Asia Today, LLC, 1050 E Ray Road, Suite 5 #318, Chandler, AZ 85225 SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 1 Phoenix, AZ PERMIT NO.1714 Uniting all South Asians in the Valley

Monthly Newspaper • Vol-VII • Issue-12 • Phone : 480-250-2519 • [email protected] • December 2014

Happy Annual Who is Healthy Interfaith Dinner Life of Katrina New Year Langar Seva by an Indian Kaif’s new from Phoenix Sikh Seniors 6 Community 17 22 Lady BFF? 33 Yuba City Nagar Kirtan Audience Mesmerized with Pranav Mehta’s Ghazals he ghazal virtuoso Pranav TMehta accompanied by Tabla superstar Prafulla Ath- alye mesmerized a packed audience at ASU-Kerr Cultural Center on Sunday November 9th. The program was present- ed by IACCONNET, a premier organization in Phoenix for promoting classical music and dance. Pranav took the audience on a melody ride while con- ducting a workshop on the thekas, taals and their varia- craving for more. His first popular ghazals had audience ishkam Seva gurudhwara sahib arranges a bus every tions used by ghazal mae- number Hothon se choo lo screaming Mere mehboob ki Nyear to visit Yuba city nagar kirtan and prepares a float to stros to match the bol (words) tum touched everyone’s heart tarif kya kije. The able fingers represent nishkam seva gurudhwara sahib. Phoenix Sangat and emotions represented in from the start. Tumko dekha to of Prafulla matched every taal helped to decorate the float truck. The management really the ghazals. A very entertain- yeh khayal aaya, Ham to hain of Pranav’s ghazals as if say- appreciates everyone who helped in decorating the truck. ing and melodious method of pardes mein, Ankh se ankh mi- ing Yari hai Iman mera. In the • More on P20 education had the audience lata hai koi and several other end the audi- • More on P10

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Special Offers $ 1 Lunch Off 20% Dinner Off

We do catering. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Coverage SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 3 Shiva Parvati Kalyanotsavam

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA From the Desk of Asia Today ATODAY 4 • December 2014 Fear and Judgment… I think a lot of this has to do with Uniting all South Asians in the Valley he deepest fear we have, ‘the fear what society has become today. Nothing

Monthly Newspaper • Vol-VII • Issue-12 • December 2014 • [email protected] “Tbeneath all fears’, is the fear of is ever good enough. The marketing Asia Today Team not measuring up, the fear of judgment. targeted at how you can be better: It’s this fear that creates the stress and thinner, fitter, richer, etc. Workplaces Marketing Director: Manju depression of everyday life.” Recently (Manjeet K Walia) Editor’s targeted at taking every ounce out of came along this quote, which was part NOTE every employee; this is no longer the Editor: Deepa Walia (MS CIS) of a sermon by Pastor Tullian Tchvidjian. days of the 8 hour workday after which (Sandeep Kaur) Even though I am not Christian, this goes to show we shut down and enjoyed time with our families or Publisher & Designer: that there is something to be learned from people of where workplaces respected family time and needs Raja (BA) (Gagandeep Singh Walia) all backgrounds and religions and as I read this line, when they occurred. Employers are trying to get I realized how true it was. every ounce of productivity from their employees Patron: Mini from California (Damanjot Kaur Walia) We dedicate our lives to “measuring up,” whether at all hours. Not only are we starting to bring work that be at home or at work. We are constantly striving home but we are also starting to bring that work Jyoti from New Jersey (Navjot Kaur Singh) to please others: our significant others, our boss, mentality home. Combining that work pressure with our parents, our children, our friends with no end in the media marketing is starting to program our brains Surinder Singh Pall (Reporter from New Jersey) sight. The more we do, the higher the expectations into thinking that is how all aspects of our lives are become and we keep working harder and harder to supposed to be. But that is not true. Press Photographer meet them. We are driven by the perception that Family, friends, and loved ones are where you Sameer Soorma www.sameersoorma.com others may be judging what we are doing as not good are supposed to go to escape from all that and be enough or not measuring up so we have to do more who you truly are – enjoying and loving your life Amit Mitter (Reporter from Punjab, India) instead of being driven by our hearts and what we so you can recharge to go back and do it all over desire to do. Over time, this can lead to stress and again. This holiday season, instead of adding to Disclaimer Asia Today, LLC is not responsible depression but primarily because we have no goal in your pressures, by making sure you have the perfect for any claims made by advertisers mind. We are blindly working towards this concept house, the perfect dinner, the perfect décor, the nor does it endorse any product or services advertised in the paper. of measuring up without defining what measuring up perfect clothes, take a break and enjoy the holidays For concerns or questions related means to us. as they are meant to be enjoyed. Love, live, laugh to these advertisements, please We never stop to think why we are doing this or and spend time with your loved ones in a way that contact the business directly. realize that those that love us (friends, family, loved recharges you preparing you for the challenges you Asia Today, LLC also does not ones) are free of judgment and love you for who may encounter in the upcoming year. Wishing all our endorse any views presented by volunteer writers. Those views are you are so why are we so bent on measuring up to supporters, advertisers, volunteers, and readers a solely of the author and bear no our perceptions of their standards. In doing so, we very happy, relaxed, and stress-free holiday season indication to the views of Asia Today. are destroying the person we truly are – maybe the and looking forward to serving you all in the upcoming Please contact us at person that they originally loved and respected until 2016. Happy holidays! Asia Today, LLC that day comes where we start questioning who we -Deepa Kaur Walia PO Box 749 are. Because in trying to please others, we have lost Editor, Asia Today, Chandler, AZ 85244 [email protected] 480/ 250-2519 sight of ourselves. hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. For sale inquiries: [email protected] IThanksgiving with friends and Merry Christmas and Happy family! Holidays! For additional inquires/comments: Now since Christmas is around the -Manju Walia [email protected] Marketing Director corner, I like to wish you all a joyful NOTE [email protected] www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 5

December 1 to December 31

Only dine in

December 1 to December 31

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ooking Ahead: The Senior Group Lwill not be meeting on upcoming Holidays as they are falling on Thursdays this year - Christmas December 25 and January 1st so that our members may enjoy holidays with their family. New Year Wishes: Senior Group member extends their best Wishes for a Healthy and a Happy New Year to Seniors of the Indo-American Community. Thanks for the Caring for Seniors: As we wind up year 2014, we extend our deep gratitude to the management of Indo-American community newspaper Asia Today for their support by dedicating valuable space in newspaper for communicating our activities and achievements to the local community. Our deep gratitude to the management of Indo-American Cultural and Religious helping to do all the necessary work - - is under Hospice care at home and days on mother earth. Foundation for organizing the Senior organizing activities, cooking, picnics, we wish him a well earned respect as Photo: Seniors promoting Healthy Group activities and making available publishing weekly and monthly reports, he symbolizes preservation of Indian Living practice - Sunday weekly the Indo-American Community Center etc. Senior Group coordinators culture by Indian Diaspora in alien hiking in South mountain Park; L to for our weekly meetings. Bhagubhai Patel and Lalitbhai Patel land for many generations. - visualize R Bhagubhai Patel, Babulal Mehta, Thanks you IACRF Board of deserves special thanks for their singing Hindi Bhajans and Bollywood Ramesh Patel, Kirit Desai, Mahendra Directors and specifically IACRF untiring efforts to keep the program songs when he does not understand Patel, Mahesh Shah, Meghji Patel, president Nate Bhadriraju. Also, Senior functioning all year along. and speak Hindi language or read and Lalit Patel, Devendra Majmundar and Group members like to extend heartfelt Member News: Our dear member write Devnagari script. We wish him Anjana Majmundar thanks to Senior Group volunteers Goberdhan Gokool - a native of Trinidad well deserved peace for his remaining by Bhagubhai Patel

www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Thoughts SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 7 alala Yousafzai is a 16-year-old literacy rate and reduce the poverty MPakistani girl who lived in Min- which is the major reason why girls gora, the largest city in Swat Valley, Malala Yousafzai are not getting education. In order to Pakistan, and is someone very spe- Peace Prize just recently as well as these girls and give them the educa- further aid this horrible problem, she cial. She did something that most 16 being named on the 50 Most Influen- tion and attention they deserve to live has created the “Malala Fund”, and year-olds would never even imagine tial Teens List of Time Magazine for a healthy and prosperous life. She every donation goes to children, espe- of having the courage to do. When the 2014. has also explained, “the powerful na- cially young girls, to get an education Swat Valley fell under rule, Malala was One thing that Malala has said tions are not those who have weap- and make something worthwhile out of shot in the head and neck on her way that has touched the hearts of many is, ons, guns and bombs… but those their lives. from school by two Taliban gunmen in “There are millions of girls across the who have educated society, human After all of this, she wrote a book an attempt of assassination because world who aren’t eligible to join school morals, education for everyone and called I Am Malala: The Girl Who of her advocation on education rights due to different situations, there are equal rights for both genders female Stood Up for Education and Was Shot and how they are unfair to children girls who can’t get higher education and male.” Additionally, she explained by the Taliban and had a day in her in the Middle East, especially girls. due to early marriages, there are girls that the world and developed coun- honor, Malala Day, which was on July Since then, she has made herself into who are threatened, there are girls tries have to help Pakistan and other 12, 2013, acknowledging her first pub- an education activist and inspires girls who are tortured.” She wishes to help developing countries to increase the lic speech since the attack. That day, of all ages around the world. Malala proudly explained, “Malala Day Malala has won many awards, in- is not my day. Today is the day of ev- cluding the biggest European human ery woman, every boy and every girl rights award “Sakharov”, Glamour’s who have raised their voice for their Women of the Year 2013, as well as rights.” more achievements presented by Nel- Malala is an inspiration and role son Mandela and others equivalent to model to many people around the him. Malala is the youngest recipient world, what she did of such awards and the first Pakistani will be forever remem- girl to ever achieve such accomplish- bered and honored in ments. She has also been nominated the hearts of everyone for a Nobel Peace Prize, a massive who appreciate her achievement for someone so young. dedication and love Two of the most notable achieve- for education and the ments of her life so far are being the right thing. youngest person to win the Nobel -Sammy Mallik

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Meeting with Doug Ducey, New Governor Elect of Arizona

met with Doug Ducey, Governor Elect Iof Arizona and spoke to him about our Foundation and what we do in serving the Asian Indian Community as well as the Community at large through our charitable endeavors. I also men- tioned about the 60,000 vibrant Asian Indian Community in the Phoenix met- ro and how we can help advice him as part of a Technology Forum in bringing in more high technology companies to Arizona. I also spoke with him about inviting him to our Foundation Hall for India Festival in March and he said he would love to come. We will follow up with him on that.

amaskar, and Sat Sri Akal he is truly our beloved why do Nto all my readers. Desire is a Destination we hesitate to cry about him? When we decide to visit Surrender yourself to him. special places in the planet, we ally wonder, “What was I talking the outside. This is 100% oppo- mind, not the tongue. Repeat He is your’s. I promise, he is try to collect information about about?” This means we were site direction. We need to look the mantra according to your yours. He will listen to you. He the national parks, mountains, in the sub conscious. Internal inside because he is the life religion with high conscious. will hug you. He will bless you. and other beautiful places on journey is not possible as long of our life. In the reality, if we Say to him, talk with him, He will accept you in his divine the planet. After collecting all as we are not in the conscious believe he is our beloved, we cry to him, and even if you feel sanctuary. the information, desire decides mind. Today, I would like to talk need to think about him, and crazy say to him, “Why aren’t This is a gift the destination. Today, I would to you about your beloved. start to look inside ourselves. you listening to me?” Why are for 2015 to all the like to talk about internal jour- The beloved belongs to Human life is a golden chance you ignoring me? I am dying. “I readers. Please ney. every creature. He is the life of to realize the reality of the truth. belong to you, you are my be- accept it and read In our entire life we spend every life. We need him. With- Truth! that is the Divinity. loved” it again and again. most of our time in the sub con- out the realization of the ab- Wake up early in the morn- Don’t feel shame to cry to Enough for today. scious. For example, when we solute (God), liberation is not ing, sit up in the bed, close the him, because he is your be- Happy New Year 2015 !! talk with others and are inter- possible. eyes, hold the breath and start loved. If we can cry about our Gyani Ji Harbhajan rupted we can easily loose our The sadness of the human to talk with him in the mind. I worldly wealth or things to our Singh Sandhu train of thoughts. Then we usu- life is we are looking for him on repeat, talk with him in your spouse, children’s, or friends; if [email protected] www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 9

