Happy Diwali! - India
Transcription
Happy Diwali! - India
INDIA LINK …where the Indo-American spirits come alive October, 2013 Grand Rapids, Michigan INDIA LINK- 2013 E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE PRESIDENT Smita Chandra TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATIONS, ADVERTISING & PUBLICATION Kuldip Singh Bagga EVENTS COORDINATORS Sonia Dalmia & Kamana Chadda ACCOUNTS & BOOK KEEPING Baij Nath Rai SUMMER MELA COORDINATOR Atul & Richa Kanvinde Decorations & Reception Committee Ismat Husain, Mona Saxena, Usha Koche, Manjusha Kumar, Purnima Rai, Ishita Das Catering & Dining Cordinators Manohar Koche, Atul Kanvinde, Ashok Kumar, Arun Rajgopal, Dilip Saxena Audio Visual, Lighting & DJ Coordinators Amit Chandra, Richa Kanvinde, Vinod Menon EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Rani & Kuldip Bagga, Kamna & Pramod Chadda Smita & Amit Chandra, Sonia & Arun Dalmia Ishita Das & Arun Rajgopal, Ismat Husain Richa & Atul Kanvinde, Usha & Manohar Koche Manjusha & Ashok Kumar, Purnima & Baij Rai Prasad Reddy, Mona & Dilip Saxena www.india-link.org [email protected] INDIA LINK, 2013 1 2 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 3 A Note from the Editor… The issue of the India Link Magazine that you are holding in your hands marks the 19th anniversary of our organization, "India Link.” Every year I feel very fortunate to be given the role of Editor of this annual magazine. As the years have gone by, I have been pleasaantly encouraged to see the pool of our talented contributors from across the globe. They take time to contribute articles, poems, and other creative forms of art to our magazine. The quality of these contributions has been outstanding and the enthusiasm of the contributors have been a gift. Hats off to all of you! Thank you all for helping our community and our organization grow artistically richer & larger every year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the India Link team. These individuals volunteer their time selflessly and go above and beyond the call of duty to assure that our Diwali celebrations run smoothly. Without their hard work and dedication this show and magazine would not be nearly as successful as they have been. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to our sponsors, well-wishers, and advertisers alike. Diwali is a special time when we all come together and are reminded of how blessed we are to have such a tight-knit, vibrant, and an open community, where everyone is welcome. Let us celebrate this time by enjoying the wonderful show that has been put together by our talented community members, by enjoying our favorite delicacies, and by spending time with our loved ones. That would be a true celebration from the heart! Jai Ho! Kuldip Bagga Happy Deepavali 4 INDIA LINK, 2013 अपने घर को तो हमने िचराग0 से रौशन कर िदया िदये जलाएं ढ़े र0 और अमावस का सारा तम पल भर म? हर िलया। माँ लCमी के Eवागत की सारी तैयारी भी कर ली िमठाई और मेव0 से पूजा की थािलयाँ भर ली। छोड़े ढ़े र सारे पटाखे और फुलचिड़याँ दोEत0 और िरUतेदार0 को दी ढ़े र0 बधईयाँ। िदवाली Monika Jain 'पंछ ी' hindithoughts.com कर दी मीठे पकवान0 की थािलयाँ खाली लो मन गयी हमारी एक और िदवाली। पर ना जाने िकतने घर हY जहाँ आज भी िदया जला नहीं ना जाने िकतनी हY आँख? िजनम? कोई \वाब अब तक पला नहीं। क्या िसफर् अपने घर को रौशन कर दे ने से िदवाली मन जाती है ? िदवाली है बुराई पर अ_छाई की िवजय का प्रतीक क्या िसफर् लCमी पूजन से हमारे कतर्bय0 की छुट्टी हो जाती है ? INDIA LINK, 2013 5 Holistic Education An approach to empower India! Author: Deeps Mane, B. Engg, MBA I t’s so aptly quoted that ‘Education is the most powerful tool to enable positive change in the world and the glory of the civilization depends hugely upon the educational system that resonates through the welfare and contributions of its people.’ Truly and historically as one of the ancient civilizations, India has had the best of value based education since the Vedic age which is why it made a great nation and the most sought after for centuries. Its wealth lies in its diversity, culture and traditional heritage that uplifts human race with its rich timeless literature, innovative theories and advances in the fields of science, math, medicine, the glorious art, architecture, world renowned ancient universities and beyond. Really the best of everything has been found here in this splendid subcontinent. Wisdom of world, self and divine prevailed in its very fabric though one may comment on its literacy rates in the recent past. The historic foreign invasions and intrusions from the east and west & internal power struggle interrupted the normal cycles of its smooth transitioning vehicle often. The conflicts & wars challenged the well-paced, peace loving, benevolent, harmonious, nature loving, accommodating and co-existing societies with calamitous grave issues for each generation. Therefore the focus shifted from progress and development to mere survival which led to poverty, slavery and helplessness, exploitation and struggles for freedom and so on. History, no matter how good or bad can neither be reversed nor questioned but it thus gave rise to the roaring modern democratic, sovereign and secular India. In the meanwhile, the world around had also rapidly changed and the country had to be geared and engineered to play catch up after a long lull period post the gradual desolation and independence. It feels immensely great that despite of all the challenges to its richness, heritage, secularism, sovereignty, with a strong democracy as our strength, the people have made this nation work. And the great visionaries, leaders, think tanks and entrepreneurs with the support of the its people of substance have strived to bring back the glory to India due to which we are have emerged as a strong, developing economic power. As they say, “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another or in other words transmission of civilization.” Education, I believe is as good as a basic necessity as food shelter clothing & health in fact even more cause the human mind needs & craves to be 6 INDIA LINK, 2013 contained & channelized w/ apt intellectual stimulation, creative engagement, critical/logical/analytical & emotional thinking. However, with the changing times, we now have more curriculum/theory based education in our schools, colleges and universities with very little scope for independent study, experimental hands-on and critical analysis. And yes, even in small family units where the parents emphasize on mastering/cramming the curriculums. Nothing wrong in curriculum based education but my guess is that it has been very limiting, short sighted & object oriented. Hence the education system, not just the curriculums but the approach itself needs to be revamped to broaden the perspective and create essential empowerment with current, useful and applicable practical skills, tools & techniques. Today’s education feels like it has accommodated everything, with an aggregation of all the ingredients a commercial society could possibly need but the very soul of learning, knowledge & purpose seems missing. The purpose of education predominantly is to direct, channelize, elevate & human behavior and enrich the human values and intelligences. When we pray we primarily seek good health, peace & prosperity for ourselves & everyone around, which eventually should determine the mission of our lives as individuals & as a society. All that we claim as our glorious literature, scientific discoveries, the mathematical concepts & medical findings, the astronomical derivations & the most revered of all, the spiritual wealth could actually be translated & noticeably realized through every stage of the education system for our people to know, challenge & expand upon and not just remain as yester debatable grandeurs. Post-independence, at one time our focus was to enhance the literacy in all our states, followed by imparting technical, scientific, and medical as well as management education. We have mostly been successful at it to some extent however the impact has been inadequate and the resulting output limited, given the size of population & its growth, the sparse availability of resources and infrastructure to support. The world around us has also continued to advance multi-dimensionally in a fast-paced and highly demanding manner. It’s rapidly progressed with flatter boundaries headed towards a hi-tech, mobile and digital era with emphasis on speed, efficiency, costeffectiveness and innovation. These advancements of gadgets, technology & age of digital communication have also brought along some new challenges for the current & future generations. And hence as we move to the next-gen of technical and scientific advancement, we now surely need a holistic education approach. From literacy to education and from civil responsibility to global ethics towards making noble and global citizens is what India needs today! India being the world’s largest democracy, it does matter even to the rest of the world what, who and how we are and with over 60% of the population being young, (which is a boon in disguise) the education & ancillary systems essentially are crucial. If we have to make a significant leap and make an assertive impact in the world, we need to capitalize on this population and develop it with a strategic, thoughtful approach aiming the desired change & power in mind for the future. To a great extent the current systems came as a lineage from the British rule and somehow do not reflect our own true inheritance & legacy. The Holistic Education Approach includes a complete education with practical experiences that comprises of traditional & modern thinking, embracing various elements of essential life skills & knowledge. From an array of substances like cognizance of the mind, body & soul, from physical education to total fitness & sports, from hobbies to expanding creativity/creative thinking, from responsibility to leadership, from moral science to global ethics, from community service to environmental consciousness. And from innovation to entrepreneurship, from change management to self-realization, from agriculture to artificial intelligence and from first aid/ safety to emergency preparedness such that the curriculums tie the Intelligence and Emotional Quotients together in an age appropriate manner facilitating gradual advancements. Imagine what could potentially be the impact & contribution of a billion populations to various avenues of life from Olympics to Nobel recognitions, the environment, and quality of living and beyond setting another level of benchmark in contributions’ to mankind. Let’s think about the pristine wealth we received from the previous generations and what we want to roll over to our future generations. This is the time to awaken and act with assertion making the right choices. I strongly believe that the holistic way would be a better approach to empower our present and future generations’ right from the early childhood beginnings which are now understood as the most significant formative years of human brain development. Many serious everyday issues like eradication of corruption, imbibing the civic virtues, cleanliness & hygiene, community service/volunteering and several other areas of concerns that seem difficult to alter from the grass root levels could be introduced & woven into the education systems if the goal is to really address them thoroughly. Our great heritage & legacy can only be conserved if the schools & colleges adapted it. The essential life skills of yoga, meditation, physical fitness health & nutrition, environment, nature, community consciousness all that imbibes resilience, personality & character building attributes have to be modeled, studied, realized in every developmental stage beyond just the typical curriculums’ in parts and pieces to induce as holistic way/art of life and this is going to be extremely important as we continue to get sucked into the digital world. If we are able to adopt, embrace and realize it, in its true sense, promisingly there will be no stone unturned by the people themselves to create winning propositions to advance and overcome the challenges of the nation and the world in the fields of technology, science, industry, environment, business, services, governance, arts and entertainment, you name it. The wealth of talent could be tapped adequately and put to good use and certainly this positive embracement to the holistic approach will help us drive the talent in the desired direction making India potentially the super power of tomorrow. While our urban populations have access to the most sophisticated education, advanced gadgets, tools and technology and amenities, sadly a large section of the nation is completely disconnected & deprived of the urban developmental aspects with little or absolutely no grounds for well-planned transitions. Our cities are over loaded and their infrastructures fail to support the shift of rural population to the urban areas making the metros unclean, unsafe & overcrowded. People are quitting agricultural, domestic and cooperative occupations to urban jobs no matter how tough and stressful they are since agriculture, cooperative engagement were never perceived as occupations of caliber, hard-word with rewards, respect and pride. Further in parallel, we also need to bring the state of the art infrastructure, holistic education and technology to the rural segments such that the rural populations can study, work and satisfactorily exist remotely having access to the