DARPAN-July-August-2017

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

JULY/AUGUST 2017

COVER STORY

SATNAM

SINGH

STANDING

BC ELECTIONS 2017

A GAME OF

TOPPLING

THRONES

TALL

THE MILLION

DONOR

PROJECT

SMOKING

HOT SUMMER

FASHION TRENDS

EXCLUSIVE

SATINDER

SARTAAJ THE BLACK PRINCE

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Sukhminder Virk, Tony Anderson, Paul Kennedy

Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin, Cantonese

Business and Real Estate Law | Dispute Resolution | Family Law | Estate Planning and Litigation | Motor Vehicle Accident and Injury Claims

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Publishers̓ Note

H

“WE WORK HARD

ello readers, it’s that time of

FOR YOU TO GET YOU THE BEST MORTGAGE THAT FITS YOUR LIFE-STYLE!”

the year again! DARPAN is in preparation mode for the

most-exciting event of the year in Surrey – Darpan Magazine’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2017. It will be yet another memorable night where ten renowned individuals within the South Asian community will be honoured for their remarkable achievements in their respective fields. The nominations for DARPAN’s eight annual awards are now open. If you know of someone who rightfully deserves this award, log onto our website (www.darpanmagazine.com) to drop in a nomination.

Talking about DARPAN Magazine, we present to you our summer issue of

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the beautiful sunny days. To begin with, our activities feature talks about the

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top five family-friendly events to check out this season. Our feature on biking as a great mode of transport is perfect for this season. With summer on in full

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

swing this is the ideal time to flaunt your bike, polish your cycling skills, and

PURCHASES WITH

indulge in a cost-effective and healthy habit.

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2.20

Ladies, you will love the beauty and fashion pieces in this issue. Learn a few tricks to wearing this season’s hottest trend – liquid lipsticks. As for style, ditch

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the boring woollens, re-shuffle your wardrobe, and indulge in the sinful game of summer shopping with some of our fashion tips. Summer is also a time for travel

5 YEARS VARIABLE CLOSED

( PRIME - 0.60 % )

and long drives, fitness lovers can read our article on road trip fitness to enjoy

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home décor reads, look no further and enjoy our feature on creating the perfect

a fun yet active travel experience. And if you are looking for some interesting

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patio. Yes, we have got you all prepared for the most amazing time of the year.

We would love to hear your feedback – and what you would like to see more.

5 YEARS FIXED CLOSED

Send your thoughts to editor@darpanmagazine.com or leave a message on our social media sites.

Here’s to a great summer!

E: varun@kraftmortgages.ca

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 PUBLISHERS

WRITERS

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Ashley Stephens

EDITOR

Catherine Tse

Petrina D’Souza

Garima Goswami

ASSISTANT EDITOR Garima Goswami ONLINE EDITOR

Benjamin Yong

Georgia Nichols Glen Konorowski Harjan Padda Jorge Ignacio Castillo

Sumesh Sharma

Naina Grewal

ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nick Hilden

Vinay Giridhar

Perry Holman

Petrina D’Souza Renu Singh-Joseph Shanel Khaliq Shweta Kulkarni Tarana Rana

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Gurvinder S. Hundal

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 2017 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014 PHOTOGRAPHY A Master Media Amrit Photography G Stills JC Images Varsola Visuals COVER CREDITS Photo: Glenn James, Dallas Mavericks ADVERTISING AND SALES Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon CONTACT Tel: 604-572-0199 Email: info@darpanmagazine.com 340-8140, 128 St. Surrey BC. V3W-1R1

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CONTENTS

113388

J U LY | A U G U S T

COVER STORY

2017

54

24

SATNAM

SINGH

STANDING

TALL

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

12 SPOTLIGHTS Winona Bhatti Sukhjot Bains Maninder Dhaliwal

48 YOUTH COLUMN Error 404: Self Not Found

BUSINESS PROFILE 62 Gulzar Transport Inc.

ENTERTAINMENT 136 BOLLYWOOD Entertainment Galore

138 HOLLYWOOD Summer Gambling

LIFESTYLE 76 TECH

Eliminating the Digital Divide

80 RECIPES

Chef Saransh Goila

72

Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota LLP

92 FASHION PAGES

74

Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd.

98 STYLE

Smoking Hot Summer Fashion

54 SALUTES

34

The Million Donor Project

64 NEWS IN PICTURES

100 BEAUTY

How to Wear Liquid Lipsticks

104 FITNESS Road Trip Fitness

142 GLOBAL INDIANS

106 HEALTH

Alungal Mohammed

84

144 HOROSCOPE 146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

Boosting your Sunshine Vitamin

110 HOME

Perfecting your Patio

114 WEDDING

Meet the Prasad Family

Rylan & Gurvir

118 ACTIVITIES

5 Family-Friendly Summer Activities

FEATURES

120 TRAVEL

Sweet Surprises at Tahiti Islands

34 POLITICAL FEATURE A Game of Toppling Thrones

40 EXCLUSIVE

AUTO

Satinder Sartaaj

124 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

50 FEATURE Ditch Driving Choose Cycling

128 BMW 540i xDrive

58 EXCLUSIVE

130 Nissan Sentra Turbo

Minister Carla Qualtrough

134 Jaguar XE R-Sport Diesel

86 FEATURE Home Sweet Home: Condo Living

130

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aser Way

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R

eRaedacetironss LIKE • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE

editor@darpanmagazine.com

Post-pregnancy fitness Enjoyed the article on fitness advice post-pregnancy.

I truly believe that mothers need to stay active and enjoy fun workouts after childbirth. – Pooja Sharma

Re: Hello Pooja, thank you for writing to DARPAN.

Yes, an active lifestyle can do wonders to your body and mood. I hope the article was of great help to women who just turned moms. – Editor

FROM OUR SOCIAL FEED

Fashion Exclusive Chandra Bodalia tribute video

SSISY Spotlight

Thank you so, so much Darpan, for recognizing this man. Growing up in Vancouver, Chandra was always an icon at our local Fraserview Hall. Such a sweet man. May he be at peace now (sic) - Anantdeep Dhillon/ Facebook

Thank you for showcasing our youth, their community services and achievements. I’m confident, they will continue to serve, work, achieve and share through this magazine in the future. – Karmjit Kaur Sandhu

Re: Hello Karmjit, DARPAN aims at highlighting the

Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man, will miss seeing Chandra (sic) - Jas Janda-wiseman/ Facebook

amazing work our youth are doing for the community.

All the best to the founders of Sikh Sewa International Society of Youth in their future endeavours. – Editor

Very nice to read about Abhayjeet @HarpreetSingh ji, especially Darpan Magazine describing him 'Altruist at Heart' (sic) - Anantdeep Dhillon/ Facebook

It was amazing seeing the fashion article on Payal Singhal. I loved her designs and ideas. Thank you for featuring her. – Mona De

Re: Mona, I am happy to hear your liked the exclusive

interview with renowned designer Payal Singhal. She presented some great designs and outfits at the recent Lakmé Fashion Week held in India. We will definitely feature more fashion articles in our upcoming issues.

– Editor

News in Pictures Appreciate you support to the art and culture of India.

– Kumar Varma, Triveni Fine Arts

Great interview today. Thank you @darpanmagazine #OneinaBillion (sic) - Satnam Singh Bhamara/ Twitter

Re: Hello Kumar, the South Asian community in

BC is very involved and interested in the Indian arts and culture scene that various organizations have to offer. Readers, please send your thoughts and comments to editor@darpanmagazine.com. Those looking to subscribe can find the information on our website – www.darpanmagazine.com – Editor

Much gratitude to @darpanmagazine for sharing our Women and Fentanyl Crisis event happening tomorrow (sic) - BWSS/ Twitter Thank you @darpanmagazine for the story about our Vimy Event! Look up page 67. (sic) - Preeti K Bains/ Twitter

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DARPAN’S

long, the hyper-partisan, two-party system has led to polarized debates and cynical political calculation.

People are ready for politics to be done differently.

This can be done when our elected officials work together to put people first.

6 What will be your first priority once the new government is formed?

Banning big money and introducing reforms to the lobbying industry are significant priorities that we committed to taking action in the first sitting of the next session of the new government. We have also agreed to hold a referendum on proportional representation in the Fall of 2018. Both of those initiatives are crucial in changing the way politics is done in BC and will be major priorities for us.

7 How do you plan on maintaining your stand against the expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline?

ANDREW WEAVER LEADER OF GREEN PARTY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 1 The election results are a clear indication that voters want change and their voices heard. How do you plan on making this happen?

After the election resulted in a minority government, we spent a long time considering what we heard from voters and how we could get the best possible agreement that would put their interests first. I believe we have achieved that with our agreement with the BC NDP. In the agreement, they are required to consult with us as they craft their policy. They are also required to honour the principle of “good faith and no surprises.” As an MLA, I also remain committed to listening to the concerns of my constituents, and to British Columbians more broadly, to ensure that their government is actually representing them.

2 What are your views on this new form of governance?

This will be a fundamentally new way for parties to work together. This is an opportunity for politics to be done differently by collaborating and openly debating legislation to achieve the best possible outcomes for British Columbians.

3 Do you believe the election results show that voters have increased confidence in the Green Party?

I’m very proud of what we accomplished in this election. I believe now that voters know that the BC Greens can pick up seats and that we don’t “split the vote,” we will see even more Green

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MLAs in the future. What is most exciting is that voter turnout in the three ridings that elected BC Greens was among the highest in the province.

This is very exciting for our democracy.

4 The NDP and Green Party share common

ground on important issues, which issue in particular encouraged you to support the NDP?

Kinder Morgan and Site C played significant roles in our decision. We have a strong vision for BC that builds a sustainable economy of the future and both of these projects are harmful to the kind of economy that is right for BC. What BC needs are good-paying, long-term jobs in industries that are projected to grow for generations to come, and to do that we need to move out of the old way of thinking. We also ran on a commitment to get big money out of politics, and that is an area of agreement with the BC NDP. There are a range of other issues, such as reinvigorating our forestry sector in a sustainable way and giving our public schools the resources they need to provide a world-class education for our children, that also significantly contributed to our decision.

On other issues, of course, we will still be able to pass legislation by working with the BC Liberals, and I look forward to working with my colleagues from their Caucus as well.

5 What message does the agreement between the Green Party and NDP send to British Columbians?

It’s time for a new era in BC politics. For far too TM

There are many tools available to the provincial government to stop this pipeline from going ahead.

There are many First Nations opposed to the project, and many ongoing legal challenges that have a good chance of preventing the project from coming to fruition. I would implore Mr. Trudeau to honour his commitments. He signed the Paris Climate Accord, and in order to meet our targets, no new fossil fuel infrastructure that is intended to last for decades should be built. At the same time, the cost of renewables continues to plummet. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of when it comes to transitioning to the low carbon economy and I look forward to working with the federal government and the business sector to help BC be at the forefront of innovation in this area.

8 Key concerns like improving transit facilities and housing unaffordability are not mentioned in detail in the agreement. How will the new government tackle these issues?

We have committed to working with the Mayors Council to come up with a transit plan that will work for their residents. We will consult with the BC NDP as they develop their budget, and we are in agreement that transit is essential to reduce emissions, get people where they need to go faster, and make life more affordable for British Columbians.

9 The agreement does not mention free daycare for working parents with children under three which the Green Party promised during the campaign period. What plans do you have with regards to daycare?

We will work with the BC NDP to come up with a daycare plan that reflects our shared values and the best ideas from both of our platforms.

How do you plan on dealing with the differences that arise between the NDP and Green Party over the four-year period?

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We have a detailed system for consultation, as well as dispute resolution, built into the agreement. We plan on maintaining productive, friendly relationships with our colleagues from both the BC NDP and the BC Liberals so that we can work together to craft good public policy that will put the people of BC first.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

BY HARJAN PADDA

Bains will be making history this fall as he becomes the first Indian-born player in Division 1 basketball.

S

ukhjot Bains is on his way to the University of WisconsinGreen Bay. The Green Bay Phoenix are a Division 1 NCAA team that plays in the Horizon League.

Bains is listed at 6’6” and has played all around the court with shooting guard being his primary spot. As a former standout for the Tamanawis Wildcats High School team, he was voted as BC’s No. 1 senior boys basketball player in 2014. He has played the previous two seasons at Northwest College for the Trappers and is now joining Green Bay in what will be his junior season.

Bains will be the first Division 1 basketball player born in India.

There are a number of players whose parents were born in India but they were born in North Amer-

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ica. Bains however, will be the first to have been born in India.

He grew up in Canada’s Lower Mainland region and started playing soccer as a child but it was his father who introduced him to basketball. From a young age, Bains has been breaking through the ceiling to the next level at each stage of his career.

A core strength of Bains is his positional flexibility. Given his mix of height and athleticism, he is able to move up and down the lineup. “I played all five positions in high school.

It was a tough transition to junior college with more positional restrictions and limitations. Once I got used to it, in my second year I gained more trust and played

BEATING THE ODDS

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT PHOTOS: A MASTER MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY SUKHJOT BAINS

“Everyone needs to dribble, pass, shoot at Wisconsin and that’s one of the reasons they wanted me because I can do all those things. It also helps that I can do this with my size. They like my defensive capabilities and versatility.”

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more positions. I was defending all over the court.”

To play big time collegiate ball, it’s not just about being good at just one thing. From Bains’ time playing in the States, he has come to learn the highest values placed on players from coaches and scouts.

“Everyone needs to dribble, pass, shoot at Wisconsin and that’s one of the reasons they wanted me because I can do all those things. It also helps that I can do this with my size. They like my defensive capabilities and versatility.”

Bains learned that he needed to establish himself as a complete player. He reflected on his transition from being a player whose defense was questionJULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

able to one with a well-rounded game that provides stingy defense along with the offensive firepower.

“My defense improved a lot over the years. In high school, I didn’t really have to worry about defending too hard, [I was] more focused on my offense.

But once I went to junior college, the importance of strong defence was hammered into all the players. It’s not just about playing the right way in a system. You [have] got to be able to handle man-to-man. I have put in a lot of work on the defensive side of the ball and now I am a much better defender since high school. The key to transforming a weakness into a strength is just about having

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a high work ethic as you keep pushing yourself until you reach your goals” This journey that Bains has been on has come with trials and tribulations. Only the best of the best can compete at the highest collegiate level in the world, and players from Canada are few and far between. There aren’t many scouts in Canada, so exposure to big schools is difficult for Canadian players.

Hopefully with more Canadians making it to the NBA as well as local kids like Bains heading to a D-1 school, this can open up more opportunities for kids in the future.

“It was a long process. I was seen as one of the best in high school, but it takes a lot of work

to get to D-1. I didn’t anticipate having to go to prep school for a year and then junior college for two years just to get a shot.

But I took that and kept striving for the next level. I was constantly putting in work in [the] gym in my second year to get to where I wanted to go.”

Bains has a very tight schedule that runs year round. However, he is able to find time for the AthElite basketball academy he grew up with. Bains likes to “help run camps and practices, give back [in] any way I can when I’m available.

These programs helped me a lot when I was developing and I want to help the next generation grow the game.” He hopes to pass on his hunger and determination to future talents.

Bains will be making history this fall as he becomes the first Indian-born player in Division 1 basketball. He has worked for every opportunity he’s earned and has blown past expectations. As an incredibly humble person, Bains’ mentality and work ethic will fuse with his athletic ability to surely make a significant impact next year and beyond.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

When I truly started to understand who I am and what I am capable of is when I found success.

Every success does come with failure but that failure is what helped me truly learn about me.”

WINONA BHATTI:

LEADER OF TOMORROW

BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

I

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society by using a unique approach of aligning business with social causes. “People think business is for people who want to make money. I really want to change that around,” says the enthusiastic leader.

As a woman leader of tomorrow, Winona exemplifies the spirit of community building through participation and engagement.

With more than 9,000 hours in volunteer work, she has made an impact on thousands of lives through projects and various fundraising campaigns.

