Saathee Magazine December 2012 Raleigh

December 2012

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

In this issue: Higher Education and College Debt Hundreds of Indian Children Call Him Papa

Hello Readers!

Britain's "the other mullah" is using his insider's knowledge of Pashtun traditions to fight the radicals. See the story on pg. 8.

India's endangered vulture population is once again on the rise. Go to pg. 14 for the interesting story.

American Paul Wilkes has transformed poorly funded orphanages into "Homes of Hope." See why hundreds of Indian kids call him papa on pg. 32.

Read about how the government is saddling parents with college loans they can't afford in a feature beginning on pg. 36.

The 2012 elections are over. What now for both political parties? Read how the parties are rethinking their positions in our column on pg. 50.

It’s all about the cloud when it comes to online productivity.

Read the feature on pg. 62.

Catch up on what all the local and regional community organizations are up to as well as their upcoming events in our Community Organizations section on pg. 90.

Festivals and holidays are listed on pg. 118.

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

Get daily updates about our community as well as news and videos at our website: Saathee.com.

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

Quote: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything.

What we think we become.” - Buddha

December 2012 – Issue # 176 Editor: Samir Shukla (saatheemag@hotmail.com) Publisher: Divakar Shukla (rakavid@aol.com) Community Editor: Rajesh Ganatra Ad Design / Layout: Nate “Nageshwar” Andrews Executive Assistant: Suzie Tanis Contributors: Kirit Shukla, Rajesh Ganatra, Judith L. Bergman, Chandan Sen, Gail Z. Martin, Smitha Prasad, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Sneha Shah, Anjana Agarwal, Anita Kulkarni, Jay Cohen, Sumeet P. Shah, A.J. Shah, Neal Patel, Dipika Kohli, Krutika Chheda, and Jalendu Vaidya.

All contents © 2012 Shukla Entertainment, Inc. 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.

In This Issue The Other Radio Mullah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 08 Increase in Vulture Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 18 Film Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 22 Sangeet and Evergreen Film Lyrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 24 Indian Classical Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 28 Dances of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 30 Hundreds of Children Call Him Papa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 32 College Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 36 Tending to a Bruised Knee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 40 Children’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 44 Mastering Meaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 46 Astride three Continents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 48 Behind the Congressional Curtain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 50 REAListically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 52 Stock Tickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 54 Business Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 56 Peronal Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 60 Marketing Turnaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 62 Just Being Honest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 68 Cricket Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 70 Recipes of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg. 74 Healthwise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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

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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: Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India, located around 16 km from the city center.

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Britain’s

That doesn’t mean his life has been easy.

Militants are apt to take his white skin and English heritage as evidence he’s a foreign spy. A media center in a madrasa where Butt worked in 2010 was burned to the ground. And Butt himself was showered with glass when a bomb exploded next to his house in Kabul in 2009.

But where tales of “American Taliban” raise fears of the radicalization of converts, Butt’s long career tells a story of how greater understanding and acceptance can achieve a moderating influence on the Pashtuns.

John Mohammed Butt

is using his insider’s knowledge of Pashtun traditions to fight the radicals.

The reach of radio Butt’s “New Home, New Life” show competed with the Taliban’s nightly screeds, but with as many as 35 million avid fans, it was too popular to be shut down.

“I believe that one of the reasons the Taliban didn’t ban radio was because of ‘New Home, New Life,’” Shirazuddin Siddiqi, a former drama teacher at Kabul University who worked on the program, told the Guardian in 2001. “All the soldiers were addicted to it.”

Widely hailed for its moderating influence on the Taliban prior to 2001, the program might have had a greater impact if Butt had been granted free rein.

Following his general strategy of using his knowledge of Islamic law and Pashtun customs to combat radical influence, Butt’s team considered a storyline that would address whether providing refuge to foreign militants was truly mandated by tribal traditions.

In the end, they opted not to take on the radicals so directly, and Butt still wonders whether the Taliban would have protected Osama bin Laden if they’d had a sound cultural and theological argument for turning him over.

“We’re trying to look at these things from the point of view of their own traditions,” Butt said.

“Traditionally, the Pashtuns do give refuge to outlaws.... But you can’t internationalize that. [And] the outlaw has to live a law-abiding life. These guys are using your hospitality as a base to cause trouble left, right and center.”

By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost.com NEW DELHI, India — After the shooting of 14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufza, allegations emerged that the attack was ordered by a feared “Radio Mullah” — South Asia’s equivalent of a right wing shock-jock — named Maulana Fazlullah.

Fazlullah is notorious for his reactionary vitriol. In 2009, he ordered all girls’ schools in the Swat Valley closed.

For Englishman John Mohammed Butt, Fazlullah’s alleged order was a bitter call to action. Butt, an Islamic scholar, is a mullah in the true sense of the word. But he uses the airwaves to fight radicals.

Call Butt, 62, “the other Radio Mullah.” It’s a vocation he’s pursued for decades.

Butt is the only “white mullah” ever to graduate from Darul Uloom Deoband, the seat of South Asian Islam and the birthplace of the Deobandi school of thought, sometimes denigrated as “the religion of the Taliban.”

A slim, gregarious man with ghost-pale skin and a talib’s fistlength beard, Butt converted to Islam on the hippie trail in 1970.

Since then, he has spent most of his life living among tribal Pashtuns in the borderless region of Afghanistan and Pakistan that he calls “Pashtunistan.”

In 1993, he helped create a soap opera called “New Home, New Life” for the BBC’s Pashto service, which used stories about rural life to communicate subtle messages about women’s independence, as well as information on health and hygiene. Even after leaving the BBC in 1998, the white Deobandi’s influence has spread.

Butt started PACT Radio in 2005, broadcasting in Pashto throughout the cross-border tribal regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. With a radio station based in Swat from 2008 to 2009, he invited Yousifzai to discuss girls’ education on his radio program in the early days of her struggle – though PACT has since moved its headquarters to Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

“We worked in Swat at the same time as Malala was writing her diary,” said Butt. “We were countering the militants with an alternative voice of mainstream, moderate Islam.”

“We were on the radio, really in the thick of things. Every day we were going, ‘When’s the bomb going to go off?’ It was really hairy.”

Today, Butt spends most of his time in New Delhi with his wife and two small daughters. He says he sees himself as a “normal bloke.”

“I seem quite ordinary to myself,” he said. “The things I impart to my children – be the best behaved, the most polite and the most hardworking. Those are pretty ordinary values, aren’t they?”

Saathee.com

Though Butt left the BBC in 1998 , “New Home, New Life” is still running. The BBC launched a spinoff in 2009 called “Old City, New Dreams” that targeted new migrants to Afghanistan’s urban centers.

A local FM station called “Nari Radio” has taken up thorny issues like hospitality for foreign militants, with a call-in debate show that gives Afghans a chance to spar with American commanders in the region.

And Butt himself — who moved out of Swat valley in 2010 when his house was washed away by floods — has pushed 8

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December 2012

forward with a radio station, and several syndicated programs, of his own.

Now based in Jalalabad, his radio station, PACT — originally an acronym for “Pak/Afghan Cross-border Radio Training and Production — goes beyond providing a broadcasting alternative to the message of the militants like similar BBC or Radio Free Asia projects.

PACT Radio trains and employs young men and — importantly — women to work as independent journalists in the troubled region.

Currently, PACT has a network of more than 150 reporters on both sides of the border, where they not only gather and report the news for its syndicated programs, but also provide a forum for ordinary people to share their stories, examine the region’s problems and suggest solutions.

Beyond the airwaves The Jalalabad-based Islamic Vocational Academy (IVA) that Butt started in 2009 now provides job training and a possible bridge to higher education for madrasa graduates who would otherwise face a future of unemployment and isolation. With a current batch of around 200 students, the academy provides instruction in journalism and mass communications, as well as Islamic herbal medicine.

Many graduates will get their first job experience at the school’s “Morning Star Radio” station in Jalalabad — whether in the station’s marketing department or on the air. And Butt is working with universities such as New Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia, which presently accepts students from Indian madrasas, to adopt his curriculum.

“Everybody is working toward the same thing,” said Butt.

“The Pashto-speaking masses want exactly the same thing as the international community wants — they want education, they want health, they want a better life.”

IVA’s course of study is hardly the mass-com syllabus offered at American, or even Indian, colleges. To reach students accustomed to rote learning and an absolute adherence to authoritative religious texts, the courses use familiar material, such as the methodology by which ancient imams authenticated the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings in the Hadith, to help them understand and assimilate foreign concepts such as sifting facts from rumor and juggling on-the-record and anonymous sources.

There is more than a little of the madrasa in the academy’s soul.

“It’s preparing a person for working in the community — it’s a lot of democracy studies, peace studies, critical thinking,” said Butt. “It’s all the facilities in the modern world that allow Islamic scholars to make a positive contribution to the community.

Studies in what Butt calls “Islamic outreach” take up as much as half the students’ time, as the faculty attempts to reconcile the life of the Islamic scholar with the challenges of militancy and modernization. And that as often means bending and shaping modern concepts and institutions as it does assimilation — with the academy advocating Islam’s charitybased financial system as an alternative to debt- and interestbased capitalism and “taking responsibility” versus the West’s unfettered freedom of speech when it comes to the media.

“I’m trying to get them to think of Islam in the modern context, and as a relevant alternative in the modern age,” said Butt. “That means spiritually in particular, perhaps, but also as far as family values are concerned, as far as the economy is concerned, and as far as the media is concerned.”

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Endangered Vulture Population Increases

for First Time in 20 years Nearly driven to extinction by a drug used for sick cattle, India’s endangered vulture population may finally be making a comeback.

By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost.com India’s endangered vulture population has increased for the first time in 20 years, following the death of 99 percent of the scavengers over the years. The decline had prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to put India’s vultures on its list of critically endangered species.

A research paper by scientists from the Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS) shows that the number of vultures, once found across the country, increased marginally between 2011 and 2012, the Times of India reports.

Vital to the ecosystem and beloved by India’s small community of Parsis — who rely on the carrion eaters to dispose of their dead — India’s vulture population was nearly wiped out before researchers discovered what was killing them: a drug called diclofenac that farmers use widely to treat cattle for various ailments. A palliative for cattle (and humans), diclofenac causes kidney failure in vultures when they eat the carcasses of cows that have been treated with the drug, scientists eventually discovered.

According to the TOI, a ban on the use of diclofenac across South Asia in 2006 led to a drop-off, between 2007 and 2011, in the numbers of birds being killed. Ornithologists said the vulture population had stabilized by 2011, when the numbers remained roughly the same as the previous year.

“Between 2011 and 2012, there has been a slight increase in the population,” the paper quoted Vibhu Prakash, deputy director of Bombay Natural History Society and lead researcher of a recent study on the subject, as saying.

Prakash said population estimates are difficult, but the numbers are slightly higher than in 2011, when there were only 1,000 slender-billed vultures (Gyps tenuirostris), 11,000 white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) and 44,000 Long-billed vultures (Gyps indicus) remaining in the country, according to the paper.

The three most common species of vultures in the country are the long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), also known as the Indian vulture, the white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) and the slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris).

As I reported for the Toronto Globe & Mail some years ago, the shrinking vulture population created a crisis for India’s small population of Parsis.

The Parsis — so called because their ancestors immigrated from Fars, or Persepolis, in Iran — are Zoroastrians, who believe that earth, water, air and fire are sacred elements. For that reason, their religion forbids them from burying or cremating their dead.

Instead, in a ceremony that no outsider is allowed to witness, pallbearers followed by a procession of mourners in flowing white robes carry the body to one of five tremendous stone structures, evocatively named the Towers of Silence, where the corpse is laid out on a marble slab to be dried up by the sun and devoured by carrion birds.

Without the aid of the vultures, the sun alone can take months to reduce the bodies laid out in the Towers of Silence to desiccated skeletons, a worrying problem as the mushrooming city encroaches on the funeral grounds. Already, the Punchayet has been compelled to stop using one of the towers, located in proximity to the high-rise Paradise Apartments, when residents complained about the sight and smell of the decaying corpses.

Saathee.com

More crucially, many Parsis themselves have begun to doubt whether months of putrefaction amount to a death with dignity.

At the time of my Globe & Mail piece in 2006, some conservative Parsis planned to build a giant aviary and breed a captive population of vultures to serve the towers.

But reservations about the cost of the project — which would have run to several million dollars — as well as doubts about whether it would work, had put the plan on hold.

Instead, the Punchayet adopted a pragmatic solution developed by Homi Dhalla, president of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation, a group that sponsors various efforts to preserve Parsi traditions.

Dr. Dhalla, 60, developed a plan to focus powerful solar concentrators at the working area of three of the five towers, amplifying the heat of the sun and thus speeding the desiccation of the bodies. With these devices, the sun can reduce a corpse to a dry husk within three to five days.

Because they harness the power of the sun, Dr. Dhalla believes the solar concentrators, though an innovation, suit the tenets of the Zoroastrian religion. “It was quite difficult for me to find a solution within our theological limitations,” he told me at the time.

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Entertainment Upcoming Movie Releases

Top Five Movies - Dec. 2012

(Bollywood films slated to be released in the next 4-6 weeks) 1. Talaash Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shernaz Patel, and Raj Kumar Yadav

Khiladi 786 (Director: Ashish R. Mohan) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Himesh Reshammiya, Paresh Rawal, Ileana DCruz, Asin, and Mithun

2. Jab Tak Hai Jaan Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor (Cameo), & Neetu Singh (cameo)

10ml Love (Director: Sharat Kataria) Cast: Purab Kohli, Koel Puri, Rajat Kapoor, Tisca Chopra, Tara Sharma, and Neil Bhoopalam

3. Son of Sardaar Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, and Vindu Dara Singh

Four Two Ka One (Director: Anwar Khan) Cast: Jimmy Shergil, Rajpal Yadav, Nikita Anand, Sushant Singh & Murli Sharma

4. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Kunal Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Rajesh Sharma, Vipin Sharma, Vinod Nagpal, and Dolly Ahluwalia

Table No. 21 (Aditya Datt) Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Tena Desae, and Paresh Rawal

5. Student of the Year Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, and Kayoze Irani

Main Rony Aur Jony (Director: Rajesh Ram Singh) Cast: Priyanshu Chatterjee, Sandali Sinha, Sayali Bhagat, Aaditya Bal, Tanaz Irani, and Sharat Saxena

Top Five songs - Dec. 2012 1. Dabangg 2 “Dagabaaz Re” Music: Sajid Wajid Singers: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shreya Ghoshal and Shadaab Faridi

Dehraadun Diary (Director: Milind Ukey) Cast: Adhyayan Suman, Rohit Bakhshi, Ragini Nandwani, Ashwini Kalsekar & Rati Agnihotri

2. Son Of Sardaar “Yeh Jo Halki Halki” Music: Sajid-Wajid Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Cigarette Ki Tarah (Director: Akashaditya Lama) Cast: Bhoop Yaduvanshi, Prashant Narayanan, Uvika Chaudhary, Madhurima Tuli, and Sudesh Berry

3. 1920 Evil Returns “Uska Hi Banna” Music: Chrantan Bhatt Singer: Srijit Singh

Ammaa Ki Boli (Director: Narayan Chauhan) Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Hrishita Bhatt, Farrukh Jaffer, Govind Namdev, Sitaram Panchal, and Zakir Hussain

4. Khiladi 786 “Khiladi Bhaiya” Music: Himmesh Reshammiya Singers: Vineet Singh, Aman Trikha, Yashraj Kapil, Alam Gir Khan & Rajdeep Chatterjee.

Dabangg 2 (Dir: Arbaaz Khan) Cast: Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Sonu Sood, Vinod Khanna, and Prakash Raj

5. Talaash “Jee Le Zaraa” Music: Ram Sampath Singer: Vishal Dadlani

Akash Vani (Director: Luv Ranjan) Cast: Kartik Tiwari and Nushrat Bharucha

(Note: This top five is based on the following non-scientific research: your feedback, video rental, box office from India and United States, internet opinions & our opinion) Saathee.com

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Subhash Ghai’s Kaanchi Fills Cast After signing Rishi Kapoor to play the role of a villain in his next directorial venture Kaanchi, director Subhash Ghai has now signed Mithun Chakraborty for a crucial role in the film.

“Mithun is one of the most talented actors of Indian Cinema but he has never played a character like the one he will be playing in Kaanchi. The way it has been conceived is extraordinary and he will enhance that. We can share details of this character only just before release and not now,” Ghai told India FM. Kaanchi is a musical love story with music by Salim-Sulaiman and Ismail Darbar and lyrics by Irshad Kamil.

The film is set to release in August 2013.

Film Clips Mahesh Bhatt Strikes Deal with 20th Century Fox During his recent visit to India, James N Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO- 20th Century Fox, was impressed with Mahesh Bhatt’s production house. He offered Bhatt a deal to work on more films together. Speaking about this deal, Bhatt told Bollywood Hungma that that his company had a three-film deal with them. He added that 20th Century officials are sure to work on one more projects with him in the future. He also added his company will begin work on two big projects (both Hindi flicks for global audience) sometime next year.

“Kochadaiyaan will be a Big International Film” - Padukone Deepika Padukone’s next release is with South Indian film industry superstar Rajinikanth. “Working with him in Kochadaiyaan was very inspiring. The kind of energy he brings to the sets even after working for so many years, he has that passion one can easily see in his eyes. After his illness too I saw the same passion. We are trying out a new technique in Kochadaiyaan, the performance-capturing technique. So it’s a completely new experience with me. While the emotions are what I’ve conveyed, the technique used is completely new,” Padukone said in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. She may dub for the Tamil version of Kochadaiyaan. “The idea is to make this a big international film coming from India. It isn’t only a Tamil language film.”

Lata Mangeshkar to Launch Her Own Music Label Indian music legend Lata Mangeshkar will launch her music label in Mumbai in December. Many luminaries in the music and business world are slated to attend, including Neeta Ambani, Pandit Jasraj, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Speaking to reporters on her decision to launch a music label so late in her career Mangeshkar laughed, “I’ve been toying with the idea for a very long time. But somehow I never got down to doing it, maybe because I was too busy recording and singing to really bother with marketing my music.” She feels this to be the opportune time to launch her own label. “I am more or less done with film music and I think film music is done with me. Now is the time to do all the music that I’ve always wanted to but never had the time to do.” She added, “I don’t know how successful it will be. But I do know I want to create a platform for the kind of music I want to do for my fans. I am hopeful they’ll want to listen to what I want them to hear.”

Preity Zinta Postpones Her Film Due to Director’s Cancer Diagnosis Preity Zinta has not only put off the release of her maiden production’s release indefinitely, she has made it clear to her team that the film would be released only when the director Prem Raj (who is seriously ill after being detected with cancer recently), is able to complete all the post-production work. Raj told an interviewer, “I offered to let someone else take over the post-production. But Preity is very clear on this issue. She told me we’re in this together and only I will complete the post-production of Ishkq In Paris, no matter how long it takes. I am grateful to Preity for standing by me even if it meant postponing our film’s release for the third time.” It is now uncertain when Ishkq In Paris would release since Raj is slated for surgery the first week of December.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to Release Summer 2013 Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra’s much anticipated film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has been scheduled for release in July next year. The film, a biopic on the life of the “Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh, features Farhan Akhtar in the lead role. The shooting of the film commenced earlier this year and also features actress Sonam Kapoor.

