Up & Coming Weekly

Author Delves Into Life In Saudia Arabia by STEPHANIE CRIDER It takes a special kind of person to leave the security of what they know and what they are comfortable with and set off for foreign lands. But that is just what Mary D. Kavanwal did. On April 13, at 7 p.m., Kavanwal will be guest speaker at the Headquarters branch. As noted on the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center Web site, after living and working in Saudi Arabia, Kavanwal came face-to-face with the hidden culture and the self-proclaimed righteousness that leads to impulsive and violent aggression toward others. She is convinced that even though the world may want to believe otherwise, a dangerous threat continues to be fostered within infl uential circles inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Her story provides a detailed look into a culture that many Americans don’t — or possibly don’t want to — understand. What she writes is engaging, frightening, frustrating and enlightening. As interesting as her experience was in Saudi Arabia, how she got there is a story in itself as well. After working as an on call nurse for several years, Kavanwal tired of waiting for a permanent position to open up and she became a travel nurse. Then, answering an ad in a nursing magazine, she committed to a job in the Saudi Kingdom. Discounting scary stories and warnings from friends and family, she made her way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to work in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center for two years. In a case of truth being stranger than fi ction, Kavanwal found drama and adventure practically the moment that she stepped off the airplane. Not one to be scared off by the arrest and imprisonment of her roommate, or living in a culture that considers women lesser beings than their male counterparts, she stayed in country. As the twin towers fell on 9/11, Kavanwal experienced odd reactions from her host countrymen. In her two books, Surreal in Saudi and the sequel Awry in Arabia, Kavanwal shares her insights and adventures in this land that is so different from the country and culture so many of us know and love. “Her story is fascinating and probably unlike any we have heard of from a woman, who spent time working in Saudi Arabia,” said Kellie Tomita, marketing and communications manager at the library. “I hope many people will attend this program because I think it will provide an insight into the Arab culture that we would otherwise not be able to have.” The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us or call the Headquarters Library at 483- 7727. For more information on the author and her writings visit her Web site at www.insidesaudi.com/author.html. STEPHANIE CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com. India Festival Explores Culture, Gives Back by SHANESSA FENNER The 6th Annual Indian Festival will take place on Saturday, April 17 at the Crown Arena from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. This fun fi lled day is for the local community to enjoy various activities while learning about the Indian culture. “We want to feature our Indian culture and give the local community a glimpse of our Indian performing arts and cuisine,” said Sumedha Dalvi, chairperson of the India Festival. “Our focus is mostly on entertainment and food.” Entertainment will be featured all day long on the stage. “The big feature this year is our fashion show,” said Dalvi. “We are going to do three different kinds of fashion shows.” Dalvi added that the three fashion shows will feature teenagers, children 12 and under and adults showcasing Indian fashions. Three different vendors will showcase Indian food. “The vendors will feature food from different regions of India,” said Dalvi. “It is very flavorful food that is spicy or mild.” Dalvi added that there will be a drink booth and an authentic Indian ice cream booth. “This is the fi rst year we are bringing in an ice cream booth,” said Dalvi. Other booths will feature Henna tattoos, arts and crafts creations, Indian clothing and jewelry. There will be a Kid’s Corner that will consist of games and snacks. Various artists, from Raleigh and Cary, will sing and play instruments. “We will also have some classical Indian dances,” said Dalvi. “Later on in the day we will have open fl oor folk dancing.” WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM local organizations. “This is our way of giving back to the local community that has embraced us and made us feel at home,” said Dalvi. “We call this home now.” Ticket cost is $2 and the event is free for children age 4 and under. For more information call 824-0095. SHANESSA FENNER, Contribut- ing Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 106 or Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. APRIL 7-13, 2010 UCW 7 The Indian culture is rich, diverse and unique in its own way. The family component is about joy, love and sharing. Manners and ways of communicating with one another are important components of the Indian culture. The Indian culture treats guests as if they are a part of the family by serving and taking care of them. Respecting one another and helping one another are key components. The children are taught to help one another in need and through cooperation better living subsequently makes this world a better place. Respecting elders is a major component of the culture. Proceeds from the event are donated to various local charities during the time of the Maharaja Banquet in the fall. The organization has donated more than $80,000 to various charities such as The Wounded Warriors, The Falcon Children’s Home, The Cumberland County Education Foundation and many more

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