As president of Enactus SFU, Winona led a team of 196 individuals to run 10 different programs. “The whole mission of Enactus is to empower post secondary students to find a need in the community and then address that need by creating programs.” One of these programs called, Count On Me, focused on providing financial literacy to at-risk youth and single

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

“I gave a lot to Enactus but definitely Enactus has given more back to me. The confidence that I have now, the confidence that I walk with is what is going to help me through the next years of my life.”

mothers by engaging them in a nine-week workshop where they were taught budgeting, banking and employability.

In order for Winona to excel while dividing her time between major responsibilities, roles, studies and community building, her family played a crucial role.

Her mother, Amrit Bhatti, host and producer of popular South Asian program, Amrit Bhatti Talk Show, has been a major support pillar for the young influential leader. It was during one of these episodes hosted by Amrit that Winona was made aware of a practice in India where female babies were either killed or abandoned due to societal

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stigmas. This impacted Winona deeply and she decided to launch HUG (Helping Underprivileged Children) Charity Canada to promote education and development of children in Guinea. “Initially, I wanted to open the school in India but I did research and found that the biggest need was in Guinea.”

When she was working on the logistics and infrastructure of the project, Winona would often be asked why she chose Africa and not India. Very wisely she would reply, “The biggest thing is that we are all humans and we should all be there to support each other. That place needed the most support at that time

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and I provided it.” To realize her goal, Winona organized a fundraiser with 450 attendees and was able to raise $14,000 towards the development of the project.

Another support system she credits is the Beedie School of Business. “Whether it be getting a co-op or actually engaging in Enactus, I’ve always had someone there step forward not only to be beside me but also to tell me ‘no’ and tell me that what I am thinking of is probably the weirdest and most obscure thing they have ever heard. Those type of people are necessary.”

To conquer these various accomplishments at such a young

age is certainly commendable, especially considering the challenges Winona had to overcome in the process. She explains one of these challenges saying, “When I first started Enactus, I wasn’t the most confident person. My philosophy has been ‘fake it till you make it.’” Winona had applied to be president of Enactus a year before but soon withdrew her application.

“I started to realize that the real reason I had dropped out was because I was scared.”

She did ultimately apply the following year and the events that followed afterwards proved to be one of the most significant moments in her life. “I gave a lot to Enactus but definitely Enactus has given more back to me. The confidence that I have now, the confidence that I walk with is what is going to help me through the next years of my life.”

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

In order to solve the global issues that face us, we need everyone to contribute at their full potential. As an immigrant and an ethnic minority female, diversity and inclusion are very personal issues for me.”

Engineering change

MANINDER DHALIWAL

BY SHANEL KHALIQ

M

aninder Dhaliwal, CEO and cofounder of Lions Gate International, strongly believes that opportunities should be available to everyone irrespective of who they are and where they come from.

“In order to solve the global issues that face us, we need everyone to contribute at their full potential. As an immigrant and an ethnic

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minority female, diversity and inclusion are very personal issues for me,” asserts the Business in Vancouver magazine’s “40 under 40” top business achiever of 2013.

At Lions Gate International, a firm specializing in trade advisory between Canada and the Asia Pacific, the main focus is technology, manufacturing and infrastructure projects TM

in the Indian sub-continent. Dhaliwal’s role involves specializing in venture capital investment and business advisory services to help companies grow and thrive. “It’s an ideal role for me,” she shares, “I get to combine my background and talents in engineering, technology start-ups, business strategy, revenue models and market growth.”

Recalling her journey towards success, this passionate entrepreneur believes that it is important to find a mentor who can guide you well. “There are moments that change one’s life, for me one of these would be meeting my mentor Joseph Segal. He has been a guiding force in my professional life for the last 10 years,” says Dhaliwal, while mentioning other key figures in her life like Fiona Macfarlane (Ernst and Young), John Montalbano (Royal Bank), Bev Briscoe (Goldcorp), and Janet Austin (YWCA). “My success has a lot do with their advice and guidance. I am very grateful for that.”

Besides managing Lions Gate International, Dhaliwal currently serves on the board of directors at Big Sisters of BC, and Ballet BC. “I have always believed in being a good citizen and contributing to the community.

Giving back is an honour and a privilege,” she says when asked about her contribution to the organizations she supports.

She is also a member of the UBC Alumni Advisory Council, and acts as a corporate board director for other businesses and organizations – a role she claims is a very satisfying part of her career. “As a CEO, you are responsible for getting things done. As

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BY HARJAN PADDA PHOTOS: FERNANDO MEDINA, NBA PHOTOS/ GETTY IMAGES; GLENN JAMES, DALLAS MAVERICKS; AUSTEN DOR PHOTOGRAPHY; GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY SATNAM SINGH

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atnam Singh Bhamara’s road to success and stardom is one that can inspire many. At the age of 19, he became the first-ever basketball player born in India to be drafted into the National Basketball Association, popularly known as the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks selected Satnam with their 52nd pick of the 2015 NBA Draft. This selection was the onset of Satnam’s upward journey as an international basketball player, who has scaled great heights in the game. The young player has played in 27 D-League games in the past two seasons and averaged 7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds along with 0.4 blocks per 36 minutes. The performance chart is an indication that Satnam has managed to achieve what others can only dream of.

Though his road to success has been quick, it wasn’t a simple path and came with many challenges. Satnam was born in Ballo Ke in Punjab – a small village with a population of about 800. At a young age, he decided to pursue basketball and enrolled in a sports academy in Ludhiana.

A few years later, at the age of 14, the 7-foot tall teenager received a basketball scholarship to IMG Academy, a renowned sports

training facility in Bradenton, Florida, United States.

The 21-year-old was just a kid when he left India to join the IMG Academy in 2010. For a young boy, being part of a sports training facility that too in Florida was definitely a dream come true, but Satnam had two basic yet major obstacles to overcome – getting accustomed to the food and learning English. There were not many places that served roti with daal in Florida – a staple diet for Satnam back home. “When I came to the USA, I had to change my diet around the food they had,” he shares.

COVER STORY

Playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal. To reach that, I have to keep working hard.

Anytime there’s an opportunity, I have to break down the door and take it.”

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COVER STORY

Also, English not being his primary language, a young Satnam had to learn the language in order to be properly trained. “Hardest part of adapting to American lifestyle is the language. I had to learn the language and understand my coaches, teammates and teachers.

My coaches helped me a lot with learning English. I am getting better every day,” says Satnam positively. Once you mix these two complications of language and food, the transition is incredibly difficult at the root level. When basic elements of life like these are completely revamped, it seems almost insurmountable to overcome. But Satnam was determined to make it work and made sure he got the best training and experience at IMG. A few years later, he made history by becoming the first-ever basketball player born in India to be drafted into the NBA. The process of getting Satnam

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Another thing I had to work on was my footwork and strength.

I was just tall and skinny before I came overseas. I’ve gone through extensive training and workouts to get stronger and more physical.” to the NBA took a unique path.

The traditional routes involve kids going from high school to an NCAA college and then go to the draft after months or years of being scouted. International kids play for professional teams overseas like Barcelona in Spain and get scouted from there. However Satnam was an exceptional case.

He played at IMG Academy with minimal scouting but it was his agent that effectively marketed him to the NBA. He got Satnam to the combine and the interest grew

from there. “It all started when my agent informed the league of me, this young kid in India.

I became eligible for the draft right after that. The next step was team workouts with about a dozen teams in the league. I was pretty nervous but confident in my abilities,” recalls Satnam, who took the rare path of entering the draft from high school, being the first player since Amir Johnson in 2005 to go directly from high school to the draft.

Just about half the league

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5

SATNAM’S

TOP FAVOURITES Favourite food: Chicken and fish Favourite movie: Singh is Kinng Favourite singer: Gurdas Mann Favourite actor: Akshay Kumar Favourite player: His teammates

invited Satnam to workouts. Teams such as the Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards took the opportunity to see him up close.

He received positive reviews for his play and upside. Then on June 25, 2015, NBA deputy commissioner and CEO, Mark Tatum, stepped up to the podium and announced: “With the 52nd pick of the 2015 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Satnam Singh.”

Satnam was there with his agent and representatives to take in that huge moment. ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla described Satnam as a “long term project” but with the raw tools to become an impactful player in the NBA. As Satnam’s proficiency with English improved, he was moving on to the next stage of his development – working with a team. “Once I got better at understanding my coaches, they had me working on team philosophies. When I played in India I was pretty much the only good player. Here, everybody is good so I needed to adjust to the team mentality.”

The US coaches stressed key concepts like spacing and ball movement which

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are crucial to picking up the game here in North America. As a big man who can shoot with range, it was essential for Satnam to learn how to move around the court. There were also some technical aspects that needed some tweaking.

“Another thing I had to work on was my footwork and strength. I was just tall and skinny before I came overseas. I’ve gone through extensive training and workouts to get stronger and more physical.”

The game is changing and young athletes are starting to adjust to these new expectations. Also, NBA teams have started to focus more on physical specimens who may not have had flashy production in their teen years but possess elite physical gifts. At a fluid 7’2” and 290 lbs, Satnam had what a lot of teams look for. Despite his game being incredibly raw and untested, the Dallas Mavericks figured they could mould him into a solid player. Strength and conditioning usually are the first drills rookies go through once they get drafted.

This was emphasized even more so in Satnam’s case to make the transition from just being big, to being big and strong.

Today, Satnam’s height, passion for

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the game, and shooting ability have made him unbeatable on the court. These qualities are beautifully showcased in a documentary starring Satnam titled One in a Billion. The documentary that chronicles Satnam’s journey from a young age to becoming the first Indian-born basketball player drafted into the NBA made its debut on Netflix worldwide on December 6 last year. Sharing his thoughts on this interesting experience, Satnam states, “There were cameras following me everywhere I went. I just got used to it after a while. When the movie came out it was cool to see myself in my own movie. All these people like the commissioner and the owner of the team talking about me and my journey.” The documentary also features encouraging and uplifting words shared by the Mavericks representatives along with Satnam’s IMG coaches and teammates.

Satnam’s hardwork, dedication and love for basketball have made him one of the most popular Indian players all over the world. His skills and personality has gained him much love from youth and has motivated and encouraged young sportspersons to follow their dreams. In fact, the talented player reciprocates this love by devoting a lot of his time to youth events around the world.

Locally, he has taken part in the drug and gang forums as well as the Satnam Singh Basketball Camp he leads. He has teamed up with Indo-Canadian athletes like Arjan Bhullar and Jas Dhillon to show young kids of similar backgrounds here that they can make a difference.

Talking about these initiatives, he says, “It was my responsibility to make a difference for my country and prove to other kids in India that we have a chance, anyone can make it.” Satnam is always looking to give back to the community by participating in these events to talk to all these kids and encouraging them to focus on their goals.

“The door for the NBA is opening in India. I want them to know that they have an opportunity.”

When you consider the growth of basketball in

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COVER STORY

It was my responsibility to make a difference for my country and prove to other kids in India that we have a chance, anyone can make it.”

BC, specifically the higher number of Indo-Canadians playing basketball, having someone like Satnam Singh involved is huge for the community.

India has a population of over 1.3 billion people but they’ve never had anyone make it to the NBA. Satnam made history by being drafted and he has done everything he can to share his story with the world to inspire younger generations. These camps reinforce his values in sports and also make a positive impact in the community with respect to young leaders. Satnam wants them to realize their potential and understand that they can make their dreams come true with hard work and determination.

Coming back to basketball, with all the things Satnam has going on, he remains focused on his career. “My next step is to just keep training and working out. Playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal. To reach that, I have to

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keep working hard. Anytime there’s an opportunity, I have to break down the door and take it. That has been my thought process during my development and will continue to be how I strive for my next goals,” says Satnam who preaches the very same principles to all the children he works with.

Satnam’s commitment and skills have proven that nothing is impossible if you have the will and desire to achieve it. Though he is just beginning his journey, he has already become a historic figure, star basketball player, and youth icon to many. It is hard to believe that he is only 21 years old and has accomplished so much on and off the court. The future of Satnam Singh Bhamara cannot be predicted, but he intends on writing his own destiny.

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BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

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After the election resulted in a minority government, we spent a long time considering what we heard from voters and how we could get the best possible agreement that would put their interests first. I believe we have achieved that with our agreement with the BC NDP,” says Andrew Weaver, leader of the BC Green Party.

T

he 2017 British Columbia General Election has been one for the books.

History was made in more ways than one when preliminary results of the May 9 election produced a minority government with the BC Liberals winning 43 seats, one short of the 44 needed for a majority government.

With the BC NDP taking 41 and the Green Party winning a record three seats, the outcome wasn’t as simple as just counting votes.

Without a majority government and the balance of power hanging in the hands of the Green Party, negotiations began between the Greens and both the Liberals and NDP. Several weeks after the results rolled in and recounts were conducted, Andrew Weaver, leader of the BC Green Party, announced his party had come to an agreement with John Horgan’s NDP. “After the election resulted in a minority government, we spent a long time considering what we heard from voters and how we could get the best possible agreement that would put their interests first. I believe we have achieved that with our agreement with the BC NDP,” Weaver told DARPAN. “This is an opportunity for politics to be done differently by collaborating and openly debating legislation to achieve the best possible outcomes for British Columbians,” he adds.

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“People were looking for change and they voted for a government that works for them. We are ready, willing and prepared to PHOTOS: COURTESY BC NDP, DARRYL DYCK/ THE CANADIAN PRESS

give them the change they voted

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for,” says Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Timbers.

The agreement signaled a change in government that would ultimately oust Liberal leader Christy Clark from her position as Premier of the province. The parties outlined the policy initiatives that they intend to pursue as a result of an NDP-lead government propped up by the Greens.

“This has definitely been an interesting election,” says Rachna Singh, newly elected MLA for Surrey-Timbers. “During the campaign, I talked to people in my constituency and heard from them how life has become so hard under the BC Liberals. People were looking for change and they voted for a government that works for JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

them. We are ready, willing and prepared to give them the change they voted for and I’m happy to begin working toward that.”

“In regards to the vote for BC Liberals,” says Jas Johal, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, “the message was sent from downtown Vancouver all the way to Mission and Maple Ridge…it’s throughout the region. We saw the vote go a certain way in Surrey, as well – so we’ve got that, we’ve heard that.”

And so following the NDP/Green Party agreement, it was the Liberals’ turn to present their own revamped policy promises, based on the messages received from across the province.

The Throne Speech included similar promises to that of the opposition and acknowledged that it heard the call for change.

“There’s no doubt that I think the jobs and economy message is important,” says Johal, “but British Columbians also said that they need to see some of the dividends from the good work that [the Liberals] have done. And that’s one of the things that I think needs to be the focus – and I think you’re seeing that in the last weeks or so. The premier and the cabinet

TM

The NDP-Green agreement included, among other details: • Opposition to the expansion of the

Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline • Implementation of a carbon tax increase of 5% a tonne per year • Referral of the Site C hydroelectric dam project to the BC Utilities Commission to study its economic viability and effects • An increase to minimum wage • Improvements to transit, housing supply, health care, poverty reduction, and funding for education

caucus have heard loud and clear in regards to what British Columbians priorities are and we want to make sure we head in that direction.”

Unfortunately for Clark and her government, after the required four days of debate, the NDP proposed an amendment declaring the legislature had lost confidence in the house. Without the call for a new election from the Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon, John Horgan was asked to become the new premier of the province, marking the end of the Liberals’ 16 years in power.

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So what does the future of the province look like under the new NDP government?

“Banning big money and introducing reforms to the lobbying industry are significant priorities that we committed to taking action in the 1st sitting of the next session of the new government,” Weaver says. “We have also agreed to hold a referendum on proportional representation in the fall of 2018. Both of those initiatives are crucial in changing the way politics is done in BC and will be major priorities for us.”

While not specifically addressed within the agreement between the NDP and Green parties, housing, transportation and daycare costs have been key concerns all across the province, with affordability a hot topic amongst all voters. All parties agree that changes are inevitable to address these concerns.

