DARPAN JAN-FEB 2016 by Darpan Magazine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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10 QUEStiOnS WitH

Harjit Sajjan

HOrOSCOPE

HON. DEFENCE MINISTER OF CANADA

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SPECIAL FEATURE:

in SEarCH OF

SHEltEr CANADIANS UNITE TO SUPPORT REFUGEES

a k h s u o n A hankar S DARPAN

STORY

TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Publishers Note

“WE WORK HARD

ello readers, DARPAN wishes you a Happy New Year 2016. May your year be filled with laughter, happiness and prosperity. We are excited to present to you our first issue for this year — filled with interesting reads, annual forecast and tips for 2016,

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and a brand new column. DARPAN starts the New Year with a youth column. Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and their voice must be heard. Through this column, youngsters get an opportunity to express their views and ideas on topics they are passionate about. Our first young writer is Naina Grewal, an engaged community volunteer, passionate about creating dialogue and stirring youth involvement. Through the column, she points out that communication is an important key to strengthening parent-youth relationships. On the cover is internationally-known sita player and composer Anoushka Shankar. Fans of this talented artist will be happy to know that Anoushka will be heading to Vancouver in April to perform at UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. In an exclusive interview with DARPAN, Anoushka talks about the release of Home — her first classical record in more than a decade, the joys of motherhood, and her journey so far. To get 2016 started on a good note, we have a lot of articles that can guide and inspire you — starting with a feature on dealing with jet lag. Are you still jet lagged from your holiday trip? Research has shown there are proven methods to managing this sleep disorder. Read our article to find out these methods. You will love the 2016 annual forecast – find out what the year holds for you in terms of love, career, relationships and more. With the new year comes yet another round of resolutions. If you’re hoping to make 2016 your year of renewed health and fitness, our fitness expert suggests a few things you can do to make it happen. We hope you enjoy the issue to the fullest. We would love to hear your feedback. Send your thoughts to editor@darpanmagazine.com or leave a message on our social media sites.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bimonthly 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 2015 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014 PHOTOGRAPHY

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

CONTENTS

2016 JANUARY/FEBRUARY

COVER

STORY

ENTERTAINMENT

108

122 CELEBRITY NEWS 124 BOLLYWOOD

Bollywood Calendar

126 HOLLYWOOD Winter Chills

LIFESTYLE

104

70 RECIPES

Chef Jehangir Mehta

82 BEAUTY

Highlight your Beauty

86 STYLE

IN EVERY ISSUE 08 READERS REACTION

Stay Warm in Style

BUSINESS PROFILES 64 Maitri Bhavan

88 HEALTH

Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence of Canada

68 Spice72

92 FITNESS

SPOTLIGHTS 12 Youth Transforming Society 16 Mamta Foundation 18 Dr. Saida Rasul

66 NEWS IN PICTURES

10 DARPAN’S 10

66 SALUTES

128 GLOBAL INDIANS M.R. Rangaswami

130 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

Prabh Aasra: The Home for Care and Reunion

Meet the Choksey Family

FEATURES 32 SPECIAL FEATURE

94 HOME

Picking the Perfect Colour Palette

98 WEDDING Amen & Harvin

102 ACTIVITIES Vancouver’s Winter Festivals

104 TRAVEL Genoa: Italy’s Best Kept Secret

40 YOUTH COLUMN

108 TECH

Parent-youth Relationships: Communication is Key

Have a Gadget-Friendly Holiday

2016 Yearly Forecast

AUTO

50 FEATURE

120 FEATURE

Top 10 Travel Trends 2016

56 FEATURE

Send Jet Lag Packing

60 EXPERTS SPEAK

How are Assets & Inheritance handled during a Family Break up?

74 FEATURE

Avocado: Superfood of the Season

78 FEATURE

Say Goodbye to Dryness JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Keeping your New Year’s Resolution Going

In Search of Shelter

42 SPECIAL FEATURE

Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Body

DARPAN

AJAC Testfest 2016

126 BMW X5 M 128 Honda Pilot 130 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum

aser Way

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

s e r d ea Reactions LETTER OF THE MONTH

WRITE TO US!

Spotlights

I love your magazine. It’s amazing how many Indian people are doing good things in their communities now. It’s refreshing to see this with all the negative that has been happening in the Indo-Canadian community. – Mason Sandhu, Vancouver, BC

We want to hear your thoughts about this issue! You can Email us at:

editor@darpanmagazine.com or leave us a message on our social media:

@darpanmagazine, #darpanmagazine

Re:

Yes Mason, the Indo-Canadian community comprises of hardworking, smart and helpful individuals. DARPAN always aims to highlight and promote the achievements of the community and its people. Keep supporting us always. – Editor

Hrithik Roshan

Fitness Features

I really enjoyed reading the cover story on Hrithik Roshan. He is an amazing actor and his success story is simply great. He is one of the few actors of Bollywood I really admire.

Thank you for the article on at-home fitness. It’s really helping me stay fit despite the cold weather. Please do keep writing health and fitness articles, I really look forward to them in every issue. – Baltej Singh, Richmond

– Sushma Rana, Surrey

Re: Hello Sushama, I am glad you liked the cover story. Hrithik’s journey as an actor is truly admirable. Thank you for your support always. Watch out for our upcoming issues! – Editor Serving Surrey & Delta

Re: Baltej, thank you for appreciating our work. DARPAN always aims to give its readers informative, interesting and enjoyable articles. It’s good to know that you value the importance of fitness and are dedicated to it. Keep up the good work! – Editor

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It was really helpful reading the article on getting your car prepared for the winter. We tend to forget that our vehicles need care too during the cold season. Thank you for suggesting ways to avoid car problems during this weather. – Madhav Rodiyal, Burnaby

Re : I am pleased you liked the article Madhav. Yes, car care is very important in the colder months. Stay safe and drive safely! Readers looking to subscribe can visit our website – www.darpanmagazine.com – Editor

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN’S and if needed, we can also provide temporary accommodation as well. 6

right now?

This is a very complex ministry because we have day-to-day operations that are going on. We have to look at the needs of the men and women who serve Canada, but at the same time make sure that we have the right capabilities – making sure that we focus on procurement, making sure that we have the procurements right. We have a more accurate procurement system that is going to provide accurate numbers in terms of the cost and what we need as we move forward. So one of the things that I would really like to get a grip of is our procurement system. 7 Do share your views on the Canadian defence system.

HARJIT SAJJAN HON. MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

onourable Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan is the current Minister of National Defence and a Member of Parliament representing the riding of Vancouver South. Sajjan was first elected during the 2015 federal election and was sworn into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet as defence minister on November 4, 2015. Before politics, Sajjan was a detective investigating gangs for the Vancouver Police Department and a regimental commander in the Canadian Armed Forces decorated for his service in Afghanistan. Sajjan was also the first Sikh-Canadian to command a Canadian army reserve regiment. 1 How does it feel becoming Canada’s Defence Minister?

It is a very humbling feeling to be selected by the Prime Minster, and the confidence he has given me in this very important role. I am honoured to have this new role. 2 What are your plans ahead as the Minister of National Defence?

I want to first of all work on our campaign promises regarding defence. To make sure we do proper defence renewal, which is going to be looking at all the new threats around the world and how Canada will play its part with the rest of the world, especially with our allies. Also, making sure that all our Canadian forces have the right equipment to be able to be ready for the mission to the future. 3 What is your most important area of work right now?

One particular one is making sure that the Canadian forces have the right capability to handle the future threats that we face. Also, making sure we have the right capability for

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

humanitarian response and a responsibility for United Nations Peacekeeping operations, while we never be mindful of the fight against terrorism around the world too. While we do all of this, we have to make sure to look after the men and women wearing uniform who we ask a lot of when we send them off to many demanding roles. 4 What are your views on the refugee situation at the moment? What is Canada doing about this crisis?

It’s a crisis that has been created because of a conflict in Syria, and Canada has a role to play with the rest of the world to easing that burden. We are committed to having at least 25,000 refugees enter Canada, and we are well into our way in making sure that Canada lives up to this commitment. 5 What is your role in it?

We are going to be in a supportive role to assist Immigration Minister John McCallum and his ministry to making sure that that they have the right resources. We will be assisting with transportation, medical personnel, security,

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Our defence system is not lacking anything. People will be really impressed to know the capabilities that we do have. Our numbers may not be as large as some of our allies. However, in terms of our capability from our special forces, navy or army, and our air force, we are second to no one and we probably provide the highest level of capability for a multitude of tasks. 8 There are a lot of threats going around globally. What is your take on that?

With the current threats around the world – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) component – it’s just one threat and it is a severe threat that we do need to deal with. But we also need to be mindful of the threats around the globe, and there the ISIS has reached into other nations. My number one priority will always be the safety of Canadians and making sure that we can identify the threats even before they reach Canada 9 How is Canada dealing with these threats?

We have a very sophisticated intelligence system and we always make sure that our intelligence system is looking at the right threat screens in various portions of the world so that we can identify those threats. One of the things is that we never want to talk about our intelligence capability, but we do have a very robust intelligence capability that can look at a lot of these threat screens. 10 As the Defence Minister, what message would you want to give to the residents of Canada?

I know that the Canadians are very proud of the men and women who serve the country. Not only because I had served, but as a Minister of National Defence, there is a lot to be proud of. The greatest asset the Canadian military has is its people. So the men and women who serve are the best in the world and the Canadian public has a lot to be proud of.

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Co-founders Livleen, Kiran, Ashley and Amanbir talk about their organization that raises awareness on global issues and encourages community volunteerism.

BY Nerissa Jawanda

Youth trAnsforming soCietY: enCourAging You to voLunteer

ivleen Pannu, Kiran Mann, Ashley Grewal and Amanbir Atwal are the founders and directors of Youth Transforming Society (YTS), a student-run group that raises awareness on global issues and encourages community volunteerism. They have raised over $12,000 for organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, Oxfam and BC Children’s Hospital. The society has grown from the original team of four in 2010, to more than 20 members and over

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

100 volunteers today. Kiran, Ashley, Livleen and Aman are a group of 20-year-olds who attend the University of British Columbia ‒ Kiran and Ashley study Integrated Sciences, Livleen studies Nutritional Sciences, and Aman studies Developmental Biology. The organization was founded after to the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. Kiran explains, “Prior to the earthquake, we were all quite involved in volunteer work at our schools and in our

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community, but we wanted to take the next step and take on more of a leadership role. The devastation in Haiti gave us a reason to come together and initiate our first fundraiser.” Livleen adds, “We were incredibly surprised and grateful to raise $1,000 for Haiti relief that year, and the success of this first fundraiser gave us the encouragement and motivation to keep going. From there, we were able to expand the team, expand the scope of our projects, and

become a more established and mature group.” YTS puts on annual events like a food drive for the Surrey Food Bank, a school supply drive for The Salvation Army and a volunteer fair. Their monthly efforts include street clean ups. On top of all this, they also organize events for current issues that arise. Ashley gives an example of one of these events, “After the earthquake in Nepal in April 2015, we organized a series of Krispy Kreme doughnut sales to

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Kiran Mann Amanbir Atwal “Prior to the haiti earthquake, we were all quite involved in volunteer work at our schools and in our community, but we wanted to take the next step and take on more of a leadership role.”

Ashley Grewal

fundraise for relief efforts, and were able to raise $2,000 to donate to Oxfam.” These types of events are organized by dividing the team into four groups, each led by one founder. Kiran explains that each group has a specific role. “The external affairs team will make initial contact with the organization or business we will be working with and secure sponsorships for the event. The internal affairs team will ensure we have enough

volunteers and funding for the event to run smoothly. The events team will coordinate the logistics and planning for the day of the event. And the marketing team is responsible for making promotion materials and advertising the event.” Ashley believes their most successful project has been their annual volunteer fair, which brought out over 50 organizations last year (the Surrey Memorial Hospital,

“After the earthquake in nepal in April 2015, we organized a series of Krispy Kreme doughnut sales to fundraise for relief efforts, and were able to raise $2,000 to donate to oxfam.”

YMCA, and City of Surrey to name a few) to provide over 500 students with information on volunteer opportunities. “We were extremely grateful to be able to reach out to such a large number of youth and help them get involved,” she says. YTS has events coming up in the next few months, one of them being their fourth annual Flowers for Happiness Campaign in February. Through this event,

Livleen Pannu

Photo Credit: Tanisha Dosanj - TK Photography

“We were incredibly surprised and grateful to raise $1,000 for haiti relief in 2010, and the success of this first fundraiser gave us the encouragement and motivation to keep going.”

“there are hundreds of diverse volunteer opportunities available in our community, and whether your interests lie in education, sports, the environment, or social justice, there is an organization out there that will be right for you.”

the organization is planning to make 700 hand-made flowers to show their support to women at shelters around the Lower Mainland, including the Surrey Women’s Shelter, Battered Women’s Support Services, and the Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley. They are also planning to launch new projects, including one which will aim to address the stigma of mental illness in the South Asian community. Aman explains that YTS’s message to youth is: “There are hundreds of diverse volunteer opportunities available in our community, and whether your interests lie in education, sports, the environment, or social justice, there is an organization out there that will be right for you.” In the future, they plan to create more projects and campaigns, as well as continue to organize annual events to foster positive change. To get involved, visit:

www.YouthTransformingSociety.org

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

MaMta founDation GivinG life to Girls Without a voice

PHOTO: Mamta Foundation

Makhan Deo, President, Mamta Foundation JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

hat began as an international visit between two sisters several years ago has turned into one organization’s mission to raise awareness of female feticide and gender discrimination. While such terms may seem so distant to the many of us who have sisters, daughters, mothers, and aunts we value, for an unfortunate few, a baby girl is not a blessing, but instead a burden. This belief, coupled with those that put a higher importance on a male’s position within a family and society, and the subsequent violence and intolerance against females has given purpose to the Mamta Foundation. The Surrey-based organization, started by Gurbaksh Deo, is a non-religious, non-political society that aims to “support the moral, social, cultural and economic uplift of orphan, unwanted, abandoned and poor children around the world” while standing up for gender

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Gurbaksh Deo, Founder, Mamta Foundation equality and women’s empowerment both locally and globally. Makhan Deo, president of the foundation, recalls the story his wife Gurbaksh told him upon her return from India in 2009. A visit to Unique Home, an orphanage in Jalandhar, Punjab, saw young girls who had been rescued from bushes and ditches, babies found abandoned and brought in by the police, and newborns left anonymously outside the centre after birth – all because they were not boys; they were girls. It didn’t take long before Deo was on a plane to India himself to see the outrage firsthand. “We visited the place and that really touched my heart,” he recalls. “To see the little girls in the cribs, some cribs had five, six girls together, they have three bedrooms and at that time they had 55 girls...they don’t have enough room to sleep.” Active in several groups in the Surrey area, Deo was able to discuss the issues these girls faced with many others who became as dedicated to the cause as he was. The purpose of Mamta Foundation is twofold; helping the girls of Jalandhar through promotion and donations to the Unique

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Dr. sAiDA rAsuL coMMitteD to the

coMMunity A philanthropist, in the true sense of the word, Dr. Saida Rasul, is a dentist and community volunteer focused on the improvement of the lives of the less fortunate in British Columbia and in many other countries. 18

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

BY SHAGUN BHANOT

ery few people undertake a journey that helps their fellow human beings lead a life of dignity, good health, and full of prospects for leading better lives. Dr. Saida Rasul is one of those few people, who has devoted not only her professional expertise, but her time, money and resources, accumulated in her journey of life, for the betterment of the community at large. A philanthropist, in the true sense of the word, Dr. Rasul, is a dentist and community volunteer focused on the improvement

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of the lives of the less fortunate in British Columbia and in many other countries. With a doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto, Dr. Rasul made Vancouver her home in 1981. Despite being a successful dentist and having her own clinic in the affluent neighbourhood of Kerrisdale in Vancouver, Dr. Rasul gave up her practice in 2001 and has since then utilized her professional expertise to build capacity, set up dental clinics, and develop a Dental Hygienist Program as part of the University Hospital system in East Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan. When asked as to what led her to make volunteering her full time passion, Dr. Rasul in all her humility said, “Giving back to the community came very naturally to me since childhood, for I was brought up believing in the ethos of helping fellow humans; however, it was in my voluntary work with the refugees from Uganda in 1972 in the UK that made me live the rewarding experience of helping those in need outside my community.” Closely aligned to this selfless desire to help were some personal experiences, which led Dr. Rasul to re-evaluate the purpose of life. A survivor of breast cancer, she decided to apply her own professional knowledge and experience in creating awareness amongst the community by starting a cancer support group. With her husband, Firoz, Dr. Rasul has made significant contributions to BC Cancer Agency, BC Children’s Hospital, United Way, and many other organizations. She also stewarded capital projects in excess of $200 million during her tenure on the board of governors of SFU, and championed the creation of the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures. However, what made her unique as a community volunteer was the fact that she took her voluntary work beyond the generic to specific and applied her expertise as a dentist to educate people on the importance of dental hygiene and how a healthy body encompassed oral health as well. While teaching as a clinical instructor at UBC Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Rasul continued to advocate the importance of oral hygiene as crucial over all wellbeing and initially started her work with the First Nations and at the UBC Dental Clinic. Her tryst with teaching dentistry, after practicing it, gave a completely different dimension to her voluntary work. She became a Senior Lecturer, Section of Dentistry, Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University (AKU), which is an arm of

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT Despite being a successful dentist and having her own clinic in the affluent

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neighbourhood of Kerrisdale in vancouver, Dr. rasul gave up her practice in 2001 and

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has since then utilized her professional expertise to build capacity, set up dental clinics, and develop a Dental hygienist Program. the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, that brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. Under the umbrella of AKDN, Dr. Rasul with a team of dentists made a visit to Pakistan and parts of India in 1989 and was disturbed to diagnose 23 oral cancers in one day of running a dental camp. This trip became a catalyst in her setting up two preventive dental programs as part of the hospital systems in East Africa and Pakistan to improve the oral health and general health of their rural communities. Working with a team of volunteers, she has helped AKU set up a diploma in dental hygiene program to train dental health workers from the same regions on promoting oral health and disease prevention. An unstoppable visionary, Dr. Rasul further intends to complement these programs and make them more accessible. Currently she is working closely with AKDN to set up dental clinics in Kampala, Uganda, which is going have a state of the art Aga Khan University Hospital with 10 dental chairs along with a dental hygiene and residency program. In recognition of her sustained community contributions over three decades, she has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from SFU, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognition by the British Columbia and Canadian Dental Associations, with the recent honour receiving the Order of British Columbia 2015, the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest form of recognition for community services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel truly humbled. I never started my community involvement for recognition. However, I feel that these awards and honours belong to the whole team of people who have been part of my endeavours,â&#x20AC;? concludes Dr. Rasul.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

STO

The sitar virtuoso is one of the most recognized and exciting voices in world music today. Anoushka Shankar’s music beautifully blends her legendary father’s teachings of the deep Indian tradition with her own contemporary voice to create deep sensual tracks.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

Anoushka Shankar Car ved Out Of A

BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

eing the youngest daughter of a man hailed as the godfather of world music and who also introduced the cultural riches of the East to the West, the world may have handed Anoushka Shankar the baggage of carrying the late Pandit Ravi Shankar’s legacy forward; however that has not prevented her from conceiving her own depths in classical music. She has successfully cemented her name not only as the daughter and student of the late Ravi Shankar but has also proved her versatility in the inventive juxtapositions of traditional Indian sounds, electronic music, jazz, flamenco,

and western classical. The doe-eyed beauty recently completed her four-city tour of India following the release of her first classical record in more than a decade, Home. The selections in the album include Jogeshwari, one of the ragas created by her father, and is therefore also a tribute to the sitar maestro. Her emotions and passion reflected in the album pleasantly showcase the transformation of her musical identity that has evolved immensely. “Home feels very different from my other records, but the difference is quite subtle and hard for me to pinpoint.” In context of the album, Anoushka

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

COVER STORY

“ It feels less of a sideways step back to my classical roots, and more of a progression in which I’ve learned so much about myself by experimenting, and have been able to bring all back into my classical playing.”

indicates her approach to the instrument and music in the album is more intimate, confident and flowing than it has been in the past. “It feels less of a sideways step back to my classical roots, and more of a progression in which I’ve learned so much about myself by experimenting, and have been able to bring all back into my classical playing. Also, I was definitely playing to, and for, my father, and even though it’s instrumental music I feel like that lovingness comes out in the playing.” This solo album has secured her a nomination in the 58th Grammy Awards under the Best World Music Album category making this her fifth Grammy nomination in the same category. For an artist who has been growing with the instrument under the guidance of the sitar maestro himself, it is fascinating to observe how much her abilities on the sitar have matured since she last paid a visit to classical melodies. Anoushka was only seven when she received her first formal sitar lesson, but informally she was exposed to the classical Indian tunes much before that.

