Meeting through mutual friends, Jamini and Neal dated each other for three years. Though Jaimini hated surprises, Neal’s sudden proposal on the beach during a romantic weekend away in Puerto Rico was one of pure joy. She did not hesitate in saying ‘yes’ as Neal awaited her answer on one knee. Both Jaimini, 28, and Neal, 31, software engineer are …

The saying goes that neither time nor distance can stop two lovers from meeting. For 28-year-old Ami Vakharia and 29-year-old Raj Gandolia, both radiology physicians, their love story began during their teenage years when they met in the Tibetan Himalayas. Though years passed before the two reconnected on Facebook, after  two and half years of dating, Raj enacted the perfect …

Author by Nisha Jani While you work backwards on your wedding planning, keep your health and fitness in mind. It can make all the difference during the actual event- as well as in those photographs you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re the bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride, this is an opportunity to start a new, healthy chapter in your …

Author by Rina Shah The Arpan Group Crystal blue waters crashing down on a pristine white beach, while a gentle breeze ruffles through the palm trees. An elegantly draped mandap glistens in the sunshine, while an intimate crowd eagerly watches two people embark on the journey of a lifetime. Sounds like a wedding in paradise, doesn’t it? Destination weddings and …

These days, it seems like your doctor, nutritionists, and your friends are suggesting you try this diet or that. With so many different diets, from weight­loss to improving heart health, it can be difficult to figure out what first step to take in your journey to live a healthy lifestyle. Set the diets aside, and try adding superfoods to your …

One of the most pervasive cancers in women today is breast cancer. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer every day ­ a statistic not to be taken lightly. According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, over 508,000 women died of breast cancer in 2011, and World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) reports around 1.7 million new cases in …

  Ram not able to play Gautami’s hubby Ram Kapoor and Gautami Gadgil, who met on the set of a television show, fell in love and are leading a happily married life. They continue to be a popular couple that fans want to see on TV. Both Ram and Gautami have strong careers in the movie industry as well. While …

At 27 years-old, Nikki Patel, based in Tampa, and Mayur Patel, who lived in Texas, were both looking for their life partners through the Shaadi.com web portal. Nikki first expressed an interest in September 2013, and one month later, Mayur accepted the request. The two began talking to each other, and what initially was restricted to just a few messages …

Arpita Khan and Aayush Sharma Salman Khan left no stone unturned for his youngest sister Arpita’s wedding. Celebrities from all industries flew all the way to Falaknuma Palace situated in Hyderabad to attend Aayush and Arpita’s fairy-tale wedding celebrations. Beginning from the venue to the decorations to the cuisines being dished out, everything was lavish. Falaknuma, one of the most …

Author by Rina Shah The Arpan Group Once a couple is engaged, along with the many congratulations and best wishes from family and friends, comes the inevitable onslaught of questions. When is the big day? Have you picked a place yet? Where you choose to host your wedding will likely be one of the most difficult decisions during the planning …

Author by Edward Boreth Q. I called the USCIS about my case. They told me that they would send me a decision in 30 days. It has now been 3 months and I have received nothing. When I called again, they now told me I have to wait 180 days! Why did they give me different information from the first …

Those who leave the comforts of home to conquer new challenges across the globe have a true adventurous spirit. To honor the exceptional and meritorious contributions of Indians living overseas as well as recognize their role in India’s growth, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs constituted the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Sammaan Awards. During the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated on …

Author by Dr. Alok Kumar Book Review By : Dr. Ronald A. Brown, Emeritus Professor of Physics, SUNY-Oswego Alok Kumar, in his book, Sciences of the Ancient Hindus: Unlocking Nature in the Pursuit of Salvation, has provided a powerful and comprehensive insight into the extraordinary intellectual contributions of the ancient Hindus, the full story of which had hitherto remained largely …

As a doctor, my mission is to ensure all my patients have the healthiest life possible, and we both know that means you need to lose some weight. More and more of my patients are coming in and telling me about the latest fad diets. As I weigh them, I see they are gaining weight instead of losing pounds of …

Dear Readers, Many of you know that I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi and his plans for the future of India. When Prime Minister Modi visited the United States back in September, I was thrilled to get the chance to see him address crowds of fans. That visit no doubt laid the groundwork for President Obama’s recent …

Author by Aanandh Chandrasekar I have always been, and always will be, a devout Pixar fan. The messages they deliver, wrapped up in a colorful cast of characters (often literally – look at Sulley!), are important, touching, and without a doubt, incredibly relevant. I, for one, was star struck by The Incredible. Like everyone, I found the superheroes’ disappearance into obscurity …

Author by Ravi Shah As you ring in the new year and celebrate the holidays with your family, you reflect on the past year and decide to make positive changes. Your children are nearly halfway through the school year, and they may need some guidance or encouragement to push through the next few months. The holidays have passed, final exams …

Author by Rina Shah The Arpan Group   For first generation South Asian parents, raising children to be aware of their heritage can be daunting. The very task of raising confident, engaged, and academically inclined children is hard enough. Adding cultural understanding just complicates the situation, leaving us wondering if we have any clue as to how to be the …

Gopal brainwashes Nandu on Balika Vadhu Colors’ television show Balika Vadhu is all set to gear up with a high power drama to keep audiences glued to their screens. On one hand, Amol will be able to stand on his feet while Gehna will finally marry Niranjan; unfortunately, Nandu will oppose it. Sources say that Anandi’s car will be locked …