“My priority is to work for my constituents on the things that matter to them,” says Singh. “We need to make life more affordable by addressing the housing crisis and rising costs of Hydro, ICBC, tolls, childcare and Medical Service Premiums.”

Similarly, Johal expressed his party’s belief that there is a great need to address affordability going forward.

“We have to find ways to make sure that housing remains within the reach of the middle class especially.

So that means different types of housing, making sure we maximize our land use, while we still protect our Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). We want to make sure we can still attract that foreign investment that’s very important for our jobs and our economy but at the same time, we want to make sure that housing is there for everyday Canadians. Increasingly, as we get bigger and bigger and busier and busier, you can see that rapid transit and buses plays a bigger and bigger role. We have to do a better job at that as well…and that’s a priority.”

Despite the ‘good faith’ agreement and an amicable relationship between the leaders of the NDP and the Green Party, the experts all agree that tensions are sure to flare periodically once the new government is sworn in. Liz Lilly, chief of staff for the Green Party’s three elected members, has acknowledged that the parties don’t agree on all policies and it will be a delicate balancing act to ensure all voices are heard while simultaneously upholding the agreement.

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With enough points of contention between the two parties to cause friction and the majority of bills likely to be decided by one vote, experts have raised concerns over the longevity of the new NDP government, with some saying it won’t last even 18 months. However, as Bill Tieleman, former NDP strategist, has explained, the Liberals aren’t in a position to push for another election anytime soon, leaving the Green-supported NDP to push their policies for longer than the critics are predicting.

The future of the government is oft and easily debated but the one thing experts, like David Anderson, former MLA, MP and leader of the B.C. Liberal Party, tend to agree on is that nothing is certain in politics and this election has proven just that. “Minority governments are notoriously unstable, particularly when the numbers are as equally balanced as we have today,” Anderson writes.

“Politics is full of surprises.”

While election results of this sort haven’t been seen for decades, the election was also historic for the Green Party.

With three members of the party elected to parliament, this marked the first time in Canada that more than one Green was elected at the federal or provincial level. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished in this election. I believe now that voters know that the BC Greens can pick up seats and that we don’t “split the vote” we will see even more Green MLAs in the future,” says Weaver.

The people are speaking and the political leaders are listening. With the election producing the first minority government since 1952, British Columbians have already guaranteed that things are going to be different this time around.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

“I was destined to play Maharajah Duleep Singh”

By Petrina D’Souza

M

ulti-gifted artist, singer, composer and Sufi poet, Satinder Sartaaj, has added yet another feather to his cap with his acting debut in the Hollywood film, The Black Prince. Sartaaj plays the role of the last king of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh – a prominent figure in Indian history. Releasing worldwide on July 21, 2017, the film captures the tragic yet fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh, providing a visual narrative of one of India’s most noble kings, and his fragile relationship with Queen Victoria. The film’s trailer launch at the recently-held Cannes Film Festival received an overwhelming response, making it one of the most awaited films to release.

With recent awards such as the Best Newcomer at the London Independent Film Festival and the Best Debut Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition held in San Diego, California, Sartaaj promises to excite and enlighten audiences around the world. In an exclusive interview, he talks about his debut role and his enriching experience working on the film.

Excerpts from the interview: 40

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You are known in the music industry as a well-known singer, composer and poet.

What encouraged you to take up acting?

I’ve been getting many Punjabi film offers since 2009 but I didn’t want to jump into something I wasn’t good at.

Then Brillstein Entertainment Partners, the same company which produced 12 Years a Slave, offered me the role. I felt that being a Punjabi and seeing the cultural connection between myself and the film, I couldn’t say no. I took acting classes and found that I really enjoyed the artistry behind portraying a character. It has been a great opportunity for me and I thoroughly enjoyed filming.

Why did you choose The Black Prince as your debut film?

I strongly believe I was destined to play Maharajah Duleep Singh, one because of the startling resemblance we share in terms of our looks, and two because of my respect for his story. The more I read up on his life, the more I realised just how much we share in common. It was a huge honour to be casted as one of the leading lights in Sikh cultural history.

What kind of research and preparation was needed to do justice to the role?

I did a great deal of research into his story, and I must say it really is fascinating. It helps when you’re so genuinely enthralled with the character you are

Satinder

Sartaaj DARPAN

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playing, as it gives you that extra edge. When I got the script, I saw 100 biopics on British imperialism to get a broader understanding of what the film entails. I was thrilled that I had to portray such a big historic figure, but was not sure whether I’ll be able to make my presence felt on the big screen, so I knew I had to put the hours in to be the best I could be. I’m more than pleased with how things worked out.

I learnt to speak the Queen’s English as well as basic Victorian manners for my character, which is dark, under playing, and submissive at the same time. In some scenes I had to speak dialogues as long as one and a half pages which was obviously a challenge.

What was the most challenging part of the role and the film?

The most challenging part was that in the morning I had to play the character of a 16-year-old boy and the same evening a character in his 50s. Also, since English was not my first language, it was tough to maintain that Victorian British accent.

I strongly believe I was destined to play Maharajah Duleep Singh, one because of the startling resemblance we share in terms of our looks, and two because of my respect for his story.”

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The character you play goes through a lot of turmoil in his life. What helped you bring out these emotions in your acting?

I read so much about Maharajah Duleep Singh that I was completely into the character and felt every emotion and situation, so the acting came out naturally accordingly.

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Historical films or playing historical figures can be risky as one can’t expect how viewers will react to them.

What kind of response are you expecting on the film and your acting debut?

Playing historical figures is very risky and very hard too because it becomes your responsibility to do justice to the character. I look forward for a very positive response from the viewers because it’s historically a very rich film and will enrich the struggled life of the last king of Punjab who is almost a vanished character to many. I gave my best for the film and I am sure people will like my acting.

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“I think it is the very first time Hollywood has chosen a subject that is related to Sikh history and this is the first time a person from the north, a Punjabi, has taken a lead in a Hollywood movie. This is a really proud moment for our community.”

What aspect of the film will connect with the viewers?

What message does the film give out? ●

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I think it is the very first time Hollywood has chosen a subject that is related to Sikh history and this is the first time a person from the north, a Punjabi, has taken a lead in a Hollywood movie. This is a really proud moment for our community.

The film clears out many misconceptions people have about Maharajah Duleep Singh. It gives the connection, bond and yearning to be connected to one’s roots. That was his struggle.

What are your future plans as a singer and composer?

I am working on the next album in which I am emphasizing more on melody and deep poetry, also there are tours lined up for USA, Australia and New Zealand.

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YOUTH SPEAK To contribute to this column, email us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

ERROR 404: SELF NOT

FOUND “ME-TIME” HAS BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH MINDLESS

SCROLLING THROUGH ONE’S SOCIAL MEDIA FEED RATHER THAN INDULGENCE IN SELF-DISCOVERY

T

ime: arguably the single most powerful force in the materialistic realm. You may deem it finite or infinite; binding or liberating; curse or boon. Call it what you may, but one thing is for sure – you just never seem to have enough of it. With a resource so limited, the question of allocation prevails as it is precisely the allocation of your time that determines the pervasiveness of your past, the awareness of your present, and the direction of your future. Nevertheless, as uncontrollable as it may be, your time is solely yours, but when did you last spend time with yourself?

In today’s global ocean swarmed with buzzwords such as interactivity, technology and connectivity, we are ironically least connected with the self.

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Social media unlocks the capacity to constantly stay in the loop about what others are doing and allows for you to broadcast yourself to the world. The paradox, however, is how little we know about ourselves.

“Me-time” has become associated with mindless scrolling through one’s social media feed rather than indulgence in self-discovery.

For youth, this period of age is critical in forming a worldview and making important decisions that dictate the years to come. Problems in mindsets and choices arise because of the lack of self-awareness, which further stems from the limited attention span that mass media has contributed to, especially in millennials. Simply put, everyone

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wants to figure themselves out, but it’s just too boring to do it. You don’t get points or level up, there’s no monetary gain and no validation of your actions with ‘likes’. Trying to get in touch with the inner self is equated to embarking on a philosophical journey.

An important thought here is: does spending time with yourself really have to comprise of meditating in a dark room – secluded and silent? Power to you if that’s what your version of finding yourself entails, but self-awareness is a mental state of being rather than a physical one – regardless of how you do it. Moreover, it is more so a way of doing things and less so a task itself.

So, then, how can you meet yourself? Well, the answer stares at you in the eye everyday quite literally, as you see yourself in the mirror. The secret to meeting your mind is no different: Reflection.

You are a product of layers. The first layer consists of your actions, which you perform daily. The second layer consists of the thoughts, beliefs and values that produce your actions.

The third layer is awareness.

Often, we are only able to unravel ourselves until the second layer. If our environment aligns with our thoughts, beliefs and values, we see no rationale – as logical beings – to penetrate our awareness.

Your comment on a social media posts generates 1,127 likes and the world seems to be in perfect temporal order. On the other hand, if our thoughts, beliefs and values are challenged, we strive to change our environment. A dissenting reply to your comment interrupts the harmony of your world and you go on to dismiss the credibility of the opposing opinion. In either case, the third layer of awareness remains untouched.

You are not to blame; the democratic regime of today’s liberalistic society embeds and appropriates the freedom of individuality. However, what we are not told is to question our individuality, which

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

lies in one simple question. Why? We are taught to question our actions only as far as we reach the second layer.

I am justified in acting this way because my thoughts, beliefs and values result in me doing so. However, this is merely a self-serving bias. You cannot be reduced to your thoughts, beliefs and values because they result from socially constructed ideals like familial background, religion, culture, education and nationality.

How will you find the right answers if you ask the wrong questions? The key is to ask why you think about, believe in, and value things the way you do.

This inner dialogue is the first step to solving the riddle of self-discovery, for which only you can take the reigns and help yourself. Being critical of yourself is just as important as being critical of what is around yourself. Question the authenticity of a news article, but also question your understanding of it.

Question your professor’s method of teaching, but also question your way of learning. Question your friend’s outfit, but also question why you would not wear it. Sometimes, the answer lies not in asking a question, but questioning the question itself. Many times, the finger points right back at you.

As you begin to seek answers, you will unlock hidden potential and empower yourself to take risks, realize your passions and open your mind. Be it the matter of a letter grade or career path – when it comes down to the self, you must confront it until you are one with it. After all, you can only solve what you know – and to know someone, you must spend time with them. When will you spend time with yourself?

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Planning to cycle to work?

Here are 3 things you should know

Cycling is a great mode of transport that includes a lot of health and financial benefits

1

2

Plan your route: If you are new to riding, start by riding on quiet neighbourhood streets and separated lanes to build confidence. Planning your route ahead of time can ensure you As a cyclist you have the same don’t end up riding on streets you are rights and responsibilities on uncomfortable on. Remember – you can always get off your bike and walk through the road as other vehicles. areas when you are feeling nervous.

3

Bikes on transit: Many public transit systems in BC allow you to take your bike on buses and SkyTrains.

Combining biking and taking transit is a great way to get started. Look up the transit system in your area to learn the guidelines.

DITCH DRIVING CHOOSE

CyCling

By Petrina D’Souza

Safety tips for cyclists Ride one meter away from parked cars at all times. Avoid the door zone – a common area for accidents.

S

pring Bike to Work Week recently took place in Vancouver from May 29 to June 5, 2017. As per statistics presented by Hub Cycling, 11,128 registered riders and 1,730 first-time bike commuters took part in this initiative. The successful turnout of this event is only an indication that cycling can be a great mode of transport for work or pleasure. In fact, with summer on in full swing this is the ideal time to

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

flaunt your bike, polish your cycling skills, and indulge in a cost-effective and healthy habit.

Making cycling your primary mode of transport has a lot of benefits. It is cost-effective, accessible, environment-friendly, and contributes greatly in boosting your health and mood. “A lot of trips between 3-10 km are quicker on bike than in a car or on transit as you don’t have to contend with congestion

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Be aware of blind spots, especially when riding near large vehicles. If you can’t see their eyes in the mirrors, they can’t see you.

Be predictable. This involves riding in a straight line when possible, and signalling before changing positions on the road. Avoid weaving in and out between parked cars, which makes it difficult for other road users to see you and anticipate your movements.

Be visible. Ride with a front white light and red rear light and reflector from dusk until dawn. Using your lights during the day can also increase your visibility to other road users.

Take the lane on narrow streets. If you feel there is not enough room for another vehicle to pass you safely, you can “take the lane” by riding closer to the centre of the lane.

which also makes it less stressful,” asserts Ellie Lambert, director of communications at HUB Cycling, a charitable non-profit that aims to make cycling better through education, action and events.

Highlighting the cost-effective

feature, maintenance of a bike is definitely cheaper than that of a car.

“If you own a car you have to pay insurance, road tolls, parking costs, and gas but there are none of those costs when you are cycling, so it is one of the cheapest modes of transport

DARPAN FEATURE out there,” comments Lambert adding that it is also costefficient as cycling infrastructure is cheap to build and lasts a long time.

Lambert points out that people on bikes save society money. For every kilometre ridden by a bike, society receives 21 cents back, due to the health benefits experienced by the rider and the reduced emissions and low price of building and maintaining facilities.

“Compare this to cars, which cost society 23 cents per kilometre and it makes economic sense to invest in better biking,” she states, encouraging everyone to choose this environment-friendly option.

And let’s not forget the health advantages attached to this simple mode of transport. Besides providing you with your daily dose of exercise and physical activity, cycling is said to increase your mental health. “Cycling improves mental health as it’s not as stressful as being stuck in traffic and you get a lot more sunshine and fresh air,” says Lambert further mentioning a recent UK-based study that states people who cycle to work live longer as it lowers the risk of dying early by 40 per cent and the risk of developing cancer by 44 per cent.

Hub Cycling has been playing a crucial role in encouraging commuters to take up this practise and

“If you own a car you have to pay insurance, road tolls, parking costs, and gas but there are none of those costs when you are cycling, so it is one of the cheapest modes of transport out there.”

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enjoy the many benefits cycling offers. Through events such as Bike to Work Week, Bike the Night, and Bike to Shop Days, the organization has been urging people to get on their bikes and travel around the city. “During these events we host celebration stations where people can grab refreshments, have their bikes checked by mechanics, and enter competitions, and we also give away prizes such as holidays and free bikes to incentivize people to take part,” adds Lambert. These events and incentives are motivating people to cycle to work on a daily basis. “Our surveys show that two thirds of people who start biking to work during Bike to Work Week are still cycling two months later,” reveals Lambert.

Through courses, in schools and local communities, Hub Cycling educates people to become safe and confident riders. “These [courses] make it a lot easier for new riders to start cycling,” shares Lambert, who strongly advices cyclists to follow road rules.

“People on bikes are vulnerable road users as we don’t have a big metal shell around us to protect us in the ways that cars do but as long as you take your time, be aware of other traffic around you and follow the rules of

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Choosing the right bike The best place to start when you are purchasing a bike is to go to a reputable shop where they will be able to advise you on the best bike for your needs. Many good shops sell second hand bikes at a reasonable price and all of these will have been serviced to ensure they are roadworthy. When buying a bike the main things to consider are: • Where will you be riding? E.g. on the road, on hills/ mountains, or on trails. A hybrid is a good sort of bike that will be suitable for cycling to work or the shops, as well as going on longer rides on off-road trails.

• When buying a second-hand bike from sites such as Craigslist, you should always check that it has not been stolen; you can search it on Project 529’s database of stolen bikes. When you are viewing the bike, take it for a test ride and check the brakes, go through all of the gears and ensure the tires have no punctures and the tread is not worn. Once you have purchased it, take it to a bike store and get it serviced by a trained mechanic.

• Make sure the bike is the right size for you. When you stand next to it the seat should be inline with your hip and when you are astride it you should be able to stand on tiptoe.

the road, cycling is a safe way to get around.” The cyclingfocussed non-profit also advocates for better biking infrastructure and advises on new projects to ensure that they meet the needs of cyclists.

