SEEMA DECEMBER 2022 ISSUE

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR SAJID MOINUDDIN DESIGN HB DESIGN

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR ROHINI KAPUR

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WRITERS

ABHIJIT MASIH MELANIE FOURIE SUGATO MUKHERJEE FARZANA SURI

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ON THE COVER: ON THE COVER: SUJATA MURTHY

PHOTOGRAPHS BY: ASH GUPTA

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CAM ASSIST / DIT : TUHAN BEDI

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SEEMA™ ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2022

EMPOWERING SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN GLOBALLY SEEMA KUMAR, FOUNDER COPYRIGHT © 2022 SEEMA, JAYARAM, LLC SEEMA.COM

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SACSS 2022 GALA NIGHT

The South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) held its 2022 gala November 2 in New York City. The guest of honor was South Asian cultural icon Madhur Jaffrey, who praised the organization’s food pantry, specifically the focus on providing culturally palatable food.

Jaffrey presented the SACSS’ Innovator In #FOODYOUWANT award to chefs Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar of Unapologetic Foods. Other awardees included Congresswoman Grace Meng and entrepreneur Adnan Durrani.

The food was put together by Hemant Mathur, America’s first Michelin-starred Indian chef. The New York Kathak Dance Company provided the entertainment.

PHOTOS COURTESY: SACSS

SABYASACHI OPENS IN NYC

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, India’s most influential fashion and design brand, opened his first retail store in the United States with a 5,800-square-foot store in New York’s West Village. This landmark opening marks the 45-year-old renowned designer’s journey of refined Indian luxury from Kolkata to Manhattan. The store features fashion and interiors that pay homage to India’s craft legacy in an artistry for which Mukherjee has become known.

PHOTOS COURTESY: INSTAGRAM

TRADITIONAL KASHMIRI WARES AT KASHMIR MOON

The Bank of America Winter Village is open,, transforming New York City’s Bryant Park into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, holiday shops, and eateries.

The shops feature artisans from both New York and around the world, including several from South Asia.

So you can find handcrafted and unique jewelry products made with natural materials at Exotic Handmade Jewelry. The Kashmir Moon kiosk offers handmade decorative and wearable art, including embroidered jackets, caps, shawls, and carpets. Husband and wife team Zakir and Maleka Tambawalla of Little Village Crafts are there, too, selling handmade jewelry and other crafts.

The holiday shops are every day of the week through January 2, 2023.

PHOTOS CREDIT: SHRAVYA KAG

Vendors selling one of a kind pewter, zinc brass and mixed metal jewelry with semi precious stones, along with turquoise and Carnelian beaded jewelry

A Friend Indeed

The head of Sakhi, Kavita Mehra , addresses the need to end gender-based violence in the South Asian community

ABHIJIT MASIH

Kavita Mehra is the executive director of Sakhi for South Asian Women, which represents the South Asian diaspora in an effort to achieve gender justice. It is under her leadership that the organization recently amplified the issue through protests and rallies following the death by suicide of Mandeep Kaur, a resident of New York City. In her conversation with SEEMA, Mehra underscored the prevalence of gender-based violence among South Asians, laying bare the myth of it being a model minority. She also shared details about the effort involved in leading the organization through the pandemic, when cases of gender-based violence escalated at an alarming rate.

You have been involved with advocacy and community service for a long time. Was this what you had always planned to be your career? I wanted my life to be meaningful. I wanted to make an impact in the world and I wanted to try to leave the world in a better place than I received it. I also knew the experiences that I had as a child, whether that’s through the racism that we experienced in our town, or the instability that we experienced at home, to try to mitigate those experiences for other individuals. If I could have a positive impact on someone else’s life, that would be what I would aspire to do. I didn’t realize that I would fall in love with the nonprofit sector until I started working in it, which was about 20 years ago.

Kavita Mehra, executive director of Sakhi for South Asian Women

It is this space that gives me such profound joy and being able to work in a space that intersects race, gender, and class identity which has always been really important to me. It has been the overarching theme of my career.

Was there a particular incident or experience that helped you decide that you wanted to devote yourself to the South Asian community?

I often share that Sakhi has been a resource in my life, my mother’s life and my sister’s life. That is what always drew me back to Sakhi. It was actually the first organization I interned while I was in university. I was at New York University during the fall semester of 2002. I had such a positive experience, [I remember] turning to my partner, who’s now my husband, and saying to him, I want to one day lead this organization. Twenty years later I am, and am incredibly grateful specifically, given the high

“WE ARE SURVIVOR-LED AND SURVIVORCENTERED. WE DON’T COME FROM A PLACE OF JUDGMENT, WE WILL NEVER CLOSE A CASE AND WE ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.”

At a Sakhi protest

rates of gender-based violence within our community. The national average is that one in every four women experience gender-based violence. In our community, it’s two in every five. That is coupled to the economic inequity that exists within our community. So we represent the wealthiest of the wealthy, as well as those who are experiencing severe poverty. I think we don’t talk about the complexity of our community as much, so this work really brings all of that to the forefront. Intellectually, it is incredibly challenging, stimulating, and also deeply fulfilling.

What is the mission of Sakhi and who and how can one reach out to you for support?

Sakhi for South Asian Women works with survivors of genderbased violence. We’re the second-oldest organization of our kind in the country and have been serving the community in New York City for 33 years. The way that we imagined transformative change happening in the community is by three mechanisms working together— advocacy, community action, and our direct work with survivors. Advocacy really thinks about systems change work, influencing policy, influencing the courts, and thinking about how we at the systemic level can make change. Community engagement is really mobilizing the community, educating the community and the experiences of gender based violence,

SAKHI’S HELPLINE

There are three ways to reach out for support from trained Sakhi team members. You can contact them during their operating hours (Monday-Friday, 10 am-10 pm):

1. Call the Helpline at: (212) 868-6741

2. Text: (305) 204-1809 (text only)

3. Email: advocate@sakhi.org

and really recognizing that anyone can be a survivor of gender based violence, irrespective of their gender or sexuality. Our direct work with survivors is primarily what we are known for. When a survivor reaches out to Sakhi and asks for guidance, assistance or support they will be met with an advocate. Oftentimes they are looking for legal support or any form of custody support.

On top of that we work with survivors through our mental health program, where we provide free mental health counseling to the community. Lastly, we have an element of economic empowerment and housing. Our economic empowerment program supports survivors through job coaching, job readiness, access to public benefits, and then a housing program where we underwrite housing for up to two full years for survivor and their family. Sakhi is that space of stability and healing for

a survivor through the course of their journey. We are survivor-led and survivor-centered. We don’t come from a place of judgment, we will never close a case and we are always there for our community. Our helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. We work with survivors from the age of six years old until the very end of their life.

Even today, in the most developed country like the United States, why do you think cases of violence against women continue to occur, as in the case of Mandeep Kaur? This has probably been one of the most regressive years for women in the United States around gender equity. This summer was particularly tragic. It started on June 24, when Roe v. Wade fell. Later, we saw two deaths in the community. First, Sania Khan, who was no longer living with the person inflicting harm in her life, her estranged husband. He allegedly drove across state lines from Atlanta to Chicago with a gun, shot her and then died by suicide. Less than three weeks later, we saw Mandeep Kaur, who died in Richmond Hill, Queens. What that indicates for us is that survivors are not safe.

There were reports that during the pandemic there were escalated violence against women, not just physical but sexual as well. How did you respond to it? Our role during the pandemic, made it clear that we are essential workers. We had to step up and serve our community in a way that was

“THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IS ONE IN EVERY FOUR WOMEN EXPERIENCED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. FOR OUR COMMUNITY, IT’S TWO IN EVERY FIVE.”

completely foreign to us but absolutely necessary. So the early days of the pandemic, in April and May of 2020, we actually saw a significant decline in helpline call numbers. We knew survivors were not safe. In New York City, we live in smaller spaces, so they did not have an opportunity to make a call. Survivors had indicated to us that they were experiencing more extreme forms of violence, particularly as you’ve noted more extreme forms of sexual violence. We also saw an increase in housing insecurity, food insecurity and economic security. We as an organization stepped up and started to do a lot of direct aid work. We provided emergency cash assistance to survivors. Between the first six months of the pandemic, we had distributed over $50,000, in emergency aid. After that, we started our own version of a grocery delivery service. We hired a team to deliver fresh groceries directly to survivors’ doors. We were feeding people at the peak, serving about 100 families a week. During those dark and difficult days, we were there. We were serving the community because that’s our responsibility and that is what we needed to do.