wide-reaching privileges’ of the urban and global cities. As more and more people now move to technology, we need to carefully draft a balanced portfolio for the 21 st century India to diversify proportionately into agriculture, services, industry, manufacturing and accordingly strategically plan for tomorrow’s growth, development plans and challenges which begins from uplifting the education system. Change is inevitable and the only assertive and predictable thing that none can deny. But since we did not act promptly, we lagged. A large segment of Indians do not thrive in their comfortable zones and there is constant everyday friction for livelihood and affluence. In a world of the fittest, where we have imbibed spirits of immense competition, acquisition and capitalization, yet change is not an easy task. While we form the world’s largest democracy, we automatically are perceived as the world’s largest consumer market. Choice is ours, whether we want to serve as the largest consumer base and call-centre base or whether we dare ourselves to drive the global strides of development, technology, global dynamics and decision-making. It’s very crucial to intertwine spirits of entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and nationalism in our people to make the world a better livable, enjoyable & sustainable place. Our national plans & policies for development cannot move forward beyond self-sufficiency without revisiting our education system. Our lives are becoming increasing mechanical & intercepted in the technological or digital era and in this INDIA LINK, 2013 7 age of nuclear, chemical & biological weapons, cyber wars & robots we surely have to act fast. As much as technologies are gifted boons to the world, they also are destructive tools if misused and hence the holistic human development through education is crucial to our generation than ever before enhancing the standard of education keeping the human quotient at the fore front. Corruption from the grass root level has immensely tarnished our global image and hinders development, business and trade in many ways. The governments need to chalk out strategic talent development map for its people to enable diversification of the nation’s trade portfolio & compliment with the holistic education. It would also help to eliminate many undesirable aspects of the society & technology and help in rebuilding the fabric of integrity, honesty, pride and nobility. There have been enough brain drains since we did not plan to craft & contain our human talent. Having a well-planned & conducted holistic education system, India can once again attract a pool of best global talent like its ancient universities of Nalanda, Takshashila did and also employ to its advantage. Visionaries and the common people of aspirations together everyone can play a significant role in making this dream come true for the nation they belong and owe to and thus my earnest and humble appeal to participate, contribute and emphasize through every avenue possible the Holistic way way! Author: Deeps Mane, B. Engg, MBA References: This is not just an article but a dream for change & empowerments in India and therefore a humble attempt based upon my limited knowledge. Although not an avid reader or follower of any particular school of thought, my thoughts are based on little information, some observation and inspirations of various visionaries, think tanks and pioneers of business and governance. Your critical feedback and comments are highly appreciated, thank you for a patient reading! Rabindranath Tagore রবীndনাথ ঠাkর Robindro-nath Thakur Mind Without Fear Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. 8 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 9 सन ु ो-सन ु ो क्या नानी कहती Monika Jain 'पंछी’ सुनो-सुनो क्या नानी कहती, हवा सुहानी अब ना बहती पेड़0 से जो थी हिरयाली, घर का आँगन अब है खाली िचिड़याँ अब ना गीत सुनाती, घर आँगन म? अब ना आती पेड़0 के कट जाने से , eठे बादल बरसाने से धरती माँ अब बाँझ हुई, घनघोर अँधरे ी साँझ हुई पंछी का रै न बसेरा छूटा, मीठा था जो \वाब वो टूटा िवष म? घुलती वायु है , घटती मानव की आयु है पेड़0 से मानव hयार करो, िमत्र0 सा bयवहार करो पेड़ लगाकर मानव तम ु , खद ु अपना उपकार करो 10 INDIA LINK, 2013 Transcendental Wishes For my lil ones Aim to reach the regal sky, Aim focused at the bird's eye Aim absolute high and never you shy Flow with immense vigor, Flow with profound rigor O flow like the vibrant streams merging to get bigger Listen to your inner voices Cut thro' all the revolving noises No matter what odds, always make righteous choices Run like the soft soothing air Run like vibrant joy everywhere O run lil ones with your selfless Midas touches to share Gently touch & heal many hearts Passionately craft beautiful life arts Today is what we all have, so give your best my smarts March all terrains like the gallant enduring rivers March even if the colossal earth quivers March on with your heart invariably when the fragile feet shivers Adorn thyself with virtuous riches Knowledge & wisdom shall overcome all glitches The greater right & duty always be your soul itches Live with humility & simplicity Live with thy honor & dignity Live every moment as God's choicest blessing with utmost integrity Dream of eternal bliss & peace, none to please Dream of boundless love, never to cease Dream a harmonious world for an enriched, & liberated release The Lord is always with you & so my transcendental wishes Build thy noble lineage with love, sacrifices & hearty rushes I'll look up to you my dear ones, as my tranquil prayers make triumphant gushes Deeps Mane INDIA LINK, 2013 11 A Walk in the Clouds... Anand Penat October 28, 2011 at 11:55am I t didn’t look very promising when I stepped out of our 3rd floor cottage that day at Club Mahindra Binsar.. The rain was still threatening and the clouds were out in force in the valley across..The Church on the opposite hill which had played such a leading part in yesterdays sound and light show had disappeared, hidden under a blanket of white...And the birds had fallen silent, the weather evidently not the one they desired to complete the morning worm hunt in..The one who had the most enthusiasm to be out in this weather was my driver Ashok but i suspect last night’s substantial tip had more to do with it than any real hopes of catching the sights in weather like this ..Well we set out , the Indica engine serving to wake up the population at that ungodly hour... Our destination was 30 kms away , the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, supposed haven for Himalayan birds and the occasional mountain leopard..We had barely done a couple of kms of the 12 INDIA LINK, 2013 ever winding and dipping road and a miracle of sorts got under way...Suddenly, as if someone had waved a magic wand the morning mist disappeared, the sun broke free and the clouds went into their cinema curtain act doing a gradual withdrawal from the hilltops ...And you couldn’t just stop staring incredulously....No multiplex curtain was ever going to reveal a more awe inspiring site...There above hills you had once imagined were mighty , stood the mightiest mountain range on the planet, all covered in snow and forbidding in stature reducing the erstwhile mighty hills to mere pygmies...The clouds now seemed to be in a struggle to even get close to their imposing scraggy summits , giving up the battle half way up their slopes and preferring to hurry past as wisps of cotton wool .. Ashok seemed to have been struck speechless as much as i had been which was rare in his case cos he was normally as noisy as the car engine he drove...I did the only thing i could think of under the circumstances... Jumped out, pulled the D90 out of my backpack fixed the wide angle lens on the bayonet and kept the shutter button firmly depressed..There wasn’t much conversation in the car after that until we pulled outside the only open Dhabha on the twisting road and ordered steaming hot cups of masala chai... And then it was mostly a monologue as Ashok recalled all the times he had seen the sight earlier and how it always had the same awe inspiring effect. We set out again and soon drew up outside the cantilevered log that serves as the entrance barrier to the national park ..Several minutes of queing and official documenting later we were on our way. Driving up the road to the Core area...And up was the operative word...For the next hour or so the road would never divert from its 45 degree plus angle of climb...The initial portions until Km 12 were beautifully paved and the tree line maintained their distance on either side, the whole looking less like a national forest and more like manicured lawns of a man made botanical garden...And just when you were lulled into a sense of wellbeing on your most comfortable ride yet into the confines of a national park and things changed ...And changed rapidly...The forest no longer maintained its distance from the shoulders of the road and closed above it in a impenetrable canopy...The road surface was no longer an unbroken piece of tarmac it had been all the while ... Now the tarmac had disappeared under attack from tree roots and precipitation and what was left was a jolting , pitted and broken path that was making the indicas suspension sound like a broken rattle ..It still scrambled its way upwards and i had to marvel at its makers..They never would have imagined that its puny 1 litre engine would be put to this effort...Another hour of this and we reached the Hotel and Viewpoint of the Government owned LVMN Guest house ...Journey’s end... From here on you were on your own....No Indica to haul you any further , and wonder of wonders , no Ashok either...He suddenly seemed to have discovered that he hadn’t slept last night and pointing to what looked like the steepest and narrowest of paths i had seen in a long time , informed me that that’s the way to go while he enjoyed a little siesta and tea in the back of the car.... Well, I hauled the 12 kg camera and Comp backpack onto my shoulders, secured it around my waist, hoisted the 2Kg D90 and 500mm lens combo in my right hand and with a bottle of mineral water thoughtfully extended by Ashok set out to trudge my way up.....And then made my first mistake of the day...Even before i had taken a couple of steps, a forest guard came running up and offered to accompany me as guide . What?? Me?? Guide ?? No way... I refused the offer and set out on my own... Ashok had told me from there it was just a matter of some 6kms to the highest point in all of Almora and that hadn’t sounded very far... Five minutes down the path and i suddenly realized that this was not going to be a cake walk..For one, the path that had looked impressively paved with rectangular stones, i discovered was not what you wanted at all, if u were planning to go trekking in boots..The stones had gathered a layer of very slippery green algae over them and you just had to plant a feet at even slightly off the perpendicular to end up sitting on your bottom with a painful thud..So it was down to concentrating on planting the feet firmly and perpendicular to the ground on every step ..And scout around for some fauna to shoot with the cam occasionally...Barely a km in and things got a little bit more earnest and tricky...Cos now the path decided it has had enough of keeping the straight and narrow and would rather be crooked and climb and drop at will...And on one side its shoulder just fell away to reveal inky green drops of several thousand feet and giant tree tops several hundred metres below you...Few hundred metres of this and you could feel the chill even in this cold climate (15C) as the sweat broke out on your back from the exertion of the climb and the oxygen starved atmosphere at these heights..I had been walking for about 20 mins at a fairly rapid pace and begun feeling the exertion when something struck me suddenly...My God...This was not a walk in a park...This is a wildlife reserve ...There have been leopards sighted here and are in residence... And all i had with me to defend myself was a camera with a long telephoto lens.... Hmmmmmmm....No forest guard, curse my cussedness for having refused his offer to join me.. Suddenly i felt very lonely out there...And a lot more awakened to the sounds of the forest around me..But deciding firmly that i didn’t want to face Ashoka’s probing questions and knowing smile on how i had managed a 6 km walk in barely 20 minutes, i trudged on ever deeper into the inky greenness. A km further in when the path had become more gravel and less paving stone and i suddenly realized that the weather had now decided to join in in the fun.. From almost nowhere it arrived , a blanketing milky white mist , swirling along the treetops and settling on the path reducing visibility to near zero and the temperatures a couple of notches further down..And since one shoulder of the path was base jumping territory with beautiful 1,000 meter drops , i moved closer to the other end sticking close to the hill side that I was climbing and could no longer see, except for a couple of metres ahead...I had been climbing for close to three quarters of an hour by my watch and now the backpack was getting to really put a bite on my shoulders and the breathing was getting more and more labored..I must be very close to Zero Point cos i had been budgeting an hour and a half for the round trip when something strange dawned on me which suddenly brought me to a stop...And this i didn’t like at all...Cos it broke through my subconscious mind that there was