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Newsletters 2021

Antakshari

IAGB Antakshari

 

Baithe baithe kya kare, karna hai kuch kaam;

Chalo shuru karo antakshari, leke Prabhu ka naam.

 

Most people that have grown up in India know these words by heart! It was the launch of an hour or two of musical entertainment. Singer or no singer, everyone got an equal opportunity to sing their hearts out. Yes, that is our beloved Antakshari! 

 

IAGB’s version of Antakshari is very well known and popular in the New England area. Though the challenges this year were big, so was the need for it. Once the IAGB Antakshari team was formed, the most obvious questions we were facing was how to make it fun and competitive in the virtual environment keeping up the true spirit of the game. But where there is a will, there is a way. The team of Lata Rao, Prag Singh, Vaishali Gade and Yogita Miharia got on the task early in December 2020. 

 

All the rounds were telecast live on Facebook and YouTube. Every preliminary round consisted of 4 new teams, each team with 2 participants. And out of every prelim, 2 teams progressed to the semi-finals. All in all, 4 preliminary rounds, 2 semi-finals and 1 grand finale. Antakshari became a regular Saturday 5:30pm entertainment for many who watched it live on Facebook and YouTube. After a fierce and passionate battle, the winning team proved themselves as the new Antakshari Champions. 

 

The WINNERS:

Eshani Shah and Subhashini Raman

 

The RUNNERUPS:

Sulu Nadkarni and Soniya Goel

 

The FINALISTS:

BollyBuffs: Eshani Shah and Subhashini Raman

Music Lovers: Divya and Pawan Lalwani

Nightingals: Nirupama Rachuri and Anupama Rachuri

Spice Girls: Sulu Nadkarni and Soniya Goel



Youth singers from the Boston community dazzled at every Antakshari event. The talent and rhythm of these youngsters is etched in our minds forever. Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to these young stars:

  • Anusha Kulkarni

  • Neha Panke

  • Nilanjana Nambiar

  • Rishabh Nair

  • Sachi Badola


Fun fact: The word Antakshari is derived from two Sanskrit words antya (अन्त्य) meaning end + akshar (अक्षर) meaning letter of the alphabet. It is said that Antakshari was originally present in the Ramayana, where rishis (sages) sang the first verses of bhajanas continuously by singing another Bhajana beginning with the last letter of the ending word. Antakshari was mostly a family pastime until a TV show on Zee TV made it an actual competition.

–Yogita Miharia

Pratima Penumarthy

IAGB Spotlight February 2021

Our community spotlight this month is on Pratima Penumarthy (Founder and Director of Arya Math Academy). Yogita Miharia of IAGB spoke to Pratima about her involvement with various non-profits organizations and her work.

 

Yogita: Thank you Pratima for talking to IAGB. Please tell us about your volunteer work.

Pratima: I am an educator and a volunteer. I am associated with many charitable organizations that I feel passionately about. I started doing volunteer work over 10 years ago. I believe that by immersing myself in community service, I learn so much about how the world works. 

The non-profit organizations that I am actively involved with are Team Aid, Sruthilayalu and Bighelp. 

Bighelp is for education of the underprivileged children in India. I am a past president of the NH branch. As a Chapter president, I focused mainly on STEAM EDUCATION. STEAM utilizes the Arts along with traditional STEM subjects as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. Students can make connections and learn in a variety of ways, reaping the benefits that a STEAM education can provide. STEAM education is crucial to educate and prepare the next generation of the American, and global workforce, and to allow this generation to create jobs and grow the economy.

Sruthilayalu was formed to promote Carnatic music skills and awareness. I was the event coordinator for Sruthilayalu in 2017-2018. Their annual event brings together like-minded people where they can learn from each other and get a platform to perform. The event serves as a fundraiser for a different charity every year.

I have been a coordinator for Team Aid since 2019. Team Aid is a global organization. As a Team Aid coordinator, I try my best to help individuals during chaotic times with unexpected tragedies, especially tragedies that they are unprepared to resolve on their own. I’m very proud to be associated with Team Aid that was founded in 2017 on one fundamental principle: Helping people living abroad that need assistance after experiencing devastating circumstances. 

I have also been a math coordinator for Easton Lions Club since 2016. 

I was a member of the the Easton Human Rights Committee board from 2016-2018. The Committee is a group of dedicated members who work together building a stronger, more unified Town—free from bigotry, hatred, intolerance, and disrespect.

 

Yogita: Tell us about your professional work.

Pratima: I hold a B.S. in Electronics and M.S. in Education. I have always been interested in the field of education and prefer to work for myself. I strongly believe education promotes gender equality and peace. With this as my goal, I started Arya Math Academy in 2017. It was exclusively started for math, but then grew to other subjects. Math has always been my favorite subject. Our students are either college students or high school students. 

I also run a preschool and day care since 2008. 

