Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza: "Pageant was like being with a big family"

Charming, intelligent and versatile Dayana Sabrina Mendoza Moncada, was crowned Miss Venezuela in September 2007 and Miss Universe in July 2008 at the pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The pageant held ever year has participants from 80 countries and is judged by elites and viewed by millions across the globe as the ladies compete for the hot spot.

Ms. Mendoza, standing tall at 5 ft 9 inches, 22 years of age wants to be an Interior Designer and enjoys photography and likes the field of advertising. In the coming months she will be lecturing on humanitarian issues to educate masses on HIV/AIDS and be a pioneer of several social causes and work with organizations like God's Love We Deliver and Cable positive.

One on one with the beauty queen:

1. How does it feel after the big success Dayana?

Feel great. I haven't fully realised it yet as I haven't gone home yet. Looking forward to meet my family and share experiences with them. Things are going so fast!

2. How did you prepare for the Pageant? Did you join any special school for the preparation?

There was a training for personality development, makeup classes, English classes, dance classes, speech classes. I did this in Venezuela. This makes you feel comfortable with yourself, get to know who you are etc.

3. What were the most special moments during the Pageant?

The pageant was a lot of fun. I used to talk with everyone. Sitting on different tables for breakfast every morning with representatives from different countries, sharing cultures, food was great. We were all like friends or rather a big family for one month. It was like a one month vacation with 79 girlfriends.

4. Your favourite judge during the contestant was? And why?

All were like favourites as they choose me as the winner (says happily).

5. Which social causes would you be aiming at?

It would be for the cause of Gay men's health crisis, Latino Commission on Aids, APICHA to name a few. I would like to continue this even after a year.

6. What are the vital traits of a successful woman?

No matter how big your dream is, have faith in yourself. Successful woman would always have confidence. Nothing in life is easy and nothing falls from heaven. We must work for it to get there. Respecting her own self and others is what a woman should strive for.

7. What makes a perfect man?

He is just in the imagination, he does not exist! (laughingly).

8. If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be?

Now a days violence is used to resolve problems. I would want to change it to Non violence. Instead of hurting people it would be best to solve problems without any violence (peace talks).

9. Your favourite character in history? And why?

I respect Gandhi ji. He is the most amazing character in history. He fought for the freedom of the country without arms, violence and blood shed.

10. If you were granted two wishes what would you ask for?

1) I would always want to help my family and want them to be happy and healthy.

2) Always be a winner. Have a great life and enjoy every moment. I want to feel like this for the rest of my life.

11. And what about woman rights? Any comments?

I think we are working on it and getting to what we want. We need to keep working hard and not give up.

12. Any message for those reading your interview worldwide?

Thank you very much for all the support!! Hope I can keep on contributing positively to the world. Thanks!!

By Nikki Rattan

Women's love affair with footwear

Women have been known to have a continuous love affair with shoes. Besides jewellery, bags and clothes, there is something extraordinarily important about women's shoes. In many parts of the world shoes are a status symbol.

Shoe designs and patterns have been innovated from time to time to create newness. Cost and comfort are two important factors in choosing the right pair to match up with the attire and occasion.

Designer shoes have also come under spotlight since women of all age groups are becoming increasingly brand conscious. The magnetic attraction between women and shoes is undeniably irresistible.

Many in real life seem to be suffering from the Sarah Jessica Parker (of Sex and the City series) syndrome, screeching in faux-orgasmic delight about their must have Stilettos as if nothing else in the world quite mattered. It is thrilling to figure out what to wear for that dainty party or the new office just joined or the wedding invitation that's on the cards. Most women sweat out a lot on the selection of the right footwear. Here is what some Desi fashion conscious shoe lovers living in US had to say about their criteria of shoe selection:

I think footwear is one of the most important elements in one's outfit. I make sure to match my shoes to my clothing, season and fashion trends. Boots are good in winters, and in summer I prefer wearing sandals in light shades during the day and darker shades during the night. - Anandita