complete silence around me...Not even the rustle of branches in the wind or the occasional cries of unseen birds or calls of the forest residents.. Just a very loud silence...That was scary and the sweat that broke out on the nape of my neck weren’t entirely because of my exertions until then.... I almost gave it up then but decided that having come this far i would trudge on and so breathing deeply to calm the nerves, i trundled on climbing ever higher...A few more minutes of walking through the milky white silence and i knew i had finally reached journey’s end...The forest department sign announced i was at the highest point in Almora and i was greeted by a cheery monkey and her brood...Startled at my sudden appearance out of the mist they swung out over the treetops far below me and were lost in the white muck before i could even get the lens cap off.. Well nothing to see, except milky white mist and no grand vistas except the occasional sighting of a treetop canopy far below when the swirling mist lifted for a few moments before it closed in again... Well at least the return was going to be all climbing down and easy ...Or so I thought! INDIA LINK, 2013 13 Akshaya Patra By: Krista McCarthy, Manager of Donor Relations, The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA F or Ashok and Uday, education was a luxury that could not be afforded. Ashok had missed five years of schooling after dropping out to take care of his young niece. Uday was in second grade when he lost his mother and had to drop school to become a caregiver for his siblings at an age when he himself still needed parental care and affection. The teachers of the school in Toranagallu say, “The trend is not surprising in spite of the fact that parents understand the need for education.” Due to poor economic conditions in the family, the parents are forced to send the child to work or take care of younger siblings at home. This was before the Akshaya Patra Foundation began serving meals in the struggling region’s schools, when even food was a luxury. The Akshaya Patra Foundation built a kitchen in nearby Bellary to establish a mid-day meal program that would simultaneously address child hunger malnutrition and promote education for thousands of local children just like Ashok and Uday. The state-of-the art kitchen utilizes custom technology to prepare and deliver hot, fresh, nutritious meals to more than 130,000 children in schools every day. The kitchen has also achieved International Food Safety Management ISO 22000:2005 certification, and is certified hygienic under the strictest international standards. The meals have acted as incentive for families to send their children to school, assured that they will receive one full meal for the day. Today, both Ashok and Uday are back in school. Ashok is a good athlete who wins awards for the school, and Uday 14 INDIA LINK, 2013 excels in his studies and is top of his class. The teachers say, “Apart from our efforts, the midday meal program has ensured that children like them come back to school. Parents have one less hungry stomach to feed. But if it had not been for Akshaya Patra, these children could never have realized their true potentials.” The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a public-private partnership and uses innovative technology, smart engineering and good management to provide freshly prepared nutritious school meals to nearly 1.3 million disadvantaged school children across India every day. By partnering with the state and federal government, Akshaya Patra has ensured the sustainability of the school meal program. The government provides cash and grain subsidies that reduce the cost per meal by as much as 60%. As a result it costs Akshaya Patra just $15 to feed one child for an entire year. This public-private partnership allows Akshaya Patra’s school meal program to reach twice as many children. Children just like Ashok and Uday, who might otherwise be forced to leave school to help support their families. The Toranagallu Village school’s enrollment data shows that 900 children are studying this academic year, with 443 girls and 457 boys attending the school daily. A few will drop out by the time they reach grade ten, but there will be many who continue to study. Most will opt to continue their studies in ITI and Diploma courses. The teachers of this school praise the students who have passed out of the school and have become role models for their juniors. For many of them, it was the Akshaya Patra meals that made it possible for them to attend school and that made all the difference. For more information, please visit the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s website at www.foodforeducation.org. INDIA LINK, 2013 15 Recreations & The Maestro A Short Essay on Adapted Songs of Rabindranath Tagore Sounak Gupta 16 INDIA LINK, 2013 1 The impact of environs has been observed to have always had an impact behind any great creation. while discussing on Music. His journey was in search of that inexpressible. The house of the legendary Tagores at Jorasanko, Calcutta was no less than hub of Education, Art and Culture in the nineteenth century. Beginning its glorious history from the times of Prince Dvarkanath Tagore, the family of the Tagores has remained a pioneer in the sociocultural development of Bengal, through the era of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and turned to be a complete chapter in the history of the society with Rabindranath Tagore. The travels begin in 1878, as earlier said - to fulfil his father, Devendranath’s hope to see him as a Barrister, Tagore goes off to England. In his ‘Remniscences’, Rabindranath writes, “We had a profusely decorated volume of Moore’s ‘Irish Melodies’; and often have I listened to the enraptured recitation of these by Akshay Babu. The poems combined with the pictorial designs to conjure up for me a dream picture of the Ireland of old... I had not then actually heard the original tunes, but had sung these Irish melodies To make Music; then tabooed in the society, being a mode to myself to the accompaniment of the harps in the of entertainment practised by whores; an integral part of pictures... When I went to England I did hear some of the the scenario of Art, there were the Tagores – shunned by Irish melodies sung, and learnt them too... They were the common man for going against the norms! There were simple, mournful and sweet, but they somehow did not fit pillars of Indian Classical Music of the era like Vishnu in with the silent melody of the harp which filled the halls Chakravarty, Srikantho Sinha, Jadunath Bhattacharjee of the Old Ireland of my dreams... From this mixed (Jadubhatta) to regularly train the members of the family. cultivation of foreign and native melody was born the Besides, most of the Tagores excelled in various aspects of ‘Valmiki Pratibha” (means ‘The Genius of Valmiki’ – a Music. As a joint effect of his inherent flair and the rich musical drama by Tagore). environment he grew up in, young Rabindranath could expose himself to the fullest, to Art – wherever he was and however. Perhaps thus, could he better develop his own genius and proceed gloriously in the creation of Art. In his essay titled “The Origin and Function of Music”, Herbert Spencer writes, “... music is but an idealisation of the natural language of emotion... The various inflections of voice which accompany feelings of different kinds and Beginning in 1878, with going off to Brighton, England to intensities are the germs out of which music is developed. study Law; Tagore travelled all through his life. Always It is demonstrable that these inflection and cadences are attentive in listening to various musical forms in his own not accidental or arbitrary; but they are determined by country and other places around the globe, Tagore had certain general principles of vital actions; and that their adapted some dulcet compositions he had heard at various expressiveness depends on this.” If we consider Tagore’s situations, in various places, in quite a number of his own adaptation from the composition of Stephen Adam’s songs. The list of such adapted songs is, no doubt too long (Michael Maybrick) Ballad, “Nancy Lee” – the song from for being discussed in brief. I have hence chosen a few ‘Valmiki Pratibha’, “Kaali Kaali Bolo Re Aaj” (Say ‘Kaali’ melodies of Tagore inspired from various non-Tagore ‘Kaali’ Today) we see, how appropriately Tagore has proven musical compositions, on no particular basis, to highlight the truth in Spencer’s saying. to the best of my knowledge. 2 “Its power lies in the region of the inexpressible; it tells us what the words cannot”, says Tagore, “Of all the wives as e’er you know, Yeo ho! Lads! Yeo ho! Yeo ho! There’s none like Nancy Lee, I trow, Yeo ho! Lads! Yeo ho! Yeo Ho!” INDIA LINK, 2013 17 The way the then nineteen year old poet amalgamated the composition with words suiting the scene and nature of characters who would sing it in the play, is no doubt worth being noted. 3 “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place to realise that the beauty of Nature is not a mirage of the imagination, but reflects the joy of the Infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves in it. Where the universe is expressing itself in the magic of its laws it 4 Eminent writer from Punjab, Balraj Sahni recalls about one of the days when he was a teacher at Santiniketan, when Tagore, getting to know that he wrote only in Hindi questioned why he didn’t make an attempt to compose in his mother tongue. “- In Punjab, we either write in Hindi or in Urdu. No one writes in Punjabi. Punjabi is a very backward language. If you want an honest opinion, it cannot be called a language. It is a sub-language, a dialect of the Hindi language. may not be strange if we miss its infinitude; but where the heart gets into immediate touch with immensity in the I do not agree with you. The Punjabi literature or the beauty of the meanest of things, is any room left for Bengali literature is very old. Can you look down upon argument?” – Rabindranath Tagore. that language and call it outdated or backward, the language in which great poets like Guru Nanak have The workplace of the poet’s elder brother, second son of Devendranath Tagore, Satyendranath was Bombay. Indira Devi Chaudhurai, niece of Tagore (and daughter of Satyendranath Tagore-Jnanadanandini Devi) recalls a day just prior to the wedding of the poet in 1883, when Tagore was with their family, in the picturesque port of Karawar, near Bombay. She speaks about a group of ballerinas who had come to present some songs in Kannada and dances. Inspired by their performance, Indira Devi recalls having learnt some of their songs from them, after which the poet adapted a few of the compositions in his own songs. written? And then he recited a few lines of Guru Nanak’s, which I now remember by heart.” Thus recalls Sahni a conversion between him and the poet, sometime in the 1930s. ”Gaganon Mein Thaal Tavichandra Deepak Ban Taraamandala Janaka Moti Re. Dhoop Malayaneela Pawan Chanwar Kare Sagal Vanaraaji Phulanta Jyoti Re. Kaisi Aarti Huyi Ho Bhavkhandana Teri Aarti Anahata Shavad Bajanta Bheri Re.” 5 Those were the lines then recited to Balraj Sahni, by Tagore. Inspired by the song in Gurbani by Nanak, in 1875, the poet, then thirteen, had made “Purnachandranane Chinmana Harane Manmatha Mohane Mohini Naakaloka Kaloline Ashabhanga Maran Vitarana Panchavana Naame Jaane. Sa Sa Sa Sa, Ni Sa Re Sa Ni-Dha Pa Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa Sa Pa Dha Pa Sa Ni Dha Pa.” So went the words of a Kannada song set on the notes of Karnati Khambaj, out of the musical composition of which Tagore created “Aaji Subhodine Pitaaro Bhabone” (In This Holy Occasion, In the House of The Lord), sung on the occasion of ‘Maaghotsava’ (festival held in the Bengali month of Maagha) in Santiniketan till date. 18 INDIA LINK, 2013 a complete recreation of the song in Bengali, “Gaganer Thaale Rabichandra Deepak Jwale” (On the platter of the Sky, burn the lamps of the Sun and the Moon). It was not just the adaptation of the musical composition, but an entire translation of the Bhajan along with the adaptation of the tune. “Meenakshi – Memuda Dehi Me Chakangi Raaj Matangi Manamatra Me, Amba Maaye, Marakatachhaye Shivachaye Meenalochanae Paapamochane Maanni Kadambavana Vasini.” Ekla Nitai, Ekla Nitai Ekla Nitai Re! Amar Nitai Jodi Daakre Nitai Gour Bole, Jodi Mone Kore Tobe Gour Nilei Nite Pare.” Fascinated on hearing the twelve-year-old Savitri Govind Krishnan sing this Bhajan, at her homeland, Adyar, Madras, Rabindranath had brought her to Santiniketan in 1928. One afternoon, after the classes in the morning, Savitri Devi recalls, she had just come to have lunch, for where Tagore was living. Seeing Savitri, Tagore asked her Although this traditional Bhajan from Bengal has often been referred to as a song of Vaishnavite Bauls, experts comment that its style makes it closer to Kirtan than any other form. Inspired by the appealing musical composition, Tagore, then forty four created “Jodi Tor Daak Shune Keu to sing the Bhajan to Meenakshi Devi that she had sung to Na Aashe” (If They Answer Not To Thy Call) – a song him at Adyar. When she completed, Gurudev at once sat enough to arouse any latent soul! It’s surprising indeed, down with his pen and “Basanti, He Bhubanamohini” that the composition of a Devotional song could be so (Thou Enchanting Spring) with Savitri at his side. He then effectively used to create another, which is of a completely synchronised the notations of the Bhajan with the new different mood and meaning altogether! Gurudev called for her. The hungry little girl, not quite happy being called at that odd hour, went up to Uttarayan, song and asked the little girl to sing the same again, this time with the Bengali words. The re-creation of the Basantbased “Meenakshi – Memuda Dehi Me” amazed Dinendranath Tagore and others who were in the scene. It 7 A complete list of adapted songs of Rabindranath Tagore would be too long to provide. Besides the music of various regions of India and the West, in the poet’s songs we find considerable influence of Indian was 1931. Tagore’s adaptations from South Indian Music form a quite impressive list. Indira Devi Chaudhurani feels that reason this may have been possible perhaps because of Sarala Devi Chaudhurani (niece of Rabindranath and daughter of Swarnakumari Devi) who lived for a considerable time in South India and made Tagore aware of various compositions of the South. 