DARPAN Magazine- JULY 2018 by Darpan Magazine

JULY/ AUGUST 2018

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

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ummer is finally here! I hope you all are enjoying the long, sunny days and indulging in all the fun, interesting activities that are taking place all over Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Our July/August issue is sizzling with some great articles, beautiful stories and amazing tips. On the cover is the famous environmentalist and lawyer, Afroz Shah, who started the biggest beach cleanup project in Mumbai, all by himself in 2015. Heartbroken after seeing the Versova beach near his house filled with garbage and all kinds of trash, Afroz decided to take matters into his own hands – literally. He started picking up trash from the beach everyday. Eventually, volunteers began joining him in his mission, and they only grew in numbers each day. A shocking amount of 15 million kilograms of decomposing trash and plastic was collected from the 2.5 kilometre stretch of beach over a period of 21 months. Beyond the beach cleanup campaign, the young activist is spearheading multiple other projects that aim at protecting the environment and nature. Another article which lies around the theme of recycling and protecting the environment is on the importance of recycling. The three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are taught to us in elementary school. However, do we really do everything we can to put these teachings and resources to full use? Read the feature to know how you can do your bit for the planet. Parents, are your children already bored of the summer holidays? Do not fret, our little piece on summer break will give you ample ideas to make the most of your child’s school vacation. These are just some of the highlights of our splendid issue, go ahead and explore all that is in store for you. We would love to hear your suggestions and comments. Send it to editor@darpanmagazine.com. Have a lovely summer!

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WRITERS

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Benjamin Yong

EDITOR

Dr. Prakash Masand M.D.

Petrina D’Souza

Garima Goswami

PHOTOGRAPHY

Georgia Nichols

A Master Media

Glen Konorowski

AAA movies

Gurleen Kaur Bajwa

Pardeep Singh Photography

Harjan Padda

JC Images

ONLINE EDITOR

BEAT THE

DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bi-monthly magazine. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publishers. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2018 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

PUBLISHERS

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COVER CREDITS

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Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Cover: Afroz Shah

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Ramneek S. Dhillon

Tarana Rana Vanita Chandra

CONTACT Tel: 604-572-0199 Email: info@darpanmagazine.com 340-8140, 128 St. Surrey BC. V3W-1R1

ISSN: ISSN 1920-4000

JULY/ AUGUST 2018

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CONTENTS J U LY | A U G U S T

2018 24 COVER STORY

AFROZ SHAH IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER’S REACTION

Beat the Heat in Style

74 RECIPES

100 HOME

Chef Biju Thomas

80 HEALTH

Feeling Anxious?

84 FITNESS

Staying Fit as your Age

86 BEAUTY

The Promise of Primers

90 FASHION PAGES

Bringing Greenery Indoors

108 WEDDING John & Sonia

114 ACTIVITIES Paradise Awaits

116 TRAVEL

Medellín, Colombia

Making Dreams Come True: Ajay Bahadur Singh

142 GLOBAL INDIANS

Aishwarya Roshan Naitik Mehta Sahvan Khaira

Sejal Hathi

BUSINESS PROFILE 37 Sharn Bhinder: GoldKey Life Insurance 39 Nirwan Law Corporation

FEATURES

144 HOROSCOPE 146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

136

Meet the Guha Family

ENTERTAINMENT

64 FEATURE

40 SPECIAL FEATURE Youth Gang Violence: Havoc in the City

Be your own Boss

Summer Tech Guide

116

68 NEWS IN PICTURES

12 SPOTLIGHTS

60 FEATURE

94 STYLE

Sail Away from your Comfort Zone

David Eby

Rethinking Recycling

56 TECH

72 YOUTH COLUMN

10 DARPAN’S 10

48 FEATURE

52 SALUTES

LIFESTYLE

Boon or Goon?

136 BOLLYWOOD

98 FEATURE

Movie Calendar

5 Ways to Boost your Metabolism

Make Summer Break Memorable

138 HOLLYWOOD Take a Chance on Indie

104 FEATURE

AUTO

122 OpenRoad Auto Group Unveils Rolls-Royce Cullinan 126 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 130 BMW X1 134 Volkswagen GTI

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DARPAN MAGAZINE I am an avid reader of your magazine since it first came out. I have moved from Surrey to Edmonton and now to Toronto but one thing I have opted to follow is your magazine. My mom still saves me her copies to read when I return to Surrey. I am always inspired by what our community is able to accomplish and am proud of where we have made it. – Ramneet Nyathi

Re: Thank you for the kind words Ramneet. The

amazing stories of some of our community members are indeed inspiring and DARPAN aims to highlight their good work and encourage others to follow their path. Please read the latest issue and let us know your views on it. – Editor

FROM OUR SOCIAL FEED Praise for Jinder Mahal cover story Really well done. Writers who cover wrestling should do more things similar to this feature on Jinder Mahal. (sic) - @PierceAH66/ Twitter Congrats to you Mr. Mahal. Solid article too in #darpanmagazine. #JinderMahal will become#WWE#futurechamp. - (sic) @glasscitygirl79/ Instagram I am looking forward to picking up one of these @ darpanmagazine @JinderMahal (sic) - @WresCentral/ Twitter

Fitness Feature Keep up the good content!! (sic) - @afrosports. net/ Instagram Awesome, very motivating content!! (sic) - @dr.jesuscazares/ Instagram

Gary Dhaliwal Spotlight Oh Captain, my Captain! Check out this article in @darpanmagazine featuring Hawks captain Gary Dhaliwal! As noted in the article, @gdhaliwal_23 has received offers to play in the NCAA and for SFU! We’re so proud! (sic) - @deltaicehawks/ Twitter Yay! Great player and Captain!! (sic) - @BobFerguson/ Twitter

SPOTLIGHTS Hi, I really liked reading the articles on Joban Bal, Dr. Pushpa Chandra and Gary Dhaliwal. It is amazing to see such inspiring people in the community who are achieving great things. Thank you! – Rhucha T.

Re: Hello Rhucha, thank you for sharing your

thoughts with us. Spotlight is one of our best sections in every issue where we highlight some remarkable individuals who are doing good work for themselves and for the community. Enjoy the latest issue! – Editor

Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

YOUTH COLUMN The article on the key to happiness touched me deeply. Indeed, happiness is free and can be found in different forms yet we are always complaining about things we don’t have. – Asha Negi

Re: Yes Asha, you are absolutely right. Often we forget

about the good and happy things in our lives and focus on the difficulties, which will only lead to more sadness. I hope more and more people appreciate the beautiful life we are blessed with and lead a happy life. – Editor

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You are Welcome! Joban Bal Spotlight Congratulations to Joban and a thank you to @ darpanmagazine for the feature. He has played an integral role in the formation of this organization and helped inspire so many others to help make a change within their communities. (sic) - onebloodforlife/ Instagram

VQFF 2018 Thanks to @darpanmagazine for highlighting @ queerfilmfest! Indian filmmaker, writer, producer, cinematographer, and director #Debalina will be attending the screening of #AndTheUnclaimed & #IfYouDareDesire on Aug.14 at #VQFF2018 (sic) - @TeresaTrovato/ Twitter

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DARPAN’S

1 As you complete a year as Attorney

General, do you regret any decision you made so far?

More than 90,000 British Columbians participated in our engagement on the proportional representation referendum to provide their opinions on how this important vote should be conducted. This was the biggest engagement on any issue in the province’s history. In addition, more than 40 community organizations and individuals provided lengthier written submissions. These submissions were all compiled into a report available online at engage.gov.bc/howwevote, and were the basis of recommendations to Cabinet, which were accepted, about how the vote should be held, and what the ballot questions should be.

I wish I’d planned my time a bit better to ensure a good break with friends and family – the schedule of this job is so busy, it’s easy to get caught up and forget those closest to you who will be there when the work moves on to someone else. I think I’m doing a better job of time management now, but that first year was a blur. 2 What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing in your role?

It’s hard to balance between serving the local community as MLA and also fulfill the demands of the provincial role of Attorney General. For example, we have quite an open office which worked well when I was in opposition. However, now that every person and company who is suing or being sued by the province sees my name on the court documents, we get a lot more visits than we used to. Our town hall meetings, which used to be only locals, now attract people from across the province. My hard working staff and I are figuring it out, trying to get that balance of open accessibility to the people I serve, while also taking on this high profile role provincially.

8 Opposition has been stating that the NDP government has been massively increasing taxes to fulfil campaign promises. What is your comment on it?

HON. DAVID EBY BC ATTORNEY GENERAL

“The Opposition is clearly wrong. We are eliminating the MSP for families and individuals in the province,

3 With the Federal government’s decision

saving them as much as $1,800 every

to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline and proceed with the expansion, what would be the BC government’s next move?

Our concerns about the impact of a catastrophic oil spill on BC’s economy, especially the thousands of jobs in fisheries and tourism, haven’t changed based on the change of ownership of this project. We still believe that the owner of the pipeline, or the operator of any railway increasing their shipments of heavy oil, should prove that they have enough clean up equipment in place, and the necessary technology is there, to ensure we can clean up when the worst happens and we face another spill. 4 What is the government doing to increase more housing spaces in BC?

Our government has a budget that has the largest capital investment in affordable housing in BC’s history. We’ve also dedicated funding at BC Housing through the new “Housing Hub” to help groups with land that are interested in affordable housing to partner with BC Housing as a developer and use that expertise to help. For example, the United Church just partnered with BC Housing to build hundreds of units of new affordable rental housing. 5 Members of your riding have strongly

opposed the new school tax imposed on homes valued over $3 million. They say that though the tax increases, their income or ability to pay doesn’t. Are you considering revising this decision or proposing an alternative to this tax?

The tax is .2% on each dollar above $3,000,000, and .4% on each dollar of assessed value above

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

engagement about the proportional representation referendum?

year. This is the biggest tax cut for BC families in a very long time.”

$4,000,000. I am listening to my constituents and passing on concerns they have to the Finance Minister. I’m particularly working with people in unique circumstances – on leased land, or in a co-op that provides affordable housing – to address their concerns. For those that may be house rich, but income poor, my office is providing support so that people can defer their taxes, meaning that they don’t have to pay until they sell their home. 6 Many BC residents are of the opinion that due to the government’s focus on Site C dam and Kinder Morgan project, other campaign promises have been sidelined. What developments can public expect with regards to the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project or the four-lane Pattullo Bridge?

I do understand that people are impatient for significant transportation reforms. This was a file that was neglected for too long under the previous government. From light rail in Surrey to new busses across Metro Vancouver, we’ve got the biggest investment in transit in the province’s history rolling out in partnership with the Federal government. Similarly, the Minister of Transportation is working with Mayors across the region on a regional transportation plan to get traffic moving on our roads, including addressing longstanding issues like the Massey Tunnnel and the Pattullo Bridge.

DARPAN

7 What is the latest update on the public TM

The Opposition is clearly wrong. We are eliminating the MSP for families and individuals in the province, saving them as much as $1,800 every year. This is the biggest tax cut for BC families in a very long time. Similarly, our government eliminated tolls that were costing families that had to commute to work thousands of dollars, and diverting traffic on to secondary roads to avoid tolls. We’re making huge reforms to get costs under control at ICBC to make car insurance more affordable. And this is all in the first year! 9 What major introductions/developments can residents expect from the NDP government in the coming months?

In the coming months, you should expect to see your local NDP MLAs out at community events, listening to the people they serve, and bringing that feedback back to the legislature for the fall session which starts in October. The biggest change in the province to come in the next few months won’t come from a provincial decision, but will be the result of the Federal government’s legalization of recreational cannabis. While this was a decision made in Ottawa, it must be implemented by our provincial government. We will be working hard to get organized crime out of this industry, keep cannabis out of the hands of kids, and ensure British Columbians get the health information they need to make informed decisions. With your ability to handle various crucial issues, there are rumours that you will be the party’s next-generation leader. Do you see yourself as Premier or NDP party leader in a few years?

I’m very happy that the Premier has given me so many challenging files – I like to keep busy and do work that matters. I’m also happy that John is out there doing the critically important and difficult work across the province of being our Premier. I think he’s doing a great job, and many, many British Columbians agree with me, which makes it all the better that I have no interest in trading him jobs.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

The 22-year-old is a medical student, academic scholar, environmentalist, social entrepreneur, Bharata Natyam dancer, and passionate volunteer.

AISHWARYA

ROSHAN BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

PLAYING MULTIPLE ROLES WITH

PERFECTION

ishwarya Roshan plays various roles in her daily life. The 22-year-old is a medical student, academic scholar, environmentalist, social entrepreneur, Bharata Natyam dancer, and passionate volunteer. Aishwarya recently completed her third-year in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) studying Immunology, Physiology, and Public Health. In August, she will be commencing medical school at UBC having received early acceptance. She is also

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

a recipient of the Schulich Leader Scholarship, the largest science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) scholarship in Canada. In addition to her academics, Aishwarya is an active member of the environmental movement and is passionate about finding solutions to marine and land waste. Her initial interest in environmental issues stemmed in 2009, when she saw that an international climate change conference had not made commitments to reduce emissions. “I realized that the

DARPAN

 Aishwarya Roshan receives the City of Burnaby’s Youth Citizenship Award

ability to foster change was in the hands of my peers and I. I realized that social change would not start from lawmakers, but would have to come from community leadership, collaboration, and inspiration,” says Aishwarya who was recently named as one of the ‘Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 in Canada’. As part of

the environmental movement, she has organized several awareness events, community clean-ups and has spearheaded the construction of two fully functioning community gardens in Burnaby. In 2014, Aishwarya founded Vancouver’s Largest Clothing Swap, an annual event that seeks to reduce the amount of textile waste accumulating in landfills. “Vancouver’s Largest Clothing Swap has been one of my most fruitful endeavors yet. The idea of organizing a clothing swap came to me after learning that 12 million tons of textile waste is generated each year in North America, while 90% of that clothing is perfectly reusable,” shares Aishwarya. Since then, Vancouver’s Largest Clothing Swap has become an annual event, and has diverted over 50,000 garments from the landfill, and attracted and engaged over 600 attendees in education regarding waste management. “The most recent Vancouver’s Largest Clothing Swap, in October 2017, took place at UBC, facilitating a partnership among the various community and collegiate environmental organizations that I am a part of,” adds the young founder. Beyond her academic prowess and social initiatives, Aishwarya is a professional Bharata Natyam dancer, a form of Indian classical dance. She started learning Bharata Natyam

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at the age of five and fostered a deep appreciation for the art over the years. “Consequently, I viewed dance not simply as an art nor sport, but a way of life and an entity greater than myself. My interest in this art also grew immensely from the inspiration I drew from renowned dancers, particularly my Guru, Jai Govinda. Witnessing the physical, emotional, and mental mastery of the art by such dancers is a force of motivation I employ to enhance my practice, state of mind, and goals,” she expresses. Even after completing her Arangetram (graduation) in Bharata Natyam in 2014, she was not ready to end her passion and decided to

Aishwarya co-founded Asta Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the Indian classical dance traditions through community engagement.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AISHWARYA ROSHAN

presented her first full-length professional show titled ‘Satya: The Ultimate Reality’ at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. pursue it as a “The term ‘Satya’ in Sanskrit profession. “There means ‘truth’, and as such, was so much the show consists of items more that I wanted to that demonstrate sentiments experience – performing of truth and reality,” discloses to and influencing a wider the talented dancer giving audience, developing my a glimpse of the show. Her own choreography and inspiration behind Satya came productions, learning the about after identifying the underlying spiritual themes duality inherent in spiritual of dance, and reinforcing concepts and Hinduism. She my techniques. As well, I elaborates, “While at the also wanted to use Bharata surface level, a story may Natyam as a platform to open seem to simply tell an event, conversation on social issues there exist metaphors within it and themes,” recalls Aishwarya, that provide us with a deeper further asserting, “As an understanding of human aspiring professional, I have nature, society, and the world. the opportunity to perform for This deeper understanding is diverse audiences and positively the truth, so to speak, that I influence their conception of hope to explore and discover this art – an idea that appeals with my interpretations and greatly to me.” conception with contemporary On July 7, Aishwarya Bharata Natyam.”

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

Last year, Aishwarya cofounded Asta Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the Indian classical dance traditions through community engagement in the form of workshops, lecture-demonstrations, academic outreach, performances, and productions. “The term, Asta, in Sanskrit means ‘eight’. This number is significant for our organization because it symbolizes the eight existing Indian Classical dance forms that have originated from various parts of the Indian subcontinent,” explains Aishwarya. By facilitating open dialogue and artistic collaboration within the growing field of classical Indian dance arts, the non-profit intends to bridge the gap between public exposure and community resources. Asta Alliance’s most recent endeavour was the inaugural show ‘Advaita’. It presented dance forms from various schools and dance companies in Vancouver. Her advice to youth is “to start with a goal, no matter how small or large. Despite any difficulties you may experience along the way, this goal will always lead you back on the course of pioneering positive change!”

DARPAN

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

The young entrepreneur’s organization helps students with visible and invisible disabilities find mentors from the tech industry.

SPOTTING ABILITY IN DISABILITY

NAITIK MEHTA BY MURIEL D’SOUZA

mart and ambitious Naitik Mehta came face-to-face with reality during his internship at Microsoft. It was there that this second-year student came across the first blind engineer of his life. Later he learnt that this engineer was in fact denied a seat at the entrance exam for one of India’s top technology institutes but was awarded a scholarship at the very reputed Stanford University, all thanks to the support of a mentor. The story of this engineer inspired Naitik to co-found NextBillion.org, an organization that helps students with visible and

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

invisible disabilities find mentors from the tech industry. “We began thinking back on our lives and what made us what we are today. And it was mentorship that changed our lives,” says the young co-founder who started NextBillion.org with four individuals, two of them being differentlyabled themselves. “The specially-abled are an underserved population in universities, companies and even communities. The fact is that they are twice as likely to be unemployed. We plan on changing that,” he asserts. Nextbillion.org is a social community TM

where students with disabilities can get in touch with tech industry professionals who are more than ready to share their experience and knowledge. Naitik and his partners have together worked with some of the biggest brands in the IT industry – Facebook, IBM, Microsoft, Google and Uber to name a few. Their networking and expertise in the industry gives the organization an edge. The 8-10 week long mentorship program comprises goal setting, networking, disability disclosure, personal branding, technical skill development, relationship building, navigating opportunities and finally, interviewing in the real industry. Mentors dedicate a couple of hours a week while NextBillion makes sure both the mentors and the students have everything they need. “Mentors need patience to learn how to teach and to give. And so NextBillion is here to provide them with the resources so that everything is on track. We support the mentorship for 8 to 12 weeks and at the end of it, mentees emerge more confident. They have a development plan up and working,” says the 22-year-old entrepreneur who has recently completed his graduation and plans to take on this challenge full-time. Naitik studied Interaction Design, and used this knowledge to design NextBillion.org as an easy-to-sign-up and simple-to-understand site to navigate opportunities to get geared for the real industry. NextBillion.org makes sure both the mentors and the students are engaged at all times. About 13 of the organization’s students have already written their success stories and are working full-time in the tech industry; two have launched their own businesses; and four are interning, working their way one stepping-stone at a time.

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“The specially-abled are an underserved population in universities, companies and even communities. The fact is that they are twice as likely to be unemployed. We plan on changing that.” says Naitik.

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DARPAN

The humble recipient of over 25 awards around the world has bigger dreams for those he’s helping. “This year our goal is grow the community to 500 students, in 2020, perhaps 2000 and gradually we want to scale it up to a place where we are not restricted with numbers,” shares Naitik, who has been honoured with the global ‘25 Under 25’ Award from the founders of the Internet, Canada’s Top 3 Student Entrepreneurs by EO GSEA, and a ‘30 Under 30’ Award from BCBusiness for driving change in British Columbia. NextBillion.org wants to focus on targeting the 2.2 million students with disabilities waiting to be part of the tech industry. Given their expertise and network in the industry, the founders want to remain focused on doing a better job rather than a booming one. Contrary to public opinion and general notions, people with disabilities turn out to be more innovative and in fact more productive. Studies show that 90 per cent of people with disabilities are either equally good or even better in doing a certain job than people with no disabilities. Mentors who entered the program at NextBillion were twice as comfortable working alongside people with disabilities. Naitik’s message to everyone is “to keep an open mind, to look for strengths beyond appearances, as a simple chance can be life changing. People with disabilities have navigated challenges all their life and most of the times they exceed expectations. Tell them your story. That itself is learning to them.”