What are some of the ways Sakhi manages to counsel and help women who reach out to you? When survivors reach out to us, they work with an advocate to assess what particular needs they might have, whether that’s access to an attorney, access to public benefits, mental health counseling, food or housing. Sakhi provides all those services. In addition, we create an immediate safety plan for each survivor. A personalized plan to ensure that when a survivor is experiencing harm, what do they need to do immediately to ensure their physical safety? And then what steps would they need to take if a situation becomes so violent, if they need to leave immediately. So advocates will constantly check in with survivors to see how they’re doing and what they might need access to.

“OUR

If an individual is facing these circumstances, or know someone who they want to assist or rescue, how should they reach out to you?

If you are experiencing any form of gender-based violence, please know that no one should be living with any form of harm. So reach out to Sakhi, or a version of it. There are 30 South Asian survivor organizations across the country. If it’s not a resource at Sakhi, we can put you in touch with your local South Asian survivor organization, in order for you to access the services that you might need. This is your journey, and the responsibility at organizations like Sakhi is to support your journey of healing. For those of you who believe that you are witnessing some form of gender-based violence, like a friend or a family member, the first thing to do is ask them if they’re safe. If they need anything, that you are a safe space for them. Do it in a confidential way with a level of care and in a non patronizing way. Do it in a manner which would be compassionate. If a survivor discloses to you that they are experiencing gender based violence, the number one thing not to do is compare your own life or to dismiss their experience. The best way to respond to that is I am so sorry that you’re

experiencing this. Thank you for disclosing this information with me. I know it must have been difficult. How can I support you? I am here for you. That is what that survivor needs to hear nothing beyond that and let that survivor determine their own step in their process and their journey. It is not for you to make those decisions. Oftentimes, people with good intentions create an additional layer of trauma for a survivor and also why some survivors don’t come forward.

How should the community be supporting you in this cause?

Gender-based violence is the one social justice issue that cuts across the entire community. There are 30 versions of Sakhi spread across the country. You can get involved in your local community, by volunteering, by donating or by creating some sort of awareness or campaign or sharing the work that we do. Many of us have been serving the community for decades. It is about volunteer engagement, financial resources, or helping to spread the message and let you live in a world where women are able to walk freely. Sakhi makes you believe in standing with each other.

Dipti Vaid Dedhia, New Jersey’s first South Asian female municipal court judge

Breaking the Mold

All rise for New Jersey Municipal Court Judge Dipti Vaid Dedhia

ABHIJIT MASIH

Dipti Vaid Dedhia smashed a glass ceiling when she became New Jersey’s first South Asian woman municipal court judge. The graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, N.J. was born in England, but moved with family when she was 2 and has lived for more than 20 years in Edison, N.J. Among her achievements, she has won the most Successful Mediator Award in the Passaic County Superior Court Clerk’s Program, and is certified in deposition skills by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. She is also a mother of three and is an accomplished writer and entrepreneur as well, among other things working with her sisters on a blog, Runway and Rattles. The judge shared with SEEMA details of her life in the municipal and the home court.

You grew up in New Jersey, but you were born in England and moved here with your parents. Tell us a little about them and your Indian roots. I have a rather diverse background. My father is originally from Kenya and my mother is from Aden,

which is in Yemen. They both moved out of their countries at young ages and then eventually, my mom ended up in India and my dad ended up in London. They got married and some odd years later, they had me and my two older sisters. After we were born, my dad got a job offer in New York City, so we all moved here. My mom, even though very far from home, feels very strongly about instilling Indian culture and values in all three of us. She made sure we knew how to speak Gujarati, made us go to the temple all the time. We had big Diwali celebrations, Holi celebrations, and had tons of Indian family friends. Now, fast forward 30 years, my sisters and I try to instill the same values in our kids, hoping that we can keep the culture alive in them.

How was it growing up as a South Asian in the United States? What was your ‘burden of proof’ to show that you belonged here?

I think that our burden of proof really was to show people that we are valuable, we have a lot to offer and our culture is so rich. Whether it is food or events or fashion, we have so much to offer, just within our

culture. Then Indians in general, have such an incredible work ethic. It was very valuable to show the community around us that we worked hard. I also think that Indian people are so valuable because we’re such a welcoming and inclusive community, even with people that aren’t familiar to us. But to be honest, I moved here when I was so young, that I never really felt that burden of having to prove myself. To us, it was just “work hard, and you will deserve to be wherever you end up.”

Many young people don’t know which career path to choose, how was it for you, and what made you choose the legal profession?

I was like a lot of those young people. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I was in high school or college. To be honest, my dream was to be a Bollywood actress. I had the dramatics and the flair for it. I thought I was perfect for Bollywood. But, obviously, my parents did not feel that way. So it was actually my dad, who pushed me to start doing internships with his lawyer friends. So once I got that exposure, I can’t say that I loved it, but I was good at it and I think that’s what sparked my interest. After a lot of internships, and a lot of jobs, I finally found my happy medium because I started doing trial work. That is where I got to expose my little dramatic flair, as well as my knowledge about the law and put those two together. And that’s how I ended up here.

Any regrets about not being in Bollywood? If somebody came and offered you a role would you take it?

With three kids, I would have to think twice about it. But I have always been resolved in myself to say yes to every opportunity. So maybe I would say yes.

As the first female South Asian municipal court judge in New Jersey’s history you’ve paved the path for many that look like us. What does it mean to you and what does it mean for South Asians?

To be very honest, I’m still trying to figure out what it means to me personally. The incredible milestone means so much to the Indian community and more to Indian women. Growing up, I always felt like Indian women had to be submissive, quiet, go with the flow type, and we were never expected to rock the boat or ruffle any feathers. We could be counted on to look down and get the work done. Sometimes I feel like I did meet those expectations. I didn’t speak in a loud voice, usually was very agreeable, even if I didn’t wholeheartedly agree, and I rarely voiced unpopular opinions. I don’t know if that’s a cultural thing or if it’s just how I grew up. But despite those traits, I went on

“MY GOAL IS TO MAKE AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY SO THAT IT’S MORE EASILY ACCESSIBLE, ESPECIALLY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THOSE KIDS OR STUDENTS KNOW THAT THEY CAN REACH OUT TO US.”

Dipti Vaid Dedhia with her family

to become a successful lawyer and, eventually, the first Indian American municipal judge in the state of New Jersey. So, I hope that young South Asian women look at me and think to themselves, I don’t have to fit any type of mold or any type of stereotype. I can literally just be myself and succeed.

What are the issues that people in office, like you, can address and improve for South Asians?

Right now, we as women are standing at a very large crossroads for women’s rights, with everything going on with Roe v. Wade. Sometimes it feels like, we have no say, or no power to do anything about it, because people who are so out of reach are making those decisions for us. I have thought about this a lot. I think my main goal with this position, is to be more accessible to the community, on how the justice system works, and how it can benefit the community. I think a lot of people get intimidated by courtrooms or they get scared when they’re served with legal papers. It

really doesn’t need to be that way. Laws in this state and across the country are made to improve and to help people in difficult situations. My goal is to make available resources for our community so that it’s more easily accessible, especially for our young people. It is important that those kids or students know that they can reach out to us.

Speaking of Roe v. Wade, how can the South Asian community, especially those who want to stand up for women’s rights, make their voices heard? That is the thing, right? People don’t know how to make an impact. They don’t know how to make a change. But I think that what they can do is educate themselves. Whether it be just looking on the internet, or contacting their local representatives. Asking what can I do? How can I make a difference? Where can I voice my opinion about the state that I live in and the decisions that are being made about my life? I think that’s where you start. You have to be educated, you

Dipti Vaid Dedhia being sworn in as judge

Dipti Vaid Dedhia at an event honoring her

have to know what’s available, you have to know who to contact and all that stuff is available to you. You just have to learn how to how to access it.

What advice would you give to young South Asian women to inspire them to aspire for the ‘neverbeen-done-before dream?

It’s actually a quote that I heard and that lives in my heart of hearts. ‘You don’t have to fit into a mold that someone else has defined.’ This quote means so much to me, because when I was offered this judgeship, I didn’t think to myself, that most judges I’ve seen are male, they’re white, they’re over the age of 50. That they are politically connected people, none of that crossed my mind. What I did think was that I want a career that fits my life, both personally and professionally. It never occurred to me that I wasn’t right for the job. The question was always, is the job right for me. What I want young South Asian women to forget, is that mold. Stop thinking about what a CEO or a judge or a celebrity, look like. Instead, think, do I want this for myself, because the second you find something that is right for you, that mold will change to be the shape of you.

You have also written articles on various things including child care and a few cardinal rules for visiting newborn babies. What are these and how do you enforce them?

