Veer Zaara Mansi Mehta, Graduate Student, College of Information Science and Technology

www.pragathi.net

The Desi Newsletter @ Drexel University December 2004

India Buzz

November 12 2004: Kanchi Seer Manager of Varadharaja Perumal Temple universities in the country with mas- Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati at Kancheepuram. The seer has been re- ters or doctorate degrees, from the was arrested as the prime accused in manded to judicial custody till November annual cap on 65,000 H-1B visas the murder of an official of a Kan- 26 by First Class Judicial Magistrate G Ut- given to foreigners seeking work in chipuram temple. The 70-year-old tamaraj . The murder issue has become a America. The move would benefit senior pontiff of the Kanchi Matth, political controversy with the main opposi- several thousand students, includ- whom the opposition parties in Tamil tion party DMK announcing an agitation ing from India, who failed to figure Nadu accused of having considerable while accusing the state government of on the list of 65,000 H-1B visas is- clout over the AIADMK, was arrested inaction despite information about the sued this year. However, the in- at in Mehboobnagar in Andhra persons involved in the murder. crease is only for foreign nationals Pradesh by a special team from who have received masters or doc- Tamil Nadu armed with an arrest November 22 2004: The US has toral degrees from American univer- warrant. The murder took place on passed the Omnibus Spending Bill increas- sities. The reforms bill exempts up September 3, 2004. Police suspect ing the H1-B visa limit for Indian nationals to 20,000 Masters and PhD gradu- that he has "played a significant" from 65,000 to 85,000. This bill exempts ates of US universities from the an- role in the murder of Sankararaman, 20,000 foreign students, who pass out of nual 65,000 H-1B cap.

Special Thanks

We would like to thank Dr. T.S. Venkataraman, Professor, Dept. of Physics and Material Sciences and Dr. Som Tyagi, Professor, Dept. of Physics for their support in launching this newsletter.

Inside this issue On Modulation Information and Virtue Sharat Chikkerur, Alumni Nasha 2 For those of you who touch it. Noise is annoying. The Interference comes in the Diwali 3 the radio occasionally, you conduct of a gentleman is form of dependence, from would have noticed the conditioned or modulated our ego, from inappropri- Plasma Technology 4 hissing sound in between as compared to the lack of ate inclinations, lethargy, stations. This is due to ran- etiquette visible in a tramp. and indifference - in short dom noise signals. Noise from vices. Conditioning Thanksgiving 6 carries no information and There is one basic trait of requires virtue. What dif- no intelligence. It requires conditioning. Conditioning ferentiates a common man requires sustained effort Event Galleria 7 no effort on part of the from a productive one is radio receiver to pick up and discipline. It requires his virtue which implies effort not only to modulate Digital Gandhi 8 the noise signal. But it conditioning of his mind. does require considerable our behavior; it also requires enormous effort to (contd. On Page 6) Drexel Jhalak 10 effort on part of the engi- neer to eliminate or reduce avoid interference. PAGE 2 THE DREXEL DESI WWW.PRAGATHI.NET Pragathi Events Horoscope Sagittarius You’ll be flooded with invitations and November 23 - December 22// YEAR Past Events in November: propositions come April, so your spir- AHEAD OUTLOOK for 2005 Fire + Mu- its will soar. It may be frivolous but it Nov. 6th 2004: -’Pragathi/CRY/ table sign. Enthusiastic, optimistic, will be fun for several months. From Jhoom’ , Charity Show. adaptable, restless. Very talkative, September onwards you’ll be en- frankly outspoken. Thinks and reads a chanted by the new friends you meet Nov. 13th 2004: - ‘Diwali Beats great deal, an armchair philosopher. so your social life will buck up even 2004’ (in association with Rangoli– The Energetic, loves to travel. Your star more. Almost any project you touch Indian Graduate student association at will be in the ascendant. Though it will work out better and more easily University of Pennsylvania). won’t be a perfect year, you’ll still feel than you imagine. So don’t hold you’ve reached a pinnacle with praise Upcoming Events in December: back. The Taurus Solar Eclipse in and respect coming your way for your effect for the months after April will Ice Skating— Date and Venue to be achievements. You’ll be restless about keep you hard at it, with longer hours announced emotional matters, considering mov- and additional chores. Come April, ing home or in a constantly changing you’ll know you need to get fitter, Look out for more updates on domestic situation. The old moments www.pragathi.net more streamlined and back onto top of intimacy, of sharing and caring at a form. Responsibilities will drain your (If your organization would like to col- deep level, won’t seem to be there. energy so you need to be sensible laborate with Pragathi for joint events But they will return. And don’t feel you about where your limits are, and find contact: [email protected]) have to be the one doing the constant out what really will re-vitalize you. giving. Demand support in return.