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Continued from page 1 ATODAY 10 • December 2014 Audience Mesmerized with Pranav Mehta’s Ghazals ence was screaming Aaj Jane Ki Zid na professional artists program support- Karo. An encore of last year’s program ed by IACCONNECT include – Ustad was a gem any which way you looked. Shahid Parvez Khan, Pt. Anindo Chat- Indo American Cultural Connect terjee, Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya, Mae- was established in April 2008 with the stro Ravi Kiran, Guru Sanchita Bhat- purpose of promoting Indian classical tacharya, Mr. Madan Oak, Mr. Vinayak music and dance. It organizes events Chittar, Ms. Kalapini Komkali, Mr. Kev- and programs to increase awareness in Essar, Mr. Daniel Hirtz, Mr. Manu of the heritage and centrality of classi- Srivastava Ms. Manjushree Kherde, cal music and dance in Indian Culture. Mr.Ashwini Bhinde and Ms. Padma IACCONNECT supports programs that Talwalkar. showcases local talents and visiting Silk Road was a program that pre- professional artists by hosting concerts sented a creative medley of dance con- which are open to local community. ceived by local music school teachers. They have also partnered with other Acclaimed by everyone, it was also a cultural organizations that promote charity event. IACCONNECT is pre- Indian Classical music and dance . senting a follow on program Indradha- Workshops and presentations provide nush in February 2015. educational opportunities in classical IACCONNECT is a 501 (c3) non- dance and music. These are acces- profit organization supported by volun- sible to everyone in the community. teers. Tax deductable donations help The annual Gunadarshan program in supporting the organization mission. acknowledges best students from local Please visit the web site at www.iacco- music and dance schools. Some of the nnect.org and visit them at website.

www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Coverage SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 11 Gurudwara Nishkam Sewa Organised The Heavenly Nagar Kirtan

By MANJU ANAND (November 9, 2014) urudwara Nishkam Sewa—Organised The Heav- Genly Nagar Kirtan dedicated to Guru GaddiDi- was of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. This Annual Sikh Pa- rade commemorates the Guru Gaddee inauguration holiday of Sikhism’s holy scripture, Siri Guru Granth Sahib, as the everlasting guru of the Sikhs. The Na- gar Kirtan was inaugurated after the Kirtan&Ardaas , was rained with flower petals through Helicopter by Management of Gurdwara Sahib. Gatka Parties, re- nowned scholars, religious personalities and devo- tees from Arizona participated in this heavenly Nagar Kirtan with devotion.

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1. Winners of the Bingo games 2. Sponsors of Nov.11th 3. Handsome couple seen are not strangers to ISAA… 4. Thank you Fabian for all the help& support you provide 5. Splendor of Terek Khan’s performance is so obvious! 6. Godiwala Family - sponsors of Nov 4th 7. Thank you - Robert Larson and Roland Benjamin for a presentation on guaranteed income 8. Ku- sumben & Indiraben - Thank you for the generous contributions! 9. Well-dressed ISAA gentlemen ready to enjoy Terek Khan 10. These pretty, young and energetic ladies danced all night with Terek Khan.

n Oct 28, 2014, it was Young Scientist Challenge. respect for the seniors that eration and support received people were on the ball! ISAA Oa perfect day for pic- Congratulations! Pankaj Go- they deserve. It was once from the ISAA membership as appreciated all those who nic in the park. Over eighty diwala’s melodious songs again an electric “Thanksgiv- TEAM WORK what brought made the Nov.7th thanksgiv- friends gathered to celebrate helped ISAA celebrate Manub- ing”. Everyone had a ball en- the event’s success. It goes ing Gala a HUGE success in a the Fall Day. We had, as usu- hai’s 83rd birthday. Thanks to joying this superb artistic mu- without saying that the star of Hall Decoration, orderly dinner al, gota bhajiyas, and masala Manubhai’s family for spon- sical talent performed, which the evening was Terek Khan serving by men, Housekeep- chai. The tasty luncheon was soring today’s luncheon. A was extremely touching! The who is so passionate about ing help etc.. served later. Many heartfelt short silence was observed success was attributed to the the ISAA seniors.On Nov 11, On Nov 18, 2014, ISAA thanks to Umaben and her in prayers for Manjulaji, and ISAA seniors for making it pos- 2014, we celebrated Veter- members enjoyed playing team of volunteer family who Gokulji. Chhotubhai shared his sible to materialize in the way ans Day paying respects and cards and socializing on this teamed up in a short time to fill experience about keeping vital that resulted in to a HUGE suc- dignity our men and women in cold morning in November. in for Deviben who felt ill all of information handy in emergen- cess! Volunteers did a great uniform both here in the USA The attendance was sure in- a sudden. We wish Deviben a cies. ISAA makes this avail- job of decorating the hall with and in India. One of the main fluenced by the weather. As full and quick recovery. Rob- able to members from time to the atmosphere absolutely ap- highlights was the video pre- requested, two video clips ert Larson and Roland Ben- time. We need to pay attention propriate for the party! Team sentations on “Tribute to In- were shown - one on magic jamin made an educational to these. ISAA appreciated of well-dressed young smart dian Soldiers”, “Veteran’s Day ballet, and the other on “India and beneficial presentation on the planning , and execution and happy volunteer seniors Tribute” and ”J & K Flood Self- got talent”. The dancer in the establishing guaranteed life- skills demonstrated by BAPS proved gallantly that they are less Service by Indian Army”. second video had just one leg, time income for retirees. The volunteers during the Swami- no less! They served the food Another video clip was shown who showed Great Spirit and gentlemen from AXA LLC and narayan Temple inauguration. in an orderly manner providing Karmasya Kaushalya – PM Mr was inspirational. The main the Allstate Corporation joint- All the volunteers showed a everyone with the utmost sat- Modi telling a touching story attraction was “bingo”. Pra- ly sponsored today’s picnic. high level of dedication and isfaction. We have never seen of a polio suffering paralyzed fulbhai conducted it quite well. What followed was just fun- commitment through project such happiness on both sides boy wanting to live with dignity Prizes for the winners were jokes, songs and antahxari . work. This was real “seva” to of the food serving table. As and respect by earning money donated by Unarker family On Nov 04, 2014, one of the community. always, we are thankful to our smartly by offering shoe pol- who sponsored the luncheon the main highlights was the On November 07th, ISAA hosts - Holliday Inn, North for ishing services and do not live too. Narayanbhai, Dr. and Mrs. video presentation on Iron- presented proudly “Andaaz making all arrangements and a beggar’s life and spend time Tangri recently paid a visit to man Vallabhbhai Patel’s 148th Apna Apana’s” in celebration services with generosity of for the betterment of others! Gokulji who is in good spirit birthday. Sardar Patel was a of early Thanksgiving Gala love and care with respect for Jitubhai also presented a slide despite his poor health. He great freedom fighter who was Dinner & Dance. We thank ISAA seniors. To present pro- show of the Nov. 7th Thanks- has expressed a desire to see instrumental in uniting India Terek Khan and Kishore for grams like the Gala, it needs giving Gala D&D photos bring- and speak to the group, which for the first time. Minaben read volunteering again with a su- good planning ahead, work ing the fun-memories of the would be fulfilled by Jitubhai. two letters to her grandfather perb performance on this day, hard to organize the event and magnificent entertainment Announcements:The from Sardar Patel. A great trib- which was a beautiful gift of execute per plan in a profes- night enjoyment. Practically ISAA team thanks Chinubhai ute! Another video showed the entertainment to the ISAA se- sional manner that anyone fifty to fifty-five (50 to 55) peo- & Kusumben Patel and Indira- achievement of fourteen year niors. It was the night filled could be so proud of! We are ple were on the floor dancing ben Parikh for their invaluable Sahil Doshi who won the 2014 with esteemed love and high proud that the great coop- throughout the evening! Truly, donation of $500. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Spirituality SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 13 Spiritual Process As A Kind Of Agriculture

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev like a thunderclap. But in yoga, we turn ver fifteen thousand years ago, on enlightenment into a gradual process. Othe first full moon after the sum- When it is sudden, there is sometimes mer solstice, Adiyogi, the first yogi, the danger of leaving the body. So, in turned south and became Adi Guru, the yoga, we allow the individual to grow world’s first guru. It was on this day that stage by stage, from one level of reali- a radical exploration of the mechanics sation to the next. There is no sudden- of life unfolded on the planet. This was ness; no shock. the birth of yoga. This is a slow process. Flowers will To this very day, the period of Dak- bloom, but in yoga we are not bothered shinayana, the first six months after the about flowers. We are like gardeners. summer solstice in the northern hemi- The work seems to be dull. We plant the sphere, is considered to be the period seed. We don’t bother with the plant, ofsadhana or practice. The angle of flowers or fruits. Our hands are always the planet and the sun’s relationship of Uttarayana. The famous example port they offer. A wise farmer knows in the soil. We make a system out of with Earth ensure that there is natural is Bhishma, patriarch of the Mahab- how to harness the support of Nature gardening. You cannot make a science support for those practising any spiri- harata, who postponed his passing and the seasons. Similarly, spiritual as- out of blossoming flowers, but you can tual discipline. Several cultures, rang- and waited on a bed of arrows for Ut- pirants would be wise to make use of make a science out of gardening. Sup- ing from the Japanese to the Native tarayana, in order to shed his body. these last weeks preceding the winter pose I plant a hundred thousand trees American, have recognised this and The sadhanapada is held as the solstice to intensify their practice. Even and only one bloomed, could I call my- enjoined certain spiritual practices and most important phase in a yogi’s life, to attract Grace, you have to do the self a gardener? That single tree might observances at this time. and Adiyogi turned south when he be- right things! This is the time to water have bloomed even if I were not there. In yogic tradition, Dakshinayana gan teaching to emphasise this very the plants, to enrich the soil with ma- But if at least fifty thousand bloomed, I is seen as sadhanapada, the period point. Dakshinayana is for ‘doing’ and nure. Flowers and fruits are not of our could call myself a gardener. of practice, while Uttarayana, the six ‘effort’; Uttarayana is for ‘waiting’ and doing, but they will happen anyway as This is the difference between months following the winter solstice, is ‘grace’. If you do the right things now, a consequence of right action. yoga and other systems. If you do a seen as samadhipada or kaivalyapada, you will reap the right harvest later. The spiritual process is a kind of good job of your gardening, flowers will the period of enlightenment. It is not an Do planetary movements decide agriculture. The yogic system does not come anyway. This is yogic science, a accident that many yogis have attained our spiritual destinies? No. But it is believe in sudden enlightenment. In deep science. Significantly, the system to their ultimate state at the beginning good to make use of the natural sup- Zen, enlightenment happens suddenly, works even after the gardener is gone.

