DARPAN MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022

Wrestling for your Dreams Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt Back to School Dr.Gurtej SANDHU SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 AUTO REVIEW: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback 2022 KIA EV6 2022 Porsche Macan 2022 Toyota Venza Amarvir Singh Dhesi, Jasmit Singh Phulka & Nishan Singh Randhawa A Darpan Exclusive 7 Tips for Parents to Get Involved ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC SOUTH ASIAN INVENTORS

Confidentially Contact Our Lawyers www.lklaw.ca When cultural traditions leave everything to our sons, it is against BC Law

Ramneek S. Dhillon

DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bi-monthly magazine. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publishers. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2022 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY Cover: AI Photography LLC Fahad Photo A Master Media PUBLISHERS̓ NOTE SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2022 AUTO REVIEW: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback 2022 KIA EV6 2022 Porsche Macan 2022 Toyota Venza Wrestling for your Dreams Amarvir Singh Dhesi, Jasmit Singh Phulka & Nishan Singh Randhawa Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt Back to School A Darpan Exclusive 7 Tips for Parents to Get Involved Dr.Gurtej SANDHU ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC SOUTH ASIAN INVENTORS

Hello DARPAN readers,

On the cover is the biggest South Asian inventor in the world, Dr. Gurtej Sandhu. Recognized for being the alltime seventh most prolific inventor, with more than1,300 U.S. utility patents, Dr. Sandhu is a Senior Fellow and Vice President at a top chip manufacturer in the world, Micron Technology Inc. Dr. Sandhu’s expertise lies in the areas of thin film processes and materials, VLSI, and semiconductor device fabrication. One of Dr. Sandhu’s early and celebrated inventions include his achievement in developing a method of coating microchips with titanium without exposing the metal to oxygen, which would otherwise oxidize the chips instantly and ruin them. Read more about his journey in the Cover Story. We have some good lifestyle articles that

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 6

3211 152 ST. UNIT 205, SURREY, BC V3S 3M1 WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING BROKERS WITH GREAT COMPENSATION. * Conditions Apply. Rates can be changed without further notice. FIRST TIME DEVELOPMENTSECUREDNEWBADFARMBUSINESSCOMMERCIALREFINANCESPRIVATELOWPURCHASESBUYERSWITHASAS5%DOWN&2NDMORTGAGES&SWITCHES&SMALLLOANSFINANCINGCREDITIMMIGRATIONLINEOFCREDITPROJECTS WWW. K RAFT M ORTGAGES .COM “WE WORK HARD FOR YOU TO GET YOU THE BEST MORTGAGE THAT FITS YOUR LIFE-STYLE!” NOW ACROSSSERVINGCANADA

Gurvinder S. Hundal

PUBLISHERS Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon EDITED BY Petrina D’Souza ASSISTANT EDITOR Ish Sharma GRAPHIC DESIGNER & VIDEO EDITOR Jaskaran Singh ADVERTISING AND SALES Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon Gaurav Bhutani WRITERS Benjamin Yong Mrinalini Sundar Naina DikshitaIshMicheleShwetaGrewalKulkarniMarkoSharmaNahar CONTACT Tel: 340-8140,Email:604-572-0199info@darpanmagazine.com128St.SurreyBC.V3W-1R1 JOIN US ONLINE! Visit: @darpanmagazinewww.darpanmagazine.com

We hope you had a beautiful summer and are looking forward to Fall and Winter ahead. To keep you company is our September/October 2022 issue comprising of a range of interesting and informative articles.

focus on youth and young achievers. DARPAN chats with current and former students to shine the spotlight on how students can make the most out of their university career and set themselves up for success. Meet young inspiring, hardworking South Asian men who have broken barriers in the sport of wrestling. The recent Common Wealth Games in England saw three Indo-Canadian wrestlers compete and defeat their respective opponents in freestyle wrestling of various levels. Amarveer Singh Dhesi and Nishan Singh Randhawa both brought home a gold medal for Canada. Jasmit Singh Phulka was the winner in the bronze medal category. Find out more about these young men who not only serve as positive role models within the South Asian community but who will continue to fight hard and win big. We are also excited to announce that DARPAN’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2022 will be held on October 7. As we celebrate 12 successful years honouring and encouraging the contributions of the South Asian community, we thank the community for their continued support. The Gala event will be yet another memorable night where 10 renowned individuals of the South Asian community will be honoured for their remarkable achievements in their respective fields. We will bring together the social, business and political elite under one roof, congratulating and admiring the extraordinary achievements of our winners. We hope you enjoy this issue and keep supporting us always.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 7 Veer Shergill Branch Manager Cloverdale Branch 604-549-5222 Paul Olak Branch Manager Fraser Street Branch 604-549-5421 Bobby Dhaliwal Assoc. Vice President Mobile Services 604-549-5370 yourMakenext MoneySmartMoveContact your G&F advisorwealthtoday to create your Smart Money Plan™ *Terms and conditions apply, limited time offer exclusive to G&F’s Guildford Branch G&F Financial Group is an operating trade name of Gulf and Fraser Fishermen’s Credit Union. Simran Dhaliwal Branch Manager West End Branch 604-549-5467 YOUR PLANS FOR A BRIGHT TOMORROW START WITH A SIMPLE CHAT TODAY! 604-419-8888 • gffg.com Satwinder Matharoo Branch Manager Nordel Crossing Branch 604-549-5313

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 FEATURES LIFESTYLE SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER CONTENTS2022 8 READER’S REACTION 10 DARPAN’S 10 Randeep Gill, MD IN EVERY ISSUE DARPAN SPOTLIGHT 14 Wrestling for your Dreams 20 Nikhita Singh 24 Manreet Sandhu 52 DARPAN SALUTES 32 University Life: Recipe for Success 80 DARPAN BEAUTY Looking for some clarity 84 DARPAN MOVIES The Movie Journal 86 DARPAN STYLE Sandook - A Trip down memory 96laneDARPAN TRAVEL 10 Most Adventurous Experiences around the world 100 DARPAN AUTO REVIEW 114 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS Meet the Jossan family 48 Metro Standard Insulation Ltd. 50 Kootenay Columbia College 56 Trueman Immigration BUSINESS PROFILES 44 DARPAN EXCLUSIVE Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt 58 DARPAN RECIPES Chef Bobby Geetha 62 DARPAN DECOR Here are all the ways to decorate your home with mirrors 66 BACK TO SCHOOL 7 Tips for parents to get involved 68 YOU ARE ENOUGH Importance of self-acceptance 73 ABC VANCOUVER Meet the candidates 76 DARPAN TRENDS Bag it! Must have bag styles to invest in now SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2022 AUTO REVIEW: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback 2022 KIA EV6 2022 Porsche Macan 2022 Toyota Venza Wrestling for your Dreams Amarvir Singh Dhesi, Jasmit Singh Phulka & Nishan Singh Randhawa Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt Back to School A Darpan Exclusive 7 Tips for Parents to Get Involved Dr.Gurtej SANDHU ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC SOUTH ASIAN INVENTORSCOVERSTORY24 14 100 44 76

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 9 HOME LIFE AUTO HEALTH TRAVEL BUSINESS TRUST US FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS... HOME LIFE AUTO HEALTH TRAVEL BUSINESS INSURANCE AGENCIES Since 1977 TRUST US FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS... Protect All That Matters To You. www.cascadeinsurance.ca Blvd.

– DARPAN – DARPAN Write to editor@darpanmagazine.comus: or Tag us on social @DarpanMagazinemedia:&#Darpanmgazine A TRYST WITH ADVENTURE Inspiring Stories of Outdoor Enthusiasts MAY JUNE 2022 AUTO REVIEW: 2022 Honda Odyssey 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4XE 2022 Lexus UX 250H SUMMER IS HERE Learn How To Keep Your Child Active & Healthy This Summer THE GLAM IS BACK! Celebrations are back big time and so is getting glamorous again COVERSTORY24 R

DARPAN TM

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us Mrs. Pillai. We hope you enjoy the September-October issue, and continue to support us.

Hello Asha, thank you for writing to DARPAN. Yes, the recipes are easy to make. Please let us know how they turned out when you try your hand at it.

The knowledge you need. The partnership you deserve. ACCOUNTING | ADVISORY | TAX | ASSURANCE Harjit S. Sandhu, CPA, CA Partner, Private Enterprise Group hsandhu@dmcl.ca 604.531.1154

–

Fashion

July/August 2022

Nice easy recipes by Chef Bobby Geetha. I will be trying to make them soon. Asha Singh

Great Summer issue and interesting articles this time. Enjoyed reading them!

Re: Yes Tina, designer Simar Dugal’s Ziba

Re:Mrs.Pillai

DARPAN

Recipes

Re: Hi Karan, happy to know that you enjoyed reading our feature on the top luxury hotels in India. Yes, India’s travel and hospitali ty industry has a lot to offer. Please do visit some of the hotels listed if you plan to visit India. eaders Reactions

know that India had so many luxury hotels. They all look magical. – Karan

Oh wow, a beautiful fashion spread this issue. Loved the outfits and colours! – Tina M.

The 2023 Cadill aC lYR i Q

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 11www.prestoncadillaclangley.com

DL30568

Preview Cadillac’s all-electric Future

Sales: 604.534.4154 Service: 604.532.4590

Preston Cadillac 19990 Langley Bypass Langley, BC prestoncadillaclangley.com

C ADILL A C • L ANGLEY

Sales Hours: Mon to Thurs: 8:30am 9pm Fri to Sat: 9am 6pm Sun & Holidays: 9am 5pm

The All New 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ will spearhead Cadillac’s all-electric future with its stunning design, artfully integrated technology and GM’s Ultium Platform, delivering a high performance luxury experience unlike anything that has come before it. With a 100 kilowatt-hour battery pack, available Super Cruise, a stunning 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display and a 19-speaker AKG audio system, the LYRIQ will set a new standard for Cadillac. Available for Reservations Now

1 DARPAN

I have been practising at Surrey Memorial Hospital for approximately 10 years, primarily in the Emergency Department. My road to medicine began at the age of 11 when I was deeply affected by the death of my father. As a result of a car accident, he remained a quadriplegic for three years before passing. In those three years, I grew up quickly and learned a lot from him. He always said, “When pressure is applied, you either focus or you fold.”

What is the single most important action the community can take to advance health care in Surrey and our rapidly growing region?

The other 51% are working at walk-in clinics, urgent care or as hospitalists, primarily due to the compensation

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Share some of what you would like to see implemented in the Canadian health care system that exists in other countries, but is lacking here in Canada.

exponential growth, the two cities have an equivalent population yet there is a stark difference in the health care resources available to the residents in Surrey. It’s well known that Surrey Memorial is the busiest ER yet we do not have the capacity to treat the three leading causes of death at the hospital. Those patients must be transferred out to RCH, VGH or SPH and there is no plan to change this in the near future. Why is this acceptable?

I do agree that Surrey is underserved. With Surrey’s 432

65 10987GILLRANDEEPCREDIT:PHOTO

My mother is a determined and hardworking person. Even as a single mother, she was relentless in her efforts to make our dreams come true – though we didn’t always understand how to do that. At 18, I became the first person in my extended family to go into medicine when I enrolled in medical school in Hungary. Although studying abroad was an unconventional path to medicine that had its difficulties, my proudest moment came when I got accepted into Hopkins. I finished my training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and had the privilege to work at Columbia University in NYC as Assistant Professor in the departments of Emergency Medicine and NeuroCritical Care.Now

Unity brings power and power brings change. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something and together we can change the world”.

As a family, we focused.

You were in the US for your practice so what brings you back here?

Unity brings power and power brings change.”

Unlike Canada, other commonwealth countries with universal health care, such as Australia, Germany and England, have figured out a way to incorporate a private pay system alongside a publicly funded model. I believe we should at least explore how to consistently incorporate private facilities to ease the pressure on public hospitals.

There was always a burning desire to return home and be a part of my community. But, my return was expedited because of my mother’s cancer diagnosis in 2012. My sister and I were raised with the expectation to take care of our families and give back to our community. So, SMH was the perfect place for me to take care of my family while being in service to the community.

The community needs to start asking questions and demand answers from the government. Since advancing health care in a region is a provincial mandate, it’s imperative that we are all informed on the issue and remain vocal and politically active. When the community is united and informed, it has the power to create change, and that change will save lives.

Sometimes surviving is succeeding. Life is not always fair. Good people get bad diseases. In medicine, you see that death and diseases affect everyone, the prepared and unprepared alike. You can do everything right and still get a bad outcome. There’s plenty of unfairness when it comes to medicine, as there is in all things in this world. Sometimes, you have to be thankful just to be alive.

Access to healthcare is a major concern. We’ve all heard the anecdotes, “20% of the BC population are without a GP [General Practitioner]” and “Doctors are not accepting new patients”. Although these points are true, that does not mean we have a doctor shortage. According to BC College of Family Practice there are approximately 6,000 GPs in BC of which 49% are performing longitudinal care, meaning “cradle to grave” medical care.

- Ronald J Sider

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA FACULTY OF MEDICINE - SURREY HOSPITAL & OUTPATIENT CENTRE FOUNDATION

DIRECTOR

What are some services the Medical Advisory Committee provides?

as a proud father of three living in Surrey, I turn my efforts to giving back to the community, primarily by volunteering my time as a Board Member of Surrey Hospitals Foundation (SHF). I’m most passionate about shaping the future of health care delivery in our region.

What are your thoughts on this?

model. In the current fee for service model, GPs are not compensated for the duration of time they spend with the patient, like they are in other provinces. Rising overhead and operational costs are resulting in GPs closing their offices and leaving family practice. Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health are working hard to find a solution to these issues. Once a new fee structure is reached, I believe the new incentives will move GPs towards longitudinal care and improve access to primary care.

Tell us about valuable lessons you have learned during your time as a medical health professional.

What’s a message you would like to share with the South Asian community?

“To build or not to build” is not the debate we should be engaging in, we need the bed capacity but we also need the advanced services to take care of our communitynow and for the future.

We often hear about a shortage of doctors and pressure on the health care system. How can this be fixed so it is not a recurring issue?

Vancouver has a few hospitals whereas Surrey, a growing city, has only one Surrey Memorial Hospital which is bursting at its seams. A second hospital is going to take some time before it is up and running. Surrey residents feel neglected.

RANDEEPGILL,MD

What inspired you to form and lead the Medical Advisory Committee?

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 12

The Medical Advisory Committee provides important overview, feedback and recommendations to the Board of Directors at SHF in order to focus efforts on fundraising in areas that are not adequately supported by government funding. As physicians, we understand the needs of our patients. Insight from the Medical Advisory Committee enables SHF and the hospital to support life-changing health care where it is needed most.

In its current form, the second hospital will not even address the immediate needs of our growing community let alone advance acute care management in the region.

I firmly believe that all voices must be heard and represented. Although we have a diverse, engaged and powerful board representing SHF, it is imperative to have a medical advisory committee which acts as a free standing entity to provide informed and objective feedback. I saw a need to gather input from all departments of the hospital so that we can hone in on the key elements that are affecting and possibly delaying health care delivery at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH). The Medical Advisory Committee was created to facilitate full representation across all the departments of the hospital, so that we can tap into the wisdom and expertise of all those voices. Essentially, we’re creating an advocacy group amongst the physicians practising in SMH.

two new high-rise towers with 1-,2-, 3bedrooms and townhomes keeps you on beat. Defined by striking accentuated curves and smooth lines, reminiscent of a grand piano, this development is Surrey City Centre’s most modern addition. Utilizing its meticulously-landscaped, free-flowing terraces, PIANO creates inviting green spaces and outdoor amenities with scenic views in every direction. While a multitude of indoor amenity options are carefully curated for all of life’s tempos. Within Reach

1-2-3 Bedrooms & Townhomes Available in Surrey City Centre

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 13Surrey Sales Centre 9908 King George Blvd Open Daily 11 am - 5:00 pm ConcordPiano.ca 604.583.9866PIANO’s

Discover your life’s tempo at PIANO by Concord Pacific. Located in the heart of Surrey, PIANO is where community, culture, and wellness exist in perfect harmony. Register Now to Preview COMING SOON Harmony

Such is the story of young inspiring, hard working South Asian men who have broken barriers in the sport of wrestling. The recent Commonwealth Games in England saw three Indo-Canadian wrestlers compete and defeat their respective opponents in freestyle wres tling of various levels. Amarveer Singh Dhesi and Nishan Singh Randhawa both brought home a gold medal for Canada. Jasmit Singh Phulka was the winner in the bronze medal category.

By Ish Sharma

It

WRESTLING FOR YOUR IS TRULY WORTH IT DREAMS

They are all professionals in the sport of wres tling who have been coached since they were about six to eight years old. Let’s find out more about these young men who not only serve as positive role models within the South Asian community but who will continue to fight hard and win big.

PICTURES COURTESY : FAHAD PHOTO

is every parent’s dream that their chil dren achieve great heights and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and these youth have done just that. They have filled the hearts of the South Asian commu nity with pride by gaining recognition on the world stage. They have wrestled for their dreams because they always knew that putting up a good fight would be worth it and would bring you gold.

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Dhesi was determined to turn his dreams into reality. Dhesi faced hardships during his sport but welcomed them as challenges on his road to success.  Dhesi injured his ACL three times in a short span of six years and underwent two surgeries but never gave up. This resulted in him missing two seasons of competition for Oregon State University. Despite all odds, he kept going and had his best college season in 2018 when he won the second of his three Pac-12 titles and finished third at the NCAA Division I Championships earning him the title of Oregon State Male Athlete of the Year. He finished his collegiate career as a three-time All-American. Dhesi made his first appearance on the international stage when he won 120kg gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships. He competed at his first senior worlds in 2018. Dhesi is still pinching himself on this gold win with another medal to his tally. He wants to give a huge shout out to his family and friends as he couldn’t have done it without them.

• 2022 Commonwealth Games champion

• Oregon State male Athlete of the year (2016, 2018)

Birmingham was awesome. It my first time in England. The greatest part of the whole event were the fans. It honestly felt like home. After I won, I had an interview and the interviewer asked you had so many family and friends cheering you on. I replied I had nobody, all my friends and family are back home. I am not sure who these people are but they are awesome.

26 year old Amar Dhesi as he is lovingly called was born and raised in Surrey. Dhe si currently wrestles for team Canada and the Ohio Regional Training Centre and helps coach at the Khalsa wrestling club. He defeat ed his opponent Zaman Anwar of Pakistan in the gold-medal match to claim the men’s 125 kg title at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

We begin with workout, eat, sleep and then workout again throughout the day. It is a total of three-four hours a day. It is comprised of lifting five times a week and on the mats about four to five times a week.

Q.What message would you like to share with the South Asian commu nity especially the youth?