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Predestined as it was for the sitar virtuoso’s child to pursue a career as a sitarist, Anoushka made her debut at the age of 13 alongside her father in New Delhi. Henceforth, the sitarist claimed an increasingly familiar presence at her father’s concerts playing alongside other maestro’s and quickly garnering attention for her distinct approach which was never shy of experimentation. With her father making strides in his musical career, Anoushka accompanied him touring the world marking performances at prominent venues including Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall. At the age of 17, Anoushka’s debut album produced by her father instantly catapulted her at the forefront of world music, subsequently allowing her to collaborate with international artists of various genres. It wasn’t surprising when in 2003 she received a Grammy nomination in the World Music JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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The doe-eyed beauty recently completed her four-city tour of India following the release of her first classical record in more than a decade, Home. The selections in the album include Jogeshwari, one of the ragas created by her father and is therefore also a tribute to the sitar maestro. category, becoming the youngest nominee in that category. Coincidentally however, she shared this nomination with her half-sister Norah Jones, a popular jazz pianist and a nine-time Grammy award winner. Exactly 10 years later, the duo collaborated to produce Traces of You, a subtle pop album with Norah on the vocals and Anoushka behind the sitar. During the time of release of this album, their relationship was regularly put under scrutiny due to their family history which is a tale of two worlds. Norah and Anoushka have both had their share of struggles growing up and only connected with each other in their late teens, but have drawn closer over the extensive years of successful musical careers. Getting back to Anoushka’s return to classical raga, Home, there is so much to discover and observe in this album. She decorates ragas in the finest sense than she has ever done before; it is classical purist’s shrine. Personally for her it is also unique in an emotional sense because firstly it is a tribute to her father and secondly, it was recorded while she was pregnant with her second son Mohan. As a mother of two – Zubin, four, and Mohan, one – and wife to an acclaimed director, Joe Wright, Anoushka has

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“Playing the sitar, and learning it in the traditional manner from someone as masterly as my father, was a real lesson in life and how to approach life. And then particularly in our music, we are meant to go deep within, learn enough that we can then be free and improvise within the classical structure, and has been an incredible lesson for me.”

thrived during the various stages of her career while pursuing roles personal in nature – daughter, student, sister, wife and mother. Sitar, as a companion during these stages, has been her guide and mentor. She reflects back on the instrument saying, “Playing an instrument is a life-lesson in itself. Playing the sitar, and learning it in the traditional manner from someone as masterly as my father, was a real lesson in life and how to approach life. And then particularly in our music, we are meant to go deep within, learn enough that we can then be free and improvise within the classical structure, and this process of finding freedom within boundaries has been an incredible lesson for me.” After wrapping up her fourcity tour of India, the sitarist

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

will be heading to Vancouver in April to perform at UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. She describes her excitement saying, “I have always been particularly fond of British Columbia and think Vancouver is a beautiful city. I look forward to playing to what I hope will be a warm and welcoming audience, as I’ve been fortunate to have in the past in Vancouver. I also have several close friends there who I’m looking forward to seeing.” The talented Sanjeev Shankar on shehnai and tanpura, and Manu Delago on percussion and hang, and live electronics, will join Anoushka in this much-anticipated performance. The impeccablygifted sitarist will perform melodies from her latest album Land of Gold, an album focusing on the ongoing refugee crisis. Unlike the classical base of Home, Land of

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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“ I have always been particularly fond of British Columbia and think Vancouver is a beautiful city. I look forward to playing to what I hope will be a warm and welcoming audience, as I’ve been fortunate to have in the past in Vancouver.” Gold will be a crossover discussing themes of migration, asylum and refuge to an ideal place of peace. “I wasn’t able to separate my experience of bringing a second child into the world and providing every comfort I could offer him, with the videos and photos of other parents simply trying to bring their children to safety, in the most nightmarish conditions. Land of Gold became my response to what I was seeing, and I was lucky to work with amazing people like M.I.A. and Vanessa Redgrave who featured on songs on the album, to help me lend voice to my anger.” The musical heritage she encompasses is deeply rooted in her veins, making it apparent in her albums and performances. There is a sense of calm in her air as she sits crossed-legged and closed eyes in traditional Indian attire while pouring her heart and soul out into the music. This is why she comes as a surprise with her “goofy, silly and temperamental” moods. “Particularly having young kids, I’ve found that silly side really expressing itself, as it’s so fun to let go and be free around children. I love reading, yoga and meditation when I can steal time to myself, love watching movies and going to as much theatre, music and dance performances as I can.” Producer and composer Nitin Sawhney describes her best by saying, “No one embodies the spirit of innovation and experimentation more evidently than Anoushka Shankar.”

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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IN SEARCH OF

SHELTER In political circles, the refugee crisis will continue to dominate the debate in 2016 to the extent of polarizing voters and stimulating opponents on the right and left. The year will also test the hospitality status of governments and citizens towards the refugees.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

hile the ongoing refugee crisis continues to dominate political debates, and leaders vigorously dissect their sudden spurt into various geographic regions, the fact remains, we have failed to safeguard lives and avert the war debacle that has crippled war-inflicted nations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. When these asylum-seekers, primarily from Syria, Iraq and Libya, embark on dangerous journeys to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea in ramshackle boats, cold mountain steppes of the Balkans, and other irregular routes, they are greeted with inconsistent responses ranging from a warm welcome by a banner-wielding crowd, to riot police

and tear gas to break the influx of refugees. With the exodus of refugees routing into Europe, there have been divisions within the European Union member states over how to deal with the ongoing migration crisis. The evident division became even more pronounced following coordinated militant attacks in Paris and forced the United Nations to release a statement warning nations that have pledged acceptance of refugees, not to backtrack on their promise. And although western European states such as Germany have granted asylum to a large number of refugees, eastern European nations have expressed reluctance to share the distribution.

(Background image) Aerial view of the Za'atri refugee Camp in JordanTM DARPAN

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Finding shelter in Canada

Amongst the active pool of communities and organizations extending various services towards facilitating resettlement of refugees in Canada is the South Asian community. Individuals from various fields including business, education and health have come forward to allocate relief mechanisms in this direction.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s selfimposed timeline to resettle 25,000 refugees in Canada has been extended to February 2016. Experts however have labelled the timeline as unrealistic considering just over 6,000 refugees actually made it into the Canadian borders in January this year. What echoes experts concern in regards to a realistic settlement timeline in Canada is Immigration Minister John McCallum’s statement committing a total of up to 50,000 refugees, a majority of them Syrians, in Canada by the end of 2016. Peter Goodspeed, a veteran journalist who received the Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy and has been working on refugees experience in Canada, is part of Lifeline Syria — a group working towards the recruitment and training of sponsor groups for refugees. Goodspeed highlights some initiatives the government can take towards easing settlement of refugees in Canada by saying, “They (government) do a lot with the

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across Metro Vancouver are collecting food, clothing, blankets and other donations and will reportedly be launching a province-wide campaign asking for free accommodation for the refugees.

settlement projects that they do have in place now. It would be interesting to see if they could be able to come up with things like job creation incentives that would give people an opportunity to give refugees work experience in Canada. That is one of the things that a lot of people do find difficult when they come. I know when people work with sponsors working with refugees, they find it encouraging doing things like volunteer work just to get used to the Canadian work place and have it.” Trudeau’s Liberals have pledged to take the “most vulnerable” refugees which include women who have faced sexual abuse or violence and children who have gone through similar traumas.

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South Asians serving refugees

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“Offers made to Syrian refugees are on a humanitarian basis. Being an immigrant myself I understand that their first challenge will be to find housing as they transit into a new country. I feel lucky enough that I have possible resources due to which I could extend them this help.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

When Prime Minister Trudeau was photographed welcoming refugees at Toronto’s Pearson International airport in December 2015, the headline was flashed internationally favouring the hospitality and urging international leaders to follow suit. The Canadian spirit was reflected nation-wide with communities and businesses diving in to offer support and comfort by delivering millions in sponsorships, housing, furnishing and other necessities. Amongst the active pool of communities and organizations extending various services towards facilitating resettlement of refugees in Canada is the South Asian community. Individuals from various fields including business, education and health have come forward to allocate relief mechanisms in this direction. Daljit Thind, founder of Thind Properties Ltd. has offered accommodation of seven units in the 2400 block

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of Kingsway to refugee families arriving in BC. “Offers made to Syrian refugees are on a humanitarian basis. Being an immigrant myself I understand that their first challenge will be to find housing as they transit into a new country. I feel lucky enough that I have possible resources due to which I could extend them this help.” Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji, paediatrician and neonatologist has teamed up with Dr. Gulzar Singh Cheema, family physician, to put together a team of medical professionals that will address the health needs of refugees. “Being a specialist in paediatrics I can serve to

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them as they will not have transportation to visit a physician’s office.” provide care for children. In winter, the main illnesses could be chest infection, pneumonia, viral fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Children and elders are more at risk. Apart from the physical health issues, there could be issues with mental health. We have developed a team of family physicians, internist, paediatrician, psychiatrist and other health professionals as needed. We will also aim to provide basic medications and would be willing to visit them as they will not have transportation to visit a physician’s office. This pilot project would be done for 4 to 6 weeks [and] then [a] reassess[ment] [will be done].” Tony Singh, founder and president of Fruiticana grocery chain has promised free grocery for the next three months to refugees. Khalsa School, a private school in Surrey will be providing free education for one year to 1,000 refugee students. Meanwhile, Gurdwaras and temples across Metro Vancouver are collecting

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food, clothing, blankets and other donations and will reportedly be launching a province-wide campaign asking for free accommodation for the refugees.

T ony Singh, Founder and President, Fruiticana

Tony Singh, founder and president of Fruiticana grocery chain has promised

Does 2016 bring hope for refugees? In political circles, the refugee crisis will continue to dominate the debate in 2016 to the extent of polarizing

voters and stimulating opponents on the right and left. The year will also test the hospitality status of governments and citizens towards the refugees. Nonetheless, the generous outpour of volunteers and organizations has extensively contributed in equipping individuals and families, for example through training and jobs, social media connectivity with relatives and organizations, as well as private sponsorships. What 2016 will bring to the traumatised and displaced families is difficult to define but the crisis will certainly define the fate of Europe.

free grocery for the next three months to refugees.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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youth sPeaK

our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and their voice must be heard. DarPan starts the new year with a youth column. through this column, we give youngsters an opportunity to express their views and ideas on topics they are passionate about. if you wish to contribute, email us at

PARenT-YOuTh ReLATiOnShiPS: COMMuniCATiOn iS KeY BY NAINA GREWAL

ur parents are our heroes – well, at least for the first decade of our lives. As one enters the teenage years, it hits hard to realize that parents aren’t actually always right. However, with such a mindset, parentyouth relationships are bound to stagger because two flawed assumptions are being made: (1) I am right. (2) You are wrong. ‘Right’ and ‘wrong’ are very conclusive in nature, with minimal room for discussion. However, replacing these words with ‘different’ raises the right question – why? This ‘why’ is not an immediate one, but rather one of ideologies. Why do my parents think the way they do? The answer lies not in a one-time conversation, but in a process called communication. In fact, it is precisely the lack of communication that hinders the possibility of ever being able

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

to answer the ‘why’ and covers our vision with a veil of assumptions. Simply put, to strengthen your relationship with your parents, you have to talk. Disclaimer: this is not a talk or worse – the talk. Communication is an ongoing process that needs to be embedded in the lifestyle of your relationship with your parents. “Hold on! Talk? That too with my parents? But we have nothing to talk about!” – Fair enough. It is understandably awkward to sit your parents down and brainstorm a list of mutuallyappropriate, conversationally blooming topics. Thankfully, communication has less to do with words and more to do with time. Over half the effort lies in spending time with your parents. Moreover, this time needs no scheduling; the trick is to make an effort to use time

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that already exists throughout the daily routine. Make it a habit to avoid spending the car ride in utter silence on your phone. Choose to eat together rather than at separate times. Spend 15 minutes with your parents from the hour you set aside before bedtime to scroll through your social media feed. The actual talking doesn’t call for an especially important topic. Start the conversation with trivial talk, with something as simple as what’s for dinner. The beauty of communication is that the more you do it, the easier and better it gets. The hardest part is starting it. But get this – you’re not talking to a stranger. These are, after all, your parents! There are three broad categories to take your pick from if you’re at a loss for words – the past, present and future. Bring up past memories and reflect on them for a good laugh. Talk about the projects you’re talking up in school at the moment or that one class you cannot help but snooze off in. Discuss your future plans and insecurities about what tomorrow holds. Remember that communication is a two-way street. Along with expressing yourself honestly and clearly, analyze how your parents interact. Listen, not with the intent to reply, but to absorb. This will

editor@darpanmagazine.com

help you begin answering the ‘why’ and understanding your parents’ point of view. You will be amazed at the similarities you find and the connections you make. You may want the latest smartphone and think your parents cannot relate to you. However, a conversation may reveal that your parents, years ago, wanted the latest cassette player. Times change, but the underlying essence is the same. Communication with your parents will allow you to uncover this essence and help you discover the ‘why’ for your parents and vice versa. Undoubtedly, communication can go a long way to improve the relationship you share with them. Words are the foundation of effective communication, which further leads to building the base of any relationship. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naina Grewal 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.

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82 AV TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY E 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

What does the New Year hold for you?

2016 YEarlY

FOrECaSt By Kelly Benson

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Career & Efforts Saturn sits in a fellow fire sign, invigorating your ambition and your passions, Aries. Your sense of motivation is recharged and you’re ready to get the ball rolling. This is an excellent time for professional development. You might be interested in attending some schooling to help you further your long-term career goals. You’re getting clear on what you want and you’re willing to find a way to get it. Travel for work or education is likely. You’re working hard now to prepare yourself for a career peak that begins in 2018. This is also a favourable time to seek out a mentor. Finances & Resources Many Aries will see improvements to their

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

job this year. This may result in an earnings increase or better employee benefits. More than likely you will be putting your money back into your business or into developing your skill sets. As 2016 progresses, joint endeavours such as business partnerships or family investments are on the table. Some of these opportunities can be quite profitable for you. Better methods for banking and money management are available this spring (if you went through some of financial growing pains in the last few years you’re not about to let that happen again). Home & Family There’s a lot of focus on your career and your professional development this year, Aries. Because of that, you’re likely to get more streamlined on the home front and more organized in general. Routines and schedules with family members might be up for a revision. Aries parents will be

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cracking the whip and getting the entire household on a better schedule. A little furry friend might find their way into your home and into your heart. Get ready for a substantial spring cleaning this year Aries, a major purge is likely! Relationships Your vitality and your passions are running high this year, Aries. That means you need a mate who can keep up with you. You might find yourself attracted to someone who is very different than you, yet very much your equal. A mate who can playfully spar with you or debate will entice you. Relationships that begin now are likely to be highly sexual and intense. It’s imperative that you share joint passion of some sort; otherwise you’ll get bored and move on. Existing relationships will get a kick in the pants. Travel with a partner is greatly favoured in the summer and fall of 2016.

you to stand on your own two feet.

tAURUS (April 20 – May 20)

Home & Family

Career & Efforts Your creative juices are flowing now, Taurus. You’re ready to run your ideas of the flagpole and express yourself without apology. Those in artistic fields can benefit greatly this year. Your ingenious ideas and problem solving skills are tops. It’s a time to produce a lot of work. You are focused more on your craft or service as opposed to taking credit for a job well done. The inner perfectionist in you is coming out. Relations with superiors, bosses and coworkers are blessed. Be sure to get out to industry events or rub shoulders with colleagues. You’re eager to connect with like-minded people. Finances & Resources Matters to do with jointly-held responsibilities, joint finances, and shared assets are a theme this year, Taurus. It’s important that you get clear of where your money is intertwined with the monies of others. If you don’t agree with the values of others, things could get a little sticky. Read the fine print on any and all contracts you sign. Resources that you’ve benefited from in the past such as a spouse’s earnings or family income might not be as available this year. The universe is pushing

Renovations or home improvement projects can be highly satisfying this year, Taurus. Even that odd DIY project that allows you to express your creativity will keep you motivated. Time spent with loved ones is a source of joy. A new addition to the family might be likely as well. Taurus parents are particularly proud of their children this year and investing in a child’s education or talents may be a focus. Travel to a favourite family spot might occur or conversely, family from out of town may come to visit (better get that spare bedroom fixed up). Relationships You’re in playful and generous frame of mind this year, Taurus. As a result, relationships of all kinds can improve tremendously. You’re more likely to honestly express yourself and your real feelings, thus allowing someone else to express themselves and their real feelings. Single Taureans ought to get their buns to the ball (it’s hard to meet somebody if all you’re doing is staying at home). Lovers are going on a vacation together or maybe embarking on shared passion. This is a great time for all kinds of creative projects with a partner. You can celebrate similar interests together.

