Everything Indian

Gluten-free Naan Bread — Gluten-Free on a Shoestring

2012-01-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

Gluten-free Naan Bread — Gluten-Free on a Shoestring

My Interview with Corban Addison - Author of A Walk Across the Sun

2012-01-18T00:21:00.005-05:00

After reading A Walk Across the Sun, I had to interview the author Corban Addison and get into his thinking on the whys and wherefores about this amazing novel. Hope you enjoy it.

Where did you get the idea for A Walk Across the Sun? Why did you choose to write about human trafficking?

I am an attorney by training, and I have always had an interest in international human rights. I became familiar with the issue of human trafficking in law school, and it disturbed me deeply to learn that slavery, which I thought had died in the 19th century, was not only alive and well but the fastest growing criminal industry on the globe, an industry that no only involved exploitative labor but also (and quite voluminously) the forced prostitution of women and children in almost every country. The idea for the book itself was my wife's. Three and a half years ago, she came to me and said that I should write a novel on human trafficking. I gave it some thought and realized the project was a perfect fit for me. So I ran with it.

2. Much of the novel is set in India. How did you go about learning about the land and its culture?

I've told people before that the hardest part of writing A Walk Across the Sun was getting India and its people right. Before I wrote the first word, I immersed myself in the literature of the subcontinent. An Indian-American friend gave me an excellent reading list. At his suggestion, I read theMahabharata, the Ramayana and the Upanishads. I also read more modern Indian literature such as Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies and Suketu Mehta's masterful biopic of MumbaiMaximum City. My friend also shared with me a great deal of his personal experience in the desicommunity of the United States. After that, I went to India and spent over a month on the ground, first in Chennai and the Coromandel Coast, learning about the 2004 tsunami, and then in Mumbai, learning about the city and the sex trade. In that time, I listened to people, took extensive notes, and absorbed the sounds, smells and feel of the place. When I started writing, I had 250 pages of notes, more than half the length of a book. But taking note and bringing a place and its people alive in a story are two different things. I worked very hard to make India real for the reader, to show its great beauty as well as its regrettable undersides, and to honor the real-life experiences of Indians in my characters. It has been a great joy to hear Indian readers say that they identify with my characters and that I did justice to their remarkable land.

3. You traveled to India to conduct research for the novel. What were your impressions of the country?

India is a fascinating place. It is a land of profound contrasts and contradictions. It is a land in which the ancient and the modern collide every day and struggle to live side by side. It is a place of extraordinary beauty and riches, and a place of abject squalor. Two experiences highlight this: The first was visiting the hanging garden atop Malabar Hill in Mumbai. At the overlook, you can see across the blue expanse of Back Bay to the fabled stretch of seafront property called the Queen's Necklace. On the day I was there, the sky was clear and a soft wind rustled the branches of the trees in the garden. It was one of the most idyllic places I've seen anywhere in the world. But just a few miles away on the streets of the Fort, I met a woman wearing rags and keeping watch over three dirt-covered children. They weren't even begging. They were just sitting there, occupying a small patch of land in a city that had no other place for them. There are scenes like this in many parts of the world, but the sheer human density of Mumbai made it unforgettable. It was hard to know what to do, but I gave them a little money and said a prayer for them. I don't know what will happen to the children, but I'd like to think they will someday find a place in the India rising on the tide of innovation and economic freedom.

4. While in India, you visited brothels undercover. How would you describe that experience?

Visiting a brothel in Kamathipura, the oldest red light area in Mumbai, was a nerve-wracking and eye-opening experience. I had a guide, an Indian man who had the trust of the pimps and brothel owners. He knew the area very well and showed me around. One night after dark, we went to M.R. Road, the main thoroughfare in Kamathipura, and my guide struck up a conversation with a brothel owner. The street was crowded with pimps, taxis, and customers, and I was the only white face in sight. The brothel owner was suspicious of me, but my guide convinced him that I was just looking for a little fun, and the owner let me in. He led us up two flights of steps to the brothel lobby, locked the door, closed the blinds, and brought out eight girls. They stood under the lights and waited for me to make my selection. Some of them looked at me, some of them looked at the floor. All of them were young, and all of them looked scared. I declined to make a purchase, but my guide asked the brothel owner to show me the sex rooms. He led me back into a hallway of rooms, all of which had a small bed with a pillow and a sink and toilet. The brothel almost certainly had an attic room with much younger girls, but I didn't get to see them. My guide told me that brothel owners only show the minor girls to their most trusted customers.

5. In researching modern day slavery, were you surprised by what you learned? Is human trafficking a “third-world” problem?

I think I was most surprised by how pervasive trafficking is in every region of the globe. A lot of people, particularly in the West, think of trafficking in Cambodia, Thailand and India. Sometimes people think of Eastern Europe. When I tell them that it's happening in Israel, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Canada and the United States, I get strange looks. When I get more specific and start naming cities in our own country (Atlanta, Toledo, Portland, Las Vegas, Dallas, Kansas City, Miami, San Diego, take your pick), people have a hard time believing me. But it's true. Even now as I write, there are American kids, thousands of them, being sold for sex by pimps on the streets and in sex clubs and underground brothels in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Trafficking is all around us. We may not see it with our eyes, but it is quite real. Law enforcement from the FBI and ICE down to local cops are rescuing girls and taking down pimps and trafficking rings all the time. A simple Google search will confirm this.

6. Why did you choose to tackle this issue through fiction instead of writing a journalistic or true-life account?

There are many great non-fiction exposes out there on human trafficking. I cite many of them in the Afterward of my book. There is also a substantial volume of reportage available in government, academic, and journalistic channels on the subject. All of this was critical to my researching, but the more I read and talked to people, the more I realized that non-fiction, particularly high-brow academic research, has a limited audience. Most people won't read a non-fiction book on human trafficking unless they have a prior interest in the subject. But a novel that stands on its own as a compelling human story can reach readers across the spectrum, from people interested in the subject matter to people who have never heard it before. No less an authority than Moises Naim of Foreign Policy Magazine recognized this in his groundbreaking book, Illicit. He said that while journalists like him do a great deal to shed light on subjects like human trafficking, it may well be that fiction in film and books stands the best chance of educating the public about illicit trade. I read that book early in my research and it gave me great inspiration for the task at hand.

7. Were the central characters—teenaged sisters Ahalya and Sita—based on anyone? How did you get into their minds?

I developed Ahalya and Sita Ghai through much research and through the imaginative projection that happens when you sit down to write a story. I met girls in India who had survived the tsunami and other girls who had been trafficked for sex and rescued from the brothels. All of these interactions deeply influenced my characterization of Ahalya and Sita. However, my characters are not doppelgängers of children I met. The sisters are composites of teenagers, real and imagined, who have a bond powerful enough to sustain them through the horrors of exploitation and to give them a hope of a future.

8. What do you hope the reader will take away from A Walk Across the Sun?

Two things: First, as my novel makes clear, the trade in human beings is not only happening in the developing world, it is happening here, in the West, in our own cities and on our own streets at an alarming (and growing) rate. Second, the horror is not without hope. We have seen slavery before, and we have defeated it. But as history attests, vanquishing such an economically lucrative trade ($32 billion in annual profits from sex trafficking alone) cannot happen on a shoestring budget. We need a massive, society-wide mobilization that adds a monetary imperative to our moral imperative. We need to turn millions into billions, as we have done with AIDS in Africa. We need to put pimps, traffickers, and--critically--customers, in jail and provide exploited women support, rehabilitation, and a path into the future. Only then will we begin to turn the tide.

A Gluten Free Gigi How-To: A Naturally Gluten Free Winter Meal for ReNEWal - Gluten Free Gigi

2012-01-17T23:52:00.000-05:00

See how she incorporates the Six Taste Groups of Ayurveda into this dish.