Though an increasing number of people have switched to cycles for their daily commute, a lot more needs to be done in terms of providing facilities and safety for riders. Lambert states that cities can help by providing safe infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, separated paths and traffic calmed streets. “All of these features create safer routes that make people feel more comfortable and confident when cycling.”

Other suggestions for cities and businesses to encourage cyclists include secure bike parking or lots of bike racks, and showers in workplaces for people to freshen up. “Cities can also encourage cycling by funding education courses for people who haven’t ridden before or are nervous cyclists,” says Lambert.

This summer, make cycling to and fro your fitness goal and enjoy the many benefits it offers.

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I In 2016, Anil Srivatsa and his family ventured on an epic overland journey called the Gift of Life Adventure, from Bangalore to Scotland, covering 15 countries and 30,000 kilometres in

ndia is in a dire need to amplify its existing pace of organ donation to save more lives and prevent deaths occurring due to non-availability of donated organs. The country sustains some of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world largely due to myths, superstitions, societal restrains, and lack of awareness on the subject.

Nearly 500,000 individuals die annually in India due to acute shortage of organs. An obviously striking demand is only able to generate a supply of 0.5 per cent of deceased organ donors, as per the 2015 report by the International Registry in Organ Donation and Transplantation.

“India traditionally doesn’t look at organ donation as a very viable social thing to do,” says Anil Srivatsa, live organdonor, adventurist, cross-border

campaigner, and CEO and cofounder of Radiowalla Network Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, India.

A kidney donor, Srivatsa has been leading an organ donation campaign of a unique kind across various borders by targeting a crucial component – triggering dialogue on organ donation within families.

90 days, all for the purpose of creating

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From a donation [and] charitable perspective, it’s easier to feed the poor and then you are rewarded with a smile, its tangible. But this (organ donation) is so intangible, they don’t think it’s worth thinking about right now.”

“What happens is, you are a donor at home, you haven’t told your immediate family and after you die, they don’t know because you don’t talk about it and that’s a waste. I’m addressing that portion of it with my efforts because if somebody opens and talks in their family, you don’t need to sign up with anybody.”

In 2014, Srivatsa’s older brother approached him for a kidney donation, and although organ donation had been practiced in his family before – Srivatsa’s father and grandfather were both eye donors – the decision to donate one kidney had been a bit of a struggle. “I struggled with the idea of doing it but I did it nonetheless and after that I saw that life doesn’t really change after you give a kidney. I had the fear that what will happen to me after I give it.

Best way to find out was to do it and I found out nothing happens to me. Only good things happen to me.”

And good things he has certainly been experiencing and helping come true for others

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as well. In 2016, Srivatsa took his wife, daughter and son, on an epic overland journey called the Gift of Life Adventure (GOLA), from Bangalore to Scotland, covering 15 countries and 30,000 kilometres in 90 days, all for the purpose of creating awareness on organ donation. In the course of this journey in Norway, Srivatsa was made aware of an application that gathers organ donors and this triggered the founding of The Million Donor Project, an app sharing a donor’s decision to donate his/her organ/s, with the family. “I felt awareness is not enough, action is more important,” says Srivatsa, who is aiming to sign up one million donors on The Million Donor Project app.

In July, the GOLA team recorded another milestone with the successful kidney transplant of an 18-year-old boy from Afghanistan, Malik, who travelled to Bangalore for surgery with his two brothers – one of them being the kidney donor.

From helping raise funds to leading the battle against State Transplant Committee for a swifter transplant approval, Srivatsa and his team stood strong next to the Malik brothers throughout the journey. In many ways, the case underlined a crucial gap that exists in both nations when it comes to organ transplant surgeries. While Afghainstan needs to invest in training doctors for such procedures, India must tackle red tapism endangering lives of patients such as Malik.

Srivatsa describes the Afghan boys as the inspiration behind GOLA Foundation which he recently launched to raise funds and support organ transplants for children and women. “There is a gender bias and age bias when it comes to

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SALUTES There is a gender bias and

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because they don’t feel their life’s worth enough to spend the money in a family. There are a lot of women that end up not getting a surgery in spite of having a donor because nobody

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wants to pay for it.” children and women because they don’t feel their life’s worth enough to spend the money in a family. There are a lot of women that end up not getting a surgery in spite of having a donor because nobody wants to pay for it.”

But why such a reluctance in discussing organ donation at home? What are the conflicting factors? The media broadcaster talks elaborately on the matter. He explains, “From a donation [and] charitable perspective, it’s easier to feed the poor and then you are rewarded with a smile, its tangible. But this (organ donation) is so intangible, they don’t think it’s worth thinking about right now.” What makes the situation worse is the discomfort associated in discussing death at home, and this Srivatsa states is a gap which extends beyond India.

“Nobody wants to talk about this stuff at home. How else are you going to talk about organ donation if you don’t talk about death?

Death is not something anybody talks about.

It’s inevitable, they know it but talking about it is a problem.”

Srivatsa emphasises that communication with family and support from them is crucial – one of the reasons why he ventured on the Gift of Life Adventure with his family. “My decision to give my organ donation was because my family consented to it. The law requires my wife to consent, my wife didn’t consent. But my children talked to my wife and made her understand that it’s OK and that’s how my wife consented. So it was a decision we all made together.”

Regardless of whether you are in India, or abroad, you can transform multiple lives by supporting Srivatsa and his multiple efforts by signing up for organ donation. To do more than just knowing, visit GiftofLifeAdventure. com/signup, download the app, and trigger a conversation within your family.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

MINISTER

CARLA QUALTROUGH

By Petrina D’Souza

A

successful lawyer, dedicated volunteer, and Paralympic swimmer, Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament (MP) for Delta, has been strongly advocating for equality, diversity and inclusion through her two leadership roles.

While efficiently managing both titles, Minister Qualtrough has brought about positive changes for persons with disabilities and athletes, as well as the residents of Delta. In an exclusive interview, she talks about her work and upcoming plans.

Q:

What made you take the political path?

My background is as an athlete; I was on the national swim team. I competed at the Paralympics in Barcelona and Korea and at world championships. I travelled nationally and internationally and was exposed to various cultures and countries. It was through those experiences that I became fascinated with how people with disabilities were treated around the world. It really sparked my interest in going to law school and becoming a human rights lawyer, and in particular working to advance the rights of people with disabilities.

After I retired from competition, I became an active volunteer in the Canadian sports system which led to a former sport minister offering me a job in Ottawa where I worked for six years and was exposed to the policy side of politics.

That’s when I thought one day maybe I could do this. I ended up coming back to BC, where I practised human rights law. Then in January 2015, Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau asked if I was interested in running for MP in Delta.

That’s how it happened. It feels like everything I had done in my life had led to this, whether it was studying French in school, the discipline

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“EQUALITY AND INCLUSION MAKES US UNIQUE AS A COUNTRY”

I got through sports, my international travels or the exposure I got as political staff. Everything seems to have pointed me in this direction and has served me very well.

Q:

As the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, how has your background helped the role?

The Prime Minister tailor-made this portfolio for me, it’s the two things that I have dedicated my life to. A lot of lessons that I have learnt as an athlete on working hard, discipline and being part of a team have helped in shaping me as an adult and also as a politician. I am the MP for Delta and I am also a cabinet minister – so it’s always about trying to balance [both]. How I try to do it is that I see Delta as reflecting our country, what the people of Delta tell me is very much, I think, representative of what Canadians want. We are a very diverse constituency – from the new immigrant population to the senior population to farmers and small businesses. If I listen to everyone, I am very well-equipped to go to Ottawa and make sure those perspectives are considered around the cabinet table.

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Q:

What plans will you be introducing to help persons with disabilities integrate better in society?

The Prime Minister has asked me to try and make sure Canadians with disabilities have the same opportunities as everybody else. The first way we are doing that is by creating new accessibility legislation, to help remove barriers that are faced by Canadians with disabilities in everyday life. We have a really strong human rights system in Canada but the challenge is that we have to wait until somebody is discriminated against before we help them.

It’s very reactive. This new law will be proactive and will tell employers and service providers what expectations we have from them. And if people are not meeting these expectations, we can try and fix it. The law will be tabled in the House of Commons in early 2018, but it will take a few years in order to implement this across the country.

In addition to the law, we are increasing our investments in accessibility; in Budget 2017 we announced an additional $77 million dollars to our Enabling Accessibility Fund which gives grants to local businesses and companies to make facilities and workplaces more accessible. We are also looking

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

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Q:

Delta being a multicultural city, as a MP how do you advocate and promote diversity and equality among residents?

It is something that you have to be very aware of. I do understand that the citizens in North Delta are a different demography than the citizens in Ladner and Tsawwassen.

So it’s really about understanding where those three pockets of citizens are in terms of their needs, priorities, perspectives and at the same time understanding that there are some real common threads throughout Delta. Everyone wants a strong economy, everyone wants more jobs, and everyone wants seniors to be taken care of in their retirement. There is a lot more in common between the people of Delta.

Q:

How has your experience been as Delta’s MP. What are the common concerns you hear from residents?

I have loved the MP part of my job; it’s incredibly rewarding.

As a lawyer sometimes you have to wait until a judge decides if you win or lose. In this job, we can help people daily.

When you get to the point when you are walking into your MP’s office, you are in a bit of a crisis – you have tried everything else and you are frustrated. And it is our job to help navigate you; I find it very rewarding. We get lots of emails on citizens having different opinions on different bills and laws and the different policy directions that we have chosen. We get a lot of immigration requests up here in the north of the riding; there are a lot of environmental concerns in Delta for issues like the bridge replacement and other developments.

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Canada completes 150 years in 2017. What Canadian values are you most proud of as a citizen?

I think the value of equality and inclusion in Canada is what really makes us unique as a country. I think we have proven through our history that countries can be built without war and conflict, celebrating the differences amongst us and understanding that it is actually those differences that can make us strong. We should be very proud that we all walk around understanding that we are equal, that we have equality and opportunity. It is important we celebrate that.

We have made mistakes in the past, but we are looking at that and saying that we need to apologize and make it right, and move forward and do better. And we are doing that, that’s what I am proud of.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

GULZAR

TRANSPORT INC. PROMISING THE PERFECT RIDE

Satnam Singh (Lally) Sidhu FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

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PHOTO: JC IMAGES

T

rucks always interested Satnam Singh (Lally) since a young age; in fact he dreamt of owning a truck company someday. Upon migrating to Canada in 1991, he worked as a truck driver for other companies but his focus always remained on starting his own company. This dream came true in 2003 when Sidhu opened his trucking company, Gulzar Transport Inc. “My father used to own a trucking company back in my home country, India. So this was always my first choice to continue my father legacy,” says the founder and director of Gulzar Transport, whose wife helped turn this vision into reality. Today, Gulzar Transport is popularly known as one of the top trucking companies in Delta and the Lower Mainland.

Gulzar Transport specializes in hauling containers, b-train loads, reefers, step decks, tractors, and dry vans all over Canada and in the US. “We provide transportation services in the Lower Mainland to our export and import customers.

We have a container storage and reloading facility. We have three yards which we use for container storage and lumber reloading with two top pick machines at Gulzar Transport,” adds Sidhu, highlighting the services. The company, which started with only two trucks and four drivers, now has a fleet currently consisting of 350 chassis, including 20ft, 40ft, 45ft units and 4553ft dry vans and 30 reefers, 10 step decks with 85 company-owned and owner operator tractors capable of pulling up to GVW 63,000, and a team of more than 130 employees. Sidhu is quick to add that this growth was not an overnight process. “This is the result of lots of hard work done by everyone who belongs to this company.”

One of the main reasons for the successful growth of Gulzar Transport is the team’s strong emphasis on providing their clients with convenience, reliability and affordability through premium services. “Our main object is to provide best service to our customers,” asserts Sidhu. Gulzar Transport thrives on meeting their customers’ needs and providing them with reliable and timely service. “Nowadays meeting the deadline and getting the things delivered right on time is a big key factor, and that’s what we specialize in,” says Sidhu, pointing out the primary feature that sets Gulzar Transport apart from the rest.

In the fast paced automobile industry, Gulzar Transport has managed to sustain and grow by continuously updating the company and its team on the latest trends present in the market and the requirements of the customers. Sidhu aims

Nowadays meeting the deadline and getting the things delivered right on time is a big key factor, and that’s what we specialize in,” says Satnam Singh (Lally) Sidhu, founder and director of Gulzar Transport Inc. at providing the best services to his clients by maintaining the quality of his automobiles and upgrading to the latest models.

Gulzar Transport is a bonded Canadian/C-T PAT approved carrier and all equipment is maintained in top condition according to government specifications by the service staff on site. “We always believe in a safe work environment and to ensure this, we have membership/ subscription of multiple kinds of automobile industries. We regularly attend all the ports/ shipping line meetings to learn about the new changes and latest models,” states Sidhu.

Besides Gulzar Transport, Sidhu is the proud owner of two other trucking companies, Jet Speed Transport Ltd. (2006), and Triple S Logistics (2015); a mechanic shop, Long Haul, Triple S Truck & Tire (2015), Gulzar Investment (2006); and the recently-established container storage outlet, Gulzar Terminals (2017).

It is Sidhu’s passion and wife’s hard work that has taken the company and its team to the top level. To sum it up, Sidhu says that extensive experience, professional staff, and the use of latest technology have been major contributors to the success of Gulzar Transport.

Make Gulzar Transport your number one trucking company and experience top quality service and a smooth ride.

8760 River Rd Delta

T:(604) 518.1602 lally@gulzartransport.com www.gulzartransport.com

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800 kids descend onto the pitch at BC Place Kids Play Foundation, in cooperation with 14 Vancouver elementary schools, brought 60 teams and 1,000 youth to the same pitch where the Vancouver Whitecaps take to the field. The goal of this noncompetitive round robin soccer tournament was to engage inner city youth by providing a unique experience. Also in attendance was the first ever Indian to be drafted into the NBA, Satnam Singh.

City of Bhangra 2017 The City of Bhangra festival, presented by Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC), took place from June 11 to 17.

Some of the highlights included Desi Music Incubator, featuring a combination of workshops from Nucleya, Horsepowar and Khanvict; Reel Bhangra, VIBC’s first venture into presenting short documentaries; and An Evening with Rupi Kaur. Photos: Joe Carlson

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IFHC Tournament On June 19 to 21, the 10th annual India Field Hockey Club (IFHC) Tournament was held in Surrey, presented by Coast Capital Savings.

About 52 teams, from age groups of U12-U23 boys and girls, participated in the tournament, which also included teams and players from California, Ontario and Alberta. The hockey field community attended and enjoyed a fun-filled weekend.

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Indian High Commissioner H.E Vikas Swarup visits Vancouver During Indian High Commissioner to Canada Vikas Swarup’s recent visit to Vancouver, he met with notable members of the Indo-Canadian community at a reception held in Surrey. Present at the event were Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Surrey MP Sukh Dhaliwal, MLAs Harry Bains and Raj Chouhan, among others.

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Amazon donates to Surrey Food Bank Surrey Food Bank welcomed Amazon to a tour of their distribution facility in Surrey. Amazon leaders from Delta and New Westminster fulfillment centres provided insights and expertise on how to streamline operations and improve overall efficiencies. Director of Operations Glenn Somerville also presented Executive Director Marilyn Herrmann with a $15,000 CAD check to support its operations and expansion efforts. Photos: Ben Nelms

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

Former Premier’s visit to PICS Assisted Living Christy Clark recently visited PICS Assisted Living in Surrey. She took a tour of the facility, met with PICS management, staff, members of the board and seniors living in the facility. Accompanying her were Minister Stephanie Cadieux and MLAs Marvin Hunt and Tracy Readies.

Surrey’s Poet Laureate and Surrey South Asian seniors celebrate new book Surrey’s first Poet Laureate, Renée Sarojini Saklikar, visited PICS Guru Nanak Niwas Assisted Living to meet, celebrate and thank the South Asian seniors at PICS for their contributions to her book, Surrey Stories Connect, Teens and Seniors Write Surrey.