Gemini

Home & Family

May 21 – June 20)

Renovations or changes to your home scene keep you occupied. Purchases of art or interesting and unusual pieces for your home are possible. You might be inspired by lifestyle traditions from other cultures. Vacations and even long journeys to visit extended family members are likely this year. That might mean there’s a long-awaited family reunion or a wedding. Many Gemini’s will expand their families this year. It’s a favourable time to welcome children into your world, through birth, adoption or marriage. It might also be that a little furry friend is coming to stay with you.

Career & Efforts With Saturn sitting opposite your sign, this makes for an important time in your life path, Gemini. You’re breaking through barriers, testing your limits, and seeing just how far you can go. 2016 and 2017 may involve a lot of hard work and efforts, but it’s all for a cause. Some Gemini’s may have already begun to make some major changes either on the career front or at home. Colleagues, clients, bosses and superiors are more demanding now. You will rise to this challenge and in turn you will demand more from others too. A change to your professional title is possible this year. Finances & Resources A change in job or location is possible this year as well, and with it an increase in your earning power. 2016 marks an excellent year to invest in your domestic scene, Gemini. Money into real estate or a family business is greatly favoured now. Joint partnerships and business ventures can go well. Just ensure that you read the fine print when signing anything. Purchases and investments that benefit your health and wellness are also favoured (if you've had your eye on that fancy road bike, this is the year to buy it).

Relationships One-to-one relationships are likely to be tested this year. You are redefining who you are in your own terms. Relationships (including friendships) that don’t allow you the room to be yourself may simply be too difficult to cope with. A temporary break-up to get some much-needed perspective could be all that’s required. If both you and your partner are flexible and supportive with each other’s needs, this can be a deeply powerful time for relationship growth. Many Gemini’s will make a major decision regarding the status of their relationship this year. Single Gemini’s who don’t wish to be tied down might change their mind.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Cancer

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)

(June 21 – July 22)

(August 23 – September 22)

Career & Efforts

The coming year brings increased attention on your craft and service, Cancer. While at times this may feel overwhelming due to lots of overtime or having too many irons in the proverbial fire; you are making tremendous headway. Changes in the work place that help you streamline your efforts are for the better. You’re getting more organized and you want everything to run more efficiently. 2018 and 2019 mark an important time in your life path. A career peak is in the works. The next two years are all about preparing and honing your skills.

The last few years brought about significant changes in your life, Leo. Responsibilities increased across the board and you were pushed to work hard. 2016 brings in a time where your inner aspirations are working in sync with what you’re able to produce on the material plane. Use this time to further your agenda and secure your goals. This is an excellent time to get training or expand your knowledge base in some way. That extra accreditation will be a feather in your cap. This is a favourable time to take a mentor who will inspire you, or vice versa inspire and teach others.

You are practical, hardworking, and realistic, Virgo. You’re also curious and always ready to improve yourself. Solving puzzles and fixing situations are your forte. You’ve been very busy these last few years, Virgo. Your community at large has gone through massive adjustments – many of you have changed residences or changed your job, thus pushing you into a whole new milieu. Education has been a major theme, formal or informal. 2015 is a time for you to stake your claim and lay down your roots.

Finances & Resources

You hit the ground running in 2015, Virgo. You can clearly see what it is you want to accomplish and you’re out of the gate ready to set things in motion! You’re likely to be more assertive this year (and possibly even a little bit bossy). You’re in a ‘take charge’ frame of mind. Listen to your instincts when it comes to planning projects, milestones, or events. You’ll know if you’re biting off more than you can chew or if you’re ready to eat someone for breakfast!

Finances & Resources All of that effort you’re putting into your career spills over into your finances, Cancer. You’ve got some great moneymaking ideas and with the right nudge you might put one of them in motion (we know you’re very hesitant about spending money, but sometimes you need to spend money to make it). This is a highly favourable transit for any Cancerian entrepreneurs. It’s also an excellent time to diversify your investments and research new fields. Family businesses can grow under this influence. That includes joining forces with extended family. Money spent on education and technology will serve you well. Some Cancers might be getting a new car, sah-weet!

You are laughing all the way to the bank this year, Leo! Lucky Jupiter sits in your house of possessions and earnings. Your business acumen is on target. This is a hot year for investments and major purchases. That might be in the form of education or the acquisition of quality equipment that can further your business. You are actively bringing about experiences that you value in life. That might also manifest as more time or emotional energy doing something you love. If you are not clear about what you want or need, you might overspend. Do you really need that Maserati?

Home & Family

Your instinctual ability to care and nurture for others is a true gift, Cancer. It doesn’t seem to matter how much work has piled up on your plate, you still make time to cook for your family. This year we see family celebrations and joyous times with those you love. You’ll feel rich even if there’s not much cash in the bank. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle this year, so get ready for some family vacations, house parties, and playful times with children. A residential move might be in the works especially if it puts you closer to your place of employment or education.

Renovations or improvements that build up the equity in your home are possible this year, Leo. You’re eager to have your surroundings reflect your passion and your artistic style. Purchases of furniture, home decor pieces, or up-to-date modern appliances are likely. Let’s face it, your home is your castle, Leo! Feathers might get ruffled if you lived with another strong personality. So you might have to turn on the charm to get your way (Leo parents might discover their kids are a chip off the ol’ block). You’re feeling generous and warmhearted, making this a lovely year for parties and family vacations.

Relationships Sensual pleasures and stimulating experiences are a delight this year, Cancer. You’re feeling more carefree, playful and eager to learn from those you love. Communications with partners are greatly improved now. Existing relationships benefit from honest conversations and heartfelt discussions. You’re more open and accepting to the affections from others and that makes the love grow. Flirtations are in the air! You might develop a crush or an infatuation that inspires you. Relationships that begin now awaken your adventurous spirit. Romantic getaways are greatly favoured this spring.

Virgo

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Relationships Relationships take on a stable tone this year, Leo. You have a more realistic understanding of what you need in a partnership and what you’re willing to give. As well, you have a realistic understanding of what a partner is able to provide for you. You’re less likely to be carried off by romantic illusions that lead to disappointment. Together you and a partner can clarify your individual needs and build on your shared goals and values. Relationships that begin under this influence can be enduring and long-lasting. Late summer and autumn are fantastic times for romantic getaways. TM

Work & Efforts

Relationships Key relationships may undergo some challenges in early 2015, especially if there are some issues that have been swept under the rug. You might feel more sensitive, or conversely you might find yourself easily irritated or anxious. Getting some alone time to get real with yourself will be invaluable. Communications with partners become stronger this year, making you feel more grounded and nurtured. Relationships that develop this year might be with someone from another culture or a background that is very different from your own.

Home Life Changes to your residence, or changes to your family dynamics are highly possible this year. You want to feel more secure on the home front and you’re ready to do the hard work required. You’re planting the seeds for your long-term future now and stability is paramount. Situations or relationships with others that don’t support your feeling of security will inevitably be adjusted for the better. Home improvements or renovations are possible. As the year progresses, opportunities for adventure and play with family and children will be a delight!

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Libra

Scorpio

(September 23 - October 22)

Career & Efforts You’re looking at the world through more mature eyes, Libra. You’re taking a careful review of the last few years and how they’ve changed your perspective. Breaking away from restrictive situations that limit your potential is a must. Liberation is your theme this year! Immersing yourself in stimulating atmospheres with people who bring out the best in you, are where it’s at. Changes to your job and the day-to-day activities at the workplace are likely. This is a good time to signup for some professional development and specialized education. You’re getting ready for a sweet harvest season coming in 2017!

Finances & Resources Keep a close eye on your possessions and your bank account, Libra. As you go through some changes on the job front it’s possible you might go through some changes on the financial front too. You’re getting more aligned with your value system and this is reflected in your material possessions. As an example; do you own your house, or does your house own you? Pairing down and refining your financial obligations are key. You’re likely to lighten your load of responsibilities so that you have the freedom to invest in what is truly important to you.

Home & Family You are likely to go to great lengths to make your home environment positive and healthy. Deepening the bond with family members through dinners or events can be a source of great joy. Going through memorabilia and old photos stirs up fond memories. Some Librans will enjoy scrap booking or sharing stories with those you love. Ties with family members are easily nurtured, making this an excellent time to extend the olive branch and improve relations. Home improvement projects that give you a chance to express yourself creatively are favoured. Dust off those tools or craft supplies and get at it!

You are more receptive to spiritual truths and wisdom now, Libra. This influence allows you to open up the layers within yourself and heal old wounds. This can positively impact relationships of all kinds in your life. Intimate connections are soulful and transformative this year. Relationships that have stood the test of time will be savoured like a fine wine. You’ll be looking at your lover with fresh eyes. New relationships that begin now might have a fated or destined feeling about them. Allow your heart open. It takes tremendous courage, but it’s worth it. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Career & Efforts After some significant career adjustments in 2014 and 2015 you now have a clearer idea of the direction you need to move in. The first part 2016 sees you coming out swinging, Scorpio! This is the time to stand up for your beliefs and go for the gold! You can greatly benefit from working with teams and groups at this time. You have a lot of valuable experience to bring to the table; and you’re likely to learn a lot from others as well. Be careful not to take on too much. All projects should relate to your main objective.

Finances & Resources This is a time for building your equity, Scorpio. Sterns Saturn has made its way into your second house of earnings and possessions. It’s strongly advised to be cautious in your spending habits right now. Any superfluous endeavours, no matter how interesting they may seem, might be draining on your precious resources of money, time and energy. Major investments that align with your true inner values, such as investing in a home, a business, or your education are where it’s at. A little tightening of the proverbial belt never hurt anyone.

Home & Family This is a year to take a load off and settle down, Scorpio. You’ve been shouldering a lot and you deserve to relax and enjoy what you’ve been working so hard for. Let your roots grow deeper and embrace your community. Improvements to the home such as renovations and redecorating are favoured as long as they remain within budget (don’t get carried away creating the best media room there ever was). You are in an idealistic and generous frame of mind, making this a good time to open your home for social occasions and family get-togethers. Scorpio parents want to invest in their children’s education, possibly through travel and enriching activities together.

Relationships

(October 23 – November 21)

2016 brings in a deeply romantic and mystical chapter for Scorpios. The desire for quality emotional intimacy is high. So high, you might forgo a casual, playful, relationship (even if the sex is good) so that you can remain open for a more serious, heartfelt and spiritual bond. Relationships that begin now are likely to have great emotional depths that impact you in a profound way. Use your Scorpio investigative nature to vet any potential lovers (you tend to be an all or nothing type of player). Existing relationships are positively impacted by this influence. Your sex drive is renewed!

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SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)

Career & Efforts 2016 marks a pivotal time for you, Sagittarius. The tectonic plates of your life are shifting. You’re making major decisions that have long range influences. These adjustments are likely to affect all life areas, from your career and your professional status, to your intimate relationships and your home life. If you’re working in a field that is aligned with your sense of self, then this is likely to be a very successful time. You’re ready to focus and direct your energies. You might feel as though life is an uphill battle. Hang in there! You’re about to make some amazing headway.

Finances & Resources Finances might be a little tight this year, Sagittarius (however, you will experience a substantial material gain in 2018, stay tuned!). In the meantime, it’s best to pay attention to all of your financial dealings – from cell phone bills and mortgage payments, to joint accounts, and company shares. You’re often a very lucky sign, but this isn’t the best year for gambling. To ensure that you are not depleting your finances (or your precious energy for that matter) focus your investments in a few areas. That might mean into your home or the building of a business. At the end of the day you’re investing in yourself!

Home & Family Your sense of self is transforming and with that your family dynamics will change too. You’re being pushed to take on more responsibility. Being a grown-up is all about facing the music isn’t it? You can face the music and dance a bit while you’re at it, Sagittarius. Ultimately, you’re on a track to build more security for yourself with quality people. Just be prepared for some challenges (Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day). Anything that is not working or not serving you will have to change. Laying down new rules at home is highly likely. You’re taking a stand!

Relationships Key relationships are bound to go through some changes now, Sagittarius. This might be in the form of increased commitment such as moving in together or getting married. It can also mean a relationship is tested by external circumstances such as responsibilities with children, career matters, or money issues. Even a healthy relationship will be tested. It’s important to take the time and the effort to nurture your special bond. Time to revise the date night! Those who begin a relationship at this time may be drawn to someone older, more experienced, or more traveled.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

AquariuS

Capricorn

(January 20 – February 18)

(December 22 – January 19)

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Career & Efforts

Steady as she goes, Capricorn. You are a hard-working sign and very determined. Like a captain taking stock of his ship, you are taking inventory of your career, your advancements, and your continued efforts. A major life transition takes hold in 2018, now is the time to prepare for these changes. Ask yourself what is working, and what isn’t? You will want to further secure and fortify what is working, and allow what isn’t working to fall away. Simply observe your career with detachment so that you can recognize what it is you need to do.

This is a thought-provoking and highly-constructive year for you, Aquarius. During the last few years you’ve carved out a title or position for yourself, excellent. Now it’s time to look ahead at the long term and visualize where you want like to take things. Friendships, camaraderie, and win-win situations are important you. Brainstorming sessions with colleagues and associates will inspire you. You can easily get others on board with your ideas now – your enthusiasm is catching! Building lasting bonds with others will be a key theme this year. You’re willing to go the extra mile this year, make it a worthwhile one!

This is a formative time in your career development, Pisces. Your perseverance and hard work is about to pay off big time! You need to get clear (and remain clear) on your career goals and set some healthy boundaries with colleagues and clients while you’re at it. The people pleaser in you might try to accommodate the demands of others. This can lead to being overwhelmed or burnout if you’re not careful (you might need to put your bossy boots on) Opportunities to grow your craft and your career will present themselves. Seize the day!

Finances & Resources Financial and material obligations that are holding you back in some way will be moving off your plate this year (do you really need to keep-up that lease payment?). Revising your banking habits, investments and debt management strategies will put you in good stead. You might just have to celebrate with a little vacation! Money spent on your personal education or training serves you well. A promotion or a job change may result in a pay increase or better benefits. Joint enterprises are favourable. In fact, you stand to benefit from the wealth of others this year.

Home & Family Your home environment is likely to go through some changes this year, Capricorn. That might be in the form of a residential move, or maybe renovations and reorganization projects. You might also experience changes to the family dynamic such as someone moving in or someone moving out. Take these shifts in stride as it’s all a part of life. You are coming into a very busy time over the next few years and having supportive people around you will make all the difference. This is a good time to show others how important they are to you. Host a dinner party and surprise everyone with something special. You’ll delight in their reactions!

Relationships You’re thinking a lot about your future and that includes your partnership, Capricorn. If the long-term relationship you’re in doesn’t feel supportive, you’re likely to have some poignant discussions this year. You might be forced to look at yourself and your own actions; while this is an uncomfortable process, you will be better for it in the long run. You and your partner may go through a transformative experience that draws you closer together. Sharing a common interest, taking a class together, or traveling together can be a source of joy and pleasure. Relationships that begin now might move quickly towards commitment.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Finances & Resources While there’s a big theme this year on working with others and strengthening your team, it’s important that you keep your finances on target. You might be tempted to bet on speculative ventures in order to increase your shares (be sure to get a second opinion from an unbiased third party). Still, your wealth and earnings can increase substantially this year. Investments made now are likely to be for the long-term. You stand to benefit from the wealth and resources of others. This makes for an excellent year to raise money for a cause you believe in.

Home & Family Day-to-day routines get shaken-up this year, Aquarius. Lively discussions about social trends, politics and environmental issues keep you engaged. A residential move or lifestyle change is highly likely this year. The neighborhood or community that you relate with becomes more important than the home itself. You might choose to live in a smaller home that allows you access to more amenities and the freedom to pursue your intellectual goals; as opposed to living in a spacious home that’s far away from everything. You’re shedding old habits in favour of creating healthier choices. Concerns about education and social awareness are a theme for Aquarian parents.

Relationships Relationships went through a lot of adjustments in the last few years, Aquarius. Many of you made the decision to either deepen a commitment; or conversely, made a decision to end a commitment. The positive changes resulting from that decision are manifested this year. Those who deepened their commitment can rejoice in a greater intimacy (emotionally and spiritually). Those who left a relationship may find that they’re now available to connect with someone on a meaningful level. Relationships that begin this year are likely to be very honest, sincere and aligned with your moral philosophy.

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Finances & Resources As your career continues to grow throughout 2016, it’s likely that your earnings will too. Many Pisceans will experience a change in their value system now. This will be reflected in the material objects that you bring into your life. You might find that your spending habits change. Where at one time you spent more money on lifestyle (for example), you might find you’re spending less in those areas and more on others (obviously this is unique to each Piscean as an individual). Check your bank account regularly and stay on top of any debt management. Think twice before you do any impulse spending.

Home & Family Responsibilities are likely to increase across the board, Pisces. So that means on the home front too. You might need to take charge of the domestic scene and get everyone on track. Pisces parents may need to get stricter about children’s chores and homework (being the toughie is never fun, is it?). It’s time to call the shots and be a bit more firm. Family members might be looking to you for support, guidance, or advice now. Even if you feel you don’t have anything to offer, just being a friendly face on a tough day is sometimes enough.

Relationships Relationships, friendships and one-to-one encounters are looking really good this year, Pisces! This is an excellent time to forage new bonds with others. It’s particularly nice for turning over a new leaf in a long-term relationship. Taking classes or learning together in some capacity is not only fun, it can bring you closer. Friendships in general can blossom now. Travel with a partner or close friend is highly favoured this year. This is an excellent time for single Pisceans to meet someone special. Connections with someone from another background or a different culture may be exciting and fun. You’re feeling adventurous!

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

From country comebacks to blockbuster setjetting, here are Exodus Travels’ top 10 adventure travel trends and tips for 2016.

Last year’s global outcry over the killing of Cecil the lion has put the fate of wildlife tourism under the microscope. Exodus anticipates Botswana will see a rise in bookings, with safariseekers choosing to spend their tourism dollars in this southern African country, which has made a serious commitment to wildlife and environmental preservation. If a chance to spotthe Big 5 wasn’t reason enough to go, Botswana celebrates 50 years of Independence in 2016.

From Indiana Jones to the Hobbit, the biggest Hollywood hits always motivate travellers to set-jet to exotic new locales. India’s jungles and animals will steal the show in 2016 with the release of a new adaption of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. With a star-studded cast of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken and Lupita Nyong’o, India’s tiger and safari parks are destined to be one of the year’s travel blockbusters.

Unveiling - The Treasures Of Iran

With Mahmoud Ahmadinejad out of the political picture and travel sanctions lifted in 2015, Iran has recaptured the attention of globetrotters who’ve been waiting to tick it off their bucket list. The world’s finest Persian architecture and historic sites, bustling bazaars, artistic masterpieces, mind-blowing cuisine and hospitality steeped in ancient traditions promise an extraordinary adventure.

