pardes magazine december 2014 winter issue

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DECEMBER ‘14 PARDES MAGAZINE

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VOL 4, ISSUE 12 I WWW.PARDESMAGAZINE.COM2

PARDES MAGAZINE DECEMBER ‘14



Managing DirectorMohammed Imran

[email protected] & Sales Manager

Kazi Homayun homayun@pardesmagazine.

comPublic Relation Georgia

Lakshmi RaoHarmeet Singh Pandha

Rizwan MuhammadPhotographer

Akbar Hakim (Hakim’s Studio)Abroad Relation Mumbai

IndiaKavita Nalwa

Assit. Graphic DesignerTahira Mariam

Shahan IrfanContributors & Columnists

Sarah Gulati, Esq.Dr. Kinna Patel, DPM

PublisherWholesaleprinted Inc.

All material appearing in Pardes Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Pardes Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor. We reserve the right to edit any articles and ads to fit our requirements.

goPARDES MAGAZINE - DECEMBER 2014 | VOL.4, ISSUE12

EDITORIALEditor-in-Chief

Jaffri [email protected]

Creative & Art Director Halima Yousuff

[email protected]

PLus DOn’T mIss ALL ThIs

inside...

Business48 Does Your Business Have a Social Media Policy

for Your Team?

30-31 Stay Within Budget This Holiday Season With These Tips

Immigration40-41 Renewed Hopes for Families – The Executive

Order of Nov. 20, 2014

Fashion12 Stay Warm Stylishly This Winter, With These Hot

Trends

Health36 The Diabetic Foot Check-Up

32 Health Issues That Are Neglected by Men

Lifestyle44-45 India-US Chamber of Commerce

South Florida, Holds 2014 Annual Gala

54-55 Bollywood Mirchi

56 Horoscope

26-27 27th annual India Festival

64-65 5 Non-Hindi Speaking Bollywood Actresses

50-51 Angelic Moment on a Sunday Morning

Technology60 Welcome the Advanced and

Awesome Google Maps 4.0, With Brand New Look and Features

COVER sTORY P.16-21nExT-

GEnERATIOn InDIAn

WOmEn



“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”

~Helen Keller

Jaffri Y.editor-in-chief,

theeditor

T he holiday season is upon us. I respect all who recognize a holiday at this important time of year and offer my good wishes to you in celebrating the holiday

of your choice and beliefs. I celebrate Christmas. It means a great deal to me. It is a time of hope, peace, sharing and renewal. We are thankful to our readers and vendors for allowing us to be part of this community another year. And we are very grateful to everyone who graciously contributes each year. Our last issue of this year it take my breath away and helps us remember what it is that we’re doing, and why. You won’t find any New Year’s resolutions, but you will encounter many different angles on the idea of first

principles: the ideas and positions on which everything else is built. We don’t often have time to consider all the underlying stuff that gives our work shape, character, and meaning, and that time won’t ever appear on its own. But we can choose it. Even in the crazy spells—and maybe especially then, when we’re making so many important decisions. We come from many different fields and traditions, and this issue’s contents reflect that fact. First, kicks us off with Next-Generation Indian Women are exceptionally Versatile is a precious attribute to today Indian women. Later in the issue, we’ll have thoughts ranging from Health Issues That Are Neglected by Men to feast-worthy by writers who lead with Stay Within Budget This Holiday Season. We’ll also be launching a new look Pardes Magazine 2015 —a collaborative effort with some of our favorite thinkers that will, we hope, change industry practices in useful, principled ways.

One of the things we love best about this moment on the internet is the ways in which we can read together and find connections between our readings—both within a single text, and across the whole range of our combined reading memory. So, to all, have a wonderful holiday season. And, to those who celebrate Christmas, a joyous and Merry Christmas.

With warmest thanks,

get in touch...We want to hear from you be it a kind word or even how we may have fallen short of your expectations, we love hearing from our readers. Each comment is important to Pardes magazine and we appreciate the opportunity to address any questions, comments or concerns.

www.pardesmagazine.com

Looking to submit content for consideration?

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PARDES MAGAZINE - DECEMBER 2014 | VOL.4, ISSUE12

“Almost everything comes from

nothing.!”~ henry f. Amiel



05



Stay WarmStylishly This Winter, With These Hot Trends

Cozy shaggy sweaters – When you do not need a coat to beat the chill outside you can put on a shaggy sweater. This loose-fitted pullover compliments a bohemian look and goes really well with rugged denims and knee-high boots. Peppy peplum jacket – This is the hottest trend in fashion now. A peplum jacket is your key to looking chic and sassy this winter. Team it up with your favorite trousers or leather pants and high heels and be the center of attraction in your friend circle. Funky flannel – Are you confused how to dress up for a girls night out? How about the combination of sweatshirt and flannel? Flannel is perky and stylish and it keeps you warm and comfortable. Stylish leather pants – Fed up with wearing denims? Then replace them with smart leather pants in your winter wardrobe. Black leather pants are quite a sensation these days. Black leather pants, a cashmere top in a pristine off-white hue, ankle boots, and a sleek leather bag are all you need to beat the chill with style. If you are not fond of ankle boots, you may put on strappy sandals. Elegant peacoat – A peacoat is a unique combination of simplicity and sophistication. It can be your heat-turner when dressing up for office and for all formal events. Wear this coat with skin-tight jeans and your favorite pair of stilettos. Put on a bright-colored scarf around your neck to enhance the look. Trendy boho babe boots – If you think boho babe boots are for performing onstage only, you are wrong. Get a pair of these vibrant boots to keep your feet warm and stylish this winter. The floral embellishments and the fringes heighten the appeal of the boots.