I actually wrote this article, when I had my first baby. I had just had my first baby and my friends and family wanted to visit as soon as I got out of the hospital. And as a new mom, who had just had a major surgery, I was absolutely in no position to host people. It really did feel like the mom’s well being was almost like an afterthought to our visitors. But let me tell you by the third kid, they all knew the rules. If I recall correctly, some of the rules were, don’t kiss the newborn’s face, try to limit clothing as a gift because a newborn is going to grow out of them. One of the main ones to me was don’t overstay your welcome. But yes, by the third baby, everybody was brutally aware of the rules of visiting a newborn.

“I HOPE THAT YOUNG SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN LOOK AT ME AND THINK TO THEMSELVES, I DON’T HAVE TO FIT ANY TYPE OF MOLD OR ANY TYPE OF STEREOTYPE. I CAN LITERALLY JUST BE MYSELF AND SUCCEED.”

Dipti Vaid Dedhia with her family

Anwaya Aras (right), one of the few South Asian women in the upper echelons of Silicon Valley

Till recently, Anwaya Aras was the engineering manager at Uber Eats App, and one of the very few South Asian women in the upper echelons of Silicon Valley. This is the story of the girl born and raised in Dadar, most famous for its vegetable market, who helped people get food delivered to their door.

Aras’s journey was fueled by ambition, opportunities and sound mentorship.

“I was raised in Dadar in a typical middle-class family,” she said, “It was a joint family living in a one bedroom apartment, with six people. So there was chaos all the time. But it was amazing. Life was simple with sober dreams.”

Hopes of a bigger house, a fulfilling life and her parents’ stress on education, led her to enroll in expensive coaching classes so she could get into one of India’s premier engineering institutes. The expense put a strain on the family.

“I was extremely fortunate to have been raised in a family where education was firmly supported,” she said. “I know my parents had to make some cuts in their life to afford those [classes] so that I could get into the top universities of India.”

Securing admission to BITS, Pilani (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) opened up a world of possibilities for the future techie.

“I was fortunate to have really strong professors who showed me what the world beyond would look like,” Aras said. “In three or four years, I got introduced to specific areas of computer science machine learning artificial intelligence.”

Aras decided to explore education beyond India. She started reaching out to professors abroad in the hope of doing research. An invitation to France for a fully funded research scholarship led to an eyeopening trip outside India, convincing her to study further and outside India. She finally got admission to the University of California, San Diego.

“I did my masters and then got into Uber Eats,” she said. “Within Uber, I had a solid panel of mentors who really invested in my career. A lot of times, you’re the only person in the room kind of trying to gel and trying to adjust. These mentors took care of my career and sponsored me … A lot of gratitude and a lot of right things happened at the right time. But the key was also identifying opportunities that I really wanted to take and making hay while the sun shines.”

“IN SILICON VALLEY, I FEEL IT IS WHERE YOU NEED TO REALIZE THAT YOUR ROOTS ARE YOUR STRENGTH. YOU HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE. AND THAT YOU ARE THERE FOR A REASON.”

Anwaya Aras with her family at her graduation

Anwaya Aras speaking at industry events

Anwaya Aras speaking at industry events

Aras is part of a minuscule group of women in technology but is paving the way for young girls who will not be discouraged by the statistics, but look up to her and feel that they can do it.

“Twelve percent women.” she said. “That’s representing all of tech. A lot of times you are borderline conscious you’re probably the only person sitting in a room with people not looking like, not thinking, like you. And you wonder, is my accent too heavy? Are they understanding me? Am I using the right words? What are they thinking about me? What are the stereotypes in their head? All these things, clouding your judgment and then this self critique starts eroding your confidence.”

Aras recently was declared a Google Anita Borg scholar, a title that recognizes a woman’s contribution in computer science. And despite the accolades, Aras faced her own set of challenges.

“In Silicon Valley, you need to realize that your roots are your strength, “she said. “You have a seat at the table. You are there for a reason. You owe it to yourself to bring out the best version of you. As a brown woman, you’re gonna face challenges. You just need to ensure that you have a framework to get over them. I feel like you owe it to yourself and to everyone else who’s going to come after you.”

When a fresh graduate, she had joined Uber’s Fraud Platform team in 2016. Starting as a backend engineer working on different teams, Aras’s rose to be an engineer manager at Uber Eats.

“I managed all of Uber Eats groceries, consumer delivery experience tag and my role grew from a smaller charter to be the lead of two charters which drove millions in revenue through consumer features,” Aras said.

Her leadership style was split into three buckets. The first two involved ensuring she and her team’s efforts affect the company’s top line metrics, and instituting processes to have the team work optimally. But the third one is the most important one for Aras.

“The third bucket is what I liked the most— investing in people,” she said. “I believe that if you do the right kinds of investment in people, and you match people, and the priorities to company priorities, magic can happen. That has always been my favorite part of the job and also why I enjoy engineering leadership.”

After a productive stint at Uber Eats, Aras recently moved to a novel leadership position at Mysten Labs, a Web3 startup. Mysten aims to

ADVICE

1. How to make Uber Eats App work for you. “I think we have machine learning and AI doing all of the hard work behind the scenes. Keep giving us your feedback, make sure you are curating your lists and saving your favorites. And hopefully the first recommendation that you get is basically what you want to order from Uber Eats.”

2. Advice for young women looking for a future in tech

“Look for inspirations and role models, to learn from their stories. A lot of us are crippled with what we call impostor syndrome. Unfortunately, it is extremely common. We need to get over that and convince ourselves, We need frameworks and a support system that will convince us otherwise. It is good to be humble, but also know what we have achieved so far, and to know that we deserve it. At the end of the day, get over stereotypes and generalizations. There is so much unconscious bias hammered into us. As women, a lot of times, we tend to want to be more likable and more agreeable, but navigate these assumptions with confidence. The one person you should completely rely on is yourself. So train yourself to do that well and feel like you’re going to be unstoppable.”

create tools for the future and make Web3 secure and reliable for mass adoption.

“I wanted to learn more, explore and take a little more challenge,” she said. “I’m entering this whole new area of Web3 crypto. It’s different … from the Web2 space that I was in. So lots of learning and lots of challenges lie ahead. That’s where the fun in life comes from, right?”

Desipte being busy building the foundational infrastructure for the decentralized internet of the near future, the San Francisco-based engineer is not a typical nerd.

“Unwinding is so essential, she said. “My go to unwind on a daily basis is exercise. I feel like that really helps me come out of my zone. I try to go on runs, I hike and I also ski. Music is another thing that really helps me unwind. After a crazy period of work I really love to travel. I’ve been to 38 countries, and it just resets my brain and gives me back the energy that I need.”

Sujata Murthy, executive vice pres ident of media and artist relations at Universal Music

Music to Her EARS

As executive vice president of media and artist relations at Universal Music Enterprises, Sujata Murthy is one of the most influential South Asian executives in the industry

ABHIJIT MASIH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY: ASH GUPTA

PRODUCER / CAM ASSIST: JOEL WICECARVER

CAM ASSIST / DIT : TUHAN BEDI

DRONE OPERATOR: SAHIL ROHIRA

MAKE UP ARTIST: ALEISA LINERA

HAIR STYLIST: DANIEL RAMIREZ

STYLED BY: JACE DICKERSON FOR THE TREND HAUS

The wall of Sujata Murthy’s Santa Monica office at Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), a long way from where she was born in Chennai, India, is adorned with multi-platinum music albums representing high points in her career in music. In addition to creating music campaigns, the music veteran spearheaded the transition of the music industry from the days of LPs and cassette tapes.

Murthy, who was promoted to her current role at UMe last March, is one of the most-sought after South Asian senior executives in the industry. That makes her responsible for the label’s media department where she oversees press strategy and campaigns. She also has the desirable job of working closely with artists, managers, and estates across Universal Music Group’s roster. The lineup includes legendary recording artists, both old and new, includes ABBA, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, The Carpenters, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, The Commodores, Def Leppard, Neil Diamond, Guns N’ Roses, Amy Winehouse, and many more.

While it may not have been preordained, a career in music was in her blood. She was born in a South Indian Tamil family, and she grew up in the culture-rich city of Kolkata. Her grandparents were patrons of the arts and very involved in the music scene of Bengal. Her grandfather was a prominent music critic who could make or break an artist’s career. Her grandmother was a song composer who penned over 2,000 songs.

“Music was an integral part from my grandparents down to my parents who sort of absorbed all that and then they sort of carried it down to me and my siblings,” she said.

Murthy’s parents carried with them their passion for music when they moved to the United States. They were pioneers in promoting music, particularly Indian classical music. They created a platform for Indian artists in the U.S. for the small diaspora that was united by music.

“Because my parents had these great connections with all these Indian musicians, they wanted to bring them to the States,” Murthy said. “They brought everyone from Lalgudi Jayaraman and T.N. Krishnan, to Ravi Shankar and Parveen Sultana. In fact, they used the fundraising money from an event with Vyjayanthimala to start building the Malibu temple in Los Angeles.”