Pakistani Singer-actor Ali Zafar Set for Romantic-comedy Zafar will film Aman Ki Asha opposite actress Yami Gautam.

The 32-year-old actor, who was last seen in romantic film London, Paris, New York, will also compose the music for director E Nivas’s film. “My next feature, a rom-com is tentatively named ‘Aman ki Asha’ opposite Yami Gautam written and produced by Neeraj Panday and directed by E Nivas. “I have also been asked to write and compose the music for the same. First song for which is being recorded in the studio,” he posted on Twitter. Zafar, who started his Bollywood journey with Tere Bin Laden, is also gearing up for Chashme Buddoor remake, which will hit theatres on February 22, 2013.

Danny Boyle to Produce Shekhar Kapur’s Paani Shekhar Kapur’s ambitious project Paani is all set to take off in April 2013. Kapur has managed a coup of sorts by getting Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle on board as producer of the project. Paani, which will have music by A.R. Rahman, deals with the water scarcity issue.

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December 2012

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December 2012

everGreeN CLASSIC

Sangeet

Film Lyrics

PoPuLAr MuSIC oF INDIA

A tribute to Hindi Film Lyricists

By Kirit Shukla

Kedār Sharma (1910-1999) Kedar Sharma was a lyricist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director for old Hindi films during my father’s time, when I was a child.

Sharma was born on April 12, 1910 in Narowal, Punjab, in a poor family. After he studied in a school in Amritsar, he ran away from his home to Mumbai, to pursue a career in movies.

Initially he was unsuccessful, so he returned to Amritsar where he worked in a college and founded a college drama society. He decided that his destination was a film studio and not a college campus. He received support from K. L. Saigal and Prithviraj Kapoor in the film industry. Sharma’s hobby of painting gave him entry into the film world. His first job in a film studio was that of a backdrop and poster painter. He married Raj Dulari in 1932. As a director, he was a promoter of new talents to the Hindi cinema, including Raj Kapoor, Madhubala, Geeta Bali, Mala Sinha, Bharat Bhushan and Tanuja. Below is the list of some movies he was associated with.

You can read about him in the book “The One and Lonely Kidar Sharma,” an autobiography edited by his son Vikram Sharma.

Kedar Sharma passed away on April 29, 1999 in Mumbai, almost unsung by the industry to which he had given so much.

Song: Teri duniyā men dil…

Film: Bāwre Nain Year: 1950 Music: Roshan Singers: Mukesh Lyric: Kedār Sharmā Based on Indian Classical Rāgā: Darbāri Kānadā (Family) Tāl/Rhythm: Kaharavā Starring: Raj Kapoor, Geetā Bāli Lyrics in English: Teri duniyā men dil lagatā nahin, wāpas bulā le Main sajade men girā hun, mujhako aye mālik uthā le Teri duniyā...

Bahār āyi thi kismat ne magar ye gul khilāyā Jalāyā āshiyān saiyyād ne, par noch dāle Mujhako aye mālik uthā le, Teri duniyā...

Bhanvar kā sar na chakarāye na dil laharon kā dube Ye kashti āpa kar di maine tufan ke havāle Mujhako aye mālik uthā le, Teri duniyā...

Meaning (Summary): My heart does not like your world, call me back.

I am fallen on your ground in prayer, O God, lift me up.

The bloom had arrived though, my fate did grow a flower.

The ravisher of hearts have burned and plucked the nest.

O God, lift me up.

The waves of my heart (love) may not get drowned in the head of a whirlpool.

I have entrusted this boat to the storm. O God, lift me up.

Filmography: (1935) Inquilab (Set Painter, Actor) and Dhoop Chhaon (Actor, Assistant Manager); (1936) Pujarin (Actor) and Devdas (Dialog and lyrics); (1937) Vidyapati (Actor) and Anath ashram (Writer); (1939) Jawani Ki Reet (Dialog) and Badi Didi (Writer, Actor); (1940); Zindagi, (Writer).

तेरी दुनिया में दिल लगता नहीं, वापस बुला ले मैं सजदे में गिरा हूँ, मुझको ऐ मालिक उठा ले; तेरी दुनिया... बहार आई थी किस्मत ने मगर ये गुल खिलाया जलाया आशियाँ सैय्याद ने, पर नोच डाले मुझको ऐ मालिक उठा ले, तेरी दुनिया... भँवर का सर न चकराए न दिल लहरों का डूबे ये कश्ती आप कर दी मैने तूफ़ां के हवाले मुझको ऐ मालिक उठा ले, तेरी दुनिया...

He directed the following films: (1940)Tumhari Jeet, Aulad; (1941); (1942) Arman, Gauri; (1944) Mumtaz Mahal; (1945), Bhagat, Chand Chakori; (1946) Duniya Ek Sarai (1947) Neel Kamal; (1948) Sohag Rat; (1949) Neki Aur Badi; (1950) Bawre Nain, Jogan;(1964) Fariyad, Chitralekha; (1953) Gunah; (1954) Chora-Chori; (1961) Hamari Yad Ayegi; (1965) Kajal , Writer etc.

Awards: (1956) National Film Award, (1957) International Film Festival in Venice, for best children’s film: Jaldeep.

Indian Film Directors’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

(1982) Golden Award from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for contribution to Indian Cinema.

His hit Hindi song’s lyric: “Teri duniya men dil…” is given in this issue of Saathee magazine in Evergreen Classic Film Lyrics on this page.

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

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

See this song on Nazar Television in December.

Visit saathee.com for Nazar Television local listings.

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December 2012

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December 2012

Styles of Indian Classical Music

Indian Classical Music Evolution of Carnatic music - a series

By Smitha K. Prasad

Dear readers, over the past few columns we looked at the host of changes that have taken place in Carnatic music. This month, I’d like to look two more such features that have gained popularity- 1) concept of thematic concerts 2) presentation of jugalbandhis, especially Carnatic-Hindusthani juganlbandhis.

Thematic concerts, as the name suggests, are concerts wherein most, if not all, of the compositions presented conform to the theme of the concert or the concert series. Some examples of these are concerts which feature compositions of a particular composer or compositions that are dedicated to a particular deity, etc. These concerts keep up the audience interest and introduce variety on the concert platform. It is also an occasion for musicians to present lesser known compositions on the concert platform if the compositions conform to the concert theme. Other interesting concert themes include concerts that are dedicated to particular ragas or series; one of the interesting thematic concert series that I have previously attended was named “Gowla series”- each day had an artist performing in concert featuring one of the ragas such as “Gowla,” “Mayamalavagowla,” “Reethigowla,” “Kedaragowla,” “Narayanagowla.”

A jugalbandhi concert is a concert that features two equally skilled musicians as partners in the concert presentation. Both performers divide the concert presentation aspects so that the concert comes across as presenting an equal opportunity for both performers to showcase their skills and virtuosity.

Jugalbandhi concerts can take place between two artistes in different genres of music (Carnatic - Hindusthani) or two artistes within a genre- e.g.: Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitar) and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan (sarod), both Hindusthani musicians on different instruments.

Carnatic-Hindusthani classical jugalbandhis have become quite popular over time. With both of these streams of music originating from a common source before separating out, it is possible to present jugalbandhi concerts which highlight the characteristic of each of these forms in a cohesive presentation.

These jugalbandhi concerts widely appeal to audiences since they showcase two different styles of presenting the same raga, and even the same composition at times. It is also an extremely enjoyable experience for the artistes involved as they play off each other’s ideas on an impromptu basis in the concert.

Till we meet next time, do listen to Carnatic-Hindusthani jugalbandhi recordings of Dr. Balamurali Krishna and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi-it is marvelous to see these two highly accomplished musicians in concert- these recordings are easily available on the Internet.

By Anita Kulkarni

You read about the styles and similarities of Indian music last month. Here I want to emphasize on differences in Carnatic and Hindustani music. The Carnatic and Hindustani music has a history spanning millennia and, developed over several eras, it remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression and pure entertainment.

India is made up of several dozen ethnic groups, speaking their own languages and dialects, having very distinct cultural traditions. The two main traditions of classical music are Carnatic music, found predominantly in the peninsular regions, and Hindustani music, found in the northern and central regions. Both traditions claim Vedic origin, and history indicates that they diverged from a common musical root since about the 13th century.

Differences There are 12 notes in Hindusthani and Carnatic Classical Music but their names and way of singing is different.

There are total 72 Thaat or mel in Carnatic Music where 10 mel or thaat in Hindustani Music.

Carnatic music Bandishes or song have been sung in Tamil, Telagu and Kannada languages where Hindustani Bandishes or songs have been sung in Braj, Hindi, Panjabi, Gurathi, Bhojpuri, Rajsthani languages.

The Taal or rhythms are different in both the styles.

The presentation style is very different in both.

There are different musical forms in both the styles. For e.g.

Saragam geet, Lakshan geet, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyaal, Tarana, Thumree, Hori, Tappaa and bhajan are the common musical forms in Hindustani Music where Pallavi, Varnam, Kirtanam, padam, jawali are the main forms in Carnatic Music.

I hope, now you definitely understood the two main strings and their comparative features of classical music of India.

Anita Kulkarni is a Hindustani music vocalist and teacher based in Raleigh, NC Email:anitakul@gmail.com

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December 2012

I know all these names and their characteristics are hard to memorize. However, it is good to understand the importance of these roles and the pre-defined regulations of Natya Shastra when we choreograph dances. Accordingly, we can actually try to live the character we play and feel the emotions and the pain and the joy of the characters we depict.

Dances of India

By Dr. Maha Gingrich

In the next issue, I will discuss the basic components of classical dance forms.

Main Characters in Dances

For questions or comments contact dr. Maha Gingrich via e-mail at: msgingrich@juno.com

As we all know, Indian dances always tell us stories of Indian epics, literature, social life, and human emotions. Of course, all our stories also depict God in human situations and they become the hero and the heroine, which is Nayaka and Nayaki.

For example, Radha, the heroine is the lover of Lord Krishna the hero. The literary texts, including the Natya Shastra, recognize eight basic types of Nayaka, the hero and eight types of Nayaki, depending on the nature of the story.

The types of Nayaki are more popular than Nayaka in some dance forms. However, when Lord Shiva or Krishna is depicted, Nayaka’s characteristics become more prevalent. There are two subdivisions in these eight types.

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In Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak dances like Varnams, Javalis and Tumris speak of such characteristics in men the heroine loves.

Likewise, the eight Nayakis or heroines are: •Abhisarika: yearning for her lover, goes out to meet him, For Example, Radha; •Kalahantarita: separated due to a quarrel, like Satya Bhama; •Khandita: broken hearted; •Prositapriya: whose lover or husband lives abroad; •Svadhinabhartrka: whose husband is charmed of her and stays with her; •Vassakasajja: dressed up for union, used a lot in Kathak; •Vipralabda: the deceived; •Virohitkhantita: distressed by separation.

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And the sakhi or friend helps to unite them. Generally she is an associate of the Nayaki, although she can also side with the Nayaka. Her role is confined to being a link, a liaison or a person to bridge the gap of communication between the hero and the heroine.

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heartbreaking desperation, was plain to see on their faces.

“The children really care for him,” said Sister Crocetta Thomas, mother superior at the Navajeevana orphanage. “Since they have no parents, they call him Papa.”

Wilkes has done his best to play father to hundreds.

“We don’t run anything,” said Wilkes, walking through the Auxilium School in Hyderabad. “We’re the add-on. We’re the pure water. We’re the generator that’s going to go right there.”

Tapping funds from local US Rotary clubs, for instance, Homes of Hope has supplied 15 schools and orphanages with solar-powered water purification systems — addressing one of the leading causes of disease in India. The charity has provided 18 library-deprived schools with more than 250,000 books.

“We don’t open the doors every day,” Wilkes added. “But I can come and see what’s going on and see what they need.”

When a dentist from Wilkes’ native North Carolina announced that he was retiring, they packed up the entire office and shipped it to India, where it now operates as a free clinic in Bangalore. When a group of North Carolina surfers offered to pitch in, the charity pioneered “surfing safaris” on the Indian Ocean as a confidence builder for orphan girls — and nuns (how’s that for a mental image?)

And in the charity’s latest venture, Wilkes is working with Dr. David Paige, an assistant professor of education at Louisville, Ky.-based Bellarmine University, to design a training program for teachers to help transform India’s rote learning oriented schools to encourage creative and analytical thinking.

“I consider our little organization very entrepreneurial,” Wilkes said. “It isn’t just buying a bag of rice. You really want to push the envelope.”

Before and after pictures attest to the impact the Salesian Sisters and Homes of Hope has had on the children rescued from the streets. “Graduates” are constantly calling the mother superior at one of the orphanages to report that their marriages are going well — perhaps a new baby was born, or their family has moved into a larger home.

The success stories never get old. Take Pinky, who came to the Homes of Hope after she was cast out by her family. The oldest of three daughters, she was taught early how well India values women, when her mother suffocated her fourth daughter shortly after birth and forced Pinky to help her bury the body.

This May, Pinky will graduate with a degree in nursing, ensuring that she’ll never face poverty, or question how much she’s worth, ever again.

The Man hundreds of Indian Children call

Papa

American Paul Wilkes has transformed poorly funded orphanages into “Homes of Hope.”

By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost.com HYDERABAD, India — Blinded in one eye by the so-called “beggar mafia” so she’d be a better earner, 6-year-old Reena was used to wearing sunglasses.

But when American Paul Wilkes and his wife, Tracy, came to visit Reena in the Home of Hope orphanage in Kerala, India, she took off her shades and smiled up at them beatifically.

Wilkes, a contemplative Catholic and author of several books on religious faith, knew then and there that it was time to stop writing about faith and start doing something about it.

He had his work cut out for him.

Across the country, as many as 400,000 Indian children live on the streets. Some of them have no families. Others are the victims of traffickers who buy and sell them for sex or slavery.

Some ran away from drunk and abusive fathers. Others were cast out or fled because their families had nothing for them to eat.

They all have one thing in common: They are grave and imminent danger living on the streets, as Reena’s missing eye attests.

The local chapter of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco — a Catholic order of nuns that has been offering refuge to street children since the 19th Century — took Reena in off the streets and provided refuge at the Home of Hope orphanage.

“If they are left on the street, by the age of 10 they are already raped,” said Sister Annakutty, mother superior at the Maria Ausilatrice orphanage in Hyderabad’s Mahendra Hills.

“They will be misused by someone. At that early stage itself they’ll have one or two babies. ... And those children will go on to the same life.”

Since 2006, Wilkes, who used to regularly contribute to the New Yorker magazine, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the orphanages and schools run by the Salesian Sisters in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

At a cost of around $300,000 apiece, his charity “Homes of Hope” (homesofhopeindia.org) has built two orphanages from the ground up in Kochi and Maradiyur (in Karnataka) — and laid the foundation stone for a third one in Hyderabad.

By supplementing the Salesian Sisters’ dedication with new ideas and added funds, they’ve dug wells, bought jeeps, and provided books, computers and other educational materials for 20,000 students — as well as provided safe, caring homes for more than 400 orphans and neglected girls.

On a recent afternoon at the Navajeevana Home for Street Girl Children in Hyderabad, some 50 girls, ranging from 5 to 15 years old, crowded the driveway to greet Wilkes when his jeep arrived from a neighboring school.

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Higher Education How the government is saddling parents with college loans they can’t afford

check income. It doesn’t check employment status. It doesn’t

By Marian Wang, ProPublica, Beckie Supiano and Andrea Fuller, The Chronicle of Higher check how much other debt — like a mortgage, or other studentloan debt — the borrower is already on the hook for.

Education “Right now, the government runs the program by the seat of More than a decade after Aurora Almendral first set foot on its pants,” says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of two authoritative her dream college campus, she and her mother still shoulder financial-aid websites. “You do have some parents who are borrowing $100,000 or more for their children’s college education the cost of that choice.

Almendral had been accepted to New York University in who are getting in completely over their heads. Those parents 1998, but even after adding up scholarships, grants, and the are going to default, and their lives are going to be ruined, max she could take out in federal student loans, the private because they were allowed to borrow far more than is rational.”

Much attention has been focused on students burdened with university — among nation’s costliest — still seemed out of reach. One program filled the gap: Aurora’s mother, Gemma loans throughout their lives. The recent growth in the Plus program Nemenzo, was eligible for a different federal loan meant to help highlights another way the societal burden of paying for college parents finance their children’s college costs. Despite her has shifted to families. It means some parents are now saddled with mother’s modest income at the time — about $25,000 a year as children’s college debt even as they approach retirement.

Unlike other federal student loans, Plus loans don’t have a a freelance writer, she estimates — the government quickly approved her for the loan. There was a simple credit check, but set cap on borrowing. Parents can take out as much as they need no check of income or whether Nemenzo, a single mom, could to cover the gap between other financial aid and the full cost of attendance. Colleges, eager to boost enrollment and help afford to repay the loans.

Nemenzo took out $17,000 in federal parent loans for the first families find financing, often steer parents toward the loans, two years her daughter attended NYU. But the burden soon recommending that they take out thousands of dollars with no became too much. With financial strains mounting, Almendral consideration to whether they can afford it.

When it comes to paying the money back, the government — who had promised to repay the loans herself —withdrew after her sophomore year. She later finished her degree at the far less takes a hard line. Plus loans, like all student loans, are all-butexpensive Hunter College, part of the public City University of impossible to discharge in bankruptcy. If a borrower is in default, the government can seize tax refunds and garnish New York, and went on to earn a Fulbright scholarship.

Today, a dozen years on, Nemenzo’s debt not only remains, wages or Social Security. What is more, repayment options are it’s also nearly doubled with fees and interest to $33,000. actually more limited for Parent Plus borrowers compared with Though Almendral is paying on the loans herself, her mother other federal loans. Struggling borrowers can put their loans in continues to pay the price for loans she couldn’t afford: Falling deferment or forbearance, but except under certain conditions into delinquency on the loans had damaged her credit, making Parent Plus loans aren’t eligible for either of the two main her ineligible to borrow more when it came time for Aurora’s income-based repayment programs to help borrowers with federal loans get more affordable monthly payments. sister to go to college.

The U.S. Department of Education doesn’t know how many parents have defaulted on the loans. It doesn’t analyze or total Disbursements publish default rates for the Plus program with the same detail in Millions of Plus loans that it does for other federal education loans. It doesn’t While the number of parents calculate, for instance, what percentage of borrowers defaulted taking out Plus loans has nearly in the first few years of their repayment period — a figure that doubled since 2000, loan volume the department analyzes for other federal student loans. has grown much faster. All values (Schools with high default rates over time can be penalized and are adjusted for inflation. become ineligible for federal aid.) For parent loans, the Nemenzo is not alone. As the cost of college has spiraled ever department has projections only for budgetary — and not upward and median family income has fallen, the loan accountability — purposes: It estimates that of all Parent Plus program, called Parent Plus, has become indispensable for loans originated in the 2011 fiscal year, about 9.4 percent will increasing numbers of parents desperate to make their default over the next 20 years.

But according to an outside analysis of federal survey data, children’s college plans work. Last year the government disbursed $10.6 billion in Parent Plus loans to just under a many low-income borrowers appear to be overburdening million families. Even adjusted for inflation, that’s $6.3 billion themselves.