Q. What is your training schedule like?

• 2014 Junior World Champion

• 2022 Pan-American Champion

• 2021 Italy Ranking Series champion (international event)

HIGHLIGHTSCAREER

Gold

Q. What does winning a gold mean to you at the Commonwealth Games?

Q. So what’s next?

• 3-time All-American NCAA DIV. 1

The South Asian community has supported me my whole life. Overall, I want to say a huge thank you and I truly feel fortunate. I have been put in this role as a role model and I have associated with a lot of young kids over the years and received many messages so I certainly hope that I can continue that.

Q. Canada has been your home and has given you so much- how good does it feel to represent Canada and win a gold medal for the country?

• 5-time Canadian national champion

• 2021 Tokyo Olympian

• 2019 Poland Open champion (international event)

Amarveer Singh Dhesi Medalist, 2022 Commonwealth Games

I am very fortunate to do this full time as a career and represent Canada at the highest level in sport, I consider myself grateful. My parents came from India as immigrants and settled down here and for me to represent Canada at the world stage is truly amazing.

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Competing at the World Championship in Serbia. In 2022 I set my sights on winning the Pan American Olympics, the Common wealth Games, and now I am wanting to win at the World Championship. I feel I am two thirds of the way there.

Q. What is your training schedule like?

Nishan Singh Randhawa Gold Medalist, 2022 Commonwealth Games DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

3x Junior

HIGHLIGHTSCAREER

4x Senior

My parents came in 1997 so they’ve been working every single day. My dad’s been doing two jobs since I was young. Their hard work is commendable and when we meet our  opponents they say if they win this medal they will have wealth and change their whole family structure. So I am  very fortunate to have somewhere to sleep and have food on the table. So yes really grateful for this and it’s nice to see that we can give back something to Canada, the place I call home.

• 4x Highschool National Champion

Q. Canada has been your home and has given you so much- how good does it feel to represent Canada and win a gold medal for the country?

• American

Senior Pan

Q. What does winning a gold mean to you at the Commonwealth Games?

Champion

Q. So what’s next?

It was my first time competing at the game even just any games in general so it was a  whole different atmosphere speaking with the crowd.  I honestly didn’t know that Bir mingham had such a big Indian community and once we started wrestling and we were walking down the ramp to go to the matches everyone was screaming and shouting, it’s kind of distracting at one point but it was nice to see that we had so much support even if there are Canadians or if there were holding Indian flags everyone cheering for us was actually really nice to see.

Nishan Singh Randhawa started wrestling at the age of eight. He coached under Boota Dhinsa and Avtar Dhinsa. His most recent accomplishment is his gold medal win in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He defeated his South African opponent Nicolaas De Lange 9-3 in the 97Kg freestyle wrestling in Birmingham, England. He is a University graduate with a degree in criminology. He received a full scholarship to pursue his degree from Simon Fraser University.  He is also a Junior World Bronze Medalist in 2015. He is also a 3x Junior Pan America Champion. Also a 3x Junior National Champion and 4x Senior National Champion. He trained with the Guru Gobind Singh Wrestling Club in Abbotsford. He began coaching as a volunteer to the kids that come to the club. Randhawa is currently training for the 2024 Olympic tri als and doing his training in Northern Iowa. Randhawa is thrilled on his win and he truly appreciates the support of the South Asian community over the years. He is looking forward to once again making the community proud and being able to put on performances equivalent to the Commonwealth Games at the 2024 RandhawaOlympics. isthrilled on his win and he truly appreciates the support of the South Asian community over the years. He is looking forward to once again making the community proud and being able to put on performances equivalent to the Commonwealth Games at the 2024 Olympics.

2022 Commonwealth

• American Bronze Medalist

• Games

• National

I am working towards competing in the 2024 Olympics. Hoping to win a gold medal at the world’s largest sporting event.

• 3x Provincial Champion

3x Junior Pan

Champion

The morning after a nutritious breakfast we usually do two hours of training  which consists of weight lifting and running. Then in the evening, there is mat training which is about two hours. A total of four hours a day and six days a week is the training.

Q.What message would you like to share with the South Asian community especially the youth?

• National

• World Bronze Medalist

Champion

Junior

The South Asian community has supported me my whole life. Overall, I want to say a huge thank you and I truly feel fortunate. I have been put in this role as a role model and I have associated with a lot of young kids over the years and received many messages so I certainly hope that I continuecanthat.

Champion

I am working towards competing in the 2024 Olympics.

I train six hours daily both morning and evening for six days a week. It is a combination of cardio, weight lifting, and then mats.

Q. What does winning a gold mean to you at the Commonwealth Games?

Jasmit Singh Phulka Bronze Medalist, 2022 Commonwealth Games DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

It feels amazing.I think I am just scratching the surface of many great things to come.   I’m going to do a lot for Canada and I’m going to make this country proud and I’m proud to be in this country.

of Phulka in the sport of wrestling and his community involvement is highlighted in the other sections as well. Phulka is excited about his recent win and is immensely grateful to his coaches for throwing their support behind him throughout his childhood and beyond.

Q.What message would you like to share with the South Asian community especially the youth?

Phulka has had success in both wrestling and as an avid volunteer in the community. He represents Canada at the highest level of wres tling in the hardest weight class in the world and is the only Indo-Canadian and of Sikh faith to ever wrestle in 74kg. He continues to break barriers and put Indo Canadians on the map on an international scale. He also uses his platform to volunteer and advocate for underserved members of the community. Below lists the extensive accomplishments

Q. What is your training schedule like?

Q. Canada has been your home and has given you so much- how good does it feel to represent Canada and win a gold medal for the country?

Q. So what’s next?

Jasmit Singh Phulka (born October 11, 1993) is a Canadian freestyle wrestler. Phulka was born and raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He is the grandson of Late Gurmit Singh and Late Shangar Kaur Phulka. He is the son of Harjit Singh and Supinderjit Kaur Phulka. His elder brother, Chanmit is also a Pan American Champion wrestler. Phulka be gan his wrestling career at a young age of 10. Phulka’s first medal in the seniors’ category was in the 2013 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship which was held in Johannes burg.  In 2018, Phulka debuted at the World Wrestling Championships which was held in Budapest. He represented Canada in the 84 kg weight class and won bronze.2018 was a pivotal year in his seniors’ career as he won three medals. It was a gold, a silver and a bronze in the 2018 Sassari Cup, 2018 Grand Prix of Spain, and 2018 Mongolia Cup respectively.They were all in the 74 kg weight class. Phulka won the 74-kg title at the Canadian Olympic Wrestling Trials that was conducted in December 2019.In November 2020, Cyclone Regional Training Center an nounced that Phulka will be a part of them as he is training to represent Canada in the 2020 Olympics. Phulka missed out on the chance of qualifying for the 2020 Olympics as he lost to Franklin Gomez 10–7 in the quarter final and was only able to secure the bronze medal in the 2020 Pan American Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament. Phulka recently won a bronze medal at the 2022 Common wealth Games. He had a great win over a top 5 ranked opponent in the world. Phulka takes pride in being a natural drug-free athlete and competing in the hardest weight class in the world. Phulka is also the only Indo Canadian wrestler to ever represent Canada at the senior level in 74kg.

I just want to say that don’t focus on the wins and losses don’t focus on the gold medals, the silver, or the bronze everything comes in its due time and course. God has a bigger picture for everyone and the most important thing you can focus on is your hard work and dedication. I’m not proud of these medals. I’m proud that I’ve done this the hard and natural way. I never took any banned substances you can win all the medals but if you are cheating I don’t consider you to be a champion. It’s all about hardwork,integrity, discipline and staying true to yourself.

The experience was awesome. It is over whelming I think that love we got when we got to Birmingham, England. The energy was amazing, the fans were excited to have us there and a lot of people loved me and loved the way I wrestled.

• Mananhana Championship Aftab E Hind India 80kg Bronze 2022

• Competed at six Pan American Cham pionships. Five Senior Pan American Championships

• Pan Am Olympic Qualifier Bronze 74kg 2020

• Abbotsford Sports Wall of Fame Induct ee (2011)

• Successful toy drive in two years raised over 35 thousand dollars

• Represented Canada at six World Cham pionships. Four Senior World Champi onships. 2018/2019/2021/2022

• Gold medalist at the Australia Cup and Silver Medalist in 2009

• 13 years as a member of the Canadian National Team. Senior National Team for seven years and current

• Outstanding Wrestler Award at Commonwealth Championships and Australia Cup

• NCWA All American in 2011

• 3X Commonwealth Medalist: Gold medalist in 2010. Senior Common wealth Bronze 2013/2017

• Bronze medalist at the Mongolia Open in 2018

• Silver medalist at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2018

• Gold medalist at the City of Sassari Cup Italy in 2018

• 15X National Medalist: Gold medal ist in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020,2021. (Nine Senior Medals)

HIGHLIGHTSCAREER PAUL SAMRA REALTOR ® RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL COMMITED TO SELLING YOUR PROPERTY FAST! 604-807-9940

• Silver medalist at the Moldova Cup 2013

• 5X time BC Medalist: Gold medalist in 2010 and 2011

• 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze 74kg

• 3X Pan American Medalist. Silver 2010, Senior Bronze 2019

• Silver City of Sassari Cup Italy in 2021

• 5X Canada Cup Medalist. Gold in 2010,2019,2022 Silver in 2015,2017

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 21

NikhitaSingh

By Ish Sharma

Lights. Camera. Action!

Meet Budding Actress

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

T

here are lots of people who shy away from the limelight or being a public figure but that’s not the story of Nikhita Singh. From a very young age, she knew she wanted to become an actress and appear on the silver Surreyscreen.bornand raised Singh says “My parents introduced film at a very young age. We would go to Strawberry Hills Movie Theatre every Friday night without fail so that really sparked my interest.”

Singh shares that her loved ones always supported her passion for the artistic world “My family always encouraged the arts and taught me to use my imagination. When I turned 16 years old I got the opportunity to work as a television host on a local television show called Zindagi on Shaw Multicultural channel”.

Singh adds “Atish Ram the producer of Zindagi gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, really believed in me and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I was always inspired by the former hosts on Zindagi, Shreya Khanna who went on to work for ET Canada and Agam Darshi who is an actor and has recently won awards for the film Donkey Head which she wrote, directed and acted in; the film is on Netflix for the world to watch.”

Thus, the stage was set for Singh and there was no looking back. She fell in love with the craft whole heartedly once she enrolled in her very first acting class.

She gives full credit to Zindagi for

Acting allowed her to venture into modelling for sometime as well. She worked as a model for over one season with the well known and much loved Bridal Fashion Week event. She had a blast working alongside organizers and designers Parvesh and Jai. The event was choreographed by Liza Varma who is a former Femina Miss India. Singh says, “It was special to work with Liza Varma who has trained well known models and actors for example one being Harnaaz Sandhu who is well known now for being Miss Universe. I walked for celebrity designers such as Samant Chauhan, Reynu Taandon, Armaan dbg, Satya Paul, Royal Fables and more.”

WE DON'T JUST BUILD HOUSES, WE BUILD HOMES CAN - WEST D EVELOPMENT LTD CAN - WEST D EVELOPMENT LTD Custom Homes • General Contracting www.CanWestHomes.com 6625 FRASER ST, VANCOUVER, BC V5X 3T6 Jiwan Ranauta C: 604.537.8374 | T: 604.866.8374

After getting recognition on Zindagi she was approached by many in the South Asian community to cover red carpet events. One event that has a special place in her heart is the Mannkind Charity event. She was invited to work on a video which held importance for the event. She truly felt it was a privilege and as she much appreciates the work Mannkind Charitable Society does till this day.

She recently worked on creating a short film with some friends in Vancouver which will soon be released. The film is written by Wal

After exploring the world of glitz and glam, she jumped back into acting and began training at different studios in Surrey and Vancouver to dive deeper into the craft and sharpen her tools year after year. “Shortly after I was signed by one of the top agencies in Vancouver and started auditioning for very well known television shows, Netflix films, commercials and voiceovers. When I wasn’t auditioning I was creating my own work”, explains Singh.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 23 Start at any time at one of our three campuses: Vancouver | Calgary | Online DESIGN.VCAD.CA APPLY NOW Design.PANTONECreate. Inspire. 3D ArtAnimationModeling&Design Game Development & Design Architecture Design & Technology Interior DesignVisual Effects Art & FashionDesignDesign Marketing forMerchandising&Fashion Graphic Design C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

shaping her thought process and honing her skills in front of the camera and also allowing her to wet her feet in scriptwriting and interviewing. Singh says “for 6 years Zindagi taught me so much that I will carry through my life. I am so grateful for the experience. I had the opportunity to interview celebrities such as Sugar Sammy, Salim Merchant, Raj Pandit, Shashaa Tirupati, and many more as well as covering events around the city such as the South Asian Film Festival , Vancouver Fashion week, and charity events.”

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 24

Jagmeet Virk

As an actor I believe one should never stop train ing, to be the best at your craft one must always keep their tools sharp and be ready to work.” “

Singh’s message for those who want to pursue acting, television, or film is “As an actor I be lieve one should never stop training, to be the best at your craft one must always keep their tools sharp and be ready to work.”

nut House Productions and was an exciting project to be a part of. Singh shares, “2022 opened up for me with some groundbreaking news. In January, I got accepted into one of the top acting schools in New York City. The Lee Strasberg Institute is where some of my favourite actors such as Robert De Niro, Chris Evans, and Lady Gaga have trained to name a few. She has been living in Manhattan for seven months now and it feels surreal and her set is her safe space.” The Big Apple is a magical place for Singh and she has grown exponentially as a performer and that’s what makes her work hard everyday.

Sonia Virk

Her love for the craft knows no bounds and she never thinks of quitting and that is what keeps her going. This is just the beginning for Singh and with her can do attitude, let’s hope she wins an Oscar!

T: WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: ■ PERSONAL INJURY / ICBC CLAIMS ■ RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL REALESTATE ■ CORPORATE / COMMERCIAL LAW ■ TRUST & AGREEMENTSSHAREHOLDER'S ■ BUYING / SELLING BUSINESSES ■ PROPERTY SUB-DIVISIONS ■ WILLS & ESTATES ■ CONTRACT DISPUTES ■ COMMERCIAL LITIGATION ■ BUILDER'S LIENS ■ COLLECTIONS ■ GENERAL LITIGATION ■ FAMILY LAW #208-15240-Hwy 10 Surrey, B.C, V3S 5K7 VI YAS & A SSOCIATE LAWYERS* * LAW CORPORATION

Contact Aly Jiwani at aly.jiwani@openroadautogroup.com

CREATE YOUR OWN MASTERPIECE

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver is dedicated to providing the finest guest experience, where everything we do reflects our persistence and commitment towards your journey into truly bespoke motor car ownership.

1809 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Tel 604.659.3208 | rollsroycevancouver.com

We cordially invite you to visit our showroom for a contactless vehicle viewing or arrange a virtual walk-around today.

© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2022. The Rolls-Royce name and symbol are registered trademarks.

Aly Jiwani Vice President, Regional Operations & Area General Manager

SANDHUMANREET

The Cmolik Foundation believes in investing in tomorrow’s thinkers and leaders and transforming students’ lives. The Cmolik Foundation awards up to 20 undergraduate scholarships each year to outstanding students graduating from B.C. high schools.

Manreet Sandhu, is one of the best and the brightest minds within our commu nity. She is a graduate of L A Matheson Secondary School and a recipient of a whopping $40,000 scholarship from the prestigious Cmolik Foundation.

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

At school, she coached bhangra, and was selected to be captain of the basketball team, and played for the soccer team. Leadership was something she has always felt passionate about on and off the court. She made herself available to teammates and peers to help them with various needs.

Through Mustang Justice she engaged in several panels, including the Kaur Project and the Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships. Most recently, she tran scribed her thoughts for part of an article

PICTURE COURTESY : FAHAD PHOTO

Cmolik ScholarshipRecipient

Sandhu dabbled in politics through the Surrey Centre Youth Council. She spoke with numerous ministers and cultivated various projects. Often meetings were spent researching, discussing, and prepar ing for meetings with ministers. Minister Gould and Minister Hajdu are among those she had the privilege of forwarding various stances too. Manufacturing a report regarding the status of youth was a focal point of the last term. The Status of Youth Report has been shared widely across parliamentary branches and online.

By Ish Sharma

Surrey born and raised Sandhu has been actively engaged within the community and embodies a spirit of volunteerism. She has given her time to various com munity activities and initiatives with her interest running the gamut of sports, pol itics, dance and much more within high school. So it’s no surprise that this brilliant and talented young lady is the winner of the coveted Cmolik scholarship. She is involved in community organizations such as the City of Surrey’s Youth Events Squad. Here, she has spent numerous years planning events in hopes of inspiring her fellow peers and providing them with a safe space to grow and learn.

Her message for South Asian youth is edu cation is a privilege. Sandhu says “Despite being two of the smartest, kind-hearted, and hardworking individuals I know, my grandmothers did not have the opportunity to go to school. The right to education in addition to all the many other privileges I am afforded are not something I take

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 27

JOLLY DHALIWAL

for the next chapter in her academic career filled with adventurous experiences and looks forward to thriving on challenges that will shape her the future as an unstoppable young woman.

adds, “I know I am not alone when I say that my parents were extremely hard and sacrificed far too much in order to provide better opportunities for their children. I think we should all honour that and do our best to use the chance we’ve been given. Lastly, it can be hard to navigate through different cultural norms and life overall but our best is all we can do and as long we strive to do better and learn from our mistakes the I think that’s more than Sandhuenough.”isexcited

Shelightly.”further

MIKE SANGHERA

#101- 7945 132ND ST SURREY, BC www.columbiacollision.com WE WORK ON ALL VEHICLES IMPORTED,DOMESTIC,EUROPEAN&LUXURY. QUALITY WORK LIFETIME INSURANCEWARRANTYCLAIMSDRIVE-THRUSERVICEFAMILYOWNED&OPERATED 24/7CALL CALL US FORTODAYAFREE ESTIMATE!

RICK DHALIWAL

GURMAIL SENGHERA

She is extremely thankful for all opportu nities she received to have a positive impact on her community. Through initiatives like yearbook, robotics, and student council, she learned copious new skills and was exposed to different parts of the world than what she had formerly known. She recalls how much she enjoyed creating activities for the Next 100 Years Mentorship program. The program helps bridge the transition from elementary to high school and enables them to make good life decisions. Sandhu has put her heart and soul into all the work she has done. Not only has she volunteered widely, but she truly made the effort to create change and empower those around her. Every role has been important to her. She has managed to give everything proper time, incredible energy, and typically goes above and beyond the call of duty while giving things her own creative spin. Sandhu will be pursuing Sciences at Uni versity of British Columbia in the Fall and will take her time exploring which stream within sciences she would like to take up.

for the BCTF on anti-racism.“In the past, with Mustang Justice, I have aided with events such as screening of “My Name Was January,” raising money for the Salvation army, handling admissions and donations at the Shakti Awards, and facilitating activities at the woman shaping Surrey conference”, says Sandhu.