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT Last year, Sahvan led his team to glory with a remarkable record of six goals and 20 assists in 65 games for his team, Swift Current Broncos. At a hulking 6’4” and 225 lbs, he is a big man who plays like one.

A BRONCOS STAR WITH BIG GOALS

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PHOTOS: STEVE HISCOCK, DAVID ZAMMIT, COURTESY OF SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS & SAHVAN KHAIRA

ce hockey player Sahvan Khaira is a big man with big goals. Last year, he led his team to glory with a remarkable record of six goals and 20 assists in 65 games for his team, Swift Current Broncos. At a hulking 6’4” and 225 lbs, Sahvan is a big man who plays like one. An excellent player, Sahvan finished 10th in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in penalty minutes. This is his fourth year in the league; he played two years with the Seattle Thunderbirds and just completed his second season with the Swift

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Current Broncos. The most important lesson Sahvan learned in the last four years is “to not get frustrated. It takes some time to adapt to the league and understand what you need to do to thrive, but you just have to put in the work and grind through it.” This year, the Swift Current Broncos won the WHL Championship and advanced to the Memorial Cup. Sahvan’s stellar play and leadership significantly contributed to the team’s success. His veteran leadership was rewarded with the assistant-captain designation for the second half of the 2017-18 season. Being an assistant captain was “a cool experience” says the player. “As one of the older guys, I wanted to lead by example to drive our team and help the young players adjust to the league.” Growing up, older brother and Edmonton Oilers hockey player, Jujhar Khaira, was a big influence in Sahvan’s life. A young Sahvan would watch and learn from Jujhar’s games, and that fuelled his drive to play ice hockey professionally. When it comes to Sahvan’s playing technique, he likes to model himself after NHL defenseman Brent Seabrook.

Prescribing his own health care career Future doctor Johnny Truong found his passion for patient care at Douglas College

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aunching three careers in a single decade would be daunting to most people. But for Johnny Truong, it made perfect sense. With an undergraduate degree in health sciences from Simon Fraser University, Johnny started his post-university life as a pharmacy technician in 2009. In his spare time, he volunteered at a nursing home. This experience inspired him to become a nurse. “I saw the interaction nurses had with their patients and wanted that direct patient care to be part of my career,” says Johnny. Johnny entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Douglas College, graduating in 2014 and going on to work in hospitals as a registered nurse. But it wasn’t long before he decided he wanted to be even more involved in patient care, and become a doctor. “My experience as a nurse emphasized the importance of providing primary care to improve patient and community well-being, as well as to reduce overall health care costs. As a doctor, I would have more opportunities to effect change in this area,” says Johnny. In 2015, at 28 years old, Johnny was accepted to several medical schools in the United States, and chose TouroCOM New York. He starts his clinical training this summer, with the aim of practising family medicine. He says his nursing education at Douglas was key to preparing him for the rigours of medical school. “My nursing education gave me the focus and maturity needed to succeed in medical school. Most importantly, my patient care experience will greatly enhance my abilities to navigate through the hospital and work with an interdisciplinary medical team.” He says his instructors at Douglas played a big role in shaping his career, too. “My instructors inspired me to always look beyond the status quo and focus on the bigger picture, which for me meant looking beyond my day-to-day and finding ways to improve health care for my patients.”

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Being a big, bruising defenseman himself, Sahvan knows how to handle the puck, and with his recent experience as assistant captain, he also carries the leadership qualities Seabrook displays in the NHL. The main goal for the three major leagues in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is to win the Memorial Cup. The Swift Current Broncos were able to make it to the Memorial Cup but couldn’t bring home the trophy. The season was a huge success for the Swift Current Broncos; the team won each round of the WHL playoffs and become WHL Champions. Sahvan was a significant part of his team’s success and enjoyed every minute of it. “We were busy the whole time prepping and playing so [we] didn’t have too much down time but it was just an awesome experience,” recalls Sahvan about the Memorial Cup, which is the biggest deal there is in junior hockey. He appreciates the support and love he receives from Broncos fans and is thankful for their presence at the Memorial Cup in Regina, Saskatchewan. “Our crowds at home games during the WHL playoffs were easily the best and loudest I have ever played in and they still came out to Regina to give us so much support,” he adds. When it comes to contributions off the ice in the community, Sahvan does his part at team events. Specifically, he is involved in a program for reading to elementary school kids. He conveys how “nice it is to give back to the fans. A lot of these kids come to the games and recognize the players so it’s definitely an honour to do this work for the community.” Sahvan’s future goal is to get to the NHL. “Whether it be through the draft or summer camps, I want to make an impact and join a team to showcase my skills and make it on the big stage,” he states. With his work ethic and skill, he should have no problem reaching his goal and playing in the NHL one day.

DARPAN

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COVER STORY

CHAMPION OF THE EARTH

AFROZ SHAH BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

A Mumbai-based environmentalist and lawyer is leading the environmental movement in the city and tackling plastic pollution and other harmful concerns one step at a time. 24

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lmost every single day, we read about news on environmental conservation and protection. Just as we struggle to survive in this fast-paced world, nature is struggling and suffering silently too. So what are you doing about it? How are you protecting your natural environment, which is essential for your growth and well-being? Even a single step towards caring for Mother Nature can do wonders. And if you think one person can’t do it alone, then here’s an excellent example proving that it’s possible. India-based environmentalist and lawyer, Afroz Shah, started the biggest beach cleanup project in Mumbai, Maharashtra, all by himself in 2015. Heartbroken after seeing the Versova beach near his house filled with garbage and all kinds of trash, Afroz decided to take matters into his own hands – literally. He along with a senior neighbour started picking up garbage from the beach everyday. “I still remember the day very vividly of October 2015. The whole beach had tonnes of plastic,” recalls Shah. Eventually, he was joined by volunteers, that only grew in numbers each day. Witnessing the change and support the project had manifested, Shah started penning TM

down this personal journey to save Versova beach on social media. Every week through the hashtag ‘Marine Debris Chronicles’ he gave an update on the progress of the cleanup. The campaign received tremendous attention and worldwide support, along with an increase in volunteers by thousands comprising of youth, slum-dwellers, entrepreneurs, Bollywood celebrities, professionals, and seniors. A shocking amount of 15 million kilograms of plastic and filth was collected from the 2.5 kilometre stretch of beach over a period of 21 months. United Nations labelled the campaign the “world’s largest beach cleanup project.” Afroz and millions of volunteers breathed new life into the beach, which is now regularly maintained via cleanups every weekend. “We now have students, people from slums, Bollywood celebrities, lawyers, doctors, everybody wanting to connect with nature and now we are going a further level to protect nature,” says Afroz, whose honest efforts have been praised by famous personalities, politicians and global leaders. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) honoured Afroz with the Champion of the Earth award for his work in organizing community-led clean-up efforts. Though the Versova beach cleanup was Afroz’s most publicly-known campaign, the young lawyer has been actively involved in protecting the environment and nature since

“My model is very simple – don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. This whole movement of mine is based on the edifice of love, first we have to love each other and then love nature, and that is what is missing in the world.”

many years. “I have lived all my life on the coast of Mumbai, so mangroves are very close to me. I have been working on mangrove protection for long, it is just that I did not talk about it,” says Shah. He and his dedicated volunteers are also cleaning the mangroves and simultaneously working on other environmental concepts that aim at tackling plastic pollution and safeguarding the environment. A crucial concept among them is circular economy which Afroz explains as “reducing our waste as much as we can and whatever waste we get, we recycle.” Afroz states that in Mumbai there are 60 per cent people living in what he calls a “human ocean conflict zone” – people living in slums and wadis where the Municipality doesn’t pick up their garbage. “What they do with the plastic and garbage is they throw it into the creek, from the creek it enters into the ocean and lands onto our beaches. I want to get circular economy in each of these households,” asserts Shah, who is engaging with these communities on ways to monetize plastic and get circular economy. He is also working with commercial establishments and teaching restaurants owners to be more plastic-free. Afroz’s work with communities and commercial establishments has been getting a positive response. “We are all born to love nature. It’s only that sometimes the system either

DARPAN

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

COVER STORY “I would urge all

the youth to start their personal journey with the environment. That is the key to building our bond with nature. We crave for companions in our lives; we should crave for the companionship of nature as well.”

Afroz Shah with Erik Solheim, UN Environment Chief

enhances it or dampens it. When you are born with it, I only have to just converse with them, explain to them and teach them what has to be done and they spring into action,” shares Afroz, further narrating a short interaction he had with Hotel Vrindavan’s owner, Praveen Shetty, while working with him. “He [Praveen] said to me that he wants to do it for his young kids and doesn’t want to leave a terrible planet to them. I asked him what stopped him from doing it for so long, he said sometimes we need a little nudge and you gave us that nudge.”

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The social activist is also mentoring around 60,000 kids and getting them involved with his projects. “One Afroz is not enough for this planet. We have to create thousands and millions of Afroz who will work with the same passion and love. Then only will we as humans be able to protect other species,” he proclaims, hoping to create a huge army of ocean lovers and nature lovers who will engage constantly with the environment every week. Afroz also wants to gradually get rid of all the plastic from the oceans and is working on this mission one step at a time. Recently, Afroz invited the divers from the Government of Maharashtra’s Mangrove Cell to use their skills to locate plastic in the ocean. Coca Cola India came forward and supported this initiative by sponsoring the gear and

equipment required. “We could find plastic in the belly of the ocean. The visibility was very poor and whatever the divers could find was all plastic. So maybe post monsoon in October we will start using divers to clean the ocean,” updates the Champion of the Earth awardee. Afroz was also CNN-IBN’s Indian of the Year in Public Service in 2017 and received various accolades for his efforts. Afroz is deeply rooted in this movement and is tirelessly working towards protecting the environment and helping people reconnect with nature. “My model is very simple – don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. This whole movement of mine is based on the edifice of love, first we have to love each other and then love nature, and that is what is missing in the world.” Though his mission has gained success and support, Afroz had to face his share of challenges and complexities along the way. Last year in November, he suspended the Versona beach cleanup campaign citing reasons such as abuse faced by goons for picking up garbage, administrative lethargy, non-clearance of picked up garbage and abuses. “I suspended the beach cleanup for 10 days in November but the other activities went on. I wrote on the post that if the ground reality changes, we will come back.

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“Governments are good at making laws but they need to make enforcement and implementation very important. If laws are not obeyed by the citizens, especially with environment protection, then the environment and Mother Nature suffers.”

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Thousands of Indians and citizen all over the globe said that this movement should not stop,” recalls Shah. The suspension did not stay for long as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sena Yuva President Aditya Thackeray, and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri intervened in the matter and promised that things will change. “Eventually the government machinery did spring into action. I am grateful for all of them [Fadnavis, Thackeray and Puri]; they made sure this movement was back on.” I ask him if he ever felt like giving up completely because his work

alone was not enough. Afroz answers, “I called my efforts a date with the ocean. And when you are on a date, you don’t want to quit. You want to keep going on. There was never a doubt on my mind.” Afroz’s movement is in fact governed by three key words – consistency, sincerity and persistency. “We all love nature but what is required of our love is that external manifestation of our love. That external manifestation for me is to put your two hands to use, whether to clean a beach, a mangrove or to get circular economy or monetize plastic. When this is the theme of your work, then everything

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“We all love nature but what is required of our love is that external manifestation of our love. That external manifestation for me is to put your two hands to use, whether to clean a beach, a mangrove or to get circular economy or monetize plastic. When this is the theme of your work, then everything else is secondary and quitting is certainly not on your mind.”

else is secondary and quitting is certainly not on your mind,” he states. The inspiring environmentalist’s good work is creating a ripple effect. “At this point in time in Mumbai, there are five beach cleanups going on. There are three beach cleanups going on in Dadar, one is Mahim and one in Vasai,” mentions Afroz proudly. Beside Mumbai, cleanup campaigns are taking place in various parts of India as well. Currently, cleanup of Gomti River in Lucknow and of River Khan in Indore are going on, both initiated by Afroz. He also plans to start the campaign in Delhi and Bengaluru. “It feels very nice that people want to change and want to protect their water bodies. I feel very happy that a lot of people are watching me and saying that they are inspired and want to do what I do, it is a very positive sign,” expresses Afroz. While talking about being an inspiration to many, he shares a beautiful,

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emotional episode he witnessed when he went to speak at Vibgyor International School recently: “All the kids were wearing a Gandhi cap. On one side it was written ‘I am Afroz’ and on the other side it was written in Hindi, ‘Mein Afroz Hoon’ [I am Afroz]. I got very emotionally charged up and I called two boys on stage and asked them why they are wearing these caps. They said ‘we want to step into your shoes.’ Hearing that I said, my work here is done.” The Indian Government is also working on solutions to become more environmental-friendly. The Government of Maharashtra recently enforced a ban on single-use plastic items, including bottles and carry bags. At the World Environment Day celebrations, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan pledged to eliminate all singleuse plastics from the face of India by 2022. The annual average per capita consumption of plastic in India is said to be at 11 kilograms as against global average of 28 kilograms, so these introductions are definitely a positive step in ensuing that our oceans, environment and nature stay healthy – not just for the present generation but the future generations too. Afroz applauds the government’s decision but states that there is a long way to go before Maharashtra or India becomes completely plastic-free. “You can introduce a ban but to change to alternatives or changing our habits to something which is more environment-friendly will take time.

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“One Afroz is not enough for this planet. We have to create thousands and millions of Afroz who will work with the same passion and love. Then only will we as humans be able to protect other species.” We should not expect that a Superman will arrive and will change the whole scenario about plastic,” he voices his opinion further mentioning that it is an individual problem. “It is people like you and me that litter. And then we blame the institution. What we are lacking is how to train people to handle plastic. We should not beat plastic, but we should beat plastic solution.” Implementation and enforcement of the laws is the key, he says. “Governments are good at making laws but they need to make enforcement and implementation very important. If laws are not obeyed by the citizens, especially with environment protection, then the environment and Mother Nature suffers,” he explains. “Second they have to build up a civil society and a government

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“It feels very nice that people want to change and want to protect their water bodies. I feel very happy that a lot of people are watching me and saying that they are inspired and want to do what I do, it is a very positive sign.” partnership which is not happening at all as far as environment goes. It has to become the rhythm of our lives, rhythm of our governance model. That is the key now.” Another concern he states is that corporate companies are not doing their part with regards to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). “EPR has to be pushed by the local and central government and United Nations. Corporates must step in to pick up their garbage, they are the producers. There has to be a partnership between the government, the citizens and the corporate to make sure our oceans are protected and our nature is protected.” In conclusion, Afroz’s message to youth is “to connect with nature. I would urge all the youth to start their personal journey with the environment. That is the key to building our bond with nature. We crave for companions in our lives; we should crave for the companionship of nature as well.”

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harn Bhinder, president and owner of Goldkey Life Insurance Services Ltd., has been in the insurance industry for over two decades. She got her first job right out of high school with a large insurance company in Toronto. “Their professional and broad range of products were exciting to learn, and my mentor, Bill Bachra, gave me the opportunity to learn about the insurance industry from ground up. The industry is magnificent and fascinating, it allows protection to any type of risk and the more complicated the risk was, the more I became intrigued,” recalls Sharn who currently specializes in Estate and Financial Planning. Goldkey Life is a crucial component of Goldkey Insurance Services Ltd, which is one of BC’s largest brokers. The 30-year-old company was founded by Sharn’s father, Raghbir Bhinder, which is now run by Sharn and her two brothers, Nav and Tony. At the age of 24, Sharn started her very first agency, TSN Insurance, the initials stand for Tony, Sharn and Nav. It was through TSN that she gained independence as a business owner. Goldkey Life is a partnership between Sharn and the president of BCIBN BC India Business Network, Vivek Savkur. Sharn’s interest in Estate and Financial Planning grew while witnessing the success and accumulated substantial financial wealth of the South Asian community. Her own personal experiences, having owned and operated several businesses, became a learning opportunity and she decided to impart this knowledge onto others. “Many corporations are not aware of the options they have on saving taxes, and how to successfully hand over their businesses to their children without facing extensive tax consequences. Once I became familiar with the best-suited options for myself and my family-owned businesses, I felt it was a responsibility to share what I had learned with friends, family and clients,” says the experienced professional. Sharn asserts that “Estate planning

is more than just drafting a will.” She states three points on the importance of Estate and Financial Planning, and how her knowledge and service can benefit families and businesses:

law changes until its time to face them,” points out Sharn, further adding that many clients who have arranged their estate planning and life insurance are unaware of the difference in policy types. “I see so many clients with Universal Life The first action we should Polices with yearly renewable term all take is drafting a will, no (YRT) who have not been given matter what our financial position the correct information as to what is. A will gives instructions on how this refers to. Clients should be to divide or settle all assets. After aware that there are agents who a will is drafted, a client needs prefer to offer these products for to sit with their accountant to the sake of their compensation, this determine how much in tax is is unfair to the client,” she explains. required to transfer any personal Sharn urges families to discuss or corporate businesses or real the pros and cons of estate estate especially partnership planning among family members shares, to their beneficiaries. and find out a solution that works for the present and future Business owners and professionals invest all their generation. “Our parents and grandparents have worked hard time and effort into the growth in providing a foundation for of their corporation and rely their children, whether by owning on accountants and lawyers to their own home or building an provide the best options on how empire. The opportunities given to save and protect their hard work. However, the discussion to to the next generation are not necessarily available in today’s retire and hand over the success financial market. The cost to to the next generation is hardly purchase a home or open up a communicated. Many business business, let alone the taxes, has owners are unaware of how to risen substantially in comparison withdraw from their companies to the income that this generation tax-free; this is where my can earn. That is the reason why it’s knowledge can be of use. imperative that estate planning be discussed; this generation and the Lastly, many successful next will not have enough liquid companies are integrated with partnerships, it is imperative cash available to pay taxes on any that partners discuss options they transfer of property or businesses owned by their parents,” she says in have in the event one partner is conclusion. not able to continue with their Protect your present and commitment. How do shares of provide a strong future to the next one partner get transferred to generation by heading to Goldkey another tax-free, and how can a Life Insurance Services Ltd. today surviving partner pay for shares for a free assessment. of another if they do not have available cash? This is where I am able to offer my expert advice.

Common misconceptions about Estate & Financial Planning

The misconception most people have is that if they have a will, their beneficiaries will get their assets transferred tax-free. This is not the case, anytime a transfer of ownership is necessary it requires payment of transfer tax. Other than your personal home, this applies to everything else owned, whether it is a car, rental property or a large corporation.

The second misconception is that life insurance is a waste of money. However much you or your business has accumulated, when the time comes to transfer assets, taxes will apply unless you have liquid cash available. Therefore, a life insurance or corporate estate policy is essential.

“Understanding your options on how to plan for the financial growth of your company is essential, and companies should sit with their accountants and financial advisors yearly to discuss these options. Many business owners are unaware of the tax

Life insurance products are specifically designed for individual needs, therefore not all life products are the same. The products I deal with are especially designed to support corporations on how to withdraw money from their retained earnings tax-free. Although there are many agents who will recommend certain products, it’s not until I sit with them that they realize the difference.

