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As always, thanks for reading.
We are also dilligently preparing to launch Saathee Voices and Saathee TV in the near future.
Some highlights in this issue:
♦ Congress, not the President, decides on government spending. Page 42
♦ Read about “Ideas for Senior Projects Using Classical Dance.” Page 50
♦ Trying to balance the family’s financial budgets? Go to Page 60
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“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
- James Baldwin
Cover: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh, also known as the Great Wall of India, is a fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan, India. It was built during the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. The wall of Kumbhalgarh is one of the longest continuous walls in the world, spanning about 24 miles.
Photo: Adobe Stock
“Bridging America and the Indian Subcontinent.”
March 2025 Issue # 322
Editor Samir Shukla (Samir@Saathee.com)
Publisher & Advertising Divakar Shukla 704-527-7570 or saatheemag@hotmail.com
Digital Media & Marketing
Jennifer W. Allen
Ad Design / Layout DSJ Graphics & Manimaran
Contributors for this issue:
Shikha Singh, Balaji Prasad, Alex Counts, Dipika Kohli, Sereena Kumar, Parul Kharod, Hiren Deliwala, Rupa Pereira, Ketu Desai, Dr. Maha Gingrich, Sri Vaishnavi Janpareddy, Githa Singh, and Jalendu Vaidya.
Mission: Our goal is to be a valuable source of information for the South Asian community and to be a vital advertising tool for businesses. - F OUNDED 1998 -
Saathee (USPS 021-116) (ISSN: 1543-8147) is published monthly by:
Shukla Entertainment Inc.
612 Heather Ln., Charlotte, NC 28209
Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices.
Page 58 Bakwaas, The Unstoppable Indian Advice Machine Page 30 A Teenage Story: Driver of My Own Journey Page 14 Editor’s Desk: One February Day in a Field Page 74 Recipe: Masala Lasagna Roll-Ups
The Editor’s Desk pg. 14
Upcoming Events pg. 18
Mirror, Mirror pg. 26
Kismuth and the Way II pg. 28
A Teenage Story pg. 30
Upcoming Movie Releases pg. 34
Film Clips
Thinking About Thinking
.pg. 36
.pg. 40
Congress Decides Spending pg. 42
Nutrition for Life pg. 44
Eye on the Markets pg. 46
Dances of India pg. 50
Science Progress pg. 52
Yet Another Journey pg. 54
Spot the Differences pg. 56 Bakwaas pg. 58
Financially Speaking
News Notes
.pg. 60
.pg. 62
Skills-Based Learning pg. 68
Pop’s Puzzles & Toons pg. 102 Festivals and Holidays .
108
Index of Advertisers pg. 112
College Admissions Insider pg. 70 Youth Voices pg. 70 Recipe: Masala Lasagna Roll-Ups.. pg. 74 Cartoon Corner pg. 98 Tune Your Brain pg. 100
Editor’s Desk
Editor’s Desk
by Samir Shukla
One February Day in a Field
The key clicked, the display lit up and the engine kicked in. It sounded like a smoother version of my first car, a beat up 1972 Chevy Nova that I bought in the early 1980s.
This chugging engine was on a farm tractor. I had of course heard running tractors before, but never while perched in the seat with the steering wheel in hand and foot on the pedal, ready to hit the open field. A very overgrown and daunting field.
It was an unusually warm February day. The high temperature hit 71 degrees. Birds chirped. Just a couple of clouds floated about. It was a springy day in normally cold February. I’ll take that kind of day, or even a few days, any time during winter. That’s one of the joys of living in the south, where a few springlike days are tossed into winter doldrums to keep spirits lifted.
The task at hand was driving the tractor with an attached brush cutter/mower and cutting down several acres of land. You know, make it more manageable, or at least be able to see the land to figure out what we were going to do with it. I had just learned how to use this mechanical beast a few days earlier, when it was delivered.
The NC Rice Festival takes place from March 5 – 8, 2025 with entertainment, cultural presentations, arts, crafts, food truck and kids’ activities. It is free to attend. The venue is Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Park, 8884 St. Philips Road, SE, Winnabow, NC. Details: Northcarolinaricefestival.org.
Charleston Wine and Food: (March 5 - 9, 2025)
Charleston Wine + Food infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for any event that spans March 5-9, 2025. Details: Charlestonwineandfood.com.
TGA Holi 2025: Morrisville, NC (March 8, 2025)
The Triangle Gujarati Association will host Holi cultural program on Saturday, March 8, 2025, starting at 5:30pm. There will be many dance performances by regional performers. It will take place at HSNC, Main Cultural Hall, Morrisville, NC. For more details, visit Nctga.org.
Holi Mela: Morrisville, NC (March 15, 2025)
HSNC presents a Holi Mela on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 11am. There will be a cultural program along with food and clothes vendors, DJ and free Holi colors. It will take place at HSNC, Morrisville, NC. For more details, call 919-622-4514 or visit Hsnctemple.org.
Dhuleti: Charlotte, NC (March 16, 2025)
The Hindu Center presents annual Dhuleti celebrations on Sunday, March 16 ,2025 starting at 12:30pm. Enjoy music, food and of course lots of Holi colors. Located at 7400 City View Dr., Charlotte. For more details, call 704535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.
Holi Celebration: Greenville, NC (March 16, 2025)
Celebrations will take place on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Featuring Holi puja/Holika Dahan, kids’ activities, lunch and playing with colors. The temple is located at 1420 E, 14th St., Greenville, NC. For more details, call 252-420-3810 or visit Hsenc.org.
Green River Revival: Charlotte, NC (March 15, 2025)
Kick off the spring festivities with Green River Revival. Watch as the Whitewater Center’s resident leprechaun transforms the river green for St Patrick’s Day. Start the day with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run before rafting down the river and listening to live music. Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC.
The New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half is back this year with a new perspective. Participants will run through the scars of the storm, celebrate the vibrant community, and remind the world what it means to rise stronger in the face of adversity. Both runs will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 7:30am in and around downtown Asheville, NC. Info: AshevilleMarathon.com.
Gujarati Natak: Morrisville, NC (March 20, 2025)
Triangle Gujarati Association presents “Patni Nachave Aene Kaun Bachave” Gujarati natak (play) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, beginning at 7pm at HSNC, 309 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details about the comedy play, call 919-353-0550 or visit Nctga.org.
Nuv Yug India Fest: Raleigh, NC (March 22, 2025)
Nuv Yug presents “India Fest” on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the State Fairgrounds at 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC. Nuv Yug works to preserve and promote Indian cultural arts by producing programs of high artistic merit that entertain and educate. The fest will feature performances, food, arts, crafts and exhibits. Info: Nuvyug.org.
Spring Festival & Basant Mela: Charlotte, NC (March 22 – 23, 2025)
The Hindu Center presents its annual Basant Mela with music, dances and flavors from all over India. The cultural program and vendors will take place on March 22 – 23, 11am – 7:30pm at Vihar Hall. There is no entry fee. For more details call 704-535-3440 or visit Hcclt.org.
Come experience the Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival during the week of March 23–29, 2025. The festival features local chef showcases, wine education sessions, entertainment and tastings, all located in and around the iconic Harbour Town. Info: Hiltonheadwineandfood.com
The 28th annual Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival will take place between March 28-29, 2025, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, NC. This acclaimed event brings together potters and vendors from across the southeast to exhibit and sell their unique artistry and craftsmanship. Details: Catawbavalleypotteryfestival.com.
Reedy
Reels Film Festival: Greenville, SC (March 28 - 30, 2025)
The Reedy Reels Film Festival promotes the appreciation of the art of filmmaking while generating support for independent filmmakers. The festival engages the community and creates exposure for local filmmaking while building inspiration and new opportunities for local artists. The 7th annual festival will take place from March 28-30, 2025, at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC. Info: Reedyreels.com.
Swami is a well-known speaker on Vedanta. He has been a speaker on various prestigious forums and has also spoken at several universities across the world and has engaged in dialogue with many eminent thinkers.
evening (6-9 pm). Sunday, return for Brunch Elevated from 11 am-2 pm when some of the area’s chefs and mixologists put their spin on this classic meal. Info: Wilmingtonandbeaches.com.
Hum Sub Basant Bahar: Cary, NC (March 30, 2025)
Hum Sub presents the annual Basant Bahar on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3 – 5pm. This year’s theme is “Yaadein – Ek Suhana Safar (Memories –A Beautiful Journey).”
Enjoy classical and traditional dances, music, art and more. The venue is Cary Arts Center, Cary, NC. Info: Humsub.org.
NC Science Festival: (April 1 – 30, 2025)
Friday, March 28, 2025, 7pm, Goodson Chapel, Duke University
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 6pm, HSNC, Morrisville, NC Sunday, March 30, 2025, 11am, NC State University, Witherspoon Theater
Info: Vendantanc.org.
Kiran Author Event: Durham, NC (March 29, 2025)
In honor of 25 years of empowering South Asian survivors of DV, Kiran is hosting a literary event with acclaimed author, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 (3 – 6pm) at the NC Biotechnology Center, 15 TW Alexander Dr., Durham, NC. Featuring insightful discussions on women’s perspectives on religious epics, immigrant experience and women empowerment. For details, visit Kiraninc.org.
Feast Wilmington: (March 29 – 30, 2025)
Feast Wilmington showcases the area’s emergence as a top culinary destination. This festival at Riverfront Park in historic downtown will feature chefs from some of the area’s mostrenowned restaurants. Kick off the festival fun on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 11 am-2 pm with Craft + Cuisine. Then, celebrate the area’s foodie scene at the Pier Party that
The festival celebrates the educational, cultural, financial impact of science in North Carolina. The fest provides the opportunity to cultivate a positive environment that encourages children to pursue sciencerelated careers and encourages businesses to invest in NC. There will be over 400 events statewide and virtual catered to all ages. Info: Ncsciencefestival.org.
Charlotte Area Chamber Business Expo: (April 2, 2025)
Charlotte Area Business Expo will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 (10am – 4pm) at Bojangles Coliseum. The event brings together local and regional business leaders for a day of networking, collaboration, and innovation. The expo is free to attend but registration is required. Info: Charlottechamber.com.
The NC Azalea Festival will take place between April 2 & 6, 2025 for colorful garden tours, live entertainment, waterfront street fair, fun family events and grand parade while showcasing Wilmington’s artwork, gardens, rich history and culture. This parade is filled with the floats, marching units, bands, clowns, horses, visiting celebrities and the Azalea Queen. Catch fireworks over the Cape Fear River after a day at the Street Fair. Info: Ncazaleafestival.org.
Upcoming Events
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival: Durham, NC (April 3 - 6, 2025)
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of nonfiction cinema, returns from April 3–6, 2025 in Durham, NC at several venues. A variety of documentary films will be screened along with appearances by filmmakers and film experts. For a full list of films, ticket prices and other details, visit Fullframefest.org.
Hindi Rang Manch presents the Hindi natak "Adhe Adhure" on April 5 & 6, 3pm at Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., Durham, NC. Written by Mohan Rakesh and directed by Nileena Pani Dash. Info, call 919-824-6931 or 919-621-1181.
Senior Resource Expo:
Morrisville, NC (April 6, 2025)
Meet with providers from businesses offering resources for seniors such as: Home Care, Independent and Assisted Living, Personal Care, Medicare, Financial Planning, End of Life Planning, and more. Snacks and tea are available for purchase. Entry is free. HSNC Cultural Hall, 309 B Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC. For more details, call 919-338-4037 or write to SeniorExpoHsnc@gmail.com.
Festival of India Matthews: (April 12, 2025)
Experience the colors and cultures of India at the 4th Annual Festival of India in Matthews, Saturday, April 12, 2025 (noon - 6pm). This festival brings the rich traditions of India to downtown Matthews with Indian dance performances, Bollywood entertainment, music, art, and interactive cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy turban tying, henna tattoos, and the elegance of a saree tying, while indulging in delicious Indian cuisine and shopping for unique Indian souvenirs in an open market setting. Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St., Matthews, NC. Info: Indiafestival.net.