At Micron, Dr. Sandhu has held several engineering and management roles. He has been actively involved with a broad range of process technologies for IC processing and has pioneered several process technologies currently employed in mainstream semicon ductor chip manufacturing.

PICTURES COURTESY : TEDX BOISE, IDAHO STATESMAN & AI PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

R

During his time at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi, Dr. Sandhu completed a degree in Electrical Engineer ing and found himself interested in how

Meet the biggest in the World Dr. Gurtej Sandhu SOUTH INVENTORASIAN

computer chips are made. He proceeded to continue in the field of physics during his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States of America, which he finished in Needless1990.

to say, upon completion, Dr. Sandhu received many job offers as his tech skills were, and still are, notably desirable in the marketplace. Dr. Sandhu chose to work at the highly sought-after Micron Technology Inc., which is now one of the largest memory chip suppliers in the world.

In 2018, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) awarded Dr. Sandhu the IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for outstanding contributions to sol

ecognized for being the all-time sev enth most prolific inventor, with more than 1,300 U.S. utility patents, meet Dr. Gurtej Sandhu. Senior Fellow and Vice President at a top chip manufacturer in the world, Mi cron Technology, Inc. with its headquarter in Boise, Idaho, United States of America, Dr. Sandhu’s expertise lies in the areas of thin film processes and materials, VLSI, and semiconductor device fabrication. Although his interests may sound special ized, Dr. Sandhu’s inventions impact the general public more than apparent at first and are at the heart of memory chips used in electronic applications from smartphones to computers and servers used to conduct businesses in the world. One of Dr. Sand hu’s early and celebrated inventions include his achievement in developing a method of coating microchips with titanium without exposing the metal to oxygen, which would otherwise oxidize the chips instantly and ruin them. Although the genius inventor himself initially did not think too much of his invention, most memory-chip makers use Dr. Sandhu’s process today.

Dr. Sandhu’s passion for invention and research is rooted in his upbringing. Though he was born in London, Dr. Sandhu’s childhood was mainly spent in India. As a child, he was quiet and shy, yet deeply intro spective. He recalls asking all kinds of adult questions about the origin of the universe and the meaning of life and death. Such thoughtful interactions as well as academia were always encouraged in his household growing up. Despite tough family circum stances, Dr. Sandhu’s parents received a high level of education and served as role models for their children. His parents studied chemistry and his uncles had also received degrees in chemical engineering. Although surrounded by chemists, Dr. Sandhu grav itated towards the subject of physics, as it appeared to deal with the foundational and fundamental mechanism behind how most of the things around us work.

By Naina Grewal

COVER STORY

I want to do more to help make young students in high school excited about science and tech nology fields, especially kids growing up in South Asian

“families.”

devices and technology. In the eval uation process for this award, the following criteria are considered: field leadership, contribution, originality, breadth, inventive value, publications, other achievements; society activities, honors, duration, and the quality of the nomination. Recipients of this award receive a bronze medal, certificate, and

Surely,honorarium.beingrecognized

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyleid-state30

Given that Dr. Sandhu manages interactions with research consortia around the world, he envisions important evolutions for the future, informed by the influx of technolog ical advancements, the rate of technological change, and the overloading availability of information and data. He predicts that the future of research is going to be more

with his many successes, Dr. Sandhu shines light on his experience from the perspective of a South Asian who is leaving such an impressive footprint in the world. Dr. Sandhu elaborates that being a minority can be a challenge anywhere in the world simply because one is perceived as being different from others. “At times, people can have a preconceived notion about you based on a stereotype.”, says the turbaned Sikh. There were instances when people assumed that Dr. Sandhu must not be a good student or was in the lobby of a hotel to collect taxi fares. However, Dr. Sandhu points out that there are also some upsides, such as the fact that most people he meets professionally in a group

setting tend to remember him.

as one of the top inventors in the world is no small feat.

Dr. Sandhu describes his motivation and brainwork behind achieving several patents, “My main passion is to solve complex problems and help my company stay at the forefront of chip technology. I like to take a big picture view of the problem, drill down into fundamentals, and encourage out of the box thinking to come up with solutions. The patents are simply a byproduct of that

dependent on physics-based modeling and artificial intelligence tools. In fact, Dr. Sandhu’s entertaining TedxBoise talk, “How innovation is transforming our planet - for good”, weaves together the history and the future of innovation, reminding the world that creativity is an essential part of being human, and that it offers ways for each of us to play a part in ongoing innovation. Undoubtedly, innovation is at the core of Dr. Sandhu’s identity. Thomas Edison is recorded in history as one of the greatest inventors of all time, having died with 1,084 patents to his name. As of today, Dr. Sandhu has 1,382 U.S. utility patents. That said, Dr. Sandhu highlights that he does not compare himself to Thomas Edison. Dr. Sandhu’s reward, as he himself states, is simply the awe-inspiring fact that so many people, globally, use and benefit from his inventions everyday.

In terms of Dr. Sandhu’s recipe for success, he credits tenacity as one of the most im portant factors for learning and expanding knowledge, alongside curiosity and atten tion to detail. For up and coming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals, Dr. Sandhu’s advice is to nourish these qualities. “I want to do more to help make young students in high school excited about science and technology fields, especially kids growing up in South Asian families’’, shares Dr. Sandhu.

Currently, Dr. Sandhu does mentor both engineering majors and faculty at Boise State University, now having held this role for over 18 years. Dr. Sandhu has played a significant part in launching the PhD in Materials Science and Engineering program at the university, including writing letters of support for faculty submitting proposals for research funding. Moreover, Dr. Sandhu spearheaded Micron’s participation in Boise State’s research consortia, through which important STEM research on campus is conducted. In addition, he is invited by stu dents and faculty to various events in North America, Asia, and other parts of the world and devotes his time to provide mentorship.

Inwork.”tandem

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle32 YOUR SOLUTION FOR ALL REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE, WARRANTY & FINANCING NEEDS Email: info@wbihomewarranty.com DEPOSIT INSURANCE HOME DEPOSIT BOND Your Success, Is Our Success. SPECIALIZING IN REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & TERM LENDING Construction Financing Land/Acquisition Financing Term Financing Deposit Protection Insurance Interest Only/Bridge Financing PRESENTING WBI HOME WARRANTY’S LATEST VENTURE! HELPING YOU FINANCE YOUR DREAM PROJECTS E: tommy@advantagecapitalgroup.comC:604.341.0855TOMMYNOSENIORVICEPRESIDENT,ACGroup WBI Home Warranty is proud to announce the opening of Advantage Capital Group ate construction, financing and term th of services to our valued clients YOUR SOLUTION FOR ALL REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE, WARRANTY & FINANCING NEEDS Email: info@wbihomewarranty.com DEPOSIT INSURANCE HOME DEPOSIT BOND Your Success, Is Our Success. SPECIALIZING IN REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & TERM LENDING Construction Financing Land/Acquisition Financing Term Financing Deposit Protection Insurance Interest Only/Bridge Financing PRESENTING WBI HOME WARRANTY’S LATEST VENTURE! HELPING YOU FINANCE YOUR DREAM PROJECTS E: tommy@advantagecapitalgroup.comC:604.341.0855TOMMYNOSENIORVICEPRESIDENT,ACGroup ng of Advantage Capital Group ate construction, financing and term th of services to our valued clients CELEBRATING OVER 10 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE NAV GREWAL ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT GORDON HOUSTON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | NEW HOME WARRANTY | CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE | CONSTRUCTION FINANCING | LAND/ACQUISITION FINANCING | DEPOSIT PROTECTION INSURANCE OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES INCLUDING:

One criteria that I would suggest is to meet with a counsellor every semester to keep you on track.

• Don’t procrastinate: When you are organized, you can plan better for certain hiccups that would prevent you from handing your assignments on time.

3. What should the criteria be for picking courses (required and/or electives)?

1. What are your top three Do’s and top three Don’ts for university students?

• Get involved: Being involved in school clubs, volunteering, or having hobbies outside of school is a great way to expand your social network but also helps with graduate school application.

4. How do you bounce back from academic hardship?

2. What is a myth about university that just isn’t true?

As I went through undergrad and graduate programs, I struggled a lot more in optometry school in the beginning (especially second year). A key component was that I did not evolve my studying habits. Your study habits need to change because how you study in high school is not going to be the same how you study in undergrad or how you study in gradu ate school. So, how I overcame this was asking

U

SuccessByNainaGrewal DARPAN FEATURE

PICTURE COURTESY : iStock

•Don’ts:Don’t pick classes that everyone else is taking: This will encourage you to meet new people and push you out of your comfortable social circle.

UNIVERSITYLIFE:

• Keep busy: Keeping a busy productive schedule leaves you no time for distrac tions.

A myth that is not true is that you have to pull all-nighters and be sleep deprived zom bies. Get your rest and take care of yourself. Healthy Student = Healthy University Career!

RECIPE For

Field of Study / Degree: Optometry/Masters of Public Health University: Simon Fraser University (com pleted BSc) in Burnaby, BC and MCPHS University (completed dual degree Optom etry/Masters of Public Health) in Boston, Massachusetts Current Occupation: Optometrist

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle34

Dr. Michelle Mann

niversity can be a time of tran sition, with an arguably steep learning curve from both an educational and personal lens. As students enter a new phase of their lives, tips and tricks can come in quite handy to navigate the halls of their campus and beyond. DARPAN chats with current and former stu dents to shine the spotlight on how students can make the most out of their university career and set themselves up for success:

• Don’t study in large study groups: Typically, a productive study group size is around three-four people.

•Do’s: Ask for help/questions: Attending post-secondary can be intimidating. However, your professors and TAs are there to help you. If you are shy about asking your questions in a class room setting, go to their office hours. This way, the professor/TA get to know you and you don’t have a whole audience watching you.

1. What are your top three Do’s and top three Don’ts for university students?

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 35

Field of Study / Degree: Theater Performance

•Don’ts:Don’t overwork yourself. Whether it be skipping out on meals, workouts, or sleep, sacrificing your health is never a good idea. Your brain works efficiently as long as it lives in a healthy, thriving body.

• Don’t study every single thing. As coun terintuitive as it sounds, in university, you must be able to recognize the larger topics at hand and rule out the meaningless details. Know what and how to study.

3. What should the criteria be for pick ing courses (required and/or electives)?

• Don’t fade into the background. Making yourself known to your peers and profes sors is important. When you are an active member of your class, this leaves a lasting impression on those around you which makes it much more likely for you to obtain support.

/ Physics

2. What is a myth about university that just isn’t true?

University: Simon Fraser University

• Do register yourself on class forums and online groups. Whether it be university mediated discussion forums such as piazza or student-run group chats on social media platforms, having a virtual space to communicate with your peers from your classes is instrumental in academic success.

benefits of two options and decide which to select.

•Do’s:

4. How do you bounce back from academic hardship?

A common statement we hear is that in univer sity, nobody cares and you are just a number. Although university does call for increased ac countability and self-study, it is not as daunting of a place that some may make it seem. Just as you hear in Harry Potter, “Help will always be given at [university] to those who ask for it”. So don’t be afraid to ask for help, whatever it may be for!

Gurbaz Singh Grewal

scheme also helps determine which courses are most appealing.

• Do diversify your student life. As with high school, a well-rounded student is a great student. It is a good idea to find clubs, teams and opportunities in univer sity that interest you.

Current Occupation: Student, Radio Host, Vancouver School Board Instructor, Fraser Health Crisis Line Volunteer

5. How do you maintain a good school/ life balance?

5. How do you maintain a good school/ life balance?

When it comes to electives, it is always a good idea to take electives that set you up for academic success. Course loads can get heavy in university, so when you have the choice, pick electives that both interest you and are easy to manage. Electives allow you to be more flexible with your degree, so it is a good idea to take some electives that may not exactly be in line with the field you are studying so that you are able to broaden your student profile and apply other areas of your knowledge as well. A glance at the professor, course outline, and grading

As with all other university related areas, planning is key. If you are able to manage your assignments, quizzes, exams, etc. this frees up time for yourself as well. One way that I strike this balance is studying in groups with my friends; this allows for fun study breaks, and sets you up to do any activities after you are done studying. Most importantly, studying with your friends saves you from the isolation that your four-wall bedroom imposes when you decide to study there. It is important to be a well-rounded and whole human being!

As with your courses, university life is a game of analysis. Bouncing back from academic hardship starts with acceptance. When it comes to bouncing back, you must analyse what went wrong in the first place. Did you study the important material? Did you spend too much time on theory and not enough practicing? Did you leave yourself enough time to study? Whatever the reason may be, recognizing it and rectifying it are crucial in bouncing back academically.

the top performing students in my class how they studied and what they all had in common is that they made a schedule and they studied like it was their job. So, I started by evaluating my most productive study hours. I am not an early riser studier and that’s okay so I arranged my study hours from 10:00AM to 6:00PM with breaks in between. After I would study, I would go for runs. Keeping a busy produc tive schedule leaves you no time for other distractions. There were a lot of family events and social gathering I missed out on, but I do not regret it one bit because it led me to where I am today.

Do prioritise an extra hour of sleep over an extra hour of studying/reviewing. University life is a game of marginals. One of the most important skills to adapt in university is to consider the marginal

Current Occupation: Student, Teaching Assistant, Let’s Talk Science Coordinator

Field of Study / Degree: Bachelor of Science

University: University of British Columbia

Shania Smagh

Being a competitive athlete most of my life, it taught me the importance of time manage ment. It may sound odd but I felt that the more I was involved in clubs, volunteer oppor tunities, working a part-time job while going to school full-time FORCED me to make a schedule and be organized.

• Talk to your professors. This will go a long way in achieving success. Not only will it help you build connections with

•Do’s: Have a weekly and daily to-do list or a study schedule to keep track of all assign ment dates.

• To fund your tuition, look for jobs in the university. This saves a lot of time and helps build connections with the academic work. For example, I work with SFU’s temporary pool where I have an opportunity to work with different departments.

It is a myth that if you love your degree, it will not be hard. It does not matter how much you love the content that you are studying. It will be hard and exhausting.

them (which may result in landing a job in the future), but it will also help you understand what the professor wants you to get out of the course and why they want to teach. This might be a hard task, but I have found that you have to be a little shameless and ask for what you want to get it.

4. How do you bounce back from aca demic hardship?

3. What should the criteria be for picking courses (required and/or electives)?

• Don’t be a lone wolf unless you are a socio-public genius. University is tough despite the type of your degree or major. Have some people you can rely on who help you through tough assignments and share your pains and rewards.

•Don’ts:Don’t skip classes even if you think they are not helpful. They end up being help ful in ways that you do not know. For one, it will help you not forget that you are enrolled in a class. Have you heard of “out of sight, out of mind”?

2. What is a myth about university that just isn’t true?

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle36 ■ GUARDIANSHIP / CONTACT ORDERS / CUSTODY / ACCESS ■ ASSET / PROPERTY DIVISION ■ MAJOR ICBC CLAIMS ■ MEDICAL & DENTAL MALPRACTICE ■ EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES ■ PRIVATE INSURANCE DISPUTES ■ DEFAMATION ■ DEBT COLLECTION MATTERS General Civil Litigation ■ PREPARATION OF WILLS & RELATED DOCUMENTS ■ ESTATE LITIGATION & WILLS VARIATION CLAIMS Estate ■ BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY Real Estate ■ FRANCHISE & LEASEASHLEYDISPUTE A. ATHWAL *PERSONAL LAW CORPORATION RAVINDER R. S. UPPAL *PERSONAL LAWATCORPORATIONUPPALLAW GROUP WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE OUR CLIENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TOP LEGAL SOLUTIONS T: 604.594.7357 1005 - 7495,132 St Surrey, BC

Let yourself be sad, but don’t live in that place of sadness. Move on! Take all the steps you need to take for your mental health. Take time off, take electives, talk to loved ones who can offer you support. You can also talk to counsellor. If you are pressed for money, go to a university counsellor; they provide free coun selling services. Evaluate if your major/degree is the right fit for you. If yes, take the steps the university requires you to take to continue your degree. Otherwise, explore other options like a different major or a different school/ university.

1. What are your top three Do’s

and top three Don’ts for university students?

Each university has certain courses that a student needs to take to complete their major. Not all courses are offered in all semesters. Make sure you know when your required courses are offered and take them in a timely manner to avoid delays in your graduation. Se lect electives you are interested in - something you have always wanted to take or something you would have taken if it weren’t for your current major. For me, my electives led to my second major in theater.

• Don’t give up. University is all about persistence and resilience. Take one day at a time and one assignment at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others (this is extremely hard to do) and focus on your own growth.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 37 where connections are made in the serenity of nature Welcome to Elwynn Green, an exclusive residential community of 172 three and four-bedroom townhomes and duplexes surrounded by Fleetwood’s prime greenspace. Where your everyday feels like a walk in the park, and life is characterized by beautiful parks, conifer forests, friendly neighbourhoods and agricultural lowlands. Elwynn Green. Experience the Beauty. SALES & MARKETING BY 778.889.7496 SALES@ELWYNNGREEN.COM 16174 80 AVE SURREY BC, V4N 0X1 STARTING FROM $949,999 elwynngreen.com 8293 KING GEORGE BLVD OPEN 12-5 PRESENTATIONEVERYDAYCENTRENOWOPEN BLVDGEORGEKING ST140ST132 84 AVE 80 AVE Book now to receive up to $20,000 in home upgrades

Don’t overload yourself with courses. This can put a lot of extra pressure on you. It is important for me to go to the gym, and spend time with my family and friends. I also work part-time on top of studying for courses. So, I only take 3-4 courses per semester unless more are required by my major. For each course, it is recommended that you spend at least nine hours studying a week. I always take that into consideration when planning my courses for the semester. This helps me keep a school/life balance.

Field of Study / Degree: Faculty of Medicine, MD (UBC)- Grad Year 2023; Master of Public Health, MPH (Western); Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology, BSc (McGill) University: University of British Columbia Current Occupation: Medical Student

• Explore the city, community, and envi ronment where you will be spending so many years.

•Don’ts:Don’t be peer pressured into doing things you do not want to do.

1. What are your top three Do’s and top three Don’ts for university students?

• Don’t leave your assignments and study

• Meet people outside your comfort zone and surround yourself with people who are smarter and more successful than you, alongside finding a mentor.

Go in with an open and eager mind willing to learn.