A Gluten Free Gigi How-To: A Naturally Gluten Free Winter Meal for ReNEWal - Gluten Free Gigi

Niwas - where our heart resides: Instant India

2012-01-16T23:01:00.000-05:00

Niwas - where our heart resides: Instant India

Book Review - A Walk Across the Sun By Corban Addison

2012-01-12T15:04:00.000-05:00

"A novel that is beautiful in its story as also important in its message." ~ John Grisham

Deserving to receive the title of #1 on the New York Best Seller List, A Walk Across the Sun not only addresses but also attacks a subject that most people cringe at when mentioned - Human Trafficking, Sex Trade and Slavery.

Hopefully progress on this attack will prevent even another child to be stripped of her/his childhood innocence. Realistically, we know we are a long ways off before this is accomplished legally, but we mustn’t give up in working towards that end.

While many turn a blind eye or bury their head in the sand and wish it away, author Corban Addison delves right in and challenges the subject head-on by penning this brilliant, page-turning read. (I was up until 3:30 am reading it, not able to put it down.) Although the story in and of itself is fictitious, the devastating tragedies it portrays certainly is not. It is very real in the world we live in today.

The author of suspense himself, Mr. John Grisham is singing praises for this priceless piece of literary artwork.

Peppered with intrigue and suspense, this cat-and-mouse game will keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot is not all clear cut as you may think as you read it. The many twists and turns will grab you, as just when you think you see the light at the end of the darkest tunnel, you realize it is just the train coming in the other direction toward you. You are taken through the gamete of emotions from sadness and fear to anger and joy. Profoundly touched to my very core, I cried and then sobbed for not only the characters in the novel, but for all the women and children across the globe who find themselves robbed of their dignity to be treated as a human beings versus something comparable to caged animals. The vivid descriptions help you to envision those whose eyes have become lifeless and their souls hollow as they desperately seek a way out of their tortured existence. Yet by the last page, I was left with an energetic feeling to stand up and join the cause against these heinous crimes and the demons who commit them!

Written in such a way as to make you well aware of what is taking place without all the graphic details being spelled out, A Walk Across the Sun is a masterpiece. It tells the story of two innocent young sisters Ahalya and Sita Ghai, who after being left homeless and orphaned are through no fault of their own pitched headlong into a world they could never have imagined in their worse nightmares - the debauched underworld of slave labor, human trafficking, sex trade and drugs. Following their plight across the globe along with the lawyer who works tirelessly to rescue them as he works out his own personal demons and heartbreaking circumstances; Addison weaves a tale of the stark reality of this sheer depravity that exists not only in South Asia for certain but that which spans across the entire globe. At the same time he succeeds in depicting the beauty of India and her people which also exists. It is a story of "love's transforming power, even in the face of unimaginable obstacles."

If there is one book we all need to read, be moved by and share with others, A Walk Across the Sun is that book! It will take you on an unforgettable journey into the "darkest and most resilient corners of the human heart", but it will hopefully also leave you a changed person in the sense that there is something each and every one of us can do in helping to eradicate this global pandemic.

Please visit Corban Addison at:

www.corbanaddison.com

www.facebook/corbanaddison

www.twitter.com/corbanaddison

A Walk Across the Sun, published by SilverOak, an imprint of Sterling Publishing, can be found in major bookstores and online (978-1-4027-9280-9). It is also published as an Ebook (978-1-4027-9281-6).

Navin Kundra Releases Fan-Made Music Video

2012-01-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

Navin Kundra recently announced that he would be creating a music video…with a twist, for his single, ‘Nach Le’. No lavish sets or fancy cameras, instead, the singer invited his fans to be featured as part of the special online video by sending in clips of themselves dancing to the song.

“I have always wanted to bring my fans further into the creative process and this was a way that they could be a part of my latest release”, explained Navin. “It shows real people having a great time and letting go to ‘Nach Le. That embodies all that I believe about music…it’s an escape from everything and I love how that’s captured in this video.”

Putting the footage together was no easy task for Navin and his team as he explains, “we received so many video entries for this project and we sat watching through each one to pick the best. They came in all shapes and sizes with some being recorded on high quality video cameras, and others simply on mobile phones. There were so many clips that we wanted to use, but couldn’t because of the quality of the footage.”

This single comes as a follow up to Navin’s smash hit collaboration of ‘Nach Le (On The Dancefloor)’ with upcoming Brit-Asian boyband 3mix. Whilst the main chorus is the same on both tracks, Navin’s solo single is sung entirely in Punjabi and has a stronger Desi/Punjabi edge.

Navin added, “I’ve had so much fun putting this video together and would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that sent their clips in to be a part of this video. I hope you enjoy it and please share the video online with your friends so they can enjoy it too.”

Watch the Nach Le video

HERE

Download Nach Le
Here

Connect with Navin Kundra on:

Facebook

Twitter

Gluten Free Halwa

2011-12-30T16:20:00.001-05:00

For the complete recipe w/ ingredients, please go to Show Me The Curry

Nominations for the UK Asian Music Awards

2011-12-07T22:16:00.001-05:00

I just nominated Navin Kundra for Best Male Artist in the UK Asian Music Awards! Please go there now and nominate him too. The more votes to nominate him the better! Navin deserves to win this award so let's show him our support! Let's do this!!!! TY ♥THE LEBARA MOBILE UK ASIAN MUSIC AWARDS 2012

Konkani Sammelan 2012 - Edison, New Jersey

2011-11-03T23:31:00.000-04:00

Konkanis are a small but highly talented and successful group. The 2012 Konkani Sammelan program will celebrate our rich diversity of talent and success with a series of highly inspiring and memorable events, linked together by a common thread: EXCELLENCE.

Join us for Konkani Sammelan 2012 - Edison, New Jersey, June 29 - July 1, 2012!

Why I Write: Arvind Gupta Plays with the Words of Science - National Writing Project

2011-10-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

Why I Write: Arvind Gupta Plays with the Words of Science - National Writing Project

YOUR CHANCE TO APPEAR IN NAVIN KUNDRA’S MUSIC VIDEO ‘NACH LE’

2011-10-11T12:28:00.001-04:00

With the release of his brand new solo single, Nach Le, British Asian singing sensation Navin Kundra is giving YOU the opportunity to appear in the music video.

‘Nach Le’, which means ‘Dance’, is an energetic fusion of Pop, Dance and Bhangra music and it’s release follows a string of four #1 smash hit singles delivered by Navin. ‘I was thinking about what I wanted the music video for this song to look like and came up with so many different ideas. But one of the things I’ve always wanted to do is to have my fans and other talented artists feature in my projects…this is the single that really allows me to do that’, said Navin.

So what is the concept for this video and how do you become a part of it? ‘It’s really simple, this video is all about dance and to be a part of it, that’s all you have to do…just dance!’, explained Navin. ‘You can be anywhere at anytime, just set up your video camera, play the track, and dance to the song! Dance like you’ve never done before and be as creative, as innovative or even as funny as you like!’ said Navin. The final music video will consist of a compilation of the best dance clips received as chosen by Navin and his team.

‘You can be a solo dancer or a dance group and can perform in any style from street dance to bhangra…this is YOUR opportunity to show everyone what you can do! Make it as entertaining as possible and feel free to send in more than one clip of your performance if you would like to try more than one idea’, added Navin. And that’s not all…viewers will be able to vote on whose performance in the video they think is the best and the top 2 performers will get to meet Navin Kundra in person.

To be a part of this exciting new music video, please email links to your video clips (uploaded onto YouTube or privately uploaded via YouSendIt or SendSpace) to nachle@navin-online.com. High quality video clips preferred but all videos submitted will be considered. Closing date for entries – 11th November 2011.