Surmayee Shaam: Cary, NC (April 12, 2025)
Radha Krishna Temple of NC and South Indian Fine Arts Academy present an evening with vocalist Sooryagayathri on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 4pm. She will be accompanied by Adarsh Ajaykumar (violin), Prasanth Sankar (tabla), PV Anilkumar (mridangam) and Silesh Marar (parcussion). Venue is Alston Ridge Middle School, 7833 Fussell Ave., Cary, NC. Info 919-803-9984 or visit Rktnc.com.
GCAP Holi Festival: Gibsonville, NC (April 19, 2025)
The Gujarai Cultural Association of Piedmont presents the "Holi Festival" on Saturday, April 19, 2025 (noon - 4pm). Enjoy music, vendors, wine and Holi colors. Grove Winery, 7360 Brooks Bridge Rd., Gibsonville, NC. For deatails, call 336-430-7961 or 336-471-6242.
Classical Music Associaition of Charlotte (CMAC) presents a violin ecstasy concert featuring the Akkarai Sisters on violins and accompanied by Vidwan Jayachandra Rao on mridangam. It will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, beginning 4pm at Gandhi Bhavan, Hindu Center, Charlotte. For info call 704-904-9454 or visit Onlinecmac.org.
Keep up with all the events happening in our region with Saathee Magazine. The best way to find them is in these pages or online at our regularly updated events section: Saathee.com/events
PURCHASE & REFINANCE
ZERO CLOSING COSTS! (Lender credit of $2500)
Chandnis Chandnis
Super Bowl Commercials
Mirror, Mirror by Jennifer Allen
As one of the largest televised events each year in the United States, the Super Bowl has morphed over time from simple pigskin throwing back and forth between grown men in helmets and padding to a grand spectacle of happenings which are speculated for the two weeks between playoffs and the game itself.
This isn’t just about football anymore. It’s impressing your friends with the most creative snack trays to gobble up during the game. It’s making sure you schedule the Monday afterwards off so you can completely come down from the high that is 3+ hours of sports entertainment. It’s the speculation of what the halftime show will look like depending on which music performer was chosen this year.
But for me, at least, it’s all about the wild and crazy commercials which slide in between the blood, sweat, and tears shed by both teams while they run back and forth on (not so) natural grass while even more printed ads woosh past each player on camera. With each 30
second spot costing each advertiser an insane $8 million dollars, you certainly hope they’ll dish out some memorable content.
Fox was even gracious enough to broadcast the game for free on their ad supported TV app, Tubi (which you had to sign up for, by the way). Just one more spectacle to tack on to a sports event that… had already been free to watch for decades. Hurray?
Regardless, it’s become cutthroat competition for advertisers to craft remarkable slivers of footage ranging from 15 seconds to 2 minutes which capitalize on the millions of viewers who chose to not rush off to the bathroom or get up to snatch another drink from the fridge (or both). For many of these companies, these carefully constructed short films incorporate enough A-list star cameos, humor, and powerful social messages to leave a lasting impression… hopefully.
Many of the ads for 2025 decided that a world currently spiraling within a deluge of natural disasters, local violence, wars, controversial politics, and other discouraging news was not what they wanted to focus on. Instead, they decided to punch us all in the nostalgia gland by reflecting on… simpler times.
The Year of the Composition Society
The Year of the Composition Society
by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
Kismuth and the Way II
by Dipika Kohli
One day soon, I’m hoping to make it to Raleigh. I am bracing for culture shock, as it’s been more than a decade since I was home.
If you live there, maybe you’ll find me in your neighborhood, probably at a small local venue with a relaxing atmosphere. I like the ‘third place,’ which is neither work nor home, and where people converge semi-regularly to talk informally about what it is they’re going through, and how they’re feeling or what’s been news, and what’s going on. The first such third place I remember well was The Tsar in Skibbereen, Ireland, where I used to live. I hope to go to new third places in Raleigh. When I get there and run into regulars, maybe I’ll share what I’ve found out on these far roads.
As I was getting set to come to Southeast Asia, I’d written a short piece for this magazine called “Passport Pictures.” I still recall the trepidation of that moment, how it felt to assemble an essay, summon my best effort while also being so unsure about my choice to even go on such an adventure. That was the ‘Year of Uncertainty,’ for me, and therefore the point, but I guess it became the ‘Decade’ of it. Ordering a new passport and getting a visa. That’s what I wrote about? Yes. But committing to fees and waiting for processing wasn’t the hard part: publicly committing to the choice was. It was a decision to leave the Triangle and the people I thought I knew for something else. A life apart.
‘Where are you now, Dipika? What time zone are you in? How do you like living in Viet Nam?’ (I live in Cambodia.) ‘I wish I could travel like you.’
Kismuth continued on page 80
Photo
Driver of My Own Journey
Driver of My Own Journey
by Sereena Kumar
As I stepped out of the DMV with my license and my head held high, I thought of all the new memories I could create. The places I could drive to were limitless; with the wind in my hair, I could go get ice cream with my friends or go off campus at lunch. As I started driving, however, I realized that it wasn’t the GPS saying, “You have reached your destination,” that gave me a rush in my heart. It was the exhilaration I felt while driving. The journey became more thrilling as I sang along to my “Driving Playlist” (which is now 1,164 songs long). The mindset of reaching a tangible destination to benefit my future had been so ingrained in my life that I lost sight of what really drove me and made me want to wake up every morning.
I never understood when my mom asked me, “Do you want to go out for a drive?” There was nowhere to go — I didn’t have a class or a club that we would be driving to. It would be 5:00 pm on a random Tuesday when she posed the question. I quizzically raised my brow and declined the offer. Funnily enough, I am now the one who asks this question. For a long time, I approached my creative aspirations the same way I viewed those drives — only with a purpose when given a specific destination.
I only picked up a paintbrush when school required it for a creative project. I only curled up with a good book when I had a reading assignment for English. I knew I needed to change the belief that because there wasn’t a grade attached to my passion, that it was meaningless. A good friend of mine offered a solution that erased my desire to strive for perfection: she told me to randomly scribble on paper and then doodle the outlines of what I saw. Without an end product in mind, I was able to construct a masterpiece that I could be proud of without having to receive an “A+” on it.
Before I took charge of my own steering wheel, I was often driven by “FOMO.” The “fear of missing out” is a phenomenon that many adolescents experience, especially as social media has created false narratives and pressured many into living life “aesthetically.” Instead of savoring moments with my friends, I attended every single event because I worried about the consequences if I missed one. Social burnout arose as I never allowed myself to rest.
Now, I recognize the importance of taking intentional self-care breaks. I’ve flipped the FOMO narrative to “What if I miss out on caring for myself?” My peaceful weekend sessions at my favorite café, Java Jive, have taught me that I don’t always need to be at the center of what’s popular or trendy. I can let go of FOMO and performative measures by sitting in a café. Sitting alone at a table used to scare me; I felt embarrassed to be seen as a lonely person without friends. Now, I enjoy the feeling of being alone while I discover an underrated corner and find the beauty in mundanity.
A Teenage Story
A Teenage Story continued on
Upcoming Movie Releases
March 7
Rule Breakers (Director: Bill Guttentag)
Cast: Amber Afzali, Ali Fazal, and Nikohl Boosheri
Mickey 17 (Director: Bong Joon-ho)
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo
The Senior (Director: Rod Lurie)
Cast: Michael Chiklis, Rob Corddry, and Mary Stuart Masterson
The Diplomat (Director: Shivam Nair)
Cast: John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Revathy, and Kumud Mishra
In the Lost Lands
(Director: Paul W S Anderson)
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Dave Bautista, and Arly Jover
March 14
Black Bag (Director: Steven Soderbergh)
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, and Pierce Brosnan
Novocaine (Directors: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen)
Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, and Matt Walsh
The Electric State
Court – State vs A Nobody (Director: Ram Jagadeesh)
Cast: Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Harsh Roshan, and Sridevi
(Directors: Anthony & Joe Russo)
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Stanley Tucci
Opus (Director: Mark Anthony Green)
Cast: Ayo Edebiri, Juliette Lewis, and John Malkovich
The Last Supper (Director: Karan Singh Tyagi)
Cast: Robert Knepper and Jamie Ward
March 21
The Alto Knights (Director: Barry Levinson)
Cast: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, and Michael Rispoli
The Friend (Directors: Scott McGehee & David Siegel)
Cast: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, and Carla Gugino
Baida (Director: Puneet Sharma)
Cast: Sudhanshu Rai, Manisha Rai, and Shobhit Sujay
Ash (Director: Flying Lotus)
Cast: Eiza González, Aaron Paul, and Flying Lotus
Tumko Meri Kasam (Director: Vikram Bhatt)
Cast: Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma, and Esha Deol
March 28
Robinhood (Director: Venky Kudumula)
Cast: Nithiin, Sreeleela, and Vennela Kishore
A Working Man (Director: David Ayer)
Cast: Jason Statham, David Harbour, Michael Peña, and Jason Flemyng
Sikander (Director: AR Murugadoss)
Cast: Salman Khan, Kajal Aggarwal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Prateik Babbar
Death of a Unicorn (Director: Alex Scharfman)
Cast: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Téa Leoni
Hari Hara Veera Mallu – Part I
(Directors: Krish Jagarlamudi & Rathnam Krishna)
Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Bobby Deol, and Vikramjeet Virk
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (Director: Marvin Lemus)
Cast: Eva Longoria, Jesse Garcia, and Cheech Marin
Mad Square (Director: Kalyan Shankar)
Cast: Narne Nithin, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Vishnu Oi
i l m C l i p s
The Diplomat
John Abraham stars as an Indian diplomat who tries to repatriate an Indian girl from Pakistan, where she was presumably forced and deceived into marrying against her will. The film is directed by Shivam Nair and features Sadia Khateeb and Kumud Mishra. Catch it on March 7, 2025.
Rule Breakers
In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope—and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement. The film, directed by Bill Guttentag, stars Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, Amber Afzali, and Nina Hosseinzadeh. It opens on March 7, 2025.
Tumko Meri Kasam
The Alto Knights
Robert De Niro stars as both Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, a pair of Italian Americans who run two separate crime families in the mid-20th century. Genovese attempted to assassinate Costello in 1957. Barry Levinson directs a cast that also includes Debra Messing and Cosmo Jarvis. It hits cinemas on March 21, 2025.
Robinhood
The Telugu heist comedy Robinhood, directed by Venky Kudumula and starring Nithiin, Vennela Kishore, and Sreeleela is set for release on March 28, 2025. The music is by GV Prakash Kumar has contributed the music.
Vikram Bhatt directs Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, Adah Sharma, and Esha Deol. The film is a drama loosely inspired by the life of Dr. Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF, a nationwide chain of fertility clinics. It hits the screens on March 21, 2025.
Sikandar
A fiery youth confronts a powerful network of corruption, challenging the status quo and fighting for the common people’s rights in a nation gripped by injustice. The film stars Salman Khan, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar and is directed by AR Murugadoss. Look for it on March 28, 2025.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu
The first Indian to orchestrate a revolt against the Mughal empire. The early life of Veera Mallu and the mission he chooses to raise revolution against the actions of the army generals in the Mughal empire. Pawan Kalyan and Bobby Deol star in the epic directed by Krish Jagarlamudi & Rathnam Krishna. It opens on March 28, 2025.
RUBY REALT Y RUBY REALT Y
To See or Not to See? To See or Not to See?
Thinking About Thinking by Balaji Prasad
“And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought.”
~ Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act III, Scene I
Some questions are powerful in that they have value in just the asking of the question itself. A well-framed question can drive reflection and a better understanding of yourself and what is of value to your existence, and what is not.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet pondered the question, “to be or not to be”. This was literally a matter of life and death for him. Fortunately, for the success of the play, Shakespeare decided to let Hamlet “be” beyond Scene 1 of Act 3.
In a strange way, the question posed in the title of this piece is very similar to Hamlet’s question: it too is a matter of life and death.
What is life, and what is death?
There is life outside of words. And numbers. And other symbols. This should not be a revelation, but it may well be. So much of our lives are filled with these wispy things that are mere means to an end, but which often, tragically, become ends unto themselves.
Then there is “logic”: the beautiful kneading machine inside, which kneads whatever it is that we need (or, more accurately, would like to think that we need). It ingests words, numbers and other symbols and produces works of art that please the owner of the kneading machine. The only problem? There is no rule that the art has to resemble life –not in the least. And there is no way to enforce such integrity, i.e., the alignment of the manufactured work of art to something that actually has an existence in the real world.