Adidas, Puma, Diesel are some of my favorite sports shoe brands. Most Italian designers are good for party wear. The look, comfort and style matter the most when choosing the right footwear for an occasion. - Seema

I am a critical shopper. Nothing impresses me fast. Comfort and style both count. I have over 100 pairs of shoes in my closet which include long boots, sleek sandals, gladiators, sexy stilettos, elegant platforms, heels of different colors and material for all sorts of occasions. Leather is most preferred in winters. - Geetika

I go for designer wear as it is most comfortable and stylish. The price is higher than an ordinarily available pair, but foot comfort is something that cannot be compromised on. --Neema

I like strappy sandals and long heels. They make me look classy and powerful. I judge people strongly by their shoes. It tells a lot about a person. – Kiran

When building your wardrobe, one of the most important aspects is the footwear collection. It not only makes you feel good about yourself, but is also a symbol of status in society. - Sheena

Bollwood Actress Manisha Koirala is known for saying "Shoes! Shoes! Shoes! I've always been a shoe person - I love clothes and bags and belts, but shoes, I'll die for. I love to buy shoes all the time!"

Talk of expense and film star Preity Zinta is known to spend 1200 Euros on a pair of shoes and in an interview said "I love shoes. Anywhere, any place any time you take me to a shoe store."

While some prefer comfort, others go for the look. Celebrity choices in the US include, designer Jimmy Choo, BCBG, Christian Louboutin, Gucci or a Dolce and Gabbana to name a few with a fancy price tag of $900 and more. In the words of Louboutin "My shoes are perfect for the very sexy woman who wants to be elegant." Undoubtedly he attracts clients from all over the world and is a trend setter. Who can forget the Kate Moss, Rachel Hunter modelling for Jimmy Choo's creation for raising funds for Elton John's Aids Foundation in 2007.

Allison Pearson in her book "I don't know how she does it" associates power and autonomy with shoes. Ferris and Benstock relate shoes to gender, class, race and ethnicity." Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney`s in New York is known for saying "high heals create a level of authority."

Eik Ottosen, an ex model and a footwear designer, believes "If you make a product that makes people smile, you'll create positive energy." Indeed it is all about impressing the client. Anything that makes the buyer happy is bought. It could be the style, comfort, elegance or a Swarovski that makes the pair stand out and more appealing to the customer. On looking deeper into footwear designing by speaking to Mauela Filipovic, a renowned designer from Te casan in NY, some interesting facts were found:

Q. What do you think are more important aspects of a good shoe?

Structure, aesthetic and quality are the fundamentals that need to compliment and be in balance with each other in order to achieve the "wow"...

Q. What is the driving force behind your creativity?

It is the feeling of excitement and achievement when seeing the realized product. It gives me a fresh point of observation, which leads to new ideas. On a larger scale, an object or shape, never a character, are essential for the initial departure. I doodle a lot. There is a lot of adding and taking away during the design process and the design takes on more structure, becomes more complete. I need time to let everything sink in before creating the final design.

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As conscious as women are about the beauty of their feet by choosing the right pair, fascinatingly enough designers have done everything to pamper them even more. After all, good footwear makes a powerful style statement.

By Nikki Rattan

Dress to kill!

What is it that makes women never ending shoppers? Clothes, accessories, jewelry, the list goes on. Women of all ages tend to build up the wardrobe with utmost care and desire. The perfect wedding gown or the office attire, they are conscious of their look and have it all from exotic, ethnic, formal, classy or sporty.