Donation Invitation URBAN & BYE REALTOR

Dear Reader, Check out our apartments for rent & properties for sale throughout Drexel neighborhoods. Pragathi has been growing in leaps and bounds, and so have its activities. With our great crew, we hope to keep Website/ URL: www.urbanbye.com things running smoothly. However, we are working with Email Address: [email protected] a small budget and need your support to put on a big- ger and better show. We would highly appreciate dona- Telephone No.: 215-222-4800 tion of any amount. To contribute please contact Postal Address: 36th & Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia ([email protected]).

NASHA

Coming soon, Pragathi’s First ever Annual Cultural show ‘Nasha’. This is Pragathi’s biggest event and it is a color- ful celebration of diversity in India showcased through dances and music from all over India and the world. Pra- gathi hopes to make this event a great success. Looking forward to an enthusiastic response. For more information please contact Shubham([email protected]) or Bhakti ([email protected]).

Visit www.pragathi.net/nasha/intro WWW.PRAGATHI.NET THE DREXEL DESI PAGE 3

Diwali– The Festival of Lights Shubham Bhat, PhD Student, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Diwali is the main Hindu festival cele- of the Diwali festival. purpose of each day in the festival. brated on the fifteenth day of the The goal is to remember these wise month of Kartika. Diwali is derived In a few places, the festival begins sayings throughout the year. from “Deepavali“ which literally with Dhanteras, a day set aside to means "rows of lighted lamps" and worship goddess Lakshmi. In Indian The fourth day of Diwali falls on the hence is often referred to as the Fes- culture, wealth is not viewed as a cor- first day of the new lunar year. On this tival of Lights. During this time, ruptive power. Instead, a wealthy per- day, old business accounts are settled homes are thoroughly cleaned and son is considered to have been re- and new books are opened. The books doors and windows are opened to warded for good deeds of a past life. are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to rise welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of On the second day Kali, the goddess of wealth. Candles and oil-lamps are lit above anger, hatred, and jealousy. On Strength, is worshipped. This day also the final day (Balipratipada) king Bali, to greet goddess Lakshmi. Gifts are signifies abolishing laziness and evil. exchanged and feasts meals are pre- who destroyed the centuries old phi- pared for the family and friends. The On the third day (the last day of the losophies is recalled. However, in addi- celebration means as much to Hindus year in the lunar calendar), lamps are tion to this, he is remembered for be- as Christmas does to Christians. Be- lit and made to shine brightly in every ing a generous person. Thus, the focus cause there are many regions in In- home. The lamps symbolize knowledge of this day is to see the good in others, dia, there are so many manifestations and encourage us to reflect upon the including enemies.