It is the lack of alignment of the products of this strange and convoluted process with the real world that is “death”. Life has to be lived in the real world with real things. When we separate from reality through these symbol-based gymnastics, we cease to live.
But … like Hamlet, we can make the choice to live rather than die.
Thinking continued on page 88
Congress, Not the President, Decides on Government Spending
Congress, Not the President, Decides on Government Spending
A constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works
By Zachary Price
Because of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut staff and spending, Congress’ “power of the purse” has been in the news lately. Many of these actions have been challenged in court.
I’m a law professor who has written about Congress’ power of the purse and some of the legal and constitutional issues that surround it. Here’s a brief explanation of the concept – and of why you should care about it.
How it works
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds what’s commonly called the “power of the purse.” Congress, in other words, holds the authority to control government expenditures.
Concretely, Congress may enact laws that raise revenue through taxes and import duties, and it may also spend money for “the common Defence and general Welfare,” terms in the Constitution that are understood to cover almost any spending that Congress thinks is a good idea.
officials may not spend any government money unless a statute “appropriates,” or makes available, specific funds for the relevant purpose.
Although the Constitution forbids any appropriation for the Army that lasts longer than two years, Congress can choose in other contexts whether to provide an appropriation permanently or only for a prescribed length of time. Some benefits programs such as Social Security today have permanent appropriations, but most government agencies receive funds for their operations for just a year at a time.
Leverage over policy and presidents
Why does all of this matter?
Historically, the British Parliament’s control over government funds created a powerful check on the crown, and Parliament developed the practice of annual appropriations to ensure that it would always have leverage over royal policy.
Reflecting this history, James Madison, the fourth president and a leading figure in the Constitutional Convention, wrote in the Federalist Papers that the power of the purse was “the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress of
The Constitution, however, provides that “[n]o Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Because of this clause, Congress continued on page 92
National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month
Nutrition for Life
by Parul Kharod
March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month, which is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During this month, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s theme is, “Food Connects Us.”
These days, people are obsessed with micromanaging their nutrients - counting calories and carbs, weighing their food, worrying about supplements, and using various apps to track everything. In all this, we forget is food is our fuel.
Our diet and what we eat has deep connections to our cultures and traditions, and this has an impact on our health through various stages of life.
Certain meals or recipes have special memories associated with them. Some foods are only eaten during certain seasons or during a special festival. Thus, food connects us to our families and friends, and our roots.
Of course, we need to be mindful of what we eat, when we eat, and how much we eat. We do not need to micromanage everything. All we have to do is to keep some basic practices in mind to limit processed packaged products and eat foods that nourish our minds and bodies.
Activities for National Nutrition Month and beyond:
• As a family, commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National Nutrition Month.
• Give family members a role in meal planning and let them pick out different recipes to try.
• Practice mindful eating by limiting screen time at mealtimes, including phones, computers, TV, and other devices.
• Commit to more plant-based meals — choose varieties of whole grains and pulses.
• Let everyone help with food preparation — a skill for people of all ages. If you have kids, there are ageappropriate tasks they may enjoy learning how to do.
• Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs and spices.
• Visit different farmers’ markets every week.
• Learn to cook something different. Take a cooking class or try new recipes.
• Learn about where your food comes from. Look at each step of bread making, starting with harvesting the seeds. Have you thought about what happens in a commercial dairy farm or a poultry farm?
It is sad to hear that families may prepare two separate meals as the kids may not eat what the parents are eating. Food should connect everyone and not drive people apart. Food should not make you feel guilty or feel deprived. Nutrition continued on page 92
• Learn about community resources – visit/donate to food banks.
The story so far in 2025, and likely for the whole year, is yields and the dollar; the way each can go and how the year will go for equity and risk-asset investors. January was a microcosm of this. During the first half of the month, yields and the dollar rallied, while equities were volatile. They sold off in the second half of the month, and then equities rallied. Yields and the dollar encapsulate inflation, growth, the deficit, tariffs, productivity, monetary policy, and fiscal policy into a single number.
Yields and the dollar are key to determining how easy or tight financial conditions are. The US Debt to GDP stands at 121%, up from 60% pre-Great Financial Crisis in 2007. The primary strategy to normalize this ratio is to grow our way out of it. Deregulation, tax cuts, America first investments are policies to stimulate American growth. Pro-growth policies along with tariffs and deportations have the potential for inflation, which in turn will pressure yield and increase the dollar upward. It is a challenge to get growth to lower the deficit without spiking yields. This battle
Yields & The Dollar: The Signal Through All the Noise Yields & The Dollar: The Signal Through All the Noise
between growth and inflation will be fought all year, reflected in yields, making the market highly sensitive to each economic data point.
The key to this battle is productivity, which allows for growth without significant inflation. The good news is that productivity began to increase in 2024, running upwards of 2%. AI will likely accelerate productivity growth. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI will lift productivity growth by 1.5% per year. While it is early, the release of DeepSeek could accelerate AI, even as the cost of development has gone down in recent weeks. Even prior to DeepSeek, we started seeing preliminary results.
Goldman Sachs’ CEO said, “The initial registration prospectus for an IPO – might have taken a six-person team two weeks to complete, but it can now be 95% done by AI in minutes.”
META CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “Probably in 2025, we at Meta, as well as the other companies that are basically working on this, are going to have an AI that can effectively be a sort of midlevel engineer that you have at your company that can write code.” JPMorgan stated that its free cash flow intelligence AI tool helped cut manual human work by 90%. According to Duke University, more than 60% of large US companies plan
Eye on the Markets by Ketu Desai
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Integration of Financial Freedom
Dances of India
by Dr. Maha Gingrich
I always receive a lot of inquiries and emails from high school or college students wanting to do their Senior projects or special projects based on Indian classical dances. They want to know the theory and historical background of classical dances. I thought, I could share the major topics or criteria that is essential to learning classical dances.
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 of these eight types.
Ideas for Senior Projects Using Classical Dance Ideas for Senior Projects Using Classical Dance
One is the types of Nayaka based on nature. They are:
Dhirodatta: of noble nature, a King, a minister or a general; Dhiralalita: affectionate, royal; Dhiroddhatta: arrogant, godly, Indra; and Dhiraprasanta: calm, Brahmin.
The four types of Nayaka based on their behavior in love are:
Anukula: the devoted, faithful husband like Lord Shiva; Daksina: courteous, treats all women equally; Dhrsta: bold, shameless, indifferent when caught redhanded with other women; Satha: rogue, loves more than one woman but pretends otherwise.
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
Dances of India continued on page 86
How Much Does Scientific Progress Cost? Without
Government Dollars for Research Infrastructure, Breakthroughs Become
Improbable
By Aliasger K. Salem
Biomedical research in the U.S. is world-class in part because of a long-standing partnership between universities and the federal government.
On February 7, 2025, the U.S. National Institutes of Health issued a policy that could weaken the position of the United States as a global leader in scientific innovation by slashing funds to the infrastructure that allows universities and other institutions to conduct research in the first place.
Universities across the nation carry out research on behalf of the federal government. Central to this partnership is federal grant funding, which is awarded through a rigorous review process. These grants are the lifeblood of biomedical research in the U.S.
When you think of the costs of scientific research, you might picture the people who conduct the research, and the materials and lab equipment they use. But these don’t encompass all the essential components of research. Every scientific and medical breakthrough also depends on laboratory facilities; heating, air conditioning, ventilation and electricity; and personnel to ensure research is conducted securely and in accordance with federal regulations.
These critical indirect costs of research are both substantial and unavoidable, not least because it can be very
expensive to build, maintain and equip space to conduct research at the frontiers of knowledge. The NIH stated that it spent more than US$35 billion on grants in the 2023 fiscal year, which went to more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools and other kinds of research institutions across the nation. Approximately $9 billion of this funding was allocated to indirect costs.
NIH grants have supported the direct costs of my own scientific research on developing treatments for conditions ranging from cancer to eye diseases. I would be unable to carry out my research without the support of the indirect costs the NIH plans to cut.
What are indirect costs?
Indirect costs, also known as facilities and administration costs, or overhead, are funds provided to institutions to cover expenses that are not directly tied to specific research projects but are essential for their execution. Unlike direct costs, which cover salaries, supplies and experiments, indirect costs support the overall research environment, ensuring that scientists have the necessary resources to conduct their work effectively.
Scientific Progress continued on page 72
Yet Another Journey Yet Another Journey
My
Voice
by Githa Singh
Little did I anticipate it would be the last visit with Dr. Veerasamy, my neurologist.
“I have no answers for you. Your symptoms do not fit a clinical pattern to make a conclusive diagnosis. MRI of the brain and the spine are normal. The diagnosis you came up with when we began a year ago does not fit any longer.”
It was the goading of my two adult daughters (in their early thirties) that forced me to be assessed by a doctor. Dr. Veerasamy met the qualifications following my research back in August of 2022. I sat upright in my chair facing him now and doubts crept in on this third visit.
“I have discussed your case with my fellows, and I would like you to see Dr. Juan. The nurse will make your appointment with him.”
With proper body mechanics I stood up slowly. The roiling in my brain added more rubber bands to my right leg. The spastic gait could not be controlled as I limped out of his treatment room.
The one-page synopsis of my medical history and the old and new symptoms, painstakingly typed out the night before, trembled finely under Dr. Juan’s nose on that day in October of 2022.
“Take it away,” he commanded with his eyes closed and his right index finger on his lip, like a Sherlock Holmes. He paced the floor as he repeated his questions. I was an actor in this drama and marvelously stuck to my script with concise answers. Together we grew excited, our voices raised, our energies fused, the neurologist and physical therapist, and…
“You have PLS,” he announced as his eyes flew open, his fingers snapped, and his feet grew still. “I’m sorry.” His voice was tender, our eyes held, and a smile spread to my hot cheeks.
Life’s ironies swept through my mind like a wind gathering dust and I, just another fleck caught up in its swirl. His voice circled the rim of the dust cloud. “Fortunately, you have a normal life span, unlike those with ALS who have a five-year lifespan or less once diagnosed.”
“And the quality of my life?” The dust settled and with a thud, I re-entered my physical therapist world.
“There are assistive devices as you need them,” he intoned.
“Yes,” my lips formed as walkers, bed rails and wheelchairs trundled across my vision. But I was invincible, I was never going to need them in my lifetime. My job was to heal others and be compassionate to others; such was the joy and fulfillment for me. That was never to end.
Yet Another Journey continued on page 80
Spot the Differences
See if you can spot the 15 differences between the original photo on top and modified below Answers are on page 104
Bakwaas: The Unstoppable Indian Advice Machine Bakwaas: The Unstoppable Indian Advice Machine
My Voice by Hiren Deliwala
“The Advice Monster is insatiable. It confuses control with certainty, and certainty with safety.” – Michael Bungay Stanier
I have a confession to make—I am an advice factory. And most of the time, my advice sounds like complete bakwaas to others. But let’s be honest — I’m not alone in this. Giving unsolicited advice is practically a national pastime for Indians.
Whether it’s about health, fitness, parenting, careers, how to fix hair, wrinkles, back pain, or even how to breathe properly (“Beta, pet se saans lo!”), we always have an opinion. And we don’t just keep it to ourselves — we distribute our bakwaas freely, like Diwali sweets.
Advice: The Gift No One Wants
Most of the time, our bakwaas is aimed at family, especially our kids. Poor souls, one minute they’re just venting about school or work, and before they know it, we’ve turned it into a full-blown TED Talk.
The moment someone shares a problem, our brains tend to go into superhero mode — Dun Dun Daaa! I must save the day! We dig through our mental database (which, let’s be honest, includes last night’s WhatsApp forwards) and launch into a motivational speech about how we lost weight in 20 days or how Sharmaji ka beta became a NASA scientist at 15.
And of course, no Indian conversation is complete without a filmy touch. As the great Paresh Rawal once said in the film Hera Pheri: “Ye Bakwaas Band Kar!” (Shut this nonsense down!)
But do we? Nope. Our bakwaas engine has no brakes.