What began as small house concerts, soon expanded to larger venues going beyond the Indian community to larger and more diverse audiences. They not only broadened the scope for South

“IF YOU DO A GOOD JOB, LET PEOPLE KNOW YOU DID A GOOD JOB, AND THAT YOU ARE THE ONE THAT DID IT. EVERY YEAR YOU SHOULD BE ADVOCATING FOR A PROMOTION FOR YOURSELF. IF THEY DON’T GIVE IT TO YOU, FIND SOMEBODY ELSE WHO WILL.”

Asian music but, in a sense, opened the doors for Murthy to a career in music. But not before going a short distance on the traditional South Asian career path—medicine.

BREAKING INTO MUSIC

Murthy enrolled in the University of Texas to study medicine but soon realized that she didn’t see herself as a doctor.

“I love the field. I love the science of it. I love discovery and new innovations. However, what I wanted to do day to day was not to be a doctor,” she said. Murthy graduated with a degree in public relations and journalism and switched from a potential career in scrubs to one before a stereo. At a time before the notorious hip-hop rivalry between the West and East coasts, Murthy chose Los Angeles.

To break into the music industry for a South Asian woman back in the 80s would have been as difficult as Asha Bhosle opening for the Rolling Stones at Madison Square. She started working for a producer which lasted only a month. She hated it. To fend for her housing, she ended up dogsitting till she figured her next move. Soon she got a job at Ticketmaster, which turned out to be the learning ground for her to manage venues, shows, tickets and artists.

The next move for her would set her on course to a solid and secure career in the business.

Her parents, through their association to music, knew the South Asian-origin president of a major

international record label. Bhasker Menon became her guiding angel.

Murthy fondly recalls her late mentor and friend: “He was an amazing mentor and an amazing person to follow. Not only was he smart, but he also had this amazing connection with artists. He made friends and understood them from the artist’s level. It was not just business. It was about how do we take this to the future with a relationship that was going to last a lifetime. He always kept those Indian roots, bringing a gift when you meet someone, offering food, taking them out, remembering their children. Keeping the cultural piece that we all learned from our parents, and he continued that in his business life as well.”

Unlike many music industry executives, Murthy tends to be modest. That, too, is a legacy from her mentor.

Once she decided on a career in show business, with a little help from Menon, Murthy joined the Mecca of music, Capitol Records.

“Those were the glory days,” she recalled. “The days of big pop artists and rock records. Grunge was kind of bubbling under. They would throw big lavish parties to introduce a new record. I remember they turned the parking lot of Capitol Records into a carnival with Ferris wheel rides and games and food. Then there was another time where we filled the Capitol Records parking lot with 650 tons of sand and created a beach party for the Beach Boys.”

“IT GOES BACK TO THE ARTISTS, WHERE THEY TRUST YOU, AND THEY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THEIR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND, AS WELL AS THE COMPANY’S BEST INTEREST. THEY NEED TO KNOW AND TRUST YOU TO GIVE THEM GUIDANCE. THAT COMES WITH TIME. AND THAT COMES WITH HONESTY.”

IT IS MURTHY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH PURPLE RAIN SINGER AND ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE PRINCE THAT SHE FONDLY REMEMBERS.

“I worked a lot with the artist Prince. It got to a point where we had become friends, and he loved movies. He would borrow movies from me all the time, I have quite a collection of DVDs. He would call and say, ‘Hey, do you have this movie?’ I would put the movie at my front door, and then sometime between 2 and 4 am, an assistant would come and pick up the movie. Then a couple of days later it would be returned to my front door. He called one time, and he wanted the movie “Almost Famous.” I didn’t have it. He asked if there was any way I could get it for him. At that time, there was Blockbuster video library. I called the Blockbuster near where he was living, and I told them that my friend would pick it up. They said you can’t do that; you have to come pick it up yourself against your membership card. I said look, it’s for the artist Prince. Will you give him the DVD? The guy was like, right, if Prince shows up and gets this video, I will give it to him. I called Prince and said you personally have to go into the blockbuster and get this video. And he did.”

Sujata Murthy with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth

Sujata Murthy with Lionel Richie

Hit songs and videos promoting them are created not just by the artist, but large teams working behind the scenes. Starting as an assistant, Murthy worked her way up in the publicity department.

“It was never about just knowing and learning about publicity. I learned radio, sales, video—I learned everything,” she said.

Murthy realized the importance of sampling music to find newer audiences for evergreen classic songs. She decided to pull the albums gathering dust, from the bottom shelves of the store to the Top 10 charts. She understood the need for an album to be heard, to be in the hands of people. You could produce the best record in the world, but if no one sees or hears it, it’s as good as a demo in your office. While true for new albums, promoting classic catalog music, the big money-churner for any record label, takes innovation.

“At Capitol, I was the first one to do calls with high school students on a conference line. No one did that before. At that time, they were just starting to put out CDs,” said Murthy, who has promoted some of the biggest musical icons of all time, including Frank Sinatra.

“I focused heavily on getting music out and information about Frank Sinatra to high school

students,” she said. “The other campaign I’m proud of is that of Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens,” Murthy said. “I connected him with the folks at VH1, and they did a two-part documentary on him and his life after he had been quiet a long time.”

It takes a special acumen to manage extraordinary artists. The inflated egos, tantrums and notoriety can be challenging. Peter Grant, arguably considered the best manager in the business, who helped Led Zeppelin break out from the U.K., considered his greatest strength his ability to say no. Murthy has had her share of challenges dealing with music stars in her long career.

“Music legends are big mega stars for a reason,” she said. “They have their own way of thinking. I had one artist that was sitting in a conference room, and we were waiting to bring him out to sign autographs and take pictures with a ton of fans. He suddenly decided that he was not going out until he had chocolate chip cookies. I had to send somebody run to the store and bring back chocolate chip cookies. He had three cookies and then he was done. He was happy. He signed autographs took pictures for almost three hours.”

Murthy believes in being upfront and explaining

Sujata Murthy with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth at the New York Stock Exchange

to the artist the reason for declining a request, rather than giving them a straight up no. That authority comes from a trust based on an invested relationship nurtured over time.

“It goes back to the artists, where they trust you, and they know that you have their best interests in mind, as well as the company’s best interest,” Murthy said. “They need to know and trust you to give them guidance. That comes with time. And that comes with honesty.”

CAREER CRESCENDO

From Capitol Records, Murthy moved to Universal Music Enterprises in the late 90’s and has been there ever since. From being a music fan herself, listening to the radio and seeing concerts of these great musicians from afar, she has been a part of that inner circle that only few get to experience and live. There have been embarrassing moments along the way as well. Like when the lead singer of a leading band decided to ditch his limousine and hitch a ride in her car. “That was terrible. At the time, I used to take my big drooly dog in the car and all his hair was in the car. The windows had dog slobber on them, and the singer was wearing an all-black velvet suit,” she

recalls. “We took a couple bathrobes from a hotel, put one robe on the car seat, had him wrapped up in the bathrobe, and drove him to the event.”

In addition to new artists, Murthy is also the primary publicist for artists reissuing classic albums on CD for the first time, including Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Dean Martin. She introduced classic artists to high school and college audiences. Over her long career, she has received numerous accolades, including Korn Ferry’s “Most Influential South Asian Women Executives in Media and Entertainment” and Business Insider’s “The 20 Most Powerful Indians in Hollywood.”

When promoted to executive vice president of media and artist relations at UMe last year, Bruce Resnikoff, its president & CEO, said, “Sujata is an invaluable member of my executive team, and she is someone who has earned the respect of our artists and their management teams. She has also built one of the best media teams in the industry and she continues to play an important role in developing and executing Ume’s successful release strategies for our artists.”

A glamorous dream for many, Murthy agrees that her accumulated priceless moments and millions

Sujata Murthy (left) with Sting (center)

MURTHY’S PERSONAL FAVORITES

1. Favorite musician/band – That’s like choosing a favorite child! Music for me evokes a mood, mindset, so it’s dependent on what I’m doing, who I’m with, etc.

2. Favorite Indian artist – My grandmother, Indra Natesan, was a songwriter/composer who wrote more than 2,000 songs some in languages she didn’t even know.

3. Best live performance/concert attended – Prince’s house parties included various artists who he’d invite to play-with or without him, including Stevie Wonder, Sheila E, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), and sometimes Matthew McConaughey on percussion!

4. Most memorable single/album – My first single I bought was “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers.

5. Your go to song – “Anything from Motown or rock!

6. Favorite place in the world – The Italian countryside

7. Favorite song/artist of today The Buckleys’ “Oops I Love You”

Left to right: John Travolta, Sujata Murthy, Olivia Netwon John, Didi Conn

Sujata Murthy with Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. Photo by Jeff Kowalsky

of interesting stories are more valuable than the many honors.