It’s the time to Disco Hemang Shah, PhD Student, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering “We Indians must be the worst danc- the rest is the variety of dancers you takes your breath away. Either you are ers in the whole world”- Nagesh Kuko- can identify. I have tried to compile a likely to get punched in the face or noor’s character in Hyderabad Blues 2. list which by no means is complete. stomped by their “bold” movements. This statement was not made at a No wonder, they are usually stags and concert but at a party where pure The Raghu-romeos: These charac- love to invite the dance-watchers in “desi” music was played. I agree with ters love to dance, are generally good their perspiration-filled company. him partially knowing that I am one of dancers and think the best way to the poor dancers myself. The partiality impress a girl is to show off their Gujju/Punju: Apparently to Gujratis comes into play because of the fact moves. The end result: either the girl and Punjabis, Garba and Bhangra are that there are some really good danc- moves with them or far away from the universal dance steps. Even if the ers. There is no denying that the them. theme is hard techo/trance, you can’t miss the garba/bhangra. Admittedly, dance floor of any desi party could be Dance Bashers: These people are intimidating. The reasons include the their enthusiasm is contagious and you the ones who can neither dance nor would be found dancing the same seeming pandemonium on the floor, can stand others dancing. So we won- the unabashed bold moves of most steps if in their vicinity. If not, you will der what are they doing at the party? be found laughing your a** off. males, and the lack of females on the Ask them! Their time is spent drinking floor. Indians are usually aren’t taught and commenting on the poor crowd. Train foremen: The only aim in life of that they need a partner of the oppo- such a person on a floor is to start a site sex to dance, you can just jump Two to tango: The perfect couple. If train, make it grow and break the co- into a group, dance and be merry. they are on the floor, they are to- ordination of others. This is more likely the outcome of the gether. They are the ones who are absence of any ‘rules of engagement’ coordinated, love each other and Disco dancers: Ever since Kal Ho on the average dance floor. Tradi- have the time of their lives. We love Naa Ho released, the favorite move of tional dances though structured are to watch such people: they are good all dancers, is the one where they are not always centered on a couple – to watch and make up for gossip junping with one hand raised in the air. there is always room for the expres- later. Before that, it was the moves from Dil sion of the solo artist. Chahta Hai. Movies are a part of the Commando: males are 100% of this staple diet of every desi and the dance Still, what separates desi parties from category. Every move they make, moves seem to be well-digested. PAGE 4 THE DREXEL DESI WWW.PRAGATHI.NET

Plasma Technology Shailesh Gangoli, PhD Student, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics

I’m often asked – ‘What is plasma?’ However, the energy of electrons is visit large scale industrial setups’. I Here is an explanation I’d give a 10th much higher in non-thermal in com- wonder how many of you still carry grader – ‘There are three states of parison to thermal plasmas. this notion. I take this opportunity to matter namely – solids => liquids => welcome you to our laboratory at 117 Eventually, it all boils down to – ‘What gases, each of which, are formed by Hess, to check out different configura- kind of plasma should I use?”’ Well, it providing energy to the preceding tions of atmospheric pressure non- depends on your application. Thermal one. If further energy is provided to thermal plasmas like Dielectric Barrier plasmas have high power output, high gases, electrons start popping out of Discharge (DBD - often referred to as plasma density, high operating pres- atoms/molecules. This gives us elec- ‘silent discharge’ known for their effi- sure, low electron temperature and trons, ions, neutrals, radicals etc. co- ciency in production of ozone, being low selectivity. Whereas, non-thermal existing in one state of matter called used for blood coagulation, polymer has low power output, low plasma plasma.’ This is why plasma is also treatment and air sterilization applica- density, low operating pressure, high known as the fourth state of matter tions), gliding arcs (tornado and in electron temperature and high selec- or ionized gas. magnetic fields), glow discharge (used tivity. This is precisely why you use for micro-fabrication) and thermal thermal plasma arcs to cut/melt Broadly, plasma can be classified into plasma for spray coatings. If you wish strong materials and non-thermal two types – ‘Equilibrium or Thermal you read more about scope of Plasma plasmas to manufacture semiconduc- plasma’ and ‘Non-Equilibrium or Non- Technology, please visit: http:// tor chips. Due to higher selectivity of Thermal Plasma or cold plasma’. In plasma.mem.drexel.edu/gangoli/ processes, non-thermal plasmas are thermal plasma, temperatures (read plasma_technology.pdf energies here) of electrons & that of preferred for efficient production of the surrounding gas are nearly equal radicals and ions (that facilitate the (Te, Tn ~ 6000K). Whereas in non- catalytic action of plasma). Hence, in Gliding arc in tornado thermal plasma, the electron tem- applications where energy cost is our perature (Te >11500K) is much concern, non-thermal plasmas are higher than the surrounding gas (Tg used and when power output is a pri- ~ 300-2000K). ority, thermal plasmas are used.