My Own Unstoppable Gyaan
My family constantly reminds me that I am a grandmaster of advice. I can go on for hours about anything: finance, technology, relationships, the best way to make chai — you name it. It took me years to understand that my kids don’t always want solutions; they just want someone to listen. But old habits die hard, and before I know it, I’m back in my default mode: Bakwaas Unlimited—Now Streaming 24/7!
Bakwaas continued on page 110
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Balancing Budgets Balancing Budgets
Financially Speaking
by Rupa Pereira
When working with my clients through their financial plans, I’ve noticed that budgeting or cashflow management is not something they enjoy or wish to be reminded of. It seems rather an arduous task and not as glamorous as having a shiny investment portfolio. Allow me to shatter that myth – a balanced budget is a building block for lasting wealth and prosperity. Case in point, the news around our US budget deficit has been hogging the headlines upending both ends of the aisle. Yes, our household numbers don’t have a Trillion attached to them, but it’s meaningful enough to keep wheels moving smoothly in our homes and avoid derailment.
Balancing comes down to simple math. When income exceeds expenses, we’re in a happy place since there’s something to save for a rainy day. However, income can vary, and lifestyle creep can set in, and the picture can start to get hazy.
So how do we get ahead of the equation? Balancing a household budget requires planning, discipline, and a solid understanding of income and expenses. Listed below are some key strategies to help stay on track:
Track Your Income and Expenses
• List all sources of income (salary, side gigs, rental income, etc.) and start with your monthly income net of taxes.
• Track your fixed expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, loan payments).
• Use budgeting apps (like MonarchMoney, YNAB, or EveryDollar) or spreadsheets to stay organized.
Create
a Realistic Budget
• Follow the 50/30/20 Rule:
- 50% Needs (housing, bills, groceries)
- 30% Wants (dining out, subscriptions, travel)
- 20% Savings & Debt Repayment
• Adjust the percentages based on your specific needs.
Cut
Unnecessary Expenses
• Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships.
• Cook at home instead of eating out.
• Shop for deals and use cashback apps.
• Switch to more affordable service providers (insurance, phone, internet).
Set Financial Goals
• Define short-term (saving for a trip, emergency fund) and long-term (buying a home, retirement) goals.
• Prioritize debt repayment (especially high-interest debt like credit cards).
• Automate savings to build a safety net.
Use the Envelope or Zero-Based Budgeting Method
• Envelope Method: Allocate cash into envelopes for specific spending categories (groceries, gas, entertainment). Once the money is gone, no more spending.
• Zero-Based Budgeting: Assign every dollar a purpose so income minus expenses equals zero.
Build an Emergency Fund
• Aim for 3-6 months of essential expenses saved in a separate account.
• Start small if needed (e.g., $10-20 per paycheck).
Review and Adjust Regularly
• Check your budget monthly and make necessary adjustments.
• Track progress on savings and financial goals.
Debt is simply the imbalance between income and expenses and fills the income void especially on big ticket items such as home purchases or higher education, but lately it has been creeping up on monthly budget in the form of personal debt such as credit card debt. Here are some sobering facts to drive home the gravity of this issue.
As of February 2, 2025, the United States faces a significant national debt challenge, with the total federal debt exceeding $36 trillion. As of the third quarter of
Financially Speaking continued on page 88
News Notes
Modi in USA 2025
Modi meets Trump at White House in Washington DC, USA on February 13, 2025.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump jointly launched, on February 13, 2025 during Modi’s visit to Washington DC, the US-India compact, which stands for catalyzing opportunities in military partnership, accelerated commerce and technology. In the area of trade and investment, for instance, the leaders launched mission 500 aiming to more than double total two-way trade to $500 billion by 2030.
The two leaders also announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial multi-sector bilateral trade agreement by the fall of 2025 towards advancing this process. Both countries will take an integrated approach to strengthen bilateral trade across the goods and services sector. This will include increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and deepening supply chain integration between the two countries.
India and US sign MoU on Cybercrime Investigations
India and the US signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in cybercrime investigations, on January 17, 2025, in Washington DC. The MoU was signed by Ambassador of India to the United States, Vinay Kwatra and Kristie Canegallo, the Acting United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) during the last days of President Biden’s administration.
From India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for execution of the MoU. From the US side, it is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and its constituent agencies the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3).
The MoU allows the respective agencies of the two countries to step up the level of cooperation and training with respect to the
use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.
Cybercrime has intricate linkages with the common security challenges faced by India and the US, such as terrorism and violent extremism, terror financing, drug trafficking, organized crime, human trafficking, illegal migration, money laundering and transportation security.
Aero India 2025
Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru, organized by India’s Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of
Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Aero India is an exhibition where global aero vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) thrill the spectators with back-to-back aerobatic flying displays. This year it was held on February 10 – 14, 2025.
Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, inaugurated the U.S. Partnership Pavilion at Aero India 2025 on Monday, February 10, 2025, underscoring the United States’ commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation with India.
At the opening, Andrews said, “The U.S. defense industry has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with India to provide high-quality, technologically advanced defense equipment and systems that are considered the most operationally reliable in the world.”
The United States was one of the largest international exhibitors at Aero India 2025, featuring leading American aerospace and defense firms showcasing next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies, and innovative defense capabilities. Throughout the event, U.S. government and industry participants highlighted technology sharing, joint ventures, and industrial partnerships that support the U.S-India Major Defense Partnership.
Call for Submissions: Erasing Borders Dance Festival 2025
The Indo-American Arts Council’s Erasing Borders Dance Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2025 edition, taking place September 20-21, 2025, in New York.
Dancers are invited from across the U.S. and select invited artists from India to submit original works that derive from or relate to the traditions of Indian dance. Whether you are presenting a traditional piece learned from your guru or pushing creative boundaries with new vocabularies, works showcasing craft, creativity, and unique artistic vision are invited.
Submission Deadline: March 15, 2025. Info: Iaac.us.
India’s 38th National Games 2025
Held in Uttarakhand
The 38th National Games of India, held across various venues in Uttarakhand, concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony. Taking place from January 28 to February 14, 2025, the event featured wide displays of athleticism, dedication, and sportsmanship. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Labour and Employment, addressed the audience in closing ceremony, celebrating the performances and the spirit of competition. The ceremony was honored by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries.
Dr. Mandaviya said, “Uttarakhand is already known as ‘Devbhoomi,’ but after hosting the 38th National Games, it has now earned the title of ‘Khel Bhoomi,’” he said. He also praised the leadership of Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, for his attention to every detail, ensuring the seamless conduct of the Games. “The smooth and successful execution of these Games stands as a testament to Uttarakhand’s capabilities and dedication,” he added.
Highlighting the broader significance of the event, Dr. Mandaviya shared his vision for India’s future in sports. “While today we bid farewell to the 38th National Games, it marks the beginning of an exciting journey. India must become a global sports hub, and today we have laid the foundation for that future,” he emphasized. He outlined a vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India, signaling
the country’s growing commitment to sports. “We aim to place India among the top nations in sports, and the journey toward that goal has started today”, he added.
Dr. Mandaviya also emphasized the unity brought about by sports, stating that when one athlete wins, the entire nation celebrates. “In sports, one athlete’s victory is a victory for the entire country,” he said.
The closing ceremony of the 38th National Games concluded with Haryana emerging as the second runner-up, securing 48 gold, 47 silver, and 58 bronze medals. Maharashtra claimed the first runner-up position, with 54 gold, 71 silver, and 76 bronze medals. The overall champions were the Services Sports Control Board, who dominated the event with 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze medals.
The northeastern state of Meghalaya will host the 39th Edition of National Games in 2026.
AAPI – MSRF Organizes MSRF & PreMed Medical Scholars Summit
“The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI – MSRF organized a successful annual MSRF & Premed Medical Scholars Summit at the Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ from January 25-26, 2025,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI, has announced.
The summit was organized by a team of young medical students and residents of Indian origin.
The AAPI – MSRF is a national organization representing medical, dental, and podiatry students and resident physicians of Indian origin in North America, founded with the objective of providing a channel of networking, support, and open communication among its members.
“The 2-day-long Summit was packed with academic sessions that were interactive, with participants having an opportunity to actively engage in discussions and enhance their knowledge on a wide range of topics relevant to Medical Students and Residents, who seek guidance on ways to pursue their careers most effectively,” said Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of APPI BOT.
For more details about AAPI, visit: Aapiusa.org.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Addresses Closing Ceremony at 38th National Games
Colorized image of an Aedes mosquito. This species can transmit multiple diseases.
Image courtesy of NIAID
A clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is testing an experimental treatment designed to help people suffering the effects of dengue, a mosquitoborne viral disease. The study will involve exposing adult volunteers to a weakened strain of dengue virus that causes a mild form of the disease and administering an investigational therapeutic at various doses to assess its safety and ability to lessen symptoms.
Dengue is transmitted via infected Aedes mosquitoes and sickens as many as 400 million people each year, primarily in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2024, dengue cases surged to record levels in the Americas with local U.S. transmission reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Dengue is endemic in Puerto Rico, which reported nearly 1,500 cases last year. Most people with dengue do not develop symptoms, but those who do commonly experience severe headache and body aches, nausea and vomiting, fever and rash. One in 20 people who get sick with dengue progress to severe illness, which may lead to shock, internal bleeding, and death. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for dengue.
The new clinical trial will test the ability of AV-1, an investigational human monoclonal antibody therapeutic developed by AbViro (Bethesda, Maryland), to mitigate clinical symptoms when administered before and after dengue virus infection. The results of a previously completed NIAID-supported Phase 1 trial indicated that AV-1 is safe in humans, providing the basis for the new clinical trial to test its safety and efficacy.
The Phase 2 clinical trial will enroll at least 84 healthy adult volunteers at two sites: the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Immunization Research in Baltimore, and the University of Vermont Vaccine Testing Center in Burlington. Following an initial screening and physical examination, volunteers will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive AV-1 one day prior to being challenged with a mild strain of dengue virus, and the other will receive AV-1 four days after being challenged with the dengue virus. Each group will be further subdivided to receive different doses. Volunteers
will participate in regular follow-up visits with study staff for at least 155 days to carefully monitor the effects of the investigational monoclonal antibody.
For more information about the study, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search the identifier NCT05048875.
Hope For Tomorrow Fundraiser:
A World Without Childhood Blindness Campaign Launched
The Eye Foundation of America raised over $1 million during fundraiser to help end childhood blindness in India.
“I was born in a rural village in India, poor and legally blind, with no opportunity to exist,” Sam Maddula, Pharm.D., a distinguished leader, visionary entrepreneur, and dedicated philanthropist, said. Sam went on to add how his life turned from darkness to light as his parents stumbled upon an Eye Camp that the Eye Foundation of America had set up in 1987 in rural Andhra Pradesh.
“It is this organization that rescued me from a life of darkness. The Eye Foundation of America helped me get a visa to the United States. The esteemed Dr. VK Raju himself, performed dual corneal transplant surgery on me two weeks after my second birthday in the United States. He did it, working with the Eye Foundation for free. He cured me just like that, with the magic of his hands. I could see my life went from literal darkness to pure sunlight.”
Sam shared his life story with the audience during a fundraiser organized by The Eye Foundation of America, Grant Thornton, the Gautami Institute, The Rotary Club District – 3011 (Delhi) in collaboration with the Young Rotarians, with the theme, “Hope for Tomorrow” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on January 31, 2025.
This life-changing miracle is one of the millions of Eye Surgeries that The Eye Foundation of America, led by the legendary Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju, a world-renowned ophthalmologist, philanthropist, and the founder of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA) and the Eye Foundation of UK, Chairman of Goutami Eye Institute has done in the past half a century, transforming the lives of millions of children, who are born every year with vision impairment.
The fundraiser, a pan-India Roll-out Program helped raise over $500,000, which was matched by the Eye Foundation of America, totalling over a $ 1 Million US Dollars.
For more information, visit: Eyefoundationofamerica.org/ or, contact: info@eyefoundationofamerica.org
Why Investing in Skills-Based Learning is the Future of Sustainable Philanthrophy Why Investing in Skills-Based Learning is the Future of Sustainable Philanthrophy
My Voice
by Alex Counts
India Giving Day—a three-year-old tradition to grow the amount, impact, and joyfulness of American philanthropy to India while also deepening the ties between the world’s two largest democracies—connects donors with leading nonprofits that are successfully tackling some of the most crucial social and ecological issues facing India. Many of those organizations have developed creative ways of working collaboratively with governmental institutions, particularly at the state and district levels. Collectively, over the last few decades they have had a massive positive impact on Indian society, which has experienced one of the most dramatic reductions in poverty in human history.