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McQuarrie Celebrates 50 Years McQuarrie Hunter, one of BC’s most enduring law firms, recently completed 50 years in practice with a rebrand that honours its roots.

On June 15, the multi-practice firm hosted a client event to unveil its new visual identity, which includes simply being branded McQuarrie.

The firm also recently donated $75,000 to the Surrey Hospital & Outpatient Centre Foundation. The donation was part of a $2 million capital campaign to complete a 10-bed psychiatric unit for children.

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BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival At the 11th Annual BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival held in the Comox Valley, visitors enjoyed 10 days filled with culinary events, shellfish and seafood producer tours, celebrity chef demonstrations, wine pairing dinners that celebrate the bounty of the sea, coupled with aquaculture; seafood trade industry workshops, networking events; and a trade show at the BC Seafood Expo.

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Surrey Mayor’s Art Awards The first Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT), Surrey Mayor’s Art Awards took place on June 9, drawing over 200 business people, artists, and the Mayor of Surrey, Linda Hepner, to celebrate Surrey’s creative industry. The SBOT presented awards to Surrey Youth Orchestra, Mohammad Aminul Islam, Westminster Savings Credit Union, and Sheila McKinnon for their work and contribution to Surrey’s art scene.

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A TRIBUTE TO THE

‘SMILE CATCHER’

CHANDRA

BODALIA Through his passion for photography, Chandra Bodalia has played an instrumental role in capturing the spirit of our community at many significant events, thus contributing to Richmond’s vibrancy and history.

He was an outstanding and generous individual who earned the respect and admiration of many. His presence will be very much missed in our community.”

- Malcolm Brodie, Mayor, City of Richmond

Chandra’s passion for his work was so evident with the photographs he produced.

With his passing we have lost a chronicler of our people and community and a remarkable talent in photojournalism. Chandra will be dearly missed.”

- Linda Hepner, Mayor, City of Surrey Chandra Badalia captured far more than images, he made memories. I will always remember his support, and clicking his camera over and over again. Then a package of photos would be delivered. The last time we met, he hugged me and it was our goodbye. I will always treasure that moment.”

Chandra the “smile catcher” was the best photo-journalist. No one else has ever documented the story of our community through the lens of a camera like him. He was a passionate and tireless professional attending multiple functions in any given day. Irrespective of the political affiliation or religion, Chandra covered us all. While we are still grieving, we must celebrate his life. He will be greatly missed.”

- Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds When I was asked how I remember Chandra Bodalia, so many memories flashed through my mind. His flashes and triple clicks will be missed forever. Thank you Chandra for all the beautiful memories.”

- Tony Singh, Founder & President, Fruiticana From political rallies to Bollywood events, Chandra Bodalia was the face of the South Asian community and the ease with which he mingled with anyone and everyone, will be his endearing memory for us all!

Chandra, you’ll never be forgotten!”

- Kamal Sharma, President, KVP Entertainers

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- Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama

Recently we lost the “Smile Catcher”, Chandra Bodalia, a man I have known for over 20 years and whose selfless commitment to capture the smiles of Canadians left a permanent impression on all that he met. He never missed an event I invited him to, from my law office opening, CORSA Fundraisers, my constituency events, or when our leader Justin Trudeau was ever in town. I am grateful that a few months ago I was able to cement his name in the Hansard of the Canadian Parliament and his legacy will be remembered by all Canadians.

My prayers go out to Mrs. Bodalia and their family.”

- Randeep Sarai, MP for Surrey-Centre

Chandra Bodalia became a close friend to my family and I through the years of collaborating with him. His passion for photography can be seen through his incredible work. He will truly be missed by my family and the community.”

- Daljit Thind, President & CEO, Thind Properties Chandra was an integral part of the South Asian community in BC. Through his work we have been able to preserve the growth and accomplishments of our community over the years and I believe this is an irreplaceable contribution.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.

- Perminder Chohan, Managing Director, Desjardins Chandra Bodalia was a cheerful and faithful recorder and compiler of the pictorial history of the South Asian community throughout the Lower Mainland. From Vaisakhi celebrations, to weddings, to events, and functions, he would be there with his shutter clicking – recording and preserving the memories of generations. Chandra didn’t distinguish between royalty and regular folks, devoting the same care and attention to all the people and scenes he photographed. As one who knew hard work and sacrifice, he believed it important that the work and sacrifices of others be recorded and acknowledged. Through his lens he caught the smiles and tears of a generation. I was proud to call Chandra my friend, and he will be missed by so many of us. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family and many friends.”

- Michael de Jong, Q.C., MLA for Abbotsford West TM

Celebrating Years!

Celebrating 30Years!

Years!

Celebrating 30 31 Celebrating 30 Years!

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DARPAN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2017

THE 10 AWARD

CATEGORIES International Sensation

In honour of your extraordinary achievements as an individual, who is committed to enhancing lives on a global scale

Advancing Philanthropy

In honour of your extraordinary contributions to diverse charitable ventures and advancing humanitarian efforts

Artistic Visionary

In honour of your extraordinary achievements and contributions to South Asian arts and culture

Breaking Barriers

In honour of your extraordinary achievements for breaking barriers in your respective field

2017

Community Crusader

In honour of your extraordinary achievements as an inspiring leader, who empowers and raises awareness

Celebrating South Asian Excellence

Corporate Engagement

In honour of your extraordinary achievements as South Asian entrepreneurs and/or establishing a successful business

The grand event will feature an inspiring Keynote Speaker, award ceremony, a beautiful fashion show, sensational entertainment, and gourmet cuisine.

Heritage Defender

In honour of your extraordinary achievements for your preservation efforts of South Asian culture

Industry Marvel

In honour of your extraordinary achievements as an inspiring, established industry marvel in your respective field

Spirit of Sport

In honour of your extraordinary achievements and contributions as an inspiring athlete

Young Wonder

In honour of your extraordinary achievements in community initiatives and academia.

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t’s that time of the year again! DARPAN is in preparation mode for the most-exciting event of the year in Surrey – Darpan Magazine’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2017. It will be yet another memorable night where ten renowned individuals within the South Asian community will be honoured for their remarkable achievements in their respective fields.

TM

Celebrating its eighth year, Darpan Awards will bring together politicians, and social and business elite under one roof, congratulating and admiring the extraordinary achievements of the winners. Taking place on Friday, September 15, at one of the biggest venues in the city, the grand event will feature gourmet cuisine, sensational entertainment, beautiful fashion show, an inspiring Keynote Speaker, and the award ceremony itself.

Publishers Gurvinder Hundal and Ramneek Dhillon created the Extraordinary Awards to honour members from the South Asian community for their achievements and contribution to the community. “It is our hope that the life and work of these awardees will serve as an inspiration for all South Asians to realize the power of their dreams,” say the publishers.

Highlighting the awards ceremony,

8TH ANNUAL

10 South Asians will be given the prestigious Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Award, for contributing greatly towards the Canadian society and encouraging the spirit of community. Past award winners include Samsung’s Global Senior Vice President of Research, Pranav Mistry (International Sensation Award Winner and Keynote Speaker 2016); Canadian lawyer, former judge and Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University, Wally Oppal (Industry Marvel 2015); CEO/ Founder of Nature’s Path Foods, Ratana Stephens (Corporate Engagement Award 2015); Canada’s Top 20 under 20, Anoop Virk (Young Wonder Award 2014); Father of Fibre Optics, Dr. Narinder Kapany (International Sensation Award Winner and Keynote Speaker 2013); and Canada’s Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan (Breaking Barriers Award 2011).

2013 Advancing Philanthropy award win-

2017

Celebrating the Extraordinary!

Celebrating its eight year, Darpan Awards will bring together politicians, and social and business elite under one roof, congratulating and admiring the extraordinary achievements of the winners.

DO YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE

DARPAN’S NEXT

WINNER?

As the pre-eminent South Asian event-of-the-year, DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards recognize ten amazing individuals from the South Asian community for their achievements and for reflecting their heritage in a remarkable way.

ner Robin Dhir shared his thoughts on being honoured with the DARPAN Award, “To be selected from a rich pool of talent and deserving individuals was a proud moment.

My efforts…are rooted in the desire to give back and support my community and also encourage others to engage and be inspired to do the same.”

Nominations for DARPAN Awards 2017 are currently open, so if you know someone that fits into one of the 10 categories, visit Darpan’s website and fill out the nomination form. Good luck!

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Our firm practises and focuses on actions that are exclusively in the interest of human beings as opposed to in the interest of governments or other large institutions.” declares Rajinder Sahota, partner at Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota LLP. ACHESON SWEENEY FOLEY SAHOTA LLP

MAKING YOU THEIR FIRST

PRIORITY A

t Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota (ASFS), a leading British Columbia personal injury law firm, people always come first. “Our firm practises and focuses on actions that are exclusively in the interest of human beings as opposed to in the interest of governments or other large institutions,” declares Rajinder Sahota, practising lawyer and partner at the firm.

He describes the firm as a “plaintiff-side litigation boutique.”

For more than 35 years, ASFS has represented injured people in claims against insurance companies and government agencies that want to settle for the least amount of money possible.

“We practice primarily in personal injury; that includes complex medical malpractice claims, child abuse claims against the government and others, punitive damages claims for wrongful denial of disability benefits, human rights abuse claims in prisons,

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product liability actions, municipal liability actions for public spaces, and motor vehicle claims from the mild to the catastrophic,” says Sahota.

Coming back to the description of a plaintiffs’-side litigation boutique, Sahota proudly states that his firm’s focus is on applying the law in an empathetic way.

“That means representing people as opposed to corporate interests and trying to see that justice is done for human beings.” Every single case at ASFS is prepared for trial instead of essentially trying to settle cases and avoiding trial.

The lawyers work hard to negotiate a just and fair settlement for their injured clients, in a timely manner.

“We prepare for trial and proceed towards trial, and that approach to litigation on behalf of our clients results in much more fair and equitable settlements for our clients.”

A thorough and clientfocussed approach is one of the

many reasons that the firm has experienced significant success in most cases, particularly in complex liability cases, class action lawsuits, cases relating to serious motor vehicle accidents, and those involving children or infants.

Sahota’s advice to those seeking the services of a law firm is to find counsel that is a good fit for them. “Someone who has the same sort of interest at heart and is interested in seeking justice on their behalf as opposed to just going through the motions,” he adds.

Make ASFS your top and trusted choice for injury-related litigation services. They also offer free consultations and work on contingency, which means they don’t get paid until your case is settled. Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota has offices in Victoria, Surrey and Courtenay.

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hen Jasvinder Singh (Jolly) Dhaliwal started Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. in 1981 with three of his friends, little did he know that over the years the company would be ranked as one of the top auto body collision repairs and refinishing outlet in Surrey and the Lower Mainland as per ICBC standards.

Jolly and his partners had no previous experience in auto motor business but research told them that this business required a minimal amount of money to begin in those days – this gave way to the creation of Columbia Collision Repairs. “It was in the news those days that the automotive industry was going to grow rapidly within the next few years,” adds Jolly, which helped solidify this decision. Today, Columbia Collision Repairs is a full-service ICBC Valet auto body collision repair and refinishing facility of over 10,000 sq. feet that boasts of certified

Collision Repairs Ltd. Your trusted source for quality auto repairs

Columbia Collision Repairs is a full-service ICBC Valet auto body collision repair and refinishing facility that boasts of certified auto body specialists, latest technology, and the highest degree of customer service.

Rick Dhaliwal MANAGER

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Jasvinder Singh (Jolly) Dhaliwal FOUNDER

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BUSINESS PROFILE auto body specialists, latest technology, and the highest degree of customer service.

In 2005, Jolly’s son Rick took over the management of the company and has been successfully taking his father’s legacy forward with the expert guidance of his uncles Mike and Gurmail Sanghera, who are the senior team leaders with their years of management and customer service skills. Columbia Collision Repair is a one stop shop offering all auto body services including glass replacement and covers all insurance and private claims. The company takes pride to service all North American, foreign and high-end luxury automobiles. It is a certified ARA auto body repair shop and ProFirst Certified by Honda Canada Inc. “We use state-of-the-art technology to repair all makes and models. All of our staff are certified technicians and are constantly sent for training to keep up to date with the newest technology to assure the repair is done as per OEM and customer’s satisfaction,” says Rick proudly, elaborating on the services.

Though there are many features that make Columbia Collision Repairs different from other auto repair shops in the region, two key features need special mention – their ongoing practice of being an environment-friendly and dust-free space, and their emphasis on customer satisfaction through trained, knowledgeable staff. “I wanted to establish a business where people who walk in feel comfortable, not only them but even their family and kids,” says Jolly, on his reason for creating a clean, friendly outlet, which also houses a play area for kids. “When people came in, they had to confirm if they were at the right place because they never expected an auto body shop to be that clean,” quips Jolly.

Talking about the other key feature, Rick points out that “staff is the number one key to success!” With a mission to provide the highest quality of workmanship, the fully certified paint refinishers and auto body technicians at Columbia Collision Repairs use state-of-theart equipment, the best materials, and timetested skills to satisfy and exceed customer’s expectations. “Continuous training to our employees is one of our key assets,” says Jolly, “They are fully aware of any new updates in manufacturing which is an ongoing process.”

This importance of training has resulted in happy customers who have made Columbia Collision Repairs their trusted source for auto repair work.

In fact, the team gives importance to even minor gestures like a complimentary car wash and free pick-up and drop-off services.

We use state-of-the-art technology to repair all makes and models. All of our staff are certified technicians and are constantly sent for training to keep up to date with the newest technology to assure the repair is done as per OEM and customer’s satisfaction.”

To grow and succeed in the automotive business, which rapidly develops day by day, the team at Columbia Collision Repairs ensures that it is well-versed with the latest trends in the industry. “If you are not following all the updates and not training your staff accordingly, you will be left behind because it is growing so rapidly with new technology,” states Jolly. This has not only helped them maintain their stand in the automotive industry but has attracted loyal and new customers over the years. “Today, we keep up with the most recent technology, we are constantly upgrading equipment as well as our staff to make sure our customer’s vehicles are

repaired to pre-accident condition,” says Rick.

It goes without saying that the passionate and experienced team at Columbia Collision Repairs has taken the company to the next level. Currently, the company is equipped to repair all new aluminum vehicles and focusing on acquiring certification from many North American and foreign automobile companies, as most cars will eventually shift towards aluminum frames and bodies. Head to Columbia Collision Repairs today for a free estimate for your repair job and to experience their friendly, knowledgeable staff; fully trained and certified technicians; and quality assurance.

T:(604) 596-8222 www.ColumbiaCollision.com Email: info@columbiacollision.com

Unit 101, 7945 -132nd Street, Surrey, BC V3W 4N2

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DARPAN TECH Devices and features are not always designed keeping seniors in mind, but with more and more older adults becoming tech-savvy, designers are beginning to create products in alignment with their understanding and requirements.

Eliminating the

Digital

Divide

By GARIMA GOSWAMI

T

echnology has drastically transformed present day lives by rooting itself in our homes, offices and social settings. In the course of one generation only, technology has taken a phenomenal leap in innovation and usage, therefore an inclusive integration of various demographics is crucial to ensure an all rounded growth of our society. Senior adults are one such demographic that are benefitting from this migration to the tech world, however, with a bit of support and assistance we can bag a wider cohort of their population that for various reasons faces a disconnect with technology. “There is a stereotypical view that older people don’t like change and are technophobic. This is not

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the case. There are many seniors who I have spoken to personally who are very tech-savvy and interested in the latest gadgets and apps,” says Dr. Andrew Sixsmith, scientific director at AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence, and professor in the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University.

Statistically, the gap between technology users that are seniors and those under the age of 65, is definitely wide but what’s promising is a keen interest and fascination on the part of many older people with technology. So what is it that constitutes the digital divide and how can we resolve it? Elaborating on the matter, Dr. Sixsmith says “this is probably more due to financial reasons than just their age; older people are often amongst the poorest sections of the population.”