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(1)Compared to other major TV providers in Western Canada. (2) A 4K digital box is required to watch YouTube on Optik TV. (3) The Restart feature is currently available on select channels and shows. Visit Optik Restart channel list for a complete list of channels which support the Restart Feature. Record, skip ahead and fast forward functions are not available for restarted programs. (4) Offer subject to change without notice, while quantities last and cannot be combined with promotional prices. Available to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV or Internet in the past 90 days. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular pricing, without notice. Regular pricing includes an ongoing $10/ mo discount for Internet 50 or higher. 4K HDR television required to watch 4K HDR. Optik 4K PVR and Internet 50 or above required to watch 4K HDR on Optik. Subscription to corresponding channels required; not available with all channels. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. The Essentials is required for all Optik TV subscriptions. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement and will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term TM(with a partial month counting as a full month), divided by the total number of months in the term, plus applicable taxes. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. LG 50UK6300 TV has a retail value of $799, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The TELUS logo, telus.com and Optik TV are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under Reflecting The South-Asian license. All copyrights for images, artwork andLifestyle trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. © 2018 TELUS.

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EXCELLENCE & COMMITMENT We are now offering services such as corporate restructuring, shareholder agreements, purchase and sale of commercial and residential properties, mortgages, re-financing, joint venture agreements, and preparing wills, to name a few,” states lawyer Preet Sandhu.

Nirwan Law is advancing into multidisciplinary services to meet the growing needs of its clients. Preet is a crucial part of this expansion and will be a Solicitor for the firm. “We are now offering services such as corporate restructuring, shareholder agreements, purchase and sale of commercial and residential properties, mortgages, re-financing, joint venture agreements, and preparing wills, to name a few,” states Preet, further revealing that NLC is also looking to expand its services to other communities beyond the Lower Mainland. Preet is excited about her future at a legal firm that is well-known for its excellence and commitment. “Nirwan Law Corporation’s success can only be measured by the success of our clients. At our firm, a file isn’t just a file; we are passionate about our work. We meet with our clients, get to know them, and we work with them to achieve the best results. We take the time to get to know who you are, what your story is, and what outcomes you want to achieve. We then do our upmost to deliver those outcomes,” she says proudly. Through NLC, Preet has been exposed to the workings of the legal world and grown into a good, compassionate lawyer. She credits this professional growth to her mentor Harpreet, who is an expert in civil litigation, criminal defence and personal injury law. “He has been genuinely invested in fostering my career goals. Harp is the epitome of hard work, commitment and professionalism. I join him in court and witness him interact with clients daily, and I can say, as a professional, I want to be just like him,” expresses the young lawyer. Head to Nirwan Law Corporation for a free consultation on all your legal needs. They also offer services in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

he fundamental goal of a she became an official lawyer. “I lawyer is to passionately became a lawyer to help others. My help others within the dad always told me [while] growing parameters of the law. This goal is up to defend the defenseless, and it further enhanced when met with stuck with me. Also, I get paid to right guidance and justified practise. read, write, talk, think and argue Preet Sandhu, a lawyer at Nirwan – all things I love doing anyway!” Law Corporation (NLC), has had shares Sandhu, who has decided the opportunity to experience both to continue her law journey with at the law firm. NLC in a new role. Surrey-based Nirwan Law More than 500 Cases Won! • Awarded Over $5,000,000 in Settlements! Corporation is an established law NIRWAN LAW CORPORATION firm that practises in the areas BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS of ICBC claims representation, P: 604-372-0253 F: 604-372-0254 personal injury law, criminal law and #209-15240, 56th Avenue Surrey, B.C. V3S 5K7 civil litigation. Preet was an articling Email: Harpreet: hnirwan@nirwanlawcorp.com student at NLC since June 2017, Preet: psandhu@nirwanlawcorp.com with barrister Harpreet Nirwan www.nirwanlawcorp.com as her principal. In June 2018,

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

SPECIAL FEATURE

Youth Gang Violence:

Havoc in the

City

WHO IS ANSWERABLE TO A COMMUNITY ON THE EDGE? 40

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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By Naina Grewal

‘‘City of Surrey: The future lives here’’ In

true sense, what is ‘the future’? Of course, the future of any community is dependent on its youth – future professionals, parents and leaders. In light of recent events, however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a pressing issue is plaguing our future: gang violence. Over the last two decades, organized crime has especially increased its presence amongst younger people, resulting in more illegal activities and acts of violence than seen before. When speaking of gang violence, it is important to begin with the origin of the problem. According to Public Safety Canada, there are various reasons behind why youth indulge in gang life; some seek excitement while others are looking for prestige, protection, a chance to make money or a sense of belonging. Consider

GURPREET SINGH SAHOTA, OWNER, CHARHDI KALA PUNJABI WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

that approximately half of gang members in Canada are under the age of 18, depicting the relative ease of going down the wrong path at a vulnerable time of life. From the youth perspective, Grade 12 student, Gurbaz Singh, puts forth an interesting perspective, “Some youngsters idolize people who are in gangs. They think that the lifestyle will get them more dominance, superiority, respect and even fear.” Undoubtedly, entertainment industries repeatedly embed in audiences one-sided displays of gang life. The portrayal seems attractive at an age where no stable source of financial income exists. This, then, ties into the fact that gang life is deeply rooted in drugs. As drugs are illegal, those who sell them make significant money.

The community is victim to gang violence and we have had enough. We are working on layers to identify where each level is wrong — be it the police, municipal government, federal government, parents, schools and so on.’’

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WALLY OPPAL, CANADIAN LAWYER, FORMER JUDGE AND PROVINCIAL POLITICIAN

As long as drugs are illegal and as long as money can be made, there are always people who will get involved. They will take risks that often result in death.’’

LINDA HEPNER, MAYOR, CITY OF SURREY

City of Surrey is committed to ensuring we provide the resources necessary to enable early interventions for our youth and support for those who seek to exit the gang lifestyle.’’ 42

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Canadian lawyer, former judge and provincial politician, Wally Oppal deems drugs as the main cause of gang violence across North America, leading to linked issues such as turf wars and internal fights with rival gangs over territory. He explains, “As long as drugs are illegal and as long as money can be made, there are always people who will get involved. They will take risks that often result in death.” Given these insights, it may appear that gang violence is inevitable. Especially with the development of the Internet, there are many spaces and media platforms where kids can be exposed to, and recruited into the criminal lifestyle, including that of social media. The same promises and myths that are being made on the streets are being perpetuated online. However, Corporal Elenore Sturko, Media Relations Officer at Surrey RCMP shares, “Young people get exposed to glamourized ideations of gang life. It’s up to the community, including the police, to shed light on the realities of this lifestyle and help young people make positive life choices.” In other words, while drugs, money, and power are all origins of gang violence, there are also communal causes of gang violence at play. In example, there is significant correlation between domestic violence in the household and indulging in gang life – this is clearly a community issue that can be combated. TM

After the recent death of two Surrey teenagers, Jaskaran Singh Bhangal (17) and Jaskiran Singh Jhutty (16), in a gang violence incident, a rally was held seeking accountability from city officials, police and politicians. Organized by Charhdi Kala Punjabi Weekly Newspaper owner, Gurpreet Singh Sahota, the rally received an overwhelming response with about 8,000 to 10,000 people in attendance, including Jhutty and Bhangal’s families. “Our community needs to kind of wake up and stop all this. We need answers for why it’s only happening in Surrey,” said Mandeep Bhangal, Jaskaran’s aunt to CTV Vancouver. Through the rally, she hoped to create awareness on this issue at hand so that more youth are not killed. “We’ve lost our son. He’s not coming back. We know that. But maybe we can make some changes so that another family doesn't lose their son,” said Bhangal as stated in the news report. Sahota describes gang violence as a multilayered issue, “The community is victim to gang violence and we have had enough. We are working on layers to identify where each level is wrong – be it the police, municipal government, federal government, parents, schools and so on. The conversation has started at each layer. Everybody is worried.”

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PHOTOS: DARPAN ARCHIVES, ISTOCK, COURTESY OF PEOPLE FEATURED

SPECIAL FEATURE

CORPORAL ELENORE STURKO, MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER, SURREY RCMP

SAIMA NAZ, PRINCIPAL, ILEARN DL SECONDARY SCHOOL

Our education system is not geared to help children who come from these families. Both a sense of emotion and responsibility need to be infused back into the education system.’’ Surely, work is being done at all levels. Mayor Hepner’s recent statement confirms that the City is “committed to ensuring we provide the resources necessary to enable early interventions for our youth and support for those who seek to exit the gang lifestyle.” The Surrey RCMP has 17 different programs and initiatives addressing the issue and schools repeatedly engage in preventative education surrounding gang life. For example, the Code

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Blue and Mini-Blue programs are proactive endeavours that help to build positive police-youth relationships through fitness at secondary and elementary schools. Participants gain physical benefits, self-confidence and leadership skills. In regard to parent outreach, the Surrey RCMP Parent Helpline provides guidance for parents/guardians who believe their child is involved or at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity. Youth officers and counselors assist them with resources, police information, and intervention services to help protect their children from the criminal lifestyle. Together with the Surrey School District, the Surrey RCMP continues to offer the Wrap Program, which deters gang involvement by positively attaching youth to school, their community, and their home by building trusting and positive relationships. About 610 kids have been served in Wrap since the program began in 2009. In fact, Doug Strachan, communications manager at Surrey School District, communicates that the district has anti-gang initiatives that reach out not just to students, but to their families and into the community with education and other strategies to counter gang-related recruitment and activities. The TM

Young people get exposed to glamourized ideations of gang life. It’s up to the community, including the police, to shed light on the realities of this lifestyle and help young people make positive life choices.’’ First Step Program is a 12-week, classroom-based, youth gang prevention program for elementary students. Safe Schools staff partner with students in Grades 6 and 7 to create, develop and present gang prevention skits to students, teachers and parents. Parents are encouraged to take part in this program by working with their children to increase gang prevention knowledge at home. Although these programs are central to combating the problem, the first step evidently begins from home – the first place where a child begins to learn. This then begs the question: what next steps can we take to combat the problem from a preventative standpoint? Below are some actions that can be implemented in our everyday lives:

In-school involvement is a must. Parents need to give the time to attend Parent Advisory Council meetings at school and proactively become part of the solution. Be sure to attend important events such as parent-teacher meetings. This way, children further realize that their actions at school do not go unnoticed.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

An Open Letter to the Residents of Surrey In an open letter to Surrey residents, Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, Officer in Charge, Surrey RCMP, wrote:

RANDEEP SARAI, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SURREY CENTRE

We must be engaged as citizens and we must report crimes or suspicious activity when we see it. Call or seek help if you see signs of bad behavior or personality changes in your child.’’

Cash is not king - time is. Do not choose the double shift over a family dinner. Take the time to involve your children in activities that productively keep them busy – be it a pet, sport or volunteering; participate in and attend these activities as well.

Break the code of silence. Make sure you are approachable and do not dismiss what your children say. By listening to children and spending time to learn about them, communicate that you are easy to talk to – even if they’ve done something wrong. Stay informed about their social networks – peer pressure is a catalyst of gang violence! Alongside prevention, Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre, makes an important point, “We must be engaged as citizens and we must report crimes or suspicious

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activity when we see it. Call or seek help if you see signs of bad behavior or personality changes in your child.” Many times, we take issues as phenomenon that only happen to ‘others’. When we realize that these issues impact all of us directly, a sense of urgency and immediacy is created, leading to action. Being dismissive or ignorant about the existence of an issue does not help cope with the problem. Consequently, being proactive and hands-on as parents, teachers and citizens is key to resolution. Saima Naz, principal of iLearn DL Secondary School, brings into attention three areas that need attention: (a) Children are seeking safety, security and acknowledgement from other places when that sense of connection is missing at home; (b) Our education system is not geared to help children who come from these families. Both a sense of emotion and responsibility need to be infused back into the education system; (c) We must invest in our parents. Every job has training, but there is no such thing for the largest jobs of all – parenting. Parents need to understand what good communication looks like and the need to establish effective boundaries. Naz summarizes, “Empowered parents will lead to healthier kids. Healthier kids make stronger communities.” Overall, gang violence is a complex issue, requiring a combination of integrated, targeted and evidence-based solutions to prevent its TM

Excerpts from the letter: “This is not who we are as a City. As your police chief I am committed and determined to doing everything I can to stop the continuation of this violence. Surrey is a dynamic, growing city that has smart, talented youth and caring community members. We should not let our city become defined by the senseless actions of a few.” “The Surrey RCMP is transparent and accountable to you, the residents of this city. I am confident in our policing model and proud of the performance of our officers and municipal support staff. They do an exceptional job day in and day out, often placing their lives at risk in order to serve and protect. They care about this community and keeping Surrey residents safe.” “As your police force, we will deal with the crime and work diligently to bring those responsible to justice – that is our job. In order to successfully keep our youth and neighbourhoods safe over the long term, we need your continued support. We need to remain united, talk to our kids, and get involved in our communities in positive efforts such as Block Watch and youth mentoring.”

proliferation into our communities. Just as the problem isn’t one-fold, the blame cannot be shifted solely onto one party. All of us are just as equally part of the problem as we are of its consequences. Gang violence is not just another story; it impacts us all and is more closely related to you than you may think. Together, we have the power of voice, which is instrumental in creating change. For this reason, we must recognize that the ability to tackle a large issue emerges from small steps – steps that you and I can take from the comfort of our very homes. With these steps, we walk towards a better future for ourselves, our children and our communities.

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It is time that we play our part in making our environment green, healthy & preserved for our future generations.

he three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are taught to us in elementary school, in hopes of building a foundation of proper practices to keep our environment clean. However, do we really do everything we can to put these teachings and resources to full use? Often, the answer is no. I believe that two big reasons exist for this answer – one is that recycling still is not a habit for most

people, but rather an additional chore that is sometimes remembered; and two, there are still a lot of gaps in knowledge and confusion built around what and how things can get recycled. These two areas can be worked on and fixed, which would create an amazing positive difference in the way we take care of our environment. Recycle BC, a nonprofit organization launched in 2014, is dedicated to collecting and recycling products for 98 per cent of BC. By partnering with businesses, organizations and local

Recycling tips There are a number of things we can all do to ensure as much material as possible is recycled. When recycling, keep the following tips in mind!

Not everything should go in your home recycling bin You can recycle packaging and paper, including containers (plastic packaging, metal containers, and cartons and paper cups), paper (newsprint, magazines, paper packaging and cardboard), and glass bottles and jars (separated in curbside or multi-family recycling in some communities and at the depot in others). Things like food, wood, clothing, textiles, electronics, books, metal products (like pots, pans, hangers, etc.), and toys shouldn’t be included in your recycling bin.

Plastic bags don’t go in your home recycling bin Plastic bags have to be returned separately to a depot for recycling. When they are included in your recycling bin, mixed with other recyclables, it makes it very difficult to meet the standards of both local and international recycling markets, potentially affecting the recyclability of all the material.

Only put rinsed items in your recycling Half-full food containers should not go in your recycling bin. Empty containers and give them a quick rinse to ensure food or other product doesn’t get all over the other materials in your recycling bin.

- Inputs by Recycle BC

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governments, they provide information and resources on how to properly sort and recycle items. With their efforts, nearly 186,000 tonnes of recyclable material is collected each year. However, they still believe that citizens in BC can do better to ensure that the materials they set aside for collection and recycling are sorted properly and meet guidelines. This can be tough at times, as it is difficult to remember which cartons can be recycled, and which ones cannot. This is one of the reasons why we need to stop and think about what we are setting aside for recycling, and so often we choose to save time and just throw the item in the garbage instead. However, if we were more familiar with the regulations around recyclable items, it would become second nature, and so making the right call on what to recycle would become habit. There are many ways that we can teach ourselves so that we can become more informed, environment-friendly citizens. There are many resources available for British Columbians to become accustomed to recycling guidelines, including several online platforms that make this task much simpler. According to a spokesperson from Recycle BC, the organization “regularly updates the main website, and has an entire section on the exact items that can and cannot be recycled. This makes it easy for anyone to quickly look up and decide what to do with any of their waste.” Furthermore, using metrovancouverrecycles. org, any business owner or resident can look up items they want to recycle, and see which locations can accept them. The City of Surrey and City of Vancouver also work

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hard to promote proper recycling practices by having their own links and information on what to recycle. A spokesperson from the City of Surrey mentions that “it is important to consider that not only are we asking you to recycle items, but proper organic waste disposal is also necessary to keeping our environment healthy and clean. There are so many great uses that come from disposing organics properly, and all that unnecessary food waste is kept out of our growing landfill.” The City of Surrey website has many great suggestions on how to sort and collect the organic waste without being worried about pests or odour, such as by using newspapers or Kraft paper bags to line the small organics buckets the City provides. Large items and electronics can also be recycled, and many cities across BC have a program which provides free pick-up of these items from your doorstep. A very popular program known by most also exists, which is the Return-It program where residents can get cash back for recycling certain items like pop cans and glass bottles. The list of resources and support systems is endless when it comes to recycling, so now the biggest challenge is to motivate ourselves and take advantage of these resources to help save our environment. As our province, and the world becomes more populated and polluted with fossil fuels, the environment is continually threatened by the harm we cause. Therefore, it is high time that we play our part in making our environment green, healthy and preserved for our future generations. Recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do that, so it’s time that we step up and take responsibility, for our actions will determine the sustainability and future of planet Earth.

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jay Bahadur Singh is one of the many success stories of India. He has initiated a program called Zindagi that offers tuition for students pursuing higher education in medicine. Modelled along the lines of Super 30, a record setting program run by the acclaimed mathematician Anand Kumar, Zindagi is specifically set for students that are highly talented but have limited financial means to undertake the crucial but highlyexpensive tuition classes. These tuition classes, popularly termed as coaching classes in India, have students flocking in droves with the hopes of passing the competitive entrance exam for medical colleges in India. Under the program, Zindagi, 20 students are provided free tuition and boarding for one year in Odisha. This year, 18 students successfully secured admission into medical colleges across India. “It is only due to the best monitoring of our faculty members, hard work of our students, faith of our parents and support of our entire team. Congratulations to all,” Singh shares on Facebook. Growing up, Singh aspired to become a doctor but family obligations prevented him from pursuing higher education in this field. Singh’s father was an engineer and aspired

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Zindagi, initiated by Singh, is a program for students that are highly talented but have limited financial means to pursue higher education in medicine.

to make his son a doctor. However, a kidney transplant of Singh’s father forced the family to sell their property, leaving them financially constrained. In order to support his family, Singh had to sell tea. “I had to sell tea and other stuff for my family’s sustenance,” Singh tells media. Despite not being able to become a doctor himself, Singh is supporting several students in realizing their dreams of pursuing a career in medicine by providing free tuition. Zindagi currently runs under the Adyant Educational and Charitable Trust. Singh himself does not teach but has a team of about 20 teachers. Funds for the program are arranged through Adyanta Science College, that is also run by Singh. “My commitment [is] towards the students of Odisha to bring world class infrastructure and quality education under one roof in order to brighten up the underprivileged students of remote areas of the state,” writes Singh’s on his Facebook page. The recent success of 2018 has procured limelight on Singh’s work and his program not only in Odisha but the whole country. “This experience is fantastic. My team will continue working continuously to work out the life of the promising class of the society,” Singh tells media. Such has been the impact that Kumar, whom Singh describes as the inspiration behind Zindagi, has collaborated with him to make their mission a success. And

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“My commitment [is] towards the students of Odisha to bring world class infrastructure and quality education under one roof in order to brighten up the underprivileged students of remote areas of the state,” says Singh.

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although Zindagi is a fairly new initiative, it has built a reputation of trust and success. “I started the initiative in 2010. Initially, two-three students came for coaching and students started qualifying for medical college in 2012. This year, 18 students have been selected in the medical entrance examination,” Singh tells media. One of the success stories of Zindagi is Twinkle Sahu, a student who sold flowers outside a temple in Odisha to help her family with the finances. One day while Sahu was sitting outside the temple selling flowers and reading a book, Singh came up to her and asked Sahu about her story and her dreams. That episode culminated into Sahu registering as a student at Zindagi and eventually being accepted at a medical college in the country. “I faced innumerable difficulties in life. We are poverty stricken. But my desire and the help of Zindagi has helped me to qualify in the medical entrance test,” Sahu told media. Sahu is one of many students that have been impacted by Singh’s vision and mission. Though he could not realize the dream of becoming a doctor himself, Singh is fulfilling the dreams of many students and families through his program Zindagi. As per news reports, Kumar has collaborated with Singh to help students in Odisha. Together they are also challenging a rigid system in India that filters out access to quality education only to those that can afford it. Singh aims to help more talented students across the country and we wish him the very best! To support Singh’s program, Zindagi, visit: adyantcollege.org. Photos: Courtesy of AB Singh/ Facebook

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DARPAN TECH

ummer is all about long, bright days and staying fit outdoors. We’ve compiled a tech guide showcasing the latest accessories ideal for keeping you charged up all season long.