An issue that stands out as one of the most important for India’s future is vocational training, also known as skilling. Today, India faces the prospect of enjoying a major demographic advantage (or “dividend”) in the next 20 years, wherein its large and growing population of working-age people can fuel economic growth for the nation and around the world. In the 1960s, countries such as Korea, Japan, and Singapore successfully leveraged their youth bulges to become prosperous societies.
On the other hand, if insufficient efforts are made to develop the skills of all these young people, it is possible that this positive scenario could morph into what some call a “demographic disaster.” If so, India might struggle mightily to provide employment for millions of youths, whose lack of productivity weighs down economic growth and social cohesion.
The Arab World and much of Latin America experienced this unpleasant phase after they had their own youth boom in recent decades.
While many indicators point to a demographic dividend for India, it is important to acknowledge and confront the reality that around 30% of Indian youth aged 15-29 are not involved in any form of education, employment, or training (NEET), well above the global average. This is particularly acute among young
women. With India adding more than 13 million young people to its working age population every year, this issue takes on increasing urgency.
Fortunately, leading nonprofits are rising to the challenge of addressing this issue and helping to ensure that India realizes its demographic dividend through a wide variety of effective skilling programs.
For example, ATREE, one of the leading environment think-and-do tanks in India (and the world) has developed effective means of training individuals and communities to preserve and earn sustainable livelihoods from endangered forests as an alternative to evicting them from these critical ecosystems. In effect, they have helped the effective and humane implementation of India’s landmark National Forest Policy of 1988 and the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
Drishtee’s Swavalamban program, which was launched in 2017, connects rural and urban communities in a relationship of shared prosperity through a community-led integrated village development initiative. The model reached 450,000 families in five
Learning continued on page 82
The Pros and Cons of BS/MD Programs: Is It the Right Path for You?
College Admissions Insider by
Brandie Erickson
Students navigating the path to medicine, especially those who decide early on that this is the right career path, might be considering a BS/MD program. These programs allow accepted high school students to secure a guaranteed spot in the partnered medical school if they meet the program requirements. This streamlined path has pros and cons and is a weighty decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. By looking at the advantages and potential drawbacks of the programs, you can decide if a BS/MD program is right for you.
Not all BS/MD, BA/MD, BS/DO and BA/DO programs are created equal. Requirements will vary from program to program and are subject to change at any time. Verify any information directly with the direct medical program.
Pros Of BS/MD Programs
Conditional Acceptance into Medical School
Perhaps the most attractive benefit to BS/MD hopefuls is the conditional acceptance into medical school waiting for them once they finish their undergraduate requirements. Of course, the acceptance comes with a few strings attached: they will also have minimum requirements to meet before enrolling in medical school. However, knowing that they are assured of a spot in medical school means that a huge weight is lifted off of their shoulders, and they can potentially enjoy their undergraduate careers more.
Reduced Requirements
Because BS/MD programs still want to ensure that they produce competent students who will succeed in medical school and beyond, they will always still have requirements for the program participants. Most BS/MD programs require students to maintain a 3.5 GPA and earn a minimum score on the MCAT. Many programs also require their students to participate in a minimum amount of research, shadowing, or volunteering hours throughout their undergraduate career.
Potentially even more attractive are the BS/MD programs that have no MCAT requirement. These programs tend to be extremely competitive because it reduces the burden of having to perform on this stressful exam.
Youth Voices
Feeling Of Life
By Sri Vaishnavi Janpareddy
What is life?
funny…cause I have heard many answers that never exactly match mine so much unknown like the depth of an ocean and echos of emotion
Darkness and lights a story awaits racism, guilt, war, bullying, poverty, violence…I could name a 100 more Its like they all poison our minds the feeling of sadness always lingers the venomous pain of jealousy and anger people who push you down and people who help you sore stuck between a million pathways to be untold as the future unravels till the end curiosities such as…only a 100 years?
“Tick tock” who created time? why am I here? I wonder so much but who will reply in moments feelings such as a tingling sensation in our heart
A sensation of pride, like on top of a mountain gliding like an eagle in the midst of a rosy sunset memories of happiness, like flowers on a mystical spring day moments where we feel as though we are the clouds in the sky on a warm day and stars that shimmer on a dim night
Oh the emotion of friendship, family, joy, hope, and love…I could name a 1000 more so uncontrollable all these will last till our very last a handful of sights and wonders to be spoken is it a beauty or curse…I don’t know Let us travel the journey of life…
Sri Vaishnavi Janapareddy is an 8th grader at Alston Ridge Middle School.
Hello Readers: We are introducing a new section called Youth Voices. It is to encourage our youth (18 and under) to write...essays, poems, personal observations. If you know a youngster who likes to write, send a query with what they have written or would like to write about. We can’t publish everything, but I’ll let you know if it is something we can publish. Send to Samir@Saathee.com.
Indirect costs include maintaining optimal laboratory spaces, specialized facilities providing services like imaging and gene analysis, high-speed computing, research security, patient and personnel safety. They also include hazardous waste disposal, utilities, equipment maintenance, administrative support, regulatory compliance, information technology services, and maintenance staff to clean and supply labs and facilities.
Research institutions that receive federal grants must comply with the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. These guidelines dictate the indirect cost rates of each institution.
Institutions submit proposals to federal agencies that outline the costs associated with maintaining research infrastructure. The cost allocation division of the Department of Health and Human Services reviews these proposals to ensure compliance with federal policies.
Indirect rates can range from 15% to 70%, with the specific level depending on the research and infrastructure needs of an institution.
Typically, institutions undergo an exacting process to renegotiate their indirect rates every four years, factoring in components such as general, departmental and program administration, building and equipment depreciation, interest, operations and maintenance, and library expenses. Universities need to carefully justify these cost components to ensure the sustainability of research infrastructure and compliance with federal requirements.
Notably, indirect costs from grants do not cover the full cost of carrying out research at universities. In 2023, colleges and universities contributed approximately $27 billion of their own funding, such as money from their endowments, to support research. This included $6.8 billion in indirect costs that the federal government did not reimburse.
Slashing vital research funding
In its February announcement, the National Institutes of Health declared that it would no longer determine indirect costs rates based on the needs of each institution. Instead, it would issue a standard indirect cost rate of 15% across all grants. The rationale given by the agency for the cap is to “ensure that as many funds as possible go towards direct scientific research costs rather than administrative overhead.”
It notably comes after the Trump administration and Elon Musk have sought to slash federal spending, with Musk criticizing indirect cost rates as “a ripoff.”
A standard 15% rate would significantly affect an institution’s ability to maintain its research infrastructure. For example, if a university had a 50% indirect cost rate in 2024, it would receive $150,000 for a $100,000 grant, with $50,000 allocated to indirect costs. With the new NIH cap, this would drop to $115,000, with only $15,000 for indirect costs.
The scale of this cut in research support becomes apparent at the state level, with harms to both red and blue states. For example, Texas institutions would face a
reduction of over $310 million, and institutions in Iowa a reduction of nearly $37 million. California would lose more than $800 million, and Washington over $178 million.
The NIH compared the new 15% cap to the indirect cost rates that foundations typically set for institutions of higher education. It pointed to the 10% rate granted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Smith Richardson Foundation, the 12% rate of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the 15% rate of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, John Templeton Foundation, Packard Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation.
However, many researchers and funders have criticized this claim as misleading. A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation has previously stated that the listed rate does not reflect how the organization allocates its funds. Universities have pointed out that they often accept foundation grants with low or zero overhead rates because these grants constitute a relatively small portion of their funding and are often spent on early-stage faculty whose careers need additional support.
In addition, it is only because NIH grants cover a significant portion of their overhead costs that research institutions are able to accept foundation grants with such low indirect rates.
Biomedical researchers respond
Scientists and researchers responded to the NIH announcement with deep concern about the negative effects these funding cuts would have on biomedical research in the United States.
The Council on Governmental Relations, which monitors federal policy for major universities and medical research centers, stated that “America’s competitors will relish this self-inflicted wound,” urging the NIH to “rescind this dangerous policy before its harms are felt by Americans.”
The president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges stated that the NIH policy would “diminish the nation’s research capacity, slowing scientific progress and depriving patients, families, and communities across the country of new treatments, diagnostics and preventative interventions.”
Research institutions, scientific societies, advocacy groups and lawmakers from both major political parties have pushed back against the 15% cap on indirect costs, urging NIH leadership to reconsider its policy.
Soon after the attorneys general of 22 states filed lawsuits challenging the policy, a federal judge issued a temporary pause in those states until lifted by the court.
Scientists expect the long-term effects of these funding cuts to significantly damage U.S. biomedical research. As the debate over federal support to academic research institutions unfolds, how institutions adapt and whether the NIH reconsiders its approach will determine the future of scientific research in the United States.
Article courtesy of TheConversation.com
Aliasger K. Salem is Bighley Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa
by Shikha Singh (IG: @spicymillennial)
Masala Lasagna Roll-ups
Hey there Saathee Readers! These Masala Lasagna roll-ups get a flavorful makeover in this fusion twist that blends the comforting essence of Italian cuisine with the subtle magic of Indian spices. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness with just the right amount of spice, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner or hosting a dinner party, these roll-ups are easy to make ahead of time. Get ready to impress with this unique, flavorful take on a classic favorite!
Ingredients Directions
Spinach Mixture:
1/2 onion & 6 cloves garlic
1 tsp curry powder / 1 tbsp ghee
1/2 tsp salt / 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 lb. chopped spinach
Sauce:
1/2 cup roasted red pepper
8 garlic cloves
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 can tomatoes
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red chili / 1/2 tbsp basil
1/2 tsp garlic pepper
1/4 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp sugar
Ricotta Mixture:
15-ounce ricotta
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other:
12 lasagna rolls
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Servings: 8 -10
Prep Time: One Hour / Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Step 1: Sauté onions and garlic for the spinach mixture with ghee. Add the spices and salt and spinach. Cook on low until the spinach has completely softened. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Sauté garlic with olive oil until it starts to brown. Add the tomatoes and roasted red pepper alone with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low and let it simmer for some time. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Boil the lasagna noodles according to instructions, keeping it al dente. Set aside for them to cool and try to lay them flat somewhere (I used a baking sheet)
Step 4: Blend the sauce in a blender until smooth.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While that is heating up, mix everything with the ricotta mixture in one bowl and add the spinach mixture to it.
Step 6: Take a casserole dish or a deep baking pan and grease it with PAM spray or olive oil. Then spread a layer of the sauce. Taking one lasagna strip at a time, spread about 1/4 cup or ricotta mixture to the strip and add about a tbsp of the sauce. Roll up the lasagna and place the open part on the bottom.
Step 7: Once all the lasagna strips are in the pan, Pour the rest of the sauce on top evenly and 3/4 cups of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Bake for 40 minutes with the pan covered with foil and broil the last 2 minutes with the foil off.
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Kismuth continued from page 28
Less often now I still occasionally will hear, ‘When are you coming back?’ This one is the hardest. For the diaspora seeking a new life, or for the self-exiled, it comes up often.
We convene in third places here in Phnom Penh, and we discuss this, and where we are personally and banter about how it is. ‘Maybe I’ll just leave. Things aren’t working out. Well, I gave it a shot. It’s time to move on.’ But, at other times, we’re able to remember why we’re here, too.
Allow me to offer a philosophy. You have to veer away from the place where you are from and the society that you’re used to being around in order to break down things that were long-held beliefs. The ways of looking at things that were always a given need to have a way to fall apart, so that the biases you can’t see in yourself will come to light. Maybe in an alley on a side street in a city where you never would have imagined yourself, in the company of someone whose first language isn’t yours, who says, ‘Why do you think that? Why do you say that? Do you know? Did you talk to all of them?’
