A Monthly Publication of the Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) Since 1967INSIDE

Free Monthly Subscription - A Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organization - Tax ID# 34-1215066

February 2015 - Volume 0215 Cleveland, Ohio, USAN

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FICA Matters 2Community NewsShiksha Daan 3 Runaway Thoughts 4RD 66 Entertainment 5 Holi Hai! 6India in hollywood movies 7Light of the soul 8Aruns Legal Corner 9Happy Valentines Day 10Cleveland Museum of Arts 11Community News 12

LOTUS TEAM

Publishing & EditorialSujata Lakhe BarnardAsim DattaRamesh “Ray” Gehani

EditorSujata Lakhe Barnard

Public Relations/CreativeParamjit Singh paramlinda@gmail.com

For Lotus related questions / comments, please email : lotus@fi-cacleveland.org, or call 216/791-FICA(3422), and leave message

While our President Obama was in

New Delhi to celebrate anniversary

of the day when India, freshly freed

from the subjugation of colonizing

power, had adopted its newly minted

Constitution, a group of 300 Cleve-

landers gathered at the Embassy Suits

in Independence, Ohio to celebrate the

same. The event to celebrate the 66th

Republic day of India was organized

by the Federation of India community

Associations.

The event was

almost single

handedly made

possible by FICA

president Asim

Datta, started

with a social

hour followed

by formal event

with sit-down

delicious dinner

catered by Saf-

fron Patch. Many

veteran attendees co-mingled with

VRPH�¶ÀUVW�WLPHUV·��VRPH�VWLOO�LQ�VWUROO-HUV��HQMR\LQJ�KRUV�G·RHXYUH��ZKLFK�LQFOXGHG�ÀVK�3DNRGD��6DPRVDV��6HHNK�Kebob, and shahi Paneer. Doors to

the banquet hall were opened a little

after 7 pm. Mr Asim Datta extended a

warm welcome to everyone, and after

an amazing rendition of the national

anthem by Ken Kovach and a group

RI�6RORQ�NLGV��WKHUH�ZDV�D�VHTXHQFH�RI�cultural program before and during

delicious dinner. The entertainment

program began with a patriotic song

VXQJ�E\�NLGV�IURP�+LQGX�+HULWDJH�School sponsored by Indian Classical

music society (ICMS). Classical Indian

dance Kuchipodi was presented by

Srinija Adibhatla and Archana Poota,

appropriately set to Vande Mataram

and Endaro Mahanubhavulu. Popular

Indian melodies were presented by

EDQG�FRQVLVWLQJ�RI�VWXGHQWV�IURP�$N-

URQ�8QLYHUVLW\�FDOOHG�´6KORNµ���-DQDNL�Nair, a 4th grader and Aaryana Sethi,

a 6th grader livened up the dance

ÁRRU�ZLWK�WKHLU�GDQFLQJ�WR�SRSXODU�Bollywood tunes. Last but not the

least, 2015 Community Service award

ZDV�JLYHQ�WR�6KLNVKD�'DDQ·V�6DQMD\�Garg and Friend of India award was

JLYHQ�WR�&OHYHODQG3HRSOH�FRP·V�'DQ�+DQVRQ��7KHUH�ZDV�´WR�GLH�IRUµ�*XODE�-DPXQ��0DQJR�LFH�FUHDP�DQG�&KD\�was served in the lobby at the end of

dinner. Over all the event was well or-

ganized, entertaining and oozing with

pride for Indian culture.

FICA celebrates India’s 66th Republic day

Welcoming remarks by FICA President

Asim Datta

Antara Datta, herself well know Kathak dancer was representing Indian Classical Music Society.

Sanjay Garg and Dan Hansen get 2015 Friend of the Indian Community Award

Ken Kovach and Solon kids belting out a beautiful rendering of Stars Sprangled Banner

Three Amigos enjoying the social hour at 66th Republic day celebration

Yummy Somosas!

Dinner!

Shiksha Daan team membersFirst time attendees and old buddies catiching up!

Youngest FICA member!

And one of the veteran members of

FICA, Mr. Hans Nagpaul

Report by S.L.B

2

1

FICA matters

RIDE RTA TO TOWER CITY

A quick photo before hors d’oeuvres!

Sound check?

Tickets Please! Cocktail Hour!

Pre-performance tête-à-tête!

1/6 page

ad�

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� Award-winning Highland Heights & Mayfield City Schools

� 4 bed,3.5 bath, 3018 ft2 � Abundant, custom

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� 2.5 garage+ workshop �

All brick, quality built by Italian craftsman. Call Rose at 440.376.7295 for more details.

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�HOME FOR SALE

� Award-winning Highland Heights & Mayfield City Schools

� 4 bed,3.5 bath, 3018 ft2 � Abundant, custom

kitchen cabinets � Stone fireplace &

porch; 1st floor laundry � Large finished basement

& fruit cellar

� 2.5 garage+ workshop �

All brick, quality built by Italian craftsman. Call Rose at 440.376.7295 for more details.

1/6 page

ad�

�HOME FOR SALE

� Award-winning Highland Heights & Mayfield City Schools

� 4 bed,3.5 bath, 3018 ft2 � Abundant, custom

kitchen cabinets � Stone fireplace &

porch; 1st floor laundry � Large finished basement

& fruit cellar

� 2.5 garage+ workshop �

All brick, quality built by Italian craftsman. Call Rose at 440.376.7295 for more details.

�� �������������� �������� ���������0D\ÀHOG�&LW\�6FKRROV

�� ����������������������������� $EXQGDQW��FXVWRP�NLWFKHQ�FDELQHWV�� 6WRQH�ÀUHSODFH��SRUFK����VW�ÁRRU�ODXQGU\�� /DUJH�ÀQLVKHG�EDVHPHQW��IUXLW�FHOODU�� ����JDUDJH���ZRUNVKRS

3

1

Around the communities

FICA StaffAdministration

Board of Trustees Chittaranjan Jain, Chairc.jain@csuohio.edu 440/942-4369

Executive Board Asim Datta, Presidentpoint-to-point@usa.net216/394-8720

Ken Kovach,Vice President (Interim)Greater Community OutreachKennethJKovach@wowway.com216/952-9501

Shenaz Khan, Secretaryskhan@metrohealth.org216/543-0616

Rupal Dhruv, Treasurertreasurer@ficacleveland.orgrupald6130@hotmail.com440/317-1487

Ashish Deshpandedrashishdeshpande@gmail.com626/202-6662

Sujata Lakhe BarnardEditor, The Lotuslakhe4@gmail.com216/496-7155

Atul Vermaatul001@gmail.com704/307-5470

India Cultural GardenRaj Pillai - Chairpillairp@yahoo.com440/724-4398

Shiksha DaanSanjay Garg - Chairsangarg@aol.com440/590-1261

Sister Organizations

Association of Indian physicians of Noth Ohio (AIPNO) www.aipno.org

Dr. Umesh Yalavarthy, President

216-513-4964

FNKFX\#JPDLO�FRP

Bengali Cultural Society of Clevelandwww.bcscle.org

Sujit Ghosh, President

440-542-0363

VXMLWJKRVK#KRWPDLO�FRP

Marathi Mandal www. neomm.org

'U��6KDUDG�:DQNKDGH330-321-7677

VKDUDGZ#KRWPDLO�FRP

Odisha Society%LUHQGUD�-HQD��3UHVLGHQW�330 544-1725

ELUHQGUDMHQD#KRWPDLO�FRP�

Project SevaMona Alag, Chairperson

PRQDDODJ#\DKRR�FRP

:RZ��� � +DUG� WR� EHOLHYH� WKDW� LW� KDV�been almost eight full years, since

,� FDPH� EDFN� RQ� WKH� ),&$�%RDUG�� RQ�my second go-around. I received a

phone call one December evening

from Mona Alag, who was busy or-

ganizing the Republic Day Dinner,

DVNLQJ�PH�WR�EH�WKH�0&�IRU�WKH�HYHQW�coming up. I still wonder today what

made me respond to that call. Noth-

LQJ�DJDLQVW�0RQD�$ODJ�� ,� MXVW�GLGQ·W�realize that conversation would trig-

ger a journey as long as it has lasted.

$V�WKH�VD\LQJ�JRHV��´WLPH�ÁLHV�ZKHQ�

\RX� DUH�KDYLQJ� IXQ��µ�$QG�PXFK�RI�the journey has been fun. I surely

FDQ·W�GHQ\�WKDW��WKRXJK�RQ�RFFDVLRQV�I have wondered if I have overstayed

my welcome. I am often reminded

that “familiarity can, and does, breed

FRQWHPSWµ�Time is almost here to hang up the

boots. Did as much as I could to

advance the cause of the commu-

nity, and the organization, though

my vision often did not match those

RI� VRPH� RWKHUV�� DQG� DV� ,� ORRN� EDFN�RYHU� WKHVH� \HDUV�� ,� DP� WKDQNIXO� IRU�

the many wonderful people I met

along the way, and the opportuni-

ties I was given to open our doors

and windows to the outside world,

so the outside world could discover

the beauties of our incredibly diverse

cultures!!

I am sure FICA will continue its

march to a place of great distinction.