But if you haven't already done so, download the entire Nach Le track now on iTunes

Here's a preview of Nach Le (Promo).

Gluten Free Rainbow Puri Recipe

2011-10-08T15:56:00.000-04:00

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

Indian Favorites Slideshow: bonappetit.com

2011-10-05T18:26:00.000-04:00

Indian Favorites Slideshow: bonappetit.com

South Indian Lentil Cakes with Raita

2011-10-05T18:20:00.000-04:00

South Indian Lentil Cakes with Raita: Recipe : bonappetit.com

BreakThru Radio

2011-10-02T16:02:00.000-04:00

Check out this cool online radio - BreakThru Radio and esp. Dj Rekha with her show Bhangra and Beyond!

The Healthy Indian Diet

2011-07-18T21:03:00.005-04:00

Show Me The Curry says: "We are very proud to introduce our first book called “The Healthy Indian Diet” written in collaboration with Dr. Niraj “Raj” Patel. Similar to the highly popular Mediterranean Diet, read about the health benefits of a traditional Indian diet and learn to make small changes in your daily food habits to protect yourself from chronic diseases."

I'm looking forward to getting my copy and reviewing it here.

Click here to purchase one for yourself or makes a perfect gift for your loved ones.

Check out the video explaining what it is all about!

Also don't forget to add Show Me The Curry to your favorite Facebook pages!

9 "PRESCRIPTIONS" FOR HEALTHY LIVING (FOR GUJARATIS)

2011-07-18T20:47:00.003-04:00

Also check out Dr. Raj Patel's first book - 9 "PRESCRIPTIONS" FOR HEALTHY LIVING (FOR GUJARATIS)

9 "PRESCRIPTIONS" FOR HEALTHY LIVING (FOR GUJARATIS) explains what aspects of the Gujarati-American lifestyle are unhealthy and lead to a higher risk of heart attacks and diabetes, and then describes what good habits can help you prevent disease and make you healthier as you grow into middle age. The author aims to keep it scientific and to keep it simple. He cites studies in the medical literature that support his "prescriptions" for better health, and writes in an easy-to-read, straight-to-the-point style. You will learn new insights like how to breathe deeply to relieve stress (the way most people take deep breaths is wrong and adds to stress), that corn oil is beneficial (perhaps more so than olive and canola oil) and that you can become healthier even if you do not lose any weight. Although 9 "Prescriptions" is written for the Gujarati community, which is majority- vegetarian (and thus, the author does not advocate eating meat), the principles behind his "prescriptions" are universal and can help any man or woman live healthier.

Reflections of a Musical Journey - Interview with Navin Kundra

2011-06-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

The master of his music has graced the pages of I Crave Bollywood with yet another candid interview. This time we caught up with him in Toronto, specifically at Yonge-Dundas Square for the 5th year celebration of desiFest - the biggest South Asian event in Canada.

Click HERE to read the interview. Enjoy!

Avina Shah sets hearts racing with ‘Dil Deewana’

2011-05-24T15:37:00.000-04:00

British Asian Artist, Avina Shah today announced the release of her highly anticipated second single ‘Dil Deewana’. Following the overwhelming response and support for her charity debut single ‘Tere Bina’, released last October to support the fight against domestic violence, the industry has been keenly waiting to see what’s next in store for Avina.

Keeping her promise to ensure each single release is unique, ‘Dil Deewana’ combines an eclectic mix of electro pop and Reggaeton beats with Avina’s sugar sweet Hindi lyrics. Set to be THE party track of the summer, ‘Dil Deewana’ also features rapper Blaze Blackheart, along with Balwant Panesar and his breathtaking classical vocals, to add a new twist to the track which will be accompanied by an animated music video.

“Dil deewana is a carefree dance track all about letting go, forgetting your troubles and letting your hair down on a night out. It’s very light-hearted, hence the title meaning ‘my heart is crazy’ and shows a totally new side of my personality! The music features a creative mixture of different styles as we wanted to add variation to the track. The video also shows the different moods with its energetic choreography and various image changes,” says Avina.

As a professional singer, Avina has been regularly performing all across the UK and also internationally, including various locations such as the US, Middle East, Africa and Europe. And it is clear that singing is just one of Avina’s many talents! Over the last ten years, she has been growing as a successful hair and makeup artist specialising in bridal makeup for the Asian market with her own reputable brand ‘Faces by Avina’. She has built a strong career in the beauty industry and is now looking to balance this with a professional career in the music industry.

Avina touched many hearts with her debut single ‘Tere Bina’ and now with her new single she aims to get everyone in the party mood. Whether it’s a nightclub in London or a beach party in Goa, ‘Dil Deewana’ is guaranteed to fill out the dance floor!

‘Dil Deewana’ will be released worldwide digitally on 3rd June 2011 and will be available to download on iTunes and other popular online stores.

Here’s a look at behind the scenes of the making of ‘Dil Deewana’.

To stay updated on the latest news, you can register on
Avina Music.com
Avina Music on Facebook
Avina Shah on Twitter

Introducing Allergy Free Recipes on SMTC

2011-04-07T21:46:00.003-04:00

Show Me The Curry (SMTC) has embraced a wonderful idea. Can't wait to see what they come up with!

Why Indian Classical Music for Kids?

2011-04-03T23:20:00.003-04:00

This post is authored by Kavita Bafana, Co-Founder and Director at Little Ustaads. Little Ustaads offers play-based musical education classes for children ages 0-5 in the New York/New Jersey area and in Mumbai. The curriculum is designed to encourage children and parents to discover and appreciate the world of Indian classical music through rhythmic tunes, rich vocals, mini instruments and vibrant visuals. Currently, Little Ustaads has classes running in Jersey City and Hoboken.

Why is Indian classical music important for Indian children growing up in the West?

Surrounded by Western influences, we face a difficult task of raising children that will accept, appreciate and embrace our Indian culture. As determined parents, we may try many things like consistently speaking a native language, dancing to Bollywood tunes or serving children traditional foods. These and other activities are beneficial, but we still lack the ability to speak to them at their level and to make them feel that they are part of a larger community – that all the things they are doing at home are not just unique to them, but rather are followed by many other children like themselves. Indian classical music can be an amazing medium to captivate and connect our children to each other and their rich background right from birth.

I was fortunate to have parents that introduced me to the wonders of Indian classical music through Kathak, a North Indian classical dance. I learned language, culture and values that are core to our rich Indian traditions. Growing up in New York, the opportunity to excel in Indian classical dance allowed me to connect to my Indian community and be unique among my Western classmates. This hobby has shaped me into who I am today and I am excited to pass it along to my children.

After having twins, I wanted them to have the same upbringing I was lucky to have, but I found my options limited. With the prevalence of Western children’s music and Indian classical training beginning at age 6, I wanted to immerse them in sound patterns and melodies that children do not experience at school or at home such as the sitar or raag bilawal as early as possible. Fortunately, I was able to work with a friend on this need and we created a curriculum for children designed to teach Indian classical music through play and dance. I saw my twins build their Hindi vocabulary, develop familiarity with unique Indian instruments and train their ears to actively listen. As they have grown up, I can see the benefits: this early and sustained exposure has piqued their interest in pursuing different aspects of this art—primarily playing tabla and singing and dancing.

Another benefit of pursuing Indian classical music for children is to train ourselves as parents. For those of us that have not been exposed to Indian classical music, we have the opportunity to learn what is a raag, what is a sargam and how to count teen taal. For those of us that have been immersed in the art, it provides a time to focus on transferring that experience to our children. In our busy schedule as parents or grandparents, we need organized time where we are completely there with our children, and Indian classical music can be a medium to provide that focused time to bond, learn and communicate.