These are the six most popular fashion trends this winter season. Add them to your winter wardrobe and stun your girl gang by looking elegant and trendy in these stylish head-turners. In case you are hesitant to bid adieu to your summer wardrobe in winter, you can wear your favorite summer top and skirt and then put on an overcoat and leg coverings.

Stay warm and stylish and enjoy the wintry weather.

Winter is knocking at the door with a soothing nip in the air that brings relief from the sultry summer days. So, all you girls out there, it is time to look into your closet and bring out the warm clothes. If you think your winter wardrobe needs a makeover, you may embrace the following top trends to stay snug with style in the coming chilly days.



Indian WomenNext-Generation

Versatility is a precious attribute and not everyone

is gifted with this valuable trait; yet it is an inherent skill which is desired in every woman. The next generation of Indian women present great examples of versatility, managing the multiple roles of responsible daughter, lovable wife, loving daughter-in-law, and caring mother at home as well as dedicated and efficient employee in the workplace. They are balancing both family life and work life proficiently without neglecting the requirements of home or office. More and more Indian women are breaking the traditional shackles and exploring their multifaceted natures and abilities. Today’s modern Indian women are career-minded, but not at all deprived of strong family values. They have the courage and confidence to pursue their dreams and fulfill them with conviction.

A r e E x c e p t i o n a l l y V e r s a t i l e



Indian Women

Venue: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club Art Director: Michele Renee Zerda

Designer Clothing & Accessories: Traditions Boutique by Kresha Shah I (Saree) Chhabras Fashion Hair and Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio I Photographer: Amita.S Photography

Models: Ramina Ashfaque, Monica Bella Shah, Aditi Patel



The newly elected Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has expressed his belief that, “If we educate women, we are educating not just a family but educating also the generation.” He urges women to embark on the journey from being home-makers to becoming nation-makers, since he believes that women have the power take India to the highest peaks of success in all fields. It is worth mentioning that today the birth of a baby girl is an event of pride and elation even in the rural corners of the country. Women have a great deal to contribute to the advancement of India.

A close look at the advancement of Indian women today reveals that India is no longer a country where girls are warned not to step beyond the thresholds of their houses. There was a time when the occasion of the birth of a baby girl was full of grief and unhappiness. At that time, women were seen as limited to fulfilling household chores and the only aim of a woman’s life was to make sure that her family members were happy. The dream of building a successful career was something meant for men only. Women were oblivious about the right to education, the right to speech and the right to freedom. This terrible picture does not exist now. This awful outlook does not haunt the next generation of Indian women who are determined to find a strong foothold in their lives by being financially independent.

According to Mr. Modi, every woman in India should be given the right to decide which career is the best for her. She should not be forced to take up a profession in which she lacks interest.

Earlier, in most cases, a middle-class girl’s wish to become an actress or a film director was suppressed by her family since Bollywood was considered unsafe for women. On the other hand, parents would have been shocked to hear that their daughters wanted to become entrepreneurs, as women were thought to be ignorant when it came to business

management. What used to distress most parents was that their daughters would not be able to care for their family members if they chose to pursue career dreams; also, it was thought that a career-minded girl had no traditional values. Today, however, the scene is different.

Today’s parents are quite liberal and understanding enough to allow their daughters to fulfill their dreams of pursuing a career in the film industry or as an entrepreneur.

The next generation Indian women who do not want to compromise their career aspirations can take inspiration from Kangana Ranaut, a girl from a small town in North India who took the film industry by storm with her impressive performance in Anurag Basu’s “Gangster.” She followed that with a stellar act in Mohit Suri’s “Woh Lamhe.” Ranaut’s journey from a small town middle-class girl to a successful actress was not smooth. She had to convince her parents to let her take up acting. She moved to Mumbai from Shimla alone and struggled a lot before she finally got the chance to play the leading lady in “Gangster.” Currently, she is riding high on the success of her film “Queen,” a heartwarming tale of a girl embarking on a solo foreign tour. She has also expressed her desire to be a filmmaker and her fans are eagerly waiting for the day when Ranaut will be the one to say” lights, camera, action.”

With her tremendous zeal, perseverance, immense guts and passion, Ranaut fulfilled her dream. She has shown that if you have the enthusiasm and eagerness to materialize your aspirations, nothing can stop you from accomplishing your goals.

There are more gutsy women in India like Kangana Ranaut, and their success stories are equally inspiring. Pooja Warier, the co-founder of UnLtd India and Bombay Connect, is hailed as an inspirational example of India’s emerging social entrepreneurs. Warier’s UnLtd India is the



leading incubator for up-and-coming social entrepreneurs in the country. The founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, Ajaita Shah, is working to ensure that rural areas in India get access to good quality and reasonably priced products.

If you are on Twitter, you may have noticed that ThinkChange India (TC-1) has more than 6,000 followers. TC-1’s followers on Facebook have exceeded 1,500. ThinkChange India is a popular website that helps readers stay updated about social entrepreneurship in the country. Its founder is a very young girl blessed with visionary skills, Shital Shah. TC-1 achieved a record 150,000 page-views; on average, the website receives above 4,000 hits every week. All the credit goes to Shah’s innovative mind.

