DARPAN Magazine - Summer 2021

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

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REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

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ow are you enjoying your summer this year? With most people getting vaccinated and certain regulations eased, life seems to be slowly getting back to normal.

The pandemic was challenging but also eye-opening. Most of us have learnt something new during the time we were indoors. We hope you continue to stay healthy and live life based on the lessons the pandemic has taught you.

On the cover is world-famous Raptors Superfan, Nav Bhatia.

Bhatia is the first-ever fan and turban-wearer inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He talks about coming to Canada as a young immigrant and living a life of hardwork and struggle. Back in the day, when Bhatia got home from work, he would watch basketball. That is when he fell in love with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. As time went on, Bhatia began attending

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basketball games in person – and just never stopped. Besides his love for basketball, the Superfan also talks about his commitment towards service and the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation. Read the Cover Story to find out more.

This issue also features some young South Asian youth who are making the community proud. Meet Fawzan Hussain, one of the 14 recipients of British Columbia’s 2020 Medal of Good Citizenship. As the youngest recipient, Fawzan was recognized for his work in using 3D Printing to create 3D Printed Assistive Devices for people with physical disabilities.

Kushal Mujral is one of 100 students across Canada to receive the Schulich Leader Scholarship to study software engineering at the University of Waterloo this fall. Lastly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s midfielder and the only South Asian female in the team, Syah Mangat, has just signed with one of the most prominent athletic and academic schools in the world, the University of Michigan. Starting this fall, Mangat will join the Michigan Wolverines, alongside a scholarship to pursue her academic studies.

We hope you enjoy this issue and continue to support us in our journey.

We would love to hear your feedback.

Leave a comment via email or on our social media. Happy reading!

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IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER’S REACTION 10 DARPAN’S 10

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SPOTLIGHT 14 Syah Mangat 18 Fawsan Hussain 22 Jag Nagra 26 Arjan Bhullar 30 Kushal Mujral

62 BUSINESS PROFILE Rada Beaute Academy: Learn From The Best

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MAY/JUNE 2021 ISSUE Great articles in this issue! Lots to read and some good information. Keep up the good work.

– Mr. K. Nair

Re: Thank you for your positive feedback Mr. Nair. DARPAN’s mission is to regularly keep our readers informed and entertained about current and lifestyle news happening around us.

– DARPAN

SPOTLIGHTS Interesting articles on some young adults in this issue. The news on University of Calgary’s first Sikh Studies program is amazing.

Also, Tavisha Kochhar and Harman Pandher are doing some good work in the community.

I love reading positive, success stories like these.

– Kriti Singh

AUTO REVIEWS LEARN YOUR MOTHER TONGUE Thank you for the article on tips to teach your mother tongue. It is so important that the young generation is connected to our roots and learning one’s native language is key in doing that. – Shilpa Sharma

to get the latest car reviews so that car-lovers are informed on what’s new in the market. Please continue to support us.

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Re: Glad you liked the auto reviews Arpan! We always aim

your thoughts. I hope the article encourages parents to teach their children their mother tongue and help them connect with their ancestral history.

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Re: Yes Shilpa, we agree with

Re: Hello Kriti, happy to read that you loved the Spotlight stories featured in the May/ June 2021 issue. Yes, the South Asian community has many role models for our next generation.

It is always an honor to feature these community heroes. – DARPAN

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DARPAN have experienced not only a rise in materials and construction costs, but a pandemic. To tie the current costs to what was costed out in 2018 is misguided and unfair. It’s like questioning why the price of gas today is not at the same price three years ago. Given the real-world factors that we have experienced, it should come as no surprise that costs have increased. Despite that, the well-paying jobs that will be generated during construction and the transportation, and environmental benefits that will be gained when completed makes the SLS well worthwhile.

The Surrey-Langley Skytrain will connect people South of the Fraser to more housing, employment, schools, and services, encouraging higherdensity and mixed-use development around SkyTrain stations.”

7 Do you feel that the timing is a preelection promise and a strategy to garner votes?

MAYOR DOUG MCCALLUM CITY OF SURREY

1 What does the extension of the Surrey-

Langley SkyTrain mean for the region?

We have been waiting a long time for the expansion of the SkyTrain in Surrey. In fact, it has been 27 years since the last new track was put down in this city.

With Surrey’s population approaching 600,000 people, the Surrey-Langley Skytrain (SLS) makes a lot of sense on several levels. This rapid transit project will connect people South of the Fraser to more housing, employment, schools, and services, encouraging higherdensity and mixed-use development around SkyTrain stations. It’s also good for the environment as every new stop built will translate into new riders and, ultimately, less cars on the road.

2 Will the $1.3 billion allocated for this

transit investment be sufficient for our growing region South of the Fraser?

PHOTO: CITY OF SURREY

$1.3 billion is the federal portion for the SLS, with the province also committing to the project. The SLS is the first step to connect Surrey and the communities South of the Fraser where growth is the fastest. I would like to commend the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the need for mass transit projects in this region and I look forward to working with them on future projects.

3 Being a long-time SkyTrain advocate, you are responsible for cancelling the proposed Surrey Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Will we see that make a comeback?

Not under my watch. SkyTrain is the rapid transit of choice of not just Surrey, but for the entire region. It makes no sense to have differing technologies cobbled

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

together and then call it a cohesive system. For the Metro region, the most efficient and the easiest way to integrate into our rapid transit system is the SkyTrain.

This has been the blueprint since Expo 86 and there is no sound reason to change course.

4 The project has a completion date of 2025; how will Surrey residents be assured that their lives will not be disrupted?

With a major transportation infrastructure project like this, there will inevitably be shifts to regular traffic patterns during construction. Every effort will be made to minimize the impact to the public during construction.

5 What is your reaction to the Surrey Board of Trade saying that the Skytrain investment from the Federal Government is good but does not serve all of Surrey’s transportation needs?

It’s easy to be an armchair quarterback and second guess everything, but the fact is there is not an infinite pot of money to dip into. The amount of money that has been committed to the SLS by the federal and provincial governments is substantial and I am very proud that we are at the stage we are now. I will always be advocating to improve our transportation network, but it’s based with the knowledge that major infrastructure projects do not get funded and materialized overnight.

6 Councillor Linda Annis tweeted that you had said that the LRT could be constructed for the same cost, however it will cost twice that amount. Why is that the case?

It has been almost three years since the Council’s decision to switch to SkyTrain and in that time we

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No. the SLS has been in the works since November 2018. A project of this magnitude takes time and it was a case of having the business case for the project completed before this step of funding could be announced.

8 The transportation plan has identified three priority corridors for rapid transit in Surrey and Langley, which include 104 Avenue, King George Boulevard, and Fraser Highway. Why has the region of South Surrey been left out?

The SLS is the first significant investment in rapid transit in this part of the region in more than 25 years. Now that this important project is off the ground, I am confident that there will be continued investment to expand rapid transit in Surrey.

TransLink’s long-range plan calls for a spur line to run SkyTrain from King George to South Surrey and White Rock.

9 The Mayor of Langley said in June that the final piece of the puzzle is to get the SkyTrain out to 203rd Street in her city - will there be dialogue between the mayors and the federal government over what extension happens in that area.

I am always in dialogue with senior levels of government, that’s how this funding was secured for the SLS. With the growing need to expand rapid transit South of the Fraser, rest assured that I won’t be ending my chats with the Prime Minister and Premier anytime soon.

What message would you like to share with the residents of Surrey?

10

The major projects that are happening from the SLS to the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge to the switch to a civic police department are proof that Surrey is being transformed at a phenomenal pace.

Many of these projects are long overdue and the Council and I are making sure they don’t stay on the drawing board any longer. There are great things happening in Surrey and it is an exciting time to live or work in this great city of ours.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

SYAH MANGAT

DRIBBLING TO SUCCESS M

By Naina Grewal

eet Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s midfielder, 18-year-old Syah Mangat, who has just signed with one of the most prominent athletic and academic schools in the world, the University of Michigan. As the only South Asian female to be playing with the Whitecaps, Mangat joined the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program in partnership with BC Soccer after previously playing with Surrey United in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League. Starting this fall, Mangat will join the Michigan Wolverines, alongside a scholarship to pursue her academic studies.

Born and raised in Surrey, the promising soccer player has been playing the sport since the young age of four. In her early teens, she played in a league known as HPL, High Performance League. When she went on to play on the provincial BC soccer team, the Whitecaps noticed her talent. After having been on trial for a year and a half, she finally made the team in Grade 10. Mangat recalls, “I was on trial for quite a while, and it did get a little hard to wait. I would ask myself if I’d ever even make the team. However, I knew I needed to push myself harder and the hard work paid off.”

“I got into a great university through sports.

Sports is just another pathway into school.

If you involve your children in activities, they grow to become better people and develop life skills. I made more friends and connections through sports.”

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Born and raised in Surrey, the promising soccer player has been playing the sport since the young age of four. In her early teens, she played in a league known as HPL, High Performance League. When she went on to play on the provincial BC soccer team, the

Photo contributed by Syah Mangat, Darpan Magazine

Whitecaps noticed her talent.

Mangat’s love for sports is not unprecedented in her family. Her father was a high-level athlete in high school and college; he always emphasized that he wanted his children to take on sports. Her mother comes from a soccer family herself. With both her brothers also playing soccer, Mangat comes from an athletic household and was raised with an active lifestyle. Growing up, she partook in swimming, basketball, field hockey, dance, and soccer. While her parents had encouraged her to play soccer to make friends and remain active, they had not imagined that she would make it so far. Her father, now an accountant and auditor, and her mother, a public health nurse, are Mangat’s biggest supporters, inspiring her to always do her best.

Mangat feels fortunate to have parents that push her towards her goals, but recognizes that other parents may sometimes be unsure about having their children pursue sports. To this, she responds,

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

“I got into a great university through sports.

Sports is just another pathway into school.

If you involve your children in activities, they grow to become better people and develop life skills. I made more friends and connections through sports.” Mangat urges parents to give their children an opportunity to discover their love and passion, explaining that children are more likely to succeed if they are internally motivated.

When she has time to herself, the soccer star winds down by spending time with her family and friends, going on hikes, and playing the piano. That said, it is a skill to manage time with her busy schedule.

Having been a student athlete for so long, she has gotten better at prioritization, always putting school first. It can be tiring to come back home to homework after a long day of school and soccer, but Mangat stays on top of her classes and assignments by utilizing tools such as planners.

the provincial and national championships in 2018.

When asked how she feels about the community response on her accomplishments, Mangat shares that it is a new experience for her, “It is different for me and I am really grateful and honored. The opportunity to share my story will inspire younger athletes and South Asian girls. Through my positive story, I can be a good role model. It’s important to have fun, but also important to give a good message.”

This summer, the new Michigan Wolverine is excited to move across the border to kickstart her university career. Her nervousness is coupled with gratitude, as Mangat feels fortunate to have welcoming faces on her new soccer team, who are waiting to take her in and show her around. When things get nerve-wrecking, she is betting on

simply being too busy and distracted to miss home – before she comes and visits during her breaks, of course. As for her academic program, she aspires to tread down the premedical path, focusing on the areas of biology, health and society, in addition to a potential minor in business.

To aspiring young athletes, Mangat’s advice is to set high goals and standards, “You will be automatically more motivated.

Since I had goals to work towards, I would not want to let myself down.

Set high expectations and remind yourself everyday to be the best you can be. It sounds cliché, but it makes a difference in changing your mindset.

Then, you don’t even need outside motivation.” Without a doubt, Syah Mangat holds utmost potential as an athlete and as an inspiration for the larger community. Her sheer dedication, persistence, and positivity are an empowering example to shoot for the net and shoot for the stars!

Mangat admits that she has had to make sacrifices when it comes to her social life. Many of her friends just go to school and do not play sports on the side, giving them more time for leisure. Regardless, Mangat has made her best friends through soccer and maintains that she simply does not know any different, making it hard for her to even see things she may have missed out on. Most of all, she has experienced significant strides of success through soccer. One of Mangat’s accomplishments include winning

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

As the youngest of 14 recipients of British Columbia’s 2020 Medal of Good Citizenship, Fawzan was recognized for his work in using 3D Printing to create 3D Printed Assistive Devices for people with physical disabilities.

By Naina Grewal

FAWSAN HUSSAIN

BC’S GOOD CITIZEN

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A

vid technology enthusiast is an understatement to describe Fawzan Hussain, one of fourteen recipients of British Columbia’s 2020 Medal of Good Citizenship.

As the youngest of fourteen recipients, Fawzan was recognized for his work in using 3D Printing to create 3D Printed Assistive Devices for people with physical disabilities. Since the start of the pandemic, Fawzan has successfully 3D Printed and delivered over 1,545 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) devices to over 30 organizations across the province.

Born and raised in Surrey, Fawzan is currently a first-year engineering student at the University of Victoria. He fell in love with engineering, given its problem-solving approach that allows the usage of different technologies to test ideas and design a solution. Growing up, Fawzan participated in many science fairs and eventually found himself interested in 3D Printing.

In 2017, Neil Squire Society’s Makers Making Change Program put out a call for help regarding their 3D Printing initiative. Fawzan became eagerly interested and began exploring how he could use his technical skills to print 3D Printed Assistive Devices for this cause.

Volunteering with the organization over the past few years, he has 3D Printed devices that help people with physical disabilities in various profound ways, from gripping a pen to opening a water bottle.

Continuing to hone his technical skills, in 2019, Fawzan participated in the MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2019 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. At this STEM exhibition, he presented his Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Communication System to other young scientists from across the globe and represented Canada in the closing ceremonies.

When the pandemic was officially declared in March 2020, Fawzan was in Grade 12, at the cusp of graduation. Fawzan recalls that it was an extremely anxious and scary time, as he had no idea what graduation or university life would look like. He accounts, “By

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Three tips that he urges his peers to keep in mind:

1

Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

2

It is okay to fail, but it is crucial to learn from your failures.

3

Youth have the power to make a positive difference.

Photos contributed by Fawsan Hussain

talking with family, I realized there was a large shortage of PPE devices such as face shields, elevator rings, and ear savers. I reached out to my teachers and principals at school, and they offered to let me

borrow the school’s 3D Printers to 3D-print PPE at home.”

With grants from the Government of Canada and TakingITGlobal, Fawzan was able to purchase 3D Printing filament.

Before he knew it, the message spread on social media, and Fawzan went on to donate devices to various hospitals, senior centers, restaurants, schools, and businesses in the community. Having received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, Fawzan feels joy

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in helping protect the community and finds himself hopeful for the future.

Of course, 3D Printing itself comes with obstacles. An evolving field, 3D Printing entails creating a design and exporting it into a program that provides instructions to a 3D Printer.

When Fawzan first started, he spent endless hours exploring different documentation and YouTube videos to enhance his craft and troubleshoot issues, such as the filament getting stuck.

However, Fawzan was always motivated to keep going, “I love seeing the different 3D Prints in action. Moreover, seeing someone open a water bottle or grip a pen for the first time makes me feel happy. It is so rewarding to know a device I made can be used by someone in need.”

Helping others is not a newfound passion of Fawzan’s.

Since childhood, he has been instilled with such values, seeing his family giving back to the community. In the future, he

hopes to become a software engineer and continue using his skills to make a difference in the community.

In terms of his choice to pursue engineering, Fawzan explains that it was a mix of passion and parents.