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Extreme Wellness Holidays

Forget about yoga, spa and wellness retreats, 2016’s travellers are asking for rigorous, physicallydemanding and mentally-challenging adventures that focus on extreme biking and trekking. Exodus has seen a huge spike in bookings that take the ‘wellness concept’ to a whole new level with full force adrenaline expeditions, such as biking in remote Madagascar and the Alpine Cols of the Tour de France or climbing volcanoes in Indonesia and the Three Peaks of Ladakh.

Workaholics, listen up. Studies show that employees who regularly take overseas vacations are more energized, creative and ultimately more productive in the workplace. Some companies, like LinkedIn, are even offering unlimited vacation policies as a way of encouraging its passport-ready staff to seek new challenges, find inspiration, and reduce burnout.

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Cuba Calling

Remember there’s more to this Caribbean archipelago than palm-fringed beaches, colonial architecture, classic cars, Che Guevara and mojitos. In 2016, Exodus draws the curtain back with new experiences like staying with local families, Hemingway haunts, the limestone karsts of Vinales Valley, and caves linked to the 1962 Missile Crisis.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Eastern Europe’s Road Less Travelled

Europe buffs are moving further east to uncover a welcome refuge from the well-trodden paths of Italy, France, Croatia and Switzerland and to immerse themselves in a collision of ‘east meets west’ cultures. Cycle through Romania’s rolling hills, gaze wide-eyed at Bosnian architecture or test the waters in Slovenia with a week of white-water rafting, canyoning and mountain biking on the banks of the Soča River.

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With so much to absorb whilst seeing the world, it’s sometimes best to take it all at your own stride. Independent travellers can now have it all: the seamlessness of an organized tour combined with the privacy, freedom and flexibility of a self-guided trip. Set your own agenda while someone else worries about the bag transfers, where to sleep and the always important 24/7 support.

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Winter Travel

As mercury levels drop and the snow starts falling, travellers are opting out of fly and flop beach vacations and, instead, taking advantage of the smaller crowds, cheaper rates and unique thrill-seeking activities, like snow-shoeing, northern lights, ski touring and dog-sledding, that the winter season offers. – Inputs by Exodus Travels

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Look to the light to avoid the lag when travelling across time zones.

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JET LAG PACKING By Ashley Stephens

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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hether you’ve flown across the country once or you’re in the air on a regular basis, chances are you’ve arrived at your destination feeling less than your best. Groggy, disoriented and struggling with digestion, you’re feeling jet lagged and the last thing you want after hours of travel is to lose more time to its ill effects. Jet lag, one of the most common sleep disorders, results from

rapid travel across two or more time zones. While once believed to be all in one’s head, research has now shown that cross-time zone travel disrupts our body’s internal clock, or our circadian rhythm. These natural rhythms, which are regulated by mealtimes, body temperature variations, social engagement, and hormone regulation, respond primarily to light and darkness, and control when we sleep, when we eat, and when we wake. When our internal clock is out of sync with the external time – when we experience daylight or darkness, and in turn, meals and activities, contrary to when our body has grown accustomed to – we suffer from jet lag. Frequent fliers are all too aware of the negative effects jet lag can have on their ability to function properly once they arrive at their destination. Travellers will often experience difficulty sleeping despite day-

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE time fatigue, an inability to concentrate or complete daily tasks, and indigestion, constipation or a rejection of food. The effects are generally worse when travelling from west to east and time is ‘lost’. It becomes difficult to expose yourself to daylight, eat at proper meal times, and fall asleep at an appropriate hour when your body has missed its natural cues. Symptoms of jet lag may last for several days, with up to a day of recovery necessary for each time zone crossed, but its effect can also depend on individual factors with everyone reacting differently to new environments and sleep schedules. “People have internal circadian rhythms of different lengths. Some people are ‘early birds’ and are alert earlier in the day – they can travel time zones east easier than others,” explains Jay Olson, psychiatry graduate student and researcher at McGill University, who studied jet lag and devised a system to prevent it. “Other people are ‘night owls’ and are alert later at night – they can travel time zones west easier than others.” Your ability to adjust may also depend on your age, gender and general health. “Older people and those who are less healthy often have more trouble adjusting to new time zones,” says Olson. Fortunately, if you find yourself spending lots of time in the friendly skies, research has shown there are proven methods to managing jet lag.

By exposing yourself to bright light, or sunlight, at certain times, depending on when you depart, how many time zones you cross, and when you usually wake and sleep, can minimize or eliminate the “Timed light exposure is the most wellresearched jet lag reduction method,” says Olson. By exposing yourself to bright light, or sunlight, at certain times, depending on when you depart, how many time zones you cross, and when you usually wake and sleep, can minimize or eliminate the effects of jet lag. Seeking and avoiding light at the right times can help synchronize your circadian rhythms with your surroundings; bright light exposure causes what is known as a ‘phase shift’ or a delay or advancement in your circadian rhythms. “If you shift your sleep patterns before you fly, you experience less jet lag once you land,” says Olson. “If you shift them afterwards, you have to cope with more jet lag initially. Personally, I usually shift some before and some after.” While it may seem as simple as avoiding light during the night and seeking it during the day, the necessary exposure to light

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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might not correspond with the daylight at your destination, so careful control both before and after will allow for the quickest recovery. Online programs, such as the one designed by Olson, create customized programs that help shift circadian rhythms. The right times to avoid and seek out light will differ for each person and each trip. To eliminate any unwanted fatigue after flying, take the time before you depart to figure out the appropriate timing for your individual light exposure and avoidance. Aside from timed-light exposure, Olson also adds that “many travellers benefit from reducing travel fatigue,” which he explains feels similar but is separate from jet lag. “Drink a lot of water, eat fruit, and take a shower after arriving,” he suggests. Setting yourself up for a proper sleep will help lessen the fatigue of flying across time zones. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, heavy foods, or strenuous activities too close to bedtime at your destination. Chances are you’ll be sleeping in an unfamiliar environment once you arrive, which could negatively affect your ability to fall asleep; ensure you’re prepared for the noise, temperature or comfort variations at your destination. While these factors don’t specifically treat jet lag, they will affect your sleep quality and, in turn, how easily you recover from your flight fatigue. Cross-time zone travel doesn’t need to be tiring. Pack your suitcase, plan your itinerary and include jet lag as an important part of your trip preparations to ensure you’re ready to take flight and focus on what’s waiting when you land.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 59 www.RealCanadianSuperstore.ca

XPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTS In this section, DARPAN features your most ‘frequently asked questions’ on diverse topics answered by experts in their respective fields.

EXPERTS

SPEAK

How are Assets and Inheritance handled during a Family Break up?

hat happens when a spouse brings money or assets into a relationship or receives an inheritance during a relationship? Under the Family Law Act (FLA), pre-relationship money or assets are excluded. An inheritance is excluded in the same way. The other spouse could seek an interest in any increase in value of the prerelationship asset, money or the inheritance. The best option to protect an inheritance or pre-marriage asset would be to not use the funds for a family purpose. An example of this would be to keep the money, assets or inheritance in a separate account and not use any of these assets for mortgage payments, vacations, or purchase of other assets. This is great in theory; however, practically speaking, these assets are often used for the benefit of the family. Examples of this would be to use an inheritance as a down payment to purchase a home or to pay down a mortgage. This example will better explain the process: Party 1 has $50,000 at the date the relationship commenced. The parties

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Under the Family Law Act (FLA), pre-relationship money or assets are excluded. An inheritance is excluded in the same way. The other spouse could seek an interest in any increase in value of the pre-relationship asset, money or the inheritance. separate two years later. The $50,000 was invested into an interest bearing account and during the two year relationship, that $50,000 has increased to $52,500. Party 2 could seek an interest in the increase of $2,500. They could get one-half of the increase, which could entitle Party 2 to $1,250. The initial $50,000 is excluded under the law. Prior to the FLA, which came into effect in March 2013, the previous legislation

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(Family Relations Act) made no distinction between pre-relationship assets or money. An inheritance was also not excluded property under the previous law. In recent Supreme Court of British Columbia decisions, this point of law has been debated and clarified: Is it a gift, following the advancement of presumption? Or does it retain its excluded character? In a 2015 decision, the Honourable Madam Justice Laura Ann Fenlon provided a subtle clue as to how one member of the Court of Appeal might vote and provided a thorough analysis. She explains how postrecent amendments to the FLA, the presumption of advancement actually runs contrary to the way the Act deals with gifts, requiring them to be from third parties to avoid going into communal property. More prominently in her reasoning, she also noted that it would significantly curtail the tracing provisions in Section 85 of the Act. What the above means is that the FLA was created to protect pre-relationship assets or inheritances. The presumption of advancement means that once the excluded property has been used for the family (buying of a house, placed into a joint account or used to pay down a mortgage), it is no longer excluded under the law. If the presumption of advancement were to be accepted, it would go against the intention of the legislation. This reasoning was cited with approval (which means it was accepted as valid) in a second 2015 case in the British Columbia Supreme Court. As it currently stands, an asset will remain excluded even if that asset is used towards the family unit. In the event of a relationship/ marriage breakdown, this is an important consideration for mediation or litigation. If you have property that was gifted, inherited or that you brought into a relationship that you’re concerned about, you may wish to seek legal advice for assistance in how to deal with it. It’s never too late to create or amend a cohabitation agreement. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sumit Ahuja Sumit Ahuja is a Family and Matrimonial Law lawyer at Lindsay Kenney LLP. Fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi, Ahuja can communicate with his clients in their chosen language and explain complex issues that can arise in Family Law.

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Prabh Aasra, an organization reuniting families, has vowed to make a difference by serving as a home and rehabilitation centre for the physically incapacitated and mentally challenged individuals.

PRABH AASRA:

THE HOME FOR CARE &

REUnion By GARIMA GOSWAMI

or more than a decade, Prabh Aasra has been serving as a shelter for the unfortunate ones of the society that are either left abandoned or go missing, and helpless due to physical and mental health issues. A serious lack of awareness about mental health in India and prevalence of superstition has only promoted the disadvantages of those inflicted by these treatable disorders. This is where Prabh Aasra, an organization reuniting families, has vowed to make a difference by serving as a home and rehabilitation centre for the physically incapacitated and mentally challenged individuals. Others, such as victims of rape, abandoned pregnant women and orphaned children, also secure themselves shelter at this facility. S. Shamsher Singh, president of the organization, was in his late 20s when he established Prabh Aasra in a two-room rented accommodation in Chandigarh, India. Expanding from a two-room space to an expansive area, the not-for-profit organization has united more than 862 families not only

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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in India but also Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. A popular case that recently received a lot of attention and attracted laud for Prabh Aasra’s efforts was of a mentallydisturbed woman from Bihar who was reunited with her family after 25 years. A major project, Mission Milaap (reunion) was introduced at Prabh Aasra to unite lost ones with their families. Singh’s wife, Rajinder Kaur, co-founder of the organization and a psychologist by profession, explains that Before

Internet plays an important factor in assisting them in this project. The team uses Google to find their patient’s city of residence and then contacts the police station of that city to report the missing individual. So far, under this mission, the not-for-profit has been able to unite more than 450 families with their lost ones. Kaur says, the people who arrive at their facility are usually suffering from mental health disorders such as dementia, which often leaves them stranded at isolated locations. “We go for the treatment and try to locate their home after they are healed and are able to retrieve their addresses. We trace their homes and try to reunite them with their families.” With its successful rehabilitory measures, Singh and his team have created awareness about issues that have been ignored and siAfter

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S. Shamsher Singh and wife Rajinder Kaur, co-founders of Prabh Aasra

lenced in the name of superstition. Singh’s wife talks about this by pointing towards the existing Mental Health Act in India that has not been executed effectively. “If it (Mental Health Act) is implemented, you will find psychiatrists in every district and there will be a special helpline. There is a lack of awareness amongst people about issues.” Kaur further explains the appalling lack of awareness by citing the scarcity of mental health facilities in India. As per a recent investigation conducted by Vice News, India is under a serious mental health crisis with only 43 governmentrun mental hospitals serving a population of 1.2 billion. The existing mental health hospitals survive on lack of governance and policies, cases of sexual abuse, forced shock treatments, admittance without proper diagnosis, and medication drugging. In a crisis as stated under the report, Prabh Aasra serves as a blueprint for India to role out solidified measures in this direction, or at the least acknowledge mental health as a serious concern. Despite the tremendous contribution to the lives of several families and individuals in all these years, Prabh Aasra is struggling for support in continuing its mission for reunion and rehabilitation. Until October 2015, the organization had admitted 1,260 patients out of which 862 have been discharged or united with their families after recovery. This means that 403 patients have to accommodate within the premises that is only sufficient for 150. “It is especially inconvenient during winters. We have patients that have contagious diseases and they don’t have a separate wing either,” Kaur states. In recent years, Prabh Aasra has seen an influx of patients and this has resulted in inmates being accommodated in corridors and temporary sheds. Space is not the only issue hindering the function of the organization; other factors such as shortage of medical equipment and staff are also areas reflecting attention. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, past and present, Kaur and her husband are dedicatedly pursuing their mission of reuniting and rehabilitating victims of various tragedies and we salute their courage in this endeavour.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

BUSINESS PRoFiLE A mustvisit new South-Indian restaurant in Payal Business Centre for your dosa cravings and more.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

aitri Bhavan, the new South

brands like Hyatt (USA), Sheraton (Canada),

Indian restaurant in Payal

Oberoi, Hilton and Kempinski in India, and P&O

Business Centre in Surrey,

Cruise (UK), and also worked in different types

is a refreshing change from

all the other restaurants around that mainly serve North Indian cuisine.

of kitchen, namely Indian, South Indian, Oriental, and Continental. They have also worked as professional butlers

No wonder the restaurant is

in the hotel industry. It was this vast experience

doing incredibly well within just

and knowledge about hotels

a few weeks of opening.

and food, along with the lack

The restaurant is owned by five friends – Narasimha Reddy,

of authentic South Indian cui-

Krishna Remalla (also the main

sine in the city, that led the

chef), Vimal Valaparla, Sumit

five friends to open their own

Musale and Jadeesh Divakaran.

restaurant. “We have been to

They are a group of hotel management graduates from India with more than a decade of experience in the

many South Indian restaurants in the

Lower

Mainland

and

Surrey.

They always say authentic food, but that

hotel industry around the globe. They have

authenticity is actually not there. We thought

worked for some of the most prestigious

since we have a team, why don’t we start

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Reddy. A meal for two people is within $30, with dishes priced between $10 to $12. Maitri Bhavan also has a liquor license and has a special liquor menu. Reddy believes that one of the main features that makes Maitri Bhavan different from other restaurants is its hospitality. “There is nothing we lack in terms of food or service. We make sure all our guests are

our own restaurant so that people know what authentic South Indian food really tastes like,” says Reddy, adding that there is a demand of South Indian cuisine in the Lower

Maitri Bhavan gives a 10 percent discount on a takeout menu and has deals on Groupon. It also has a party hall where events can be organized for a crowd of about 35 to 40 people and services such as a buffet set-up or live dosa station can be provided. They offer special rates for catering and do delivery as well.

Mainland.

happy when they leave the restaurant. That is our main goal.” he states, adding that the staff also suggests dishes to customers who have never tried South Indian cuisine. Just like its menu, Maitri Bhavan’s customers too are diverse. Besides South Asians, they have Asians, Americans and Canadians visiting the restaurant as well. “We have a 100 percent guest satisfaction on Groupon and it has really helped in bringing in the white community,” adds Reddy. Looking at their clientele, it can be said that the restaurant is living upto the expectations of its visitors. Maitri Bhavan gives a 10 percent discount on a take-out menu and has deals on Groupon. It also has a party hall where events can be organized for a crowd of

The name of the restaurant is inspired by

about 35 to 40 people and services such

the friendship shared between the own-

in the plaza. Some of their popular dishes

as a buffet set-up or live dosa station can

ers. Maitri in Sanskrit means friendship and

are dosas, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Apollo

be provided. They offer special rates for

bhavan means building. “We all know each

Fish, Chicken 65, Chicken Majestic, Paan

catering and do delivery as well.

other for the past 10 years and are now

Ice Cream, and variety of thalis, among

Reddy and his partners are happy that

working together in our own restaurant.

many others. “Our chef Krishna has about 35

the restaurant is doing well and getting a

That’s

Maitri

years of experience in South Indian cuisine.

good response. In conclusion, he says,

Bhavan,” explains Reddy, who has done

He makes really good vegetarian food and

“We hope to expand Maitri Bhavan in every

butler service in five-star hotels in India

different varieties of dosas,” points out

city in British Columbia.”

why

chose

the

name

and has served most of the famous Indian celebrities and politicians. The look of Maitri Bhavan reflects the cuisine it offers. With statues of deities Ganesha and Nataraja placed right at the entrance counter and a red colour scheme, the restaurant has a very South Indian feel to it. Maitri Bhavan is becoming popularly known for serving ‘authentic’ South Indian cuisine

www.maitribhavan.com

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Hospital on December 15, 2015.

DARPAN NEWS

IN PICTURES SHIAMAK Winter Funk 2015 Music came alive through SHIAMAk Winter Funk 2015 as the students showcased a variety of dance styles and songs at Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey and Living Arts Centre in Mississauga recently in December. The annual student show, Winter Funk, one of three yearly events, gives a platform for all participating students to perform on stage in a professional setup.

Mayor Linda Hepner honoured for 30 years of service to City of Surrey Mayor Hepner was presented with a Service Pin by City Manager, Vincent Lalonde, at the council meeting held on January 11. Before being elected to Council in 2005, Mayor Hepner worked as a staff member at the City of Surrey for the previous two decades.

TransLink Minister speaks on transit The Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink discussed the development of transit and transportation in Surrey, the Metro Vancouver region and BC. Present with him were Surrey Board of Trade Vice Chair Dr. Greg Thomas, and TransLink Board member Robin Chakrabarti.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Pink Orchid Studio Holiday Ball Pink Orchid Studio (POS)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Ball was a magical night. POS organized the event to thank all of their clients for trusting the studio and making it an integral part of momentous occasions in their lives. They also gave away a $65,000 POS Dream Wedding Giveaway to a lucky couple.

Photo credit: Deo Studios and Triple 8 Studios

VIBC Society presents TransFusion The Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC) Society hosted TransFusion, showcasing a myriad of culturally diverse forms of art and dance. TransFusion featured four local artists drawing inspiration from their experience of African dance, tap, motifs of bhangra.

New Year Party Banquet Hall. It was a spectacular night of live entertainment, DJ, delicious food, prizes and more. Photo credit: Chandra Bodalia

SBOT Christmas Seasonal Sizzle Business Reception The Surrey Board of Tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18th annual Seasonal Sizzle took place at the Riverside Banquet Hall on December 2, 2015. Over 450 people networked and socialized amongst the and dozens of prize giveaways. Over 400 pounds of food was collected and $1,500 raised for the Surrey Food Bank.