The pressure of gas governs the The next question that arises – ‘Is it mean free path of its constituents. possible to obtain atmospheric pres- From Physics, mean free path is the sure Non-thermal plasma which has average distance traveled between higher plasma density, high selectivity collisions by species. It’s only logical and also relatively high power out- to state that it decreases with in- put?’ This is where transient dis- crease in gas pressure. So, higher charges come into play. As the name pressures => more collisions => suggests, transient implies – change greater gas temperature => thermal from thermal to non-thermal plasma plasma. Similarly, lower pressures => characteristics. Well-known transient lesser collisions => lower gas tem- plasmas are Pulsed Coronas and Glid- perature => non-thermal plasma. The ing Arc Discharges. At the Drexel most common application of plasma is Plasma Institute we work mostly with a tube light (florescent light) which is non-thermal gliding arcs which are of course non-thermal plasma (glow being used for production of hydro- discharge) because it operates at gen by partial oxidation of natural mTorr ranges (1Atm. ~760Torr) and gas, plasma assisted combustion and you can dare to touch it without burn- air sterilization. ing yourself. Electrons are the instiga- Lakshmi Pillarimari, University City tors of the havoc called plasma. The High School Teacher and enrolled in concentration of electrons in plasma Drexel RET program once told me – varies from one in thousand (thermal) ‘In our days, to see plasma we had to to one in a billion (non-thermal). WWW.PRAGATHI.NET THE DREXEL DESI PAGE 5

Desi Recipe Mixed Vegetable Curry, Contributed by: Kalyan Kalawa

Ingredients: 1/2 tsp. red chilli powder • Heat butter, add mustard seeds, allow to splutter. 1 cup mixed vegetables sliced, boiled salt to taste • Add ginger, garlic and paste. (use carrot, cauliflower, beans, peas, 1 tsp.lemon juice potato, etc.) • Stir fry for 3-4 minutes. 2 cloves 1 tomato sliced • Add vegetables except tomatoes. 1" piece cinnamon 1/2 coconut grated • Add 1/2 cup stock. Cover, simmer 2 tbsp. butter for 5 minutes. 1/2 tsp. ginger grated Method: • Add salt, chilli powder, tomatoes 1/2 tsp. garlic crushed • Drain the boiled vegetables, and cook till gravy is thick. 3 green chillies keep stock aside. • Serve hot with parathas or chappa- 1 tbsp. sesame seeds • Blend together, coconut, chillies, tis. sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves 1/2 tsp. each cumin, mustard seeds in mixer. Cooking time: 20 minutes.

Hypocrites of the Mind Courts Apartments Nilesh Karia, Graduate student, Computer Science

'Man is a thinking animal.'--Anonymous

The mind is no longer the object of worship of the thinking animal; the body has corroded the cognitive ability of the mind and almost righteously banished it into the realms of the unknown. The intelligentsias are considered to be socially crippled and branded as geeks, nerds and ignoramuses. The mind is given secondary status as beauty is elevated to the status of supremacy. The awes and accolades are reserved for pageants of pulchritude. And more often than not, the institutions of the Mind are crippled in the seminal stages without the essential eco- nomic resources; those ones which bypassed the brain the day Adam entered the Forbidden Garden and commit- and went to the body. Such is the state of affairs that old ted the Original Sin. It is only the rate at which we are scholars, still young at mind, are forced to take the role of heading towards the transformation that has changed. He- panhandlers whereas the old and crippled celebrities do donism is the culture of the ones deprived of one. Pleasure not need to extend their hands as more wealth flows into is a virtue and knowledge is vice for these cultists. I thought their already overflowing coffers. that there is no knowledge that is not power; but now beauty has taken its position. I see before me evolution turning back the hands of time; instead of moving ahead, Man is spiraling backwards at I wonder how long this will go on before anyone wakes up an exponential rate turning into the animal that he was. to raise a voice for the Mind. When will someone stand up What is left of the battered morals and trampled con- and break the trance and wake us up? I realize that this is science acts as a flimsy curtain cast over the blinding and where we started losing; as others like me wonder as well... engulfing wrong. Mankind was destined to this state from PAGE 6 THE DREXEL DESI WWW.PRAGATHI.NET