For me, it is not a question of whether Indian classical music is better than Western classical music. It is about speaking to children in a language they understand—music— while reaping the multiple other benefits to immerse them in their rich heritage.

Aaja Picks Up Where Tere Liye Left Off

2011-02-22T16:55:00.002-05:00

The man with a voice of cool sophistication

He has been described as a gifted crooner with a unique voice, and rightly so. Whether it is a slow, romantic ballad or an upbeat dance track, the energy which he radiates infuses life into his listeners’ souls and sets their emotions aglow. This captivating artiste clearly possesses the same indisputable fervor for music as the great singers of times past such as Mohammad Rafi Saab and Kishore Kumarji. His journey in sharing his songs with the world attests to the sentiments he has expressed, that his “genuine love and obsessive passion for music is like oxygen” for him.

Given his vocal range and ability to perform in several languages, he has the versatility to sing South Asian classics, western pop music and many genres in between. With each consecutive release there is an added element of surprise, as he pushes himself to the next echelon. Thus he never ceases to amaze his audience, regardless of the country he’s performing in at any given moment. Nothing could be truer to this fact as with his newly released single Aaja, where he has attained both a higher level and intensity than that of his previous songs.

So without further ado, we welcome back Navin Kundra to the I Crave Bollywood studio for another interview, including details of his already successful new love song which is taking over radio stations across the globe, making him “an international chart-topper”, (quoted from the Coventry Telegraph). Having fun with Navin, I received both candid and cheeky responses to our questions.

Read the entire interview here.

Brown University Cancer Specialist Shares Life-Prolonging Breast Cancer Breakthroughs in a New Book Written for Patients and Their Loved Ones | Blog | Blogs | INDIA New England

2011-02-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

Brown University Cancer Specialist Shares Life-Prolonging Breast Cancer Breakthroughs in a New Book Written for Patients and Their Loved Ones | Blog | Blogs | INDIA New England

The Light Within: A Travel Log of India by Joseph L. Anderson

2011-02-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Excellent Read!

Prepare Yourself for the Musical Journey of a Lifetime

2011-02-03T20:59:00.001-05:00

Are you ready to be blown-away, left both breathless and speechless? Brace yourself for a track so complex that it is energetic, dynamic and romantic all rolled up into one. What ingenious work of creativity are we talking about? None other than Navin Kundra’s new release Aaja! Branded as “the musical journey of a lifetime”, nothing else could come closer to describing what Aaja truly is!

After Tere Liye, which was released on 14 February 2009, everyone including Navin wondered if and how he would accomplish producing something even bigger and better. Well after two years of sharpening his musical talents, he has brought them up to newer, higher and inventive levels. As anyone will conclude after listening to Aaja, it is absolutely, without a doubt, a defining moment in his career!

Aaja captures the essence of Asia with a contemporary feel – a phenomenal fusion of cultures! Tabla, flute, guitar and piano, all flawlessly orchestrated to accompany Navin’s awe inspiring vocals. Attaining levels and an intensity that he hasn’t attempted in his previous songs, not only the pitch, but the power, range and variations perfectly blend from one into the other.
From the slow soulful alaaps to the rapidly controlled sargam, one cannot help being left emotionally spent in a pleasing way when the final note fades into the distance. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting their loved one to profess their affection in such exquisite style.

Look for its release on iTunes on 14 February, when you’ll have chance to gift your loved one this incredible jewel which they will treasure forever. In the meantime, catch Aaja on radio stations across the globe and enjoy the teaser of 2011’s “musical journey of a lifetime”!

A Daughter's Culinary Journey: Masala Chai

2011-01-27T00:49:00.000-05:00

A Daughter's Culinary Journey: Masala Chai: "I am sipping my masala chai as I type this blog post. Tea is by far my favorite beverage and this recipe for masala chai gives the otherwise..."

More Book Reviews Coming Soon

2011-01-20T13:34:00.003-05:00

I'm working on several books as the moment, Modern Indian Cooking By Hari Nayak & Vikas Khanna, Menus and Memories from Punjab: Meals to Nourish Body and Soul By Veronica Sidhu and Entertaining from an Ethnic Indian Kitchen By Komali Nunna. I'm waiting for the arrival of several other regional cookbooks, which I'll be reviewing also. More on those soon.

On my Gluten Free blog, I'll be reviewing two cookbooks - Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook By Gluten-free Chef Robert Landolphi and The Glorious Gluten-free Cookbook By Vanessa Maltin, and Real Life with Celiac Disease Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free By Melinda Dennis, MS,RD,LDN and Daniel Leffler, MD,MS, both founding members of the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Click on the links when they become active (as I publish them) to read the reviews.

Thanks for stopping in. See you all back here shortly!

I Love Bloopers!

2011-01-01T20:50:00.005-05:00

Bombay Sandwich and Goan Chilly Fries

2010-12-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

Here are two recipes (the first with an article) I just came across and can't wait to try myself. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts on either or both.

The Simple Pleasures of Life ... The Bombay Sandwich

Goan Chilly Fries

Indian Ghee

2010-12-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for pure Indian ghee (clarified butter) made from free-range cows fed on grass? How about Indian spiced ghee in the following flavors:

- Italian Ghee
- Herbes de Provence Ghee
- Garlic Ghee
- Digestive Ghee
- Indian Dessert Ghee
- Niter Kebbeh

Then check out - Pure Indian Foods. They also offer Tulsi Tea & Ayurvedic Supplements, Organic Cane Sugar, Celtic Sea Salt, Organic Whole Mung Beans and Organic Whole Buckwheat.

Reddy Bread launches their new Heart DeLight Roti

2010-12-09T08:47:00.001-05:00

Dr Reddy innovatively helps patients with Heart Health, Diabetes, and Weight Loss. Reddy Bread launches their new Heart DeLight Roti. With taste and look of homemade Rotis combined with the health benefits found in soy, flax, and oatmeal. Available in our Houston stores starting this Friday!!! Get your Roti soon!! Check it out @ Reddy Bread. Reddy Bread is committed to bringing you healthier choices for a healthier you.

Reddy Cardiology

Houston Cardiologist Kota Reddy is board certified in Cardiology and recognized for the Reddy heart healthy diet: low-carb, eat healthy, lose weight program. Dr. Reddy and is fully trained in Coronary and Peripheral Interventions and licensed in the state of Texas.

Pork Vindaloo

2010-12-07T09:12:00.001-05:00

If you like Indian food and boy do I, check out the Indian Recipe Box on Yummly.com

Here's an amazing recipe for Pork Vindaloo to start you off. Yummly.com has recipes from all cultures, so try them out today and Happy Eating!

The Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards 2011

2010-12-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

The Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards 2011 are looking for your
nominations!

Organisers of the Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards 2011, which will honour and celebrate the best of British Asian Music, announced the start of the four month campaign of public voting and judging for the 15 categories. The winners will be announced on 10th March 2011 at a glittering gala ceremony.

The glamorous industry event was hosted by BBC Radio 1 and BBC Asian Network presenter, Nihal and stunning singer and BBC One’s Waterloo Road actress, Karen David, at top London night spot Alto. The event was also attended by Raghav, Blitzkrieg, Panjabi MC and Bonafide who demonstrated their support for the 9th annual Awards.

The star-studded bash saw the crème de la crème of the music industry come together for some major announcements about the 9th Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards.

The evening started with news that following an extremely successful partnership in 2010, international mobile services provider, Lebara Mobile has renewed its title sponsorship of the awards.