Dr. Andrew Sixsmith, scientific director at AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence

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The continuous upgradation of technology means users have to be actively immersed to enhance their experience and exposure, and its rapid transformation might appear to be a gruelling task for seniors and others to cope with.

Barriers such as language and factors such as psychological and physical, can further accentuate the digital divide. “We need to make technologies easier to use – for example, with simpler control or even by speaking to your computer.

We also need to provide training and support to seniors who may not have much experience in using technology,” suggests Dr. Sixsmith.

Wearable technologies, online applications and games such as Lumosity empower seniors to independently monitor their health and daily lifestyle such as sleeping pattern and heart rate.

However, a significant portion of the population still remains disconnected. “The world we live in has primarily been designed by younger people for younger people, whether this is the cities and buildings we live in or the everyday technologies we use,” clarifies Dr. Sixsmith. Often, technology comes overloaded with several functions and complicated interfaces, lacking inclusivity of various demographics. Devices and features are

not always designed keeping seniors in mind, but with more and more older adults becoming tech-savvy, designers are beginning to create and mould products in alignment with their understanding and requirement.

In Vancouver, many organizations such as the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) are working to eliminate this divide by offering a wide range of programmes at various branches across the city. From training seniors on how to setup an email account, getting online and protecting their privacy to shooting a film and creating podcasts, VPL digital technology training is providing the support senior adults need in order to become more independent.

“It’s really important I think for seniors to learn how to use technology if they are not familiar with it. It’s a really critical course skill now, for just being part of the world,” says Anna O’Shea, manager of programming and learning at VPL. The transformative capacity of technology transmits across all age groups. For seniors the influence is even more profound because it gives them freedom to monitor and manage their well-being such as food, medication and exercise while also reducing social isolation.

“A lot of seniors are particularly interested in being in touch and engaged,” explains O’Shea, adding, “I think seniors crave that contact and that ability to connect with people with similar interests or perhaps with family members who are far away.” O’Shea notes this is as one of the key reasons why older adults enroll in the VPL digital technology training classes.

In BC, eGurus is another tutoring company that is meeting the demand of seniors to integrate with technology by offering in-home and online tutoring classes based on a person’s ability level. Meanwhile, AGE-WELL is working on various exciting projects including social robots that will help individuals with cognitive impairment cope better.

Technology can appear to be a daunting task but only until we remain distant from it. With regular usage and understanding, it can lead to an independent lifestyle with multiple benefits.

If you are or if you know a senior who could benefit from technology, help them by either leading them to a support and training group, or introduce the basics to them at home.

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DARPAN RECIPES

Chef Saransh

Goila

C

hef Saransh Goila is a breath of fresh air in India’s vibrantly flourishing culinary world. A few years ago, the spirited chef, created waves in India after winning the Food Food Maha Challenge and from there began the start of an exciting journey; his show Roti Rasta aur India was one of them.

Roti Rasta aur India, a 100-day journey undertaken by Chef Goila covered 25 states and documented the expansive culinary richness of India.

“The journey was not a cake walk. Sometimes I had to work with just one sauté-pan over burning coal with blunt knives. Apart from production challenges, travelling 100-days straight by road was a physically daunting task. The biggest challenge was to stay fit, happy and shiny for 100 days on the go,” describes Chef Goila. This talented chef weaved his experiences from Roti Rasta aur India into a book called India on My Platter.

What’s the best part about being a chef?

The creativity. The art of blending spices and vegetables and creating recipes is very exciting.

It allows you to be a new person everyday!

How would you define your style of cooking?

Very home-style! I learn from the streets of India and hence my cooking style is also adopted from there. It’s carefree and wholesome. I like cooking meals that leave you satisfied more than entertained.

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There is unity in the culinary diversity of India”

What has been the best advice you’ve received in this industry?

It has been from my mentor Chef Sanjeev Kapoor – You do what you have to do – have a 20-year plan and there will always be naysayers, what only matters eventually is what you believe in.

Your all-time favourite cuisine or dish?

Sindhi kadhi chawal that mom makes any day!

What is the biggest cooking blunder anyone can make?

To cook food without love! That’s a big blunder!

“Enjoy the splash of goodness”

Flavored Milk with Almonds

SWEET | SALTED | MANGO | BLUEBERRY | PINEAPPLE | STRAWBERRY

www.nanakfoods.com |

JULY/ AUGUST 2 017

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DARPAN RECIPES

A colourful take on the classic aloo tikki recipe!

By Chef Saransh Goila Ingredients for tikki 300 gm beetroot (grated) 1 tsp ginger garlic paste 1 tsp garam masala ¼ tsp cardamom powder 1 tsp lemon juice 1 green chilli 1-2 tsp coriander 1 potato (boiled) 100 gm paneer (cottage cheese) Salt to taste Oil, for pan frying

Ingredients for ragda 1 cup ragda or dried yellow peas 1 ½ cups water Pinch of cumin powder (jeera) ¼ tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste

Beetroot Tikki

Chaat

Ingredients to assemble 2 cups ragda 10 pcs beetroot tikki 2 tbsp green chutney 1 tbsp date and jaggery chutney ¼ cup potato straws or salli ½ cup beaten hung yogurt 1 pomegranate ½ tsp cumin powder ½ tsp chaat masala ½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder ¾ tsp chopped coriander Salt to taste

To make tikki

To make ragda

Assembling the chaat

• Sauté the beetroot for five to seven minutes on medium flame

• Wash and soak the ragda overnight in two to three cups of water. Drain and boil them till soft to touch or pressure cook them for two to three whistles and keep aside.

• Whisk the yogurt in a bowl and add the chilli powder, cumin powder, and salt.

• Boil and mash the potato till smooth, chop the coriander and green chilli, grate the paneer.

• Mix all the ingredients and bind till it comes together.

• In a pan, add the boiled ragda, water, cumin powder, turmeric and salt and simmer on medium heat.

• Make medium size roundels and press them to get a semi flat tikki shape.

• Using the back of the spoon, mash some of the ragda to get a thick texture.

• Heat oil in a non-stick pan and pan fry the tikkis on medium heat.

• Cook for five to six minutes and remove from heat.

• Do not overcrowd the pan and remove on absorbent paper once golden brown on both sides.

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• In a plate, add some ragda and place beetroot tikki on it.

• Drizzle with some green chutney, date-jaggery chutney and yogurt.

• Sprinkle some potato straws and chaat masala on top.

• Garnish with some chopped coriander and serve immediately.

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DARPAN RECIPES

A twist in the tale: Golgappas that are covered with chocolate and coconut, stuffed with candied peanuts and strawberries and water that is pure vanilla shake!

By Chef Saransh Goila

Chocolate Golgappas

Ingredients For chocolate golgappa 4 hard shell golgappas 200 gm dark chocolate, cut into chunks ½ cup each shredded coconut + colourful sprinkles 4 satay sticks 4 strawberries

With Candied Peanuts & Vanilla Milk

For salted candied peanuts ½ cup peanuts 3 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tbsp water 1 tsp vanilla extract Sea salt

• Place your topping choices: shredded coconut and sprinkles into individual bowls.

For vanilla milk 1 cup milk, preferably whole, very cold ½ vanilla bean/pod ¼ tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops vanilla ice cream

• Hold the golgappa on top of the melted chocolate bowl. Pour the chocolate on it with a spoon, allow the extra chocolate to drip back into the bowl.

• Using your hands or a spoon, sprinkle your topping of choice onto the freshly dipped golgappa. It is easiest to hold the golgappa horizontally and close to the core and slowly spin it while spooning on the toppings.

Method

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• Heat the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave until almost fully melted. Remove from the heat and stir: it should fully melt and be warm, not hot.

To make chocolate golgappa

• Place on a greased parchment paper cracked side down, remove the satay stick and cover the hole with a little melted chocolate.

• Crack open the golgappa from the top with a light hand, make sure the crater is not too big and is cracked evenly. Push a satay stick or fork into each golgappa (from the back side or the hard side).

• Repeat the same process for the three other golgappas and then place them altogether in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set, should take about 15 minutes.

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• Slice the strawberry head neatly. Keep it separately for garnish. Chop the rest of the strawberries into small squares. Keep them aside in a bowl.

• Once up to a boil, continue to stir and cook over medium-high until the water evaporates and the sugar syrup seizes and crystallizes.

• Next step - get ready for final presentation.

• Continue stirring and the crystallized sugar will start to melt and caramelize.

Stir this to coat the peanuts until all the sugar has caramelized and no more granulated sugar remains.

To make vanilla milk • Pour the milk into a blender.

• Using just the tip of a sharp paring knife, slice the vanilla bean open lengthwise.

• Scrape the seeds into the milk by running the back, or dull side, of the knife along the length of the vanilla bean.

• Add the vanilla extract, followed by the ice cream.

• Blend and then refrigerate.

To make salted candied peanuts • In a large heavy bottomed pan, combine sugar, water and vanilla extract and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

• Remove from heat and immediately stir in one teaspoon vanilla extract and then turn out onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Let it cool completely and then break up nuts into individual pieces.

Final presentation of dish • Add a layer of candied peanuts into the shot glass.

• Top it with a layer of chopped strawberries.

• Place the chocolate golgappas on top of this shot glass.

• Serve three of these golgappas with a small shot of vanilla milk.

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DARPAN FEATURE

Home Sweet Home:

Condo

Living

BY RENU SINGH-JOSEPH

Homeowners are opting for condos, not only for the affordable pricing but for the condo lifestyle that offers an array of conveniences.

Learn a few design and décor tips to fully maximize a smaller living space.

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hether you’re a firsttime homebuyer or empty nesters looking to downsize, condo living has become a popular option over the last few decades.

Homeowners are opting for =condos, not only for the affordable pricing but for the condo lifestyle that offers diverse amenities; cost sharing between residents; building and lawn maintenance; close proximity to transit; and desirable locations – usually within a sought-after neighbourhood.

“It’s all about location! Cou-

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ples and families, who are choosing to live in the city with close proximity to work, amenities and entertainment, are choosing lifestyle over a house, a yard and a long commute,” says Ana Domingos, licensed real estate professional with TRG – The Residential Group Realty. She further adds, “Active baby boomers tend to also enjoy accessibility to the amenities of the city and prefer to live close to the centre instead of commuting for long distances.”

When looking to buy a condo, there are several important factors to consider, says realtor Amrit Sidhu of Sutton Group Seafair Realty. “Firstly, you’ll want to find out how well the building and its units are managed. Secondly, ask your realtor to obtain strata documentation, which includes minutes, bylaws, form B, depreciation reports, engineer reports, and

Ana Domingos, licensed real estate professional with TRG

strata plans. Be sure to have your agent read through all the minutes of any strata meetings from the past two years to identify issues or repairs. I also highly advise buyers to review all this information as well.”

Sidhu states that some other things to consider are whether there are any rental or age restrictions in the building. “Naturally a building with higher level of tenants compared to owners may have more ‘wear and tear’.”

He also recommends that your realtor look into any upcoming

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DARPAN FEATURE

Place mirrors Strategically place mirrors to visually expand the feel of the home.

Paint the walls a shade of white changes in the neighbourhood.

“Will your condo with a view still have that view in next five years? Will there be any upcoming developments in the area? Always look into the OCP (official community plan) and NCP (neighbourhood concept plan) for the area, which can easily be obtained from your local municipality,” advises Sidhu.

Design concepts and décor ideas For those who lived in a single-family home, it can take some time to get used to the smaller square-footage and more compact nature of condo living. According to interior designer Kelly Arthur, you need to “fully maximize the space by incorporating multi-functional furnishings and integrated storage solutions.”

“In the bedroom, a storage bed is an essential item along with a built-in, organized closet space. Use multi-functional furniture pieces in your living

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

It will give the space a brighter, lighter look. In addition, furniture and home décor items will shine and stand out.

Kelly Arthur, proprietor of Kelly Arthur Interior Design & senior designer at Paradigm Kitchen Design

areas, such as an ottoman with storage or side tables that could double as extra seating,” says Arthur, who is the proprietor of Kelly Arthur Interior Design and senior designer at Paradigm Kitchen Design.

Think about the minimalist concept – it’s about stripping everything down to its essential quality to achieve simplicity.

When applied to condo living, it’s about streamlining your space and “keeping your home organized and clutter free,” says Arthur.

So where do you start?

As you begin to customize your condo, there are a few integral décor ideas to keep in mind.

Arthur provides five ideas that homeowners can implement in their smaller living spaces:

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Declutter Keep things uncluttered and only select pieces you absolutely love – the less you have out on display, the bigger your space will feel.

Furniture Use a few larger scale furniture pieces rather than a cluster of smaller ones.

Use the vertical space Whether it is a couple of floating shelves installed on a wall or a built-in tailored to a specific need, the walls are there to use and fully utilize.

Adding to Arthur’s tips and concepts, Domingos says to consider smaller furniture options – don’t look to purchase housesized furniture for your condo or apartment, as the pieces will “take up too much room and make the space look smaller.”

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604-723-6804 info@amastermedia.com Amrit Sidhu, realtor, Sutton Group Seafair Realty

Think about adding a Murphy/wall bed to a bedroom, as this can add a multi-purpose layer to a room – an office or playroom during the day and then a bedroom at night, she adds.

As homeowners, we often look to the latest trends for our home and the summer season is no exception as thoughts turn to spicing up our spaces, be it for ourselves, entertaining or a décor facelift. According to Arthur, a few hot trends for your home this summer are “marble and burnished brass/bronze combinations; adding colourful cushions to your bedroom and living room that will add texture and punch; and accenting in ‘Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Greenery’ or any shade of green.” As per Pantone, greenery is a “fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renews.”

Advice for home buyers With the current real estate market in the Lower Mainland, many individuals looking to buy may feel discouraged. Sidhu offers advice saying “be patient – the real estate market in the Lower Mainland can be stressful and daunting for new home buyers, therefore it’s imperative that you are able to have an open discussion with your realtor regarding your needs versus your wants when it comes to purchasing a home.”

He goes on to say, “Simply put, create a checklist of your ‘must haves’ versus ‘wants’. You may find a property that meets all your expectations, however if you are like most of us and finding it difficult, then continue to reassess your situation and keep looking.”

Good luck and happy hunting!

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The New Evolution of Exceptional Appliance Service There is a reason Handy Appliances is Vancouver’s most trusted appliance retailer since 1975. We’ve offered the best brands, at extremely competetive prices, always with the same great service.

For our 41st Year Anniversary, we are taking our dedication to exceptional service into a whole new experience. We would like to invite you to visit us on our new flagship location where we showcase live appliances and occasional in-house demonstration cookies and coffee included!

So please come in, take a look, ask questions, leave, come back - we are here for all your appliance needs.

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Photographer: A-MASTER MEDIA | Stylist: Kanika Sasan, Hair & Makeup: Gilfriendz Studio 7 | Model: Ramita

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Photographer: A-MASTER MEDIA | Stylist: Kanika Sasan, Hair & Makeup: Gilfriendz Studio 7 | Model: Ramita

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Frontier bridal boutique

Photographer:AB Photocraft | Stylist: Ishtmeet, Hair & Makeup: Aaina Artistry | Model: Kirti

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Frontier bridal boutique

Photographer:AB Photocraft | Stylist: Ishtmeet, Hair & Makeup: Aaina Artistry | Models: Keshav & Kirti

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JULY/ AUGUST 2 017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Cold Shoulder and Off Shoulder

DARPAN Style

Believe us, this summer there is nothing hotter than giving the cold shoulder, so don’t be afraid to show them off.

From the runway to the streets, this ‘80s trend, with an array of fresh styles, is undoubtedly dominating the fashion circuit this season. Edgy yet feminine, these styles are a summer must-have.

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Overstated Sleeves Blouses and tops with exaggerated sleeves, ruffles, bell sleeves, sleeves with tassels are not only perfect for the warm weather but will also help you make a stunning style statement.

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HOT SUMMER FASHION

Fancy florals, pure pastels, statement stripes, flowy dresses, or deconstructed shirts, there are a plethora of style options for women to indulge in this summer.