Thanksgiving Mansi Mehta, Graduate Student, College of Information Science and Technology

Thanksgiving is the most important had survived a particularly challenging one to be thankful to. After all, we holiday of the year for Americans. year, as a means of thanking the na- cannot have one without the other for Why? Because the two most impor- tives for their unconditional support they are necessarily interconnected. tant words in the English language they organized a feast in their honor. Nowadays Thanksgiving is a time for are "Thank you". This is true for busi- The European pilgrims, in this event, families and friends to come together, ness success, for social pleasure, came together with American Indians so share an abundant feast and to give even for self-actualization. For busi- as to show gratitude by sharing their thanks for their good fortune. This is ness success, a thank you tells a abundant harvests. And, this is how the a global celebration that we all can prospect or partner that you are ap- Thanksgiving, it is claimed, first started. agree upon. The process of acknowl- preciative of what they have just edging our blessings and giving done. In social interactions, express- Thanksgiving provides a time for reflec- thanks to the infinite is found at the ing gratitude is important to show tion and appreciation of all the wonder- heart of virtually all spiritual teaching how much you value the other per- ful things that have impacted our lives. traditions. Let us make Thanksgiving son and your relationship. Thank you Therefore, the real importance of the first global holiday! is a bonding phrase. Thanksgiving lies, not in appreciating Christian doctrines but in expressing the You can advertise on our website as Thanksgiving is specifically observed powerful emotion inherent to human well. If you are interested in advertising online, contact our web administra- in the United States as a tradition nature: gratitude. And, to be grateful tor: [email protected]. that roots back to over 200 years we need to acknowledge that we have ago. After the first settlers in America something to be thankful for and some- Visit our homepage: www.pragathi.net

On Modulation Information and Virtue (Contd.)

A virtuous person is always involved discipline and morality is a way of grated person. A virtuous person is one in effort, and hence in conditioning life. By constant effort he has condi- person. He has no multiplicity in atti- the mind. In contrast, a righteous tioned his mind to avoid interference tude, behavior or perception. person is involved in effort only when of all forms. A virtuous person does people are around. A righteous per- not struggle during effort. His con- ‘Virtue comes not by aiming to achieve son only pretends to be disciplined stant effort develops discipline and it, but by practicing it’. but in reality is worried only about his discipline sustains his efforts in a others' perception of him. He does virtuous cycle. Struggle arises only not work or put effort for the sake of when there is conflict during effort. Acknowledgement working, or for any higher purpose but only to gain recognition from oth- Virtue does not involve constantly We appreciate the contribution of ers. Such a person is very insecure filtering your thoughts; it does not businesses in Philadelphia who’ve and instable. It does not matter to mean to become a constant bore. It sponsored us in the form of adver- him whether he is genuinely good or does not mean becoming a worka- tisements. not, as long as you think he is. Pre- holic. Virtue implies balance in your tence sustains him through life. efforts. It implies sustaining your If you are interested in advertising efforts to completion. It implies with us, contact: [email protected] A virtuous person on the other hand avoiding interference from vices and knows no other way of living. To him ego. A virtuous person is an inte-

Neil's Hallmark In many locations throughout Center City Philadelphia Neil’s Hallmark has part-time and full-time employment opportunities. Retail experience preferred but not necessary. Please send resumes and questions to [email protected] or fax to (856)424-0664. WWW.PRAGATHI.NET THE DREXEL DESI PAGE 7 Event Galleria Photos taken at various Pragathi Events last month @ Drexel (For more photos visit: www.pragathi.net)

Drexel Desi’s performing ‘Mahi Ve’

Having a blast at Diwali Party

‘Drexel Jhalak’ performing at Pragathi/CRY Charity Show

Performers bidding adieu ‘Dhol Na’ at Pragathi/CRY Charity Show PAGE 8 THE DREXEL DESI WWW.PRAGATHI.NET