Throughout school, Fawzan’s parents gently pushed him towards the subject area by introducing him to different technologies, signing him up for related programs, and encouraging summer camps. Fawzan can still remember walking into these summer camps and working with various projects and people.

These activities and involvement gave rise to curiosity in Fawzan, ultimately developing in him a keen fascination for engineering.

As he pursues his studies in the COVID era, Fawzan shares, “It seems that every part of the house is turning into a classroom. My room turned into a lecture hall, and the kitchen became a physics lab.” Amidst school, continuing his extracurriculars is undoubtedly a balancing act. As things pile up, Fawzan is sure to use calendars and scheduling tools to keep himself on track while also finding time to spend with his family.

In his talk at TEDx Bear Creek Park 2021 about how youth are changing the world, the 18-yearold innovator references his efforts as a testament that youth have the technologies, communication skills, innovative ideas, creativity, inspiration, and drive to create change. Evidently, Fawzan is a role model to the rest of the community, and his work extends beyond just good citizenship. It serves as a beacon of hope, reflecting how technologies can be a catalyst for positive change, with our youth holding the torch to bridge gaps and bring together global communities.

ay. d o t n o ati u l a v e ree f a * t e C G E R P n n a M 6) 6 y 2 d 6 ( n N Ra N A M 839 ) 4 0 6 (

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

PAINTING THE CITY WITH LOVE:

JAG NAGRA

By Naina Grewal

Jag Nagra, a “Subway Sandwich ArtistTM turned “Artist” Artist,” is using her gift of art to spearhead community development initiatives and end the stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community.

Art

has a language of its own. With an unmatched power to evoke the most powerful emotions, art holds the ability to bring people together in its many forms. Following this mantra, Jag Nagra, a Subway Sandwich Artist™ turned “Artist” Artist, is using her gift of art to spearhead community development initiatives and end the stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community.

As a freelancer, she has worked with highprofile clients such as Microsoft and Tumblr.

This year, Nagra has been the powerhouse behind Vancouver Canucks’ custom icon for their Vaisakhi celebration game, in addition to being the feature artist of the 2021 Indian

Jag Nagra was the artist behind Vancouver Canucks’ custom icon for their Vaisakhi celebration game this year (Photos Jeff Vinnick, Vancouver Canucks)

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Summer Festival. She also wears the hat of Creative Director for the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective (PMRC), where she is the driving force behind the organization’s visual language; this includes art installations, illustrations, colour schemes, social media aesthetic, web design, merchandise, and collateral material.

Nagra stepped foot into the field of art after successfully attaining an Arts Diploma from what was then known as the University College of the Fraser Valley. She accounts that her parents were never the type to push their children into a specific career choice, but they would continually communicate that they were in Canada to give their children a

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better life. Nagra explains, “I don’t know if they fully understood what I was doing before. Now, with bigger jobs, it is easier to celebrate things with them. When the Canucks project happened, they told everyone that that’s my daughter.” At home, the budding artist would often observe her brother working on his graphics design course, which sparked her curiosity into the subject area as she was previously unaware of job prospects in graphic design. She considered this as an area she could be professionally interested in over time and applied to the Art Institute of Vancouver.

Here, she fell in love with the journey and her career as an artist began.

However, Nagra was not flying solo just yet. “Once I graduated, I secured a job at a marketing company. A few years into it, it felt soul-sucking. My work would go through all these rounds of approvals. It just wasn’t me,” she recalls. That said, Nagra knew she would need something to fall back on if she quit. She began to teach herself how to illustrate and the rest is history.

When it comes to her involvement with Punjabi Market, Nagra traces back to a trip she went on with her wife, back in 2015. While travelling, she noticed how people from different communities wanted the couple to try out different things. She found herself questioning exactly what draws people to certain neighborhoods and cultures to celebrate.

When she thought of what represented Vancouver, she thought of Punjabi Market, following which she drew the infamous street sign. Gulzar Nanda, the Chair of the PMRC, saw the art and reached out regarding his initiatives around revitalizing Punjabi Market. One image, drawn after a trip, kickstarted a series of fortunate events. Nagra greatly appreciates the ability to express her heritage through her art, “Since my involvement with Punjabi Market, I have felt connected to my Indian culture. My upbringing was quite western and there wasn’t much South Asian representation back then. The feeling of feeling

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Photos: Jag Nagra, Agata Matyszczuk, Brian Dennehy, Navi Rai

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT for the graphic designer and eventually helped her come out to her own family. Her family, though they may have struggled internally, were supportive.

Her family now accepts Nagra’s wife as their own daughter and share a strong bond with Nagra’s

represented matters. For the first time, as of the last few years, I’m starting to feel proud of who I am.

That is powerful.”

Nagra’s individual journey doesn’t just concern her art.

She is heavily involved with LGBTQ+ activism in the Lower Mainland, bringing in her personal experiences to raise awareness in the community. Nagra remembers feeling shocked when she first came across Sher Vancouver, a non-profit society for LGBTQ+ South Asians.

For the first time, she felt she could connect to people, especially after seeing others who looked like her.

This opened a whole new world

Jag Nagra is the feature artist of the 2021 Indian Summer Festival

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children as well.

Mother to a three-year-old daughter and a nine-month-old son, Nagra is constantly learning what kind of parent she needs to be. Recollecting her childhood, the mother of two points out, “Our parents were always working and hardly saw us. In many ways, they did not necessarily know the psychology behind parenting.

It is more than just providing. I want to raise my children with confidence, and I want them to feel protected.”

Nagra admits that the reason she does not take on certain jobs is because she wants to prioritize spending time with the family.

For the multi-talented artist, seeing her daughter yell with happiness when Nagra appears on TV is very fulfilling. Aside from her children, Nagra lightheartedly shares that her wife is always fast to critique, “If she is silent for two seconds, I know she is thinking about it. She will just say something and nonchalantly walk away. However, having a different perspective really helps.”

Reflecting on her career path thus far, Nagra acknowledges that artists do not always land the dream client right off the bat. Ever since she ventured

into graphic designing in 2006, she has always worked on personal projects. Fortunately, every single personal project has later turned into paid work after a few years.

“I once designed an imaginary hot sauce line, did a photoshoot, and put them on my portfolio. Because of that, I have been working with a client in the States. He owns High Noon Spice and I’ve developed four lines of hot sauces for them,” she says. Similarly, Nagra’s personal project of drawing cultural places across the nation is now associated with Punjabi Market, due to which her name is becoming more recognized in the community.

Nagra is thankful for the way her career has taken off over the past couple of years as she has been building more connections. For the future, she plans to continue doing art in the public realm. Her current works include the PMRC installation, “Marigolds in the Market”, containing over 200 marigold garlands adorning a tree to celebrate the vibrant history of the diverse Sunset neighbourhood.

Additionally, through a collaboration with Indian Summer Arts Society, Nagra has designed two banners currently installed in Punjabi Market. Nagra’s three public art pieces on display at “Canvas Corridor” in Eihu Lane, presented by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association in collaboration with the Robson Street Business Association, are another one of her projects.

Nagra’s impact as an artist has given her a new way of expressing herself. She hopes to keep honing her skills and enhancing her craft, with the next pit-stop being murals.

With her vibrant personality and passion, Jag Nagra’s art undoubtedly extends beyond the paintbrush. As a hardworking artist, fearless activist, loving wife, and doting mother, she is truly a role-model changemaker and community gem.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

to be gifts for his professional career, but Bhullar also felt the pressure to live up to the expectations that came with being his father’s son. Nevertheless, Bhullar’s father has always been a beacon of guidance in his life. His mother was no less of a positive encouragement, always striking the perfect balance; she would support her husband in his role of a father and teacher, and Bhullar in his place as a son and student.

Growing up, the family was always a part of Bhullar’s trainings, competitions and tournaments.

In fact, the reigning world champion describes the Olympic dream as a family dream, “I got a scholarship to attend Simon Fraser University in the area of political science. I completed my studies and went into a full-time wrestling, with my parents being very supportive of my career trajectory.”

The professional wrestler encourages South Asian parents to let their children pursue careers that the children dream of, rather than getting tied to what the parents professionally want for their children. He maintains that many parents come to this country to let their children chase their

By Naina Grewal dreams, which is more reason to let their children do so. That said, according to Bhullar, sports and academics are both important, as unexpected events such as injuries can lead to the need for an alternate plan. For the wrestling wiz, sports have been a source of humility, confidence and purpose.

Despite the many triumphs, however, the journey to the top has not been an easy one.

Bhullar reveals being stereotyped that he would be babied and soft, facing obstacles to get opportunities. Moreover, when his parents moved to Canada, they underwent many hardships, with racism being one of the struggles. While racism at ixed Martial Arts (MMA) World various successes, in 2017, Bhullar signed that time was more open, the Richmond-born-andChampion is Indian-Canadian, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship raised wrestler explains that it still exists, “Racism Arjan Singh Bhullar. The fighter (UFC), becoming the first Indian-Canadian impacts the entire community. In our generation, secured the MMA world title in May of this person to reach the milestone. The competitor racism is more systematic and settled. We see year, excelling in the ONE Heavyweight World has represented Canada on various platforms Caucasian people in more positions of power and Championship at ONE Championship: Dangal including the 2007 Pan American Games, the in charge of the decision making. I definitely had in Singapore. He made history after beating 2010 Commonwealth Games, and the 2012 to prove myself more than others, but I can say that former champion and long-time professional Summer Olympics. In terms of his involvement I’m more successful, too.” competitor, Brandon Vera. Bhullar describes with the Olympic games, Bhullar was the first Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight as having gone exactly as planned, Canadian of South Asian descent to qualify for Bhullar further admits it has been an unexpected crediting his training to be the backbone of his freestyle wrestling, becoming a five-time member setback from a mental, physical and spiritual success, “I had a goal and a path to get there. of the national team. standpoint. He had never planned to go more The pandemic threw it off slightly, but things The fearless fighter’s interest in wrestling than a year without competitions. “When you’re still went as we planned. This was an important formed from a very young age, with his father, not competing, you’re not earning. Beyond that, I one and I’m truly grateful for the results.”

Avtar Singh Bhullar, being a top tier wrestler was tested positive for COVID-19 and sustained Aside from his latest, career-defining victory, as well. The 35-year-old details that he even injuries, amidst the most challenging and most the wrestler has also won the Battlefield Fight has videos of himself still being in diapers and important training camp in my entire career,” League (BFL) Heavyweight Championship, already watching his father train at the gym.

Bhullar accounts. That said, the resilient sportsman defending the title twice. Following other The lessons that his father gave him turned out took this opportunity to build confidence rather

ARJAN SINGH BHULLAR

Photos contributed by Arjan Bhullar, DARPAN Magazine

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than being a victim. He was focused on getting through and making it to the fight of his career, with nothing stopping him on the way to doing what he loves once normal life resumed.

Evidently, his efforts have borne fruit.

To foster this love of wrestling in others, Bhullar also runs his family’s training center, Bhullar Wrestling Club, a Richmond-based High Performance program. The program aims to develop elite athletes who are champions of character both on and off the mat. The former Olympian expresses gratitude to his father for helping establish the non-profit organization, which provides free coaching to dozens of children from the community.

With a positive driving force as strong as the one Bhullar has, the world champion says he holds no regrets in life, feeling blessed for everything he has. Even when there is a fork in the road, he trusts himself to make the right decision and just get through it. He credits his family for being his biggest motivation and thanks his wife for being a pillar of support, “I cannot do anything without her. She takes great care of our kids and when I need to, I feel like I can mentally focus on being a full-time athlete. I love spending time with my family and miss my kids when I go out of town.”

Bhullar recalls that his purpose, before he had a family, was solely himself and serving his ego. Now, the loving father aspires to leave behind a legacy for his children. Despite having been tweeted congratulatory regards by the Prime Minister himself, Bhullar claims that his kids are his biggest fans. As a role model, he encourages them to lead an active, healthy lifestyle and is set on being supportive of whatever they choose to pursue – be it wrestling or another career path.

When it comes to Bhullar’s career, his next pitstop is professional wrestling, for which he is very excited. Having dreamt of pro wrestling since childhood, this has been a lifelong plan of his. Undoubtedly, there are simply no limits for where the fiery fighter’s passion can take him. With a brave heart and strength as sturdy as iron, Bhullar is on track to claim his name on many more professional firsts yet to come! As he himself proudly puts, “We are only scratching the surface of what’s coming. They don’t even know…”

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Kushal Mujral has made the community proud as one of 100 students across Canada to receive the Schulich Leader Scholarship to study software engineering att he University of Waterloo this fall.

He has been part of the Robotics Club at his school, Burnsview Secondary of North Delta, since Grade 9. In Grade 10, he began competing in and winning local competitions across Lower Mainland schools. This year, competitions went virtual, thus becoming international. As such, Mujral successfully competed in the 2021 Midwest VEX Robotics Remote World Championships and his team won the competition. In the VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, teams of students

By Naina Grewal

KUSHAL MUJRAL

SIX FIGURE SCHOLAR Photos: Contributed by Kushal Mujral, Darpan Magazine

S

chulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) scholarships, awarded in the amounts of $80,000 and $100,000 to entrepreneurial-minded students graduating high school.

This year, Kushal Mujral has made the community proud as one of 100 students across Canada to receive this award to study software engineering at the University of Waterloo this fall.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Mujral moved to Surrey, British Columbia, as a child. Fast forward to his high school days, Mujral recalls always having a strong

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hold in academics.

Starting in Grade 9, he discovered that he has a keen interest in mathematics, especially appreciating the step-by-step approach of the subject. Consistently scoring in the high 90s in his math classes, it was only natural for Mujral to step foot into the primarily math-based world of software engineering for his university career.

Throughout his high school journey, Mujral has involved himself in more than just classes.

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are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge.

“Every year, there is a new game and we are given new rules.

3D Tic-tac-toe was the game for this year. We are given materials such as wheels and metal pieces.

Then, we make a robot that can compete in those games autonomously and with joystick inputs,” explains Mujral. This competition was a prominent part of the Robotics Club at Mujral’s school and students would sometimes be in the building til late night preparing for the competition. When stuck, Mujral and his peers would take inputs from others, including other teams and online resources. Aside from winning the competition this year, Mujral’s team also excelled in the previous year, sweeping two awards: Judges’ Award, for the judges’ favorite allround team, and Inspire Award, for having a unique robot.

While robotics would become a heavy part of his schedule closer to competitions, Mujral would often have other community commitments as a high school student.

His volunteering initiatives include his involvement with blood donation organization, One Blood For Life Foundation, and Hearts of BC, a network centered around public health initiatives. He has also volunteered his time with the Museum of Surrey and the City of Surrey, volunteering for events such as the Fusion Festival and the Children’s Festival. The Youth Rising Foundation, focused on humanitarian issues and fundraising, is

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT another involvement of Mujral’s; this year, the team is branching into environmental causes and litter clean-up.

When he is not studying or bettering the community, you can find the 18-year-old filming YouTube videos for his new channel, Kushal’s Coding Tutorials. Through his videos, the budding YouTuber shares information on the basics of programming language, Scratch.

When asked about the process leading up to the Schulich Leader Scholarship, Mujral recalls quite a bit of essay writing. The first round entailed an intraschool submission, in which students are asked why they deserved to be nominated by the school, Burnsview Secondary of North Delta. After being chosen from his school, the next step was for the avid mathematician to write a long essay detailing his qualifications on why he should be chosen and where he sees himself in the next ten years. When he heard back from the University of Waterloo while in a car with his father and brother, he was initially under the impression that he had merely received a thank-you email. When he discovered he had been chosen, the overjoyed scholarship recipient was surprised, though he says he is not one to vocalize his excitement. He shared the news immediately with his father and brother, following which they called home to tell his mother the happy news.