Russell Atkinson, Managing Director, Lebara Mobile UK commented: “The Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards, play an important role in recognising and celebrating the incredible talent that exists within the Asian community. We’re proud to be continuing our commitment to nurturing new talent and have exciting plans to ensure we give these role models an opportunity to shine.”

As well as confirming its relationship with Lebara Mobile, the organisers also announced that the Awards would be moving to a brand new venue.

After three amazing years at The Royal Festival Hall, the awards ceremony will take residence at one of the hottest music venues around, The Roundhouse in Camden. Having played host to such acclaimed artists such as Jay Z, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, to name but a few, the Roundhouse will now open its doors to the Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards on Thursday 10th March 2011.

On an evening filled with anticipation and a series of good news announcements, it was also confirmed that television channel B4U Music will be returning as media partner for the fourth year running. The Awards will also see renewed support from radio partner BBC Asian Network and online entertainment portal Desihits.com, both of which return for the second year, to provide special coverage in the lead up to the event and some surprises on the night itself.

Abs Shaid, CEO and founder of the UKAMAs commented, “We have a lot of plans for 2011, and these four major announcements are just the start of the new look for 2011. We’ll make sure that everyone is kept up to speed with news as it happens, but this first stage is all about opening the Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards up to the public and getting them to tell us who they actually think deserves to be nominated. Without their input we have no awards – it’s ‘artists’ fans that create the stars, so we really need to know who they want to put forward! All they need to do is log on to the website and add their recommendations against each category.”

The Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Award Categories:

Best Male
Best Female
Best Desi Act
Best Video
Best Album
Best Urban Act
Best Alternative Act
Best Club DJ
Best Radio Show
Best Newcomer
Best International Act
Best International Album
Best Producer
Outstanding Achievement
Commitment to the scene

As a taste of what the gala night promises to bring, the celebrity launch also featured a showcase of some of the finest British Asian talent, with exclusive performances throughout the night from the likes of soulful Sonna Rele who performed her track, ‘Can We Talk’, chart topping Bhangra sensation, Foji and R&B singer, Jag.

Host for both the launch and the Gala Awards Ceremony on March 10th, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Asian Network presenter, Nihal praised the success of the launch, commenting, “It's exciting to be a part of this event. I’ve watched the awards grow over the years. This is just the start of what’s to come... bring on March 2011!”

Sultry singer and actress Karen David took time off from her busy filming schedule to co-host the launch and confirmed that she will also be joining Nihal on March 10th: “Tonight was a great trial run for Nihal and I. We’re both looking forward to getting back on the big stage to present the Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards – it’s going to be a great night, with great performances and some well deserving winners!”

The after party, hosted by Voodoo Entertainment included a show-stopping performance from Bhangra superstar Juggy D and music throughout the rest of the night from DJ H and DJ Kayper.

Voting for each of the categories is now open to the public via the official website www.theukama.com.Voting lines will be open from midday on 26th November 2010 and will close at midnight on 21st January 2011.

Fans will also be able to purchase tickets to the main event from www.chillitickets.com or www.voodooentertainment.co.uk and join industry representatives and celebrities to celebrate the achievements of UK Asian music.

Arch Angels raises eyebrows with threading services | Articles | INDIA New England

2010-10-20T07:31:00.000-04:00

This is my interview with the owner of Arch Angels Rekha Salwi.

Arch Angels raises eyebrows with threading services | Articles | INDIA New England

Original music from Goa

2010-09-20T07:52:00.000-04:00

For your listening pleasure, download high quality mp3's from Jazz Goa

http://jazzgoa.bandcamp.com/album/jazz-goa

Jazz is the only form of music that embraces all other sounds of music and Jazz Goa offers a platform for local artistes creating all genre's of original music in Goa.

All tracks are copyright free and can be used/remixed/published/broadcast without permission.

Jazz Goa - a platform for Goa's amazing music talent!

http://www.jazzgoa.com

Tere Bina – An interview with Avina

2010-09-17T15:22:00.000-04:00

In her book Speech of Angels, Sharon Maas describes music as “the speech of angels”. In the case of Avina Shah’s voice, she has that spot on. A petite bundle of glamour and ambition, Avina is hardworking, dedicated and motivated. She performs in both English and Hindi and has recorded both in the UK and in India to equal acclaim. As a professional singer, Avina has been regularly performing worldwide with the group Eastern Illusion in locations such as Africa, America, The Middle East, and various countries within Europe.

Even with all of this on her plate, Avina felt it was high time to kick her musical career up a notch with a project of her very own. Inspired by the story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia featured in the film Provoked* (starring Aishwarya Rai and Naveen Andrews), Avina decided to create a song with the aim of raising awareness to domestic violence. So for her debut single Tere Bina (Without You) she did just that along with filming a music video for it.

I Crave Bollywood caught up with this amazing busy woman and she graciously agreed to sit with us for an interview.

Read the entire interview and hear a soundbite of Tere Bina on I Crave Bollywood.

Also check out Avina's Website

The Taste of Relation Soundtrack

2010-08-31T11:23:00.002-04:00

Please vote for The Taste of Relation By Mukesh Asopa in Ghent Film Festival-Vote for Public Choice Award - http://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/awards2.cgi?go=search&find=The+Taste+of+Relation&ref&pass

Thank you for your support!

‘The Taste of Relation’ -”A service to mankind can be the gift for your life,” stars Mukesh Asopa, Kamal Nandi, Aruna Bhatnagar, Swetalina Tripathy and Tree Ryde, Brinda Muralidhar, Jatinder Gill and Gunny Muralidhar

TOR Trailer

Purchase TOR here or at Walmart, Best Buy and Blockbuster

Mapping the Cultural Crossroads | Articles | Editorial & Opinion

2010-06-27T18:00:00.001-04:00

Mapping the Cultural Crossroads | Articles | Editorial & Opinion

My article focusing on TEEN DEPRESSION in our Indian Community that was featured in India New England Newspaper

Navin Kundra in Toronto at desiFEST 2010!

2010-06-08T15:49:00.001-04:00

Pic courtesy of Avni Gohil

After experiencing the RBC desiFEST (presented by Rogers), Canada’s ONLY national South Asian free music concert, in Toronto on Saturday 29 May I was desiFIED! The talent these artists have, combined with the massive amount of preparation by the organizers truly came to fruition during this 12 hour extravaganza in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square!

For the fourth year in a row, desiFEST, which is a production of Blueband Musiq and RBC, wants everyone to get “desi-FIED” as it celebrates the pioneers of Indian fusion music. And as promised, desiFEST featured contemporary indo-jazz fusion, global beats and cutting edge performances from Roach Killa, King Roti, Naomi Zaman, Shweta, Bollywood Booz, Farid, The Blitz and Kashif, Destiny, Zameer, Parichay, Prita Chhabra, Black Mahal, Luv Randhawa, Shahid Ali Khan and my personal favorite … joining them from the UK for the very first time Navin Kundra!

Here is the rest of the story and interview

Photos-of-navin-desifest-2010

Personal Appeal - “CULTURAL CROSSROADS”

2010-04-22T15:07:00.000-04:00

I just received this very important personal appeal from a friend of mine and knew right away that it needed to be addressed here. It is a topic that is very much on the minds of Indian families today and many wonder where they can turn to for help. Please consider this as your personal invitation. Thank you.

Dear Friends:

Are you able to identify depression in yours and your friends’ children? Do you wish to have the knowledge to guide and help these children and their families? Do you want to learn about available resources to help these kids/families?

If yes, then my personal appeal to all of you to save this date: Sunday, May 16, 2010 and spare an afternoon and attend this very informative symposium “CULTURAL CROSSROADS” focusing on TEEN DEPRESSION in our Indian Community. We have invited experienced psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers to teach us signs and symptoms of depression, causes leading to depression, difficulties in diagnosing, statistics, treatment options and coping strategies.