The analysis, by financial-aid expert Kantrowitz, uses survey more than it disbursed back in 2000, and to nearly twice as data from 2007-08, the latest year for which information is many borrowers.

A joint examination by ProPublica and The Chronicle of Higher available. Among Parent Plus borrowers in the bottom 10th of Education has found that Plus loans can sometimes hurt the very income, monthly payments made up 38 percent of their monthly families they are intended to help: The loans are both remarkably income, on average. (By way of contrast, a federal program aimed easy to get and nearly impossible to get out from under for at helping struggling graduates keeps monthly payments much families who’ve overreached. When a parent applies for a Plus lower, to a small share of discretionary income.) The survey data loan, the government checks credit history, but it doesn’t assess does not reflect the full Plus loan debt for parents who borrowed whether the borrower has the ability to repay the loan. It doesn’t through the program for more than one child, as many do.

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The data also show that one in five Parent Plus borrowers Among the top 25 institutions with the largest average Plus took out a loan for a student who received a federal Pell Grant loans, more than a third focus on the arts. Tenth on the list is — need-based aid that typically corresponds to a household New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, a for-profit acting income of $50,000 or less. school. The school’s sticker price for the current year adds up to nearly $53,000 for a year’s worth of tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. Without an endowment, says David total Recipients of Plus loans Palmer, the conservatory’s chief executive, the school can’t The number of parents taking out provide much financial aid — so families are often left to make Plus loans has nearly doubled difficult decisions about how borrowing is too much. Ideally, since 2000. families would have saved for college, according to Palmer, but often tuition payments come in the form of Plus loans.

“It doesn’t make me feel great, truthfully,” Palmer says. “But then again, what can I do? We have to pay our bills.”

When Victoria Stillman’s son got in to Berklee College of Last year, 150 parents borrowed for their children to attend Music, she couldn’t believe how simple the loan process was. the institution of 330 undergraduate students. Palmer knows Within minutes of completing an application online, she was that sometimes families borrow too much, and students have to approved. “The fact that the Plus loan program is willing to drop out. “It makes me sick to my stomach,” he says. “Because provide me with $50,000 a year is nuts,” says Stillman, an they’ve got half an education and a mountain of debt.” accountant. “It was the least-involved loan paperwork I ever Still, he says, “I don’t know that it’s the institution’s filled out and required no attachments or proof.” responsibility to say we’ll take a glimpse of what your She decided against taking the loan, partly because of the 7.9- individual situation is and say maybe this isn’t a good idea.” percent interest rate. Although it was a fixed rate, she found it To the dismay of consumer advocates, some universities lay too high. out offers of tens of thousands of dollars in Parent Plus loans Of course, Parent Plus can be an important financial lifeline — directly in the financial-aid packages of prospective students — especially for those who can’t qualify for loans in the private often in the exact amount needed to cover the gap between other market. An iffy credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, or lack of a aid and the full cost of attendance. That can make it look like a credit history won’t necessarily disqualify anyone for a Plus loan. family won’t have to pay anything at all for college, at least until Applicants are approved so long as they don’t have an “adverse they read the fine print. The offers are often included in financialcredit history,” such as a recent foreclosure, defaulted loan, or aid packages even for families who clearly can’t afford it. bankruptcy discharge. (As of last fall, the government also began “It is deceptive,” says Greg Johnson, chief executive of disqualifying prospective borrowers with unpaid debts that were Bottom Line, a college access program in Boston and New York. sent to collection agencies or charged off in the last five years.)

His organization’s counselors have seen firsthand how students The Education Department says its priority is making sure and families can get confused: When Agostinha Depina first got college choice isn’t just for the wealthy. Families have to make her financial aid award letter from New York’s St. John’s tough decisions about their own finances, says Justin Hamilton, University, her first choice, she was excited. But upon taking a a spokesman for the department. We “want folks to have access closer look at the package with her counselor at Bottom Line, to capital to allow them to make smart investments and she realized that a $32,000 gap was being covered by a Parent improve their lives,” Hamilton says. In the years after the credit Plus loan that her parents would struggle to afford. crisis, department officials point out, other means of financing “It made it seem like they gave me a lot of money,” says college — such as home-equity loans and private student loans Depina. In reality, “it was more loans in the financial-aid — have become harder for families to get. package than scholarship money.” Depina, 19, opted to go to The department says it’s trying to pressure colleges to contain Clark University, where she had a smaller gap that she covered costs, and working to inform students and families of their with a one-year outside scholarship. A spokeswoman for St. financing options. “Our focus is transparency,” says Hamilton. John’s did not respond to requests for comment.

“We want to make sure we’re arming folks with all the There’s considerable debate among financial-aid officials information they need.” about whether and how to include Plus loans in students’ financial-aid award letters. Some universities opt not to package Colleges’ Tricky Role in a loan that families might not qualify for or be able to afford.

Colleges rarely advise families on how much is too much. Instead, they simply provide families with information about After a student’s own federal borrowing is maxed out, financial- the program. aid offices often recommend large Plus loans for parents.

“We inform them about the different options they have, but Using Education Department data, The Chronicle and we wouldn’t go in and package in a credit-based loan for any ProPublica took a closer look at colleges where borrowers took family,” says Frank Mullen, director of financial aid at Berklee out the highest average Plus loan amounts per year. NYU College of Music. “To put a loan as part of someone’s package ranked 11th, with an average annual loan of $27,305. The without knowing whether they’d be approved? I just wouldn’t university generally gives students less financial aid than many feel comfortable with it.” of its peers. Last year, parents of NYU students borrowed more Others say it isn’t so simple. “This is one of those knives that than $116 million through the Plus program, the second-largest cuts both ways,” says Craig Munier, director of scholarships sum taken on for a single university, trailing only Penn State and financial aid at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

University’s $160 million.

“If we leave a huge gap in the financial-aid package, families “Our first suggestion is the Plus loan,” says Randall Deike, could reach the wrong conclusion that they cannot afford to vice president for enrollment management at NYU. Yet he has send their children to this institution,” says Munier, who is also misgivings about the program. “Getting a Plus loan shouldn’t be so easy,” he says. continued on page 86

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By Samir Shukla

It’s in the stars What does it take to persuade folks to glance at a star-filled sky? Our fast-paced, work-embroiled lives leave little time to gaze at the boundaries of Earth and beyond. It usually takes an event such as a lunar or solar eclipse, proximity visit by Mars, or some astronomical aberration covered in the media to get our attention. How many times do we look up on a clear night, swivel our necks and wonder what’s out there? Not often. It maybe because the cosmos are like a painting, still and distant, where the only seeming changes are the positions of the sun and the changing shapes of the moon.

As children we often created fantasies of space travel or shot rockets to the moon, we looked at twinkling stars and reached for them, grabbed at them. We never realized how distant celestial worlds were until we began to understand the science and theories and discoveries behind the entities that are close to us such as the moon, or stars that are visible to the eye but are so far away as to boggle the imagination.

When Mars was recently “close” to Earth, the closest it has come in 60,000 years and as close as it will get for a couple of hundred more years, minds wondered and eyes wandered toward dark skies for a peek at the reddish glow of our celestial neighbor.

Humans have always been fascinated with what’s out there, beyond our little planet. When celestial novelties occur, our curiosity peaks. It’s a shame we don’t gaze skyward more often, beyond the gauzy stares of young lovers feeling more romantic by the moonlight, beyond occasional news of the space station or the space shuttle.

We are simply too grounded down here. Most people will never get any closer to the outer boundaries of Earth than when standing on a mountaintop or atop a skyscraper or sitting in a jumbo jet.

We travel through space in our cozy little sphere. Our theater is our solar system, likely the only reachable parts of our galaxy for the foreseeable future.

As we reach out into the cosmos, we are actually reaching further into our beings as humans. The visible sky is not much different than what our ancestors saw hundreds of years earlier, but it is a bit more within grasp.

What’s out there? That eternal question finds a few more answers each year and we continue to add knowledge by our persistent curiosity that never rests. And it shouldn’t.

It is inherently human to explore, reach out and socialize.

We do this within our circles, with other cultures and races and now with explorations outside of our little blue home.

Our globe has been shrinking for years, ever becoming smaller, so why not reach out toward the sky, stretching further with each reach. The arguments about costs of space exploration are valid, yes, but the return on the investment into understanding our own solar system, our own existence and what lies beyond can be infinite. The inevitable return on investment of space exploration will have a far deeper impact on humanity than the costs, however astronomical they may seem.

We constantly seek new frontiers to explore and widen our eyes to see what lies beyond our atmosphere and understanding. In the cold and empty stillness of space, the possibilities abound.

If someone had told you just a generation back that people would communicate via wireless phones while standing in remote locations anywhere in the world to somewhere else in the world, you would have probably laughed.

In the short span of a generation, recall the technological advances humans, the busybodies of the planet, have made.

Imagine the possibilities that lay ahead. We are indeed a curious bunch, constantly stumbling but always getting up and trying harder in our never-ending searches for knowledge. The challenge now is to move forward, but inflict minimal environmental destruction of our own little sphere then in the past. The ravaging of our only home must be slowed. It will take a communal effort on the global level to do that, but of course we can do it.

It’s generally a pleasant surprise when a long-lost friend calls up or shows up nearby our home and pays a visit. When mysterious Mars visited and gave us a closer look a few years back, even though it was only a few million miles closer than its usual orbit, its reddish glow inspired millions.

Much fiction has been written about the elusive and imaginary Martians, friendly or otherwise, and more myths and truths will be revealed as we send probes like the Mars Curiosity Rover currently strolling about the Martian surface, sending back juicy information and photos. We will eventually, but definitely land people on its surface.

It’s immaterial whether or not you are a science fiction fan.

Whether watching the old Ray Bradbury books turned into TV miniseries Martian Chronicles or cheering Captain Piccard as he whizzes through the Alpha quadrant of our galaxy in yet another adventure on Star Trek, science fact eventually makes science fiction a reality. No matter how farfetched a sci-fi tale may seem; our endless universe will probably reveal that tale to be at least somewhat accurate in the near future. Science fact eventually mirrors science fiction.

It’s nice to see interest peaking with subtle celestial happenings as the Martian visit close to Earth and now the Rover exploring its surface. In our violent, stressed out, busy bee world, a simple distraction such as the closer orbit of Mars or a passing comet helps us step back, take a deep breath and take in the evolving majesty of the visible and the unseen worlds beyond our little blue home.

Science fiction ignites the imagination and science fact tempers the enthusiasm with continuous updates while refocusing human agendas.

Mars has always intrigued writers, astronomers and scientists due to its proximity. It is the most likely planet for humans to set up outposts and eventually colonies. That scenario maybe quite a bit in the future, but it’s on our agenda, and it will happen.

Next time Mars or a comet visits, or the moon glows large and bright, extend your arm and hold it in the palm of your hand. Tonight gaze into the sky at a distant star and jump a little higher. Be careful, you just might make it there.

Samir Shukla is the editor of Saathee magazine. contact - saatheemag@hotmail.com

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Dadaji’s story #20 A farmer had four sons. All were working hard in the farms and became strong. Sometimes they used to fight for small things. The farmer was getting old and worried for the boys.

He wanted his sons to stay united together in the same house without fighting with one another. One day he called all his sons and told them to bring some long and thin sticks. He asked each of his sons to break one stick. Each one broke a stick very easily, because all were strong. Now, the farmer asked each one to hold a bunch of sticks together and break them.

Each one tried to break the bunch of sticks. It was difficult to break all the sticks together. No one could break the bunch of sticks. The farmer advised his sons: “If you are alone, you can be defeated easily, like one stick, when you are attacked by someone. However, if all of you are united together, like the bunch of sticks together, no one can defeat you guys.” All four sons understood the advice. They thanked their father and decided to stay united.

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__17. The 12 group members counted off by three’s to form four groups. __18. You can always count on her to help out in an emergency. __19. You really count with me. __20. The referee counted the boxer out. __21. What was the head count for the rally? q. Rely or depend on. r. The number of people in a particular group. s. Recited numbers in turn to divide into groups t. To have importance. u. Declared a knock-out by calling out the count.

Suggestions to increase your mastery of meaning: This month, see how many different ways odd, even and count are used in your newspaper and on TV in the areas of politics and business. How many “make sense” without requiring you to go to TheFreeDictionary.com?

References: 1 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ odd (dictionary and thesaurus) 2 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/even 3 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/count

Mastering Meaning HArNeSSING THe PoWer oF AMerICAN eNGLISH

By Judith L. Bergman Native speakers of a language take so much “for granted” i.e. are not aware of the complexities and ambiguities of word meanings and the rules for what just “sounds” correct and customary. For example, odd has several meanings beyond an integer such as 1, 3 and 5, not divisible by 2; even means much more than a number that can be divided by 2 and is used in many idioms. Count has multiple meanings as a verb that takes an object (transitive), a verb that does not take an object (intransitive) and a phrasal verb used with specific prepositions, as well as a noun.

Match the meanings of odd as an adjective in these sentences: 1 ___1. I found an odd sock in the drier. ___2. It was odd that her name was never mentioned even though she initiated the project. ___3. He was forced to make a living doing odd jobs around the town. ___4. Those teenagers are wearing very odd clothes. ___5. New mothers enjoy odd moments of quiet. a. Occasional, varied, miscellaneous b. Single, unmatched member of a pair c. Strange, unusual d. Infrequent e. Not easily explained Now, can you match these idioms with odd as a root word? ___6. Those sisters have been at odds for years. ___7. They were selling many odds and ends at the tag sale. ___8. The odds of either candidate winning were very close. ___9. oddly enough, right after I thought of her, she called. __10. I had some odd change in my pocket. f. Small objects of different kinds. g. A small amount h. Quarrelling, arguing i. Chances j. Strangely, remarkably Match these idioms with even with their correct meaning: 2 __11. It was a challenging year and the company just about broke even. __12. After the storm it was hard to keep things on an even keel for the children. __13. As far as discussing politics with your parents at dinner, don’t even go there! __14. Just give me $15 as your share of the lunch bill and tip and we’re even steven. __15. Trying to get even after he insulted you will just bring you down to his childish level. Rise above it! __16. They didn’t give him an even break. k. Calm and without sudden changes. l. Settled with equal shares or levels. m. Neither made or lost money. n. Get revenge by returning the bad deed. o. Don’t discuss a subject because it will too controversial and upsetting. p. The same opportunity to improve as was given to others; a fair chance.

Match these phrasal verbs (note the prepositions used) with count with their meaning.

Answers: 1-b, 2-e, 3-a, 4-c, 5-d, 6-h, 7-f, 8-i, 9-j 10-g, 11-m, 12-k 13-o, 14-l, 15-n, 16-p, 17-s, 18-q, 19-t, 20-u, 21-r

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December 2012

Glimpses of Rabindranath Tagore

Astride

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By Chanden Sen

The year 2013 is almost upon us. It marks the centenary of the winning of the Nobel Prize in Literature by Rabindranath Tagore, poet eminent of Bengal. The hundred years seem to have flashed by in a second. Indeed, in poem #82 of Geetanjali, Tagore writes: Time is endless in thy hands, my Lord.

There is none to count thy minutes.

Days and nights pass and ages bloom and fade like flowers. Thou knowest how to wait Thy centuries follow each other perfecting a small wild flower.

Cameras Galore My boss was telling me of how her 86-year-old mother had just purchased a grand piano to replace the decades- old Miller piano that had given them such yeoman service over the years.

I mentioned that people of our parents’ generation had fewer material goods but knew how to use them. A case in point is the Baby Brownie Box camera that my Dad had during the years that my sister and I grew up, 1950-1960 approximately.

It wasn’t a fancy camera but took very good pictures if you held it steady and the lighting was adequate.

We have pictures in our collection that captured our childhood years. There’s one of my sister and I, still toddlers, licking the ice slab that the ice man had just delivered, as he did every morning, for the ice box. This was in the years before refrigerators became commonplace.

Another sequence of three pictures shows me naughtily kicking my sister, then she slapping me, and me crying away.

There are pictures of us children playing with baby goats and ducks and geese in our grandfather’s home in Konnogor.

More pictures of our 1957 trip to Kashmir, with us on horses, the Dal Lake houseboats, and so on.

In 1960 the Baby Brownie lost its place to the 35 millimeter Agfa Silleto camera that Dad purchased at the duty-free shop in Aden, on our way to England by ship. That Agfa recorded many events, places, people and things during our one-year stay in England.

Dad took pictures of Tilbury Docks, of his factory and his colleagues at British Northrop in Blackburn, and of the houses and streets in our neighborhood in Baxenden, near the city of Accrington. Unlike the Baby Brownie, the Agfa could take color pictures also, though these were very expensive.

We have pictures of the Northrop General Manager, Mr. Sommerville, and his family, in their beautiful cottage and garden with riotous flowers in carefully manicured beds.

The Manchester public library and the park near Baxenden, where again, the camera captured the color and exuberance of the trees and bushes.

There’s a picture of all our childhood friends, standing in a row for the historic (sic) shot, with Jim Eke, my best friend, hardly ten years old, with his baby sister Judith in his lap.

Dad even took night shots of our TV, and surprisingly enough, the motor races and cricket scenes came out very well indeed.

In 1987, when my sister and her family went to England, she took the Agfa with her. She put it to good use taking color photographs of England which had changed a lot over the years.

Later, she got her own camera and I believe that the Agfa has finally been retired after serving us well for over four decades.

Now, with digital cameras being the rage, and cell-phone cameras and the like, people seem to take random shots without much attention to quality. Nowadays, in my opinion, it’s all about quantity.

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Most people are aware of the lyrical beauty of Tagore’s poems, yet few know how tragic his life was because of the untimely death of all his children. Maybe that is why death plays such a large part in his creations. For example, in poem #86, Gitanjali again, he writes: Death, thy servant, is at my door.

He has crossed the unknown sea and brought thy call to my house.

The night is dark and my heart is fearful—Yet I will take up the lamp, open my gates and bow to him my welcome.

So many of his poems speak of the infinite, the eternal, and of immortality. We read with pleasure his poem #1, the poem to God: Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure.

This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, And fillest it ever with fresh life.

This little flute of a reed Thou hast carried over hills and dales, And hast breathed through it melodies Eternally new.

Education occupied a central part of his life, and Vishwa Bharati at Shantiniketan is Tagore’s lasting legacy to the world. Poem #35 is oftentimes recited by school children: Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.

Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into Fragments by narrow domestic walls.

Tagore put his mystical experiences into words, so that we could all share in his intimacy with God. In poem #102 of Gitanjali, he writes: I boasted among men that I had known you, They see your pictures in all works of mine, continued on page 80

Chandan Sen Contact: chandansen33@hotmail.com

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December 2012

sides. Republicans head back to the drawing board as this highly discussed “deep bench” is finally being called into action.

While much work needs to be done in the following four years, many names such as Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, Bobby Jindal, Bob McDonnell, Chris Christie, et al. will no doubt face numerous media inquiries as to their plans to seek higher office in 2016. Best of all, each will all be able to discuss which way they want to lead the party by delivering their own unique platform in detail.

Democrats are also retooling their messaging and looking toward the future. President Obama’s run will be over in four years. It’s time to inject fresh faces into the mix as the Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader), Nancy Pelosi (House Minority Leader), and Joe Biden (Vice President of the United States) triumvirate has an average age of 71.