The soon-to-be-Ontarian’s parents are filled with pride on their son’s accomplishments. Mujral shares, “My parents are very encouraging and push me to do my best. Whenever there is an opportunity, they motivate me to be proactive and are always there for moral support. They are going to miss me when I move to Toronto, but their support is unwavering. I plan to keep in touch with phone calls everyday.” When he moves, the engineering enthusiast will be joined by his 16-year-old younger brother, who has skipped a grade and will be studying in the same academic program as his sibling.

Mujral’s advice to those striving for academic success is simple, “Have focus with whatever you want to do. Stick to it and do not waver off, especially when it comes to STEM. Try everything out and choose whatever you like.” With a clear focus and positive mindset, the scholar is ready to welcome the new life that awaits him on the East Coast. The Schulich Leader Scholarship is unquestionably just one of many milestones as Mujral embarks on a path filled with exciting new challenges and accomplishments.

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COVER STORY 32

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A A JOURNEY JOURNEY FROM FROM FANDOM FANDOM TO TO STARDOM STARDOM

NAV BHATIA BHATIA RAPTORS SUPERFAN

Hardworking Bhatia remembers having no hobbies as he tirelessly worked morning to night. When he got home from work, he would watch basketball. That is when he fell in love with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The then-budding basketball fan describes, “It was a beautiful game. Before I arrived in Canada, like any Indian, I grew up on cricket, but basketball became my favorite.”

BY NAINA GREWAL

When Bhatia touched down in Canada, he initially went through hundreds of job interviews. “Nobody wanted to hire a person with a turban and beard at that time in the early 80s. I finally ended up with a job as a car salesman. I remember my first days. I was picked on quite a bit and called many names, but I never claimed discrimination. I realized then that I had to work harder than the rest to survive,” recalls Bhatia. The resilient salesman went on to sell 127 cars in three months, a record still standing strong. Not too long thereafter, he was promoted to become a manager and eventually landed the opportunity to become a partner.

I

n 1984, amidst the antiSikh riots in India, a mechanical engineer moved to Canada in search for a better life. Unable to land a job in his field, he began working as a car salesman, breaking many sales records. Two years later, the salesman turned businessman and bought out the car dealership. Fast forward to date, the world knows him as the Raptors Superfan, Nav Bhatia – the first ever fan and turban-wearer inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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COVER STORY As of the team’s inception in 1995, the Superfan has never missed a single Raptors home game.

For him, it was never a thought-out decision that he made. The Raptors games were an escape from the craziness of business and car dealerships.

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For Bhatia, his appearance made his situation tougher.

His understanding is that most people are simply afraid of what they do not understand. As a visible Sikh, he was heavily discriminated. However, like most immigrants, he hoped for that one opportunity to work hard and honestly and build a life. For the new immigrant, Hyundai gave that opportunity; Bhatia now owns

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multiple top-selling Hyundai dealerships in Canada.

Undoubtedly, climbing to the top was no small feat. Sheer dedication and commitment translate to long working hours and little leisure. Hardworking Bhatia remembers having no hobbies as he tirelessly worked morning to night. When he got home from work, he would watch basketball. That is when he fell in love with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The then-budding basketball fan describes, “It was a beautiful game. Before I arrived in Canada, like any Indian, I grew up on cricket, but basketball became my favorite.”

As time went on, Bhatia began attending basketball games in person – and just never stopped. In fact, as of the team’s inception in 1995, the Superfan has never missed a single Raptors home game. For him, it was never a thought-out decision that he

For Bhatia, his appearance made his situation tougher. His understanding is that most people are simply afraid of what they do not understand.

As a visible Sikh, he was heavily discriminated.

However, like most immigrants, he hoped for that one opportunity to work hard and honestly and build a life. For the new immigrant, Hyundai gave that opportunity; Bhatia now owns multiple top-selling Hyundai dealerships in Canada.

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COVER STORY

made. The Raptors games were an escape from the craziness of business and car dealerships.

Game day was always carved out into his schedule. Next thing he knew, 25 years later, he had not missed a single home game, never been late, and never left early. Bhatia accounts, “I was close to missing a game one time due to traffic and I drove on the shoulder. A police officer pulled me over, recognized me, and escorted me to the

game so that I wouldn’t be late.” Bhatia has gone to the extent of postponing a kidney surgery so that he would not have to miss a game.

In 2019, like many Canadians, Bhatia was overjoyed when the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors to win the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship – the Raptors’ first NBA championship ever. In the NBA, the winning team’s members,

I was close to missing a game one time due to traffic and I drove on the shoulder. A police officer pulled me over, recognized me, and escorted me to the game so that I wouldn’t be late.” Bhatia has gone to the extent of postponing a kidney surgery so that he would not have to miss a game.

PhotoS CONTRIBUTDED BY NAV BHATIA TEAM

coaches, and executive office are awarded the NBA championship ring. The Raptors Superfan, in 2019, made history by becoming the first-ever fan to receive an official NBA championship ring. As a fan, Bhatia had always dreamed of his team

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winning the championship, but never did he ever expect to receive the ring, adorned with 640 diamonds. It is an unforgettable moment that he cherishes as the highlight of his involvement with the Raptors.

The sporty businessman’s relationship with basketball is not limited to just fandom. As he usually puts it, basketball is more than just a game for him, and he wants to pass on the feeling. Over the years, Bhatia has purchased thousands of tickets for children to attend the games.

In 2018, Bhatia founded the Superfan Foundation, which brings together diverse groups of people together, in Canada and around the world, through sport. The Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation is committed to building and resurfacing basketball courts across Canada. These courts are planned to be available free of charge and open to all kids across all neighborhoods, alongside various camps, and programming. The intention

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Bhatia contrasts his life now to his earlier days, “There was a time when everyone picked on me and called me names. Now, because of the work I do with the Raptors, people understand what a Sikh is and they line up for pictures.

It has been an incredible journey.”

It has given him the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and has helped change the perception of Sikhs and South Asians.

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is to encourage children to partake in sports activities, rather than treading down the path of gang violence and other negative forces.

The Foundation also works towards building girls’ washrooms in Northern India’s schools, having already made their mark at over 20 schools. “My goal in life now is to help as many people as I can and especially reach out to our youth. The Foundation has one mandate and that is to unite people through the game of basketball,”shares the man behind it all.

Aside from his community work in India, Bhatia is also the face of the

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NBA in India and shares that the response so far has been very good. Ultimately, there is a long way to go still, and much work has to be put in as basketball grows in the country. That said, there are a lot of fans across India and there are now more kids playing basketball than ever before.

Bhatia believes, without a doubt, that

someone from India will someday be drafted into the NBA and that is when the country will really stand up and take notice.

For Bhatia’s promotion of game and global philanthropic efforts, this year, he was forever memorialized through his induction into the Hall of Fame.

He was the first fan to ever be given the honor and his turban, displayed in his gallery, is the first turban in the Hall of Fame.

During the unveiling, the moment his eyes fell upon his display for the first time in the newly built James Goldstein Superfan Gallery, the inductee teared up. Bhatia expressed to his social media followers, “I made a promise, as a kid, to my mom that I would never remove my turban. Today, it is in the Hall of Fame.

Embrace what makes you different. It is your superpower. This is the crown I wear each day.”

COVER STORY

My wife, Arvinder Bhatia, and my daughter, Tia Bhatia, are very supportive of all my time away with the Raptors and as the Superfan, because they see the good that it is doing. They see the impact it is having on girls in India and on bringing people together through this beautiful game.”

Bhatia had never imagined that there was even a chance to be in the Hall of Fame and considers the accomplishment a blessing. When he was informed of this achievement by his manager, Bhatia thought it was a joke. Overwhelmed by the response from all over the world, the Raptors Superfan says that this is a moment of pride for every fan of any league and especially South Asians.

Bhatia has even received a congratulatory phone call from Bollywood superstar, Salman Khan. In his acceptance speech upon being inducted, he emphasized that basketball changed his life and gave an immigrant like him the chance to belong.

Evidently, being a Raptors fan has had a lasting impact on Bhatia. It has given him the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and has helped change the perception of Sikhs and South Asians. Bhatia contrasts his life now to

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COVER STORY

The Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation is committed to building and resurfacing basketball courts across Canada. These courts are planned to be available free of charge and open to all kids across all neighborhoods, alongside various camps, and programming. The intention is to encourage children to partake in sports activities, rather than treading down the path of gang violence and other negative forces.

his earlier days, “There was a time when everyone picked on me and called me names.

Now, because of the work I do with the Raptors, people understand what a Sikh is and

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they line up for pictures. It has been an incredible journey.”

Unsurprisingly, wearing so many hats at the same time, life can get hectic for Bhatia. Drowned in his crazy

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schedule, he credits his family for their undying support and understanding, “My wife, Arvinder Bhatia, and my daughter, Tia Bhatia, are very supportive of all my time away with the Raptors and as the Superfan, because they see the good that it is doing. They see the impact it is having on girls in India and on bringing people together through this beautiful game.”

Even during the pandemic, Bhatia was a busy bee. He saw a great need in the community with frontline workers working tirelessly. He realized that they must be supported in any possible way, so he began delivering meals to hospitals, shelters, food banks, and longterm homes for the elderly.

Within the first six months, Bhatia was able to donate approximately 25,000 meals.

Til date, no matter what he does – business, philanthropy, or community work – he still maintains that his only stress buster is his Raptors games.

His passion shines through in both work and play. Surely,

the man is a role-model to the larger community, and, in particular, to the many immigrants trying to make it big in a new country. To those that look up to him, Bhatia’s advice is quite effortless, “If I look back on my path, I realize there were three philosophies that helped me grow and become successful: Work hard, work honestly, and treat everyone how you want to be treated yourself.” Having followed this mantra, the inspiring businessman reveals that he holds no regrets in his life.

A living testament to the power of Canada’s multicultural fabric, the Raptors Superfan now has a fan base of his own and continues to win the hearts of many. In his various media appearances, he passionately tells others that what one wears on the outside does not matter; all that counts is what is on the inside. With the motivation to inspire people to go out of their comfort zone and reach out to their neighbors, Bhatia has just one message for all, “Embracing diversity and each other will make a beautiful society.”

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

All experiences in life- teach us something - alter us somehow. Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- have in some way changed who I am, and all my characters have taught me a lot on a subconscious level. have in some way changed who I am, and all my characters have taught me a lot on a subconscious level. More importantly, I think I go through creative evolution.

FARHAN AKHTAR MAN OF THE MOMENT

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more than hate. Life, just like boxing, is brutal yet so beautiful. It is just different layers all coming together.

Q:

Do you think movies should have an impact on society?

A:

BY MRINALINI SUNDAR

From acting, singing, directing, writing to producing, Farhan has done it all and is

F

a master craftsman.

arhan Akhtar is the man of the moment. The actor has proved time and again that he can bring any character to life with love and finesse. From acting, singing, directing, writing to producing, Farhan has done it all and is a master craftsman.

The actor is also a transformational expert. Well, we mean he can ace rigorous physical training and can transform to portray a sportsman. He already proved his experience when he played sprinter Milkha Singh in director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). The duo has reunited once again for Toofan, in which Farhan Akhtar plays pugilist Aziz Ali. Written by Anjum Rajabali and Vijay Maurya, Toofan is based on a story idea by Farhan Akhtar. The cast also includes Mrunal Thakur and Paresh Rawal.

I do feel that cinema should in some way reflect the times we live in. But what ends up happening is that the movie reflects your experience of it. It will represent your hopes, what you want society to be, what the future should be like. So everything becomes very subjective. Every single movie that I worked on - shows what I took in through my life. We as filmmakers try to shine a mirror on something infuse hope, write stories, or work on music, act, and I’m grateful that people believed in me. If I made movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara or Dil Dhadakne Do, which talked about living life to your fullest, I experienced it in my life and channelized it through my work. We make things that start trends, but where did we get the inspiration for that? It was life. It is a strange kind of synthesis.

We speak to the star of the show, Farhan Akhtar, about the movie, his physical transformation, and his movie choices.

Q:

Did the role change the way you look

at life?

A:

No matter how prepared you are in life - be it with your education, you might have had a great start to your career because of the family you come from - I feel eventually life will test your character. It will see if you ared good, resilient, if you want something more than the others, etc. The movie is a lot about all of this. Boxing is vis-a-vis life. We must take away from this - forgiveness, acceptance, and regardless of difference - love is

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE The actor is also a transformational expert. Well, we mean he can ace rigorous physical training and can transform to portray a sportsman.

He already proved his experience when he played sprinter Milkha Singh in director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). The duo has reunited once again forToofan.

I think this was one of the most complex transformations I had to do. I have never been beyond 74 kgs, and for this role, I had to be 85.

It took everything to get there. I realized after a point; the needle was getting stuck. It was not the body but the mind that was refusing to get there. It took some working through to get there. ”

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Q:

Was it challenging for you to prepare for the role of a sportsman?

A:

It isn’t easy, but the story is so inspirational that whatever roadblock comes up, we can overcome it. If you want it from your heart, you don’t think of how many hours the shoot will be or how far I have to go for a scene.

When the sportsmen and athletics watch the movie, they need to know that the movie was made well. Our movie is representing a community, and so when they watch it - they should believe it.

Q:

In all these years that you have been in the movie business, you have taken some established and complex issues and converted them into magical stories. Tell us a little about your process?

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A:

These things happen magically. One person never makes a film - all the films were magical because of the team behind them. When we hear something or read something - a particular explosion happens inside - and a voice tells us, ‘you better do this, or you will regret it.’ Then, you have to say yes. If that feeling doesn’t happen, you better say no.

The magic is because of all these things falling together.

Q:

Tell us a little about your transformation into your charachter in Toofan?

A:

I didn’t know how to box before the film. I have liked boxing for a long time. Right from the Mike Tyson years, I have enjoyed watching the sport. And when we talk about boxing, it is impossible not to mention Mohammed Ali’s name.

After signing up for the movie, I did

a lot of research, learnt a lot about the sport. From George Foreman, Triple G, Anthony Joshua, Gypsy King, I learned a lot about the sport. But there’s a massive difference between appreciating a sport to doing it.

Q:

Every character you have portrayed is extraordinary. How do you go about choosing your characters?

A:

I think all the characters I play are ordinary. For example, Ajju in Toofan is a very average guy who goes on to do extraordinary things. The Chowdary family in The Sky Is Pink are all regular people who go to any extent to save their daughter. I think I play typical roles, but with incredible stories, my characters turned phenomenal.

Q:

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I think this was one of the most complex transformations I had to do. My body is not used to that weight. I have never been beyond 74 kgs, and for this role, I had to be 85. It took everything to get there. I realized after a point; the needle was getting stuck. It was not the body but the mind that was refusing to get there. It took some working through to get there.

PhotoS: COURTESY OF FARHAN AKHTAR/TWITTER

BUY

Tell us about your body transformation story.

A:

Q:

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Spice up your ev eryday L i f e!

How have your characters changed you in real life?