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Asian Professionals… ATODAY 14 • December 2014 SUCCESSFUL YOUNG ASIAN EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL INSPIRING FOUNDER OF THE MONDER LAW GROUP have known Vik Monder and cacy. Soon after procuring the Ihis parents – Dr. & Mrs. Chet law degrees, Vik started his Monder as very dear close own law firm The Monder Law friends and neighbors for the Group, which has been nation- last twelve years. Vik’s grow- ally acclaimed as one of the ing up, professional develop- top 40 trial lawyers under 40 ments and achievements are and has received the recogni- extremely impressive. The fol- tion as one of the 2015 rising lowing is Vik’s success story stars by Super Lawyers Maga- that he told me during our re- zine. Vik Monder also sits on cent conversation: the board of several recog- QUOTE: From a young nized organizations that have age I always knew I wanted to a significant presence in San be my own boss and own my Diego. own business. The safe play Monder has many fond would be to work for someone memories of his time at TJSL. who had all the knowledge and Vik says; “Thomas Jefferson know how. However, I never professors and clinical educa- took the conventional path in tion programs influenced and life. I started out in the private helped shape where I am now. equity business before enter- My professors come from the ing law school. I remember my most astounding schools like first interview at Merrill Lynch Attorny Vik Monder, Esq. Harvard, Stanford, and, Yale. I where they asked me to cold call learned from them a great deal a list of business executives on federal cases that I had no business that knowledge is power. When one is to recognize how to make great the spot in front of executives of Mer- taking in my first year of practice. In re- knowledgeable in the field of law, they arguments and understand the law. rill Lynch that I eventually worked for. turn, I received national trial awards for are more aware of their rights and bet- Professor Anders Kaye inspired me to I knew from that day that I enjoyed a my work at my 26 years of age. ter suited to protect themselves from enter the field of criminal law with his challenge. A professional should not only unfair treatment and punishment. elaborate discussions and great teach- If one does not keep challenging have confidence in their training but Criminal defense is a great way for me ing style. I soon realized that nothing is their limits in life, then they will always more importantly in themselves. I to provide my clients a service where I better than being your own boss.” Vik fall short of their full potential. We all wanted to push myself as a lawyer in can fight for them relentlessly. is considerate and humble enough to get scared but learning how to turn the my mid-twenties trying cases against The advice I give graduates and give back to his law school by offering unknown into a positive experience has seasoned lawyers at the height of their bar takers is to keep studying and externship opportunities to top tier law been my motivation. No one ever told careers. sharpening your skills, and within time students at TJSL. me how to run a business, get clients, I soon realized what I lacked in ex- you will be awarded the success you I take personal pride in submitting make money, and win cases. However, perience I made up in my preparation have been striving to attain. It took a lot this profile of Attorney Vik Monder be- these skills are directly correlated with and confidence in executing the task of work to finish law school, pass the cause at this very young age, Vik has my outlook on turning every unknown at hand. Notably, my adversaries have bar, and start my own law firm. Con- proven to be an outstanding human into an experience that I can learn become my close colleagues. fidence in your law school training will being and highly motivated success- something about myself. In life it is important to surround get you to the goals that you are hop- ful San Diego Criminal Attorney. He It is never about proving something yourself with people that push them- ing to reach.” Vik serves as the Princi- is highly knowledgeable, industrious, to others but only what one can prove selves to become the best in their field. pal and Managing Attorney of Monder very down to earth and incredibly mod- to themselves. In life we are taught This has enhanced my ability to per- Law Group. He and his group are dedi- est individual with solid self-confidence that education is everything. However, form to my full potential. I spent most of cated to utilizing all aspects of the judi- like his physician father. His accom- education only takes you so far. As an the early part of my career impressing cial process to achieve positive results. plishments at this very young age Indian-American we never will fall short those that I believed were the best in UNQUOTE are exemplary. Today, with his solid of achieving good grades and a profes- the business. Now when the best in the Vik Monder is a first generation strength in law with great competency sional degree. However, education is business are calling me up for my opin- born American whom has always un- and leadership skills, The Monder Law only the beginning of what I believe is ion, I realized I am now one of them. derstood the value in excelling scho- Group is one of the top rated Criminal the ticket to success. Once you reach a level of success lastically. Vik attended the University and DUI Defense Firms in Southern I achieved many awards scholas- you should always look for ways to of San Diego with a Bachelor of Busi- California. I am happy and proud to tically based on my performance in bless those around you. I have taken ness Administration in Finance and be closely associated with Vik’s fam- schools. However, the awards that I as- every opportunity to volunteer my time quickly thereafter pursued a law de- ily. Our continued good wishes and pire to ascertain now become geared and lecture in universities. I have taken gree at Thomas Jefferson School of blessings to Vik Monder. To learn more towards pushing me to new limits. This interns under my wing and showed Law (TJSL) in 2011. Vik received his about Vik, please visit www.monder- means taking cases that nobody in the them what nobody showed me in the masters in law (LL.M.) at California law.com office will take and doing my best in beginning of my career. I have learned Western School of Law in Trial Advo- Submitted by: Jitu C. Patel, CPEA winning them. I have tried high-profile www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 15

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Local Thoughts ATODAY 16 • December 2014 We only Preach, They Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev M.D., F. A.A. N. actually Practice! Phoenix, Arizona

very close Western acquaintance our Creator may not have a restful night Aof mine, who I’ve known for many in those structures. years and who I talk to at least three Our scriptures announce that to four times a week, casually informed the creator resides in its creation but me one day that his father, an elderly then it is the very same creation we man in eighties, had died the night attempt to harm by rampant corruption before. I was somewhat perplexed and in whatever other way possible. and, in fact, rather perturbed by his Discriminating against one another demeanor and the seeming apathy he merely on the basis of the womb from showed while talking about his father’s which one was born, has been our death. Finding him at work as usual just way of daily life, yet preaching equality after his father passed away a night always occupies the first item on our before was a behavior that was beyond religious agenda. Selection bias for my comprehension. As was relevant to jobs, education, and promotions is the occasion, I started to express my always caste-, clan-, and tribe-driven. sympathies but he simply responded This is not to say that the people of the by saying, “My father’s death was West don’t discriminate and undercut. their loved ones equally, if not more might have affected him adversely both expected for he had been in a nursing They, like us, may avoid the golden and become sad for their loss, but the physically and emotionally. home for some time.” He talked very ordinance of equality among mankind outward and open expression of grief in Mourning is not the only area in casually about the matter and tried but then laws of land in the West will a theatrical exaggerated pattern is not which Western culture seems to follow to maintain his cool as if nothing had prevent such individuals from getting that common. They are rather reserved our preachers’ advice better than we happened. too far with such actions. Killing an in their expressions. Using dark do. We consider ourselves to be the The behavior of this gentleman unborn female fetus in India these days glasses to avoid showing visible tears, most religious people on earth but the under the given circumstances sounded unfortunately seems to have become if any, and maintaining diminished eye ways we practice our faiths, in most a kind of alarm in me and made me somewhat common irrespective of the contact is a manifestation of such an of the circumstances, seem limited revisit our behavior as members of a fact that most of the deities we pray, attempt, at least the way I perceive it. to the ritual visits to religious places. discreet ethnic community. In Eastern happen to be females or goddesses. Their mannerisms on such occasions Being truthful to our work and work- way of thinking, the mind-set and On the other hand, Western people are equally sober and are; in fact, more place is what our faiths preach, but behavior of this gentleman could not often shower equal love to a baby girl. in line with what our religious scriptures when it comes to such practices, we have been considered normal. Yet no Our scriptures speak; we listen. have been advising us all along. completely fail in integrating, a truthful surprises were to be expected. He Listening to the scriptures and listening Our preachers have always been living. Spending time on coffee and was a true representative of Western routinely, not only on Sundays but reminding us in almost every sermon tea during work hours and putting culture, a culture that emphasizes day in and day out, both morning and that the Will of “the power that be” must stumbling blocks to the assigned work “practicality.”(For people of East, this evening is the norm with many of our be accepted by realizing this ultimate until our pockets are warmed, seem to kind of practicality is equivalent to being people; yet we don’t hear what is said. truth in total. And the truth is that every be the norm back home. cold). It didn’t exude the kind of depth The Westerners, on the other hand, living being must depart from this Earth. For instance, philanthropy in the in grief that Eastern people exhibit on not only listen seriously to theirs but in Time and again, we are bombarded form of sharing is always taught by such occasions, at least superficially, fact try to make an honest attempt to with the final truth that death merely our scriptures from day one. All men of notwithstanding the degree of internal understand the gist, take the message facilitates the release of the soul for its faith, and we had plenty of them, have pain that individuals of any ethnicity home and put into action, most of the ultimate journey to be with that source. promoted this concept. In fact, sharing and culture must experience with this times, if not always. Our lips do the It is the body, the outer shell that is only one’s blessings is part and parcel of kind of happening. In a way, it helped talking, while their actions try to speak. shed at the time of death. Therefore, every faith, yet relatively speaking, it me further dissect the attitudes of the Until and unless, we seriously too much of an outward expression of is the people of West who perhaps majority people of the West especially listen, follow the wisdom contained the grief with long and loud crying and adopt it more than others and may try when an elderly person passes away. in our scriptures and then try to act moaning is not to be encouraged and to plunge themselves fully into it. The The style of our outward expression upon that knowledge, there could be rather, sincere efforts must be made in likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet of grief that we project during passing no salvation. Merely preaching and accepting the Will. Yet, it is the Western have been taking care of educational, away of near and dear ones often not practicing won’t get us anywhere, culture and not ours that truly follows environmental, and health-related seems melodramatic when compared neither in this world nor in the world such an advice in its true spirit. needs not only of the communities to the West. We find it difficult to curtail beyond. Observing the behavior of my in their own countries but around the our tendencies to moan and groan *Author of 1. “Square Western acquaintance, it was all too world, including the Third World. loudly and openly when members of Pegs, Round Holes” www. obvious that despite his father’s recent And now compare them with our family and friends arrive to offer SquarePegsRoundHolesBook.com passing away, he was holding his own. our super-rich men. No doubt, they their condolences. The imagery of and 2. “Sikhism: Points to Ponder; While his behavior to me, an Easterner, also make efforts to perform acts of past moments that we spent together Perspectives of a Sikh Living Abroad,” seen in the light of my culture, sounded philanthropy but more often than not, with the deceased vividly begins to as well as a recently published somewhat aberrant; the truth of the their endeavors remain limited to surface in our minds once again like a masterpiece about the cross-cultural matter was that staying home wouldn’t building fancy temples, Gurdwaras, and fast-traveling train. Expression of grief dilemma of Indian subcontinent have served anyone, neither him nor his mosques. The houses of the Creator openly and loudly on such occasions is diaspora, 3. “One Coin, Two Sides,” For near and dear ones. On the contrary, should be beautiful but if the majority believed to act as a balm or catharsis. details of the this new book, please go any amount of moaning or crying loudly of the creation is left to suffer as slum No doubt the same happens among to the LINK http://inkwellproductions. and shedding tears at that moment dogs around those palace-like homes, people of the West. They too miss com/one-coin-two-sides.htm www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Coverage SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 17 Annual Interfaith Dinner Langar Seva by Phoenix Sikh Community Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, M.D.* Phoenix, Arizona

he Sikh community of Phoenix Tmetro in Arizona is very active in Inter-faith events. In fact, a contingent of four Sikh community members happens to be on its board for long time. The Sikh community has been performing Dinner Langar Seva for the annual event of “Experience Interfaith” where people belonging to different faiths take part. It takes place in Heritage Square, Downtown Phoenix, Arizona in the later part of October. Representing 25 different faiths, the movement has become a great vehicle for Sikh awareness through a selfless seva of Sikh Langar for the members of the different faiths. Close to 300 to 400 people belonging to different faiths show up to attend this evening. This year the event was celebrated on the evening of October 30, 2014. The Langar was donated by four Sikh owned restaurants i.e. the seva of taken their shoes off and a Sikh Ardaas including one member from every faith Guru Palace (Rana serving the has been performed. Those who could to discuss about a previously chosen Sodhi,) India Oven Langar. All not sit on floor, chairs were at hand. topic related to world conflict and (Sarabjit Singh Pappu,) who came Prior to serving Langar, the general how each faith can help Every one Indian Delhi Place to partake audience was informed by one of the truly enjoyed the Langar and learned (Harjit Singh Sodhi) and the freshly members about the Sikh faith and their about the Sikh faith, Sikh identity and India Palace (Manjinder p r e p a r e d unique tradition of Langar as well as their unique tradition of Langar. At the Singh). Freshly prepared hot Langar, its significance. Invocation was given end everybody thanked Sikhs for their items included Saag w e r e by small children belonging to Islamic, selfless service and hoped to have the (the spinach), Raaj requested Sikh and Hindu as well as Catholic same event once again come next year. Maah, Vegetable Pilaaf, to sit on faith. Chiraag Singh a young sikh boy ------Salad, Raita and Kheer the floor in of 10 performed the Ardas seva. Once *The author Dr. Jaswant Singh as well as Naans. A large contingent rows (Pangats) in the traditional Sikh the Langar had been served, several Sachdev serves as a Board Member of of Sikh members took part to perform way of serving Langar after they had groups of 6 people each were formed Arizona Interfaith Movement.