6 Tagore, who is so inspired by the music of various regions, would be no less influenced by the music of his own land, Bengal – that’s certain. Besides interest in other forms of Folk Music of Bengal, Rabindranath had a special liking for Baul music – he, Classical Music – Dhrupads, Dhamars, Khayals, Thumris, Tappas, Taranas and other forms. Again, it is not possible to discuss all that in a brief span (also when the essayist is naive as I, in the seemingly endless journey of discovering and rediscovering Tagore). “Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest againand again, and fillest it ever with fresh life. This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new. At the immortal touch of thy hands my little Heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to Utterance ineffable. Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still thou pourest, and still there is no room to fill.” especially appreciated the compositions of Lalan Shah and To conclude with, I am thus left with the words of the poet Gagan Harkara, from which he has taken inspiration in himself, to express what I feel! What else can I say? ! creating the music of a few of his compositions. We also note adaptations of compoditions pf Ramprasad Sen, Nidhu Babu (Ramanidhi Gupta), Girish Chandra Ghosh and others, in some songs of Tagore. “Harinaam Diye Jagat Maatale Amar Ekla Nitaai. Amar Ekla Nitai INDIA LINK, 2013 19 Dancing Fingers By: Tejinder S. Mander As I sit in the Gurdwara, I can hear the melody of the Tabla blend with the Vaja (Harmonium), creating perfect harmony and music to my ears. Tejeshwar is an eleven-year-old boy. He plays Tabla as if he has spent many years mastering his art. His little fingers dance on the Tabla as if they are especially created for this. The thought that he is naturally gifted will probably not totally justify the hard work and dedication in he puts and, a boy with a talent like his does not come with overnight success. Tejeshwar spends his free time making sure each beat is hit precisely. His skills go well beyond his age. Tejeshwar learned Tabla from his grandfather, Bhai Gajjan Singh ji, and father, Bhai Baljeet Singh ji, but he has made it his own by putting in his heart and soul into his music. His voice is very melodious and the pitch is possibly even higher than his own teachers. The best time for our children to learn is at younger ages. Tejeshwar sets a great example for the youth in our society by not giving up on his goals, and continually bettering himself at his music. Many children in our community can learn a lot from Tejeshwar. It is our responsibility as parents and community members to provide the best teachers and facilities so that all our children have every opportunity to explore all the possible talents they have within them. If you have not had the opportunity to watch Tejeshwar practice his talent, you can do so at the Sikh Gurdwara on Sundays between 11 am to 2 pm 20 INDIA LINK, 2013 नीम हकीम जब म $ छोटा ब) चा था, नीम हकीम का मतलब नीम के पे ड़ के नीचे बैठने वाले हकीम जी को समझता था। मन म< कभी-कभी यह शं क ा भी आती थी िक कहीं उनका मEय प्रदे श के नीमच या राजI थान के नीमराना से तो कोई संबंध नहीं रहा है । थोड़ा बड़ा होने पर पता चला िक नीम का सही अथर् ‘आधा अधूर ा या अधकचरा’ होता है। बाद म< यह भी समझ आ गया िक अिधकांश एलोपैि थक डाक्टर मरीजT पर अपना एकािधकार मानते हुए उपचार की अVय वैकिXपक पद्धितयT के िचिक[सकT को नीम हकीम सरीखा ही समझते ह$। इसका प्रम ुख कारण िकंिचत उन िचिक[सकT _वारा अपने को ‘डाक्टर’ कहना/िलखना एवं बीमार पड़ने पर ‘एक बीमार सौ उपचार’ की बात िकतनी स[य प्रतीत होती है। हमारा भारत एक महान दे श है। यहां हर आदमी (परामशर्द ाता) डाक्टर है और सीिमत संख्या वाले कुछ के पास प्रोफेशनल िडग्री भी होती है। म ुVनाभाई एम.बी.बी.एस. जैसे कई िडग्रीधारी भी वाI तव म< छद्म िचिक[सक या नीम हकीम की hे ण ी म< आते ह$। मेिडकल की प्रवेश परीक्षा म< एक उj मीदवार (जो बाद म< नीम हकीम बन गए) _वारा िदए गए उ[तरT पर ज़रा गौर कर< : आटर्री (Artery) कैट I कैन (Cat Scan) रे िडओलॉजी( Radiology) कोमा (coma ) एक शक िलए मेरा – स ुVदर प< िटंग बनाना – खोई िबX ली की खोज – रे िडओ का अEययन – अXपिवराम नीम हकीम थे। ईमानदार टाइप थे, भोले थे। बोडर् पर नाम के आगे एम.बी.बी.एस. िलख रखा था। लोगT को हुआ तो मास ूिमयत से बताया िक यह तो ‘िमयां बीवी ब)चे सात ’ का लघु rप है। एक बार ऑपरे श न करने के हाथ म< फूलT की एक माला ले कर आए। लोगT ने पूछ ा िक डाक्टर साहब यह िकस िलए, तो बोले िक भाई यह पहला ऑपरे श न है, कामयाब रहा तो माला मेरे गले म<, नहीं तो िफर मरीज पर। उनके साथ एक बार मजेद ार वाकया हुआ l एक आदमी ने उनसे पूछा िक डाक्टर साहब, घर की िविज़ट का क्या ल< ग< l उनके 400 tपये बताने पर उसने कहा "चिलए" l उVहTने अपनी गाड़ी िनकाली और आदमी को िबठा कर उस के घर पहुँच गए l "िकसे दे खना है" पछ ू ने पर आदमी के इस जवाब पर िक "िकसी को भी नहीं , असल म< टै क्सी वाला घर तक के 500 tपये मांग रहा था " हमारे नीमहकीम साहब िबलकुल सVन रह गए l एक और थोड़े पढ़े -िलखे िकI म के नीम हकीम थे। उVहTने अपनी बीवी को सख्त िहदायत दी थी िक वह से ब िबX कुल नहीं खाये ग ी, िकसी हालत म< नहीं। हम< उनकी यह सनक पX ले नहीं पड़ी, पूछ बैठे तो वह सकुचाते हुए बोले िक अंग्रे ज़ी म< एक कहावत है, आपने जrर स ुनी होगी – “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away” (रोज एक से ब खाएं, डाक्टर द रू भगाएं) । अब आप ही बताएं िक मेरे स ख ु ी वैवािहक जीवन के िलए यह िनतांत आवwयक है या नहीं। उनके पास एक बार एक कीिजए। हकीम साहब ने फरमाया िक इसी से तो तड़के खींच ले ते ह$, आपके मरीज आया और बोला िक डाक्टर साहब सारे समय म झ ु े कमजोरी सी लगती ह,ै कुछ उससे पूछा िक स ुबह िकतने बजे उठते हो। नौ बजे, उसने जवाब िदया। तब आपने आपकी सारी प्राxलम (problem) है। बाबा रामदे व और उनके अनुयायी सारी ऑक्सीजन िहI से प्राणवायु बचती ही कहां है । यह अलग बात है िक नीम हकीमT के मरीज उVह< कत रा-ए-जान समझते ह$ जबिक प्रबुद्ध वगर् के उनके द ुwमनT के अनस ु ार वे ख़तरा-ए-जान ह$। नीम हकीम आजकल इस बात से खश ु ह$ िक िफX म अिभनेता आिमर खान ने अपने कायर्क्रम ‘स[यमेव जयते’ म< िनयिमत डाक्टरT के प्रिशिक्षत, िहपोक्रेिटस शपथकतार् व िव[तीय rप से स| ु ढ़ होने के बावजूद कई तरह की अवां छनीय बात T म< संिल}त होने की बात उठाई है, पर उनके जैसे समाजसे िवयT पर एक भी अंगल ु ी नहीं उठाई। िदनेश कुमार गु}ता, िदX ली September 16, 2010 INDIA LINK, 2013 21 The Kumars Manjusha & Ashok The Kanvindes Richa Richa & Atul Happy Diwali The Koches The Saxenas Manohar & Usha 22 INDIA LINK, 2013 Mona & Dilip INDIA LINK, 2013 23 San Jose Gurdwara A Wonder ful Visit onderful O Fred Stella ne of my favorite places to visit (along with most able to fill them in on the basics of Sikhism and the everyone who has ever visited) is the Bay Area. appropriate etiquette involved in visiting. So our shoes This summer there were 2 events that took me came off and kerchiefs went around our heads. While I there. The main reason was to deliver a lecture to members knew enough about Sikhism to give them an introduction I of Hindu temples from across the United States as part of certainly couldn’t pretend to be an expert. But that didn’t the Hindu Mandirs Executive Conference in San Jose. Also, matter. A very sweet gentleman who saw us there (the only even though my sister-in-law, Mary Kay turned 50 in March non-Indians at the time) introduced himself and offered to she was willing to hold off having her big party until August give us a tour. Mary Kay and Ian were thrilled to have so my wife and I could get away without having to fly out someone go into the depths he did about this venerable twice in the year. The conference was very successful and it tradition. And if you’ve not been to this gurdwara you have was a joy to be with my wife’s siblings and our nephews. no idea how stunning it is. Just being there was a blessing. When I arrived Mary Kay was excited to tell me that the After the tour of the main prayer hall and receiving proshad San Jose Gurdwara was less than 10 minutes from her (which Mary Kay wasn’t fond of but Ian would have taken house. It was such a beautiful and impressive structure; seconds!) our new friend took us to the langar. He told us and she was curious about the chance of me taking her that it is open to feed people at no charge 24/7. We couldn’t there. So one day while we were driving back into town fathom that. The thing we were sorry about was that we after a gorgeous tour of wine country Mary Kay asked if we were heading back to the house where Mary Kay’s husband could stop in. Other family members were in other cars and was fixing dinner. We were going to have to come back if we she thought that we’d still be able to make it home for were to take advantage of the wonderful generosity of the dinner on time. There were just 3 of us travelling together local Sikh community. I honestly didn’t think that that afternoon. Besides Mary Kay and me our nephew by opportunity would present itself this trip out but the another sister, Ian, visiting from Oregon, was there and he following day we found ourselves with some spare time was very game to check this sacred palace out. Having before a family outing would begin. Unfortunately for Mary attended services our local gurdwara many times I was Kay, she takes a great deal of time to get ready to do 24 INDIA LINK, 2013 anything so she stayed behind while Ian and I zipped off Sikhism and Indian culture. My wife, Teresa is heading around lunch time to the gurdwara. We had a delightful back out there for Thanksgiving. Maybe Mary Kay will get meal there for the price of a donation. The whole experience that Opportunity. left this young man with a very positive impression of INDIA LINK, 2013 25 26 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 27 28 INDIA LINK, 2013 Changing Times Indu Rekha Meesa A fter having lived in the United States for more than 25 years, I strongly believe that American continues to be the land of hope and opportunity for many. Through my own experiences at school/college, work and community, I believe that in this country with hard work and determination, any one individual can become and achieve anything. This land of opportunity has attracted many different cultures and people across the globe in all professions including the top intellectuals in fields such as medicine, engineering, business, etc. As a result, the United States has become one of the most diverse, influential and economically thriving countries in the world, especially during (late 90s and early 2000s). With the development of the internet, the world suddenly became small and globalized. There is global competition for businesses. Countries such as India have started to develop internally and have begun to compete globally. It’s large population (predicted to be the most populous country by 2025), abundant supply of extremely qualified workers, hard work, and the ability to produce better quality for less have been attracting many global businesses/investors resulting in outsourcing from countries such as the United States. This has led to an increase in jobs in India, especially in big cities. This increase in jobs in the cities has led many people in small towns to move to cities and as a result, lead to the real estate boom. The jobs and the real estate boom have enabled many middle class families to spend more (shopping, dining, vacations) which in turn created more jobs. In fact, the enthusiasm to come to America in search for opportunity has significantly decreased among new, young, graduates in India. Many are opting to sign on onto jobs with local companies. This is not very surprising. The infrastructure and the living conditions in India, especially in the big cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore etc., have significantly improved over the last 25 years, especially during the last decade. I was fortunate to visit India at least 10 times during the last 20 years to see this dramatic change. The infrastructure (highways, hospitals, schools/colleges, businesses, hotels, shopping malls, tourist spots) have developed tremendously. Though some of the younger generation youth have become westernized, the basic culture (festivals, etc) is still preserved. While there continues to be a gap between the rich and poor, cities and villages, with time, this gap is likely to become very small. 