The latest accessories to keep you going this season

Sony WF-SP700N WF-SP700N that Sony touts as the world’s first truly wireless headphones comes with the noise cancelling feature. A successor to last year’s minimalist and monotone WF-1000X, these new examples are brighter and bolder coming in four different colours. A toggle-able Ambient Sound mode lets in limited exterior audio, which is important from a safety perspective when exercising outside or anywhere

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Jaybird RUN Every runner knows there’s nothing more irritating than dangling earphone cables when you’re out pounding the pavement. Swissbased company Jaybird, owned by computer accessory giant Logitech, provides a solution in the RUN True Wireless Sport Headphones with built-in mic. The compact Bluetoothenabled earbuds offer a comfortable and secure fit thanks to different-sized swappable silicone tips and “fins” helping to keep the units anchored in place. Although possessing no noise-cancelling properties, the RUN packs big

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

sound in a small package. Each side is controlled by single-button operation – the left activates Siri/ Google Assistant, the right takes calls and starts/stops/skips tracks. A double hydrophobic nano coating protects against sweat and rain, and battery life is great, lasting up to four hours. It includes a portable charging case yielding an additional eight hours of juice. Users can also download a free app to adjust equalizer settings, find missing buds and listen to Spotify playlists shared by others in the community.

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additional awareness of one’s surroundings is required. As expected in a Sony product, the music hits hard due to EXTRA BASS technology lending playing deep, crisp bass to any song. Like the Jaybirds, the WF-SP700N utilizes “arc supporters” for improved fit, is splash-proof and comes bundled with a travel charge case. However, battery is rated at a slightly lower three hours

of operation, or nine factoring in the two complete top-ups the case offers. A bonus is that aside from Bluetooth, NFC is enabled meaning a super-quick connection to a compatible phone.

SUMMER TECH

GUIDE Oakley Prizm Everyday

multitude of colours, perfect for taking along on a jog, a round of Oakley, the maker of golf or just, well, everyday use. performance athletic eyewear, One of those is the Latch has released a new lens inspired by the skateboarding technology called Prizm world. The round frames have a Everyday. Originally designed distinctive keyhole bridge and for pro sports applications, are named after an innovative these unique lenses are tuned to latch at the hinge that can clip absorb specific light spectrums to a shirt when folded. Another and optimize contrast so the is the Frogskins Grip Collection, wearer can see details normally a remix of the iconic collection missed by the human eye. Prizm from 1980s paying homage Everyday has been adapted to to the brand’s early roots as a many lifestyle models across producer of motocross handgrips the lineup and available in a through vintage styling and hues.

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Most Oakley glasses can be had in “Asia Fit,” constructed to sit slightly higher on the nose bridge than regular variants. Why not keep your valuable hardware safe with some nifty official protection? The lightweight soft vault shell is a convenient, elegant way to carry a pair of Oakleys, or for the gearheads, pick up the racy pill-shaped carbon fiber case. To make sure Prizm does its job correctly, keep a lens cleaning kit handy. Inside, the specially formulated spray and streak-free cloth work together to clean dirt, dust and oils while keeping the Prizm Everyday lens coating safe.

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Almost all electronic fitness accessories require some sort of mobile device to fully function, whether it’s to stream music from or adjust settings in a proprietary app. The udoq ensures your phones, tablets, e-readers, smart watches, etcetera stay fully charged, and look good while doing so. The sleek docking station is crafted from high-grade aluminum – not unlike the kind adorning various i-offerings – and is also sold in three larger versions (400, 550 and 700 millimetres) accommodating anywhere from four to 12 devices, depending on size and orientation. Setup is simple: when purchasing, customers choose the type of cables needed. They attach to a sliding track at the base of the dock using adapters allowing custom positioning for whatever’s being charged. Silicon strips protect against scratches on naked gadgets, and the cables neatly snake out back through an opening. There is an optional rearmounted box to hide wiring, a multi-port USB charger, wall mounting kit and more.

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DARPAN FEATURE

A few tips for anyone considering buying a franchise in any sector.

Do your research

Speak with as many existing franchise owners as possible to get a solid understanding of each franchisee’s experience from start up through to the maturity of their franchise. Here’s the single most important question to ask: “Knowing what you know now, would you make the investment again if you did it all over again?” If the majority of franchisees say yes, you know you are getting involved with a great franchise system.

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The single most important thing a prospective franchisee needs to consider when buying a franchise is the strength, depth and commitment level of the management team at the franchisor level,” says Mike Thorne, President of JUSTJUNK. 60

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ranchising is a fantastic way for budding entrepreneurs to make the leap from punching the clock for someone else to working for themselves. But just because you’re buying into a brand and business model that’s already up and running doesn’t mean all of the hard work has already been done for you.

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Launching a successful franchise demands equal parts research, determination and hard work, says JUSTJUNK President Mike Thorne, who has helped franchisees across the country clean up in the junk removal industry. “The single most important thing a prospective franchisee needs to consider when buying a franchise is the strength, depth and commitment level of the management team at the franchisor level,” Thorne says. “You’re investing in both a proven model and a support team to help drive the growth of your franchise.” Here are a few tips for anyone considering buying a franchise in any sector:

Look for a proven track record

It is important to look for a franchise system with a proven track record of successful franchisees with little or no franchise closures. Entering into a brand new franchise system where the systems and model have not been fully developed adds a greater level of risk. Although there is more room to experiment and collaborate with the franchisor during the formative years of a franchise system, the risks are higher as the concept may not be fully proven.

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Expect bigger and better at DARPAN 9th Annual Extraordinary Achievement Awards Do You HAve what it Takes to be

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It is critically important to find a great franchising lawyer who can review the Franchise Disclosure Document and help you determine if the franchisor will always act in good faith when resolving issues with franchisees. Be sure to avoid franchisors whose management team and legal representation are quick to fire legal letters across the table rather than discussing matters over lunch or coffee in an effort to resolve issues amicably.

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Determine your investment threshold and stick to it

Take a deep look at your finances and know whether you can handle the startup costs. It’s also essential to calculate your return on time and your return on your investment prior to buying your own franchise. Every individual has a different level of income they are seeking to achieve from their investment so don’t be afraid to ask existing franchisees about profitability along with the number of hours they invest each week to ensure the business is profitable.

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DARPAN FEATURE

BOON

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A Naina Grewal is a youth radio show host on Red FM and is pursuing a Business and Communication Joint Major at SFU as a student on the President’s and Dean’s Honour Roll. Recently recognized as Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25, Naina is an engaged community volunteer, passionate about creating dialogue, and stirring youth involvement.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

lbert Einstein famously said, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Technologies, once used as luxuries, are slowly transforming to necessities nowadays. Science has gone far beyond the limits of nature and is making phenomenon-like experiences never thought to be possible possible. At the touch of a finger tip, we can connect with millions across the globe. However, amidst this worldwide connectivity, one question prevails: how connected are we to those directly around us? The concern is not even the extent to which we interact with our neighbours, but rather the communication we have within our very own houses. While parents are constantly worried

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Is social media and technology ruining your social and health life?

about the amount of screen time their children have, recent studies shine light on the other side of the coin. According to research conducted on 1,000 children between the ages of four and 18, many children feel “sad”, “ignored” and “angry” about their parents’ mobile phone use. A significant number of children reported that their parents do not spend enough time talking to them and appear distracted during activities such as meals and extra-curricular engagements. While this may not appear detrimental immediately, such feelings can seriously tarnish parent-children relationships in the long term. Undoubtedly, social media has become the dominant

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Social media paints an exaggerated picture of others’ lives, leading to stress and anxiety about how happy one is compared to others. Lack of sleep and addiction are also possibilities of negative impacts, often

Photos: iStock

ignored or undermined.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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In this ocean of interactive technology, where we type more than we talk, people are gradually increasing their dependence on technological developments for the simplest tasks. We rely on technological tools for the simplest things, such as spelling. However, these tools may be more harmful than beneficial; studies show poorer spelling abilities for youth that rely heavily on spellcheck technologies. From an academic standpoint, there are other implications as well. Surely, arithmetic computations are now possible through computers and calculators, outdating

manual methods. That said, scholars believe that people are having more difficulty with concentration, being unable to focus on one task at a given time. Rather, people have become multi-taskers, trying to do many things at once. The problem is that research indicates people are not as good at multitasking as they think they are. Take under consideration the issue of distracted driving; a recent survey done by AT&T has found that 7 out of 10 individuals use their smartphone while operating a vehicle. This may include indulging in activities such as putting on music, taking selfies, browsing the web, video chatting, social networking and many others. While drivers consider themselves to be successful multitaskers, this is clearly related to the increase in car accidents over the past decade, putting multiple parties at risk – the driver, passengers and others on the road. Alongside other individuals, overuse of social media and technology also impacts the self. Often, social media paints an exaggerated picture of others’ lives, leading to stress and anxiety about how happy one is compared to others. Lack of sleep and addiction are also possibilities of negative impacts, often ignored or undermined. However, these effects should be recognized and acted upon. Serious physical consequences are a reality – excessive keying impacts the hand and wrists, eye problems arise from eyestrain, and fatigue and lack of exercise can result from addictive practices. Despite the potential negative implications of technology, it is essential to consider that technology must not be looked upon as a threat. Be it liked or hated – social media

is here to stay. Eventually, social media is a tool. Since the information age is a relatively contemporary concept, we are arguably in the phase of learning to adopt these tools in an effective manner, which is attained through a balanced usage of technology. Reaching this balance is an ongoing effort, but the following tips can be a starting point:

Manage time Section off a period (or few) of the day to scroll through social media rather than taking this time when in social settings. Try to keep track of the amount of time spent on your phone. Is there a potential better use of this time?

Manage distractions

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Close off all unnecessary tabs when working on the computer. If possible, turn off notifications from apps that are not as important. This way, you will be in control of when you check for messages, rather than the phone inviting you to do so.

Manage thoughts It is quite compelling to compare one’s life with others, but this often decreases confidence and self-esteem. Consider that social media is only a snapshot in time of others’ lives. Combat negative thoughts by sharing your feelings with friends and family rather than going through a downward spiral of self-doubt. Overall, the way we decide to use technology influences everyone, including adolescents, thus directly affecting our immediate future in significant ways. Keep in mind that technological advancements are implemented to better the world and should only be pursued to the extent when they add to our quality of life, rather than taking away from it. As we step beyond our virtual existence and become more aware of our surroundings, the possibilities made available by technology exponentially increase. As a vehicle of communication, social media has the capacity to enhance human connection. The power to use or abuse this power lies in our hands, on the brink of our fingertips.

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Zindagi De Rubroo Event by Basant Motors Baldev Bath, president of Basant Motors, hosted an art and appreciation event in July. The event was a grand success and honoured some well-known artists and personalities.

Annual Ride & Drive Gala Dilawri Group of Companies, Canada’s largest automotive group, hosted the 2nd Annual Ride & Drive Gala at Audi Downtown Vancouver. The Dilawri Ride & Drive Gala has been created to raise awareness and donations for the BC Cancer Foundation. 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, including ticket sales, donations, and auction items from the Ride & Drive Gala, were donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. Photos: Allison Kuhl

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival launched its 29th Season with a lineup of four exciting play productions and a range of entertaining special events, in the spectacular waterfront setting of Vanier Park. The Bard Festival is on till September.

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Surrey Mayor’s Art Awards The Surrey Board of Trade’s 2nd Surrey Mayor’s Art Awards drew close to 200 business people, artists, and the Mayor of Surrey, Linda Hepner, to celebrate Surrey’s creative industry at the new Civic Hotel in downtown Surrey. Peninsula Production Society won in the Arts and Innovation Award Category; Ellie King won in Cultural Ambassador Award Category; Concord Pacific Development Inc. won in the Philanthropy Award Category; and Surrey Little Theatre won in the Legacy Award Category.

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New Canadians Receive Citizenship on Canadian Multiculturalism Day 45 new Canadians originating from 24 different countries were sworn in on June 27 in a community citizenship ceremony at Surrey City Hall. The ceremony was held in celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

Tandoori Flame Media Launch Tandoori Flame, North America’s largest authentic Indian buffet, opened its doors in mid-June in Delta-Surrey. This is the family-owned restaurant group’s first BC location in Delta. Photo Credit: Studio Orange Photography

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

International Yoga Day Celebration in Surrey The 4th International Yoga Day was celebrated in multiple cities of Greater Vancouver by India Cultural Association (ICA) of Vancouver. Yoga Day in Surrey was celebrated jointly by VISHWA & ICA Vancouver at Surrey City Hall. Yoga Day in Abbotsford was celebrated jointly by Lotus Art Productions & ICA Vancouver at the Historic Gur Sikh Temple. Yoga Day in Burnaby was celebrated by ICA Vancouver, lead by certified yoga instructor Tarana Kaur. ICA Vancouver also organized a free Kids Yoga session to celebrate the day.

Indian Summer Festival Opening Party Indian Summer Festival’s Opening Party took place on July 5. Featured culinary artists included Vij’s, Blue Water Cafe, Jamjar, Cacao, Tayybeh, ARC at the Fairmont Waterfront, and James’ Gelato. In addition to a delectable feast, guests experienced Sufi mystic singers and percussionists from all over the world, including internationally acclaimed powerhouse super group, Rajasthan Josh. The Festival is on till July 15.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Spark Gala & Graduation Ceremony The 2018 Spark Gala and Graduation Ceremony featured a sumptuous three-course dinner paired with delicious wines, exciting entertainment, comedy and a fantastic live auction featuring luxury vacations and unique artworks. The SPARK Global Philanthropic Foundation has been established to promote and teach strategic philanthropic practices that empower youth to understand and navigate charity. All proceeds generated at the event will support Spark’s empowerment programs that teach local youth about philanthropy, as well as humanitarian aid and education for women, children and refugees worldwide.

Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City, announced New Funding for Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives in Langley and Surrey B.C. The Government of Canada is investing a total of $51.9 million over three years, which includes new funding of $21 million for projects, events, and community capacity building.

Rolls-Royce Vancouver Showroom Opening and Cullinan Debut Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver, part of OpenRoad Auto Group, marked the official grand opening of the venerable brand’s new Vancouver showroom, Canada’s first stand-alone Rolls-Royce retail facility. The official unveiling of the luxury auto maker’s most anticipated new model of all time — the Rolls-Royce Cullinan took place during exclusive events for both media and clients, marking the first time the luxury auto maker has held a new model debut in Canada. Photographer: Jonathan Evans

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

YOUTH SPEAK

SAIL AWAY FROM YOUR

COMFORT ZONE BY BEENU BAJWA In addition to being a full-time student, Beena is the VP and co-founder of Unified For Change. She also volunteers at the Emergency Department at BC Children’s Hospital Brain Trauma Injury Center and is the VP of Events for Young Women in Science and Engineering at UBC. She was Miss Greater Vancouver 2017.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

hat limits our youth in their ability to become well-rounded individuals is the stereotypes we as a community have fixated into our minds. A prime example is an athlete who is under the false impression that excelling in sports correlates with the inability to excel in school. Similarly, there are students who dominate in studying but shy away from joining sports league. To break this cycle, we need to stop the stigma around failure. Failure is often a stepping stone to success, and as Albert Einstein stated, “If you’ve never failed, you’ve never tried anything new.” I too was afraid of new experiences that challenged me to remove myself from my comfort zone. As a full-time biology student at

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the University of British Columbia, my comfort zone was limited to school. My fear of failing prohibited me from trying new domains and I felt limited to which milestones I could achieve. Yet, a few years back I decided to remove the idea of failure and stepped out of

exists within the mind. Often when pursuing new goals or initiatives, we become afraid of the time commitment. For instance, being a doctor will take around eight to nine years after your high school degree, but those years will pass regardless of what you do. So why not put your time and energy into fulfilling your dreams? Furthermore, our My fear of failing comfort zone is not a place prohibited me from of growth. If you continue trying new domains and to follow your routine, you will continue to live the exact I felt limited to which same life you are in. However, milestones I could if your goal is to excel and achieve. Yet, a few years further develop yourself, then back I decided to remove you must sail away from your comfort zone. You need to the idea of failure and create your own opportunities stepped out of my comfort and pave your own path – zone to start an initiative don’t rely on others to do it in the community.” for you. Thus, my advice to youth would be to embrace the my comfort zone to start an challenges, as you are capable initiative in the community. of tackling everything that This journey led to the comes your way. Most often, development of a non-profit the task that challenges us organization called Unified the most is the one which we 4 Change which my brother learn our life lessons from. Sukhman and I co-founded. Believe in your abilities, Not only has Unified 4 and remember, “We did not Change helped the youth and come here to fear the future, our community, it has given we came here to shape it” various opportunities to both – Barack Obama. Sukhman and myself. To contribute to this This goes to show, that column, please email us: the concept of fear only

editor@darpanmagazine.com

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DARPAN RECIPES

CHEF BIJU THOMAS

Feed Zone Portables, and The Feed Zone Table, all of which feature hundreds of easy, healthy recipes for an active lifestyle. In the years since, Thomas has cooked for dozens of elite professional athletes and celebrities, teaching them the craft of healthy everyday cooking. In 2014, Thomas opened his first Little Curry Shop restaurant in Denver’s trendy RiNo neighborhood. The Little Curry Shop is a multi-unit, casual neighborhood restaurant known for light, simple dishes bursting with bold flavours and inspired by the south of India. Since then, he has opened more Curry Shops around Denver and plans to take the restaurants nationwide. This summer, he is launching a range of Kerala-inspired spices and simmer sauces, which are available for direct purchase from LittleCurryShop.com, or iju Thomas is a Denver-based chef, at select foods markets. author, and entrepreneur, originally Chef Thomas is a regular contributor from Kerala in the south of India. to national magazines and has done Thomas grew up as a competitive cyclist many television appearances. Some of and later transferred his love of sport into his episodes can be seen on the Food creating healthy, colourful and flavourful Network; Diners, Drive-ins and Dives; foods for top-end athletes. Guy’s Grocery Games; and on the FYI / In 2009, Chef Thomas teamed A&E show SCRAPS. up with sports physiologist Dr. Allen Lim to improve the everyday diets and performance nutrition of professional Enjoy Chef Thomas’s easy and cyclists and their teams. Their best-selling healthy recipes in the following and wildly popular Feed Zone cookbook pages... series includes The Feed Zone Cookbook,

Creating Healthy Meals Everyday B In 2014, Thomas opened his first Little Curry Shop restaurant in Denver’s trendy RiNo neighborhood. The Little Curry Shop is a multiunit, casual neighborhood restaurant known for light, simple dishes bursting with bold flavours and inspired by the south of India.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN RECIPES

Strawberry

Chicken

Salad

This light and summery salad is incredibly easy to make. BY CHEF BIJU THOMAS

Ingredients

his light and summery salad is incredibly easy to make. Either use chicken that you have cooked and ready or stop by the market for a rotisserie chicken. Let the chicken soak in the dressing while you put together the other ingredients so it can take on that sweet honey flavour that makes this salad so nice.

Servings: 2 Time: 10 minutes prep Per serving: Energy 304 cal • Fat 13 g • Sodium 403 mg • Carbs 25 g • Fiber 3 g • Protein 13 g

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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For the salad: • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken • 2 cups loosely packed butter leaf lettuce, pulled into small pieces • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion • ½ cup thinly sliced strawberries • Grated parmesan

For the dressing: • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsps honey or agave nectar • 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp light olive oil • A bit of fresh thyme

Preparation • To make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. While whisking, drizzle in oil; add salt and pepper to taste. Fresh thyme is a great finishing touch. Place the shredded chicken in the dressing while you prepare the salad, about five minutes. • Combine the lettuce, red onion, and strawberries in a medium-size serving bowl or individual plates. Place the chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with remaining dressing. • Add grated parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

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DARPAN RECIPES

Savory

Bread Cakes

A great savory food for training rides BY CHEF BIJU THOMAS

great savoury food for training rides, with bread. You can make these by the truckload, individually wrap them, and store them in the freezer.