0D\� ,� MXVW� VD\� ´7KDQN� <RXµ� WR� DOO�whose support meant much to me.

From Asim Datta, President of FICA for the past three years.

� 6KLNVKD� 'DDQ� ZDV� HVWDE-

OLVKHG� LQ� -XQH� ����� DV� D� QHZ� LQLWLD-

tive of FICA to get the local Asian

Indian community more involved

in the education and development

of the under-privileged youth in

WKH� *UHDWHU� &OHYHODQG� DUHD�� 6KLN-

sha Daan has had a highly success-

ful year and a half. The program we

had started for tutoring children of

the Bhutanese/Nepalese refugee

FRPPXQLW\�LQ�&OHYHODQG�+HLJKWV�RQ�Sundays is going along well with 15

active students in the program and

25 active tutors. Our partnership

with Youth Opportunities Unlimited

(Y.O.U.) continues with our volun-

teers supporting the resume writing

DQG�PRFN�LQWHUYLHZ�ZRUNVKRSV��DQG�E-City business coach planning and

MXGJLQJ�� 6KLNVKD� 'DDQ� UHFHLYHG� WKH�Y.O.U. Volunteer of the Year award

for 2014. We also support mentoring

of 8th grade students at one of the

VFKRROV� LQ�WKH�%UHDNWKURXJK�6FKRROV�system. We have recently started a

new program in partnership with

the Greater Cleveland Volunteers to

tutor 3rd grade students in reading

RQFH�D�ZHHN�DW�D�VFKRRO�LQ�WKH�&OHYH-

land Municipal School District.

We appreciate the strong sup-

port we have received from the com-

munity for both volunteering as well

DV� SURYLGLQJ� ÀQDQFLDO� FRQWULEXWLRQV�WR� VXSSRUW� WKH� 6KLNVKD�'DDQ� DFWLYL-

ties. If you are interested in learning

more about our programs, support-

ing us as a volunteer or contributing

IXQGV� WR� 6KLNVKD� 'DDQ�� SOHDVH� FRQ-

WDFW� XV� DW�� VKLNVKDGDDQ�ÀFD#JPDLO�com, or contact one of our Program

Coordinators.

Y.O.U. – Ramesh Shah, rameshcleve-

ODQG#JPDLO�FRP��������������%UHDNWKURXJK� 6FKRROV� ��0HHUD�.DQ-

VDO�� PHHUDNDQVDO#KRWPDLO�FRP�� ����572-3857

Bhutanese Tutoring – Sanjay Garg,

VDQJDUJ#DRO�FRP��������������Greater Cleveland Volunteers – Gita

*LGZDQL�� *LWDJLGZDQL��#JPDLO�com, 440-646-9163

Reported by Sanjay Garg

What has Shiksha Daan been upto in 2014?

SAVE THE DATE

FICA 2015 Annual Meeting & Elections of New Members to the Executive Board.

Sunday, 29th March 2015, 2PM India Community Center

12412 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights,

OH 44106

What was Project Seva, a branch of FICA organization, upto in 2014?

3OHDVH�NHHS�DQ�H\H�IRU�WKLV�LQ�RXU�QH[W�LVVXH�DQG�SOHDVH�QRWH�LW�LV�QRW�DIÀOLDWHG�ZLWK�DQRWKHU�ZRQGHUIXO�

organization Seva International.

“Aao Bachcho Tumhe Dikhaye”

&KLOGUHQ� IURP�+LQGX�+HULWDJH�6FKRRO� LQ�6RORQ�SUHVHQWHG��´$DR�%DFKFKR�7XPKH�'LNKD\Hµ�D�SDWULRWLF�VRQJ�IURP�ROG�FODVVLF�PRYLH�-DJULWL�GLUHFWHG�E\�6DW\HQ�%RVH�DQG�PXVLF�VFRUH�E\�+HPDQW�.XPDU��$W�WKH�+LQGX�+HULWDJH�6FKRRO�WKH\�WHDFK�+LQGL�ODQJXDJH��FXOWXUH��WUDGLWLRQ��DUWV��KLVWRU\��SKLORVRSK\�DQG�KHUL-tage of India enriched by the vast span of time it has survived and continues to be mainstream today. Kids

ZKR�SDUWLFLSDWHG�SUHVHQWHG�WKLV�VRQJ�DQG�DOVR�VDQJ�WKH�,QGLDQ�QDWLRQDO�DQWKHP��-DQD�*DQD�0DQD��ZHUH�6KDLOL�6DKJDO��5RKDQ�'HVKSDQGH��(HUD�3DUDQMDSH��5RKDQ�3DUDQMDSH��,VKD�%KDUGZDM��'LY\D�%KDUGZDM��-DQ-

KDYHH�%KDW��6L\D�0DKHVKZDUL�DQG�-DQDNL�1DLU��8PD�.ULVKQDQ�IURP�+LQGX�+HULWDJH�6FKRRO�KHOSHG�WKH�NLGV�WR�OHDUQ�DQG�SUHVHQW�WKH�VRQJ�

� :H�DUH�DOPRVW�LQWR�IHZ�ZHHNV�RI�1HZ�<HDU�QRZ��DV�\RX�NQRZ��/HW�us do at least a little more by way of

FKDULWDEOH�ZRUNV�LQ�������VR�WKDW�ZH�could touch lives of those in need in

a more meaningful manner. Let us

pledge to do something more than

MXVW� PDNLQJ� DQG� VSHQGLQJ� PRQH\�DQG� ZRUU\LQJ� IRU� PDNLQJ� PRUH�money so that we could spend some

more, at times on items or goods we

GRQ·W� HYHQ�QHHG�RU�XVH� IRU�PRQWKV�DW�D�WLPH��0DNLQJ�QREOH�UHVROXWLRQV��year after year, does not help much.

Because, majority of us fail to just

NHHS�WKHP�HYHQ��7KDW�LV�D�IDFW��DV�SHU�available statistics. And our resolu-

WLRQV� DUH�PRVWO\� IRU� RXU� RZQ� VDNH��These may or may not help those

VWUXJJOLQJ� DURXQG� XV�� /HW� XV� NHHS�WKLQNLQJ�EH\RQG�RXUVHOYHV�DQG�NHHS�helping others. That is very much

inline with our culture, heritage,

DQG�EULQJLQJ�XS��,VQ·W�LW"�,I�QRWKLQJ�else, let us be a little more generous

WKLV� \HDU� DQG� EHFRPH� D� FKHFNERRN�donor. All charities appreciate such

a donation/contribution. Because,

without adequate funds, not even

the most noble charity can survive

(as written history of our civiliza-

tion has proved, time after time).

Therefore, Ladies & Gentlemen,

let us do something more than we

usually do for our Favorite Charity

(Charities), FICA, etc. We are an ex-

tremely blessed community, as you

are already aware. We must be able

WR� NHHS� EULQJLQJ� SRVLWLYH� FKDQJH�around us. We do owe it to our com-

munity, our neighborhoods, and

to our adopted Great Nation, The

United States of America.

�� /RRNLQJ� EDFN� LQ� ,QGLD�� QHZ�UXOLQJ� SDUW\� �%-3��� OHG� E\� +RQ��Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

much awaited reforms have al-

ready commenced, though in incre-

ments. But outcome is bound to be

positive for that nation. Falling Oil

Prices could not have come at a bet-

ter time, for energy-starving nation

OLNH� ,QGLD� DQG�PDQ\�RWKHU�SDUWV� RI�the World. It is going to save India

quiet a bit of foreign exchange (Dol-

ODUV��DQG�VKRXOG�EULQJ�QDWLRQ·V�FXU-UHQW� DFFRXQW� GHÀFLW� IXUWKHU� GRZQ��5HVHUYH� %DQN� RI� ,QGLD� DOUHDG\� KDV�$300 Billion in reserve, Oil price has

drastically come down (from $107/

EDUUHO� LQ� -XQH� ����� WR� DERXW� ����EDUUHO�DW�SUHVHQW���,Q�ODVW�ÀYH�\HDUV��it had never fallen that low. Drivers

and consumers are happy all over.

'XULQJ� ODVW�+ROLGD\� 6HDVRQ�� UHWDLO-ers earned about 5% more than a

year ago. It translates into billions

of dollars. Low oil prices might last

for a year or so. OPEC (12 nation-

group, rich in oil reserves - six in

Middle east, four in Africa, and two

LQ�6RXWK�$PHULFD��DUH�OLNHO\�WR�NHHS�over producing (30 million barrels

or say/day) till Shale Oil indus-

try in US and some other countries

ÀQG�GULOOLQJ� QR� ORQJHU� HFRQRPLFDO��US Industries have already started

OD\LQJ� RII� ZRUN� IRUFH�� 86� 6WHHO� UH-

cently announced to lay off over

600 employees in Ohio and another

over 140 in Texas, for demand for

steel pipes and tubes (used in drill-

ing and producing oil) has slowed

GRZQ��2LO�ULFK�86�6WDWHV�OLNH�7H[DV��1RUWK�'DNRWD��HWF��PLJKW�ÀQG�LW�GLI-ÀFXOW�WR�EDODQFH�WKHLU�EXGJHWV��VRRQ��+RZHYHU��,QGLD�ZDV�RQO\�SURGXFLQJ�20% of its requirement (importing

����� DQG�KDV� JUHDWO\� EHQHÀWWHG�E\�falling prices.