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Home & Garden ATODAY 18 • December 2014 Liven up your home with stylish planters

ive your small apartment some Ggreen therapy with a mini portable garden. Don’t have space for a garden? You can give your apartment some nat- ural green therapy with different kinds of planters that can give a refreshing look to your home. Most prefer simple and clutter-free spaces. The trend holds true even for your indoor mini-gardens in your ter- race, patio, your tiny balcony and also your living room. Elegance is definitely in and fussy elaborate gardens are out. Less is more here. Some of the you-can’t-go-wrong combinations of flowering and non- flowering plants, when placed in at- tractive planters, can do a lot for your home decor, and also speak about lead, it is ideal to choose plants that near your living room and let the fra- grow. your sense of style. are easy to grow and do not require a grance waft through. Plants with large leaves in over- With the trend of growing your own lot of care. Big leafy plants are about In your mini garden, incorporate sized containers look great in spacious organic herb garden at home really high style and sophistication and also a small portable fountain. These do living rooms. catching up, people residing in even are all-season. These can be used as not require much space and can add Grow useful herbs and vegetables the smallest of flats are opting for plant- focal points in your rooms or as exotic movement to your decor. But you must for your kitchen garden. Coriander, ba- ers that they can incorporate into their accents. Tropical plants are the best remember to recycle the water that is sil and other herbs not only look green existing decor. There are ones that can bet when you want something for large used, every day, so that it does not and pretty but are very useful too. To- be placed on window sills, or on table planters and containers. Ferns, snake become a breeding ground for mosqui- matoes, green chilli, wheatgrass, aloe tops. Some popular ones are the plant- plants and palms are ideal for homes toes. Enjoy the greenery! vera grow well in planters. ers that can be hung, since they are that have lots of open space and sun Indoor gardening for small spaces space-savers. a porch. You could also choose to put Tips for a pretty indoor garden is in, so use a variety of small contain- With the busy lives that most of us some lilacs or rose shrubs or peonies Choose plants that are easy to ers and hanging planters. 5 cool makeover How to tech up your home ne can’t stay away from technol- tips for your room Oogy and gadgets in today’s world and home is where tech magic can do nterior designer Rakshita Singh All about the ‘we’ not ‘me’: It’s not wonder. Igives some simple design tips that about his or her, BUT it’s about ‘WE’. Gadgets and gizmos have got can add some drama in your bedroom Opt for more neutral tones of colour such an intoxicating effect that once decor. like beige, purple and whites when you get a hang of the best of gizmos, When decorating your bedroom, renovating a room for a newly married you are forever looking for more tech- you need to make sure that your aes- couple. nologically advanced options to make thetics are in place and more impor- Add some romantic drama: Add life simpler. And a lot of tech state- tantly, you need to ascertain whether some extra canopy of cloth in your ment can be made when you load you want the bedroom to add your living space with more and more ‘me only’ look some drama advanced technology. Here is how for your bed- and closure. you can make your living space a te- room or the ‘we’ Choose and chie’s wonderland: tech option. look. Here are name your bed Think different Tech as mood elevator some simple sides before Even your bathroom can be a High end sound systems, home design tips that you get hitched tech hotspot as you make it a wi fi theatre system, LED installations also can add drama by putting the zone and install some of the best make for a good choice. Entertain- to your bedroom name above sound system, tablet recharge point. ment needs will definitely be comple- decor... your bed heads. A touch screen panel in your bedroom mented with a touch of advanced Keep the Make a is only going to enhance the tech ap- technology, what about an underwa- magic alive: cozy nook: Add- peal of your house. ter music system for your swimming Dedicate one wall of your room to ing a love seat in a bright and attrac- Apply innovative thinking pool. your partner with a large number of tive colour to your bedroom decor can Technology need not be limited to Explore tech devices tiny framed photographs in a heart jazz it up. your professional needs. Even your The options are aplenty when it shape. This will remind you of each Light it right: Add some drama kitchen can be made tech friendly comes to adding that magical touch other and the best times you have by adding tea lights and lamps in the zone. A touch screen panel with all of tech to your living space. Just one spent together. It will also help to keep corner of your rooms. It does make it the cooking apps and handy instruc- needs to explore more options avail- the magic alive. romantic. tion sheets can make for a wonderful able in the market. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Coverage SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 19

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Continued from page 1 ATODAY 20 • December 2014 Glimpse of Yuba City Nagar Kirtan

www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Continued from page 1 SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 21

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Local Coverage ATODAY 22 • December 2014 Life of an Indian Lady—Tough as Nails, Soft as Petals arla Pandit has been an Arizona given up for the independence struggle Sresident for almost a decade. She his college educationat Banares Hindu was born in Nairobi Kenya in 1925. She University,her husband had no degree was the oldest of eight siblings. Kenya or skills to boast about. So, Sarla used was then a British colony, where she her degree in music to earn a living by and the entire Indian community tasted singing on All India Radio. Meanwhile, racial discrimination first hand. People her husband did odd jobs to make ends of color were not allowed in restaurants meet. They were blessed with a boy and other public places that were for and a girl. With the family thus com- Whites only. They had segregated plete, they worked their way steadily up schools, neighborhoodsand bazars. the socio-economic ladder. He worked While she was still a child at school, variously as a medical representative, she along with her class mates, partici- a manager at Modi mills, regional man- pated in protest marches through the ager for Hind Traders and managing streets of Nairobi in support of the Quit director of British India Corporation. India Movement carrying the Indian tri- marily to paralyze the British war effort. dom struggle and was in Lahore at the Given his political connections as a color. So, almost immediately after the wed- time of Independence. Nobody had freedom fighter, many a times he was After the outbreak of World War-II ding ceremonies, her husband disap- expected Punjab to be divided so as to offered positions in the diplomatic core. (WW-II), the family moved to India be- peared into thin air. Sarla neither knew put Lahore in Pakistan. So, he along But he decided against that in the in- cause all the schools were closed and her husband’s whereabouts, nor saw with his Hindu and Sikh friends had to terest of his children’s future. Together the class-rooms were converted into him for four years. flee from Lahore at midnight on August they built a home in the outskirts of military barracks. The British military Her life was transformed into that 14, with nothing but the clothes on their New Delhi—on subsidized land allo- was stationed there to fight invasions of a housemaid overnight. The living backs. After a grueling 4 years of hard- cated to refugees, with subsidized loan by Italians coming from the north. conditions were rather primitive with ship, coupled with nervous uncertainty, from the Government of India. While in India, the family lived in no electricity or running water. As a her husband finally showed up empty- Despite a busy day at home, she their ancestral home in Porbander, daughter-in-law she was expected handed, but a free man. Nevertheless, saved time to choreograph garba Gujarat. Sarla, along with her siblings to perform all the house-work: cook, there was much rejoicing upon his safe dance during every Navratri season. attended school in the city. Being the clean, hand-wash the days’ clothes, return. She is pictured,fourth from the right— oldest, she was often recruited to help fetch water from the well, among oth- The beautiful, rosy-cheeked Sarla with her friends before one such per- around the house. This meant, fetch- ers. According to the family custom, that he had married had changed over formance. She was much in demand ing water from the family well, cooking the kitchen floors had to be washed the years: she looked emaciated with for her singing and garba dance skills and cleaning. with bare hands without the help of sunken cheeks and eyes, and had very within the Gujarati community in New By the end ofWW-II, Sarla had mops or brooms. Every evening she unhealthy teeth; obviously a victim of Delhi. She even served as a judge on turned into a beautiful young sixteen- was required to clean the oil lamps malnutrition, not from lack of financial numerous occasions for garba compe- year old, with her thick black hair ex- and fill them with kerosene. The only strength of the family. It was then that titions. tending well below her knees. It was saving grace was her father-in-lawwho he decided to take his young bride Sarla was a devoted wife and time, back in those days, to pick a was a contemporary of Mahatma Gan- away and settle in New Delhi. mother. She always put the needs of suitable boy. A few months later she dhi. He was very progressive for his Sarla and her husband started the rest of the family before her own was married to the boy she picked times, and insisted on a higher educa- literally from scratch. They rented needs. She saved every paisa so that from a selection of several prospective tion forSarla. But that did not translate a one room-one kitchen third floor her son and daughter could have the matches. After her marriage the fam- into less housework. In fact it burdened penthouse apartment in a multifamily best education. The boy became an ily moved back to Kenya, leaving Sarla her even more. Only after all the morn- home. It may sound like paradise, but electrical engineer from IIT- Delhi, and alone in India. She was in for a few ing chores were done, she could go to with doors and windows as porous as later obtained an MBA from the Insti- shocks! school, often late for her first class; a sieve, it was blazing hot in summers tute of Management in Ahmedabad. Shemoved to Bhavnagar, the and only after all the days chores were and freezing cold in winters. Worse The daughter became a physician. home of her in-laws. The boy she mar- done she could do her homework, of- yet, there was no running water on She lost her husband at the age of 58. ried was a freedom fighter involved ten extendinginto the night, literally their floor. That meant Sarla and her Today Sarla is 89 years old, and with the Indian National Army (INA). burning the midnight oil. Sarla gradu- husband had to lug buckets of water lives with her daughter in Phoenix AZ. Little did she or anybody in the family ated with honors, and was praised by for their use every day. Toilet facili- She counts her blessings every day, know that he was “WANTED – DEAD the school principal at her graduation ties had to be shared with other ten- and never laments the hardships she OR ALIVE” for involvement in bomb- ceremony, as a model to emulate. ants on the second floor. Despite such faced in her early life. She enjoys the ings of bridges and airport hangers in Meanwhile her husband had sur- hardships, they spent very happy and friendship of her friends at ISAA, and central India. INA’s mission was pri- vived doing odd jobs during the free- memorable days together. Having the love of her family.

www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Local Coverage SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 23

kashyaya Patra (AP) [Sanskrit= AInexhaustible vessel] is a non- profit organization that runs free mid- day school lunch program for public [Government funded] schools in India. It was started in year 2000 under the leadership of DeshDeshpande who serves as USA Board Chairman; its headquarters are located in Banga- lore, India. It is the world’s largest non- profit, mid-day meal program serving food to over 1.4 million children from 10,661 schools across 10 states in In- dia by year 2014. Today there are ten states with two dozen centralized, fully mechanized kitchens. From procure- ment of raw materials to packaging the Akshaya final meal, heavy industrial equipment has been modifiedto mass produce the cooked meal which id then deliv- ered by trucks. For example, conveyor Patra belts are used to generate 60,000 roti’s in one hour [see roti making machine in piture]. AkshayaPatra serves a dual pur- pose: 1). provide a wholesome mid- day meal to poor children, and 2). in- sure school attendance. The program serves an all-you-can-eat wholesome the program, there is increased enroll- the awareness of the program within Office# : +1 781 438 3090 ext. 1 meal. Often that is the only meal for ment, increased attendance, decread- the Indian Diaspora in Arizona. Those Mobile# : +1 781 462 8454 some children. Parents see the long ed drop-outs, improved performance interested in finding out more about the Fax : 781 481 9155 term benefit of sending their sons and improved overall health of children. program, please contact: E-mail: [email protected] daughters to school instead of helping On November 8, 2014, members The AkshayaPatra Foundation It only costs $15 to feed a child for generate income for the family or do- of the organization and local volunteers USA, 92 Montvale Avenue, Suite 2500 one year. Below is a breakdown of the ing household chores. As a result of attended a dinner planned to increase Stoneham, MA 02180 - USA expenditure.