Servings: 8 Time: 10 minutes prep, bake 20–30 minutes Per serving (1 cake): Energy 141 cal • Fat 6 g • Sodium 307 mg • Carbs 11 g • Fiber 1 g • Protein 9 g

Ingredients

Preparation

• 4 cups of your favourite bread, cut into cubes • 2 cups milk • 4 eggs, lightly beaten • ½ cup grated cheese (such as parmesan, mozzarella or cheddar) • ½ cup bacon or other cooked meat, chopped into small pieces • Brown sugar

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. • Put the bread cubes in a large bowl. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Pour the hot milk over the bread cubes and mix. Let rest for just a minute until the bread is soaked. (Gluten-free breads will take a bit longer to absorb the liquid.) • Add eggs, cheese and bacon, and stir to combine. Pour into a loaf pan and bake until firm, about 20 minutes. • Sprinkle some brown sugar and salt on top, and let cool before wrapping.

Credit: Republished with permission of VeloPress from The Feed Zone Cookbook by chef Biju Thomas and Dr. Allen Lim. See more at feedzonecookbook.com or skratchlabs. com; Courtesy VeloPress

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN HEALTH Consider exposure therapy Often seen as a solution for fears and phobias, exposure therapy can be helpful for emotional and anxietyprovoking situations, too. Slowly expose yourself to your trigger. Start small and build up until you are no longer affected by the sight or concept itself. It sounds easier said than done, but starting small is the key to success. Don’t expect immense results out of the gate. Ease yourself into situations that you find uncomfortable. Baby steps are better for long-lasting success.

Feeling Anxious? BY DR. PRAKASH MASAND M.D.

10 tips to better cope with your anxiety

Y Dr. Prakash Masand M.D. is a psychiatrist and the founder of the Centers of Psychiatric Excellence. Find more information at www.copepsychiatry.com

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

ou know the dreadful feelings that come with being anxious: Your thoughts race and are focused on the worst possible outcome, your heart rate increases, maybe you feel short of breath and you’re so jittery you just can’t concentrate. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, and in fact it’s a normal part of life. For some people though, anxiety becomes a real problem and something they face every day. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) found in a new study that Americans are more anxious today than they were a year ago, with 39 per cent of people reporting feeling more anxiety. The good news, however, is there are steps you can take to reduce that anxiety.The following 10 tips will help you alleviate your symptoms.

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Establish a strong support network If you’re suffering with an anxiety disorder, the world can sometimes seem to cave in on you. One way to remedy this feeling is to talk with others about what you are feeling. Bottled emotions do not resolve and can cause immense stress. Talk with your family and friends about obstacles you struggle to overcome. Many times we just need a sympathetic shoulder with whom to vent.

Find refuge in the paradise of solitude Eliminate outside stress and turn to your own private world. This focus on the self can do wonders for anxiety and calm the waters. A critical point of growth is to check in with yourself and see how you are coping with your life and circumstances. When something causes you anxiety, that is your brain and body’s way of telling you something needs to change. Journaling and other forms of self-reflection are excellent methods to realign yourself into a healthy state.

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More sleep, healthier eating, and daily exercise are good places to start. These alleviate anxieties by setting a strong foundation from which to build a stress-free environment. Tackle one aspect at a time to not overwhelm yourself.

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Research which types of medications may best help you overcome your anxiety. A psychiatrist can be an asset in this quest for relief. Different antidepressants and benzodiazepines can help relieve some of the constant anxiety that plagues you. Try other therapies but keep your mind open to the possibility of aid with pharmaceuticals.

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Not everyone experiences the stresses that you do with your disorder. It can be hard for others to relate to a state of being that is not commonplace for them. Educate people on your situation and how they can best help you. Respond to insensitive comments with empathy and thorough communication.

Educate yourself on possible medications that can help

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Be patient but clear with those around you.

Counselors and psychologists are there to help you sort out your problems. They can help remedy your reality into a bearable situation. The use of cognitive behavioral therapy can help train your thought process to better cope with anxious responses and tendencies. If one-on-one therapy is out of your capabilities or price range, seek group therapy or a support group to talk through your problems. The resources are there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you just have to look.

Try more advanced and effective treatments like Ketamine Therapy If behavioral therapies and conventional

medications do not help – thankfully, there is another option. Ketamine therapy is growing in popularity as a treatment for those with anxiety disorders. It is a medication given intravenously in a professional medical setting and the positive effects can be felt very quickly. Immediate relief of anxiety is reported from many patients.

Make pivotal lifestyle changes Starting small and building as you establish new routines can help cement habits rather than have you living a trend. More sleep, healthier eating, and daily exercise are good places to start. These alleviate anxieties by setting a strong foundation from which to build a stress-free environment. Tackle one aspect at a time to not overwhelm yourself.

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Simplify your life Sometimes anxiety can blossom from too much chaos in your environment. Start by simplifying your immediate environment – these are places like your workspace and your home. Then you can turn it digital. A good clearing out works wonders for your emotional space as well. With the newfound space, you are then given room to breathe with a new state of mind.

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Don’t hesitate to take some time off from your routines. You may not realize how much your daily life antagonizes your anxiety. Take breaks and switch up usual routines in order to identify which faction may be amiss. A vacation is a good method to step back and reevaluate what triggers your symptoms.

The takeaway Remember, you are not alone. Even well-known names like Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone and Oprah Winfrey have spoken out about their struggles with anxiety, the same struggles that affect some 40 million people each year. In our world of high demands where it seems we are constantly pressed for time and always connected through technology, it’s not surprising our anxiety levels are on the rise. Take time for yourself to remedy the stresses and reduce your anxiety.

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DARPAN FITNESS

Build strength through resistance.

STAYING

FITAGE AS YOU

BY NICK HILDEN

xercise is great for people of every age, but it can be especially beneficial to senior citizens. Seniors who get consistent exercise live longer, fall less and experience less injuries, have better bone density, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, decrease their risk of

dementia, and tend to live longer, more capable lives in general. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few recommendations for older adults who are interested in keeping fit. These tips will not only help you get in a good workout, but will decrease your chances of experiencing injury while you’re at it.

Experts recommend that people 65 and older receive some form of resistance strength training at least twice a week. The most straightforward way to accomplish this is through the use of fundamental bodyweight exercises like

Simple ways for the elderly to avoid injury while getting a good workout

Find low impact aerobic activities. One key aspect of an effective fitness regimen involves engaging in some form of aerobic exercise that will increase your heart-rate and improve the health of your cardiovascular system. In order to avoid injury, it’s advisable that you perform a low impact activity that won’t injure your joints. These can include walking, cycling, swimming and water aerobics, tai chi, dancing, and a variety of other options.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Always be sure to stretch. Stretching before and after a workout helps to not only improve your flexibility and mobility while you’re engaged in exercise (thereby making it

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more effective), but makes it less likely that you’ll experience strains and other injuries. Make a few minutes of stretching part of your pre- and post-workout routine, or better yet, take up yoga.

squats, lunges, and modified pushups (pushups that are performed leaned against the wall rather than on the floor). Or find a lighter dumbbell weight that works for you, and perfect workouts such as bicep curls, chest presses, and triceps extensions. Another great option is to get a set of rubber resistance bands, which allow you to perform a range of lowimpact strength exercises.

Stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for people of any age. Be sure that you drink water before, during, and after a workout to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated, which can lead to a number of issues, such as muscle cramps.

Photos: iStock, images for representation only

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Be seen. If you prefer to head out for a walk during the early morning or later at night when it’s dark out, be sure to wear bright colours or some sort of reflector. This will ensure that you can be seen by drivers and cyclists and decrease the probability of an accident.

Don’t overdo the weight. It can be easy to let your ego get the best of you and to try to lift more than you can. This has two negative consequences. Not only does it increase your risk of injury, but it makes your workout less effective by limiting your ability to perform the motion correctly. Be sure to choose weights that you can manage safely. Even a one or two pound dumbbell will do.

Be mindful of the temperature. It’s always nice to head outdoors and get in a good workout on a hot day, but pay close attention to the temperature to make sure you don’t end up getting too hot and suffer from heatstroke. That goes for cold weather too. If the temperature outside is excessively hot or cold, be sure to dress accordingly, or keep your workout indoors.

Join a class. Most gyms and many community centers offer fitness classes specifically for seniors. Not only is this a great way to get expert guidance, but it provides an opportunity to make some new friends.

About the Author Native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Nick Hildenʼs career has spanned fiction, travel, advertising, journalism, biography, and more, and his work has appeared in publications such as the LA Times, Vice, LiveStrong, and Global Living Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @theDisembarked

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n the beauty business, the next big thing is always on the horizon and, let’s be honest, women eagerly embrace most new products that promise to improve or solve a beauty dilemma. Whether an anti-aging cream or a lash serum, the range of products is daunting. If one factors in the 19step Korean approach to skin care, it can be overwhelming for even the most devoted beauty enthusiast. Even if one is adventurous about adding new steps or products to their regimen, the question is: are they truly advantageous or just time wasters and budget drains?

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Beauty In the quest for flawless complexions, primers are now meant to offer more than just a topical illusion.

The Promise of

Primers BY MICHELLE MARKO

Primers are one of those products that aficionados adore and others don’t see the point of at all. With all the long-lasting, flaw-diminishing foundations and concealers available, is there value in primers? Originally primers were meant to prep skin for makeup to adhere better and stay put longer. Experts say that was then, and now is quite different. “Primer formulas have come a long way,” says Maddox Lu, national brow and trend artist, Benefit Cosmetics Canada. “In the past, the main purpose of a primer was to help your makeup last

About the Author A lifestyle journalist, Michele Marko is the former Arts & Life editor at the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers. While writing about beauty, fashion, design, food and travel, she’s written on a variety subjects ranging from ethical beauty to couture fashion designers to discovering the best pizza in the world. Hint: It’s in Italy.

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longer on the skin. Now, primers have evolved to include other benefits like pore minimizing, oil controlling, hydrating and brightening, longer wear time, etc.” This new generation of primers are not just about improving skin’s appearance for makeup application, some brands – such as the Charlotte Tilbury’s Brightening Youth Glow ($65 at Holt Renfrew) and Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas ($62 at Sephora) – go a step further to include treatment

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PAN R A D

y t u a Be

Photos: Courtesy of products featured

“In the past, the main purpose of a primer was to help your makeup last longer on the skin. Now, primers have evolved to include other benefits like pore minimizing, oil controlling, hydrating and brightening, longer wear time, etc,” says Maddox Lu, national brow and trend artist, Benefit Cosmetics Canada.

benefits. Tilbury’s Youth Glow uses watercress extract to minimize dark spots over time, vitamin B3 to balance skin tone, olive extract to plump skin, and rosehip and camellia oils for hydration while blurring lines, pores and dark spots upon application. Victoria Tsai, Tatcha founder and CEO, says she took inspiration for The Silk Canvas from the Japanese geisha tradition. “To protect and perfect their skin, geisha use a layer of wax (called bintsuke) as a primer. We wanted to recreate those benefits JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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without the wax, and turned to silk. The Silk Canvas protects skin from makeup while boosting colour payoff and wear,” she explains. The silk barrier keeps pores from becoming clogged with oil and pigments and helps avoid breakouts. Tatcha also incorporates their Hadasei-3 formula – a blend of green tea, rice and algae extract – for boosting skin’s radiance, which is beneficial for mature skin. The most recent primer formulations aim to produce a glowing, not shiny, effect. Stila’s One Step Correct ($47 Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale) combines several benefits in one product: it primes, colour corrects (redness, TM

dark circles and sallowness), minimizes fine lines, and controls oil while brightening and hydrating. Benefit’s Pearl Primer ($42 at Sephora) creates a soft pink – yes, pearly – finish, while minimizing pores and mattifying. Some brands – such as Stila with its One Step Illuminator ($47 at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale) – do a mix of colours for a warm glow and also highlights. “Most primers look great on all skin tones,” says Courtney Kelly, makeup artist and beauty boutique manager at Shoppers Drug Mart. “If your complexion is dark, I would look for a silicone, clear primer or something that is tinted. Also, primers with a golden glow look amazing on a darker skin tone.” The key to selecting a primer is not just for what you want it to do, but specifically for your skin type, says Kelly. “If you have dry skin, look for a primer that is super hydrating, something that contains hyaluronic acid. Someone [with skin] that is oily should look for a mattifying primer that helps with shine. Look for primers that are packed with added benefits that will help improve your skin over time.” One primer might not address all your concerns, Lu says. So layering is a good option. “No matter the age, there is a primer for any complexion concern,” Lu explains. “Some women may opt to use a combination of primers to create custom cocktails if they have multiple dilemmas.” Though traditionally only worn under makeup, the new formulations of primers are often used to enhance bare skin, foregoing foundation all together. Lu says, “…if you’re a busy professional who only wears a light powder or bronzer for a hint of colour and you have an oily T-zone, you may opt for an oil controlling primer and a primer for long wear. If you’re not a big make up wearer but you’re concerned with wrinkles and dullness, you can layer a smoothing primer with a brightening primer.” Kelly concurs saying that even those who usually wear a foundation are skipping it because the formulations are so effective. And given beneficial effects, she points out that some people are just replacing their morning skincare with a primer. Perhaps primers are a true multi-tasking product that could benefit one’s time and budget … and complexion.

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Frontier bridal boutique

Photographer: AB Photocraft | Hair & Makeup: Vanitee MakeUp & Hair | Model: Jessica Suri

(604) 325-4424 â&#x20AC;¢ 8140 120 St, Surrey, BC V3W 3N3

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Frontier bridal boutique

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Photographer: AB Photocraft | Hair & Makeup: Vanitee MakeUp & Hair | Model: Priya Kooner

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DARPAN Style

Boyfriend Jeans

We are certain you may already have your fav pair of denims that fits you like second skin, but boyfriend jeans are the biggest denim trend of the season and a definite must-have in your wardrobe. Boyfriend jeans were a big deal way back in 60s and the loose-fitting, baggy style is back on the fashion orbit. They have a nice relaxed look and feel, which gels perfectly well with the summer vibes, however, remember to opt for the lighter shades as opposed to the darker ones. Also denim on demin is a huge trend, try pairing your boyfriend jeans with a denim shirt.

Heat

Beat the

ummers are the best time of the year, especially for fashion-savvy souls who are eager to ditch the dreary woollens and reshuffle their wardrobe with the eclectic sartorial possibilities that this season brings along. Interestingly, this year, the fashion circuit has ushered in a whole new mood along with retaining many trends from the previous season – which means you don’t need to splurge on a complete closet upgrade. We have put together a list of 10 wardrobe essentials that will help you up your style game this summer. Take a look…

Style

10 wardrobe essentials to up your fashion game this season

T-shirt Dresses

While the maxi dress trend from last year is still dominating this season, the T-shirt dress trend is among the coolest trends this year. T-shirt dresses are not only comfortable but also extremely chic and can help you to effortlessly make heads turn. Striped t-shirt dresses are clearly the big thing, however, if you ain’t too fond of stripes there are several options available in solid and quirky prints. Just pair them with a pair of sneakers and you are ready to make a fashion statement.

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Photos: ISTOCK, Images for representation only

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

Jumpsuits

A jumpsuit undeniably is the most versatile garment one can have in their wardrobe, and this summer there are plenty of updated versions of it that are available in the market. There are so many styles available that you can choose to wear a jumpsuit for a date night, party or brunch. Right from being available in the trending floral prints and pastels, to strappy solid and utility focussed denims, this no-nonsense fashion garment is available for every body type and taste.

Sheer

This summer is all about embracing transparency. Be it sheer dresses, tops, coats or skirts, it is a new phenomenon that you simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore this season. With sheer there is a lot of space for getting creative, so let your imagination run wild, seek inspiration from some of the top brands like Fendi, Burberry, Christopher Kane and others and strut out looking sexy as hell.

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

Midi Skirts

The long flowing midi skirts go perfectly with the summer vibe. They have a bubbly and playful appeal and are perfect for sunny outings. You can pair them with casual tees and even shirts. You can also experiment by adding a jacket or a belt. Midi skirts are perfect for casual lunches, picnics and even pool parties.

9 6

White Sneakers

Straw Hats

In summers, hats are a must. They not only protect you from the sun but also double as smart accessories that enhance your style. Straw hats undoubtedly are the in-thing this summer and can go with a variety of looks, be it chic or casual.

If you still don’t have a pair of the trending white sneakers, you need to get hold of them now. These minimalistic shoes can be paired with a variety of outfits. They are just perfect for a casual day at the beach or a busy day out and yes, they pair well with T-shirt dresses.

Sequins

All that glitters is literally gold this summer. Yes, sequins and sparkles are all out there to dominate every fashion capital this summer. Be it sequined embellished jackets, sequined t-shirt dresses, tops or boots, if it is glittering you need to have it in your wardrobe. The trick here is to learn the art of balance and not to overdo it.

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White Shirts

Yeah, there is a lot of white this summer and a button down white shirt can definitely not go wrong this season. This versatile garment is perfect for work as well as casual wear and can be paired with denims, skirts, shorts and even under strappy/sleeveless dresses.

White Bottoms

Yes, summers are all about vibrant colours but one can’t deny that there is nothing more sophisticated, chic and refreshing than wearing white during summers. And this season it is all about white and pastels. White bottoms are trending, so along with your usual denims and black trousers make sure you have a few white pants in your wardrobe this summer. You can opt for white flared trousers, wide-leg, cropped, straight or even denims and pair them with pastel hued blouses or tops and you are ready to rock the summers.

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Perform A Reverse Diet

Most individuals who are seeking to shed weight more than likely have taken part in crash diets where they restricted their calories a lot and were able to drop the weight. But once they began eating like normal human beings, it all came back. Also, these same individuals consume very few calories on a regular basis and sporadically will eat a lot during times like the weekend. Guess what, you’re probably one of them. Regardless of which boat you’re in, there’s a chance your metabolism is very slow and you must slowly re-introduce calories into the body. This is where the concept of a reverse diet comes into play. In a systematic manner you will begin to increase your caloric intake by about 50 calories per week until you’ve reached an optimal amount of calories. Since you are slowly introducing calories, you’re essentially training your metabolism to become faster. Once you’ve trained the metabolism, only then can you begin to entertain the thought of beginning to cut down your calories. When you eventually do cut your calories, you will be left with a huge caloric deficit, which will allow you to shed all that unwanted body fat.

Perform Barbell Training

When it comes to training, your ability to increase your metabolism is strongly strengthened by the amount of muscle fibre you stimulate throughout your sessions. In order to maximize the amount of muscle fibre being stimulated, you must maximize the amount of joints being used. Movements like squats and deadlifts accomplish just that. Barbell training is absolutely essential in having a strong edge in being able to achieve your fat loss. Those that engage in these lifts generally are able to burn more calories at rest than those that don’t.

JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Avoid Too Much “Steady-State” Cardio

What exactly is steady-state cardio? Going the same pace for an extended period of time is considered steady-state cardio. Going for a run/jog, doing marathons, and using cardio machines in the gym at the same intensity are all examples of this form of cardio. Doing too much of this has actually been shown to slow down your metabolism and your ability to burn fat. In order to become more efficient at performing long bouts of cardio, the body must be able to run longer while burning fewer calories. However, becoming efficient at the running will result in inefficiency for your metabolism. If you want to perform cardio, do highintensity interval training where you can have your heart rate fluctuate. These constant fluctuations are what will help shed the fat off your body.