Anit-drug/Violence Youth Forum issues and solutions to these issues. The forum provided an opportunity for youth and families to collaborate with police leadership, youth advocates, and health care professionals to receive education, information and resources that help decrease violence and promote healthy outcomes. TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

BUSINESS PRoFiLE

ot many restaurants in Surrey give you that feeling of being within the city yet far from the noise and crowd. Spice72

Indian

Restaurant

and

Lounge does, providing a peaceful and relaxed ambience along with authentic food.

Spice72 INDIAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Brothers Jaspal and Amarjeet Singh Saini, wellknown in the food industry, are now the proud owners of Spice72 – a restaurant that is slowly gaining popularity for its authentic food and excellent service. The restaurant is jointly co-owned by Jaspal, Amarjeet (also the Chief Chef of Spice72), and their brother-in-law Satinder Pal Singh, who currently runs the restaurant, Mahek Chaat House in Surrey. The Saini brothers got interested in the hotel business when they were 10 or 12 years old. “My father Baldev owned a Punjabi-style restaurant in 1960 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. That’s how we got into the business. We still have that restaurant,” explains Jaspal. Spice72, recently-opened on 72nd street and

A celebration of flavours 68

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Scott road, caters to all kinds of crowd – with a menu comprising of North Indian and South Indian cuisine to specialities from various Indian cities like Mumbai street food, Khaman Dhokla from Gujarat, Lamb Vindaloo from Goa and Butter Chicken from Punjab. “The food, décor and atmosphere are the

PHOTO: AMASTERMEDIA

Brothers Jaspal and Amarjeet Singh Saini ensure that the food prepared at the restaurant meets the expectations of the customers.

three main aspects of Spice72,” says Jaspal proudly, who is also the manager of the restaurant. Amarjeet, who started learning to cook at the age of 14 at

Jaspal mentions that the restaurant

his father’s restaurant, has mas-

has patio seating which can accom-

tered the art completely, with a

modate a crowd of 80 to 100 guests

few secret recipes up his sleeve

for parties. There is also a special

that make customers keep coming

dining room with a seating of about

back. Both Jaspal and Amarjeet

40 people for private events. Mouth-

ensure that the food prepared at

watering food, amazing location, and

the restaurant meets the expec-

a quiet setting at Spice72 are perfect features to make a party successful.

tations of the customers. Jaspal,

Chicken, Batata Vada, Sev Puri,

in fact eats at his own restaurant

and Chicken 72 which is inspired

everyday – just to make sure the

by the Chicken 65 recipe. A

making a good and successful prime location, with the Cineplex

quality and taste of the food are

meal for two persons can be

restaurant, and Jaspal states, Odeon Strawberry Hill Cinemas just

deserving of the customers. To

around $60.

“Number one: the food needs a few minutes away. This makes it an

menu. Ask him what contributes to

The restaurant is situated at a

add the homemade touch, Jaspal’s

Another feature that needs to

to be good. You need to also ideal location to visit after or before

sister Paramjeet – “a khaman and

be pointed out about Spice72 is

understand the needs and tastes watching a movie. “People can watch

batata vada specialist” according to

its beautiful interior with modern

of the customers. Second: you a movie and have dinner here,” jokes

Jaspal – assists in preparing vari-

designs and a colour scheme of

need to provide good atmo- Jaspal.

ous Gujarati and other specialities.

grey, brown and gold. “I wanted

sphere, good service and good

The authenticity of the dishes at

to do something different with a

value. Only then can you build a ence more enjoyable by heading

Spice72 is something that deserves

modern look. People love the

loyal clientele.”

praise. The food is prepared fresh

décor,” says Jaspal. Each table

daily and from scratch. Try the Butter

with comfortable seats and high

Chicken at the restaurant and let

backrest has been designed in a

your taste buds enjoy the authen-

way to shut down any disturbance

ticity and freshness of the dish. A

from surroundings tables. “We

popular dish among guests, the

wanted to give more privacy to our

delicious Butter Chicken prepared

guests,” explains Jaspal.

at Spice72 cannot be compared

Spice72 also offers a range

to the ones served at other res-

of wines to give you a complete

taurants. One needs to taste it to

fine dining experience. “We have

understand the difference.

a great wine collection. We have

Some of the other popular dish-

the most number of Indian wines,”

es at the restaurant are Lamb

says Jaspal, revealing that Happy

Vindaloo, Chicken Chilli, Chettinad

Hour will soon be introduced in the

Make you movie-watching experito Spice72 for an authentic and

Spice72 is also an ideal place to scrumptious meal. You won’t be host parties and private events. disappointed!

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DARPAN

TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAn RECiPES

Makes 18 biscuits

IngredIents: 3 ½ cups bread flour ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt

Chive Biscuits By Chef Jehangir Mehta

The best part of baking biscuits is the smell that arises from the oven. Also, this is a great, quick alternative to making bread.

2 ounces 99 Banana Liqueur, or any other banana liqueur

For the chocolate sauce

1 ½ cups milk 1 vanilla bean

1 cup sugar ½ cup raw chocolate (roughlychopped cocoa nibs)

1 ¼ cups sweetened condensed milk 7 large egg yolks

PreParatIon: 16 two-ounce aluminum ramekins with oil. Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium flame until it begins to simmer. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape in the contents; also add vanilla bean to the milk. Switch off the heat and, whisking continuously, add the condensed milk. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium heatproof bowl. Continuing to whisk, pour in about half of the hot milk mixture. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Stir in the banana liqueur. Strain the mixture into the ramekins.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

}

IngredIents:

½ pound (2 sticks) butter, unsalted butter at room temperature 1/3 cup heavy cream 4 medium eggs ½ cup chopped chives 1 tablespoon baking powder

PreParatIon: Preheat the oven to 325º F. Add the flour, sugar, salt and butter to a standing mixer and run with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed. When ingredients are well mixed, add the cream, eggs, chives and baking powder. Let the mixer run for about 15 more seconds, until the mixture has a dough-like consistency. Roll out the dough to about one inch thick, and then cut it into one inch cubes. Place the cubes on a non-stick baking sheet, and bake until light golden for about seven minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Vanilla Banana Flan With raw Chocolate sauce

Place the ramekins in a baking dish and pour hot water around them. (The water should reach about half the height of the ramekins.) Cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes or until set. Remove the flans and refrigerate. For the sauce, melt the sugar in a medium saucepan over a medium flame. Once it begins to colour, stir until it reaches a light gold. Add ¾ cup water and stir until the water has dissolved the caramel. Add the raw chocolate. Reduce the heat, simmer for five minutes, and then transfer to a bowl to cool. Unmold the flans unto plates and serve with a drizzle of the raw chocolate sauce.

DARPAN

Makes 12 portions

About the Chef

Chef Jehangir Mehta

Abacus & Mental Arithmetic Program

hef Jehangir Mehta is the chef/owner of Graffiti, Me and You, and Graffiti Earth in

New York. His interest in using creativity to

w w w. a l o h a c a n a d a . c a

make people happy led him to becoming a chef. “This is why presentation plays a big part in my creativity. Not only does my dish need to taste great, but it needs to look good too. And so does the service, and the atmosphere,” he shares. Known for his signature eclectic style, he uses

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an array of ingredients and spices to create an interesting juxtapose of temperatures, textures

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and tastes. “The juxtaposing of tastes and textures and spices inspires me everyday. It creates excitement,” says Mehta, who defines his cooking as the “use of Asian ingredients with a French style of cooking.” Mehta

has

been

participant

Food

Network’s Next Iron Chef Redemption 2012; was the runner-up at the Next Iron Chef 2009; a participant in the Iron Chef America; and a guest on Martha Stewart Living. He is the chef ambassador for the National Foundation of

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Celiac Awareness and the Mushroom Board, and tours around the country extensively to promote both causes. He is also the author of Mantra: The Rules of Indulgence. Apart from his restaurants, Mehta also runs a successful event

management

business

that

catering for private events and weddings.

does

DARPAN

TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAn RECiPES

Makes 6 servings

green Papaya

Persimmon salad With Pepper Coconut sorbet and the black pepper in a medium bowl, and set aside.

IngredIents: For the green papaya and persimmon salad 1 medium green papaya

Remove the gelatin from the water and wring out the excess liquid, as if from a towel.

1 teaspoon olive oil

Add the gelatin to the warm coconut and whisk until completely dissolved. Mix this into the reserved coconut puree.

Pinch of kosher salt

Place in an ice bath to cool until syrupy.

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Stir and process in an ice cream machine, following the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions, and then put in the freezer until needed.

1 ripe persimmon

Micro herbs for garnish

For the pepper coconut sorbet 1 sheet gelatin 2 cups frozen coconut puree, thawed 3 turns of black pepper from a mill Â˝ cup sugar

PreParatIon: Pepper coconut sorbet: Place the gelatin sheet in a bowl of cold water.

In a saucepan, combine the remaining coconut puree with the sugar and bring to a simmer.

Remove the shin from the papaya, using a peeler. Slice the lengthwise into 1/8 inch slices using a mandolin or knife, and then cut each slice into long juliennes (sticks). Place in a medium bowl. Peel and then cut the persimmon into thin slices. Add to the papaya. Toss the papaya and persimmon with the olive oil and salt. (Adding sugar will help to break down the persimmon, but it can be left out to reduce the level of sweetness.) Arrange small bunches of the fruit into circular mounds on a plate. Place a scoop of sorbet onTM each. Garnish with micro herbs.

DARPAN

Combine cup of the JANUARY one / FEBRUARY 2016coconut puree Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

green papaya and persimmon salad

G OL D

D I A M ON D S

B I RT H S TON E S

DARPAN

TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

he verdict has been in for a while now – besides their delicious rich flavour and creamy texture, avocados are bursting with medicinal benefits. This green pear-shaped fruit is hailed by many nutritional experts as a ‘superfood’, packed with essential nutrients, and considered to be one of the healthiest fruits in the world.

Avocados are unbelievably nutritious

Good for your eyes and skin

Avocados are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. “They are packed with vitamins C, K, E, B5, B6, folate and smaller amounts of vitamins A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin),” says Bijal Thoda, a registered dietitian, lifestyle consultant and owner of Posaitive Life, which specializes in weight loss and disease management. “Avocados also contain high amounts of potassium, as well as a bit of magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous,” she adds.

“Being rich in vitamin A and antioxidants such as lutein, avocados can be a great source of nutrients for your eyes,” says Thoda. Studies have shown that these nutrients are often linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. But that’s not all – avocados are great for your skin. Full of antioxidants, healthy fats and skin-friendly vitamins such as vitamin C and E, eating them works wonders for the skin from inside. Using them directly on the face is also a popular beauty treatment.

Here are some reasons why you should have one today – and everyday:

aVoCado BY TARANA RANA

Apples are old news. If you really want Avocados help in weight loss

to keep the doctor away, incorporate an avocado in your daily diet. A great source Avocados contain healthy fats Yes, avocados have a high fat content. Lucky for us, 75 percent of the fats in this fruit are the ‘good’ kind. “Omega-3 are the healthy fats that reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels,” says Thoda. “[This] is highly beneficial for heart health.” However, keep in mind that portion size is important as well. According to Thoda, an ideal daily serving of avocado is about two tablespoons mashed or two to three thin slices.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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We have all heard that fiber (the undigestable part of plant foods) is good for us, but many are unclear as to why. According to Thoda, fiber is your gut’s best friend. “[It] feeds the good bacteria in your gut and has been shown to benefit weight loss, blood sugar levels and digestive health among other favourable outcomes.”

“Avocados with their high fiber content, low carb and a rich micronutrient as well as omega -3 profiles makes it one of the favourite superfood for weight loss,” says Thoda. She explains that healthy fats and fiber play an important role in weight loss by reducing inflammation and helping the body get rid of excess fat stores – while also balancing blood cholesterol and sugar levels. She adds, “Its role in optimizing bowel function can further improve cravings in addition to metabolism and energy levels, contributing to healthy weight loss.”

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Avocados may prevent cancer A study published in the journal, Cancer Research, suggests that fat from avocados can combat myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells. It does this by attacking the cancerous stem cells, which are the root of the disease. Researchers hope that this will help them create an avocado-derived drug to increase life expectancy for affected patients.

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So now that you’re aware of the multitude of health benefits, how can you incorporate more avocados in your diet? Luckily, it’s not hard to do. Avocados are a versatile fruit and taste great eaten raw, grilled, fried or baked. “Ideally one should aim to consume avocado in its natural state – layered in a sandwich or cubed in a salad,” says Thoda. Avocado on toast is also a crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly simple – just mash a slice with your fork and spread it on the toast. You can add pepper, salt and chili flakes to give it a bit of a kick. Avocados are also often used as a fat replacement in baking. So make those cupcakes healthier by simply replacing the fatty ingredient (such as oil or butter) with an equal amount of avocado. Another classic way to consume this green wonder is guacamole. Thoda advises people to make it at home, by simply mashing avocado and adding lime and garlic. “It is best to avoid ready-made dips and spreads that tend to have too many chemicals, processed sugars, oils and salts with very little avocado if at all. So make your own, [it] takes only a few seconds!” The bottom line is that a serving of avocado a day boots your nutrient level, helps to lower cholesterol, and moderate fat levels. So go ahead and eat one today; your body (and tastebuds) will thank you.

Avocados are a versatile fruit and taste great eaten raw, grilled, fried or baked.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ideally one should aim to consume avocado in its natural state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; layered in a sandwich or cubed in a salad,â&#x20AC;? says Bijal Thoda.

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Tarana rana 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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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE Is the cold weather affecting your skin? Here’s some expert advice you should take into consideration before rushing to buy those winter care products.

inter is back and so is the bad skin. Your skin feels dry and your lips are chapped – making you panic every time you stand before the mirror. Don’t fret! Here’s some expert skin care advice you should take into consideration before rushing to buy those winter care products. “During winter, the skin is exposed to low humidity in the home, and to cold and wind outdoors. This may result in a reduction in skin moisture content because the normal skin barrier function has been disrupted. When the barrier function is damaged, the skin’s protective layer is reduced and water loss occurs through evaporation. The result is skin that feels rough, appears dull in colour, and is more sensitive to certain topical products,” explains Dr. Jason Rivers, dermatologist and founder of Riversol Skin Care Inc. Prevention is key to avoiding skin dryness, points out Dr. Rivers. “That means trying to avoid wind and cold weather from directly reaching the skin by means of clothing (e.g. wearing a scarf to protect the face).”

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Use right body care products Though the cold weather cannot entirely be avoided, the use of right body care products can help the skin. “Lotions are generally more preferable for the body,” suggests Dr. Rivers, “Avoid soaps as these products will strip the skin of its natural oils and may cause eczema or skin irritation. Look for products that contain ceramides or other lipid-containing preparations.” He also advises using a gentle moisturizer more than once a day to lubricate and restore the skin’s barrier function. “People should consider applying a moisturizer after each shower/ bath to reduce moisture loss. Don't forget the lip balm too” Washing excessively and taking long hot showers is a complete no. The use of exfoliants and chemical peels cause further dryness, says Dr. Rivers. As for skin cleansing, it should be done with a mild cleanser applied to the skin without excess pressure or rubbing. “Trying to clean the skin too rigorously may result in the formation of acne-like lesions.” “People should avoid products that may be occlusive to the skin or applied too thickly as these factors may clog pores and predispose people to acne,” adds Dr. Rivers about cosmetics. If the skin can tolerate products in general, he recommends using compounds that contain gentle exfoliants (AHA, BHA), antioxidants (vitamins C and E), and topical vitamin A-derived ingredients (retinol, tretinoin). For sensitive skin, Dr. Rivers recommends Riversol Skincare as the products contain ingredients that are generally well-tolerated by the skin.

Sunscreen is a must The use of sunscreen is a must. Ultraviolet radiation increases with altitude, and therefore you can still get burnt in the winter if you are skiing on a sunny day. “Also, although UVB is minimal during

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DARPAN

the winter months, UVA radiation from the sun (causes wrinkles, aging of the skin, and contributes to skin cancer) remains stable throughout the year. Therefore, it is reasonable to recommend that people wear a sunscreen on the face year round,” informs Dr. Rivers, adding that a sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 and should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Further, the sunscreen should be labelled “broad spectrum” so that you know it is protecting from both UVB and UVA. “Using a moisturizer with a sunscreen or a sunscreen alone will be very helpful to keeping the skin looking young, and to help avoid the development of brown marks on the face,” advices Dr. Rivers.

Healthy habits is the key Healthy habits and nutritious diet are also important factors contributing to good skin. “Smoking damages the elastic and collagen fibers of the skin – not only on the face but elsewhere on the body too,” stresses Dr. Rivers. A balanced diet can provide healthy skin. According to Dr. Rivers, a severe lack of different vitamins may result in a number of skin conditions. “Acne may be worsened by certain foods (dairy products, foods with a high glycemic index), and other conditions like rosacea can be aggravated by certain foods and alcohol.” He adds, “There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), antioxidants (green tea, resveratrol), vitamins (vitamins A, B6, C, D3 for example) and minerals (zinc, selenium) will help to maintain the skin in an optimal condition.” For a dose of vitamin D in the cold, dark months, the use of a supplement is advisable. “It would be reasonable to start with a daily intake of 1,000 IU a day,” says Dr. Rivers. In conclusion, he says, “Basic skin care is similar for everyone – sun protection, a gentle cleanser, and moisturizer.”

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Highlight

Beauty PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRANDS FEATURED, istockphoto

your

PAN R DA

y t u ea

Create a creamy glow with highlighters.

one well, highlighters will look as if you have your own personal soft focus spotlight shining on you. They’re particularly ideal for the first few grey months of the year, when natural light is fleeting.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

There are two schools of theory on using highlighters. The first targets all the high points of your face – forehead, under your brow, bridge of the nose, tops of cheekbones, and the cupid’s bow. Adding

DARPAN

illuminator to these areas will make them pop and increase the three-dimensionality of your face. If you think about your younger face, your skin was tighter and fresher, making it easier for light to bounce off the face. This is partly what gives young faces that fresh, dewy look. As we age, our skin becomes more lax, wrinkled and dull. Highlighters cheat the aging process by adding the illusion of luminosity. The second technique is to

lighten shadowy areas – inner corners of eyes, under-eye circles and the inner corners of mouth. Adding highlighter here helps lift the shadows, evening the skin tone and diminishing unwanted contours. Again, this is a very beautifying technique that can instantly take years off a face. Generally, you want to find a highlighter or illuminator that’s in a formula that works for your skin (powder or liquid/cream) in a yellow-based shade that either

Highlighters will look as if you have your own personal soft focus spotlight shining on you. They’re particularly

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months of the year, when A STRESS FREE HOME BUYING/SELLING EXPERIENCE closely matches your own skin tone (for a soft, glowy look) or one that’s cooler than your skin tone (for a bright, icy pop of illumination). If you have oilier skin, stick to powders. If you have combination or drier skin, liquids will feel lovely on your skin.

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It’s pretty easy these days to find a good highlighter at almost any price point that’s more about shimmer and glow than outright sparkle – which you definitely don’t want. The finer the particles, the more subtle and realistic the glow. Leave the sparkles behind with the holidays and go forward with these tested and loved recommendations.

