleviation: Ensure that it remains the central mission of the institution, ie the World Bank, together with the over-riding goal of human development.

On outreach: Continue to work with the official institutions, global, regional, and local, and with NGOs and civil society in its broadest extent.

On women’s inclusion: Work universally for gender equity and social justice and the utilization of the skills that women have.

Sadly, with President Bush assuming office, Wolfensohn’s second term, after 10 years, was not extended, and the work that he so brilliantly started remains unfinished.

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July 2012

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July 2012

religious belief. You can count on your friends for support. Business-related travel may bring good return for you. Watch your health carefully during second half of the month.

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 23) Focus on your work to avoid any mistakes this month.

Do not sign any legal documents or borrow money this month. You can count on your partner for financial help. Move slowly and carefully as a positive change is on the way for you. Check your diet, and stay away from addictive products. Your family members may not come forward to support you. Time is going to improve by end of the month. Avoid making financial decisions.

General Predictions for July 2012 ARIES (Mar 20- Apr 20) You may have to waste lots of energy in defeating your enemies; watch for them within your own force. Your friends may try to help you, but it won’t be enough.

Expect a dispute on the family front due to clashes between old traditions with modern philosophy; you will feel restless. Avoid any legal dispute, watch your health and drive very carefully. Second half of the month should bring some relief for you.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 22) Your smart moves may lead you towards victory over your enemies. Luck may favor you this month but quick and aggressive actions are required. Focus on work and money during this month and avoid spending time for other matters. Avoid travel for leisure or vacation during this month. Compromise to finalize a deal and move fast to enjoy more benefit. Your spouse and family may prove to be good help this month.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 21) Time may show you slow improvements during this month. Try to reconcile troublemaking issues and plan to move forward. You may face some disputes during the process of changes. Try to avoid any misunderstanding with your spouse by being nice. Your siblings and friends may try to help you during this process of change, while destiny may lead you towards spiritual activities in the near future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Major career-related changes may come your way this month. You may make mistakes and create problems at workplace. It could be difficult for you to focus on work or perform sincerely. Minor dispute with spouse is possible during second half of the month. You may have arguments with your partner also while making business-related decisions. Be careful about your health.

GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 21) Your health may deteriorate during this month. Time is not good for heart patient. It is advisable to take immediate medical help. Second half of the month can be more critical. You may see major ups and downs in the field of finance. Don’t compromise on the financial front, but your intelligence and quick moves may keep you in the positive column. It is very important for you that your family will provide support this month.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 - Jan 20) You may start a new venture this month, which may change your personality and also lifestyle. Your enemies may try to harm you, but destiny is on your side and if you don’t give up, you will be the winner.

You may have to work sincerely and also wait for initial return as it may not come your way this month. Just don’t compromise with family traditions. You may feel that life is a challenge, take the challenge.

CANCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22) You may have to take more responsibilities this month.

Act maturely and control your speech to enjoy success.

Egoist comment may lead you towards major problems during second half of the month. Try to follow traditions to avoid disputes. Your friends may not keep their promise, so don’t count on them. Check your diet this month. Follow your father to win and to enjoy success during last week of the month.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) You may have to face legal problems this month. Try to move slow and delay the issue. The beginning of the month may look tough, but the financial situation is going to improve slowly. Time is good for students.

They may enjoy positive changes. You may also consider investing in real estate this month. Skinrelated health problems may bother you; stay careful of sun burns. Don’t start a new business this month.

LEO (Jul 22 - Aug 23) This is going to be a very hectic and busy period for you.

Try to accomplish most of your goals during first half of the month. You may have to face major upsets later on. Try to control your expenses during second half of the month. Dispute amongst family members may also disturb your peace of mind. Avoid making comments in public. Focus on your career without counting on immediate return.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Misunderstanding may force you to compromise numerous times this month. Try to be calm and behave like a mature person. The circumstances may keep altering, but you won’t be able to reach anywhere.

Avoid making any financial decisions. Your spouse may bring bad news regarding financial loss or expenses. Try to be protective and avoid taking any risks. You may see some relief during last week of the month.

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VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 23) You may waste your energy in useless pursuits due to changes in your line of action. This may lead you towards major instability. Unexpected financial gain is possible, but it may make you compromise with your Saathee.com

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July 2012

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call: 919-655-5443 / 919-720-0666 (Gujarati) e-mail: apnatravelsnc@gmail.com

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Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Indian Restaurant For Sale: Greensboro, NC. Great location near major University.

Call 336-324-4903.