Sukhmeet Singh Sachal

•Do’s:

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle38 Amazing smartphones on anamazing network. Choose from an incredible selection of smartphones. You'll love them on Canada’s best 5G network.1 justconnectedstayinggotbetter Google Pixel 6 TCL 20 Pro 5GSamsung Galaxy S22 bell.ca/5G Available within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility where technology permits; seebell.ca/coverage. Other conditions apply. If you end your Commitment Period early, a Cancellation Fee applies; see your Agreement for details. Subject to change without notice. (1) Based on a third-party score (Global Wireless Solutions OneScore™) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks. 5G is available in select major areas of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Montréal, Halifax and more. For full coverage, see bell.ca/5G. Google and Pixel 6 are trademarks of Google Inc. Samsung Galaxy S22 is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used in Canada under license. TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Technology Group Corporation. For expert advice and an incredible selection visit: SURREY 7711 128th St 604 597-3115

5. How do you maintain a good school/ life balance?

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 40 UNIT 2, 6678 152 ST, SURREY V3S 7J2 ( 66A & 152 ST ) • Divorce • Nullity / Annulment • Cohabitation / Separation Agreement • Pension Division • Claims Against In laws • Child / Spousal Support • Guardianship / Contact Orders / Custody / Parenting Time • Asset / Property Division • Child Apprehension by MCFD Family Law Criminal Law • Assault • Uttering Threats • Theft • Peace Bond (Recognizance)

ing to the last minute. • Don’t let a no from any school professor or peer stop you from pursuing what you desire.

Failing a course or doing badly on one course will end your chances of applying for a profes sional postgraduate school. That is simply not true. It is about the trajectory of your educa tion such as having your grades improved over the years.

This is probably the least talked about aspect of university. University is tough, even for the brightest minds. There are many external fac tors in addition to the academic stress that can play a role. While easier said than done, the most important thing when facing academic hardship is to reach out. Reach out to your friend, your parents, your school counselor or anyone you think would help you without being judgmental. When I faced academic hardship in undergrad, the best thing I ever did was to reach out for help. I learned better tips and tricks on succeeding in my academic courses.

2. What is a myth about university that just isn’t true?

3. What should the criteria be for pick ing courses (required and/or electives)?

Life is all about priorities. Going to undergrad really tests your abilities to juggle these prior ities. I think more than trying to maintain a good school/life balance is to be adaptable. For instance, when exam season comes around, try and prioritize studying for your exams over going out somewhere. At the same time, find activities that bring you joy and help keep you sane when things are stressful with your

Comingacademics.straight

For required courses, you ultimately have no choice but to complete them to receive your Major and/or Minor for your degree. Howev er, try to find ways to make the courses that you might not necessarily enjoy to be more enjoyable. You can ask for help from Student Affairs, find a tutor, or study with your peers. For elective courses, you should think about potentially exploring subjects that you may not necessarily have the chance to do again in the future. One of the courses I took at McGill was on the Theory of Music, which was very fascinating.

4. How do you bounce back from aca demic hardship?

from those who have experi enced and are experiencing all that the won derful world of university has to offer, these precious words of wisdom can truly enhance the overall university experience. Remember that there is no one right answer and you hold the power to write your own, unique story. With all this valuable advice in your back pocket, oh the places you’ll go!

5. How do you maintain a good school/ life balance?

Village

how to navigate in various situations - this is done through a community patrol program. The Mental Health portfolio is run by clinical counsellors and a registered nurse - running one on one sessions, group therapy and the Art Therapy program. All programs are inter twined as a means to a holistic approach run voluntarily by youth-led teams. KidsPlay advances dialogue and supports initiatives that address critical issues that have been highlighted in recent years. Our communities have faced endless amounts of obstacles in the last few years and given the current pandemic, it is imperative we provide aid to vulnerable populations. The goal is for youth to understand that the challenges and obstacles they are facing can be overcome with the right guidance and mentorship. Not too long ago, a young 14-year-old lost his life due to the ongoing gang violence. Who failed him? Who do we point the fingers at? We, as a community, need to recognize the importance of working together at all fronts to avoid such tragedies from happening. It is easy to create an unjust narrative, however, no one organi zation or agency has all the solutions, but to gether, we can avoid others from falling victim to such a lifestyle. With community drivers projects, KidsPlay aims to provide a positive outlet for youth and show them how those with similar upbringings, faiths, backgrounds, who have overcome similar struggles are now living honourable lives. Kids Play Foundation leads by example giving thousands of youth a safe place to belong. Many of our youth are at the verge of falling victim to a life of crime, a

key factor being the need to belong. KidsPlay volunteers serve the community - making positive contributions, building trust in the community, and encouraging more youth to get involved in acts of volunteerism. Get involved and help combat issues affecting the KidsPlaycommunity.ran successful summer camps for over 300 youth in Surrey and Abbotsford. These camps were provided at no change to youth. It takes a village to raise a child, we are that village.

TakesVillagea

:COURTESYPICTURESKidsPlayFoundation

F

ounded by veteran officer, Kal Dosan jh, KidsPlay Foundation is a registered charity which began in 2015. The organization operates programs in BC, AB, ON and in ternationally in Colombia and Punjab, India. KidsPlay has six streams: Sports, Mentorship, Education, Mental Health/Counselling, Community Engagement, and Environment - which are contributing factors towards reducing youth crime by giving young people a positive identity, feelings of empowerment and by helping youth acquire leadership, teamwork, and self-governance skills under adult supervision. The sport component encompasses all sports run by the organization and in partnership with large scale sports organizations. The education component comprises educational presentations on issues affecting the community - presentations on bullying, racism, women’s empowerment, and drug and gang abuse. Mentorship component comprises the afterschool programs, and one on one sessions. The Environment portfo lio consists of building programs with an emphasis on sustainability through the Adopt a Street program with the City of Surrey, tree planting initiatives and Recycle for KIDS program. The Community Engagement pro grams equip volunteers with a toolkit to learn

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 42

Maharaja Restaurants, redefining the fine dining landscape of Metro Vancouver! Visit us to get a taste of #407,www.MaharajaCatering.comroyalty!SURREY8148–128St.Surrey,BC604.592.3002331571stAveMission,BC604.720.4627MISSION

Ranbir: But definitely inspiration because what Marvel has done in the entertainment world is something that has never happened before. Yes, we have seen Star Wars and In diana Jones in different series but I think our generation and for your generation, Marvel have given us unlimited entertainment over ten years. So Ayan was really inspired by the fact that you can use modern technology to tell a very Indian story and appeal to a larger audience and appeal to an audience worldwide because stories from India are something which hasn’t been really discov ered yet, apart from the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. There are so many stories that are rich in our culture and I think if BRAHMĀSTRA clicks then it will encourage a lot of filmmakers to tell stories of Indian culture, of Indian characters because we have it all, we are so rich in stories but I don’t think we have had the means to tell them because they are so imaginative and they are

Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt Indian GoodParentingCulture,&Contenton

Q: Marvel Cinematic Universe films per formed impressively, especially in India. You are breaking into that mold with BRAHMĀSTRA, is that a lot of pressure?

Ranbir: I don’t think, I believe, with all of us related to BRAHMĀSTRA and people who have worked on BRAHMĀSTRA - we have had this belief for the past five years and our belief has only gone deeper and stronger. There are a lot of great intentions behind making this film. It is a film that is a great celebration of our rich and unique Indian culture. It is inspired by Indian mythology. It is fantastical. It has got a fictitious love story inspired by the gods and goddesses of our country. We believe that it is a film made with all the right intentions, so it will appeal to a larger audience.

In a quick tête-à-tête, we speak to Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt about their latest film, BRAHMĀSTRA, the inspiration for the film, and how the couple is looking forward to being parents.

B

ing two fruits that have two very different qualities in them and are equally special and nutritious. BRAHMĀSTRA is a totally original universe. Ayan is constantly talking about how he is inspired by Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. We take inspiration from day-to-day life. We see a plant and we can be inspired by it. At the end of the day, the originality of BRAHMĀSTRA is unique to the BRAHMĀSTRA score. So, I wouldn’t say we are entering this mold, the only similarity is that you can say that it is a “universe”. But there are so many universes that are being created all over the world.

By Mrinalini Sundar

BRAHMASTRA: PART ONE is the story of SHIVA a young man and our protagonist, who is on the brink of epic love, with a girl named… Isha. But their world is turned upside down because Shiva learns that he has a mysterious connection to the Brahm ā stra… and a great power within him that he doesn’t understand just yet - the power of Fire. In this movie, we experience Shiva’s adventures as he journeys into the world of Astras and in turn, discovers his destiny as the divine hero of the universe.

The story is set in modern-day India, against the premise of a secret society called the Brahm ā nsh; who generation after genera tion have protected many divine Astras (that were created in ancient India and safeguard ed from the eyes of the world). The most powerful and the most deadly amongst these divine weapons; the Lord of all the other As tras named after the most powerful weapon of the Gods, the BRAHMASTRA, is now waking up. And it threatens to completely destroy the universe we know today.

Q: Do you think BRAHMĀSTRA is a kind of film that will take Indian culture or spirituality and mythical characters to the world?

RAHMASTRA the Trilogy is a three-part film franchise and the begin ning of India’s first original universe The Astraverse. It is a new original cinematic universe inspired by deeply rooted concepts and tales from Indian history but set in the modern world, with epic storytelling of fan tasy, adventure, good vs evil, love, and hope; all told using cutting-edge technology and never seen before visual spectacles.

Alia: I would not compare a film like BRAHMĀSTRA to any of the existing universes for various reasons. You just can’t compare them because it is like compar

DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

Ranbir: To add to that, let me give you the example of two films. One is RRR - it has appealed to people from all over the world, for example, Americans. They are enjoying the film. A film like Gangubai was so loved in Thailand. The local Thai people responded to the film so well. If it is good content, and good storytelling - it will work and we saw that with movies such as Parasite, Life is Beautiful, and Crouching Tiger - Hidden Dragon. If you have good storytelling and content and intention, I think it reaches out. And today, I think we are lucky that we have another platform like the OTT platform where the film can reach out to a larger audience. Maybe as an Indian film, you don’t get the releases, you don’t get the markets or certain theatres, but now with the OTT platforms, if your content is good people from all around the world can enjoy it.

well as a loved film, or a film like Darlings that came out on Netflix, at the end of the daywhen I am traveling and I am meeting people, they are talking to me about the film. After a couple of years, you forget how much money the film made or where it really came from. What you remember are the stories and the characters. So, give the audience a good story, something from the heart and they will always respond. Having said that, there is no formula. You may think it is a great story and will put everything together but it might not land and come together, sometimes. But that is the beauty and the risk of this creative business and the movie industry. That you can have all the right ingredients and it won’t really fluff up. And sometimes you can have the most random ingredients and it makes so much sense. I think that’s the beauty of it.

Ranbir: I think we are discovering it every day. We end the day every day by talking about it, and by planning and marking it on the Alia:checklist.Toanswer your question, I don’t think you can be really prepared. But just keep stars in your eyes and look forward to every dayevery day is a miracle and a blessing, every day is a moment we are grateful for, and I think all we pray for is health.

Alia: I didn’t need any convincing honestly. I was a huge fan of Ayan as a filmmaker from the time of Wake Up Sid which is before I even knew him. So, when the opportunity came to me to do a film like BRAHMĀSTRA and be a part of this massive mission, there were no two ways about it. I was convinced on day 0. As for similarities between me and the character, I am not sure. I always let the audience decide whether there are any similarities because I will be giving them a perspective, way before they have experienced it. So, I will wait for them to experience it and give me that answer.

Alia: We discuss this quite often and at the end of the day I think the audience will always respond to good content whichever platform you put it on. So whether I delivered a film like Gangubai which is a commercial success as

Ranbir: I know as actors we are asked this question quite a bit but for actors, there are

Q: Tell us about your journey of becoming parents and how you feel about it.

Ranbir: I think she is awesome, she has been healthy, she has been working, has been fit, eating well, reading about important things and having conversations with everybody, so I am very proud of how she is dealing with your pregnancy.

so large in scale. Now with the use of VFX and technology, we can finally do that.

a lot of personality traits that subconsciously you take from the character you play and you realize it only after a couple of years. There is certain learning that you have got through the experience of storytelling or playing a charac ter. It is very rare that a character really reflects who you are as a personality. But eventually, in your life, your personality becomes an amalga mation of certain characters you have played. I think spiritually or subconsciously that happens. But I see a lot of Isha in Alia. I think there is a lot of strength in Isha, the positivity and desire to do something for somebody, selflessly is a trait Alia has.

Q: The viewing dynamics have changed and you’d know it the best. You’ve not only delivered a hit with Gangubai Kathiadwadi but also decided to take your debut home production film to OTT. Do you think it’s getting difficult to gauge what the audience truly wants?

Q: What about this film convinced you to take up this role and what is the similarity between Alia and Isha?

#346-8140 128 Ave PAYAL BUSINESS CENTRE GOLD & DIAMOND JEWELLERSSURREYEVANCOUVER6612MainStreetmail:info@bhartijewellers.com

Coming from the land of Punjab in India, Parm gained experience as an insulator and performed other construction-related jobs in Spain, where he spent seven years. After immigrating to Canada in 2012, he began undertaking insulation jobs. Gradually, Parm decided to become business partners with his life partner, Amy. With Parm’s valuable experience and Amy’s strong aura and entrepreneurial spirit, the couple together faced the highs and lows of the business world. Today, they have reached a point where they are inspiring newcomers in the Simplyindustry.put,Metro’s

• Never compromise on getting serviced from proper professionals.

Parm (778) 838-6447 Amy (778)

www.metrostandardinsulation.com927-1005PHOTOFAHAD:COURTESYPICTURE BUSINESS PROFILE

•include:Always

is a place of security, comfort, and belonging. Although not always the most visible, to enable this sense of warmth, a home’s insulation is a key propellant as it keeps homes at desired temperatures all year round. Insulating homes in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, Metro Standard Insulation Ltd. is a trusted name in the industry with top-tier insulation contractors, providing services for projects including residentialsingle family to multi-family, apartments to towers, and commercial. With long-term experience in the industry of more than 15 years, Parm and Amy are taking the company ahead every day and expanding its roots under their visionary leadership as owners/directors.

team believes in giving their best. “Our experience has taught us to keep moving ahead with commitment and perseverance while maintaining focus on what our clients expect, which is timely and consistent support. We want our clients to expect more so that we can take their every expectation as a challenge,” inspiringly share Parm and Amy.

Home

In terms of industry trends, the duo points out that there is generally a shift towards more environmentally-friendly products, inclusive of upgrades in technology, techniques, and material. When insulating the home, their top tips

check the material being used to ensure top-notch quality and accuracy in value as per city requirements.

Moving forward with the vision of attaining heights higher than the buildings they work on, Parm and Amy are fully aware that there may be many material challenges in their way, like competition and recession. However, the power pair believes in following a Sanskrit quote, “ma kadapi tyaj”, meaning “never give up”. Whether it be holding hands to achieve impressive business milestones today or creating a path that can be followed by other startups tomorrow, Parm and Amy are truly leaving a memorable legacy with Metro Standard Insulation Ltd.

• Every one of us must contribute in going green and caring for the environment to make this planet a safe home for all.

Leaving a Legacy Metro Standard Insulation Ltd.

DARPANSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle52

Singla shares, “Combined with practical learning and innovative delivery of quality education, we are confident that students will attain the skills they need to confidently thrive in their chosen careers.” The College has four campuses in beautiful downtown Nelson, BC. Future plans for the College include opening its fifth campus in the Lower Singla’sMainland.future vision for his businesses is to continue to bring people together to learn, study and work in a support ive, and inclusive environment. Singla states, “Kootenay Columbia College has risen to become an educational leader in the field of health sciences. Our con tinued passion is to build a community where learning is the foundation of new experiences and opportunities.” With the continued desire to offer a well-rounded approach to learning, Singla’s business ventures truly go hand in hand when it comes to strengthening the economic and multicultural fabric of Canada.

Keshav Singla

of Ovation Immigration Services Ltd. and Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences BUSINESS PROFILE

Leading in Immigration & Education:

Singla shares, “We work closely with every client to maximize chances of success. Using our expertise, we connect with each client and guide them in making smart decisions, which are likely to have a positive impact on their immigration application. By having the mental bandwidth to sourcing and implementing new solutions, we quickly adapt to fast-changing rules and Theregulations.”knowledgeable expert always advis es his clients to be acutely aware of the challenges a newcomer faces in Canada, to communicate their challenges and goals, and finally, to have a positive attitude towards their immigration ap plication. With Singla’s background in accounting and business management, his practice genuinely helps clients succeed, whether that means reuniting families, aiding career moves, or foster ing educational success.

been providing exceptional learning experiences to students, both domestic and international, since 1996. The College is unique in itself as it is one of the only nine Colleges in BC to offer an accredited Registered Massage Therapy Program. It also is the first in the province to offer an accredited Traditional Chinese Medicine program. The College provides unique programs with clear program objectives and career outcomes, alongside promoting experi ential learning, with small class sizes and industry experienced instructors. All programs are distinct and demonstrate a holistic approach to learning including guest lectures, informal discussions, shared classes in professional develop ment, research, business practices, and treatments from faculty.

Having gone through the immigration cycle himself, Singla realized just how complex the process can be. With the core value of providing effective and innovative solutions to immigrant problems quickly, Singla founded Ovation Immigration Services with the uncompromising focus to shape a better future for clients. The company assists clients in all types of immigration applications such as study permits, work permits, LMIA, and permanent residency applications.

Spearheading growth and evelop ment in the realms of immigration and education, meet Keshav Singla, Director and Owner of Ovation Immigration Services Ltd. and President and Owner of Kootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences (KCCIHS).

Keshav Singla

PresidentKootenay Columbia College of Integrative Health Sciences Ovation Immigration president@kootenaycolumbiacollege.com(778)-929-3447 PHOTOFAHAD:COURTESYPICTURE

In terms of Singla’s education-oriented venture, he passionately leads Koo tenay Columbia College, which has

establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is. These identities are either obtained or assigned by family, society, and civil organizations. Maitri works to restore the identity when deprived of or redefine the identity, which marginalizes people.

DARPAN SALUTES MAITRICOURTESY:PICTURES

Accordingrespect.

The primary objective for Maitri is to create a world in which each and every individual lives with their own identity, dignity, and respect for themselves and for others. But what does identity mean?

What does Maitri means?

Oxford Dictionary defines identity as the fact of being who or what a person or thing is, a close similarity or affinity, or a transfor mation that leaves an object unchanged. To

By Mrinalini Sundar

What does Maitri wish to establish?

Maitri understands that everyone has a deep, human desire to be treated as something of value. When someone indicates that feeling, or expression to another, it is called dignity for the said person. Maitri commits to treating every individual with identity, dignity, and

The Wikipedia definition of Maitri means be nevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, goodwill, and active interest in others.

to Maitri, the definition of respect includes how you feel about someone and how you treat him/her. They claim that “Showing respect to someone means you act in a way that shows you care about his or her feelings and well-being. Showing respect for others includes things like not calling people mean names, treating people with courtesy, and caring enough about yourself that you don’t do things you know can hurt you. Maitri believes in working with and for respect for every person.”