It is a matter of great pride that a lot of young women are taking interest in the field of entrepreneurship, and these role models show them that they can turn their passions into professions.

The number of women holding high positions in the corporate world is increasing by leaps and bounds, and it can be no longer be said that the corporate world is dominated by men. Modern Indian women are tough competition for men when it comes to qualifying for the top-ranking positions in an organization. Keeping in view the soaring number of women choosing to work in the private sector, most global enterprises are launching women-friendly company policies. MNCs are taking this step in order to encourage more and more women to join the corporate world. For example, Tata Group’s Second Life program has been developed to aid women who want to work again after taking time off. According to Country Head and Publishing Director of Harlequin India, Amrita Chowdhary, a career break is traditionally a liability in applying for jobs, and this program aims to remove this stumbling block for women to build successful careers after being out of the workforce.


Designer Clothing & Accessories: Traditions Boutique by Kresha Shah Designer Clothing & Accessories (Saree): Chhabras Fashion

Hair and Makeup: Michele Renee The StudioPhotographer: Amita.S Photography




There is no doubt that the next generation of Indian women are extremely focused and resolved to pursue their aspirations in life. They have the skills to prove their worth at the workplace, and they are equipped with the family values and know-how to take care of both their home and office responsibilities. In short, they are ready to wear multiple hats and be all smiles.

Way to go, girls!


Designer Clothing & Accessories: Traditions Boutique by Kresha Shah Designer Clothing & Accessories (Saree): Chhabras Fashion

Hair and Makeup: Michele Renee The StudioPhotographer: Amita.S Photography




Pavan Events(954)494-3567

www.PavanEvents.com



IndiaFestival

27th annual

O n Nov. 15, 2014, Gujarati Samaj of

Tampa Bay hosted the 27th annual India Festival at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Approximately 12,000 people attended the event. It began at 10:45 AM with the Ganesh Pooja and ended at 10:45 PM with the comedian Rajiv Satyal entertaining the crowd. Seventy-three teams competed for prizes. The India Festival was started by Dr. Kiran Patel to promote Indian culture in Tampa Bay. There were teams of children ranging from 3 years of age to adults over 50 competing for prizes. Over 170 vendors were selling everything from food to clothing to jewelry. Over 15 non-profit organizations were also present to promote special events. A core committee of volunteers began to plan the event over six months ago. Over 200 volunteers worked hard for two days to make the event successful. The vice chairperson was Smita Patel. The other committee members included Mina Patel, Dr. Sonal Shah, Dr. CJ Patel, Vijay Gandhi, Sudhir Shah, Dr. Vijay Patel, Surbi Ksashtri, Malti Pandya, Parth Shah and Bina Patel. The cost of the event was offset by money raised from the sponsors. These include Zee Family TV, TV Asia, Star Oil, Satya Shaw CPA, Freedom Healthcare, Patel Brothers, House of Spices, Hard Rock Hotel, KHP Developers, BB&T Bank and Florida State Fairgrounds.



Budget This holiday season

The countdown has begun, and the festive season is not far away. Everyone is excited, since the arrival of the festivities also means the beginning of a long holiday season. However, all of the excitement shrinks a bit at the thought of the expenses during the holiday time. Parties, trips and gifts do give a pinch in the pocket, especially when you are on a budget. However, this does not mean you will deprive yourself of fun and entertainment during the festive holiday season. You can buy gifts for your near and dear ones, throw a great party, go on a tour and enjoy to your heart’s content within your budget. If you are thinking about how to do so, the following four tips may help you.

• ShopwiselyWondering how to be a smart holiday

shopper? There are tricks galore for this. For instance, you may visit sites like Amazon Local and Groupon to find discounts on an array of products and services. Also, you can apply your creative instincts and handcraft beautiful gifts for your loved ones. You may ask one of your friends to arrange a party together as well. In addition, you can plan your trip after the peak time is over. Lucrative vacation deals are available in the non-peak days. These are simple tips to shop wisely for holiday and save a lot.

• CheckyourbudgetBefore and after each purchase, make

sure to look at your budget. If it seems that one or two items have gone beyond the limit, try to make up in the next purchases.

• SetthebudgetDecide the exact figure you

can afford to spend this holiday season. When you are sure about the figure, the next thing to do is to find out ways in which you can save for the holiday expenses. To get started, you may calculate your monthly expenditures for eating out, movies, magazine subscriptions and other activities that are not obligatory. You can cut down on these expenses and easily save a few bucks for holiday enjoyment.

• PreparealistIf you are determined not to

exceed your budget, you need to avoid last-minute buys. When you have proper holiday shopping list, you can steer clear of last-minute purchases and stay within the budget. Jot down the number of gifts, the party essentials and the holiday necessities you will need to buy. It will be more helpful if you note their prices as well. You can stay on track and are less likely to cross the set budget.



Health Issues That Are Neglected by MenI t is not only women who suffer from various health problems after a certain age. Men

also go through different health disorders. Those who are conscious of their health seek consultation and undergo treatment to prevent troubles and lead a happy and healthy

life. But the number of health-conscious men is quite low. Most men tend to ignore many health issues that turn into major troubles later. Below are some health problems that are ignored by men. These may seem minor troubles at first, but delay in treatment may transform them into serious issues.