1. Mr. Clinton serves food to the school children 2. Mr. Clinton is greeted by children 3. Mr. Clinton and Mr. Desh- pande watching a cultural program 4. Bill Clinton, former President of the US, visited the AkshayaPatra kitchen in Jaipur as part of a three-day tour. Mr. Clinton watches a fully mechanized roti making machine. Photographs courtesy of:http://www.akshayapatra. org/ Submitted by Mini Sarla www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Fashion ATODAY 24 • December 2014 Metrosexual is so passé: Beard is the new sexy

akub Marczewski grew a beard six Chanza, a 31-year-old master barber Jyears ago because he was too lazy from Spain who trains professionals. to shave. Now he finds himself in the Sporting both a handlebar moustache middle of a global trend. and a substantial beard, he said the The 21-year-old got his hair and embrace of facial hair reflected a rejec- beard trimmed at a new shop with a tion of the previous clean-shaven me- hip retro vibe, the Barberian Academy trosexual ethos. & Barber Shop, which opened in War- Now facial hair is hugely popular saw last month to serve the growing across Western Europe, especially in number of Polish men with facial hair. fashion-conscious Paris. And across A revival in the culture of barbering in the globe, it’s the month of “Movem- this Eastern European capital is just ber” - when men are encouraged to one sign of how popular beards have grow a mustache to raise awareness become, with actors, athletes and hip- and funds for men’s health issues. sters leading the way. Piotr Zuchowski, manager of the “Worldwide, we are at the height Warsaw shop, said barbering is re- of facial hair,” said Allan Peterkin, a viving after vanishing during Poland’s Toronto psychiatrist and author of One communist era. Although democracy Thousand Beards: A Cultural History of leader Lech Walesa sported an impres- Facial Hair. “It’s a delightful expression sive walrus moustache, most commu- of masculinity, but not a super-macho nist-era workers were clean-shaven. expression.” Peterkin said the popularity of fa- After World War II, men were cial hair has always been cyclical. mostly clean-shaven, reflecting a mili- slowly spreading to the point that now formist look as they reinvented them- “When something once edgy be- tary ethos that came to dominate cor- the mountain man beard is all the rage selves. comes so commonplace, like tattoos, it porate life, Peterkin said. Over the next across North America. “To grow a beard is to start a new loses its edge,” he said. “If every guy decades facial hair was adopted by The 2008 financial crisis added to life and to have more confidence in across generations is doing it, then outcast groups like beatniks and hip- the beard momentum, with some men yourself. You look a little older, so peo- there is going to be a shift back to pies. Since the mid-1990s, it has been who lost their jobs ditching the con- ple have more respect,” said Salvador clean shaven-ness.” No time like winter to step out in shimmery sequin hen it comes to evening with a tame and understated Wattire, little black dress- top for an interesting contrast. es aren’t the only way to make Fans of colorful sequins will an impression. And there’s no appreciate the blue and grey time like the winters to step number from By Zoé (price out in something more daz- available on request). And zling. These shimmery skirts purists who insist on gold for and dresses are just the thing. the holidays need look no fur- ther than Zara (Zara, €49.95/ Gold around $60). For fans of strapless dresses, Maud & Marjorie de- Maxi signed a festive number in a Increasingly popular in fabric that calls to mind a me- recent years, maxi dresses tallic, gold and black leopard now seem to be here to stay. print. Decorated with sequins, floor- The expert draping and length gowns become more velvet sash make the dress dramatic than ever. For a elegant enough for holiday look that’s guaranteed to get parties, while the short skirt noticed, ASOS has covered keeps things sexy (Maud & a maxi-length kimono in gold Marjorie, €499). sequins of different sizes (All Meanwhile, Marks & Over Sequins Kimono Maxi, Spencer’s gold tunic dress ASOS Premium, €215/around sticks to simpler tailoring, let- $270). No less elegant, a ting the sequins do all the talk- Colors Like a scarab’s shell, the Skirts dress from New Look uses ing. Gold isn’t the only color sequins reflect different col- Of course, the all-over glittery details slightly more This flashy piece can be that shimmers and shines. ors depending on the light, sequins look is not for every- sparingly. Concentrated in a worn with a pair of black tights Primark’s latest collection in- an effect that is bound to turn one. For those who prefer pattern centered on the bust to tone down the look (M&S cludes an alluring mini-dress heads on the dance floor (Pri- something more subtle, there area, the sequins trail off Collection, Marks & Spencer, covered entirely in iridescent mark, €28/around $35, from is always the option of a se- closer to the hem. (New Look, €86.95). green sequins. mid-November). quined miniskirt, to be paired €129.99/around $160). www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Culture SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 25 Now, Bengal puppetry for a cause

puppet play with traditional pup- Apetry artists from West Bengal on Nov 28 will highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and nature. Christened ‘Poochne Vala Kaun’, the play will be performed by the Kolk- ata-based NGO Rahales Little Theatre (RLT) at the Indian Council for Cultur- al Relations, Kolkata for children and adults. “We are reinventing a tradition- al art to bring a modern message. Through unique choreography, masks and live acts, the musical performance will give out the message of how man can be destructive to nature but it can also unify to save it. The play is meant for families and is symbolic and meta- phorical,” Rachel MacBean, director of RLT, told IANS. MacBean has been breathing life into the artform since the last three de- cades and over the years has also de- signed special puppets. Traditionally, in Bengal, puppets are of four types - shadow, rod, gloves and string. She works with the artists from Bengal’s Midnapore district. “Puppets are not just for children. Adults enjoy it too and it can be a tool for mass communication as well as training,” she said. Playing it well: The strength of women in adversity

dapted from The House of still face today. It shows what ABernarda Alba by Span- women go through when they ish dramatist, Federico Garcia are deprived of basic free- Lorca, a play in town presents dom,” says the director of the a potent study of six women play, Sohaila Kapur, adding, mourning the loss of the pa- “Understanding the repres- triarch. These women are not sion is key to understanding allowed contact with the out- the characters as well as the side world by Bebe, the matri- play itself.” arch of the house. “Getting to be a part of Originally based in ru- such a powerful concept and ral Spain, the play Bebe ka to sing and act both, is an ex- Chamba, has been adapted perience in itself. I loved every in Hindustani to the times of moment of this experience, newly-partitioned Punjab and and hope the audiences love deals with themes of tragedy, it as much,” says Madan Bala, tradition, authoritarianism and who has composed the music the oppression of women. for the play. The story deals with wom- Catch it live en and the growing tension What: Bebe ka Chamba, between them due to their a play. confinement and how the cha- When and where: No- os of the partition transforms vember 26 at the Epicentre, into the chaos within them as Gurgaon. 7.30pm onwards/ they battle subjugation, rising November 29 and 30 at the sexual desires and the long- Stein Auditorium, Indian Habi- ing for freedom. tat Centre, Lodhi Road, 7pm “The play might have its roots set in the time of parti- tion, but it deals with emotions and situations which women onwards. www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Food ATODAY 26 • December 2014

f there is a brand name that links di- Irectly to Punjab’s sweet tooth, it is Foodie trail of Jalandhar Lovely. The Jalandhar-based Lovely Lovely Bake Studio. Sweets Mall has over the last five de- “We have introduced a lot of new cades mastered the art of tickling the things to keep pace with tastes and taste buds of people across northern times. We brought in the sweets mall India, particularly in Punjab. concept, have opened a 24-hour Famous for its ‘moti-chur’ ladoos sweets shop and introduced a new over the years, Lovely Sweets is no brand - Lovely Imagination - for plan- longer confined to one popular item ning theme-based events. We have alone. It now offers over 250 varieties also ventured into bakery items,” Na- of sweets, besides other snacks and resh Mittal’s son Shaishav Mittal, 32, salted eatables. who has done his MBA from the United It offers over 25 types of ladoos, States and has joined the family’s tra- including 10 varieties made in rich desi ditional business, told IANS. ghee. “We are bringing in the changes “When my father, Baldev Raj, start- and introducing new concepts to ca- ed our first shop in 1961 in Jalandhar ter to needs of the present genera- Cantt, there were only four items avail- tion. There is a slight decline in the able and the ladoos and barfi were the consumption of sweets as people are most popular. The second generation The sweets mall, a unique six-floor the moti-chur ladoos, desi ghee la- becoming more health conscious,” of our family initially added 20-odd building on Jalandhar’s ever-busy Na- doos, pinni and barfi variants. We even Shaishav, a third generation entrepre- items. More varieties of sweets were kodar Road, is a full-fledged complex have a ‘Ramdev barfi’ (named after neur in the Lovely family, added. added later. Our third generation has which offers sweets, snacks, other eat- famous Yoga guru Ramdev) for health The Lovely Group is now not only introduced modern sweets which are ables, hundreds of types of packings, and yoga enthusiasts. It is made from known for sweets. The Lovely Profes- liked by people,” Lovely Sweets Mall theme-based planning and packaging ghiya (gourd),” Mittal said. sional University (LPU), located near owner Naresh Mittal told IANS here. for special occasions like weddings, From budget packs of sweets Phagwara town, is one of the biggest “He (Baldev Raj) was a ‘chai-pani’ ring ceremonies, festivals and even which start from just Rs.20 to sweets leading private universities in the coun- contractor for the army and an army baby-showers - all under one roof. boxes that cost over Rs.3,000 each, try with over 30,000 students, including officer used to request him to bring While the traditional sweets con- Lovely Sweets caters to all sections, many from abroad. The Lovely group, sweets from a particular popular shop tinue to attract hundreds of the sweets pockets and tastes. which had ventured into automobile in Lahore in those days (before inde- mall each day, the place offers choco- Keeping in tune with changing business (two-wheelers and cars) in pendence). That is perhaps where lates, modern dry fruits and platters for tastes, particularly of the younger gen- the 1990s, opened its first retail store the foundation of our sweets business weddings and other occasions. eration, the Lovely brand has even here last week. started,” Mittal said. “The highest selling items remain ventured into bakery products with its White cup makes your coffee more intense an the colour of the mug influence the taste of your coffee? Yes, say Cresearchers, suggesting that coffee tastes more intense when served in a white cup. The idea for the study came to Australian researcher George Van Doorn who was told by Barista Lavazza, one of the biggest coffee restaurant chains, that “when coffee is consumed from a white, ceramic mug, it tastes more bitter than when drunk from a clear, glass mug”. Van Doorn and his colleagues put the theory to test by offering 36 vol- unteers coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk in three differ- ent coloured mugs - white, blue and transparent. People who drank from the white mug rated the coffee as more intense and less sweet than when served the same beverage in a blue or transpar- ent cup. “These results support the view that the colour of the mug should be considered by those serving coffee as it can influence the consumer’s mul- tisensory coffee drinking experience,” Van Doorn pointed out. The authors concluded that colour contrast between the coffee and the white cup offers one explanation for the results: When coffee was perceived as darker it could influence how people found the taste to be stronger. The results of the study were published in the journal Flavour.