I

The Deconstructed Shirt It’s time to shove aside your conventional button-down shirts at the corner of your closet, it’s the era of deconstructed shirts.

With smart and unexpected twists like ruffles, over-sized sleeves, peek-a-boo cutouts, these shirts are perfect to take on the rising temperatures with style.

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t’s finally that time of the year when you can happily ditch the boring woollens and let your skin embrace the warmth of the most upbeat season of the year. Yes, it’s time to say, ‘Hello to the Summers’.

The season brings the perfect excuse to re-shuffle your wardrobe and indulge in the sinful game of shopping. And the choices that are currently trending on the fashion circuit have never been so enticing.

From bohemian silhouettes to athleisure styles, the retailer’s current ready-to-wear selection boasts of many trends.

Ladies, here are some of the chicest styles to spice-up your summer look.

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Distressed/Patched Denims The classic ‘60s & ‘70s street-styled patched and distressed denims are back in vogue.

And they are looking as fresh and cool as ever.

Paired with basic tees they are ideal to spice-up your warm-weather look.

Printed/Frayed Shorts What’s better to beat the summer heat than flaunting your well-toned stems in a pair of shorts. But this summer ditch your usual denim/ linen shorts and instead opt for either some bright, eye-catching set of printed shorts or frayed denim shorts. Trust us, they are a big deal this season.

Fancy Florals Head-to-toe florals were a huge hit on the ramp and are also groundbreaking on the streets. A definite hit, this look is perfect to enhance your feminism and keep your silhouette light and beautiful when the mercury rises.

Maxi Dresses When the temperatures go soaring high, it’s time to strut in these long flowy dresses, which you can wear for almost any occasion.

They are not only trending but also ideal to beat the summer heat.

Absolutely feminine and lovely, they are an apt choice if you desire for a sexy silhouette.

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It’s About Quality, It’s About Time Athleisure Styles Completely resonating the fast and ever changing urban lifestyle, athleisure trend has taken over the runway and streets alike. This comfortable style can be worn for workouts and even for an evening out with friends. No wonder it is such a big hit.

Slogan Tees It’s time to get heard with statement t-shirts. Slogan tees have become a rage across the globe and is considered one of the boldest trend by top fashion designers.

Peek-A-Boo Dresses Playful at the same time sexy, peek-a-boo dresses are this season’s fashion favourites. A hit at the parties as well as ideal for day-to-day wear, these dresses are definitely a wardrobe staple to sexily take on the rising temperatures.

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Statement Stripes Stripes never went out of fashion, however this season statement stripes have become bigger than ever. Shirts, tops, skirts, jackets, shorts, bottoms, footwears… they are dominating every style. This summer stripes simply can’t be ignored.

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Pastel Passion Subtly echoing the spirit of summer this season is the pastel palette. The ladylike and sweet shades are a rage this season. Perfectly mix-matched with several neutral hues of the same family, the pastel trend is refreshing and easy on the eye.

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N

PA DAR

ty u a e B Prepping for liquid lipstick

How To Wear

Liquid

k c i st s p Li T

here are a few tricks to wearing this season’s hottest trend – liquid lipsticks. It’s definitely worth the effort as liquid lipsticks give your lips incredible long-lasting coverage. There are a couple of different textures available; some are matte and leave a semi-indelible film that “sets” while others remain soft and pliable.

While previous generations of liquid lipsticks were infamous for leaving lips dry, chapped and flaky, the newer versions are considerably more comfortable and lip-friendly.

By Catherine Tse While previous generations of liquid lipsticks were infamous for leaving lips dry, chapped and flaky, the newer versions are considerably more comfortable and lip-friendly.

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Pampering your lips is always beneficial, since the results are pretty, plump and smooth lips but if you are prepping for a liquid lipstick, this is absolutely essential.

Lips need to be free from ragged edges and dry patches and should be well moisturized. Unlike lip glosses that are thick in texture and easily forgive shortcomings, liquid lipsticks are thin in texture and can emphasize imperfections.

Start by exfoliating. There are lots of lip scrubs on the market, usually in pot form, but you can absolutely create your own lip scrub at home either with a little sugar mixed with honey, yogurt or coconut oil. Use your index finger to apply to lips and very gently use circular motions to slough dead skin off. You can also use a very soft toothbrush (one for babies is ideal) or soft flannel to manually exfoliate lips.

One of my favourite new lip exfoliator is Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub ($41), a convenient stick-form that can be used anytime, neatly and discretely.

It’s a combination exfoliator, with sugar crystals embedded within, and tinted lip balm that leaves lips velvety soft.

With regular exfoliation, your lips will need to stay well moisturized. Make Up For Ever’s new Lip Booster ($29) will repair and smooth your lips in a single swipe. This thin formula is full of hyaluronic acid so it’s light enough to absorb quickly but will continue to hydrate for hours and serves as an ideal base for liquid lipsticks. Apply this at the beginning of your morning to give it time to absorb.

Applying liquid lipstick When you’re ready to apply your liquid lipstick, regardless of the formula, here are a couple of universal tips.

1 2

Wipe any excess lip balm off lips. Liquid lipsticks need to adhere to clean, bare skin.

The bold nature of liquid lipsticks often makes them the focus on the face, so spend a little time concealing any redness around the mouth. But don’t pull concealer onto the lips; again they need to remain clean of product.

3

Wipe excess product off the wand before applying directly onto lips. Do this either by gently scraping the doe-foot applicator against the inside edge of the container while pulling out the wand or by dabbing the tip lightly onto a tissue.

4

Work in thin layers. These are very opaque products and require precise application, which is impossible if you have excessive product on. This is not lip gloss.

5

Use a lip brush if you’re new to liquid lipsticks or new to a specific formula. This is a great way to control product distribution until you get a feel for the product. Just dip the lip brush into the doe-foot applicator and start layering onto lips.

6

Work slowly and precisely. Unlike lip gloss or traditional lipstick, wiping away liquid lipstick is very messy and will move/remove any makeup you already have around your lips. Again, these are very pigmented products and swiping will only drag the colour, not remove it.

7

Once you’re done with application, give the liquid lipstick a minute to “set”. If this is a semi-indelible product, you’ll feel the product dry and become smooth and matte. If it’s a creant product, you’ll still feel it settle although it will remain moist and have a velvet finish.

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For long-lasting formulas, I love SPELA’s new liquid lipstick ($24), which is highly pigmented yet feels weightless on lips making it extremely comfortable for a matte product. It sets quickly and becomes budgeproof. Moreover, SPELA is vegan and free of harsh chemicals. Two classic long-lasting options that are still top performers are Hourglass’s Opaque Rouge ($35) and Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($31). Both these formulas are matte and provide very long-lasting colour.

Liquid lipsticks with a creamy texture will also provide highly-pigmented, long-lasting results, but their flexible nature means they won’t “set” to a budge-proof finish.

While they may not last quite as long, they are more comfortable to wear, so they’re a great option for those with extremely dry lips. Two fantastic options for this variation are Burberry’s Liquid Lip Velvet ($38) and NARS’s Velvet Lip Glide ($34). Both dry to semi-matte and, as their names suggest, leave a plush, velvet finish.

Removing liquid lipstick At the end of the day, remove your liquid lipstick with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. Even straight oil will suffice, which is why eating oily foods is always detrimental to lip products. Make sure to put on some deeply hydrating lip balm before bed to ensure your lips have time to revive. My night time routine always includes Bioderma’s Hydrabio H2O Moisturizing Micellar Solution ($21) and Nuxe’s Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm ($17).

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

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When you’re on a road trip, it can be easy to find yourself trapped sitting behind the wheel for hours or even days at a time. Be sure to pull over and take the occasional walk, or to get in some stretching when you get the chance.

ROAD TRIP

FiTNESS

BY NICK HILDEN

How to stay healthy on long drives

W

e’re deep in the season of road trips, and if you’re like many automobile adventurers, you’ve found yourself wondering how to keep up your healthy habits while stuck behind the wheel for long periods of time.

And summer isn’t the only time of year when this poses a challenge. Once summer is over, the holiday season tends to bring its own set of road trips and travels, and all the fitness conundrums that come with them.

So how can you stay healthy during road trips? Here are a few tips:

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Make your health a priority If exercise and nutritious eating are nothing more than afterthoughts that pop into your head once you’re on the road, your health efforts are already sabotaged. Make a commitment to health before you strike out on the road so that you’re in the right mindset from mile one.

Pack your meals One of the hardest aspects of maintaining health on the road involves nutrition. Gas stations and fast food joints are not renowned for their healthy options, after all.

Negate the issue by packing

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food along. Whether that means loading up on lots of healthy snacks like nuts and fruit or bringing along a cooler full of more elaborate meals (wraps, for example, are healthy and easy to eat on the road), make sure you don’t leave yourself to the mercy of whatever comes along.

Go off the beaten path If you need to stop at a restaurant, don’t limit yourself to whatever is nearest the highway, which tends to be junky grab-and-go stuff.

Instead, venture a bit further to find local restaurants with healthier options, grocery stores, or farmers markets.

Need a point in the right direction? There are a handful of apps on the market that are designed to help you find healthy restaurants, especially if you’re looking for vegetarian, vegan, or paleo options.

Eat road food wisely Occasionally you’re going to find that you have no choice but to eat something less than ideal.

When that happens, eat smart.

Choose food items that have lots of protein. Not only does this support muscle growth, but they tend to be more filling.

Eat vegetables whenever you get the chance. Sometimes they’re few and far between, so load up when they’re an option. Watch the liquid calories. Sodas, energy drinks, coffees and teas with lots of sweetener, anything alcoholic – these are all packed with calories and sugar. Avoid at all cost and be sure to drink plenty of water in their place.

Make an “on the go” full body workout routine Certain bodyweight exercises can be performed anywhere, so build a routine of a few specific moves that will, combined, hit your whole body.

A solid plan might include pushups, tricep dips, planks (including side planks), and squats.

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Travel equipped Bring along portable tools for fitness success.

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Get up and move When you’re on a road trip, it can be easy to find yourself trapped sitting behind the wheel for hours or even days at a time. Be sure to pull over and take the occasional walk, or to get in some stretching when you get the chance.

Use an actual gym If possible, plan around the ability to use an actual gym. Whether this means staying at a hotel that offers one or signing up for a day or week long pass at a gym near where you’ll be staying, nothing beats the real thing.

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

604.803.2487 adoredesignsbykanika@gmail.com

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DARPAN HEALTH

Make 2017 the year you optimize your vitamin D levels through effective sun exposure

Boosting Your

Sunshine Vitamin

BY PERRY HOLMAN

12 million Canadians have vitamin D blood levels below the recommendations from Health Canada. This puts these people at a higher risk for several diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

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T

he daylight hours are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger.

Make 2017 the year you optimize your vitamin D levels through effective sun exposure. Enjoy health benefits and disease prevention from optimal vitamin D levels and learn to control your risks from the sun.

Vitamin D is made naturally in your body when UVB rays from the sun convert cholesterol in your skin to pre-vitamin D3. We make about 90 per cent of our vitamin D from UVB sun exposure. UVB rays are short and only reach the earth when the sun is directly above us. We can’t make vitamin D in the winter in Canada because the sun is at too low of an TM

angle and the UVB rays are absorbed in the atmosphere.

You make vitamin D in Canada between the months of May and October. The best time for exposure is around midday, between 10 am and 2 pm, when the UV index is above 3 and your shadow is shorter than your height.

The further you get from noon, the lower the amount of vitamin D you’ll make. The sun’s visible light may penetrate through glass, but UVB light will not therefore you will not make vitamin D. Full body sun exposure at non-burning levels can create between 10,000-25,000 IU of vitamin D in your skin. You can never get

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Statistics Canada reports that Canadian vitamin D levels have dropped by 10 per cent over the past six years. The root cause of this decrease is lower sunshine exposure. People are just not getting outside around midday in the summer and making vitamin D.

too much vitamin D from the sun as your skin self regulates itself, whereas ingesting vitamin D does not have the same control. In addition, vitamin D that you make from the sun lasts twice as long in your body as vitamin D taken through supplements or food.

Statistics Canada reports that Canadian vitamin D levels have dropped by 10 per cent over the past six years. The root cause of this decrease is lower sunshine exposure. People are just not getting outside around midday in the summer and making vitamin D, and when they are outside they are using sunscreen which if applied correctly prevents 95%+ of vitamin D production.

In Canada, 12 million Canadians (35 per cent) have vitamin D blood levels below the recommendations from Health Canada. This puts these people at a higher risk for several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more. In fact, a study completed in 2016 reported that if Canadians increased their vitamin D levels to the recommended level of 100 nmol/L, we would save $12.5B in healthcare costs and 23,000 premature deaths annually.

Skin cancer is a concern and risk of sun exposure must be managed and balanced with

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DARPAN HEALTH

The Fitzpatrick scale

S

kin type is based on something called the Fitzpatrick scale. It is a numeral classification system based on how your skin responds to sunlight. Skin Type I people should carefully limit their time in the sun and use sun protection. Skin Type V and VI have dark skin that tolerates sun exposure well.

Type I – always burns, never tans

(pale white; blond or red hair; blue, gray eyes)

Type II – usually burns, tans

minimally (white; fair; blond, brown or red hair; blue, green or hazel eyes)

Type III – sometimes mild burn,

tans uniformly (cream white; fair with any hair colour or brown eyes)

Type IV – burns minimally, always tans (light brown; olive; dark brown to black hair)

Type V – very rarely burns, tans very easily (brown)

Type VI – never burns, always tans (deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown, black in complexion)

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the benefits from vitamin D and other photoproducts. Research has shown that people with higher sun exposure such as outdoor workers, who have 3-10 times the sun exposure as indoor workers, have a lower incidence of melanoma. National Cancer Institute reports that melanoma risk is increased as a result of intermittent acute sun exposure leading to sunburn. People who are a skin Type 1, with white or very pale skin colour, red or blonde hair colour and who always burn and never tan, should severely limit their sun exposure.

The Vitamin D Society offers the following tips: Know your own skin and skin type You know best the condition of your skin (tanned or not) and how your skin reacts to sun exposure. What colour is your skin? Pale white, white, light brown, brown or dark brown/ black? Do you burn easily when in the sun, all the time or maybe just in early spring when your skin is pale from lack of sun exposure in the winter? Does your skin tan at all? As your skin acclimatizes to sunshine throughout the summer and builds a tan (skin Type II – VI), it is able to receive more sunshine without overexposure or burning. Keep this in mind when you go out in the sun especially early in TM

The colour of your skin will play a key role in how much time is needed outside in sunlight at midday to make your vitamin D. People with darker skin tones will need up to 10 times as much time in the sun as people with light skin to make the same amount of vitamin D. the spring when your skin is not conditioned to the sun to ensure you do not expose yourself to more sun than your skin can handle.

Condition your skin for sun exposure by gradually building or lengthening exposure times After winter don’t head off to the beach on the first warm, sunny day with your pale white skin and lay out all day. It is important that you gradually build up your skins tolerance for sun exposure. Start off slowly and cautiously increase the time spent out in the sun. Space out your sun sessions and give your skin a chance to adapt and recover. For people who can develop

a tan (skin Type II to VI), your skin will begin to darken and the thickness of the skin will also increase. This is called photoprotection or a base tan. Studies have found that a base tan reduces the sensitivity for burning by 75 per cent. Evidence also shows that a tan provides sun protection equivalent to an SPF of 4.

Prevent burning and overexposure through the use of hats, clothing, shade and sunscreens Sometimes you are going to be out in the sun for longer than your skin can handle without burning.

You will need to use some type of sun protection, seek shade or move inside. Do not burn! Hats and clothing which cover your skin are an excellent option to help prevent overexposure. Sunscreens when used as recommended do prevent 95%+ of vitamin D production. However, sunscreens should always be used to prevent burning exposure if no other options are available.