Depression – As the statistics are to be believed, men are more susceptible to depression since they go through much stress and strain in order to balance both family and work life. Men are considered to be less expressive and more introverted when it comes to venting out the restlessness in their minds. They find it a bit difficult to express their emotions. This can result in depression. When depressed the brain stops preserving neurochemicals, and as a result many men seem to burst out in anger at trivial matters and even think of attempting suicide.

Breathing trouble – Breathing problems are a symptom of various critical health issues like anemia, cardiovascular diseases, and lung diseases. All these health disorders are very common among men in present times.

Chest disease – Chest pain is mostly linked with heart attack. It is true that chest pain can be a sign of heart disease, but there are many other health troubles that can be signaled by chest pain. When one feels a pain in the chest, it may indicate asthma or pneumonia. Ignoring these health troubles will lead to nothing but self-destruction. So stop neglecting health and start caring for yourself.

Fatigue – Due to unrelenting daily work pressure, men undergo a lot of stress in the workplace. This stress results into extreme fatigue which in turn causes sleeplessness and pessimism. In the long run, fatigue gives rise to many mental as well as physical health issues. Heart attacks, liver and kidney diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer are a few of the fearsome disorders that can be triggered by fatigue.

Memory loss – According to studies, memory loss is more common among men than women. Many have a strong belief that forgetfulness is natural with growing age. This can be true to a considerable extent, but it is not completely right. Memory loss can be an indicator of brain damage, brain tumors, and Alzheimer’s disease.



Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up

he American Diabetes Association

estimates that one in five people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so for foot problems. Diabetes can affect the nerves and vessels in your feet and lead to severe and chronic problems that could even result in a foot or leg amputation. Therefore, if you are diabetic, it is crucial to check your feet daily and visit your podiatrist every six months.inspect your feet

daily.If you are unable to

bend, utilize a mirror or ask a family member to check the soles of your feet for any cracks or openings. Calluses and corns, which form due to an increase in pressure to certain places on the feet, can ulcerate; accommodative shoes or orthotics can help prevent them from occurring. Check in between the toes for fissures or discoloration. It is common for diabetics to develop a fungal infection in the interspaces, due to the moist environment.

Protect your feet.Wear cotton socks

designed for diabetic patients, and change them frequently throughout the day. Never go barefoot, even in your household. Wear well-fitting, accommodative shoes to

avoid friction, which can lead to blisters and ulcers. Medicaid and Medicare patients may be eligible for a free pair of diabetic shoes yearly, so check with your local podiatrist for more information. Inspect the inside of your shoes before putting them on, and inspect your socks after you take them off for any signs of blood or fluid.

Trim your nails.Trimming your toenails

frequently can prevent pressure points from forming. Pliers-style nail nippers allow for more control than traditional nail clippers and are available in drug stores for approximately $5. Remember to cut the nails with a straight edge, not curved, to prevent ingrown nails. If you have poor vision, back problems, loss of sensation, or a history of ulcers, seek professional nail care from your local podiatrist.

Wash your feet.Use warm water and

mild soap to wash your feet daily. You can test the temperature of the water with your elbow if you have loss of sensation in your feet. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes. Apply cream daily, avoiding the space in between the toes, to prevent cracks and fissures.

Keep blood

flowing to your feet.

While sitting for long periods, elevate the extremities and perform simple exercises to stretch the muscles and increase the blood flow to your feet. Some examples are wiggling your toes and moving your ankles back and forth repetitively.

Lastly and most importantly, control your

blood sugar. Check your levels daily and take your medications as instructed, on time. Keep a record of your blood sugar and report it to your primary care physician so they can manage your care accordingly. Never be afraid to ask questions and make sure your doctors are all aware of any changes in your body.

T

The Diabetic Foot DR. KINNA PATEL, DPM



Renewed Hopes for Families The Executive Order of Nov. 20, 2014

On Nov. 20, 2014, after much wrangling

with Congress and its neglect/inability to pass the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order (EO) to grant some reprieve to the millions of undocumented foreign nationals anxiously awaiting some form of relief and security. This EO has been the topic of much debate as to its legality, and some speculate that it could be repealed if the President acted without legal authority. However, it is useful to note that since the1960s, every U.S. President has granted temporary immigration relief to one or more groups in need of assistance. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Reagan and Bush administrations implemented the “Family Fairness” program, whereby an estimated 1.5 million undocumented spouses and minor children who did not qualify under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 were granted “indefinite voluntary departure.” meaning that the Government deprioritized the enforcement of immigration law concerning those

individuals. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush provided protection to almost 40% of the undocumented foreign nationals in the United States at the time.

The EO issued by President Obama primarily encompasses family, employment and immigration enforcement areas, protecting family unity and prioritizing deporting felons and not families. It is important to note that because that the details of each component are still being worked out, many issues remain unclear and the merits of the plan may not be known until thorough and comprehensive directives are published.

In the following paragraphs, I have attempted to provide an overview of the relief offered by the President’s outlined plan as it affects undocumented family members in the United States. Readers are cautioned not to take this article as legal advice, as it is intended solely for informative purposes.