Movie Review- Veer Zaara Mansi Mehta, Graduate Student, College of Information Science and Technology

Laila-Majnu, Heer-Ranjha, Sohni- [Boman Irani]. A simple girl by nature, A mature love story, with characters Mahiwal, Salim-Anarkali... Now add Zaara is happy to marry the man of standing out more than the opulent one more pair to the list of legendary her parent’s choice, Raza [Manoj Ba- sets VEER-ZAARA narrates a story jpai]. She has come to India to fulfill lovers: Veer-Zaara. The wait is finally that’s quite novel. Just when you her surrogate Hindu mother’s [Zohra over. The keenly anticipated, eagerly Segal] last wish: To immerse her ashes think that the story would turn pre- awaited film of the year has finally hit dictable comes a twist and everything the marquee. Yash Chopra’s VEER- in the holy river. Their initial friendship ZAARA has arrived. And does it starts off on a sour note, but before changes. VEER-ZAARA is another sweep you off your feet! Besides an they realize it, they fall in love. But feather in SRK’s well decorated cap. before Veer could express his love, ensemble star cast, there’s romance, The actor enacts the challenging role walks in Raza [Manoj Bajpai], who has there’s a strong dose of emotions, just landed from Lahore in search of with amazing ease, putting his best there are songs aplenty, there’s foot forward and emerging trumps. drama... But, most important, it has Zaara. While in Lahore, Zaara finds it soul, which has been lacking in most difficult to forget Veer. Her maid Preity Zinta enacts the part with com- movies of late. VEER-ZAARA is the Shabbo [Divya Dutta] calls Veer in In- plete precision. Although her part dia and explains the situation. How- story of an Indian man, Veer Pratap doesn’t really demand histrionics, she Singh [Shah Rukh Khan] and a Paki- ever, the wedding between Raza and Zaara takes place, while Veer is ar- carries off her role with elegance. stani woman, Zaara Hayaat Khan rested by the Pakistani police on Rani Mukerji is a scene-stealer. The [Preity Zinta]. Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh is a rescue pilot with charges of being a spy. actress takes giant strides with this the Indian Air Force. A caring person, role, relying completely on her ex- Twenty two years later, Saamiya Sid- Veer goes out of his way to help diqui [Rani Mukerji], a Pakistani law- pressions to do her job. someone in crisis. Whilst on duty, he yer, comes to his rescue who is lan- comes across Zaara, the daughter of guished in a Pakistan jail cell for 22 Verdict: Go Veer Zaara! an influential Pakistani politician years and has spoken to none. Digital Gandhi Jay Bhatt, Engineering Librarian, Drexel University

Mahatma Gandhi is known for his and the many other authoritative dhi’s voice, and a day to day chronol- spiritual insights of truth, non- works on him. Many organizations ogy on Gandhi is available from the violence and love. His heroic strug- and individuals worldwide are now site. There are 98 volumes and each gles against the British Empire with devoted towards the monumental volume consists of more than 400 his firm stand on non-violence in or- task of digitizing Gandhi’s life and pages. der to free India are well known. times in the form of pictures, writ- However, for Gandhi’s contribution to ings, films, and his collected works. In Mahatma Gandhi Album: remain alive among people through this article, I have briefly described Kamat’s potpourri provides an excellent out the world, we must to do our best some digital initiatives on Gandhi that collection of information on Gandhi on so that future generations will con- is now available on the web. different topics ranging from ‘Churchill tinue to pay their tribute to the & Gandhi’ and ‘Dandi March’. It also ‘Mahatma’ eternally. Albert Einstein Gandhi serve Foundation: features Gandhi in a photo quilt. once said, “Generations to come will It is a charitable organization commit- scarce believe that such a one as this ted to promote “ethics of nonviolence The official Mahatma Gandhi e- ever in flesh and blood walked upon by disseminating information about Archive and Reference Library this earth”. and popularizing Mahatma Gandhi’s (Mahatma Gandhi Foundation): life and works.” More than 1200 pho- With the Internet, we now have a Among the different resources chance to create, develop and main- tographs, a video on the life of Ma- tain an archive of Gandhi’s own work hatma Gandhi, 44 minutes of Gan- (contd. On Page 9) WWW.PRAGATHI.NET THE DREXEL DESI PAGE 9

Calling for Articles

We are looking forward to articles for our next issue. If you’re interested in writing articles for The Drexel Desi, please send in your entries to: [email protected].

