DARPAN Spring Issue 2015

TM

Long Distance LOVE

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Ayurvedafor

DIABETES

in the age of

Social Media

SASSY &

SMART JACQUELINE

Understanding

TEENAGE DEPRESSION

FERNANDEZ AUTO REVIEW:

JAGUAR

F-TYPE S COUPE

t a r m i N aur K

STORY

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MARCH / APRIL 2015

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

1

Sumit Ahuja*

Sukhminder S. Virk*

Associate Wealth, Estate & Corporate Law

Associate Family Law

Perminder S.Tung*

Subreen Bedi

ICBC Claims

ICBC Claims

Partner

Associate

PARTNERS

Terence A. Dunn

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Gregory S. Miller*

Christopher D. Martin* Mark von Marksfeld*

Timothy D. Goepel*

Timothy J. Delaney*

Bradley T. Martyniuk*

Erin J. Easingwood* Perminder S. Tung*

Joel R. Hagyard*

P.G. Kent-Snowsell

ASSOCIATES Puneet Khaira Melissa Bryden Sumit Ahuja * Ari Wormeli

2

Jessica Lo Paul Kennedy Subreen Bedi Sukhminder S. Virk*

MARCH / APRIL 2015

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Jonathan E. Fung Dayna Cacciatore Nancy Chen Tony Anderson

DARPAN

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Andrea Ritchie Cassandra Drake Matthew Stainsby C. Andrew Guerra

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pring is in the air and our March/ April issue reflects this season of rejuvenation. Read through our lifestyle section to learn about the latest spring trends in beauty, fashion, tech and more. Car enthusiasts will enjoy our selection of auto reviews and foodies are sure to be inspired by the unique recipes featured in this issue.

As usual, we have an engaging line-up of content for you to peruse. Our Cover story features actress Nimrat Kaur, who has received world-wide praise for her outstanding role in the critically acclaimed film, The Lunchbox. Her journey speaks of hard work and determination.

Our Spotlights for this issue include a range of inspiring individuals, from Shweta Subram, who fulfilled her coveted wish of playback singing in Bollywood, to the nineteen-year-old Arvin Atwal, the Vancouver Giants most valuable defenceman to Dr. Setty Pendakur, whose list of accomplishments could fill a book.

As per our mandate of providing our all our readers with relevant issues, our feature on Surrey Memorial Hospital takes a look at its problem of congestion. The special feature on A Night of Miracles shines the spotlight on the South Asian community, who successfully raised $3 million to donate to the BC Children’s Hospital. Our sports feature examines a question many Canuck fans might be asking themselves – whether their current season of re-building can be considered a success? Students will enjoy reading our feature on ‘Careers on the Rise,’ which showcase some of the trending digital careers.

The team at DARPAN prides itself in offering the very best for our readers – and we want to hear from you. Please send in any comments, suggestions or feedback to editor@darpanmagazine.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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We are currently hiring brokers with great compensation.

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MARCH/APRIL 2015 MARCH/APRIL 2015

Long Distance LOVE

Ayurvedafor

DIABETES

in the age of

Social Media

Nimaurar t K

STORY

Understanding

TEENAGE DEPRESSION

PUBLISHERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Avi Dhanoa

ONLINE EDITOR Sumesh Sharma

Benjamin Yong

FASHION EDITOR Kanika Sasan

David Kent

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tarana Rana

Glen Konorowski

ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jorge Ignacio Castillo

Vinay Giridhar

Kelly Benson

Catherine Tse Garima Goswami

MARCH / APRIL 2015

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Joseph A. Federico Kavita Wadhwani Mormei Zanke

ADVERTISING AND SALES

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Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

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BOLD & BEAUTIUL

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Ramneek S. Dhillon

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 2014 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014 PHOTOGRAPHY AAA Video A Master Media (Payal Video) Amrit Photography Andrew Ling Chandra Bodalia JC Images Jeff Vinnick Mahi Photo Studio Surya Studio Sunny Images

COVER CREDITS Cover: Nimrat Kaur Photo: Amit Ashar CONTACT Tel: 604-572-0199 Email: info@darpanmagazine.com 340-8140, 128 St. Surrey BC. V3W-1R1

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL

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COVER

STORY ENTERTAINMENT

IN EVERY ISSUE

130 CELEBRITY NEWS IN PICTURES

08 READERS REACTION 10 DARPAN'S 10

Q&A with Harinder Singh

92

136 BOLLYWOOD

Real time Bollywood

SPOTLIGHTS 16 Shweta Subram 18 Arvin Atwal 20 Dr. V. Setty Pendakur

138 HOLLYWOOD

Awards’ Season Cheat Sheet

78 RECIPES

Chef Lucky's Food for the Soul

82 FASHION PAGES

BUSINESS PROFILES 62 Queen Margaret's School 76 Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

88 HEALTH

Decoding Diabetes with Ayurveda

88

64 NEWS IN PICS

92 FITNESS

Yoga for Health & Well Being : Sun Salutations

GLOBAL INDIANS 142 Tanuj Chopra

94 BEAUTY

98

Modern Mattes for Maximum Impact

144 HOROSCOPE MEET THE DHINGRA FAMILY 146 Canadian Immigrants Share Their Story

98 STYLE

Spring Fashion Trends for Men

100 TRAVEL

42

Portland is Happening Now

104 SPRING ACTIVITIES Vancouver on a Rainy Day

106 TECH

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Careers on the Rise

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112 WEDDING

Jesse & Hapi Sihota

34 SPECIAL FEATURE

Long-Distance Love in the Age of Social Media

42 SPECIAL FEATURE

Understanding Teen Depression

54 FEATURE

A Healthy Dose of Human Touch

56 SPECIAL FEATURE Making Miracles Happen

68 FEATURE

Sick of Waiting at Surrey Memorial Hospital?

72 SPORTS

Vancouver Canucks: A Team in Transition

Dr. Raj Aujla M.Sc., Ph.D. ,P.Chem.

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EXCLUSIVE 50 Lillete Dubey 132 Jacqueline Fernandez TM

DARPAN

122

AUTO 118 Mercedes C400 4MATIC 120 2015 Range Rover LR4 HSE Luxury 122 2015 Mazda GS MX-5 Miata 124 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE S Coupe 128 AUTO FEATURE Hyundai Tucson FCEV

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R

eaRedacetironss

We want to hear your thoughts about this issue! Email us at tarana@darpanmagazine.com or leave us a message on Facebook or Twitter.

Sangita Patel

I really loved learning more about this talented lady!

I watch ET Canada sometimes and have seen her on the show but I never knew what an inspiring story she had. Not only did she pursue her passion with such determination but the way she manages to balance her hectic work life and her family life is amazing.

– Supreet Dhillon, Vancouver

Re: Sangita Patel

We agree Supreet! Sangita is certainly an inspirational figure for everyone especially women. Her story also delivers a very strong message which is - we should always follow our passion. Sangita was an engineer but went on to become a popular face in the entertainment industry. Kudos to her spirit!

– Assistant Editor

The Shocking Truth About Sugar I really liked this article. It was very informative. Who knew the sugar that we take every day in our tea and food can be so bad for our health. The article also explained everything so well. Hats off to the writer! - Dilraj M Singh, Surrey

Re: The Shocking Truth About Sugar Thanks Dilraj! Sugar as a product is not bad for our health if we learn to use it in the right amount and implement the right eating habits. As South Asians we definitely need to watch our sugar intake. – Assistant Editor

Fitness The fitness article really helped me, I’ve recently joined a gym and I’ve always been confused as to which machine would be best for losing weight and cardio. Reading this article has given me lots of information on this subject.

– Abhay Pal, Surrey

Re : Fitness Nick is fantastic with his expertise in the fitness industry. We live in a world where everyone is health and fitness conscious, so this article was very informative for all those who are planning to hit the gym. Readers looking to subscribe can visit our site: www.darpanmagazine.com – Assistant Editor Serving Surrey & Delta

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Darpan’s Hollywood Previews are awesome. It’s a good way to figure out what I should see and avoid in theatres!

– Manc Sharma, Vancouver

Re: Hollywood That is why we have these reviews Manc! I'm glad you enjoy reading them. You can visit our website www. darpanmagazine.com for more updates on entertainment and movies. – Assistant Editor

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6 Your digital library project has been hailed as a global success. Could you tell us more about it?

The mission of the Panjab Digital Library (PDL) is to locate, digitize, preserve, collect and make accessible the accumulated wisdom of the Panjab region, without distinction as to script, language, religion, nationality, or other physical condition.

PDL is dedicated to addressing heritage loss due to environment, ignorance and destruction; saving invaluable treasures to enrich the present and enlighten the future; and connecting people globally by providing continued free online access. It is already the world’s largest online repository on Panjab, with more than 11 million pages digitized from over 100 collections.

1 Can you tell us about yourself?

I was born in UP speaking Hindi, raised in Kansas speaking English, returned to Panjab to learn Punjabi. Currently, my residential address is in New Jersey, USA. My career was in aerodynamics; my real vocation is in human dynamics. I read books and watch movies avidly. Sikhi remains a very personal conscious choice, yet I take my public responsibility of its apt and relevant doctrinal stances little too seriously. Panjab has a very special place in my universe.

7 What project is the Sikh Research Institute cur2 What inspired you to co-found the Sikh Research Institute?

rently working on?

It seems Sikhi, like other world faith, religions, or traditions, is being hijacked by dogmas, rituals, and self-appointed zealots. Guru Nanak proclaims the biggest weapon you can carry with you is knowledge. We, at SikhRI, want to equip every Sikh who wants to be foot-soldier in Guru Nanak’s revolution with Guru’s wisdom, devoid of any hero worship or factional allegiance. Sikhs changed the destiny of South Asia, a new world is waiting to be borne in all access points of this globe. Our work is cut out!

HARINDER SINGH Co-founder and CEO

SIKH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

8 How does SikhRI plan to celebrate Vaisakhi?

Harinder Singh believes education is a fulcrum for social change, ensures that SikhRI’s primary mission is to provide educational resources to Sikhs to lead a Guruinspired life.

3 What would you describe as SikhRI’s biggest accomplishment?

To connect almost half a million Sikhs globally with the wisdom of Guru Granth Sahib.

People who thought who had no space in Sikhi, assuring them they do because they are also full of divine potential. From board rooms to gurduaras, from creative spaces to universities, from families to organizations, SikhRI is creating safe spaces to facilitate dialogue on anything and everything, nothings is sacred or profane.

5 Tell us about SikhRI’s educational programs.

4 Tell us how SikhRI contributes in keeping

the Sikh heritage and culture alive?

By having people fall in love with Sikhi! That happens for some while they are developing a particular skill set like learning the language of Gurbani, for others while they are witnessing the powerful narrative of journey of Sikh nations from 1469 onwards. And yet for others, it is when having a dialogue on what ails Sikhs or the global community. Essentially, SikhRI is helping people connect to their roots, and become active agents of the glorious heritage, here and now. And doing it in a way that respects the dignity of each person regardless of their religious observation level, and confronts gender and racial bias. After all, Sikhi is a game of love, not a spectator sport!

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Sidak: 2-week intensive leadership development program for 18-40 years old Saneha: 1-day theme based workshops for personal development Kultar’s Mime: 1984 play to initiate conversations on the human suffering Guduara Governance: Trainings to revive the real purposes of Gurduaras Thank You, Vahiguru!: A bi-lingual kid’s book

Each program is designed for a given target audience with themes, psychological development, and language relevance in broadly three areas.

There’s the K-12, Parents & Teachers which includes: curriculum, lesson plans, kids interactive session, parenting workshops, teacher’s trainings; Adults Services include a leadership program, on-demand presentations, courses, trainings, webinars, consultancies, guest lectures and appearances.

We also provide books, primers, archives and articles. The work is to provide educational options for self-development, and as a byproduct, community development based on the Gurmat (Guru’s Wisdom). It will propel a paradigm shift!

TM

By reviving the spirit of Vaisakhi via Nash doctrine in the communities we serve, stressing the policies introduced by Guru Gobind Singh.

We will be soft launching a new project called Sikhia. It an online platform to engage high school and college students. It uses both crowdsourcing and crowdfunding models to distribute Sikhi education. SikhRI will curate content, while its delivery will be done by creative Sikhs at large.

9 What are your long-term goals for SikhRI?

To enable access to Guru Granth Sahib for all 30 million Sikhs globally; training centre on Sikhrelated courses, videos, literature, creative arts, etc; theological seminary to train future thought leaders such that they can provide meaningful contribution to issues affecting the world; and, establish The Sikh Library for there is none in the world.

10

How can locals in BC get involved with SikhRI?

Sidak 2015 is being hosted in BC in July. Individuals can register for immersive experience. t Have your children attend our Sojhi after school program once a week. t Attend SikhRI programs, details at www.SikhRI.org. t Host or sponsor an event for your network of families and friends. t Volunteer and donate to promote Sikhi education.

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FEATURE

BY Saira HaYre

CAREERS ON THE RISE a look into 3 non-traditional career optionS and How to Succeed in tHem

W

-

for brands, have trusted audiences, and career with low overhead. She also points Vancouver.

Vancity Buzz related to the subject, further shares that -

while the individual job duties and respontraits that are required to succeed in all of these professions include creativity, the sion.

Rebecca Bollwitt, founder of the popular Miss 604 -

Manny Bahia, who co-founded Vancity Buzz -

Vancity Buzz, started out as a “passion

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-

St 200

Willowbrook Shopping Centre

Langley Bypass

o Gl

r ve

Rd

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

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FEATURE Rebecca Bollwitt, founder of the popular local blog Miss 604 explains blogs can “create online visibility for brands, have trusted audiences, and have overhead”.

Jesse Ringer, Digital Marketing and SEO Consultant explains that his job is essentially spective on the different ways to

up in search results.

“Beyond that, I make sure visitors to the site

Jag Nagra,

ideas to create your own solution that his job is essentially to help websites show up in search re-

-

& Graphic Designer at Page 84 Design advises aspiring designers to avoid short-term design courses but apply to reputable post-secondary Graphic Design diplomas or degrees. She also suggests that individuals for free in order to gain experience.

Manny Bahia, Vancity Buzz as a “passion project” to highlight the positive aspects of life in Vancouver six years back, points out that individuals digital advances in order to successfully maintain and sustain a blog.

I was after. I inadvertently ended up

eventually earned opportunities to

She currently also does brand and -

Instead, they should research and apply to reputable post-secondary institutions which offer Graphic De-

sion to pursue a career in de-

for and take the desired action”.

Vancouver, and fell in love," -

lytical and creative aspects as-

-

profession because of a friend.

Uncertain of what to do after

-

when she recalled the Graphic

her own and established her illustrated one character every -

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-

day is different than the last."

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

A

fter fulfilling her most coveted wish of playback singing in Bollywood, Shweta Subram is exuberant and excited for her future endeavors. This young vocalist will be heard with her sweet sounding voice in the latest flick Hawaizaada, which was released on January 30th.

She recounts this as her biggest break through to date even though this talented young singer has a lot on her plate already.

Subram has worked with The Piano Guys and Shankar Tucker on the hit video Khushnuma which has amassed 9.5 million views on YouTube. She attributes this collaboration as a result of ‘serendipity’ but it was essentially her work on Youtube that impressed The Piano Guys (an American musical group renowned for their remixes of popular and classical music).

S h w e t a Subram Making Waves in Bollywood

By Shanel Khaliq

This Talented Indo-Canadian Vocalist is in the Industry Spotlight

PHOTO: SWETHA SUBRAM

“Social media has immensely transformed the music industry,” she says, recognizing that it allows many emerging artists to get noticed. “It filters out the nonsense as well.

I strongly believe it works as a resume for artists. I’m a perfect example. My works on YouTube is what got The Piano Guys as well as Shankar Tucker interested in working with me. They liked what they heard and saw,” she says.

Subram’s recounts her experience working with the group as a “musical nirvana.”

She loved their willingness to experiment with music and the fact that their song

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captured the essence of spirituality; something that is important to her. This was, without a doubt, the most impactful experience for her, career-wise.

But who is this young vocalist and how did she land such big projects so quickly? Born and raised in Dubai, Subram moved to Ottawa when she was in high school. After graduating from Carleton University, with a major in Marketing and a Psychology minor, she is now on the road to pursue her music professionally.

While its evident music is her primary passion, Subram is someone of multiple interests and her educational journey reflects that.

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WWW.KOHALYPRINTING.COM “The world of music came upon me by chance.

I don’t think I knew what I wanted in life. I loved biology so the thought of becoming a microbiologist crossed my mind, but then I was also intrigued by the world of marketing, which explains my degree.

Music started as a hobby, but it eventually became my passion and now my profession. Now, there’s no looking back!” recounts Subram.

Her first breakthrough came in 2011 when she secured herself the chance to perform at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) with Bollywood maestros Salim and Sulaiman. She recounts the experience as being ‘surreal’; to be performing on the same stage that witnessed the likes of Shahrukh Khan, Sonu Nigam and Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Growing up in Canada, Subram has been well acquainted with both Bollywood and Western music which explains her interest in fusion music and experimentation. Subram started training in Indian classical music from a young age as she believes it was essential in nurturing her vocals and musical ambitions. It is this very aspect of her work that comes naturally and sets her apart from the crowd.

“It’s amazing when you can fuse the best of both worlds! My fans love it. One of my tracks, ‘Piya’, is an urbanized world fusion track incorporating classical singing with drum-and-bass grooves. Khushnuma with The Piano Guys is also a beautiful evolution of Electronic Dance Music into Indian sounds,” she tells us.

With regards to feedback on her song ‘Dil-eNadan’ with Ayushmann Khurana for Hawaizaada, she is humbled. She has since then been receiving messages from people all across the globe, many of whom have said how a small part of the song has made a difference to their overall listening experience. She is also a fan of Khurana himself and hopes to do more projects with him in the future.

Subram is confident in her talent, yet she feels that the significance of persistence and hard work can never be undermined and this is what she attributes her success to. Despite all her professional success, she remains grounded and parts by saying, “It is nice to be important but important to be nice”.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

BY MORMEI ZANKE

Arvin

Atwal PLAYING THE GAME

I

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD ARVIN ATWAL IS ONE OF THE VANCOUVER GIANT’S MOST VALUABLE DEFENCEMAN

MARCH / APRIL / APRIL 2015 2015 1818 MARCH DARPANTM TM Reflecting Reflecting TheThe South-Asian South-Asian Lifestyle LifestyleDARPAN

t’s rare to meet a nineteen-year-old who is certain about anything. Nineteen is the age of most first year university students who don’t know what they want to major in.

Nineteen is the legal age you have to be to walk into a bar in BC. Nineteen is the last of the teen years, and one year closer to being considered an adult.

It’s also the age of Vancouver Giant’s defenceman Arvin Atwal who is able to stay levelheaded despite the pressures that come with the highly competitive world of hockey.

Atwal was drafted into the Western Hockey League (WHL) by the Prince Albert Raiders in 2010 during the Bantam draft at the age of 14.

“It was surprising and a good feeling,” Atwal says. “It opened my eyes that people could actually see me and notice me playing and think I was good enough to be drafted.

From then on I realized how serious everything was.”

This is the moment everything changed for Atwal. This was the beginning for him.

Since that day 5 years ago, he’s now become one of the most valuable defenceman on the Vancouver Giants.

He wasn’t with the Raiders for very long before he was traded to the Giants in 2011 where he scored his first WHL goal against the team that drafted him, the Prince Albert Raiders.

“Both my first goal and assist was against that team. It was just another game but obviously every time I play against the [Raiders] it’s a bigger game for me. I always take it more seriously. That [goal] felt special.”

Atwal has been skating since he was three. His parents enrolled him in a minor league at the age of 5 and the rest is history.

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“By the time I was 10, I knew that [hockey] was all I had ever been doing and all I ever really wanted to do,” Atwal says.

He accredits his parents for being the people in his life who keep him grounded.

“My mom and dad help a lot, they are always talking to me and they know how serious I am.

They tell me all you can do is try your best, train hard everyday and if it works out, it works out and if not you can be happy knowing you gave it your best. I’ll always have them supporting me even if it is through another career. I just train and play and I don’t give myself any excuses that I could have done more. Hopefully by the end of it, everything I put into it and my parents put into it, will work out.”

The way Atwal speaks, it feels as though he’s said these words before and this philosophy is his mantra: Try your best, that’s all you can do. It’s a simple idea but one that has evidently worked for the nineteen-year-old throughout his promising career.

It’s with this same attitude he plays the actual sport of hockey. Recently in a game against Kamloops in December he achieved a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (a goal, assist, and fight all in one) generating a lot of buzz for the player.

Atwal laughs when asked about the impressive feat, “things like that don’t happen everyday.”

He carries a sense of calmness along with his excitement, a combination that makes for an excellent defender on the ice. “I never used to play physical, no one ever expected that. I’m a pretty calm and relaxed guy there’s not that much aggression in me. I don’t expect going into a game that I will fight [but when] teammates get hit, I will step up if that happens because I know they would do the same for me.”

His duty as a defenceman is to protect the honour of his team and that is something Atwal takes very seriously. He takes hockey seriously, he’s committed himself to it and there’s no going back. There’s something admirable in this dedication. It makes being a nineteen-year old not as uncertain as the world often makes it out to be.

“Everyone has a chance, when you’re young some people develop early, all you can do is train and work hard and be honest to the game and it will be honest back to you.”

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

DR. V. SETTY PENDAKUR

PROFESSOR POLITICIAN

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PLANNER call to serve

By Ashley Stephens

“I do the service to the best of my ability,” he says. It defines his success much more than his distinguished career.