Maitri is a New Delhi-based developmental humanitarian NGO that is committed to facilitating every individual’s human rights, especially the rights to identity, dignity, and re spect. Since 2005, Maitri has worked with over 45,000 individuals on the issues of social and health inequities and public health concerns through education, community outreach, networking, and legal advocacy.

An organization that helps regain your identity, respect, and dignity in the society

According to the organization, Maitri’s mission is to act as a catalyst to enable access to basic rights for some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in India which includes destitute and elderly women or widows, marginalized adolescent girls and children, and rickshaw pullers and their families in urban environments.

Maitri

What is Maitri’s vision?

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle54

How do they help children?

NGO Maitri launched Project Adhikaar in Ranchi in 2015 to make a positive impact in the lives of approximately 12,000-15,000 Rickshaw Pullers (RPs) who were located in Ranchi, Jharkhand by helping them get access to Citizenship Rights and other basic rights such as health, improved living conditions, sanitation and enabling financial inclusion. Some of the organisation’s main priorities included - helping rickshaw pullers assert their identity and access to Citizenship Rights, helping them get access to relevant services and platforms that will improve their living and working conditions, and building access to formal services related to health, finance, and legality.

The NGO introduced a new project called Project Awaaz which mainly works toward reducing and preventing the spread of HIV/ AIDS and STI among migrant workers, espe cially rickshaw pullers in the central district of Delhi for the last eight years. The migrant and unorganized sector workers are highly vulnera ble and at risk of sexually transmitted infection and HIV/AIDS due to the lack of social and economic security and their lifestyle choices.

How do they help rickshaw pullers?

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle56

An ageing, elderly widow, after the death of her husband, goes through multiple levels of subordination and abuse because of her identity of being a woman, widow, and aging. Most widows are victims of domestic violence, inflicted by their own family members, including their sons and relatives. They are abandoned, left homeless, and destitute to live on the streets or are exploited at various levels, financially and emotionally. Maitri has constructed old age homes for widow mothers where they can live with identity, dignity, and respect.

How do they help rickshaw pullers?

According to their website, Maitri believes that a child left uneducated is a child lost. So in order to help children, the NGO believes that remedial education can help struggling learners reach greater heights of learning. Their website states that remedial education is designed to close the gap between what a student knows and what he’s expected to know. Project Mai trigram organized by Maitri was initiated in 2008 with a commitment to ensure a quality support system to children from economically challenged families in the slums to cope with school education and to facilitate opportu nities for adolescent girls and boys to learn skills and stand on their feet as well as become productive members of the family, community and Nation.

You can choose to either intern or volunteer with the organization. You can also choose to donate money to the organization which will help the NGO in every project that they work on.

What have they done for the elderly?

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 57 GROUP OF COMPANIES A TRUSTED NAME IN CONSTRUCTION & BEYOND QUALITY, INNOVATION & PASSIONTel (604) 416-3839 Email 12454-110Info@TheTangerineGroup.caAVESURREYBCV3V3J6 www.TheTangerineGroup.ca TANGERINE Whatever your unique requirements are, Tangerine Group has earned the trust and reputation to put your needs first. Tangerine Group of Companies is looking forward to serving our communities and bringing quality, innovation and passion.

immigrated to Canada in 2016, Manu Sharma quickly observed that Canada is largely an immigrant country. He further noticed that there aren’t many immigrant consultants who give trustworthy advice, which further perpetuates the lack of immigration-related knowledge in communi ties. Seeing people around him struggling in finding robust and dependable immigration guidance, Manu Sharma took it upon himself to provide first-class immigration services by founding Truman Immigra tion

The team at Trueman Immigration understands that people search for easier ways to secure a visa, so as not to struggle at a later stage. That said, it is an ev eryday fact that people do face a tough time seeking visas, as many applicants do not have a clue about re quirements, which results in a prolonged application approval process or getting rejected altogether. As an immigration expert, Sharma himself assists clients and ensures that they are aware of all immigration policies and any law changes prevailing during each application process, with the end goal of increasing the likelihood of favorable immigration outcomes.

Reputed for handling cases with professionalism, Trueman Immigration promises polite service, me ticulous application filing, and efficient technologies. The organization is built upon strong virtues and inhouse training is regularly conducted for staff, which is representative of the company’s flawless service. As a licensed immigration consultant authorized by the government, Sharma points out that his company is under the umbrella of a regulated body, unlike some ghost consultants in the market who operate without a license and without a radar. When it comes to an immigration application, Sharma reveals his top tips, “Be patient. Especially right now, there is lots of backlogging. Believe in God and believe in your advisor, knowing that they are working for your best

study, refugee, or supervisa, Trueman Immigration is undoubtedly a one-stop shop for all things immigration, providing every immigration-re lated service head to toe. As per Sharma, Canada is currently the most immigration-friendly developed country in the world. Truly, the time is right to partner with Trueman Immigration in making your dreams come true!

Having

“WhenLtd.someone

The man behind ImmigrationSharmaManuTrueman BUSINESS PROFILE www.TruemanImmigration.comPHOTOFAHAD:COURTESYPICTURE

Beinterests.”ittourism,

comes to my door, my priority is to satisfy them by providing honest, hassle-free service. We have hundreds of immigration programs available, but due to minimal knowledge and lack of literacy, there is a tendency in the market for people to mess up application files. At Trueman Immigra tion, we undertake your application on your behalf to save your valuable time, energy, stress, confusion, and money,” shares Sharma. Trueman Immigration offers prospective services with full obligation of reliability and trust, adapting successful practices to make immigration easier than ever.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 59 I N T R O D U C I N G I T A L I A N C A B I N E T R Y E L E G A N T B A T H R O O M S W E H A V E P A R T N E R E D W I T H S E V E R A L L E A D I N G I T A L I A N B R A N D S T O B R I N G A T A S T E O F M O D E R N I T A L Y T O T H E C A N A D I A N M A R K E T . 1 3 3 7 5 C o m b e r W a y S u r r e y B C O f f i c e : 6 0 4 . 5 9 7 . 0 3 6 4 i n f o @ s u n r i s e k i t c h e n s . c o m w w w . s u n r i s e k i t c h e n s . c o m S U N R I S E K I T C H E N S C O N T E M P O R A R Y C L O S E T S O U T D O O R L I V I N G L U X U R Y K I T C H E N S

• 5 dry whole red chillies

• 3 eggs

• Once the egg is done put the vegetables back into the kadai. Mix the vegetables and egg together. Now add the Szechuan sauce and mix everything together on a high flame.

DARPAN Recipes

By Chef Bobby Geetha

• 1 tbsp chopped garlic

Bobby Geetha is highly passionate, dedicated and committed in a profes sion he loves the most. He has decades of hands-on managerial experience in high-end 5-star luxury hotel kitchens. The talented chef has amazing work experience in leading fine dining, smart casual, brasserie, café, and dark kitchens outlets.

To finish the szechuan noodles:

INGREDIENTS

• Then add chopped garlic and red chilli flakes. Sauté for a minute. Add tomato ketchup and stock powder. Mix it and cook for three minutes.

• ½ cup Szechuan sauce

Chef Bobby Geetha has worked with some of Europe’s best Michelin-starred chefs. He is one of the best consultant chefs in the UK and Middle East.

• Add light soya sauce. Mix it and check the sea soning. Szechuan sauce is ready and keep it aside.

• Add cooked noodles, mix everything together. To finish, add sliced spring onion on top, and mix it. The Szechuan noodle is ready; serve it in a nice white bowl.

• In a very hot kadai or wok pour oil. When the oil is hot, add onion, carrot and cabbage.

• 4 tbsps tomato ketchup

The award-winning chef is the author of five cookbooks on fine dining Indian cuisine series, and the

For the Szechuan sauce:

• In a hot pan pour oil, when the oil is hot add whole dry red chilli. Sauté for a few seconds.

• ½ tsp red chilli flakes

EGG SZECHUAN

• 1 tbsp oil

• 3 tbsps oil

Szechuan noodles is an amazing fusion of Indian and Chinese. This dish is made with the Szechuan sauce, stir fry vegetables, scrambled egg and cooked noodles. You can also use chicken or prawn to make it non-vegetarian noodles.

• At this stage check the seasoning and add salt if needed or add crushed pepper powder for more spiciness.

• ½ cube stock powder

• ½ cup cabbage, sliced

For the Szechuan sauce:

• 3 tbsps light soya sauce

To finish the szechuan noodles:

• 2 cups cooked noodles

PREPARATION

• 1 medium-sized sliced onion

• Sauté and half cook the veggies.

Chef NOODLES GEETHABOBBY

• 3 tbsps sliced spring onion

• When the vegetable is cooked take it out from the kadai and keep it aside in a plate. Now pour the beaten egg into the kadai. Sauté and scramble the eggs.

GeethaBobby:COURTESYPICTURES

• ½ cup carrot, julienne

AwardGoldProfessional.finalistcuisine.focussesof Finediningindian.com websitefounderthatonnextgenerationIndianAlso,heisthehighly-ratedinBBC’sMasterChefUKBobby Geetha wontheforHospitalityChefExcellencein2018.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 61 YOGI CHAWLA PRESIDENT & FOUNDER Since inception we have aimed at adding convenience to our customer’s lives. In a short span of two years, we have managed to become the Number 1 and most popular tiffin service in the Lower Mainland,” YOGI’S KITCHEN FOOD SERVICES LTD. 10537 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3T 2X1 CALL: 1-877-219-6224 Visit: www.yogiskitchen.ca everyday!tomealsHome-likedeliveredyourdoor-step, TRY YOGI’S KITCHEN APP TODAY! CHAT WITH A LIVE AGENT24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT 100% Homely, 0%Heavy CONTACTLESS DELIVERY VEG & NON VEG OPTIONS SELF MENU CHOICE 100% SAFE & HYGIENIC

• 2 tbsps hot olive oil

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 Holland red chilli

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Lamb breast with the bone

• In a hot open grilling pan place the lamb by keeping the fat side on the grill. Cook for two minutes in a medium flame.

• When the fat is rendered or melted just turn the side. Cook this side for three to four minutes because this is the bone side.

• Once it is crushed pour the hot olive oil on top of the crushed ingredients and mix well.

Marinate the lamb using the ingredients mentioned in the marination. Keep the marinated lamb for at least an hour. Using a mortar and pestle crush all the ingredients mentioned in the sauce except for the hot olive oil.

• ¼ tsp black pepper powder

RIBS MASALA

• 1½ tsp fresh ginger fresh

For Marination:

• The sauce (salsa chutney) is ready; keep it aside.

GRILLED LAMB www.Tej aWorldFoods.com | tejafoods@gmail.com NEW! The Most Trusted SouthAsian Brand Since 1955 Spice up your everyday Life! foil-sealed to freshnessmaximumensure&quality! Now Available At All Local, Mainstream & Ethnic Stores! TM TM #1 12357 82-A Ave Surrey BC Fabricating Beauty For Your Home & Office! Email: www.aclassfabrication.caaclassrailing@gmail.com We Specialize in: • Interior & Exterior Glass Railing • Aluminium Staircase • Sliding, swing gates & Automation • Aluminium Fence & Railing • Wine cellar Door • Custom steel & Aluminium decorative Call Nick, Cell: 604.760.5654 | Tel: 604.572.8585

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ tsp salt

For the sauce (salsa chutney):

INGREDIENTS

• A pinch of salt

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• The grilled lamb rib is ready. Serve it with a small bowl of salsa chutney on the side.

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

This is a beautiful recipe where lamb ribs are marinated using Indian spices and served with an Indian spice-infused chutney or sauce.

• 4 sprigs of fresh coriander leaves

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 62

What are some of the things to keep in mind while selecting a mirror? A big, decorative mirror when placed near the fireplace is a great way to bring some good energy to the house and also gives the perception of depth to a room.

Mirrors are super versatile. They can be used not just to check your outfit but also to add glamour and character to the room. If placed well, mirrors can make the room feel a lot bigger. Mirrors have a significant impact based on the lighting as well. If placed in a well-lit area, then mirrors can bring more light to the room, too. Well, mirrors are usually used to spread natural light which means they can also create an illusion of space in your house. However, all the benefits can be unlocked only if you know where and how to place the mirrors. You should also consider a lot of other factors while choosing a mirror for your space. For example - the shape, the type of frame, the size of the mirror, etc.

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 64

Did you know that decorating your house with mirrors can transform the way it looks?

By Mrinalini Sundar

DARPAN Decor

Here are all DECORATEwaysthetoYOURHOMEwithMIRRORS

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 65 Top 1% in Sales of all Realtors® in Real Estate Board of Greater2010Vancouver-2021 *Medallion club and President’s club member of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver for every year since 2010

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Three is always much better than just one. This is perfect even in the case of mirrors. If one is not enough, you can also try creating a gallery with three mirror pieces. Round-shaped mirrors are best for this experiment. Hang all three mirrors together on a plain wall for max imum effect. Designers will also suggest that round mirrors are better than rectangular or square when you are trying to create a gallery. Usually, such mirrors all look the same and are pretty much simple with the design.

When small means big Beauty and art can go together A gallery of wall mirrors Mirror accompanied with art Colour-tinted mirrors Full size adds drama

We have already established that mirrors can be art pieces. But when a mirror and art is combined, it just created all kinds of magic. A case in point is this mirror with a gold rim frame that almost makes it look like a flower. The designer has combined the mirror with some golden dragonflies placed all around the mirror. This design is elegant, simple, and minimalistic all at the same time and also grabs your attention almost immediately. Such designs are usually customized and made on special orders. Another cute design are sun burst mirrors that almost replicate a sun and come in different color tones - gold, silver, etc. Some of the sunburst mirrors also come with sparkly diamond fixtures that give it a shiny look adding more beauty to the piece.

An artistic frame can serve two purposes - it can be a piece of art and at the same time can also be a mirror. An artistically framed mirror can also be a little less expensive when com pared to a lot of art pieces that you might have to buy to cover for that space. What do we mean by artistic mirrors - the frame could have wooden carvings, a gold rim, ornate designs, has inlaid carvings or designs, or an intricate barn board etc.

You66

There’s something absolutely stunning, satis fying, and healing about seeing the world in a different color, especially when it is tinted glass. So why not bring that warm fuzzy feeling into your home? Tinted glasses are almost like Snapchat filters that just make the house look classy, peppy, and all sorts of cool. Just make sure to use this tinted mirror in a special spot at home and have nothing else placed next to it. We don’t want anything else grabbing the attention now, do we?

will often hear interior designers asking you to use round big mirrors in small spaces. Why do you ask? They make the room look big. They also make a dimly lit room look brighter and add a little charm to a small space. Another little tip is to place a mirror across a window. This way the mirror will reflect the outdoor space and extend your indoor area.

A large, we are talking almost full-size mirror to a room. What can it do? It will add a lot of drama to a room. A dramatic effect or a standout mirror can be a statement piece in a room. Just make sure to place the mirror in the right space in the room so it gets all the attention. Also, make sure to decore the room accordingly.

DARPANSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

As simple as this sounds, it is valuable to keep in touch with the academic subjects your child is learning about, especially in lower grades. If your child is feeling stuck, offer to help them yourself, search for answers online, or look for other resources. However, homework help is not just confined to tackling the worksheets. It is crucial to demonstrate a positive view on education, be it by setting aside a quiet study space or encouraging good habits such as reading.

autumn rolling into the year, it’s time for back to school – not just for kids, but for parents, too! With digital integrations revolutionizing so many conventional aspects of schooling, parents’ involvement in their children’s education has become of the utmost importance. Here are seven action steps par ents can take to play a more active role in their child’s education and better students’ chances at success:

Read Newsletters

Lend an Ear

Help with Homework

Listening is powerful. Your children may have more to share than just test scores. Ask questions about their experiences in school, their friends, teachers, and everything in be tween. The key lies in not being intrusive and creating a judgement-free, comfortable space, in which kids do not fear to share. This boosts confidence, brings up the opportunity to collaborate on tackling obstacles, and enhances children’s mental health. Given that health is a priority, listen when your child complains of any sickness and help keep the school commu

W68ith

iStockCourtesy:Pictures 7

iStock:COURTESYPICTURES

One of the first touchpoints between parents and schools is written communication in the form of a physical newsletter or an email blast. Ensure you are signed up for any online communication and ask your child if any newsletters have been handed out. These contain upcoming important dates, policy changes, and essential information regarding any health protocols.

Back SCHOOLto PARENTSTips for to get involved

Talk to the Teacher

It is super important to demonstrate a positive view of education at home. Involvement in your child’s education is not constrained within the boundaries of schools. Rather, active involvement extends to the home. Parents need to become role-models, embodying and communicating positive larger values and attitudes regarding edu cation and the hopes, dreams, and expectations of both themselves and their children. Not only does communicating these values motivate children to be persistent when faced with challenging educa tional tasks, but fosters skill sets, at home, which are directly transferable to schooling. For example, creating a home environment where punctuality is valued encourages children to practice the same at

GET BACK ON THE ROAD!BACK ON THE ROAD!

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a great tool to stay informed and directly make a difference in your child’s education. While the leadership team may be elected and only a handful of parents hold executive roles, all parents should know about the committee and contribute to events, while staying in the loop for important discussions and deci sions. If you are not able to join in person, virtual attendance may be an option, or you can ask the notes to be sent afterwards.

GET

Lead by Example

years spent in school, this time holds high significance in your child’s life. By tak ing an interest and coming across as an involved, proactive parent, you are acting as a positive role model. Don’t forget that you are of equal impor tance in the powerful trio of education: students, teachers, and parents!

Join Parent Organizations

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 69 SIMMERJIT (SIMI) SAMRA P: 604.507.2247 C: 604.723.9697 #1-12372 82a Ave Surrey BC PRIVATE WINDSHIELDCLAIMSCLAIMS ICBC CUSTOMCLAIMSPAINTING SUDDEN IMPACT AUTO BODY & REPAIR LTD.

PERSONAL REALESTATE CORPORATION

Withschool.formative

Ensure that your child’s teacher has your contact information and that you have theirs. Ask the teacher what the preferred mode of communica tion is – call, text, email – especially if an issue arises or if you’d like to know progress updates. Know that the teacher spends significant time with your child, making it important that parents and teachers have consistent communication to enable students to succeed. Do not miss par ent-teacher meets and reschedule if you are unable to make the day. We may miss (good or bad) signs as parents that teachers are more likely to see in a school environment. As parents, never be afraid to voice your child’s needs and approach teachers with a collaborative, solution-oriented attitude.

The Importance of Self-Acceptance!

ust recently, the ever-so-charming actress Vidya Balan shared a beautiful note on her social media handle. Taking to her Instagram, Vidya shared two selfies with out make-up and narrated an incident she encountered with a fan, who wanted a second picture with her. The actress explained that her fan was miserable and even followed her car because the selfie she took with Vidya showed her bad profile. The woman told Vidya, “Galat side se liya, main achchi nahi lag rahi, yeh post nahi kar paungi (It is a wrong profile, I won’t be able to post the picture).”