15 – 20 years from now, it may not be very surprising to see if there is not much interest from the new graduates to immigrate to the United States for higher education/training or jobs. While I have no doubt that America will continue to be the land of opportunity, diversity, and growth, the younger generation Indians might be more reluctant to leave their homeland (family, friends, culture & customs) to come to a new land. In fact, many older generation and some younger generation families have started to migrate back to their homeland. These families might have been convinced that living conditions in their homeland is much easier and comforting (plenty of help, family/community support, great weather, etc), especially during retirement or tough times. While only time will tell, I’m guessing that over time there is going to be a good equilibrium….not many Indians wanting to immigrate to US and not many Indians (esp. third and fourth generations) wanting to leave this country, as this will be their homeland. INDIA LINK, 2013 29 Trust Building Trust Building 40 Pearl St Suite 107 Grand Rapids MI 49503 616-608-4156 Lunch Buffet 11-3 Weekdays @ 10.99 Lunch Buffet 12-3 Saturday @ 10.99 Carry-Out; Dine In; Catering NOW DELIVERING AROUND THE DOWNTOWN AREA! Please contact Simran for questions on catering at the number above 30 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 31 “Ok, but where will you be?” ”In the food section” “Ok, bye” “Bye, and remember, ten minutes.” And off they went on their paths. Karen’s mom, Casey, loved to cook. So she was looking for delicious ingredients for delicious dishes to cook at home. Karen, on the other hand, LOVED candy. But she’s not fat. When she was on her way to the pumpkin area, Karen found the candy area. She couldn’t help herself to put a whole pack of Hershey’s chocolate in the basket. Now, she was on her way to the very back of the store for pumpkins. Skipping, hopping, jumping Karen was in a pleasant mood today. The smile on her face showed it all. Her long, brown, silky hair was as pretty as the sunset. And her eyes were as blue as the ocean. She was also friendlier than ever JUST DESSERTS Just Deserts to everyone, even to her snotty brother, Jarret. At last, Karen reached the pumpkin area at the very back of the Lisha Chadda K aren and her mom were on their way to the grocery store looking for a pumpkin for carving. Halloween was coming up, and that was a holiday Karen was always looking forward to. It was about 3:30 when they entered the store, it was very windy outside and the clouds were looking very heavy that it could rain any time. 11 year old Karen was desperate for candy. She was looking everywhere for it. But before she could continue her search, her mom handed her a basket and said, “Find a small sized pumpkin to carve. It should be a little bigger than a ball. Then I’ll meet you right here in ten minutes, ok?” 32 INDIA LINK, 2013 store. She found a pumpkin not way too heavy that she can’t carry it in the basket, but it still was somewhat heavy. The size was a little bigger that a football. The color was a dark orange with light orange here and there. The perfect pumpkin, Karen thought. Then she looked at her watch, then darted off to the entrance of the store By the time Karen and Casey came home, it was raining, hard. “Karen please put the pumpkin on the living room table. We will carve it tomorrow.” Casey said.”Alright mom” Karen replayed. After doing that, she called up her friend, Rebecca to play. there was a bright light coming from the living room. ”Hi Rebecca!” She said. ”Hey!” Said the voice on the other end. ”Cut me!” A voice said. ”I was wondering if you wanted to play this “AHHHHHHHHH!” Rebecca screamed at the exact evening.” same time Karen was coming down the stairs. ”Sure! What time do you want me to come?” ” 5:00?” ”AH!” Karen also screamed, startled. “Great, see you in a few minutes!” ” You too!” Then Karen hung up. She went to see how her pumpkin was doing. “That’s weird.” Karen said looking surprised. “I thought I put that pumpkin over there, how did it come all the way over here? Now she was looking really surprised. “I think mom moved it. Relieved at last, Karen went upstairs to change. She had a guest coming soon. But..... Was the pumpkin a haunted pumpkin? BAM BA BAM!!!! The thunder was roaring outside. Ding- Dong! The door went. Karen came down the stairs to open it. Standing there was Rebecca ”Hi!” Karen said to her. ”Hey” Rebecca said back. ”Come in.” Rebecca came in and sat near their TV area. “So, what do you want to do?” I always wanted to play the card game UNO, do you have it?” Rebecca asked sweetly. ”Yea, we do have it. You stay here, and I’ll go and get it.” Then Karen went upstairs to find the game. While she was gone, Rebecca was just sitting there. She felt like someone was watching her in the rain. Karen’s house was so big, that it felt like a haunted mansion sometimes. Then all of a sudden, she saw something go past her, but didn’t know what was it, because it zoomed by incredibly fast. “Ahhhhhhhhhh!!” She screamed. ”What happened?” Karen asked from upstairs. “My mom is sleeping, keep it down.” ”Oh nothing, I just thought I saw a rat.” Rebecca said trying to not make it obvious that she was lying. “Did you find UNO yet?” ”Ok, first of all, our house does not have any rats, and secondly, I’m still looking for it. Don’t be scared, nothing’s going to happen.” Then she went back to look for the game. Rebecca was really scared. “What was that thing?” Then, With all that commotion, Rebecca dashed out the door and headed down the sidewalk to her house, running as fast as she could. “So much for nothing, I had to get these out from Jarrett’s room! That was not a pleasant moment to go in there.” Karen said in her mind. Karen had dropped the cards when she had screamed. Now they were everywhere on the stairs. She frowned at the cards she had pick up. She was not a fan of cleaning. Karen also wondered if Rebecca was playing a joke on her or was she telling the truth? As Karen was picking up the cards, she noticed that the house was very quiet. Jarrett was up in his room making a sign that said, NO LITTLE BROTHERS allowed. Mom was in her room, and dad was at work. The rain outside was pouring, and the clock was making it even creepier by going, tick-tock, tick-tock. She had the creeps. Swish! Something went by Karen as she was picking up the cards. Karen looked up casually, and everything was normal. But then... SWISH!!! Once more! Rebecca was right! There was something weird happening! And she had to figure it out Karen was all prepared to do whatever was needed to get rid of that thing. Once it was done zooming by her, it ended up in the living room. Karen had a knife in her hand, and was now heading in the direction of the mysterious thing. Walking slowly, Karen decided to stab it, if she had the courage to do it. Karen was about to enter the living room, when she heard a voice. “CUT ME!!” It said. Karen jumped back for a second, then reminded herself to be brave, then walked forward. Karen was now in the living room. The first thing she saw was the pumpkin, because it was glowing very brightly. Amazed and scared at the same time, she realized that it was a unique pumpkin, and wanted to keep it. But Karen couldn’t take any chances. As she lowered the knife, the pumpkin grew even brighter. “CUT ME NOW!!!” The pumpkin said, but this time, in a very low voice. AND STAB!! “Cuuut m-” The voice had faded away. Karen’s heart was thumping like crazy. She did it! She was very proud of herself. But why did the pumpkin want her to cut it? Karen opened the pumpkin, and found …..One million dollars! She was rich! But she decided not to tell anyone, or else the money will disappear in sharing. As soon as the money INDIA LINK, 2013 33 34 INDIA LINK, 2013 A WINTER FUN RECEPIE Need a good recipe to spice up your winter vacation/weekends? Well you are in luck! This a sizzling recipe for a fun day at skiing. Here is what you need: - 1 pair of snow pants - 1 pair a gloves - 1 hat - 1 cozy coat - 1 scarf (optional) - 1 pair of skis - 1 pair of ski boots - 1 pair of snow boots - 1 big hill - 3 loving, caring, friends - 1 ski lift - 4 cups of hot coca was removed out of the pumpkin..... DING! The pumpkin wasn’t a pumpkin anymore, it was a pumpkin pie! When Karen was heading to the kitchen with the delicious pumpkin pie, she saw her coming downstairs, looking very tired. “Mom, you have got to try this pie.” So she did. The first step is to take your snow pants, gloves, hat, cozy coat, and if you want scarf and layer it on top of your cloths. When you are ready for the cold, step outside with your skis and ski boots. Combine the shoes and the skis together. After you are done with that step, then start to walk around a little so you can get the feeling of how it feels to walk with skis. Be able to hear the snow crunching under you. Casey face was not tired looking anymore, it looked energetic. “Mmmmmm!” She said, this is the yummiest pie I have ever tasted! Who made it? “Karen couldn’t tell the truth, so she had to li” I made it.” “Wow, I’m impressed! Did you search the Internet or something? “Yes” Karen said nervously. Then both of them went to the kitchen to finish the marvelous pie. When they were done, they went to the TV area to watch some TV. Karen also remembered to tell Rebecca that everything was ok. But right now, she was tired, and some TV would help her relax. There was one crumb left out of the pumpkin pie. That crumb began to shake. Then suddenly, the pumpkin was back! No cuts, no stabs. Then through the walls, the pumpkin made its way outside the house, in the roaring thunder and rain. It traveled all the way back to the store, waiting for its next victim. “ Next, take your big hill and put it in top of your big space in the woods. On top or the side of your hill the ski lift will take place. Now, you and your 3 friends can start to go up the lift. Once you have reached the top of your hill, get out of the ski lift. Adjust any of your gear if you need to. Finally, tilt yourself over so you half way about to fall, and half way still in top of the hill. If you would like to, you and your friends can have a competition to see who reaches down first. Whenever you are ready, tilt some more and off you go! Feel the cold burn against your face as you ski down the hill. At the same time, enjoy! But there is more to this recip For this part of the recipe you will need your cups of hot coca. The first thing to do is take all you snow gear off, then take the hot chocolate and quaff the warm beverage. Add 3 more cups and 3 more friends to have more fun. Blend in some laughter, and your recipe is complete! INDIA LINK, 2013 35 हद ज़* ु म की कर दी उ.होन0, उफ़, िक रात सारी हमको सोने न िदया. दूर रहते तो नींद आ भी जाती हम0 , पास रहे िक सपन? म0 खोने न िदया. असर िम.नत? का जो उनपे होता कहीं, हम वह करने से भी िहचिकचाते नहीं. ख़ून िकतन? का ही अपने हाथ? िकया, पर वे हरकत से अपनी बाज़ आते नहीं. नाकाम हो गयीं कोिशश0 जब सब, और काम न कोई भी हिथयार आया. ग़N ु से म0 िबNतर लपेटा लपाटा, वहां से उठाया, ज़मीं पे िबछाया. नींद आयी हम0 इस वादे पे आिखर, खाट अपनी को झाड़0गे अXछी तरह कल. डाल पानी गरम, िछड़क0गे डी. डी. टी. रहने द0 गे नहीं एक भी खटमल. रात सारी सोने न िदया Balwant Singh Bagga 36 INDIA LINK, 2013 ख्वािहश< Preeti Asrani आँखT से पैदा हुई सीने म< पलती ह$ ना छुपती ना कभी ढलती ह$ साँसT से जुडी है यह… ख्वािहश< … ख्वािहश< हज़ार है सुना है पर िदल से पूछा तो वो हंस के बोला ख्वािहश< ही तो राहत ह$ ख्वािहश< अनिगिनत ह$ यह आरज़ू म< तबदील होके सपनT तक पहुँचती ह$ िफर उड़ान भर के िज़ंदगी का आसमान छु लेती ह$ इनके सहारे किwतयT को सािहल िमले रे त से भी पानी बरसे… अनिगिनत है यह इनकी ताकत है अटूट जीवन का अनुभव िनराला हो जाता है जब यह ख्वािहश< हो जाय< एक जुट… तो िमल के खोल दे ती ह$ हर वो दरवाज़ा जहाँ से िनकलता है खुिशयT का सूरज सफलता की आशा आज उन खवािहशT को सलाम जो कभी एक छोटी सी कला की तरह िखली और चल के इस दिु नया को गुिलIतान कर गयी INDIA LINK, 2013 37 38 INDIA LINK, 2013 Renu Mishra INDIA LINK, 2013 39 40 INDIA LINK, 2013 खुल के मुIकुरा Renu Mishra खुल के मुIकु रा ज़रा, ख्वाब त ू नए स े ब ुन.. धड़कनेज ो गा रही,सुन ले उनकी मीठी धुन आ ँखT की खामोिशयT म< इक हया,इक शमर् है िततिलयT के पंख से ,उसमे ख्वाब िकतने नमर् ह$, कोईचुरा ना ले उसे,िदल की ये गुज़ािरश सुन खुल के मुIकु रा ज़रा, ख्वाब त ू नए स े ब ुन| ख्वािहशT को, चाहतTको, िमल गयी उड़ान है. 