www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 27 ‘Vape’ is dictionary word of the year

alk about lingo being the sign of the Pattinson is said to have smoked too Ttimes. The Oxford Dictionary has many e-cigarettes at one point, going just come up with ‘vape’ as the word up to four per day. of the year. - Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was re- It means ‘to inhale and exhale the ported to have sparked up an e-ciggie vapor produced by an electronic ciga- at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards. A rette or similar device’. It’s no surprise group of US senators took the Golden that the word has emerged winner Globes to task for showing celebrities beating others, as e-smoking after the puffing on these cigarettes at the show, rise and rise of the fad everywhere. Of saying such depictions glamorised course, reactions to it have been mixed smoking. with some warning that it cannot veer anyone away from the habit of lighting Other runner-up words up, with others arguing it is less harm- Bae: A term of endearment term ful and could actually help folks do so. for one’s romantic partner, could well Here’s more on it... be a shorter version of baby or babe. Contactless: Has one of the most What’s the draw about? popular usages as it describes technol- Resembling white sticks, these e- ogy that lets you connect wirelessly for cigarettes look taste and feel almost placement therapies like patches or that could cause inflammation and lead anything, like making a payment, etc. like the real thing. They atomize water gum. The research, chiefly funded by to heart trouble. Normcore: A fashion movement in and nicotine to result in a vapor, which Cancer Research UK, suggests that which ordinary, unfashionable clothing is like smoking a cigarette, but without e-cigarettes could play a role in reduc- Hollywood tries vaping! is worn as a deliberate statement. burning any tobacco, and they leave ing smoking rates. But there’s also - Johnny Depp was seen puffing Slacktivism: Refers to actions no after taste. currently no evidence that says e-cig- away on an e-cigarette in the film The that are performed via the Internet in One study pointed out that for arettes are completely safe. Tourist. support of a political or social cause, those people trying to quit the smok- - Katherine Heigl also was seen but regarded as requiring little time or ing habit without seeking professional Watch out! ‘smoking’ one on her holiday in Miami involvement, e.g. signing an online pe- help, were 60% likelier to do so with A report points out that e-cigarettes with her husband. tition or joining a campaign group on a e-cigarettes, than using nicotine re- contain chemicals and lung irritants - As per a report, actor Robert social media website.

www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Local Thoughts ATODAY 28 • December 2014 Real Estate News of Arizona - December 2014

By Arti Iyer ABR, CFS,CSSN growth. The job GSEs (Govern- Ln in Goodyear from Desert Troon Com- market has con- ment-Sponsored panies Inc for $12 million, or about $267 Hello Friends, sistently shown Enterprises) to per square foot. The 45,000squarefoot, t’s that time of the year in the strength in the develop guide- freestanding retail building was con- Ivalley that suddenly the hot sum- past six months. lines for loan to structed in 2009 on 11.6 acres in the mer days seems all worth it and long The median price ratios. Federal Goodyear Retail submarket of Maricopa forgotten. Nice crisp winter mornings, for an existing regulators are County. The property was 100 percent cold days with the perfect sun and re- home in October proceeding with leased to LA Fitness on a triple-net basis laxed evenings, all indicates the holiday was $208,300, new rules that can at the time of sale. season has arrived. Time to unwind and which is 5.5 per- ease guidelines Herbally YoursInca manufacturer spend some quality time with the family cent higher than for banks sell- of nutritional supplements and skin as well as time to round up how our real it was a year ago. ing mortgages, care products, has purchased the in- estate market performed for this year. According to which could mean dustrial building at 150 NSunway Dr in According to National Association of Freddie Mac, the fewer borrowers Gilbertfrom State Tool & Manufacturing Realtors across US, the sales of existing 30years, conven- will need to make Company for $1.5 million or $100 per homes rose to an adjusted annual rate tional, fixed-rate heavy down pay- square foot. The 15,000squarefoot of 5.26 million in October from 5.18mil- mortgage in Oc- ments. These manufacturing building was constructed lion in September, and now above year tober dropped to changes might in 1996 on 1.4 acres in the Chandler over year levels for the 1st time since 4.03 percent, its be coming in the North/ Gilbert Industrial last October, due to lower interest lowest level since next year will sure submarket. rates, more inventory and stable price June 2013 (4.07 to make a differ- SPL Real Estate p e r c e n t) , a n d ence. Also, it can & Management Coac- By Holly Parsons down from 4.16 be a possibility quired the 120unit Dob- percent in September.The percent share with clear lending policies, lower down son Springs Apartment of first-time buyers in October remained payment requirements and an improv- Homes at 1325 WGuadalupe Rd in at 29 percent for the fourth consecutive ing job market coupled with pent-up Mesa from Bruckal Properties USA month; first-time buyers have repre- demandforMillennials and boomerang Incfor $9.12 mil-lion, or $76,000 per sented less than 30 percent of all buyers buyers, as they are the next growing unit. Built in 1980, the garden-style, in 18 of the past 19 months. phase we will be seeing which can 102,600-square-foot multifamily com- Distressed homes like foreclosures change the market demand. munity sits on 4.5 acres. It is com- and short saleswere in the single-digits Now let’s take a look on commercial prised of 18 one-bedroom and 102 for the third month this year, decreasing side- two-bedroom apartments across five to 9 percent in October from 10 percent A joint venture between Hensel threestory buildings. The complex has in September; they were 14 percent a Phelps Development and Karlin Real been extensively remodeled, inside and year ago. Seven percent of October Estate acquired 2.51 acres at the south- out, during the past four years. Spirituality sales were foreclosures and 2 percent west corner of Mill Aveand Rio Salado Whitestone REIT has acquired two were short sales. Foreclosures sold for Pky in Tempe from Mi-chael Monti’s community shopping centersTowne If ever I wonder if God is alive an average discount of 15 percent be- Restaurant & Catering for $16.88 mil- Center and The Promenade at Fulton Turn off my eyes low market value in October (14 percent lion, or about $6.7 million per acre. Ranch in Chandler from RED Develop- That I might witness the memory of in September), while short sales were The site is currently home to Hayden ment for an aggregate $47.85 million, darkness dis-counted 10 percent (14 percent in House, the oldest structure in Metro- or approximately $226 per square foot. And forget the colors of life September) as per national data.. politan Phoe-nix, it was built in 1873. The two assets are located within Fulton Now let’s look at the October sales It evolved from a Sonoran row house Ranch, a 520acre, highend lakefront If ever I stand in denial of the end- of Residential Homes in Maricopa that was in the Hayden family until 1924 lifestyle village. less life of my soul county- when a restaurant began its operation. Rosebud LLC sold the 150unit Hid- Turn off my mind ● Total sales for Single Family, The historic structure will be preserved den Cove apartments to Coastal Group That I might witness the memory of Town homes, Condos for October were and repurposed as a destination res- for $7.75 million, or approximately insanity 5,427 whereas September was 5,514 taurant. The new owners are planning $52,000 per unit. Located at 2001 W And forgo intuition and August were 5,702 a $200 million mixeduse creative office Union Hills Dr in Phoenix, the multifam- ● The Active listings for October and lifestyle hotel development on the ily community was built in 1984 on 4.7 If ever I wonder if love is eternal were 28,010 whereas September was 2.51acre parcel considered the gateway acres. It is comprised of 36 studios, 78 Turn off my heart 21,500 and Au-gust was 26,905 to Tempe’s downtown core. The site is one-bedroom, and 36 two-bedroom That I might witness the memory of ● Pending sales for October were less than one block from Phoenix’s light models. fear 4,683 whereas September was 4,972 rail system, across from Tempe Beach Hope this article gives you a peek And forget the sacred tenderness of and August was 4,904 Park and Tempe Town Lake. in what’s happening in our valley. As unity please see the chart below, October Emma CapitalInc has acquired the always, I love all the questions, com- cash sales were higher than from past Cedar Court Apartments at 5215 W Peo- ments & feedback. Please keep them If ever I wonder of the virtue of truth few months. Though Industry critics are ria Ave in Glendale from Cedar Court coming at [email protected] or call me Corrupt my senses saying thattough lending standards are Condos LLLP for $6.25 million. The at 480.242.8573 That I might witness the memory of preventing the housing market from 116unit is 77,552squarefoot multifamily Disclaimer: This article makes no deceit making a full recovery, because of the community was built in 1986 and sits on representation or warranties of any And forget who I am many would-be homeowners that are 4.1 acres in the Maryvale/GreenBrier kind as to the accuracy of the data. The being excluded. The Federal Housing Groves submarket. It is comprised of source of data has been taken from Finance Agency (FHFA) is working to 80 one-bedroom and 36 two-bedroom several sources such as Armls, crom- By Holly Parsons © 2010 expand availability for mortgage credit models. ford report, Costar, Globest, BizJournal, ©Holly A. Parsons 2010 and is working out risk with Fannie Mae A Californiabased investor acquired Newsgeni, Realty times, azcentral, wall and Freddie Mac. FHFA is working with the LA Fitness building at 1382 S Cotton street journal. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Calendar of Events SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 29 DECEMBER 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 * Ungli * Undile Manchi * Karthigai Kalam Mundu Deepam Kaaviya Munduna Celebrations Thalaivan Action Jackson Action Jackson

Undile Manchi Kalam Mundu Munduna

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 * Discover India

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 * Sri Sarada Devi * Swami Ayyappa Birthday Puja Special Mandala Puja Celebration

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 * Watch Night Service (Dec 31st 11:15 PM)

"Courtesy of www.azindia.com" www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA star Monthly ATODAY 30 • December 2014 pend time with friends and isputes may start because void boredom by being cre- Srelatives. Travel for plea- Dof a lack of honesty. Col- Aative in your endeavors. sure. Your fun loving approach leagues may try to undermine Real estate ventures will be to will be admired and appreci- you. You are best not to dis- your ad vantage. You will upset ated by others. Your uncanny cuss your personal life with oth- your partner if you have spent insight will help you make the ers. Minor health problems will money on things that aren’t nec- right choices. Talking to those cause setbacks if you haven’t essary. Your self esteem will you trust and respect will help taken proper care of yourself. benefit. Friends will be loyal and ARIES you sort out any problems. TAURUS Your luckiest events this month GEMINI caring. Your luckiest events this Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. month will occur on a Saturday. will occur on a Sunday.

Mar 21 April 21 May 21 to to to Apr 20 May 20 June 21

our partner may blame you hrow yourself into your ake advantage of money- Yfor everything. Don’t push Twork. You’re in the mood to Tmaking ventures. The locks, your luck with your boss. Refuse do things such as competitive stove, gas, or electric wires may to get involved in idle chatter; it sports, or perhaps a night on not be secure. It might be time will only make you look bad. Sit- the town. Your professional at- to shake a leg and do a per- uations in your personal life are titude will not go unnoticed. You sonal makeover. Family may moving a little fast lately. Your will be able to enlist the help of not want to get involved but an luckiest events this month will colleagues who believe in your entrepreneur will. Your luckiest CANCER occur on a Saturday. LEO ideas. Your luckiest events this VIRGO events this month will occur on month will occur on a Monday. a Thursday.

Jun 22 Jul 23 Aug 24 to to to Jul 22 Aug 23 Sep 23

our self esteem will ben- ou will find travel and lec- ou may divulge private in- Yefit. Friends will be loyal Ytures most stimulating. If Yformation without realizing and caring. Your need to obtain you put your energy into physi- it this month. Don’t jump too additional details will lead you cal outlets you will avoid con- quickly if someone tries to make into strange topics of conver- frontations. You may blow situ- you join in on their crusade. You sation. Channel your energy ations out of proportion when may have more to do with chil- into projects that will enhance dealing with the one you love. dren this month; keep an open LIBRA your home. Go with the flow SCORPIO Don’t blow situations out of pro- SAGITTARIUS mind. You’re not your usual self and don’t be concerned about portion or you could find that this month. Your luckiest events your own job. Your luckiest others will misinterpret what this month will occur on a Tues- events this month will occur on really happened. Your luckiest day. a Thursday. events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Sep 24 Oct 24 Nov 23 to to to Oct 23 Nov 22 Dec 21

our partner may make you nvolvement with prestigious on’t let your emotions take Yfeel jealous and unloved. Iorganizations will be to your Dover. Catch up on your read- Positive changes regarding advantage. You can accomplish ing and correspondence. Involve- your personal status are evi- the most if you travel for busi- ment in financial schemes will be dent. Tempers may flare if you ness purposes. Lack of cash followed by losses. Don’t settle for haven’t been completely honest might be partly to blame for the less than the best. Your luckiest about your intentions or your problems at home. Residential events this month will occur on a CAPRICOM whereabouts. You are best to AQUARIES moves will be in your best in- PISCES Tuesday. deal with those outside your terest. Your luckiest events this family. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. month will occur on a Saturday.