A:

Eight months of Toofan has changed me a lot - as a person and an actor. All experiences in life- teach us something - alter us somehow. Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- have in some way changed who I am, and all my characters have taught me a lot on a subconscious level. More importantly, I think I go through creative evolution.

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The award-winning beauty expert, who has been doing hair and makeup for the past 24 years, always wanted to teach and deliver hair and makeup education to students interested in a beauty career.

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DARPAN FEATURE of understanding, many families only discover the specifics of autism once a child in their family is diagnosed. Such is the story of Kuljit Bains, newest addition to AutismBC’s Board of Directors.

Committed to empowering, supporting, and connecting the autism community in the province, AutismBC is a nonprofit that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community. The vision is to create stronger, more diverse communities. Bains’ involvement with AutismBC started from home.

stigmatized in the public sphere, the lack of knowledge ends up becoming an obstacle for those with autism and their families.

Moreover, besides the lack of information, there also prevails misinformation about autism.

AutismBC’s Executive Director, Julia Boyle, explains, “There are some terrible myths about autism.

For example, one myth is that people with autism lack empathy.

This is 100% untrue. People with autism experience deep feelings of empathy; they just express it in

ADVOCATING FOR

AUTISM AWARENES S Committed to empowering, supporting, and connecting the autism community in the province, AutismBC is a nonprofit that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community.

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By Naina Grewal

1

in 40 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia, making it a pressing issue in our communities. Best described as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, autism materializes differently for each person, with persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Despite the relatively common presence of the disorder, there is a concerning lack of awareness surrounding it. Due to the lack

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A finance professional and leader at Farm Credit Canada, Bains is a loving wife and doting mother of two sons.

Her younger son was diagnosed with autism in his toddler years.

Upon his diagnosis, she signed up with AutismBC, not knowing much about the disorder. Being touched personally, Bains received utmost support and strength from her nears and dears. She articulates, “Especially in the South Asian Community, I noticed a lack of awareness and thankfully things are getting better.” Since the topic of autism may be taboo or

Kuljit Bains

Board Member, AutismBC

Especially in the South Asian Community, I noticed a lack of awareness and thankfully things are getting better.” Since the topic of autism may be taboo or stigmatized in the public sphere, the lack of knowledge ends up becoming an obstacle for those with autism and their families.

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Julia Boyle

Executive Director, AutismBC

There are some terrible myths about autism.

For example, one myth is that people with autism lack empathy. This is 100% untrue. People with autism experience deep feelings of empathy; they just express it in different ways.”

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different ways.” She highlights that autistic people generally express themselves in ways that are different from neurotypical people, but it does not make their feelings any less real. Given that autistic individuals spend most of their day fitting into the world, the broader community should be more accepting and inclusive.

The acceptance and inclusivity should not just be limited to home, but out of the house as well. When it comes to school, autism can be a learning experience for everyone involved, as autistic students may have different academic milestones. As per the Ministry of Education, there are schools in Canada that have full-time support staff available to aid autistic students’ learning through modifications, adaptations, remediation, and accommodations. It is also important that teachers effectively teach all students how their friends with autism may best be communicated with and if there is anything that they do not like. The success of the child weighs big on having the right teacher and a supportive school team.

Be it at school or at home, Bains acknowledges that it can be a new experience for someone to meet a child with autism. She maintains that it helps to be equipped with the right information by asking questions. When around someone with autism, it is important to be patient, treat them like you want to be treated, stay

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positive, and give them space, respect, and affection. Boyle adds, “An important thing to remember is that if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.

Everyone on the autism spectrum is unique, just like everyone in the world is unique.

Try to remain open to learning and asking questions instead of making assumptions.”

For Bains, the biggest learning through her personal journey has been that it is okay to say no to anything that does not work for her child or family. It can be extremely challenging for parents to navigate through the new social and personal challenges that arise when a child is diagnosed with autism, more so in a world where autism is still not discussed without stigma. Amidst the new dynamics and multiple time commitments, parents must cope with many pressures.

Although Bains has been lucky to have an understanding support system around her, including her employer and family, others may not be so fortunate. “When caring for a child on the autism spectrum, many parents’ work lives are impacted, with one parent sometimes having to quit their job,” shares the informed board member. In fact, research shows that mothers with autistic children earn significantly less as compared to mothers with children who have no health limitations.

Relatively more planning and organization undoubtedly go into ensuring high standards at work, while ensuring parents are around for appointments and school pick-ups and drop-offs.

Aside from the time management, there is also financial pressure. Government funding does help families pay for services that promote skill development for their child – communication, social-emotional, academic

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Photos cortesy of Kuljit Bains, AutismBC

DARPAN FEATURE and life skills. However, very specific services and therapies qualify for funding; only partial treatment is covered. Most costs must be handled out of pocket.

Recently, to enable more families to access resources and support, Bains and her younger son competed in the Scotiabank Marathon. The mother-son duo partook in the Scotiabank Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge and accomplished the feat of becoming the marathon’s biggest fundraisers!

With such an involved team and supportive family, it is of no surprise that the child is flourishing as a happy, social, and energetic boy. Behind the scenes is also Bains’ and her family’s undying encouragement.

With her decision to join the Board of Directors at AutismBC, Bains aims to use her experiences to help other parents who are going through something similar.

Additionally, she hopes to utilize her educational and work experience to help AutismBC in their activities and build awareness. Bains reports that other South Asian moms are especially happy to see diversity representation on the Board, as she is the first South Asian person to sit on the Board.

The passionate advocate sees this rewarding opportunity as a pathway to create awareness and champions AutismBC as a great resource for parents who are new to autism or those looking for support. Boyler elaborates by shining light on the importance of support groups for guidance, “Having a network of other parents that have been where you are will be very helpful as your journey progresses. The beginning is the most challenging part of the journey, but it will get easier. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so take it day by day and celebrate every step.”

Evidently, Bains is doing exactly that as she expresses just how proud she is of her son and his success, owed to an amazing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) team, encouraging family support, and an inclusive school support team. Bains’ service to the AutismBC Board of Directors only adds to the powerhouse she is, as she continues to serve for a cause that is close to home and close to her heart.

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Leaving a Youth Raising Funds for Senior Care Facility

By Naina Grewal

With the goal of giving back to seniors and the community, students of Surrey’s L.A. Matheson Secondary have eagerly taken on the task of raising funds to support the establishment of a longterm care facility for South Asian seniors.

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S

oon set to exceed the national average, British Columbia has the highest senior population in Canada. Of these, a significant proportion belong to the South Asian community. As the hustle and bustle of life commitments continues to take over the working population, creating senior care facilities is becoming a pressing necessity. With the goal of giving back to seniors and the community, students of Surrey’s L.A. Matheson Secondary have eagerly taken on the task of raising funds to support the establishment of a longterm care facility for South Asian seniors.

The school has partnered with community organization, Progressive

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Intercultural Community Services (PICS), which is spearheading the Guru Nanak Diversity Village (Senior Home) Project. Located in Surrey, construction for the three-story long-term care facility is slated to begin in late 2022; seniors are expected to reside in the 125-bed building by 2024. Overall, the project is set to receive $58.3 million in support from the provincial government. PICS is relying on community contributions to raise an additional $5 million for the creation of the facility. “I believe that ‘Guru Nanak Diversity Village’ is perhaps the biggest project to be built outside of the Indian subcontinent to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary,” shares President and CEO of PICS, Satbir Cheema.

Over the coming time, L.A. Matheson’s four-year fundraiser will especially be emphasized during April, coinciding with Sikh Heritage Month

ARE YOU IN DEBT? and Vaisakhi celebrations. In fact, the very idea of a fundraiser came up as seva, selfless service, to community during Sikh Heritage month and virtual Vaisakhi. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events were cancelled, and students wanted to make a positive contribution. Ankita Grewal, Fundraising Officer for Guru Nanak Diversity Village, made a classroom presentation about Guru Nanak Diversity Village, following which, students brainstormed a fundraising plan. Most donations came online, with many contributions from past graduates.

Still in its starting phase, the fundraiser has garnered significant community attention, with students already having raised $8,271 so far this year. The community has tremendously stepped up, generously donating $1 million to the cause already. At L.A. Matheson alone, within the first three weeks, the team was able to raise 10 times more than their original goal of $700. A recent notable contribution of $1,271 came in from Aaron Cyr of Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society Local 1271, who was happy to see youth working to help the community. Cyr met with the core fundraising team and thanked them for their hard work and commitment to community service. Grewal urges others in the community to also partake in the fundraising efforts and take inspiration from L.A. Matheson’s students and teachers.

Without a doubt, community support is of utmost important. The cause is one that is close to the hearts of many, as deep familial connections are heavily prevalent across generations in South Asian households. Many student volunteers from L.A. Matheson feel personally connected to the fundraiser due to their own experiences with older generations.

Grade 10 student, Amanpreet Kaur, shares, “I’ve always been close with my grandparents and elders in the house and I enjoyed spending time listening to their stories. Now, having the opportunity to do something that can help them in the future, was something I didn’t want to miss on.” Peter Johnston, Principal at L.A. Matheson, is impressed with students’ extraordinary efforts and dedication to the cause.

Modern Languages Department Head at L.A. Matheson, Gurpreet Kaur Bains, is a proud teacher, rightfully overwhelmed by the support showcased from community members, students, alumni, families, and colleagues.

She especially shines light on the senior health

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I believe that ‘Guru Nanak Diversity Village’ is perhaps the biggest project to be Photos: PICS, LA Matheson, contributed

built outside of the Indian subcontinent to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.”

- Satbir Cheema.

President & CEO of PICS,

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care inequalities that have particularly come up during COVID. “A culturally sensitive healthcare is the need of the hour, and I am so happy that Matheson chose to help fundraise for Guru Nanak Diversity Village. No one has to let go of their language, heritage, faith and culture in their golden years while accessing senior care,” elaborates Bains.

Implementing culturally appropriate models, intended to target specific communities, creates a more homely atmosphere for senior citizens, especially when it comes to intricacies such as food and language. Echoing the same sentiment, Daniel Fontaine, CEO of the BC Care Providers Association,

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has also emphasized on addressing the issue of culturally sensitive care. The Guru Nanak Diversity Village is a steppingstone towards bridging the gap. With our proactive youth on the frontlines, this project is a promising part of the solution.

Most importantly, the fundraising team at L.A. Matheson stands as an example that our youth will not step back when it comes to caring for the seniors in our communities. Gurkirt Kaur Minhas, Grade 11 student, expresses, “I am so appreciative that I was able to give back to our elders and really do something that would leave a positive impact in their lives.” The enthusiasm and commitment of such students is both a breath of fresh air and sigh of relief, that the futures of our older generations are in nurturing hands. As the name Guru Nanak Diversity Village entails, holding true to the concept of selfless service, seva, the students of L.A. Matheson have a plan, over the next few years, to leave a legacy that will last centuries.

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These three level, three bedroom plus den, and three plus income suiteon option With distinctive modern architecture on by the outside andbedroom bright spacious layouts the inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to make homes arefinished ideal for first-time ofcolour alland ages. insideWith expertly in your choice of and our designer scheme you’ll want to make distinctive modern architecture onfamilies the outside bright spacious layouts on the Base 10 buyers your home.

Base 10 your home. inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to These three level, three bedroom plus den, and three bedroom plus income suite option If being located close to shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! make OF PROMONTORY RD. homes are ideal for first-time buyers and families of all ages.

Base home. ©2020 10 Base10your – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and These three level, three plus den, three bedroom plus income option renderings reflect the artist’s interpretationbedroom of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, and building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted.suite This is not an offering for sale. Any such being closeandto schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! offering can only be made with the applicable disclosureIf statement and located agreement of purchase sale.shopping, E&OE. three level, three bedroom plus den, and bedroom plus income suite option homesThese are ideal for first-time buyers and families ofthree all ages. homes are ideal for first-time buyers and families of all ages.

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©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such ©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale. E&OE. renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale. E&OE.

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©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual amenities, building exteriors and views maythebedeveloper noticeably different whatorischange depicted. is not anfeatures offering sale.

Any notice. such Illustrations and ©2020 Base10 – In our suites, continuing effort to improve andinteriors, maintain the high standards of Base10, reserves the rightthan to modify plans,This specifications, andfor prices without renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale.When E&OE.

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Wings ings oorr W Worries? orries?

W Energy drinks are promoted as a means to stimulate the consumer both physically and mentally, promising to enhance alertness.

Typically, an energy drink contains carbonated water, sugar, caffeine, and other herbs and stimulating substances that are potentially associated to mental alertness.

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The Case of Energy Drinks

BY NAINA GREWAL

A

s the hustle and bustle of everyday life gets louder and busier, people can often get caught between juggling multiple commitments. Sometimes, the to-do-list seems to be an impossible task to get through within the constraint of 24 hours. Due to the exertion caused by errands and work, lack of sleep, or a draining combination of both, the body simply feels as if it is losing battery. For times like

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these exists a seemingly magic potion packaged in the form of a bottle: energy drinks.

Energy drinks are promoted as a means to stimulate the consumer both physically and mentally, promising to enhance alertness. Typically, an energy drink contains carbonated water, sugar, caffeine, and other herbs and stimulating substances that are potentially associated to mental alertness. The reasonings behind why the general population consumes energy drinks vary; it may be a regular habit for some and an occasional indulgence for others if the need arises.

Aside from tiredness during the day and lack of sleep, many consumers – especially younger ones – mix energy drinks with alcohol. People may be further inclined to

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Do energy drinks even give you energy? Studies addressing this question showcase that energy drinks impact the body similarly to the way that a cup of coffee or a can of cola works. Energy drinks may spike up energy momentarily, but there is often a crash that either leads to a slowdown or the desire to consume another drink.

consume energy drinks due to claims made surrounding increased concentration and weight loss.

For these reasons and beyond, from a global standpoint, the consumption of energy drinks has doubled over the past couple of decades, with the industry expected to grow approximately 7% by 2025. In light of this growth, considering that North Americans are the world’s heaviest energy drinkers, the question prevails of just how effective energy drinks are and what effects their consumption brings.

Let’s start off with the basics: Do energy drinks even give you energy?

Studies addressing this question showcase that energy drinks impact the body similarly to the way that a cup of coffee or a can of cola works. Energy drinks may spike up energy momentarily, but there

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Methods to boost your energy level naturally: 1 Rest Up: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night and you’ll feel much more prepared to take on the day with your full potential.

2 Get Moving: Any physical activity – even a short walk – can do wonders in providing you with the kickstart you need to get things done.

3 Hydrate Yourself: is often a crash that either leads to a slowdown or the desire to consume another drink.

After the first 10 minutes of consuming an energy drink, heart rate and blood pressure begin to rise with the peak of the stimulant staying at high levels for up to 45 minutes. However, just an hour into it, the body will start experiencing a sugar crash although it takes about 12 hours for the caffeine to be fully

Dependency on caffeine can lead to restlessness, high blood pressure, insomnia, and other complications. In fact, irregular heartbeat is a common side effect experienced by those who consume energy drinks regularly. As with any sugary beverage, a higher risk of obesity and cavities is also present.

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removed from the blood stream.

That said, some regular caffeine consumers may feel withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, for up to 24 hours.

Note that caffeine is a drug, which is why it is of no surprise that Health Canada has capped the caffeine limit at 180 milligram per single serving; this is comparable to a single cup of medium coffee.

Dependency on caffeine can lead to restlessness, high blood pressure, insomnia, and other complications.