In addition, recent trade

sanctions against Russia for its inva-

VLRQ�RI�&ULPHD�8NUDLQH�E\�WKH�:HVW�seem to have put tailor-made busi-

QHVV� LQ� ,QGLD·V� ODS��5XVVLD�ZDV� LP-

porting food worth $41 Billion be-

fore sanctions were being imposed

and India was supplying only 1%

till recently. It can easily now in-

crease to almost 5%. Brazil has al-

ready commenced supplying most

of food requirement to Russia. You

NQRZ�� 5XVVLD� LV� DOUHDG\� DQ� LPSRU-tant part of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-

India-China-South Africa) business

EORFN�� 5XVVLD·V� ���� LQFRPH� ZDV�KLWKHUWR�IURP�2LO��,WV�RLO�ÀHOGV�RI�6L-beria are slowing down but Russia

has a number of other unexplored

tracts. As per Geological records,

many of these are highly potential

undrilled areas. China and Russia

have already signed a huge deal

under which China will import Rus-

sian Oil. Russia has already funded

DQ�2LO�5HÀQHU\�ZLWK�KXJH�FDSDFLW\�in China. India and Russia already

KDYH� ÀQDOL]HG� MRLQW� YHQWXUH� GHDOV�when it comes to Oil & Gas Explo-

ration. Further, India needs nuclear

reactors to meet demands of its

growing energy needs. India can

use at least a dozen such reactors

(each costing about $3 Billion or so)

and Russia has the capability to sup-

ply these to India. India is following

LWV�GUHDP�RI�¶0DNH�LQ�,QGLD·�E\�JHW-ting into manufacturing for which

new regime is inclined to adopt

business-friendly policies. India will

need plenty of energy for that. Fur-

ther, Russia already supplies India

about 75% of its defense equipment.

,QGLD·V� RYHU� ����KHOLFRSWHUV� IRU� WKH�military for the mountainous areas

have already aged. Russia can eas-

LO\�PHHW�WKLV�GHPDQG�����RI�,QGLD·V�generic drugs (Pharmaceuticals) get

exported to Russia/year. This vol-

ume can now further go up easily.

A couple of years ago, BRICS

HQWHUHG�LQWR�D�'HYHORSPHQWDO�%DQN�Agreement for improving infra-

structure of their nations for which

Millions of Dollars got put aside

(Brazil: 18%, Russia: 18%, India:

18%, China: 41%, and South Africa:

��� FRQWULEXWHG��� 6DLG� ÀYH� QDWLRQV�are in good shape from that point

of view. And also, World Diamond

Conference was being held for the

ÀUVW� WLPH� LQ� ,QGLD� �DW� 1HZ� 'HOKL��DURXQG�6HSWHPEHU��������+RQ��3�0��

0RGL�DQG�5XVVLD·V�GLJQLWDULHV�ZHUH�present at the inauguration. Path-

EUHDNLQJ� GHDOV�ZHUH� EHLQJ� UHDFKHG�at between India and Russia at that

Conference which was being attend-

HG�E\�����RI�WKH�:RUOG·Vleading miners, retailers, diamond

trade organizations, etc. India al-

ready is the Diamond Polishing hub

of the World. Russia has highly po-

tential Diamond Mines. Under new

deals, both India and Russia are go-

LQJ� WR� JUHDWO\� EHQHÀW�� ,QGLD·V� *HP�� -HZHOOHU\� ,QGXVWU\� LV� JUHDWO\� JR-

LQJ�WR�EHQHÀW�IURP�QHZ�DVVRFLDWLRQ�over next ten years. India did well in

2013-2014 also, by exporting gems

and jewellery worth almost $35 Bil-

OLRQ� �DERXW� ����RI� ,QGLD·V� WRWDO� H[-

SRUW� EDVNHW� RI� QHDUO\� ����� %LOOLRQ���1HDUO\�����RI�:RUOG·V�URXJKV�GLD-

monds get supplied by Russia.

Ladies & Gentlemen, India has made

tremendous success during last 67

Years of Independence. Not only

in IT/ITeS/e-Commerce, but also

Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, Space Re-

search, Auto, Steel, Mining & Met-

allurgy, to mention a few. In Agri-

culture alone, India has become the

largest exporter of Rice and second

largest exporter of Wheat as well

as Cotton in the World. In just last

ten years or so, India has increased

its food production by 20 million

tonnes/year. Currently, India is pro-

ducing a total of 263 Million tonnes

of food which would not have been

SRVVLEOH�ZLWKRXW�KDUG�ZRUN�DQG�GH-

termination of Asian-Indians.

4 Events Future & PastRunaway Thoughts

- Inder Suneja

5 Community NewsRepublic Day 66 Entertainment

Kuchipudi: Classical Indian Danc-ing by Srinija Adibhatla and Arch-ana Poota.

Kuchipudi is a

classical dance

form of India

that originated in

the 15th century

from the village

of Kuchipudo,

Andhra Pradesh

in Southern In-

dia. The charm

of Kuchipudi lies

in its fast and in-

WULFDWH� IRRWZRUN��sinous grace and

the use of the

eyes to express

moods and feel-

ings. There is

some minting of

the fold idiom,

ZKLFK�PDNHV�LW�KLJKO\�DSSHDOLQJ�WR�a wide spectrum of viewers.

Sriniga is a disciple of Kalyani Ven-

turi and started learning classical

Dance at a very young age. With

support of her family and interest

in Indian forms, she is now in her

advanced level of dance. She has

performed this traditional art form

accompanying her Guru on various

stages at evens in Cleveland, Chica-

go, Indianapolis, etc.

Archana is a renowned Bharatnaty-

am Dancer, trainer and choreogra-

SKHU�IURP�$NURQ��2KLR���6KH�EHJDQ�learning Bharatnatyam Dance at the

tender age of 3 years and continued

to pursue her training under many

renowned Gurus. She has performed

in many parts of South India.

Popular Indian Melodies by ShlokNishant Bingi, Arindam Paul, Drish-

na and Kanchi Bhatta form this band

FDOOHG� 6KORN�� 1LVKDQW� LV� YRFDOLVW��RULJLQDOO\�IURP�+\GHUEDG�LQ�6RXWK-

HUQ�,QGLD��LV�SXUVXLQJ�D�0DVWHU·V�GH-

gree in iInformation Systems Man-

DJHPHQW�DW�WKH�8QLYHUVLW\�RI�$NURQ��+H�LV�ZHOO�YHUVHG�LQ�YDULRXV�JHQUHV�of music and instruments includ-

LQJ�'UXPV��7DEOD��'KRORDN��&RQJR��Bongo, Cajon and Guitar. e was part

of a big name band, Quintessense,

which performed at various events

LQ�+\GHUDEDG��$ULQGDP�KDV�SOD\HG�major role in composing major leads

IRU�6KORN�LV�IURP�.RONDWD��LV�FXUUHQW-O\�SXUVXLQJ�0DVWHU·V�GHJUHH�LQ�0H-

chanical Engineering at the Univer-

VLW\� RI�$NURQ��$ULQGDP� SHUIRUPHG�ZLWK� IDPRXV� EDQGV� OLNH�*RRQM� DQG�Sonmolence when he lived in India.

Krishna is a bassist and originally

IURP�+\GHUEDG�� EXW� FXUUHQWO\� SXU-

VXLQJ�D�0DVWHU·V�GHJUHH�LQ�,QIRUPD-

tion Systems Management at the

8QLYHUVLW\�RI�$NURQ��+H�KDV� UHSUH-

sented his stat and county on na-

WLRQDO� OHYHO� EDVNHWEDOO� WRXUQDPHQWV�and has won may accolades.

Who is this person?First person with the guess and a bio of 500 words will receive Starbucks gift card! Email your answer to lotus@ficacleveland.org

February 2015 Quiz

Answer: January QuizThis photograph was taken at Colonnades, enclosures which surrounds Qutub Minar. It appears that the majority of pillars used for supporting this structure are recycled temple pillars from diverse location based on the styling of the carvings, looked similar to what I have seen at Ellora, Kha-juraho and Mysore even. As Dr. Anand Chaturvedi might have guessed correctly, the remanent of the carving pictured in January Quiz could be a carving of Visnu as Narasimha killing Hiranyakaśipu. However, most the carvings on the pillar were filed off to almost smoothness with just the outline of original carving visible. Unfortunately Dr. Chaturvedi did not guess “where” the picture was taken. When I visited this prominent monument in Delhi this year with my family, I had no idea that the rock enclosures in the premises were put together from recycled pillars!

Srinija Adibhatla and Archana Poota presenting Kuchipudi with a little

mingling of folk.

Shlok, A band from University of Akron sang popular Indian melodies

Shlok, weopons of mass entertainment!

Srinija is disciple of Kalyani Ven-turi and Archa-na is a renowned Bharatnatyam

dancer and cho-reographer from

Akron,Ohio

Kuchipudi originated in 15th century from

village of same name in Andhra Pradesh.