What is a “deferred action”? A deferred action is a form of

prosecutorial discretion by which the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deprioritizes an individual’s case for humanitarian reasons, for administrative convenience or in the interest of the overall enforcement mission.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

In June 2012, the Obama Administration offered an administrative mechanism known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which deprioritized the enforcement and

deportation of individuals who were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, who had entered the United Stated as children under the age of 16 prior to June 15, 2007, and who met specific educational and public safety criteria. The President’s EO of Nov. 20, 2014, announced the following changes to this program:

• Removaloftheagecap: Essentially, this means that DACA will apply to all otherwise eligible applicants who entered the United States by the requisite adjusted date before the age of 16, regardless of how old they were in June 2012 or today.

• Extensionofrenewaland work authorization validity: Work permits and the validity of the deferred action for this category will be extended to three-year increments, beginning Nov. 24, 2014.

• Adjustmentofthedate of entry requirement: The eligibility cut-off date by which a DACA applicant must have entered the United Stated was adjusted to Jan. 1, 2010.

All applications under the above criteria should be accepted by the USCIS within 90 days from Nov. 20, 2014.

Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA)

President Obama’s Executive Order of Nov. 20, 2014, opened up prosecutorial discretion for parents of children who are either permanent residents or United States citizens born on or before Nov. 20, 2014. To be eligible for this relief, parents have to establish that they have been continuously living in the United States

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By TASNEEM ZAMAN, Esq.

Zaman Law Office, P.A.



since at least Jan. 1, 2010, and that they were physically present in the country on Nov. 20, 2014 and on the date of their application. If granted, this temporary relief from removal will be valid for 3 years. All applicants for DAPA must submit fingerprinting for USCIS to conduct background checks and must have paid any back taxes. Furthermore, each person who applies for DAPA will also be eligible to receive work authorizations for the period of the deferred action. Applicants must pay the required fees, including fingerprinting fees. The USCIS should begin to accept these applications no later than May 19, 2015.

Expansion of the I-601A Provisional Waiver Program

President Obama has expanded yet another initiative to ensure family unity, the I-601A Provisional Waiver Program, to include spouses and minor children of lawful permanent resident as well as adult children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Under the current law, a significant number of individuals who entered the United States unlawfully and who are the spouses or children of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, who are eligible for immigrant visas, must leave the country to be interviewed at U.S. consulates abroad in order to receive their immigrant visas. If these qualifying individuals have been unlawfully present in the United States for more than 6 months, they are barred from returning for 3–10 years. However, spouses, sons or daughters of a U.S.

citizen or permanent resident can seek a waiver of the 3- or 10-year bar, if they can prove “extreme hardship” for the citizen or permanent resident relative. Prior to 2013, these individuals were required to depart the country and file the waiver at a U.S. consulate abroad and wait for the interview outside of the country, away from their loved ones.

In 2013, the Obama Administration improved this process and implemented the I-601A Provisional Waiver program, allowing the spouses and children of U.S. citizens only to apply for the waiver from within the United States. Once the waiver was pre-approved, the individual would then leave to be interviewed at the U.S. consulate abroad. This significantly reduced the wait time for certain foreign nationals to obtain the waiver and thus the time they had to spend apart from their families. Under the new Executive Order not only spouses, sons and daughters of U.S. citizens but also those of lawful permanent residents can apply for the waiver pre-approval before leaving the country for the interview process. In order to be granted a provisional waiver, applicants must demonstrate “extreme hardship” for a spouse or parent who is either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Factors that should be considered for “extreme hardship” include but are not limited to: family ties to the U.S., conditions in the country of removal; the age and physical and mental health conditions of the qualifying relative; the length of residence in the United States; and financial as well as educational hardships.

Other Family-related BenefitsThe foregoing only provides an

overview of the measures directed by the President to enhance and promote family unity. Beyond these initiatives, the Executive Order also makes provisions for work authorizations for spouses of H-1B employees who currently hold H-4 status. A limitation to this benefit is that the H-1B spouse must be in the latter stages of obtaining a green card. Furthermore, the President’s proposal will allow individuals who are presently in the U.S. with non-immigrant temporary status and an approved employment-based petition to file an adjustment of status application as long as their category is not considered unavailable. In such a case, dependent family members would also qualify for temporary work permit and travel documents.

Risks of ApplyingWhile the Executive Order awards

many important privileges and benefits, it is critical to remember that each application will be judged on a case-by-case basis, and those who are denied the deferred action benefits could be at a risk of being deported. Furthermore, even if one is granted the deferred action, it may be terminated at any time at the agency’s discretion. Deferred action does not confer any form of legal status since only Congress has the power to confer such rights; it simply means that an individual is permitted to remain lawfully present in the United States for a prescribed period of time.

tatyana magazine page: 41 | january 2014

DISCLAIMER: This article contains general information and is not legal advice and should not be treated as such. Individuals with specific questions may contact Attorney, Tasneem Zaman for further discussion of their respective situations.



OF COMMERCE SOUTH FLORIDA, HOLDS 2014 ANNUAL GALA

Shahab Uddin, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Consul Generalof India Ajit Kumar, Madhu Mehta, Jodi LeBlanc and Guests

Palace Indian Cuisine’s Chef Rakesh Raina

Award Recepients Navroze Mehta and Dilip Barot with Consul General of India Ajit Kumar.

