Farmers' Market

Visiting the farmers' market has become part of my Saturday routine since it is just down the street from me. One of the vendors, the lady in the picture above, speaks Tamil. Even if I don’t buy vegetables for the whole week, I go to the farmers' market just to talk to her. I enjoy seeing eggplant (brinjal), okra (lady's fingers), hot peppers (green and red chilies), tomatoes, and yogurt (curd) being sold there. Most of the other products are typically local. The market is one of the few places where I see a lot of people. Unlike the colorful, crowded, and busy streets in India, the roads in Durham have more cars than people walking.

http://www.durhamfarmersmarket.com/

Story of the 'Central School', America

I am glad to know that Arkansas is the home state of Senator J. William Fulbright, the founder of the Fulbright Exchange Program. Each Fulbright meeting fills me with pride as I participate in this wonderful exchange opportunity. The host city, Little Rock, holds significant importance in this context. As a member of the Central School System (Kendriya Vidyalayas) in India, I would like to highlight the historical significance of Central High School in Little Rock, USA. In September 1957, Central High School became a critical battleground in the struggle for civil rights when nine black students attempted to enter the previously all-white school. A hostile crowd watched as Arkansas National Guard troops blocked their entrance. Three weeks later, after failed negotiations between Arkansas Governor Orval E. Faubus and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the President ordered the Army's 101st Airborne Division to escort and protect the nine students as they entered the school. This marked the beginning of a broader conflict, which included the intervention of the Supreme Court. Little Rock came to symbolize the federal government's commitment to eliminating the separate education systems for black and white students. I had the great opportunity to visit the school and its Visitor Center, where I observed two math classes. In the photo, I am standing next to one of the statues commemorating those nine remarkable students.

Watch the video to see what has happened that day.

In the American President's Chair...

Today marks the first day of my Fulbright regional meeting. Initially, I thought I wouldn’t have time to visit the must-see Clinton Presidential Center due to my flight schedule. However, accompanied by Dr. Logan (my principal), I arrived in Little Rock at 4 PM and rushed directly to the center. I’m glad I did, as it added to my wonderful experiences in America. Arkansas is the home state of Bill Clinton, one of the most influential American presidents. When he was first elected as Governor of Arkansas, he was the youngest governor in American history. I had some memorable moments during my visit. One highlight was sitting in the chair of the American president. I also saw a model of the Charminar, made from Hyderabadi pearls, which was presented to Mr. Clinton during his visit to Andhra Pradesh.

Vamsi - Murali - Basuri - Bansi

My American connection-
My name Vamsi Krishna means lord Krishna with flute. Ironically I could not learn to play a flute and when ever I tried to play it I struggled even to produce a sound.
I learnt my first lessons of playing flute here in America. David O'Neal who I met in the Art Fest runs a musical instruments store in Raleigh. He makes some great flutes. He was patient enough to teach me a song. I enjoyed learning it. Coming to more details this flute has origins in the Native Americans culture. I am remembered the Kevin Costner starred classic film 'Dances with Wolves', a film that depicts the lives of Native Americans.
The instrument is placed vertically before your mouth unlike the Indian flutes which are blown placing them horizontally. While you have to bother about placing the lips properly to blow air through an Indian one, this flute is very simple to play. The position and structure of the nozzle allows you to play it easily but producing a fantastic sound.
Sounds great no? It really sounds great. Watch the video.

 

America is the head - India is the heart

''America is Head and India is heart. Like Head (brain) which is the source of intellect that monitors the functions of the whole body and the heart that pumps in the blood to all parts of the body, America is source of technology and scientific advancements and India pumps the concept of love and tolerance to all parts of the world. These important 'organs' of world should have better coordination and should work together. to achieve world peace and universal brotherhood.''
- Viswa Yogi Viswamjee Maharaj

Here is a Guruji who strives for peace and uses his spiritual power for Universal brotherhood.
In the Saturday 'Retreat' that was held in Cary ( a town near Durham with lot of Indian Population) this is the message the 'Yogi' gave.
I met Him on Friday and to my surprise he told me that he met me before. (?)
The 'Guru' took a small interview of mine and he refreshed his knowledge of Trigonometry (tested mine?) He was keen to enquire what I am teaching here in America. He is on his 6th successive devine march (yearly visit) to America, and each time he visits he makes sure that he visits the local Government Heads, Mayors, Police commissioners and politicians of America and passes on his power of influence with the above message. He started a free 'Mother and Child Care Hospital in India and anybody who needs gets free treatment in the hospital. He aderessed the United Nation's Youth Assembly in 2007. More details at http://www.viswaguru.com/

The Saturday 'Retreat' gathered more than 250 Non-Resident Indians, primarily from the Andhra region, who came from various parts of America, especially the Carolina States. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet all of them. The Mayor of Cary and the Police Commissioner of Raleigh were among those who received a message for world peace from the Guru during the event. I am grateful for the American trip, which offered me invaluable opportunities, and I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ravi, Siddhartha's parents, for making this possible.

Durham Arts Festival

Last week was very productive in terms of engaging with the community. I was immersed in American culture, music, and art, and I experienced several "aha" moments. It is a rare opportunity to attend such a festival (what we call an exhibition in India) here in America. I want to thank Mrs. Sears for taking the time to give me a tour and for her patience in answering all my questions. I truly appreciate her knowledge and understanding of North Carolina, despite her being originally from Ohio. She provided a wealth of information about this state. The festival focuses on promoting art and culture, showcasing various styles of art and craft in small tents. The artists were enthusiastic about explaining their work to visitors. I witnessed a variety of dance and music forms, including Irish dance, a Polka band, Arabian belly dancing, and a Southern band. I took loads of pictures and videos to share with you, and a few are available today.

India or America, teenage girls are for Henna.