6 Community News

� +ROL� LV� DPRQJVW� WKH� PRVW�distinct culturally rooted festivals of

,QGLD��LW�HYRNHV�WKH�EXR\DQW�VSLULW�RI�VSULQJ� VHDVRQ��+ROL� WKH�ZRUG� LWVHOI�stirs up an emotion of excitement

in my mind and soul. This festival

was an annual tradition of my child-

hood growing up in Delhi where

the festival is celebrated with great

exuberance and zeal. Recapitulating

P\� FKLOGKRRG� FHOHEUDWLRQV� RI� +ROL�means reliving those fun moments

again with my children and family

and friends.

Onset of spring is quite warm in

'HOKL� DQG� DURXQG�+ROL� WLPH� VRFLDO�norms of propriety also seem to melt

D�OLWWOH��&RPLQJ�EDFN�IURP�VFKRRO�EXV�VWRS� WR�KRPH��D� OLWWOH�ZDON� WKURXJK�narrow streets, a sudden impact of

a squishy object followed by feel-

ing of wetness spreading through

my clothes, would announce the ar-

ULYDO�RI�+ROL�WLPH��6RPH�RYHU�HDJHU�NLG� �XVXDOO\� D� ER\��ZKR� FDQ·W�ZDLW�IRU�WKH�GD\�RI�+ROL�WR�DUULYH�KDG�MXVW�tossed a water balloon at me! Young

DQG� \RXQJ�DW�KHDUW� DOLNH�� SOD\LQJ�with water balloons and water guns

�3,&+.$5,��ÀOOHG�ZLWK�FRORUHG�ZD-

WHU�VSDQQLQJ�D�SHULRG�RI�DOPRVW�ÀI-WHHQ�GD\V�EHIRUH�WKH�+ROL�GD\�LWVHOI�

will commence the festive season.

7KURZLQJ� EDOORRQV� ÀOOHG� ZLWK� FRO-ored water from a distance on peo-

ple, big or small, and then hiding

was an exhilarating game for us.

7KHQ� RQ� WKH� '�'D\�� ¶ZDU� RI� ORYH·�preparations will begin early in the

PRUQLQJ��EXFNHWV�ZLOO�EH�ÀOOHG�ZLWK�water with vegetable color in it, pi-

FKNDULV� ZLOO� EH� UHDG\� WR� EH� ORDGHG�and old but white

clothes would be

worn so all col-

ors will be vis-

ible. We would

be so pumped

up to get into

the war zone of

celebrations. We

would return

home in the late

DIWHUQRRQ� ZLWK� ´ZDU� ZRXQGVµ� RI�cacophony of colors (ABIR and GU-

/$/��RQ�RXU�FORWKHV�DQG�VRDNLQJ�ZHW�with colored water puddle forming

around us. The joy and triumph

on the inside was directly propor-

WLRQDO�WR�FRORUV�DQG�VRDNLQJ�ZHWQHVV�on the face, clothes, hair, scalp and

SODFHV�,�ZRQ·W�PHQWLRQ��)DFH�KDG�VR�many layers of Gulal that you could

not recognize your best friend! Ex-

KDXVWHG�ZH�ZRXOG�FRPH�EDFN�KRPH�to delicious savory chat, sweet GU-

-,<$6� DQG� KRW� GHOLFLRXV�PHDO� DIWHU�a clean bath. Group of people sing-

LQJ� +ROL� VRQJV� �FDOOHG� 72/,6�� LQ�North India would go from house

to house spreading music and masti

and receiving food and sweets in

UHWXUQ���7KH�LQYLJRUDWLQJ�DLU�RI�+ROL�festivities spread happiness into the

lives of people

throughout the

year.

8QOLNH�P\�FKLOG-

hood days, to-

day I seem to

celebrate our

festivals more

RQ�)DFHERRN�DQG�twitter. There

seems to be a

screen compartmentalizing human

ZDUPWK�� ,W·V� VHHPV� DV� WKRXJK� QRZ�IHVWLYDOV�DUH�JHWWLQJ� OLPLWHG�WR� OLNHV�and comments leaving us cold and

blunting the energy of festivals in

my memory. Thousand miles away

from home country, in cold Cleve-

land where we try our best to cel-

ebrate it with equal vigor, but still

seems a little hollow, lusterless!

With friends we try to gather and

FHOHEUDWH�RQ�D� FRQYHQLHQW�ZHHNHQG�EHFDXVH�+ROL�'D\� LV� QRW� D�+ROLGD\�in USA. Our intentions are pure to

NHHS�WKH�KHULWDJH�DOLYH�IRU�QH[W�JHQ-

HUDWLRQ��DUUDQJLQJ�SRW�OXFNV��SDUWLHV��polite Gulal on forehead and dances

GHÀQLWHO\�PDNH�WKH�GD\�VSHFLDO�EXW�not comparable. I feel tremendously

EOHVVHG� WR� KDYH� SOD\HG� +ROL� LQ� LWV�true spirits as a child at the same

WLPH�OLWWOH�VDG�IRU�RXU�NLGV�WKDW�WKH\�are missing the soul of this festival.

1HYHUWKHOHVV� +ROL� DFNQRZOHGJHV�oneness and integration, getting rid

RI�DOO� ¶EDG�HYLO·�DQG�NHHSLQJ�HYHU\-

WKLQJ� ¶JRRG�DQG�EHQHÀFLDO·�� �7KHUH-

IRUH�FRPLQJ�+ROL�GRQ·W�IRUJHW�WR�JHW�intoxicated with love for everyone

DQG�VRDN�\RXUVHOI� LQ� MR\�DQG�GHYR-

WLRQ���+2/,�+$,�����The modern technological advance-

ments have no doubt given us com-

fort and entertainment but have

WDNHQ�XV�DZD\�IURP�RXU�LQQHU�SHDFH��

HOLI HAI !- By Priyanka Bhandari Sharma

+ROL�LQ������ZLOO�VWDUW�RQ�)ULGD\��WKH��WK�RI�0DUFK�DQG�ZLOO�FRQWLQXH�IRU���GD\V�XQWLO�6DWXUGD\��WKH��WK�RI�0DUFK���+ROL�LV�FHOHEUDWHG�RQ�WKH�3KDOJXQ�3XUQLPD��RU�3RRUDQ-

PDVKL��)XOO�0RRQ��LQ�WKH�PRQWK�RI�3KDOJXQ�DFFRUGLQJ�WR�WKH�+LQGX�&DOHQGDU�

Question: “How do you deal with self doubt?”

Answer: ,�WKLQN�VPDOO�DPRXQWV�RI�´VHOI�GRXEWµ�FDQ�EH�JRRG�IRU�\RX��Obviously if you let your insecurities get the better of you, it can be detri-

PHQWDO�WR�\RXU�FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�KDSSLQHVV��EXW�,�WKLQN�DV�D�ZKROH��LW·V�LPSRU-WDQW�WR�RIWHQ�DVN�\RXUVHOI�´ZK\µ�DQG�´KRZµ�LQ�PDNLQJ�FKRLFHV��HVSHFLDOO\�PXVLFDO�RQHV��0LVWDNHV�FRXQW�DV�H[SHULHQFH��DQG�,�ZRXOG�UDWKHU�KDYH�PDGH�D�PLVWDNH�LQ�VRPHWKLQJ�DQG�NQRZ�WKH�QH[W�WLPH�WR�DYRLG�LW��WKDQ�QRW�NQRZ-

ing at all.

Ray ChanWinner of the Queen Elisabeth (2009) and Yehudi Menuhin Competitions

(2008), Ray Chen is among the most compelling young violinists today.

“Ray has proven himself to be a very pure musician with great qualities

VXFK�DV�D�EHDXWLIXO�\RXWKIXO� WRQH��YLWDOLW\�DQG� OLJKWQHVV�� � �+H�KDV�DOO� WKH�VNLOOV�RI�D�WUXO\�PXVLFDO�LQWHUSUHWHU�µ�VDLG�WKH�JUHDW�0D[LP�9HQJHURY�Ray has released two critically acclaimed albums on Sony: a recital pro-

JUDP�´9LUWXRVRµ�RI�ZRUNV�E\�%DFK��7DUWLQL��)UDQFN��DQG�:LHQLDZVNL��DQG�WKH�0HQGHOVVRKQ�DQG�7FKDLNRYVN\�FRQFHUWRV�ZLWK�6ZHGLVK�5DGLR�2UFKHVWUD�DQG�'DQLHO�+DUGLQJ����)ROORZLQJ�WKH�VXFFHVV�RI�WKHVH�UHFRUGLQJV��5D\�ZDV�SURÀOHG�E\�7KH�6WUDG�DQG�*UDPRSKRQH�PDJD]LQHV�DV�´WKH�RQH�WR�ZDWFKµ����´9LUWXRVRµ�ZDV�GLVWLQJXLVKHG�ZLWK�WKH�SUHVWLJLRXV�(&+2�.ODVVLN�DZDUG����+LV�WKLUG�UHFRUGLQJ��DQ�DOO�0R]DUW�DOEXP�ZLWK�&KULVWRSK�(VFKHQEDFK�DQG�WKH�6FKOHVZLJ�+ROVWHLQ�)HVWLYDO�2UFKHVWUD��ZDV�UHOHDVHG�LQ�-DQXDU\������

It is always interesting to see how

India and Indian characters fare

ZLWK� WKH� +ROO\ZRRG� WUHDWPHQW�� ,Q�2014, India-related themes popped

XS�LQ�DW�OHDVW�WZR�+ROO\ZRRG�UHOHDV-HV�� ´0LOOLRQ� 'ROODU�$UP�µ� LV� ORRVH-

ly based on a true story about an

American sports agent who comes

XS� ZLWK� DQ� LGHD� WR� ÀQG� SRWHQWLDO�Major League Baseball players in

India. The story follows the sports

agent as, in the process of capitaliz-

ing on the athletic potential of two

poor but athletically talented Indian

NLGV�� KH� OHDUQV� DERXW� HPSDWK\� DQG�humanity that enables him to both

re-charge his career as well as se-

cure the reciprocal feelings of the

URPDQWLF� LQWHUHVW�� ´7KH� +XQGUHG�)RRW�-RXUQH\�µ�LV�EDVHG�RQ�WKH�ERRN�of the same name. It is the story of a

French restaurateur who, in the pro-

cess of overcoming her negativity

towards outsiders and then capital-

izing on the extraordinary talents of

WKH�QHZFRPHU·V�VRQ�WR�UHYLWDOL]H�KHU�own business, learns that the outsid-

ers and she share a humanity and is

able to not only earn a coveted ac-

colade for her restaurant but also se-

cure the warm relationships she had

missed after losing her husband.

Although the primary character de-

velopment and story in both of these

movies centers around the inner

growth of two businesspeople, foot-

age of various parts of India as well

as Indian characters factor into both

RI�WKHVH�PRYLHV�DV�WKH�EDFNGURS�DQG�the vehicle for that character devel-

opment. In both movies, the protag-

onists begin with a certain stagna-

tion and require a project to catalyze

the changes necessary to not only at-

WDLQ�WKH�SURIHVVLRQDO�SUL]H�WKH\�VHHN��EXW�DOVR�WR�ÀOO�WKH�YRLGV�LQ�WKHLU�SHU-sonal lives. In each case, the “proj-

HFW�µ�FRPHV� LQ� WKH� IRUP�RI�D�\RXQJ�talented Indian man, or two, whose

talent and potential for fame and

fortune has gone unrealized by In-

GLDQV�LQ�,QGLD��7KHVH�´SURMHFWVµ�DUH�found living mundane lives of help-

LQJ�WKHLU�IDPLOLHV�PDNH�HQGV�PHHW�RU�going to school without the slightest

anticipation that they might some-

day have something more. It is only

through being discovered and de-

veloped by the Westerners that the

potential of these talented Indians is

ÀQDOO\�UHDFKHG�VR� WKDW�QRW�RQO\�DUH�they able to be successful but their

IDPLOLHV�DOVR�EHQHÀW�

,Q� ´0LOOLRQ� 'ROODU� $UP�µ� WKH� SUR-

tagonist is the American sports

agent named Bernstein, played by

-RQ�+DPP��ZKRVH�FDUHHU�KDV�VWDOOHG�and whose shallow personal life in-

creasingly fails to satisfy his emo-

WLRQDO�QHHGV��+H�FRPHV�XS�ZLWK�WKH�LGHD�WR�KROG�D�FRQWHVW�LQ�,QGLD�WR�ÀQG�NLGV�ZLWK�SRWHQWLDO�WR�SOD\�$PHULFDQ�EDVHEDOO��+H�GLVFRYHUV�WZR�NLGV�IURP�poor Indian villages, brings them to

America, and gets them trained. In

WKH�SURFHVV�RI�WUDLQLQJ�WKH�NLGV��WKH�NLGV�KHOS�%HUQVWHLQ�HYROYH�WRZDUGV�the realization that there is more to

life than business. With this new-

found wisdom, Bernstein is able

to develop a romantic relationship

ZLWK�D�GRFWRU��,Q�WKH�HQG��%HUQVWHLQ·V�tenacity and drive result in the two

,QGLDQ�NLGV�EHLQJ�VLJQHG�WR�D�SURIHV-sional baseball team.

,Q� ´7KH� +XQGUHG� )RRW� -RXUQH\�µ�+HOHQ� 0LUUHQ� SOD\V� 0DGDPH� 0DO-lory, the widowed and lonely owner

of a two-Michelin-star restaurant

in a small French village. When an

,QGLDQ� IDPLO\� ZKRVH� VRQ�� +DVVDQ��LV� WDOHQWHG� ZLWK� FRRNLQJ� RSHQV� DQ�Indian restaurant across the street

from her restaurant after having

been driven out of India by violent

+LQGX�PREV��0DGDPH�0DOORU\�PXVW�overcome her arrogance and xeno-

phobia before she recognizes the op-

SRUWXQLW\�WKDW�+DVVDQ�RIIHUV�KHU��6KH�SXUVXHV�+DVVDQ�WR�MRLQ�KHU�DQG�WUDLQ�LQ�)UHQFK� FRRNLQJ�� ,Q� WKH� HQG��0D-

GDPH�0DOORU\��EHFDXVH�RI�+DVVDQ·V�ZRUN� LQ� KHU� NLWFKHQ�� LV� DZDUGHG� D�third Michelin star but the greater

reward is that she develops a friend-

VKLS�ZLWK�+DVVDQ·V�IDWKHU��SOD\HG�E\�Om Puri.

:KLOH� LW� FHUWDLQO\� GLGQ·W� GLPLQLVK�the entertainment value of the mov-

ies nor was it surprising, I was dis-

appointed by the way the Indian

characters and footage of India were

used in this movie to contrast with

the protagonists and the Western

VHWWLQJV��7KH�IRRWDJH�WDNHQ�LQ�,QGLD�ZDV�LQ�VWDUN�FRQWUDVW�WR�WKH�IRRWDJH�WDNHQ�LQ�/RV�$QJHOHV�DQG�)UDQFH��,Q�

´0LOOLRQ� 'ROODU� $UP�µ� WKH� SDUW� RI�Mumbai shown to be where Bern-

stein stays upon arrival in India is

an overcrowded dilapidated place

and every village where the pitch-

ing trials are held is a poor dusty ru-

UDO�SODFH��7KH�IRRWDJH�LV�TXLWH�XQÁDW-WHULQJ�RI�,QGLD�RU�,QGLDQ·V�DELOLW\�WR�steward the land. The rural villages

shown are not shown as charmingly

rustic or bucolic as rural villages in

Europe are exclusively portrayed by

+ROO\ZRRG��7KH�,QGLDQ�UXUDO�YLOODJ-

es are portrayed without an iota of

charm or aesthetic, dry, dusty, run-

down. In contrast, the footage of

Los Angeles where Bernstein lives,

where they drive from the airport,

DQG�WKH�IDFLOLW\�ZKHUH�WKH�NLGV�WUDLQ�are shown as modern, aesthetically

designed, spacious, and clean. The

FRQWUDVW�ZDV�VWULNLQJ�6LPLODUO\�� LQ� ´7KH� +XQGUHG� )RRW�

-RXUQH\�µ� ZKLOH� WKH� LQLWLDO� IRRWDJH�VKRZV� VRPH� PDUNHW� VFHQHV� DQG�FRRNLQJ�VFHQHV��DQG�WKH�IDPLO\·V�UHV-taurant is shown as being fairly at-

tractive, the memorable scene is the

RQH�RI�WKH�YLROHQW�UDELG�+LQGX�PREV�who mindlessly destroy the vibrant

thriving businesses in their own

FRPPXQLW\��NLOOLQJ�+DVVDQ·V�PRWKHU�in the process. In contrast, the foot-

age of France is of green countryside,

a friendly complete stranger invit-

ing the strange family into her home

DQG� FRRNLQJ� OXQFK� IRU� WKHP�� $V� D�contrast to the footage of the Indian

rural villages used in “Million Dol-

ODU�$UP�µ�WKH�UXUDO�)UHQFK�YLOODJH�LQ�´7KH�+XQGUHG�)RRW�-RXUQH\�µ�LV�SRU-trayed as a charming inviting place

in which people all sit peacefully in

RXWGRRU�FDIpV�DQG�GULQN�FRIIHH�DQG�ELNH�RQ�SUHWW\�SDWKV��+HUH�� WRR�� WKH�FRQWUDVW�ZDV�VWULNLQJ�

7Arts ReviewIndia in Hollywood Movies,

Spoiler alert!- By Sanju Vinekar

20600 Chagrin Blvd, Suite #150Shaker Heights, OH 44122-5327

(216) 295-0400www.thesaffronpatch.com

The Hundred-Foot Journey

Continued on page 10

A scene from the movie Million Dollar Arm

7Issues that matter8 News of InterestLIGHT OF THE SOUL

- By Vaishali GuptaVishali is a Yoga teacher who lives in Solon with her husband and two kids. Vishali learnt yoga while growing up in India and she has completed a Yoga teacher train-

ing at Chagrin Yoga, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In addition to her regular group classes, Vishali is also available for private custom classes and for corporate work. Vishali specializes in Yoga for alleviating back pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia. The views expressed in the following article are Vishali’s own and you can contact her at

guptava@sbcglobal.net with any questions.We do not allow our minds to pause

DQG� WXUQ� ZLWKLQ�� /RRNLQJ� IRU� KDS-

piness, we are constantly engaging

our senses with the external world.