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR

METABOLISM

wo phrases which tend to pop out at us, in particular when at the check-out register in a grocery store while staring at magazine headlines are, “Boost Your Metabolism” and “Burn Fat.” Yes, more times than not it leads into a pitch for some weight loss product. However, that’s not the case today! The North American population can’t get far without being sold a diet pill or be reminded of the massive obesity epidemic taking place at present. Whether we like it or not, we’re a population which over-consumes, and as a result everyone is looking for approaches to blast away at

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the belly fat and trim up that waistline. Instead of wasting your money on some fad diet pills, let’s go over five healthy ways in which you can boost your metabolism while burning fat more effectively. Remember that being religious with your approach is what’s going to get you where you want to be. It will take time, and if you are able to abide by these five simple tips, you will not be preyed on by the weight loss industry. So what are these magical ways?

BY JAS JOHAL

AVOID WEIGHT GAIN & EFFECTIVELY BURN MORE FAT THIS SUMMER

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Consume Sufficient Amounts Of Protein

Think back to the last three meals you had, how much protein did they contain? Chances are, you’re undereating on protein and it’s beginning to damage your ability to shed those pounds. Protein helps build lean muscle mass, which in turn helps you burn more fat. In addition to that, it has a thermogenic effect on the body which further helps with attacking away at the fat. High protein diets are so energy-inefficient that it is much more difficult for your body to store fat when on a high protein diet than on a typical diet. About 30-35 per cent of your caloric intake should consist of protein. This amount is enough to cause a significant difference in terms of body fat loss and muscle retention. Not only are you burning fat by consuming protein, you are preserving all that muscle you’ve worked hard for. Protein is great at retaining lean muscle mass while forcing the body to feed off of the blubber and not muscle.

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Avoid Alcohol

Guess what ruins your body’s ability to burn fat? That’s right, drinking alcohol! Having a drink or two in extreme moderation is okay as long as it’s fitting within your caloric intake set by your strength coach/personal trainer. However, for most of us, we enjoy having more than one cocktail when we do decide to drink and this becomes very detrimental to our goal of shedding body fat. Alcohol is also very dense in calories and having it along with your meal really packs on the calories for the day. Well there you have it! Now that you’ve been equipped with these five tips, you’ll be able to avoid gaining weight throughout the summer as you attend endless cocktail parties and weddings. If unsure of how to execute any of the above steps, seek the guidance of a trusted strength coach or personal trainer.

T: 604-657-6612 F: 604-207-0444 CONTACT| PAUL OR PENNY: E: info@aneleganttouch.ca

About the Author Jas Johal is a kinesiologist and co-founder of Fit Nation. Johal graduated from UBC in 2011 with a Bachelors degree in kinesiology and began working in the fitness industry in 2012.

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How to build a mini garden inside your home

easy to assemble and maintain. One can even go for the latest trend in indoor gardening â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tabletop garden. Whatever space you choose, just ensure that the temperature in that spot is not too cold as it can kill your plants. In case natural sunlight is not readily available, you can consider growing your greens under the exposure of T5 fluorescent bulbs, which are not only cost-effective but also give good results. Plants with low to medium light requirement easily flourish under these tube-like bulbs. For example, these lights are perfect for African violets or even a lot of indoor herbs.

Bringing

Greenery Indoors BY SHWETA KULKARNI

rowing plants and maintaining a garden on a patio, veranda, balcony, porch, backyard or deck is nothing unusual. However, building an indoor mini garden is quite a task at hand but if done right it can not only add a zest of freshness to your interiors but also help elevate your mood and keep the air in your home clean. Right from exotic flowers to herbs and vegetables, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a variety of plants that you can choose from for your indoor garden. Another plus is that

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they can be planted anywhere in your home, be it the living room, kitchen or even the bedroom, with some basic know-how. We have put together a few basic tricks and tips that will help you build a lush green garden within the four walls of your apartment. Take a look...

Select the Ideal Spot The key to creating an indoor garden is to select a spot that is optimal for the growth of your plants. Opt for a spot that gets plenty of natural light. Try to place

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your planters near a window to ensure that they are getting enough sunlight. An empty sunny wall is ideal for building a vertical garden in any part of your home. The space between two windows is also a good location. Often a vertical garden can be used as a beautiful room divider. There are many stylish modular planting systems available in the market which are

Control the Temperature

One of the most challenging parts of growing an indoor garden in your home is to maintain the right soil temperature for your green friends. A majority of plants need the soil temperature to be between 75-85 F. This can be kept in check by using soil heat electric mats which heat the pots from the bottom and regulate the soil temperatures.

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Choose the Right Plants When you set about to build an indoor garden, it is essential to know that the plants that you can easily grow outside are not necessarily ideal for your in-house green wonder. But you neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry; there are several varieties of plants that are only meant for indoors. Right from flowering houseplants to

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attractive foliage and herbs, the range for indoor plants is indeed immense. One can even grow vegetables like peas, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and herbs like basil, chives, oregano indoors. If you love cactus plants, there is a plethora of option for that as well like Gymnocalycium, Moon Cactus, Euphorbia ingens, and many others. These spiny plants are sure to add a lot of character to your interior dĂŠcor. However, just make sure that whichever plant you decide to pick up is healthy and without any dead or yellowing leaves. Also look carefully for any visible signs of insects or diseases. A little homework on the Internet should help you make the right choice.

Select Interesting Planters

Depending on the spot and the type of garden you decide to build, there is a lot you can do concerning planters. One option is to go for the traditional pots used for plants or to go berserk with your creativity. Old vintage teacups can easily be used

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Right from flowering houseplants to

attractive foliage

and herbs, the range for indoor plants is indeed immense.

One can even grow

vegetables like peas,

mushrooms, cherry

tomatoes, and herbs like basil, chives,

oregano indoors. for growing herbs or low maintenance succulents; even mason jars make for good planters. Cola bottles and cans are also good options to just start with seeds. Check online and you will find several cost-effective DIY for planters. Ensure that you drill tiny holes into your containers to allow drainage and line the bottom of the planter with few small rocks and pebbles for extra drainage.

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ummer break is upon us, and with it comes long lazy days and beautiful star-filled nights. For children and teens, it also offers a well-deserved break from school. However, the summer is not a break from life, and there is still lots that can be accomplished, while still being fun. After all, there is so much to life than sitting behind a desk, and summer is the time for children to experience the rest of it. Here are some ways to make the most out of this summer with your child or teenager:

Make

Summer Break

Memorable BY GURLEEN KAUR BAJWA

Easy ways to make the most of your child's school vacation 104 JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Have a summer bucket list The best way to make sure that the summer isn’t wasted is by creating a schedule. This might seem strange, since the most commonly associated stigma with summer is that it is unplanned. But this often leads to long unproductive days that dull the mind and body. Summer is the time when children and teens have space from their rigid school work to pursue their own passions, while staying active and fit. It is not for them to simply throw away and achieve absolutely nothing by the end of it. The routine should work hand in hand with a ‘Summer Bucket List’ or things they want to achieve before school begins. Using the routine, they can work toward these goals on a daily basis through small increments. Not only does this make the goals seemingly easier to achieve but it also promotes new goals.

Limit screen time An important thing to keep in mind

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The summer is not a break from life, and there is still lots that can be accomplished, while still being fun. After all, there is so much to life than sitting behind a desk, and summer is the time for children to experience the rest of it.

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when creating a routine is to limit screen time. While electronic devices are essential tools to our everyday lives, it is not difficult to pass hours at a time aimlessly on video gaming consoles or cell phones. For the purpose of remaining more productive, and to benefit health, there should be limits on the amount of TV or online game time children have. This can be done in various ways; by having allotted times for gaming or having time-tracking apps on phones. Once the time is tracked, it may come as a shock to many people knowing much time they actually spend in front of a screen. According to a study by Common Sense Media, the average teen spends about nine hours on electronics everyday while children between the ages of eight to 12 spend nearly six.

Photos: iStockk

Give back This one is targeted more at teenagers. Getting involved in the community has powerful outcomes. It teaches gratitude, increases mental health, and gives one the opportunity to make an impact on important issues. There are numerous organizations or charities that are always looking for help or volunteers. Many of them allow children as young as 14 to volunteer.

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Pick up a new skill Due to school work and other commitments, children hardly get the time to grow and flourish in their personal lives during the school year. Therefore, the summer break is the best time for parents to encourage them to learn new things, like a new language or musical instrument. Summer is a perfect time to branch out and acquire valuable skills. Recreation centers, libraries and other public facilities are always a good place to look for these kinds of opportunities.

Get your 60 minutes of daily fitness Besides staying mentally active, children and teens must also find ways to stay physically fit. Recreation centers offer a variety of activities for all ages, some even targeted at family groups. Some of them include badminton, volleyball, basketball, fencing, boxing and dance. These fun activities can not only help children become more active but they might even spark a long-term interest. Additionally, recreation centers often offer drop-ins classes, giving family members the flexibility to work around different schedules. For older teens, a gym membership could be an alternative to recreational drop-ins, as this could help promote fitness in the future as well.

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Your first call after a personal injury or ICBC car accident claim The summer break is the best time for parents to encourage them to learn new things, like a new language or musical instrument. Summer is a perfect time to branch out and acquire valuable skills.

Make memories According to Sandeep Gill, a teacher at Sikh Academy, summer is most importantly an opportunity for parents to nourish their relationship with their children. Despite setting goals and abiding by rules, the summer is fundamentally about having fun. It is the time, especially in younger years, for children and teens to travel, to visit, and just simply spend time with their families without any obstruction. These moments are priceless. The most important thing to implement this summer, more than anything else, is to make it memorable. Make it a summer break to remember always.

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When we hugged and our hearts touched, I knew she was the one.”

n h o J&

a i n o S

Photos: Jonathan Cruz, Camillia Courts, Christine Pienaar Photography, Other, Courtesy of Sonia Sidhu

How did you meet? We met online! As our personal lives got so busy, we knew we had to meet a way that was “different” than our parents had. We met on Bumble, an online dating app. After months of conversation, we met one Friday at the Cactus Club Cafe in Coal Harbour. When we said goodbye, we had a hug that felt like “home.” In that moment, we knew, we had met “our person.” John always says, “When we hugged and our hearts touched, I knew she was the one.” That moment will never be forgotten, which is exactly why we held our wedding ceremony in that exact spot.

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What do you love most about one another? Sonia: One word – exceptional! Okay I lied, I have to use more than one word – kind, generous, smart. Better than me at Jeopardy, hard-working (which was a rare quality to find among partners). This might sound strange, but he is the male version of my best friend from childhood. But the number one thing I love about him….his heart. There are very few people on this earth who share the same sort of compassion that he does. From volunteering to worthy causes, to always making sure his loved ones know they’re cared about. He truly is remarkable and I’m so proud to call him my life partner.

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DARPAN Weddings

It wasn’t your typical Indian wedding! Forget 800 people, there were only six guests at our wedding. Our guest list included our respective brothers and their wives and our two special friends.”

I remember saying “I DO” with tears of joy in my eyes and looking over at my brother, sister-inlaw and best friend with so much pure happiness. Then, John and I hugged, in that same area where we had our first date. It had come full circle and I felt forever grateful for this love I had found.” 110 JULY/ AUGUST 2 018 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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John: Where do I start? Sonia is stunningly beautiful and her heart is beyond beautiful. That is in fact, it’s how I “knew” she was the one for me. On our first date, when we hugged goodbye, our hearts touched and it hit me, I was like “Oh! It’s you! I’ve been looking for you!” Sonia loves unconditionally and loves being around family and friends. She is the “glue.” She tirelessly is at every event, plans amazing get-togethers and is always eager to host. We love sharing with people the things we love – and no one does it better than Sonia. I’m honoured to be by her side.

Could you share your proposal story?

a proposal that was true to us. Nothing fancy and nothing that felt overly prepared and scripted. We wanted something that was significant to how we would feel for the rest of our lives. One day, we were sitting on the couch talking (it’s what we do best). We both had hard days at work. Then, just when we both felt exhausted, burning the midnight oil, John turned to me and got on one knee. He told me he loved me, and “even on the hardest days, I will always be by your side. I want this forever.” It sounds cheesy, but for us, it’s the moments together that have shaped our relationship.

Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?

Full disclosure: It wasn’t your Sonia: We always knew we wanted typical Indian wedding! Forget to start our “forever story” with 800 people, there were only six

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BE THE OF YOUR NIGHT!

guests at our wedding. Our guest list included our respective brothers and their wives and our two special friends. John: I remember how time stood still when she came down the stairs. We didn’t have a typical wedding but I did want to wait for her to arrive. We had all been getting ready at our fantastic room at Fairmont Pacific Rim; my brother Joe, friend Jonathan and I made our way downstairs earlier to enjoy a drink and greet our wedding official, Jeff, at the lobby bar. I had asked Sonia if she would descend the elegant stairway when they were ready to come downstairs. She was stunning; time stood still and the memory plays back in slow motion. I felt like the jazz trio was playing just for us and the din of conversation in the room quietened to a hush as everyone watched her carefully take each step down the marble staircase. I met her halfway – I don’t know if I was just too excited or wanted to make sure she didn’t trip on her beautiful dress. I just remember looking up, smiling and seeing everyone smiling back at us. We were getting married! Sonia: After our ceremony, I remember saying “I DO” with tears of joy in my eyes and looking over at my brother, sister-in-law and best friend with so much pure happiness. Then, John and I hugged, in that same area where we had our first date. It had come full circle and I felt forever grateful for this love I had found.

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What are your goals as a couple? To live each day with gratitude to the fullest and to continue to inspire and support each other. Hopefully, to help inspire others to keep their hearts open, that they can find the love they seek. Start a family, live modestly, and grow old together surrounded by friends and family.

What are the strengths of your marriage?

timeless. I went for a white dress with a train I refused to bustle and a colour (white) that I’m not used to wearing. It was perfect. My friend Nada and I picked out the dress in 20 minutes and I knew, it was the perfect dress for me and my love.

Could you tell us about your reception? We had a few. That’s what happens when you elope. After our ceremony we had a small dinner with our six wedding guests at Joe Fortes. A few weeks later, we held a proper brunch with a handful of our closest friends and family. Then our parents wanted to host a celebration of our love at an Indian hall with just over a 100 of our closest friends and family.

Can you describe your outfits? Sonia: For the ceremony I knew I wanted something elegant but

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For our Indian party: I was pretty lucky. As a lover for lenghas, I had a few at home already. We decided to go for a very simple look – a plain white lengha with a black top, plus lots of jewellery. I’m so thankful for the team at Pink Orchid Studio for helping me get my hair and make up done for my Indian reception. I felt like a million bucks, but most importantly, I felt like myself. John: For the ceremony, I wanted a summer look that was stylish and comfortable (for the heat). After a little online research, I found the look I was after. I entrusted the help of Haberdasher & Co. to help me put it all together. Bobbie was amazing – she found and tailored a light blue Copley blazer and found the perfect pocket square to match my first pair of John Fluevog, light brown

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dress shoes. For our Indian party: Classic black suit and tie.

Where did you honeymoon? We did a Later-moon. We were so busy celebrating with people we love so much that we went on honeymoon in Paris and Italy this June.

Laughter and lots of honesty! We definitely have unfiltered conversations and it’s what keeps us honest through the day to day stuff.

If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be? Never stop dating each other. We make a point to still have our “us” time and date nights even when we have some weeks that seem extra busy.

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ACTIVITIES

Breathtaking BC Islands to Summer On

Hornby Island If you’re seeking a quiet, tropical paradise close to home, Hornby Island will be your best bet. It’s definitely more remote than the other islands on the list and takes around three ferries to reach, but it’s well worth the travel-time. Known as the ‘Hawaii of the North’, experience firsthand how fitting that name is with its turquoise blue waters, lush greenery and sandy beaches. Besides exploring the almost tropical beaches, it’s also a haven for canoeing, kayaking and skimboarding. A lot quieter and less populated than the other islands, it is ideal if you’re seeking a secluded, relaxing vacation.

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AWAITS

You r Guide BY TARANA RANA

These 4 BC Islands are ideal for a long, relaxing vacation or a quick weekend getaway this summer.

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eciding to keep your summer plans close to home this year? Before heading out across the border or packing for that road trip to Okanagan, consider vacationing on some of British Columbia’s beautiful islands. BC is home to an archipelago of islands and each island offers breathtaking scenery, beaches and artistic residential villages. Just a ferry ride away from Vancouver, these four island destinations will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away!

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Salt Spring Island Farmers markets, artisanal shops and gorgeous beaches – Salt Spring Island is a top contender for a BC island getaway as it has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy with hiking trails, diving, and kayaking. If you’re into local art, there’s no better island to be, as Salt Spring is internationally recognized for its population of artists and musicians! Be sure to visit their Saturday Market, the best in BC, which is where you’ll get a true sense of this island’s vibe. Famous for local art and organic food, including their famous Salt Spring Island cheese, this is a must-do!

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Pender Island As one of the larger islands, Pender Island is actually two islands, North Pender and South Pender, divided by a canal and linked by a one-lane bridge. While majority of the density is on the North island, both are equally beautiful, with over 20 public beach access points. Couple that with its sub-Mediterranean climate, myriad of outdoor activities, and seven parks to explore, it definitely makes for a memorable trip. Pender Island is mostly residential, so expect a lot of peace and tranquility, making it an attractive escape from the city.

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Galiano Island Dubbed the ‘Gem of the Gulf Islands’, Galiano Island is extremely accessible, with just a 50-minute sail from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. This gorgeous island is home to ancient forests and beaches, and has that relaxed beach-town vibe. It’s also a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers, with long trails through the Douglas Fir and Garry Oak Forest. If you’re not an outdoor enthusiast, you can spend the days golfing at the Country Club, relaxing at the spa or checking out some of the island’s local festivals!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarana Rana is a freelance writer in Vancouver, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city and discovering some of its lesser-known haunts.

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DARPAN TRAVEL

THE CITY OF ETERNAL SPRING BY VANITA CHANDRA

Medellín has seen one of the most remarkable urban turnarounds in modern history – from a violent past to a popular holiday destination.

hen I told my family that I was travelling to Medellín, Colombia, the reactions I received were expected: “What if you get kidnapped?” “That’s a dangerous place.” “Are you sure you want to go there?” If this was over 25 years ago, I most likely would reconsider. Many year ago, Medellín was the drug capital of the world run by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar; most of the world knows who he was and Colombia’s reputation had been tainted ever since. So when Medellín was crowned the most ‘Innovative City of the Year,’ in 2013, beating popular cities like New York and Tel Aviv, the Paisa people were beyond joyous and proud. Medellín has seen one of the most remarkable urban turnarounds in modern history – from a violent past to a holiday destination. Mentioned below are some popular hot-spots in the city.

Medellín,

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DARPAN TRAVEL

Fabulous neighbourhoods El Poblado is an upscale, diverse neighbourhood that attracts many expats and foreign travellers. The area is filled with many restaurants, bars, boutiques, cafes and a bustling nightlife. A popular hot spot is Parque Lleras – a two-block park in the middle of the neighbourhood that features restaurants, bars, clubs, street performers and music. If dancing the night away isn’t your thing, the park itself is beautiful just to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Laureles is a quiet and residential neighbourhood. Here you get to experience a more authentic Paisa (people from Antioquia) atmosphere. Laureles is still a bit more upscale than other neighbourhoods in Medellín but

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the prices are a lot cheaper than El Poblado. You’ll notice many mom-and-pop style operations like restaurants, grocery stores, food stands and much more. Laureles has a more laid-back nightlife which is nice when you want to escape the busy action in Poblado. The streets are more walkable and everything you need is very close to one another, making this the preferred neighbourhood for long-term visitors or for people to live in.

Fùtbol is life Now we all know that South Americans have a reputation for being passionate when it comes to soccer. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, this is one of the most exciting, nerve-racking experiences you’ll ever have. Fans are rambunctious,

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singing, chanting, dancing, and playing the drums the entire game, and you can just feel the love they have for the sport. The city is home to two teams, Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM) and Atlético Nacional. If you happen to be in Medellín when these teams play each other in a “clasico,” you are in for a treat.