“For me, the highlights are the fun parts,” he adds.

A

story about Dr. V. Setty Pendakur could be spent listing the numerous boards, foundations, and distinguished organizations he has been a part of. It could detail the long list of educational institutes that have had the honour of having him teach. While such a life could be celebrated for the résumé attached to the name, it would be an injustice to ignore the humble, honest, family-oriented and community-centred person Dr. Pendakur is.

Born in 1935, Dr. Pendakur grew up in a small market village in Karnataka, India.

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He began his post-secondary studies in Bangalore before joining the civil service in northeast India. Offered a UN Scholarship that brought him to the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1955, he obtained his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning followed by his PhD in Transportation Engineering and Public Policy from the University of Washington.

It's difficult to summarize the career of Dr. Pendakur, Professor Emeritus at UBC. He spent several years working for the Ministry of Transportation, both in Vancouver and Ottawa. He was elected to the City Council of Vancouver in 1972, the first South Asian to do so. He was appointed to the faculty of the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC until his retirement in 1998. He is president of Pacific Policy and Planning Associates.

He has worked as a consultant or advisor for nearly 45 years in more than 30 countries. And that only scratches the surface.

He can list the many buildings he's had a hand in constructing, the special guests he's had the pleasure of hosting and the policies he's helped develop but it is his family and seva, or selfless service, that Dr. Pendakur talks about at length. He attributes his work ethic, call to serve and family values to his parents; their

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selfless acts and inclusive attitude have never escaped his memory.

“We're human beings. We do some things right and some things not so right and some things really wrong and we have to be able to recognize that we goofed up and say, I'm sorry, and move on and not repeat it again.

And in the process, we have to be grateful to not only the opportunities but to the key people that were there for you when you really needed it.” And for Dr. Pendakur, he cannot emphasize enough the gratitude he has for his parents and his wife of 55 years, Rajinder.

You can hear the pride in his voice as he speaks to how “extraordinarily important my wife has been to support all of the crazy things that I have done in my life.” He recalls the early days of establishing himself when Rajinder's focus was on raising their children and how she selflessly serves the hungry on the streets of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. “She doesn't want publicity; she doesn't want to talk about it. She says, I just want to do.”

The Pendakur's have two sons; their oldest, Ravi, a professor of public policy at the University of Ottawa and their youngest, Krishna, a professor of economics at Simon Fraser University. With a father like theirs, it would seem obvious they had quite the role model to look up to but Dr. Pendakur sees it otherwise. “They're my role models now,” he says with exuberance. “Believe me, they are doing much better than what I did when I was their ages. They're international scholars. And in addition to all that, they're nice kids.”

Dr. Pendakur hesitates when asked about his success. It's as though he's misunderstood the question or isn't sure how successful he has been in his career. Instead, he humbly tells a story of saving the Heritage Hall at Main Street and 15th followed by another about his 10-year tenure with the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver.

“I do the service to the best of my ability,” he says.

It defines his success much more than his distinguished career. “For me, the highlights are the fun parts,” he adds.

Picking one, two or even a few of Dr. Pendakur's achievements to shine a spotlight on seems too inadequate to do justice to his illustrious career. From politics to urban planning, Dr. Pendakur has spent his career developing and improving cities but serving and inspiring communities are the true achievements that make him such an accomplished individual.

of Richmond

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t a r m i N aur K

By Tarana Rana

STORY

She charmed critics and audiences alike with her breakthrough performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘The Lunchbox’. Fans love to hate her in her recent role as an ISI agent in the popular US TV show, ‘Homeland’.

Now Nimrat Kaur is all geared up to begin work on her next project, ‘Airlift’. We caught up with this versatile actor to talk to her about her life-changing role and the journey since.

N

imrat Kaur is the perfect example of those timeworn adages about passion and following your dreams.

She’s been making waves worldwide ever since the release of Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox, hailed as one of the most successful Indian films abroad, in which she played the lonely housewife Ila. The critically acclaimed film, which was 2014’s highest grossing foreign film at the US Box-office, was released in over 75 countries and cemented Kaur’s fame. A year later, we saw her on one of the most popular US TV show, ‘Homeland’, where she

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brilliantly brought Tasneem Qureshi, a Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officer, to life.

While the rest of us might dub ‘The Lunchbox’ her first big break, Kaur sees it a bit differently. “My journey has not been conformed to any formula, or a classic big break. It’s been slow, sure but steady,” says the grounded actress, who considers the music videos she did for the album ‘Tera Mera Pyaar’ ten years ago as her first real break into Bollywood. “Till date, people still remember me from those and… they really snowballed my advertising career, which is what gave

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My journey has not been conformed to any formula, or a classic big break.

It’s been slow, sure but steady,” says the grounded actress, who considers the music videos she did for the album ‘Tera Mera Pyaar’ ten years ago as her first real break into Bollywood.

“Till date, people still remember me from those and… they really snowballed my advertising career, which is what gave me the financial stability to stay on in Bombay,” she adds. me the financial stability to stay on in Bombay,” she adds.

Kaur, who hails from a military background, admits that the initial decision to pursue acting was a difficult one for her. “I come from a background where you are kind of typically expected to conform to certain professions you know, like a doctor or engineer or something more ‘stable’. Plus no one [was] an actor in my family,” she explains.

But it was a decision that was years in the making. Throughout her years at school and even while she was attending Sri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi, India, Kaur always found herself performing, in some way or the other. Whether it was for a cultural event, dance or debate team, she could not ignore the siren call of the stage. “I knew that my true interest, was not something that would entail a desk job. I knew that I was not meant for a straightforward kind of a work life.”

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Kaur has had the opportunity to star in a number of diverse roles that really showcase her versatility as an actor. She plays the nefarious Pakistani Inter-Services the fourth season of Homeland, above. It’s a huge stretch from the sweet, lonely housewife she played in ‘The Lunchbox’.

Kaur was pretty in pink at the 2015 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in London.

Once she acknowledged where her passion lay, Kaur knew she had to give it a shot. Right after her college graduation, she moved to Mumbai, India, home to the prolific film industry, Bollywood. “I gave myself 6 months,” she says. “I thought if I could see a profession coming out of this interest…then I’ll stay on.

Otherwise I’ll go back and pick up where I left off.” Kaur recalls how petrified she was of the big city when she first moved. “But eventually [I] found a sense of home here that I couldn’t find anywhere really…it’s been 11 years since and I am still here.”

Kaur’s gamble was obviously a success and since then she has had the opportunity to star in a number of diverse roles that really showcase her versatility as an actor. This is not entirely by design, as Kaur explains how she chooses her projects. “I’m very attracted to stories that I love to watch. Stories…that excite me.” That was one of the main reasons she knew she just had to star in ‘The Lunchbox.’

She explains that the bittersweet story

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She adds, “I think that’s probably why it has resonated the way it has you know, mostly because of how special the story was.”

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, ‘The Lunchbox’ revolves around the handwritten correspondence between a young housewife and an older man whose paths diverge due to a mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s usually efficient lunchbox delivery system. In our technology-ridden world of today, the story certainly stands out. When I ask whether Kaur had anticipated the enormous success of the movie, she replies with an emphatic, “Oh hell no.”

She adds, “I don’t think anyone did, including Irrfan (Khan), Ritesh (Batra).

I don’t think anybody could have ever dreamt of what has happened to the film and where it has taken us, and how it continues to just grow.”

So how has Kaur’s life changed since the release of ‘The Lunchbox’?

Professionally, she explains that it really got her recognised in the mainstream.

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Before the movie, Kaur kept a more low profile. “[I] was someone who people saw once in a while in an ad, a film here and there, someone who was just actively involved on the stage doing plays,” she says. After the movie’s release, Kaur feels more doors have opened for her. She talks about travel opportunities and heart-warming interactions with fans. “I have such beautiful opportunities work-wise in front of me; ‘Homeland’ happened because of ‘Lunchbox’ somewhere. So yeah, it’s been one hell of a journey for me, really. Bit of a blur.” More recently, it led her to the 2015 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in London, where the film was nominated for the ‘Not in the English Language’ Award. Kaur, who presented two awards on stage, shared how surreal the experience was for her. “To be in the same room that Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep were…I was just mesmerized because I’ve grown up watching them. It was just so incredible.”

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When I ask whether Kaur had anticipated the enormous success of the movie, she replies with an emphatic, “Oh hell no.” She adds, “I don’t think anyone did, including Irrfan (Khan), Ritesh (Batra). I don’t think anybody could have ever dreamt of what has happened to the film and where it has taken us, and how it continues to just grow.”

Kaur is no stranger to Hollywood herself. She’s very much at home on the set of the American political thriller TV series, ‘Homeland’. She appears in the fourth season as Tasneem Qureshi, a Pakistani ISI officer, and was nominated along with the cast of the show for the 2015 Screen Actor Guild Awards in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series category.

Her character on the show is menacing and from the way Kaur describes her role as the show’s antagonist, it’s obvious that she really enjoys playing her. She mentions how interesting the reactions from the audience were for this role. “I think people perceive you exactly as what they have seen you in last,” she says, noting how everyone saw her as “sweet innocent” after her role as Ila in ‘The Lunchbox.’ “And then, ‘Homeland’ happened and everyone is scared. It’s almost so funny, because I’ve been in LA for meetings…and I would walk into a room and I would meet studio heads, and they would be like ‘oh my god, we are terrified of you’” Despite playing the show’s nemesis, Kaur has a blast on set with the rest of the cast. Some of her most memorable moments on set have been with Claire Danes, who plays the lead, Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer on the show. “Claire Danes has a huge giggling problem,” Kaur reveals. “And

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I have a similar issue.” She recounts a specific time when they were filming a very serious scene. “Both of us are in a confrontation, its heading up to a nasty climax and we both couldn’t stop laughing.” Finally, she says the only way they could finish filming the scene without laughing was to not look at each other. “Now the way it translates on screen is like, ‘oh my god, they hate each other so much that they can’t even look at each other’.”

This stint in Hollywood has made Kaur eager to try her hand at other similar projects and she says that she can’t wait to see what else is out there. But for now, Kaur is already hard at work on her next project Airlift – a Bollywood movie opposite the iconic star, Akshay Kumar.

Based on real life events, the movie depicts one of the largest air evacuations in history when around 170,000 Indian citizens were forced to flee war-torn Kuwait in the 1990s. Kaur plays the wife of a wealthy Indian business, Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar).

She offers some insight into her new role. “My character is a billion-aire’s wife and she is in the middle of this adverse circumstance when overnight all she knows as it is, is taken away. And it’s a very interesting relationship that you see developing over that whole journey, between the husband and the wife, where they start and where they end, what they personally go through. That’s what very exciting.”

On parting, I ask her what advice she would give young, aspiring actors and her answer truly speaks to how seriously she takes her craft. She sees acting as a career people need to choose for the right reasons – and not just peripheral gains like fame or money. “Any profession can bring you that. You just have to stay honest to what the job is and… not take yourself too seriously,” Kaur says.

“Remember that. It’s a creative field and its something that should be attempted for the right, honest reasons.”

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BY TARANA RANA

Social media has certainly changed the face of long distance relationships today.

But has it really made them easier?

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

P

icture this. It’s the 1970s and because of a job opportunity, your partner is a thousand miles away, in a different city. You’re sitting by your landline on a Friday night, waiting for the phone to ring. That’s the only way you can keep in touch – through a late-night phone call when you’re both at home or through those weekly handwritten letters.

Today, this story plays out very differently. Communicative technology has advanced to such an extent that couples who are apart can instantly connect with a single click (or swipe) on their smartphones.

Besides cheaper calling plans which let you

stay in touch everyday, regardless if you’re at home or on the go, you can also share your photos, videos, moods and music with your significant other. Facetime and Skype gives you a chance to see their faces, Snapchat allows you to share funny moments and you have numerous applications like Whatsapp for quick updates or those ‘I miss you’ texts.

It has become easier than ever to stay in touch. If you’ve seen one of those iphone 5 commercials, which show couples sharing sweet, intimate moments from other ends of the world through Facetime, it’s hard not to appreciate this as the age of social

media romance. While this era of instantconnectivity has certainly changed the face of long-distance relationships, does this also mean it’s become easier to maintain one?

On one hand, there is no doubt that there are a lot more opportunities to stay emotionally connected today, says Kelli Gabel, a registered professional counsellor and owner of Inner Solutions Counselling Services in Vancouver, BC. One of the main challenges in long-distance relationships is a feeling of disconnect or lack of intimacy as people are unable to share their daily lives with their partners. But as Kelli puts it, “One can get pretty creative with texting,

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SPECIAL FEATURE On one hand, there is no doubt that there are a lot more opportunities to stay emotionally connected today, says Kelli Gabel, a registered professional counsellor and owner of Inner Solutions Counselling Services in Vancouver, BC.

PHOTO: ISTOCK PHOTO

Facetime, Skype and the like.” She adds, “There are also a lot of online games for couples.”

Gloria Sandhu, a 22-year-old student from Surrey, BC, says that she relied heavily on video calling applications like Google Hangouts and Skype to keep in touch with her partner, who resides in Las Vegas, USA. “Long distance calls being expensive, instant messaging and Skype were lifesavers.” Sandhu, who met her partner on an online forum, was able to successfully maintain a long distance relationship for nearly four years before relocating to the States. She stresses that both her and her partner were “great communicators” and this was key to the success of their relationship. “Long distance relationships can still fall apart even though you have made every effort to Skype everyday,” she says. “The quality of the communication is…important.”

So although social media allows you to share your favourite memes or send selfies to your partner at any given moment, chances are it’s not going to work if couples are unable to talk about the important stuff. Ishtar Beck, a certified marriage and relationship counsellor in Vancouver, BC, seconds this and says, “It’s all about clarity; it’s about communicating your needs, where you are in the relationship and being honest.”

Couples in long distance relationships need to get comfortable with sharing more about themselves than they otherwise might with partners who are geographically near. According to a 2013 study by Crystal Jiang and Jeffrey Hancock, long-

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distance relationships can have just as much or even more intimacy than a regular relationship but it’s primarily down to how often – and to what degree– they open up.

Couples also need to learn to read their partner’s tone. For instance, jokes and sarcasm can be difficult to perceive over the telephone or messages, so learning to distinguish between what your partner said from how it was stated can prevent many a fight. Even webcams can often miss visual cues, leading to miscommunication. This shows that despite the ubiquity of social media, long-distance couples still have to work on their communication, the same way they had to a decade or two ago.

Then there’s the undeniable fact that no matter how good a communicator you and your partner become, the bottom line is that you are not together – and no amount of technology can make up for

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Reporter Eliana Dockterman wrote a fascinating piece in TIME Magazine on this subject.

Her article, ‘How Skype is Sabotaging your Long Distance Relationship,’ suggests that being overly connected via social media may actually drive couples apart. This is especially the case for tech-savvy millenials whose hyperconnectivity, Dockterman writes, is quite often a “double-edged sword.” this. “No matter how much communication in the form of social media and online connections you have, it can never compare to being with each other in person and sharing real experiences together,” Sandhu states.

Social media may sustain the illusion in the beginning – you may have the most regular Facetime schedule, or watch episodes of your favourite TV shows together while on Skype (a practice the New York Times has termed ‘sync-watching’), but for the most part, you are left in your daily life alone.

Beck explains this through mirror neurons, which fire up when an individual is face-toface with a beloved. “It gives us that good feeling, we feel validated. As much of these technologies we have, I think the physiological part of us, our brain, doesn’t register it in the same way,” she says.

When faced with the heartache of missing their partner, many long-distance couples may double up on their social media usage. After all, when your significant other is literally a million miles away, social media seems like a lifeline and the only answer to keeping your relationship alive. But it also has a flipside.

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One of the main challenges in long-distance relationships is a feeling of disconnect or lack of intimacy as people are unable to share their daily lives with their partners.

Reporter Eliana Dockterman wrote a fascinating piece in TIME Magazine on this subject. Her article, ‘How Skype is Sabotaging your Long Distance Relationship,’ suggests that being overly connected via social media may actually drive couples apart. This is especially the case for techsavvy millenials whose hyper-connectivity, Dockterman writes, is quite often a “doubleedged sword.” Couples who are very active on sites like Facebook, Twitter and the like,

may find that they have very little to say to each other at the end of the day. After all, they follow your feeds and will know all your stories already. While this might not be an issue for all, Dockterman found that “being so close digitally only [widened] the gap” between her partner and her.

It’s also easier than ever to keep tabs on your long-distance partner through social media. Apps like ‘Couple Tracker’ lets both partners monitor each other’s digital activ-

UFV + India Connecting campuses and countries.

ity, so you can check call history, the first few lines of text messages, and GPS location. Facebook and Instagram posts often include a timestamp and a location, so it’s easy to figure out if your partner is out about town. While this definitely increases the transparency in a long-distance relationship, it can often add to people’s insecurities and jealousy. What was he/she doing out so late? What is he/she up to at that bar? Intense digital monitoring is an unhealthy way to deal with issues of trust and is a surefire way to start an argument.

So despite the apparent benefits of social media for long-distance relationships, in practice, it’s not all that clear cut.

The bottom line is that while social media definitely makes keeping in touch with your long-distance partner more manageable, it doesn’t mean it makes it any easier. Couples in long-distance relationships in this age of social-media romance must put in just as much work as our letterwriting predecessors. Perhaps even more.

With a UFV campus in Chandigarh, India, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies in Abbotsford, high numbers of Indo-Canadian students and Indian international students, an Innovation Chair in Canada-India Business Development… UFV’s proud connection with India has grown for decades.

ufv.ca/40 DARPAN

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EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTSSPEAK EXPERTS

EXPERTS

In this section, DARPAN Features your most 'frequently asked questions' on diverse topics answered by experts in their respective fields.

SPEAK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sukhminder Singh Virk Sukhminder is an Associate Lawyer at Lindsay Kenney Law. His areas of expertise are Wealth, Estate and Corporate Law. He is focusing on finding the most practical legal solutions for his business clients. Sukhminder is also experienced in wealth preservation, estate and family issues and complex tax implications.

Estate Planning:

What Is It and Why Do I Need It? I

’m often asked by clients, “what is estate planning and why do I need it?” Estate planning is the process of determining and implementing the most efficient way to transfer your assets to the next generation.

Period. It involves looking at your personal, family, and financial picture to determine your current needs and future objectives, and then drawing a roadmap of how to get there.

The biggest mistake that people make when it comes to estate planning is to assume that they do not need to plan. There is a misconception that estate planning is only for the well-off, or that you need to have a complex estate to require one. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Whether you have a young family or a small estate, the legal and financial issues affecting your estate will apply regardless.

For example, take a young family, a primary concern will be determining who will look after their young children in the event that something happens to both parents. In addition, families will need to determine who will manage the children’s wealth. Lastly, they will need to make sure that in the event of an untimely death, there is enough money left to ensure the children can live comfortably.

As for the size of an estate, whether small or large, the legal and taxation issues that

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Estate planning is the process of determining and implementing the most your assets to the next generation. Period. arise are similar. Even small investments, such as a rental property or stocks and bonds, require careful planning to ensure that the legal and tax issues are minimized.

More so, each family has different desires and wishes for the next generation, whether they are to pass on a family business, or to ensure that there is enough for the family in the unlikely event of an early death. They are based on a person’s family and individual needs and desires, and need to be carefully planned for and addressed.

TM

Whether based on the financial picture or family relationships, each family is unique.

Likewise, estate and financial objectives will differ from person to person. So why do you need an estate plan? Estate planning will allow you to plan for your family’s and your objectives. It will address legal and tax consequences, if any, and will create a plan that works for you. Most importantly, estate planning will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your legacy will be well protected.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

UNDERSTANDING TEENAGE

DEPRESSION

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A

ccording to the Canadian Mental Health Association, the total number of adolescents in Canada at risk for developing depression is 3.2 million. When coupled with the alarming fact that suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15 – 24 year old Canadians, it is vital for parents with teenagers to recognize the symptoms of depression as well as understand the causes and treatment options.

Why do Teens Get

Depressed?

Depression has a variety of causes. Dr. Tisha Gangopadhyay, Vancouverbased Registered Psychologist explains, “in my practice the most common triggers I see for depression are relationship related – adolescents who are facing a difficult stressor in terms of friendships, social isolation, bullying or breakups.”

She explains that bullying at school or online, difficulty in their relationship with their parents or school-related stress can cause depression. In addition, she emphasizes that some

By Nerissa Jawanda

Perspectives from mental health professionals on understanding the causes and signs of teen depression, what parents can do, and how to move past the stigma of seeking help. teens may be more susceptible to developing a mood disorder if their family has a history of depression.

Echoing Dr. Tisha Gangopadhyay’s sentiments, Dr. Serina Islam, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Surrey says that teens grapple with puberty, sexuality and “identity issues such as navigating their place in the world and figuring out who they are.” Teens are under immense pressure to succeed in school and figure out their path in life, which can lead to developing “feelings of worthlessness and a sense of inadequacy over their grades.”

Recognizing the

Symptoms Dr. Islam says that some of the signs pointing towards depression in teens include changes in sleeping habits, loss of interest in activities the teen used to take pleasure in, and withdrawal from friends or family.

Similarly, Dr. Gangopadhyay explains, “classic signs include a change in appetite (eating more or less), a change in sleep (sleeping more or less), feeling hopeless or worthless, lack of motivation,

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Suicide and prolonged suffering are the main risks associated with untreated depression.

Without treatment, a teen’s mental health will continue to spiral downwards, often affecting their academics, social life and leisure activities, says

on depression and make an effort to learn about it, just as they would with any other medical condition.