Our lives are all about action and

UHDFWLRQ��&KDVLQJ�WKH�GHVLUHV�WR�VHHN�happiness we forget that the real joy

is within our hearts in the form of

a radiant light. This radiant light is

the light of our soul.

/HW·V�SDXVH�DQG�UHÁHFW�ZLWK�WKH�IRO-lowing short meditation on Patan-

MDOL·V� <RJD� 6XWUD�� �<RJD� 6XWUD� ������9LVKRND�YD�-\RWLVKPDWL���

1. In a quiet place sit comfort-

ably with your spine tall, shoulders

EDFN�� DQG� FKLQ� VOLJKWO\� WXFNHG� LQ��Rest your hands on your lap with

palms open. Allow the sit bones to

ground into the earth. Simply notice

your seat.

��� 7DNH�VHYHUDO�UHOD[HG��HDVHIXO�breaths.

3. Begin to visualize the light

within your heart. As an image

comes to mind, continue to breathe

comfor tab ly

and focus your

attention on

the light with-

in.

4. W h e n

the mind wan-

ders, as it in-

evitably does,

gently bring

your focus to

the inner light

without judg-

ment. If you

have trouble

v i s u a l i z i n g

this image or

NHHSLQJ� \RXU� IRFXV� KHUH�� \RX�PD\�softly want to chant the words of

WKH�VXWUD��9LVKRND�YD�-\RWLVKPDWL��RU�even a translation or its meaning in

your own words, such as “my inner

OLJKW�VKLQHVµ��5. Once the image of the light

feels clear and strong, add a simple

m o v e m e n t

or gesture to

this visualiza-

tion. As you

inhale, open

your palms

outward. As

you exhale,

place your

palms over

your heart. Re-

peat this three

times and then

sit quietly for a

few moments

or minutes,

c o n t i n u i n g

your relaxed breaths.

6. When you feel ready, repeat

the gesture of inhaling as you ex-

tend your palms outward, and ex-

KDOLQJ�DV�\RX�EULQJ�WKH�KDQGV�EDFN�

to your heart ( or any other part of

your body if you wish ) focusing for

three breaths or bringing the light

into each of these areas: somewhere

in your own body in need of sup-

port, your mind, your relationships,

and your community.

7. Sit quietly again for some

WLPH��NHHSLQJ�WKH�VSLQH�WDOO��SRVWXUH�relaxed, and breathing comfortably,

until you are ready to open your

eyes.

Remember that this resource of light

and joy, clarity, and deep peace is

always there within you. No mat-

ter what is happening in the world

around you this inner light never

IDGHV� OLNH� WKH� VXQ� LQ� WKH� XQLYHUVH�that never fades.

Rajdeep Chatterjee, MBAFinancial Advisor950 Main Ave., Suite 300Cleveland, OH 44113

rajdeep.chatterjee@wellsfargoadvisors.compolcarbrahlerheilbeldenwealthmgmt.wfadv.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.© 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0514-05169 [74030-v4] A1284 (1197564_378698)

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value

Seal the cracks in your portfolioDo you know which investments are draining your earnings potential? When was the last time you reviewed your Investment Plan? Have questions regarding things like…

• Investment Strategies

• Retirement Income Planning

• Estate Investment Planning

Call for a complimentary review.

News of Interest 9

With the 2016

Republican Na-

tional Conven-

tion coming to

Cleveland, we are

all proud to be on

the national stage.

The only thing

important to you,

however, is the

prospect of rent-

ing your home to

visitors for a huge

pile of cash and

WDNLQJ� D� YDFDWLRQ�during the Con-

vention. You are delighted to learn

a popular home rental site is show-

LQJ� VLPLODU� KRPHV� DOUHDG\� ERRNHG�IRU���������WKDW�ZHHN���7KH�VLWH�DOVR�advertises guaranteed insurance

coverage of $1 million for any law-

suits or property damage, which is

reassuring. You list the property

and immediately draw a generous

offer from someone in Georgia us-

ing the pseudonym Gewt Ningrich.

You accept and begin planning your

vacation. Time passes.

While on vacation, you get an un-

fortunate call from the police de-

partment. It appears Mr. Ningrich

hosted a wild party at your home

with plentiful libations. A very

ZHDOWK\� SROLWLFDO� EDFNHU� IHOO� GRZQ�an obsolete coal chute (which you

should have closed off years ago)

DQG�GLHG�� �+LV� IDPLO\� VXHV�\RX� IRU�wrongful death and claims $25 mil-

lion in damages.

After recovering from the initial

VKRFN�� \RX� PDNH� D� FODLP� ZLWK� WKH�VLWH·V� ��� PLOOLRQ� LQVXUDQFH� SROLF\���You are told that coverage for law-

suits is secondary to your home-

RZQHU·V� LQVXUDQFH� SROLF\�� � 7KLV�PHDQV� \RX� ÀUVW� KDYH� WR� PDNH� D�claim with your own insurer. Only

if that claim is denied, or there is

any shortfall, will the site provide

coverage up to the $1 million policy

OLPLW�� �:LWK�QR� FKRLFH�� \RX�PDNH� D�FODLP� ZLWK� \RXU� KRPHRZQHU·V� LQ-

surance, which is indeed denied:

commercial accommodation activ-

ity is not covered. There is thus no

liability coverage, and no paid-for

attorneys to defend the case (which

the insurer is obligated to provide

IRU�DSSURYHG�FODLPV����+DYLQJ�VDWLV-ÀHG�WKH�FRQGLWLRQV� WR�SD\PHQW�� WKH�site pays out its limit of $1 million to

WKH�GHFHDVHG·V�IDPLO\���7KLV�´GURS�LQ�WKH�EXFNHWµ��KRZHYHU��GRHV�QRW�VHW-tle the whole case and a jury returns

a $10 million verdict against you at

trial. Unable to pay the verdict or

legal bill, you are forced to declare

EDQNUXSWF\�DQG�ORVH�\RXU�KRPH������������Mahatma Ghandi stated that the

“earth provides enough to satisfy

HYHU\� PDQ·V� QHHGV�� EXW� QRW� HYHU\�

PDQ·V� JUHHG�µ� � 3ULRU� WR� WKH� &RQ-

vention, you had a lovely home

with a manageable mortgage pay-

ment. The thought of easy money,

however, was overpowering and

greed blinded you. You were only

FRQFHUQHG�ZLWK�OLQLQJ�\RXU�SRFNHWV�with exorbitant rental fees. Perhaps

\RX�VKRXOG�KDYH�OHIW�WKLV�RQH�DORQH"###

Arun Kottha is an attorney with

7XFNHU�(OOLV�//3�LQ�&OHYHODQG��2KLR���+H�IRFXVHV�RQ�WKH�GHIHQVH�RI�SHUVRQ-

al injury and commercial lawsuits.

&RQWDFW�� � DUXQ�NRWWKD#WXFNHUHOOLV�FRP��SOHDVH�IHHO�IUHH�WR�VXEPLW�D�WRS-

ic for a subsequent article.

This article is for informational

purposes only and not for the pur-

pose of providing legal advice. You

should contact an attorney to obtain

advice with respect to any particular

issue or problem.

ARUN’S LEGAL CORNERBY ARUN J. KOTTHA, ESQ.©

� ,�ZDV�KRQRUHG�WR�UHFHLYH�),&$·V������)ULHQG�RI�,QGLD�DZDUG�DW�WKH�5HSXEOLF� 'D\� FHOHEUDWLRQ� LQ� -DQXDU\�� � ,� ZDV� TXLWH� VXUSULVHG� WR� KHDU�P\�QDPH�FDOOHG�DV�,�ZDV�ZDONLQJ�RYHU�WR�WDNH�D�SKRWR�RI�WKH�YHU\�GHVHUYLQJ�Sanjay Garg who had just been awarded the 2015 Service to India Commu-

nity Award.

After receiving the award from Dr. Ray Gehani and Asim Datta I gave a

brief acceptance speech that was heartfelt but, since extemporaneous, not

DV�SROLVKHG�DV�,�ZRXOG�KDYH�OLNHG��,�WROG�KRZ�,�KDYH�FRQVLGHUHG�P\VHOI�D�)ULHQG�RI�,QGLD��VSHFLÀFDOO\�WKH�,QGLDQ�FRPPXQLW\�RI�&OHYHODQG�DQG�1RUWK-

east Ohio, the people and their values and spirit of service. At Cleveland-

People.Com we cover close to 120 different ethnic groups in town, but I

must admit I have special feelings for the Indian community.

