Thanksgiving

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. It was most interesting to read about the day being celebrated with pomp & style in Le Meridian Hotel in Pune (Poona). What next? a day off in India for Labor Day? Maybe such a holiday already exists.

For those who don't already know, currently I am in Rajasthan and will be heading back home in a few days. It is kind of hard to get away from the people watching and sightseeing to sit in front of the computer in a room without windows, especially when the weather here in November is awesome. Until I write again, have good one!

India in New York - New York!

India in New York City Part 3.

Photo taken by Laju K.

Not too long ago, Amit Varma made an appearance at Leela Lounge along with Jasmine Varma. Others at the informal gathering were arZan Wadia, Manish Vij, Arun Krishnan, and Preston Merchant.

It was one of those evenings where you have more than one interesting person in the room. The event was of course organized by SAJA .

Spotting India in New York - New York!

India in New York City Part 2.

If you look closely at these most recent photos taken in New York City, you will find restaurants with Indian names like Nirvana and Bombay Express and that too within close proximity of each other. Does this mean Indian cuisine has gained new heights of popularity?

Photos taken by Laju K.

Spotting India in New York - New York!

India in New York City Part 1.

Photo taken by Laju K.

Cycle rickshaws (peddle pushers) and ghoda gadhees (horse driven carriages), modes of transportation considered romantic in NYC are very much reminders of India.

Wait a minute, then there is Chai Latte a mixture of East - West. Really it is tea with milk which is Chai! as some of us know it.

Indian Farmers and Globalization

What has globalization done for Indian farmers? Have you ever wondered about how we get our basmati rice? or perhaps wheat? Who grows it? so that we can perhaps have a healthy, well-balanced, meal.

Shabnarayan Jhanjharia and his wife Ram Kaur are one such couple in their 70's who toil on their 2-acre farm in Delhi for at least 11 hours a day so that they can barely make ends meet.

Ram Kaur's day begins at 4 am. She works on the farm from 7 am to 6 pm. They, just like some of us a world away, want their children to be educated just like we do, so that at least they can have a better lives. And not work all of their lives to feed their families, only for the government to someday take their land away so that they can build factories. So much for development! Well promises have been made of money and more land, but they will have to play the waiting game. Until then, might as well have a hookah. Wish them well.

The US-Indo Nuclear Deal

Until recently I had not paid much attention to the Indo-US nuclear deal talks. Through media reports I had learnt that the US had made a concession as far as India was concerned in terms of allowing it to not sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Basically, India did not sign the treaty, and the US did not coerce it to.

"Why the special treatment I thought? Why not I said to myself? " Indian economy was rapidly growing to over 8%. India’s GDP was at 9.4% during 2006-2007 and this growth would benefit both countries strategically and economically. And if the US was taking such an interest in the nuclear deal with India, then it must be more beneficial to the US. Superpowers do not become superpowers by fluke.

With other things on my mind, I did not follow-up on the deals’ progress until November 2^nd when I read in Indian Express North American Edition Volume VIII, No. 21, that “The nuclear agreement will liberate India.”

“I thought India is liberated, isn't it? Isn’t it supposed to be the largest democracy? What am I missing here?” These were the thoughts that lead me to further read Sujeet Rajan’s interview with R Nicholas Burns, The US State Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs. The more I read the article, the more I got the feeling that “granted the deal would benefit India, but there was clearly more in it for the US. Why else would some folks here feel so disappointed that the deal was not moving along as rapidly as had been expected? Here was the US trying to help a developing nation India, develop further. And there was India slowing the perhaps once in a lifetime US-Indo nuclear deal!

Rajan was sharp in seeking responses to sensitive issues like Indo-Pak joint force to combat terrorism, amongst others.

What amused me was Burns’ comment as to how the nuclear agreement would not only help farmers, small businesses, but also young mothers. I wasn’t sure how the bit about “young mothers” as opposed to the not so young mothers mattered. I suppose Burns meant it would help young mothers in their household activities? Or perhaps rear their children or help them with their homework?

Since I was now hooked on the deal, I proceeded to read in the same issue of the newspaper, Shekhar Gupta’s interview with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. From it I learnt, the reason why the US-Indo deal was dragging its feet. It is not as if India does not want to work things out, it’s just that a lot goes into getting to a consensus, lining all ducks in a row especially before implementation of such a major deal impacting generations to come will take time, which understandably is crucial to a nation’s strategic, financial, social and psychological well-being.