Lastly, parents should try to be openminded and encouraging, as this helps ensure the teen is comfortable speaking about their thoughts and feelings, says Dr. Gangopadhyay. She believes that parents should try to be as supportive as possible, despite how frustrating it might get.

Seeking Treatment and

Fighting Stigma

Dr. Gangopadhyay.

How can Parents Help a low energy, and increased irritability.” She explains that it is important to note that these signs must be a significant change from one’s previous behaviour—for example, if your teenager is always moody, sleeps a lot and doesn’t eat much, and this has been ongoing, then it probably is not a sign of depression. But, if a teen is increasingly showing these symptoms and the behaviour is different from their usual, it is a cause for further investigation.

Another perspective, from Bhupie Dulay, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver, explains that signs include “feelings of being tired or slow, and thoughts of suicide or death.”

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Depressed Teen?

One of the most effective ways a parent can help their teen, according to Dulay, is communicating without judgment and working to understand what their teen is going through. Once parents have spoken with their teen, they can take appropriate steps such as seeking support from resources including school counsellors, mental health professionals, and doctors to help build a support system for the teen.

Parents should offer support and assist in seeking professional help to ensure the teen doesn’t feel alone, says Dr. Islam. She also suggests that parents should read up TM

It is often suggested that stigma keeps teens and families from seeking mental health treatment. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, almost half of those who have suffered depression have not seen a doctor about this problem. On this issue, Dr. Gangopadhyay emphasizes that parents need to keep in mind that their teen’s health is of paramount importance—not what others think.

She is hopeful that over time, mental health will be discussed more openly in such a way that stigma surrounding seeking treatment will dissipate. She already finds that people are now more willing to discuss mental health (both in the media and in day-to-day conversations) than in the past.

“It does not reflect badly on family members or the individual if one has depression,” says Dr. Islam, who adds that depression can be treated with anonymity and confidentiality.

It is very important to talk about mental health with your teen and make sure they know that there is no shame in admitting that they are struggling and need to seek help.

Depressed teens may also be reluctant to seek help. They may worry about what others will think, or believe that they are weak if they seek help, explains Dulay.

But having a conversation with your teen, and reminding them that talking about their struggles requires immense strength, bravery and courage will allow them understand that seeking help is anything but weak.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Normal Moodiness or Sign of Trouble?

It is normal for teens to be moody or irritable. So how does one distinguish between a symptom of depression and normal teenage behavior?

According to Health Link BC, your teen may need to be evaluated for depression if she or he :

Is continuously sad or irritable, not with just the parents but friends as well

Displays unprovoked or unexplained anger or anxiety

Is sad or irritable without a known trigger

Complains of symptoms such as head aches or stomach pain that have no physical cause

Shows no pleasure with friendships or activities enjoyed in the past

Breaks down crying often and doesn’t know why

Doesn’t ask for added privileges such as driving the car or going out with friends on a school night

Has a sudden, noticeable decrease in school performance.

stood – it is important that loved ones are receptive and supportive.” Increased social activity and youth programs can also be beneficial for teens struggling with depression.

Risks of Untreated

Depression teens to “build on their existing strengths, and find new strategies to challenge depression; which is not possible when medication is the only treatment sought.”

What are the

treatment options?

Building a

Depression screening with a family doctor is often the first step, says Dr. Islam. From here, it is common to have a combination of medication and counselling or psychotherapy. Medication is not always required or necessary, and may depend on the individual. As Dulay explains, counselling allows

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Support System Teens struggling with depression can greatly benefit from having a support system help them along the way. As Dr. Islam explains, “Talking about one's suffering to family members and friends can help teens feel less alienated, isolated and misunder-

TM

Suicide and prolonged suffering are the main risks associated with untreated depression. Without treatment, a teen’s mental health will continue to spiral downwards, often affecting their academics, social life and leisure activities, says Dr. Gangopadhyay.

It is imperative for parents to have their teen seen by a professional if they are feeling depressed, having thoughts of death or talking of suicide. Teen depression is treatable, and if parents are concerned about their teen, it is better to act sooner than later.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nerissa Jawanda Nerissa is a contributing writer at Darpan.

She is currently studying sociology and economics at the University of British Columbia, and has previously written for Schema Magazine.

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DARPAN SALUTES

'DARPAN SAluteS' is an initiative to showcase individuals in India who are striving to make a positive impact on the lives of myriad others. DARPAN Magazine salutes their zeal and determined efforts.

BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

C h eta n M i s r a :

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CHANGE

course of his ten year stay in the US, Misra

Chetan Misra has consecrated his passion for football towards social development under the banner of The Football Link with the hope that one day India too will dribble its way to the Football World Cup

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“I followed the girls grassroots football league from there (USA). It was pretty exciting the way they used football as a tool for social development especially for young girls. “[Football was] Building their confidence and various other attributes and at the same time [it was] creating good players, so that was something that was really interesting and I wanted to do something similar especially for the underprivileged children,” explains Misra.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

By Jorge Ignacio Castillo

LILLETE

DUBEY UNFAZED AND OUTSPOKEN

This Bollywood actress returns for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sequel, this time with a plotline of her own

PHOTO: KausHiK CHaKravarTy, FOx searCHligHT

E

ven though theatre is her passion, veteran actress Lillete Dubey has a knack of picking roles in significant films.

She was the matriarch and voice of reason in Monsoon Wedding, the mother of the neglected Ila in the The Lunchbox and Dev Patel’s difficult mom in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (Notice a pattern here?)

The unexpected worldwide success of the dramedy has led to a sequel, cleverly titled The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which

will be in Canadian theatres on March 6th. This time around, the British retirees have settled in Jaipur and become part in the community. The success of the establishment has led unlikely partners Sonny (Dev Patel) and Muriel (Maggie Smith) to look into an affiliate, a process that becomes the catalyst of many conflicts brewing under the surface.

The list of people involved with The Second Best Marigold Hotel is a veritable who’s who of the UK film industry: Maggie Smith, Judi

Dench, Bill Nighy, director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love).

That said, the Indian half of the cast drives most of the action.

Lillete Dubey, whose Mrs. Kapoor had a limited presence in the first movie, becomes a multidimensional, fully fleshed character in the sequel, with a love interest of her own (Richard Gere, of all people.)

We reached Lillete Dubey, by phone in London, where the world premiere of the film was taking place. Her low-pitch timbre is unmistakable.

Did you consider the possibility of a sequel when you were shooting the first movie?

A Still from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

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We were very sad when we finished filming the first Marigold Hotel movie. Fox Searchlight

normally doesn’t do sequels and we weren’t expecting one. It was a bit of a surprise.

Was it hard to fit it in your schedule?

I do a lot of theatre. Marigold is a film I really like and I enjoyed making it, so of course I made time. My story also becomes very interesting in the second one.

When did you find out you would be paired with Richard Gere? What was your reaction?

Everybody keeps asking me that!

I found out a month and a half before start shooting. I’ve directed over thirty plays and I do a lot of the casting. When I read the script, one of the people I thought for the role was him. Then John Madden

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" [India is portrayed] realistically, but you have to remember this is from a foreigner point of view. If they find their surroundings crazy and chaotic, it’s justified because it is their reaction, there is nothing wrong with that. Indians can get very touchy, but I believe the film is fair, nothing is misrepresented. It’s even more balanced in the second movie." called me and said “I’ve your guy. It’s Richard Gere.

Lot’s of women of certain age think he is very attractive.” I was happy because he was correctly cast.

Later I discovered he was a great guy to work with, very warm and generous as an actor.

When you were constructing the character of Mrs. Kapoor, did you have enough information to build it, or did you have to create a backstory for her?

You always have to create a backstory in film. This is something you have to do on your own, because when you are shooting, there is no time to ask questions. Plus, I don’t have that many scenes; it’s a full-on ensemble piece. Thankfully, there are a lot of clues in the movie itself to get a feel what sort of life this lady has lived. It’s also a very subtle film: I don’t have that many lines. There are a lot of unspoken things, which makes the story more interesting.

How was working with John Madden different than working with other directors?

I’ve been a big fan of John since Shakespeare in Love. There is a lovely energy in his work. He really enjoys the process of making a movie, always smiling, always laughing. Madden is also very appreciative towards actors, which helps when he asks you to do the same take again and again. He is so encouraging; you want to do your best for him.

How do you feel India is portrayed in the Marigold Hotel movies?

Realistically, but you have to remember this is from a foreigner point of view. If they find their surroundings crazy and chaotic, it’s justified because it is their reaction, there is nothing wrong with that.

Indians can get very touchy, but I believe the film is fair, nothing is misrepresented. It’s even more balanced in the second movie.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jorge IgnacIo castIllo

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Jorge is a journalist and film critic with over 15 years of experience in publications across North America. Castillo is also a budding filmmaker with two shorts under his belt and a feature documentary in production. Member of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle since 2013.

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By Ashley Stephens

A Healthy Dose of

HUMAN

Touch

How a hands-on approach is good for your health and healing “Touch plays an important role in our ability to thrive, to love and be loved,” explains Angela Mattos, director of administration at Healing Touch Canada.

The miraculous ways in which touch offers health and healing go much beyond a warm embrace or comforting kiss.

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DARPAN

ur five senses are hard at work every day. The many sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the world around us are often discussed, debated or appreciated at great lengths. But what about touch?

A bump from a stranger on the sidewalk as they stride by too close. A high-five from a teammate for a job well done. A quick squeeze of the hand from a child who struggles with a moment of fright. These experiences all rely heavily on our sense of touch and yet the majority of these sensations aren't analyzed after their immediate interaction despite the many physical and emotional benefits associated with this tactile form of communication.

“Touch plays an important role in our ability to thrive, to love and be loved,” explains Angela Mattos, director of administration at Healing Touch Canada.

TM

The miraculous ways in which touch offers health and healing go much beyond a warm embrace or comforting kiss.

Touch is an important part of our lives from the moment we are born. The benefits of this intimate interaction can be seen in young babies who gain weight faster than those lacking skinto-skin contact and develop their mental and motor skills at an exceptional rate. As most parents can attest, a simple touch can be essential to calm a crying baby.

Extensive research has shown the healing powers of physical contact. Through touch, cardiovascular stress can be calmed, allowing us to relax and reduce the strain placed on our cardiovascular systems. It improves pulmonary functions so our lungs can take in and release air with ease, improving the quality of our circulatory systems. Therapeutic touch has been shown to lessen the symptoms of those suffering from dementia.

Studies have repeatedly reported decreased pain as a result of touch therapy. It can complement the recovery process after surgery.

Touch deprivation can be detrimental to our health.

Massage therapy, a form of healing based on touch, promotes circulation and aids in the repairing of injured muscles. Massages aren't only important for the physical benefits they provide but also promote relaxation and reduced anxiety. While it may seem obvious that an hour of unwinding will lessen our stress, studies have shown massage therapy causes slower heart rates, decreases in blood pressure, and a drop in the stress hormone cortisol.

Scientifically speaking, relaxation can keep you healthier; cortisol suppresses the immune system so if an increase in relaxation decreases cortisol, a massage consequently boosts our immune response. Studies show similar effects can be seen from hugs and hand-holding. Our immune systems can function more effectively and our blood glucose levels show signs of decreasing when we are exposed to tactile contact.

“This type of connection supports us in being present to our emotions and can facilitate the release of cellular memory held in the body,” says Mattos, referencing the ability of touch to heal us emotionally.

Human touch is medicine for the mind. It has been shown to decrease depression and fatigue while improving moods and energy levels. In addition to the stress-reduction effects, touch is a form of communication delivering messages of compassion, love, gratitude and fear. It can signal safety and trust. A necessity to building and maintaining healthy relationships, touch allows us to make emotional connections different

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Human touch is medicine for the mind. It has been shown to decrease depression and fatigue while improving moods and energy levels.

In addition to the stressreduction effects, touch is a form of communication delivering messages of compassion, love, gratitude and fear than those made by the other senses.

“When we feel supported and accepted without being judged, emotional healing begins,” says Mattos. “When contact is made with the intention to connect from a heart centred place (a place of genuine compassion) there is an opportunity to break through many of our usual defenses, establishing trust and conveying a sense of unity. This has the potential to affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.”

Beyond many of the obvious gains made through touch, studies have shown several surprising perks to physical contact. NBA teams in contact with each other more win, more games. Students who receive a light, friendly pat from a teacher are more likely to speak up in class. Patients with complex diseases who have received a pat on the back from their doctor are believed to have a higher survival rate.

By the time children reach their teenage years, they receive only half as much human contact as they did in the beginning stages of their lives. With it playing such an important role in our health, the diminishing amount of touch we receive as adults can be concerning. Sharing a hug, high five or handshake might be worth more to your neighbour than you know.

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Compiled By Garima Goswami

The largesse of the South Asian community was on display at the sixth annual A Night of Miracles gala as donors completed a $3-million pledge towards Special Procedures Suites in the Teck Acute Care Centre, the heart of new BC Children’s Hospital, which will open in 2017

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Making

Miracles

Happen

The SouthAsian Community Raised $3 Million for BC Children’s Hospital

B

C Children's Hospital Foundation’s (BCCHF) annual A Night of Miracles gala was as an extraordinary display of the generosity of the South Asian community depicting their solidarity for social causes. The sixth annual event held at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel on November 8th, 2014, was an elegant affair attended by over 400 guests who successfully completed a $3-million pledge to support the construction of ANOM’s Special Procedures Suites in the new BC Children's Hospital. As BC's only fullservice, paediatric acute care hospital, it serves one million children living in BC and the Yukon. Children that are seriously ill or are suffering from grave injuries are referred to BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) where in some cases they are treated at the facility itself, while in other cases after consultation from a specialist children are cared for in their home community The miraculous evening bringing together such largesse ranging from $10,000 to $1 million will be recognized in the Teck Acute Care Centre where a collection of operating and procedure rooms

Arran and Ratana Stephens, Founders of Nature's Path Foods

will be called the ANOM Special Procedures Suites. While announcing the success of the sixth annual edition of the gala, Teri Nicholas, President & CEO of BCCHF, event Chair, Robin Dhir, and Vice-Chair, Vik Khanna expressed their gratitude and congratulated the community on achieving this milestone.

Here are some of the many individuals that contributed towards the realization of this dream:

Arran and Ratana Stephens Donated $1 million

Founders of Nature's Path Foods, Arran and Ratana Stephens have given BC kids one million reasons to smile by helping the community reach their $3 million fundraising target. In 2013, the Stephens had declared a surprise $1 million challenge gift to inspire their friends, community and supporters to come forward and participate at the event. “For every dollar donated to

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With its efforts the community has displayed its solidarity for causes that uplift the society as a whole and have instilled a sense pride, not only amongst South Asians but within the Canadian parameters.

Needless to say, the South Asian community has created an integral picture of itself in the Canadian society, and it will only get bigger and better.

Tony Singh (R), Founder & President, Fruiticana

A Night of Miracles, Arran and Ratana made a gift of equal amount up to $1 million. On November 8, 2014, the Stephens’ Challenge was completed and A Night of Miracles completed its $3-million pledge,” shares the ANOM website. “This is a great cause to support. You never lose when you give, especially when you give with a warm hand," Arran tells ANOM. The humble couple that has been active in its philanthropic efforts urges others to participate towards the beautiful cause through a video prepared by the foundation. Ratana says, “We are not going to be in this world forever. If we’re able to help in anyway– any organization, our society, a person or a child – we should. We should definitely try. Those who try do not fail, and we do not succeed until we try. So please do what you can and give whatever you can to support BC Children’s Hospital.”

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Daljit Thind (R), CEO of Thind Properties

Tony Singh and wife

Daljit Thind and wife

In 1994, Fruiticana began as a small produce store in Surrey. Today after a journey of more than two decades, the grocery store has taken an exponential leap with a growing empire across BC and Alberta. Founder and President of Fruiticana, Tony Singh, has taken the mission of ANOM with much ardor and reflects back saying “It is extremely gratifying and satisfying to learn that the South Asian community successfully raised $3 million for BCCHF. I am glad that with our efforts we have been able to provide a ray of hope for the young lives that are the future of the global society. The ANOM evening was excellent and it brought together individuals from all walks of life that all shared a common goal- donate whatever we can and maximize donations towards the BCCHF. “

Founder and CEO of Thind Properties, Daljit and his wife Harinder, expressed their solidarity for the cause that ANOM voiced at the gala. "It was an honour for me to attend such an elegant gala and be in the company of such generous individuals. ANOM is the perfect platform for South Asians to come forward and reflect their support for a cause that benefits the children of BC. Together as residents of BC, it is our duty to make life a better experience for everyone here and when it comes to children, I would say that duty becomes even more perennial. I believe the South Asian community has been an active participant in endeavours such as ANOM that serve the noble purpose of enlightening the lives of others. It traces back to our culture and tradition where sharing plays a significant part in the overall growth of society.”

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Paul & Ruby Arora, owners of Gagan Foods, with family

Paul & Ruby Arora and family Donated $50,000

The owners of Gagan Foods, Paul and Ruby Arora have shared close ties with the BC Children’s Hospital since they moved to Vancouver in 1991. The couple, who donated to BCCHF along with their family, say that one should always feel the responsibility to invest in the well-being of the children who are the future of our society. “As a recognizable member in the South Asian community

of Vancouver, we felt compelled to donate to this cause because we knew firsthand of the life changing services that the BCCHF provides to thousands of families each year. Along with the obvious funds needed by the hospital to carry out these services, we felt our efforts also brought the necessary awareness to other members of our community and urged them to follow suit and support this worthy cause.”

Jonathan and Bina Gill, owners of Odyssey International Exports

Jonathan and Bina Gill Donated $100,000+

After emigrating from the United Kingdom in the early 1980’s the Gills pursued their passion of opening an environmentally conscious enterprise, Odyssey International Exports. Second-hand clothing is recycled and exported to countries in Africa, Asia and South America with the motive of utilizing resources to the best

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possible extent. “We were eager and humbled to be associated with a cause such as ANOM. The donation to BC Children’s Hospital allows us to assist the things that are most important in our lives, our children. Providing hope and cures to these young lives is the reason we donate,” explains the couple and further adds,” Donating to organizations such as BC Children’s Hospital allows you to make a difference in multiple people’s lives. No matter the size of the donation, it all makes a difference.”

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Robin Dhir, ANOM Founding Chair & Wife Rina

Robin Dhir and wife Donated $50,000

For the past many years, Dhir has been taking the cause (ANOM) forward within the community with commendable fervour. As the Event Founding Chair, Dhir has actively propagated the relevance and urgency for the cause that ANOM supports. While speaking to us about the night Dhir said, “The individuals who supported A Night of Miracles included people who had supported the hospital for years, as well as a great number of people who were new to the cause. I have deep respect for all of these donors and sponsors, because each of them came to understand how important it is that we all step up to support children, and that we can do this by ensuring they have access to the best medical care possible, whether it’s in terms of highly skilled doctors and nurses, or the most modern operating facilities. A Night of Miracles has become very near and dear to my family and we felt it was only fitting to also make a major gift pledge of $50K to encourage others to do so as well.”

Looking back at the past successful galas, the ANOM team today takes pride in the hard work and generosity that South Asians have reflected since its inception. In its initial years, the gala contributed gifts towards the hospital’s equipment but for the past few years, the team has been campaigning for funds for the Special Procedures Suites and their efforts have come to fruition with the achievement of their $3 million pledge. With its efforts the community has displayed its solidarity for causes that uplift the society as a whole and have instilled a sense pride, not only amongst South Asians but within the Canadian parameters. Needless to say, the South Asian community has created an integral picture of itself in the Canadian society, and it will only get bigger and better.

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For South Asians, the boarding school culture is a norm observed with much respect and admiration, both for the child and parents. So when the Uppals were researching for the best option in boarding, QMS appeared as the ideal choice. "I am really satisfied with QMS as it provides the right opportunities and resources to help a child achieve anything. I can see Aatya trying new things and taking risks, trying new sports, developing new skills, and taking on leadership roles," Reika explains while describing Aatya's performance at QMS.

As a globally-minded community, Queen Margaret’s School provides enriched educational experiences and unique programs that prepare students for university, for higher education, for life.

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Aatya Uppal, Student at QMS

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ahatma Gandhi once said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever." This philosophy resonates in the vision and mission of Queen Margaret's School (QMS) that is spread lavishly across 27 acres on Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia. This allgirls boarding school fosters all-round development of its students through rich tradition and an ethos conducive to developing each student's potential to the fullest. Motivated by these principles of excellence, Akhtar and Reika Uppal enrolled their daughter Aatya in Grade 6 at QMS when she was ten years old. Reika explains that their decision to register Aatya in QMS' boarding program was influenced by her own upbringing, where studying at a boarding school encouraged her to become independent and confident.

"The decision to enroll Aatya in a boarding school was taken a long time ago as I was raised and educated in a boarding school

TM

myself in India. It is very normal back there to have your children study in boarding schools."

For South Asians, the boarding school culture is a norm observed with much respect and admiration, both for the child and parents. So when the Uppals were researching for the best option in boarding, QMS appeared as the ideal choice. "I am really satisfied with QMS as it provides the right opportunities and resources to help a child achieve anything. I can see Aatya trying new things and taking risks, trying new sports, developing new skills, and taking on leadership roles," Reika explains while describing Aatya's performance at QMS. Established in 1921, this school has garnered significant prominence across Canada in the last 94 years for its educational ethos and culture. Its accomplishments are evident in the innovative programs within the senior school curriculum that infuse leadership and technical skills through the STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics). "We have 100% acceptance into post-secondary education and we are unique in that we offer so many different options to a relatively small graduation class.