In fact, irregular heartbeat is a common side effect experienced by those who consume energy drinks regularly. As with any sugary beverage, a higher risk of obesity and cavities is also present.

A more surprising fact is that Vitamin B, contained in most energy drinks and important for maintaining good health, can cause skin problems and liver toxicity when excessively consumed. In addition, those with anxiety may experience heightened nervousness, while increased blood sugars is more likely for those with diabetes.

Therefore, considering pre-existing conditions is a must.

Given all these potential

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You’re constantly losing water throughout the day when you sweat and urinate.

Replenish your internal reserve to avoid getting dehydrated, which leads to lost energy.

4 Eat Well:

You are what you eat. Eating junk food and overeating can cause one to feel lethargic. Eating a well-balanced diet keeps you energized.

5 Socialize:

Talk to others and keep your brain valves flowing. We are social animals, after all.

Chatting and sharing a laugh with a friend can rejuvenate you.

6 Stress Less: Easier said than done, look for ways to keep checking in with your mental health and make an effort to worry less as it may be the cause behind your energy drainage.

7 Buy Alternatives: Just don’t stock up on your energy drink section of the fridge to avoid easy access. Replace with herbal options, fruit teas, decaf coffee, or other pick-me-ups instead.

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problems, why are energy drinks available in the local supermarket? The key lies in moderation.

For a healthy adult, the recommended caffeine intake is 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.

The number goes down for children, teenagers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and women trying to conceive. As such, it can be said that energy drinks should only be consumed in the amount of 1-2 cans per day. Of course, depending on each individual, personal preference, and the many side effects that come with prolonged use, it may be advisable to consume less.

Aside from monitoring usage and keeping intake to a minimum, there are various alternatives to incorporate into your lifestyle to get that energy boost, rather than relying on energy drinks.

The word, then, is that energy drinks are not the worst, but they are also not the best. Resort to healthier alternatives when you can, but life happens. Depending on the circumstances and the need of the hour, grabbing a can or two may be okay. The important watchout is to be aware of what you are putting into your body and monitoring yourself for the effects. Read the labels, stay within a reasonable limit, and proactively prevent an unhealthy dependency.

Even if it is just an energy drink, drink responsibly!

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idea is to make sure that the children become self-reliant and enjoy a healthy, dignified, and sustainable quality of life.

While at it, Deepalaya also makes sure to work with other agencies – governmental or nongovernmental. They also suitably intervene in policy formulation.

Deepalaya also works with a clear-cut vision towards elevating society. They aim to have a community based on legitimate rights, equity, justice, honesty, social sensitivity, and a culture of service in which all are selfreliant.

Enabling Self-Reliance

DEEPALAYA

By Mrinalini Sundar

Deepalaya’s mission statement is to identify and work with the economicallyand socially deprived, the physically and mentally challenged – starting with children to become educated, skilled, and aware. The idea is to make sure that the children become self-reliant and enjoy a healthy and dignified life.

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D

eepalaya is a Delhi-based NGO that works towards developing urban and rural India, focusing on children.

Founded in 1979, Deepalaya serves the urban slums of Delhi but also works hard in the rural parts of Haryana and Uttarakhand.

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According to their website, Deepalaya’s mission statement is to identify and work with the economically and socially deprived, the physically and mentally challenged – starting with children to become educated, skilled, and aware. The

DARPAN SALUTES Deepalaya has several projects under its umbrella. One of them being schools. We are talking about the Deepalaya School Kalkaji Extension, an unaided, recognized co-educational, senior secondary school affiliated with the CBSE. The school has been around for over 17 years. While Deepalaya focuses on children, they especially throw light on girl children, street and disabled children.

Next is the Deepalaya School, Gusbethi, a formal educational institution recognized by the Haryana Board of School Education (HBSE).

Started in 1998, the school has

One of the most popular projects under Deepalaya is Project Steady, which focuses on reducing dropout rates in young schoolgirls, primarily caused by safety issues in and around Delhi NCR. Because of this, Deepalaya started a self-defense program specifically aimed at girls. completed more than 20 years of service, providing a sense of selfreliance through education in the Mewat district somewhat neglected area with very few resources.

One of the most popular projects under Deepalaya is Project Steady, which focuses on reducing drop-out rates in young school girls, primarily caused by safety issues in and around Delhi NCR. Because of this, Deepalaya started a self-defense program specifically aimed at girls. As part of these classes, girls will learn

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DARPAN SALUTES Photos Courtesy of Deepalaya/Facebook

skills to protect themselves when they face dangerous circumstances.

The next project worth mentioning is their Early Childhood Care and Education Centre Learning programs that start right from the time a child is born. According to their website, “to improve literacy rates in the country, it is imperative to expose children to a culture of learning when they are young.

Deepalaya’s Early Childhood Care and Education Centre was inaugurated in collaboration with Infogain India Private Limited for this very purpose on 16th May 2018.”

Deepalaya also established vocational training centers, also known as VTCs. Their centre provides jobspecific technical training for work in a specific career. These centers primarily focus on providing students with hands-on instruction, which eventually

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To improve literacy rates in the country, it is imperative to expose children to a culture of learning when they are young. Deepalaya’s Early Childhood Care and Education Centre was inaugurated in collaboration with Infogain India Private Limited for this very purpose.

landed them a recognized certification, a diploma, or a certificate. Young adults obtain marketable skills from these centres and finally find suitable jobs.

Once again, the program aims to make people self-reliant.

Deepalaya also introduced community healthcare initiatives. They believe that healthcare facilities need to go above and beyond the upper-class community. According to the workers at Deepalaya, only the semi-urban and rural settings do not have accessibility to primary healthcare check-ups and followups, awareness of lifestyle disorders,

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counseling about menstrual healthcare, and availability of medical infrastructure.

This is where Deepalaya steps in to restore healthcare as a universal right by targeting the grassroots. This is why they launched the Community Health program. This multi-faceted project focuses on establishing sustainable practices and spreading awareness regarding preventive and primitive health among the rural masses.

Deepalaya works with an extensive team of members, including Chackochan as the president, followed

by George John as the chief executive.

Chackochan Y is a founder member, and it was in his drawing-room, Deepalaya School began with five students, including his daughter and a teacher.

He retired from the Health Ministry. He has held posts like Treasurer, Manager of Deepalaya School, and member of the Executive Committee.

With Deepalaya, you can get involved in different ways - get involved in their CSR activities, volunteer, get a job, or find an internship. If you want to support a child’s education, you also can sponsor a child or donate money, which all goes towards the betterment of the children taken care of by Deepalaya. For something more rewarding, they have the shop at Deepalaya option where you get to shop the paintings made by the children. These are all season’s greetings which are perfect as greeting cards for special occasions while supporting the organisation.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE

Check Where You Can Travel

7 Tips While Planning

Pandemic Travel

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

Making international travel plans post complete vaccination?Here’s are key things you need to know.

Photos: istockphoto,

F

or over a year now, most of us had to satiate our wanderlust for picturesque international destinations by ogling at celebs and influencers’ travel posts on social media, from the confines of our homes. However, now with rapid vaccination drives being rolled out across the globe and many countries easing the COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated people — international travel finally seems possible again.

While this does call for celebrations, it doesn’t mean you can just pack your bags like usual and

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hop onto the plane to chalk out your fav destination from your bucket list or go reunite with your family and friends on the other side of the world.

Globetrotting comes with a new set of snags now. It is necessary to take note of the fact that even though fully vaccinated, like many things, travelling won’t be as it used to be before the Covid-19 world, and you need to take a few things into considerations before booking the tickets for the much-awaited vacay.

Here’s a list of things that you need to know about post-vaccine international travel. Read on…

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So, you are fully vaccinated and eager to travel to your dream destination? Well, before you set about doing your bookings and making your itinerary, first and foremost, it is important to check if the country you would like to visit is open to tourists coming from where you are located. Though several countries are now open for tourism, they still have plenty of regulations for tourists from certain countries and zones, hence it is wise to check on that aspect even before you start planning

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DARPAN FEATURE

Choose Your Destination Wisely Even if the country you wish to visit is welcoming you, you must choose the destination wisely. You should take note of the fact that though you are fully inoculated, there are still chances of you catching the infection and you may want to avoid places with an increasing number of COVID cases. The places are not only risky but will also have more restrictions. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed down zone-wise recommendations for travel depending on risk assessment for COVID-19 on their website, do check it out before planning your trip.

Book Cancellable Tickets And Stay Given the unpredictable status of this pandemic, which can change drastically within a matter of days on personal, local and global levels, it is advisable to book cancellable tickets and hotel stays.

Get A Travel Insurance

Review Restrictions At Your Planned Destination Now that you have zeroed down on a safe destination to visit, the next thing on your to-do list should be to review all the restrictions and rules of that country. Though some countries have thrown their gates open for travellers, they still have stringent entry and exit policies and it’s best to keep yourself well-informed about all the guidelines to avoid last-minute hassles. For example, while some countries are just demanding proof

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of vaccination, others may require you to do an RTPCR test and even a compulsory quarantine. Check with your destination’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travellers. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return. Even some hotels are now demanding a COVID-19 negative test report and vaccination proof before check-in.

So, it’s better to do your homework before you embark on your trip so as to enjoy the much-awaited vacation thoroughly.

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Up until now, travel insurance had been one of the most ignored aspects of travelling abroad. However, with the onset of COVID-19, getting travel insurance is not only important but also the wisest thing to do.

Most countries now insist on travel insurance and medical insurance before entry. Industry experts recommend considering options like ‘cancel for any reason’ and insurance policies that can help you fly home in case of a medical emergency. Read the fine print properly before getting yourself travel insurance.

Make Sure You Still Have Your Safety Gear Being fully inoculated doesn’t mean you have a free pass to travel without any restrictions as it was before the pandemic. The CDC guidelines still emphasize following all COVID-19 protocols in public places, especially when you are travelling because even though all major globally approved vaccines (from Pfizer/ BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/Oxford) have been shown to limit the worst effects of COVID-19, there is still not much clarity about whether they actually make you completely immune to the virus. Moreover, it is also unclear if vaccinated people are asymptomatic carriers, hence health experts still advise masking and social distancing even though you are fully vaccinated. So, ensure to pack some extra face masks, hand sanitiser, sanitising wipes etc., and wherever you go be mindful about not touching your face and maintaining a safe distance while travelling. Also, ensure the hotels you book for your trip are following all WHO safety and hygiene protocols.

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Check Re-entry Guidelines Back Home Well, just planning your trip abroad isn’t enough. You need to even strategize your return back home, as you might have to once again do a test and show a negative COVID-19 report upon your arrival. Hence you also need to do your research and figure out how you can get your test done within the accepted time limit. As of now, a negative COVID-19 test is mandatory before entry regardless of vaccination status, and travellers must be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before they re-enter Canada. You need to also have a suitable quarantine plan in place, in case it is determined at the border that you do not meet the requirements.

Lastly, keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over and being vaccinated doesn’t ensure complete safety, hence act wisely wherever you travel.

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DARPAN RECIPES

kitchens, including multi-award winning Gymkhana, Trishna, and the JKS Group, where he developed innovative menus and became accomplished in all areas of operations, recruitment and managing teams across different sites. He then went on to launch the Leela Groups’s first London venture, Jamavar, in 2016, where he became the fastest Indian chef to win a Michelin star - being awarded the accolade within ten months of the restaurant’s opening. Ghai then opened Bombay Bustle to critical acclaim.

Ghai’s highly anticipated solo restau-

CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE

Rohit Ghai Ghai has spent a decade at the helm of various Michelin-starred Indian kitchens - having honed his craft at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in India - including The Oberoi Group and the The Taj Hotels.

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M

ichelin-starred chef and

rant, Kutir, meaning ‘a small cottage’ in Sanskrit, opened in late 2018, and it received instant success. In 2019, he launched Koolcha - a street food concept offering Indian favorites such as kulchas, Chowpati vada pav as well as innovative additions like the chicken popcorn masala.

His creative and refined cooking has

restaurateur Rohit Ghai is

been applauded by celebrities, dignitaries

hailed as one of the UK’s most

and food critics. His revolutionary, precise

creative and accomplished Indian chefs.

and beautifully presented cooking regularly

Ghai has spent a decade at the helm of

received praised from media. He has been

various Michelin-starred Indian kitchens -

featured in BBC Good Food, Foodism, and

having honed his craft at some of the most

Daily Telegraph. Chef Ghai is also often

prestigious hotels and restaurants in India

invited to appear on television. He has

- including The Oberoi Group and the The

featured on high profile shows including

Taj Hotels.

BBC One’s MasterChef and Channel 4’s

Chef Ghai began his international career

Tricks of the Restaurant Trade. He recently

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released his first cookbook titled, Tarkari:

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Moilee Michelin-starred chef

For the sauce:

and restaurateur Rohit

• 50 ml vegetable oil

Ghai is hailed as one of

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

the UK’s most creative

• 20 gms fresh ginger, julienned

and accomplished Indian

• 4 green chillies, deseeded and finely chopped

chefs. Ghai has spent a

• 10 fresh curry leaves, finely sliced

decade at the helm of

• 150 gms onion, finely sliced

various Michelin-starred

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

Indian kitchens.

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

Ingredients

• To make the sauce, heat oil in a pan,

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

add the mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, chillies and curry leaves, then stir until the curry leaves begin to crackle.

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• Add onion and cook over medium

heat for about five minutes until the

DARPAN

• Marinate the fish with the

• Keep an eye on the edges of the fish

• Salt

74

and bring to a boil cooking over medium heat for about six to seven minutes until you get your desired consistency. Then add cherry tomatoes and turn off the heat.

• 4-5 mussels

• 2 fillets of seabass (300-400 gms each)

• Ginger-garlic paste

• Add the coconut milk and mussels

• 4 cherry tomatoes (cut into half )

• 400 ml coconut milk

Preparation

• Pinch of turmeric powder

onion is translucent. Add the ground turmeric and salt, and stir for one minute.

ingredients. Heat another non-stick pan and add oil, place the marinated fillet in it and turn down the heat to medium.

For the fish marination:

• 20 gms butter

BY CHEF ROHIT GHAI

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fillets, when it’s start cooking you will see a light golden color on the edges.

Carefully flip the fillet with a spoon and add a knob of butter and baste with a spoon.

• Once the fish is cooked, serve along

with the sauce and plain rice.

Credits: Courtesy of Rohit Ghai, Charlie McKay

DARPAN RECIPES

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DARPAN RECIPES

Preparation For the paneer stuffing: • In a bowl add sweet mango chutney, finely

chopped cashews, green chilies, chopped mint leaves, pomegranate powder, toasted cumin powder, and salt. Mix everything and keep aside.

• Cut the paneer in triangles. Now make a slit

in each triangle of cottage cheese piece gently.

Place some of the stuffing between the slit using a butter knife. Stuff all the cottage cheese pieces with the filling and keep aside.