Guatapé Only an hour an half away from Medellín, visiting Guatapé is well worth it. Easily known for being the most colourful place in Colombia, this town is a big tourist attraction. All the buildings are bright in colour and the designs are intricate and meaningful to the owners. Many designs are cultural images of the farming heritage of the community. Guatapé borders a large reservoir built in the 1970s, and once you climb the famous rock, La Piedra Del Peñol, you will encounter a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire artificial lake. The climb can be tough for some as there are 740 stairs but its well worth the sore glutes!

Medellín must-dos Plaza Botero Located in front of Museum of Antioquia, this park boosts 23 “fat” and “plump” sculptures made famous by local artist Fernando Botero. Filled with lots of shops and restaurants, Plaza Botero is busy with locals, tourists, and street vendors, making this an amazing outdoor exhibit.

Metrocable Many people from Medellín are quite proud of their Metrocable gondola lift system. This introduction was a true turning point and an iconic, innovative example of Medellín’s social urbanism and socially-conscious development. Medellín is located in the Aburrá Valley and is surrounded by large, steep hills. These hills house many of the poorest residents, and because of the location, the public transportation system cannot service those areas. The goal of the gondola system was therefore to connect these residents to the main city. Interestingly enough, this has become one of the biggest tourist attractions, as you can see the non-touristy side of Medellín and all the city’s surroundings for very cheap.

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DARPAN TRAVEL

Shopping in El Hueco Located in the centre of Medellín, El Hueco may look a bit rough and intimidating but it is one of the best places to shop. You can find anything from shoes and jerseys to furniture and bedding here. If you are good at negotiating, there are plenty of opportunities to bargain. El Hueco is close to Parque de Las Luces, which is a park filled with giant lights that are quite pretty to look at. It’s recommended to visit here with a local as they know the best places to go and will get you the better deals.

Staying in Medellín At Medellín, you have the luxury to choose from big chains and boutique hotels to hostels and Airbnb options.

Diez Hotel Diez Hotel celebrates Colombia’s cultural diversity. It is a beautiful, original boutique hotel that exhibits a blend of traditional and modern architecture crafted by some of the finest local artisans. As soon as you walk through the entrance, you’re immediately put at ease with all the Zen fixings surrounding the lobby. Although this hotel focuses on its environment to be harmonious and peaceful, its houses tech-savvy amenities to keep you connected.

Airbnb Airbnb is definitely the more affordable route to go. Many homeowners proudly offer their modern apartments in newer highrise, energy-efficient buildings with beautiful views of the city. This has become a popular option, especially when travelling with larger groups.

Hotel Dann Carlton Hotel Dann Carlton is a luxury 4-star hotel that is known for its service. The furnishings at Dann Carlton are traditional and tasteful, and the vibe is upscale and classy. The hotel is a popular choice for many visitors travelling for business, and is home to Medellín’s national soccer team, DIM. On game days, you will find most of the players around the pool, gym or in the lobby meeting fans and preparing for their upcoming games.

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2018

BY HARJAN PADDA

Aly Jiwani, OpenRoad Auto Group Area General Manager, with OpenRoad Auto Group CEO Christian Chia at the grand opening of Rolls-Royce’s Vancouver showroom where Cullinan made its debut

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• Bespoke features, including the Viewing Suite and the Recreation Module. • The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 RollsRoyce engine delivers 563bhp/420kW and 850Nm/627lb ft of torque.

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or many, a car is almost like their second home. Comfort, smoothness and easy availability are key features most expected from this second home. British luxury automobile maker, RollsRoyce, has officially released its latest luxury SUV, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, aimed at customers seeking an adventurous and enriching experience. “We

knew we had to offer our clients what they couldn’t find in the SUV market,” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, chief executive officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, was quoted in the official press release. “They do not accept limitations or compromises in their lives. They are the new pioneers, and for them it’s about their sense of adventure and daring in how they live their experiences.

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In May, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver, part of OpenRoad Auto Group, held the official grand opening of the brand’s new Vancouver showroom

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ROLLS-ROYCE, OPENROAD AUTO GROUP, JONATHAN EVANS

where Cullinan made This approach to life demands a motor car that can go-anywhere in ultimate luxury and style – Rolls-Royce style. Hence Cullinan.” The news of Cullinan’s release is two-fold for Vancouverites as not only do Rolls-Royce lovers have a new luxury car to explore but they

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can do that right here in the city. In May, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver, part of OpenRoad Auto Group, held the official grand opening of the brand’s new Vancouver showroom – Canada’s first stand-alone Rolls-Royce retail facility where Cullinan made its debut. Vancouver is the first Canadian city to host a new

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its debut. Rolls-Royce model debut. “There was a significant demand in this market for a luxury SUV. The Rolls-Royce brand is very popular in Vancouver and there is a large number of consumers with a desire to purchase RollsRoyce products,” points out Aly Jiwani, area general manager at OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd, and specifically the general manager of the Rolls-Royce dealership in Vancouver. Clearly, the RollsRoyce executives took notice and used this opportunity to their advantage. They have extended this release to satisfy consumer demands while also driving engagement in a burgeoning Vancouver market for luxury vehicles. The significant staple feature of Cullinan is the ability for luxurious off-roading. The drivetrain system used on

other Rolls-Royce vehicles is also applicable for the Cullinan on and off the road. With their new doublewishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle, the car is very agile and the driver will have good control of the vehicle as the four-wheel drive also contributes to the driving experience. “They truly took the best measures to create a high-quality product of modern design that still possesses the trademark luxury characteristics of all Rolls-Royce vehicles,” Jiwani emphasizes about Cullinan. Cullinan is named after the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever to be discovered which now resides in the British Crown Jewels. The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine delivers 563bhp/420kW and 850Nm/627lb-ft of torque to the allnew Rolls-Royce All-Wheel Drive. A four-wheel steering system provides never-before-seen handling. Located within the vehicle is the “Everywhere” button. A simple push of this button transforms the car into a luxury offroading machine and puts its special powers on display, giving the driver the promised ‘Rolls-Royce Magic Carpet Ride.’ A prominent feature that really makes its impact for offroading is the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system. This uses an air compression system

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SUDDEN IMPACT that pushes wheels down when it senses the tires losing traction, to keep the car grounded for maximum safety. The four-wheel steering system for the SUV also helps for stability and manoeuvrability. Never before has there been a “three-box” SUV but Cullinan has revolutionized the game; inside, passengers are separated from the back luggage compartment with a sleek glass partition wall. Cullinan is the perfect luxury vehicle for families who enjoy the ample space and signature interior design that makes all Rolls-Royce vehicles unique. The interior includes the highquality, exclusive Northern European leather that Rolls-Royce has been boasting for years. The rear seats are also customizable, in that you can have lounge seats more practical for families or individual seats to suit every type of rider. Some other features include panoramic and helicopter camera views for complete visibility, collision and lane warnings, latest navigation and entertainment systems, WiFi hotspot, and a top-of-its-class high-resolution heads-up display. There features, and many more, stamp Cullinan as the most advanced SUV till date. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a premium SUV that carries all the qualities of the brand’s other models along with modern, contemporary improvements. Their competitors in the luxury SUV market are literally left in the dust as the off-roading abilities of Cullinan are unmatched. With Cullinan, Rolls-Royce once again leaves a strong first impression which has luxury car buyers desperate to get their hands on this exceptional product.

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2018

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

he problem I have with many of today’s luxury cars is the fuel consumption. It seems that you can have luxury but you can’t get frugal fuel consumption. Well, Lincoln seems to have the solution with the MK Z Hybrid, a gas/ electric car. The Hybrid starts with the MKZ platform and its luxury interior and other fine appointments. The heat of the Hybrid is the Atkinsoncycle 2.0-litre four cylinder connected to an electric motor that powers the front wheels. Besides the electric motor, the car also has lithium-ion batteries to help with the whole drive system.

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THE NEW ELECTRIC CAR

LINCOLN MKZ BY BENJAMIN YONG

HYBRID What happens is that once the car in put into drive the batteries get the car moving. Once the car is up to a certain speed, the engine starts and begins to turn the electric motor and takes over the powering of the car. As the driver needs more power, the gas engine powers up the electric motor which drives the front wheels.

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It is this demand that determines the average 5.9 litre per 100 kilometres both highway and city driving. On paper the power doesn’t look that good with 188 horsepower but the car really does go quite smoothly. Torque of the car is rated at 129 lb-ft which again doesn’t sound like much, but the 2.0-litre gas engine

HIGHLIGHTS

MSRP: Base $45,000, as tested $49,500 Horsepower: 188 Torque (lb-ft): 129 Layout: Front-wheel drive Transmission: E-cvt (electronic) Fuel economy: 5.7L/100 km city 5.9L/100 km

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combined with the electric motor gives the car a lot of power. In my own testing I found the 0 to 100 kilometres per hour time of roughly eight seconds. I found this more than adequate for city traffic as well as passing on the highway, or for that matter, accelerating on to the highway. Due to the weight, that of the electric motor and power battery, the MKZ handles quite well. There is no excessive roll in corners, giving this front-wheel drive car fairly neutral handling, which I personally like. In rain, the weight gives the car even better handling than other frontdrive cars. Unlike some hybrids which have space age styling, the Lincoln interior is almost the same as the convention gas-powered versions with exception of the gauge section of the dash. Here you find the speedometer and a bunch of graphs showing everything concerning the power levels. What I did find interesting was the gauge that showed regenerative braking for the car’s battery. By coasting to a stop and

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gently applying the brakes, the car’s computer scored you. As you might imagine, this started to become a game to get the best score. The rest of the interior was basic Lincoln with all the goodies you have come to expect in a luxury car. These included all the power amenities, leather seats, styled console, and generally a nice place to travel in. I found the driver’s seat and the rest of the seats comfortable with good leg room in the rear. What I did take some getting used to was the push-button drive control, I will assume that it just takes more than a week to get use to this feature.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

After spending some time with the Lincoln MKZ I have to say I became attached to it. As an everyday driver, it gave you great fuel economy and room and comfort for you and your passengers. The MKZ may not

have the same prestige as some of its European counterparts but overall it offers decent handling and good room for a car without being an SUV. At just under $50,000, it is well equipped for what you get.

In the Eye of the Macan. Challenging All Rivals. In the concrete jungle, there is only room for one alpha. The power and agility of the Macan is equipped to be a survivor amongst its competition. As a 5-door all-wheel drive SUV with plenty of space for hobbies, leisure and sport, and a max power of 252/hp with acceleration from 0-100/km/h in 6.7s, the Macan will dominate its territory. 2018 Porsche Macan. Redefining your perception.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW

BY BENJAMIN YONG

2018 BMW X1

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $52,540 Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 228 @ 5,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,250 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 11.6 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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A SMALL BUT EFFECTIVE OFFERING FROM BMW

hen I first laid eyes on BMW’s latest redesigned sports activity vehicle, I thought, that X3 looks nice. But it was actually the new X1, which is the smallest such offering from the German automaker recently entering its second generation all grown up. I’m not being figurative – the SAV is nearly 23 millimetres wider than before and 430 millimetres

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taller, resulting in a much more significant presence on the road. While the exterior doesn’t seem drastically different, all the visual elements have been massaged and refined. For example, the kidney grille now appears 3-D, and underneath, the air intakes are split into a trio of distinct units rather than joined together. Around the other end, the rear bumper diffuser gains a multipiece look, housing twin exhaust pipes. A number of premium features are standard, including LED signature daytime running lights, fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tires and automatic liftgate. The list of premium bundled equipment continues on the inside with electric front seats capable of storing driver-side adjustments and radar cruise control. Genuine leather seating surfaces are

Those behind the wheel can sit in excess of 25 millimetres higher than previously, yielding a greater view of the road. Rear passengers wanting to stretch out a bit pose no problem thanks to an increase of 970 millimetres in legroom. optional – our tester had rather hard Dakota leather matched to modern dark matte wood trim – regular fare consists of a pleather material known as SensaTec. Those behind the wheel can sit in excess of 25 millimetres higher than previously, yielding a greater view of the road. Unlike most subcompact crossovers, rear passengers

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All the visual elements have been massaged and refined. For example, the kidney grille now appears 3-D, and underneath, the air intakes are split into a trio of distinct units rather than joined together.

wanting to stretch out a bit pose no problem thanks to an increase of 970 millimetres in legroom. The second row has a 40:20:40 split, each section able to fold down individual for extra versatility. The seatback is powered, folding nearly flat at the touch of a button allowing for easy loading and unloading of cargo. When fully reclined, up to 1,550 litres of space is afforded, or 505 litres upright. That’s an additional 15 per cent compared to previously.

The infotainment system is controlled via the latest version of iDrive, and information is relayed on a 6.5-inch display or an available freestanding 8.7-inch freestanding monitor. Customers can also opt for a Premium Package Enhanced bundling in BMW’s excellent head-up display integrated into the front windshield, builtin navigation and a 360-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

thoughtfully installed throughout the vehicle. There are large door pockets all around that can hold a large drink bottle, with two more cup holders in front of the shifter; a storage compartment integrated into the instrument panel on the left side, and a cubby underneath the front armrest to stash precious items safely out of view. All X1s come with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, perfect for our cold and wet Canadian climates. The AWD system talks to the onboard Dynamic Stability Control and together can cancel out unwanted over or under steer before it happens.

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2018

HATCH GETS HOTTER

VOLKSWAGEN GTI

BY BENJAMIN YONG

HIGHLIGHTS

that gets standard LED day- with as contemporary an apt’s a carry-over year for the GTI, time running lights curving up pearance as any other new 2018 MSRP: $39,045 now in its seventh generation, and around the outer edges of example, but enthusiasts will but that doesn’t mean Volkswagen the adaptive headlamps. The instantly recognize the classicalMotor: 2.0-litre turbocharged was content to just do nothing to housings themselves contain ly-shaped roofline, C-pillar and four cylinder the iconic zippy hatchback. The decorative red accents that join side window design. Inside, the Horsepower: 220 @ 4,700 rpm folks at Wolfsburg have tuned a matching red strip installed at “Clark” plaid upholstery harkens Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,500 the powerplant, borrowed some the base of the slightly reworked back to the model’s humble Mk1 rpm performance upgrades from the mesh grille. The front bumper is roots. track-ready Golf R, and DARPAN a bit sportier than previous, inteThe GTI cabin has always Gearbox: Six-speed dual-clutch got a chance to try it all out. grating a subtle front splitter. been a pleasant place to sit, and automatic Here’s what we found. One great thing that VW does it remains so with classy touches Layout: Front engine, There isn’t much in the styling is pay homage to the badge’s like the real aluminum trim, redfront-wheel drive department to report in terms heritage. The GTI is a vehicle stitched leather bits and miniof changes, and that’s fine beFuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km cause the current platform still mixed city/highway (observed) looks fresh. We drove the top-of-the-line Autobahn trim malist layout. The sport seats are comfy and supportive, and are a little quirky having a powered recline function but manual front/ rear adjustments. As is the case in most hatches, interior room is plentiful, thanks to the boxy shape and 60:40 split rear seats. When the backrest is folded, there is nearly 1,500 litres of cargo space.

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Our press loaner utilizes the MIB II infotainment system that is much improved over the outgoing version. Inputs made on the eight-inch touchscreen were quick and responsive, and the sound clear and loud coming out of the Fender stereo. As mentioned above, the motor remains a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged unit that engineers have managed to squeeze in an extra 10 horsepower, for a total of 220 horsepower (using premium octane fuel) and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both a six-speed manual (complete with golf ball shift knob!) or a six-speed DSG automatic are available, the latter being the one we tested. I’m a manual man through-and-through, but Volkswagen’s refined dual-clutch gearboxes almost make me want to consider joining the other side. Our Autobahn grade car also receives bigger vented brake discs all-around, 13.4-inch front and 12.2-inch rear, same as the ones on the R. The GTI’s sport suspension puts the overall height 15 millimetres lower than the normal Golf, and combined with the electronic XDS Cross Differential System provides excellent traction and grip over most surfaces. The trade-off is that occupants will most certainly feel more bumps in the road due to the stiffer springs. However, there is a DCC adaptive damping onboard and users may select, in addition to Normal, Sport and Individual modes, a Comfort setting softening up the road quality somewhat. Consumers can choose to bundle a number of driver assistance safety options, like forward collision mitigation, radar cruise control, blind spot warning, and more. Autobahns include Park Pilot, an autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking assistant. New for this year is Manoeuvre Braking: sensors detect whether a potential collision is about to take place while in reverse, travelling between approximately 2 and 10 kilometres an hour, and if so, applies the brakes.

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SOORMA Release date: July 13 Directed by: Shaad Ali Starring: Diljit Dosanjh, Angad Bedi, Taapsee Pannu

There is a lot in store for Bollywood buffs in the coming months

BOLLYWOOD

MOVIE CALENDAR

iopics undoubtedly are still trending in Bollywood, and joining the already long list of real-life stories told on celluloid is Soorma. Directed by Shaad Ali, Soorma tells the inspirational story of Sandeep Singh, an Indian professional field hockey player, who was paralysed after he was injured by an accidental gunshot in 2006. However, he did not give up and continued playing. Dilijit Dosanjh who has worked hard to portray Sandeep Singh, said, “It has been challenging to portray a hockey player on screen. The regime and training required to portray a hockey player were rigorous. I have engaged in a sport in my life for the first time.” Taapsee Pannu, who plays an important role in the film, said at the film’s promotional event: “There were a lot of people in Sandeep Singh’s life who were instrumental in his hockey career, and I am playing the character of a girl who was an important reason to be a hockey player that he was.”

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

ight from a burst of new faces to inspiring real-life stories and unique romantic pairings, there is a lot in store for Bollywood buffs in the coming months. Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu come together to tell the motivational story of Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh, who despite being paralysed didn’t give up his love for the game in Soorma. It is followed by the story of two rebellious lovers – Dhadak, which also marks the much-awaited debut of Sridevi’s daughter Jahnvi Kapoor. Then you have the comedydrama, Fanne Khan, which stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. And if that’s not enough to satiate your filmy appetite, there is Akshay Kumar’s Gold which tells the story of India’s first Gold at Olympics. Last but not the least is Laila Majnu, a contemporary spin to the classic folklore.

DHADAK Release date: July 20 Directed by: Shashank Khaitan Starring: Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, Aditya Kumar

ased on the 2016 hit Marathi language film, Sairat, this film marks the debut of Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi Kapoor and of Ishaan Khatter. Dhadak is set in Rajasthan and tells the story of a rebellious young couple, who is willing to fight whatever comes in the way of their love. The film also touches upon the sensitive topic of honour killing, which is still prevalent in India. Director Shashank Khaitan did speak very highly of his film’s leads. He said, “They (Janhvi and Ishaan) are great people and are very hardworking, these are two things that I always look for in actors. They are good people who respect others and are dedicated to their work and ready to give their best.”

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FANNE KHAN Release date: August 3 Directed by: Atul Manjrekar Starring: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao

n official remake of the Oscar-nominated Dutch musical comedy, Everybody’s Famous, Fanne Khan also brings together Aishwarya and Anil Kapoor on the big screen after almost 17 years. While much is not revealed about the film, reports suggest that Aishwarya plays a singer in the movie, while Rajkummar Rao will be seen as her love interest. Aishwarya revealed interesting details about her role in the film, “I am a chapter in the film, not the fulcrum. There are other talents in the story, and you will see why I chose to do the film once it releases. I am working with Anil for the third time. He is such a dedicated and ever-charged artiste.”

GOLD Release date: August 15 Directed by: Reema Kagti Starring: Akshay Kumar, Mouni Roy, Kunal Kapoor

oon after Soorma, one will get to witness another sports drama, which is not only inspired by a real-life story but is also based on hockey – Gold. Featuring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, Gold is a fictionalised version of the actual events that led to India’s first gold medal in hockey post independence at the 1948 Olympics. Interestingly, Sandeep Singh, on whose life Soorma is based, was roped in to teach the actors to play hockey. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani said about the film, “It is not a biopic. It is a completely fictional story, but it is set against a real backdrop between 1933-48 India about what the country was, the sports... about hockey. It is not based on any character.”