Our children face enormous challenges growing up in this country, split between conflicting cultures (Indian vs. American), which tend to compound family conflicts. Resolving these conflicts can facilitate understanding and empathy in problem solving leading to more harmonious relationship.

Please print the flyer and distribute among your friends and families. It is a free event. We never know when such knowledge may help save someone’s life. So please help promote and do attend the symposium.

Thank you…

Event: Symposium - CULTURAL CROSSROADS

Place: Moses Brown School
250 Lloyd Avenue
Providence, RI 02906

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 1:30-5:00

Shadow Princess

2010-04-15T12:07:00.002-04:00

Here are the links to my review of Shadow Princess and the interview I had the privilege of conducting with author Indu Sundaresan

UPDATE on Namaste, New England!

2010-04-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

So far I have 5 posts on Namaste, New England!

Here they are. Come visit, sit with your cup of chai and enjoy reading them.

Interview with Author of Another Goa - Frederick Noronha

Review of Another Goa

Recalling Memories through Our Senses

Restaurant Review - Kabob and Curry

Indian Dance

My New Blog for India New England Newspaper

2010-03-19T23:59:00.001-04:00

Here is the address to my new blog called "Namaste, New England!" on India New England's Website. Hope you like all that it has to offer.

Namaste, New England!

Indian Spices, Powders Linked to Lead Poisoning

2010-03-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Boston Study Reveals Religious Powder Sindoor Can Have 50 Percent Lead Content

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES
March 15, 2010

Visi Tilak, a writer, musician and artist who emigrated from India, prepares her children's daily meals with fragrant spices that are a staple of Indian cooking, including tumeric, coriander and garam masala.

"They have been exposed to Indian spices since they were born," said the Ashland, Mass., mother of a 1-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Now, a study published today in Pediatrics magazine said young children who regularly ingest some imported Indian spices may be exposed to lead -- a dangerous neurotoxin.

The study, conducted from 2006 to 2008, followed patients from the Pediatric Environmental Health Center at Children's Hospital in Boston who had ingested or been exposed to Indian spices and powders.

One 12-month-old boy in the case study was found to have lead poisoning after regularly eating spices such as tumeric, black mustard seed and asafetida.

When the family discontinued use of the spices, his blood lead levels went down within six months.

But of greater concern to researchers are religious powders like cherry-colored "sindoor" -- which is applied cosmetically on the skin and which Tilak also uses routinely in her home.

Some of these ritual powders comprise 47 to 64 percent lead, according to the study, and can be particularly dangerous when applied on young children.

Full Article

Success!

2010-03-13T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am so excited. The wonderful news that I am one of chosen writers, who now has a blog on the India New England Newspaper Website, arrived just yesterday! Thrilled beyond compare right now! The name we've chosen is "Namaste, New England!" and it will be appearing online very soon. The discussions on Indian life here in New England will include, but not be limited to - local arts, music and other important events of interest to the Indian community, reviews on books written about India and by Indian authors (interviews), Indian cinema (a.k.a. Bollywood), restaurant and business reviews and recipes.

I'll keep you all posted!

Please Show Your Support! Thank You!

2010-02-26T08:57:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, its the LAST WEEK of VOTING for the UK AMAs. As u know NAVIN KUNDRA has been nominated for both the BEST MALE ARTIST & BEST ALTERNATIVE ACT Awards. If you haven’t done so already, please visit

http://www.theukama.com

and VOTE NOW! Your votes really do make a difference and all count towards the final judging of the winner. If you’ve already voted…THANK YOU & please forward this message onto your friends & family to get as many votes in as we can before the deadline!

P.S Watch out for Navin's next single - releasing in APRIL! ;)

Thank You!

Navin's Official Website

Indian Summer Prints

2010-02-12T17:08:00.004-05:00

I came across this site while looking for something totally different and fell in love with this pattern in particular. One can drift off to sleep and dream of being in India, not only for this beautiful design but also for the description of it.

---------------------------------------
Inspiration for Indian Summer:

Under the sweltering sun, the heart of the Indian summer unfolds many a sensory extravagance. The ambrosial sweetness of sun ripened mangoes, the heady fragrance of velvety roses, and the quiet rustle of opulent silk saris. Indian Summer’s saffron hued ground provides a brilliant backdrop to the delicate ornamentation of the unusual three leaf, rose kissed petite paisley print replete with emerald green highlights. Indian Summer conjures up an abstract edible quality of rose petals atop a lush mango sorbet...

courtesy of Saffron Marigold.com

Visit Saffron Marigold for this pattern and many other breathtaking ones as well, in a variety of items for your home.

A visit to Dilli Haat Fest

2010-02-12T00:28:00.002-05:00

Colors and Crafts Of India-1
Dilli Haat is a place in Delhi where the craftsmen from all over India come to display their work. It has everything from vibrant colors, sounds, flavors and a spirit of One India. Take a look at some of the pix in two parts.
Read More

Handicrafts from India -2
Some more Handicraft from the dilli haat master craftsmen of India festival. A place showcasing the traditional crafts of India
Read More

My new logo

2010-02-11T15:25:00.004-05:00

Here is my new logo, which I will be using on my business cards, letterhead and so forth. My sincere thanks go out to my friends, singer/songwriter Navin Kundra for coming up with the logo idea in the first place and graphic designer/cartoonist Manoj Vijayan for designing it.

Tere Liye

2010-02-10T08:26:00.002-05:00

220,863 views for this Beautiful Love Ballad of the Year! Please don't forget to vote for Navin as Best Male Artist and Best Alternative Act for the UK AMAs - Vote here

Thank you for your support!

The Treasure of Trash

2010-02-03T23:56:00.000-05:00

This is an excellent article on a heart-wrenching situation. Kudos to Ms Khullar for having the compassion, insight and talent to write this touching story.

The Treasure of Trash By MRIDU KHULLAR Published: February 2010

Nomination for Best Male Artist - UK AMAs

2010-02-03T12:54:00.006-05:00

Yes, Navin Kundra has done it again this year. He was nominated for Best Male Artist and Best Alternative Act in the UK AMAs nomination party last night at Gatecrashers in Birmingham. Voting started last night as well on the UK AMA Website.

Award night is March 11, 2010 at the legendary Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank and B4U Music will once again record and broadcast the main event to a worldwide audience.

Full Article on ICB

Homemade Paneer – Indian Cheese (How To Video)

2010-01-28T12:26:00.000-05:00

Homemade Paneer – Indian Cheese from Showmethecurry.com

">Homemade Paneer – Indian Cheese

Ghee (Clarified Butter) How-to Video

2010-01-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

Ghee (Clarified Butter) How-to Video - ShowMeTheCurry.com

">How To Make Ghee

Miss Solitude

2010-01-19T01:02:00.002-05:00

Miss Solitude
Originally uploaded by Vipul Vishnu, The Admirer

Awesome Beauty!

Against the Wind

2010-01-15T21:29:00.002-05:00

wind
Originally uploaded by jeevartist

The essence of how I have felt at times.

Navin Kundra

2009-10-05T19:41:00.003-04:00

Navin Kundra
Originally uploaded by BBC Radio Asian Network

BBC Asian Network - Curry on Camping

Getting Up Close and Personal with Navin

2009-09-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

In conjunction with Mehbooba’s release, Navin has agreed to sit down with I Crave Bollywood for an intense interview about his music and his life.

Entire Article

And the Audience Screams for More!

2009-09-15T18:47:00.000-04:00

After his first performance ever in Holland at the Silverdome, Navin has already been requested back to the country for two more shows. One visit he just completed on Saturday May 23 at the Spui Theatre, Den Haag and after an outstanding 2-hour performance, the audience was screaming for more. So in his charming way, he gave them what they asked for and sang Tere Liye in a very different way.