The N-deal as it called is now on hold as was discussed during the fifth annual White House Diwali celebrations. This is after Bush was successful in pursuing a peaceful nuclear energy relationship with India. It is no wonder that the administration hopes against hope that the deal will miraculously come through.

One of the many questions that come to mind is how will the N-deal impact daily lives of the US citizens?

Diwali and Businesses

Great to see mainstream US businesses and academic centers finally catching up on the popular festival of Diwali.

Hallmark is one such business, Citibank, Lladró, Hilton Corp.'s Hampton Inn brand team, Hewlett-Packard, and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center are some others. Each has come to realize that it is time to take notice of this group of people who play an increasingly dynamic role in the country's economy. Why alienate and isolate them when we can befriend and make them feel at home.

More importantly, alternate-side parking was suspended in Manhattan! 2007 is the first year where people could benefit from this bill. In 2006 Diwali was on a Saturday, and in 2005 when the bill was passed it was too late in the year to make much of a difference.

More and more are participating in office Diwali celebrations. Just yesterday a friend of mine mentioned how he had organized and hosted the festival in his company. Festivities included traditional Indian dances, music, and delicious food.

After being abroad for several years, it was the first time I spoke of Diwali in my office on the first day itself and suggested to my colleagues that we go out to an Indian restaurant to celebrate. And they were more than happy. (In the past, I had merely mentioned that it was an important festival that symbolized replacement of darkness with light). Fortunately I had made reservations for 10, or else we would have had to simply inhale the hot hot kachori's, paneer, pulao, nan, gulam jaams, etc etc etc as it seemed most office folks were out doing the same thing with their colleagues, some Desis, some not.

Diwali - Festival of Lights!

Photos taken by Laju K.

Happy Diwali to all readers from us who miss seeing diyas and colorful lanterns at doorsteps, windows, and balconies!

Thinking of them reminds me of being in another place at another time, many moons ago.

Years ago, Diwali meant so many things, in addition to the new clothes, sweet dishes, the gift of money, a sparkling clean home, being with parents, siblings, childhood friends etc etc etc. Now Diwali still is a good time. It still brings to the front of my mind that Good will ultimately prevail over the Evil, but without the usual Diwali funfare.

Sure we have Diwali parties and other going-ons here, but no waking up and sleeping with sounds of firecrackers (or fireworks), no rangolis outside neighbors or our doorsteps. I don't believe anyone will knock on the door to share homemade mithais or burfis. But we do have good stores and restaurants to cater to the likes of me , so a lot to be grateful for.

After all not too long ago there was a wonderful Diwali celebration in Manhattan, the city that never sleeps. There were a lot of stalls selling the usual Desi snacks: bhav bhaji, potato tikkis, samosas, pulao and what not! Then there was all the Hindi movie music floating in the background right there in the South Street Seaport, and over the East River. Later on fireworks lit the skies. Just as they were finishing, I heard a a couple of non-Desis talk to each other, "It must be the Indian Independence Day" They looked like tourists, or else they would have known!

From Y2K to E2K Going Green

Energy efficient or carbon neutral are the buzz words these days. According to Thomas L. Friedman the upper management of Infosys Technologies and Satyam Computer Services is working towards the world going green. Not so long ago, India was prepared for Y2k, now it is E2K that is on everyone's mind. Read more in The New York Times.

From Mumbai Streets to New York Streets

At one time or another, most of us must have had hot pav vadas with mouth watering spicy mint-coriander chutney on the street side in India. Years ago, it used to for about 25 paisa. Now I am sure it is no less than 20-30 rupees? Do correct me on the price, since I have not had one for a while now.

In any case, Hindustan Time reports that this previously thought of mill of the road snack by some has been on New York streets for a while now, and why not? It turns out it is also served to holiday makers in Switzerland! I suppose if Indian movies are shot in these countries, why not have pav vadas? just in case the craving arises. Hope you get a chance to have one soon.

Effect of Science on An Atheist

New York Times reports that at the age of 84, Antony Flew from London has turned from an atheist to a believer. What caused this change? Science of course! Scientific proof, it seems, can do wonders.