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Powder Apply powder highlighters with a brush that offers precision. Use smaller brushes that aren’t too dense, such as an eyeshadow brush or fan brush. Large, fluffy powder brushes will only make a mess of this process – stay away! Guerlain’s Météorites Illuminating Powder Pearls ($71) just may be the original modern highlighter. These small, luminous pearls come mixed in a variety of pastel colours, perfectly mimicking skin’s own diverse range of undertones. Swirl your brush lightly over all the pearls, tap off excess and apply to face. Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Powder ($52) comes in six shades that offer slightly colour-correcting properties. Choose the pale yellow to mimic candlelight, the peach shade to counteract darkness, and the lavender one to brighten.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Cream or liquid highlighters are extremely versatile as they can be layered on for greater effect, thinned out or even mixed in with your daily moisturiser or foundation for an all-over glow. Mac’s Strobe Cream ($40) is an industry classic by now. This is more of a hydrating moisturiser with highlighting properties. It’s packed with antioxidants and you can use it directly on bare skin (best for dry/dehydrated skin), over your makeup or even mixed in with your liquid foundation. It now comes in a smaller, travelsized tube ($12). Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector ($50) is another industry darling, a favourite among makeup artists. There are five skin-flattering shades, two of which are also available in travel size ($23). Pat this onto skin with a brush or fingers, taking time to gently buff out edges for seamless transitions.

Pen Click-y highlighter pens are often mistaken for concealer pens, so don’t be disappointed when yours won’t cover spots. That said, if you already have a great highlighter pen but need more coverage, simply mix a little of the highlighter with some concealer on the back of your hand and then use the brush to apply. Touche Éclat ($60) by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) is probably the most well-known and most misunderstood highlighter product. While it does come in 10 shades that make it ideal for a range of ethnicities, it offers no coverage. It’s truly meant as a highlighter and should not be mistaken for a concealer. The pen format makes it extremely convenient for pinpoint application around the eyes and mouth, which can be blended out with the brush-tip applicator or fingertips.

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Clinique’s Airbrush Concealer ($26) has a similar marketing dilemma. Labelled as a concealer, this product does offer quite a bit more heft than YSL’s, but it’s still ultimately a highlighter. However, this one is truly ideal for undereye concealing because of its increased pigmentation. Plus, impressively, it comes in 12 shades. If you’re using this for the undereye area, pick a colour that matches your own skin tone to avoid looking ashy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Tse

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Catherine is a Vancouver lifestyle writer with a love for travel, food, animals and all things beautiful. She has written for the National Post, Georgia Straight, Real Weddings and BC Living.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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A men’s and women’s guide to winter fashions. Underneath it all, match a puffedshoulder blouse with long skirts. Your blouses have to be light and of airy colours such a light pinks and purples, and the skirts on the other hand, must juxtapose in hues of eggplant purple and black. An angular corporate look is coming your way, ladies. With this look, make the makeup dark, too, and the hair tight.

If you are seeking some stellar jewellery, have no fear. You will sparkle like the sultry night with colourful and playful studded cuffs, twisted infinity cocktail rings, and stretchable diamond bangle bracelets. Mix and match; that is half the fun.

Fellas, you are up now. You can have just as much fun dressing up as the ladies.

intertime can be a time to wrap yourself up in blankets and sit by a lazy fire, but it can also be a time to shine and feel great about your wardrobe options…for both women and men. Yes, it is true.

Are you heading to a corporate event, or just out with your mates for a few cocktails? It does not matter, as your clothing of choice needs to be a silvery, sparkly tuxedo jacket. Silver and shiny is not

Party, live it up, and be free with your fashion. This winter, especially after the holidays, be the talk of the town (or office). Here is what we found to be the most talked-about fashion of this season. Ladies, you are up first. On top, on your way to work, stay warm with a faux fur coat or jacket. They are perfect to layer under. Take on a cold morning with a chinchilla pattern, or try on a sexy parka by none other than Canadian born Janet Han, of The Wild North. Han really knows how to make a woman feel beautiful even in the most brutal weather conditions.

Stay

Warm in

Style

If you are not down for fur, you may also opt for a long zebra-patterned coat. The trend is for the coat of choice to have a coloured collar. Pink and green will be quite en vogue; look out for these.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

On your working feet, wear dark-coloured leather gladiator high heels. Rouge, purple and black are your best bets.

BY JOSEPH A. FEDERICO

DARPAN

Faux Fur jackets forom 'The Wild North'

Or if a corporate look is not quite your style, try a playful dress by

Miriam Baker. Her fashions are mastermind compared to most other designers. Think school girl meets punk rock princess, OK?

just for the New Year, boys. If you are a tad shy and want to stay understated, try a more militarystyled jacket by Klaxon Howl. Designer Matt Robinson keeps it clean and is very affordable. When it comes to shirts, have fun with those, too. Dark shirts with funky patterns, such as paisley, trucks, and even feathers are coming down the shoot in the near future. Oh, and it just keeps getting better… On those cold legs of yours this winter, you will be wearing leather. Leather pants will be pulled out of closets across the country, because the ’80s are back. It does not matter if your pants are tight, loose, or a little short. We are creating the prefect outfit here, men, so take note. Unfortunately, there are no shoe trends on the horizon, but there are sock options. The weirder, the better, OK? Colourful, in-your-face polka dots will be best and complete your outfit. Or try patterned/item socks like triangles and spirals.

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To top off incredibly courageous looks this winter, you will also have to invest a little more money. Fresh boutonnière will be trending like wildfire. Flowers on jackets and wintery coats will make the cold seem a little less bitter, and will bring a smile to both your and passersby faces. Believe us. Has the rotten winter gotten you down in the dumps in the past? Hopefully with our suggestions and a mix and match attitude, you will be grinning from ear to ear when trying on clothes. As per usual, put comfort aside for the time being, and be as playful as possible. Try things you have not done before, and even get your friends involved. This winter will be spectacular, we just know it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joseph a. Federico Joseph Federico loves fashion, thanks in part to his mother exposing him to the wonders of the garment district at an early age. He has his own sense of style, and always has his finger on the pulse of the next big trend.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

H E A LT H Y

MOUTH

F O R A H E A LT H Y B O D Y

Oral health and its importance to your overall health. BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

Gum disease often goes unnoticed until it needs to be treated. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss for adults and can lead to an increased risk for more serious diseases including respiratory disease.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

ur mouth is an essential part of many everyday activities, making its importance understood, albeit often overlooked. Recent studies have now shown that the mouth mirrors the condition of our body as a whole – making regularly-scheduled oral checkups and routine maintenance all the more important. Oral health refers to the health of your mouth, including your teeth, tongue and gums. A healthy mouth is often a good indication that you’re healthy overall. Adversely, poor oral health may be an indication of

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other underlying health problems that could otherwise go unnoticed. “There is a pretty big connection between your periodontal health – which is your gum health – and your cardiovascular health,” explains periodontist Dr. Victor Mak of MAK Periodontics and Implants. “A lot of patients do not know that there is quite a link that has been studied for many years already.” Plaque can build up in our arteries, similar to how it does on our teeth if they are not taken care of, and clogging of the carotid arteries can occur, leading to heart-related health complications. Increased bacteria from gum disease can lead to inflammation throughout the whole body, a major risk for heart disease. “The more plaque you have, the higher the chance that you are going to have a stroke or heart attack,” reveals Dr. Mak. While whiter teeth may be high on your

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Along with the risks to our periodontal, cardiovascular and respiratory health, research has shown that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases are first apparent in the mouth.

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list of your priorities, overlooking your gum health is a mistake you don’t want to make. When plaque accumulates along our gum line, it creates a breeding ground for more plaque and, more negatively, more bacteria to build up between our teeth and gums. This results in gingivitis, the beginning stages of gum disease characterized by inflamed gums due to bacteria growth. Gum disease often goes unnoticed until it needs to be treated. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss for adults and can lead to an increased risk for more serious diseases including respiratory disease. “It’s a silent disease. If you don’t have a professional to check it, most of the time, the only objective thing you can see is bleeding. If you don’t have bleeding, people don’t pay attention to it,” Dr. Mak says. But once gums begin to bleed, they are already infected. If left untreated, the gum tissue attached to the teeth breaks down, causing the bone that holds the teeth in place to also break down. This can then result in tooth loss. Studies of pregnant women with gum disease have shown that their poor oral health may put them at risk of delivering pre-term, low birth-weight babies. Along with the risks to our periodontal, cardiovascular and respiratory health, research has shown that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases – ones that affect many organs or the whole body – are first apparent in the mouth. Swollen gums, a dry mouth, or mouth ulcers can be early indications of diseases such as leukemia, pancreatic cancer, and kidney disease. With regularly scheduled oral examinations, dental professionals may be the first to spot any serious health issues. For those with type II diabetes, closely monitoring your gum health has an increased importance; the disease can have a negative

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN HEALTH Brushing is especially important first thing in the morning and before bedtime. Proper flossing should also be done daily, with floss moving back and forth and up and down against the side of each tooth. impact on one’s oral health and vice versa. “If you improve your periodontal health, then you can improve your diabetic control at the same time. Basically, it’s two way traffic,” notes Dr. Mak. Additionally, infections can cause insulin resistance, complicating blood sugar control. In addition to gums, saliva is a helpful tool for doctors to diagnose many health issues. Stress responses, osteoporosis, cancer markers, hepatitis hormones, and HIV-specific antibodies, among other things, have all been detected through saliva testing – just another way our mouth offers a look into what is going on inside our bodies. Because digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, poor dental hygiene can lead to digestion problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal failure. Maintaining good oral health also allows for eating without pain or hesitation. Teeth in need of increased attention often limit the amount, texture and temperature of consumed food and beverages. While this unfortunate consequence doesn’t lead to illness, it can hinder one’s ability to eat healthy or enjoy food. Additionally, infections to the gums can lead to tooth loss resulting in unnecessary oral and facial pain. Similarly, proper oral hygiene can inspire confidence and kindness in social settings. Bad breath, inflamed gums, and discoloured teeth may cause irritation or embarrassment to those who neglect the health of their mouth and lead to a social anxiety or a hidden smile.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

While the suggested flossing and brushing may not be all that is necessary to rectify your oral ailments, a dental specialist will be able to address any such concern.

TiPS FoR TREATinG YoUR TEETH WELL “Surprisingly, a lot of people think they are brushing their teeth well but in fact, they are not,” says Dr. Mak. “They basically go through it once or don’t pay attention to brushing their teeth along the gum line – they are missing out on a lot of the important areas they should be cleaning.” Making this mistake can be costly to one’s oral health and, consequently, one’s overall health. Dr. Mak’s advice for maintaining good dental hygiene? “It’s really basic,” he says. “You have to decrease the plaque as much as possible by means of regular brushing and regular flossing. At the same time, you have to check with your dentist regularly.” “Not only just because they are checking for cavities,” he notes, but the plethora of health issues that may be discovered are too great to overlook. “If you look at just teeth themselves and you have cavities and bad breath, it’s actually the first sign of having gum disease,” says Dr. Mak. Proper brushing, including the gum line, should be done at least twice daily for two

DARPAN

to three minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing is especially important first thing in the morning and before bedtime, using short, gentle strokes on all surfaces of both the upper and lower teeth. Proper flossing should also be done daily, with floss moving back and forth and up and down against the side of each tooth.

Keep your mouth healthy Avoid cigarettes and tobacco Limit soft drinks, coffee and alcohol Eat a healthy diet Reach your daily requirements of calcium and vitamin D Know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer Drink lots of water, especially after sugary foods Limit the number of snacks you eat in a day Teach good dental habits to kids early Use a anti-bacterial mouthwash after brushing Replace your toothbrush regularly Visit your dentist regularly

ConCLUSion Preventative care is your best course of action against a mouth full of problems. Early detection and, consequently, early treatment of problematic areas within your mouth may save you from more serious health risks beyond tooth loss or bad breath. While looking good and feeling good may be your top priorities when it comes to your oral hygiene, maintaining the health 7of your mouth will give you many more reasons to smile.

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If you’re hoping to make 2016 your year of renewed health few things you can do to make it happen.

Year’s resolutions. Resolving to accomplish something is a tricky thing. You go into it with the excited mindset that you’re going to do something to improve yourself. Your motivation is rearing to go, the new year starts, you take a few steps down the path toward success, and then… Suddenly your resolution is forgotten.

ere we are at the beginning of 2016, and you know what that means – new goals, big plans, and let’s face it, the definite possibility that those plans or goals won’t come to fruition. You know what I’m talking about – yet another round of New

Whether it pertains to your career or your relationships or whatever else, life seems to swallow your plans up, and you find them pushed to the rear of your priorities. This can be especially true with resolutions pertaining to health and fitness, as accomplishing them often requires that you break deeply ingrained habits – not to mention the fact that the lack of immediate results can seem disheartening. But the reward is worth the struggle. So if you’re hoping to make 2016 your year of renewed health and fitness, here are a few things you can do to make it happen.

Discover what’s most important to you One problem that many people encounter when they try to improve their health involves biting off more than they can chew. They want to lose weight, pack on muscle, and improve their stamina, and they want to do it all at once and they want to do it

KeepING Your

New Year’s resolutIoN BY NICK HILDEN

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

goINg

now. As a result, they end up bouncing back and forth from one workout routine or diet to the next until they give it up altogether. Here’s the solution – pick one specific goal and stick to it. Want to shed 20 pounds? Want to bench 200? Want to be able to run for 10 miles nonstop? These are all great goals, so choose one and don’t stop until you achieve it. Then move onto the next. Not only will this mindset place you on a clear, defined path, but it will support the other side goals. Building muscle will help you burn fat, and your cardio will help support your muscle gains.

The bottom line – pick a target, and go for it.

always think long term If I had to guess, I would say that one of the main reasons people give up on their fitness resolution involves the fact that they don’t see immediate results. But that’s not how fitness (or life, for that matter) works. It takes time, and it takes effort. Realize that you’re not going to hit your target within a week, or a month, or maybe even six. It’s a resolution for the entire year, not just the beginning of it. So plan on making it an endeavour that will take 365 days, no less.

Make it a priority One simple cause of failure involves not making time for your resolution. You say you’re going to work out or start going to the grocery store instead of eating on-the-go junk all the time, but you just can’t seem to find the time. I don’t care how busy you think you are – you have time, you’re just not managing it properly. Many of the busiest, most successful people in the world are also fitness addicts. If they can fit it in, so can you. Cut out other activities if you have to. What’s more important to you, hitting your fitness goal, or watching that extra episode of TV each night? If you’re worried about eating up all your time getting to and from the gym, bring the gym home. Buy a few weights and a treadmill, elliptical, or even just a jump rope, and fit in a workout here and there between activities.

Get motivated Sometimes all it takes to stick to your goal is someone to suffer with you and cheer you on. Get a resolution buddy, and communicate regularly about your progress. Shame each other into sticking to it, if need be. There are also a lot of good apps and online communities for fitness motivation. That’s really all there is to it – pick a specific goal, think long term, prioritize your resolution, and stay motivated. And the thing about achieving goals is that it’s somewhat addictive. Will yourself to stick to your resolution, and you’ll find yourself more excited to make – and stick to – a new one next year.

Nick Hilden 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 @LifeDoneWrite.

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TM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Picking

the Perfect

ColourPalette By ashley sTephens

Choosing a colour that works well for your walls.

ainting can be a labour-intensive task for even the most experienced. But what may be even more daunting is the endless wall of paint chips at your local home reno store; the rainbow of colours in every shade and saturation can be overwhelming for a decisive DIY’er or professional designer. Picking the right paint colour for your home doesn’t have to be the hardest part of home decorating; a little time, a lot of thought, and some planning ahead can have you loving the walls between which you live.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Inspiration is essential, and is the first important step to selecting the perfect paint. By documenting the homes, artwork and experiences that inspire you, a common colour, shade or mood may appear. Choose your colour based on a room’s intention and not necessarily on your likes and dislikes. The mood you wish to achieve will lead towards your desired colour palette. Bright colours may bring you joy in other aspects of your life but if you’re hoping for a home that’s restful and relaxing, softer, cool colours may be better suited for your space. Settling on several paint chips may feel like a win but how the hues look in a store may drastically differ from how they stand out in your own space. “Some paint manufacturers have little paint pods you can buy so you can put samples on your wall of the actual colour,” says owner of Benchmark Painting, Brent Klemke. Investing a few dollars in several

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DARPAN HOME Choosing a colour palette for your home is a personal decision, but one that you may be reminded of everyday. Avoid any regret by investing as much time and thought as it takes to settle on a hue you love. samples and painting a board in each colour will help ensure the colour you’re looking for is the colour you actually get. Take your time comparing how the colours look at different times of the day, next to windows, with your lights on and off, and when you’d spend the most time in that room. “If you hire a painting company and choose the wrong colour or the lighting in your home doesn’t work with it, it’s expensive for us to buy paint all over again or to re-do what we’ve already done if you’re not happy with the colour,” explains Klemke. The same can be said

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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when doing it yourself; the money and effort to re-paint makes it important that you get the colour right in the first go itself before you break out your brushes. “You can put beiges on the wall and in certain light, it’s going to look purple,” says Klemke. “A designer knows what the undertones are that made that beige and they’ll tell the client, maybe this isn’t the right colour because it’s going to look like mauve on your wall as opposed to brown.” Klemke suggests hiring a designer whose experience and knowledge will allow you to pick a colour that truly works within your home. The paint you choose isn’t only about where you apply it, so consider what else sits in your space. If you have a fireplace, window or seating area you hope to highlight, contemplate how the wall colour will complement your area of focus. Bright wall colours may compete too strongly with your collection of ceramics or perfectly-curated curtains. Unless a complete home makeover is in your budget, don’t forget about flooring when picking your palette. Your choice

should not only work well with the colour of your carpet, hardwood or tile but it may also change based on how it is reflected on the flooring. You may think you’ve settled on white walls but will it be Cloud White, with a touch of yellow and black? Or Decorator’s White, a classic with slightly blue-green undertones? Again, compare your choices against other elements in the room to ensure your choosing the right white. This may greatly depend on your lighting, sun exposure, floors, and furnishings – most of which are more expensive to replace than the paint. Instead of trying to find fabrics that match or mix well with your wall colour, which could limit your options, start with a pattern or print that will exist in your space and select your paint colour accordingly. Consider how any colour choice may work with the rest of your home. A carefully-curated transition of colour may reduce your options but will lead to a more cohesive, aesthetically-pleasing and larger-looking space. Take a walk into adjoining rooms to see what slices of colour may be visible and consider how the room colours will interact with each other. Choosing a colour palette for your home is a personal decision, but one that you may be reminded of everyday. Avoid any regret by investing as much time and thought as it takes to settle on a hue you love. There is no perfect paint colour, there is only the perfect paint colour for your room, your tastes and your mood, and, most importantly, it will be the one you’re most pleased to live with.