Our grad classes tend to be between 30 and 34 girls so our programming is very individualized. It is very progressive," observes Communications Coordinator Hayley Picard.

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A dynamic learning environment is endorsed by talented staff who are dedicated to creating opportunities for students to achieve high standards, not just academically but also in the social arena. An excited Aatya,who thoroughly enjoys her equestrian lessons at QMS, states that "There are a lot of sports here and you also get to ride horses!"

The prestigious school is proud of its equestrian program that is delivered in the serene and pristine location of Duncan, BC. The school inspires riders of all levels to participate and encourages inclusive growth of students with this outdoor activity. "The equestrian program gives opportunities to girls who want to take up riding and participate in horse shows. Aatya has enrolled in various extracurricular activities too, including the school band, dramatics, arts and pottery classes. Socially, I see her making more friends and she is learning to be responsible for her actions because she is bound by an honour and discipline code at QMS. I can see that the lessons in life learned in QMS will lay a solid foundation for her adulthood," says Reika proudly while describing Aatya's progress.

Inspired by the tenets of excellence and innovation, QMS is multicultural with stu-

Established in 1921, this school has garnered significant prominence across Canada for its educational ethos and culture for the last 94 years. Its accomplishments are evident in the innovative programs within the senior school curriculum that infuse leadership and technical skills through the STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

dents and staff from all over the world.

A global student base provides opportunity for students to experience various cultures, languages and beliefs within the premises of the campus. It boosts their confidence and enables them to excel in the outside world. Moreover, the secure campus offers comfortable accomodations and excellent teaching and non-teaching staff who ensure that each student possesses the skills and abilities to realize their potential and meet life's challenges. Reika reiterates this with her personal experience by stating that "The QMS staff are like Aatya’s family members who take care of her and give her good advice."

In conjunction with the cultural diversity that enhances this educational environment, QMS has an English Language Learners Program which allows students to bring multiethnic diversity into the classrooms and further polish their English language skills.

QMS' approach of nurturing a holistic growth of its students is evident from the fact that graduates from the school go on to pursue higher education at renowned national and international universities and eventually fulfill leadership roles in their chosen professions.

"I would encourage parents to enroll their children at QMS as this would be one of the best decisions they would make for their child," says Reika proudly.

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DARPAN NEWS

IN PICTURES The Royal Wedding Expo The highly anticipated Royal Wedding Expo took place on February 8 at the Royal King Palace, Surrey. Geared towards couples planning their weddings, this one-stop event was a goldmine of wedding inspiration. With all the principal wedding vendors in attendance, from bridal fashion houses to bakeries to makeup artists, the expo had all the selections one would need for a dream wedding. DARPAN was proud to be a media sponsor and had a marvellous time connecting with readers and members of the community.

The 2015 Vancouver International Wine Festival DARPAN attended the annual Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) which took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This year’s theme shined a spotlight on the land Down Under. “Make no mistake about it — the Aussies are here,” quipped Harry Hertscheg, VIWF executive director during the festival’s launch. “There are dozens and dozens of Aussies hitting town, and they’re bringing their wines.”

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Davi Bains Gill's Fashion Romance The highlights of Davi Bains Gill's Fashion Romance was the extraordinary and romantic ambiance created at the Royal King Palace.

The event was hosted by Nira Arora from beat 94.5 and Mr Atwal from Joy Tv. The fashion shows which were inspired by the Valentines theme were divided in two segments which beautifully displayed her 2015 collection by some of the veteran models of Vancouver.

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NEWS IN PICTURES

Canadian Sikhs in WWI: The Forgotten Story UFV's Centre for Indo-Canadian studies in partnership with Indus Media Foundation of Canada (IMFC) and the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (Toronto) showcased original World War 1 artifacts in the exhibition titled Canadian Sikhs in WWI: The Forgotten Story.

The seventh exhibition launch at the Sikh Heritage Museum located in the National Historic Site, Gur Sikh Temple was observed and appreciated by individuals from the South Asian community and beyond.

Photo Courtesy: Canadian Sikhs in World War I: Sikh Heritage Museum Exhibition, Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies

An Evening with Justin Trudeau in Surrey Dr. Gulzaar Cheema organized a fundraiser for the Federal Liberal Party of Canada at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall in Surrey. It had a great turnout; almost all the Liberal Party candidates from Metro Vancouver and community leaders who support the Liberals were present. Party leader Justin Trudeau was also at the event and he commended Dr. Cheema for the success of the fundraiser.

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throughout the province,” the Ministry of Health tells DARPAN. “Fraser Health has recently seen extremely high numbers of people in its Emergency at Surrey Memorial.

All hospitals operate on a triage system, which means those with serious illness or injury are seen first. This may mean longer waits for people with less serious illness or injury.”

Fraser Health hopes that by understanding how things work, the public may be more on board with the systems they have in place.

“We try to treat everybody as best we can.

Sometimes, we have to care for people in locations that typically weren't designed for patient care. Is it ideal? It's not ideal,” Donohue

The second-largest city in

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SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL?

it is estimated over 100,000 people have settled in Surrey within the last decade. It is unsurprising then that the

PHOTO: SURREY MEMORIAL, ISTOCK, THE CANADIAN PRESS/ PAUL CHIASSON

largest hospital in the area sees an alarming number of patients per day.

By Ashley Stephens

W

hile congestion is not a new problem for Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH), recent increases and word of infectious outbreaks are causing frustration and concern across the community. With medical care so critical to many, why is Surrey so busy and what is being done about it?

The second-largest city in the province by population, it is estimated over 100,000 people have settled in Surrey within the last decade. It is unsurprising then that the largest hospital in the area sees an alarming number of patients per day.

With an estimated 400 people coming in to Emergency daily, the staff, resources and available space are acutely stretched thin.

“Typically at this time of year, hospitals

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Are patients the priority or should they be more patient? see high volume of patients,” explains Ken Donohue, Fraser Health Authority's director of public affairs. “What we're also seeing is that the seriousness of illness of patients is much higher than it may be other times of the year.” Donohue adds that this leads to longer hospital stays and a higher amount of care for patients, creating obvious challenges for hospitals across the province to keep up.

But they're trying – and they want the public to know it.

“This government and health authorities are committed to improving wait times and easing congestion at emergency departments

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admits. “But we do the best we can to treat people as we can at times when there is heavy congestion.”

“What needs to happen, and what we're doing, is every department in the hospital needs to work together to ensure patients are flowing smoothly through the hospital,” says Donohue. “We have to make sure nobody is staying longer in hospital than is medically necessary,” he adds, emphasizing when a patient no longer requires medical care, the best place for them to be is at home. By improving the hospital's discharge planning, SMH can be more efficient with the beds

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DARPAN FEATURE

“I think, like any hospital, it has its ups and downs” says Celina Miller, a local first-time parent. “I personally have never had a bad experience there, although I know people who have. But with so many patients, how can they be perfect? Surrey is a very populated area and people go to the hospital when it isn't really necessary, creating more work for the already over worked nurses and staff.” they have, Donohue explains.

The consensus in the community echoes what Fraser Health already knows.

“I think, like any hospital, it has its ups and downs” says Celina Miller, a local firsttime parent. “I personally have never had a bad experience there, although I know people who have. But with so many patients, how can they be perfect? Surrey is a very populated area and people go to the hospital when it isn't really necessary, creating more work for the already over worked nurses and staff.”

While tempers may rise while waiting to be treated and the hospital itself appears in need of improvements according to the locals, past patients are generally quick to praise the nurses.

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“They have wonderful staff and handle the overflow well, manners wise,” says Stacy Scott, who has been impressed with the quality of care as well as efficiency of Surrey Memorial staff on more than one occasion.

“I truly believe that they see people in order of priority.”

Nicole Fraser, like many others in the community who shared their stories with DARPAN, questions how much of a priority she was in times of extreme emergency. After being diagnosed at the end of her pregnancy with a condition deemed dangerous and potentially fatal to the baby, Fraser was induced and subsequently sent home four days in a row, leaving her upset, confused and worried for her safety. Like Fraser, many locals have been left feeling like the best hospital is not always the closest hospital – a tough pill to swallow in times of need.

Of some solace is the misinformation regarding multiple infection outbreaks at SMH. There was only one infection in the hospital which was quickly controlled, Donohue says.

“During this busy time, infection control is a priority,” the Ministry of Health tells us.

“Fraser Health has a number of protocols in place to prevent the spread of c.difficile (infection), such as enhanced cleaning practices during busy winter months and isolation of patients suspected of having an infection...Fraser Health is committed to ensuring best practice to reduce the spread within their sites.”

In times of medical emergency, it's difficult not to be discouraged by long wait times and questionable care. Unprecedented congestion has led to unflattering reviews for Surrey Memorial Hospital as of late but Fraser Health has recently announced a $5 million investment in health care, including hiring more health care professionals to improve TM

Ken Donohue, Fraser Health Authority's director of public affairs

Fraser Health hopes that by understanding how things work, the public may be more on board with the systems they have in place. “We try to treat everybody as best we can. Sometimes, we have to care for people in locations that typically weren't designed for patient care. Is it ideal? It's not ideal,” Donohue admits.

“But we do the best we can to treat people as we can at times when there is heavy congestion.” quality of care for patients. This plan aims to shift reliance on hospital care by preventing avoidable admissions and ensuring that people aren’t staying in hospital longer than necessary, so an appropriate bed is available to those in need. Michael Marchbank, president and CEO, Fraser Health stated in a press release that “improving the experience of care for our patients and their families is a priority for all of us and I believe if we think differently we can begin to see changes right away.” Let’s hope he’s right.

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DARPAN SPORTS

By Ashley Stephens

VANCOUVER

CANUCKS A TEAM IN TRANSITION

T

he Vancouver Canucks are used to playing under pressure.

A Canadian team who has yet to win the coveted Stanley Cup can't play a game without critics and supporters alike evaluating their every move. So what do the supporters and those within the organization think about this season? Is it an improvement on the past and therefore a success no matter the final outcome? Is it a stepping stone in the journey to rebuild? Or if they don't win it all, is it all for naught?

It's hard to talk

about the current season without referencing the previous one; the Canucks struggled to meet their own expectations and dramatically disappointed their fans. Then came the summer of 2014, one all about change for the suffering Vancouver team.

With new management, new coaches, and a plethora of new players to complement the returning core, the Canucks started the season like a team the fans could get behind.

And yet, despite being one win away from the Stanley Cup just four short seasons ago, the Canucks often found themselves fiercely fighting to stay away from the bottom of the playoff standings. While it's too early to count them out before the final buzzer sounds, the season has not come without concern.

Can a seas on of rebu ildi ng be Con side red a suCC ess?

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PHOTO: THE vANCOUvER CANUCKS/jEff vINNICK

With new management, new coaches, and a plethora of new players to complement the returning core, the Canucks started the season like a team the fans could get behind. And yet, despite being one win away from the Stanley Cup just four short seasons ago, the Canucks often found themselves fiercely fighting to stay away from the bottom of the playoff standings.

While it's too early to count them out before the final buzzer sounds, the season has not come without concern.

Only a few Canucks have consistently impressed and despite the mixed reviews of midseason 'report cards', the team has managed to step it up when it seems to matter most.

A welcomed addition to the roster this year has been Radim Vrbata who stole the show early, playing alongside the Sedin twins, and currently sitting third in points and first in goals. He's provided an offensive spark the team seemed desperate to build off of.

“It feels like we’re having our most complete year,” Henrik Sedin said recently of his team's play.

It hasn't been smooth sailing for Vancouver's defensive team. Dan Hamhuis was missed on the blueline while out injured for several months, leaving Alexander Edler to step up from a career-low 2014 season to fill the void. Step up he did until February saw the defensive pairing of Edler and Chris Tanev both out of the lineup with injuries of their own. Joining fellow defenseman, Kevin Bieksa, on the injury reserve, the blueline was left without 3 of its top 4 performers.

An injury to starting goaltender Ryan Miller late in February put pressure on Eddie Lack to once again become number one between the pipes. It's a situation he's familiar with after being thrust into the spotlight at a similar point last year but it is still an unnerving time to lose your top netminder.

“At the start of the year, we wanted to have depth in goal for this very situation. And we have depth, so I’m comfortable with that,” Canucks general manager, Jim Benning, told the media recently, instilling confidence in both Lack and backup Jakob Markstrom who will be key to the Canucks playoff hopes.

While not one to follow what is being said outside the dressing room, Daniel Sedin admitted the fans' faith in the team might have wavered.

“When you have injuries, it can go either way,” said Daniel. “Either you start losing games or you come together as a team and find ways to win, and that’s been the most rewarding thing. I think we’ve shown this year we can still play and have an impact on our team.”

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As the team slipped in the standings throughout the year, so did their tickets sales. With nearly 17,000 season ticket holders making up majority of their paying customers, official attendance at Canucks games still appears strong; however, handfuls of fans have been eager to sell their seats at prices much lower than market value.

So do ticket woes mean fans have left the building? Or did they leave last season? The demand is just not as high these days with experts suggesting the Canucks are simply experiencing a downturn in the purchasing cycle every team encounters at some point.

Unfortunately, success on the scoreboard doesn't mean successfully filled seats. Despite being on the verge of a turnaround all season – and surpassing their play of last season's disappointment – the Canucks lost the connection to their fans along the way and have yet to win them back. While wins will obviously make fans happy, it may be more about bringing the passion back to Rogers Arena.

The success the Canucks have seen this year was not predicted or anticipated at the beginning of the season. And yet, the town still holds its breath instead of praising its team. Vancouver's loyal fans are hesitant to celebrate any wins, or playoff spots, before the season is sealed. And even then, supporters seem prepared for disappointment. With a hurtful history on their side, fans are cautious in their optimism.

A season of rebuilding is bound to result in ups and downs and the Canucks still have a hard battle ahead of them. The Canucks may not be Conference champs of years previous but they have played most of the season sitting in a playoff spot – an improvement on last year for anyone comparing.

Will the Canucks' transitional season be considered successful if they make the playoffs? They'd be one step ahead of last year's regular season result – but is it enough? With words like 'new' and 'change' characterizing the year, do the Canucks deserve a gimmie this season? A season to adjust, to adapt and to improve? And if so, did they achieve what they had set out to do?

In an industry where vague answers and support for teammates gets thrown around all too easily, it will be hard to know how the Canucks think they have faired. Each season brings hope of hoisting the Stanley Cup over one's head so any season without the victory lap is one that can be better.

If the attitude of the fans is any indication, the Canucks are still working to earn their passing grade.

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A

dramatic game of poker, a mouthwatering meal, a front row seat to

for endless partying. It may sound like a night out in Las Vegas but residents of the Lower Mainland need to look no further than their own backyard.

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver has all the makings of a great day or night out and is conveniently located just off the highway in Coquitlam. With 1000 slot machines, 55 table games, 7 restaurants and 3 live music venues, the casino has something for everyone and they can't wait to welcome you.

Formerly the Boulevard Casino, the largest casino in the province of British renovation and rebranding process that brought the iconic Hard Rock brand to Canada's West Coast.

When the opportunity to oversee the rebrand presented itself, Raj Mutti joined the team in 2013 as Executive Director, bringing with him an impressive resume in the gaming industry – made all the more remarkable for someone who's only in his early 30's.

HARD ROCK CASINO | VANCOUVER

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After graduating from the University of Arizona via Simon Fraser University, Mutti joined Hastings Racecourse as a marketing manager. He spent 15 years moving up from Director of Operations to General Manager Hastings and Fraser Downs. His time with the organization resulted in recognition as one of the youngest and most successful General Managers of any major racetrack in North America.

A proud South Asian, Mutti acknowledges professionally and personally.

“There are two aspects of the South Asian community I admire: one being the closeness of family and family values and two being the strength of the community,” says Mutti.

Mutti attributes his hard work and determination to his upbringing, qualities that have certainly helped him direct the successful rebranding of the casino.

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver has all the makings of a great day or night out and is conveniently located just off the highway in Coquitlam. With 1000 slot machines, 55 table games, 7 restaurants and 3 live music venues, the casino has something for everyone and they can't wait to welcome you.

PHOTO: jC IMAgES

across all genres of entertainment. Their new VIP room, Prive Tables, just opened and offers a luxurious gaming experience including a private entrance, dedicated host and premium food and beverages. Asylum Sound Stage is an intimate venue that is quickly

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“To bring a globally recognized brand to life right here in our backyard was phenomenal,” Mutti recalls. “The future of Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is so bright and just building the team and business is a highlight of mine every single day.”

It might come as a surprise just how much the Hard Rock offers. “Our mantra is 'everything you go out for' and our team delivers that day in and day out,” says Mutti.

Recent upgrades to the 1400-seat theatre have brought increased numbers of visitors

the city. If rocking out all night long isn't your thing, the casino also houses the Unlisted Lounge where down-tempo easy-listening music allow guests to chill out with a cocktail.

“Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is all

about the music that gives guests experiences and memories that bring them back to a time in their life,” Mutti says, recalling several of his favourite events that brought thousands through the casino's doors. The rience for many in attendance, Mutti included.

“The second show that comes to mind is Slash,” he says. “[It was] also a sold out

phenomenal. You could feel the energy and vibe roar just walking into The Theatre.”

With similar acts upcoming, Mutti is excited about the direction of the shows since becoming a Hard Rock.

“The Hard Rock name itself brings global recognition and has a reputation for setting the bar in music and entertainment experiences,” Mutti says of the famous brand. “Being a Hard Rock Casino really differentiates us from other casinos in Metro

of our events and on our walls with the historic memorabilia from your favourite bands.”

In addition to the impressive line up of musicians rocking the casino stages, there are a variety of events suited to every kind of casino-goer.

“Sunee Dhaliwal does a comedy residency here. His shows sell out quick and we have a room of 200-300 people laughing and crying on a Sunday night,” Mutti says. He's also anxious to highlight a huge announcement in the works but can't reveal the details just yet. Instead, he encourages readers to stay tuned to the casino's website and newsletter so as not to miss out on the excitement. “Trust me, you won’t want to sleep on this!”

Beyond the hours of entertainment the casino offers, giving back to the community is equally important. “SHARE is our signature charity right here in Coquitlam and we do a lot of work with Eagle Ridge Hospital, as well. We actually support 200+ charities annually in cash and in kind,” Mutti says, referencing a recent donation to the Mamta Foundation of Canada.

From dinner to dancing and slots to music, there is always something going on. With space available for private parties or charities, the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver wants to help you rock out.

“Whether you want to come alone, come with friends, we have something for everyone,” Mutti says. “Come visit us and we will be sure to show you the time of your life.”

music running through our DNA, through all

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DARPAN RECIPES

FOR THE

SOUL “F

ood for and from the soul and heart", is how Chef Lucky Dhillon best describes his culinary philosophy. He took his passion and made it into his career and then never looked back.

As an Executive Chef at the stunning Fraser River Lodge, Chef Lucky Dhillon works closely with local farmers using fresh and organic ingredients to create delectable and scrumptious farm to table meals for his guests. His style is best described as innovative and old school. Using Indian and French culinary principles as foundations and adding an endless supply of regional ingredients, he creates dishes that are simple yet elegant, letting the essence of the star ingredients shine through.

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Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Drumettes with Crunchy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Drumettes 1 pound boneless chicken drumsticks (5 – 6 pieces) 2 lemongrass stalks (soft yellow parts only) 2 tablespoons cilantro stems, minced 1 lime zest and juice 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 tablespoons shallots, minced

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced 1 red thai chili, minced ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoons sesame oil

Preparation Combine all ingredients in a large mortar & pestle or food processor until smooth soft paste forms.

Pat dry chicken drumsticks with paper towel and toss with all the marinade. A large zip lock bag work best for tossing.

Refrigerate for about 2 hours, tossing occasionally. For deeper flavours, marinade overnight, (if possible). marinade. side, flipping occasionally.

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Ingredients Crunchy Peanut Sauce ½ cup organic peanut butter 50 g fresh peanuts toasted and crushed 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon light brown sugar 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 clove garlic (minced) ¼ cup hot water

Preparation Mix all the ingredients with smooth but not runny paste

Ingredients -

Julienne Daikon & Lettuce Salad ½ romaine lettuce, julienne ½ daikon Julienne 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lime juice

Preparation Peel and julienne daikon and keep it in icy cold water, and do the same with romaine lettuce Right before serving the chicken, drain all the liquid from diakon and lettuce and toss gently with cilantro and lime juice

PHOTO: LUCKY DHILLON

FOOD

BY CHEF LUCKY DHILLON

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DARPAN RECIPES

Yellow Lentils & Lamb Stew with Mustard Fragrant Jasmine Rice Ingredients Yellow Lentils & Lamb Stew 1 pound boneless lamb cubed 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cups each small diced onion, celery and carrots 2 tablespoons chopped ginger 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ pound crimson lentils (split masar daal)

½ teaspoon of red chilli powder ½ teaspoon meat masala or Garam masala 1 lemon (Juice) ½ pound amaranth (split moong daal)

Preparation

½ cup dry sherry or red wine 4-5 cups of chicken stock or hot water Salt to taste 4 cups fresh spinach leaves 1 cup tomatoes large dice

Ingredients Mustard fragrant jasmine rice 3 cups jasmine rice 4.5 cups vegetable stock or water 2 tables spoon mustard oil 1 tablespoon brown mustard seed ½ cup white onion dice 8 fresh or dry curry leaves

Preparation aside and curry leaves. Add dice onion when mustard seed starts to pop. stock or water. Cover the pot and cook for 13-16 minutes on medium – low heat.