Motel Investment Opportunity: Great location in Greensboro, NC. 104 rooms with 3 bedroom apt on 3.01 acres, right off interstate Exit. Revenue $400k to 450k +/- .

Great potential. Price: 1,350,000. Contact Drew Showfety, E-mail : dshowfety@emersonprop.com C-Stores: Lenoir, NC, $599K + Inv., GR $1.2M; Columbus, NC, $499K + Inv., GR $1.1M; Cherryville, NC, $365K + Inv., GR $700M; Gadsden, SC, $1M + Inv., GR $1.7M; Kings Mtn, NC, $75K + Inv., GR $250k; 704-821-8888 or visit our website www.countysouth.biz Lease/buy store property in Danville, Virginia. Lease 40,000 plus inventory. Rent 1,900. Property for Sale with reasonable price. Call for more info at 336-501-8917 or 336-327-4576.

Commercial Property w/ Laundromat and Retail Space: 5200 Sq. ft. space in Gastonia, NC. Includes full laundromat plus two retail spaces. $2,000 monthly rent for both retail spaces; Price $350,000; 919-749-5810 / 704-756-0446 Motels for Sale in Augusta, GA: Just renovated, 45 units, Gross 3.10K asking 1 Mil. 78 Units, Gross over 4K asking 1.5 Mil. Owner finance available. Please call John 678-665-8376.

Tobacco Store For Sale: Excellent and high visibility. North Carolina. Store volume 30K and Lotto. Asking price only $85K plus Inventory. Please call Jitu Patel 704.743.6719.

Indian Restaurant For Sale: Well established and profitable in North Charlotte prime location. Serious buyers only. Contact: indian.food270@gmail.com Citgo Gas Station For Sale: In Charlotte.

Great location. For Details call Mr. Song at 704-806-0425.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Nanny Needed: Live IN or Live OUT Nanny starting Aug 17th 2012 in Charlotte North Carolina. Please call 704-674-5619 for more details.

Waiter or waitress needed for restaurant in South Charlotte. Part or full time. Ideal for college student, housewife, young person...

Must speak English and be a hard worker.

704-724-5555.

Help Wanted: Waiters & curry chef for restaurant in Columbia, SC. Please call 803730-4664 Nanny Needed: (Zip 28262) looking for EXPERIENCED Indian nanny to care for 2 Month Old baby at home (Monday-Friday 9:00 to 5:00). Should also be able to help in light household chores. Call 479-616-4591 Franchised motel seeking EXPERIENCED individual for night audit. Must be honest, reliable, and fluent in english.

Accommodations provided.Call 704-299-3364 Full time babysitter needed in Cary, NC. for 18 month old. 40 to 50 hours at our home. Must have transportation. Good pay.

Please call 347-489-9416.

Indian Restaurant in New Bern NC: Looking for Experienced Tandoori and Curry Chefs. Salary is negotiable.

Accommodation will be provided. Please email jobs@bayleafnc.com or call 919-321-8525.

For Sale / Lease / Lease To Own: Gas Station/Convenience/Liquor Store.

40K+Gallons, 50K Inside, 22K+ Liquor Sales. $4100/Mon. Lease, college town, excellent running business. Clinton, SC 864-923-4824 or 864-923-4213.

Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Various positions available for House keepers, front desk (must speak fluent English), and General Manager/s of franchise hotels. Experience is REQUIRED for all positions. Serious inquiries only. Email resumes to abcone@abcinns.com OR call ( 704-649-6833 m-f , 9:00 am- 5:00pm)

BP Branded Gas Station For Lease with car wash.

Lake Norman Area. Excellent neighborhood and busy Interstate exit.

Good revenue potential. Serious Inquiries only. Call 704-222-8998 .

Gas Station Help Wanted: Looking for a Couple or single. Full-Time for convenience store / gas station / restaurant near Charlotte, Accommodations Provided!

704-701-9975

Quizno's For Sale: Raleigh, NC Asking $69,900 including Inventory Excellent cash flow opportunity for Owner/Operator. Call 919-468-9190 ext. 17 for more info.

Refulgent Technologies Inc.: IT staffing company is currently recruiting Java, .Net, SQL Server and QA candidates. We also do Training & Placement. Contact Anu: email: recruiter @refulgent-tech.com or 704405-4238

Convenience Store/Gas Station for Sale: Mocksville, NC Great Location, Low Rent.

Excellent neighborhood with Major busy Hwy. Good running business with growing opportunity. Serious buyers Call 919-600-2196.