Dec 22 Jan 22 Feb 20 to to to Jan 21 Feb 19 Mar 20 www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Literature SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 31 Aila! Sachin Tendulkar POET OF MONTH stumped by online book leak Ilyse Kusnetz lyse Kusnetz is the author of ISmall Hours, winner of the T.S. Eliot prize for poetry. Her po- ems, essays and reviews have appeared widely in the United States and Great Britain. Her ar- eas of interest include contem- porary American and Scottish poetry, and she is currently guest-editing a Scottish poetry issue of the Atlanta Review. She teaches at Valencia College. Ideal City, Dream Sequence

In the beginning, I’m a miniscule confluence of brushstrokes, strolling through the square of Fra Carnevale’s Ideal City, past the modest fountain and puzzled geometry of rhomboids, octagons, stone columns branching into chess pieces, a robed paladin, sword and shield upraised. Jostling in the background, the Coliseum and Arc de Triomphe like two fans in the stands at a football match. I vanish, then reappear, apparitional in the domed reading room of the old British library. Librarians squint over their bifocals at me. he world of cricket has been divided into two spreading like wildfire through social media. Schiller and Schopenhauer argue soundlessly in teams. One team is reading their recently We tried contacting Karthik R Kattimani, T one corner, their hands ambered into bird-like bought copies of Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiog- who first shared the PDF on his WordPress blog, flapping as they punctuate an unknowable point. raphy, Playing It My Way, in a hard-bound copy, but he remained unavailable. The publishers I sink down. Sub-basement after sub-basement, while the other part is busy enjoying a free, confirmed that no prior permissions were sought on lecterns gargantuan tomes sigh, pirated PDF version that was doing the rounds by him before uploading the document. levered open, each cupping a different century – on the Web until just yesterday. Fans have mixed reactions to the e-leak. Scotland’s Enlightenment glinting like a razor, “We’re making all efforts to pull it off the “Honestly, I had no clue if it was uploaded of- the Sun King playing human chess Web,” said the spokesperson for the book’s pub- ficially or unofficially. It’s Sachin’s book and it’s in the gardens at Versailles, da Vinci sketching lisher, Hachette, shortly before it was taken off. free!” says Sudhir Vij, 25. Pratik Gupta, 27, says, wings, propellers, a dozen airy permutations, The damage, though, seemed to have been “Nah, I didn’t settle for it. The delight of holding Zheng He and Henry the Navigator done by then, with the word about the e-book the original in your hands is incomparable.” sailing toward the slow fires of empire. Some centuries are backward, as in a kind of reverse time lapse – vapors of Black Death reinhaled into a hundred thousand peasants’ lungs, Marco Polo, Khublai Khan, Haakon Haakonsson shrunken and curled into contemplative embryos, Nalanda rising from its broken stones. Further on, Murasaki Shikibu’s quill hovers above The Tale of Genji. A Benedictine monk ornaments the letter “O” in ruby, emerald, gold. In Lombardy, Secundus of Non smudges the final page of Historiola with a drop of Anjou pear juice. I close my eyes, reopen them to hieroglyphs, cuneiform, the language of bird’s feet, the Pleiades etched into Lascaux’s walls, Orion carved on a mammoth bone. The bottom floor is stone, and I huddle outside a small room where a rabbi dances with a whore as you play the piano, and I know who you are, but ahead, at the end of a narrow passageway an eye-shaped aperture blossoms, expands – all beyond its radiance invisible, composed of light, and I wait, in the painted light, to step through. Previously published in Artful Dodge www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Bollywood News ATODAY 32 • December 2014 Film Review ‘Raja Natwarlal’ is predictable and hat it’s about: Raja WNatwarlal was touted as a crime-comedy film. Makers does not keep the audience guessing are now mixing genres in order to attract different audiences, but the result is bat, or when he finds himself often disastrous. There was poor, having lost every last no comedy at all and crime penny. Humaima looks pretty is not what it should be. Raja and that is all that is required (Emraan Hashmi) pulls small from her. Emraan seems to time cons with his partner be going through the notions, Raghav (Deepak Tijori), a including the smooching small time con artiste. He is scenes. in love with Ziya (Humaima What’s not: When you Malik) a bar dancer and in are making a con film, it has search for the last big con to to be clever. You have to rescue her from that murky keep the audiences guessing. world. Unfortunately in his bid Unfortunately here, you guess to do so, he messes with the what the next scene will be. wrong man, Vardha Yadav You can predict it. The cons (Kay Kay Menon). His partner need to come at the viewer fast and furiously but that doesn’t Film: Raja Natwarlal happen here. The romance Director: Kunal angle between Raja and Ziya Deshmukh does not blend well and acts Cast: Emraan Hashmi, like roadblocks in the film Humaima Malik, that is already disappointing. Paresh Rawal and Kay Yogi is supposed to be the Kay Menon mastermind here... but Raja Rating: **1/2 keeps doing his own thing, ex-con to help him avenge well. The first con is pulled film has a brilliant supporting defeating the purpose and his friends death and pull his off deftly, and the film moves cast. Paresh Rawal is brilliant buildup to the Master Con. is killed and he is on the run. biggest job yet. But everything along briskly, preparing you for as ever. Kay Kay Menon is a What to do: Watch the old In desperation he turns to goes wrong. the good movie experience. delight to watch, whether he is Natwarlal, starring Amitabh Yogi (Paresh Rawal), a retired What’s good: It starts off But then it derails quickly. The clobbering a poor soul with a Bachchan. Ranbir Kapoor reacts to Salman Khan’s ‘Katrina Kapoor’ statement anbir Kapoor might not have received an behind Karan Johar as she was too reluctant to be before Salman made another statement. ‘Main kya Rinvite for Arpita Khan’s wedding but when on the dais with ex beau Salman. To that, Salman karoon. I gave you a chance to be Katrina Khan but beau Katrina Kaif decided to attend it, he also kept asked Karan to come on stage and get Katrina you chose to be Katrina Kapoor instead”, said the a close tab on what happened at the wedding. So also on stage with him. But that did not work either. actor cheekily. when he heard Salman Khan joked with Katrina Hence Salman, who was in high spirit that night All this happened in Hyderabad but when Ranbir calling her ‘Katrina Kapoor’, he simply laughed it off. reportedly said, “Ok fine, not Katrina Kaif. Katrina got to hear about the incident, he did not get miffed. Salman called Katrina on stage when the DJ Kapoor, please come on stage”. Rather he took it as a joke and seemed quite amused started playing ‘Chikni Chameli’ but Kat tried to hide An embarrassed Katrina could not shy away with the whole episode!