This election, reports indicate the vast majority of AsianAmericans voted for President Obama. According to National Journal, the President’s message gained needed traction in the community, especially in swing states like Virginia and Nevada, as the Obama-Biden campaign carried 73 percent of the Asian-American vote.

In his book, The Audacity of Hope, then-Senator Obama makes a reference to his visits to Chicago’s Devon Avenue where he met with the faces of a “new America.” Needless to say, according to the latest figures from the 2010 census, AsianAmericans were the fastest growing ethnic group in America from 2000-2010.

Our numbers are rising and both parties are paying attention.

In fact, both parties are seeking our input. The potential is limitless.

I encourage you to get involved. You can start by registering to vote by visiting canivote.org. This website provides important information not only on how to register to vote, but it also directs you to polling locations and which documents you will need to vote.

In the Carolinas, our community has a very strong and active group of voices on the local and state levels. Do not hesitate to email me if you need more information. While I live in Washington, I am in constant contact with groups from home seeking to become more actively involved in the community.

Please utilize me as a resource.

We are now at a point in the election cycle where things are slowing down a bit. However, the next presidential election is a mere 47 months away! If you thought you were getting a break from any of this, think again! In the words of one of my favorite music artists, Jay-Z, “On to the next one.”

BeHIND THe

Congressional Curtain North Carolina Goes Red as Both National Parties Now Look Toward the Bench

By Neal Patel Who saw it coming? It sure wasn’t the political pundits paid to do so. Days before the election, no matter what television channel covered the race, the same message resonated: Romney-Obama is going down to the wire and will be very close in the Electoral College. It was one of the few times I’ve ever seen MSNBC, FOX News, and CNN agree on the same topic. I even read an article anticipating a tie in the Electoral College. (In that scenario, the House of Representatives would choose the president. The Senate would choose the vice president.).

Even the universally accepted Gallup Poll had the ObamaRomney presidential race neck and neck 48 hours before Election Day. While the popular vote delivered a slim 50.7% to 47.7% (or 63.1 million votes to 59.4 million votes) win for President Barack Obama, the Electoral College reflected a 332206 landslide victory for Obama.

Both Carolinas voted for Governor Mitt Romney. The state of South Carolina, my South Carolina extended home state, extended its its streak of voting for the streak of voting for the Republican presidential Republican presidential candidate to nine races. candidate to nine races.

President Jimmy Carter was the last Democrat to win South Carolina in 1976. Since then, South Carolina has served as a strong foothold for conservative politics.

Labeled a crucial “swing state,” the Tar Heel state voted for Obama in 2008 but decided not to extend his contract four more years this year. The Obama-Biden campaign targeted North Carolina from the very beginning. Both President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama made numerous trips to North Carolina over the last four years. Not to mention, the Democratic National Convention, the site where President Obama formally accepted his party’s nomination for the presidency, was held in Charlotte this past September. With that much attention being given to the state, it is surprising the Obama-Biden campaign could not lock up enough votes in North Carolina.

For Democrats in North Carolina, Governor Bev Perdue did not seek reelection due to sinking approval ratings, a litany of ethics charges emerging from her 2008 campaign, and zero support from either the state or national party. Meanwhile, Republicans nominated Pat McCrory, the former Mayor of Charlotte, to run for governor. McCrory crisscrossed the state and proved to be a formidable fundraiser. In turn, McCrory defeated his Democratic challenger, Walter Dalton, handily by almost 12 percent. I believe this race mobilized voters to head to the polls. In turn, it affected the “top of the ticket” and delivered a win for Mitt Romney.

So now the elections are over, what’s next? I am sure you have heard and seen the postmortem documentation on both Saathee.com

Neal Patel Neal Patel is the Communications Director for Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., M.D. neal.patel@mail.house.gov

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December 2012

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time at a great value are the cornerstone strategies of savvy financial genius. But, as in all things investing, caveat emptor buyer beware!

The ideal buyer candidate is one with:

REAListically...

•Mental strength to take a risk.

•Few or no contingencies.

•No current home to sell before purchasing a short sale •Patience and time to ride out, maybe, months of process delays •Resources, if needed to rehab and restore a property.

By Sneha Shah Anatomy of a Short Sale: Buyer Perspective After discussing short sales vs. foreclosures last month, this article will focus on the anatomy of a short sale from both the buyer and seller perspectives, and paint a picture to offer a clearer view of the process.

From a buyers’ perspective, a short sale is a thinly veiled opportunity - a good deal to capitalize on, and then savor, a realization of a dream – owning a home, along with generating instant equity.

This opportunity, though, has been cultivated, not without several days of anxiety, weeks of waiting and months of patience! What does the buyer go through, exactly? - A short sale is, (ironically), a long process, - it is risky, complicated and unpredictable, to boot. opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat. – Napolean Hill While a short sale may be viewed as a proclamation of temporary defeat and a pro-active compromise by the homeowner; it can also be viewed as a disguised opportunity for salvation and a way to move on and start afresh with minimal impact to financial credit for the homeowner. As it becomes clear to the homeowner that a short sale is indeed the most viable option available to them; the services of a proficient real estate professional become critical.

The real estate professional can perform due diligence, and start the physical process of qualifying the homeowner as a short sale candidate, by considering the following factors:

The buyer’s real estate agent plays a critical role in counseling his/her clients through the oft-complicated process and unforeseen delays and complications that may arise. Some key areas of counsel for the buyer may be:

•Advise on the fact that it will be the lender making the final call on the price and terms of the sale, even after these are negotiated and accepted by the seller.

•Perform due diligence before making the offer for investment “flipping” or owning as a primary residence •Consulting an attorney regarding home inspections, earnest money and contingency period for third party approvals •Costs incurred for lawyer fees and, in some case, agent fees for exclusive representation, when the seller may be unable to cover these expenses.

In conclusion, undoubtedly, there is risk involved for the buyer in bidding for a short sale, but as Jim Rohn said “If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” So, up your ante, and be open to this new, but real unusual, and explore the short sale market – who knows what dreams you may realize and which extraordinary asset you may land up with?

Next month, we will cover the short sale package, negotiations and the common results of short sales.

Real estate is an innate passion in many of us – a very real reality that impacts our lives more than a few times in our lifetimes. It is an investment, a social territorial acquisition, an emotional haven, an investment tool for the long haul. REAListically covers topical interests on investing and understanding the environment of real estate, both for personal acquisition and long-term investing.

•Determine whether the homeowner has a valid hardship Factors that may contribute to hardship are job loss, business failure, illness and medical costs, divorce and death of a spouse, natural disasters.

•Assess whether there is sufficient time to accomplish a short sale.

•Ascertain whether homeowner will contract, or has already, with the appropriate finance, tax and legal professional.

•Determine the amount that is owed on the property.

•Confirm if there are any additional liens on the property.

•Assess the condition of the property.

•Gauge the willingness of the homeowner to be cooperative.

Sneha Shah is an architect by education, pursuing a real estate career. Contact her at sneha.s2@gmail.com

Once these are established, the primary goal of the real estate professional is to appropriately price the property in order to receive an offer from a qualified buyer with a realistic chance of closing. It would be suicidal to price it too high and eliminate any or all offers, or too low for the banks to accept the offer. The strategy is to price it competitively, by basing it on the BPO (broker price opinion) and the fair market value.

g Caterin le Availab

The Buyer Perspective: Once the property is priced right, and appears on the market, it is a hook for many deal seekers. Many buyers, whether longterm real estate investors or individuals with little or no home buying experience, are hankering to ride the wave and score a bargain with the short sale tide. And why not? – Financial gurus like Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham have touted intrinsic value investing and the idea of timing the market. Be it the financial or the real estate market, scoring a product at the right Saathee.com

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Stock Tickers

Zimbabwe also uses the pound. The British pound is pegged to the Falkland Islands pound, Gibraltar pound, Saint Helenian pound, Jersey pound (JEP), Guernsey pound (GGP), Manx pounds, Scotland notes and Northern Ireland notes.

Illiquid - The state of a security or other asset that cannot easily be sold or exchanged for cash without a substantial loss in value.

By Rajesh Ganatra Illiquid assets also cannot be sold quickly because of a lack of ready and willing investors or speculators to purchase the asset.

Hello fellow investors, we hear about a lot of financial terms so The lack of ready buyers also leads to larger discrepancies let’s take a look at some of them and what they mean: between the asking price (from the seller) and the bidding price (from a buyer) than would be found in an orderly market with Acid Test - A stern measure of a company’s ability to pay its daily trading activity. short term debts, in that stock is excluded from asset value. (liquid assets/current liabilities) Also referred to as the “Quick Jobless Claims - The number of people who are filing or have Ratio”. filed to receive unemployment insurance benefits, as reported

Baby Bells - A common nickname given to the U.S. regional telephone companies that were formed from the breakup of AT&T (“Ma Bell”) in 1984. Baby Bells were created in accordance with antitrust legislation, which is designed to create more competition within the industry.

weekly by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Joint Tenancy – It’s a type of property right where two or more people own or rent a property together, each with equal rights and obligations, until one owner dies. Upon an owner’s death, that owner’s interest in the property passes to the survivors without the property having to go through probate.

Back Door Listing – This type of listing is a strategy of going public used by a company that fails to meet the criteria for listing Kangaroo Bond – This is a type of foreign bond that is issued in on a stock exchange. To get onto the exchange, the company the Australian market by non-Australian firms and is desiring to go public acquires an already listed company. denominated in Australian currency. The bond is subject to Australian laws and regulations.

CAC 40 - The French stock market index that tracks the 40 largest French stocks based on market capitalization on the Paris Macro Accounting - Accounting for the total or aggregate Bourse (stock exchange) economic activities of a nation.

Call Date - The date on which a bond can be redeemed before maturity. If the issuer feels there is a benefit to refinancing the Macroeconomics - The field of economics that studies the issue, the bond may be redeemed on the call date at par or at a behavior of the aggregate economy. Macroeconomics examines economy-wide phenomena such as changes in unemployment, small premium to par national income, rate of growth, gross domestic product, Call Premium - 1. The dollar amount over the par value of a inflation and price levels. callable fixed-income debt security that is given to holders when the security is called by the issuer. 2. The amount the purchaser Paid In Capital - The amount of capital “paid in” by investors during common or preferred stock issuances, including the par of a call option must pay to the writer. value of the shares themselves. Paid in capital represents the Earnest Money - A deposit made to a seller showing the buyer’s funds raised by the business from equity, and not from ongoing good faith in a transaction. Often used in real estate transactions, operations earnest money allows the buyer additional time when seeking financing. Earnest money is typically held jointly by the seller Safe Asset - Assets which, in and of themselves, do not carry a high likelihood of lawsuit risk. Mere ownership of this type of and buyer in a trust or escrow account. asset does not expose the owner to a significant risk of litigation.

Earnings Before Interest & Tax - EBIT - An indicator of a Assets such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds, bank accounts and company’s profitability, calculated as revenue minus expenses, your personal residence are examples of safe assets. excluding tax and interest.

Takeover Bid - A type of corporate action in which an acquiring Earnout - A contractual provision stating that the seller of a company makes an offer to the target company’s shareholders business is to obtain additional future compensation based on to buy the target company’s shares in order to gain control of the business. Takeover bids can either be friendly or hostile. the business achieving certain future financial goals.

G7 Bond - A term used to refer to government bonds issued by a nation in the Group of Seven (G7). A G7 bond is considered relatively less risky than bonds issued by nations outside the G7.

The G7 nations are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. All these nations are considered industrialized and developed countries.

Undercapitalization - When a company does not have sufficient capital to conduct normal business operations and pay creditors.

This can occur when the company is not generating enough cash flow or is unable to access forms of financing such as debt or equity.

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GBP - The abbreviation for the British pound sterling, the official currency of the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands and British Antarctic Territory and the UK’s Crown Dependencies: the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The African country of Saathee.com

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December 2012

Business Matters Revisiting Flood Insurance

By A. J. Shah

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 anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods.

People outside of high-risk areas file over 20 percent of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding. When it’s available, disaster assistance is typically a loan you must repay with interest.

We have written articles in Saathee previously regarding flood insurance, but in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, as many homeowners and businesses are once again contemplating the idea of purchasing flood insurance, it will be beneficial to go through the analysis one more time. As images of waterlogged houses and businesses dominate the news, many are realizing that most homeowners and business property policies do not cover damage from flooding. Many typically think flood insurance is just for homeowners and businesses on the coast or along the banks of a river. However, as we have recently learned, flooding can occur anywhere because of storms, heavy rains, or water main breaks.

When Hurricane Katrina hit, only 33 percent of homeowners and 25 percent of businesses carried a federal flood policy. In the Sandy hit areas of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut the Many typically think number of those insured are flood insurance is just for expected to be similar. homeowners and According to the Federal businesses on the coast or Emergency Management along the banks of a river.

Association (FEMA), 20 percent, or 1 in 5, of flood claims from areas that have low to moderate flood risk. FEMA expects to pay out $7 Billion in covered flood insurance claims from superstorm Sandy.

By securing flood insurance, you have the option to protect two types of insurable 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.

Flood Insurance is Affordable 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, but variables apply, such as proximity to a floodplain. If you live in a moderateto-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 homeowners’ policy. FEMA states approximately 50 percent 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.

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those states. The franchisor has to pay a registration fee and provide other disclosures that the state may require to register the franchise. Once the registration packet has been submitted and approved by the state, a franchisor can offer their franchise in that State. Once registered, an annual renewal registration of the franchise will have to be completed. If there is a material modification to the franchise agreement then this change will also have to be registered and disclosed.

There are also financial aspects to the franchising process.

One of the disclosure requirements is to have audited financial statements of the franchisor by an independent certified public account of the past two or three fiscal years. These statements include balance sheet and income statements. Another disclosure that may be included is financial projections of the prospective franchise. The franchisor may also want to consider if they are going to create another company for the new franchise, or use the existing business entity to carry out the franchising.

Utilizing an experienced accountant to help in preparing your financial statements and devising your business structure is highly recommended.

Before you can begin the franchising process, the business system will have to be developed and thoroughly documented.

This includes the product and services to be provided and all the materials, products, and merchandise to be used to conduct the business. Other parts of the business system include any intellectual property such as a trademark or copyright that may need to be developed.

A detailed training plan and operating manual that will help the franchisee understand the business and the operations is also necessary. A marketing plan that will help a franchisee get the business off and running and a sales plan for the franchisor to appeal to potential franchisees are also integral components of the business system.

The help of a skilled attorney in franchise law is essential when navigating the course of franchise creation. Creating a disclosure that complies with federal and state laws as well as a franchise agreement that protects the franchisor’s intellectual property including such proprietary information as training and an operations manual is extremely important to a franchisor’s competitive advantage.

If you are a business owner and have a great concept and are looking to expand your business, think about franchising your business.

Personal Finance Expanding Your Business through Franchising

By Sumeet Shah You have a great business concept and are evaluating ways to expand your brand and your operations. Have you thought about franchising your business? Franchising is a method of distributing products or services. This business model involves a Franchisor who lends his intellectual property and business concept and a Franchisee who pays a royalty and an initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisor’s name and system. Once this contractual agreement is reached by the two parties, a Franchise is created.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, franchises make up more than 10.5 percent of employer businesses. In 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Small Business Jobs Act” that permanently increased Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits from $2 million to $5 million. The Act also temporarily extends the 90 percent loan guarantee rate and reduces borrower fees in the SBA program.

The law permanently increased microloan limits from $35,000 to $50,000 helping more entrepreneurs with start-up costs. This change in law has increased the access to capital for individuals looking to open a small business which in turn is helping franchisors expand their business through franchisees.

You may be asking what kinds of businesses lend themselves to franchising. Virtually every type of business you can imagine can be a franchise. The International Franchise Association now lists more than 75 different categories to describe its members.

Typically, you would think of fast food and restaurants first when thinking of franchising, but franchising covers a wide spectrum from advertising/direct mail to construction to dating services to home inspection to security systems to video sales and rentals. Other examples of successfully applying franchising to established industries are: printing and copying services, maid services, computer services, cleaners, lawn care services, real estate, hotels and motels, and travel agencies.

This column is meant to provide information about tax and business matters and in no way should you consider this as tax, financial or legal advice. Consult your tax accountant, financial advisor and legal advisor regarding your specific individual tax and financial situation. This Article provides only an overview to the complex Tax Laws. It is not exhaustive nor a substitute for Independent Tax Advice provided by a Tax Accountant or a Tax Attorney familiar with your case.

What is needed to offer a franchise?

There are many legal aspects when beginning the process of franchising. Federal and State law govern franchising and the first legal requirement will be to prepare a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document, called the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) or the FDD is required of all companies by the Federal Trade Commission if they want to offer franchises for sale anywhere in the United States. The disclosure document “discloses” in plain English certain provisions of the franchise agreement and other pertinent information of the franchisor. The disclosure document includes such items as initial fees, royalty fees, estimated initial investment, financial statements and litigation history. The disclosure has to be provided to a potential franchisee 14 days prior to any contractual franchise agreement between the franchisor and franchisee.

Additionally, a number of states have their own registration requirements that must be met before offering a franchise in Saathee.com

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.

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Seven Reasons to Store Your Programs in the “Cloud”

Marketing Turnaround

By Gail Z. Martin

Three Things You Should Know About Access-Anywhere Software Being able to access your software from anywhere on any device can be a real lifesaver when you’re on the road.

Programs that live on web servers that you can access via the Internet are what Cloud Computing is all about, and it’s the key to using your smart phone and tablet PC to get more done when you’re on the go.

But if your programs don’t live on your computer hard drive, how safe are you from hackers and viruses?

If the idea of having your valuable and proprietary data residing in the Cloud worries you, there are steps you can take to set your mind at ease.

First, make sure that you understand the individual service provider’s privacy policies, terms of use, and recommended methods for safeguarding the security and integrity of your data.

Secondly, always back up essential information. This can mean creating a print-out, saving a Web-based document as a file or a screen shot, or copying essential information to your hard drive or an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) storage site. An FTP site allows you to store and share documents or files that are too large for regular email. Yes, FTP sites are also Cloud computing sites—a good example is www.4shared.com, but there are many similar sites.

Third, be certain to safeguard your password. Realize that when you share access to your Cloud computing sites with an administrative assistant or colleague, they may gain access to your billing and credit card information unless the site allows for different levels of access.

Some Cloud computing sites offer a group membership, so that you can provide access to several employees or partners while keeping your own account information private. Other programs make it possible to designate an “administrator” who can access everything except the billing/payment information. If you must share your password with an assistant, keep track of which passwords have been shared and be sure to change your password if your relationship with the assistant ends.

Cloud computing programs can boost your productivity by giving you access to powerful software without the hassle of downloads and updates. You save time, reduce the in-house needs for online storage, and reduce your dependence on hired computer professionals.

Just think. You won’t lose part of a day as your IT consultant tinkers with the settings to make sure a newly downloaded program doesn’t wreck your network!

Small businesses and solo professionals also benefit by gaining access to valuable online services and software which would be prohibitively expensive to license on an individual basis, and which would require significant investment in servers and personnel to install and manage in-house.