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Photographer: Amrit Photography | Hair & Makeup: Nav Dhaliwal, Payal Beauty Heights | Model: Monika

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Photographer: Amrit Photography | Hair & Makeup: Nav Dhaliwal, Payal Beauty Heights | Model: Monika

MADE IN INDIA 604-501-2577

Photographer: Amrit Photography | Hair & Makeup: Nav Dhaliwal, Payal Beauty Heights | Model: Monika

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Photographer: Amrit Photography | Hair & Makeup: Nav Dhaliwal, Payal Beauty Heights | Model: Monika

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Gagan Arora, T: 604.825.4873 Unit-116, 8166-128 St, Surrey, BC

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Photographer: Amrit Photography | Hair & Makeup: Glamour Dolls Studio | Model: Harjot

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DARPAN HEALTH Ayurvedic practitioners have a very balanced and holistic approach to treating diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that arises when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or when the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces.

W

hile Ebola virus and Swine flu are predominantly spreading the fear across the globe, another silent killer – Diabetes Mellitus, is becoming a growing concern worldwide.

With approximately 347 million people suffering from diabetes, World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

While synthetic and allopathic drugs are proving helpful, there are often incidences of ‘Insulin Resistance’ and side effects from prolonged administration of medicines, thereby making people seek alternative and safer options like Ayurveda and Yoga.

Though some doctors may warn diabetics against turning to Ayurveda, the fact remains that its holistic approach, works on the root cause of the disease, strengthening the patients’ immunity, enhancing digestion and helping them lead a healthy life. In fact, Diabetes Mellitus was first reported some 3000 years ago and discussed at length in Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic classic text.

Derived from the Sanskrit words – Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge), Ayurveda is based on the simple principle that all living things are made up of five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space and there are three types of energies or doshas present – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, all disease and disorders are caused by an imbalance in these energies. Ayurveda refers to diabetes mellitus as ‘Madhhumeha’ or ‘Prameha’, and believes that it is caused

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By Shweta Kulkarni

Decoding

Diabetes

With

Ayurveda

due to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. The main causes of diabetes are unhealthy eating habits that aggravate the Kapha dosha, lack of exercise, excessive sleep and stress.

While modern science divides diabetes in two types – Type 1 and Type 2, the detailed study of diabetes in ancient scriptures divides it into 20 sub-divisions. This division is based on doshas – 4 are due to Vata dosha (Vataja), 6 are due to Pitta dosha (Pittaja) and 10 are caused by Kapha dosha (Kaphaja). The symptoms for the disorder too, are further segregated depending on the three divisions, which are as follows: TM

Kaphaja: Indigestion, loss of appetite, cold with running nose, excessive sleep, vomiting tendency.

Pittaja: Pain in bladder and urinary tract, pain in testes, fever, burning sensation, thirst, acidity. giddiness, diarrhea, loss of sleep.

Vataja: Tremors, insomnia, cough, difficulty in breathing, constipation, wasting away.

TREATMENT & APPROACH Ayurvedic practitioners have a very balanced and holistic approach to treating diabetes. As diabetes is a chronic disorder that arises when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or when the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces - Ayurvedic scholars believe that it can only be treated if the body is re-energized and cleansed completely. Hence the principal aim of Ayurvedic treatment is to restore the balance of the doshas. There are two different types of therapy that Ayurveda administrates:

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Apatarpana (de-nourishment) and Samshodhana (cleansing):

This type of treatment is usually practiced if the patient is obese and heavily built. In this style of therapy, along with anti-diabetic drugs, maximum stress is given on de-nourishment of fats and elimination of endotoxins by way of various exercises, fasting and cleansing methods known as panchakarma (fivefold therapies, which are emesis, purgation, enema, bloodletting and errhines). This begins with herbal massages and an herbal steam sauna, followed by fasting to cleanse the body. This is followed by an herbal purge for the liver, pancreas, and spleen. Colon therapy is next, first to cleanse the digestive tract and then to reconstitute the system.

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Santarpana (replenishment) and Brumhana (body bulk promotion)

This method of treatment is followed if the patient is chronically ill, has low immunity, and is underweight due to the draining of essential nutrients. This therapy helps in providing the easily acceptable nutrients and micronutrients to rebuild body tissues and help strengthen the defense mechanism without increasing circulating blood sugar, fats and other metabolites. This prevents further damage and ensures enhanced healing and repair.

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Diet plays an essential role if you are opting for an Ayurvedic approach to treat diabetes.

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Exercise is crucial when managing diabetes. Yoga is extremely beneficial, especially asanas like Paschimottanasana and Halasana as well as Pranayama and Vajrasana.

Pterocarpus marsupium (Vijaysar churna) Bark of this plant is available in the form of powder, and is administered for curing diabetes.

Jamun Fruit

The first and foremost priority of an Ayurvedic practitioner is to set a diet plan for the diabetic patient. Avoiding sweets, carbohydrates, red meat, seafood and dairy products is recommended as all these are known to aggravate the Kapha energy.

As per Ayurveda, a diabetic patient’s food proportion should be 60% vegetables, 30% protein, 10% carbohydrates with half an hour of mild exercise such as walking. The diet should be complimenting the Kapha energy and should include protein-rich foods like soya bean products and lentils like chickpea, moong, masoor and vegetables like spinach, leafy greens, bottle gourd, bhopla (white pumpkin), snake gourd and bitter gourd and cereals like green millet, ragi, corn, horse gram and barley.

Eating smaller portions throughout the day is recommended. It is also important to avoid smoking, reduce intake of alcohol, sleep adequately, check blood sugar levels periodically, check weight periodically and maintain ideal body weight.

Ficus bengalensis (Nyagrodha twaka churna): Commonly known as banyan tree, a decoction prepared from its bark is quite popular among Ayurveda doctors to treat the disorder.

Shilajeet

Karela - BitterGourd

Popularly known as rock salt, it is used as an excellent remedy for loss of libido in males and in case of generalized weakness in patients suffering from diabetes.

C. Tamal (Tejpatra) Known as curry leaves, this commonly used spice is strongly recommended in all diabetic patients’ meal.

Fenugreek seeds (Methi churna)

Shilajeet - Rock Salt

Methi seeds soaked overnight and had early in the morning with warm water are strongly recommended by an Ayurveda practitioner.

Momordica chirantia Karvellaka (Karela)

Turmeric - Haldi

Juice of Karela is another favorite amongst Ayurveda doctors and is suggested to every diabetic patient.

EXERCISE

Embelica officinalis (Amla)

Exercise is crucial when managing diabetes.

Yoga is extremely beneficial, especially asanas like Paschimottanasana and Halasana as well as Pranayama and Vajrasana.

Fresh Amla is of great help for people suffering from prameha.

Curcuma longa (Haridra): Amla - Gooseberry

HERBS & DRUGS Instead of chemical drugs that come with several side effects and other complications, Ayurveda relies on using herbs in the management of diabetes. The herbs used for treatment are usually bitter, astringent and pungent in taste. Some of the widely used herbs are as follows: Eugenia jambolana (Jamun beej churna)

Fenugreek - Methi

Dry seed powder of Jamun fruits are known to be effective in treatment of prameha and most Ayurvedic doctors often prescribe a dose of it.

The dry leaves of this plant are used as yet another effective Ayurvedic drug to treat diabetes.

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Apart from the above herbs, an Ayurvedic physician may also prescribe Ayurvedic drugs, which help in lowering the blood sugar and prevent any long-term complications of diabetes.

With its roots dating back to thousands of years, the traditional ancient science of Ayurveda certainly has several hidden secrets to fight challenging diseases and live a healthy life.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. The author has used reasonable care in compiling the information but the publication makes no warranty as to accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions

Gymnema sylvestre (Gudmar patra churna)

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Haldi powder along with Amla juice is a very good combination in patients of Diabetes. It is especially useful in prevention as well as treatment of patients of Diabetic eye disease.

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yoga

By Tarana Rana

Start Your Day feeling energized and focused with this series of 12 poses.

ealth &

For

Well Being

Sun Salutations

A

n age-old yoga practice, Sun Salutations (or Surya Namaksar) is an excellent way to start the day. This sequence of 12 powerful yoga poses is not only beneficial for your body, but it revitalizes your mind as well. By linking your breath with your movements, the sequence of poses takes your body through a full range of motions.

“It is great for over all joint health, flexibility, strength and settling a busy mind,” says

Step 1 ,12

Step 2 ,11

Prayer / Mountain Pose

Raised Arms Pose

Lauren Roegele, program director at the Vancouver School of Yoga and co-founder of Yogo.tv.

Sun salutations are also good for your cardiovascular system, as they get your heart pumping and your circulatory system moving. Padma, who has over 30 years of experience in yoga and is the founder of Padma Yoga in Vancouver, adds that Sun salutations are also beneficial for the back “It flexes the spine and keeps the whole back and back-bone healthy.”

As its name suggests, the best time to practice

Step 3 ,10

Standing Forward Bend / Forward Fold

Inhale and raise your arms Stand with both feet touching, upward. Gently arch your back, stretching your arms above balancing your weight equally on your head. both feet. Bring your hands together, palm to palm, at the heart. Exhale.

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Exhale while you slowly bend forward from the waist, keeping your spine erect, touching your head to your knees. Press palms onto the floor. Try to keep fingertips in line with the toes. If necessary, bend the knees slightly.

TM

this yoga sequence is in the morning – ideally at sunrise, facing the sun. According to Roegele, this is symbolically significant because the Sun Salutations represent an honouring of our life force energy and the life-sustaining energy of the sun. The Sun Salutations should be performed in a single, graceful flow. Padma suggests that the sequence should be done in pairs. Start with the right foot, and then alternate to the left. Do 2 or more pairs of the following sequences, depending on your energy level.

Step 4 ,9

Step 5

Lunge / High Lunge

Plank

Inhale and bend your right leg to take a wide step forward. Keep your hands firmly on the ground, with your left foot between your hands. Raise your head.

Exhale and bring the left foot back together with your right leg.

Press the Hold the position and inhale.

Note: For pose 9 alternate same instructions with right Leg.

Step 6

Hair Salon Stick Pose / Push Up

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Exhale as you lower your body, keeping your elbows to your side. Only your feet and hands should be touching the floor.

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Upward Facing Dog / Cobra Pose Inhale while you stretch forward and up, bending backward at the waist. Use your arms to hold yourself up. Lift your legs so only the tops of your feet and hands are touching the floor.

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Downward Facing Dog

PHOTO: sharecare.com, Dancing Yogi

Exhale. Tuck the toes under, bend the elbows and lift the hips back and up.

The number of rounds and speed at which you practice the sequence will vary from person to person.

Both Roegele and Padma advise beginners to go slow and focus on getting the alignment right within each posture. Even when done extremely slowly, the Sun Salutation sequence is a challenging and rigorous routine that will be sure to give you a workout.

For people who are completely new to yoga, it is best to learn the basics from an experienced yoga instructor. “Once you’ve learnt the sequence, practice on your own and move in a way that feels right to you,” says Padma.

Mindfulness and learning body awareness is a major component of the Sun Salutations.

After you complete the sequence, take a few minutes to meditate or just clear your mind. “As you practice the Sun Salutation, your energy, your mind awakens,” explains Padma. “You acknowledge that the world is just not concrete objects, but that there is a living brilliant consciousness present. To sit and acknowledge that is part of the sequence.”

Roegele concurs and adds that the physical practice of these poses, along with the breathing and mindfulness will lead you down a path of personal exploration.

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After a season of glitter and shimmer, matte makeup is refreshingly unfussy and clean

Modern Mattes

Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer ($34) is an oil-free formula that offers maximum pigmentation with a forgiving blending time so you have time to work.

NARS' All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($57) is a bit misleading, as it does provide a matte finish. One small pump is all you'll need for your entire face. This one needs a very good shake before application and sets extremely quickly. Clarins' Everlasting Foundation + ($41) delivers skin treatments alongside flawless coverage that easily lasts 12+ hours. This and the NARS foundation are best applied with a brush.

For Maximum Impact!

By Catherine Tse

M

ake no mistake; Matte makeup today bears little resemblance to what we saw in the '90s. Gone are flat, chalky, lifesucking textures that turn faces into masks. These new generation mattes are forgiving with lighter textures that still show your skin beneath.

The best way to incorporate matte is judiciously.

Pick one or two features, and bring in other textures elsewhere: If you choose a matte lip, add shimmer to eyes; matte foundation cries for a sheer, luminous cheek; bronzer or contour looks gorgeous with glossy lips. Creating a balance of textures is what will keep these mattes looking modern and fresh.

Foundation

There are many new foundation launches for Spring 2015 that offer beautiful velvety finishes. These three are super performers, feeling nearly imperceptible while providing medium to full coverage.

The new generation of foundations are all extremely pigmented and set quickly, so start with a tiny amount and blend really well before picking up more product. Also, exfoliate and moisturise beforehand, as any dry patches will look flaky underneath.

Start the new year off right by putting a little life back into your skin

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DARPAN BEAUTY

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Matte eyes can be a clean, fresh look especially if you place shimmer in strategic places, such as brow bones and cheek bones. Clarins' Ombre Matte ($24) cream-to-powder eyeshadows have a silky formula that respects the fragile skin around the eyes. They're a cinch to apply with brush or fingertips and melt onto the lids, providing long-lasting colour. They come in five neutral colours; the darker shades are perfect for adding natural contours to eye creases/sockets. For colour, the MAC is Beauty spring collection features a beautiful medium lilac eyeshadow, Wow Factor ($19, limited edition). Classified as a satin, this silky formula does go on matte.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRANDS FEATURED

LipS For deeply pigmented, richly coloured, statement lips, you're going to need matte lipstick.

If you're reluctant to let go of gloss, fear not.

These lipsticks are a lot more comfortable and lighter in texture than previous formulas. And, as long as you prime your lips well (see below) you can even skip lipliner. And best of all, mattes have incredible staying power and are your best bet for surviving a meal without having to reapply.

New this spring from Lise Watier is Baiser velours ($27), liquid lipstick that applies dense colour in a creamy texture from a wand applicator. Urban Decay's Revolution Lipsticks ($26) offer rich colours that apply so slickly you'll be amazed they're matte - Venom is a favourite for deep berry tones. And Canadian cosmetic company, Vasanti, offers Love Brights Gel Matte Lipsticks ($19) in a smooth gel texture.

To keep lips hydrated and feather-free, use Nuxe's RĂŞve de Miel lip balm ($17). It's not only a super performer on its own, but its matte as well, giving your lips a grippy, cushiony base for all your matte lipsticks.

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BLuSh Matte blushes make for a lovely balance when you're wearing sheer BB creams, shimmery eyes or juicy lips. NARS' Matte Multiple sticks ($46) are so convenient and deliver amazing colour payoff – I love Siam for a pop of orange-red. Dab lightly onto fingers and then pat gently and quickly onto cheeks and lips for dense, bold colour. Darker neutral shades also work extremely well for bronzing and contouring.

MAC's Pro Longwear Blush ($31) is a long-time favourite, providing lightweight, extreme colour that lasts all day.

WITH YOUR DAILY DOSE OF BREAKING NEWS, LOCAL EVENTS, SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, MOVIE REVIEWS, HEALTH, FASHION, FITNESS & MUCH MORE..

BronzEr If you're going to have just one bronzer, make it matte, which is much more realistic and versatile than anything with shimmer.

Plus, if you're going to contour with it, you want the dark, matte colour to help recede contours; anything with shimmer will simply attract light, defeating the purpose.

Guerlain's iconic Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($60) is a cosmetic classic. Not only does it deliver realistic bronzing po wer, but it offers an impressive range of eight shades, so even the very pale and very dark can find options here. This spring, Annabelle's released a new matte version of their cult favourite, Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder Biggy Bronzer ($11.95).

It's a bargain, that delivers finely-milled powder in beautiful colours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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/ APRIL 2015 Some conditions apply. See in store for details. Subject to product availability. All prices are subject to taxes. Product descriptions, typographic errorMARCH are unintentional and subject Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyleto correction.

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DARPAN STYLE

I

t may be cold and wet out, fellas, but those days will soon be behind you. Everyone is wrapped up in wool scarves and dingy suits, right?

Well, there is something to get excited about, and that is the wondrous world of spring and summer fashion.

This thing you want to trade is the wool scarf for a slender looking

poncho. This particular garment was highly popular in the 1970s, and is making a comeback.

During the spring months, it may still be too chilly to not wear a coat, so a wrapped poncho is suggested. Be sure, when purchasing, then sporting said a solid colored jacket, stick with a slightly patterned poncho. The opposite rules apply for a jacket with a pattern, naturally.

On your head, you may feel like wearing a hat of sorts. No, a baseball cap just will not do, but a were all the rage in the 1940s years ago. Guess what? They are en vogue once again. It’s a shame they went out of style to begin with. When deciding what pattern works best, don’t... A fedora should always be of a solid color. Got it?

SPRING FASHION FOR MEN

By Joseph A. Federico

BALMAIN SPRING SUMMER

We will get to t-shirts in a bit, but let us discuss more formal attire. Jackets and button down shirts will be colorful and dreamy…think 1990s sitcoms.

Light, breezy jackets will come in all kinds of patterns, from large clocks to puffy clouds. In the shirt department, they will come loose and with stripes in all fantastic colors of the rainbow.

With a dress shirt, you will need a tie. Men’s neckties are widening up, very much like how men wore them in the late 1970s

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OLIVER PEOPLE'S SUNGLASSES

and early 1980s. Back then, patterns were prominent, but now, it’s best to stick with solid colors. A larger tie willing to take chances…okay, maybe not, but you will look like you follow fashion trends. That has to count for something.

You are getting geared up about what’s to come, we know it.

On your face, you must wear a pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. colours this company has to offer is simply breathtaking. Try a nice

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ruby red pair, or stay earthy with a pair that is khaki colored. The options are endless, and will be the

Please call our Travel Experts for assistance.

Email: dean.malik@marlintravel.ca | Web: www.marlintravel.ca/1550

or better yet, head to their website to order them online.)

We did not really discuss the shoe situation; brace

Ph: 604.588.8300 | Cell: 604.339.8039

Dean Malik, Owner #320-2270 Central City Mall Surrey BC V3T 2W1

less seriously with this fashion statement.

their jobs – ones that aren’t as “corporate,” of course.

Etiquette. They’re a local brand in Toronto which

also has a line of screen printed shirts for sale;

best to seek professional help in a local tailor.

Maral Fadaeian

Kelly Macauley

Meena Sadioura

Brent Ellingson

made here, and see how it fares. We bet you will

eft the winter months behind.

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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min

BY Benja

Yong

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l stay on oks a local hote Anyone who bo online an s ive rece or TravelPortland.com ed nt providing discou s, coupon pack rie te ea food at certain e free perks like th m fro g ba cloth tote a leather and my d an y, or ct ent Fa Portland Garm -growler , a ceramic mini ite ur vo fa al person Portland container) from (refillable beer e, just pl sim is demption Growler Co. Re Book called the Chinook download an app tp ar hone ) on your sm (chinookbook.net tructions. and follow the ins of the a stay at one d re I was offe ue Hotel tels, the boutiq participating ho on St.) uthwest Washingt Monaco (506 So . wn to wn middle of do smack dab in the ace pl e th t ou much ab I didn’t know up d on ve quickly bestowe going in, but I ha y: wh ’s ver. Here e of best-hotel-e titl e te th ra it ent ge m ag sh ex bli ta friendly es st say they It’s the first dogthe show’s ca ally ow on eh rs m pe so I ll sti ys t da three countered, ye en er ev of e reality, in just n I’v fu d at’s often poke experienced wh everything, e ad y-m all loc on the show: e birdeups, and mor huge brunch lin ve ever andise than I ha patterned merch at I’m . (Fans know wh laid my eyes on tched wa r you’ve neve talking about. If and ur vo fa a yourself the program, do tflix). vel queue it up on Ne f, I turned to Tra Before I set of n tio na sti de wn’s official at Portland, the to wh on e vic ad for some marketing arm, ign until running a campa e ar ey to do. Th ening “Portland is Happ in March 31 called ing liv residents d Now,” enticing an tle at Se e ies lik h. neighbouring cit ut so p ake the short tri Vancouver to m

city centre can get costly during the day, but metered spots are free nightly after 7 p.m. and on statutory holidays.

EAT Let’s talk brunch. I asked the front desk girl at Hotel Monaco for a recommendation, and she warned a lengthy wait would accompany almost any spot, stating with a laugh, “Portland people are really patient.”

But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? One spot she suggested turned out to be a neighbourhood staple called the Bijou Café (132 Southwest 3rd Ave.) Open for more than 35 years, it’s unassuming on the outside, and bright and contemporary on the inside. Fully supporting the “slow food” movement, using local and sustainable ingredients, there were lots of non-traditional offerings like the Ota Tofu (prepared with parsley and garlic, sautéed in olive oil, for just $8).

For lunch, I recommend eating al fresco.

Portland is home to one of the most vibrant food cart scenes anywhere, with over half a thousand portable kitchens set up all over the city. There are a few areas where

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manages to retain a pleasant, slightly floral scent throughout. The décor of the lobby lounge, which comes with a life-sized set of Jenga and Connect Four, can only be described as funky, and is where a complimentary happy hour featuring local wines and craft beer is served nightly. There’s a well-appointed 24hour gym and a yoga mat in every closet, important amenities to work off those microbrew pounds. The employees are genuinely friendly and a doorperson is almost always out front to greet guests. The rooms have an avian-theme, highlighted by the bird-patterned wallpaper and duck feet lamps. Oh, and animal print bathrobes.