Saathee.com

Threading job in Winston Salem. Hair Threading female position open for IMMEDIATE HIRE. Full-time or Part-Time, for long term. Call 980-622-4386.

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Help Wanted: Need single person for front desk. Computer skills, legal status, and fluent English only need to apply. Can provide accommodations for single. Email resume to bwhospitality78@gmail.com Help Wanted: Full or part-time. Good pay for threading practitioners with experience & good English skills. Charlotte, Raleigh, & Richmond areas. . Please call 980-322-1110 Hiring Immediately: Energetic Sales Person. Opportunity for advancement. For part/full time position in men’s clothing store. Must speak fluent English and people friendly. Stores located in Camden, Columbia, & Orangeburg, SC. Good Pay+Commissions. Contact 803-427-1681.

Help Wanted: Experienced chef needed for Indian restaurant in North Carolina.

Call 336-497-3229.

Office management position in High Point, NC (full time): Fast paced manufacturing company serving customers nationwide. Fluent in English with good communication skills, familiar with MS/Office, some travel. Salary is based upon experience.

Contact: raj@amerifabintl.com Marketing and Sales Position: Full time with benefits. Fast paced manufacturing company serving hospitality customers nationwide. Must have marketing & sales experience or college degree in equivalent field and good communication skills. Travel is required. Contact: raj@amerifabintl.com Gas Station help wanted: Looking for a couple or single. Full-time for c-store/gas station in Chapel hill. Contact: 561-427-9450 or e-mail mmpatel333@yahoo.com Help Wanted: Franchise Motel in Raleigh, NC need couple for Housekeeping. Must have Legal status. Accommodation will be provided. Please Call: 919-208-3514 Help Wanted: Franchise Motel in Raleigh, NC needs couple for front desk. Must have Legal status. Must Speak English, Accommodation will be provided. Please Call: 919-208-3513 Hiring Immediately: Energetic male or female needed for retail clothing stores in South Carolina. Must speak fluent English.

CONTACT 706-877-0314 or e-mail resume@PAMSUM70@gmail.com Nanny Wanted: Seeking an experienced daytime Nanny to take care of a 5 monthold boy. Duties include cooking and light housework. Call for details at 919-324-2797 Motel help wanted for front desk 3rd shift part-time (fri-sat) in Concord, English a must call 704-236-4679 between 9 - 3 pm Help Wanted: A Papa John's in North Carolina needs a Manager, employees & Drivers please call 336-887-0440 July 2012

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CONT.

Help Wanted: Need couple or single person for full or part time opportunity in Gaffney, SC for Gas Station. Please call 704-726-7544.

Nanny Needed: for a 7-month old boy, starting August 2012 in Cary, NC. Should have previous experience. If you can cook and help with household chores, that'll be even better. Please call 919-345-1808.

Nanny Needed: Looking for a nanny (fulltime/part-time) in Durham (near Southpoint Mall), NC for a 3 year and a 2 year old. Cooking and light housework expected. Call 919-572-2492 Help Wanted: Part time Front Desk and Housekeeping positions for franchised hotel in Knoxville, TN. Fluent in English.

Must be authorized to work in US. Accommodations provided. Please Call: 423-494-7686.

Help Wanted: We are looking for Qualified Individual with Customer Service Skills for Sales, We are a Corporate owned, Mall based business adding staff, temp to permanent with Flex Sch. Qualified Individuals should show RESPONSIBILITY, LOYALTY, DISCIPLINE, HONESTY AND CAN DELIVER SALES NUMBERS. Charlotte Area. Please call 704-231-5038 or email pvdadlani@gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL: Seeking A Hindu Indian Female: For a divorced male age 37 for marriage, working in NC on h1b. For info call: 704957-9005

PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT: House for Rent: Single family, 4BR and 2.5 Bath with 2 car garage. Rent $1340.00 - 324 Valley Glen Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560.

Please call 551-998-4037.

SERVICES: Training and Placement Assistance Available in Charlotte for QA, BA, PMP, IT Auditing, Selenium Courses. Please call for details at 704-806-8907 or 704-953-9313.

Seamstress Specializing in Indian Clothing: Shalwar, Kurta, Blouse.

Alterations on all types of clothing.

Reasonable rates. Also offers unstitched shalwar kurta sets for sale. Call Amna 919655-8344.

Priest Available for the following services: Shree Satya narayan katha~Shanti hawan~Vastu shanti~Weddings ~ Baby shower~Bhumi pujan~Mata ki chowki pujan~Funeral~All types of karmakand.

Please call Viral Bhatt 704-438-6334.

Saathee.com

Healthy Home cooked meals available in Charlotte.

