Letter from the Editor

Dear ABCDlady Readers,

Recently, a good friend of mine went through a health scare. For weeks, we were worried that she might have a terminal illness. When you experience a scare like that, you realize that it doesn’t matter what you have in life if you don’t have your health. Thankfully, we just learned that our worst fear is no longer a possibility. However, the experience has left me with a newfound appreciation for my health and the health of my loved ones. So this month, we decided to place a special focus on health.

First, our cuisine expert offers recipes for a quick and healthy South Asian dinner for those who think they are too busy to conjure up a healthy meal. Check out her recipes for mixed vegetable rice, kadhi and cool spinach raita.

Recent preliminary studies show that taking certain vitamins can aid in the treatment and prevention of mental illnesses. This month, we discuss these potential breakthroughs and how they affect South Asians.

Does your child exhibit difficulty in social situations, language impairment or bizarre motor behavior? This could be a sign of autism. We discuss the signs and treatment options.

This month, we also weigh in on the controversy resulting from Senator Barack Obama’s infamous comments about desperate Pennsylvanians clinging to guns and religion for solace. We discuss the relationship between religion and politics with a Desi perspective in two thought-provoking pieces. First, we present the viewpoint of someone who deliberates over Obama’s religious beliefs while reflecting on his own Hindu faith. Next, we consider Obama’s comments in light of the larger question of religion’s role in politics.

You don’t want to miss this month’s Desi Making Waves either. Artist Tania Sen’s amazing pieces incorporate South Asian symbols and mythology. We learn her inspiration and artistic influences while getting her advice for others starting out.

Additionally, our Love and Sex expert advises a woman concerned about staying with her first love and counsels someone being prematurely pressured by her boyfriend for marriage.

Our Desi Diva explores teeth whitening, taming curly locks and getting smooth stomachs for swimsuit season.

And finally, we provide you with Desi etiquette dos and don’ts! Unsure of when you should call someone “auntie” or “uncle” or whether you should take off your shoes at people’s homes? Find out the answers to these questions and more! This guide addresses some of the Desi-specific customs that our culture calls for and a few American traditions you might want to observe.

Sincerely,

Navdeep Kathuria
Editor-in-Chief, ABCDlady

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