For big productivity gains and lower costs, get into the Cloud!

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The term “Cloud computing” sounds intangible, and that’s just the point.

“Cloud computing” refers to access to software that is accessible via subscription over the Internet. Programs that reside in the Cloud are actually housed on the servers of the company that owns the software and which provides subscription access.

Unlike traditional software, such as word processing or spreadsheet programs that are stored on your computer’s hard drive, programs that reside in the Cloud never have to be installed, updated or uninstalled from your computer. That’s the beauty of the “Cloud.”

Why would you want your software to be housed on the Cloud? Several good reasons come to mind:

•You don’t have to install the program, so you can use software that requires greater speed or memory than your desktop or laptop might possess.

•Because the software is stored on the Cloud, it doesn’t hog memory or bog down your computer.

•You don’t have to worry about updating the software; the tech staff at the company providing the software takes care of doing that.

•Since you access the software via the Internet (and a secure password), you can access your software (and possibly your related files) from any computer, anywhere you have an Internet connection.

•Since your access is via subscription (usually monthly or annually), your costs are much less than if you were to purchase a private license for the program.

•When you no longer want or need the software, cancel the subscription. There is no software to uninstall on your computer.

•If there’s a problem with the software, your subscription includes access to technical support. It’s the provider’s responsibility to fix the bugs, and you don’t have to download patches or new versions.

Starting to see the appeal? Cloud computing programs offer extremely flexible access to powerful programs without the hassles of maintaining the software on your own computer. If you’ve ever suffered through lengthy software download (especially one that needed to be done over several times), you’ll understand the appeal of being able to “visit” your software instead of needing to have it all on your hard drive.

Excerpted from 30 Days to Virtual Productivity Success by Gail Martin.

Gail Z. Martin owns DreamSpinner Communications.

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relationship with people I tried very hard to explain things to in person. Now, they’re much more patient. They don’t dismiss my big ideas about wanting to write, and make art.

Comfortable things are here, like high school friends, still thankfully around, or places I know well in the Triangle.

Durham’s like that song, the James Taylor one about geese in flight, and it’s nice to hear people say “y’all.”

Pain? Pain isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes you need to feel it, to know what’s writ in your heart.

My first pregnancy. My first ever feeling of that thing you get when you become a parent, the twinkling in your heart that goes, “There’s love, sure, but then there’s love.” My little girl. I had no idea it would be so hard. Losing her, five weeks together already with her tumbling in my womb. That love never went away. Even today, that love’s still there.

When my husband brings me gerberas on the important dates, like the one in February when she would have been born, or Mother’s Day, I have to sequester myself in my home. Into the darkest, smallest part of it, where it feels most like a cave.

Then I let the terrific feeling of guilt, mixed with remorse, yet compassion, too, flow within me. I hold it for a while, and let it fill me. Writing’s helped me clarify my honest feelings.

Feels good to be home. To honor, publicly, a little life that was here, once, forming in my belly. Feels good to have the sun on my skin in the fall. Feels really good to learn, finally, to let go. I will leave you with the words I wrote for my fetus as a eulogy, not to make you sad, but hopefully, to show you how much it’s easy to take that which we have – life – so granted. our baby died last week, and yet, we feel very lucky. When we found out she was a girl, we named her Monica. Now, we see we’re lucky to know a thing called life. To feel so acutely the lack of it, the little fetus no longer in my warm belly, the ripeness of that which is here becomes overwhelmingly apparent. flower petals never looked so pretty. I photographed pink-red ones yesterday; they were the bouquet Akira brought to the hospital last week when baby Monica had to go back to wherever she came from.

We’re lucky to have each other. After twelve years being best friends, half of them in marriage, we’ve learned to move away and come together when the time requires it. Never have we suffered, independently or together, so great a loss. And never have we felt closer. We’re lucky to have the life we designed, in a city, free of cars, close to pedestrian movement, and simple, humble possessions. I bought plants after the tomato seeds actually sprouted. I saw the beauty of gentle things again, and gentle, precious life. We’re lucky to have known Monica, at least a little. We saw her shape on the ultrasound, we knew she hated eggs, liked cucumbers and Havarti cheese. We fed her well — I took prenatal vitamins, got a blender to make fruit-rich drinks. We loved her before she was here in the world, able to taste breath, sing in the light. Deep in the womb, quiet and unconscious, she lay. Unaware of a concept of Earth, the difficult mixes of beauty and darkness, the pain and joy and uncertainty of being human, of being alive, vulnerable, and yet blessed on some occasions, with the gifts of insight, wisdom.

To be human is to falter, to then stand up, press on. october, 2006. Capitol Hill, Seattle.

Just Being Honest

By Dipika Kohli Why Gerberas Make Me Cry

Getting pregnant wasn’t hard. Losing the fetus, that was the clench.

Some couples talk about how tough it is for them to conceive, how they have to get all these fertility treatment and acupuncture. I’ve nothing against that, I mean, that’s cool. I adore the needle therapy, now that I know what it can do for minds and bodies ill at ease. In fact, it’s taken me a year of acupuncture, and yoga, to sort my feelings about something that, for six years, has tangled the fibers of my heart. A loss. My first-ever pregnancy, gone in a morning.

So many things happened in Seattle at the blurry September’s end, things I hadn’t given voice to until weeks ago, with the release of The Dive, a memoir. Until that moment of launch, I’d only told five people in real life, ever, the truth. The whole story.

It wasn’t “just a miscarriage,” like so many people thought. It was so very much more. But let me start at the beginning.

When you’re a woman with no kids, and you’ve just turned 30, you think it. You know you think it. You go, “Hey, know what?

I think I want a baby.” Biological clock and stuff. Now or never.

I’d get jealous feelings when I saw a pregnant woman on Broadway in our urban neighborhood in Seattle. Or a mother with budding toddlers at the Garfield Center Community pool.

It was like I’d turned to a chapter of a book, the book of my life, and the third decade’s heading was one word. Baby.

I had a great partner, a guy I met when I was 19 and he was 22. College was fine, and then, six years later, we eloped to Ireland (whole different story, since he wasn’t Indian and my parents didn’t like that). But it was grand, as our friends would say over there. I trusted my gut, and I knew he’d make a great father. Someday, we’d do that. This was the guy. Seattle was the next place for us, and we found our way. It was so easy, really.

Connections, jobs. Stuff moved nicely, then, there was the call.

From the midwife. The number came up on the cell in the middle of day. A voice said the thing we didn’t want it to say.

There’s a chance that something might be wrong with the fetus.

I’m telling this story to a new friend I’ve gotten to know in Durham. “You have feelings about a place that are influenced by the things that happen there,” she says over a mimosa. See, I scrunch up my face when anyone talks about Seattle. left not long after this loss, and though it’s not very zen of me, I link the city with the lonely feeling. Not until this year did I see that.

Acupuncture needles and soft lighting, plus the clinic’s Celtic female vocalist on CD on heavy rotation—-they knew Irish music put me at ease—-these things sent me through a fine sieve, one whose smallest stones were set deep in my muscle fascia. I knew when the music ended, I had to confront it. The Dipika Kohli’s new memoir, The Dive, dark scar, still an ache in the marrow of my bones.

When I lost my pregnancy, I felt I’d crashed into a hard slab http://www.kismuth.com/dive. face first, slamming from a long freefall that later I’d call “the Dipika Kohli loose, long dive.” So much happened. And I couldn’t articulate Contact email: it. I was so far from home, too. dipika@designkompany.com My closest relatives were the first to order The Dive, an honest memoir I just launched dedicated to Monica, my lost little pearl.

It’s odd how the medium of electronic books is changing my Saathee.com

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145 145

The Cricket Forum

India India

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium 1986/87 National Stadium, Karachi 1954/55

Greatest win margins (by innings) Margin Winning team venue Season Innings & 131 runs India Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 2003/04 Innings & 119 runs Pakistan Niaz Stadium 1982/83 Innings & 86 runs Pakistan National Stadium, Karachi 1982/83 Innings & 70 runs India Feroz Shah Kotla 1952/53 Innings & 52 runs Indi Multan Cricket Stadium 2003/04

By Rajesh Ganatra There are several series to look forward to in the near future: Pakistan visits India

Greatest win margins (by runs) Margin team venue 341 runs Pakistan National Stadium, Karachi 212 runs India Feroz Shah Kotla 195 runs India Eden Gardens 168 runs Pakistan M. Chinnaswamy Stadium 131 runs India Wankhede Stadium

An India vs. Pakistan Cricket match is one of the most intense sports rivalries in the world —- a typical India vs. Pakistan match can attract up to 300 million viewers and defeat is completely unacceptable to either side. After the Partition of India in 1947, the first Cricket between India and Pakistan came in the 1950s and here is a listing of the bilateral Test matches between the two nations:

After the Partition of India in 1947, Pakistan became a member of the International Cricket Council in 1948. As seen in the table above, all five Tests in the 1955 series and 1961 series were draws and fairness of the umpiring came into question after those series. After India and Pakistan fought wars in 1965 and 1971, that led to a big gap in Cricket Ties, however, the countries began visiting each other again during the late 1970s.

The Kargil conflict of 1999 and terrorist attacks in Mumbai during November 2008 iced bilateral Cricket Ties but after a hiatus of nearly five years, there is a thaw and Pakistan will be visiting India. Here is the schedule:

Series 1 - 1952-53. Hosted by India. 5 Tests - 2 won by India, 1 by Pakistan, 2 draws.

Series 2 - 1955. Hosted by Pakistan. 5 Tests - 5 draws.

Series 3 - 1961. Hosted by India. 5 Tests - 5 draws.

Series 4 - 1978-79. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 Tests, 2 won by Pakistan, 1 draw.

Series 5 - 1979-80. Hosted by India. 6 Tests, 2 won by India, 4 draws.

Series 6 - 1982-83. Hosted by Pakistan. 6 Tests, 3 won by Pakistan, 3 draws.

Series 7 - 1983-84. Hosted by India. 3 Tests. 3 draws.

Series 8 - 1984-85. Hosted by Pakistan. 2 Tests, 2 draws.

Series 9 - 1986-87. Hosted by India. 5 Tests, 1 won by Pakistan, 5 draws.

Series 10 - 1989-90. Hosted by Pakistan. 4 Tests, 4 draws.

Series 11 - 1998-99. Hosted by India. 2 Tests, 1 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 12 - 2003-04. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 Tests. 2 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 13 - 2004-05. Hosted by India. 3 Tests, 1 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan, 1 draw.

Series 14 - 2005-06. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 Tests, 1 won by Pakistan, 2 draws.

Series 15 - 2007-08. Hosted by India. 3 Tests, 1 won by India, 2 draws.

Tue Dec 25 - 1st T20I - India v Pakistan @ M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Thu Dec 27 - 2nd T20I - India v Pakistan @ Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Amdavad Sun Dec 30 -1st ODI - India v Pakistan @ MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Thu Jan 3 - 2nd ODI - India v Pakistan @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata Sun Jan 6 - 3rd ODI - India v Pakistan @ Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

In addition, Here is a listing of ODIs between the two countries.

Series 1 -1978–79. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 ODIs, 1 won by India, 2 won by Pakistan.

Series 2 -1982–83 . Hosted by Pakistan. 4 ODIs, 1 won by India, 3 won by Pakistan.

Series 3 -1983–84. Hosted by India. 2 ODIs, 2 won by India.

Series 4 - 1984–85. Hosted by Pakistan. 2 ODIs, 1 won by Pakistan, 1 Tie/NR. Series 5 - 1986–87. Hosted by India. 6 ODIs, 1 won by India, 5 won by Pakistan Series 6 - 1989–90. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 ODIs, 2 won by Pakistan, 1 Tie/NR. Series 7 - 1996. Hosted by Canada. 5 ODIs, 2 won by India , 3 won by Pakistan.

Series 8 - 1997. Hosted by Canada. 5 ODIs, 4 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 9 -1997–98. Hosted by Pakistan. 3 ODIs, 1 won by India, 2 won by Pakistan.

Series 10 - 1998. Hosted by Canada. 5 ODIs, 1 won by India, 4 won by Pakistan.

Series 11 - 2003–04. Hosted by Pakistan. 5 ODIs, 3 won by India, 2 won by Pakistan.

Series 12 - 2004. Hosted by India. 1 ODI, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 13 - 2004–05. Hosted by India. 6 ODIs, 2 won by India, 4 won by Pakistan.

Series 14 - 2005-06. Hosted by Pakistan. 5 ODIs, 4 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 15 - 2005–06. Hosted by UAE. 2 ODIs, 1 won by India, 1 won by Pakistan.

Series 16 - 2007–08. Hosted by India. 5 ODIs, 3 won by India, 2 won by Pakistan.

Most Runs scored in Test play: Runs team venue 700-5 Pakistan Gaddafi Stadium 679-7 d Pakistan Gaddafi Stadium 675-5 d India Multan Cricket Stadium 674-6 Pakistan Iqbal Stadium 652 Pakistan Iqbal Stadium

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West Indies visits Bangladesh Sun Dec 2 - 2nd ODI - Bangladesh v West Indies - Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna Wed Dec 5 - 3rd ODI - Bangladesh v West Indies - Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Fri Dec 7 - 4th ODI - Bangladesh v West Indies - Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Sat Dec 8 - 5th ODI - Bangladesh v West Indies - Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Mon Dec 10 - Only T20I - Bangladesh v West Indies - Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Tue Oct 30 - T20I - Sri Lanka v New Zealand - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Season 1989/90 2005/06 2003/04 1984/85 1982/83

Fewest runs in a completed innings Runs team venue 106 India University Ground 116 Pakistan M. Chinnaswamy Stadium 126 India Feroz Shah Kotla

Season 2005/06 1998/99 2004/05 2004/05 1979/80

England visits India Wed Dec 5 - Sun Dec 9, 2012 - 3rd Test - India v England - Eden Gardens, Kolkata continued on page 112 Rajesh T. Ganatra Contact him at rajeshtganatra@rocketmail.com

Season 1952/53 1986/87 1979/80 70

December 2012

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Method: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. When hot, add pine nuts and toast until lightly brown, shaking pan to prevent burning, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan; when hot, add mushrooms and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add sherry and bring to a boil over high. Simmer until liquid has evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Place reserved pine nuts, mushroom mixture, cheese, and parsley in food processor; pulse until well chopped. With machine running, slowly add 3 tablespoons olive oil in a steady stream, allowing pesto to mix blend and become cohesive.

Process until desired consistency is reached, season with salt and pepper, and serve over warm penne noodles. Makes 2 to 4 servings.

Recipes & More Grilled Cajun Mushrooms Ingredients: ½ cup of olive oil. ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar.

Juice of half a lime 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning ½ teaspoon of black pepper 8 oz. of Crimini mushrooms, cleaned 8 oz. of oyster mushrooms, cleaned Wooden skewers soaked in water for one hour

Mushroom Marsala Pasta Ingredients: 1 1/2-ounce package dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms 1 cup low sodium vegetarian stock 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 16-ounce package sliced mushrooms 1 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup Marsala Wine 1/2 cup cream Salt and pepper, as needed to taste Parmesan cheese, to taste, optional

Method: In a large bowl combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Toss the mushrooms with the vinaigrette, then thread on skewers.

Prepare your grill and preheat to medium-high. Grill the mushrooms on top rack, turning occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes or until the juices are beginning to be released and mushrooms are slightly charred.

Mushroom Stuffed Tomatoes Ingredients: 6 large tomatoes or 1 pound of cherry tomatoes 3 tablespoons butter 1 pound mushrooms, chopped fine, or blended 1 clove garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons cream 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Grated Parmesan, as needed Chopped parsley, as needed

Method: In a small saucepan bring stock to a boil. Add the dried mushrooms, turn off the heat, and cover with a lid. Let sit for 20 minutes. Pull out the whole mushroom pieces with a pair of tongs and chop into small pieces. Strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer to remove any grit. Set the stock aside. In a large sauté pan melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile heat a large pot of water over high heat to boil. Sprinkle the flour over and stir to cook until it smells nutty, about 2 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the Marsala, cook until very thick and almost completely reduced, about 3 minutes. Stir frequently. Add the reserved veggie and mushroom stock and the chopped dried mushrooms. Finish the sauce with cream and taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the noodles and place them in a large bowl and pour the sauce over. Garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Method: Preheat oven to 400°. Cut each tomato in half horizontally. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the insides from each half. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over high heat melt the butter with the garlic and cook until fragrant, about two minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until well reduced in size and dark brown in color, about 20 minutes. Add cream and continue to cook until almost all the way evaporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and add the breadcrumbs, stir well. Fill each tomato half with about 1/4 cup of the mushroom filling, until all the filling is used. It is okay to mound the mushroom filling up on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400° for eight mins or until tomatoes are soft and the top is browned. Serves 6.

Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, chopped small 1 pound white mushrooms, chopped small 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped 2 quarts vegetable stock 2 cups heavy cream Salt and pepper, to taste Parsley, to garnish

Penne with Savory Mushroom Pesto Ingredients: ¼ cup pine nuts ¼ cup olive oil, divided ½ pound Portobello mushrooms, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 3 tablespoons dry sherry ¼ cup Parmesan cheese ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves Sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste ½ pound cooked penne noodles Saathee.com

continued on page 86 74

December 2012

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The phrase “net carbs” is not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Know that carbohydrates that are subtracted from the total carbohydrate count of the beverage still can increase blood sugar levels and do contain calories.

Before drinking, always make sure to eat something. Many Drink Your Calories Wisely people ruin their diets when their inhibitions are down after a drink or two. In addition, always drink plenty of water

By Anjana Agarwal beforehand, so that you do not drink alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst.

The holiday season is upon us and Limit to 1-2 drinks, concetrated on socializing and enjoying there will be many parties and the gathering. gatherings to celebrate Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Try this Champagne pomegranate sparkling drink: Year’s Eve. We all need to watch our Ingredients: 2 cups Champagne, 1 cup pomegranate juice, 2 drinking and control the intake of cups seltzer water, half cup citrus vodka. Method: Mix all, calories during the holiday season to serve with lemons slice. Makes six servings. 128 calories per minimize packing some pounds around glass the waist It is amazing how many calories some for individual nutrition counseling, see a registered dietitian. Many mixed drinks contain—up to 500 insurance companies now pay for the consults. calories for some of the sweeter concoctions. Use this guide to make sure that you Anjana Agarwal, MS, RD, LDN, CDE do not unwittingly order a Registered Dietitian drink that contains more Phone: 704-890-3162 calories than your meal. As Carolina Nutrition (Adult & Pediatric) always, it is recommended that all people drink sensibly and www.carolinanutrition.com avoid drinking and driving.

One gram (g) of either carbohydrate or protein contains 4 calories, 1 g of alcohol contains 7 calories, and 1 g of fat contains 9 calories.

The higher the proof of alcohol, the more calories that it will contain.

Most mixed drinks contain around 1.5 fluid ounces (fl oz) of distilled spirits, which contain about 100 calories. It is the mixers that can quickly ratchet up the calorie count.

1.888.811.6173 Watch out for those super-sized drinks. One of TGI Friday’s 614.216.9094 frozen mudslides contains more than 1000 calories!

A 6-fl-oz soda can contain nearly 100 calories. Ask for diet versions in mixed drinks. Some bars and restaurants even offer diet tonic water and/or reduced-calorie fruit juices.