So much to say on this topic about stuff that maybe someone else wrote and you had to read or what they told you and you simply believed, and these were things that you never questioned. Accepting that there are multiple coexisting viewpoints at any given time can get uncomfortable, but if you can stay with it, better art will come of this new self-awareness.
What I mean by ‘art’ here isn’t writing or photography or drawing or illustration. I mean the art of human relationships. There is elegance and poise in the making, when it is well-attended to with care. We can design for it, we can play with the art of us.
I remember the days of pre-Covid travel that got me to this side of the world in the first place. Viet Nam had been the first stop, then there was Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, back to Thailand and then a bus from Chiang Mai to a transit point, then Siem Reap.
Two people who’d intuited right had said, ‘You should check out Phnom Penh.’
It was a place so different from anywhere else I’d ever traveled, before or since, as there was an ease I felt that a phrase discovered later named perfectly: ‘negative liberty.’ It’s freedom from the kinds of headaches you might otherwise have. This was what I enjoyed here. It still is.
This year is the ‘Year of Composition.’ Shape. Studio. Society. I had left one society to nestle in a new one. Several times so far, I’ve done this exact mode of transitioning, now that I think back. Each move was complex, each adaptation would reveal jillions of co-existing viewpoints. This gave me more to draw from, more to engage with, more to choose. In the ‘third places’ of the world, I find welcoming societies. They matter. They count.
Dipika Kohli
is an author who is based in Phnom Penh. Discover her books at kismuth.com and other projects at dipikakohli.com.
Yet Another Journey continued from page 54
My thunderous volume of neurological conditions opened to the page on ALS. The remote memory (perhaps twenty years ago) of an emaciated little man lost in a power chair churned in my mind. He attended our therapy clinic. I had helped the occupational therapist shape the splints that he required to prevent more deformity in his hands. I could feel again the floppiness of his wasted arms. The vision returned of his lifeless, emaciated legs. I could hear his silent voice through his active eyes. Yet, as I sat staring at the open page, I could not recall the pathos I felt then for his dire condition.
Medical conditions, bent backs, and stumbling patients crossed my path for decades. Passionate about my profession and eager to provide the best knowledge and treatment I could offer to heal every patient, I constantly educated myself. It was the arrogance of that self-education that led to the smug self-diagnosis of Conversion disorder. The research papers were printed, neatly carried in a folder and grandly handed to Dr. Veerasamy.
I must have convinced him that he concurred. Hadn’t I suffered PTSD in my marriage? Did I not believe oh so selfrighteously that I had the inner strength to bear all the abuse in the marriage? Hadn’t my body finally revolted to challenge my stoic mind? The stroke-like walk, the stumbling, the occasional falls at moments of crisis, surely my mind commanded my body to act out! Conversion disorder!
ALS: a rare and little-known disease, the literature says. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or commonly remembered as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Lou Gehrig, the baseball player, whose fame brought ALS to the consciousness of the public, more so after his demise. A fatal type of motor neuron disease with degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord affecting those nerves that control voluntary muscles in the body. Without nourishment to these muscles, they waste away causing progressive weakness and paralysis. Movement, balance, and coordination are challenges that lead to paralysis. Difficulties arise with swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
“To date, there is no cure,” Dr. Juan had said. Draw up your will and say your goodbyes, they say. Your intact mind watches in horror at the devastation of what you once were.
PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis), a variation, is slower progressing than ALS: a passenger train, not a freight train.
Information on Google, YouTube, and textbooks filled the channels in my brain over the next few days. The nights were questing and wakeful. Courage surfaced. Over the phone line, my daughters received the news. A month later, my friends were enlightened too. A year later, a new neurologist took over my case and announced, “You have signs of ALS.”
Githa Singh
was a Physical Therapist who wished to heal people until ALS told her she’s done enough healing for now. She gardens, learns and writes. Contact: Githasc@gmail.com
regions through uplifting marginal rural women by imparting critical livelihood skills.
The Seghal Foundation has focused on improving the skills of farmers so that they can be more productive, earn more, and be better stewards of the environment. Their cutting-edge agriculture program has completed more than 81,000 crop demonstrations and conducted more than 7,000 farmer trainings.
The American India Foundation has a two-pronged approach to skills development. Their Market-Aligned Skills Training (MAST) program assesses the needs for various skills in the economy and then imparts the precise training required to ensure employability.
They have established 265 skills development centers that have trained more than 1.1 million youth, especially young women in nontraditional areas such as automotive repair. In addition, their Ability–Based Livelihood Empowerment (ABLE) program has focused on enhancing the employability of people with disabilities (PwD) and ensuring that they get sustainable jobs. To date, AIF has trained more than 18,000 PwDs and secured employment for close to 12,000 of them.
In addition, HelpAge India has been working on the other end of the demographic spectrum to improve the skills of older adults so that they can find employment or create their own jobs through running microenterprises. Their Elder Self-Help Group model was initially launched in 2004 in response to the tsunami and has since led to the formation of more than 75,000 of these local support groups. More than 75% of those SHGs now function independently.
The groups receive training and support on social inclusion, financial Inclusion, health inclusion, accessing rights and entitlements, and digital inclusion. The model promotes solidarity among the elderly, helping them to fight discrimination, boredom, neglect, and abuse with the organization’s unique ‘Elders for Elders’ philosophy. Importantly, it has been adopted by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Ministry of Rural Development and by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
With so much at stake, supporting programs like these on India Giving Day (March 14, 2025) or during the early giving period that begins on March 1 takes on added meaning.
Youth have a particularly important role to play in attracting new donors to organizations working at the forefront of vocational training through IGD’s peer-to-peer fundraising program.
People around the country are being encouraged and supported to host events of all sizes and types to celebrate India Giving Day in order to make it memorable, meaningful and fun.
Alex Counts
is the Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance, the author of four books and an adjunct professor at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. Contact: alex@indiaphilanthropyalliance.org
College continued from page 70
Accelerated
While this isn’t always the case, many direct medical programs allow students to complete their medical education at an accelerated pace. University of MissouriKansas City, Howard University and Elmira College both have direct medical programs that will enable students to complete all the requirements in six years instead of the standard eight years. Other programs, like Nova Southeastern University’s BS/DO program or George Washington’s BS/MD program, have a seven-year pathway.
Cons Of BS/MD Programs
Less Well-Known or Recognized Schools
The only Ivy League medical school that has a direct medical program associated with it is Brown University. Other undergraduate programs associated with BS/MD and BS/DO pathways are often smaller and less well-known compared to more widely recognized institutions. For example, schools like Caldwell University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City may not typically be top choices for some students if not for their specialized BS/MD programs. While this might not be a dealbreaker for a student, it is worth considering.
Limited Major Options
While some direct medical programs offer flexibility in major selection, this isn’t always the case. Drexel requires students to select between biological sciences, chemistry (BA) or biomedical engineering as their major selections. Other programs are even more restrictive, with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Siena College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute all requiring their accepted BS/MD students to major in biology.
Extremely Competitive!
Perhaps the biggest drawback to these programs is how competitive they are. In the 2022-23 application cycle, Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education had more than 4,192 applicants, with 74 students ultimately being admitted. Similarly, Drexel University’s BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program had 2722 applicants and accepted 58. At Moon Prep, many of our BS/MD hopefuls submit applications to 10-15+ programs to give themselves the best chance of getting accepted into the program.
Is BS/MD The Right Path for You?
Ultimately, BS/MD programs can be a fantastic deal for students interested in becoming physicians. All direct medical programs allow students to drop out at any point, which means they can always change their minds if they decide the career path is no longer the best fit for them. However, as students build their college lists and resumes, they should participate in shadowing, volunteering in healthcare settings, and gaining research experiences to determine if BS/MD programs are the right path.
Brandie Erickson
For more details, contact Brandie@moonprep.com
Vikas Patel, MD
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Dances of India continued from page 50
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.
I know all these names and their characteristics are hard to memorize, but it is good to understand the importance of these roles 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 without using digital emojis. To do so, we also need to understand the utilization of our body movements.
How we move our eyes, eyebrows, and head along with our posture brings a character to life.
Shiro-Bhedas
The Shiro-Bhedas or head movements are classified into nine major parts.
Sama Siras: When the head is kept straight and motionless in a natural way.
Udwahita Siras: When the face is raised up.
Adhomukha Siras: When the face is bent down.
Alolita Siras: When the head moves in a circle.
Dhuta Siras: When the head is turned to and fro from left to right and from right to left.
Kampita Siras: Moving the head up and down.
Paravrtta Siras: When the head is turned away. Utkshipta Siras: When the head is turned to a side and raised.
Parivahita Siras: If the head is moved from side to side.
Drishti-Bhedas
Most of the time, the head movements are used with eye movements. There are eight classifications of glances called Drishti-Bhedas. These are one of the most important elements of dancing. I have seen some of my gurus tell their whole story just with their eyes and eyebrows. It is amazing to watch them bring a story to life. Here are the classifications.
Saman: Gazing with eyes leveled unblinkingly.
Alokitam: Swiftly turning eyes round.
Sachi: Looking out of the corners of the eyes obliquely without moving the head.
Pralokitam: When the glance turns from side to side.
Nimilitam: looking with eyes half open. Ullokitam: Looking up.
Anuvruttam: Glancing quickly up and down.
Avalokitam: Looking downwards.
Bhru-Bhedas
There are six major classifications of eyebrow movements called Bhru-Bhedas. Not many people can actually move both their eyebrows up and down. My students watch me with amazement when I do. Sometimes it is almost comical to watch people try it.
Sahaja: Natural eyebrow in a composed face.
Patita: When eyebrows are at rest and then lowered. Utkshipta: When either one or both eyebrows are raised.
Chatura: When both brows are moved, and the expression is pleasant.
Rechita: One brow is raised in a charming fashion. Kunchita: When one or both eyebrows are arched.
Griva-Bhedas
The four major neck movements are used several times in most dances:
Sundari: Moving the head obliquely or to and fro horizontally.
Tiraschina: An upward movement of the neck on both sides as though the face was forming the figure of horizontal 8. Parivartita: Neck moving from right to left suggesting the halfmoon.
Prakampita: The neck moves forward and backward in a thrusting motion like that of a pigeon.
These structured movements have been taught and practiced for centuries. The more we master these movements, the better our story telling ability will be as a dancer. I hope this information helps some of you who are trying to do projects or write essays on classical dances.
Dr.
Maha Gingrich
For questions or comments, contact via email at GingrichMaha@gmail.com
A Teenage Story continued from page 30
At the start of my senior year, I feared missing out on the “high school experience” that was portrayed in the movies I watched growing up. Yet, I am now defining my own version of that experience. There can be some moments of silence — not every day has to be packed with activity — and I have the freedom to spontaneously plan something that will put a smile on my face: the other day, I bought cute frog miniatures to stick on my car!
It is worthwhile to pursue simple passions in life. There doesn’t need to be a grand reason for venturing out of the house; driving just for the sake of driving is my favorite pastime. The day I got my license, I no longer clutched the steering wheel with hesitation; I was in control of it as I uncovered a new realm of possibilities.
Sereena Kumar
is a senior at Enloe High School and has a passion for writing. Contact: slkumar@mycomedical.com
Leading annual medical missions to remote areas of Kenya and India.
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Born again!
It’s a whole different world out there, beyond the words. It is not that we don’t live there every now and then, barely realizing that we have crossed over from the parallel universe into a place that the less complicated animals live in. Unlike them, our habituation and indoctrination that begins from the cradle makes the world of words seem more natural and normal than it should. And so, it is that only for some part of the time that we think we “live” that we actually live. For the rest of the time, we just pick our way through the dark and shadowy woods littered with the deadwood of words. The lush and breathing woods, meanwhile, teem with living animals that have escaped the shackles of indoctrination — of human ideas.
One such human idea is that we are not animals. As with many things, this can be both true and untrue at the same time: a kind of quantum state that word-based abstractions create. If we can bring ourselves to consider the “animalness” in ourselves without the involuntary revulsion that the word might bring because of indoctrination and an acquired ego, we may find it easier to watch and learn from our cousins: dogs, squirrels, and more. Unlike us, they are unhampered by words and ideas as they scamper around doing what they do: living
Making a break with the words can take us closer to our animal origins, enabling us to live among real things. And when we do this, we are “born again” into a place that we inhabited once before we acquired the habit of doing the painful split between the real world and the numerous ones that we fabricate.