 

Yogita: Pratima, tell me about your forum “Caring for aging parents (Indian-American way)”

Pratima: I started “Caring for aging parents” in 2018 out of my own need and experiences. My parents came to live with in 2017. My mother had cancer, and I learned a lot taking care of her and catering to her medical needs. I learned about resources the hard way and wanted to share with people in similar situations.  That is when I decided to started this forum. It is a forum for caregivers, and to help them get resources. I know firsthand that caregiver burn out is a common problem and hope that this forum can be a lifesaver for some.

 

Yogita: What is it that you wish people would know about caring for aging parents?

Pratima: Every caregiver needs to advocate for themselves. Caregivers are the emotional support of people who cannot take care of themselves. But when you are a caregiver, along with making your patient your priority, remember to also take care of yourself too so you don’t burn out. Never forget that any sort of volunteering is a sacrifice. You will discover the benefits outweigh what you miss. 

 

Yogita: With all the work you do, what is your biggest challenge?

Pratima: I love to travel but I cannot do it much as I have to be here for my father. I want to do justice to my father but the quality of my life has to be compromised. I have no regrets but I do miss out on many things. But honestly Yogita, my perspective has changed so much and I look at things differently now. 

 

Yogita: If you did not open Arya Academy and were not involved with all the volunteering work, then what would you be doing?

Pratima: I would have been a professor at some college. But I am glad with what I am doing right now as my current work gives me the flexibility to care for my parents which wouldn’t have worked if I had a full-time job.

 

Yogita: With the number of things you do, you certainly need a break here and there. What do you do for fun?

Pratima: Reading, reading and some more reading. I enjoy non-fiction especially philosophical books. I also read a lot of books on various elderly health conditions. And I get my travel fix by reading books on travel.

 

Yogita: Tell us about yourself and your family

I was born and brought up in New Bombay. My father was a professor and mother a teacher. I came to the US in 2004. I have 2 daughters, both in college now. My husband Ram is an active member of the community and President of TAGB.

 

Yogita Tell me something that not many people know about you?

Pratima: I am very social but not a party person. I can blend anywhere but I have my close set of like-minded friends with whom I feel comfortable. But I am always available for whoever needs my help. Oh, and I am not a very materialistic person. 



Visit the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2465100087144956 to learn more about “Caring for aging parents”.

 

–Yogita Miharia

 

Babita Sood

Hidden Jewel in the Himalayas

For sheer geographical diversity, few places in the world are as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh. Low rolling hills just a couple of hundred meters above sea level, climb on to touch the core of the Himalaya Mountains. Here lie peaks that are several thousand meters high and never lose their perennial snows. Then, past these forbidding heights lie a visually stunning cold desert of the Trans Himalaya. This variety of nature opens immense possibilities for a wide range of adventure and tourism. 

 

Amid this unique geographical region, there is the hidden jewel in the Himalayas, my home town Rampur Bushahr. At a distance of 120 km from Shimla, Rampur is well connected via National Highway 5 which passes through the picturesque slopes of Narkanda at a height of 9000 feet. As one climbs down, the majestic and mighty serpentine curves of river Satluj get visible. An additional one and half hour drive along the Satluj leads you to the capital of the once-famous former princely kingdom of Rampur Bushahr during the British Raj. Located by the banks of River Satluj, it, occupied a very strategic location as it fell on the ancient route to Afghanistan, Ladakh, Tibet, and China and thus the town of Rampur Bushahr benefitted and flourished from a wide range of economic and cultural activities. It is still a bustling business town and the melting pot of cultures of the region.   

There are many attractions on the way to Rampur Bushahr from Shimla such as the snow skiing spot of Narkanda, Hatu Temple at an altitude of 14000 feet, apple orchard of the Kotgarh belt, and the scenic Satluj Valley, and more. From historical places to the temple villages there’s a lot to see and to do here. Ancient Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan which is 45 km away from Rampur Bushahr is a very famous and main attraction in the region.

Asia’s largest Hydro-electric Project at Jhakri is the new feather in the cap of this once princely state. A gateway to tribal districts of Himachal such as Kinnaur, Spiti, and further to Tibet and Ladakh, the town of Rampur has been the main educational and communication center of the area. The highlight of the town is a fair called Lavi Mela, which is arguably one of the biggest fairs of North India is held here every year in the month of November. This fair is popular among the travelers alike. Some of the best things to buy during the fair include Chilgoza or Pine nuts, finest Pashmina Shawls made of soft sheep wool, crop produce, handicraft items, and dry fruits from Kinnaur. The area is a fruit basket producing a large variety of fruits all year round such as Prunes, Apples, apricot, Pears, and Persimmon. Lately, the area along the low-lying banks of Satluj has started producing good quality mangoes & guavas.    

In the heart of Rampur town are some of the ancient Hindu and Buddhist shrines worth a visit. These include Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple, Sri Satya Narayana Temple, and Dumgir Budha Temple, which is most famous for its large prayer wheel. Another great attraction is the Padam Palace, an interesting structure built in the colonial and Pahari style of architecture. The palace adds a kind of statement to this simple yet rustic mountain town. It is also the residence of the erstwhile Royal family of Rampur, Raja Virbhadra Singh who holds the record of being the Chief Minister of the state of Himachal six times. 