Dexter Lehtinen, Madhu Mehta and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Dr. Neelam Varshney and Viveka Malani

Guests and Performers dancing to bollywood tunes. Narayani

India-US Chamber

Under sun-setting orange skies and a starlight view of the shimmering Miami River, the India-US Chamber of Commerce South Florida held

its Annual Gala at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami. The event included a reception and dinner for over 125 guests, some of whom came from as far away as Atlanta, Tampa and Palm Beach County to participate in the delightful evening. With the traditional lighting of the diva (oil lamp), Madhu Mehta, President of the Chamber, had the honor of introducing two guests of distinction: Ajit Kumar, Consul General of India, and U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, along with her husband, Dexter Lehtinen. The Consul General came in from Atlanta and made most informative remarks about India’s new leadership and its willingness to work collaboratively with other nations. The congresswoman also commented on the need for collaboration and cooperation on a global scale to work toward more peaceful environments. Claudio Riedi, the event’s amusing and entertaining MC, welcomed the guests, followed by the American and Indian national anthems, setting the mood for the evening.. Madhu greeted the guests very warmly, saying that their presence was important and meaningful for the Chamber. She then thanked the sponsors who had made the event possible. Special gratitude was expressed to the three main sponsors of the evening: Qatar Airways, Taj Hotels of India and Kingfisher Beer. Madhu also expressed her gratitude to the board of directors. “What is an organization without its members of the board; they are volunteers who choose to give part of their busy time to support the chamber and make it the organization which it is today,” she said.

Two Awards of Excellence were presented in the areas of social and global entrepreneurship. Through his efforts, both in this country and in India, Dilip Barot, chairman of Creative Choice, has facilitated technological and lifestyle improvements that have impacted the lives of many. Similarly, Navroze Mehta, through his work with artisans in India, has vastly improved the employment, educational and health-care opportunities for those who are less fortunate. The elegantly clad Indian ladies in their colorful saris and jewelry created an exotic ambiance to the whole evening. The tables were beautifully decorated with unusual centerpieces—wooden elephants covered with colored jewelry, surrounded by candles. The colors of the Indian flag were deliberately featured by the decorator Mercedes Garcia, a member of the board who is responsible for creating the decorations for this event every year. Other highlights included news about the Chamber’s upcoming business networking and development missions to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi, scheduled for next year. For the successful bidders, Qatar Airways and Taj Hotels will provide transportation and lodging.



OF COMMERCE SOUTH FLORIDA, HOLDS 2014 ANNUAL GALA

Left to Right - Front Row: Sandy O’Neil, Radhika Arora, VivianneGutter, Collette Vanegas. back Row: Sebastian Paris, Dexter Lehtinen,Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Harsh Arora

Left to Right - Front Row: Corinne Marson, Jean Phillippe Marson,Christa Green and Peter London. Back Row: Cheryll Green and Bryan Green

Board of Directors - in order of appearance - Left to Right:Edward Macedo, Victor W Singh, Pallan Katgara, Leonard A. Pimentel, MercedesGarcia, Christa Green, Harsh Arora, Sandy O’Neil, Susan Angulo, Henry George andSomnath Bhattacharya.

Dexter Lehtinen, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and ConsulGeneral of India Ajit Kumar.

India-US Chamber

Indian and American cuisine enhanced not only the mood but also the palates of a diverse group of attendees. The Indian chef, Rakesh, described the typical dishes he had prepared for the guests. Entertainment was plentiful and exciting, including Narayani Maharaj, dancers as well as 30 musical performers and vocalists who succeeded in getting all the guests on the floor to dance into the night. At the conclusion of the beautiful and enjoyable evening, happy guests left with their gift bags, which contained all sorts of goodies including a bottle of Kingfisher beer, already looking forward to the Annual Gala in 2015!



By line: Sarah Gulati, Esq.

Attorney Sarah Gulati of Gulati Law, P.L., is a Florida Real Estate Attorney, who is equipped to close Florida Real Estate closings with her affiliated Title Company, Premier Florida Title, LLC. Call her today for a complimentary consultation.

Phone: (407) 900-5054Fax: (407) 517-4931E-Mail: [email protected]

Offices in Orlando and Jacksonville

Does Your Business Have a Social Media Policy for Your Team?

W ith the fast and

dynamic expansion of social media, it has become a highly used tool in our daily lives as well as in the workplace. It is a necessary and unavoidable means of development. Initially designed for friends to keep in contact with each other, it has also become a necessary business tool for companies to market their products and services, build relationships with prospective customers, and maintain relationships with existing ones. When it comes to employees utilizing social media in the workplace, a policy needs to be set in stone so that everyone is actively aware of the things they post online.

A sample policy can include language as follows: — Be aware of what you post. Clients or your managers could be looking; — Remember that whatever you post will have an effect on your reputation as well as the firm. — Be thoughtful and courteous of other people’s feelings. We get so mixed up in the social media world that we tend to forget what we post online. Whatever you post is not only within your friends, but has the chance of being shared. It is very common for friends and family to share other people’s posts. As long as you educate your team on the dos and don’ts in terms of social media they can easily monitor and be mindful of the content they post online. This in turn will let you get a good night’s sleep knowing that your team is on the same social media page that you are.

Gulati Law, P.L.- 2014 ©** Disclaimer: The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. The information and material in this article has been prepared by Gulati Law, P.L., for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

This article is not intended to create and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. No one should act upon this information without seeking competent legal advice.