“As a fan growing up and listening to these artists on the radio, never in a million years would you ever think that this would be your life. Standing on the side of the stage, watching the WHO, Steve Miller or Al Green, and you’re like, Wow,” she said.

Murthy keeps a close tab on the changing mediums of promoting music. When the shift from physical format to digital streaming really went underway, it opened opportunities for record companies to exploit their back catalog. Murthy recognizes the importance of new media and the shift of music distribution from sales to streams and what it has done for the artists and the fans.

“Before social media,” she said, “artists were always untouchable. They would be on stage, they left and you would not know what they were like, what they were doing, what their lives were like, what their families were doing. I think with the advent of social media, the artists can directly engage with the fans now. I think it’s more authentic. It’s not just somebody else writing up the answers.”

From her own experience, she advocates another important point. Murthy believes in speaking out for oneself to go up the corporate ladder.

“If you do a good job, let people know that you did a good job, and that you are the one that did it,” Murthy said. “Oftentimes, as women, you wait for somebody to acknowledge. Every year you should be advocating for a promotion for yourself. If they don’t give it to you, find somebody else who will.”

Murthy acknowledges the inherent tendency of South Asians to desist from bragging, but

emphasizes the need for it in a professional space.

“I think it’s important, she said. “I tell my daughter all the time. If you don’t ask you don’t get. Don’t expect other people to hand you things. I think that’s really important for South Asians and for anybody, you know, male, female, not just girls. I think it’s universal that you need to really advocate for yourself.”

Away from the music world, Murthy’s other interests are traveling, watching movies and also supporting social causes. She said, “My day is filled with music. I love it. Where else can you listen to whatever you want all day, and that’s part of your work. But when I go home I watch movies and TV. I love to travel. I love to write about travel and our adventures.”

Employing her professional expertise of giving voice to a brand and getting it to the people, Murthy also is involved in social causes along with her sister, a consultant for philanthropy.

“My sister is an expert,” Murthy said. “She connects with me and we work on how to connect all the dots and put it in action. We work together and are always brainstorming on how can we change this, how can we make this happen? It’s fun actually, and it’s with purpose.”

Murthy sums up her journey: “I get to work with the best of the best artists that have a wide catalog. Then I also work with like these little baby artists. I am truly honored to work with the incredible artists and catalogs that are the very fabric of our musical heritage. I am excited to continue introducing classic albums and artists to the next generation through new platforms and technology helping continue their legacy.”

Sujata Murthy at the Grammys

FESTIVE COCKTAILS WITH A DESI TWIST

One-of-a-kind cocktails for the holidays

MELANIE FOURIE

Cooking, traveling, and decorating are just a few activities associated with the holidays. As the season ushers in get-togethers, it’s a time to entertain a variety of guests. Whether you do or not, they may look forward to a drink, whether a traditional eggnog or a hot toddy. Here are some cocktail suggestions and recipes with a desi edge!

PHOTO BY TIM DOUGLAS

JALJEERA MOJITOS

Jaljeera is a drink that often includes tamarind, amchur (dried mango powder), and other elements. This well-known Asian drink calls for either white rum or vodka. Since jaljeera's foundation is indeed sour, sweet, and spicy, a neutral spirit like vodka, or the powerful sharpness of white rum, are ideal complements. Besides relaxing you, jaljeera also has several positive effects on your body. Don't forget the mint leaves; their fresh, emerald green color will brighten up your jaljeera mojito!

PHOTO BY ARAM DISEÑO

When it comes to festive desi cocktails, there is nothing better than combining a shot of tequila with a spoonful of tamarind paste or concentrate. There is a wide variety of tequila tastes available, including vanilla, sugary fruitiness, flavors with a surprisingly earthy undertone, etc. Aged tequila has substantially more subdued flavor than the new. So, if you can’t handle the strong alcoholic smell, choose the older tequila. The complementary sweet and sour tastes are delicious on their own, but a dash of salt adds stunning depth. The salt rim (melded with sugar) is an essential part of a margarita. To make your drink stand out, try a masala spiced salt rim. A little lime juice helps the salt mix adhere to the glass. Give it a try for a flavor explosion!

MARGARITAS INFUSED WITH TAMARIND MANGO LASSIS

Adding alcohol to a lassi or yogurt-infused drink makes an enjoyable Indian drink even more interesting. Rum’s subtle sweetness complements lassi’s creamy buttermilk taste in a way that locals don’t often expect. Aside from the booze, the mango flavor in this mango lassi is what really stands out, along with the acidity and milky depths. This tasty drink may be made with varying thicknesses by adding water or buttermilk. This drink will only taste as good as the man goes you use, so choose the freshest ones!

PHOTO BY CREATIVE COMMONS

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2 cups water, depending on how potent you prefer it

• 4 slices of fresh ginger about 1/4 inch wide

• 4 oz bourbon

• 4 tbsp brown sugar

• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice use less if you don’t like it too lemony

• 2 cinnamon sticks each broken into two

• 4 star anise

The cocktail is flavored with 11 botanicals, giving it a wide variety of delicious tastes. Some of these include orange and lemon peel, Darjeeling tea leaves, and lemongrass. Check out the recipe from London Unattached below.

INGREDIENTS

For the cinammon syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup water

• 4 cinnamon sticks broken into large pieces

FOR THE GOLDEN FORT INDIAN GIN

• 1 ¾ oz Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

• 8 cardamom pods

• 4 slices of lemon for garnish

METHOD

A HOT TODDY WITH A DESI EDGE A DESI-GIN FUSION

• Fresh ginger should be added to water that is brought to a boil.

• Set up four serving mugs and add 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 of a cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, and 2 cardamom pods to each.

• Warm up the mugs by adding a quarter cup of hot water to each.

• Put a shot of bourbon into each glass and give it a good swirl. Remove all the spices, but not the star anise.

• Garnish with a lemon slice, and serve immediately.

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1/z tbsp cinnamon syrup

• 1 ¾ oz cloudy apple juice

• Topping: sliced green apple

METHOD

FOR THE CINNAMON SYRUP

1. Put everything in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.

2. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Put away from heat then allow it to cool

4. Throw away the cinnamon sticks and pour the liquid into a sealed glass container.

5. You may keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

FOR THE GOLDEN FOR COCKTAIL

1. Add the gin to a few cubes of ice.

2. Add ice to cloudy apple juice, fresh lime juice, and cinnamon syrup.

3. Top with grated nutmeg and decorate with a fan of three apple slices.

“Hot toddy,” referring to the traditional beverage made from tea and whiskey, originates in India. Make this desi version by Indiaphile, with the following ingredients.

THE MUMBAI MULE

Vodka, ginger and spice syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water make up the Indian take on the classic Moscow mule. Your taste buds will really like the wide variety of tastes in this drink, from sweet to sour to pleasantly warming and calming. This cocktail is inspired by The Bojon Gourmet.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SPICY GINGER SYRUP

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

• Seeds from 5 green cardamom pods

• A pinch of saffron threads

• 3/4 cup organic cane sugar

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger root

FOR THE MULES

• 2 ounces vodka (¼ cup)

• 1 ounce spiced ginger syrup (2 tbsp)

• ½ ounce lemon juice (1 tbsp)

• Some ice

• Sparkling water

• A sprig of mint

METHOD

FOR THE SPICY GINGER SYRUP

1. Mix the saffron, cumin, cardamom, and coriander seeds in a compact, sturdy skillet.

2. To toast the spices, place the pan over a medium temperature and shake it repeatedly for 30 seconds, or until the spices are aromatic and beginning to burst.

3. In the meantime, dissolve the sugar in the hot water by stirring (or mostly dissolved). Blend the ginger, roasted spices, and syrup until almost smooth. To remove the particles and get to the syrup, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer while applying pressure. You may consume the syrup right away or refrigerate it.

FOR THE MULE

• Blend the vodka, ginger syrup, and lemon juice for 30 seconds in a shaker or container.

• Pour through a strainer into an ice-filled highball glass, top with carbonated water, and garnish with a mint leaf.

• To adjust the flavor, test the drink and add extra lemon juice or syrup as desired.

So there you have it – an array of festive cocktails guaranteed to impress guests looking for that Indian twist!

PHOTO BY PIXABAY.COM

Serve Mumbai mules to your guests in a mule mug.

Great Vegan CHRISTMAS and HANUKKAH MEALS

MELANIE FOURIE

The holidays are celebrated with dishes that usually comprise meat and dairy. Most Christmas and Hanukkah dinners are not vegan, and almost all desserts contain eggs, milk, or whipped cream. If you’re at your wits’ end trying to find vegan recipes, here are some palatable ideas and recipes for them.