Although Portland is easily accessible via a car ride from Vancouver, taking approximately five hours, one can also opt to board the Amtrak train (eight hours) or hop on a plane (one hour, plus a $40 taxi ride to the city core). The great thing about staying downtown is that many of the touristy destinations involving, dining, shopping and sightseeing are easy to get to. If you’re on foot like I was, its only rarely that you may need to catch a $10 to $15 cab ride to get to an out-of-theway place. A note to drivers, parking in the

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PROGRESSIVE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNITYSERVICES SOCIETY Serving the Community, Since 1987

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several carts cluster — a good example is the “pod” on 10th and Alder that takes up square block. In the mood for hot bowl of Pho, I stumbled across Huong’s Vietnamese Food. The #8 I ordered off the board, a simple Regular Beef Soup, was a hearty portion of noodles, thin steak slices and beef balls, all for $6.

Ready to leave the downtown bubble? Make your way over to Southeast Division Street, about a 10-minute drive away. Famous for its restaurant scene, there was a particular standout that’s as much a visual experience as a palatable one.

The Bollywood Theatre (3010 Southeast Division St.) doesn’t actually show films, but brings a taste of Mumbai to the Pacific Northwest. It’s full of kitschy Indian memorabilia plastered from floor to ceiling, seating is self-serve, and the authentic-tasting dishes are brought out on metal plates, great for sharing. Be sure to try the Chicken Curry with saffron rice!

D

RINK

Brew enthusiasts will quickly realize why “Beervana” is another name for Portland.

Even dedicating your entire trip to brewery hopping, you would be hard-pressed to hit all of Portland’s 50-something businesses specializing in the frothy drink.

Hopworks Urban Brewery, also located in the Southeast, was the first “eco-brewpub” to open up, meaning all 15 beers they regularly carry are organic and made in-house. You might recognize some of their products lining liquor shelves, such as the deliciously hoppy Abominable Winter Ale or the classic Hopworks Organic IPA.

S

HOP

CHILD & COMMUNITY STUDIES

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Since you’re eating and drinking local in Portland, might as well shop local too, right? There’s

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plenty of places to do that, and, as a bonus, there’s no sales tax in the State of Oregon so what you see on the price tag is exactly what you pay. Those looking for a mall-going experience can visit Pioneer Place Mall (340 Southwest Morrison St.), home of the Made in Oregon store. You can find everything in here from Portlandia souvenirs to designer wool blankets made by Portland-based Pendleton Woolen Mills.

After Pioneer, lots more uniquely PDX buying opportunities await you in the surrounding area. There’s a long list of stores you won’t find anywhere else, including Danner (1022 West Burnside St) that sells USA-made boots and apparel; Powell Books, the self-proclaimed largest independent used and new bookstore in the world (1005 West Burnside St.); and Woonwinkel (935 Southwest Washington St.) that is kind of like a smaller and trendier version of IKEA.

S

IGHTSEE

If you’re only able to pick one tourist attraction to go to, make it the Portland Art Museum (PAM). Founded in 1892, it is the seventh oldest museum in all of the United States. Some quick stats: there are over 42,000 objects in the PAM collection; there are 112,000 square-feet of display space; over 23,000 households hold a membership; and the museum receives some 350,000 annual visitors. Until April 5, PAM is hosting the Masterworks|Portland: El Greco exhibit where people can see several of the artist’s pieces like The Holy Family depicting the Virgin Mary.

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SPRING ACTIVITIES

Don't Let the Rain Put a Damper on Your Plans

r e v u o c n a VOn a ainy R

y a D

Have a Cuppa

A steaming cup of tea is the perfect way to beat the rainy day blues. For an added dose of whimsy, head to the Neverland Tea Salon on West Broadway, where they offer over 60 types of teas. This cosy place with its quaint chandeliers, mismatched easy chairs and china tea cups also serves up a delicious high tea for adults and children alike. Have dietary restrictions? Not a problem, they’ll have a tasty assortment of gluten or dairyomitted treats just for you.

By Tarana Rana

Go for a Climb

Spring means flowers in bloom, spring break for many and a prelude to summer. But let’s face it, spring in Vancouver also means bucketloads of rain.

(Is it any wonder they call us Raincouver?) Even if you’re not a fan of drizzly days, don’t let the rain put a damper on your plans. There are a number of interesting ways to spend a rainy day in Vancouver. Here are a couple around the Lower Mainland to get you started.

If you like to keep active, spend the next rainy day at the Coastal Climbing Centre in Surrey and do some indoor rock climbing. This facility has over 100 full length routes to climb designed for both experienced climbers and beginners. First time climbers can opt for the drop-in climbing, two hours sessions which are suitable for ages 6 and above.

Hit the (Indoor) Beach If your thoughts turn to the beach on gloomy days, Richmond’s 6pack Indoor Beach Centre is the place for you. This indoor beach facility boasts 5 full-sized volleyball courts, soft sand and of course, no rain. Gather a group of friends for a friendly game of beach volleyball or dropin by yourself anytime during the week. They offer special drop-in discounts on Wednesdays and Thursday is Ladies Night where women can drop in for free.

PHOTO :VancOuVer TOurism, Backyard Wineries (main PHOTO), mink cHOcOlaTe cafe, dark TaBle, seaair, cinePlex

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Escape from a Locked Room Spice up any dull, wet day with an unforgettable ‘escape game’ experience. The premise is simple even if the execution is not – you and your group are locked in a themed room of your choice. (Some popular themes include a prison cell or a laboratory).

You have 45 minutes to find hidden clues, piece together codes and solve riddles to escape. Richmond’s EXIT Canada and Xscape Vancouver are two popular facilities where you can enjoy this exhilarating 5-D gaming experience.

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery The Vancouver Art Gallery is an idyllic spot to spend a rainy day with your friends, family or even just on your own. There are a number of interesting exhibitions to examine at the Gallery, but the one that you must catch this spring is Cezanne and the Modern. Featuring works from the renowned post-impressionist French painter, Paul Cezanne, this is the first time in over 50 years that this specific collection has travelled.

Enjoy a Pizza and Game Night For a lazy rainy day outing, head to Ludica’s Pizzeria & Game Room in Vancouver. While you wait for your freshlymade pizza or pasta, pass the time by playing a board game.

With over 600 board games to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one that your entire group will enjoy! They also have fun specials running all week long. On Mondays, all pasta dishes are just $12. On Thursdays, enjoy $4 draught beer. On Fridays, winning a game at your table will earn you a free dessert.

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Pacif-i

DARPAN TECH

Pacifiers have been tricky business ever since technology had its boom in recent decades. How can you make them more advanced without turning them into clunky devices that no longer sooth babies? Pacif-i may be the first product entering the market that addresses this issue while providing a beneficial upside to using it. Structured like an average everyday pacifier, the Pacif-i has a built in sensor that takes your baby’s temperature. These temperature logs are then transferred to an app available on both iOS and Android. What makes Pacif-i particularly useful for parents is the ability to input medication information into the app, letting you track your baby’s temperature

trends after dosing. Note that this is more than just a glorified thermometer, as the logs can be freely shared with medical professionals and the pacifier itself is equipped with an alarm that you can customize. If you want to be alerted if the pacifier moves 20 meters away from where you left it, you can do just that. You can also “buzz” the pacifier for those times when it seems like it’s simply disappeared from the house. Packed full of benefits for any parent with a baby, the Pacif-i is set to be released in Europe within the first quarter of 2015 with worldwide releases following shortly after. You can pre-order it today for $40.

GADGET TRENDS

By DAVID BENJAMIN KENT

HearNotes

Petcube

The Petcube was funded via Kickstarter in late 2013 and had a scheduled release for early 2014. However, issues with suppliers delayed this product’s release to last December. What is Petcube? Well, it’s a baby monitor… for your pets. It’s more than just a camera though, as it allows you to control a laser pointer to play with your pets from wherever you are as well as letting you activate a speaker on the device itself. You can speak to your pets even if you’re hours away, making sure that they are never lonely and never quite confident to pursue troublemaking. The camera is compatible with both iOS and Android and you can pick it up for $199 on their website.

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Wireless headphones are nothing new to the market; they’re sold in almost every single retail store both in a brick and mortar setting and online. HearNotes seeks to change the status quo by truly making each earbud wireless, fitting snugly inside your ears, and has a range of upto 50 feet. While most wireless headphones have extremely limited battery life and use Bluetooth, the HearNotes uses KLEER technology which guarantees a lack of interference and audio quality that rivals a typical wired headset by Bose or Sony. It uses inductive charging and battery life is rated to last at least 4 hours per charge. HearNotes will be releasing this spring and is estimated to cost between $279 and $349.

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Soundwall adds an auditory spin to a visual wonder through their connected canvases. Each canvas doubles as a large speaker that is controlled by a Raspberry Pi computer with constant WiFi connectivity. Because of the placement of the speakers, the artwork itself vibrates along with the sound. Artists can use this technology to finally combine their works with audio, or typical consumers can purchase these to add a new spin to decorating their homes. The WiFi connectivity of each canvas allows the owner to customize the audio as per their whim, ensuring original audio should you desire it.

While the official store sells several high quality, iconic pieces, the company also offers a custom service if you contact them privately. Each Soundwall canvas is handmade and prices start at $1050.

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Originally released last year, the Bluetoothcontrolled Ring is slated to be re-released this March with several improvements. Built out of a different material to reduce interference with signals, this newer version of the Ring released by Logbar Inc. is going to be smaller, have infrared support, and allow access to several more “gestures�. The purpose of Ring is simple: wear it on your finger and take control of your computer, phone, and soon your smart-home setup with hand gestures. You can control your lights, your curtains, your appliances, your printer, your phone, and anything else that has Bluetooth connectivity.

You can even customize the Ring with your own commands for certain apps, letting you add your own personal touch (or lack of touch, really!).

Logbar supports the Ring on both Android and iOS and plans to sell it for $130 upon re-release.

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A New Look For Your Home At No Cost

By Ashley Stephens

T

he change in seasons often brings about the need for change across many aspects of our lives. Spending the winter cooped up inside may have you ready to redecorate the space you've been stuck staring at over the last few months. Breathing new life into your home may not be in the budget every spring but working with your existing decor is an easy, cost-effective way to update your space.

Your home may be full of furniture you've had forever but is it living up to its full potential?

For most of us, it's all too easy to push our furniture against the wall without a second thought. While this might make sense for some spaces, it's not the only way to arrange couches, beds or benches and, with a little creativity, you

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can create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing space and freshen up your home.

“When you are starting off with a completely blank space, decide what the room is going to be used for: a family room, piano room, conversation area, reading room, or a TV room,” says Laura Grist, principal at Laura Grist Interior Design. “Some rooms have to double as both a family room and an office, so decide how many functions your room has to manage.”

Before you begin lugging that couch across your living room, pull out a tape measure and do some preliminary planning. Mapping out your room will save you some heavy lifting and allow you to explore all options without moving any furniture. Drawing a floor plan will show

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“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. ” - Wade Boggs

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you what fits where and perhaps spark several new ideas that wouldn't otherwise have been obvious.

Instantly update a room by eliminating one piece of furniture. This automatically opens up the room, provides more living space and offers you other options for styling the remaining furnishings. Keep in mind that having a couch, a loveseat, ottomans and end tables doesn't mean you need to have them all in the same room; it's okay to skip certain pieces of furniture if they don't suit your space.

While it's most tempting to add more to a room to update its look, subtracting furniture can make a space look larger, especially if pieces are decorative, unnecessary or could be put to better use in another room. If your bedroom closet is large enough, consider moving your dresser inside it. If you have a bookshelf holding clutter more than it does books, try it in an office or guest room instead of your main living area.

Is your room too symmetrical? Or not symmetrical enough? A simple swap of chairs or lamps may be all you need to bring balance back to your room or add visual interest.

Is your living room uninviting? Create comfortable groupings of furniture by pushing seating closer together around a natural focal point. Whether it's around a fireplace, television or set of windows, you can reposition your furniture so you are drawn into the space.

“When you walk into a room and there is the back of the couch facing the entrance, it feels like you are not welcome in the space,” says Grist. “By having an opening into the room that allows you ease of access to any of the furniture for sitting, it makes the room much more welcoming.”

You may think you're stuck with the only

DARPAN HOME Before you begin lugging that couch across your living room, pull out a tape measure and do some preliminary planning. Mapping out your room will save you some heavy lifting and allow you to explore all options without moving any furniture.

Drawing a floor plan will show you what fits where and perhaps spark several new ideas that wouldn't otherwise have been obvious. setup you've ever known but what about moving furniture between rooms? Those nightstands in your guest room that never get used may make the perfect end tables in your living room. Or an underused armchair may be just the type of seating you could use in that corner of your bedroom. While it may not seem like a quick game of musical chairs will give you the update you've been hoping for, think about your house as a

whole instead of just redecorating room-byroom. Your options can instantly increase by mixing pieces all throughout your house.

For instance, the space behind your sofa doesn't require a sofa table; shelving, a credenza, a desk or a breakfast nook are all useful alternatives that may not have been in your first floor plan. Similarly, a dresser doesn't only belong in a bedroom. Dressers can be functional and decorative in offices, kitchens, TV rooms or entryways. By ignoring the obvious use of a piece, you may find a more useful place for it. “One of the most common problems I find

4*-7&3 45"3 - * . 0 6 4 * / & 4

]

when trying to rearrange peoples furniture is the complaint “that’s not where the plug is/cable/stereo output is!� Remember, moving an existing cable for the TV is not that difficult, pretend there are no constraints as to where things go for the perfect placement,� Grist says.

Rearranging your existing furniture can create a whole new room without the financial investment in new pieces. A quick change of chairs or a new use for an old piece may be the fresh start you and your furnishings need this spring.

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DARPAN Weddings

Q: Describe your wedding day? What was your favorite moment?

i p a H e s & s e J ia, BC r o t c i V

PHOTOS: AMASTERMEDIA

Q: How did you meet?

A mutual friend introduced us to each other and we became good friends. Ten years later Hapi was out with a bunch of her coworkers and ran into me while I was working. We talked for awhile and she decided we should go for coffee or grab a bite to eat. I said yes to get food and we went out a week later. We've been together ever since.

Q: What do you love most about one another?

Jesse: I love how comfortable she makes me feel. I'm completely myself. I don't have to put on a face to impress her. When I'm with her it

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feels just right.

Hapi: I love his cooking! He also has this way of making me feel safe and loved even when he is thousands of miles away.

Q: Please share your proposal story?

Jesse: We talked about marriage a few times. why wait any longer. We're going to be with each other forever so let's do it! So that's exactly what I said to her. She's the type that likes to have things planned out and I'm the type that plays things by ear and does things at the last minute.

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Hapi: From the moment we began getting ready to the moment we arrived at the Gurdwara, it was nerve racking. Jesse is half Punjabi and half Caucasian but we decided on doing the traditional Indian ceremony because he knew how important it was to me. If he could've had it his way... we would have walked into a court house and said "I do!" It was a very special day that we will remember forever but I would have to say, as corny as it may sound, my favorite part of the day was when I walked into the Gurdwara and sat down beside him. There is something in that moment that

Jesse: There were so many great parts that it's hard to pick one. The one that stood out the most was when my new wife turned to me and said "there's no turning back now, you're stuck with me." The second best moment was how good it felt to stretch my legs after sitting down for so long.

Q: Tell us about your reception? feel like a traditional Indian reception. We had a big diversity in cultures at our function and we didn't want that separation especially the separation of men and women. The DJ played the crowd with Bhangra and top hits from the 80's to present. The ing and the decorations were simple but popped. The photo booth and the dance crew were also huge hits.

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THE MOST ANTICIPATED SOUTH ASIAN EVENT

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DARPAN Weddings www.amastermedia.com

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604-723-6804 info@amastermedia.com Jesse: My Achkan was provided by Sunny's bridal. They did a fantastic job. They made me look like a king. The my reception I wore a classy, sleek grey Armani suite with a small touch of pink in my tie and pocket cloth to compliment my wife's gown.

Hapi: Both of my stunning gowns were designed by Sunny's Bridal. On the day of the wedding I wore a beautiful red and blue lehnga. At the reception I wore a very elegant pink lehnga with silver embroidery. The looks came together so perfectly, I could not have been happier with the results! Huge thanks to Sunny's Bridal!

Q: Where did you honeymoon?

We did a little mini moon right away. We spent the day evening in Parksville at the Beach Club Resort overlooking the water. We're hoping to plan something more in the near future.

Q: What are your goals as a couple?

Pay off debts and save up for the future. Enjoy our time together as a married couple before we start a family. Treat one another as equals at all times.

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Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?

We trust each other and we make each other laugh.

We also give each other space and time apart. It makes us appreciate each other's company and love without taking it for granted. Cooking great food also helps. We help each other out. For example I'll cook and she'll clean. We work well as a team. If something bothers us we talk about it without bottling it up to blow up at a later time.

Q: If you could provide any advice for other married couples, what would it be?

Be truthful and honest. Give each other space and time apart. Talk to each other if something bothers you.

love!

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6

MOST

ROMANTIC

PLACES TO

PROPOSE

Planning to pop the question? Here is a list of the most romantic places to get engaged to your lady-love.

By Avi Dhanoa

P

roposing to your soul mate for marriage is nerve-wracking. The expectation starts building up right from the time you realize that she is the one. Most women place a lot of value in making moments special and one of a kind. There are no

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two ways about it. The movies have raised the bar, making wedding proposals larger than life. Don’t sweat it. All you need to do is relax, breathe and replay the intimate moments you had with your lovely woman. Here is a list of romantic places to get you started.

Be it a sky train station, supermarket or the office cafeteria, the place where she first caught your eye. Selecting such a place shows that you wanted it to be personal and takes you back to where it all began.

If you feel the place is too crowded for you to get down on your knees, incorporate the place in your plan for the night. For instance, if you met your love at Cineplex, you can take her out for a movie and the movie ticket could have ‘will you marry me’ printed on it.

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Where You First Said the ‘L’ Word There is nothing more romantic than proposing to your girl at the same spot you first told her you loved her. Count your stars if this occurred in a secluded place. Most men find it over-bearing to ask their girl to marry when thousand pairs of eyes stare at them. If so, take the help of people around you. Arrange for a flash mob or hold a plaque card with ‘Will you marry me’ written on it. If you said ‘I love you’ over the phone or text, don’t panic.

Take her to a place and call her while she sits right opposite you.

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Where You First Met

3 4

DARPAN Weddings

Where You Both Want to Go Every couple has a bucket-list of places they want to visit together. Sweep her off her feet by planning a romantic getaway to one of the locations. She would already be on cloud nine when you give her the perfect ring against the idyllic surroundings, creating an unforgettable memory.

Where She is Relaxed Listen closely the next time she's stressed out and wants to just go to a place where she can breathe, forgetting all about her stress. Even if the place is close to your house, another province or country, chances are that place she mentioned helps her unwind. Put her at ease when you pop the question. It also shows your commitment to always keep her happy.

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By DARPAN

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Your Ultimate Wedding Inspiration!

Where She Had Good Times With Her Friends Earn some brownie points for remembering the story and the place. Give her two reasons to love that place by proposing to her in the most romantic way.

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The Place Where Her Parents Got Married Romance is all about creating a moment for her to remember. Pop the question where her mother said yes, especially if you want to be in her parent’s good books. If they had an arranged marriage, ask her to marry you in front of her parents.

Elder’s blessings are always a big yes. Get her parents on board with the plan beforehand.

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You can’t escape the question, “How did you propose?” Choose the most romantic location and everything else will fall into place. The element of surprise makes a big impact on your lady love. Plan ahead of time and give a story to tell your grand-children in the years to come.

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2015

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

visually striking, insPirED By naturE

Mercedes C400 4MATIC

By Benjamin Yong

B

eing Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling model, you knew the German automaker was going to make sure the new C-Class was something special not only to drive, but also look at and sit in, as well. And it is all that, as well as being lighter, roomier, and more hightech, to boot.

Premiering at last year’s Canadian Inter-

national Autoshow in Toronto, the C is completely redesigned and comes in two flavours for our shores: the four-cylinder C300, and the one I tested, the C400 biturbo with a V6. Although a bit bigger than the outgoing model — 94 millimetres longer and 40.6 millimetres wider — the 2015 version is approximately 100 kilograms

Premiering at 2014 Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto, the C is completely redesigned and comes in two flavours for our shores: the four-cylinder C300, and the one I tested, the C400 bi-turbo with a V6. Although a bit bigger than the outgoing model — 94 millimetres longer and 40.6 millimetres wider — the 2015 version is approximately 100 kilograms lighter, thanks to the use of aluminum in the body’s construction. lighter, thanks to the use of aluminum in the body’s construction.

The vehicle is visually striking. Mercedes says nature was source of inspiration for its design, which I gather is where aesthetic cues such as the windswept fender and door creases come in. It’s curvy, but in a muscular rather than a feminine way like on the CLA. The facial features are big and exaggerated: large fibre-optic equipped LED headlamps, a polished two-slat beak of a grille, and due to the optional sport package, a chrome AMG front bumper splitter, a pair of gaping front air intakes, and

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HIGHLIGHTS

Fabricating beauty for your Home and office!

MSRP: $55,900 (base) Motor: 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 Horsepower: 329 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 354 @ 1,600 rpm Gearbox: seven-speed automatic Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 12.7 L/100 km (combined city/highway)

massive brake calipers clamped onto crossdrilled rotors.