Enough

While Vidya further wrote about her own in securities, majorly around her appearance and emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, the actress’ post starkly highlights the growing problem of self-acceptance most individuals face today, especially in a social media-in fluenced world. But what is self-acceptance, really? And why is it so important?

Well, Dr Leon Seltzer defines self-acceptance as exactly what its name suggests — the state of complete acceptance of oneself. It is uncon ditional acceptance of all facets of the self, em bracing all our attributes — the positives and the negative, the strengths and even the weak nesses. To be self-accepting is to feel satisfied with who you are, despite the flaws, regardless of past choices, and what people think of you. More importantly, self-acceptance means knowing that you are enough, just as you are — with all your imperfections et al.

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle70

Agreed,self-acceptance.itiseasier said than done. Self-accep tance is no mean feat, especially if the lack of it is ingrained in you from an early age and because of societal pressures. However, with time and daily practice, you can gradually learn to be ‘OKAY’ with all the perfect and not-so-perfect pieces of yourself. Here are a few proven tips that will help you with your journey of self-acceptance.

YouAre

While happiness is the key takeaway of self-acceptance, the inability to accept our selves further creates inner conflict and is the core reason for several problems such as low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and a ton of insecurities that govern our day-to-day life. Psychologists across the globe emphasize the fact that lack of self-acceptance can affect the part of our brain responsible for controlling our emotions, which can lead to mental imbalance and elevated anxiety, stress, or anger. Hence one of the most crucial factors to being happy, peaceful, and satisfied with life is

Accept your Weakness

J

While it is important to celebrate your strengths, it goes without saying that you should become more accepting of your weakness as well. Philosopher Jean Vanier rightfully said, “Growth begins when we begin to accept our weaknesses.” The reality is you can’t always be perfect at everything, accepting your weakness will help you uncover your fears, reduce your ego, develop more self-com passion, and take you closer to your reality. Fully embracing your weaknesses is the only

Unfortunately, the paradox of life is whilst many of us may scroll past several posts advo cating ‘Love Thyself’ during our daily routine of surfing social media, we fail to truly under stand the importance of loving and accepting ourselves for who we truly are. Self-acceptance has profound effects on our health and is directly related to our happiness. Recent research shows that self-acceptance is of utmost importance for our overall physical and psychological well-being, as low self-ac ceptance levels affect our daily life, work, rela tionships, and well-being. Lacking the ability to accept ourselves for who we are, impacts our capacity for happiness as we spend more time and energy on the negative aspects of ourselves, and these thoughts create pessimistic Britishemotions.psychologist and author Robert Hold en wrote in his book Happiness Now, “Happi ness and self-acceptance go hand in hand. In fact, your level of self-acceptance determines your level of happiness. The more self-accep tance you have, the more happiness you’ll allow yourself to accept, receive and enjoy. In other words, you enjoy as much happiness as you believe you’re worthy of.”

Celebrate your Strengths

Self-acceptance means knowing that you are enough, just as you are — with all imperfectionsyouret al.

Often, we focus so much on the weaknesses that we tend to forget about our strengths. People often point out our shortcomings than praise our strengths, because of which at times even we overlook our talents and skills. Moreover, the human mind is conditioned to take things for granted that come to us naturally, like our strengths. Making a list of your strengths, skills, traits, and achievements, and re-reading them whenever you are having a low day is a great practice to focus on self-ac ceptance. Keep adding to the list as you keep getting better and don’t hesitate to pat your own back whenever you achieve something.

By Shweta Kulkrani

Therapist Russell Grieger emphasizes that it is important to understand that your mistakes don’t define you. One of the key practices to work towards self-acceptance is to be aware that YOU as a person are separate from your qualities and actions. Grieger said, “You accept that, as a fallible human being, you are less than perfect. You will often perform well, but you will also err at times… You always and unconditionally accept yourself without judg ment.” So, embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

Remember It Is Ok to Make Mistakes

We often develop the concept of ourselves depending on our social conditioning. How are parents and peers look at us, often be comes the defining factor in how we perceive ourselves. If our interactions with the people we surround ourselves with are affirmative, val idating, and nurturing, it helps us to be more accepting of ourselves. However, if the people around us are too critical and dismissive of us, we are bound to have a negative self-per ception. Therefore, it’s important to choose the people you hang out with carefully. Keep positive people around you, who can help you confront your fears and focus on good things in life.

Self-acceptance is all about loving yourself — the good, the bad, the ugly. It is important to know that loving yourself and taking care of yourself is not selfish. Don’t be afraid to focus on yourself, and your needs first. Practice self-care and self-compassion on regular basis, giving that much-needed attention to yourself will help you to value yourself more and accept yourself better.

with our peers. We tend to forget that every one has flaws including the people we perceive to be perfect. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When comparing yourself to others, you snatch your happiness and focus on their strengths, while ignoring your own. So don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Respect your uniqueness and remember nobody is superior or nobody is inferior, the only person you should try to be better than is yourself.

Counting your blessing is always a good way

way to work on them or make peace with the fact that you can’t be good at everything. All human beings have both positive and negative aspects to them, and you should accept these if you cannot change them. Denying the truth serves no one.

So, remember once you embrace self-accep tance with all your failings and victories, once you love yourself unconditionally, you won’t

Don’t Compare

Surround Yourself With

Today, we live in a fast-paced competitive environment, where we tend to usually set standards that are too high for ourselves because we are constantly comparing ourselves

Love Thyself

Practice Gratitude

to learn to accept yourself. Being grateful for what you have and reminding yourself of it daily will help you refrain from negative thoughts. Try to write down five to ten things you are grateful for, it will encourage you to focus on the positive and help you dismiss the critical voice in your head. Practising gratitude regularly can help you work towards self-ac ceptance better.

Positive People

AMIT CHOPRA REALTOR ® Buy & Sell With SUTONConfidence!PREMIERREALTY An independent member Broker 15483 104th Ave Surrey BC V3R1N9 Office: 604.581.8400 Fax: 604.581.0495Email:778.891.4339amit21X@gmail.com www.Suttonpremier.com AMIT CHOPRA PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 71

“

Preeti is a mother of three and is currently working with the Richmond School District and has first-hand experience with the issues that children and parents face within the school system. Preeti is passionate about the importance of building a solid base in early education.Inthepast,

Meet the Candidates

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle74

Current Position: Richmond School District Past Experience: Volunteer, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

ABC is proud to be running the most qualified team of candidates in this election. Our team has the skill and experience needed to address the major challenges we see at City Hall today”

Preeti believes in community service and has been a proactive advocate for her commu nity for over 12 years. As a Trustee, she will maintain a focus on student achievements and well-being, and will advocate for safety around schools. Her goal is to ensure students are provided with a top-quality education in a nurturing environment.

-Ken Sim, ABC Mayoral Candidate

Park Board Candidate

Angela Haer

As an entrepreneur, Angela has founded sev eral successful businesses, and most recently, founded a Health Canada-licensed cannabis cultivation company. Angela is an active community volunteer, a mother of three, and resident of Dunbar, Vancouver.

Jaspreet VirdiPreeti Faridkot

Jaspreet Virdi graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Microbiology and from the University of British Colum bia with a degree in Pharmaceutical Scienc es. Jaspreet has worked as a pharmacist for the last nine years and has owned and has run his own pharmacy which includes a medical clinic for the past six years. He takes pride in providing medical advice and assistance to people in his community. He regularly administers COVID vaccinations and holds annual flu shot, vaccination, and diabetes clinics at local community centres. In his spare time, Jaspreet enjoys biking the seawall and hiking with his wife and two young children; their two-and-a-half-yearold son with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their eight-month-old daughter. He spends a lot of his time taking his son to commu nity parks. Jaspreet believes that community parks play a vital role in physical, emotion al, and mental development of children. Jaspreet is a huge sports advocate and understands the role sports play in strength ening communities. He has represented Team Vancouver, Team British Columbia, and Team Canada at the Junior level for Field Hockey. If elected to Park Board, Jaspreet will dedicate his time to addressing the challenges associated with maintaining our parks, sports facilities, and community spaces so our children and neighbours can enjoy them for years to come.

Preeti Faridkot is running for Vancouver School Board Trustee with ABC Vancouver. She has been actively involved in serving the community since she arrived in Canada as an immigrant. Discussing the concerns and issues of teachers and parents in the community has motivated and encouraged Preeti to run for office.

Preeti has worked for a non-profit agency (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) helping new immigrants settle in Canada. Preeti has provided guidance and support to many newcomer families who faced multiple issues and helped them get settled in Canada by connecting them with the local community.

Angela works as an educator with the Surrey School District. She holds a Masters of Educa tion Degree from McGill with a specialization in AngelaPsychology.isapassionate advocate for inclu sivity. She wants to ensure our parks, pools, and recreation programs are state-of-the-art, affordable, and accessible to all. As Park Board Commissioner, Angela will work tirelessly to make sure our parks contribute to making Vancouver a clean, green, and liveable city for everyone. Angela wants to make a difference by working collaboratively in consultation with communities to ensure Vancouver is a leader in creating innovative and inclusive public spaces.

On October 15th , Vote ABC Vancouver for Mayor, Council, Park Board and School Board. For more information visit www.abcvancouver.ca

Park Board CandidateSchool Board Candidate

Angela Haer, Preeti Faridkot, Ken Sim, Jas Virdi

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle76 CREATING TRULY UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES DREAM BANQUET HALL We provide food that people love, day after day. It is not a big secret. People just want more of it. CALL US +1 (604) 203-7272 EMAIL info@dreambanquethall.ca ADDRESS 7236 120 St, Surrey BC, V3W 3M9

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

VENUE SPONSOR WINE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

g THE TEAMGILL De ned by Serv ce & Exper se www.gillteam.com • Canadian Western Bank • DMCL • Mainstreet Equity Corp. • MNP LLP • National Bank • Key Marketing • Insure Life Financial Group Inc. • Amit Chopra PREC. • Deol Accounting • Hamilton Duncan Law Corp. • Tangerine Developments

DINNER SPONSOR

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 77 TABLE SPONSORS

RED CARPET COCKTAIL LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT

here is no denying that a state ment-inducing handbag is a wardrobe essential, which can instantly amp up your style quotient and command the attention of the fashion set. Now, after being stacked in a corner for nearly two years of the pandemic, ‘the handbag’ has returned to its full glory as one of our most precious possessions. And the good news is, while there are the good ol’ trusty silhouettes that one can never go wrong with, there are also a plethora of newcomers that cannot be ignored. So, if you are con templating making some handbag invest ments, here are our top picks from the hottest handbag trends that are currently topping the fashion charts.

T

From supersized silhouettes to pint-sized mini styles, Darpan handbag trends that are currently topping the fashion charts.

DARPAN TM78 DARPAN Trends

iStockCourtesy:Pictures

Bag it!

Bag Styles To Invest in Now

By Shweta Kulkarni

If there is one bag that must be there on your bucket list, it has to be the Bucket bag. Orig inally crafted by Gaston-Louis Vuitton as a sturdy bag for carrying champagne bottles, the classic bucket handbag has been around since the early forties and ever since has seen several adaptations. This season, the buckets are back in the fashion cycle and are striking a perfect balance between pragmatic and chic. Though compact in appearance, most bucket handbags are quite spacious and have enough room for all your important belongings. Crafted with leather, and smooth finishes, in a variety of

colours and silhouettes brands like Michael Kors, Chloé, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and others have found exciting new ways to give a modern update to bucket bags. A good bucket bag is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe – ensuring all your essentials fit in at the same time being the perfect transitional bag from daywear to eveningwear.

The Must-have

The Must-Have On Your Bucket-list

Nothing defines style and substance better than bags adorned with metallic hardware. Yeah, while handbags crafted with metal chains have been around for quite some time now, the latest trending handbags have got chunkier and tougher. Bold and chunky hardware for handles or sculptural accents and chunkier chains are the dominating feature of these latest must-haves. Grab one of the trending styles from popular brands like Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Sonya Lee, Versace, Stella McCartney and Blumarine, and look cooler than ever.

Chic Metal The Top-HandleClassic H • Hair Cuts • Hair • Fac We are specialized in: 7563 6th Street Burnaby, BC V3N 3M4 Tel: 604.525.9298 ww w.m o n e y s b e a u t y.c o m • Threading

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 79

If you thought top-handle bags were a thing of the past, think again. The case-style handbag with a top handle is never going out of trend and 2022 is all about these styl ish top handle bags. With creative handles in various shapes — circular, straight, rect angle, and often embellished with designs, these versatile bags can instantly spice up your look. Grab this classic style with con temporary twists from your favourite brands such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Ted Baker, and Prada and walk like a showstopper.

On the other side of all the solid, tan-hued handbag trend lies the eclectic, bold, pop art handbag trend which is not just colourful but also chicer than ever. Handbags with a bold pattern, pop art, spray-painted graffiti, em broidered art motifs and other artful touches are claiming their dominion this season on the fashion radar. Designers like Givenchy, Fendi, and Prada have all got their creative juices flowing and have curated some museum-wor thy pieces. Just think of your style and grab the one that suits you the best.

Another minimalistic bag trend that is still pretty much hot on the fashion radar is the pint-sized micro handbag. If functionality is not one of your concerns and all you usually need to carry is lipstick and a couple of credit cards then these bite-sized bags are certainly for you. A rage among celebrities, these mini bags which have gathered a lot of attention on runways across the globe in the last few years and are the perfect minimal accessory to amp up your look. Designed for party animals, micro bags are easy to carry, a lot of fun, and effortlessly ace at making fashion statements. Even luxury fashion houses like Valentino, Hermès, Dior, and others are also captivated by this micro trend and are continuously drop ping hot pint-sized silhouettes

If embracing minimalism is your new mantra, then the clutch bag is your perfect go-to bag. The never-out-of-style clutch bags are more in style than ever and are a timeless investment. With modern updates from brands like Bottega Veneta, Hermes, Chanel, and Fendi, in a variety of fabri cation and silhouettes — this must-have fashion accessory is all about chic sophisti cation. Aiming for a classy chic look, we’d say — Just clutch it!

Clutch It The Art Therapy The Micro Fever

We truly never moved past the crescent moonshaped handbag trend and brands like Miu Miu, Anthropologie, Staud, Kate Spade, and Balenciaga definitely kept our love for them alive by dropping some updated versions of this staple silhouette. Functionality coupled with sophistication has always kept this classic silhouette a constant in the fashion trend cycle. The roomy interiors fit in all your essen tials and make the handbag ideal to go with your office wear or casual looks.

Dream Big Glitter All The Way Moon Struck

DR. RANDY GILL Chair, Surrey Hospitals Foundation Medical Advisory Committee Assistant Professor Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, UBC

Quilted oversized totes, woven XXL, giant slouchy bags, and supersized hobo bags are all a big thing on the fashion agenda and are also endorsed by lux brands like Chanel, Peter Do, Balmain, Khaite and others.

While on one end of the spectrum we have fashionistas and luxury brands embracing the minimalistic trend of micro bags, at the other end of the scale supersized, XXL handbags are becoming a rage and commanding the atten tion. A perfect accessory for the ones who do not like to travel light, these oversized bags are ideal to stash not just your everyday makeup essentials, but also your jackets, laptops, and everything else that you trot around with.

“When the community is united and informed, it has the power to create change, and that change will save lives.”

After two years of lockdown, it is time to par ty. And if you are one of those party animals who say yes to all the parties then a glittering statement party handbag is a definite musthave in your wardrobe. This season all fashion runways too shimmered in the glory of these shiny handbags from brands like Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Paco Rabanne and Fendace. From shimmery silhouettes to styles embellished in rhinestones and sequins there are plenty of options for you to sparkle and shine with these beauties as your arm candies.

The second type is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, that can be found any where on the skin and is usually a result of a skin injury such as a scratch, a burn, or acne.

Dr. Albert Lamprecht, owner of White Rock Skin & Laser Clinic

“We want to combat that UVA/ UVB external stress on the skin for sure as well as oxidated stress, pollution, etc., but then we want to renew it by being able to turn over those dead surface cells. Now we can really get down and target the melanin production and transfer,” Clare explains.

By Michele Marko

Rediscover a radiant complexion by erasing hyperpigmentation

The third one is called melasma, traditionally affecting mainly women, which is an accumulation of melanin. Lamprecht says it’s most seen during pregnancy and post-partum. “The classic areas would be the face—people refer to it as the pregnancy mask— and we see it on the abdomen, the midline of the abdomen,” he says. Lamprecht says that though hyperpigmentation affects all skin types and tones, it’s more likely to affect people with darker skin tones, especially the post inflam matory Treatmentstype.for hyperpigmenta tion range from skin care brand regimens to doctor-prescribed creams to therapies using ener

“

obvious sign and, perhaps, some thing to minimize. Yet an uneven skin tone, speckled with dark spots, can be just as aging though it’s not always an indication of an older complexion but of years of unprotected sun exposure. Skin discoloration, or hyperpig mentation, is caused by several factors but there are three com mon types that people experience, says Dr. Albert Lamprecht, owner of White Rock Skin & Laser Clinic, a medical esthetic practice. The first most common type is the aforementioned age spots or sun spots, which, Lamprecht says, are likely found on sun-exposed areas like the face, limbs, and hands. They’re often small and well defined.

Patricia Clare, national training manager for Neostrata, says the brand’s approach to discoloration is three-pronged—combat, renew and target—to treat hyperpig mentation on all levels.

As the skin heals developsit a pigmentation.”darker

DARPAN Beauty

W

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 82

ClarityLookingforsome

“As the skin heals it develops a darker pigmentation.” he explains. “You can also see it after people have had bad skin infections, or even chronic eczema, or psori asis. Anything where there is a pre-existing skin injury or lesion or infection that as it heals it takes on a permanent dark pigmenta tion. So that’s quite common.”

gy-based devices.

hen it comes to look ing older as we age, most people focus on wrinkles as the most

For Clare, after the sun protection, the next step is using a brightening cleanser to exfoliate the skin for cell renewal. “It’s got neoglucosamine which is one of our signature ingredients. I call it the all-inclusive ingredient because not only does it help to turn over all those dead cells, but it is also phenomenal for alleviating discoloration,” she explains. And it’s safe for all skin tones.

Lamprecht adds that leaving it too long to seek treatment can lead to underwhelming results.

Using at least a 30 SPF daily, Lamprecht ad vises, is imperative to limiting further damage and not undoing any treatment benefits.

“Seek medical or esthetic assistance when you do identify that you’re developing things like that. The sooner you intervene, the better your

If someone comes to me about dark spots, the first conversation we have to have with them is sun protec tion...I’m going to make sure they understand the importance of them wearing an SPF every day that they walk the earth,”

she says, means religiously using an SPF. “If someone comes to me about dark spots, the first conversation we have to have with them is sun protection…I’m going to make sure they understand the importance of them wearing an SPF every day that they walk the earth,” Clare says.