Here is what some Indian women in the US had to say about the significance of clothes choices:

Clothes attract attention. It depends where I am going. I make sure to dress well and according to season. I choose my own attire and do not allow friends or family to interfere. -Anita

I am not a fashion victim but yes I am conscious of what I wear. I even judge people by their clothes. It can tell a lot about a person. Good dress up can have a hypnotic effect. Some colors or shapes can be very eye-catching, while others may be dull. -Henna

Dressing well improves confidence level. It helps you influence people in a positive way and makes me happy too. The first impression is made by the first look, for which you might never get a second chance. - Keerat

It is important to know what suits you. I don't follow fashion trends, but know what looks best on me. That's all that counts. - Jeena

Psychologist and image consultant Jennifer Skinner explained in an interview "I tell all my clients: You wear what you wear. If you have wardrobe consonance, your style persona will align with what you have in your closet, and what is in your closet will align with what you actually wear, and what you actually wear will influence your style persona. "

No doubt women are consciously making an attempt to improve the collection of clothes. This need for looking good and making a powerful statement is taken further by designers. Well-known Indian designer Jatin Kochar told SA Times a lot more about the psychology behind good clothing:

What is the most important element to be considered while designing for women?

Jatin Kochar: The most important element while designing for men or women is balance. If the outfit is heavy, then accessories should be light. And vice versa. If accessories are heavy then tone down the outfit. Indian women at weddings wear heavy make up and heavy outfits, which makes them look not so good.

What is heavy? Do you mean color or fabric?

Kochar: Lots of jewelry combined with heavy clothes is a no-no. Before going out, women often say to their companions, "You didn't say how I look." They end up looking like Christmas Trees. In the whole exercise of trying to look different they end up looking alike. For clothing or in fact any aspect of life, balancing works very well. We are all blessed with it and need to look inside ourselves for the right color/fabric. The barometer within us informs us what is right, but if you choose to ignore it you end up looking like a Christmas Tree.

How do you think clothes influence the personality of a person?

Kochar: Very interesting question. Clothes, consciously or subconsciously, convey a lot about your persona and current state of mind. For example, two college boys see a girl wearing a salwar suit, bindi or a typical Indian attire, the common perception would be "behenji." In reality, maybe the evening before she saw an Aishwarya Rai movie in traditional wear or Sridevi's 'Chandni', which influenced her choice. Next day, she could be in another state of mind and wear a strappy blouse and the same set of boys would see her as a different person. All she did is change her clothes.

Clothing is an effective tool. While at work, wear a nice tie that looks nice on you, you start the day on a positive note as you choose it and look good in it. When someone gives you a compliment, it makes you happy and look radiant and everyone wants to interact with such people. Most people don't look into this. Compliments make you look better. Hence productivity increases. If someone smiles at you, chances are you will smile back at them. It's like a virus.

A personal exercise that I do every morning when I wake up is smile. Saying a nice good morning to the world makes me happy.

Are there any 'Happy colors'?

Kochar: Instead of what's in, wear colors of fruits and vegetables of the season. These are the colors that are always popular at that point of time. For example, Indian summer has bright Indian colors like orange or mango or other fruits and vegetables that you get in summer. These are the colors in fashion and the fabric too is chosen this way. For example, velvet is never worn in summers, it is a heavy winter fabric. European royalty used to wear deep colors as it is cold there so brocade and velvet are used.

What is it best compliment you ever got from a women client?

Kochar: Anita Pratap, former New Delhi bureau chief of CNN, wears a royal blue evening gown designed by me which she bought 16 years ago. She combines it with a metallic belt. I think this is a compliment in itself.

Apparel selection is indeed an art. An art that most women know, those who don't must learn and dress to kill to make the right impression on the world!

By Nikki Rattan

Deepak Chopra on the essence of life, god, longevity and spirituality

What according to you is the key to healing process?

The healing process occurs when there is restoration of homeostasis and self regulation in the body. The body has a natural tendency to do this. Techniques such as meditation which quiets the mind, the giving and receiving of love which causes limbic regulation, yogic processes that train a person to consciously influence autonomic function, therapeutic massage, sensory modulation, the taking of natural supplements such as adaptgens are some of the key elements involved in the healing process.

You talk of spiritual awareness often in your books. What is it and how can a person achieve it?