ords are not enough to connect with Shah Rukh Khan, Waudio must help... Shah Rukh Bollywood super Shah Rukh Khan has never missed a chance to interact with fans. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube—the tech-savvy Badshah knows how to reach out to the audience Khan and respond to the immense love being showered on him by uploads audio his fans. Recently, on hitting 10 million fans on Twitter, Shah Rukh Khan has sent out an audio message thanking his fans to help message, him achieve such a feat. SRK used Audio Card, one of the newest Twitter innovations to thank his fans. He is the second thanks fans most followed user on Twitter in India. He already has over 12 million likes on his official Facebook page. for 10 million In the past, SRK has also used the platform for various forms of outreach including a Q&A where he responds to his fan’s followers on questions via the hashtag #AskSrk frequently and he recently delighted his fans through a personalised video message and a digitally autographed poster mentioning the names of his fans Twitter for Red Chillies Entertainment’s film Happy New Year. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Bollywood News SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 33 Priyanka Chopra takes Who is Katrina Kaif’s new BFF? to streets for ‘Clean India atrina Kaif who recently shifted to her love nest Kwith beau Ranbir Kapoor has a new BFF! And Campaign’ guess who that is! It’s none other than veteran ac- tress and her Fitoor co-star Rekha. Fitoor is Abhishek Kapoor’s directorial project- an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Great Ex- pectations’- and stars Aditya Roy Kapoor alongside Katrina Kaif. Rekha plays a pivotal role in the film. Of what we hear, the Fitoor actresses have bonded really well on the sets of the film. Rekha and Katrina keep chatting on the sets and spending some qual- ity time too. Not just that, Rekha who hardly watches films has apparently asked Katrina to give her DVDs of her films. Rekha feels Katrina should do more films like Raajneeti in future. But the veteran actress does not use her cell phones to chat with Kat. Rather, she calls her up on the landline and chat for hours at a stretch. Seems after having a BF, Katrina has a new BFF now! Bollywood business heading towards ollywood star Priyanka Chopra cleaned an area Bin the city with the help of some social workers collapse, says director Shekhar Kapur as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swa- chh Bharat Abhiyan’. irector Shekhar Kapur feels session, said that this practise PM Narendra Modi had earlier nominated Dthat the business of Hindi is hampering the business of the ‘Mary Kom’ actress to contribute towards the cinema will collapse soon as more regional cinema. “Regional ‘Clean India Campaign’, he launched on the birth and more Bollywood films are being cinema is making some brilliant anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi last month. released in large numbers to reach films. Marathi and Tamil films are The 32-year-old actress took to Twitter to post the Rs 100 crore mark quickly. making films much bigger than the video, which shows her collecting waste. “Here The 68-year-old Elizabeth helmer Bollywood movies. But they hardly it is... My contribution towards the SwachhB- said people called him ‘mad’ when get any opening due to our big haratAbhiyan,” she captioned the video, recorded he released 350 prints of his 1987 stars and huge number of prints two days ago. blockbuster Mr India. “I remember released. They can’t wait much to “’Be the change you want to see’- thank you na- people calling me mad when I release their films in India because rendramodi for reminding me of that! MyCleanIn- had released 350 prints of ‘Mr most of them take their films to dia can happen! ChangingMindsets,” she tweeted India’. They said nobody releases festivals to generate buzz. If they later. The PM praised the National award-winning film in that large numbers and I delay it further their films get into actress for her efforts. am just wasting my money. “But the piracy market,” he said. “An innovative effort by @priyankachopra. It is now the scenario has changed. Kashyap, who has supported a wonderful way to bring people together to cre- Filmmakers release 4000-5000 Kapur while addressing a master several small-budget films and ate a Swachh Bharat. Kudos! MyCleanIndia,” he prints in order to quickly reach the class on the sidelines of NFDC’s issue-based documentaries, said tweeted. Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan, 100 crore mark. Seeing this trend, Film Bazaar. that he turned producer to fund Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Kamal Haasan, I feel business of Hindi cinema is Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, those movies which he wanted to have also supported the initiative. heading towards collapse,” said who was the guest speaker at the see as an audience. Anushka Sharma signs Ranveer Singh for her next production venture after ‘NH10’ he Band Baaja Baraat pair already made plans for her second Singh. Twill be seen on screen yet venture. Anushka and Ranveer Although there were reports of a another time after Zoya Akhtar’s have already been paired in two fallout between the two lead stars, Dil Dhadakne Do. Ranveer Singh films previously - BBB and Ladies they pairing up alongside each has reportedly been roped in vs Ricky Bahl. other for Zoya’s film had already for Anushka Sharma’s second Now the two are hitting screens put all rumours to rest. But now production venture, after NH10. together next year in Zoya’s DDD. with Ranveer already on board The PK actress who has Post that, Ranveer and Anushka for Anushka’s second production, already launched her production will start working on their fourth everything seems to be falling in house and has finished producing project together, which will be place for the two and they have her maiden venture- NH10 has helmed by NH10 director Navdeep certainly turned better friends now. www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA Chai With ATODAY 34 • December 2014 Chai with.... Manju-ji - “Daughters are IN” : What makes you think is invariably the daugh- the family is not consid- DalaiWhere’s Lama in my life time. Qthat daughters are IN? ters that the aged have ered complete without A: At the ripe old age of come to rely on. I urge one. Hence, it is the Heavenly 45, when I got adopted by an everyone to read the desire of every family to Italian lady, she shared with eye-opening article have at least one son; Love? me a wonderful saying, “A son which is loaded with they will even adopt is a son till he gets a wife; a examples: one. Shell-shocked orphans daughter is a daughter for life.” http://silverinnings. Q: How can we Huddle in dark shelters - Since then I have been closely blogspot.com/2010/03/ change this? Condemned, while asleep observing the relationships of daughters-as-care- A: Luckily I see a in their beds. sons and daughters in various giver-to-aged-parents. change in the mindset Their nagging question families. I find that saying to html of educated people. Pierces the darkness be absolutely true. There is a great But the problem will “Where’s heavenly love?” Q: What do you mean quote by IshaniDut- persist as long as we when you say, “IN?” tafrom that article that I do not change the way A childhood lost A: I see all around me would like to share with legal names are re- To tainted innocence, friends and family where your readers: “….in old corded. The concept Never again to play. daughters are extending care age the mother often of first and last/family By-products of ugly wars to the elders of the family. De- becomes the daugh- name should be dis- Fought to boost spite all odds laid against them ter and the daughter continued. Every per- The weapons’ trade. by societal norms, they are ex- becomes the mother. son’s first name should And covert plans tending this much needed and That’s the beauty of the be preceded by three Of human greed - the real compassionate care in the relationship.” male dominance, and is prev- initials that stand for the enemy - last days of their sick and dy- According to Shiv Viswa- alent from East Asia to South person’s mother’s first name, A stranger far away. ing parents and grandparents. nathan, social scientist and America. It even got incorpo- father’s first name and the Though the wars shall end Fortunately, with better educa- senior fellow at the Centre rated into almost every religion place of birth. The initials can The wounds shall stay; tion of girls and their financial for the Study of Developing where leadership/priesthood be spelled out on legal docu- The tears won’t wash independence, daughters can Societies... “Even biologically and religious services became ments when needed. The The bloodstains away. now extend that care. For ex- speaking, daughters have a the privilege of the males only. Tamils have something like it, ample, it is often the daughters more caring mental make-up. In addition, modern so- but even there, the mother’s But hark! Dear orphans. who take on the responsibility, Women view the family as an ciety has clearly written civil name does not factor in. Once Heaven shall strike from sending cash for medi- important institution. Patri- codes and common practices we eliminate this family name While the enemy sleeps cines and medical devices, to archy doesn’t work because on legal names of individuals. concept, the desire of having As you did once. calling on the phone or visit- sons don’t want to take on re- The naming system is patri- at least one male offspring will Earthquakes, fires ing regularly. Shailesh Mishra sponsibilities.” archal; the matriarch remains fade away. Floods and famines who is a founder of ‘Silver In- Q: So why do mothers elusive. In other words, moth- I also believe that religious Shall shake their evil core. nings,’ an NGO for seniors has want sons? er’s name almost never fac- leaders can do a lot to elevate With the mortal remains a wonderful article on the web- A: It is a left over from the tors in and gets carried over the status of daughters in so- Of their own little ones site by NamitaDevidayal. She days when humans were hunt- to the next generation. Even ciety. For example, last rites They shall huddle has put it beautifully: “The an- er gatherers. Having more in the modern hyphenated last should be made the privilege To the rubble of cient tale of Shravan Kumar, males meant there would be names used after marriage, it of daughters also; temple, Mosques, curches and the dutiful son who carried his more food. But then the con- is the father’s last name that gurudwara and church lead- temples ageing parents in two baskets cept got distorted and incor- carries over. Therefore, male ers should allow equal access To ask that very question on his shoulders, now needs porated into various cultures offspring is at an advantage, women to conduct services. “Where’s heavenly love?” to be rewritten with a female all across the planet. In the and the female loses out. Be- Personally, I would like to see By Mini Sarla character scripted in.” Today, it modern world it manifests as cause of this, unfortunately, a female Pope and a female

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utters looking to plan a golfing holi- architects like Henry Cotton, Rocky Pday may want to consider booking Roquemore and Arnold Palmer. a trip to Portugal, which was named A mild year-round climate also the world’s best golf destination at makes Portugal a popular golfing des- the inaugural edition of the World Golf tination. Awards over the weekend. Meanwhile, other big winners of Hosted by the same group that the night included St Andrews Links hosts the World Travel Awards, known (Old course), which, perhaps not sur- as the Oscars of the travel industry, the prisingly, took the title of world’s best World Golf Awards took place at the golf course 2014, and The Els Club Conrad Algarve and saluted the best Teluk Datai, developed on the island golf destinations, courses, and resorts of Langkawi off the northwest coast of in the world. mainland Malaysia, which was named With 80 golf courses, many of the world’s best new golf course. them set against ocean views, dramat- The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort ic cliffs, white sand dunes, lakes and & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida mountains, Portugal was singled out took the award for best golf hotel in as the best in golf tourism. the world. For the full list of winners, Popular among golf pros and host including regional winners across the to major events on the professional US, Canada, South Africa and Aus- circuits including the European Tour, tralia visit http://worldgolfawards.com/ many of the courses are designed by winners/2014. Mumbai the most vacation-deprived city: Study

he financial capital of the sert, social media, sex, taking Tcountry has emerged as a shower and Internet for one the most vacation-deprived extra day of vacation. city among the five surveyed Bangalore is at the top towns, as most Mumbaikars for several short vacations or enjoy working more than re- long weekend instead of one laxing at vacations, says a re- long vacation. cent study. The survey said Banga- “Vacations play an impor- loreans are workaholics as tant role in maintaining the they are the highest to start work-life balance, and general enjoying their vacation when well-being of the employees almost more than half of it while re-energising them to be is over. Almost half of them more focused at work. blame it on their spouse or “However, Mumbaikars partner, work demand or other lead in enjoying work more family members for not taking than relaxing at vacations as vacations. They make up by a majority of them take lesser taking multiple short vaca- vacation days than they are tions, it said. awarded,” Expedia Managing It added that even as Hy- Director, Asia, Vikram Malhi derabadis are the highest to said. travel for weddings or family This, he said, makes obligations, about 52 per cent Mumbaikars top the vacation- never take all vacation days deprived city among the other In Delhi, people start plan- sacrifice on things like junk having the most supportive that they are entitled to and surveyed towns in the country. ning for next vacation within food, Internet and television, bosses, feel they are vaca- 67 per cent prefer a pay raise According to online travel a week of coming back and but find it relatively difficult to tion-deprived, because most over more vacation days. agency Expedia.com’s 2014 most (99 per cent) are willing part with their booze for an of them feel they do not get The survey found that for Vacation Deprivation report, to make sacrifices like giving extra day of vacation. About 7 enough vacation days, the Hyderabadis, vacation plan- 97 per cent Mumbaikars’ va- up on television and junk food per cent of them actually book survey said. ning is the number one priority cation are deprived, 96 per for an additional vacation day. it before landing back from Almost half of Puneites and they plan their next vaca- cent are willing to make sac- “Delhiites are least vaca- their current vacation,” Malhi start to relax as soon as they tion within more than a month rifices for extra vacation days tion-deprived as compared said. The Expedia survey was start their vacation and three- of returning from holiday. and 42 per cent feel guilty for to other metro cities in India. conducted in five cities of Del- fourth of them associate over- A quarter of these vaca- taking a vacation. About 60 per cent of people in hi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore all happiness with vacation, it tions are related with wed- However, the capital city Delhi would prefer more vaca- and Hyderabad by Northstar added. dings or family obligations, of Delhi is the least vacation- tion days instead of money. from August 25 to September It further said that Punei- highest amongst the cities deprived, the report said. They are also ready to 17, 2014. Puneites, despite tes are ready to give up des- surveyed, it added. www.asiatodayaz.com www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz Health & Fitness SIA • December 2014 ATODAY 37 back, and then they had to continue You can now to correctly identify that target tone amidst progressively more challenging distractor frequencies. train your Distractor frequencies were pro- gressively made more similar to the target after trainees made correct dis- criminations, or they were made more brain to ignore dissimilar after incorrect discrimina- tions. All the while, the target frequency was kept constant. distractions with In both rats and humans, training led to diminished distraction-related sound training errors, and trainees’ memory and at- tention spans improved. Also, electro- physiological brain recordings in both cientists, including one of Indian- rats and humans showed that neural Sorigin, have developed a new brain responses to distractors were reduced. training approach that uses sounds to “We show that by learning to dis- allow ageing brains to ignore distrac- criminate amidst progressively more tions. challenging distractions, we can di- Distractibility, or the inability to sus- minish distractibility in rat and hu- tain focus on a goal due to attention to man brains,” said lead author Dr Jyoti irrelevant stimuli, can have a negative strengthen individuals’ ability to sup- trainees focus on the target frequen- Mishra. The approach could also be effect on basic daily activities, and it is press their attention to distracting stim- cies while ignoring the distractor fre- modified to help individuals struggling a hallmark of the ageing mind. A team uli. quencies. In both aged rats and older with a variety of distractions, research- led by researchers at the University of The investigators used sounds humans, trainees implicitly learned to ers said. California, San Francisco, developed at various frequencies as targets and identify the target tone in each training The study was published in the a training approach designed to help distractors, with the goal of having session through reinforcement feed- Cell Press journal Neuron. Germ attack: Restroom hand dryers worse than paper towels on’t be fooled by the glittering than around warm air driers and 27 Dwashroom of the five-star hotels times higher compared with the air you swear by. Beneath all the appar- when using paper towels. ent cleanliness could be millions of Lead author Mark said that bac- germs lurking to strke at you. A new teria was more prevalent around both study has revealed that restroom hand high-powered ‘jet-air’ and warm hand dryers spread more bacteria than pa- driers and these driers are effective at per towels into the air, on to users and drying hands but when a cursory male bystanders. hand wash is done, there is likely to Research at the University of still be a high bacteria count on hands. Leeds found that air bacterial counts Mark, who doesn’t believe it is were nearly 30% higher around driers sensible to install these in hospitals, when compared with paper towel dis- added that in a hospital setting people pensers, the Daily Express reported. may run the risk that hospital infec- According to the research, air- tions could spread in that way. The borne germ counts close to jet air dri- research was recently published in the ers were found to be 4.5 times higher Journal of Hospital Infection.

his is for all fifty-somethings reading this story. If Tyou’ve been feeling down and out of late, here’s some Fifty- good news. A new survey has revealed that satisfaction with life hits its zenith at 52 and people are more youthful, fit and ready for anything. In other words, you’ve been something? feeling bad for no reason. According to the research by social network Silver- surfers.com, the benefits of experience mean 58% feel Survey says better able to cope with a variety of situations, the Daily Express reported. Up to 36% of respondents said that they feel more confident, 45% cease to care what others think, while 51% only bother doing the things they like. life actually The survey found that over-50s have reached a point where they feel more confident about themselves and in- deed almost a quarter feel 14 years younger than their begins at 52 age. www.facebook.com/asiatodayaz www.asiatodayaz.com SIA ATODAY 38 • December 2014

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