Entire Article

The Greatest Konkani Song Hits

2009-08-08T20:08:00.001-04:00

Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) unveils his book,
The Greatest Konkani Song Hits. Launch dates: Goa (Kala
Academy) on 9 Aug. 4 pm. U.K. (Staines) on 15 Aug. Canada on
20 Aug and US on 30 Aug. Details: http://www.konkanisongbook.com/

* FIRST time ever - all original best-selling music of the last fifty
years, not just Konkani, but even Portuguese and Swahili! Unavailable
music of Chris Perry, Frank Fernand, Wilfy Rebimbus, M. Boyer, Alfred
Rose, H. Britton, Fadhili Williams, Henry D'Souza, B. Magno, Los
Payos, Paulo Borges, Manuel Alphonso, Silviano Barbosa, Romeo Mendes,
Reginald Fernandes, etc!

* SHEET-MUSIC - available for the very first time - transcribed
perfectly note-for-note. Songs include: "Cathrina", "Adeus Korchea
Vellar", "Claudia", "Mog Tuzo Kithlo Axelom", "Lisboa", "Kampala",
"Sacrament Zoddlo", "Bandra Festak", "Mollbailo Dou", "Malaika" "Maria
Isabel", "Encosta Tua Cabecinha", "Cecilia", "Mogacho Divo", "Proud To
Be A Goan", "Marialina", "Maria Pitache", "Calangute", "Bebdo",
"Sweater Kori", Tambdde Roza", "Hanv Saiba", "Don Kallzam", etc.

* CHORDS - not only have the chords been annotated to the music, but
intricate chord-diagrams supplied throughout each song! The songs can
now even be accompanied by harmonic instruments without sheet- music
like the piano, accordion, keyboard, guitar, etc.

* GUITAR TAB: For bands/groups worldwide, separate music in tablature
for the guitar are a stunning addition!

* LYRICS - original and authentic, cross-referenced from myriad
sources, conveying both the composer's intentions and the background
behind each song!

* TRANSLATIONS - a fantastic innovation, worth many times the cost of
the book! Each song has not only been beautifully and accurately
translated, but the translations have been set to verse/rhymed - now
not only can the songs be poetically re-sung in English, but bring our
music to the doorsteps of the world!

* PROGRAM NOTES - another superb plus, original and detailed
historical liner-notes, anecdotes, painstakingly cross-checked and
researched from numerous sources, to not only authenticate the
background, but illuminate the legend behind each song!

* FREE DVD: a priceless bonus!! ALL the songs have been filmed
performed by Canadian master pianist Victor Martins, so you can
observe close-up in intricate detail how to perform this superb music.
The invaluable DVD cost alone is worth its weight in gold!

* RELEASE: the book is being released worldwide for World Goa Day on
20 August, 2009.

Launch copies available in Goa at Pedro Fernandes and Furtados
(Panjim). International orders will be filled online, so please
register free here to be informed of availability. Or drop us a line
to register, at info@konkanisongbook.com.

Documentary images of high tide in Mumbai & Bandra-Worli Sea

2009-08-02T19:27:00.002-04:00

Mumbai had recently witnessed high tide waves measuring 5.05 meters which was rated as tide of the century.

During the tide I visited the fishing community of Worli village, Mumbai to find out how they had cope with the tide. I bring you documentary images of the high tide in Mumbai.

Another event that took place in Mumbai was the coming up of long waited Bandra-Worli Sea link. Here is the link to the series of images on the Sea link.

My friend and colleague Rajen Nair would like to share this documentary in picture form with you.

Friendship Day - August 2, 2009

2009-08-01T22:22:00.002-04:00

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY TO ALL MY FRIENDS!

Gluten-free Indian Food!

2009-07-29T11:48:00.000-04:00

At Last!!!!!! Now here is something I can REALLY sink my teeth into! Shabash!!!!!!!!!

Gluten-free Indian food

Check Out Navin's New Song - Mehbooba!

2009-07-29T11:23:00.003-04:00

After his #1 chart-busting love song Tere Liye, Navin has come out with the biggest dance song of the summer - Mehbooba! While I get the exclusive interview, enjoy listening to this amazing song courtesy of SimplyBhangra!

Listen Here

Konkani Song Book

2009-07-24T23:50:00.003-04:00

Greatest Konkani Song Hits - Newsletter

The girl was slender with the most beautiful tresses. The boy was tall and tanned and fell in love with her poetry. When they finally met it was love at first sight, but......

Her father would have none of it!

So they fled to Italy, and Elisabeth and Robert Browning became the most famous Romantic poets in history. And she wrote these magical lines for him -

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."

Almost a hundred and thirty years later another young poet from Mangalore, India, also wrote -

"How do I love thee? And yet I cannot have..." Mog tuzo kithlo axelom, thitloi labonk na maka

Wilfy Rebimbus was asked to compose the music for the 1977 Konkani movie "Mog ani Moipass", out of which emerged this fabulous melody.

A unique Indian flavour in a Western tune....

And therein lies the beauty of Konkani music. But you don't have to elope to grab this lovely!

"Mog Tuzo Kithlo Axelom" is another diamond from the "Greatest Konkani Song Hits, Vol.1" SongBook, coming your way on 20 August.

Enjoy the full version on the free DVD included with the sheet-music, lyrics, chords, etc.:

Konkani Song Book #16

The countdown's on!

Twenty-eight, twenty-seven......

Enjoy!

Musically yours,
Francis

P.S. The SongBook's Goa launch is on Sunday 9
August at the Kala Academy at 4 pm. Free concert,
free refreshments, free autographs - make a date!

KonkaniSongBook

Dark Horse Adaptations

2009-07-20T20:52:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

When you get a chance, please check out my new blog, which advertises my professional proofreading and copy writing service.

Dark Horse Adaptations

The Loudest Firecracker

2009-06-12T09:34:00.002-04:00

Here is an excerpt from the review and interview with author Arun Krishnan and his book The Loudest Firecracker.

Arun Krishnan is the author of the The Loudest Firecracker , an interesting tale told through the eyes of ten-year-old Siddharth, complete with the perfect blend of wit and somberness. It centers on the repercussions of an untimely firecracker blast at the end of a cricket match between India and Pakistan - tragically turning Siddharth’s life upside-down.

Read in its entirety here

Navin Makes it into a US-based Desi Magazine

2009-06-02T10:57:00.002-04:00

Here is an excerpt from the article I wrote for CityMasala.

“Dare to Begin” - That is the motto of singer/composer/musician from the UK - Navin. Because if you dare to begin, then your dreams can take shape and become realities.

Full article

Taj Mahal Viewed across the Yamuna River

2009-06-01T02:17:00.002-04:00

Taj Mahal Viewed across the Yamuna River
Originally uploaded by aeschylus18917

Wooden Box decorated with inlaid gems

2009-06-01T02:04:00.002-04:00

100_1094
Originally uploaded by India's Girl

I've finally documented in photos My Indian Treasures

Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner

2009-05-29T08:11:00.001-04:00

Last night, 13-year-old Kavya Shivashankar won the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Aishwarya Pastapur, also 13, finished in third place. This is the second consecutive year that an Indian-American competitor has won. She's the eighth Indian-American overall to win; the first was Balu Natarajan of Illinois in 1985.

Read coverage and commentary by SAJAforum editor ARUN VENUGOPAL

Radio boost for marginalised women

2009-05-27T10:38:00.001-04:00

By Supriya Menon
BBC India Business Report

In the hot and arid countryside of Andhra Pradesh, T Manjula goes from house to house checking the year's harvest.