0\�ÀUVW�LQ�GHSWK�FRQQHFWLRQ�ZLWK�),&$�ZDV�ZKHQ�,�PHW�ZLWK�WKHQ�3UHVL-GHQW�9HQN\�9HQNDWHVK�DQG�$VLP�'DWWD�DW�WKH�,QGLDQ�&RPPXQLW\�&HQWHU�RQ�Cedar Road. I had driven by the building hundreds of times before but had

QHYHU�EHHQ�LQVLGH���7KH�SXUSRVH�RI�RXU�PHHWLQJ�ZDV�IRU�9HQN\�DQG�$VLP�WR�explain the philosophy and some of the activities of FICA so I could post in

the Indian section of ClevelandPeople.Com.

$V�ZH� EHJDQ� VSHDNLQJ� D� \RXQJ�ZRPDQ�ZDONHG� WKURXJK� WKH� IURQW� GRRU�and explained that she was from Boston and her sister would be attending

&:58�WKH�IROORZLQJ�VHPHVWHU���6KH�ZDQWHG�WR�NQRZ�LI�KHU�VLVWHU�ZRXOG�IHHO�ZHOFRPH�DQG� LI� WKHUH�ZHUH�RWKHU� ,QGLDQV� LQ�&OHYHODQG��9HQN\�DQG�$VLP�ZHQW�WR�ZRUN���7KH\�JDYH�KHU�D�FRS\�RI�WKH�/RWXV�DQG�VWDUWHG�H[SODLQLQJ�WKH�many activities and organizations that were available. They assured the

ZRPDQ�WKDW�KHU�VLVWHU�ZRXOG�KDYH�GR]HQV�RI�IULHQGV�DQG�KXQGUHGV�ORRNLQJ�after her. She was visibly relieved and eager to share the good news with

her sister.

,�KDG�EHHQ�REVHUYLQJ��SUREDEO\�ZLWK�P\�PRXWK�RSHQ���,�DVNHG�LI�WKLV�KDG�EHHQ�VWDJHG�IRU�P\�EHQHÀW�EXW�9HQN\�DQG�$VLP�UHSOLHG�WKDW�LW�ZDV�MXVW�D�serendipitous moment. I became a huge fan of FICA that day.

,�DGPLUH�WKH�,QGLDQ�FRPPXQLW\·V�UHVSHFW�IRU�DQG�GHGLFDWLRQ�WR�HGXFDWLRQ���7KH�DGYDQFHG�GHJUHHV��RIWHQ�LQ�GLIÀFXOW�67(0�VXEMHFWV��DUH�SOHQWLIXO�DQG�FRPELQHG�ZLWK�KDUG�ZRUN�DQG�SHUVHYHUDQFH�KDYH�OHG�WR�JUHDW�VXFFHVV�IRU�many. There are many stories of someone down to their last few dollars

�5DGKLND�5HGG\��0RQWH�$KXMD�DQG�RWKHUV��ZKR�VWXFN�ZLWK� LW�DQG�HDUQHG�great success.

My admiration grew when I witnessed how so many of these successful

SHRSOH�ZHUH�QRW�FRQWHQW� WR� MXVW� OLYH�WKH�´JRRG�OLIH�µ� � ,QVWHDG��PDQ\�KDYH�HPEUDFHG�FRPPXQLW\�VHUYLFH���3DUDPMLW�6LQJK�ZDV�WKH�ÀUVW�6LNK�,�HYHU�KDG�D�FRQYHUVDWLRQ�ZLWK���+H�H[SODLQHG�WKH�SULQFLSOHV�RI�WKH�6LNK�IDLWK�DQG�WROG�PH�DERXW�3URMHFW�6HZD�� � ,�KDYH�ZLWQHVVHG�VRPH�RI� WKH�JUHDW�ZRUN�RI� WKH�Sewa volunteers in serving the community. I then learned about AIPNO

and the medical yatras. The volunteer efforts of these physicians and vol-

XQWHHUV�KDYH� VDYHG� WKH� H\HVLJKW�RI�KXQGUHGV�� �%H\RQG� WKDW�� WKH�ZRUN�RI�-D\D�DQG�5DPHVK�6KDK��*LWD�*LGZDQL�DQG�WKH�RWKHU�$,312�YROXQWHHUV�KDV�VDYHG�FRXQWOHVV�OLYHV��0RUH�UHFHQWO\�,�OHDUQHG�IURP�6DQMD\�*DUJ�DERXW�6KLN-

VKD�'DDQ�DQG�WKH�HIIRUWV�WR�EULQJ�WKH�´JLIW�RI�HGXFDWLRQµ�WR�WKH�QHHG\���Less formally when we get a message from someone who is coming to

&OHYHODQG��RU�WKLQNLQJ�DERXW�LW��ZH�UHDFK�RXW�WR�),&$�SDVW�SUHVLGHQW�0RQD�$ODJ�ZKR�PDNHV�WKHP�IHHO�ZHOFRPH�EHIRUH�WKH\�DUULYH�DQG�DW�KRPH�RQFH�they do.

I admire the appreciation of a strong family and the respect of elders. More

PDWXUH�PHPEHUV�RI�WKH�FRPPXQLW\�VXFK�DV�2P�-XOND�DQG�'U��0RKDQ�%DIQD�are rightfully revered. Youngsters are taught to value learning and are ex-

SRVHG�WR�WKHLU�FXOWXUDO�KHULWDJH�� � ,·YH�PDUYHOHG�DW�\RXQJ�SHRSOH�OLNH�0D-

KLPD�9HQNDWHVK�ZKR�KDV�PDVWHUHG�FRPSOLFDWHG��DQG�ODZV�RI�SK\VLFV�GHI\-

LQJ���WUDGLWLRQDO�GDQFHV�OLNH�.DUDJDWWDP����$QG�ZKR�FDQ�IRUJHW�KRZ�ZH�ZHUH�DOO��QRW�MXVW�WKH�,QGLDQ�FRPPXQLW\��FKHHULQJ�IRU�$QDPLND�9HHUDPDQL�ZKHQ�she won the National Spelling Bee!

I admire the diversity of India with the multiple religions and languages.

7KDQNV�WR�0LFKDHO�6UHVKWD�,�KDYH�KHDUG�&KULVWPDV�VRQJV�VXQJ�LQ�7HOXJX��+LQGL��7DPLO�DQG�0DOD\DODP���,�KDYH�ZLWQHVVHG�+LQGX�SUD\HUV�WR�/RUG�6KL-YD���,�PRXUQHG�DW�WKH�JXUGZDUD�DIWHU�WKH�WUDJHG\�DW�2DN�&UHHN��I credit the volunteers and contributors to the India Cultural Garden, led

E\�5DM�3LOODL�DQG�WKH�ODWH�9LMD\D�(PDQL��IRU�VSDUNLQJ�UHVXUJHQFH�LQ�WKH�HQWLUH�*DUGHQ�FKDLQ�� �7KDW� LPSUHVVLYH�VWDWXH�RI�*DQGKL�RQ�0/.�%OYG��PDNHV�D�powerful statement to all who see it.

Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatama Gandhi, planted a tree in the

*DUGHQ�ZKHQ�KH�YLVLWHG�&OHYHODQG�WR�VSHDN�DW�WKH�&LW\�&OXE�LQ��������,�ZDV�IRUWXQDWH�WR�VSHDN�WR�KLP�DQG�DGPLWWHG�WKDW�PXFK�RI�P\�OLPLWHG�NQRZOHGJH�RI� ,QGLD�DQG�KLV�JUDQGIDWKHU� FDPH� IURP� WKH�PRYLH�*DQGKL�� �+H� VDLG� WKH�PRYLH�ZDV�D�´JUHDW�LQWURGXFWLRQ�WR�*DQGKLµ�EXW�KH�HQFRXUDJHG�PH�WR�ÀQG�out more.

6LQFH�WKHQ�P\�VLVWHU�'HEELH�DQG�,�KDYH�DWWHQGHG�GR]HQV�RI�HYHQWV��5HSXE-

OLF�'D\��+ROL��'HHSDYDOL��,QGHSHQGHQFH�'D\��DQG�KDYH�OHDUQHG�PXFK�PRUH�WKDQ�DQ\�PRYLH�RU�ERRN�FRXOG�WHDFK�I apologize to the dozens of friends from FICA and the Indian community

that I did not mention in this article. It is dangerous to mention any names

EHFDXVH�LQYDULDEO\�VRPH�ZLOO�EH�OHIW�RXW���%XW�NQRZ�WKDW�,�DGPLUH�\RXU�GHGL-cation and greatly appreciate your friendship. You have made me a Friend

RI�,QGLD���7KDQN�\RX�

A letter from Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com

Community News10HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ONE, TWO AND ALL!

Many people say it is a made up

holiday, to which I say what holi-

GD\�LV�127�PDGH�XS"�-XVW�VRPH�were made up more recently than

RWKHUV���$OO�NLGGLQJ�DVLGH��,�ZDQWHG�WR�XVH�WKLV�RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�WDON�DERXW�love according to Yoga philosophy.

,Q�(QJOLVK�ZH�GRQ·W�KDYH�YRFDEX-

ODU\�IRU�GLIIHUHQW�W\SH�RI�´ORYHVµ�except for the one which pertains to

romance, but the ancient yogis de-

veloped many subtle understand-

ing of the Love experience:Kama,

6KULQJDUD��0DLWUL��.DUXQD��%KDNWL��and Atma-Prema.