A synonym of Rampur is its very famous Bushari Topi often seen adorned on the heads of famous politicians and celebrities. The cap is a regular feature amongst the locals who flaunt it at all events and gatherings.

 

Rampur Bushahr is now connected throughout the year by all-weather roads. The town has more to give than to take in terms of experience, learning, and relaxation, so, do plan a visit!

 

–Babita Sood

IMG_0870

IAGB Learning Series

India with its 1.3 Billion people is the largest democracy in the world, and became a Republic on January 26, 1950 with its own Constitution, Independent executive, Representative and Judicial organs, Federal Governance structure, that have stood the test of time. 

The Indian Constituent Assembly, which met for the first time on December 9, 1946, created the Indian Constitution in less than three years. This was a monumental achievement in the face of immense challenges, such as the Partition of India. 

 

IAGB chose to celebrate this auspicious occasion by exploring India’s Journey to becoming a Republic.  Thus India’s 72nd Republic Day, 2021 Celebrations commenced with a very informative two-part Learning Series on Jan 16th and Jan 17th 2021 open to all ages, in collaboration with a few teachers from Shishu Bharati. 

–Lata Rao

Covid-19 and vaccines

COVID-19 and Vaccines

Sadly, we have reached a new milestone. More than 500,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. thus far. But there is new hope. On Dec 11, 2020, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19, and exactly a week later, on Dec 18, 2020, FDA issued an EUA for the Moderna vaccine. EUA is given during a public health emergency, when the scientific evidence available shows that the product may be effective and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product. Often, in due time, once more data is gathered, full FDA approval is obtained. It is important to know, however, that the FDA’s review of the vaccines for the EUA was thorough and rigorous, with no steps skipped to ensure the safety of these vaccines. Thousands of people participated in these clinical trials and millions have safely taken these vaccines to this point.

 

Both these vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They have a synthetic genetic material called mRNA that instructs your cells to make a unique piece of the COVID-19 virus called the “spike protein”. This then causes your body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the “spike protein”, hence protecting you from the real virus if you are ever exposed. It is very important to note that you cannot develop the actual COVID-19 disease from the vaccine. 

 

Currently, the Moderna vaccine is approved for people 18 years and older and the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 years and older. These vaccines are given to people in two doses, 21 days apart for Pfizer or 28 days apart for Moderna. The effectiveness of the vaccines has only been studied after two doses, so it is important you get both doses. After both doses, people can be protected from severe COVID-19 disease up to 95%. The CDC allows for a 4-day grace period for timing of the second dose, however, if your second dose is for some reason given later than this, you do not need to restart the vaccine. The CDC has recommended that people get the same version of vaccine for both doses, because that is what the data in the clinical trials were based on. They have indicated, however, that in exceptional circumstances, if the same version is not available, a person can take a different version as second dose. 

 

The most commonly reported side effects are soreness at the site of the injection as well as flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, body aches, chills or fevers after the vaccine. These self-limiting side effects tell us that the body is building protection against the virus. To date, people who have had allergic reactions to the vaccine have all recovered quickly. This risk of allergic reaction is very small and is similar to the risk of allergic reaction associated with any other medication or vaccine. At this time, there are no known reactions or interactions between oral medications and the vaccines, so it is safe for you to get it even if you are on any medications. 

 

While we know the vaccine prevents you from getting severe COVID-19 disease, we are not sure yet to what extent it prevents the spreading of the virus that causes COVID-19. For this reason, even after you receive the vaccine, you should continue social distancing, wearing masks in public and following other CDC guidelines to reduce risk of transmission at this time. These restrictions will likely ease up in future as more and more people get vaccinated. The vaccine will provide you and your family an added layer of protection against this horrible COVID-19 disease and also will help us become one step closer to achieving herd immunity and conquering this pandemic. 

 

The Massachusetts Department of Health has developed a plan to vaccinate everyone in the state who wants to be vaccinated. Doing so will take several months. Below is a chart explaining the phases in which vaccine rollout is happening. We are currently in phase II.

 

Vaccines are being offered to eligible people at several different types of locations: 

  1. Mass vaccination sites such as at Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, the DoubleTree in Danvers, the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, the Natick Mall, and the former Circuit City in Dartmouth 

  2. General vaccination sites such as health care locations, pharmacies and grocery stores 

  3. Local vaccination sites which may be open only to residents of select and towns. Please get information about when and where you can get yours and get it! 

 

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccination-phases

 

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov

 

Social media can easily and quickly spread information, including false information, so it is important that you go to reliable sources like the CDC, FDA and your doctor for accurate information. Here are some useful links:

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html

 

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines#eua-vaccines

 

Finally, multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are circulating globally. Specifically, variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil have gained attention. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants but the protection may be less. There may soon be vaccine booster shots available to address these new variants.

 

–Dr. Anasuya Gunturi