Pain or pleasure?
Living can feel painful, if we attempt to be a voodoo practitioner. Thinking in one universe and acting as if one lived there, while real things are going on in the real universe, produces strange and painful results. Surely, such pain would be replaced with pleasure if you stopped doing “the split” and moved over to the paradise of the real world?
Not necessarily. The notions of “pain” and “pleasure” can get in the way of understanding the difference between a virtual reality and the real one. It requires a certain kind of “faith” that if you live in an “aligned” way with reality that that is what living is really about. Knowing things as they are, rather than as you would like them to be is not always pleasurable in the moment. There are no word-based painkillers to numb oneself to any fallout from seeing and dealing with things as they are. But that is how the animals live.
To see or not to see? That is the question that Hamlet could have asked rather than the one that he did. And, if he had chosen the former, he may never have had to ask the question that he did.
Balaji Prasad
is an IIT/IIM graduate, a published author, SAT/ACT Online and in-person Coach, and K-12 Math Tutor at NewCranium. balaji.prasad@newcranium.com.
Financially Speaking
continued from page 60
2024, U.S. consumers held a total debt of $17.94 trillion, marking an increase of $147 billion (0.8%) from the previous quarter. The largest component, mortgage balances grew by $75 billion, totaling $12.59 trillion. The Non-Mortgage Debt category encompasses various types of consumer debt. Auto Loans and Leases: Representing 35.4% of non-mortgage debt. Student Loans: Accounting for 30.0% of non-mortgage debt. Credit Card Debt: Comprising 23.6% of non-mortgage debt with record high delinquencies. The average interest rate on credit cards was 23.37% as late 2024. Think about that; for every $ borrowed, almost 25 cents is paid back as interest!
Thus, I leave you with simple means to recognize the significance of balancing a budget – poetically.
A family’s budget, a careful plan, To stretch each dollar, hand in hand. With wisdom, patience, goals in sight, They find their way, both day and night.
Step One: Track What Comes and Goes
Write down earnings, every cent, Know where your hard-earned money went. From paychecks bright to side-gig streams, Count each dollar, build your dreams.
Step Two: Needs Before the Wants
Rent and food must top the chart, Utilities, loans—play your part. That shiny gadget, dinner out? If cash is tight, do without.
Step Three: Save for Rainy Days
A stash of funds for times unknown, Will keep your family safely grown. A little now, a little more, A shield when troubles come ashore.
Step Four: Cut the Extra Fluff
Subscriptions lurk, so trim them down, Compare your bills, don’t wear a frown. Cook at home, mend what you wear,
Small steps make finances fair.
Step Five: Plan for Every Goal
A house, a trip, a college dream, A budget makes them more than scheme. With patience, work, and spending tight, Your future glows in saving’s light.
Step Six: Keep Debt in Check
Credit cards can weigh you low, Pay on time, let interest go. Snowball debts, knock out the small, Then tackle big ones, clear them all.
A Balanced Budget, A Happy Home
With discipline and love combined, A brighter future, peace of mind. So plan, adjust, and stay aware, Your family’s wealth grows strong and fair.
Rupa Pereira
is a CFP, EA, CSLP and an Advice-Only Planner and Tax Professional based in North Carolina. She specializes in cross-border matters and all things financial planning. Contact: info@fwjplanning.com
Everything from a When Harry Met Sally reunion to emphasize how euphoric Hellmann’s mayonnaise can be to a (disturbingly) CGI Seal as an um… seal singing “Kiss from a Lime” to tell us about Mountain Dew’s newest flavor to the Fast & Furious crew forgoing the “fast life” to enjoy a Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar was available on our screens.
Don’t get me started on the Instacart commercial which crammed in just about every Gen X advertising icon it could to make a point. Yeah. Thanks for reminding us with such insanely blunt reminiscent whiplash of just how old we are now, Instacart. I appreciate it.
The real winners of nostalgia this year had to be the surplus of music artists whose catchy tunes of yesteryear were on full blast in the background. Everything from Van Halen’s “Panama” to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” (in instrumental form but hey it still worked) to the oftforgotten Bellmay Brothers’ “Let your Love Flow” were blasting away to remind us of all of our childhoods in one way or another.
Another big theme in some ads this year was perseverance against all odds. Budweiser, Lay’s, the NFL, Dove, and Google all packed some truly heartwarming moments into their abbreviated segments. While not the first ads to do this, they provided a few cheerful seconds for us to forget about the chaos happening just outside our perspective doors.
Will any of these achieve legendary status in the coming years? Too early to tell, but it does remind me of some which are still fondly remembered to this day as parts of pop culture history. Here’s just a few of my favorites which have stood the test of time and live rent free in my own nostalgia.
Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!”
We all know this one, right? Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene limps back to the locker room when a kid stops him and offers his Coca Cola. “Want my Coke?” he asks while holding out the iconic curved glass bottle to the towering man. After gulping down that refreshingly cold and sweet beverage, he tosses his jersey to the pint-sized gift giver in thanks.
Can you believe that the ad was released in 1980? It’s been recreated and spoofed plenty of times since then, but the original still holds up… even if you have no idea who “Mean” Joe Greene was.
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” with Betty White
Ah yes. The late great Betty White getting tackled in the mud right before one of her teammates says, “You’re playing like Betty White out there,” followed by the actress’ snappy comeback of “That’s not what your girlfriend says!” is still a gem 15 years later. At the end, she rips open a Snickers wrapper and turns into a 20-something dude named Mike.
Snickers really satisfies. Indeed.
Bonus points at the end for another player tackling the also late great Abe Vigoda (look him up) who then groans from the ground in pain.
Budweiser’s “Frogs” & “Wassuuuuuuuuuup?”
Let’s face it… the Super Bowl wouldn’t be complete without a Budweiser commercial slotted somewhere in its broadcast. Some years they got more subdued with the recognizable Clydesdale horses prancing across the screen in slow motion. Other times they take a more tongue-incheek approach. These two in particular are still talked about (and spoofed quite a bit) today. Even if you’ve never seen either of the original ads, you assuredly know of them. That’s the impact of brilliant advertising.
Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?”
Honestly, I’d completely forgotten this started as a Super Bowl ad! Released in 1984, Clara Peller peeks over a bleak white countertop with her elderly pals at a huge bun with miniscule circular beef paddy. This 30 second gem eventually captured the zeitgeist with its unforgettable catchphrase and made a star out of the late actress.
Verizon’s “Can’t B Broken”
What do you get when you mix a cell phone company, Beyoncé and nostalgia? Verizon knew what it was doing by not only getting the Queen B for their 2024 ad, but also announced she would “break the internet” multiple times. Of course, since Verizon had recently updated to 5G, this proved to be a much more dauting task than the singer could’ve ever imagined. What follows is a series of quick cuts through her career and ending with an announcement of her new album (which finally accomplishes her goal).
Volkswagen’s “The Force”
As a self-proclaimed geek, I adore this one as it shows a small boy strutting around in a Darth Vader costume trying (and failing) to ‘use the force’ on an array of household items as John Williams’ iconic “The Imperial March” plays in the background. When Dad pulls into the driveway in his Volkswagen Passat, the kiddo lifts his hands towards the vehicle. To his surprise, the effort works, thanks to a secret helping hand (or in this case, key fob) from Dad inside the house.
Behind the scenes I recently learned that Max Page, the 7-year-old boy in the outfit, was born with a congenital heart condition that required several surgical procedures in his youth. He’s now healthy, and used his experiences to help other kids undergoing similar complications.
2025 Pick
As for my favorite 2025 commercial? I think that honor goes to “A Century of Cravings” from Uber Eats with Matthew McConaughey and other amusing celebrity cameos. “From the very beginning, football’s been a conspiracy to make us hungry…” the Texas actor croons as Booker T’s “Green Onions” begins to play. It’s no “Where’s the Beef?” but definitely has a quirky charm to it.
Which one is your favorite?
Jennifer Allen
works at Saathee and is also a Podcaster, Blogger, Photographer, Graphic Artist, Gamer, Martial Arts Practitioner, and an all around Pop Culture Geek. You can reach her at Saathee@Saathee.com
Congress continued from page 42
every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”
This sort of leverage over policy still matters. American presidents today exercise vast powers. Over time, Congress has conferred extensive regulatory authorities on administrative agencies that operate under the president’s supervision.
Congress has also established a large Army, Navy, and Air Force over which the president is commander in chief. Presidents, moreover, have claimed the power to employ these armed forces in significant ways even without a declaration of war or other specific authorization from Congress.
Congress’ power of the purse gives it a say in how these powers are exercised. If Congress doesn’t like what an administrative agency is doing, it can cut its budget or deny funds for enforcing certain regulations – something it does regularly.
Likewise, Congress can deny funds for certain military operations or impose constraints on military activities –something it also does with some regularity. In the 1970s, Congress helped end the Vietnam War in part by withholding appropriations for military activities in Indochina.
Who’s in charge here?
Annual appropriations also give rise to the frustrating phenomenon of government “shutdowns”: If annual funding runs out before Congress enacts new appropriations, government agencies generally must halt operations.
On the whole, however, annual appropriations continue to serve much the same purpose in the United States that they did in Britain: They provide a potent check on the executive branch.
Given how strong this check is, it may not be surprising that presidents have sought ways to get around it.
Based on debatable legal claims, President Barack Obama continued certain health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act even after Congress denied appropriations for them. President Joe Biden attempted massive student debt relief without clear authority from Congress. Courts blocked both those actions, but now the new Trump administration has adopted several controversial policies that implicate Congress’ power of the purse.
On the one hand, the administration has apparently offered many federal employees nine months of paid leave if they agree to resign from federal service. But the legal basis for these offers is unclear, and it may be that no current appropriation by Congress provides funds for them.
On the other hand, the administration has attempted to “pause” certain government spending, even though existing appropriations made by Congress may require at least some of this spending.
These actions could violate not only Congress’ constitutional power of the purse but also specific statutes that Congress has enacted to reinforce its constitutional power.
The buyout offers could violate a law called the AntiDeficiency Act that makes it unlawful, and sometimes criminal, for government officials to commit to spending money without an appropriation providing the necessary funds.
For their part, the pauses could violate a 1974 law called the Impoundment Control Act that generally forbids the government from delaying or withholding spending that Congress has mandated. Courts are now considering challenges to these actions based on these laws and other issues.
Trump may be hoping that Congress will cure any legal problems by ratifying these actions after the fact in its next round of appropriations legislation. But if Trump is indeed defying Congress’ spending laws and yet faces no consequences, his actions could chip away at Congress’ authority to check presidential policies in the future through its spending choices.
James Madison would not have been pleased.
Article courtesy of theconversation.com
Zachary Price is Associate Professor of Law, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Nutrition
continued from page 44
• Talk to your children about your favorite cultural foods and traditions, special foods that you grew up eating or any favorite memory.
• Teach your kids about the names of traditional foods in your mother tongue. Do they know/recognize fruits, vegetables, spices, dals, and know what they are called in your language?
• Try different cuisines from around the world.
• Share a meal with family or friends.
Another activity you can try, which is becoming very popular these days, is the 30 plants per week challenge. Research shows that people who eat at least 30 different plants per week have the healthiest gut microbiome. Healthy guts are very important for our physical and mental health.
The following count as plants: fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, nuts, seeds, beans/legumes, and whole grains. You should try to reduce animal-based products (dairy, eggs, or any meat) while trying this challenge. Make a list of how many different plant foods you eat in a week. Also observe if you are eating the same few foods repeatedly or do you have variety.
Keep a record of which of the above-mentioned activities you tried with your family, and if it had any positive impact. Note down barriers or challenges and continue to work towards them.
Let us take this opportunity to make positive connections and build a healthy relationship with food.
Parul Kharod
is a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist and works as a Clinical Dietitian. She can be reached at parulkharod@gmail.com
Editor’s Desk continued from page 14
My wife and I wouldn’t have imagined owning a tractor until a couple of years ago. People downsize their homes as they approach retirement, we decided to upsize, in our case, the land.
Now, with several acres in our domain, wide-open vistas surrounding the house, a tractor was the inevitable necessity for land maintenance.