Although Swayam and Dhiren met under the most unexpected of circumstances, it was clear from the outset that the universe was trying to tell them something. Sure enough, a little over four years later, both families were readying to formalize their engagement. With just under two weeks to the day, Dhiren felt a sense that something was amiss, and decided …

Weddings are always special for the couple who is about to begin a new life together. When families are woven into the wedding story, the magic and fun that occurs multiples. Two years after dating Diana, Ananta sought the blessings of her parents and let his family in on his plans for a grand proposal. In the presence of his …

Michele Renee Verda, owner of Michele Renee the Studio, is the winner of the 2014 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo Facebook Vendor raffle. Desh-Videsh thanks active and engaged vendors like Michele Renee for participating on social media! Learn more about Michele Renee, her charity Water for India, and what inspires her most. For those who are not familiar with you or …

Designing is a way of expressing personal creativity and innovation—and what better means is there to design than through everyone’s favorite thing: food! Just as the imagination is endless, so are the variety of food designs possible. When it comes to designing with food, it is important that the final dishes still appeal to one’s senses. Instead of simply preparing …

Author by Rina Shah The Arpan Group Born in Lucknow, India, but raised in the Midwest, Tulika Mehrotra’s diverse personal experiences have inspired her varied careers. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Finance, Mehrotra earned a graduate degree in Art from the prestigious Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan, Italy. After spending some time …

India, blessed with tremendous geographical, cultural and climatic diversity, is a beautiful tourist destination – one that appeals to every type of traveler. In any corner of India, travelers are sure to find locales and sights to meet their criteria. Many popular destinations in India are now well-known internationally, and tourist-friendly facilities can be found nearly everywhere. In some of …

For most businessman, the go-to accessory is likely a collection of cuff links and neckties. Consider updating your look with a classic item – the watch. While some view watches merely as a functional tool, the modern man recognizes timepieces as a contemporary way to complete a polished and prestigious style. These luxury models are available in limited numbers, assuring …

Author by Edward Boreth I have been a permanent resident for five years. After I got my green card, I stayed in the US three months, then left for my country for five months. When I returned, I stayed for another three months and then left for my country for another five months. After that, I have been living in …

In his first interview since becoming the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi spoke with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria from his official residence in New Delhi in mid-September 2014. The new Prime Minister and Zakaria covered a range of issues, a few of which are excerpted below. (The original interview aired on September 21, 2014 on Fareed Zakaria GPS. The entire …

If you are greeted with an ensemble of the brightest festive attire matched with delectable foods and a grand display of fireworks, do not be fooled into believing that you are part of an elaborate film set. These are just some of the wondrous elements that make Diwali the momentous affair that it is. Diwali has its import and significance …

The festive season is here! Navratri, Halloween, Diwali, Thanksgiving … the list is endless this time of year. No doubt each holiday holds a special meaning for you and your family, be it cultural traditions or an outing you do as one unit. For many, our fondest memories of holidays often revolve around food. Not just any food of course, …

Priya and Shawn met through a mutual friend, and the first time Shawn saw her, he predicted that she was going to be his future wife. For their first date, they went to a BBQ restaurant in Chicago and after sharing an evening filled with much fun and laughter, Priya knew Shawn’s prediction would come true. On what seemed like …

Shivani Patel, a mortgage processor, and Christopher Carranza, an assistant bakery manager, were first introduced by mutual friends who wanted the two to date. When they actually met, sparks immediately flew. Two years and two months after they began dating, Christopher proposed during a vacation in Orlando. After a romantic dinner on the first night of their holiday, the couple …

Author by Suhani Patel For any bride, choosing not only a look appropriate for the occasion, but also one that showcases your personality, can seem like a daunting task. You “oooh” and “aaah” over glamorous shots in glossy magazines, but reality is there lurking in the background. Will I be able to wear this for 5 hours while bending, stretching, …

Let’s be honest, we can never get enough of bridal fashion! The colors, jewelry, fabrics… the list is endless. And why not! An Indian bride is a treat for the eyes, decked in beautiful traditional clothes and jewels. The best thing about bridal fashion is that new trends arise every season, and the latest trends are on display during fashion …

Author by Edward Boreth I filed for my green card based on marriage. My interview with immigration is coming up. How should I prepare? What questions will they ask me? It is important to prepare for a marriage immigration interview. The officer will want proof that you married your spouse to establish a life together and not just for the …

Akshay Kumar lyricist and rapper in television show Akshay Kumar is one actor who does not shy away from experimenting. He is all set for his second stint in the television show called Dare 2 Dance, where contestants dance in extreme conditions on land, mid air, and on sea. The entire shooting of the show is planned to take place …

                    hen the Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in his first maiden speech to the Indian Parliament talked about ‘issue-centric focused activities like Education to eradicate poverty,’ it was as if he was referring Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF) mission. For past 25 years, Ekal USA has been dispensing …

Author by Robert Arnett and Smita Turakhia   For Robert Arnett, capturing the essence of India and its varied terrains and people was a journey he took to heart. The sixth edition of India Unveiled: Spirit, Tradition, People takes readers on a visual journey of India much as earlier editions did; however, with its larger format and expanded sections, the …

                  Holy month of Ramadan builds bridges in Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan hugged last year at a Ramzan Iftar party and made news. This year, they repeated the gesture at MLA Baba Siddique’s Iftar party. The party was hosted at the Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai. Shah Rukh …

                  “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA” – this is how the preamble of our Indian constitution begins. Yes, we are the people of India who feel proud as being Indians. And August 15 is a day when we proudly admire ourselves as Indian citizens as on this very day in 1947 we …