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Q: What do you love most about one another? Harvin: I’m in love with her smile and those beautiful eyes. She is so loving and caring; from the day I met her I knew she would take care of me. Amen: It’s hard to say, but he’s perfect! So supportive, loving, caring, trustworthy and the list goes on and on.

Q: Could you share your proposal story? Harvin: Not much of a proposal story, knowing we both are getting married. It was a surprise though for Amen as I took her to Crescent Beach with her

Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment? Harvin: My favourite moment was waiting for her to come down the aisle and sit next to me. All I wanted to wedding day. Amen: Loving family and friends made this day a very memorable one for me. As I heard that the groom side

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WINTER FESTIVALS

Holiday season may be officially over, but it doesn’t mean that the festivities

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are a theatre, live music, dance or multimedia fan,

BY TARANA RANA

event, is a three-week long celebration of groundbreaking work in the live performance arts. Running from January 19 till February 7, expect to get rejuvenated and inspired at one of these

there is something here for everyone. Tickets are on sale at pushfestival.ca

fter days of making merry, feasting on delicious things, opening presents and attending parties with your friends and family, it can be tough to get back to

work, to school, to schedules and routine. Lucky for you, Vancouver is abuzz with fun events and festivals this time of year to boost those flagging spirits. Here are some you won’t want to miss:

DINE OU T VANCOU VER Canada’s largest food festival, Dine Out Vancouver, is the perfect excuse to try out those restaurants you’ve been wanting to. From January 15 till 31, over 100s of restaurants all across the Lower Mainland will offer three (or more) course dinners at set prices of $20, $30 or $40. For the culinary adventurous, there are also a number of special events like brunch crawls, pizza making and cocktails classes to sign up for! Visit

VANCOU VER CHINATOWN SPRING FESTI VAL

their website dineoutvancouver.com for reservations.

On February 14, 2016, head down to Chinatown for the 43rd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade to celebrate the year of the monkey! Expect awe-

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inspiring lion and dragon dances, cultural dances, martial arts performances, marching bands, and more. The parade begins at 11 pm. For a route of the parade, visit cbavancouver.ca

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TALKING STICK FESTI VAL The Talking Stick Festival is hailed as Western Canada’s premier Aboriginal performing arts festival. Running from February 16 till 29 in various locations

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work from emerging and established Aboriginal artists. From dance, theatre, music, drumming to spoken word, there’s a lot to choose from! Visit fullcircle.ca for tickets and show details.

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fest runs from February 18 till 27 in various locations around Vancouver. From stand-up comedy, to improv and sketches, get ready for a night of smiles and laughter. Tickets are available at jflnorthwest.com

VANCOU VER WINE FESTI VAL If you’re a wine aficionado, this is one festival you want to be at. The Vancouver Wine Festival is one of the biggest and best wine events in the world. Running from February 20 till 28, it features gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars, culinary contents and of course, numerous wine tastings and pairings. Tickets are available at vanwinefest.ca

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DARPAN TRAVEL

Genoa is not on the top of most people’s list when they visit Italy, but it should be. This Italian seaport is a great way to experience la dolce vita off the beaten track.

Italy’s Best Kept secret

BY Tarana rana

Genoa

h, Genoa! The minute you step into this sprawling seaport city, there is something in the air – and I’m not talking about the salt. Situated on the Ligurian coastline, Genoa once ruled the Mediterranean Sea and glimpses of this former glory can be seen in its breathtaking architecture. It is a place where history comes alive – especially when you are in the heart of the old town centre. Walking through the maze of narrow, winding caruggi (streets), the historic centre is a bold reminder of medieval life and it’s all too easy to imagine yourself back in time. Genoa is truly a city of contradictions – where gritty meets glamour, where old meets new. With over 42 palaces, Europe’s largest aquarium, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning access to the classic Liguria coastline, this gateway city to the Italian Riviera is Italy’s best-kept secret.

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SIGHTS Step inside the royal palaces The pièce de résistance in Genoa is definitely its UNESCO-appointed Palazzi dei Rolli – 42 gorgeous palaces built in the 15th and 16th century, belonging to the city’s most eminent families. The most famous is Palazzo Reale – and if you only get a chance to see one palace, make sure it’s this one. With its terraced gardens, fine collection of Renaissance art, and gorgeous furnishings in red and gold, the sheer opulence will leave you breathless. It also has a Versailles-inspired Hall of Mirrors room that alone is worth the entrance fee. If you have some time, also check out the museum, Musei di Strada Nuova, which is comprised of three lush mansions, Bianco, Rosso and Doria-Tursi. Art lovers will love

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Palazzo Bianco for its exquisite collection of Italian, Flemish and Spanish art. Palazzo Rosso is famous for its frescos, and Palazzo Doria-Tursi is home to the legendary violinist, Niccolò Paganini’s collection. Even if you’re not a history buff, just visiting these palaces is a visual treat.

PHOTO: Tarana rana

See one of Europe’s largest aquariums Genoa’s harbor-side aquarium is one of the largest in Europe, with over 400 species. With ceiling-high tanks galore, you truly feel like you’re underwater in this aquarium. The ship, Nave Blu, is connected to one of Aquarium’s walkways, making for an unusual floating display.

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Given that Genoa was a medieval maritime power, a visit to the Galata Museo del Mare is a must. High tech exhibits show the history of seafaring, the ground floor highlights Christopher Columbus, Genoa’s native son, and there is also a scale reconstruction of a 17th century galley ship. Be sure to check out the top floor for amazing views of the city.

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DARPAN TRAVEL

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Right beside the aquarium lies the old port that once controlled a small empire. Strolling along the docks is a perfect way to get a feel of this seaside city. Besides the stunning ocean views, the old port has a lot to offer. For a bird’s eye view, head to the Bigo, the panoramic lift that offers an amazing aerial view of the city. You can also visit the Biosfera, a giant glass globe housing a botanical garden, suspended over the sea. Also, keep a look out for II Galeone Neptune – kids will love going aboard a life-sized pirate ship that is permanently docked at the Porto Antico.

Walk through medieval Genoa Walking is the best way to uncover Genoa’s gritty charm. Explore the heart of medieval Genoa by getting lost in the winding caruggi, which are sprinkled with shops, cafes and bars. Keep an eye out for the Porta dei Vacca – the city’s ancient gates. After you emerge from the narrow streets, head to Piazza de Ferrari – one of Italy’s most beautiful town squares. Featuring a gorgeous purple-water fountain, a glorious opera building, and the Palazzo Ducale, this piazza makes for a glamourous photo op!

EATS When in Genoa, eat like the locals do. One must-try is Genovese pesto sauce – this creamy, green goodness tops everything from pasta to pizza. Head to the popular Trattoria

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E: info@darpanmagazine.com | T: 604.537.7277 Rosmarino on Salita del Fondaco for some local Genovese fare. For lunch, check out Trattoria da Maria on Vico Testadoro. Don’t let the shadowy alley put you off – most of the best places to eat in Genoa are located inside the narrow, winding caruggi. Focaccia bread is another specialty and makes for a delicious snack on the go. Stock up at cafe Foccacia e Dintorni on Via di Canneto Il Curto. They also sell farinata, a delicious flatbread made from chickpea flour. Another delightful dining custom is aperitivo, the Italian version of happy hour. Generally between 7 pm and 9 pm, order a drink and you get a free plate of snacks or access to a buffet of local food. Check out Caffe degli Specchi on Salita Pollaiuoli, for a classy aperitivo spread. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw away from Piazza delle Erbe, a cobblestoned square full of bars, which is the place to enjoy a late night glass of wine or prosecco. Piazza delle Erbe is also home to La Cremeria delle Erbe, one of the best places to grab a creamy cup of gelato in Genoa.

STAY There are a number of great places to stay in Genoa. Hotel Cairoli is a great and quirky place to stay – each of the floors and rooms are themed on various modern artists. It’s also ideally located near most of the tourist attractions. B&B Palazzo Morali is another great option. With elegant furnishing and palatial rooms, you’ll feel like you’re staying in one of the palaces. It’s also located near the Porto Antico, perfect for exploring the heart of the city on foot.

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Phorce Pro Phorce Pro is a water-resistant smart bag that keeps your devices charged while you are on the go. Pro comes with a 26,000mAh built-in-battery, power output of 90W, and can charge four USB devices at once. Wirelessly connect Pro with your smartphone via Bluetooth and track how much power is left.

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Skyroam Hotspot Save yourself from the usual hassle of subscriptions, SIM cards, and phone unlocking by getting this portable personal WiFi. Skyroam Hotspot provides a fast and secure connection with unlimited data in 70 countries at a rate of $10 USD per day. Surf conveniently for up to eight hours and charge easily with a micro-USB charging point. It gives you the option of connecting five devices and works well on both 3G and 4G connections.

Narrative Clip This tiny camera works as a lifelogging wearable camera capturing your daily adventures and documenting them on an app, from where you can share pictures and videos on social media. Not only does it capture photos in 8MP, but also records HD videos with a battery lasting for up to 30 hours. Simply double tap to capture a special moment or place it faced down to make it sleep. Content can be uploaded over WiFi or Bluetooth and a built-in GPS enables you to track locations of those special moments.

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Moment Macro Lens Plug Momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Macro Lens over your phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lens and get Instagramming! This attachable lens captures life-sized images of the smallest objects while giving impressive precision. Macro gives you 10x more visual magnification and greater proximity to capture rich textures with zero distortion resulting in incredible low depth shots. The diffuser hood dismisses overshadowing when you bring the lens close to the object (up to one inch).

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AJAC TESTFEST 2016

PICKUP CHEVROLET SILVERADO

BY BENJAMIN YONG

PHOTO: Benjamin yong

SHOWCASING THE BEST NEW VEHICLES

s spring is rapidly approaching, so is the announcement of the winners of 2016’s automobile Journalists association of Canada (aJaC) Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) awards. While the two official victors – one each for the passenger vehicle and pickup truck/SUV segments – won’t be known for a few more weeks, aJaC has already named the top models across nine market categories competing for the crown. a total of 41 newly introduced offerings by automak-

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ers were tested at the annual week- long October aJaC evaluation event known as “TestFest,” taking place for the first time in and around the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Clarington, Ontario. about 80 accredited journalists – myself included – engaged in a total of 1,911 test drives involving public roads, performance, handling and off-road courses to rate factors ranging from ride comfort and handling to interior quality and road noise. The purpose of CCOTY is to provide Canadian consumers with credible comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market. Program co-chair Justin Pritchard says the benefits are twofold. “First, back-to-back testing brings out even subtle differences between competitors, which are reflected in the scoring results,” says Pritchard.

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and second, all of our results are quantified. When a vehicle wins or loses in the program, the public can see precisely why, since all of our testing and voting data is published online at www. ajac.ca. This isn’t a popularity contest. When we declare a winner, we’ve got hundreds of thousands of data points, collected during thousands of man-hours of controlled testdrives, to back it up.” International accounting firm KPMG tabulates all the results, and keeps information confidential until the news is officially made public. Below are the models that have been deemed the best new

Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director, sums up the new Silverado by saying: “new muscular front end designs, sculpted hoods and signature LED lighting accents reflect Silverado’s strength and dependability.” EnGInE: 5.3-LITrE V8 HOrSEPOWEr: 355 @ 5,600 rpm TOrqUE (LB-FT): 383 @ 4,100 rpm TranSMISSIOn: Eight-speed automatic FUEL COnSUMPTIOn (city/hwy L/100km): 15.0/10.7 BaSE MSrP: $54,420 vehicles in each category. Tune into the Canadian International auto Show in February when the overall top honours are handed out in Toronto.

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SPORTS/ PERFORMANCE

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MERCEDES-AMG GT S COUPE (over $75,000 category)

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(Over $60,000 category) Volvo’s mid-size luxury CUV is a preview of what the future of the company’s vehicles will look like, equipped with a new logo, “Thor’s Hammer” DrLs and an interior tablet-like touchscreen console that replaces a traditional dashboard.

Sharing similar numbers with Mercedes-aMG GT S Coupe, the specs for the monstrous C63 S speak for themselves: 4.0-liter displacement, 503 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque. EnGInE: 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 HOrSEPOWEr: 503 @ 5,500 rpm

EnGInE: 2.0-litre turbocharged/ supercharged four cylinder

TOrqUE (LB-FT): 516 @ 1,750 rpm TranSMISSIOn: Seven-speed automatic

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The engine – capable of helping the GT S Coupe reach a top speed of 311 km/h – is hand-built and is the world’s first to feature two turbos mounted inside the motor’s V configuration, rather than outside the cylinder banks. EnGInE: 4.0-litre Bi-turbo V8 HOrSEPOWEr: 503 @ 6,250 rpm TOrqUE (LB-FT): 479 @ 1,750 rpm TranSMISSIOn: Seven-speed automatic FUEL COnSUMPTIOn (city/highway L/100km): 14.5/10.8 BaSE MSrP: $149,005

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also built on the MqB platform, this all-wheel drive Golf is the most powerful model ever released in north america, capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds.

Highlights of the redesigned Sorento include styling inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept, a longer wheelbase, and increased towing capacity.

EnGInE: 2.0-litre TSI four cylinder

EnGInE: 3.3-litre V6

The Mazda CX-3 has quickly become a staple of the burgeoning subcompact crossover SUV movement, thanks to its good looks, fuel-efficient powertrain and practical shape.

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TOrqUE (LB-FT): 146 @ 2,800 rpm

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HIGHLIGHTS

2016

BY BEnJaMIn YOnG

MSRP: $41,490 Motor: 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V6

Torque (lb-ft): 553 @ 2,200 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic transmission

SportS Activity vehicle

Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 19.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

hen BMW first decided to create M versions of their utility vehicles, I admit I rolled my eyes a little. What’s the point, I thought? I’d rather take an M-powered car over a bloated “Sports activity Vehicle” (what is an SaV, anyways?) any day of the week. and then I drove one. I borrowed the 2016 BMW X5 M for a week and let’s just say it managed to sway my opinion on the SaV some. First, let’s talk about how it looks. With its gaping air intakes in the front bumper, classic twin-stalk side mirrors, and quad exhaust pipes, there’s no mistaking this for a regular X5. Just the muscular side profile – which doesn’t have the X6’s goofy turtle-like shape – should be a dead giveaway considering the massive brake calipers and air Breather cut outs behind the front wheels, helping smooth

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BMW X5 M

Horsepower: 567 @ 6,000 rpm

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out incoming air to decrease drag and make the crossover cut through wind resistance easier. Like any BMW Motorsport-badged car, the interior is a mixture of sports-inspired details, ranging from aluminum pedals to aggressively bolstered front seats,

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and luxurious appointments such as the bright red leather coverings, suede headliner and loads of tech. as far as automatics go, the pseudo-gated shifter was fun to operate: notch it up and to the left to engage reverse, and push it right for drive. You may notice there’s no park

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setting – instead, leave the car in D, foot on the brake, and press the engine start button when you’re ready to end the trip. The Head-Up Display gets an M-twist as well. In addition to the standard display options, you can enable a giant virtual tachometer to appear on the windshield just above the steering column, complete with gear indicator and shift lights. It’s probably not something you’ll be using on a regular basis, but a cool feature nonetheless. The new TwinPower Turbo V8, found in both the X5 M and X6 M, is the most powerful engine ever mated to one of the automaker’s all-wheel drive offerings. Horsepower has increased to 567 from 555 and torque to 553 lb-ft from 500, increases of three and 10 percent, respectively. To say the X5 M is fast is truly an understatement. not to sound cliché, but the vehicle literally pulls like a freight train when you apply any significant amount of throttle. an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is standard, and the gear changes are so smooth and imperceptible as the speedometer needle rises that you don’t even notice it’s shifting at all. The X5 M is definitely in exclusive company, and that includes the price tag with a base MSrP of $105,900. Drivers will likely also be coughing up the dough for gas, as I averaged 19.0 L/100 km in fuel consumption, although my driving style during the week could hardly be described as conservative. Bear in mind, though, that of the several larger profile vehicles I have piloted over the years, this is one of the few I felt handled and behaved like a proper sports car. I think I’ve finally figured out what Sports activity Vehicle actually means.

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2016

HIGHLIGHTS

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

H O N DA

PILOT BY BEnJaMIn YOnG

eminiscent of a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, the third-generation Honda Pilot has transformed from a boxy mid-size Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) into a mature, lighter, sleeker crossover that’s not afraid to get a little dirty. all new for 2016, the Pilot gets the latest technological bells and whistles, particularly if you opt for mid-to-higher level trim, such as the EX press loaner I was driving. For the exterior that comes

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

in the form of LED DrLs and foglights, it is neatly integrated into the front fascia rather than looking tacked on. The essence of the outgoing model is retained – for instance how the headlights and grille blend into one – but is now much more seamless, resembling other redesigned products in the lineup, including the 10th-gen Honda Civic Sedan. The best way I can think of describing

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MSRP: $41,490 Motor: 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 Horsepower: 280 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 262 @ 4,700 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed automatic transmission Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 11.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)

the interior is to compare it to a rolling living room. Charging the plethora of mobile devices we’re so dependant on these days is easy using one of the four onboard 2.5-amp USB ports or two 12-volt ports. Parents won’t have to hear their kids repeatedly ask “are we there yet?” since there’s also a 115-volt outlet, HDMI input, headphone jacks and eightinch capacitive, which is the perfect recipe for hooking up a video game console. Even though the Pilot appears leaner and more athletic, it’s actually grown in size, by about 90 millimetres lengthwise – while dropping 135 kilograms in weight. That allows the cargo area behind the third row to fit something like a large cooler within its 524 litres of space. Finding places to stash things throughout the vehicle is no problem, and that goes for the cabin area as well. Thankfully, Honda is fond right now of installing huge centre console compartments, big enough to easily store my digital camera.

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In the performance department, a new Earth Dreams Technology 3.5-litre V6 motor producing 280 horsepower drives the Pilot, mated to either the six-speed automatic transmission I was using, or a nine-speed auto found on the highest Touring grade. Helping offset the six cylinder’s fuel consumption is built-in cylinder deactivation and engine stop-start systems, working in tandem to keep a relatively low combined city and highway economy number of 11.3 L/100 km. When you’re in more of a gas-wasting than saving mood, this CUV is willing and able to have some fun where the pavement ends and the dirt begins. although a base front-wheel drive model is available, the EX came with Intelligent-Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive that I decided to test out on a thoroughly slippery surface. at an event held in november 2015, a proper off-road course was constructed, full of hills and valleys and fresh with mud after a rainstorm. Even in the tightest, elevated off-camber corners, I powered through with no discernable loss of traction. Well done, Pilot. I didn’t get to use any of these features while romping through the woods, but Honda’s newest safety suite, dubbed Honda Sensing, can be had on the secondtier LX trim and above. My vehicle was equipped with the excellent LaneWatch blind spot display, which flashes a live image of the side of your car onto the centre screen when you flick the turn signal, Lane Keeping assist that ensures you stay between the road markers, and adaptive Cruise Control to keep a pre-set distance between you and the car in front. One final fast fact about the Pilot: all three iterations of the crossover have been designed, developed in north america, and it continues to be manufactured in Lincoln, alabama.