Funtoon Important Women

1. It's important to have a woman who helps at home, who cooks from time to time, who cleans up, and who has a job.

2. It's important to have a woman who can make you laugh.

3. It's important to have a woman who you can trust, and who doesn't lie to you.

4. It's important to have a woman who is good in bed, and who likes to be with you.

5. It's very, very important that these four women don't know each other.

Digital Gandhi (contd.)

available are photographs, poems, Ma- his wife Sunanda, and is estab- in India and has a wealth of informa- hatma in cartoons, the life of the Ma- lished to promote and teach the tion and material for researchers, hatma in 100 pictures, comics and philosophy and practice of nonvio- students, activists and anyone inter- more. Gandhi’s Autobiography– My lence to help reduce the violence experiments with truth, is also avail- worldwide. ested in Gandhi and his life. able online from this very comprehensive site. The World of Mahatma Gan- dhi: M. K. Gandhi Institute: This comprehensive site is regu- The Institute is founded by Arun Gan- larly updated and maintained by For comments & suggestions dhi (Mahatma Gandhi's grandson) and non-profit Gandhian Organizations Please email: [email protected] PAGE 10 THE DREXEL DESI WWW.PRAGATHI.NET

Drexel Jhalak

For many people dancing is merely a form of entertainment. For the wonderful dancers of Jhalak, dancing is a means by which they celebrate our culture, unite the Indian community, and share our passion, enthusiasm and zest for life. In December 2003 twelve girls were chosen to represent Drexel University as its first ever female Indian dance team. Twelve girls, who previously glanced at each other as strangers be- gan to turn to one another as teammates, compan- ions, and most of all friends. As a fairly new team, they have worked hard to make their mark among other college dance teams. The past October saw them at Penn State University’s ‘Dance Fusion’, their first ever competition and they came out second. This accomplishment effectively illustrates that dedication and hard work certainly pays off. As they put it – “We work and play hard, but we dance even harder”. They pride themselves on not only being talented dancers, but also educators who depict the beauty of the Indian cultural heri- tage through the art of dance. On performing with Jhoom at the Drexel main auditorium, they had this to say - “We are proud to represent our school and to have the support of our friends and family. Most of all we are proud to be Drexel Jhalak!”. We, at The Drexel Desi, wish them the best in their endeavors.

DJ Nikki Newsletter Board

DJ Nikki a.k.a Akash Sanghvi, was chosen amidst a little Chief Editor: Dilip Hari ([email protected] ) hesitation to set the dance floor on fire at the so called Ice Breaker party, the fresher orientation and welcome Editorial Committee: party organized by Pragathi to welcome incoming gradu- Sameer Kalghatgi ([email protected]) ate students. All doubts were laid to Mansi Mehta ([email protected]) rest as DJ Nikki proved more than Nilesh Karia ([email protected]) capable to handle Nikhil Gogate ([email protected]) the crowd, his ability to feel the pulse of the dance floor and Fundraising for NASHA change the mood so as to keep everyone on their toes was This year we are raising funds for our first ever Annual admirable. He re- Cultural Show, ‘NASHA’. We hope to make this event a minded everyone of huge success through the generous contributions of his capabilities once again at the Diwali party, ‘Diwali alumni, parents, relatives, well-wishers and students. We Beats 2004’. His expertise at the mixing equipment, his invite you to be a part of our community by assisting us ability to feel the mood of the crowd and sway them is financially in our endeavors. indicative of his ability and the potential in him. Like wine, For further information please contact Shubham he will age to perfection. Enquiries can be directed to DJ ([email protected]) or visit our website www.pragathi.net Nikki at [email protected].