For its price bracket, starting at $51,400, the interior is rather well appointed. The first thing I’m going to comment on is the Burmester Surround Sound System ($1,000 option).

The door speakers are finished in a sporty/ retro/classy brushed aluminum, and emit a full tonal range that sounds amazing whether you’re listening to jazz or EDM. A freestanding display screen dominates the dashboard, and is controlled via a rotary knob and a hand rest that looks like a floating smartphone. Like on a modern phone, it accepts touch gesture inputs.

At times, it’s also equally frustrating to master.

Sitting inside the C400 feels oddly welcoming.

Glance up, and you’ll notice the giant piece of glass that dominates most of the blackcoloured roof. Buckle in and press the engine start button, and you’ll be greeted with a slight hug as the seatbelt electronically pre-tensions itself. Everything happens without a sound, because engineers have “optimized the noise characteristics” of several key components from the power windows to the seat motors.

Unfortunately, what’s happened is that even the sound produced by the 329 horsepower, 3.0-litre twin turbo engine is somewhat muffled.

I suppose what really matters is that the performance is there. The decreased weight of the car can really be felt when you’re tossing the car around. Throw in the permanent 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system and seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS with manual mode and you’ve got a luxury sedan that’s actually enjoyable to drive.

So what’s the bottom line? The reimagined C-Class, in particular the C400, is above its class in terms of what Mercedes has managed to trickle down from its higher-level lines.

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2015

Powering the LR4 is a 3L. super charged double overhead cam V6 engine producing a powerful but smooth 340hp. and good bottom end grunt with 332lbs. ft. torque which really aids the LR4 pulling itself up steep roads.

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

tOP OF tHE list luXury OFF rOaD suv

Range RoveR

lr4 HsE Luxury

M

y connection with all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles go back a long way and there was a time I would have never considered one as my main vehicle. But today’s technology has made the AWD or SUV a vehicle worth considering as your principle driver. One of the best of the group on the luxury end is the Range Rover. My test vehicle was the LR4 HSE Luxury, and as far as I am concerned, one of the nicest driving of the group.

The reason I enjoy driving the LR4 is the way it handles in on or off road situations.

For most of us, driving off road is a rare, so getting about around town and control on the highway are our biggest concerns. The LR4 is not a small vehicle but it seems like one, so zipping in and round traffic is a lot of fun, like a sports car on steroids. The steering was light and agile and even when turning quickly, the body barely leaned, which is something you’d expect from a vehicle of

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this stature. Making all this good handling is a 4-wheel independent suspension with front and rear sway bars to keep the vehicle level.

Powering the LR4 is a 3L. super charged double overhead cam V6 engine produc-

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ing a powerful but smooth 340hp. and good bottom end grunt with 332lbs. ft. torque which really aids the LR4 pulling itself up steep roads. To keep fuel consumption low and providing good power at the right time to the wheels is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is a smooth shifting unit unlike some bigger vehicles. One interesting feature for those dealing with a hilly environment is the hill-holder feature. This is very useful on manual vehicles but it works well on an automatic as well especially if you are

DARPAN AutoREVIEW LARGE SELECTION OF NEW & USED VEHICLES

LET THE

TEAM

HIGHLIGHTS

EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS! Price: $72,990 as tested $86,665 Engine: 3L double overhead Cam V6 Power: 340Hp. @ 6500rpm Torque: 332lbs.ft. @ 3500rpm Fuel Consumption: 16.2L/100K. city & 12.1L/100K highway

towing. Speaking of towing, the LR4 will tow up to 3500lbs. (1700kg).

Our test vehicle had the optional 20in. wheels in black and with the Fuji White (bright white) body colour. At first I didn’t think I would like it, but I have to say it did grow on me. Even with those bigger wheels equipped with snow tires, getting around in bad weather was easy. To be honest it was fun tripping about in the heavy snow conditions I had during the test period.

Upon first glance seating doesn’t look that comfortable, but once sitting inside, you will find the seats are excellent. Everyone who sat in the test vehicle commented on the comfort. Our vehicle had the seven seat feature (standard on this model). Besides the two front seats, one can seat three abreast in the second row and two in the back row. For more comfort, I would just put two in the second row and children in the third row or adults for short rides only. As this is a taller vehicle, keep in mind getting in and out for those who are mobility challenged might be an issue.

Once inside, the driver will find all the controls easy to find and use. The centre console houses all the environmental controls as well as the sound system and GPS. All the controls are well marked and easy to use. One other feature of the LR4 is the good view you have when sitting in the front seat, this proves to be good in traffic and off road if you are adventurous.

As much as I liked the LR4, I had one little gripe, which was the heating. In severe cold like minus 12 to 15 degree Celsius I encountered, it took longer than usual to warm up the interior.

The excellent seat heaters really compensated for the time it took for the cabin to get comfortable.

If you don’t experience the extremes in temperature, this should not stop you from considering a LR4 HSE Luxury for your primary vehicle.

The time I spent in this SUV was a lot of fun and if I were in the market for this type of vehicle it would be on the top of my list.

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2015

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

MAZDA GS MX-5 MIATA at aBOut $30,000 DOllars FOr a nEw MX-5, tHEy arE a lOt CHEaPEr tHan Many COnvErtiBlEs On tHE MarkEt anD as Far as i aM COnCErnED, just aBOut as MuCH Fun.

T

he Mazda Miata or as it is referred to by the company “MX-5” has to be one of my all-time favourite cars. If you love to drive a great handling car this is the one to have, and it is a car I have craved for a number of years. This year’s Miata is the last in this series as we are due for a new model later this year. Over the years the MX-5 has stayed true to its roots as it is still compact, easy to get in and out of, simple mechanically and not too expensive.

The car I was given to test was the middle of the line GS model that features the retractable hard top roof. I have to admit that when the hard-top model came out I was not that impressed. But, once I got used to it and realized it really never affected the

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small trunk or space in general, I didn’t mind it. Now, for you purists, the MX-5 can still be purchased with a soft top on the base GX model.

Under the hood you will find a 4-cylinder 2L Double Overhead Cam engine which is a derivative of the original 1.6L engine introduced in 1990 in the original Miata. Coupled to this is a smooth shifting 6-speed transmission. It is this combination that makes this car so enjoyable to whip in and out of traffic and cruise winding roads. The engine pulls smoothly with its 167Hp. and with only 140lb.ft. of torque the MX-5 is no rocket off the line. By working the gears well, you can have fun and speed without taxing the engine as it is TM

made to be worked.

The front suspension is made up of double wishbones and in the rear is an independent sprung unit holding the rear drive wheels. Adding to this are front and rear sway bars for level cornering. The way the engine is placed in the middle of the car makes for very well balanced handling as well. My test car’s tires were the only disappointment as they tended to slip around corners a little more than I wanted, but this is something that is an easy fix with better gripping tires. Overall, I really loved the way the car handled in all types of roads.

True to its simple design origins, the MX-5 has a nicely laid out interior with

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

TOYOTA

HIGHLIGHTS Price as Tested: Appox $30,000

%

0.99 72FINANCING MONTHS*

Power: 167hp. @ 7000rpm Toque: 140 @ 5000rpm

FOR UPTO AND DON’T PAY FOR 90 DAYS OR REBATES UPTO $4000!*

Fuel Consumption: 9.7L/100Km. City 7.1L/100Km. Highway everything well placed, catering to the driver. All the gauges are right in front of the driver where they should be so they can be seen at a glance while driving. The shifter falls perfectly in your right hand, making shifting a treat. For those taller drivers, the second generation car has increased leg room making the car much more appealing than they were in the past. For me, seating is always very important, and the MX-5 does not disappoint. The cloth seats in our GS model were very comfortable and grip the driver well.

The early cars were well praised for their easy to use convertible roofs. These early tops could be raised with one arm and locked into position in seconds. Today’s retractable roof goes up with the touch of a button in 12 seconds, making the car weather-tight as well as more aerodynamic. When the roof is stowed in the down position, it fits under a hard tonneau cover. One thing I do have to mention from experience, a hard roof does extend your driving season as it is more resilient to nasty weather plus it has a back glass window that even has an electric defogger.

My time with the Miata or MX-5 as it is now officially called was much too short. It has been 24 years since the car has been out and I love it as much as I did the first one I drove and it is probably about time I get my car life in order and buy one myself. At about $30,000 dollars for a new MX-5, they are a lot cheaper than many convertibles on the market and as far as I am concerned, just about as much fun.

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2015

luXury MarriEs PErFOrManCE

BY BENJAMIN YONG MSRP: $95,100 (base)

HIGHLIGHTS

Motor: 3.0-litre supercharged V6

s COuPE

Horsepower: 380 @ 6,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 339 @ 3,500 to 5,000 rpm Gearbox: eight-speed QuickShift automatic Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 14.9 L/100 km (combined city/highway)

hen Jaguar first revealed the F-TYPE Convertible, jaws collectively dropped around the world, with enthusiasts and journalists alike stunned at the beauty and performance of the vehicle. It was hard to imagine that anything could top it, and then something did: the F-TYPE Coupe.

Not to take away from the ‘vert, but the lines on the hardtop, a vision of Jaguar’s Director of Design, are just too pretty not to gush over.

“Creating a sports coupe is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In the F-TYPE Coupe, I believe we’ve got it right,” said Callum in a statement. And right he was.

Much like its open-air sibling, the Coupe

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features three “heart lines,” represented by design cues like the shark gill openings flanking the front grille, the sharp fender arches and the distinctive sloping curvature of the roof. You’ll notice that there are no B-pillars present — structural integrity is maintained by a high-strength aluminum beam that runs from front to back, matching the rest of the vehicle’s all-aluminum platform.

The unique construction allows for more

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interior space than you would think a twoseater sports car could afford. Being nearly six feet tall, I was surprisingly comfortable sitting in the premium-leather-upholstered performance seats that offered just the right amount of support without giving that feeling like you’re stuck in a straight jacket.

If you’ve sat in other Jags before, you’ll be familiar with the adjustable mood lighting (I’m partial to turquoise), motorized air vents and the Meridian audio system.

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I loved the music produced by the speakers when I reviewed the roadster last year, but the Coupe I tested for whatever reason had what sounded like a loose interior panel that would rattle annoyingly each time any bass came out of the subwoofer.

On the topic of shortcomings, one thing I have to mention is the nearly complete lack of outward visibility while you’re in the driver’s seat. Reversing into a tight parkade spot with a rain-covered backup camera was scary, to say the least. I did get a better special awareness of the car after a few more days of driving it, but it definitely takes some getting used to.

One of the unfortunate side effects of owning a great-looking sports coupe, I suppose.

Now, let’s talk performance. The F-TYPE Coupe is offered in three flavours: the standard model with 340 horsepower; the S, which I drove, with 380 hp; and the R with a monstrous 550 horsepower manufactured from a V8.

The S features a supercharged V6 and will get you from zero to 100 km/h in about 3.8 seconds. My press vehicle was equipped with the ZF eight-speed QuickShift transmission with paddle shifters — not the six-speed manual option, unfortunately — but the gearbox does a great job of always selecting the right gear for the job.

You can also hear it doing said job exceptionally well when you press the little button on the centre console with a cute muffler tip illustration on it. That opens up some electronically controlled bypass valves to reduce back pressure and enhance sound quality. Translation: it gets LOUD and sounds good.

Driving dynamics can be changed by selecting various modes like normal, race and rain/snow — I stayed on the latter setting mostly due to the sub-zero conditions I experienced during the week. Working with the Dynamic Stability Control system, wheel spin and torque are controlled carefully to maximize the rear-powered wheels’ available grip. For example, even if you give slightly too much throttle while driving over a patch of ice, the car may waver a bit before quickly regaining its composure once the computer kicks in.

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FCEV

HYUNDAI TUCSON

Here are five of our favourite stand out models at the 2015 CCOTY program

By Benjamin Yong

BY Benjamin Yong

R

esidents in Surrey may soon start noticing a rash of new Hyundai Tucsons in their neighbourhood. And if you find yourself driving behind one, you might notice something different — that there aren’t any exhaust fumes, or even a traditional tailpipe, for that matter. Meet the new Hyundai Tucson Hydrogen Vehicle.

In late November, the Korean auto manufacturer announced they are going to be the first in Canada to offer a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to consumers, with the initial units arriving in the Lower Mainland in the

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in latE nOvEMBEr, tHE kOrEan autO ManuFaCturEr annOunCED tHEy arE gOing tO BE tHE First in CanaDa tO OFFEr a zErOEMissiOn HyDrOgEn FuEl CEll vEHiClE tO COnsuMErs, witH tHE initial units arriving in tHE lOwEr MainlanD in tHE COMing MOntHs.

coming months. Currently, the primary designated fuelling station in the Lower Mainland is located at Surrey’s Powertech Labs, a subsidiary of BC Hydro.

“This is not an announcement about another pilot program or some government fleet test,” said Don Romano, president and CEO of Hyundai Canada during a press conference, who held up a clear glass of water that he called “exhaust.”

“We’re going to grow a new segment in the industry by taking this first step because we’re confident in the fuel cell technology.”

Called the Tucson FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), it is based off the company’s existing compact crossover platform with the exception of the drivetrain. In fact, besides some extra badging, the re-engineered Tucson looks remarkably like its gasoline-powered sibling.

DARPAN AutoFEATURE

This is in stark contrast to Toyota’s take on the subject with their Mirai, a futuristic-looking hydrogen sedan that is already available in Japan and set to enter the United States later this year.

Romano said utilizing a familiar platform allows for leveraging economies of scale if and when demand grows, something he sees happening. The crossover runs quietly off a fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen gas into useable energy for the electric motor, producing 134 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Filling up the tank is a similar process to conventional cars and takes less than five minutes — in comparison to 30 minutes, the quickest recharge time for plug-in electric vehicles — and can drive for a distance of 426 kilometres.

Residents in Surrey may soon start noticing a rash of new Hyundai Tucsons in their neighbourhood. And if you find yourself driving behind one, you might notice something different — that there aren’t any exhaust fumes, or even a traditional tailpipe, for that matter. Meet the new Hyundai Tucson hydrogen vehicle.

Eric Denhoff, president and CEO of the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, got behind the podium to dispel some prevailing myths about the new power source.

“We’ve demonstrated that the vehicles could work here. People said ‘Hydrogen fuel cell technology won’t work, it’s not practical.’ They were wrong. They said, ‘Well, you can run demonstration fuel cells in Vancouver where it’s nice and warm, but it won’t work in the cold, it won’t work in the desert.’ They were wrong. They said ‘You’ll never have commercially available fuel cell vehicles in Canada or North America,’ and today we’re here to say: they’re wrong.”

The Tucson FCEV will be available on a threeyear lease at $599 a month, and that includes all scheduled maintenance over that period, roadside assistance as well as all fuel costs.

Interested parties can visit hyundaihydrogen.ca to sign up and find out more.

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IN PICTURES

CELEBRITYNEWS

Filmfare Style and Glamour Awards Bollywood stars made a bang with their style and glamour quotient at the Filmfare Style and Glamour Awards held in Mumbai. The gorgeous Kareena Kapoor bagged the Most Glamorous Star Award (female) and Akshay Kumar won the Most Glamorous Star Award (Male) at the event included Sonam Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

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IN PICTURES

CELEBRITYNEWS

Holi Hai Life OK Hai Life OK channel wished its viewers the best of Holi by gathering popular television stars on stage to celebrate the festival of colours. Elli Avram set the

and, television actors Rithvik Dhanjani, Shraddha Arya, Saman Johar and others performed on excitingly popular Holi numbers. But of course show stopper for the festive event was Bollywood heartthrob Arjun Kapoor.

NEWS IN PICTURES

Vancouver Opera’s Die Fledermaus for Vancouver Opera’s rollicking production of Die Fledermaus Theatre. The all-Canadian cast made audiences laugh with mistaken identities, hypnosis by pocket watch, plenty of bubbly, and of course, the delightful music of Johann Strauss Jr. Sung in German with English dialogue, Die Fledermaus was truly an effervescent, light-hearted operetta

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast - Broadway Musical hits Vancouver Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast. This elaborate theatrical production came

Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman. The production was truly a musical treat.

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EXCLUSIVE

By Kavita Shyam

In an exclusive with DARPAN, the gorgeous Jacqueline Fernandez opens up about her acting career, personal life and more…

SASSY &

SMART

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his sassy, smart and sexy Sri Lankan beauty caught everyone’s attention five years ago with her debut film Aladin. Ever since Jacqueline Fernandez, the former Sri Lankan beauty queen entered Bollywood, there has been no looking back! She has worked her way up the ladder and has taken to Bollywood like fish to water. Nine films in, lady luck has sure beckoned on this lovely lady with plenty of meaty roles in her kitty.

In an exclusive with DARPAN, the gorgeous Jacqueline Fernandez opens up about her acting career, personal life and more…

Was acting always on your mind when you were deciding a career?

It was floating around all the time in my mind but I never intended on it being in Bollywood. I knew I wanted to do something media related, even if it was acting and felt that I would be aptly suited for this industry and nothing other than this.

Were your folks skeptical when you decided on this career?

Not really, I have always been really independent and my parents never interfered.

Even if my decision did shock them, I would

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JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ

not know though if they had anything else in their mind. However they always will support me and encourage me with everything I decide to do.

How has the journey been so far?

Well, definitely it has been a fantasy whirlwind for me.

You made a move from Sri Lanka to India. Were there any regrets or has it been difficult?

Not at all, our cultures are very similar. At first, it was just difficult being away from family and friends but then I got used to it and now I am settled down enough to feel at home here.

You have always gone for different films, and have done TM

fewer films compared to your colleagues. Is this a conscious effort on your part?

Well, not really, I take what comes my way if I am really excited by it. The movies I have done so far are the ones I knew I wanted to do and I just wish there were more of those kinds coming my way! I was convinced about what I was doing in my films.

Many film actresses are also on the small screen now. Are you open to television roles as well?

Well, language may be a bit of an issue there as in movies I can learn, rehearse and practice my lines but in television everything is quite spontaneous. So it’s not something that I could be looking at the moment.

Your 2014 film, Kick , got you rave reviews from all. How do you think Kick benefitted your career?

Honestly, with Kick, my career got a re-launch in Bollywood. The success of the film got me a good deal of recognition and help. I had the great opportunity to work with Salman and Sajid Nadiadwala made an amazing film.

How was it working with your costars, many of whom have been seasoned performers?

[It was] such an amazing experience working with different actors, Saif is such a talented actor who is always ready to help, John motivates you with his focus and dedication. Deepika is down to earth and a thorough professional. Anil Kapoor is funny, sweet and an international star, and with Ameesha we had so much fun, she's so girlie! More recently, I worked with Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal who are fine and experienced actors. Ranbir speaks less on the set but in front of the camera, he is magic.

He has tremendous energy within; he does not like rehearsing and is a completely natural actor. While Arjun gets completely involved in the script. He is considered amongst the serious actors. I did some workshops with Arjun before we got cracking on Roy. And Salman has been a huge inspiration for me.

You are doing international movies as well now. Could you tell us about that?

Yes, I am doing two international movies. I had signed both the films prior to Kick. One of the films titled Definition Of Fear has been shot in Canada.

And the other film titled According To Matthew is a film about Sri Lanka. The film is in English and shot in Sri Lanka. Shooting for both the films is over and will release sometime in 2015.

Who do you think is your biggest competitor amongst your contemporaries?

I don’t think I’ve reached that level to have competitors yet, I still have a long way to go before that!

What do you like doing in your free time?

I love being a home body. I always find time to indulge in healthy cooking, baking, flower arranging, reading, writing, listening to music, and also because I travel so much, I love creating albums, it is so much fun.

What does life mean to you?

It means tons of happiness and health, family and friends.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

One thing fans don’t know about you?

I want to own a zoo one day.

Being sexy to you is...

Not realizing you're sexy...

Sexiest man alive is...

Nadal!

Your dream man should be...

Loyal, noble and old fashioned.

How would you describe your personal style?

I believe in classics. I have no patience to go shopping to a store and try things on, so I end up shopping online often. When I buy a piece of jewellery or an outfit, I see wearing it even a few years down the line, it should be in fashion.

Could you tell us about your beauty and fitness regime?

It’s a combination of a healthy diet, and a skincare and fitness routine. As for my food, I need some super foods like nuts, nut milks, quinoa, salads, green vegetables and fruits. I grew up in Bahrain which is always scorching hot, so I’d drink plenty of coconut water to keep myself hydrated and it worked wonders for my skin. I also take a lot of juices and smoothies. I also keep my skin hydrated by spritzing on rose, mineral or aloe vera water. I never forget my daily skincare ritual no matter how exhausted I am as we have so much make-up on our face every day.

With fitness, initially it was only about losing weight, but now I have a holistic approach. So I practice Hatha, Ashtanga or Iyengar yoga with cardio and strength training.

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The best way to woo you is...

With Flowers.

The one thing that puts you off in a man...

What would be your advice to youngsters who want to enter showbiz?

Bad table manners.

Don’t have unrealistic expectations out of things, work really hard, be extremely patient, always be positive and never ever lose yourself. This is the best way to approach life and this industry.

What Turns You on is...

Success.

T h e R ea l J a

cq u el in e is ..

Fragile.

Love to you is...

All that’s left.

.