PARDES MAGAZINE DECEMBER ‘14lI

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MomentAngelic

Don a Sunday Morning

By Akber Ayub - Bangalore

awn was just breaking when I sauntered into our garden, having woken up earlier than usual on that Sunday morning. Since the paperboy was not due for another hour, I picked up a lawn chair and made myself comfortable under our tidy bam-boo grove, settling down to savor the early morning quiet.

Although we had tended the garden lovingly over the years – the gnarled hands of our old gardener reaching every nook and cranny, every bed and bramble – we had seldom had the time to really enjoy our garden, given the demands of daily liv-ing. It had become just another part of our home.

The buzz of a bee close by caught my attention. I found myself drawn towards its simple antics. One moment it would hover lazily over the blooming carnation, the next, it would bob up and down in frenzy and, as suddenly, dash off to the nearby bed of tiny purple flowers bordering a paved walkway. The bougainvillea blooming over it formed a canopy in a riot of colors. A veil of gos-samer web, stretched across clumps of its bright red flowers, glinted in multiple hues catching the first crimson rays of the sun.

Settling back more comfortably in the chair, I panned my gaze languidly towards the sky. Clumps of fluffy white clouds stood out like freshly picked cotton against the azure sky, tinged with multiple shades of crimson lower down.

A sudden gust of wind rustled the leaves overhead, dislodging a few dry ones, some corkscrewing their way down, while others rocked themselves down at a more leisurely pace, settling finally on the thick green carpet below. Helped by the cold night air, dew had formed on the blades of grass that glinted now like so many gems as the rays of the rising sun came in more obtusely from the east.



Angelic It was not long before butter-

flies made their appearance, drawn by the flowers, some of them in raised beds, in full bloom during this time of the year, while the per-ennials bordered the walls a little behind. A pair of pale yellow but-terflies flitted across the grass in tandem towards the rose bush in the corner. Suddenly, a humming bird appeared, hovering in mid air among the pink gerbera. A pair of Mynahs then drifted in and settled on the grass. One darted along the hedge chasing some fleeing insect while the other hopped over the wet grass. Our garden was quietly feeding so many species!

The lawn was now awash in pale sunlight. Another easterly gust swept in, and I felt the caress of the breeze on my cheek and the mild warmth of the sun on my skin. While I soaked in the earthly aro-mas, I sensed a rare kind of bond-ing with the garden that seemed to rekindle my spirits. Indeed, I felt as though nature was nudging my soul. Nature’s peace seemed to flow into me, and the breeze seemed to blow its own freshness – just as sunshine flowed into the garden and the long yellow strips created shifting patterns on the lush green turf like geometric de-signs on a fabric.

Suddenly the garden appeared to take on an ethereal quality. Soaking in the scene, completely relaxed, all tension eased out of my body, I felt as if I had been touched by an angel, as though for a few moments I was connected some-how with the whole universe and everything in it. I felt tranquil and peaceful, yet at the same time somehow energized. A sense of happiness and well-being seemed to wash all over me.

“You appear so relaxed and happy”; that was my wife, who had walked into the garden.

“I think I have been touched by an angel,” I said.



devam-full-ad.indd 1 22/07/2014 14:16



BollywoodMIRCHI WOW

Hottest News

rithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan’s divorce and eventual separation have been rife with speculations. However, his comment on the painful after-effects of marriage is a first of its kind. The couple

officially became separated only recently, although their separation was announced by the actor last year.

Hrithik’s comparison of separating with his wife to death, in an interview with a leading film magazine, is contrary to his erstwhile comment, where he stated that his post-divorce span was easy and simple. When asked about his recent experience during the launch of the film “Bang Bang,” he had replied that, though it was difficult in the preliminary stage, once he overcame the most difficult challenge, things were simpler and easier.

These contradictory statements are evidence of the fact that, in spite of coming up with a diplomatic response in the initial stage, he is trying hard to come to terms with his divorce with Sussanne Khan. In his latest interview with the leading film magazine, he expressed his true feelings. When he was asked about the way his problems have molded his life in another interview, he answered that he did not consider them “problems,” as they helped him become the actor that is today. He insisted that the problems he was being asked about were strengths in disguise for him — he had put them to a positive use.

When compared to what Hrithik has come out with recently, his former comments on his strengths, problems, and easy post-divorce phase seem like a mere facade to conceal the tough time he is enduring.

HBreaks Facade Over DivorceHrithik



Sushmita Sen is charming. She is versatile and the perfect example of beauty with brains. She dons many hats, which is why she is hailed as a true woman in every sense. Sushmita Sen possesses several fascinating qualities, out of which five traits are mentioned below.

She made India proud by clinching the first-ever Miss Universe title for the country. 1994 was a big year for Sushmita Sen and for India as well. The stunning lady won the coveted Miss Universe crown that year; she was the first woman from India to win the title.

She rose from humble beginnings. Despite her humble childhood, Sushmita Sen went on to bring glory to her country and earned a lot of renown and fame. She studied in a Hindi medium school, after which she pursued a master’s degree in English and then in

Bollywood Mirchi

The wedding of Salman Khan’s youngest sister with Delhi businessman Aayush Sharma on Nov. 18 was a star-spangled affair. Starting from the Khans to the Kapoors, the marriage of Arpita and Ayush at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was a bash.