One teaspoon of sugar contains 15 calories. Some mixologists use more than that amount just on the rim of a jumbo-sized glass.

Just like some people allow themselves to eat all of the diet food that they want and end up consuming more calories than if they just had one serving of the regular version, some people do the same thing with lite beer and other reduced-calorie alcoholic beverages. Make sure you are aware of this.

Dark beer usually contains more calories than lighter colored brews.

Some wines are usually lower in calories than others. These include white zinfandel, Chablis, and chardonnay. Consider ordering a wine spritzer to reduce the calories even more.

Sweet liqueurs contain more calories. For example, 1 fl oz of crème de menthe contains around 125 calories.

Drinks made with cream, such as White Russians, also contain many extra calories.

Healthwise

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Owl Sacrifice Mars Hinduism’s Biggest Holiday On Diwali, tantriks kill threatened species for the promise of future wealth.

By Jason Overdorf - GlobalPost.com NEW DELHI, India — As the rest of India celebrates Hinduism’s festival of lights on Tuesday, unscrupulous witch doctors known as “tantriks” will sneak into the country’s dark corners to kill some of its rarest and most majestic birds of prey.

It’s India’s secret shame — unknown even to most devout Hindus. But the religion’s most important holiday, Diwali, marks a supposedly auspicious time for the sacrifices of threatened and even critically endangered owls — a rite that some believe can win favor from the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

“You take the leading newspapers of today itself, there will be 50, 20, 30 ads from tantriks advertising remedies of almost all kinds,” said Abrar Ahmed, an expert on the trafficking of birds.

“When people can be milked out, these tantriks will prescribe something which is difficult to get — they’ll say an owl of 5 kgs or a certain weight or certain size. There is where they make money.... They are the ones creating a demand.”

India is home to 32 species of owls, 13 of which Ahmed discovered being sold as part of the illegal trade in wild birds. Most, if not all, are included on International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List” of threatened species, while at least one, the forest owlet, is critically endangered, according to “Imperilled Custodians of the Night,” a report Abrar wrote for Traffic in 2010.

The most common species sold is the spotted owlet, which has adapted to living in cities and is therefore in little danger of dying out. But threatened species like the brown fish owl can also be found for sale, and the threatened rock eagle owl is the “most preferred” by witch doctors — a bad omen for its future survival.

According to Ahmed, trafficked owls and their body parts are primarily used for supposed black magic — which still claims several lives for human sacrifice each year, if newspaper reports from the hinterland are to be believed. There is a regular, organized trade in live owls. In tribal areas, where the majority of people believe that owls can ward off evil spirits, feathers and talons are placed in amulets, and owls can be found piled up for sale at local fairs.

And in cities and towns, even the country’s wealthiest industrialists and politicians visit tantriks — in the hope of having a son, curing illness or infertility, or amassing a magicassisted fortune.

For most Hindus, Diwali is a joyous festival. Families festoon their homes with electric lights and burn small candles or oil lamps, called diyas, to commemorate the victory of the god Ram over the demon Ravana and Ram’s return home with his stolen wife, Sita — a foundation myth told in the Ramayana, one of Hinduism’s most important epics. Friends get together to gamble. The markets overflow with “Diwali hampers” filled with chocolates, nuts, and traditional Indian sweets — gifts to be exchanged, Christmas-style.

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But even if the Diwali lights are meant to represent the victory of good over evil, as well as a welcoming beacon for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the five day festival is the most deadly time of all for the owls.

The reason: The amavasya, or new moon night, of Diwali is claimed to be the most auspicious time for owl sacrifices, Ahmed found after nearly two years of research he conducted for Traffic — a joint body that monitors the illegal wildlife trade for the World Wildlife Fund and International Union for Conservation of Nature.

“The practice happens throughout the year, but the kalratri [the eve of Diwali] is considered auspicious,” said Ahmed.

“That makes the tantrik very rich in terms of hoodwinking people to pay their price. If they don’t have a deadline, if they don’t have a reason for the practice to happen at a particular moment of the year, people will be casual in their attitude.”

Indians who are free of superstition remain ignorant of the illegal trade. But the trafficking of thousands of species of wild birds — including owls intended for these sacrifices — happens just out of sight, even in the bird market of Old Delhi. Though the traders are smart enough not to display their owls alongside the hundreds of parakeets and wild song birds for sale, all it takes is a few whispered queries and a seller will offer not only to procure the owl but perhaps even to perform the sacrifice. A one-stop shop, poaching and black magic for as little as $150, according to a recent investigation by the Sunday Guardian’s Abhimanyu Singh.

“People will say, we will deliver the owl on Thursday morning — whenever you need it for that matter — because it’s a bird that has to be fed on a crow or a parrot,” said Ahmed. “It was made to be delivered on our doorstep.”

There are at least 50 hubs for the selling of wild birds, including owls, across India, according to Traffic. And 21 of them are major trafficking centers, with an estimated turnover of 20,000 to 50,000 wild birds per year.

Worse, the Diwali sacrifices are only the most visible part of the owl trade — at least for urban India.

Traveling through the tribal regions of states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — where indigenous peoples from the Damora, Bhil, Munda and countless other groups still live in the forest much as they have for thousands of years — Ahmed found piles of owl carcasses at local fairs. He witnessed local shamans performing rites with live owls. And he learned from tribal bird trappers how owls are captured and reared to catch other birds — which will “mob” the captured owl when the trapper mimics the desired species’ distress call.

So, too, the superstitions surrounding owls go much beyond Diwali sacrifices.

In a survey of bookstores selling religious texts, Ahmed found prescriptions for telling the future using a live owl, hypnotizing an enemy by feeding him an owl’s feather or blood, making yourself invisible using an owl’s heart and other body parts, cursing an enemy’s family with an owl’s skull, and countless others.

But perhaps the darkest revelation of all was not the depth and prevalence of these superstitions among India’s poor and illiterate, but their prominence even among the educated urban elite.

“Last week, a big horned owl was stolen from Chatbir Zoo [in Chandigarh, Punjab],” said Ahmed. “Do you see the correlation of the time? Even in a very big zoo — and this has happened in two other zoos also — the owl is not safe.”

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Astride

continued from page 48

They come and ask, “Who is he?” I Know not how to answer them. I say “Indeed, I cannot tell.” They blame me And go away in scorn. And you sit there smiling.

The other two great Bengali mystics were, of course, Sri Ramkrishna and Sri Aurobindo, if we leave out Sri Chaitanya, the 14th century mystic.

Tagore’s homage to Sri Aurobindo, in the latter’s political heyday, took the form of a poem, Namaskar, which—-freely translated—- starts as follows: Aurobindo, accept Rabindranath’s salutation.

Oh friend, oh friend of the nation, Nationalism finds its soul in you.

You have no need of fame, Or wealth, or pleasure.

You have asked for no small gift, Neither of clemency.

You have not begged for mercy.

I believe this poem reflects Sri Aurobindo’s uncompromising demand for Indian Independence, and was written while the patriot was serving a jail term. Needless to say, Sri Aurobindo passed through a phase of intense political activity, aka freedom fighting, before taking up a monastic life and founding an ashram.

Finally, after a life of ecstatic writing, Tagore bids farewell in poem #93: I have got my leave.

Bid me farewell, my brothers!

I bow to you all and take my departure.

Here I give back the keys of my door—And I give up all claims to my house.

I only ask for last kind words from you.

We were neighbors for long, But I received more than I could give.

Now the day has dawned and the lamp That lit my dark corner is out.

A summons has come And I am ready for my journey.

Lessons from Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga

inwards and upwards.” Readers may well be reminded how the wandering saint, Tota Puri, initiated Sri Ramkrishna by pressing a sharp object on the latter’s forehead, between the eyebrows.

In Sri Aurobindo’s case also, it was a Maharashtrian yogi, Lele, who gave Sri Aurobindo spiritual instruction and taught him to silence his mind by intercepting thoughts as they appeared from the outside and flinging them back before they could enter the mind.

In his Letters on Yoga, Sri Aurobindo admits that he “fell” many times, and gently chided the aspirants of the Ashram on their lack of faith, persistence and will-power.

Indeed, the human will can be used to brow-beat recalcitrant human nature into submission. Yet Sri Aurobindo’s way does not entail an ascetic withdrawal from food or normal life.

Sure, such standard practices as chanting, meditation and prayer do help the sadhana. Each sadhak’s way is different and there are different strokes for different folks.

The true sadhak, if required to live frugally, will do so without cavil. If life makes him or her rich, this too should be accepted with equanimity, without wallowing in materialistic wealth which leads to the “dull habit of dead routine.”

Sri Aurobindo has no strictures on food, but one should be careful not to complain if occasionally the food is not to one’s taste. Details of his experiences and answers to sadhak’s questions can be found in The Letters on Yoga. Along with Sri Ma’s Agenda, these make for fascinating reading. Sri Aurobindo categorically stated that “The Mother’s consciousness and my consciousness are one and the same.”

Recipes

continued from page 74

Method: In a large sauce pot melt the butter over high heat, about one minute. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until fragrant, soft, and browned, about 10 minutes. Next add the thyme and vegetable stock. Pour the mixture into a blender. Blend on high until very smooth and no chunks remain. Pour back into the pan and add the cream. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley. Serves 8.

Mushroom Gravy

Peace is the first requirement, followed by certain receptivity towards the Divine influence, and plasticity to being moved by the Divine power. One might well ask, “Why should I bother?”

The answer is that if you aspire towards higher things, reject un-Divine and obscure things and show a glad and helpful surrender, “All else will be done for you.”

Sri Aurobindo writes, in the slim volume, “The Mother”, “…surrounded by her full presence, you can go securely on your way.” He gives a practically water-tight guarantee of immortality.

But when things go wrong—-or difficulties arise—-one must understand how and why this occurs. The path is always upwards, but it is a spiraling path, not a straight line.

We sadhaks are sure to face obstacles, difficulties and dangers. That is the law of the way, and none can abrogate it.

When asked if he had any particular advice, Sri Aurobindo gave the answer, “A gathering up of the consciousness Saathee.com

Ingredients: ½ lb of white mushrooms, chopped ½ lb of shiitake mushrooms, chopped 2 cups of water, or as needed Basil, Marjoram, Thyme 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour, to thicken ½ teaspoon of salt Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste 1 dash of soy sauce, to taste Method: Chop the mushrooms the put them in a large pan with a couple tablespoons of water; heat on medium. Cook the mushrooms for about eight minutes until most of the water has cooked out. Add the basil, marjoram and thyme. Slowly add the flour and remaining water, stirring constantly so to avoid lumps.

Once the desired consistency has been reached, add the soy sauce, salt and pepper.

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Community Focus Events of Note Spoken Sanskrit for Beginners Samskrita Bharati is holding a two-day weekend workshop in Charlotte, NC to introduce Sanskrit to beginners. Learn to speak the ancient language in a fun and easy manner. The workshop takes place on Sat-Sun, Dec 8 – 9 from 9am – 5pm. The venue is the Hindu center of Charlotte, Yoga Room, Vihar Hall, 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte NC 28212. The fee is $20/individual, $35/couple, and $55/family. No prior knowledge of Sanskrit is expected of the participants. It will be helpful if participants can speak an Indian language. Samskrita Bharati has taught similar courses to over 6 million people, through more than 10,000 trained teachers. This course is interactive and designed such that by the end of the course, participants will be able to have basic conversations in Sanskrit. Lunch and snacks will be served.

For further details call Joy Vyloppully 513.432.7224, Prashant Kacharia 704.907.7908, or Jayanthi Rajan 704.799.6985 or register at www.samskritabharatiusa.org.

applications will be accepted at the Outsourcing Agency, VFS Services USA Inc., at its premises at India Passport Application Center – Atlanta: North Side Tower, 6065 Roswell Rd., # 120, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Visit the following websites for further details: (http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa) or that of CGI, Atlanta (http://www.indianconsulateatlanta.org). For Miscellaneous Consular services, applicants may visit the Consulate office at 5549, Glenridge Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA-30342 between 10 am and 12.30 pm. No prior appointment is required.

Following US States and Territories are included in the CGI, Atlanta jurisdiction (for Passports, Miscellaneous Services and consular outreach only): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgin Islands. Visa / OCI / PIO and related services are currently not provided by CGI Atlanta. These services will be taken up by the Consulate General of India, Atlanta at a later date.

Community Reports

Bhagvat Saptah A Bhagvat Saptah with Srila B. V. Vishnu Maharaj will take place at the Gandhi Bhavan at Hindu Center in Charlotte on December 29 – January 5. It is sponsored by the Gita Satsang Group of the Hindu Center. For more details call 704.248.0652 or visit www.ikcm.org/bhagvat-saptah.

Virsa Punjab Da 2013 The Virsa Punjab Da Executive Committee of North Carolina State University in Raleigh has announced the sixth annual bhangra competition to be held on February 9, 2013. Virsa Punjab Da is a non-profit organization that is focused on dancing for a cause, showcasing some of the nation’s top bhangra dance teams to compete and help spread the energy and excitement of the dance, awareness of cultural and religious diversity, and most importantly contribute to local communities. Since its establishment six years ago, Virsa Punjab Da has grown in its presence, reach, and popularity. It is currently the only bhangra competition in the Southeastern United States. Traditionally Virsa Punjab Da has made donations to Nishkam Seva, a charity organization that provides support for widows and orphans in Southern Asia, but this year, in light of more recent events, Virsa Punjab Da will donate all proceeds to support the victims and families of the Wisconsin Temple Shooting. For further details on VPD 2013, write to vpdncsu@gmail.com.

Diwali Celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Bright lights, fireworks, colors, and delicacies, what can all these words represent? These are the words that signify one of the most renowned Hindu festivals, Diwali, or the “Festival of Passport/consular services at Lights”. This festival is celebrated by Hindus all around the Consulate General of India, Atlanta The new Consulate General of India in Atlanta has started world and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light Passport and Miscellaneous Consular services. Passport over darkness. This year’s Diwali festival was celebrated with

Community News

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December 2012

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great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Charlotte, NC. On November 13, devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to celebrate Diwali. The evening also featured a Grand Diwali Fireworks show. On November 14, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. Devotees graciously greeted each other and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. The hall was packed for the first Arti, a Hindu ritual of waving lighted wicks before the murti of Bhagwan as an act of spiritual enlightenment, which took place at 7:30 am. One of the unique aspects of celebrating the New Year is offering a feast of food items called Annakut, literally meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;a mountain of foodâ&#x20AC;?. The devotees of the Mandir worked tirelessly for many weeks to prepare this colorful array of vegetarian food items to be offered to Bhagwan. Despite residing in India, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj continually inspires devotees all over the world to celebrate their Hindu heritage and customs. For more details visit www.baps.org.

Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2012 Nine teams from across the East Coast brought their creativity, energy, colors, and unique dance styles to Chapel Hill on November 10, 2012 making Aaj Ka Dhamaka 2012 a show packed with talent and excitement. All the dance teams put on wonderful performances. The winners are as following: Third place, and $500 went to VCU Bhangra for their energetic and traditional Bhangra routine. Rutgers Ehsaas, a Bollywood fusion team, took home the second place trophy and $1000.

Their genie in a lamp inspired theme wowed audiences, and their costumes fit perfectly with the Arabian Nights feel the team was hoping to convey with their dance. Finally, first place, and the grand prize of $1500 went to Columbia Raas for their spectacular New-York-themed performance. The team was full of energy, and danced their hearts out in front of a backdrop of the New York skyline. The emcees for the evening were Sagar Shukla and Kevin Valakuzhy.

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December 2012

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College Debt

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chair-elect of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. “The other side,” he says, “is we package in a loan they can’t afford, and they make a bad judgment and put themselves into debt they can’t manage. You can second-guess either decision.”

For parents in exceptional circumstances, colleges have some discretion to bypass the Plus application process and give a student the additional amount of federal student loans that would be available in the case of a Plus denial — up to $5,000.

Those are judgment calls, says Justin Draeger, president of the aid administrators’ group. Cases of a parent who is incarcerated or whose only income is public assistance are more straightforward, but the prospect of evaluating a parent’s ability to pay is fraught. Deciding to tell them what they can afford “leaves the schools in sort of a moral dilemma,” Draeger says.

But encouraging Plus loans for parents who would struggle to repay them lets colleges shirk their own responsibility to help families with limited means, says Simon Moore, executive director of College Visions, a college-access program based in Rhode Island. “Colleges can say, ‘We want to enroll more lowincome students,’ but don’t really need to step up and offer students good aid packages,” he says. Plus loans “offer colleges an easy way to opt out.”

The Middle Class Struggles to Repay Some parents who have borrowed through Plus have found themselves working when they could be retired, and contemplating whether to pay off the debt by raiding their retirement nest eggs.

Galen Walter, a pharmacist, has put three sons through

average Plus loan amount Even when inflation is taken into account, the average Plus loan has increased by roughly a third, to almost $12,000. All values are adjusted for inflation.

college. All told, the family racked up roughly $150,000 in loans, about $70,000, he estimates, in the Parent Plus program.

Walter is 65. His wife is already collecting Social Security. “I could have retired a couple years ago,” he says, “but with these loans, I can’t afford to stop.” His sons want to help with the Plus payments, but none are in the position to do so: One son is making only $24,000. Another is unemployed. The youngest is considering grad school.

Before the downturn, Walter says, he might have been able to sell his house and use the profit to pay off the loans. But given what his house is worth now, selling it wouldn’t cover the loan. With his sons in a challenging job market, he thinks he may be repaying the loans for at least a decade.

Many parents are more than willing to take on the burden.

Steve Lance, 58, is determined to pay for the education of his two sons, whose time at private universities has left him saddled with $133,000 in Parent Plus loans. (He also says he’s committed to paying for his sons’ federal and private student loans, which bring the total to $317,000 in debt.)

“The best thing I thought I can do as a parent is support them in having their dreams come true,” says Lance, a creative director who writes and speaks on advertising and marketing.

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“There’s no price tag on that.” Out of necessity, he has put some loans in deferment.

Often, students and families set their hearts on a specific college and will do whatever it takes to make it work, betting that the rewards will outweigh the financial strain.

That’s what happened with J.C., who asked that her name not be used. J.C. took out about $41,000 to help her daughter, an aspiring actress, attend NYU. A high-school valedictorian, her daughter could have gone to a public university in their home state of Texas debt-free, J.C. says. But the opportunities in theater wouldn’t have been the same. It had to be NYU. “The night she got there she said: Mom, this is the air I was meant to breathe,” J.C. says of her daughter.

J.C., 58, is divorced and makes about $50,000 a year. She anticipates Plus loan payments between $400 and $500 a month, which she says she can handle. “I’ll never retire. I’ll work forever, that’s OK,” she says. Still, the hope is that her daughter makes it to the big time in her acting career: “If she’s really, really successful I’ll retire sooner rather than later,” J.C. says.

Recent Changes to Parent Plus, and Uncertain Results The Education Department’s recent change in how it defines adverse credit history — adding unpaid collections accounts or charged-off debt as grounds for denial — is meant to “prevent people from taking on debt they may not be able to afford while protecting taxpayer dollars,” Hamilton, the department spokesman, wrote in an email message.