Spirituality is a domain of awareness where we go beyond our skin encapsulated ego and experience our universality. It can be achieved through Being (Raja yoga), Feeling (Bhakti yoga), Thinking (Gyana yoga), and Doing (Karma yoga).

What was the transition from being a medical practitioner to becoming an author of several books like? Do you still practise medicine?

I extended my notion of healing from physical to mental to spiritual to environmental in that order. My books are about healing in the broadest context; the restoration of balance in the eco system. I maintain my license to practice medicine in Massachusetts and California and I occasionally consult with other physicians and also see patients. .

You have written a book "How to know God." Please tell us briefly what is your interpretation of God?

God is our highest instinct to know ourselves. God is a field of infinite possibilities. God is the source of all the energy, information, space time and matter in the universe. In my view, the idea of God as a person is a projection of the human imagination. God being infinite can not be imagined. As soon as you imagine anything, you limit it. Therefore, all religious attempts to personify God are examples of the best that collective human imagination can achieve. Even though God can not be imagined, God can be experienced in the state of pure consciousness.

What exactly is a mantra? Is there a universal mantra that one can practice for overall attainment and fulfilment?

A mantra is an instrument of the mind that allows you to go beyond the mind and experience the transcendent. There are many traditions and many kinds of mantra practice. The best use of mantra is to quieten the mind. This is done through bija or seed mantras. To expect a mantra to give you overall attainment and fulfilment in life is unrealistic. It is one of many tools in spiritual practice.

What are the benefits of meditation on the mind and the body? How should it be practised?

Meditation quietens both the mind and body and allows natural self regulation to emerge. Meditation is also effective in allowing spiritual qualities to unfold. These include insight, intuition, the empowerment of intention, imagination, creativity, and conscious choice making. Regular meditation also causes a shift in internal identity to silent witness to knower, to a more universal domain of awareness. There are various kinds of meditation practices, including vipassana, mindfulness, moving meditations and of course, the practice of mantra.

How do you access the power of love in well being of a person?

In order to experience love and well being, a person has to be natural, radiating a simple unaffected humanity, and willing to respond to the gestures of love around him/her. One must be willing to expose one's vulnerability, and be willing to surrender and embrace ambiguity, contradiction and paradox. As long as there is a need to control, manipulate, cajole, convince, insist, beg or seduce, love is not possible.

According to you "Quantum Healing looks past all the wonder drugs and modern technology to a natural way of healing which speaks to an integration of mind and body." Please explain.

Quantum Healing is biological creativity and involves a nine step process.

1. Intended outcome.
2. Information gathering.
3. Information analysis
4. Incubation
5. Insight
6. Inspiration
7. Implementation
8. Integration
9. Incarnation

It is a learned process.

How do get rid of stress, anxiety and attain true happiness?

Meditation, laughter, massage, visualization, sleep, sex, exercise, yoga, breathing, music, dance, crying are a few ways to alleviate stress. Happiness occurs when you reframe problems as opportunities and you make other people happy. However, existential unhappiness can only be addressed through spiritual practice.

What is a typical day in your life like? Does it start with a meditation?

My day starts with meditation and exercise. Otherwise there is no such thing as a typical day. I go with the flow.

What is your inspiration?

Just Being.

Your advice to our readers.

Take it easy. There is nothing to hold on to or cling to, and there is no one to do the clinging.

By Nikki Rattan

"Revamping Indian healthcare a priority now" Dr Hemant Patel

The Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has made a landmark in the history of mankind by dedicated reforms in the Indo-US relations. Dr Hemant Patel's service to the community started in May 2007 and since then there has been much progress in building Indo-US alliances. Founder of AAPI's NY-NJ chapter, Patel recently quoted Mahatma Gandhi in a grand function felicitated by US Senator Robert Menendez and organized by AAPI's New Jersey Chapter: "Be the change you want to see in the world. You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean, if a few drops in the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. If you want change, you better change yourself."