Can Chefs Be Called Scientists?

Since when have hydrocolloid gums become a popular ingredient in gourmet cooking? Read the New York Times article "Chefs as Chemists" to find out more.... Bon appétit!

Scientists and Analysts

Which would you prefer not to have? Heart attacks or the increased risk of severe bleeding? What does in mean to have meaningful health advantages? There seems to be a price associated with reducing platelet aggregation (anti-clotting) and cardiac deaths. But then again nothing comes free. I suppose it all depends on the timing and patient population (based on gender, ethnicity, age and risk factors).

Congratulations!

Who says you have to forget all about tradition simply because you live in the West. Look at Manishi Prasad and Rohit Mehrotra. Manishi a director at Schering-Plough creates economic models whereas as Rohit works as an adviser at Goldman Sachs. The 2 Desis were recently married by a Hindu priest per the Hindu marriage rituals in Texas. Congratulations to both and to their families!

Does Copying Always Work?

Before more cars and other vehicles are manufactured, I hope the infrastructure is improved! Not that I want the mother land lagging, its just it won't go too ahead with all the traffic jams, strawberry or the mango ones if roads are not straightened in and out. It used to be kind of cute seeing a couple on a scooter on lonely quiet streets of town, not always practical especially when the 2 grew to 3 and then 4, but still. These days owning more vehicles seems to have become a compulsion. Have to keep up with the Desais and Kapoors, not to forget the D'Souzas, the Khans, and the Rustomframs. Wait a minute what about the Harpalani's they must have at least 3 cars? No?

Everyone has to have at least a car or a scooter or a moped or a car + a motorcyle! No wonder diabetes is on the rise, no exercise, all the extra calories. Higher body mass index. Have to go somewhere, why let it go to the heart? Clog those arteries? Generic medications are after all round the corner. Then there are prayers.

Perception and Reality

Everyone talks about the subordinate role women play in the East, still it seems as if there are more women leaders everywhere but here. Is it because women, in general, are perceived one way at work whereas men the other, even in western countries? What is a woman to do? How must she behave? Should she speak up or be quiet? Dress down or cover up? Be herself or behave differently than who she really is? If she did, would it work? Would it really really work? Why can't she just be who she is and work? Do the French women have a similar problem? Aren't they more feminine? Are they? Than us right here? Read for yourself and then ponder some more. There is always hope for everyone, even for us.

Brand Name versus Generic Statin

The debate as to whether a brand name statin is better than a generic continues. Choosing a generic brand of a statin can save as much as $2 billion a year! But is one better than the other?

Let There Be Lights

Photos taken by Laju K.

With Halloween come and gone, at least in the North-East Fall has arrived. For some, it is now time to think of Diwali, a festival that symbolizes victory of good over evil. It is also called the "Festival of Lights or Deepavali." This year Diwali falls on November 9th.

Whereas Halloween is about trick or treating, Diwali is all about Treats. Also, the norm is not to show-case disguises at least in terms of costumes. There will be no decoration or show-casing and showing of haunted houses or glamorization of goblins, ghosts, and witches.

Instead, Goddess Laxmi (the Goddess of Wealth) will be worshipped, along with other dieties, and blessings will be seeked. New clothes will be worn, sweets will be shared with friends and family (no door to door going about with a sack asking for treats, they might be brought to your house or shared with you, if you visit those celebrating Diwali). Other gifts such as money could be given to dear ones; a lot of mouth-watering Indian dishes will be prepared and eaten by most. Indian restaurants will be flocked!

Some will go to parties, others will have parties at home, or not. The point is they all will still have a good time in their own way, with most if not lights on (perhaps for some not the day to conserve electricity). If you happen to see diyas (lamps with oil wicks) lit near doorsteps or windows, or colored lamps in someone's home, a good guess is that they could be celebrating Diwali.

Of course those celebrating Diwali will miss their extended families and friends back in their mother- or father- land, but who does not? at least during festivals such as these and other such celebrations. But still they, the Indian Diaspora, will try to maintain some sort of tradition in spite of their busy lifestyles.

"Lighting Up The Diaspora" in the Magazine India Se from pages 16 through 19 talks about how Diwali is celebrated in several countries from the West to the East. I reported for India Se from New York. Enjoy and wish you all a very Happy Diwali!