The change may result in significantly more Parent Plus loan denials, according to Kantrowitz — and some financial-aid officers’ recent observations seem to bear that out. But new denials may actually target the wrong people. After all, the tightened underwriting still examines aspects of credit history, not ability to repay.

“It’s not going to make much of a difference for people who overborrow. It’s not going to prevent people from overborrowing,” Kantrowitz says. Instead, the new policy may preclude borrowers who once fell behind on a debt, he says, but now pose little credit risk.

Borrowers who are denied can appeal the decision and still get the loans if they convince the Education Department that they have extenuating circumstances. Or they can reapply with somebody cosigning on the loan.

It’s not yet clear how much the change to the credit check will alter the scope of the Parent Plus program. Early tallies for the 201112 year show a modest dip in borrowing over the previous year, but the data is incomplete and won’t be fully updated for months.

For now, the Parent Plus program is part of a stopgap solution to the complex problem of college affordability. And the factors that drive parents to borrow too much won’t be changing anytime soon.

Kantrowitz believes that the student-loan system is in need of much broader solutions. The current federal loan limits for undergraduates are arbitrary, he says, and not based on the type of program or a student’s estimated future earnings. More grant money could also help alleviate overborrowing, especially for low-income families.

“We need a complete overhaul of the student-loan system so there’s a more rational set of limits” to curb the debt problem, says Kantrowitz. The government can’t keep “magically sweeping it under the parent rug.”

Article courtesy of www.propublica.org This story was co-published with The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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December 2012

Community Organizations Sonali Tamhane, sonali_tamhane21@yahoo.com, 704.364.8605 www.charlottemarathimandal.com

Charlotte

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 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).

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 Christian Fellowship We meet on the third Saturday of every month at 6:30 PM for Prayer, Bible Study and Fellowship. Anyone who is interested to spend an evening with us is welcome to come with your family and friends.

For Further Details: Hema at 704.841.7060 hadhopper@hotmail.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).

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

Carolina Sanskrutik 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.

Ganesh Festival 2012 will be celebrated by CSMM at the Hindu Center of Charlotte,7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC from Wed Sep 19 through Sun Sep 23.

For Further Details: Sangeeta Korde, sangeet_k@yahoo.com, 704.421.4279 Saathee.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

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Community Organizations 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. The Center hosts two annual initiation programs and a weekly Sunday meditation for initiates.

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

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 Hindu Center of Charlotte The temple holds many regular events and religious ceremonies. The temple library is stocked with books, CDs, DVDs and other materials on varied genre such as religion, culture, history, philosophy, yoga and health.

Upcoming Events: Dec 29 - Jan 5: Bhagvat Saptah with Srila B. V. Vishnu Maharaja at Ghandhi Bhavan. Call 704.248.0652 for details.

The Hindu Center is located at 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212.

For Further Details: 704.607.8412 admin@hcclt.org or www.hcclt.org

Charlotte Tamil Sangam Charlotte Tamil Sangam works to bring together the vibrant Tamil community in the Charlotte area and strives to promote the Tamil language, arts and culture. For Further Details: Lakshmanan Krishnan (lakshmanank@hotmail.com) or visit www.cltts.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

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, Inter-Community 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

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, selfsustenance, 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 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

India Association of Charlotte (Festival of India) The organization works to foster 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 is held in September in uptown Charlotte.

For Further Details: Toni Sawhney 704-604-2133 Lal Vishin 704-545-3727 www.indiafestival.net

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.

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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. Concerts, performances, and recitals are 92

December 2012

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Community Organizations held throughout the year. Visit the website for full details on the organization’s activities.

Upcoming Event: Sat, Dec 15: Santoor Recital by Kunal Gunjal at 6pm, Tate Recital Hall, CPCC. For Further Details: Sarla Kumar 704.846.4423 Chaula Jain 704.364.0984 contact@ipaac.org www.ipaac.org

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

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

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. The Jain Center is located at 7631 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262 and will coordinate and carry out numerous religious activities year-round. 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 for the center: 7631 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 For Further Details: JCGC President – Suresh Shah: 704.717.8481 info@jaincenter.us www.jaincenter.us

Shri Rang Avadhut Parivar (Parspar Devo Bhav) The group meets Thursdays from 6 - 8 pm in Charlotte. The group recites Datta-Bavani, singing devotional Dattatraya Bhajans and reading Guru-Lilamrut. Detailed information about Charlotte meetings, literature, Videos, Nareshwar Ashram and Shri Avadhut’s life is available.

For Further Details: Bharat Shah - 704.724.6247 Nagesh Patel - 704.399.7805 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)

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.

Greensboro 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.

For Further Details: 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: Jack Dhekar: 336.254.1727 Manubhai Patel: 336.253.7182 www.gcap.us

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. Saathee.com

India Association of the Triad (IATNC) Greensboro The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community 94

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Community Organizations 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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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 Saathee.com

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December 2012

Community Organizations 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

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: www.chinmaya-RDU.org Srinivas Andhavarapu 608.759.3047 Venkat Mandavilli 919.523.9926

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

Dada Bhagwan Foundation DBF is socio-spiritual organization formed with the goal of spreading peace, harmony and ultimate bliss to the world through the science of Akram Vignan - the science of Self Realization as expounded by the Shree A.M. Patel, known as Dadashri or Dada Bhagwan. DBF organizes Spiritual Satsangs /Gnanvidhi (2 hour scientific process of self-realization) of Pujya Deepakbhai around the world. There are no formal lectures here, but it’s in the format of questions and answers on topics like various religions, scriptures, social and personal issues. All these problems can be solved through Gnan (True Knowledge). This is a practical Spiritual Science, not a religion. Meets every 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of each month from 5 to 7 pm followed by Prasad at the HSNC Hall, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For Further Details: 877.505.3232 ext 1003 rabhatt@yahoo.com www.dadabhagwan.org | www.kids.dadabhagwan.org 135 Stardale Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560.

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 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 Sat, December 8.

For Further Details: Mulchand Patel 252.314.5527 Bhartiben Patel 252.315.2895 Mahendra Patel 919.793.6588

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

Carolina Rajasthani Association The association hosts regular events and programs.

For Further Details: Sushma Maheshwari - 919-880-8529, sushmaofnc@yahoo.com Shruti Singhi - 919-412-4819, mshruti@yahoo.com www.carolinarajasthanis.org Chinmaya Mission Chinmaya Mission is a worldwide non-profit organization promoting spiritual growth, started by Pujya Gurudev Swami Saathee.com

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Community Organizations 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 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 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 an new project under specific guidelines. Make a commitment today to build a better tomorrow. See below for Saathee.com

contact details and visit the website for the foundation’s current activities.

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 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 RaleighDurham 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 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.

Upcoming Event: March 24-25, 2013: India Fest, Dorton Arena, Raleigh.

For Further Details: www.nuvyug.net Pratham - Triangle Area 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 100

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Community Organizations 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 Further Details: Rajeev Thalla - rajeev.thalla@gmail.com Monica Awasthi - awasthimonica@yahoo.com www.prathamusa.org 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/ 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, Non-Film, 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.

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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 with Pancharathra Agama Shastra.

Upcoming Events: Dec 15: Mokshosthavam Dec 23: Geeta Jayanti Dec 28: Garuda Jayanti For Further Details: 919.468.0040 comm@svtemplenc.org www.svtemplenc.org Sahaj Marg Meditation - Triangle Area Sahaj Marg translates to “The Natural Path.” 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 Sahaja Meditation Ongoing meetings, seminars and workshops are available in Raleigh. There is never any charge for Sahaja Meditation instruction or for receiving one’s self realization which is the birthright of every human being. Anyone can do it. Sahaja Mediation is free and without obligation. RSVP in meetup: Sahaja-Meditation-Triangle-Group Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

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Community Organizations 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

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

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 micro-loans. 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

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

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 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 Saathee.com

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.

For further details: www.tcfnc.org Phone: 919-43-TCFNC (82362) 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 Chapter-India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) IDRF is a registered, tax-exempt non-profit organization that supports volunteer-based, honest and highly experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India in serving their populationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 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 are organised on Guru Purnima and Rang Jayanti and on the occasion of Pujya Sri 104

December 2012

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December 2012

Community Organizations Prem Avdhoot Bapji’s annual visit to the United States. The mandal inites those interested.

For Further Details: rangmandal@gmail.com 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. or visit the group’s website at the address below. 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 Vibha Vibha is a volunteer driven non-profit organization dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged children. The Raleigh Action Center has a group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers from varied backgrounds, including working professionals and students. This group came together through a strong belief in Vibha’s mission and a resolve that we can create a positive societal impact in India – even from half way around the world. The group works to organize social events that spread awareness and raise funds to further the organization’s mission. The website lists the organization’s past and upcoming activities.

For Further Details: hetal.patel@vibha.org http://raleigh.vibha.org.

Saathee.com

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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) Anjali Dashputre, Treasurer. (910.395.6633) Sukhbir Dhillon, Cultural Secretary (910.796.1965) 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 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: Sun, December 2: Bhajan by devotees 11 am - noon Sun, December 9: Gita Jayanthi- Akhanda Geeta paryan Sun, December 16 & 30: Bala vihar 11 am - noon Sun, December 16, 23 & 30: Geeta Study 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon For Further Details: Temple 252.752.2670 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. It is located at 95 Mount Soma Blvd., Clyde, NC 28721. Upcoming Events: Sat, Dec 23: Vykunta Ekadasi Mon, Jan 21: Karthikeya Puja For Further Details: www.srisomesvara.org.

December 2012

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if you like saathee magazine, you’ll love saathee.com.

your Web Connection to the Community Digitial Edition • Videos • Photos • Archives News • Web Extras • Bollywood News Complete Community Events and More!

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Business owners Ask us about how your business can benefit with advertising on Saathee.com! call (704) 527-7570 or e-mail: saatheemag@hotmail.com

Community Organizations 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

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 Triad Avatar Meher Baba Group The Meher Center is a spiritual retreat/ashram located on SC Highway 17 immediately North of the Highway 22 connection 8 miles from Myrtle Beach, SC. Meher Baba visited this place 3 times and considered it His home in the West. A small brick house built especially for Him is open for “Darshan” on Fridays and Sunday (11:00 am.) / Meher Center: (843) 272-5777.

For Further Details: 336.299.9683 runderwood@webtv.net www.avatarmeherbaba.org

If you are a member of an organization, club, or non-profit group keep us updated with any events or activities. Also keep us updated with any contact info or listing change in the organizations already listed in this section. At Saathee we strive to spread information in the greater community through print and online.

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

Send listing info to saatheemag@hotmail.com.

The deadline for inclusion in the Community Organizations section is the 15th of the month for following month’s issue.

Events can also be sent through

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

our website at www.saathee.com

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)

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

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Send us high-resolution photographs of events from your club or organization. We will review them and let you know if we can publish them in future editions of Saathee.

Sirigannada Sirigannada, the Kannada Association of South Carolina, a non-profit 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 Saathee.com

Send to Saatheemag@hotmail.com

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December 2012

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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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December 2012

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Cricket Forum

Sun Jan 13 - 2nd ODI - Australia v Sri Lanka, Adelaide Oval

continued from page 70

Fri Jan 18 - 3rd ODI - Australia v Sri Lanka, Brisbane Cricket Ground, Thu Dec 13 - Mon Dec 17, 2012 - 4th Test - India v England - Vidarbha Cricket Woolloongabba, Brisbane Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur Sun Jan 20 - 4h ODI - Australia v Sri Lanka, Sydney Cricket Ground Thu Dec 20, 2012 - 1st T20I - India v England - Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune Wed Jan 23 - 5th ODI - Australia v Sri Lanka, Bellerive Oval, Hobart Sat Dec 22, 2012 - 2nd T20I - India v England - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Sat Jan 26 - 1st T20I - Australia v Sri Lanka, Stadium Australia, Sydney Fri Jan 11, 2013 - 1st ODI - India v England - Saurashtra Cricket Association Mon Jan 28 - 2nd T20I - Australia v Sri Lanka, Melbourne Cricket Ground Stadium, Rajkot Find more cricket action at Saathee.com Tue Jan 15, 2013 - 2nd ODI - India v England - Nehru Stadium, Kochi Sat Jan 19, 2013 - 3rd ODI - India v England - HEC International Cricket Stadium Complex, Ranchi Wed Jan 23, 2013 - 4th ODI - India v England - Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala Sun Jan 27, 2013 - 5th ODI - India v England - Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh Pakistan visits South Africa Fri Feb 1 - Tue Feb 5 - 1st Test - South Africa v Pakistan - New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg Thu Feb 14 - Mon Feb 18 - 2nd Test - South Africa v Pakistan - Newlands, Cape Town

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December 2012

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December 2012

Pop’s Puzzles & Jokes Clues Down:

By Kirit Shukla

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

7. “Bhagvad __”, a Hindu scripture part of Sanskrit epic of Mahabharata, a conversation between Krishna & Arjuna.

11. A building used for gambling with slot machines.

12. The crime of setting fire in a building to collect insurance.

13. A holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. (Dec. 25) 15. To talk fast, incessantly and foolishly.

16. To make bankrupt or penniless.

18. Medal of Honor. (*) 19. The metal hoop to which the net is attached. (Basketball) 21. Self-esteem; self-respect.

22. The basic unit of land area in the Metric System = 100 m².

25. A highly valued person; a cut & polished precious stone.

27. Room. (*) 28. Amendments to a document such as a contract.

31. Roam; rove; to wander from a given place aimlessly.

33. See; look. (Interjection).

34. Treads; rungs of a ladder.

36. Outfield. (*) (Football).37. Of or connected with the ear.

39. Louisiana. (*) 40. Free from danger or damage; secure.

42. Food rich in protein coagulated from soybeans extract.

43. The delicate hairs on the young roots of some plants.

45. Trade union. (*) 46. District of Columbia. (*) 48. A health resort , having a mineral spring.

49. Top Secret. (*) (FBI Files) 50. A marriage or wedding.

51. The digit/forepart of the human foot Saathee.com

1. South Carolina. (*) 2. Every one of two or more considered separately.

3. Feeling embarrassed because something bad was done.

4. The circumference of a tree trunk or person’s waist.

5. The smallest whole number; one.

6. A person who is defeated in a contest.

7. To seize or snatch suddenly.

8. A discharge of blood, pus etc. (Medical term) 9. In the direction of.

10. The science of morphology of plants or animals.

12. Before noon: used to refer time from midnight to noon.

14. In good condition; strong.

15. The Queen City of North Carolina.

17. A method of producing a design on ceramics or murals by incising the outer coating of slip or glaze to reveal a ground of different color.

20. Jumble; hodgepodge; muddle.

23. Without restraint; disorderly; boisterous.

24. Craftsmanship; skill.

26. Montana. (*) 29. The formal basic monetary unit of Portugal. (Now Euro) 30. One’s own person, as distinct from all others.

32. A loud noise, as of waves, a storm, a motor etc.

35. One Indian Rupee = 100 ___; Money. (Hindi) 38. Intermediate Frequency. (*) 40. Small Business Administration. (*) 41. Otherwise; differently.

44. London Public Library. (*) 47. Copper. (*) (A symbol of a chemical element) (Puzzle solutions are on page 124. No peeking!)

Hee Hee Mafatlal and his friend went to a restaurant and ordered drinks. Then they took out sandwiches from their briefcases and began to eat. The server saw this and approached them.

Server: “Excuse me, but you are not allowed to eat your own sandwiches in here.”

The two looked at each other and exchanged the sandwiches.

•••••••••••••• Wife: “Honey, the doctor has come to see you.”Booddhoo: “Tell him that I am not feeling well and won’t be able to see anyone.”

•••••••••••••• “Why are Indian wedding invitations printed in red?”

“Because red is the color for a serious warning ahead.”

•••••••••••••• Professor: “Suppose you are the doctor in charge and the treatment I have just outlined has failed to make the patient perspire. What would you do?”

Medical student: “Sir, I would show him my bill.”

•••••••••••••• 116

December 2012

YOUTH CORNER

Word World

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

(Subject: “US State Capitals - Part one” )

M L

R

E I

A C

Make words using 4 or more letters. The central letter must be used in each word. Use all letters for the subject word.

34 + words = Excellent; 26 to 33 words = Good; 25 or less needs to improve. (Solution below) Word World (Solution): ACRE, ARIEL, CAMEL, CARE, CERT, CLAIMER, CLEAR, CRAME, CREAM, CRIME, ÉCLAIR, EMIR, LACE, LAME, LEAR, LICE, LIER, LIME, MACE, MAILER, MALE, MARE, MEAL, MICE, MILE, MIRACLE, MIRE, RACE, RALE, RAMIE, REAL, REALM, REAM, RELIC, RICE, RIME

ALBANY ANNAPOLIS AUSTIN BATONROUGE BISMARK CARSONCITY COLUMBUS DESMOINES HARRISBURG

HONOLULU INDIANAPOLIS JUNEAU LITTLEROCK MONTPLIER RICHMOND SALTLAKECITY TOPEKA

The unused 14 letters spell “The sixteenth President of the United States (1809-1865)”

eZ-BZ TEST YOUR OWN IQ The common letters are “LT” - Fill in the blanks 1. To cause to increase in number. _ _ LT _ _ _ _ 2. Occurring at the same time. _ _ _ _ LT _ _ _ _ _ _ 3. Limited. (*) LT _ 4. A Muslim ruler. _ _ LT _ _ 5. Hardheartedness; inhumanity _ _ _ LT _ 6. Going beyond the usual limit; extreme. _ LT _ _ 7. A remark that hurts the feeling or pride. _ _ _ _ LT 8. The growth of bacteria, microorganisms or cells in a specially prepared nourishing fluid. _ _ LT _ _ _ 9. To ask the advice of. _ _ _ _ _ LT 10. A device for separating solids from a liquid. _ _ LT _ _ 11. Lieutenant Colonel. (*) LT _ 12. Protection; refuge. _ _ _ LT _ _ 13. “ __ John”, an English rock singer & a musician. _ LT _ _ 14. A peninsula at the southern tip of Spain, extending into the Mediterranean. _ _ _ _ _ LT _ _ 15. A sliding bar for locking a door, gate etc. _ _ LT 16. Something new or unusual. _ _ _ _ LT _ 17. Modify. _ LT _ _ 18. Legally judged an offender. _ _ _ LT _ 19. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. (δ) _ _ LT _ 20. Hidden; concealed. _ _ _ _ LT 21. Smelling of or suggesting the sea. _ _ LT _ 22. A bedcover made of two layers of cloth filled with down cotton, wool etc. and stitched together. _ _ _ LT 23. A rope for hanging a person. _ _ LT _ _ 24. A mistake; an error. _ _ _ LT 25. Conclusive; final. _ LT _ _ _ _ _ (Puzzle solutions are on page 124. No peeking!)