For Lamprecht, his clinical approach for treating discoloration “goes from least invasive to most invasive. It very much depends on A) the severity of the condition; B) the patient’s results having just started with topical agents for a few months; and thirdly, just the patient’s Oncewishes.”he rules out any underlying medical condition for the hyperpigmentation, Lam precht proscribes a topical cream treatment of which there are two that can diminish the spots. Hydroquinone, a commonly proscribed topical, reduces the accumulation of melanin, the pigment, in that area. Lamprecht says it works slowly, sometimes taking months and the results can vary.

The “target” part of the approach a a 15 per cent Vitamin C and PHA serum which also includes feverfew and turmeric extracts.

Patricia NationalClare,Training Manager for Neostrata

results will be.”

Next would be a retinol-type product. Reti nols, he says, are often used to treat both acne and Thoughhyperpigmentation.somepractitioners offer chemical peel treatments as an option which Lamprecht says can be effective, he doesn’t incorporate them

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle Combat,84

“

“We tend to find that fraxel lasers can be very tricky and can contribute to hyperpigmenta tion as opposed to IPL that doesn’t have that same risk.” Lamprecht says. “We usually tell people that they shouldn’t come for laser if they have a tan. The whole idea of lasers is that they’re meant to pick up on areas of darker pigment. Whereas if you have a background of brown or perhaps a darker brown area, the laser will have a hard time distinguishing what is the actual hyperpigmented area.”

And with the sun damage being the No. 1 cause of discoloration, using an SPF daily makes prevention simple.

in his hyperpigmentation care. The next option would be energy-based treatments, either laser therapy or intense light pulse (IPL). For tanned or darker skin tones, IPL is the most effective and safest method.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 85 115 - 8381 128 Street, Surrey p. 604-598-1610 + e. info@capitaltiles.ca + w. capitaltiles.ca THE OFFICIAL TILE SUPPLIER OF BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOTTERY DREAM HOME 2020

Vikram Vedha is another star-packed film awaited enthusiastically by cinephiles. Head lined by Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan along with Radhika Apte, Vikram Vedha is a neo-noir action thriller based on the Indi an folktale ‘Vikram Aur Betal’. A remake of the 2017’s hit Tamil film of the same name, Vikram Vedha tells the story of a tough police officer — Vikram, who sets out to track down and kill an equally strong gangster — Vedha. Things take a turn when Vedha voluntarily surrenders himself and tells Vikram three sto ries which change his perceptions of good and

MOVIEBUZZ

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Radhika Apte

PARTBRAHMASTRA:ONE-SHIVA

DARPAN Movies

Directed by: Ayan Mukerji

VIKRAM VEDHA

Envisionednow.with

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Mouni Roy

Unlike the last two years of the Pandemic, 2022 has witnessed a variety of good films so far and looking at the slate of movies in store, it is certain that the rest of the year too, is going to be exciting for the movie business. From action-adventure films to films inspired by real-life events, we have tons of cinematic joy to look forward to. The VFX domination begins with Ranbir Kapoor’s much-awaited Brahmāstra, followed by Hrithik and Saif’s Vikram Vedha and Akshay Kumar’s Ram Setu. Interestingly, all these films are inspired by Indian mythology and folklore. Then there is also the feel-good family drama Goodbye and the daring tale of a fierce woman pilot — Tejas in store for movie buffs. Clearly, there is no shortage of exciting titles in the coming months, so make sure you block your dates

By Shweta Kulkarni

Release date: September 30, 2022

cutting-edge technology and never seen before visual spectacles, Brahmāstra undoubtedly is one of the biggest titles of 2022. Part of a three-part film franchise, Brahmāstra: Part One — Shiva is an epic convergence of ancient India and the modern world and is the beginning of India’s first original universe – the Astraverse. It is a new original cine matic universe, which is inspired by the deeply rooted concepts and tales in Indian mythology but at the same time is set in the modern world. While the makers are tight-lipped about the project, they promise that it is going to be epic story telling of fantasy, adventure, good vs evil, love and hope; all told using cutting-edge technology and never-seen-before visual spectacles on the Indian screen. Com menting about the film, director Ayan Mukerji said, “It’s a story I have lived for the last 10-years. Brahmāstra is the perfect family big-ticket entertainer, a cinematic experience unlike anything seen in India before; filled with fantasy and adventure, drama and a lot of heart.” Well, going by the trailer, Brahmāstra: Part One — Shiva looks like a visual spectacle that simply can’t be missed.

Release date: September 9, 2022

Directed by: Pushkar-Gayathri

New Patients & Welcome!EmergencyDentalPatientsAlways chmond Centre Dental 40 6060 Minoru Blvd, Richmond nd Centre Mall nex o Coast Capi al Saving No 3 Road 04.276.2442 Newton Crossing De #7126 King George Blvd, Su Next to Wings Restaurant 604.591.8999 www.drdhanju.comLaserCallTodayForWhiteningOfTeeth&ABrighterSmile! Offer Specialized services in: · Zoom teeth whitening · Porcelain Veneers Orthodontics (Braces) CInvisalignlearAligner Therapy Dental Implants Mini Implants · Children Dentistry · Root Canal Treatments · Crown and Bridge Work Metal Free Dentistry Get your Oral Cancer Screening & Cleaning Appointment Release date: October

Amid the action-packed sagas in the coming months also lies the story of pure valour that honours the brave hearts of the armed forces

— Tejas. Inspired by the landmark event of 2016, when the Indian Air Force became the country`s first defence force to induct women into combat roles, Tejas is the story of a daring and fierce fighter pilot. Film’s protagonist — Kangana Ranaut, who plays a Sikh soldier in the film, said in a statement, “Tejas is an exhilarating story where I have the privilege of playing an air force pilot. I am honoured to be a part of a film that celebrates these brave men and women in uniform who make im mense sacrifices in the line of duty every day. Our film celebrates the armed forces and its heroes.” The movie also promises to take the audience through some of the most challeng ing combat missions IAF forces undertook in their effort to keep India safe. With all this, Tejas easily goes on top of the must-watch list.

evil. The director duo Pushkar-Gayathri, also the makers of the Tamil version of the film, revealed that though the story has not changed much from the original version, the remake is going to be a brand-new film. They said, “In terms of story, we have not tampered too much. Of course, there has been a large part of localisation which has happened with the place we have set it in. Above and beyond that, spe cifically for us what is on the script is that 50 per cent and the remaining 50 per cent is what the actors bring onto the page. When we have a new set of actors doing this, Vikram Vedha is going to be a brand-new film.” Vikram Vedha is touted to be one of the most thrilling and entertaining films of the year. Now, who would want to miss that? 5, 2022

Directed by: Sarvesh Mewara Starring: Kangana Ranaut TEJAS

Sandook A Trip down Memory Lane

From silk Anarkali with Persian motifs to embellished satin salwar kurtas – designer Rashi Kapoor’s latest collection — Sandook houses the perfect ethnic vibe for the upcoming festive season.

Exuding understated elegance, Sandook with its old-world appeal will let you travel back in time sartorially. Speaking about the graceful collection, which is a beautiful confluence of traditional and modish designs, couturier Rashi Kapoor says, “Sandook, is a homage to my mother. It is an attempt to resurrect the timeless elegance and grace that we have lost. From the embroideries to the Karigari, most of what you see in this collection was originally part of her clothes, which I attempted to replicate.” The designer adds, “My mother has been the inspiration for this collection, her timeless embroideries to the Karigari, all coming together is what drove this collection to fruition.”

The essence of Kolkata-based coutu rier Rashi Kapoor’s eponymous label is best described as contemporary yet rooted in tradi tional crafts and designs. Attention to detail, rich craftsmanship, and clever use of high-end soft and delicate fabrics with intricate embroi dery and easy-to-wear silhouettes are the USP of the label. Rashi Kapoor’s latest edit — San dook not only is the reflection of everything that the brand is known for but also has all the markings of a wardrobe heirloom.

By Shweta Kulkarni

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 89

DARPAN Style

The collection not only resonates with the oldworld charm, but the name for the collection is also deeply rooted in earlier times. “Sandook was considered the most essential item of daaj (dowry) in the earlier times. The bride would carry her clothes, mattresses, and other smaller items of her daaj inside it. My mother, the textiles she wore, and my desire to resurrect her elegance were what motivated me to give this collection the name — Sandook,” explains Rashi, who was drawn to fashion ever since she was a child.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 91

Talking about her journey, the talented design er says, “It all started when I first held the first outfit, I ever weaved for myself. The sensation of wearing handcrafted cloth was unlike any other. This is when I realised, I wanted every lady to feel the same elegance and delight I did. Nature continues to inspire my design to day. The colours, patterns, and shapes all help introduce and evolve my designs with newer concepts as fashion evolves. This not only gives the new generation a different perspective and energy, but it also lets today’s women define themselves in the most expressive way.”

DARPAN Style

The couturier’s collection Sandook echoes her sensibilities and features festive pieces that have a royal aura and are Indian in inspiration. With a modern contemporary colour palette of summery shades like mustard, mint green, ice blue, blush pink and royal black, the pieces in the Sandook collection exude sheer opulence and glamour. Comprising largely of kurtas, Anarkali, palazzos, pants, flared pants, asymmetrical silhouettes, infused with gota work, delicate zari work, Persian motifs, sequins, glass work, creative borders, and hems — the collection is wrapped in luxury, and tells a story of wispy grace and delicate charm. Each ensemble in this collection is a prized offering to the vision of crafting luxury that feels like art. These are not just outfits but stories and memories waiting to be made.

“Sandook was an attempt to bring back the beauty and elegance that has been lost over time. Sandook is a combination of old-world grace and charm that exudes the appeal of fine workmanship and Karigari. One of them is an Anarkali, created as a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship, a silk dress with a variety of Persian designs worn with a simple silk palazzo and a gold and silver Banarasi woven dupatta. Most of the items in this collection, including the Karigari and the embroidery, were inspired by my mother’s wardrobe,” informs Rashi, who has dressed Bollywood celebrities like Ta apsee Pannu, Raveena Tandon, Divya Khosla Kumar, Gabriella Demetriades, and others.

DARPAN Style

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 93

Further elaborating about the collection, Rashi says, “This collection stands out for its main idea, narrative and how one feels while wear ing them. Every collection, in my opinion, needs a unique set of tales that relate to the stylistic and design choices that are exclusive to that collection.”

DARPAN Style

The timeless collection, which is steeped in classic sensibilities, is a visual delight that is sure to make heads turn at your next soiree. Like Rashi Kapoor says, “From my moth er’s Sandook to yours. I am certain that this collection is sure to grab your attention and make you feel that ‘unparalleled elegance and timeless beauty’.”

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 95

Pieces from Sandook can be purchased from Rashi Kapoor’s flagship stores in Kolkata. Alternatively, one can even contact Rashi Kapoor’s social media channels to make the purchase.

DARPAN Style

The price range for the collection starts at INR 35,000 and goes all the way up to 70,000 depending on the garment.

WWW.SPRINGTRAVELS.CA VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FEATURED DEALS TO MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS... NEW DELHI DUBAI PARIS LONDON ITALY AUSTRALIA CUBA CANCUN SURREY’S NO :1 TOURS & TRAVEL SERVICE PROVIDER 604.501.4040

10

DARPAN TRAVEL

Cage of Death

Cliff Camping

From volcano boarding to coming face-to-face with a giant predator, check out our specially curated list of the most adventurous experiences from across the globe.

AroundMost the World Adventurous Experiences

Take camping to a whole new level by hanging your tent in mid-air with nothing between you and the ground far beneath you. Cliff camping is the new rage among adventurists and is indeed a thrill like no other that promises an adrenaline rush that lasts for a long time. In cliff camping, your tents hang on a cliff’s edge on a tiny, portable platform called portaledge, and you spend the night suspended in the air, surrounded by unparalleled breath-taking views. While there are several spots across the

Just googling photos of the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin in Australia, will set your heart racing. Experience the thrill and fear like never before as you get lowered into the water and come face-to-face with a large saltwater crocodile native to Australia. In this unique activity, you are put in an acrylic encloser, aptly called the Cage of Death, and lowered into a tank below where the giant predators swim right next to you. Regular feeding throughout the 15-minute-long

We

By Shweta Kulkarni

all travel for various reasons.

Some travel to explore new cultures, witness incredible landscapes, relish the local food, enjoy the art and history, or seek ultimate re juvenation. But some travellers are perennially searching for thrilling experiences that can get their heart-pounding and give an adrenaline rush like never before. So, if you belong to the latter tribe or simply desire a daring one-of-akind life experience, we have put together a list of adventurous experiences that are guaranteed to take your breath away (quite literally) and change your perspective about life. Yes, just

Ice climbing may seem very similar to rock climbing, but do not let the gorgeous images of rock climbers fool you. No doubt, it is a freaking fun experience once you get the hang of it, but it ain’t everyone’s cup of tea either. Ice climbing is a sport where ice climbing enthusiasts ascend inclined ice formations, such as frozen waterfalls, cliffs and mountains glazed in ice, with the help of ice axes and other equipment. This adventure activity requires a lot of mastery and determination but the spell-binding scenery surrounded by ice as you make your way up is an experience that no adventure lover would like to miss. Some of the top destinations to try out this extreme adventure are Helmcken Falls Spray Cave BC, Canada, Kandersteg Switzerland, Rjukan in Norway, and Yosemite National Park in California.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 99

Ice Climbing

604.864.8803 #103-2955 GLADWIN RD We Care For Your Eyes! BHUPINDER OBEROI OWNER IN SURREY We carry a large selection of designer & fashion sunglasses, frames, contact lenses & accesories

Freediving in Mexico’s Cenotes

Crave for an adventure that will truly leave an impression without being too risky? Then the place to turn to is Mexico, where you can try freediving in the mysterious underground world of cenotes. Cosy caves and pristine waters, the shades of sunbeams scattered like a perfect piece of geometry, while you are drenched inside the silence of nature. Isn’t that beautiful and exciting at the same time? Cenotes in Mexico are amazing natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. There are several freediving excursions organized by profession als, which will take you deep into the ancient Mayan world and try freediving into the most beautiful cenotes in the region. It is an activity that is sure to appeal to absolute beginners to advanced thrill-seekers.

Volcano Boarding

Ever considered racing down an active volcano with crushed black-lava sand underneath on a small piece of wood? Adventure junkies, who have tried volcano boarding, vouch this experience to be not only exciting but a lot of fun too. Volcano boarding or volcano surfing is an extreme sport performed on the slopes of a volcano and certainly not for the faint-heart ed. If you are game for some hot, dusty, and craziest experience of your lifetime, then hike up Cerro Negro (Black Hill), an active volcano outside of Leon, Nicaragua. It is only once you are atop the hill that the actual adventure begins. A wooden board is strapped on your back, and then you slide or surf down the 2388 ft. (728-meter-high) volcano in less than five minutes. What makes this more fun is the fact that the speed of descent depends entirely on how fast you want to go. Cerro Negro is the youngest active volcano in Central Amer ica. It is also one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, erupting approximately every 20 years. Cerro Negro last time erupted in 1999. Apart from Nicaragua, volcano boarding is also practised on Mount Yasur on Tanna, Van uatu, Mount Bromo in Indonesia, and very few other locations.

In the last decade, scuba diving has gained im mense popularity among travellers. To explore the phenomenal undersea aquatic life is un doubtedly one of the most rewarding, serene, and breath-taking events. While the marine life is enthralling, the adventure quotient of your scuba diving experience can be upped to another high, if you manage to scuba dive with a rare congregation of dozens of Giant Manta Rays and the biggest fish in the world — the

Whale Shark. Wondering where and how can this feat be made possible? Maldives, Mexico, Australia, the Philippines, and South Africa are some of the hotspots where you can encounter these giant beauties during your dive.

Imagine you had wings. You could fly and taste that freedom of carefree flight; wouldn’t it be the best thing to experience? Well, you can do that. Yeah, we know you don’t have wings, but who says you need wings to fly when you can jump off the cliff instead? Adrenaline junkies have gotten their kicks by taking a the leap from cliff diving. It is that free fall that you experience that will change you as a person. Just imagine — your body sailing through the winds and then readying yourself and plunging into the deep waters giving you a long and deep dive experience at once. Cliff jumping is probably the least complicated sport. You don’t even need equipment for it. The best part is you are not just excited after doing it, but you are most excited just before the jump, and then it accelerates. If thrill is your second nature, then don’t miss out on do ing this at least once. There are hosts of cliffs across the world that are popular and beautiful

Scuba Diving With Giant Manta Rays & Whale Sharks

Swim With Humpback Whales

Famous for their hypnotic whale songs, Humpback Whales are one of the most beauti ful, majestic, and friendly whales you will ever come across. No wonder swimming alongside these giant beauties is dubbed a life-changing experience. While it is one of the most mes merizing events to swim/snorkel alongside the humpback whales, it isn’t an activity for all. There is always a certain amount of risk when interacting with wildlife, especially in chal lenging environments like the open sea. Often whale behaviours such as breaching and move ment of their tails and fin can cause significant injuries to the swimmers. Hence there are stringent regulations against swimming with these cool creatures across the world, but there are a few places where it is possible. Popular spots where you can indulge in this adventure are Tonga, Polynesia, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, and Réunion Island.

Cliff jumping

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 101

It is impossible to talk about the most adventurous experiences around the globe and not mention the ultimate, invigorating experience ever — climbing up the world’s highest mountain peak – Mount Everest. This legendary mountain is a place of wonder and mystery, which beckons professional hikers and climbers from across the globe every year. However, climbing up the majestic mount Everest takes months and months of prepara tion and conditioning and is certainly no feat for a newbie. Even professional mountaineers undergo special training to get acclimatized to the climate and terrain. Climbing up Mount Everest, undeniably, can be one of the most rewarding, thrilling, and exhilarating experi ences of life.

NOTE

to add to your experience. Choose any loca tion cause the best part of this adventure is free falling at dangerous speeds and feeling an unparalleled adrenaline rush. But do remem ber it is a dangerous activity and should be done under professional guidance. Some top locations for cliff jumping are Blue Lagoon, Bali, Crater Lake, Oregon, Laie Point, Hawaii, USA, and Brontallo, Switzerland.

Hike Up Mount Everest

Do not go for any of the above-mentioned adventures like a complete ignorant. All adventure activities come with a certain amount of risk, and it is advised to do proper re search before embarking on a thrill-seeking journey.