Christmas-themed salad on a festively decorated dining table.

ENTREES

SPINACH ARTICHOKE CUPS

INGREDIENTS

• 30 small phyllo shells

• 3 cups frozen spinach

• 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts , drained & finely chopped

• ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise

• ½ cup vegan cream cheese

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp granulated garlic

• ¾ tsp granulated onion

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp red pepper

• ¾ tsp salt for tasting

• Fresh cracked pepper for tasting

METHOD

1. Toss the ingredients in a huge mixing bowl. Blend well.

2. Adjust the seasonings as you see fit.

3. Spoon the filling into the little phyllo cups.

4. Arrange them on the sheet separately.

5. Bake for approximately 12 minutes in a preheated 375°F oven, or until the stuffing is well cooked.

6. Dish up right away.

7. Add vegan Parmesan cheese on top, if you prefer.

CHRISTMAS MAIN COURSE

MOREISH GRAVIED VEGAN WELLINGTONS

Vegan Wellingtons will wow even the most discerning of guests. It’s perfect for celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas because of its pastry casing and savory umami filling. Whip up this simple Wellington recipe inspired by BBC Good Food.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz dried porcini

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tbsp plain flour

• 2/3 cups vegan red wine

• 4 tbsp vegan vegetable bouillon powder

• 4 tsp yeast extract

METHOD

1. Pour the boiling water over the dried mushrooms in a heat-safe dish.

2. After soaking for 15 to 20 minutes, drain the mushrooms by pressing them against a sieve set over a jug; you should end up with around 1.1 lb of liquid. If not, add more water. Cut the mushrooms.

3. Fry onions in a small pan already heated to medium heat for 7 minutes until they begin to turn brown. When the mushrooms are done, add garlic and allow to simmer for an additional minute. Cook for a further three minutes on low heat. Add half of the tomato paste and flour, and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes, or until a paste forms. Add the wine and let it boil for 2 minutes, or until you have a thick paste

4. Add the mushroom soaking liquid.

5. Blend in 2 tbsp of bouillon powder, 12 of the yeast extract, and 1/2 of the soy sauce. Spice it up, give it a good stir, and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the solids out into a jug.

6. Stir in the leftover tomato purée, 1 tbsp bouillon powder, the remaining soy sauce and yeast extract, and half cup of water to the strained mushroom and onion combination in a blender. Blend until smooth, then put aside.

7. Mix the thyme leaves and onion granules into the wheat gluten and season it to taste.

8. Put the vegetable puree into the wheat gluten and mix it with your hands.

9. Shape into an 3-by-8 inches sausage after kneading for 10 minutes, until rubbery.

10.Season. Then cover with greased foil and let it sit for 10 minutes. To prepare the oven, set

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 14 oz can black beans

• 2/3 oz vital wheat gluten

• 1 tbsp picked thyme leaves

• 1 tbsp onion granules

1.1 lb block vegan puff pastry

1 tbsp vegan cranberry sauce

Almond milk for glazing

the temperature to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

11.Arrange the sausages in a large roasting pan. The residual bouillon powder should be dissolved in 2 cups of water and poured into the container around the sausages.

12. Cook the sausages for 30 minutes with the foil on top, turn them over, and roast for another 30 minutes.

13. Take out of the oven and allow cool fully while still within the pan.

14. Put aside one-fourth of the pastry. Make a shape big enough to cover the sausage with the remaining dough. Put the sausage on one of the long sides of the pastry rectangle once you’ve removed it from the foil and have brushed it all over with the cranberry sauce.

15. To surround the sausage, fold the dough’s shorter sides over the ends of the meat and roll the crust up. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, seam side down. The pastry you saved should be rolled out until it’s big enough to enclose the Wellington.

16. Create a pattern of circles using a cookie cutter and drape it over the Wellington, folding the ends under.

17. Spread some almond milk over the whole Wellington and brush it with it. Put it in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least a half hour and up to 24 hours.

18. Preheat the oven to 170°F. Dab over the Wellington with more milk, and sprinkle thyme and salt on top.

19. Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown. Take 10 minutes to relax. During this time, cook the gravy on low. Wellington should be sliced thickly. Put on a plate and top with some festive cranberry sauce and your gravy.

FINGER-LICKING CHRISTMAS SWEET IDEAS

EGGNOG CUPCAKES

An extra helping of eggnog is never met with displeasure over the Christmas season. Cupcakes like these deliver, with

enough of that spicy seasonal delight in both the cake and the icing!

A YULE LOG

Your guests will go crazy over this vegan take on the traditional Christmas dessert, the Buche de Noel. The nicest thing about this chocolate cake stuffed with chocolate mousse? Ample amounts of mocha-flavored buttercream icing!

OBSERVING HANUKKAH THE VEGAN WAY

ENTREESS

MATZAH BALL SOUP

Prepare the traditional soup’s matzah balls using only plant-based components. This is the simplest vegan Hanukkah food idea ever!

MUST-HAVE LATKES AS A MAIN COURSE

Chopped or pureed potatoes are the base for latkes, which are then shallow-fried to create potato pancakes. While traditional latkes are a must-have during Hanukkah, there’s still opportunity for innovation. Here are some creative spins on a timeless appetizer. Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes.

Include exotic flavors like ginger or curry.

Toss in sugary ingredients like coconut and dried berries.

Throw in some flavorful parsnips or scallions to liven things up a little.

You may serve this with applesauce or sauerkraut. Or serve this with creamy buttered roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

HANUKKAH DESSERTS

VEGAN SUFGANIYOT

These are essentially donuts filled with jelly and dusted with orange zest and sugar. This is a tasty Hanukkah dessert that doesn’t include eggs or milk. Here, Sarah’s Vegan Kitchen teaches one how to make these delightful after-dinner treats.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ¼ tsp dried yeast

• ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk OR water

• 1/3 cup white sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 4 tablespoons vegan butter

• Zest of 1 tiny orange

• 1 tbsp brandy (if preferred)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup jam

• 1 quart vegetable oil

• Powdered sugar, as required

METHOD

1. When the yeast is added to the lukewarm milk or water and allowed to proof for 5 minutes, the mixture will become frothy.

2. Mix in the sugar, vanilla, melted butter, orange zest, and brandy. Next, stir in some flour and salt.

3. Using the whisk attachment, blend the ingredients in a stand mixer until a rough dough forms. With a spatula, mix the ingredients by hand until they form a rough sphere of dough.

4. Knead the dough for 8 minutes using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. The dough must rise over the rim of the container. Using bare hands, toss the dough onto a floured board. Knead for at least 10 minutes. The dough should have a silky texture and a nice stretch. When you knead it, it shouldn’t be too sticky or moist or adhere to your hands. Knead in more flour, 1-2 teaspoons at a time if necessary, until the dough reaches the desired consistency.

5. Put in a bowl and cover with oil, then a moist kitchen towel. Place in a warm area and cover until it has doubled in size. The time required for this task is typically roughly an hour, but it might vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen. Extreme cold might add an extra two hours to the process.

6. Your dough should be punched down and turned out onto a floured surface. You can either form the dough into 15 equal balls and flatten them, or roll it out to an inch thick and cut it with a biscuit cutter.

7. Your donuts should be left to rise on a lightly floured surface for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are extremely puffy and have nearly doubled in size.

8. Prepare a deep fryer or heat one inch of oil in a bulky pan to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Donuts need to be fried for around two to three minutes on each side to get a golden brown color. Maintain a close eye on the oil temperature and make any necessary adjustments to the heat source. Place on a plate lined with paper towels or a metal cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain any remaining oil.

9. Your donuts will need a little bit of cooling time while the jam is being added to the pastry bag. Each doughnut should have a hole pierced in it, and then some jam should be piped into it.

10. When ready to serve, gently sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.

An insider’s experience of the evolution of electronic dance music in India, from discreet rave parties in the 1990s to top music festivals of today

RAVE AND THE MUSICAL INDIAN

ABHIJIT MASIH

In the 1990s, discotheques mushroomed in Mumbai and other major cities in India. Every fivestar hotel had to have one, and the cover charge determined the kind of clientele it received. The most famous was 1900’s at the Taj, the nightclub patronized by film stars and the old-money residents of south Mumbai. As part of the music industry then, I didn’t have to worry about the lack of a cover charge in the pocket, or a female companion on my arm, to gain entry, even when they had a no-stag-allowed door policy. Those were when you could dance the night away and head home at 5 a.m.

The music that got the crowd moving was a mix of contemporary English pop, rock and a generous supply of remixed Punjabi pop songs.

To woo the college crowds, especially in the suburbs, the discos had an afternoon session where they catered to their prefer ence for techno and rave music. This is where many nondescript resorts on beaches of the northern suburbs of Mumbai stepped in—to provide a safe haven for this young crowd.