We haven’t owned a lawn mower in years, preferring to call the lawn guy for our previous home when the grass became too high to attract the prowling eyes of the Home Owners Association.
There was no lawn guy to call today. This was up to me with a tractor at hand. I hopped aboard the shiny new green beast with the big wheels and began making strips of cuts up and down the field, bouncing around on the uneven terrain, getting feel of a tractor’s bulky suspension system, the mower whirling and twirling. The overgrowth had reached five or more feet in height in some places.
The fields on my task were covered in tall dry grasses and an invasive species known as Chinese privet, along with very small trees trying to get a foothold, thorny briars, and many varieties of hulking weeds.
I was now feeling in sync with what farmers do dailyin the cold, the heat, the rain, all types of weather, to cut and till land, and grow food. The chopped hay and weeds floating in the air created a strange mix of irritants in the nose and eyes. It’s usually the stuff that makes you sneeze in spring and summer, not in the dead of winter.
When we had about a third of an acre in the last home we lived in, I used the phone as a mower. Meaning I called my lawn guy every time it needed to be cut, or hedges needed to be trimmed. Now that little plot of backyard and small front yard seem trivial, as easy as clipping fingernails. When you are looking at several acres of land to be maintained, maybe farmed, definitely gardened, life comes into a wider perspective.
It’s a sizeable piece of land, but it’s just a small speck of dust in the bigger ball of dirt and rock we are all riding on, floating through the universe in our little part of the Milky Way. Our upsized space.
I have always disliked yard work. Minor gardening and a small veggie patch were okay, even though they needed to be maintained, weeded, watered and loved. But I always hated cutting grass, a task that reappears every few days in the abundance of spring and summer sunshine, with the assistance of varying amounts of rain.
This day seemed like the land was awaiting the first buds of spring and the ambush of grass that has the ability to reach mowing length seemingly overnight. But this day was a teaser, for the following week promised a return to normal cold this time of year. The tractor chugged along.
Four hours later a big section was cleared with lines in the field opening up its possibilities. The land is surrounded by other farms. A short drive in either direction reveals the work of farmers or landowners who own many acres. This time of year, the fields lay silent, but within a few weeks they’ll be tilled and seeded.
When you own and have to maintain substantial acres, the value of soil and land become more acute, this scent and feel of land and earth we often take for granted. The surrounding farms will be laden with growing corn or soybeans or something else within a couple of months.
So will ours.
Now when I’m munching on summer corn, or placing a slice of tomato on a sandwich, or myriad other food intakes, the work that went into growing the particular food becomes real, my back can attest to that after the jumpy, bumpy ride on the tractor. The raw food items feel even more concrete and the prepared dishes tastier.
This one day in the field, on an unusually warm day in February, with many more to come as we rework this land into our vision and needs, is now stamped on my memory as a marker. Lawn mowers? Child’s play. A tractor mower is the call of the hour and work of the day.
Samir Shukla
is the Editor of Saathee Magazine Contact: Samir@Saathee.com
to use AI within a year to take over tasks previously completed by human workers. The combination of cheaper costs of AI development, leading to lower energy costs, and an acceleration in adoption, is likely to lead to an upside surprise in productivity and help keep a lid on yields.
From an equity market perspective, productivity growth will drive margin expansion. S&P margins are up nearly a percent over the last year. Sectors such as financials have expanded margins by over 5% in the last year. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI will lead to another 4% margin expansion. This expansion is driving strong earnings growth. Earnings grew 13% in the fourth quarter, led by sectors showing margin expansion, such as financial services, communication services and healthcare.
Not coincidentally, these sectors have led the market so far this year. For the full year, earnings are expected to grow by 15%. There is an upside to these numbers. If AI development costs are much lower than anticipated, expect innovation and productivity enhancements to occur even quicker than previously believed.
This could have significant ramifications for EPS growth, margins, inflation and the cost of capital. With elevated multiples, earnings will have to do the heavy lifting. 2025 is a year where there will be a lot of headline risk and many crosscurrents. Use yields and the dollar as the signal through all the noise.
Looking forward, the market will focus on earnings, the latest from Washington, and further developments in AI.
Ketu Desai
is the principal of i-squared Wealth Management Inc. (www.isquaredwealth.com), an investment management firm based in New Jersey. ketu@isquaredwealth.com
12/31/25
CarToon Corner
Tune Your Brain
Solve these brain teasers - Solutions on Page 110
PUZZLES
Answers on page 104
Answers on page 110
Magic Maze
Puzzles 4 Kids Answers on page 110
Key Word Search
Fill in blanks of these clues, then take the first letter of each word and unscramble them to find this month’s Key Word.
Atlanta is in _____ (state).
_____ Rushdie, Indian Author. Pop's _____ & Toons, a Saathee Section. 12 _____ Make One Foot. East, West, _____, South.
_____ Tagore, Indian Writer and Philospher.
Answers on page 104
Chess Puzzles
Difficulty:
Game reference: Rachlis – Anand 1984
Directions: Black to move and checkmate in 1
Difficulty:
Game reference: Neelash – Gukesh 2019
Directions: Black to move and win material.
Difficulty:
Game reference: Praggnanandhaa –Sadhwani 2015
Directions: White to move and checkmate in 3.
Hello Readers
We welcome comments and suggestions about our puzzles and cartoons pages. Send your thoughts to Samir@Saathee.com
Festivals & Holidays Puzzle Solutions
March 2025
Mar. 2 – Ramadan Begins
Mar. 4 – Mardi Gras
Mar. 5 – Ash Wednesday
Mar. 6 – National Oreo Day
Mar. 8 – International Women’s Day
Mar. 9 – Daylight Saving Time Begins
Mar. 14 – Hola Mohalla (3-Day Sikh Festival)
Mar. 14 – Holi / Dol Purnima
Mar. 14 – Phalguna Purnima (Full Moon)
Mar. 14 – Purim
Mar. 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Mar. 20 – Parsi New Year
Mar. 20 – Spring Equinox / Ostara
Mar. 21 – World Poetry Day
Mar. 23 – Shaheed Diwas
Mar. 28 – Jamat Ul-Vida
Mar. 29 – Darsh Amas (No Moon)
Mar. 30 – Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Jhulelal Jayanti
1. Boat removed
2. Puppy added
3. Wall color changed
4. Socks color changed
5. Man removed
6. House removed
9. Added bird
10. Removed stick
11. House color changed
12. Boat added
13. Man added
14. Removed lifejacket
Key Word Search Answers from page 103
Georgia
Salman
Puzzles
Inches
North Rabindranath
Key Word of the Month: SPRING
Mar. 31 – Eid al-Fitr / Ramadan Ends Go Figure! answers from page 103
7. Added tower
8. Added man
15. Handphone removed
Puzzle Solutions from page 102
Astroscope MARCH 2025
Aries
(March 21 – April 19)
Avoid acting aggressively as it can lead to arguments with your associates, friends, and family members. Urgent care must be taken regarding your health. There will be ups and downs regarding your finances, so try to curb any potential risk-taking tendencies to reach a more stable flow. Remain cautious while driving and refrain from travel, if possible.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
A positive change in your life could occur, so it’s very important for you to embrace it. Your associates will grant full support. You should gain an opportunity to achieve your dream. However, due to reckless choices, you may face serious health trouble. Try to control your temper during the second half of the month. You should be able to maintain the normal flow of income.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
Major changes are on the horizon but try to evade them for now if possible. Don’t adopt undesirable means for quick monetary gains. Frustration may take control of you so avoid making comments at public gatherings and slow down to avoid any impulsive decisions. Instead, keep yourself busy studying in preparation for future projects. You will maintain a steady flow of income but watch your health carefully.
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
You may begin a new journey towards fulfilling your dreams. Just be sure that quick decisions and fast actions remain important. You may have to work hard to maintain confidence. It is advisable to follow your siblings’ advice. A sudden benefit during the third week of the month will delight you. Stay positive and enjoy all the luck this month has to offer.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
It’s time to slow down and watch inwardly. Also try to focus on earning extra money but be aware that your health could deteriorate. Visit with old friends or your siblings to avoid any disputes as either (or both) could be very good support for you. Also try not to argue with your partner. You could miss a promotional opportunity, so be sure to hone in on work related issues during the second half of the month.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 21)
You may experience many positive changes this month. Major decisions will bring in big income for you, but don’t wait until the end of the month to utilize them. Your only enemy at present is your own ego. Try to be nice and friendly with all. A misunderstanding in love may create issues. Make sure they are used for appropriate cause. This is also a good time to buy a house but try to avoid the stock market for now.
Libra
(September 22 – October 20)
Try to control your impulses, as expenses may exceed your limits. Be sure to listen to your elder siblings. This is not a good period for artists or celebrities, although medical professionals may still achieve excellent goals. Things will move quickly as you enjoy parties and travel. However, do control your sentiments and watch your health to avoid problems.
Scorpio
(October 21 – November 20)
During this time your expenses will be out of control due to wasting money on luxuries. Unexpected travel is also possible this month. Don’t follow advice from your kids or make any decisions for them, instead listen to your parents. Postpone any major decisions, such as speculation in the stock market, until next month. Watch your health and drive carefully.
Sagittarius
(November 21 – December 21)
A dispute with your partner could create problems. You may be forced to make decisions involving multiple issues. Any potential risk taking tendencies must be curbed. You should start working on a joint venture with your siblings but be sure to avoid any misunderstandings from the get-go. Watch your diet to avoid digestion issues. Luck may favor you financially during the first half of the month. Long-distance travel may not be fruitful.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 21)
Be prepared for some reprieve this month. Remain focused on current activities and the flow of money will intensify. During the last week, you will experience mental relief due to encouragement by good thoughts. A reduction in workload will make you feel relaxed. This period is also good for social gatherings with friends. Compromise with enemies to avoid potential losses.
Aquarius
(January 22 – February 18)
Major financial losses are possible this month, related to your partner or health. Try to focus on your career and maintain your self-confidence to perform excellently at work. Remain stubborn and refuse to compromise. Your income could increase but savings will not. An unexpected favor could emerge from your mother or daughter. Travel could prove relaxing but expensive.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
You may make bad decisions and create problems at your workplace. A short distance trip can bring relief for you. During the second half of the month, you could experience unexpected financial loss and damage to your reputation. Avoid egoistical comments and lies as they can lead to aggressive interactions with others including your partner. Your friends can provide some relief, at least.
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Bakwaas continued from page 58
When You’re Trapped Listening to Bakwaas
Of course, I’m not just a giver, I’ve also been a victim of this advice pandemic. Out of respect (or sheer helplessness), I have sat through conversations that made my soul want to run away.
Ever been trapped in a 40-minute monologue on why turmeric is the secret to eternal youth? I have. Ever wanted to escape an uncle’s career advice that hasn’t been updated since 1985? Same here.
Michael Bungay Stanier perfectly describes this suffering: “Your advice is not as good as you think it is. Your Advice Monster is luring you into self-deception.”
But do we stop? Nope. We package our old advice in new words and keep the bakwaas flowing.
What If We Just… Listened?
Here’s a radical thought. What if we stopped talking for a second and actually listened? What if, instead of instantly jumping in with a lecture, we asked, “Do you want advice, or do you just want me to listen?”
I’ve tried this a few times, and — surprise! — it actually works. People feel heard, and I feel less guilty about ruining someone’s day with my gyaan. But even as I try to hold back, my brain is in overdrive, desperate to jump in and “fix” their problem.
When Does Advice Actually Make Sense?
Let’s be real—sometimes advice is useful. But here’s when it actually makes sense:
1. Only give advice when asked. If someone genuinely wants your opinion, great. Otherwise, zip it.
2. Be like an Indian mom. Offer advice when necessary but with love. Moms have the superpower of knowing exactly when to step in. The key is to offer it gently, not as a fullblown lecture.
We often justify our unsolicited advice by saying, “Beta, I am doing this for your own benefit.” But let’s be honest, half the time, we just like hearing ourselves talk.
So, the next time we feel the urge to unleash our bakwaas, let’s pause and ask:
Is this advice actually helpful, or am I just running my own radio show—FM Bakwaas 100.1?
Hiren Deliwala
currently serves as the Leader of Solutions Architecture for the Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He received his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Contact: hcdeliwala@gmail.com