BY CHEF ROHIT GHAI

Paneer

Anardana Ingredients

• 2 tbsps oil • 2 tbsps yogurt

• 250 gms cottage cheese/haloumi

• Water to grind the fried onion and cashew

• 2 tbsps finely chopped cashew nuts

• 100 gms tomato purée (fresh tomatoes blended for purée)

• 1 tsp finely chopped green chilies • ½ tbsp chopped mint leaves

• 1 tsp pomegranate powder • 1 tbsp sweet mango chutney

Credits: Courtesy of Rohit Ghai, Charlie McKay

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• 1 tsp coriander powder • ½ tsp garam masala

• 3 tbsps corn flour

• 1 tbsp pomegranate powder

• 2 tbsps rice flour

• 1 tsp crushed dry fenugreek leaves

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• Water as needed

• Water

• 2 tbsps fresh cream

• Salt

• 2 tbsps chopped coriander leaves for garnish

For the paneer anardana gravy:

• 2 tbsps fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish • Salt as required

• 150 gms fried onions • 50 gms fried cashew nuts

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• Fry till they are crispy and golden brown on

both sides. Drain the fried paneer on paper towels, and keep aside.

For the gravy: • In a blender add fried onion, cashew nut,

yogurt and water, and grind to a smooth paste.

Keep this paste aside.

• Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf and black

• Now add turmeric powder, pomegranate

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

For the paneer batter:

all sides. You can also use a spoon or small tongs to coat the slices. Deep-fry all the paneer pieces in medium hot oil.

• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste • ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• 250 ml rapeseed oil for frying

• Add paneer pieces to the batter and coat from

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp black cumin seeds

• Salt as per taste

salt and turmeric powder, and mix well. Add water and make a smooth batter (shouldn’t be too thick or too thin).

cumin. Sauté till the black cumin starts crackling. Then add ginger-garlic paste and sauté till the raw aroma of ginger-garlic goes away.

• 2 tbsps rapeseed oil

• ½ tsp toasted cumin powder

• In another bowl, add corn flour, rice flour,

powder, coriander powder, salt and Kashmiri red chili powder, and stir. Add the tomato purée, stir and cook for three to four minutes on a low to medium flame.

• Add the fried onion paste. Stir well and sauté

for three to four minutes. Then add water; stir and cook on slow heat for about 10-15 minutes. If the gravy splutters a lot, then cover the pan with a lid.

• The gravy will thicken, add water if required.

Check seasoning and add garam masala, crushed dry fenugreek leaves and cream. Stir till the cream is mixed evenly.

• Place the fried paneer pieces in the gravy.

Serve paneer anardana hot garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves along with tawa paratha or chapati.

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DARPAN Weddings

Q: How did you meet?

Shameeta: We met in high school through a mutual friend.

Q: What do you love most about one another?

Shameeta: Danny is my constant. He’s always been my guide. He has supported me through-out the years and has always been my corner. There are so many qualities that I love about him but what I love the most is that he has been understanding, dedicated, supportive and patient Danny: Her heart. She is always helping others, making everyone laugh and smile with her room-filling laugh; she cares for everyone. Her heart is so big and full and I love that about her.

Photography by A Master Media

Shameeta & Danny She gives great advice and pep-talks when I need them, she’s like a coach, teammate, cheerleader and fan all wrapped up in one.

Q: Could you share your proposal story?

Danny: I had picked our anniversary as the perfect day for this. I came up with the entire plan while taking a study break. I have a friend who is a photographer, Shavneel, and I knew Shameeta hadn’t met him before. I walked him through the plan and he thought it was perfect. So, that day we made our way to Grouse mountain and I thought I was

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acting normal but she told me afterwards that she could tell something was up. Only a few family members and friends knew the plan and I was determined to keep the entire thing a secret from Shameeta.

We got up to the mountain and just went about things normally but the whole time my friend and I were texting so I could let him know where we were on the mountain and he would be in the distance taking photos. He took some great shots of us ice skating. Finally, when it came time to propose, I texted him that we were at the light tunnel and I was ready. This is the best part. My friend was there and we asked him to take a picture

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DARPAN Weddings

Q: Could you tell us about your reception?

Shameeta: With all the Covid restrictions, we did not have a reception. We invited a few members of our family and friends over for dinner. The gathering was very intimate - it was exactly what we wanted.

Danny: We had so many changes to our plans, but we decided to keep things small and intimate. We had a dinner on Saturday at my house with my family and then another dinner on Sunday at Shameeta’s house with her family. It was different from the receptions we are used to but it was still a blast.

PHOTOS: AMASTERMEDIA, SHAVNEEL

Q: Where did you honeymoon? of us under the lights with our phones.

He and I pretended we didn’t know each other. He took the picture with the phone and then said he worked for the mountain and could take a picture with his camera and email it to us, we agreed….and that was when I got down on one knee. I had this little speech memorized but couldn’t get a word out of my mouth because of all the emotions. After what felt like forever, I told Shameeta that my friend was in on the whole thing and we went to a few spots to take some more pictures.

It’s funny thinking back at it but it was a memorable day for sure.

Shameeta: With the Covid restrictions, we weren’t able to travel internationally, so we went away to Summerland. While in Summerland we went jet skiing, visited a few wineries, and ate at some local restaurants.

Danny: We spent four days in Summerland. Due to Covid, we wanted to go somewhere close but still far away.

I love the Okanagan area so Summerland was a no brainer. We both wanted to have a few peaceful and relaxing days so we got a place near the lake and near some good restaurants and enjoyed each other’s company.

Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?

Q: What are your goals as a couple?

Shameeta: As a couple, our goals are to continue trying new things together and

Shameeta: The morning of the wedding day was stressful for me but when I walked down the aisle in the temple and saw Danny, it all went away.

That had to be my favourite moment.

Danny: I felt great in the morning, minus the extreme heat we were having in the area. I had thought I was going to be nervous but that didn’t happen. I knew it was going to be a long day since we did the Sikh and Hindu ceremonies back to back plus all the other wedding day stuff. It was a jam packed day from 6am to 12am. My favorite part was seeing Shameeta to the left of me at the gurdwara, sitting next to me and just making everything make sense like she always does.

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to keep growing together. We like to challenge each other and this supports our growth. Another goal that we have is to continue supporting each other in our careers and education.

Danny: Support one another in every endeavor - be it career, education, physical health, mental health, or financial health.

I want us to keep trying new things and keep stepping out of our comfort zones, as a couple and as individuals.

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Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?

Shameeta: In my opinion, because we’ve known each other for so long, it has helped us understand one another better and helped build a strong foundation.

Respect is key in any relationship and I think it is one of our strengths. We have been in each other’s lives for 16 years, I would say that commitment is another strength. Lastly, we communicate very well with one another.

Danny: Communication for sure.

We’ve never been scared to have those serious conversations that you have to eventually have with your partner. It allowed us to create and align our goals earlier on and grow together as well.

Being open-minded to thoughts and ideas is another strength we share. That has definitely allowed us to experience new things that we normally wouldn’t have.

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

Shameeta: Communication is key!

Don’t be afraid to have those tough conversations and don’t be afraid to share your feelings. A great friend of mine gave me sound advice, “Don’t major on the minor.” From the minute I heard it, it has always been something I come back to. If it won’t matter tomorrow, work through it and learn from it. Most importantly, don’t forget to say ‘I love you’.

Danny: Time together is important, but self-care and taking time out for yourself is equally important. Always be open to new ideas, to suggestions, to new experiences, and to compromise.

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PAN DAR

ty

Beau

Curls

Tame Your

BY MICHELE MARKO

Achieving glossy, glamorous, welldefined curls is simple with the proper care and products.

I

f someone flipped up a flashcard with the words “curly hair” written across it, it would evoke a variety of word associations for the reader. Glamorous?

Luxurious? Bouncy? Perhaps. That is if that person had straight hair.

For those blessed with curly tresses, their thoughts may stray in another direction. Unruly? Hard work? Frustrating?

Possibly the most prevalent complaint from

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people with curly locks is the inability to manage their hair. “The No. 1 complaint we often hear from consumers with curly hair is that they spend a great amount of time and effort to ensure their natural curls are maintained, well-defined and frizz-free,” says Lorna Mitchell, co-founder of British natural haircare brand Noughty.

Mindy McKnight, founder of the recently-launched Hairitage line, concurs:

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“Hands down, the most common complaint I get from curly girls about their hair is about frizz and undefined curls.”

The bald truth is that curly hair is different from straight hair in a fundamental way, and therein lies the challenge of managing it.

“Curly hair does not grow the same way as straight hair,” explains Melissa Tedeschi, National Education Manager for Kérastase.

“Right at the root of the hair, the inner root of the scalp, the hair has a twist at the bottom. It’s growing in a very different fashion than straight hair. This is why curly hair is drier … The way it grows, it doesn’t carry as much hydration as straight hair.”

Tedeschi says that even when touching curly hair, it feels drier than straight hair.

It’s always a little rough to the touch.

Mitigating that dryness is key when caring for curls. The first step is in sussing out the right products that will nourish the hair by providing long term hydration but it’s as important to know which products to avoid.

“Firstly, curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair so it can become brittle and weak over time.

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“Hands down, the most common complaint I get from curly girls about their hair is about frizz and undefined curls,” Mindy McKnight, founder of the recently-launched Hairitage line.

Fragile hair types need lots of TLC so it’s best to opt for a sulphate-free formula that won’t strip strands of essential moisturizing oils,” Mitchell advises.

Tedeschi says although sulphates are simply cleansers, she agrees that they should be avoided so as not to over-cleanse already dry hair. “With curly hair you need to look for products that have a lot of nourishing ingredients in them, hydration ingredients in them,” Tedeschi explains. “The natural oil that comes out of the scalp to feed our hair often will fall off because of the twist.”

The key ingredient in the newly-launched Kérastase Curl Manifesto collection is the multi-beneficial, ultra-nourishing manuka honey which, Tedeschi says, provides long term nutrition.

McKnight says it’s that lack of moisture that causes the frizz but using the right haircare products will make all the difference.

“Using a weekly deep-condition hair mask, like Hairitage’s SOS Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, hydrates and rejuvenates strands which means soft, bouncy, frizz free curls,” she says.

Selecting product for the specific type of

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DARPAN Beauty

curl is also crucial for optimum results. Tedeschi says there are four types of curly hair: the wavy, the curly, the very curly and the coily.

Mitchell says Noughty’s curl collection was developed by determining curl pattern — from wavy to curly to coily—and then “assessing the benefits each group is looking for at every stage of their haircare routine. Everything from cleansing, conditioning, treatments and styling are all fundamental to our formulation process.”

Keeping hair washing to a minimum is essential for maintaining hydration, according to the experts. Two times a week

The No. 1 complaint we often hear from consumers with curly hair is that they spend a great amount of time and effort to ensure their natural curls are maintained, well-defined and frizz-free,” says Lorna Mitchell, co-founder of British natural haircare brand Noughty.

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should be sufficient but for those who want fresh-looking curl, a refresher product, not shampooing, is the best option.

“A lot of curly hair consumers think they have to wash their hair to keep that curl alive, awake, bouncy and beautiful but Kérastase Refresh Absolu is the product you will use the next day and the day after that to give it that bounce, elasticity, wake up the curl without having to rewash it,” says Tedeschi.

Mitchell agrees that a good curl spray can refresh and rejuvenate curls without the need for cleansing. “Incorporating a deep conditioning treatment like our Intense Moisture Mask can really help condition and prolong curls. Steer clear of any nasty ingredients like parabens that wreak havoc on the hair’s PH value which causes dehydration,” she advises.

When styling “curly hair always needs to be a little bit more moist than any other hair type,” Tedeschi says. “You need to retain some water on the hair fibre before styling. You apply the cream, then with your finger you do a twist on the hair while the hair is still wet and then you

let it go. You want to envelope the hair with the styling product and then let air naturally. The water and the cream create a shield around the hair fibre and that’s how the frizz is controlled.” If you want to maintain the style, a gel will create hold and keep it together, Tedeschi says. She suggests applying it with your head upside down, lifting the hair, and with the gel in your hands, gently squeeze the hair and then let it down.

Taking control at the salon will also facilitate styling. McKnight suggests seeking out a stylist who can deliver a “a curly girl cut.”

“This is a special technique of cutting curly hair dry, instead of wet, giving the stylist the ability to shape individual curls,” McKnight explains.

Having hair shaped with a variety of layers makes all the differences, says Tedeschi.

“The longer the hair is the heavier it gets and you lose the bounce,” she observes. “So, adding shorter layers and longer layers will give a nice all-round bounce to the hair. It just makes the hair healthier.” She adds that the trend for curly hair is to embrace your curls. “Let your hair breathe. Make it flowy. You don’t want to have the gel-feel-crunch any more. You want

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Curly hair does not grow the same way as straight hair.

Right at the root of the hair, the inner root of the scalp, the hair has a twist at the bottom.

It’s growing in a very different fashion than straight hair.

This is why curly hair is drier … The way it grows, it doesn’t carry as much hydration as straight hair,” explains Melissa Tedeschi, National Education Manager for Kérastase. natural, healthy, bouncy, shiny curls.”

Mitchell echoes this view saying that lockdown forced people to take a more natural approach to haircare, “More and more people are embracing their natural curly hair as the pandemic has forced us to lean towards more natural hairstyles.”

Expanding on the approach, Tedeschi advises, “Just let your hair be what it needs to be. Let it breathe and let it be.”

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

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An Ode to

Summer

By Shweta Kulkarni

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A Summer Romance.

by Bhumika Sharma With intricate embroideries, bright summery hues and effortless silhouettes — Bhumika Sharma’s festive collection — Summer Romance, perfectly invokes the spirit of summer and festivity.

E

ver since the inception of her eponymous label, designer Bhumika Sharma has gained immense popularity for her clothing line, which is a reflection of her passion for India’s rich heritage, beautiful culture, and valued traditions. Her love for traditional fabrics, embroideries and time spent with her ‘karigars’ has allowed her to express her design sensibilities and helped her create surreal sartorial pieces that strike a perfect balance between traditions and contemporary trends. Known for her aesthetics and nuanced craftsmanship, Bhumika has enthralled the Indian fashion industry one collection after another, and now she is doing it again with her latest festive edit — Summer Romance.

As the name suggests, the collection draws inspirations from the warmth of summer, and blends in the couturier’s trademark traditional sensibilities, along with keeping in mind the functionality needed in today’s times. Talking to DARPAN about the inspiration for the collection and its vibe, Bhumika says, “The collection is inspired from the summer sun, white blooming lilies, summertime romances, feminine elegance and the vibrant and happy summery hues.”

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While the collection brings in the traditional festive vibes with intricate pearl, thread and mirror embroideries in gold, silver accents and emerald green stones on Bhumika Sharma Designs’ signature prints, it also reflects modern minimalism through its effortless, easy to wear, chic silhouettes.

Speaking about the USP of the Summer Romance collection, the designer, who is also a favourite amongst Bollywood stars like Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Pranutan, Kriti Sanon, Kriti Kharbanda, Raveena Tandon, Bhumi Pednekar, Kajol, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez and others, shares, “The USP of Summer Romance is our beautiful embroideries on signature prints in contemporary silhouettes.”

While the collection brings in the traditional festive vibes with intricate pearl, thread and mirror embroideries in gold, silver accents and emerald green stones on signature prints, it also reflects modern minimalism through its effortless, easy-to-wear, chic silhouettes.

The graceful silhouettes in Bhumika Sharma’s Summer Romance collection range from embroidered peplum jackets, pre-stitched draped dhoti pants, frill kurtas, anarkalis with pearl and emerald stonework, long capes, skirts, embroidered bustier, anarkalis with exaggerated sleeves, palazzos, pre-stitched layered sarees with handembroidered pearl and mirror work blouse, and intricately handcrafted stonework belts.

The summery colour palette of red, Haldis and nudes, further brings freshness to this exquisite and exotic collection.