The man behind the scene, Dr Hemant Patel talks to SATimes and elaborates on health issues and more:

Congratulations for the successful completion of one year term as AAPI president and receiving the AAPI Award of Excellence. Please highlight some major achievements and contributions?

Patel: I was the AAPI president for a year and two months. I would call this our golden year in the past 25 years. This was the year of financial stability. Goals that were set in the Silver Jubilee Convention in Philadelphia have been met. All the programs were implemented and we had record breaking profits of half a million dollars. The money is being wisely used. The five platforms have been successfully achieved. This includes:

Increasing Membership & Strong leadership: Leadership has been encouraged across all 10 regions. AAPI members have made themselves heard about issues pertaining to humanity, philanthropy and health.

Partnerships & Alliances: Indian Medical College, Medical Council of India and Indian Medical Association are some examples of innovative alliances. Building up on the medical education in India was a concern for us. SMS college in Jaipur has started a one year diploma on Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine.

Global boundaries: AAPI members went to India in December 2007 to talk health with the Government there. Guests included Prime Minister of India, President of India, Minister of Health, and Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs. New policies and treatments were discussed. We have successfully contributed in improving healthcare in India.

Communication and advocacy: There has been improvisation of the US-India health debate, as AAPI members have raised their voice and collaborated with Indian physicians for discussing healthcare in the country. Health concerns were shared with the State legislative in New Jersey, Members of Congress, Yale University and talks were carried on with Indian politicians.

Women's Health: Our special initiative of organizing the Women's Healthcare Summit in Houston was extremely successful.

What were some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Patel: AAPI is run very well. The team is great and has performed diligently in achieving the milestones. Members and the board of trustees have always supported us. Everyone always felt positively involved in matters related to healthcare. We represented the most vital requirements to our legislators in Washington in the Fall Legislative Day, held in September last year. We have received so much support from everyone. We have maintained our respect for our motherland as hundreds of our members visited India to find methods for improvisation of health in India.

The most important element was achieving our five milestones.

Please tell us more about your contributions to the Indo-US Health summit.

Patel: The Indo-US Healthcare Summit in New Delhi laid down new foundations in that sector in India leading to new public-private partnerships. We worked with the Indian Medical Association to focus on health of Indian citizens. With the support of the Health Minister, we have been able to innovate departments of psychiatry, women, and mental issues. Our officials have exchanged knowledge, data news, records and know-how from both India and the US. This has been sealed with documents to set guidelines for future. We also gave recommendations and monograms to the Health Minister of India, which was a historic event.

The 1.2 billion people of India including the rural population will benefit from our partnership with Apollo Hospitals Group of India. The MoU has initiated Apollo Hospitals to assist 17 AAPI dispensaries in India in the rural sectors.

Another milestone is the diabetic project in Gujarat, where the health needs of an entire village will be looked after. A healthcare program has begun in the Medical College, Baroda. These decisions with Chief Minister of Gujarat are vital events in the history of AAPI.

What is your message/expectations from the future 2008-2009 team? What new developments for the betterment of US-India relationships do you expect?

Patel: My message would be to continue to work in the five areas. Most importantly the Indo-US health sector. We have to build a structure for the betterment of the society. Secondly, we have to maintain financial stability of the organisation.

I would still work on projects involved with the Indian American Committee (IAC). My focus would be first on India. I would like to carry on the aims laid down in Washington.

Any message you would like to give to the community on this Independence Day?

Patel: There are about 2.6 million Indians in the US. I want to support the Indian cause. Especially the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in the US Congress. I would always contribute to issues related to Indian-American community and would encourage citizens of India to discuss matters with congressmen and senators in the US about problems and their possible solutions.