1. Kama is attraction for senso-

rial experiences. Craving for sen-

VXDO�REMHFWV��7DNHQ�LQ�WKURXJK�ÀYH�senses. Desire for possession.

2. Shringara is a romantic love, an

attraction for beauty. The intimacy

which develops inside one couple

and that form a larger point of view,

some times it can be used as sym-

bol for another more subtle form of

ORYH�FDOOHG�%KDNWL��0D\�IHHO�PXFK�more intense due to its physical

manifestation and repercussions.

3. Maitri is the affection between

friends, wishing well for each other

and feeling joy from others persons

ORYH��OLNH�3KLOLD�LQ�*UHHN�

4. Karuna it is an experience where

one feels compassion toward ev-

eryone, unconditional benevolence

arising out of a heightened sense

RI�HPSDWK\��OLNH�$JDSH�LQ�*UHHN�philosophy.

���%KDNWL�JRHV�HYHQ�IXUWKHU��LW�LV�ORYH�for Life, for the Whole, for the Uni-

verse, for God if you are inclined

WR�WKLQN�LQ�UHOLJLRXV�WHUPV��+HUH�the romance that conventionally

is experienced inside one couple

becomes instead a romance with

the Whole. An intimate dialogue, a

subtle relationship with Life Itself.

6.Atma-Prema. Love for the Self.

:H�ÀQG�WKH�:KROH�LQ�WKH�6HOI��WKH�KXPDQ�GXDOLVP�HQGV��:H�ÀQDOO\�H[-

perience the Onenesses, Samadhi..

An experience that goes beyond

ZRUGV���EH\RQG�ÀYH�VHQVHV��EH-

\RQG�VSHFLÀF�SHRSOH��EH\RQG�HYHQ�earthly laws of physics. No time, no

VSDFH��-XVW�7KDW��

%\��6XMDWD�/DNKH�%DUQDUG��TXHVWLRQV�WR�/DNKH�#JPDLO�FRP

7KH�FRQWUDVW�LQ�WKH�VHWWLQJV�VHUYH�DV�D�EDFNGURS�IRU�WKH�FRQWUDVW�LQ�WKH�FXO-ture and personalities of the characters. This is certainly more pronounced

LQ�´0LOLRQ�'ROODU�$UP�µ�LQ�ZKLFK�VWHUHRW\SLFDO�,QGLDQ�UHVLJQDWLRQ�DQG�,Q-

dian fatalism are shown in nearly every single Indian character beginning

with Vasudevan. (Interestingly, the real Vasudevan and Chang were the

ones who conceived the entire idea for the venture and had to convince

Bernstein to join them.

I was quite surprised to learn this, after seeing the way Vasudevan was

SRUWUD\HG�DV�NLQG�RI�D�ZLPS\�HDV\�WR�JLYH�XS�SHUVRQ�LQ�WKH�PRYLH���7KH�Indian characters are portrayed as having little in the way of initiative,

GULYH��RU�DPELWLRQ��WKH\�DUH�TXLFN�WR�FRQFHGH�GHIHDW�LQ�WKH�IDFH�RI�DQ\�FKDO-lenge or failure. The most blatant caricature of Indian fatalism is shown in

WKH�FKDUDFWHU�RI�9LYHN�ZKR� LV�%HUQVWHLQ·V� FRQWDFW� LQ� ,QGLD��7KHVH�FKDUDF-teristics of the Indian characters in this movie serve as an effective foil for

WKH�GHYHORSPHQW�RI�%HUQVWHLQ·V�FKDUDFWHU��7KH�RQO\�,QGLDQ�FKDUDFWHU�ZKR�LV�portrayed as having even a modicum of energy or drive is Amit, although

KLV�REVHTXLRXVQHVV�LV�DOVR�D�VWULNLQJ�FRQWUDVW�ZLWK�WKH�FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�VHOI�assuredness of Bernstein. The effect is successful, Bernstein comes off as

VRPHRQH�ZKR�WDNHV�DFWLRQ�DQG�PDNHV�WKLQJV�KDSSHQ�DJDLQVW�D�EDFNGURS�of Indian characters who have little to no ambition, few ideas of their own

VDYH� FRRNLQJ�GLQQHU� IRU�%HUQVWHLQ� DQG� WKH� IHPDOH� URPDQWLF� LQWHUHVW�� DQG�VHHP�WR�VHHN�H[FHVVLYH�DSSURYDO�IURP�%HUQVWHLQ�

7KH�VLPLODU�G\QDPLF�ZDV�XVHG�LQ�́ 7KH�+XQGUHG�)RRW�-RXUQH\�µ�7KH�FKDUDF-WHU�RI�+DVVDQ�UHPDLQV�IDLUO\�VWDWLF�DQG�EODQG�WKURXJKRXW�WKH�SORW��$OWKRXJK�he is portrayed as having ambition and vision for himself, that vision seems

WR�EH�DOPRVW�H[FOXVLYHO\�RQH�RI�VHHNLQJ�0DGDPH�0DOORU\·V�DSSURYDO��DQG�he serves primarily as the machine to fuel the more important narrative

GHYHORSPHQWV� RI�0DGDPH�0DOORU\·V� UH�HQHUJL]LQJ� KHU� UHVWDXUDQW� DQG� RI�WKH�EXGGLQJ� IULHQGVKLS�RU� URPDQFH�EHWZHHQ�0DGDPH�0DOORU\�DQG�+DV-VDQ·V�IDWKHU��+DVVDQ·V�IDWKHU�LV�RQH�,QGLDQ�FKDUDFWHU�ZKR�EXFNV�WKH�WUHQG�of the passive Indian, and that was a refreshing relief. On the other hand,

WKH�PRYLH�SDUWHG�ZD\V�ZLWK�WKH�ERRN��,Q�WKH�PRYLH��WKH�YRLGV�LQ�0DGDPH�0DOORU\·V�OLIH�DUH�FRPSOHWHO\�SDWFKHG�ZKHQ�KHU�SURWpJp�KDV�DQ�HSLSKDQ\�in Paris and realizes that love and family are more important than fame,

returns to his romance with the sous chef and to his position of chef at Ma-

GDPH�0DOORU\·V�UHVWDXUDQW��DQG�0DGDPH�0DOORU\·V�ZRUOG�RI�UHODWLRQVKLSV�LV�ÀQDOO\�FRPSOHWH��DV�VKH�LV�ÀQDOO\�HQVFRQFHG�LQ�WKH�IDPLOLDO�FLUFOH�RI�KHU�VRXV�FKHI��KHU�SURWpJp��ZKR�DUH�OLNH�FKLOGUHQ��DQG�KHU�QHZ�ER\IULHQG�

The theme of the visionary, action-oriented, and self-assured Westerner res-

cuing the talented young Indian who is unable to realize his potential due

to Indian fatalism and inaction in both of these movies is reminiscent of

´7KH�%HVW�([RWLF�0DULJROG�+RWHO�µ� LQ�ZKLFK� WKH�PDLQ� ,QGLDQ� FKDUDFWHU·V�IDPLO\�ODFNV�WKH�YLVLRQ�WR�VHH�WKH�EXVLQHVV�SRWHQWLDO�RI�WKHLU�DQFHVWUDO�KRPH�DV�ZHOO� DV� ODFNV� WKH�NHHQ�SHUFHSWLRQ� WR� VHH� WKH� W\SH�RI� FKDUDFWHU�RI� WKHLU�youngest son, and the young Indian character is too inept to manage his

RZQ�EXVLQHVV��VR�WKH�%ULWLVK�ZRPDQ�ÀQDOO\�PXVW�VHFXUH�WKH�ÀQDQFLQJ�DQG�step behind the counter to save the business. It is facile and contrived, but

EHFDXVH�WKLV�XVH�RI�GHYHORSLQJ�FRXQWULHV�DQG�WKHLU�FXOWXUHV�DV�D�EDFNGURS�WR�highlight certain attractive stereotypical Western qualities such as tenacity,

GHWHUPLQDWLRQ��DVVHUWLYHQHVV��VHOI�FRQÀGHQFH��HWF���LV�IDLUO\�FRPPRQ��ZKLOH�LW�ZDV�GLVDSSRLQWLQJ�� LW�FDPH�DV�QR�VXUSULVH�DQG�GLG�QRW�WDNH�DZD\�IURP�the entertainment value of the movies. All three of these movies were thor-

oughly enjoyable, well-paced, and family friendly. Feel-good and unchal-

OHQJLQJ��WKH\�DUH�GHÀQLWHO\�RSWLRQV�IRU�D�OLJKW�KHDUWHG�IDPLO\�PRYLH�QLJKW�

India in Hollywood Movies,Spoiler alert!(Continued from page 6)

Community News 11

Community News12

Please send us your feedback on LOTUS - lotus@ficacleveland.org

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����������at Cleveland Public Library

Exhibit Lincoln at Cleveland

Juan WilliamsNPR, Fox News, Washington PostSaturday, February 7Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing

Sybrina FultonMother of Trayvon Martin

Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing

Remembering Cleveland’s African American History

Main Library, Cleveland Digital Public Library,

Main Library | 325 Superior Avenue | Cleveland, Ohio

,

Library hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.

Opening Exhibit Reception:Saturday, February 7