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DARPAN BOX OFFICE

Piku

Release date: April 30 Directed by: Shoojit Sircar Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Jisshu Sengupta

Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone in main roles, Piku revolves around a father-daughter relationship. Deepika, who plays the title role, had been quoted as saying,"It's a huge honour for me to be working with such stalwarts on Piku. I am extremely nervous, but also very excited as Piku is the kind of cinema I believe in. Every day I walk on to the set with butterflies in my stomach! I hop I do justice to Piku and bring her alive onscreen in a way that audiences fall in love with." In a separate interview, the director of the film, Soojit Sircar discussed the casting of the film, which also includes actor Irrfan Khan. "When Juhi (Chaturvedi) [writer] and I work on a script together, some times we have certain actors in mind. While writing Vicky Donor, we knew we had to get Annu Kapoor to play Dr Baldev Chaddha and Dollyji (Ahluwalia) for Vicky's mother Dolly. In the case of Piku too, we wanted Mr Bachchan and Irrfan but casting Piku was a bit of a dilemma. [I] wondered if I'd be able to convince Deepika, a big star, to do the role. To my surprise she jumped at it."

NH10

Release date: March 10 Directed by: Navdeep Singh Starring: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam

After starring in the blockbuster film PK opposite superstar Amir Khan, actress Anushka Sharma will be seen in the upcoming thriller film NH10, which she is also co-producing. The film, which narrates the story of a couple who embarks on a road trip, will be displaying the talents of a Paris based makeup artist named Romy Angevin. Talking about NH10 and Romy, the film's director Navdeep Singh has said, "It's a new age thriller and the prosthetics helped to break

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REALTIME

BOLLYWOOD

By Saira Hayre

stereotypes. Anushka is a star but in this film we did not want to glamorize her at all. We wanted the scratches, bruises and gashes she sustains to look convincing as it’s a very real film. That's why a specialist in make-up and design was brought in. Romy's experiences on stage and European films gives the film a world cinema look."

In other news related to the film, it's been widely reported that acclaimed actor Raj Kumar Yadav was initially roped in to play the role opposite to Anushka. However, he was replaced by actor Neil Bhoopalam because Anushka did not want Rajkumar to be a part of the film, according to sources.

TM

DeTecTive ByomkesH BaksHi !

Release date: April 13

Directed by: Dibakar Banerjee Starring: Sushant S Rajput, Swastika Mukherjee, Anand Tiwari

After starting off in television, actor Sushant Singh Rajput slowly made his way into Bollywood by playing prominent roles in films like Kai Po Che and Shuddh Desi Romance. Now, after a gap of over a year, he will again be seen on the big screen, this time playing the role of a detective in the upcoming movie Detective Byomkesh Bakshi!. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film is based on a character created by author Sharadindu Banerjee. "For many, the nostalgia for Byomkesh Bakshi comes from the Doordarshan serial but my nostalgia for this character comes from reading Sharadindu's stories.

I wanted to make a movie on Byomkesh since I was 12, so it is a dream come true. I wanted it to be my fist film but I am happy that I am doing it after having the experience of 4-5 films," Dibakar has said in an interview. According to various sources, the film is set in 1940s Kolkatta. Besides Sushant, the film will also star Anand Tiwari and Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee.

mr. X

Release date: April 17 Directed by: Vikram Bhatt Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Amyra Dastur, Arunoday Singh

The majority of his recent films have not done well but this coming April, actor Emraan Hashmi will once again try his luck at the box office with his latest film Mr. X. Elaborating on the plot of the film, Emraan, has been quoted as saying that his character attains a superpower which makes him invisible. "After becoming invisible, he decides to take on all the bad guys.There is a lot of VFX and 3D and it is a completely different kind of science fiction film. I would call this as 21st century's Mr. India. It brings in a darker, edgier and naughtier kind of Mr. India to the table," Emraan has said. Starring alongside Emraan is actress Amyra Dastur. Talking about the film, Amyra has said, "It's (Mr. X) a love story, but it's not your happy, teen romance. It's darker than your usual romantic films because it's also a thriller. It's a superhero film."

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DARPAN BOX OFFICE While it’s all but assured that Avengers will clean up at the box office, the following Marvel movie faces a steeper curve. Not only Ant-Man (7/17) is a less known commodity, it also lacks the Marvel fan base support.

Considering the unceremonious dismissal of cult director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Death, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) and the hiring of a filmmaker with little comic cred (Peyton Reed, Bring It On), we may be facing the first Marvel flop. Then again, there were also doubts about Guardians of the Galaxy and we all know how that turned out.

Marvel Outliers

By Jorge Ignacio Castillio

SUPERHERO

UNIVERSES COLLIDE I

f audiences have the impression that there are too many superhero movies, they haven’t seen anything yet. Between now and 2020 at least 38 movies involving otherworldly powers and secret identities will hit the multiplex.

While some of them are related and even belong to the same publishing house, not all universes mix. Not because of plot-related reasons, but due to studios that refuse to play together.

Here is a map of the who’s who and what in the upcoming landslide of superpowerinfused crowd-pleasers.

Marvel Universe If there is someone to blame for the everexpanding number of franchises and wannabes, it would be Marvel. Savvy business-making, superb casting choices and a modicum of dumb luck have turned the publishing house cinematic cosmos into the paradigm to follow.

The most profitable subgenre is about to go on overdrive this year. Here is how to keep track of all the caped crusaders Marvel is closing the second phase of the unfolding of its universe with The Avengers: Age of Ultron (5/1). The reunion of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America et al., pits the heroes against a force of their own creation (Tony Stark’s more specifically). Ultron is an artificial intelligence entity that has come to the conclusion that the best way to save Earth is to wipe out humanity. Not only the Avengers must stop them (a task of unexpectedly titanic proportions), but also overcome tensions between them. Avengers 2 is widely expected to kick-start the Civil Wars storyline, which will anchor Captain America 3 (6/5/2016).

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In spite of the smashing success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fact that three emblematic branches of the comic giant are controlled by other studios must be massive thorn in its side. Especially considering the mess Sony is making of Spider-Man (a villain-centric romp, Sinister Six, is scheduled to open in late 2016).

Photos: eone, Mongrel Media

Celebrating 30 Years!

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Fox has done fairly well with the X-Men (although the stand-alone flicks are hit and miss), but the studio’s first incarnation of The Fantastic Four was largely forgettable. It’s no surprise a reboot is expected next August 8th. The cast is younger (Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell), the director is sharper (Josh Trank, of Chronicle fame) and the vibe is very Dark Knight.

DC Considering that DC Comics heroes are considerably more iconic than Marvel’s and have a longer history, it’s disappointing to see DC so far behind in the creation of its own universe.

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In its desperation to catch up with Marvel, DC has a dozen movies planned until 2020.

The cornerstone is expected to be Batman v.

Superman: The Dawn of Justice (3/25/16) with Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill returning as the Son of Krypton. There are already some problems with this scenario.

Cavill’s first outing received mixed reviews. The most common criticism: Director Zack Snyder took too many liberties with the mythology and turned Superman into a killer.

The approach is risky: DC has no room for failure. One flop and the entire business plan gets derailed. On the plus side, Warner Bros. and DC have the rights for all the emblematic comic book characters. If the project is a success, the universe should evolve smoothly.

DC Outlier Lego Batman (2017): The Lego Movie MVP is getting its own spinoff. No crossovers are expected… for now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JORGE IGnACIO CASTILLO

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Jorge is a journalist and film critic with over 15 years of experience in publications across North America. Castillo is also a budding filmmaker with two shorts under his belt and a feature documentary in production. Member of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle since 2013.

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INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS

GLOBAL

INDIANS

q&a wiTh TanUJ

i n T RO D U C i n G

TANUJ CHOPRA

By Shanel Khaliq

What would you consider the biggest factor behind your success today? Would you credit your time at the Columbia University School of Arts more or your own creativity?

I think having a supportive network of family and friends is the biggest factor. Part of that comes from my time at Columbia, but it's bigger than education or my innate creative abilities. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and I'm lucky to work with writers, actors, producers, and technicians who join with me to realize these visions. I've been surrounded by good people since day one and it is pretty vital in filmmaking.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

B

orn in New York and raised in California, Tanuj Chopra is out there to transfer his artistic creativity onto screens, fighting stereotypes along the way. Chopra completed his undergrad at Brown University where he studied Art Semiotics.

Right after that he began work in India and produced an Arts & Culture TV show for the channel Doordarshan. Two years later he graduated from Columbia Film School for an MFA in Film Direction.

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The brilliant ‘Punching at the Sun’ made his debut into the world of feature films and Chopra has been involved in the field ever since. He has been working on a variety of projects, under the company Chops Films. His work has been thoroughly appreciated especially by the South Asian community in North America. His film ‘Butterfly’ not only received a number of awards but was also screened in around twenty locations around the world at different festivals.

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I think I'm inspired by a mixture of other films and my own life experiences. Inspiration is fickle and mysterious. It's sometimes difficult to identify the source. I think we're constantly absorbing data and mixing it in our subconscious – we spit out those ideas later when we create.

For me, my awareness is most heightened when watching good films and when I spend time with good friends. Generally those things trigger creative thought.

You are also involved with the New Voices Youth Film Making initiative. How has this experience been, how do you see and is there any message that you would like to give to them?

I love New Voices for Youth. Any time you can impact the lives of younger people and train them in technology they've never been exposed to like cameras and editing systems it's a good thing. I teach kids to make their films – I say do it all from concept to completion. Video technology is sitting in your pocket on your cell.

I teach them not to be intimidated by barriers and to tell their stories.

industry presenting to Asianas yourself? How do you see stereotypical characters and themes that are supported by the mainstream media?

I think there's always space for people who are funny or do genre really well. Talent is talent and people who stay persistent and work at their craft can find their way into mainstream work. It's really not that hard to make alternative work that challenges mainstream portrayals of Asian Americans – you literally have to create something with more than one Asian American character in it and you've already challenged the mainstream.

That being said, I try to stay away from culturally predetermined archetypes and try to build characters in three dimensions regardless of race.

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Kelly Benson is a lifelong student of metaphysics,

astrologer. She has a rich background in reading astrological charts and doing Tarot readings. She is the daughter of wellknown astrologer Georgia Nicols. To learn more about Kelly or to book an in-depth astrological reading,

Rewarding days: March 24, 25, 26 | April 21, 22 Challenging days: March 12, 13 | April 8, 9

Visit: www.kellybenson.ca.

CanCer (June 21-July 22) If you find your thoughts turning towards career, reputation and your status now, don’t be surprised. You're being called towards a leadership role (perhaps more than one) and others are looking to you for guidance. While this might feel a little daunting Cancer, it’s time for you to shine!

Responsibilities at work might be increasing; however you're sure to be compensated for it since your earnings are increasing too. Looking to improve your role or change your job? This is the year to go for it! You're likely to be very busy this spring - events, festivities, parties, and social gatherings are all on the playbill. Big-ticket purchases or investments in real estate are highly likely in the next few months too. Get at ‘er!

MARCH-APRIL 2015

HOROSCOPE

All Signs The Sun moves from sensitive and emotional Pisces and into fiery and dynamic Aries.

March 20th marks the day that the Sun moves into Aries (the vernal equinox), as well as a solar eclipse – this will be a powerful weekend indeed! Do something that invigorates you. Get outside and breath deeply, go for a walk and take in a bit of Mother Nature. This

Rewarding days: March 1, 27, 28 | April 23, 24 Challenging days: March 14, 15 | April 10, 11, 12

is an auspicious time to meditate and consider where you want to put your precious life-giving energy. This is

leo (July 23-aug. 22)

good time for goal setting exercises, vision boarding, or

This is a wonderful time to spread your wings and take your power, Leo. Opportunities to travel or further your education are easily obtained. In particular travel to further your education or travel for work will be appealing now. Creative projects that you began last year (or at least began to think about) are taking shape now. Getting others on board with your ideas will be as easy as pie – you could sell ice cubes to Eskimos! Give some thought to your creative potential and how you can harness or channel it. This is a great year to give structure and discipline to your creative pursuits. Many Leos will also expand their family this summer be that through birth, adoption, or marriage. Enjoy!

any kind of intension setting. Simply speaking out loud about your desires for the future will help crystallize the direction you’re moving in.

ARIES (MARch 21 – ApRIl 19) Get ready Aries! The Sun moves into your sign on March 20th marking the spring equinox and punctuated with a solar eclipse. Huzzah! This is powerful year ahead for you.

You're energized and ready for new experiences. Any projects or initiatives that you have in the works are about to step into high gear. You're filled with vim and vigour and eager to sink your teeth into something. The natural leader in you will be coming out. You are looking at life from an original and idealistic point of view. All forms of creativity are blessed. It can also be a very fertile time for those who wish to conceive.

Tensions can get a bit high before and after the full moon occurring on April the 4th, demonstrate grace under pressure.

Rewarding days: March 2, 3, 29, 30 | April 25, 26, 27 Challenging days: March 16, 17 | April 13, 14

Virgo (aug. 23-Sept. 22) This spring season ushers in an excellent time of taking stock, dear Virgo. A little inventory taking will benefit you a great deal. Consider your personal wealth and how you are growing that wealth. A little revision to the old budget might be in order. You'll see some areas where you can shave back a little and some other areas you'll want to invest in more. At the same time, you'll find you’re also getting in touch with your own sense of personal power.

(Making you ready for action!) It's highly likely that throughout this year your earnings increase considerably. It might be due to the fact you're demanding more from the world around you. (Hey, you’re worth it baby! )

Rewarding days: March 20, 21 | April 17, 18 Challenging days: March 7, 8 | April 3, 4, 5, 30

TAuRuS (ApRIl 20-MAy 20) Your birthday is fast approaching Taurus, making this is a good time to reflect on the past year. Take a moment to consider the progress you've made in your work, your career at large, in your relationships with others, and also at home.

Give yourself some credit & savour your accomplishments.

When looking to the year ahead consider what you want to achieve, or what you want to invest in. The Taurus New Moon on May 18th is an excellent time to meditate on your personal year ahead. Matters to do with the wealth of a partner (business or marital), shared responsibilities, long-term investments, and family money might be on your mind. Investing in property or a family business is favoured this year.

Rewarding days: March 4, 5, 6 | April 1, 2, 28, 29 Challenging days: March 18, 19 | April 15, 16

libra (Sept. 23-oCt. 22) The Sun teams up with impulsive Uranus and sits opposite your sign this spring, Libra. Key relationships might be unpredictable or leave you guessing as you try to understand the motivation of your partner. The more you allow a relationship unfold (and try not to control it) the easier it will be. Utilize your charming, peace-loving nature and you will roll with things in style! This is an excellent time to attract interesting people and opportunities to you.

Single Librans are in for an exciting ride! This is a wonderful time for making new friends, getting outside, mixing up your routines, and having a little fun. The full Moon on April 4th will be in your sign. You might need to take some time to rest and recharge.

Rewarding days: March 22, 23 | April 19, 20 Challenging days: March 9, 10, 11 | April 6, 7

GEMInI (MAy 21-JunE 20) Relationships in all their forms are a key theme for you now, Gemini. You are growing and changing and your one-to-one relationships with others will reflect this. While some connections are likely to be tested, potentially creating some tension, it's important that you remain true to your own moral code. Nonetheless, this is an excellent time to foster good relations with everyone. New friends, neighbours, and people from groups of a common interest are catching your attention. You’re eager to share your ideas and insights making workshops and classes appealing. Invitations for weekend getaways, short trips, and out of town events will entice you. Romantic connections where there is a meeting of the minds are highly possible. You’re sure to feel mentally stimulated this spring!

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Rewarding days: March 7, 8 | April 3, 4, 5, 30 Challenging days: March 20, 21 | April 17, 18

SCorpio (oCt. 23-noV. 21) If you're thinking of beefing up your training or education in some way, Scorpio then this is the time to act! Getting a license or certificate, or even learning a new program will TM

benefit you greatly. You're taking your work very seriously and you want to deliver a quality service or product. You're currently taking the steps to ensure you can put your money where your mouth is. Openings in your career, or new job opportunities will present themselves. Travel for work is also likely now too. Many Scorpios are considering investing in their home, real estate, or anything that will promote a sense of financial security. This is an excellent time to review your options. Relationships are particularly sweet and sexy this spring. Yummy!

Rewarding days: March 9, 10, 11 | April 6, 7 Challenging days: March 22, 23 | April 19, 2

SagittariuS (Nov 22-Dec 21) Matters to do with education, intellectual growth, and your personal value system are top of mind now, Sagittarius. You can greatly benefit from any kind of training or discipline building activities now. Key relationships might also be undergoing a test at this time. Your freedom loving instincts are calling you to (perceived) greener pastures. When in truth, you might need to stick around and see things through. As you continue to respect yourself and respect others, you'll be operating to an agreeable moral code. In the long run, you are building your backbone and getting ready for a major commitment to something. Keep in mind that true wisdom is gained by experience, and often responsibility goes hand-in-hand with it.

Lucky days: March 12, 13 | April 8, 9 Challenging days: March 24, 25, 26 | April 21, 22

capricorN (Dec. 22-JaN. 19) Can you feel something shifting in your bones, Capricorn?

The winds of change are in the air. Adjustments on the home front might have your attentions this spring. Residential moves, renovations, or shifts to your family dynamic are also possible.

You might find yourself pushed to let go of something, be that an idea or a belief system, or maybe a relationship. Any attitudes or mental habits that no longer work for you are soon to be a thing of the past. It’s important that you recognize your own personal self-worth and respect yourself. You are ready to receive more, as well as to give more in your important relationships – be that at home, romantically, or even in your job.

Rewarding days: March 14, 15 | April 10, 11, 12 Challenging days: March 1, 27, 28 | April 23, 24

aquariuS (JaN. 20-Feb. 18) Recently you’ve made some major changes to your circumstances in some way, Aquarius. That could be in the form of a key relationship, your living situation, or maybe even your career. You’re likely to be feeling more secure about your social and economic standing now. (Good for you!) This spring ushers in a time of establishing yourself within a new community – be that a neighbourhood, a business community, or within a new group of friends. You're eager to meet with like-minded people who agree with your values and inspire you. Building quality connections and meaning relationships are an important theme now. Have a party or get out there and show your face and social events, others are thrilled to see you!

Rewarding days: March 16, 17 | April 13, 14 Challenging days: March 2, 3, 29, 30, 31 | April 25, 26, 27

piSceS (Feb. 19-March 20) Others might be looking to you for guidance now or expect you to be the voice of authority. While you're not one for posturing Pisces, it's important that you stand up for your beliefs. (It’s time to put your grown-up pants on!) Your career is opening up and lots of new opportunities are arising. You’re likely to get an increase in your earnings this spring too. (Not too shabby!)

Keep in mind, the less you believe in yourself the less likely you will rise to the challenge. Therefore it's imperative that you have faith in yourself, your abilities, and what you're going after and you will successfully weather through any challenges that arise.

Be sure to get the rest you need and take care of your body.

Rewarding days: March 18, 19 | April 15, 16 Challenging days: March 4, 5, 6 |April 1, 2, 28, 29

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By saira Hayre

CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

SHARE THEIR STORIES

Biggest Obstacles: Sagar: Initially, while doing labour job, it was hard to cope up with work and studies. But after completing my course, everything went smoothly. Right away, I got hired at the same place where I did my practicum.

he Meet t

RA G N I H D y Famil

Sagar Singh Dhingra is a Health Care Assistant at Peace Portal Seniors Village and Bayshore Home Support

Daljeet: Biggest obstacle has been working while taking care of my two-year-old daughter. I work the night shift and then take care of the family in the morning.

Daljeet Kaur Dhingra is working as a Customer Service Representative at Tim Hortons

Sagar: To become an licensed practical nurse

Harsimran Dhingra is two and a half years old

Hoping to secure a better future for his young family, Sagar Singh Dhingra, applied for Canadian immigration under the Skilled Worker’s category. Four months later, he obtained his visa and moved to Canada along with his wife Daljeet and daughter Harsimran in December 2012.

Upon their arrival, the family stayed with relatives for two weeks, before shifting to their own basement apartment. During this time, Sagar also secured employment as a production worker at Sunrise Kitchen Cabinets in Surrey.

About a year later, he decided to pursue his studies and enrolled in a Health Care Assistant course at PACE Canada College.

Talking about the difficulties that he faced after immigrating, Sagar, who obtained a Masters in Physiotherapy back in India, says that it was initially difficult for him to handle his studies and work simultaneously.

Despite the difficulties, he says that he managed to juggle both due to the support provided to MARCH / APRIL 2015

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Daljeet: I am planning to pursue my studies

Advice:

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him by the college where he was studying.

"Because we were also working along with studies, management helped us by giving us extra support and time, even going out of their schedule, which was a big help to us. I strongly recommend PACE Canada College to all those who want to earn while they learn," says Sagar, who secured employment immediately after completing his practicum placement at Peace Portal Seniors Village.

Sagar, who was working in Nirmal Ashram hospital as the Head of Department (Physiotherapy) in Dehradun, India, before immigrating, currently works as a Health Care Assistant at Peace Portal Seniors Village.

He is also employed with Bayshore Home Health. Daljeet, who completed her Masters in Computer Applications back in India, currently works as a Customer Service Representative at Tim Hortons. She is also planning to go back to school and pursue her studies.

Reflecting on his experiences, Sagar shares the following advice with new and future TM

Sagar: “For future immigrants, the basic advice is do not waste time thinking about whether or not to pursue your studies. Just go for it. Either do small courses or even choose a big one, but just get into something and then you will have a bright future.

Memories of Homeland: Sagar: I miss spending time with my family and childhood friends.

immigrants: "Just don't put your credentials in the bag. Use them and study ahead. You will have a better future for sure!"

“This country can give you everything, but it depends on your own thinking. You have to implement your hard work and ideas, and you will be paid according to your potential, which will make your inner self satisfied!”

Photo Coutesy: The Dhingra Family, AMASTERMEDIA

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