Indian, American and Continental. Pick up or delivery.

Reasonable prices. Can serve from 1 to 100.

Call for pricing and menu. 704.910.4658.

Priest Services: Astrology: Pass down from generation to generations.

Specialized in all Poojas, Perform Wedding, Vratha, Homa, Japa, Navagraha Pooja… Call 704-564-2615 or 256-337-6458 Pari Beauty In Matthews, NC: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Bleaching & Much More!

20 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. For Appointment Call: 704846-7912 South Indian Priest: Sastriji is an independent priest Call for Pujas, Gruhapravesh, Weddings, Multi-lingual, Vedic traditional priestly services, etc. Call 704-625-7578 or 704-231-0751. E-mail: sastrigal2003@yahoo.com Mehandi (Henna): Award winning artist from Jaipur, India specializing in wedding parties (Bride & attendants). Satisfaction guaranteed regarding design, color & price.

Please call: Krishna Priya Dasi 919-824-7734 E-Mail: krsnapriyad@hotmail.com Hindu Priest: All kinds of puja. Including: havan, katha, weddings, graha shanti, funeral services & Shraadh. In Hindi, English & Tamil. Call Balaji 704.877.6320 or 704-545-7220 or e-mail: vbbalaji@hotmail.com.

Dholi For Hire: Plays the Dhol (drum) for any occasion! Classes Available! Barat, Doli, Graduation, Birthdays, Baby Showers & any other festivity. Affordable rates! Call Arpan Bhandari 704-843-7202 or email: arpandholi@yahoo.com Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali’s Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-780-3563. God Blessings to All. Project Management Classes Available in Charlotte Area. Job Placement Assistance– Call 803-396-8726 for further details.

Beautician in Charlotte Available: South Blvd between Sharon West and Sharon Lake. Near all Indian grocery stores. 30 year’s experience.

Call for appointment.704-552-4795 ART / DRAWING CLASS: Free at Hindu Center. Ages 4 to 15. Learn sketches, charcoal painting, modern art , oil on canvas etc. Age appropriate curriculum.

For more details call Karli @ 704-965-3550 or email: karli@crazycrayon.us.

Ribald Farms Nursery & Florist: Specializes in Indian wedding reception design and floral arrangements. For more information contact Shawna Turner at 803328-2266 or www.rockhillflowers.com 123

Eyebrow Threading and Waxing, Facial, Mani/pedicure and Mehandi for any occasion. Charlotte area. Call Nirali 704350-5102 Computer Consulting: Assistance with software installation, set-up, formatting, back-up, troubleshooting and more. Very reasonable rates. 704-619-2358 Nanny Available: Experienced Nanny available in University Area of Charlotte NC. Experience from 1 month to 6 years old. Willing to provide daycare in own apartment. Fluent in Hindi/Gujarati.

Beginner in English. Call 704-886-8177 Neeta’s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Please call for appointment. 704-968-0270

Saathee Classifieds: Business ads are $25 & personal ads are $15 up to 25 words. Ask about upgrades to color and box. Submit classifieds on-line at saathee.com Deadline is the 20th. We accept credit cards and checks. Ads are posted on saathee.com at no extra charge with paid print listing. Feel free to call us with any questions.

704.527.7570 Fax: 704.527.7590 Saatheemag@hotmail.com

www.saathee.com PO Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220

Professional Editing and Writing Services Press releases, marketing materials, proofreading, brochures, newsletters, and special event programs for corporations, small businesses, and motels. reasonable rates Quick turnaround