@adorebykanika

LAILA MAJNU Release date: August 24 Directed by: Sajid Ali Starring: Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary

hen two of the most engaging storytellers come together to give a contemporary spin to a classic tale, one can definitely expect a creative explosion. Laila Majnu is inspired by the legendary folklore and is a modern-day love story made for today’s generation. Starring two newcomers, the film is set in Kashmir and promises some breathtakingly visuals. Speaking of the dream project, producer Ekta Kapoor said, “Laila Majnu is one of my favourite classic romances. Bollywood has churned out many eternal love stories in the past and has given them a fresh treatment to make them more appealing to the today’s audience. But no one has attempted to do so with Laila Majnu. So, when Imtiaz came to me with this script, I just knew it instantly that I have to make it.”

604.803.2487 adoredesignsbykanika@gmail.com

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PUZZLE August 10

TAKE A

CHANCE ON

INDIE BY JORGE IGNACIO CASTILLO

Perhaps instead of watching Avengers for the fourth time, consider giving a smaller film a shot. You may be pleasantly surprised.

It has been a couple of years since we last saw Irrfan Khan in a non-Bollywood movie (and Inferno didn’t quite set the box-office on fire). He returns to the local multiplex as the love interest in Puzzle, a quirky drama about a bored housewife (Kelly MacDonald) who discovers has the unique gift to assemble jigsaw puzzles in record time (apparently, it’s a thing). The realization leads her to a subculture in which the reigning champion is Robert (Khan), a man as obsessed with the order of things as she is. Worth the risk? Puzzle was a Sundance favourite, but this one seems more readily accessible.

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN August 3 It’s fairly well-known that the kid that inspired the “Winnie the Pooh” book series didn’t have a good time growing up. Bullied at school, he was shipped to war and came back with massive case of PTSD (most of this was covered earlier this year by the Alan Milne biopic Goodbye Christopher Robin). Disney’s version softpedals the real-life tale to portrait the adult Christopher Robin as a workaholic who is not spending enough time with his daughter. Enter Pooh and company to help their former human companion reconnect with his fun side. Worth the risk? Didn’t we do this already? In Hook? Also, this is the very opposite of an indie. A cheat on this list.

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU July 13 Following scene-stealing turns in Atlanta and Get Out (as the guy who actually screams “Get out!”), Lakeith Stanfield is getting his turn in the spotlight via Sorry to Bother You. Cassius (Stanfield), a millennial stuck in a dead-end job as a telemarketer, discovers he has the ability to sound “white” and his sells skyrocket. His success put him at odds with his co-workers looking to unionize, introducing the question ‘how much does it take to sell out?’ Worth the risk? The film was a hit in Sundance, but its cleverness and punk-rock attitude may be a bridge too far for audiences.

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BOUNDARIES July 6 Never mind Christopher Plummer is about to hit the big 9-0. He just got an Oscar nomination for eight days of work in All the Money in the World. Now he is back on the hunt for his second Academy Award, this time starring in a family film with a twist: Boundaries. Plummer is a carefree, pot-loving octogenarian who gets kicked out of his retirement home. Forced to share the car with his estranged daughter (Vera Farmiga) and grandson, the old man and his offspring develop a modicum of understanding for each other after years apart. Worth the risk? The story is standard, but Plummer and Farmiga are always watchable.

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WHITNEY July 13 The spectacular rise and abrupt fall of Whitney Houston is the subject of this fascinating documentary by director Kevin MacDonald (Marley). The film highlights Houston’s role as an African-American pioneer, but also doesn’t shy away from the fact that drug abuse and a toxic environment ended up consuming her life. Bobby Brown, the man who many consider responsible for Whitney’s fall from grace, is at hand to shed some light in a revelatory interview. . Worth the risk? Houston is a complex, compelling figure and her music remains iconic. There are enough reasons to check this doc out.

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BLACKKKLANSMAN August 10 Winner of the Grand Prize of the Jury in the last Cannes Film Festival, BlacKkKlansman is widely considered Spike Lee’s best feature in a decade. Perhaps more surprisingly, it’s a comedy based on real events: In the early 70’s, an African-American cop engineers a sting operation to expose the Ku Klux Klan, just as the organization was trying a “friendlier” face. How? By infiltrating the organization and putting in evidence of their hateful ideology. How did he manage? He used Adam Driver (Kylo Ren in the Star Wars movies) as a front.

Photos: Warner Bros, Mongrel, eOne, Focus, d Films

Worth the risk? Definitely. When Spike Lee is hot, he sizzles.

CRAZY RICH ASIANS August 15 More of a crowd-pleaser than a highbrow entry, Crazy Rich Asians fully lives up to the title. Based on the popular novel by Kevin Kwan, the rom-com follows an NYU economics professor (Constance Wu) as she travels to Singapore to meet her beau’s family. Turns out they are beyond rich, and they are not too eager to accept a middle-class American among their ranks. Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, and Awkwafina complete the cast. Worth the risk? The surest thing in this list, fresh and modern romance.

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INDIANS at 19, that aims to socially and economically empowering young women globally. Galvanized by own struggles and the inequities she witnessed against girls worldwide, she determined to found an organization that would embolden girls to discover their voice and collaboratively effect positive change. “Initially, we were just girls helping girls, the eponym for a nonprofit that evolved to teach girls globally how to design and implement social change, while sponsoring their secondary education. Then arose girltank, a community born to support the most promising of these changemakers, by building their capacity as entrepreneurs to sustainably address local development challenges,” recalls Sejal, who has served a two-year term on the U.N. SecretaryGeneral’s expert advisory group for women’s and children’s health. Over time, these organizations rippled into a global, girl-run BY PETRINA D’SOUZA movement that incubated and ejal Hathi, an internal felt her “whole world shattered” trained, mentored and mobilized medicine resident physician at when she was diagnosed with more than 32,000 young women Massachusetts General Hospital in anorexia nervosa. “But in my journey in 100 countries. Boston, has been making impacts to recovery, I also discovered the One among the notable in the filed of primary care, women capacity of good medicine to organizations she spearheaded and girl empowerment, and social heal: the power of gentle words is The Arena, where she is now welfare since her school years. simultaneously to restore and a board member. The national The 27-year-old has served as a galvanize; the solace of a caregiver’s nonprofit was founded in the USA Ambassador to Ashoka, a simple presence; the marvel of a wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential “For Girls in Science” Ambassador science defined by its heritage in election, to mobilize the next to L’Oreal USA, an Innovation the dignity of life,” she shares, about generation of progressive leaders. Advisor at the U.S. Small Business the experience that encouraged her “Against the fear and racism and Administration, and an adviser on to take up medicine. “I realized how hateful rhetoric that spiked in the youth development and women and critical health is to achieving selfelection’s wake, many of us felt girls to the U.S. State Department, actualization: that quality care is a compelled to speak up and fight UNESCO (U.S. National foundational human right, because back. The Arena was born in the Commission), Youth Service without it, no matter a person’s other midst of this crisis, because some America (Board member), the World resources, intellect, education, or of these same people – strangers Bank (YDP Network Board), Girls for talents, no individual can aspire to who became friends – decided a Change (Board), and State Farm beyond her basic needs.” one of the boldest actions we Insurance (Board). Beyond medicine, Sejal is deeply might take is to elevate those Sejal’s own patient experiences passionate about improving voices of reason – of compassion, inspired her to pursue medicine opportunities for women and girls. of integrity, of substance – we as a career. “I did not so much She started the non-profit, Girls most admire in our generation, choose medicine as it chose me,” Helping Girls, when she was 15, and run for office ourselves,” she states. At the age of 15, she and the social organization, girltank, she says, further explaining, “In

SEJAL HATHI

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Q&A Is there enough awareness on health care and effective policies at the grassroots level?

Healthcare in the United States is complicated – and administered by one of the most byzantine systems in the developed world. Americans also are plagued by low health literacy, with some surveys finding that less than 10 per cent of patients grasp the terms of their own health insurance. It’s difficult to navigate effectively a system one doesn’t understand – let alone advocate for something better. Luckily, there are many incredible organizations working to address this challenge – from Doctors for America to Protect Our Care to the new United States of Care. Together, we must continue to place pressure on our lawmakers to amplify and not reverse the gains in coverage and equity achieved by the Affordable Care Act. other words, perhaps the most powerful way we might #resist an administration, which so flagrantly assaults our values, is to assume the mantle of leadership and, ultimately, enter ‘the arena.’” In less than three and a half weeks from election day, The Arena pulled together a national summit that drew more than 400 attendees from 32 states to Nashville, Tennessee, for talks, trainings, and community-building workshops on how to assume the mantle of civic and political leadership. “Since then, The Arena community has only continued to grow, supporting over 25 Fellows for all levels of political office – in this 2018 midterms cycle, not one has lost a primary – and organizing its fifth national Summit in Philadelphia this September,” adds the young leader. Sejal has played many roles: from social entrepreneur to grassroots organizer to policy advisor to now doctor. She is determined to introduce change to enhance the lives of people worldwide. “My mission is to serve as a practicing clinician and social innovator who empowers all people to achieve selfactualization, by giving them access: to their health, to their human rights, to their full potential,” she declares.

Photo: Courtesy of Sejal Hathi

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J U LY-AU G U S T 2 018 By georgia nichols

HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

JULY: Cocoon at home this month because you want to

JULY: Although you are outgoing, this month you want to pull

JULY: Even though you are an upbeat, breezy sign, this

withdraw from the busy world around you. An interaction with a parent will be significant. Caution about competition with a friend, especially based on something from the past. Let it go. If you’re involved in a club or organization, finish up old business.

in your reins and hide. And it’s totally appropriate. Stay in the wings so you can start to plan what you want for your new year, which will begin next month. Make specific goals with deadlines (Be realistic). Goals with deadlines guarantee results.

AUGUST: Yay! It’s your turn to party! This is a fabulous

AUGUST: Happy Birthday! Now you take centre stage for

month you are intense. You’ll be intense about everything. Issues will be black-and-white, especially issues about romance, love affairs money, shared property, and inheritances. Yes, issues that make anyone sit up and take notice. Fortunately, you love to travel and travel opportunities abound.

month for romance, love affairs, social occasions, sports events and playful activities with children. You’re revved up and eager to be active with groups. Coworkers are supportive. In fact, a work-related flirtation might begin. Don’t do anything you will later regret.

your encore. Another Leo year! What are your plans? The thing to remember is that this is your year to improve your home and to enlarge and enjoy your family. Look for realestate opportunities. Explore ways to expand your home or make it more attractive. To a Leo, their home is their castle!

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 5, 6 AUGUST 1, 2, 3, 29, 30

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 14, 15 AUGUST 10, 11

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

JULY: The pace of your days is accelerating with a jam-

JULY: A popular month! Get out and enjoy the company of

packed schedule this month. Don’t sit at home getting dusty. Short trips, errands, appointments, increased contact with siblings and relatives plus reading and writing are reasons why you’ll be hustling! Family meetings plus redecorating plans at home are also in the picture.

others. Accept invitations to parties and social events (Extend some yourself). Join classes, groups and organizations because these activities will benefit you. A conversation with a friend or a group member might help you clarify your future goals.

AUGUST: It’s time to kick back and relax! Enjoy the fruits

AUGUST: Your ability to research is excellent this month.

of your labour, especially in terms of redecorating your home. Family you haven’t seen for a while will be parked on your doorstep (Stock the fridge). This is the perfect month for a family reunion. Enjoy entertaining at home. However, you will also enjoy private, cozy times when you can cocoon by yourself. Sheer joy!

If you need answers or solutions to old problems, start looking because your chances of solving these problems are excellent. Group sports might be competitive. This is a great month to buy wardrobe items for yourself. Take time to strategize what you want your new year (birthday to birthday) to be about. Plan ahead!

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 7, 8, 9 AUGUST 4, 5, 31

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 16, 17 AUGUST 12, 13

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

JULY: Money is on your mind this month and you have money-making ideas. Talk to people, including relatives and siblings. Look for ways to make money from your words because you can do this. A blessing for those in sales, marketing, teaching, acting and writing! If travelling, go someplace you’ve been before.

AUGUST: You will love this month because this is the only month all year when the Sun is sitting in your Gemini home. This makes you want to talk to everyone. Fortunately, because you’ve got great ideas, others will listen. Warning: Transportation delays, car problems, communication mix-ups and confused appointments will be maddening. Yes, it’s Mercury retrograde (Oh no!) LUCKY DAYS: JULY 10, 11 AUGUST 6, 7

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) JULY: Happy Birthday! The Sun is now in your sign giving you a chance to regenerate and restore your energy. This is a blessing and will attract important people to you as well as favourable circumstances. Obviously, you must make the most of this. Turn these situations to your advantage!

AUGUST: Mercury is retrograde this month in one of your money houses. The bad news is that cheques in the mail will be late and money will come to you slowly. The good news is you have a second chance to get a specific job or make money in a certain way. Therefore, return to what you did before because this time it might fly! Plan to entertain family at home this month. LUCKY DAYS: JULY 12, 13 AUGUST 8, 9

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JULY: This month you impress bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs, and you don’t have to do anything special (It’s all smoke and mirrors). Knowing this, use this to your advantage! Make your pitch and advance your agenda. You will be involved with people this month, perhaps through organizations or perhaps through friendships.

AUGUST: This is a fabulous month to schmooze with others, especially younger people and old friends from your past. An old friend might inspire you to change your goals or consider something new. As Venus moves into your sign, you become even more charming, diplomatic and flirtatious. Everyone loves you! LUCKY DAYS: JULY 18, 19 AUGUST 14, 15

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) JULY: You want to do whatever you can to expand your horizons and your experience of life. Obviously, if you can travel this month, do so! If you can’t travel, then explore your own sandbox. People from all over the world spend lots of money to come here. Sign up for a course. Go back to school. Learn something new.

AUGUST: This is a powerful month because it’s the only

AUGUST: Travel opportunities that fell in your lap last month continue. However, with Mercury retrograde, it is recommended that you travel someplace you’ve been to before. This month, romance with a boss or someone in a position of authority might blossom. Meanwhile, someone will seek your creative advice about how to make something look better. You will have the answer. LUCKY DAYS: JULY 22, 23, 24 AUGUST 19, 20

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) JULY: This month your focus is on close friendships, spouses and partnerships because it is the only month all year that the Sun is opposite your sign. Observe these relationships so that you can see how to improve them. Note: The only way you can improve them is to change your own behaviour, you can’t change someone else.

AUGUST: This month discussions about shared property and red-tape issues intensify. Issues from the past are back on your plate again, and this time they must be resolved. Remember: Your first loss is your cheapest loss (A wise axiom). Travel for pleasure will delight. Romance with a boss or someone in authority might spark. LUCKY DAYS: JULY 25, 26 AUGUST 21, 22, 23

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) JULY: This is a productive, powerful, busy month for you. Mars in your sign boosts your energy to work and play (Your choice). However, many of you will work because this month your top priority is to be as efficient, effective and productive in practical terms as you possibly can. You want to shine!

AUGUST: This is the only month when the Sun is as far away from you as it gets all year. Because the Sun (symbolically) represents your energy, you will need more sleep. Fortunately, with fiery Mars in your sign, you will still have lots of energy. Ex partners, ex-spouses and old friends from the past will be back in your life. Look good because living well is the best revenge. LUCKY DAYS: JULY 1, 2, 27, 28, 29 AUGUST 24, 25

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) JULY: This is a light-hearted, sexy month for Pisces! Enjoy all social situations including playful activities with children. Accept invitations to sports events and the arts because you want to have fun. It’s the perfect month for a vacation. Relations with coworkers are also positive. Yes, this is a winner month for you.

time all year that the Sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering light (Fantastic). This means you impress people, especially bosses and VIPs. This blessing, combined with Jupiter in your sign, means you can do much this month to improve your life and improve your professional career and reputation with your peers. Go, go, go!

AUGUST: Travel still appeals this month; however, you are

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 20, 21 AUGUST 16, 17, 18

LUCKY DAYS: JULY 3, 4, 30, 31 AUGUST 26, 27 28

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

CANADIAN SHARE THEIR IMMIGRANTS STORIES

e Meet th

GUHAy

FAmil BY PETRINA D'SOUZA

of students in the MBA program,” says Indra. The other key reasons to choose Canada were the “country’s reputation as a nation that respects freedom and individual rights, welcomes immigrants, embraces differing races and cultures, and offers a high quality of living.” Prior to his move, Indra thought of Canada as a huge country of picturesque mountain ranges and breathtaking natural beauty. On arrival, his first impressions were that of fresh crisp autumn air, seeing maple trees for the first time, and incredibly friendly and polite people. “But the real surprise was that every license plate of each car states ‘Beautiful British Columbia’ resounding how beautiful the province is. You don’t usually experience this pride in other places,” he shares. The initial challenges that the family faced were that of loss of community, family and friends. “The culture, food, sports are all remarkably different; even the direction of road travel is opposite

Indra Guha works at RBC Royal Bank of Canada as Vice-President of Commercial Banking Kasturi Guha is self-employed

ndra Guha immigrated to Canada as an international student in August 2003 from Kolkata, India. His wife, Kasturi, came a year later. Back then, Indra had a bachelor’s degree in engineering and was employed with the largest organization in India, TATA Group. He decided to go back to school to pursue MBA for career progression reasons, and was fortunate to be accepted in multiple universities in Canada and elsewhere. “Even though I didn’t have any friends or relatives in Canada at that time, I chose UBC Sauder School of Business to do my full-time MBA post-graduation because of the program’s reputation, financial reasons, and the international diversity

(in India we follow the British system). And we didn’t have a car at that time, so mobility was a challenge,” recalls Indra. Weather posed a serious issue too. “More than the rain, the longevity of the rainy days really surprised us as we never experienced this before,” mentions Kasturi. Since Indra came as an international student, the couple was also in the dilemma of deciding whether to stay or return back to India. It took them a while to get accustomed to the new surroundings but they encountered friendly and polite people which helped make the transition smoother. Kasturi landed a good job within the first month of arrival which supported the family financially throughout Indra’s MBA program and even after. Indra however had a difficult experience. “When I graduated in 2005, most international students in our class were only offered a one-year work visa. It is crucially challenging to land a good job when your employer knows that you only have a one year work permit,” he states, who at present is the vicepresident of commercial banking at RBC Royal Bank of Canada. Overall the Guhas have had a fulfilling, challenging and gratifying journey in Canada. “There were moments of pain, frustration, glory and pure joy. We love the journey so far and are prepared for the inspirational road ahead,” expresses Kasturi. The couple likes the diversity, tolerance, reward for talent, natural beauty, and the long summer days with late sunsets Canada has to offer. “Also the Canadian passport allows us to travel to most places without a visa requirement; it makes travel plans easy,” they add. In conclusion, Indra says it’s about how you view life; you can either regret or rejoice. He advises everyone to rejoice and share their joy. To sum up, he quotes a great message from American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson: “For everything you have missed; you have gained something else, and for everything you gain; you lose something else.”

BIGGEST OBSTACLE FACED SO FAR IN CANADA: The biggest obstacle was to get the first meaningful job. It was specifically hard and challenging as the obstacle to secure the job was not due to anything else but the fact that international students (at that time) were at a serious disadvantage with only a one-year work visa. Adding to that challenge is how we can prove and demonstrate our qualities when we have practically no network and no one to support our efforts in a new land.

RESOLUTIONS MADE FOR YOURSELF OR FAMILY: To work hard, be honest and practice humility. And always give back.

ADVICE FOR IMMIGRANTS: Migration involves loss. Even when you’re privileged and move on your own free will, as I did, you feel it. Migrants, almost by definition, move with the future in mind. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always be open and eager to learn.

MEMORIES OF YOUR HOMELAND: More than often, a mosaic of feelings overwhelms us. My sense of loss is primarily cultural. Our parents are back in India and the separation is afflictive. We also miss immensely the fresh, lipsmacking street food of Kolkata and the vibrancy of the city.

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