In the days before social media, word of mouth was enough to fill up the resorts’ rave parties with college kids. They organ ized and funded these efforts, and the music was uninterrupted, loud, and electronic. At tending these gave me insight to the music of the future. It was also a precursor for the explosion of electronic music culture in the years to come. Now they are celebrated in festivals held across the country.

The most popular musical festivals in India are held in densely populated metro cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, and small and remote towns like Ziro in the far northeast of India. Here are some of the most iconic music festivals you should explore on your next visit to India.

NH7 WEEKENDER

The three-day festival was held in Pune towards the end of last month. The massive line-up of artists called for the organizers set up five stages for simultaneous live performances. The artists included The Lumineers, J.I.D, Berklee Indian Ensemble and Dirty Loops. The NH7 Weekender is one of the most anticipated music festivals in India and provides a platform to a wide range of artists, providing the audience a true music festival experience. The multiple stages showcase more than 40 artists and represented a a wide range of genres includ ing hip-hop, rock, metal and electronic. The multi-genre festival that began in 2010 is now hosted in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Shillong, Delhi, besides its home base of Pune for its 13th edition of the festival.

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

The northeastern states have always been a major draw for India’s music industry. This outdoor musical festival is held in Ziro, a village in Arunachal Pradesh. One has to make an arduous journey to get there. The closest airport is Dubrugarh, 185 miles from Ziro valley. The

festival is hosted by the local Apatani tribe, known for its hospitality and love for music. The 2022 festival was held late September after a two-year pandemic-induced gap. India’s northeast has a rich cultural and musical lineage. This festival highlights local talent and homegrown mu sicians. Local bands go centerstage along with interna tional and national artists. The four-day celebration of music, nature, and community this year had audiences swooning to artists from across the globe. The festival started in 2012 and has established a loyal fan base. The eclectic mix of artists represent genres of music from rock to blues, jazz to Indian classical and Qawwali to Sufi music. An offering of some assorted music against the beautiful backdrop of the Himalayas with lots of rice beer for the crowd to cheer into the night makes Ziro too tempting to resist.

LOCALS DISTRICT

This boutique techno festival is held in the palaces of Rajasthan. A fairly new addition to the music festivals of India, the fourth edition was held in the beginning of November after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

What sets it apart is the venue, which changes each year. What better location to have in the royal state of Rajasthan than one of the numer ous palaces that the state is home to. Though one of the newest, this festival is one of the most promising music festivals of India, with more people attending it every year. This year the Lo cals District festival was held at the Ram Bihari Palace in Alwar, Rajasthan. The picturesque venue in the foothills of the Aravali mountains boasts a lake and the famous Sariska forest near by. The festival is the perfect amalgamation of ancient culture and history with modern music. With five stages and more than 40 artists per forming, it is 72 hours of techno bliss. This year saw renowned names in the global electronic music space make their debut in India. These include Iranian DJ-producer Armen Miran, famous French DJ-producer Justine Perry , Catz ‘N Dogs, DJuma Soundsystem, Natasha Polke, Just B, etc. Alongside them will be Indian techno stalwarts such as Reverse Osmosis, Vasvi, Re connect and Mister.K and others. If you want to sample contemporary techno music within the confines of ancient palace walls that have stood the test of time and experience the best of both worlds, Locals District is where you should be.

ECHOES OF EARTH

Echoes of Earth claims to be India’s greenest music festival and, like most others on our list, brings together more than 40 local and interna tional musicians who share a vision to celebrate planet Earth. The two-day festival is to be held in the beginning of this month and promises to unite people from all walks of life at a cel ebration of great music, art, and culture. The ecological spirit of the festival ensures the use of

infrastructure adopting environmental-friendly material and practices. The sustainable musical festival is spread across 150 acres of lush greenery on the outskirts of Bengaluru. A unique festival that is pet friendly and has over 40 local and international music acts performing on four different stages. The fifth edition of Echoes of Earth has an impressive line-up, including Kerala Dust and The Yussef Dayes Experience from UK, Dauwd from Germany, Eelke Kleijn from Netherlands and a host of Indian artists, including Anyasa, Hanumankind, and Unnayanaa. The festival was first held in 2016 as an attempt to encourage people to switch to sustainable ways. In the past, musicians have utilized innovative in struments to create music from trash utensils and other reusable material. If you love nature and are a music aficionado, you surely will dig this gig.

SUNBURN

An electronic music and beach party festival, Sun burn is one of the oldest and the biggest festival for EDM (Electronic Dance Music) fans. The festival gives you another compelling reason to plan a trip to Goa. The three-day party at the end of December promises a heady combination of some excellent music, entertain ments shows, food, and much more. Considered the largest EDM festival in Asia, the festival was first organ ized in 2007 and was conceptualized by former MTV VJ and DJ Nikhil Chinapa, who is considered to be the chief patron of EDM in India. He aims to bring talents from across the globe to shine bright on quiet Goan beaches. The festival is known for its colossal stage on which celebrity artists perform. This year is no different. As is common during the holiday season in December many people from Mumbai head to Goa to party. Many Bollywood actors make it a point to be at Sunburn. This year’s line-up includes Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Lost Frequencies, and the Grammy-winning duo Nervo.

BEYOND THE

TAJ MAHAL

SUGATO MUKHERJEE

Rabindranath Tagore once compared it to a teardrop in the face of time. The iconic Taj Mahal has been the most recognizable monument of India for more than four centuries, and in today’s parlance, the most Instagrammable. However, in the popular imagination, Agra has remained the home of the Taj, and nothing more.

The city itself is an eclectic mix of cultures and traditions blended with elements of modernity. Without the folklore, the street scenes and and breathtaking architecture tucked away in the folds of the city’s labyrinthine alleys, the Agra experience is incomplete.

The streets of Agra are a rich ode to art, history, and culture

One of the iconic symbols of India, Taj Mahal took 16 years to be completed in 1648.

The Roman Catholic cemetery houses tombstones of earliest travellers to Agra from all corners of the globe in search of making a fortune in one of the wealthiest global empires during the reign of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Agra fort is a 16th-century red sandstone citadel established by Emperor Akbar.

Built by Jesuit fathers in 1598, St. Peter’s Cathedral was the first church of the city that operated as the Cathedral of Agra till 1848.

On the Mughal Trail Agra was an unknown town of little importance on the banks of river Yamuna till the mid-16th century. It developed into an architectural paradise, a pivot of political activity, and a buzzing trading centre of the Indian subcontinent under Emperor Akbar. And it is fitting that the great ruler was laid to rest at Sikandra, six miles from the capital of his sprawling empire. The red sandstone mausoleum is a piece of architectural splendor, with its towering gate, minuscule minarets that make it look like a dainty Rajasthani palace more than an Islamic tomb, and the manicured gardens where you can spot a few deer ambling about!

Another beautiful tomb is I’timadud-Daulah, the stunning white

maqbara of Emperor Jehangir’s Persian minister. Standing tall and proud on the banks of the Yamuna, the mausoleum marks the transition of the Mughal school of architecture from red sandstone to white marble. Historians consider it to be the

traced in the gardens that line the banks of the Yamuna river. These gardens were created over a period of more than 100 years as sanctuaries of respite from the sweltering heat. While some of the gardens are in various states of disrepair, others, like Ram Bagh, Chinni ka Rauza and Mehtab Bagh, still bear testimony of brilliant Mughal landscape traditions

patterns. The garden of I’timad-udDaulah still enjoys the ancient water

their most important seats of power

for the next century and a half. During this time the city witnessed tumultuous upheavals, including India’s First War of Independence in 1857. The built heritage of Agra’s colonial past lives on in the immaculately maintained Roman Catholic cemetery, the grand Indo-Saracenic St John’s College, and the Gothic Agra College. The beautiful St. Georges Cathedral, with its yellow ochre stucco and white dressings, and ionic columns carrying a slightly vaulted roof, along with tourists, draws the Christian population from the nearby areas.

A nearly forgotten relic of the city’s colonial past is Abdul Karim’s tomb, a pagoda-like mausoleum built in the memory of Queen Victoria’s favorite munshi. Two centuries have passed, but the relationship between the empress who controlled India and her Indian assistant who lies interred here remains the subject of debates, speculation, and even a blockbuster film.

Tajganj

Taj Mahal was being built from 1632 to 1648, when the sprawling neighborhood of Mumtazabad took shape by

the south gate of the mausoleum, where the masons and architects found their homes. Three-and-a-half centuries later, the labyrinthine lanes of the neighborhood (known as Tajganj since long) still accommodates the descendants of the creators of the Taj in their 17th-century homes. Many of these command magnificent views of the iconic ivory-white monument from the rooftops. Tucked in this atmospheric locality is the dargah of Syed Jalal Bukhari Rehmatullah, who protected the foundations of the Taj Mahal from evil spirits. The three-arched, single-dome Sandali mosque, built in memory of Kandhari Begum, the first wife of Shah Jahan, is also worth a visit for the mystical stories that shroud the monument and its feline residents.