Mayor Harvinder (Harry) Anand

Mayor Harvinder (Harry) Anand is the first elected Mayor of Indian origin in the State of New York and the first Sikh Mayor in US. He was elected as the Mayor of Laurel Hollow in Nassau County, Long Island on June 19^th, 2007. Laurel Hollow is one of the premier communities on the North Shore of Long Island. Laurel Hollow is a waterfront community with its private beach and homes ranging from $3 million to $25 million. Laurel Hollow is also home to the Cold Spring Harbor Lab, a world renowned lab for DNA sciences. The legendary Dr. James Watson, Nobel Laureate for the discovery of DNA, is a resident of Laurel Hollow and is the former Chairman of the lab.

Mayor Anand was first elected as a Trustee in 2002. He also served as the Deputy Mayor for the last two years before running for the Mayor’s office. Mayor Anand is a graduate of Civilian Police Academy in Nassau County and serves as the Police Commissioner for Laurel Hollow. He is a graduate of the Nassau County Civilian Police Academy and currently serves as a Director on the Advisory Board of Nassau County Police Explorers. He is also an active member of the Nassau County Police Reserves.

Mayor Anand has a Chemical Engineering degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is the President of a multi-national company, Royce International, involved in manufacture of industrial chemicals. Mayor Anand is married to Dr. Chandni Anand and has two kids, Nikita and Angad.

SAT was honored to ask him a few questions about his life, success and his goals for a better community in the coming future.

1. Please tell us about your family and the environment you grew up in.

I was born and raised in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. At that time Rajouri Garden was a suburb with a lot of open land and beautiful parks. My father owned a business in manufacture of automotive parts. We lived in a bungalow which my father had built in 1960. I had a lot of friends and I was social and outgoing as a child.

2. You have made incredible contributions to bring pride to USA and India globally by being the first Indian American Mayor of Long Island, New York. Please tell us about some of the projects that you are involved in.

Laurel Hollow is a waterfront community on the north shore of Long Island. We have a private beach surrounded by picturesque landscape which is dotted with multi-million dollar mansions. As the Mayor, it is one of my priorities in protecting the beautiful environment we live in. Last year we completed a beach beautification project which involved addressing some drainage issues, clean water processes and re-sanding of the beach. This year we have instituted new regulations for boating in our harbor to limit pollution and preserve our environment.

3. Is the development of the town progressing like you envisioned?

I was first elected as a Trustee on the Board 6 years ago. I served as a Trustee for 3 years and then Deputy Mayor for 2 years before running for the Mayor’s office. In my six years of serving our village, we have continued to make progress in preserving our environment, maintain a low tax rate and providing high quality of municipal services to our residents. Due to the inherent challenges of running a government in a democratic manner, at times you cannot make progress at the speed I would like.

4. What are your future plans for economic development and public interest?

My future plans are to continue to run an efficient village and preserve the beautiful suburban environment of our village.

5. How large is the Indian population in your area?

We have less than 15 Indian families in our village.

6. Do the rich Indians in NY spend on community upliftment?

Many members of the Indian community are involved in philanthropic efforts to help those who are less fortunate, in US and in India. As the Indian community grows in numbers and prosperity, I expect to see an increasing number of Indians making greater contributions for the upliftment of the society. Giving back to the society is an important tenet of our values, whether you are a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or a Christian.

7. Who has been your inspiration?

I live in very close vicinity to President Theodore Roosevelt’s estate Sagamore Hill. President Roosevelt was one of the most dynamic Presidents of United States. I take my inspiration from President Roosevelt.

8. Any message you would like to convey to your community?

To get involved in the civic life of our country. We can get involved by volunteering in schools, libraries, fire departments, civic associations and hospitals. It is through this voluntary work that we will be able to better integrate into this society.

9. What do you do to get the residents of Laurel Hollow involved in civic activities?
I encourage residents of Laurel Hollow to be involved in civic activities by welcoming them to our public meetings, encouraging them to be more involved in the community and presenting them with ideas and opportunities where they can get involved.

10. Will you be running for Governor in future?

I have no future political aspirations.

By Nikki Rattan