Kirit Shukla Contact him at kiritsshukla@hotmail.com

Saathee.com

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December 2012

FYI: Festivals & Holidays

Aarti

December 2012 December 9 - Hanukkah December 10 - Utapatti Ekādasi December 13 - Darsh Amas (No Moon) December 20 - Pramukh Swāmi Māhārāj Birthday December 23 - Gita Jayanti December 24 - Mokshadā Ekādasi December 25 - Christmas December 28 - Duttātraiya Jayanti December 28 - Akshar Purnimā (Full Moon) December 31 - New Year’s Eve. (2012 Ends) January 2013 January 1 - New Year’s Day (2013 Begins) January 5 - Guru Govindsing Jayanti January 8 - Safalā Ekādasi January 11 - Darsh / Vākulā Amās (No Moon) January 11 - Shahādat- e - Imāmhassan January 12 - Swāmi Vivekānand Jayanti January 14 - Makarsankrānti/ Uttarāyan January 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 22 - Putradā Ekādasi January 25 - Eid - e - Milād January 26 - Republic Day (India) January 27 - Poshi/Shākambhari Purnimā (Full Moon) January 30 - Gandhi Nirvana Day February - March 2013 February 6 - Shatatilā Ekādasi February 14 - Valentine’s Day February 14 - Vasant Panchami February 21 - Jayā Ekādasi February 25 - Māghi Purnimā (Full Moon) March 7 - Vijayā Ekādasi March 10 - Mahāshivarātri March 26 - Holi March 27 - Dhuleti Saathee.com

Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual part of worship (puja), in which cotton wicks (always an odd number) soaked in ghee (purified butter) and later camphor, are lighted and usually offered to one or more deities. Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals or “Homa.” In Sanskrit, “Aa” means “towards or to” and “rati” means “passion, pleasure, desire, love.”

The ritual of Aarti is performed in various Mandirs (Temples) where community can attend; however, devotees also perform it in their homes or even businesses. Aarti is generally performed one or more times daily, usually at the end of a puja or Bhajan sessions.

The performer or the priest circulates a metal “Aarti lamp” clockwise around the deity from its head to toe. The performer faces the deity of God (or divine element) and concentrates on the form of God by looking into its eyes and the whole body, to get immersed in the beauty of the deity. It is said that eyes are the live windows to the soul. Looking at God while performing Aarti reminds us to keep God at the center of all our worldly activities.

The flame of the Aarti illuminates the various parts of the deity so that the performer and onlookers may better see and concentrate on God. Sometimes, a “Shankha” (conch) is blown to start the Aarti, which is sung in chorus in praise of that God with music and ringing of the bell. During the Aarti, the rhythmic continuous loud sound of bell prevents the mind from the stray thoughts and thinking about problems of our routine life. It is believed that Aarti represents our daily activities, which revolve around God. The lamp is supposed to acquire the power and the blessings of the deity.

The Aarti is circulated to all those present, who accept it by the upside down palm of the hands over the flame and touching his/her own head and eyes the get the blessings. Aarti can be performed for anything: A deity or picture of God/Goddess; a Holy book like Gita, Ramayana; a person; natural element like Sun, river etc., which is the central point of inspiration or energy around which our life is going and to whom we respect from our heart.

Hinduism has a long tradition of Aarti songs which are different versions for each one. For example: The song “Om Jay Shiva Omkara” is for Lord Shiva; “Om Jay Aadyaa Shakti” for Durga (Mataji); “Jay Sadguru Swami” for Swaminarayan; “Aarati Shri Ramayanajiki” for Holy book of Ramayana and so on. The most commonly sung Aarti is “Om Jay Jagdish Hare.”

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December 2012

LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 23) There won’t be any big increase in your income, but an unexpected beneficial business deal is definitely going to increase your bank balance. If you are heading towards promotion then it will come your way in the end of the month. Avoid business-related travel during this month. The time is also good for love affair. Minor health ailment may disturb the peace of mind.

General Predictions for December 2012

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 22) Even though the period is taking a downward trend, you will still feel confident. Speculation may pay off more than you expected. Be careful of wicked friends as your reputation could suffer on their account. Don’t create personal problems. Someone, particularly your child, may not keep well and may need specialized medical treatment. Middle of the month is very crucial in these regards.

ARIES (Mar 20- Apr 20) This period will give you mental anxiety. Your opponents will try to damage your reputation. You may have to get involved in unprofitable deeds.

Sudden losses are also possible. Avoid businessrelated travel. Your friends and associates will not keep their promises. Family atmosphere will be very supportive where you will feel that your spouse is the best support for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21) You could be subject to false charges, where your real involvement is negligible. Try to be practical.

Financially, the period is very good, but you may lose your reputation. Be very careful in this matter.

Business-related journeys might prove very fruitful.

Do not hold back anything from your seniors. Stock market may prove beneficial for you. Don’t cheat on your spouse.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 21) If you won’t compromise in your ideology, you will lose something very important. Your relation with your family and superiors may deteriorate. Take care of your health in the last week of the month. The time is not good to start new venture. You may also receive some bad news through communication. However, the period is quite favorable for love.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 - Jan 20) During this month you could be of an amiable disposition and will avoid friction. A fruitless journey is also possible. Try to avoid journey. You will see aggression in the family atmosphere. Health problem may also disturb you. Be careful while dealing with friends, relatives or associates. Your stubborn mentality may make you work hard without any return.

GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 21) Try to watch yourself internally, as you are going to lose your moral power. If you are not watchful, it might hurt your reputation. There is a danger of major health-related problem. The last week will bring some good news for you. In other words the month will end with financial benefit. Try to curb your expenses.

CANCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22) Heavy expenditure will frustrate you during this month. Remember that the tendency of uncommendable act in secret manner should be totally avoided. It is advisable to devote some time in religious activities. Your old time relations may come forward to help you out of a miserable situation. Short distance traveling may also bring peace of mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 19) Control aggression. Avoid greediness. If you can do that, you should get promotion and increase in status; otherwise you will lose the opportunity. The time is positive for entering in to new partnership deal.

However be prepared to work hard. You will sign a contract, which will not last long, but will bring you fast income. You may spend most of the time in business-related travel.

LEO (Jul 22 - Aug 23) Financially this is going to be a very positive period.

You will also get benefit from profitable deals. Your friends and family will help you in achieving success in your venture. There is danger of developing egoistic temperament in your personality. This attitude of yours can lead you towards unpopularity. It is advisable to spend some money for religious activity.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20) An important and large move will be delayed. You will lose a very important opportunity. Your own mistake will put you in hot water. You may need some kind of spiritual help. Financial loss is unavoidable.

Try to protect your morals. Risk-taking tendency must be avoided. However, your regular income will remain undisturbed. A sense of insecurity will prevail as far as personal affairs are concerned.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 23) Even though you will lose an opportunity to get higher status, a marked increase in your income is indicated.

You will feel more courageous. The journeys undertaken shall be fruitful. You would like to support your brothers and sisters. Your relations with your clients, associates and other concerned persons will definitely improve as the period rolls on. You will like to spend on luxury items.

Saathee.com

By Jalendu Vaidya Contact: 908-638-6388 / hindusvision.com 120

December 2012

Saathee

Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: C-Stores: Gadsden, SC, $1M + Inv., GR $1.7M; Lenoir, NC, $549K + Inv., GR $1.2M; Lancaster, SC, $149K + Inv., GR $1.3M; 704-821-8888 or www.Countysouth.biz 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 .

Liquor Store For Lease: Located Columbia, SC. Sales $45K per Month. rent $2300 Per month. Asking $65K + Inv ($100K). Serious buyers only contact Mike 704-604-9822 C-Store with Tanning salon for sale Spartanburg SC. Own and operated for 19 years. Gr 6.2M . Net $8500+ per month Owner financing available with property.

Call 864-590-2125.

48 Unit Independent Motel for sale in Augusta, GA. MGR APT. Asking $950K Serious inquiries only. Please call 678-6658376.

Dry Cleaner For Sale: Excellent profit making business in Triangle. Free standing building with drive-through facility option. Asking $515,000. Huge plant facility also for sale. Broker : Latesh Patel, 919-342-9625.

Motel For Sale: Winston Salem, NC. 57 units + apartment renovated. Block construction. Asking price 920K. For Info Please Call RK Patel 704-224-6130.

Help Wanted: Full or part-time. Good pay for threading practitioners with Waiter or waitress needed for restaurant in experience & good English skills.

South Charlotte. Part or full time. Ideal for Charlotte, Raleigh, & Richmond areas. . college student, housewife, young person... Please call 980-322-1110.

Must speak English and be a hard worker.

Help Wanted: Sandwich shop. Fortmill, 704-724-5555.

Near Carowinds. Must speak good Franchise Motel in Brooklyn Center, english and Legal. Call Anil 704-995-5160 Minneapolis, MN: Experienced Couple/ Motel Help Wanted: Need couple or Single Front Desk Clerk, Night Auditor, single help for front desk at franchise Maintenance and housekeeping. Call 540hotel at Raleigh, NC. Accommodation 303-1518 will be provided. Call 919-208-3513 Nanny Needed: Need a Gujarati speaking Help Needed For Mom: From Feb 2013. nanny in Ballantyne area to take care of Cook one complete S.Indian meal a day newborn. Should have own transportation. and laundry help for mom, baby and KG Call 630-709-5511. boy. Mon-Fri. S. Charlotte area. Please Server and Kitchen help needed for Indian call 408-772-9155. restaurant. Please call 919-418-5637 Threading job in Winston Salem. Hair EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Nanny Needed: in Ballantyne area for my 1 yr old son, preferably South Indian, who knows driving and has experience with kids.

Please call 630-639-1669.

Cook Needed in University Area Charlotte, NC: Looking for someone with at least two year’s experience cooking in different styles and cuisines from traditional to classics Indian inspired dishes. To apply send your resume to cooksneededcmnc@gmail.com or call 704-904-4741.

Franchise Hotel Now Hiring: Anderson, SC. Various positions available for House keepers, front desk (must speak fluent English). Experience is REQUIRED for all positions. Serious inquiries only. E-mail resumes to danny@phc-hotels.com OR call 864-752-7192.

Babysitter Needed: Part time afterschool babysitter needed to look after 2 boys for 3-4 hrs 5 days a week. Driving is required. If interested please call 704582-1844.

Refulgent Technologies Inc.: IT staffing company is currently recruiting Java, .Net, SQL Server and QA candidates. We Citgo Gas Station For Sale: In Charlotte. also do Training & Placement. Contact Great location. For Details call Mr. Song Anu: e-mail: recruiter@refulgentat 704-806-0425. tech.com or 704-405-4238 Tobacco store for sale in excellent and Gas Station Help Wanted: Looking for a busy area in upstate of South Carolina. Couple or single. Full-Time for Store volume 33 K + Lotto. Asking price 45 convenience store / gas station / restaurant near Charlotte, Accommodations K + inventory. Please call 864-529-2646.

Provided! 704-701-9975 C-store with deli & gas station for sale in Hiddenite, NC (Near Charlotte).Contact Hotel Management Firm Now Hiring: Various positions available for House Dinesh 646-549-4097 or 828-632-2759 keepers, front desk (must speak fluent Convenience Store For Sale: Main street English), and General Manager/s of hotels.

Experience is near Community College with a Roll over franchise of $37-$40,000/monthly. Rent $700/month REQUIRED for all positions. Serious lease 5 years. Price $70K + inventory but inquiries only. E-mail resumes to abcone@abcinns.com OR call ( 704-649negotiable. Please call 336-491-5276.

6833 m-f , 9:00 am- 5:00pm) Saathee.com

122

Threading female position open for IMMEDIATE HIRE. Full-time or PartTime, for long term. Call 980-622-4386.

Now Hiring: Full/Part time sales positions. Ambitious and hard working person needed in mens clothing store.

Located in Columbia and Orangeburg, SC. Handsome salary and commission.

Contact Mr. Manoj 803-427-1681.

PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT: Condo For Sale/Rent: 1200 Sq. Ft. Office Condo, South Charlotte convenient to South Park & Ballantyne. Corner suite, $113,000 SP or $1200/mo rent, possible owner financing. 704-614-0550.

Retail Shop available immediately near Chatham Square shopping area in Cary.

Excellent location. 1275 square feet. Rent $1450 per month. 919-649-1485.

SERVICES: Alyssa’s Garlands: Unique fresh flower garlands, boutonnieres, bouquets and exotic flowers available on special request.

We ship nationwide.

803.661.0030 or 803-627-4239. ilaamin49@gmail.com Hindu Priest: All kinds of puja.

Including: havan, katha, weddings, graha shanti, funeral services & Shraadh. In Hindi, English & Tamil. Call Balaji 704877-6320 or 704-545-7220 or e-mail: vbbalaji@hotmail.com.

Astrologer With Gold Medals - Jayanti Lad- Contact for Health, Wealth, Relationship, Child, Enemies, Court Cases, Marriage, Job, Business, Vastu Problems, Preparing & Matching Horoscope. Call 919-463-5180 or Jayantinlad@yahoo.com December 2012

SERVICES CONTINUED: Mehandi (Henna): Award-winning artist from Jaipur, India specializes in mehandi (henna) parties. Perfect for weddings, birthdays & get-togethers. Creative & beautiful art! Krishna Priya Dasi 919-8247734 e-mail: krsnapriyad@hotmail.com website: www.lotuslyrics.com 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 Pari Beauty In Matthews, NC: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Bleaching & Much More! 20 years of experience.

Special Deals & Great Service. For Appointment Call: 704-846-7912.

Ribald Farms Nursery & Florist: Specializes in Indian wedding reception design and floral arrangements. For more information contact Shawna Turner at 803-328-2266 or www.rockhillflowers.com Neeta’s Beauty Parlor: Charlotte area open 7 days a week. Full service. Please call for appointment. 704-968-0270

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. 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

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.

Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti.

Kishor Trivedi Home: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 E-Mail: kishor7@juno.com

704.527.7570 Fax: 704.527.7590

Fresh Food Available: In South Charlotte area. Pure Gujarati style vegetarian food.

Everyday meals for tiffin like subji, roti, Dal, rice, pickle and farsan. Please call 704-607-7806.

Saatheemag@hotmail.com www.saathee.com PO Box 11468, Charlotte, NC 28220

Computer Consulting: Assistance with software installation, set-up, formatting, back-up, troubleshooting and more. Very reasonable rates. 704-619-7072.

A features magazine for the South Asian Community of the Carolinas

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fax: (704) 527-7590 Call: (704) 527-7570 NoTE: The mailing list information is kept strictly confidential. We Do NoT sell our mailing list to outside agencies and the phone number is used to verify your address. Shukla Entertainment does use the mailing list to mail Saathee Magazine advertising supplemental fliers, mailers, etc.

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December 2012

Nationwide Ins. (Maqsood Khan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Nazar Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 NC Dermatology Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Nikhil Patel CPA PLLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Nunna Realty (Shiv Shankar Nunna) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Oxford Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Oza, Rishi (Immigration Legal Services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Palika Bazaar & Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Paramount Montessori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Patel Brothers (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Patel, Mrugesh (Law Offices) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Patel, Saurin (Work from Home) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Patel, Shailesh DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Prime Internal Medicine (E.N. Reddy, M.D.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Rajbhog Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Rajdeep Mandap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Rajdeep Video & Photography (Ramesh Panjabi) . . . . . . . . . .77 RB Realty Group (Ravi Bheemarao) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Real Triangle Properties (Joe Mathews) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Rinku Bhattacharya Das (Dance Instructor/Choreographer) 91 Roopkala Sarees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Royal India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 S&S Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Saathee Subscription Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Saathee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Sai Krishna Bhavan (Restaurant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Sangam Mart (Indian Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry, PLLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Sarvaga Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Shah, Kirti (CPA - Sepa Consulting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Singh CPA PLLC (Accounting & Tax Services) . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Sitar Indian Cuisine (Durham) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Skin All Natural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Sleep Inn (Charlotte) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Smart Properties (Real Estate - Smruti Patel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Spice Bazaar (Durham, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Sri Shirdi SaiBaba Mandir of NC (Cary, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 State Auto Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Taaza (Fresh) Indina Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 The Montessori School of Raleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Tower Restauant (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Travel Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Travelinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Triangle Eye Institute (Formerly Eye Care Center Apex) . .103 Triangle Family Eye Care (Dr. Hiten Prajapati) . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Triangle Hearing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Triangle Indian Market (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Triangle Speech Services (Judith L. Bergman) . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Triangle Women's Center (Haritha Nadendla, MD FACOG)103 Ttravel Guru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Udupi Cafe (Cary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Usha Decor (Wedding Planning & Decor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Vyas Travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Wake OB/Gyn (Dr. Nanda Shah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 West Cary Medicine (Dr. Kareem M.D.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 White Horse Weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Worldwide travels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 YuppTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Zayka Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Zi Zi's Vegan Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

index of Advertisers A & V Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Aapka Realty (Emmanuel Varghese) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Abbi, Chitra (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Access Realty & Funding (Chandravadan Shah) . . . . . . . . . .61 AKM Realty (Arvind Mahajan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Allstate (Ravi Reddy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 American Bead Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Anil Bedi & Associates PC (CPA & Consultants) . . . . . . . . . .45 Apna Bazaar (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Apna Travels (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Around The World Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Bashyam & Spiro LLP (Immigration Law) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Bay Leaf Restaurant (New Bern, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Best Brainy Bunch (Tutoring) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Bhindi Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Bipin & Smita Parekh (Real Estate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Blooming Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Blue Mango Indian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Bollywood Fashions (Greensboro) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Bombay Grille Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Care First Physical Therapy & Rehab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Carolina Heart Center (Dr. Pankaj Parikh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Cary Internal Medicine & The Diabetes Center, PA . . . . . . . .72 Cary Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Cary Photo & Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Carymed Primary Care (Bindit Patel, MD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Chai Pani (Restaurant - Ashville, NC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Challa Law Offices, PLC (Immigration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Chandni's Beauty Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Choksi, Viral (Northwestern Mutual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 Chuck Eaton Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Cornerstone Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . .34 County South Realty & Business Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Covenant Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Crescent Dental (Dr. Kavita Ghai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Darji, Iyer, Joshi & Patel (Accounting & Tax Services) . . . . . .33 Dave & Dave Inc. (Accounting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Dawat Indian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Desai Desai Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 DJ Hangama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 DJ Kenz (Kenz Desai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 DJ Desi (Amit Vasi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 DJ Don (David Pandoria) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 DJ Lalit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Durham Rehab & Nursing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Elegant Designz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Eshaan Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Evershine Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Fairview Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Falls Lake Dental (Chintan Patel DMD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Fantastic Sams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Fayad Law P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Five Hot Chillies (Morrisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Fly Worry Free (Travel Agent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Friends Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Goels Plaza - Banquet & Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Gold Leaf Carriage (Weddings & Special Events) . . . . . . . . . .37 Grand India Mart (Groceries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Greater Triangle Realty (Thomas John) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Hindu Center Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 & 65 Hotbreads Cafe (Nick Foods) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Inchin's Bamboo Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Indian Food & Spices (Fayetteville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Indu Conv. Store Greensboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 International Comm Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Jaipriya Senthilkumar (Cosmetologist) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 K. Hovnanian Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 K.B. Zaveree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Kadhambam Spices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Kashish Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Kaya Designs Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 KD Photographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Khanna & Sons Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Legacy Jewels / Global Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Locke Milholland (Attorney at Law) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Maadhurya Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Mahabazar.com Travels Maha Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Malani Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 Mantra Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Maruthi Pediatrics (Dr. Badriprasad R. Donthi) . . . . . . . . . . .42 Meritage Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Mishra Architecture PLLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Models wanted â&#x20AC;Ś. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Montessori Children's House of Durham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 MyTripFare (Travel agent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Saathee.com

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