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2016 BY BEnJaMIn YOnG

FORD EXPLORER P L AT I N U M

ow does one describe the legendary Ford Explorer? Many would probably just say sport utility vehicle, as the two have almost become synonymous since the debut model hit the road over 20 years ago. It has re-invented

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itself several times during five generations, and the latest development is the creation of the top-of-the-line Platinum edition. I liked Ford utility marketing manager Craig Patterson’s description of the latest

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Explorer the best, who called it an “adventure enabler,” whether that takes place out in the wild or right in the city. The automaker held a series of media events to showcase exactly what this meant, including a cross-country driving tour and an audio technology demonstration in Ontario. The initial part of my personal Platinum adventure began in Colorado during the #ExploreMore expedition, where drivers were given an opportunity to experience the vehicle as though out on vacation. Whether you’ve seen the current-gen Explorer or not, there are subtle but significant differences between it and standard trim level examples, and even other cars that the company sells. a prime example is that for the first time in a production model, the

oval Ford logo in the centre of the steering wheel isn’t done in the classic blue plastic, but brushed aluminum, which matches other interior pieces with the same finish. as my driving companion and I loaded up our gear into one of the Explorers that we would be driving for the duration of the journey, I noticed a few more highlights. a conventional instrument cluster has been swapped out for a wide 10-inch digital display with analog elements. The 2016s don’t get the SYnC 3 infotainment system quite yet, but I was assured it’s coming in 2017. There is, however, a brand new Sony audio setup – more on that below. a collective favourite part of our drive was pulling off the main highway and heading towards the Colorado national Monument, a national park near the city of Grand Junction. Taking rim rock Drive up the side of the plateau, there were tight switchbacks, sweeping corners and even a cave or three along the way, and as a bonus, also an amazing view of the surrounding red clay-coloured canyons. although the trip to the top was fairly steep, it was not something noticeable in our Explorer powered by a 3.5-litre

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V6 EcoBoost producing 365 horsepower and a healthy 350 lb-ft of torque. Engines offered in other grades include a 3.5-litre V6 and a new 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost. all powertrains are equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The two of us spent the better part of an entire day on the road, taking turns at the wheel, so both of us had to assume the role of DJ on more than one occasion. Like in other Ford products, Sony provides the music equipment here, but the Platinum gets something special that has never been done before. I didn’t really fully grasp the new innovation until attending a presentation the pair of manufacturers hosted at downtown Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing arts. Sony liaison Tony Cheslick stood in-between a foursome of 2016 Explorers on the main stage and reminisced about the electronics giant launching their first OEM partnership back in 2001, in a Ford of course, and spoke of how they are trailblazing again by porting high-end home theatre technology to a vehicle. “[Ford] came to us and asked ‘What can you guys bring to the table?’” says Cheslick. What Sony came up with is a 12-speaker, 500-watt audio system featuring Live acoustics and Clear Phase technologies. The former uses a proprietary algorithm to recreate the dynamics of a concert hall, so whatever is playing out of the speakers seems like it’s coming from every direction. The latter takes advantage of the upgraded sound deadening, thicker glass and better door seals of the Platinum and produces distortion-free sound to allow the listener to hear individual instruments in a piece. I put on the Star Wars theme song already preloaded into the playlist, and it were as though I was sitting in front of the entire brass section when the opening note hit. The Ford Explorer was originally released in 1990, and was a traditional truck-based SUV before making the switch to the more popular crossover platform in 2011. The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum is available now.

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CELEBRITYNEWS

IN PICTURES

Ambanis Throw Party for Newlywed Harbhajan Singh Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita threw a lavish, star-studded party for the newlyweds cricketer Harbhajan Singh and actress Geeta Basra in Mumbai. The whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who from present at the bash.

Big Star Entertainment Awards 2015 Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor, newbies Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi, and a host of other celebrities walked the red carpet at the Big Star Entertainment Awards held in Mumbai. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo won the Most Entertaining Film Award. Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone won the Most Entertaining Film Actor award. Other winners included Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor and Kabir Khan, among many others.

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Celebrating 30 Years!

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AIRLIFT

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Releasing: January 22 Directed by: Raja Krishna Menon Starring: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur

Set in the 1990s, Airlift is based on a reallife story of the biggest human evacuation in the world. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon and starring Akshay Kumar, the film narrates the heroic tale of Ranjit Katyal, a wealthy and powerful businessman in Kuwait, who safely evacuated 170,000 Indians back to their country when Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in 1990. Talking about the film, Akshay Kumar said, “It is a story that needs to be told.” Producer Bhushan Kumar further elaborated, “It’s my conviction that the story will be equally appreciated once on celluloid as much as I loved it during narration. The character that Akshay plays is filled with heroism.” Now who doesn’t like such heroic stories that are soaked with patriotism? This one does go on the must-watch list.

WS E I V E R P

THE BOLLYWOOD

CALENDER By shweta KulKarnI

t’s action time this New Year, as the season kick-starts with some adrenaline-pumping action films. Sunny paji’s fans have many reasons to rejoice as 2016 marks the comeback of India’s favourite action hero to the big screen with Ghayal Once Again. Following close on the heels is our khiladi, Akshay Kumar who shall be narrating a real life story through his film – Airlift, needless to say, it is another high-octane action drama.

NEERJA

Releasing: February 19 Directed by: Ram Madhvani Starring: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Ravjiani

True stories have hugely inspired filmmakers this year. Neerja, based on the real-life story of the young braveheart – Neerja Bhanot, who lost her life while saving passengers from terrorists, is another offering to look forward to this New Year. Helmed by director Ram Madhvani and starring Sonam Kapoor in the titular role, the film explores the life of the young flight attendant, specifically the hijacking incident of Pan Am Flight 73, in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 5, 1986. Director Ram Madhvani said, “Her story needs to be told. It is a portrait of courage.” The film’s leading lady couldn’t agree any less as she said, “It is important that this story is told. It is about this girl, the youngest civilian who got Ashoka Chakra. She was a normal girl, who had the/ FEBRUARY courage to2016 save the world.” JANUARY

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Wishing all of our customers a Happy New Year!

GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN Releasing: January 15

Directed by: Sunny Deol Starring: Sunny Deol, Soha Ali Khan Shivam Patil, Diana Khan, Aanchal Munjal

Rishabh

Arora,

The power of the dhai kilo ka hath returns, as Sunny paji is all set to make a comeback with Ghayal Once Again, a sequel to his National Award-winning 1990 film Ghayal. A battle for justice and the truth, Ghayal Once Again is a realistic action drama that revolves around a group of four friends, who seek inspiration from Sunny’s character, Ajay Mehra. Written and directed by Sunny Deol, the film is packed with realistic action sequences designed by Hollywood action coordinator Dan Bradley. “The action that we see in Hindi films today is similar to what I have done before. We have been doing the same thing for years now and for this film I really wanted some realistic action that is different, hence I brought in Bradley,” said Sunny Deol at the trailer launch of the film. Looks like Sunny Deol is all set to take the industry by storm.

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Adult comedies are definitely the flavour of the season and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 is the first of the many more to come. The film, which is labeled as India’s first porn-com for its unabashed content is produced by the gusty Ekta Kapoor and was initially banned by the censors for being too vulgar. “The film has pushed all the boundaries. Tusshar and I play porn stars in the film and we have done some really crazy things in the film. The story is also quite crazy,” revealed actor Aftab Shivdasani. Going by the promos of the film, a word of advice – venture in theatres at your own risk, and definitely not with your family.

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H O L LY W O O D

The Forest Releasing: January 8

Beneath Mount Fuji in Japan there is a place known as the Suicide Forest. Strongly associated with Japanese mythology, the area has become the place of choice for those aiming to end their lives. Fearing her twin sister may be planning to kill herself in the woodland, Sara (Natalie Dormer, Queen Margaery in Game of Thrones) travels to the foreboding destination. Turns out the spirits of the dead stay in the area and may not have the best intentions at heart. As setups for horror movies go, The Forest is undeniably different.

WINTER

CHILLS By Jorge ignAcio cAStillo

ince studios are more concerned with campaigning for the Oscars than the titles they put out in the midst of

winter, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising to find odd trends at the multiplex. This year, there will be an overabundance of horror titles, even more than around Thanksgiving. Scary movies are cheap to produce, have a captive audience and often provide a few jump-out-of-your-skin moments. Here is what to expect for the next few weeks.

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The Fifth Wave Releasing: January 15

Aliens have invaded the planet and in successive waves have managed to wipe human life from Earth. Most of it anyway: A few plucky survivors (including Chloe Grace Moretz and Liev Schreiber) have managed to survive and organize the resistance. Based on yet another young adult book series, The Fifth Wave aims to become the next Hunger Games-Divergent saga, now that said franchises are reaching their conclusion. Expect turbulent relationships among the carnage.

The Boy

Releasing: January 22

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Releasing: February 5

Jane Austen’s classic novel turns out surprisingly apt for the incorporation of the undead into the narrative. Outside the lady-like behaviours the Bennett sisters are expected to demonstrate to find a suitor, they must know their way around zombie killing. Just as in the original, Elizabeth (Lily James, Cinderella; 2015) is the spirited outsider who develops a contentious relationship with monster hunter Fitzwilliam Darcy (Sam Riley, On the Road; 2013), before realizing they are perfect for each other.

Lauren Cohan from The Walking Dead faces a different ‒ not much better ‒ otherworldly threat when she is hired as an au pair by a rich British family. The boy at her care is actually a creepy, impeccably-dressed doll vaguely resembling a human child. The nanny is asked to follow a list of strict rules she doesn’t take long to break (“never leave him alone”, “don’t cover his face”). Sure enough, the doll becomes a bit naughty: Think Gremlins meet Children of the Corn.

WHAT ELSE IS ON? Not everything is disposable early in 2016. There are a couple of worthy films set to premier in January and February.

Kung Fu Panda 3

Hail, Caesar! The Coen Brothers’ first movie since 2013 is a lighthearted, star-studded satire of Hollywood in the 50’s. (Releasing: 02/05)

Deadpool Ryan Reynolds is the aforementioned mutant in the first R-rated Marvel movie to date. (Releasing: 02/12)

Zoolander Years after his heyday, dimwitted Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) gets another shot to fame by serving as bait for a killer. (Releasing: 02/12)

The Witch

Releasing: February 26

Shut In

Releasing: February 19 A twist on the traditional “home invasion” plot device, Shut In features three intruders breaking into the house of a woman with agoraphobia. Unbeknownst to them, the sole inhabitant of the place has more psychological issues than the inability to leave her home. If you liked You’re Next (2011), Shut In is right up your alley.

Based on testimonies and records from the New England pioneers whose puritanical views led to a vicious witch-hunt, The Witch chronicles a family’s descent into madness after being exiled from their settlement. Following the kidnapping of their youngest and other unfortunate events, the clan begins to suspect the eldest daughter may be into witchcraft. She is not, but nobody is willing to listen. First-time feature director Robert Eggers uses Old English for the dialogue, an approach that accentuates the strangeness of the tale. In fact, The Witch is closer to a scholarlyTM paper than a genre film. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

P h oto s : 2 0 t h C e n t u r y F ox , L i o n s g at e , t r i s ta r , u n i v e r s a L

The number of pandas in this episode grows exponentially as Po finds his long lost family. (Releasing: 01/29)

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InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIans GlOBal InDIa

GLOBAL INDIANS

i n t ro D u C i n G

M. R. RANGASWAMI By Petrina D'Souza

ndian-American M.R. Rangaswami plays many different roles – that of a software executive, investor, entrepreneur, corporate eco-strategy expert, community builder, and philanthropist. He is the co-founder of Sand Hill Group, an investment and consulting group which made several notable investments, produced the Enterprise and Software conference series, and launched SandHill.com – an online resource for software business strategy. He is the founder of the Corporate Eco Forum, an organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness of eco-strategies at Global 500 companies; and founder of Indiaspora, an organization that transforms the success of Indian Americans into meaningful impact worldwide. Rangaswami believes his life has gone through many phases – the first one being about exploring and discovering what he was really interested in. Recalling his first phase,

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he says, “My family first suggested accounting, then law, and I received degrees in both. I still wasn’t satisfied though, so I decided to get an MBA in the US and went into business management. My first job was at a company that manufactured equipment for the oil industry. I learned how manufacturing really works on the ground, and, though I didn’t know it then, it gave me excellent training for the future.” After that, he found a job in a brand-new software industry that was in its nascent stages in northern California’s Silicon Valley. His first position was in Quality Assurance; from there he moved to customer support, consulting services, and then sales. Finally, Rangaswami went into marketing, where he found that the variety of skills and experience from previous jobs, along with his own natural talents, were the best fit. “During my years working in the

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software industry, I was in my accumulation phase: becoming successful and creating wealth. I was part of a team that took a company public, then I invested in several startups that did well. I built my own organizations after that – Sandhill Group, Corporate Eco Forum, and Indiaspora. Now I feel I am in the “giving back” phase,” he shares, adding that the current phase is by far the most gratifying. The successful investor/entrepreneur points out the steps towards a successful initiative: “First you need to do your homework – learn everything you can about the space. Second, you ask yourself if you have the passion to work on this opportunity and carry it through to the end. Third, you need to get a small set of advisors/ well-wishers who can help you. Then you need to put in the time over the long haul to make it successful. Finally, sometimes you need to have the guts to call it quits, acknowledge failure, and move on.” In 2012, Rangaswami became a lot more involved in IndianAmerican issues. “It was baffling that a community like ours, which at 3 million strong represents 1% of the US population and is the highest earning demographic (at $100,000 per year), is not more influential. After talking to various leaders, I started Indiaspora.” The idea was to get Indian Americans across different professions – tech, business, academia, NGO’s, policy makers, artists and so on – to be more influential and engaged. Since its inception, Indiaspora has held the first Inaugural Ball for a US President and Diwali in Washington, D.C. where 50 senators and congressmen participated. It has also held two Leadership Forums. When President Barack Obama went to India, Indiaspora took a delegation and also had sideline meetings at the US India Security and Commercial Dialogues. “We are only in year three and have a lot more we want to accomplish,” adds Rangaswami. Ask him what is his biggest achievement so far, and a determined Rangaswami quickly an-

Q&a Which is your most memorable moment till date?

I was invited by the Indian Ambassador to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he came to New York. I decided to wear a sherwani that I had bought for the Indiaspora Ball. By coincidence he was also wearing a very similar outfit. He saw it and we both had a nice laugh! What advice would you give those who wish to follow your path?

Follow your passion and do it when you are young and can afford to take risks. You don’t want to grow old and have regrets. What is your advice for future immigrants?

Work hard and make your family and community proud. Indians around the world have to their immigrated countries, what do you think of this accomplishment?

The Indian diaspora of 30 million people has immigrated for many different reasons. They went as labourers to some countries, like South Africa, while they went as students to others, like the US. In general, we have been known for our work ethic, family and cultural values, and especially for a focus on the next generation getting a great education. These are all very valuable as we navigate the 21st century. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our diaspora so far, and there is a lot more to come! swers, “I don’t look back. I always look forward.” Beyond work, his interest lies in travelling, sports and food. “I love to travel and have been to about 50 countries. I have another 20 on my bucket list. I am a big sports fan – love the San Francisco Giants in baseball, the Golden State Warriors in basketball, and the Hawthorn Hawks in Aussie Rules football. I also love good wine and gourmet vegetarian food,” he expresses summing up.

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By Petrina D’Souza

CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

SHARE THEIR STORIES Ruzaan Choksey

Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada:

Professional Race Horse Jockey Hastings Racecourse/Lab Technician at Protec Dental Laboratories

After being on top of your game and then coming to a new land to start from scratch itself is a big challenge. To add to that, the weather conditions, facilities, and work environment is all different. It does take time to get used to it all.

Mehernaz Choksey Client Advisor at Royal Bank of Canada

Kyros Choksey is 12 years old

he t t e e M

y e s k o

Ch amily F

Like: Beautiful long summer days and equal opportunity for all. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you are treated with respect.

Advice for immigrants: Come to Canada with an open mind and with the attitude that I will do ANYTHING! Who you were will carry little weight here. If you are willing to start from scratch with no airs about it, it helps. Ego will not get you anywhere in this world.

Memories of Homeland:

Ruzaan Choksey visited Vancouver for the first time in 2007 on a work permit. The following year, his wife Mehernaz and son Kyros came with him on a work permit for one year. The process continued; in 2009, they came back to Canada on a three year work permit. “After a lot of back and forth, we finally got our permanent resident status in February 2015,” shares Mehernaz. They decided to settle down in Canada for three main reasons: to seek new challenges; clean air as their son’s health was very bad due to pollution back in India; and for a better opportunity for Kyros. During their initial months in Canada, the Choksey family lived at a friend’s place. “We lived at our very generous friend’s home. They

opened not only their home, but also their hearts to us,” expresses Mehernaz. Finding an affordable house was one of the problems the family faced. Besides that, weather was a big challenge, especially for Ruzaan as his job as a jockey involved being outdoors. “It is very hard on your body to be in the cold at 5 am every morning,” explains Mehernaz. Yet, it did not take them long to settle down in the city. “We found like-minded people around us and some from the same city back home as us. Weather-wise, the guys have adjusted but I still struggle with it,” states Mehernaz. Back in India, Ruzaan was amongst the top jocks and rode some of the best horses for business tycoon Dr. Vijay Mallya for over

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15 years. “Horses are Ruzaan’s world since he was 13, and he has always ridden them,” says Mehernaz of her husband, “Ruzaan’s passion for racing rubbed off on me as well and I was very involved with the racing.” Mehernaz worked for the airline Jet Airways as cabin crew. While Ruzaan was on work permits, it did take time for Mehernaz to find a job in Vancouver. The first year, she couldn’t work as she came on accompanying visa. The following year she applied for an open work permit hoping to find a small job anywhere. “Initially it was very hard but persistence always pays off,” she adds. Ask them how their overall journey in Canada has been so far, and the Choksey family defines it in one word: Interesting.

Photo : Choksey family

Family, beautiful sunshine, and world-class racing.

Getting Here:

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

What do you like and dislike most about this country?

Dislike: Wish we had better race tracks and quality of racing here like we do in India, USA, UK or Dubai.

The family decided to settle down in Canada for three main reasons: to seek new challenges; clean air as their son Kyros’ health was very bad due to pollution back home; and for a better opportunity for Kyros.

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For our son, we still face challenges finding families with kids the same age and similar thinking as ours, but we are hopeful that in the course of his journey he will develop his own relationships, just as we have here in the last eight years.

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