“This colour palette is summery yet festive. haldis and reds resonate with celebrations and nudes exude minimalism

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Photos: courtesy of Bhumika Sharma

and elegance,” explains the designer, who has always been inclined towards arts. Despite no formal training in fine arts, Bhumika loves to paint, works with oil colours and has always loved fashion, it was this fondness for art and fashion that not only led her to launch her label — Bhumika Sharma Designs but also create a definitive aesthetic for her brand.

Bhumika has also studied Fashion Marketing from Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi and has a deep understanding of the design heritage of the various states of India. From unique printing techniques to heritage fabrics and intricate embroideries, she has delved deep into the Indian heritage culture and tries to bring those aesthetics and nuances to life through her sartorial pieces. Bhumika has worked with block prints, hand screen prints in beautiful Indian motifs and jaals like paisleys and geometric patterns. Embroidery techniques such as zardosi, ari, pitta and mirror work have also been showcased in her designs. The USP of her label is these unique prints and hand embroideries along with keeping the silhouettes classic and elegant and concentrating on the finish and embellishments. Her appreciation for Kashmiri thread work, mirror work, block printing and zardosi is also evident in her couture.

Summer Romance undoubtedly borrows from Bhumika’s signature use of traditional elements and embroidery and beautifully weaves a nice summer mood with its colour palettes and chic easy to wear styles. Each ensemble in the collection captures the spirit of summer and proposes an individual visual expression that not only has a traditional appeal but also a new-age modern vibe.

Priced between INR 39,000-120,000 the collection can be purchased through Bhumika Sharma’s official website. You can check out the complete collection on her social media handles or her website.

Bhumika Sharma’s label retails in India, the US, UK, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Indonesia and Thailand. Her plans for the future are to expand her retail network as well as focus on bringing forth more gems from India’s rich design heritage.

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S

ummer is here! And the good news is, with the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions, the 2021 Summer is certainly looking brighter than the last year.

The sunshine is calling you, and you must go!

However, after spending most of our days the previous year in loungewear and PJs, it is natural for us to wonder what to pick up now before we set out to soak up the sun. Well, worry not, we have got you covered with our list of wardrobe essentials for the summer that will let you off the ‘what do I wear?’ hook, and help you make stunning style statements.

Classic Cover-ups

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

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Summer

Wardrobe Essentials W

hether you are headed to the beach, partying outdoors, catching up with your gang or going for a brunch, we have gathered a list of a few trending summer staples that will keep you looking seamlessly chic and cool.

Photos: istockphoto, images for representation

Mini Madness Mini dresses and ultra-miniskirts are a sure shot way to keep cool and chic even on the hottest days.

And the good news is they are making a major comeback this season. They made an appearance all over the Spring/Summer 2021 runways with their fresh and versatile appeal. Available in a variety of styles and fabrics, minis are the star this summer season.

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You will not understand the obsession over cover-ups until you try one. A perfect swimwear accompaniment, a good kaftan/sarong/ swimsuit cover-up is a must-have in your closet, especially during summers, when we are driven by an insane desire to dive in the pool or head to the beach. A nice cover-up not only does what it supposed to but also adds a bit of oomph to your swimwear.

A tunic or a shirtdress, or a sarong will keep you comfortable moving around after a swim.

Summery Swimwear What’s a summer without a dip in the water. Be it for the beach or a pool party, swimsuits should have a permanent place in your wardrobe during summer. If you are a fan of a one-piece swimsuit, then the good news is they are up in the trend. If a bikini is your thing, then be assured, they never go wrong. For the ones wanting to keep up with the trend —swimsuits in sophisticated animal prints, bright hues, metallic shades, frills, one shoulder, and soft-to-touch fabrics are pretty much hot on the fashion radar this summer.

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Nail It With A Hat A sun hat not only provides you with all the necessary protection but is also a perfect way to complement your summer ensemble. It gives you the vibe and adds a stylish finish even to the basic outfits.

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The Big Shade Theory Nothing screams ‘summer’ quite like oversized sunglasses. Oversized sunglasses not only protect your eyes from extremely bright light but also blocks heat to keep you up and going all day long, and guess what? They are trending too. So, just grab a good pair of big shades and make it your bright gateway to say hello to the sunshine.

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Chic, comfortable and a summer staple, walking sandals have never gone out of style, and are summer staples that every woman needs. After months of winter, summer is the time to go for long walks and enjoy the sunshine, and nothing beats the feeling of slipping your feet into a pair of comfortable walkable sandals. The best part of this footwear is that they go along with every summer outfit you wear.

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The Long & Short Of It When something is pocket friendly, comfortable and available in a choice of styles, it has to top our list. The midi-shorts aka the mid-length shorts are hot on the fashion circuit and a definite must-have in your summer wardrobe.

Not too long, neither too short — the midi shorts are edgy, comfortable and extremely versatile, which can be worn in various styles, from morning till evening. You can even give your casual mid-length trouser shorts a highfashion twist by pairing them with a matching blazer. Ideal for a day at the beach, as well as a fun trip with friends — mid-length shorts are too cool to be missed this season. The floral print and white laced midi shorts are delightful summer essentials.

Embrace The Crops

Bag It Dress up For The Season After endless months of being trapped in our homes, it is time to celebrate in the sunshine in our pretty summer dresses.

Sundresses are summer staples that effortlessly spells comfort and chic at the same time. If you have a summer dress in a comfortable fabric in your wardrobe, you are all covered for the summer.

Strappy dresses, intricate back detailing, dresses with cut-outs at the waist, floral prints, in soft fabrics have hi-fashion’s seal approval this season.

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From the beach to running everyday errands to long walks with a friend — a tote bag is a summer companion that is not just stylish but also practical. It can carry everything from your swimwear, beach towel to laptops to books. Moreover, you can go on all season with a bright tote, and it will match up every outfit.

So, if you still don’t have a tote in your wardrobe, it is about time you invest in one — as this one is never going out of fashion for sure.

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It is not summer without crop tops and bralettes. Yes, crop tops and bralettes are still a hit this summer and just can’t be skipped from your must-have list. From plain to colourful, simple to complex, there is plenty of variety to choose from, and you can add your own spin to them, as they can be styled in several different ways. Crops pair well with high-waisted shorts, denim, skirts or trousers, and you can always throw a jacket over for an edgy look or pair it with a blazer to make a uber-cool statement. If you are creative enough, you can simply pull out some old crop from the wardrobe and style it in new way, or simply revamp your old tees/shirt into crops using easy DIY tutorials available online.

White Summer White jeans are one of those fashion picks that we eagerly wait to put on. They are undoubtedly a spring/summer essential, which has boundless styling possibilities.

Cooler than the usual darker shade of jeans – a good pair of white jeans is sure to brighten up your summer. They may not be flashy, but they sure do add tons of sophistication to your summer wardrobe.

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Wide-leg Fancy Wide-leg trousers have made a cool comeback this season. The over-sized bottoms may not seem that flattering at first glance, but believe us they scream comfort and style when styled the right way. Be it your 80s inspired office trousers, cropped culottes, wide-leg denim — they are all part of the dress code this season. You can pair them with bralettes, crop tops, t-shirts, blazers, and even sneakers to make some interesting fashion statements.

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PHOTOS: BMW PRESSROOM

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

2021

LARGE AND IN CHARGE

BMW X5 M

COMPETITION

BY Benjamin Yong

BMW’s classic M-powered SUV has made a return to the lineup for its third generation. It is even more beastly than the outgoing version, yet at the same time also upping the level of refinement. Our press vehicle was sprayed in an electric Marina Bay Blue Metallic paint that stood out like a sore thumb among the usual sea of boring monotone cars on the road.

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B

MW’s classic M-powered SUV has made a return to the lineup for its third generation.

And it is even more beastly than the outgoing version, yet at the same time also upping the level of refinement. Here’s the low-down

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on top-of-the-line 2021 X5 M Competition.

It seems like the intakes on the front bumper get larger with each successive model and the same is true here, providing much needed cooling for the

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $132,899 Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 617 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 553 @ 1,800 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 20.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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All Competitions include Full Merino Leather upholstery and matching Alcantara headliner. The seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver and front passenger receive a massage function. Adding to passenger comfort are four natural fragrances to choose from, which is part of the Ambient Air Package, ensuring the cabin always smells good.

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boosted V8-endowed powertrain.

The iconic kidney grille now has the two sections connected and is substantially taller than before, though thankfully not to the extent of the new 4 Series. In addition, there’s the usual assortment of fender gills, fender flares, window spoiler and aggressive rear diffuser enveloping the oversized quad exhaust.

The Competition grade receives some extra exterior goodies like a blacked-out treatment on the double-barred kidney grill frame, side mirror

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caps (or finished in carbon fibre if the $1,850 Enhanced Package is purchased), badging and muffler tips. Our press vehicle was sprayed in an electric Marina Bay Blue Metallic paint that stood out like a sore thumb among the usual sea of boring monotone cars on the road.

Ambient lighting is a pretty standard feature in the segment nowadays but BMW oneups the competition (no pun intended) with the sheer amount of multicolour LEDs hidden throughout the interior space.

The dash, foot wells and speakers all emit an eerie glow in the evening, as well as the Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof doing its best impression of the shuttle bay doors on the Starship Enterprise.

All Competitions include Full Merino Leather upholstery and matching Alcantara headliner. The seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver and front passenger receive a massage function. Adding to passenger comfort are four natural fragrances to choose from, which is part of the Ambient Air Package, ensuring the cabin always

smells good.

The infotainment runs off the latest iDrive 7 OS — and the great thing about the German brand is for those who have driven any fairly recent BMW, using the revised system will feel like second nature. This is something other manufacturers would do well to emulate, rather than leaving users baffled on how to do something as simple as change the bass setting on the stereo.

You can’t have Competition in the vehicle’s name and not have the specs to back it up. A high-revving twinturbocharged V8 engine, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces a mind-blowing 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the former a full 50 horsepower more than the second-gen X5 M. Aided by traction-friendly M xDrive all-wheel drive with Active M Differential 0 to 100 km/h takes only 3.9 seconds, a number that would make most muscle cars jealous.

If the bright paint doesn’t get enough attention in traffic, the M Sports Exhausts should, especially after pressing the M Sound Control button on the centre console to open up the electrically controlled flaps in the piping.

High performance SUV motoring doesn’t get much better than the 2021 BMW X5 M, which can be yours for $132,899 MSRP.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW PHOTOS: MERCEDES PRESSROOM

2021

PREMIUM HOT HATCH FUN

MERCEDES

AMG A 35 4MATIC

BY Benjamin Yong

“Canadians love performance vehicles.

In fact, one out of every four vehicles we sell is an AMG. With the A 35 hatch and sedan we [are expanding] our AMG line-up even further and offer exciting performance driving in the compact class,” says Brian Fulton, president and CEO of MercedesBenz Canada.

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ntry level and high performance are two adjectives that rarely go together in the same sentence, but they do when talking about the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC. “Ever since we announced the introduction of the A-Class to the Canadian product portfolio, many have been anxiously awaiting news of an AMG variant,” say Brian Fulton, president and CEO of MercedesBenz

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Canada, in a press release.

“Canadians love performance vehicles. In fact, one out of every four vehicles we sell is an AMG. With the A 35 hatch and sedan we [are expanding] our AMG line-up even further and offer exciting

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $49,800 Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Horsepower: 302 @ 5,800 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 295 @ 3,000 rpm Gearbox: Seven-speed dualclutch automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 12.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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The car is quick on its feet, able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, aided by a super quickshifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Drivers can take over the gear change duties anytime by tugging on one of the two steering wheel paddles.

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performance driving in the compact class.”

As mentioned above, there’s both a hatchback and sedan available and DARPAN took out the former to evaluate the brand’s foray into premium hot hatch territory.

Although it’s the lowest rung on the AMG ladder, the A 35 still looks the part with motorsportinspired styling. Just look at the signature twin-blade mesh grille, matching bladed lower front

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bumper air intakes, factory body aero, split-spoke 18-inch black and chrome alloy wheels, roof spoiler and dual exhaust tips.

Similarly, a mixture of made-in-Italy vegan red-stitched leather and suede, as well as brushed aluminum, on interior surfaces gives the cabin an air of sophistication and sportiness.

The ultra-widescreen combined instrument cluster and MBUX infotainment display is truly stunning, and needs to be seen in

person to be fully appreciated. A large touchpad and palm rest ahead of the centre console provide a handsome and ergonomic way to surf the menus.

Also quite remarkable is the amount of output Mercedes-AMG has managed to extract from a rather modest 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder motor: 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The car is quick on its feet, able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, aided by a super quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Drivers can take over the gear change duties anytime by tugging on one of the two steering wheel paddles.

Unfortunately, the A 35’s impressive get-up-and-go is mostly felt only and not heard, as there’s no dynamic exhaust found to unleash a hearty rumble at the push of a button like on siblings the CLA 45 or C 63.

An AMG Performance version of the automaker’s proprietary 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard. The variable system can favour the front axle completely, or split 50:50 with the rear, and automatically determines torque distribution based on the current acceleration, steering angle, rotational speed of each individual corner and more. Even in rainy Vancouver weather, 4MATIC gave me the confidence to go about business on the road as usual.

Sitting on AMG Sports Suspension, comprised of McPherson front struts and multi-link rear setup, the A 35 does a good job of keeping the vehicle planted during high speed cornering manoeuvres, but really leaves something to be desired in the comfort department — to say the ride is stiff would be an understatement.

Adding the optional AMG Ride Control that has adjustable damping may be the way to go here.

The price for all this high performance five door fun? A starting MSRP of $49,800.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW

PORSCHE 7 18 SPYDER

THIS PORSCHE CONVERTIBLE IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE TOPLESS SPORTS CAR

BY Benjamin Yong

One which really stands out in the crowd right now is the 2021 Porsche 718 Porsche Spyder thanks to its showcase of the manufacturer’s latest design language that includes a touch of throwback aesthetic, and of course top notch performance.

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here’s no better telltale sign of summer than the proliferation of convertibles back on the road across the GVRD. One which really stands out in the crowd right now is the 2021 Porsche 718 Porsche Spyder thanks to its showcase of the manufacturer’s latest design language that includes a touch of throwback aesthetic, and of course top notch performance.

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Slotting in at the top of the 718 lineup, next to the hardtop equivalent Cayman GT4, the track-ready Spyder is unmistakable featuring gaping black intakes in the front bumper and fenders, lower lip spoiler and massive 20inch silver alloy wheels.

Rearward, the tinted LED taillights look menacing and the massive diffuser enveloping twin tailpipes isn’t just pretty, but together with the adjustable wing keeps everything planted to the ground during high speed driving.

And of course, there’s also the so-called dual “streamliners,” or the raised humps on the deck lid connected to the rollover hoops, providing an aesthetic nod to the

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $112,900 Motor: 4.0-litre six-cylinder Horsepower: 414 @ 7,600 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 309 @ 5,000 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual transmission Layout: Mid engine, rear-wheel drive Fuel economy: 13.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) original sports car by the same name from the 1960s.

To save weight, Porsche replaced the electric soft top seen on its sibling the 718 Boxster with a manual version. Operating the unit requires getting out of the vehicle — as well

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as the opening and closing of various flaps and pushing/pulling the whole thing into/out of the storage compartment — so checking the weather report prior to heading out sans roof may be a prudent choice. One plus though is it doesn’t affect the adjacent cargo area in any way.