One of the rarely known facts about her is that she was adopted by Salma Khan, though some media reports claim that she was adopted by Salman’s stepmother, Helen. Arpita is said to have been in a relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor when the latter was 18 years old. They went steady for two years while Arjun Kapoor was an assistant director under Nikhil Advani.

Arpita’s love for her family is expressed through the star-shaped tattoo with names of the Khan household’s members. Both Aayush and she received tattoos of each other’s

names, and the lovebirds are ecstatic about it. She had always dreamt of a fantasy wedding, and her wishes were fulfilled with this royal marriage, thanks to brother Salman Khan. Because she is closest to Salman Khan in the family, her Twitter updates share about her brother’s health reports and film releases.

Arpita, a pass-out from the London School of Fashion, is an interior designer. Her husband is a businessman and also the son of Congress party minister Anil Sharma. The lovebirds are reported to have met though common friends in 2013 and dated for a year before deciding to get married.

Arpita, now Arpita Khan Sharma, and husband Aayush are madly in love with each other, the proof of which can be found in their updates and pictures on social networking sites like Twitter and Instagram.

journalism. She does not need a man

to accompany her throughout life. Sushmita Sen is single, and she is proud of that. She is independent and believes that she does not need a man to take care of her. This is what sets her apart from other women.

She is a super, single mom of two daughters. At the age of 25, Sushmita Sen adopted Rene, her first daughter. She went on to adopt her second daughter, Alisah, in 2010. She knows and has shown the whole world how to take care of children with élan as a single mom.

She signifies empathy. According to Sushmita Sen, a woman shows a man what loving, caring and sharing actually is and empathy is the real essence of a woman.

Sushmita Sen is a great inspiration for all women. She celebrated her 39th birthday a few days ago, and we wish her more prosperity in the coming years.

and Rare Facts About Her

arpita Khan

Qualities That Make her a True WomanSushmita Sen



Google Maps is one of the apps we use frequently and it is updated with new features regularly. Recently, Google Maps launched Version 4.0, and this update

to the \ app is looking stunning with a novel new design: Google’s Material Design. It has been integrated with two important apps, OpenTable and Uber. If you use an Android device, a close look at Material Design will make you realize that it is the exclusive look for Google’s apps on Android devices. Material Design appears flat and features a more vibrant color scheme. This flat look and the more vivid color scheme team up remarkably well with the iOS 7 design launched previously this year. “Tactile surfaces” is one of the most arresting and useful features of Material Design in Google Maps 4.0. In case you get lost, you do not need to

panic. A tap on the compass button will allow Google Maps to see your current location, and you will get a building-by-building sight of exactly where you are situated. An overhaul has taken place across various aspects of Google Maps. In version 4.0 of this most popular map app, you will notice a new navigation bar in a more dazzling blue hue. The navigation bar appears when you search for a particular location, and the heading turns into the common green color once the navigation begins to work. With a click on the three-lined menu button, you can use other useful features of the map, like Google Earth and Satellite View. Perhaps the most striking thing about Google Maps 4.0 is its assimilation with the two apps OpenTable and Uber. Although Google Maps had support from Uber prior to the latest update, the public transit tab will now include an expected Uber wait time. You will be able to see this

new feature when you compare routes and in the transit tab. In case you have the Uber application already installed onto your device, a click on the wait time is all you need to open Uber. Its integration with OpenTable has made the new Google Maps more interesting. A small business information page shows up when you search or routes to a particular destination. For instance, when you are looking for directions to a bookstore, you will come across information, as well as a reservation tool if the bookstore house is within OpenTable’s. There is more to it. The tool will also let you know about the booking times for that day. In addition, you can take a look at other available reservation times by tapping on the listing. In short, Google Maps 4.0 has been designed to function more seamlessly, with a smarter look.

Google Maps 4.0,Welcome the Advanced and Awesome

With Brand New Look and Features



5 NoN-HiNdiSpeakiNg

Bollywood Actresses

Yesteryear Bollywood heroines such as Sridevi and Hema Malini were Southern divas who had to master Hindi to become superstars. In recent years, Katrina Kaif has also become a Bollywood best, despite being a novice, as far Hindi is concerned. However, she is not the only member in the bandwagon of

Hindi movie actresses who are as adept in Hindi as Sachin Tendulkar would be in dancing. Let’s look at some of them:

• LizaHaydon:Thisactresshas acted in films where her Hindi-speaking skills are not really essential. However, it’s time she gathers some knowledge, as few films are made for characters who speak broken Hindi.

• IleanaD’Cruz:Yes,shedubsherlinesandisdefinitely trying to get a grip on the language, but a foreigner boyfriend will hardly help. • NargisFakhri:Thisheroineof“Rockstar”famehasgone a long way in learning Hindi. She has hired “desi” staff; unfortunately, they insist that she speak in English with them. She has also admitted that her unfamiliarity with the language ruined her acting in “Rockstar.” • GiselliMonteiro:ImportedfromBrazilbyImtiazAlifor his movie “Love Aaj Kal,” Giselli could not understand a single word in the film she was performing.. • KatrinaKaif:Sheisatthehelmofhercareer,andherdialogues fall flat on audiences’ ears. However, she has come a long way from being dubbed by professional dubbing art



Katrina Kaif

Giselli Monteiro Narqis Fakhri

Giselle monteiro Ileana D’Cruz

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