'कल' तो थी कल की बात<,ये 'आज' तेरी पहचानहै. िज़Vदगी को जी अभीत,ू उसका नया संगीत सुन, खुल के मुIकु रा ज़रा, ख्वाब त ू नए स े ब ुन| INDIA LINK, 2013 41 On Diwali, wishes for every joy and prosperity. Here’s hoping, that the beauty of this festival of lights bring a world of joy, happiness and contentment to you to last the whole year through through. Happy Diwali The Bora Family Sudhir & Naina Suhani, Nirali, Charlie & Ravi The Chandra Family Smita, Amit & Ananya 42 INDIA LINK, 2013 ARTHRITIS RAJINDER SINGH. Arthritis means “joint inflammation,” but generally refers to the more than 100 rheumatic diseases and related conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and connective tissues. The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Joint Disease. Common risk factors for osteoarthritis include: Age Age. Incidences of OA increase as you age. · Treatment begins after diagnosis by a doctor, who might prescribe medicine to reduce inflammation, pain, swelling, and loss of motion. As part of a comprehensive plan for arthritis treatment, your doctor might also prescribe Physical and Occupational therapy, which can provide significant help in your recovery. Physical therapists can provide you exercises designed to preserve the mobility, strength, and use of your joints. Various modalities for pain relief may be recommended. Physical therapists can also teach you the proper body mechanics during household activities, use of walking aids such as crutches, a walker, or a cane when needed. Obesity · Obesity. Increased body weight is a factor in the development of OA. For every pound you gain, you add four pounds of pressure on your knees and six times the pressure on your hips. Recent research suggests that excess body fat Occupational therapists can teach you how to reduce strain produces chemicals that travel throughout the body and on your joints during daily activities. They can show you how to modify your home and workplace environments, cause joint damage. also provide splints for your hands or wrists, and might Injury or Overuse · recommend assistive devices to aid in driving, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and other tasks. Genetics or Heredity · Heredity. Genetics plays a role in the development of OA, particularly in the hands. Inherited Therapy should be started early in order to reduce painful bone abnormalities that affect the shape or stability of the symptoms of inflammation, prevent deformity and joints can lead to OA. Just because you have one of these permanent joint stiffness, and maintain strength in the inherited traits, doesn’t mean that you are going to develop surrounding muscles. When pain and swelling are better OA. It just means that your doctor should check you more controlled, treatment plans may include exercises to closely and more frequently for signs and symptoms of the increase range of motion, improve muscle strength and endurance. disease. Many people find the heat of a warm bath, hot pack eases OA pain. Others find relief in cold packs. Still others prefer alternating the two. Do not use hot pack or cold pack more than 20-25 min. Keep hot pack at mild setting to avoid burns. Using ice packs for 20-25 min. 2-3 times a day will help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation during Most often, OA develops gradually. It may start as acute injury or during arthritis flare-ups. soreness or stiffness. Pain may be intermittent and not interfere with your day-to-day activities. If there are severe degenerative changes in the joints, your Pain and stiffness make it difficult to walk, climb doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon who may stairs or sleep. recommend cortisone injections in the joint, arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement. Joint replacement in Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs in the advanced osteoarthritis is common these days and has weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees and lower been very successful to regain mobility, relieve pain. Muscle W eakness · Weakness eakness. Weakness of the muscles surrounding the knee can lead to OA, so strengthening exercises for thigh muscles are important in reducing the risk. · · back. It also affects the neck, small finger joints, Physical Therapy for joint surgery patients — The the base of the thumb and the big toe. preoperative programs of education and exercise before INDIA LINK, 2013 43 Grand Opening Royal Palace of India Fine Indian Cuisine Free Delivery 526 Stocking Avenue, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.913.9040 616.913.9041 (fax) Goldie Mobile: 616.885.3056 Mention this India Link Advertisement to receive a 10% discount on your next take out order Business Hours Lunch Buffet 11.00am - 3.00pm Dinner 5.00pm - 10.00pm CARRY OUT & CATERING 44 INDIA LINK, 2013 surgery and postoperative treatment provide significant gains in resuming joint function and mobility, relieve pain, resume activities of daily living safely. Using good posture helps to protect back and the joints of legs and feet. Similarly, frequent position changes and avoiding staying in one position for longer periods prevents stiffness and pain. Conserve your energy by allowing rest periods during an activity and during the day. Respect pain. It is a body signal that is telling you something is wrong. Don’t try an activity that puts strain on joints that are already stiff or painful. Use proper body mechanics during daily activities, like getting in and out of a car, chair or tub, as well as lifting objects. Use your strongest joints and muscles to reduce the stress on smaller joints. For example, Carry a purse or briefcase with a shoulder strap rather than in your hand Distribute pressure to minimize stress on any one joint. Lift dishes with both palms rather than with your fingers, and carry heavy loads in your arms instead of with your hands. Avoid tight gripping, pinching, squeezing, and twisting if you have finger arthritis. A few examples of helpful devices include a bath stool in the shower or tub; grab bars around the toilet or tub; raised toilet seat; and long-handled shoehorns and sock grippers Once you know what type of arthritis you have and understand what symptoms you can expect, your Physician and Physical/Occupational therapist can develop a balanced program to reduce the damaging effects of arthritis and promote overall good health. Exercise can improve joint mobility, muscle strength, overall physical conditioning and help to maintain a healthy weight. Effective treatment of arthritis should include a balance of range-of motion, strengthening and endurance exercises. Regardless of the exercise program you select, it’s important to begin slowly and choose a program you enjoy so that you maintain it. Make exercise part of your regular routine so that it becomes a lifetime commitment. Strong muscles help keep weak joints stable and protect against further damage. There are several types of strengthening exercises that, when performed properly, can maintain or increase supportive muscle tissue without aggravating affected joints Hydrotherapy or aquatherapy (water therapy), is a program of exercises performed in a large pool. Aquatherapy may be easier on painful joints because the water takes some of the weight off of the affected areas while providing resistance training Regardless of your condition, discuss exercise options with a Physician before beginning any new exercise program. Also, begin new exercise programs under the supervision of a Physical/Occupational therapist. A positive attitude, patience, and persistence will help you in meeting the challenges of arthritis. You can learn ways to manage arthritis, rather than let arthritis manage you. References: Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http:// www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/self_manage.htm American College of Rheumatology. http:/ www.rheumatology.org/ The Cleveland Clinic Foundation INDIA LINK, 2013 45 46 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 47 “Will I see Chennai Express Again?” ? A Chennai Express review by the “Three Right Turns” Well Chennai Express is creating history. It has collected Rs. 420 crores worldwide. Some of the following thoughts were playing in my mind, as I left the theater after watching Chennai Express and having laughed for about two and a half times. A s a train leaves a big station, people who just said goodbyes to their friends and relatives start walking towards the exit making plans for Bhelpuri or Pavbhaji. In this flood of departing people you notice a few still standing and staring at the back of the last bogie of the departing train, looking dazed and confused as it disappears over a curvy track. People like me who criticized Chennai Express fall in that category looking at the last bogie of the Chennai Express and wondering, “Where did we forget to laugh?” Bring back the train baby!! Actually, on second thoughts let the train go. 48 INDIA LINK, 2013 Shahrukh Khan is arguably one of the best Indian actor with theatrical style and mannerisms. A shrinking breed with Amitabh Bachchan and SRK the last ones. SRK is ‘paisa wasool’ on the TV shows. I really enjoy his promo tours. He is an amazing articulator in an interview. And until he decides to be cheap he is a very good award show host too. But one thing for sure, he cannot do Rohit Shetty kind of comedy. Generally speaking, Rohit Shetty makes two kinds of movies. Large Ensemble cast comedies like ‘All the Best’ and ‘Golmaal’ with John-woo style dance-action sequences or outright action movies like Singham with huge dialogue baazi and strong villains. I thoroughly enjoyed the silly “All the Best” and some parts of Golmaal 1 and 3; even some parts of Singham. Rohit is also called a 100 crore director since most of his movies made over 100 crore rupees each. Chennai Express looks big and grand with wonderfully shot locations, and songs. “Get on the Dance Floor” Song has amazing energy. However Chennai Express does not work, apart from SRK or because of SRK, who makes it worse with his overacting. Since SRK produced this I would blame the producer as he tries to make a Singham cum Golmaal with no strong villains no strong dialoguebaazi or no bunch-of-funny-characters . SRK tries to do it all and falls flat. There are some funny sequences. But most likely you have seen them in promos. In few scenes real Rohit Shetty emerges especially in the “Run to catch a train sequence a la DDLJ” but it seems that even Rohit gets bored of SRK’s megalomania after that. Deepika Padukone gets a good role to play probably because a board can’t talk Tamil flavored Hindi and SRK won’t look good saving a board (borrowed board reference from Bruce Lee’s ‘Enter the Dragon’) . She certainly does a much better job than SRK. Rest all just stand and stare or make faces and chase them. One famous critic wrote that he missed Ajay Devegan a Rohit Shetty regular, in this movie. And I agree with him. But I also missed, acting, ensemble cast, a villain who can talk, dialogues, comedy and everything that makes a Rohit Shetty film. SRK calls himself a common man in the movie, but A ‘larger than life figure’ is not a common man. I am sure that as Don and his goons stand and stare at him as he huffs, puffs and tries hard to do something, they must be wondering “What the hell are we doing in this film? They could have used our cutouts” Boards can stand and stare too. With 420 Crores in Chennai Express Bank from worldwide collections I may be the odd one out who thinks that this is a great opportunity wasted. But hey, will I see Chennai Express again. NO! I would rather watch “All the Best” again. Or yet better watch “The Social Network” 21st time or “Rush Hour” lost count + 1 more time. Thanks for reading, Wish you all a very Happy Diwali Mukesh Desai INDIA LINK, 2013 49 50 INDIA LINK, 2013 My Large Family Sohela Kaur Suri I am a daughter in a family of Kaurs and Singhs in a home called a Gurdwar a, or Sikh place of worship. The tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Gur u Gobind Singh Ji ordained that every Sikh man was a Singh, meaning “lion” in Punjabi, and every Sikh woman was a “Kaur,” meaning “princess” also in Punjabi. They are normally taken as middle or last names. In our home as a family we all come together to sit on the same floor, eat the same food, listen to the same prayers and hymns; I am lucky enough to be a part of this family. I am blessed to be able to sing hymns in my home, for my family, while playing the harmonium. I do so while playing “Raags.” Raags are classical music al compositions that are the foundation for all Indian m usic and d ance, dating back to the beginning of Hinduism. I am fortunate enough to be able to help prepare Langar, a meal made for all people who come into our home, which is vegan. This is to respect all religious dietary restrictions. Gurdwar as everywhere feed hundreds of thousands, if not, millions, of people every day, regardless of what their beliefs are. It is very auspicious to do any form of volunteer work, especially in a Gurudwara, in Sikhism. Not only do we make the dinner, but we serve it to everyone, family and guests alike. I am honored and grateful to be one of the d aughters of this community. बेिटयाँ Your little girl will hold your hand for only a little while. But she will hold your heart for a lifetime. A daughter makes your life worth living by just being around. You love her as much as your own Breath And are immensely proud of your Daughter. Daughters are angels! बे टा वािरस है , बे टी पारस है . बे टा वं श है , बे टी अं श है ! बे टा आन है , बे टी शान है . बे टा तान है , बे टी मान है ! बे टा नाम है , बे टी गुमान है . बे टा सं सकार है , बे टी सं7 कृित है ! बे टा दवा है , बे टी दआ है . बे टा भाग्य है , बे टी िवधाता है ! ु बे टा श@द है , बे टी अथर् है . बे टा गीत है , बे टी संगीत है ! बे टा प्रे म है , बे टी पूजा है ! Dedicated to all the daughters of the world! INDIA LINK, 2013 51 िदवाली की शुभकामनाएं Diwali ki Shubhkamnayein தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் Deepavali Nalvaazhtukkal शुभ िदपावली की मंगलमय शुभ-कामना Subha Dipawali ko mangalmaya subha kaamanaa ુ દ"વાળ" &બારક Diwali Mubarak ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਿਦਵਾਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ ਹੋਣ Tuhanu diwali diyan boht boht vadhaiyan hon ദീപാവലി ആശംസകൾ Deepavali Aashamsagal ದೀಪಾವ& ಹಬಬ್ದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು Deepavali Habbada Shubhashayagalu !ీ#ావ& '(ాకా0కష్లు Deepavali Shubhakankshalu Shubh Diwali/ Diwalichya hardik Shubhechha शभ ु िदवाली /िदवाळीLया हािदर् क शभ ु ेLछा !ভ দীপাবলীর pীিত o !েভcা Subho Diwalir Preeti O Subeccha ଦୀପାବଳିର aେନକ ଶେୁ ଭଛା Deepavalira Anek Shubhechha Diwali mubarak ho aap sabko Diwali mubarak Ho Happy Diwali! 52 INDIA LINK, 2013 ॥ जाणीव ॥ ऋचा कानिवंदे िदवाणखा,यात टी/ही आ2यापासून मी बोलणे िवसरले आहे दारात गाडी आ2यापासून मी चालणे िवसरले आहे ऑिफसमCये एसीत बसून झाडाखालचा गारवा िवसरले आहे रFGयावर डांबर आ2यापासून मातीचा वास िवसरले आहे मनालाच ईतके Kम होतात की शरीराचे कNट िवसरले आहे सगळी नातीगॊित जपताना प्रे म करायला िवसरले आहे िखUयात कॅ 2क्युलेटर आ2यापासून पाढे Zहणणे िवसरले आहे बँके तली खाती सांभाळताना पैU याची िकं मत िवसरले आहे उते ज क िचत्रां`या बरबटीमुले सaदयर् पाहणे िवसरले आहे कृित्रम सeट`या वासामुळे फुलांचा सुगध ं िवसरले आहे फाFट फूड`या जमा,यात थाळीची चव िवसरले आहे पॉप-रॉक`या दणदणाटात संगीत समाधी िवसरले आहे माझाच िवचार करताना दुसयाiचा िवचार करणे िवसरले आहे सतत धावताना क्षणभर थांबणे िवसरले आहे जागेपणी Fवkने काय, सुखाने झोपणे िवसरले आहे आजकाल िवनोदही कृ ित्रम खळखळू न हसणे िवसरले आहे ते /हा ही जाणीव कlनघ्या, जीवनातला रस उपभोग करा क्षणभर थांबा, थोडे हसा, कारण हसणे िवसरलो तर जीवन जगणे कसे काय INDIA LINK, 2013 53 Happy Diwali 54 INDIA LINK, 2013 Dudhi-Paneer Sweet Rolls Richa Kanvinde This is a truly innovative recipe that I learnt from my mother who was a great cook. A sweet dish prepared from 'dudhi' or bottlegourd. Highly nutritious and is delectable when combined with 'paneer' and nuts. My mother made this every Diwali and the whole house would awaken to the sweet aroma of the rolls...they would be gone in no time...yum! So this Diwali I am sharing this recipe with you all. Try em' you will love them. From my kitchen to yours!! :-) Ingredients 2 cups Dudhi (lauki/bottlegourd) grated 1 cup paneer grated 1/2 cup white sugar 1 tsp green cardamom (Elaichi) powder 1 tbsp Milk powder/evaporated milk 3 tbsp pistachio & cashew powder + 1 tbsp reserve for garnish 1-3 tsp ghee/clarified butter/margarine 10-12 saffron strands (mixed in 1 teaspoon water to prepare a concentrated safron solution) Method Add 2 tsp ghee, saute grated dudhi for a minute. Next add paneer, saute again for 2-3 minutes. Next add sugar, milk powder, saffron and saute till mixture becomes dry and all the moisture is gone. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, add pista-cashew and green cardomom powder and mix thoroughly. Apply some ghee on your palms and form small rounds. Roll the rounds in pista-cashew powder, decorate with saffron on top for added garnish. HAPPY DIWALI!!!! INDIA LINK, 2013 55 56 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 57 58 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 59 ASTRONOMY & ASTROLOGY By: Manohar D. Koche N o one in the world has achieved the great success without perspiration. Astrology is belief system that demonstrates the relationship between the position of the planets, other celestial bodies and the events, characters, future and the destiny of human being. The nine planets (Navgrahas), Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu & Ketu. In the view of astrology those are the deciding and determining factors how the persons life turns out to be. Actually there is no physical existence of Rahu & Ketu. These are the imaginary lunar nodes and they think that the head & the tail of the banished demon into space. Even the distant planet like Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not included and surprisingly the earth is not included either. Probably the sun and the earth should be considered primarily for the deciding and determining factor of bad or good life of the objective entity. Earth contains all primary elements, metals, gases, water, gravity and atmosphere where man takes birth and survives. Sun gives the energy in the form of heat and light and it is actually stagnant and it is the center of the solar system. But in astrology earth is considered the focal point of the universe. One has to have the knowledge and understanding of astronomy to know the astrological hypothesis and how the laws of nature shape the world around us. Sun in Astronomy: Sun is a “huge” ball of hydrogen. It exerts a tremendous gravitational pull on all planets, natural satellites, asteroids, and comets, meteoroids that travel around it. It 60 INDIA LINK, 2013 is an average star around 864,000 miles diameter and interior temperature is about 15,000,0000F. The nuclear conversion of hydrogen into helium results in the loss of mass and it creates an immense quantity of energy that is the source of life on earth. The distance between the earth and the sun is 93,000,000 miles. Sun in Astrology: Sun represents the life source (soul), and energy. Because of it fiery nature it is considered malefic (?) object in Jotish. It is responsible for bone, eye, lungs, and stomach problems etc, if the suns position (?) is weak. If the position of the sun is strong in horoscope (kundali) of the person then the composition of the persons body would also be strong. Mercury in Astronomy: Mercury is the closest planet to the sun so it is hottest of the nine planets, with an approximate temperature of 7700F facing the sun. It is 1/3rd of the size of the earth with a diameter of 3,100 miles and is 49,100,000 miles away from earth. It completes an orbit (period of revolution), around the sun in 88 days. It’s gravity is 0.37 (gravity of earth is = 1). Mercury’s atmosphere is very thin and is composed of helium and sodium. Mercury in Astrology: Mercury determines the nerves aspect of human body parts and intellectual faculties. It is responsible for natural diseases, skin problems, nervous system problems, speech disorders, and problems with business, family life and events of natural disasters. Venus in Astronomy: Venus is the brightest object after the sun and the moon in our view, and it is the closest planet to earth. It is similar in size and composition to that of earth with a diameter of 7,700 miles. Gravity of venus is 0.85 and has a mass of 0.81. Venus is the only planet that rotates slowly on its axis in a clockwise direction (venus has no significant magnetic field). Its rotation takes 243 days and the period of revolution is 225 days. So Venusian day is longer than a Venusian year. The dense atmosphere of the planet is composed of CO2 and Sulfuric acid that act as a greenhouse trapping the heat. Venus in Astrology: Venus determines the sex organ aspects of human body and after Jupiter, Venus is always great benefic planet. People with Venus in their horoscope are quiet & loveable, spiritual teachers, beautiful, and with good sexual and marital relationships. Venus is responsible for fertility, sex organ diseases, sore throat and eye diseases etc… Moon in Astronomy : The distance of the moon from earth about 226,000 to max 252,000 miles. And travels around the earth in oval orbit at 2,304 miles per hour. It is little leaning to one side due to lunar crust being thicker on one side than the other. Its diameter is 2,106 miles, period of revolution around the earth is sidereal 27.32 days and synodic 29.53 days. The surface gravity of the moon is 1/6th to that of the earth. The surface of the moon is covered with fine grained soil called as regolith.It has mountains, clefts and streaks and it does not have an atmosphere. Moon in Astrology: Moon is a cooling planet so it determines the mind aspects of the body, and influences on mind and emotions. It represents prana, water, liquids, female fertility and is responsible for mental & psychological problems and blood diseases. Mars in Astronomy: Mars is 34,000,000 miles away from earth and its diameter is 4,190 miles, and the period of revolution is 687 days. Mars has thin atmosphere composed of 95% CO2, Nitrogen 3%, and has a weak gravitational pull of 0.37 and a weak magnetic field. Its surface is covered with by various rocks & soil, and is rich in iron, laden clay giving its reddishorange appearance. It is unique because it rises in the west and sets in the east. Mars in Astrology: Because of the red color it represents the god of wars. It determines the vitality in the human body system and creates energy, courage, action, war, aggression and is responsible for blood problems, small pox, boils etc… Jupiter in Astronomy: It is the largest gas planet in the solar system with a diameter of 88,640 miles and is 362,000,000 miles away from earth. Its gravity is 2.64 and period of rotation is around 10 hours and period of revolution is 11.86 years. It has a powerful magnetic field, and its atmosphere is composed of hydrogen, helium, sulfur, nitrogen, methane and ammonia. It has 16 natural satellites. Jupiter in Astrology: Jupiter determines the heart aspect of the person’s body and causes the lowest amounts of disease among any of the planets. Its strength in horoscope is benefic in a person’s well being because it is bright and radiant. It leads from darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Its weak position is responsible for fat tissues, accumulation of fluids, obesity, and diabetes etc… Saturn in Astronomy : Saturn is one of the most beautiful large (diameter of 74,100 miles) gas planets in the solar system. Its atmosphere is composed of hydrogen & helium encircled by 3 distant rings that contain ice crystals and dust, and has a strong magnetic field (gravity 1.07). The distance from earth is 773,000,000 miles. The period of rotation is 10.14 hours and period of revolution is 29.5 years. Saturn in Astrology: Saturn determines the feet aspect of the body and is always considered malefic. It represents austerity, discipline, restrictions, suffering and is one of the biggest cause of diseases in human body. It is also a spiritual teacher, longevity, old age, meditation, and gives immense blessings. Its weak position in horoscope causes problems with muscles, limbs, rheumatic issues, epilepsy, deafness and gastric problems etc… Astrology of Rahu & Ketu Rahu is thought to be north lunar node, determines the bone aspect of the body and is known as a cheating planet and is responsible for inner spiritual powers, strength, unconscious desires and distractions. Ketu is considered a hidden planet thought to be a south lunar node and it determines the secret parts of the body. Its position helps as an ascetic monk, spiritual evolution and is responsible for accidents and diseases. Astrologers relate the daily axial rotation of the earth with the number of spinal vertebrae’s and nerves of the human body. INDIA LINK, 2013 61 On the Auspicious Day of Festival of Lights May The Joy, Prosperity and Happiness Glow Your Days, in the year ahead Shubh Diwali. Dr. Soorya K. Sharma, MD Family Practice, Board Certified 660 44th St SW # 100 Wyoming, MI 49519 (616) 974-9760 May the warmth and splendor, of this auspicious occasionfill your life with happiness and bright cheer and bring to you joy and prosperity Happy Diwali! Aashna & Siddharth Arora, Gautam & Renu Arora G R THERAPY SER VICES, INC SERVICES, INC.. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Gautam Arora M.H.S., P.T. Northbrook Office Park 2920 Fuller Ave. NE Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 62 INDIA LINK, 2013 There is no clue and it is hard to understand for mankind why the astrologers relate the code of each planet made symbolism based on their appearance and represented them as various aspects of human body? Why they made them responsible for person’s physical, psychological, physiological and infectious diseases? Why they made some planets notorious (malefic) even though they create good effects. By considering their distance, smallness and gravity their influence is negligible. Then why do they claim a great influence for the smallest heavenly body and why should the influence of one planet be good and another be evil when they basically have more or less of the same composition? Astrologers made assumptions that a person’s personality, prosperity and prediction of future events in their lives based on the position of the sun, moon and other planetary objects at the time of birth. How the twins behave differently although they are conceived at the same moment and born approximately the same time? How about the people that die in a group in an accident or in natural calamities, for all of them were the stars and planets in the same position at the time of their birth. Zodiac (circle of animal sign) are aligned to the position of the corresponding constellations in the sky and the stars are not bound in a group, some of them are deep in space and some may be relatively near. They made the properties of zodiac based on their appearance of animal are purely imaginary and signify those animal characteristics to a newborn. How can be those imaginary projections made compatible with real entity. Charpak & Broch stated that tropical zodiac has no connection to the stars and make no reference to the constellations being associated with the zodiac sign. Planets & stars doesn’t affect and form the human personality, culture, behavior and thought process, but the learning, knowledge, environment and thought process affect the human personality and behavior. The real meditators and rational free thinkers will condemn the astrological assumptions. Fortune tellers and fortune makers are fostering the peoples blind faith with superstitious elements and block their fundamental intelligence and thought process to step up to reality. so you can easily become a victim of people who seek to take advantage of you and they can run and flourish their business. People who are enslaved by their superstitions and fears are seeking for astrological advice. Some voodoo or performance maybe beneficial because they provide psychological assurance to people who might otherwise be too intimidated by obstacles that they face in life, and some events happen coincidently. If horoscope determines the characteristics and destiny of a man what depends on the man? Are you going to put the position of the stars and planet accountable for mans good and bad karma? Why they made planets and stars responsible for causing various diseases for the person. This is too absurd. There are many factors affecting a person’s health, depending on geographical area, weather, environment, food