Born on the fringes of Indian society, she has fought her way up through hard work and guts.

A volunteer with the Deccan Development Society (DDS), she now tries to help other poor women, most of whom are Dalits, the lowest group in the Indian social hierarchy.

Full Article

Gluten-free India

2009-05-25T18:58:00.001-04:00

Here is an interesting travel log for gluten-free eating in India. It's called
Gluten-Free India

Please Vote For Tere Liye

2009-05-21T15:30:00.002-04:00

If you've enjoyed Navin's Tere Liye song, please vote for it on Sunrise Radio

Thank you.

My New Blog

2009-05-13T12:47:00.003-04:00

You may have noticed in the left sidebar the links to Gluten-free Indian and Middle Eastern recipes. I have just begun my journey on a gluten/wheat free lifestyle and with that created - The Gluten Free Food Blog. Please visit when you can and feel free to send any gluten-free Indian recipes that you have so that I may post them on the new site with a link here. Thank you in advance.

Travel Tips: Discovering India

2009-05-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

India is a beautiful country with many hidden treasures dotted all over. The best way to discover this country is to travel by rail or road. Here are some tips to make your travel safe and hassle free. Read on.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1691685/travel_tips_discovering_india.html

Top Ten Songs by My Favorite Artist - Navin Kundra

2009-04-30T16:31:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Songs by My Favorite Artist - Navin Kundra
Navin's songs are special because the lyrics are mostly in Hindi and Punjabi (which I know very little of). However, Navin has ability to transcend language barriers and tug at your heartstrings.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1699573/top_ten_songs_by_my_favorite_artist.html

One Child Lost is One Too Many

2009-04-29T02:41:00.003-04:00

Every 25 seconds someone dies as a result of an unsafe injection - this film highlights the problem, and an address from Kiran Bedi provides the solution.

Please watch this important film. Then to find out more, please visit SafePointFilms

Sachin - The deadly push - SafePoint Films

Where's Navin?

2009-04-29T02:03:00.002-04:00

Here's an update for all you Navin Kundra fans out there. He recently performed in Holland. Check out the article below for more details.

Taking the World by Storm

My new Bollywood Column!

2009-04-20T15:20:00.003-04:00

I just starting writing for a desi magazine in Florida, USA. It's called CityMasala. My first Bollywood column appeared this month. Please check it out and let me know what you think of it.

Access Bollywood

RECIPE for MASALA TEA

2009-03-16T22:19:00.000-04:00

RECIPE for MASALA TEA
Masala Chai or Masala Tea is a very popular beverage in the Indian subcontinent and it is good for health too
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1567983/recipe_for_masala_tea.html

From Amit & Patty's Blog - Rajasthan… the land of my dreams!

2009-02-19T15:09:00.003-05:00

Rajasthan… the land of my dreams!

Navin Acoustic Set and thoughts on Tere Liye

2009-02-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

Navin - Acoustic Set - Tukde Tukde

2009-02-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

Using Hibiscus Flowers for Hair Care

2009-02-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Using Hibiscus Flowers for Hair Care
A traditional recipe for healthy hair

http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1440331/using_hibiscus_flowers_for_hair_care.html

by
Ritu Lalit

D O U G H. Near Jodhpur

2009-02-05T23:44:00.002-05:00

D O U G H. Near Jodhpur
Originally uploaded by Claude Renault

A Rajasthani woman preparing the dough to make Millet chapatis in a farm south of Jodhpur.

Delhi from a rickshaw

2009-02-05T23:09:00.002-05:00

Delhi from a rickshaw
Originally uploaded by wili_hybrid

Looks like a painting.

Dance Pose

2009-02-05T23:05:00.002-05:00

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Originally uploaded by Haleona

Simplified Beauty

2009-02-05T23:02:00.002-05:00

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Originally uploaded by Haleona

The Loudest Firecracker: Arun Krishnan's Debut Novel

2009-02-04T00:27:00.003-05:00

Newly Released - Arun Krishnan's debut book - The Loudest Firecracker - Order it today!

SYNOPSIS

It is India versus Pakistan and as the excitement soars in the final over of a memorable cricket match, ten-year-old Siddharth sets off a firecracker. The blast that follows will change his life. Siddharth discovers that growing up isn’t easy: he has to handle a tragic death, his best friend is gravitating to a right wing political party, and his filmmaker father has troubles of his own as he shifts away from the commercial but lucrative world of Hindi movies; and Poona is nothing at all like Bombay.

Will tennis matches help, or can his mother’s beautifully retold myths do the trick? Will instant noodles come to Siddharth’s rescue, or will it be his old elocution standby, The Charge of the Light Brigade? In this touching, poignant and often hilarious debut novel, Arun Krishnan has created a world we all recognize, one that will appeal equally to young adults and a more mature audience.

FROM THE AUTHOR

“The novel is excellent reading for friends and family, so don’t feel scared to order more than one copy. (I think the Surgeon General recommends 4).

If those friends and family turn against you, you can use specific portions in Chapter 4 and 9 that can be read out aloud as a form of retribution (recommended by the Government as an effective alternative to water-boarding).”

Navin's New Love Song - Promo

2009-02-03T16:20:00.005-05:00

Navin has done it again! Tere Liye (For You) is going to be the biggest and best love song for 2009. Please give it a listen.

Tunnel Portal

2009-02-02T17:31:00.002-05:00

Tunnel Portal
Originally uploaded by t_davis45

Although this is in Florida, Massachusetts, USA, it reminds me of the train scene in Dil Se.

Beautiful Sunset

2009-02-02T17:06:00.002-05:00

Beautiful Sunset
Originally uploaded by Sujith..

Wish I was there.

Chicken Tanduri Full (9 pcs)

2009-02-01T00:04:00.002-05:00

Chicken Tanduri Full (9 pcs)
Originally uploaded by joegoaukfishcurryrice

Ok now I'm HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Goa, India - Nature

2009-01-31T20:42:00.002-05:00

Goa, India - Nature
Originally uploaded by Joel's Goa Pics

Simply Gorgeous!

Vasco da Gama

2009-01-31T20:07:00.002-05:00

Vasco da Gama
Originally uploaded by joegoauk1

I LOVE trains!

Indian Proverb - the cracked pot

2009-01-31T01:13:00.001-05:00

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." ~2 Corinthians 4:7~

There is an ancient Indian proverb that tells as follows:

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the masters house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his masters house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your masters house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts." The pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the masters house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the Pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pots side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

There is an obvious moral to the story. God can even use flawed creatures like us. Our inadequacies do not stop God from fulfilling His purpose for us. That is enough cause to rejoice!

But let's think further and deeper. God does not settle for us because He has nothing better to work with; it is not as if He resigns and says, "Well, it's the best I can do with what I created! I guess I'll just have to be content with who they turned out to be!" Do we think that God is not sovereign? On the contrary! God has ordained the situations and pain and cracks and brokenness in our lives because it is what brings Him the most glory.

We are to live fully as broken vessels. Beautiful vessels. Vessels that let the Living Water drip from our jars of clay to produce flowers along the path that we travel.

Bright Symmetry

2009-01-30T21:23:00.002-05:00

Bright Symmetry
Originally uploaded by tripowski

Back Waters of Kerala, India

Brenton Point State Park - Newport, RI

2009-01-30T01:32:00.002-05:00

Brenton Point State Park
Originally uploaded by Lense Depth

You can't see her in the picture but there is an Indian woman with a sari on walking under the kite.

Dudhsagar Falls, Goa, India

2009-01-30T00:54:00.002-05:00

Dudhsagar Falls, Goa, India
Originally uploaded by **Anik Messier**

I can't wait to go to Goa!