704-534-5931 cometriderx@yahoo.com

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

July 2012

Index of Advertisers

Nagpal, Sunil (MetLife Financial Services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Neeta's Beauty Parlor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 New Goloka Temple (Janmastami 2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Oza, Rishi (Immigration Legal Services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Pardasani, Kamlesh (Real Estate - CharlotteArea.com) . . . . .43 Passage To India - Fine Indian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Patel Brothers (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Patel, Champa (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Payal Groceries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Persis Indian Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Pineville Dentistry (Lina V. Mistry, DDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Prashant Video Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Rajbhog Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Rajdeep Mandap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi) . . . . . . . . .125 Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Ramana Coaching Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Religious Ceremonies (Swminath Sastrigal) . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Ritu Selects - An Elegant Fashion Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Roop Beauty (Pooja Patel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 S S Photography Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Saffron Restaurant and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Sarvaga Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 SAT Tutoring (The Hitchhiker's Guide to College) . . . . . . . . .47 Shah, Anish (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 & 59 Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Shining Star Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Shreya Ghoshal Concert (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Shukla, Kirit (Music Lession & Band) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Shyama Beauty Parlour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Skynet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Sleep Inn (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 South Char. Endocrinology (Kanakasabai Narasimhan, MD)115 Spice South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Srishti (Little Achievers Felicitation Program) . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Summit Plastic & Hand Surgery (Dr. Mohan Pillai) . . . . . . .114 Swift Telecom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Tactical Wealth Management Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Thakkar, Beena (Realty) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 The Blue Taj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Transportation (Diamond Cab) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Travel Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Travelinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Triangle Speech Services (Judith L. Bergman) . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Ttravel Guru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 UroGender Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Usha Decor (Wedding Planning & Decor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Vedic Gardens and Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Vyas Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Weldone Beauti Parlour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Wells Fargo Advisors (Mark Markanda) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 White Horse Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 William Viviano Agency (Nationwide Insurance) . . . . . . . .115 Woodlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Worldwide travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Yogi Cash & Carry (Indian Food & Spices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

A & V Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Access Realty & Funding (Chandravadan Shah) . . . . . . . . . .63 Ali & Sons Car Care (Formerly Rapid Car Care) . . . . . . . . . . .54 All Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 American Bead Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants) . . . . . . . . . .77 Apna Travels (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Art Of Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Ashwini Kathak Dance Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Asiana Fusion.Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Aura And More... Boutique (Ladies Fashions) . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 BallantyneTech Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bashyam & Spiro LLP (Immigration Law) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Bethel Christian Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Bhambhani, Shalu (Watermark Real Estate Group) . . . . . . . .30 Bharat Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Bhindi Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Bipin & Smita Parekh (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Blooming Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Blue Mango Indian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Bollywood Bites (Restaurant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Bombay Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 & 65 Bombay Grille Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Borrego Springs Bank, N.A. (Ritesh P. Shah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 British American School of Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Brow Bar (henna, hair, make up, threading...) . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Carolina Law Group (Monty Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 CaroMont Medical Group (Dr. Manu Patel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Cary Photo & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Cavalier Inn (Motel For Sale) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Chai Pani (Restaurant - Ashville, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Challa Law Offices, PLC (Immigration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Chiro-Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Chuck Eaton Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 CMC Pineville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Concha, David - Immigration Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 County South Realty & Business Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Delhi Palace / Spices Of India (Columbia, SC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Dentist (Dr. Prashant Rao - Cedar Walk Dentistry) . . . . . . .109 Desai Desai Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Desai, Rajarshi (CPA, PLLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Dish Network (Viren Mehta) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 DJ Hangama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 DJ Kenz (Kenz Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 DJ Don (David Pandoria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 DJ Lalit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Elegant Designz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Eneez Studio Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Eshaan Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Fairview Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 First Data (Credit Card Processing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Flavors Of India (Uptown Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Friends Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Fu Lin Asian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Gaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Gandhi International Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Grover Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 H2 Laser & Skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Henna Mehendi Artists (Bhavini Patel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Henna's Dulhan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Hindu Center Charlotte (Events) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 & 67 Huntington Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 iFuturistics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 India Grocers (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 India Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Indian Grocery (Columbia, SC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Indian Spice Land (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Jag Insurance Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Jaipur Indian Restaurant (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 K.B. Zaveree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Kathmandu Café (Ashville, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Kaya Designs Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 KD Photographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Kumar, Kokila (Real Estate - Allen Tate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Legacy Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Mahabazar.com Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Maharani Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Malani Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 Malaya Kitchen (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Mathur, Gitanjali (Allen Tate Realtors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 MyTripFare (Travel agent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Saathee.com

Puzzle Solutions

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RAJDEEP VIDEO &

W hi te H orse W eddi ng s

PHOTOGRAPHY

We do any occasion at very affor dable rates We shoot in hi-def & provide your event on blu-ray or dvd.

Weddings • Receptions • Birthdays Graduations • Social Gatherings 5 Over 2 f o years ce! en x E peri

Call rAMesH PAnJABi

704-213-7076

336 847 0254

Email: Rickycrazy@aol.com

WHite HOrse available for weddings in the Carolinas.

Also booking now for 2012 & 2013

Other services available :

Sound System, DJ , Live Band, Karaoke, Tabla, Dhol, Drum Players...

motel Investment Opportunity:

Great location in Greensboro, NC. Right off interstate exit.

104 rooms with 3 bedroom apt on 3.01 acres.

Revenue $400k to 450k +/- . Great potential. Price: $1,350,000.

For details contact Drew Showfety: 336 217-9350 dshowfety@emersonprop.com

Saathee.com

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July 2012