habits, work environment, and hereditary factors. Astrology is a pseudoscience, rejected by academic and scientific communities. It has no rationale or scientific ground on which to stand and not consistent with theories that have been tested by experiments and predictions of astrology. Nature is a supernatural power that generates energy by itself and no one can control the nature by any means. If you could, you would have controlled the events of natural disasters and calamities. Many people are still searching for their happiness, prosperity and love through rights, performances, amulets, stones, and numbers, direction of windows/doors suggested by astrologers. There are always good and bad times, ups and downs, in everyone’s lives. Instead of looking the direction of windows/ doors and looking at the path of planets they should look which direction they are going and what path they follow. All the great people in the world, did they pay attention to astrological signs for their success? It is you that is responsible for your rise and fall and no one else. In 1953 sociologist Theodore Adorno concluded that astrology is a systematic irrational where individuals are subtly being led to believe by using flattery and vague generalization. The humanistic magazine disapproves the theory of astrology. Objections to astrology was singed by 186 astronomers, physicists and leading scientists. They said that there is no foundation for doctrine and belief system of astrology and warn the public not to accept the astrological advice. All forms of divinations are to be rejected, consulting horoscope astrology, palm readings, interpretations of omens and hidden powers, contradict the honor, respect and loving fear that we owe to god alone. (Sources: Various internet articles on astrology and astronomy) INDIA LINK, 2013 63 A SIMPLE LIFE STYLE CHANGE CAN MAKE YOU FIT AND HEALTHY Most of us are living far away from our families after having immigrated to this country. So we tend to socialize more with friends over the weekends. Along with this comes too much partying, which contributes to eating unhealthy or high calorie foods. All of us are guilty of that, myself included. So, in May 2011, I decided to end that routine and become more fit and active. Many have asked me how I did this. I thought I would use medium of India-Link to let the community know about my lifestyle change and how it might benefit others. Slowly introduce whole foods for breakfast and lunch. Add more fruits and vegetables in the next two months. Gradually cut down completely on Vamsidhar Ravi processed foods, almost limiting them to about 5% intake in a month’s time. Try to stay on an Indian diet (or on your native diet), modifying your menu with a healthy version. Slowly start replenishing your pantry with mostly raw foods and a minimum of processed foods. Over a period of three months, you will see a total change in your perception of the foods you eat. Start eating more fruits and vegetables along with Indian curries, brown rice, quinoa, and roti. To make this a sustainable routine, take time to cook meals that are tasty and nutritious. The other side of staying healthy is adding fitness to our daily routine. Practice simple yoga techniques such as Pranayam and other yoga excercises that help improve blood circulation and provide stress relief. Try to do work out or walk at least three days a week. Do not put off tasks that can be done today. 64 INDIA LINK, 2013 11. Stop eating before you are full. 12. Indulge in junk foods once in a while if you prepare them from raw ingredients or if you know the source. Fitness Tips 1. Make your fitness routine appealing by creating the ambience you like. 2. Do the workouts that you like most. 3. Mix your workouts so that your body does not get used to the same exercises. 4. Do not create excuses for missing workouts. Diet Tips: 1, Eat homemade yogurt. 2. Do not eat anything your great grandmother would not recognize. 3. Use a negligible amount of oil and salt in cooking. 4. Try to develop a habit of portion control. 5. Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients. 6. Eat foods that will eventually rot. 7. Eat foods that are plants. Avoid foods that are made in a plant. 8. Include foods that have colors. 9. Eat mostly plants, especially leaves. 10. Break your meals to five times a day with smaller 5. Try to wake up early or stay late to accommodate your workout routine. 6. Go hard on your workout if not for a long period. 7. Save one workout for the weekend, as you will have more time to do a quality workout. 8. Track the benefits of the days you worked out versus the days you did not. 9. Reduce the amount of time you spend watching TV. 10. Purchase a piece of home exercise equipment, such as an elliptical trainer. 11. Plan on a specific activity for a specific time. 12. Try to keep things organized around the house, which in turn becomes an activity. Wish you all a Happy Diwali and hope my article helps in motivating some of you! portions and variety. INDIA LINK, 2013 65 I DON’T DRINK Hetal Lahade It was the month of October. In a quiet neighborhood of Atlanta, the Indians were busy decorating their homes, trees, yards neatly with lights and other artifacts. It was that time of the year, getting ready for Diwali, the Festival of Lights! It was a Friday evening. I was getting ready to go to my friend’s home for a Diwali Party. My husband was traveling and was expected to arrive late in the night. I called my husband, “Honey, getting panicked. It was close to 10:45 and I still didn’t see him around. Finally at 11 p.m., I saw him entering the house. I pinched myself to see if I was dreaming. Ouch! It was him. I rushed towards him and asked him where he was and what he meant by he was already here. Abha has invited us to their home for a party tonight at their He smiling says,” Let me take breath. I am hungry too. Let me home.”He said, “Yes Honey! I remember that and I shall arrive take a bite to eat and I’ll explain.” I was still worried and holding there directly from the airport. I will be there at about 9:30 myself quietly and I said, “Ok.” p.m. at their home.” There he come with his dinner plate and said, “Actually I reached I reminded him again, “We are visiting only for the second the place about half an hour ago. But, I went to the wrong time. Will you be able to find your way to their house? house. Just 3 houses before this house” He chirped, “Oh! Don’t worry. I will be there on time.” “What!” I almost screamed. And he started laughing. He said I Well, I reached Abha’s place at about 7:30pm. Everybody asked me about my husband and I said he should arrive around 9:45 p.m. as he was traveling. I was having a good time at Abha’s party. As we were kind of new in the city, it was interesting to meet many new people and having fun eating those delicious sweets. Time passed vaguely remembered Abha’s house. I saw a lot of cars parked outside and thought it was Abha’s home and they were hosting a big party tonight. I also saw some familiar faces and felt assured that I had come to the right house.” “But, you asked me to wait at the door. So, since you didn’t see me, it didn’t occur to me that it wasn’t Abha’s home.” rather quickly and I didn’t realize that it was already 10 O’clock. “Well, I thought you might have gone inside after waiting for I started wondering, what had happened to my husband and some time. I was just wondering over there that how come why he hadn’t arrived yet. everyone was looking at me as if I was a stranger. So, I picked up the phone and called him, “Honey! Where are After a few minutes, a guy walked over and asked me if I you?” wanted to have some food. “Sure, but before that, please tell “Oh! I am just around the corner and I will be three in just a me, where are Abha and Manoj? ”At their own home.” He said. few minutes. Could you please come out and stand by the door, I almost fainted, “What, Come on this isn’t their home?” And to as I don’t remember their house number.” I said, “Ok. I will my surprise he said, “Manoj lives 3 houses down the lane.” I wait for you by the door. Come quick please.” started feeling really embarrassed. Shyly I offered an apology, As I waited outside the door, he was nowhere to be seen. I kept “I thought this was Manoj’ & Abha’s home.” waiting at the door looking outside to see where he had parked Everyone began to laugh and slowly I joined them too. Then his car. But I couldn’t spot him or his car anywhere. I thought the same guy offered me a drink and I told him, “Actually I maybe he had met someone at the parking and was busy don’t drink. I was traveling from west coast and so bit tired. chatting. So I waited for another 5 minutes. It was now almost But thank you for your hospitality. I shall take your leave now. 10:30 and I still didn’t see him anywhere. And btw, I don’t drink.” He and his friends said, “ Bade bade I was beginning to get worried. So I called him, “Honey, where are you?” And he said, “I am already in the house.” I wondered if I was sleepwalking. How come I didn’t see him? I went all around the house looking for him, but I still don’t see him. Now I started 66 INDIA LINK, 2013 shaheron mei aisi chhoti choti batei hoti reheti hai. No worries! Happy Diwali.” I am telling you these cookie cutter homes are so confusing. It was really a funny episode. INDIA LINK, 2013 67 Grand Opening of our Brand New Location Indian Restaurant & Bar 138 East Fulton Street Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.913.9000 Jassi Mobile: 314.600.4709 [email protected] Business Hours Lunch Buffet 11.00am - 3.00pm Dinner 5.00pm - 10.00pm FINE INDIAN CUISINE CARRY OUT & CATERING CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS PARTIES IN THE RESTAURANT Bring this India Link Advertisement to receive a 10% discount on your next dinner bill 68 INDIA LINK, 2013 INDIA LINK, 2013 69 HAPPY DIWALI Balkar Singh ! Pritam Kaur Kiranjit ! Simranjit ! Rajwinder Bulldog Party Store 1709 S State St Ste 1, Big Rapids, MI 49307 DIWALI GREETINGS Lucky Dowtown Market 24 Division Grand Rapids, Michian 70 INDIA LINK, 2013 DIWALI GREETINGS Fred Stella Teresa Thome INDIA LINK, 2013 71 A festival full of sweet childhood memories, sky full of fireworks, mouth full of sweets, house full of diyas and heart full of joy. Wishing you all a Very Happy Diwali! Jat Jatinder & Asha Rana Jatin, Sonia & Siya Rana Amit Rana Jat The Puris Suresh, Sarla, Kapil, Katrina, Kavita Daniela 72 INDIA LINK, 2013 May the beauty of this Deepavali fill your home with happiness and may the coming year provide you with all that brings you joy! & bliss Happy Diwali. The Mahesh’s Mahi, Dhanu, Nina & Mona Satnam Singh, Manpreet Kaur, Arshbeer & Sukhjinder Singh Stockbridge BP 438 Stocking Avenue, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.458.3359 INDIA LINK, 2013 73 HAPPY DIWALI AJ’S ONE STOP 12059 Felch Street Holland MI 49424 AJ’S GROCERY AND LIQUOR 59 W. Washington Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464 AJ’S GROCERY AND LIQUOR 4676 32nd Avenue, Hudsonville, MI 49426 THE SEHGALS May the glow of Joy Prosperity and Happiness illuminate your days in the year ahead Alpine Liquor Store 4032 Alpine Ave NW Comstock Park, MI 49321 74 INDIA LINK, 2013 May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives! V.J. & Vinutha Desai Sunil, Stephanie & Ashwin Janardhan Desai Preeya & Louis Dykstra The Patels Taru & Pravin Aleiysha Deepan & Kristina INDIA LINK, 2013 75 Wish you all Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year Diwali Greetings Jitendra & Mithilesh Ram & Nidhi ,Nik and Tiana Arti & Sunil , Daysha,Ravi, Maya Uma & David Bharat. WEST MICHIGAN PLASTIC SURGERY MITHILESH J. MISHRA MD, MS, FACS PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 1400 Michigan NE Grand Rapids Mi 49503 Jiten Shah Lisa Shah Diwali Greetings Diwali Greetings The Agrawal Family The Rais Raj & Sunita Pooja, Ambika & Shivam 76 INDIA LINK, 2013 Jatinder & Asha Rana Baij & Purnima Jessica BJ Rai DIWALI GREETINGS THE SINGHS Manjit & Kulwant, Maninder & Rupinder, Amrit & Harjeet ARCHIE’S P ARTY STORE PARTY 3990 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534 (616) 453-1007 WILSON P ARTY STORE PARTY 2939 Wilson Ave. SW Gandville, MI 49518 616.261.1506 INDIA LINK, 2013 77 Diyas are God’s way of telling us that there will always be light to drive away darkness. May the light of diyas spread joy to your life. Happy Diwali The Bhugra Family Gurpreet & Manjit, Balraj & Jasnoor WISHING HAPPY DI WALI TO ALL FRIENDS AND FA M I LY Alkabahen & Suresh Patel Nehal & Ronak Patel Days Inn and Suites, Grand Rapids/ Grandville, Michigan 3825 78 INDIA LINK, 2013 28th St SW, Grandville, MI 49418 May the glow of Diwali Lights shower prosperity, happiness & joy & forever brighten your lives! With Best wishes from Danny’s Beverage 1554 Alpine Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 616.454.0471 My Food Market 1242 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616,456.7690 Bottleneck Liquors 2355 Fuller Street, Grand Rapids, MI Proprietor Inderjit Singh INDIA LINK, 2013 79 May millions of lamps illuminate your life with endless joy, prosperity, health & wealth forever Wishing you and your family a very "HAPPY DIWALI" The Patels Bhogilal & Lila Ketan & Kalpana, Sanvi & Pranay 4677 South Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI 49444 80 INDIA LINK, 2013 Happy Diwali From our CAREONE Family to yours.... For questions, please contact *Swapan Marwaha 616.780.6680 * Rajesh Marwaha 616.460.9044