Into a Time Warp

The quintessence of Agra is concentrated in its bustling streets and busy bazaars. A walk through the spice streets of Rawatpara redolent with the strong smell of turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom can be a sensory experience, heightened at the nearby Khoya Gali. The

Established in 1850, St. John’s College boasts of one of the finest buildings in North India, built with red sandstone in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

curious traveler next walks into Namak ki Mandi, where artisans fashion gold and silver foils for Ayurvedic medicine. The green and white Akbari mosque is nearby, and the stone-paved street of Kinari Bazaar leads you into a time-warp: a kaleidoscope of roadside shrines, tea stalls, vendors of knick knacks, all of which look as old as the street that dates back to the 16th century.

Crafts & Cuisine

Agra has retained its living traditions of handicrafts with a deep and interesting history. The most famous craft that has been passed down generations for more than 350 years is the marble inlay work. A classical art form that was brought to Indian subcontinent by Italian travelers in the 16th century, it involves etching very precise and minute patterns on marbles.

Legend has it that Emperor Akbar once issued a decree that all his soldiers must wear shoes. Shoemakers from all over the empire were called to Agra and an indigenous leather industry burgeoned there. The city remains one of Asia’s largest shoe manufacturing hubs.

Embroidered textiles with intricate motifs of gold and silver threads, popularly known as the zardozi design is another homegrown industry of Agra. A Central Asian import, the art has been modified here by craftsmen who use a combination of copper wire, golden or silver polish, and silk strands.

The rich legacy of Mughlai cuisine

lives on in Agra. While authentic Mughlai dishes are served in its upmarket restaurants, its vibrant streets and chaotic bylanes whip up some of the best dalmoth in the country. This is a crunchy snack paired best with a cup of piping hot masala chai, and succulent jalebis,

typically served with bedhai, a fried puffy bread that comes with a small bowl of vegetables and a dollop of curd. But the crowning glory of Agra street cuisine is petha, a dessert made from white pumpkin or ash gourd, and imbued with different flavors.

It’s a sweet end to the explorations into the nuances of this medieval city, whose textures now seamlessly blend into India’s Smart Cities Mission urban renewal program, with its great traffic management, surveillance system, solid waste management, and environmental sensors.

A very common souvernir with tourist in Agra—“Miniature Taj”

Located in the cantonment area, the St. George’s Cathedral is a splendid architecture that was originally built as an Anglican Church in 1828

FORECAST WITH FARZANA

Mar 21 - Apr 19

The month will open doors to new opportunities and, with that, new responsibilities. You may find yourself making sacrifices to help your family and those who matter. Expect people to turn to you for guidance and advice. While you may feel that your career and financial endeavors are moving at a snail’s pace, avoid overthinking about what could be and focus on nurturing your relationships. This will help you thrive in the long run – emotionally, financially and careerwise. It is a great time to get your house in order and focus on things that need your attention. Prioritize your family and your relationship with yourself. It will have a positive impact on your mental health.

Apr 20May 20

Spinning your wheels isn’t going to help you at all. This is a reminder for you to take time out of your busy schedule to recover your energy and heal yourself. Invest time to recharge so you are refreshed and ready to go. Reassess your goals and keep checking your progress. No matter how many bumps may come in the road, do not lose hope. Patience,

rest and focus are your best friends. Sort through your finances and learn the art of budgeting in case you feel under pressure, financially. Now is a great time for those in a relationship to take a much-needed break and reconnect. Avoid taking your job home with you.

May 21Jun 20

Someone or something desirable is about to seek you out. An opportunity that is, exactly what you’ve been looking for could appear out of nowhere. Possibly a new job/project or a second career in your professional life. Set boundaries for yourself, accept what is, and fight for what you believe you have earned. Move forth with courage and optimism, and brave anything that stands in your way. In a relationship, a significant change is on the way – you may get swept off your feet or see more zing in an existing relationship. Singles, don’t rush in with any commitment. In matters of finance, vet and move.

Jun 21 - Jul 22

Take life’s obstacles in stride and find balance and peace in the chaos. You have all you need to progress in the direction you seek. If money issues are on your mind, then get to work with renewed focus. Action moves you through life with

ease and flexibility. Let go of the past, and stop obsessing about the future. Go with the flow and listen to your heart and trust that you will know what to do when victory is in front of you. Find balance, and remember that in order to receive you must also give. So, give to yourself the love you wish to receive.

Jul 23 - Aug 22

Lady Luck is about to sashay towards you and things are likely to look up. Perhaps the economy will improve, or your industry will experience some boom. Either way, the future looks promising. Be patient and allow things to happen in their own time. Your money situation, relationships and career will all, surprisingly begin to improve. Make yourself adaptable and embrace the changes coming your way. Be sure to give the same kind of energy to others that you want to receive from those around you. Now is the time to start a passion project or apply for your dream job. Conservative spending is the need of the hour.

Aug 23 - Sept 22

Your victory lies in the discipline of your daily routine and ability to manage your wealth. Invest, wisely with a long-term perspective. It’s time for planning and preparation for the future. Take the time before you trust or open up to people.

However, don’t get too caught up in the minor details as the tendency to be almost too cautious and practical can lead to letting important opportunities pass you by in work or relationships. Set your sights on your vision and boss up, especially in your career, finance and business. Being financially conscious and staying in control of your energy and your resources will take you to victory. Play to win with steadfastness.

Sept 23Oct 22

This month is a catalyst of change in your life - welcome and embrace it. The light at the end of the tunnel is very close; let go of any troubled or chaotic past behind be it in your relationship or at work. If you have been struggling to see eye to eye with people who matter, things will calm down soon. Balance, flexibility and patience will attract the support you desire and pave the way for victory. Try not to rock the boat. You may not have everything under your control and it is okay. Don’t overplay your part in anyone’s life. Learn to show kindness to yourself and focus on gratitude.

Oct 23Nov 21

You have the space and experience to cast your net into infinite possibilities as you enter a creative and productive phase of your life. Seize the opportunity of a new project or act upon any new venture. Positive changes are expected in your relationship; a new one, if you are solo and a deeper commitment, in the current one. It’s a busy time for travel, soirees and

events. Align with yourself and who you are, unabashedly and, give wings to those unconventional ideas burgeoning inside of you. Career potentialities open up when you step into yourself, emotionally and rise above the superficiality around you.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

The time you spend working towards a goal will soon be rewarded in the form of a raise, promotion, business opportunity, or investment payoff. Choose loving, supportive situations and relationships. Surprises arrive in the way of gifts, money you may have forgotten, is returned, and offers of help and friendship make everything feel peachy for you. All that you ask, you receive so be intentional about what you ask. Remind yourself to keep investing in your current situation, while working for the next big thing. Trust your intuition, and release outdated energies and worries. Spend time in gratitude for all you have – even when you think you don’t have much, you have more than you realize.

Dec 22Jan 19

Celebrations, social gatherings and abundant blessings are possibilities that surround you. New opportunities, new beginnings and travel, is also likely. You are on path and moving in the direction of your heart with healthy relationships, long-term love, and meaningful connections. You deserve to have all your dreams come true and in fact, they are all likely coming true. You will have the money you need to meet your financial obligations. Trust that you are safe and allow yourself to accept the good. You are on the road to emotional healing from the

issues of the past. You have found a balance in loving what you do and who you are with.

Jan 20 –Feb 20

You are on top of your game in your personal transformation. Victory in the situation you are grappling with will depend on how you are able to manage your emotions. If you wish to make a positive impact, pay attention to how you are expressing yourself; energetically and verbally. Be firm and focused however, try not to rub off people around you, the wrong way. In matters of the heart, allow yourself the joy of romantic moments. You may want to nudge away that all-too-serious demeanor and add some flair and tact in your communication. Financial prudence and focus on health, will go a long way. Now is the time to be money smart.

Feb 21 – Mar 20

Be focused and positive, speak your truth and do not be swayed by the opinions of others. Saying no to people and circumstances will feel easier this month as will your ability to discern which projects to follow, and which to leave behind. Approach situations in a practical, unbiased way with tothe-point communication. You may decide that throwing yourself into your career may not be a great idea and seek passion projects or a deeper relationship. You may feel the urge to control everything around you in order to feel safe because you do not trust others. There is a possibility of a new job or a new business.

For a personalised forecast, you may contact Farzana at surifarzana@gmail.com or visit her website www.farzanasuri.com