The interior of the Spyder can be customized with various materials for the seating and dash surfaces, such as the extended Alcantara found in our media loaner — everything from the steering wheel to armrest was swathed in the buttery soft fabric. Staying true to the theme of lightness, even the door handles have been deleted, pull straps installed instead in their place.

As Porsche has stated previously there are plans to electrify 80 per cent of the company fleet by 2030, so powertrains like this 4.0-litre engine may not be around for long. While there are obvious benefits to EVs, there’s simply something about the rumble of the “flat” six-cylinders firing away behind your head that stirs the soul.

Boasting 414 horsepower on-tap and an 8,000 rpm redline, jabbing the throttle results in loud, untamed acceleration and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds. Be mindful of the rear-wheel drive layout, though, because despite all the on-board traction control systems, the back tires can still get squirrely when powering out of a turn on wet Lower Mainland roads.

I had forgotten how good the brand’s manual transmissions are and luckily a six-speed gearbox is standard equipment, as tactile and fun to shift as ever. Throws are short and crisp and pressing the “Auto Blip” button on the centre console lets the computer do the double-clutched, rev-matched gear changes for you ensuring a perfectly smooth transition.

The 2021 Porsche 718 Spyder is built at the Zuffenhausen factory in Stuttgart, Germany and retails for $112,900.

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2021

HYBRID SEDAN WITH UPGRADED PERFORMANCE

HONDA ACCORD

HYBRID

BY Benjamin Yong

“The new Honda Accord Hybrid is really the Accord to buy, offering customers more of everything they like about Accord — more power, refinement and, of course, excellent fuel economy ratings,” says Dave Gardner, executive vice president of national operations at American Honda.

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he Honda Accord Hybrid is back for 2021 undergoing a mid-cycle refresh that is more than skin-deep, the partially electrified sedan also receiving a performance upgrade. We took one out for a week to get a closer look at all the changes.

“The new Honda Accord Hybrid is really the Accord to buy, offering customers more of everything they like about Accord — more power, refinement and, of course, excellent fuel economy ratings,” says Dave Gardner, executive vice president of national operations at American Honda, in a media release.

All models are restyled and feature a wider, more expressive lower grill opening that does a better job of concealing the Honda Sensing driver assist system radar unit. Though

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visually looking similar, the beam pattern of the LED headlights does a better job of illuminating the road by covering a larger area. The foglamps are smaller, housed in sportier black bezels.

From the side, the car retains the same sleek and stretched out fastback profile, its sizable 4,882-millimetre length translating into a generous 1,026

HIGHLIGHTS

MSRP: $35.805 Motor: 2.0-litre four-cylinder + two electric motors Horsepower: 212 @ 6,200 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 232 @ 2,000 rpm Gearbox: E-CVT Layout: Front engine, frontwheel drive Fuel economy: 5.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW PHOTOS: HONDA PRESSROOM

The interior is well equipped and laid out in a fairly intuitive fashion, utilizing a healthy mix of digital and physical controls.

The decision to use transmission buttons vs. a traditional shifter may be polarizing, however does free up space.

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millimetres of legroom for rear passengers inside.

The interior is well equipped and laid out in a fairly intuitive fashion, utilizing a healthy mix of digital and physical controls.

The decision to use transmission buttons vs. a traditional shifter may be polarizing, however does free up space. I still find the Display Audio infotainment system with eight-inch touch display tricky to use, particularly locating certain settings that are superfluous or buried in submenus.

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For example, the trip computer app seemingly doesn’t allow an onthe-fly manual reset on screen — you have to perform the command holding down a button hidden on the lower left of the dashboard.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are now part of standard equipment, and offer wireless pairing eliminating the need to plug in a USB cable.

A new rear seat reminder alerts occupants to check the back for items or children prior to exiting the vehicle.

A 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle inline-four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motors continues to power the four door, generating a net 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the ingenuity of Honda engineers, the setup has been tuned to yield better and more responsive acceleration feel when stepping on the pedal.

As with most hybrids the pickup is quick, but once internal combustion kicks in an unrefined, buzzy noise fills the cabin. The powertrain is great at recapturing kinetic energy from braking to

As with most hybrids the pickup is quick, but once internal combustion kicks in an unrefined, buzzy noise fills the cabin. The powertrain is great at recapturing kinetic energy from braking to recharge the battery, and drivers can squeeze the steering wheel paddles to vary the amount of effect — left to increase, right to decrease.

recharge the battery, and drivers can squeeze the steering wheel paddles to vary the amount of effect — left to increase, right to decrease.

The Accord Hybrid has three optional drive modes: Econ, Sport and EV. The latter shuts off the gasoline engine and allows (limited) zero emissions travel, which is only good for about 1.6 kilometres of range or tooling around a parking garage. Sport firms up the steering and alters the throttle mapping to give a bit of a peppier ride, though the novelty wears off fairly quickly.

Even just operating the car in normal mode the fuel economy is excellent for a mid-size sedan.

Spending a week behind the wheel I averaged approximately 5.8 L/100 km in mixed city and highway driving. Prices start at $35,805.

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Brighten Up Your

Home Screens SUMMER

THIS

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

Most-Awaited Movies & Shows To Look Forward To In The Coming Months From highly-anticipated desi thrillers and heart-warming anthologies, to romance and comedy — there are some exciting movies and shows that are all set to brighten up your home screens.

I

f couch-chilling and bingeing on OTT content is your fav pastime, then you have reasons to rejoice. The coming months hold many promises in the OTT landscape, which is churning out an array of high-profile films and series to keep you entertained. From highly-anticipated desi thrillers to heart-warming anthologies, to romance to comedy — there are some exciting movies and shows that are all set to brighten up your home screens. So, it’s time to get into your comfy PJs, pop the corn and enjoy your binge time.

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Bhoot Police Directed by: Vikas Bahl and Rahul Sengupta Starring Sunil Grover, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Kulkarni, Ashish Vidyarthi, Radha Bhatt The horror-comedy — Bhoot Police has piqued the curiosity of cinephiles all over, ever since Saif Ali Khan’s wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, shared the first look poster of the film and wrote, “New normal is paranormal.” Starring Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Yami Gautam in the lead, the film supposedly revolves around two ghost hunters — Vibhooti and Chiraunji, played

by Saif and Arjun respectively. While not much has been revealed about the film, Arjun Kapoor gave a brief insight into the film. The actor said in an interview, “Bhoot Police is a horror-comedy of course, in its essence and the way it’s been pitched to you all, but for me, it’s an adventure of two brothers. It’s Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor who are actually brothers and are bickering constantly and there’s a back and forth and up and down and there is a camaraderie, a brotherhood, a bond, an emotion, but there’s also a difference of opinion. So, there’s very interesting friction

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Bell Bottom Directed by: Ranjit M Tewari Starring Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi There are plenty of reasons to look forward to this one. For starters, Bell Bottom is the first Bollywood film to be shot during the pandemic, and it was also completed in record time. What’s more, the espionage thriller, featuring the ultimate action king of B-town — Akshay Kumar, is inspired by true events. While the makers have not revealed much about the plot, it is learnt that the story is set in the 1980s and is about India’s forgotten heroes from that era. While Akshay Kumar plays the character of a RAW agent who rescues over 212 hostages in the hijack attacks in the film, apparently Lara Dutta essays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who was in power at that time. And Vaani Kapoor plays Akshay’s wife in the film. Speaking about the film, Vaani said in a statement, “It’s a solid product and Akshay sir, like in every film of his, is simply outstanding. One has to see the film to understand what he has done.” Well, we can’t wait to catch the Khiladi in action again!!!

between two people who go on this journey.” He further added, “It’s a little more cerebral and it’s still got its own goofiness, but you’ll have fun watching it.

It lands somewhere in the middle of Go Goa Gone and Stree.” Now, this one certainly can’t be missed. Film’s producer – Ramesh Taurani

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Atrangi Re

Mai Directed by: Atul Mongia Starring Sakshi Tanwar, Wamiqa Gabbi, Vivek Mushran, Prashant Narayanan, Raima Dev Varma, and Seema Pahwa After entertaining us with the gripping Paatal Lok and Bulbbul, actorturned-producer Anushka Sharma is all set to enthral us with Mai, which is made under her production banner Clean Slate Films. Anushka announced Mai through her social media and wrote, “Oh, Mai! What happens when a docile, 47-year-old wife-and-mother finds herself accidentally sucked into a rabbit hole of violence and power? WE WILL SOON FIND OUT.” She added, “I’m excited to announce our Netflix original series, Mai, that follows timid Sheel into an entanglement with crime and politics that will forever change her and the world she inhabits. Are you ready?” Oh yes, ever ready for a good dose of entertainment. Bring it on!

a unique love story and is set in Bihar and Madurai. Speaking about the film an excited Sara Ali Khan Directed by: Aanand L. Rai said in an interview, “Working on it Starring Sara Ali Khan, Akshay has been an outstanding experience.

Kumar, Dhanush Aanand Ji is known for telling great Another Bollywood film carrying stories with very strong women, and a decent buzz is the cross-culture I really hope that this can follow romantic drama — Atrangi Re. With the same trend. I hope that we have its interesting star cast featuring been able to do together what he Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and has so successfully done many times Dhanush, music composed by the without me. He is such a loving and legendary A R Rahman, and directed compassionate filmmaker. There by maverick filmmaker Aanand L. are emotions that he brings out in Rai — Atrangi Re definitely holds people that they didn’t know they many promises. The movie narrates had in the first place.”

Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein

Directed by: Sengupta Starring Tahir Raj Bhasin, Shweta Tripathi, Anchal Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Surya Sharma, Brijendra Kala, Arunoday Singh, Anant Joshi, Sunita Rajwar, and Hetal Gada.

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Touted as one of its kind dark comical thrillers and starring a bunch of powerhouse of talents, this upcoming Netflix offering, undoubtedly needs to go on your must-watch list. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein revolves around a romantic simpleton, played by Tahir Raj Bhasin, who is aggressively pursued by a politician’s daughter, but his heart lies with someone else. The desi thriller is about three things that matter the most in the country: paisa, taqat aur pyaar. Speaking about his role, Tahir Raj Bhasin said, “The part I play in this series is of a die-hard romantic, passionately committed to the girl in his life. What audiences can expect to see is crackling chemistry and a suspenseful story that keeps them on the edge.” Seems like this one has to be Excellence binged watch in one go.

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Feels like Ishq Directed by: Ruchir Arun, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, Anand Tiwari, Danish Aslam, Jaydeep Sarkar, Sachin Kundalkar and Devrath Sagar Starring Radhika Madan, Amol Parashar, Tanya Maniktala, Rohit Saraf, Mihir Ahuja, SimranJehani, Saba Azad, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Zayn Khan and Skand Thakur Anthologies have become a hot fav on OTT, and the latest one to watch out for is definitely — Feels Like Ishq. Helmed by a group of talented directors like Ruchir Arun, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, Anand Tiwari, Danish Aslam, Jaydeep Sarkar, Sachin Kundalkar and starring a bunch of equally stellar actors, Feels Like Ishq will feature six beautiful stories about modern-day love. Looking at the trailer, one can be rest assured that this romantic-drama series is sure to strike a chord with everyone. Each story has a unique twist, such as same-sex love, age differences, language differences, and more. Commenting about her film Quarantine Crush, director Tahira Kashyap said in a statement, “Quarantine Crush is a subtle love story that blooms while the world is experiencing a global pandemic. It is a simple story that speaks volumes about care, innocence and friendship. Kajol Chugh and Mihir Ahuja essay the roles of Nimmi and Maninder with ease, and their camaraderie ensures that the audience’s mood stays light.” Feels Like Ishq will start streaming on Netflix on July 23, 2021.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

SHARE THEIR STORIES

how things operate, applying for a job or doing a series of interviews. My wife had to stay home to take care of our young kids. I was the only bread earner of the family, which did put financial pressure on us. But having a spouse or partner like Mandeep really helped, who not only gave me the mental support but also made this difficult time easier. In addition to get through the tough phase, I took two jobs, one full-time and one part-time to support my family.

How long did it take to get used to the people, weather or surrounding?

Meet the Kanwar Family Kanwarjit Kanwar works at RBC Commercial Banking Mandeep Kanwar works as a teacher at Khalsa School Angela and Jessey are students When you migrate to a new country it’s extremely hard, as you are uprooting your whole family and leaving behind a place where you lived for 32 years. You essentially are starting your personal and professional life from scratch again, however the people of Canada, my friends and family certainly made the process easier.”

PHOTOS: KANWAR FAMILY

Why did you decide to migrate to Canada?

I decided to migrate to Canada for better future opportunities and had heard from my family and friends about the great diversity, inclusion and acceptance of multi-cultural people in this country.

Which year did you migrate?

We came to Canada in July 2009.

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What were your first impressions of Canada?

When you migrate to a new country it’s extremely hard, as you are uprooting your whole family and leaving behind a place where you lived for 32 years. You essentially are starting your personal and professional life from scratch again, however the people of Canada, my friends and family certainly made the process easier. The beautiful Canadian culture, ever-accepting people and natural beauty of this country certainly assured me that I made the right move.

Where did you stay when you reached Canada?

After reaching Canada, we stayed with my family’s friend at their home. Later we moved into a basement.

What challenges did you face when you and your family moved here?

There were many challenges like learning the culture, understanding

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Our whole family loves the weather and the natural beauty of B.C. Our dream was to live at a hill station, so I guess we came to the perfect place in terms of environment. As I mentioned earlier people and communities over here are very welcoming.

How has your overall journey in Canada been so far?

My journey in Canada has been everything that I hoped it would be and more. My family has a permanent home in B.C. and we are very fortunate to meet amazing people who have become my colleagues and friends. I look forward to the future and what it holds!

What do you like and dislike about this country?

There is nothing to dislike about Canada, I am proud to call myself a Canadian, we are all very fortunate to live in such a prosperous and beautiful country. One thing which I miss are my friends and families who live in various parts of the world.

The biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada?

How was your experience My biggest obstacle was buying a getting a job here? home in Canada. In India, we do

When we migrated, I was mentally prepared that the initial part is going to be difficult in the professional life. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to work for leading financial institution of Canada, RBC Royal Bank. I started as a teller which was an entry level position in banking, which not only helped me to understand the Canadian banking system, but also work culture. RBC’s diverse and inclusive values made the transition easy.

Where were you working before moving to Canada?

I was working with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance in the role of Area Manager, leading a team of over 100 employees that spanned across four states.

How do you see your future in Canada?

Canada is very a dynamic country and a person who is willing to put effort and hard work, would always succeed.

Every day I put 100% effort into my personal and professional life with the goal of reaching and surpassing my positions that I held back home and helping my children and family prosper.

not have to worry about buying a home as the residence is usually passed down by our parents and grandparents. Coming to Canada I had to understand how to buy a home and get a mortgage along with other expenses that come with the big purchase.

Any advice for future immigrants?

Initially it will seem hard; you will face a lot of hardships and barriers but you will get through it. Make your friends and family in Canada your support system to help you overcome challenges. Work through the hardships together as a family.

There is no bigger key then honesty, truth and giving back to the community which in our culture we call seva. Stay focused, work hard and trust in God.

Share your memories of your homeland.

I miss the summer vacations when we used to go to our relatives/cousins for a month. We played cricket in the evenings and had competitive matches on the weekend. Playing with friends was a luxury.

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