Editorial April 2012

April 2012

Dear Readers,

Life is beautiful again. Regardless of how positive a thinker you are, the word “cancer” is sure to get you down. A few issues ago, I mentioned that my family was going through a tough time. At the time, I did not elaborate, but allow me to do so now. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The good news is that my latest biopsy report showed that I am now cancer free. Several friends, and of course family members, gave me 110% support. I am really grateful to those friends who truly forward to help my family and me. As Hindus, we believe in Karma and reincarnation. After what I have gone through during the last six months, I now feel very strongly about this philosophy. What we sow, we reap, and that also in this life time only. When one becomes involved with social and nonprofit activities such as Ekal Vidyala, Vatsalaya Gram, South Florida Hindu Temple, or IRCC, you do so because you want to help, not because you expect to get something out of it. I now realize that the friendships Aruna and I have cultivated through these activities have helped us in this tough time tremendously. This column is not the place to list names, but those of you close to my family and me know who you are. So once again, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all very much. In my quest to remain cancer-free, I look forward to your continued support over the next few years.

Now, let me discuss my recent experience and its relationship with Hindu philosophy. My good friend Harendrabhai Mankodi came to visit and brought me a small gift – an illuminated Om. It is a beautiful gift, but more importantly, I loved the gift bag, which said “Diet + Prayer + Positive thinking = Good Health,” handwritten by my friend. I feel strongly that this prescription played an equally important role in removing the cancer from my body. Several other things from our ancient medicine helped a lot – tulsi tea, haldi (turmeric), and Yoga. Over the last 18 years of Desh-Videsh, we have published several articles on medicine from India. This is my first hand experience at using ancient techniques. Combined with the impact of exercise, losing over 25 pounds (and still 25 pounds more to go!), reading about positive thinking, and talking to spiritual masters like Swami Brahama Vidyanand, I now have more energy than ever before. I feel new again and that is why I say “life is beautiful again.”

I thank my readers for allowing me an opportunity to reach out on a personal level.

While I am thanking my friends, family members and extended family members, let me also take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the Atlanta Bridal Expo and made it so successful. With more than 80 booths and 1500 visitors, the show was better than before. In keeping with the tradition of introducing something new, we introduced a raffle drawing for vendors who checked in via the social media tool, Facebook. In reviewing the posts on Facebook, it seems like everyone had fun. If you have not done so, please take a moment to find Desh-Videsh on Facebook to join the fun!

Since we’re having so much fun, why stop?! Our next My Shadi Bridal Expo will be in Fort Lauderdale on April 29. Make your calendar and see in South Florida.

Raj Shah
Managing Editor
Desh-Videsh