T: 604-657-6612 | F: 604-207-0444 E: www.aneleganttouch.cainfo@aneleganttouch.ca Rita sellingongoodsecondsYouimpressionGreatMakeFounderChohan&Ownerafirstonlyhavefivetomakeafirstimpressionabuyerwhenyourhome”HomeStaging Interior Design Color Consultation An-Elegant-Touch-Home-Staging-and-Design eleganthomestaging

DARPAN AutoREVIEW HONDANEWS.CACOURTESY:PICTURES

Motor:

Fun Five-Door

177

HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK

By Benjamin Yong

2022

rpm Torque

MSRP: $35,000 1.5-litre Turbocharged 6,000 (lb-ft): @ 1,700

rpm Gearbox: Six-speed Manual Layout: Front engine, front wheel Fueldriveeconomy: 8.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) HIGHLIGHTS

sion makes it another excit ing offering in the new Civic family, with the Si and Type R to Thoughcome.”the model continues to get larger and look more and more like an Accord, the new Boost Blue Pearl paint colour is very striking. Design ers have moved the A pillars back almost 50 millimetres, stretched out the wheelbase by 35 millimetres and widened the rear track 12 millimetres giving the profile a distinctive appearance. Even the roof is 50 millimetres shorter than the predecessor thanks to

Traditionally, Honda has reserved the sportiest iteration of the Civic for the hatches, and they’ve done this again with the latest version.

“Coming off the heels of the all-new, Canadian built and very successful 11th-gener ation Civic Sedan, the Civic Hatchback is the most funto-drive five-door Civic we’ve ever produced,” says Steve Hui, Honda Canada assistant vice president. “It’s sleek, fastback design and available six-speed manual transmis

the liftgate being made of a lightweight composite material, allowing the hinge mechanism to be pulled outwards thus flattening the Onearea.benefit of a bigger footprint is additional interior space, and the second row passengers enjoy 36 extra millimetres of it. Fortunately, head room hasn’t decreased either with the above modifica tions. The hatch opening is 40 millimetres wider than before making loading and unloading cargo an easier task. In fact, the vehicle

Four Horsepower:Cylinder 180 @

Kingsway, Burnaby BC, V5E 1E6 (10-minute drive from Metrotown) (604) 525-4667 | OpenRoadHonda.ca

soon!

Aly Jiwani Vice RegionalPresident,Operations(604)659-3200

Vice RegionalPresident,Operations(604)659-3200

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby

(10-minute

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 103

to sharing our Honda passion with you. OpenRoad Honda Burnaby, your award-winning Honda store. OpenRoad Honda Burnaby

6984

Amarjeet Singh Product Advisor (604) 767-9554 Marine Way Burnaby, BC, V5J 0A6 drive from the current location)

With over 30 years of Honda product knowledge and experience, our team serves each one of our guests with the utmost level of care, and we look forward to sharing our Honda passion with you.

Aly Jiwani

| OpenRoadHonda.ca

We are Moving to our New Location

Honda

5723 Marine Way Burnaby, BC, V5J 0A6 (10-minute drive from the current location)

Gagan Rai Product Advisor (604) 644-4716

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby is honored to be the recipient of the Honda President’s Circle Award, and the only Honda Driving Excellence High Achiever Award in BC, ranking #1 in Canada for 2021.

Assistant Sales Manager (778) 888-5862

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby, your award-winning store.

OpenRoad Honda Burnaby is honored to be the recipient of the Honda President’s Circle Award, and the only Honda Driving Excellence High Achiever Award in BC, ranking #1 in Canada for 2021.

Gagan Rai Product Advisor (604) 644-4716

Amarjeet Singh Product Advisor (604) 767-9554

With over 30 years of Honda product knowledge and experience, forward

our team serves each one of our guests with the utmost level of care, and we look

Inderbir Bedi Assistant Sales Manager (778) 888-5862

Ryan Muir General Manager (604) 525-4667

We are Moving to our New Location soon! 5723

Ryan Muir General Manager (604) 525-4667

6984 Kingsway, Burnaby BC, V5E 1E6 (10-minute drive from Metrotown) (604) 525-4667

Inderbir Bedi

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 104

Steve AssistantHui,Vice President, Honda Canada

It’s sleek, fastback design and available six-speed come.”theCivicofferingittransmissionmanualmakesanotherexcitinginthenewfamily,withSiandTypeRto

accommodated a baby seat in the back fairly well.

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

“

Basestereo.LX

The interior is pretty much the same as the sedan featuring the interesting metallic honey comb trim spanning the width of the dash that hides the air vents. A seven-inch touch screen display is standard, while a nine-inch is optional. I wouldn’t say the infotainment system is the most intuitive example on the market, but gets the job done (hey, at least there’s a volume knob).

cars utilize the entry 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill, however stepping up to any of the Sport badges gets drivers the high-output 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder, which makes a decent 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and delivers stellar fuel economy. The peppy engine is even more fun paired to the solid six-speed manual transmission buyers can equip for the same price as the CVT. The former feels great even if not quite as tactile as Honda sticks of old.

The top Sport Touring grade also benefits from a booming 12-speaker Bose premium

A whole host of suspension enhancements keep the vehicle ranking high in the handling department. Front MacPherson struts boast low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings to improve steering response, and new rear lower control arm bushings increase ride stability. Despite all the up grades, the hatchback has a poor turning radius compared to others in the segment.

For the first time, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback will be built at the brand’s US auto plant in Greensburg, Indiana. Prices range between $28,000 and $35,000 MSRP.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 105 www.fibretechbc.ca6045072199 Bathroom?DreamYourBuildingCSANME Let Us Assist At Fibretech we take pride in helping you find the right fixtures for your dream bathroom project. Surrey Design Centre 8247 130 Street, Surrey BV V3W7X4 Vancouver Design Centre 1375 VancouverKingsway,BCV5V3E3 Coquitlam Design Centre 2556 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam, BC V3H1W3

By Benjamin Yong

KIAMEDIA.COMCOURTESY:PICTURES

HIGHLIGHTS

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 106

“The EV6 marks a new and transformative era in Kia electrification,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America. “This innovative offering leverages the many benefits of its advanced platform to offer a level of technological excite ment and convenience that will provide a superb ownership experience.”

2022 KIA EV6 Kia EVolution

Sadly, the signature tiger nose grille is no more, replaced by a so-called digital tiger face where multiple elements of the front fascia evoke a sense of the majestic an imal. LEDs embedded in the outer edge

of the head and tail lamp housings allow neat sequential lighting properties. The vehicle has a hunkered down stance and wear wheels between 19 and 21 inches in diameter, and actually shares the same wheelbase as the Telluride. At the rear, the high deck juts out like a duckbill and together with the subtle roof wing gives a double spoiler effect.

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

Though smallish in appearance, the inside is quite roomy. Rear seat legroom is decent —— due to a slim seat back design utilizing ultra-light “giga-steel” in its construction — and the cargo area can accommodate 690 litres of stuff when the second row is upright, or 1,422 litres when folded down.

MSRP: $57,995 (base) Electric Motor

Motor: Dual

Horsepower: 320 (net) Torque (lb-ft): 446 (net) Gearbox: Single-speed automatic Layout: Front Engine, All-wheel drive Fuel economy: 17.5 kWh/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

As premium EVs have really taken off (i.e. Tesla and Polestar), it’s refreshing that two of the best zero emissions mod els to come out this year are actually from the Korean brands: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Darpan has tested both — which ride on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform — most recently the latter, and here are some of our thoughts on the sporty compact crossover.

Whereas the Ioniq 5 goes for a neo-retro aesthetic proving popular with the public so far, the sister from another mister possesses looks that’s a little polarizing. Conceived jointly by the brand design studios in Seoul, Frankfurt and California, the styling language is called Opposites United referencing the contrasts found in nature and everyday life.

Thetronics.EV6

tomizable brake regenerative system. Tugging on the pad dles behind the steering wheel alter how strong the effect is — at maximum, it essentially allows for one-pedal driving where the vehicle slows down significantly whenever the accelerator is released.

Boasting a five-link rear sus pension and battery mounted under the floor creating a low centre of gravity, handling is above average and piloting the EV is actually fun. And when the GT model arrives lat er in the year, things should be kicked up yet another notch as a pair of beefier motors are set to push 576 horsepower.

Sean PresidentYoon,and CEO, KIA North America innovative offering leverages the many benefits of its advanced platform to offer a level of technological excitement and convenience that will provide a superb ownership experience.”

“

DARPAN AutoREVIEW This

is sold in a number of powertrain and drivetrain configurations to suit different needs and budgets. The press loaner was spec’d with a 74-kilowatt front and 165-kilo watt rear electric motor creat ing a combined 320 horse power and 446 lb-ft of torque. A big

There’s an extensive use of recycled plastic throughout the cabin including vegan upholstery. The two-spoke steering wheel looks just the right amount of futuristic, but the 12.3-inch infotainment dis play is mounted too far away from the driver to comfortably reach. Being 100 per cent touch also makes navigating the Meridian Premium Audio System a clunky task. And for a 14-speaker stereo, the sound is perplexingly tinny. A large storage cubby beneath the centre console is perfect to stash a bag or large elec

SUVkilometresarefullwasorfactorscourseTotalMightymaximumbattery77.4-kilowatt-houryieldsaround440kilometresofrange.impressive.traveldistancewillofdipdependingonsuchastheweather,iftheairconditioning(thatontheweaksideevenatblast)orventilatedseatson.Totryandgainsomeback,however,thehasaprettycoolcus

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 109 GOLD KEY SALES AND LEASE LTD. WE LEASE ALL MAKE AND19545MODELS.No.10Hwy,Surrey604-534-7431BCLANGLEY Isuzu tucks have always been known for their low cost of ownership... Now it’s even lower!

By Benjamin Yong

Most noticeable at the front is a new nose section with black trim surrounding the centre air intake. Full LED lighting featur ing the Porsche Dynamic Light System, which automatically bends the beam into a corner for better visibility, is now standard across the lineup as are the Sport Design style wing mirrors. Though 19-inch wheels are the norm, the ex ample Darpan was loaned had the Vesuvius Grey 20-inch S wheels (+ $4,320) equipped.

Enthusiastsvariant).

will notice the facelifted Macan centre con sole is missing some buttons. Correction, a lot of buttons. They have instead been replaced with a haptic touch panel giving off a minimal istic vibe. Sometimes when manufacturers do this the tran sition can go sideways, but to balance things out a select number of analog controls remain scattered throughout the interior. The sporty/classy analogue clock sitting atop the

DARPAN AutoREVIEW PRESS.PORSCHE.COMCOURTESY:PICTURES

Entry SUV ticks a lot of boxes

dash and shorter leather gear knob are nice touch es,

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 110

MSRP: $55,321 (base) Motor: 2.0-litre four cylinder + two electric Horsepower:motors375@ 5,250 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 470 @ 3,000 Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, fourwheel Fueldriveeconomy: 10.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) HIGHLIGHTS

- Jeff Guyton

ever the simple Carrara White Metallic (+ $79) provides an undeniably clean look.

Thetoo.argument could be made buying into the compact crossover segment a general lack of space is expected. And there really isn’t a whole lot of generous second row legroom or cargo capacity here. That said the vehicle is also on the performance spectrum where it shines, even in entry-level form.

At the back the chunkier diffuser takes up more of the rear bumper’s real estate, wrapping around the black Sport Tailpipes (+ $1,090). A whopping 14 colours are now offered, some of them fresh ones like Papaya Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic, how

While the world waits for the second-generation Macan EV, Porsche has subtly updated all trims of the current version including the surprisingly good base four-cylinder model that I tested over a week. Read on to learn more.

For those seeking a truly bespoke experience, the Porsche Exclusive Manufak tur personalization program allows customers to really get specific choosing the materi als and special details to be used and added throughout the cabin. Or, simply choose one of the gorgeous pre-se lected packages (ours was the + $2,230 Black/Bordeaux Red

2022 PORSCHE MACAN

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 111 Allure Ventures Inc. is a family company that is built on family values. Our promise is embedded in “Our Family Building Your Home.” Allure Ventures Inc. uses an inventive, sustainable and communityminded approach to develop multi-family environments where residents can thrive. Our YourBuildingFamilyHome SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION & FINISHINGS AMENITIESSTATE-OF-THE-ARTTOP-LINEAPPLIANCES&FIXTURESTOCOMMITMENTQUALITY www.allurebuildings.com 604-359-8118 info@allureventures.ca PRESENTATION CENTRE: 13629 108 AVENUE, SURREY BC

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to the always-excellent seven-gear PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, under the hood is unchanged from when the engine was introduced in 2019. Making 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, going 0 to 100 km/h takes just a tick over six sec onds. And as a bonus, a nice burbly sound is heard when doing so — the exception and not the rule for a factory four-banger. The setup never felt slow or underpowered in daily driving conditions, and returned

The 2022 Porsche Macan is assembled at the Leipzig, Germany facility, which is the brand’s second-ever production plant built at the turn of the century. Prices start at

ACCURATE RAILING & AWNING LTD 126-130-12639-80TH AVE, SURREY, B.C RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL WWW.ACCURATERAILING.CA BESTPRICEGUARANTEE!* AVTAR 604-866-1432 JAGTAR AwningsDrivewayAluminum604-961-8767HandrailPowerGates&PatioCoversAluminumSunroomsGates/FencesRailing Stair Railing Glass SecurityRailingBars With Accurate, You Are In Safe Hands! SURREY (604) 575 9550 5550 Panorama Drive COQUITLAM 1100 Lansdowne Drive (604) 942 4109 ABBOTSFORD 31667 South Fraser Way (604) 854 1633 THREE LOCATIONS SERVING THE LOWER MAINLAND & FRASER VALLEY WHERE BUILDERS BUY www.exclusivefloors.cominfo@exclusivefloors.com

Handling is certainly above average in the class, and the Macan might have one of the tightest turning radius’ out there. Porsche Active Suspension Management is optional equipment, adding continuously adjusted damping force at each corner in response to driving input and road surface conditions.

BUY DIRECTLY FROM MANUFACTURER & SAVE MONEY! For great selection & Reliable Service, Contact: 604-572-9656 @ELEGANTGLASSANDSHOWERMIRRORSEMAIL: WWW.ELEGANTGLASS.CAINFO@ELEGANTGLASS.CA#52-13370 78 Ave Surrey, BC ELEGANT GLASS & SHOWER MIRRORS SPECIALIZES IN MIRRORS, CUSTOM FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS, CUSTOM WOOD CLOSETS ORGANIZERS, FRAME LESS GLASS RAILINGS, FLOATING STEEL STAIRS, AND TUB DOORS.in-house workshop! WE MANUFACTURE & INSTALL

By Benjamin Yong

DARPAN AutoREVIEW MEDIA.TOYOTA.CACOURTESY:PICTURES

Also found on the Limited trim is the Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. A tap of a button switches the elec trochromic glass from clear to opaque and vice versa,

The model was actually discontinued in 2015 due to poor sales and the future of the vehicle seemed grim at the time. Perhaps that was reason enough for the brand

to shake things up the second Firstgo-round.letsaddress the afore mentioned appearance. Yes, the predecessor really was in a unique class blending a couple of form factors. Now though the aesthetic is more mainstream, whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to the buyer to decide. Built upon the TNGA-K platform, the slim LED headlamps and full-width LED taillight bar, sloping roof and large 19-inch multi-spoke “super chrome” two-tone alloy wheels on the Limited grade Darpan evaluated make for quite a handsome product, actually. At 4,740 millimetres long the size is just right. Not too big or small.

In a bold but not unexpected move for Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer brought the Venza back for a second gen eration in 2020 with a major twist: the former station wagon slash minivan is now exclu sively sold as a hybrid. Oh, and it now looks like a proper crossover as well.

bathing the cabin in vary ing amounts of natural light. The display audio infotainment system remains a contentious topic for consumers I personally find the knob-less shamefortotouchscreen12.3-inchanuisancetuneradiostations,example,whichisabecausethere’s a 1200-watt, nine-speaker

DARPAN TMSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 114 2022 HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $49,500 Motor: 2.0-litre four cylinder + two electric Horsepower:motors181 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 221 (net) Gearbox: CVT Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 6.7 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

“Toyota Venza reinvents the segment for the modern age with a perfect blend of smart, stylish design, a refined interior thoughtfully appointed with premium materials, and cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity technology,” says Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada vice president, in a media release.

Toyota has gotten pretty good at the partial ly-electrified powertrain game having perfect ed it for over two decades now. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motor setup, mated to an automatic CVT transmis sion, in the Venza is the same one used in the uber-popular RAV4 Hybrid and outputs 219 net horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. And while there is a pure EV driving mode available, the range is miniscule and is only meant for short in-city trips.

Not exactly a performance SUV, the vehicle nonetheless feels zippy enough during ac celeration thanks to the electric motor boost. In addition, the aforementioned TNGA-K, utilizing a lot of high-strength steel, com bined with the front strut and rear multi-link suspension provide a quiet, stable ride and fairly agile handling experience.

DARPAN AutoREVIEW 604.594.2324WWW.KOHALYPRINTING.COMEmail:info@kohalyprinting.comSuite210-1283776Ave,Surrey,BCHARWINDER GREWAL

The company says behind the scenes, Active Cornering Assist (part of the elec tronically-controlled brake system) engages onboard stability control to reduce under steer during certain cornering situations. A differential torque pre-load function enhanc es traction and steering control on slippery surfaces as well.

JBL stereo wanting to be enjoyed.

As with all models in the lineup, a robust driv er assistance package is standard as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite bundling radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and many more.

Biggest MemoryAdviceResolutionproblemforimmigrants

As it was my first time ever moving to a new place, leave alone a new country, the journey was a bit challenging. I found it a bit difficult to make new friends and learn to do almost everything by myself during the initial period.

How do you see your future in Canada?

Which year did you migrate?

SHARE THEIR STORY

In the near future, I plan on buying a house here. The future here looks bright and filled with opportunities to grow and lead a better life with my family. The biggest problem that I’ve faced so far is while trying to buy a house. The real estate market is volatile, and the prices are getting higher. Mortgage rates are also high, which adds to the expenses.

I decided to migrate to Canada for my higher education at Columbia College and for a better future for my family and me.

When I landed in Vancouver as an internation al student at Columbia College, I stayed in a rented basement with my friend.

Why did you decide to migrate to Canada?

How has your overall journey in Canada been so far?

Despite the challenges, it has been a very successful and fulfilling journey. The challenges have helped me grow and evolve as a person.

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

My resolution is to grow my business and lead a better life.

IMMIGRANTSCANADIAN

Harpreet Josan is the owner and operator of a trucking company, and Lovepreet Kaur works as a QA manager at Spice Mantra.

Meet JossantheFamily

What were your first impressions of WhereCanada?did you stay when you reached Canada? Hotel, relative or friends place?

In my opinion, if you have the right skills and education, finding a job is easy in Canada. How was your experience getting a job here? Was it easy or trouble some?

Be prepared for the tough times and learn from them. Be positive and be open to Iopportunities.missmyfamily and friends back home. I miss celebrating the festivals and special moments together.

I migrated to Vancouver, Canada, from Amrit sar, India, in December 2012 as an international student. My wife migrated to Canada in 2021. Canada is the land of opportunities. With quality education and transferable skills, I was able to establish my own business and support my family.

DARPAN TM SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle 117