For vitamin D, get sun exposure at midday, between 10 am and 2 pm The colour of your skin will play a key role in how much time is needed outside in sunlight at midday to make your vitamin D. People with darker skin tones will need up to 10 times as much time in the sun as people with light skin to make the same amount of vitamin D. This is why Canadians with darker skin are at a greater risk of being vitamin D deficient and may need vitamin D supplementation.

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Expose more skin for a shorter period of time to generate more vitamin Think of your skin as a big solar receptor. The more skin that is exposed to the sun, the quicker your tank will be fully charged with vitamin D! It’s important to manage the risk and enjoy the rewards of moderate sun exposure for good health.

Cancer Research UK, through the Consensus Vitamin D Position Statement, offers the following recommendation: “Enjoying the sun safely while taking care not to burn, can help provide the benefits of vitamin D without unduly raising the risk of skin cancer.”

About the Author Perry Holman is the Executive Director of The Vitamin D Society (VDS), a small non-profit organization based in Canada. The VDS is dedicated to reducing vitamin D deficiency and raising the public’s awareness of the optimal vitamin D blood levels of between 100-150 nmol/L. To learn more about vitamin D, visit www.vitamindsociety.org

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DARPAN HOME

Perfecting Your

Patio

Update your outdoor space by picking furniture that really fits

BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

P

atio season is in full swing come the summer months and if you haven’t already embraced all that outdoor living has to offer, now’s the time to create the perfect patio. Put away your camping chairs, fold up your TV tray, and find furniture that suits your space, fits your lifestyle, and encourages you to take in the outdoors without leaving your home.

A patio should begin with a plan just like any other room indoors. Will you use it for dinner parties or entertaining guests? Or sun tanning solo and quiet nights at home? You may opt for a large dining table over several seating areas or a fire pit instead of a chaise lounger. The function of your outdoor oasis will allow you to determine what your furniture needs will be.

Comfort is a highly important consideration when it comes to patio furniture. Spend some time sitting in chairs or at tables before you purchase any for your patio. Wire or metal seating or low loveseats may look nice but turn out to be uncomfortable for you

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and your guests. Do invest in plush cushions designed for outdoor use to increase your comfort – just don’t forget to take them indoors when they’re not in use. You’ll be sure to take advantage of the extra outdoor space if the furniture is comfortable and inviting.

In spaces without a lot of room to move around, you’ll want to purchase furniture that folds or can be tucked in or away. Look for multifunction pieces that allow seating to transform into a table or storage to double as extra seating. Add a bistro set instead of a dining table so you can enjoy the benefits of dining al fresco without taking up too much space.

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The location of your patio will also bring about certain considerations when it comes to what furniture you buy. A large umbrella may be a necessity if you don’t get a reprieve from the sunshine. Look for a hanging one that tilts, opens easily and has height adjustments to ensure it will offer you the protection you need. Similarly, you may want to enjoy the outdoors regardless of whether the sun comes out to play; in which case, a large sun shelter can provide protection for curling up on cool, wet days.

Because your furniture belongs outdoors, it should be able to withstand the elements.

Invest in materials that will last without the hassle of considerable upkeep unless you plan on swapping out plastic chairs or warped wood every couple of years. Find furniture made in all-weather wicker or materials such as rattan, metal, teak and cedar which should be long lasting throughout varying conditions.

The materials may not matter as much when you’re designing your interior but updating outdoors comes with specific considerations. You may host a variety of gatherings on your patio or seek out the sun as it moves across the sky – if your setup changes depending on who is coming over or what activities might take place, look for lightweight and rust resistant pieces or furniture with wheels that can be moved around and stored easily.

If you don’t have the need to rearrange your furniture on a weekly basis, invest in sturdier pieces, like a large cedar table that will feel more like the type of furniture TM

The warmer weather will bring you outdoors and on to your patio.

Whether it’s for entertaining or your own enjoyment, a few careful considerations when it comes to finding the right furniture will have you breathing in the fresh air from the comfort of your own patio all season long. you’re used to inside your home. Try wrought iron pieces for a classic look that will hold up Store Hours: against the elements.

Monday to Sunday Patios are the perfect place to let your inner colour-lover loose.7:00 Outdoor furniture comesp.m. a.m.

- 11:00 in an abundance of colourful finishes making it easy to leave the natural tones to nature.

Pillows, blankets, pottery and serving trays are all easy ways to bring bold pops of colour to your patio that you may be hesitant to try indoors.

Consider what your patio furniture will look like against your home’s exterior. While it may suit your style, not all the colours, materials or textures you love will look good when situated outdoors.

While rugs may seem like something reserved for indoor décor, all-weather textiles are perfect for defining your outdoor space.

An outdoor rug can add colour, ground your furniture, protect your deck, and keep your feet more comfortable.

The warmer weather will bring you outdoors and on to your patio. Whether it’s for entertaining or your own enjoyment, a few careful considerations when it comes to finding the right furniture will have you breathing in the fresh air from the comfort of your own patio all season long.

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There was a mason jar stuck in the sand, with a light 604flashing in it. He asked me to 604check what it was and 604I realized my name was written on top of the lid.

Once we got the jar open, I pulled out a note that asked 6 “Will you marry me?””

6 6 Q: How did you meet?

Gurvir: Rylan and I met in Gastown the night before I was moving to Kamloops for school. We hit it off right away and in conversation, realized we both shared mutual friends. It was a strange coincidence, because Rylan was from Kamloops and had moved to Vancouver. From that evening, we talked to each other every day until I moved back.

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- Wedding

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Gurvir: I had been working all day and was supposed to meet up with Rylan at his home prior to us going to Downtown with his cousin. He called me as I was leaving work to let me know he was already in Downtown - Wedding and I would have to meet him there - Kirtan instead. He decided to take me to the seawall for a walk before dinner. Once we - Sri Akha

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It is important to the both of us to embrace our individuality and respect our different personalities No matter what the situation is, we are easily able to use humour to lighten the mood and make each other laugh.”

arrived at Third Beach, we walked towards the shoreline and he pointed to something in the water. There was a mason jar stuck in the sand, with a light flashing in it.

He asked me to check what it was and I realized my name was written on top of the lid. Once we got the jar open, I pulled out a note that asked “Will you marry me?” As I read it, Rylan went down on one knee and held out a ring.

I immediately froze and it felt like my heart just stopped. I turned my back to him and covered my face with my hands feeling I was about to cry. Turning back around I said “You’re such an idiot, of course I will.” I clearly did not know how to lovingly express my feelings! I also did not know Rylan’s cousin and her fiancé

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were watching and taking pictures from the seawall as this was happening. Rylan then took me to the Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park where we had a bottle of champagne while overlooking the beach.

We ended the night with a dinner with his cousin and her fiancé.

Describe your wedding day and what was your favourite moment?

Gurvir: We had a traditional Sikh wedding ceremony at the Gurudwara. The most memorable moment for me was when I saw Rylan as I sat down next to him in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. I felt as though I had forgotten all the stress and worries from the week leading up to the day. In that moment I was just so happy and excited to be marrying the love of my life that nothing else mattered.

Could you tell us about your reception?

Our reception was held at the Riverside Grand Ballroom in Richmond. The décor was beautiful and DJ RSD of Aftershock played amazing music and had the party going. It was a great way to end the wedding festivities with a night of dancing with all our family and friends.

Describe your outfits.

Gurvir: Both my outfits were from Made in

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604-723-6804 India in Surrey. For the wedding ceremony I wore a traditional red lehenga with antique gold embroidery. I went with a simple top and utilized my jewellery from Gehna to add the finishing touches. Rylan wore a traditional cream coloured sherwani for the ceremony and changed into a dark blue suit for the reception. My reception outfit was a bit more fun, with a coral blouse and blue lehenga skirt. The embroidery was more intricate and shone beautifully at the reception hall.

info@amastermedia.com

Where did you honeymoon?

We went to Sparkling Hills Resort in Vernon immediately after the wedding for a couple nights and later travelled through the Shuswap before heading back home to Vancouver. We went to Europe in March and April this year. We spent 14 days in Italy travelling through Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi and Sicily before flying to Dubrovnik, Croatia for four days. We ended our honeymoon with six days in Greece, dividing up our nights between Athens, Santorini and Paros. I am so glad we decided to save this trip for the following year because it allowed us to settle in and thoroughly plan the kind of honeymoon we wanted. There would have been no way we would have had enough energy to do this right after the wedding.

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What are your goals as a couple?

We both want to travel and see the world together before starting our own little family. We hope to have a life filled with love, kindness and fun.

What are the strengths of your marriage?

It is important to the both of us to embrace our individuality and respect our different personalities.

No matter what the situation is, we are easily able to use humour to lighten the mood and make each other laugh.

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S

ummer is arguably Vancouver’s best season. Besides the plethora of outdoor activities, the entire city comes alive with festivals, community events, and much more. Here are the top five family-friendly events to check out this summer season.

DARPAN ACTIVITIES

BY TARANA RANA

Soak up the sun with your family at these summer classic events in Vancouver

Family-

Friendly Summer Activities

PNE FREE ADMISSION DAYS PNE is a Vancouver summer staple – especially if you’ve got kids. On Tuesday, August 22 and 29, there is free gate admission for all ages between 11 am and 1 pm. Head out early and make a day of it – with games, displays, rides, and attractions – there is something for everyone at the fair! Free days are always popular, so be sure to head out early to beat the crowds.

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SUMMER CINEMA AT STANLEY PARK Grab a blanket, some snacks, and head down with the family to Stanley Park for a free, outdoor movie screening this summer.

Every Tuesday evening from July 4th onwards, a series of free movies are shown each week right up until August. The movies are screened on the lawn by Second Beach, and start at dusk.

Visit freshaircinema.ca/summercinema for the movie schedule.

STAR GAZING AT GORDON MACMILLIAN SOUTHAM OBSERVATORY On a clear summery night, stop by the Observatory for an up close and personal view of the night sky.

The observatory has a 1/2 metre Cassegrain telescope with which you can try and spot planets, star clusters, and moons. Plus, every Saturday night from 8 pm onwards, admission is by donation.

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PORT MOODY RIBFEST Nothing says summer like a good barbeque!

From July 21-23, head down to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody for the Rotary Club’s 3rd Annual RibFest. This event is on from 11 am to 9 pm and features three jam-packed days full of music, and a host of kid-friendly activities like face painting and climbing walls, to name a few. Not to mention more barbeque than you can possibly imagine.

Visit portmoodyribfest.ca for more details.

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TD CONCERTS AT THE PIER Soak up some songs and sun with the family at White Rock’s 3rd annual TD Concerts at the Pier.

This summer concert series runs through July and August at the iconic White Rock pier. This free event will have live performances from American and Canadian artists, including local talent from White Rock. The series start on July 6, with a grand finale on August 19. For the full lineup of artists and dates, visit whiterockbia.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarana Rana is a freelance writer in Vancouver, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city and discovering some of its lesser-known haunts.

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TAHITI

An outdoor retreat that will leave a lasting impression

ISLANDS

What makes the islands of Tahiti so unique and romantic?

BY TAHITI TOURISME

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ith air smelling of sweet Tahitian vanilla and breathtaking sunsets bursting with colour, the islands of Tahiti are undeniably one of the most romantic places in the world.

In addition to the destination’s natural beauty, tranquility, and privacy, the islands of Tahiti offer an array of diverse experiences combined with rich Tahitian culture. Immersed in a world of majestic mountain peaks, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, visitors

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to the islands create memories through authentic experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For centuries, the Tahitian people have referred to this as “Mana.” Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things.

The islands of Tahiti are much closer than many think, just an eight-hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles with daily departures on Air Tahiti Nui. Receiving as many tourists in an entire year as Hawaii gets in about 12 days, and only a few more hours in the air, makes

the islands of Tahiti the perfect honeymoon getaway.

There are a total of 118 islands and atolls spread out in five archipelagoes that comprise this South Pacific paradise. The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a; The Tuamotu Atolls or “Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls,” include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or “The Mysterious Islands.”

So what makes the islands of Tahiti so unique and romantic?

Seclusion Intimate resorts, small peaceful villages, and miles of quiet pristine beaches explain why Tahiti is ranked #1 in the world for “alone time.”

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Enjoy the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all.

Jump in the lagoons by diving, snorkeling, or boating or explore the islands by safaris, hiking or shopping.

for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.

Polynesian Spas Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many luxurious Polynesian spas while nurtured by the tropical ambience. Enjoy spa treatments for two at one of the many resort and cruise ship spas. Surrounded by a backdrop of natural beauty and floral fragrances, there is no better setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy herbal rain showers, body wraps in banana tree leaves, or fresh-flower baths.

PHOTOS: Tahiti Tourisme, iStock

Cruising Embrace and share in the warmth and welcome of your Tahitian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.

the sun, jump into the warm water, or enjoy the sunset views. Surrounded only by water and sky, you can enjoy both breakfast (often delivered by canoe) and the sunset (seemingly delivered by the heavens).

The People Embrace and share in the warmth and welcome of your Tahitian hosts whose love

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The world’s most romantic voyages depart every week for Tahiti’s most beautiful isles.

Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or freighter passenger that travel between Tahiti’s most beautiful islands.

Activities Enjoy the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. Jump in the lagoons by diving, snorkeling, or boating or explore the islands by safaris, hiking or shopping.

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2018 THIRD-GEN COMPACT SUV EMBRACES TURBOCHARGING

CHEVROLET EQUINOX

BY BENJAMIN YONG

Not only has the brand chosen to go in the direction of smaller, more efficient engines, but they have also put the compact crossover on a strict diet.

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E

ntering its third generation, Chevrolet’s Equinox has undergone a bumper-to-bumper transformation and gets the honour of becoming the first North American model to offer an exclusively turbocharged powertrain lineup.

Not only has the brand chosen to go in the direction of smaller, more efficient engines, but they have also put the compact crossover on a strict diet, helping it shed approximately 180 kilograms compared to previously.

“There are three reasons for the Equinox being 400 pounds lighter,” said Bruce Young, product planning manager at General Motors, during a recent product launch in Ontario.

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“We are no longer offering a V6, the front overhang is shorter, and the vehicle is five inches shorter overall.”

The small SUV certainly looks more compact and modern than before, adopting the current design cues seen on the Volt, Malibu and Cruze. The headlamps are now sleek projector units that merge seamlessly with the signature front grille. Certain bodylines, particularly the ones running along the side of the doors, have been softened and smoothed out.

Although the new Equinox is not as long, Young points out interior passenger volume has actually grown slightly rather than shrinking, and cargo capacity is virtually the same thanks to a smart redesign of the spare tire compartment. A lower windshield base gives the driver a more commanding view of the road, and the rear seats feature more articulation to allow for a flat floor when stowed making loading luggage and anything else easier.

There are three engine choices available, and as I mentioned,

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Standard five-way air suspension adjusts within milliseconds for seamless driving dynamics onand off-road. Meanwhile, distinctive Italian styling, a luxurious interior and a unique exhaust note affirm its Maserati heritage. Go beyond the limits of ordinary and arrive at Levante. By Maserati.

MASERATI OF VANCOUVER 1860 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H1 / 604.215.8778 / www.fmov.ca Schedule your test drive: Jay Sidhu / 604.614.6028 / jsidhu@fmov.ca *Maserati Levante MY2017 base MSRP $89,600; Maserati Levante S MY2017 base MSRP $98,600. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and registration TM JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 fees not included. ©2016 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS

(AS TESTED)

MSRP: $38,790 Motor: 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 170 Torque (lb-ft): 203 Gearbox: Six-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 8.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)

Ride quality in the Equinox is excellent, both comfortable and quiet. Even the entry-level LS grade is full of features such as 17inch alloy wheels, push button start, remote start, backup camera, and heated front seats.

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all are turbo four-cylinder variants: a 170-horsepower 1.5 litre, 252-horsepower 2.0 litre, and a 136-horsepower 1.6 litre diesel. At the media drive, I tested the value-oriented 1.5, which is mated to a six-speed automat-

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ic transmission and starts at an affordable price point of $26,996 in front-wheel drive form, while yielding a thrifty fuel consumption rating of 8.3 L/100 km (combined city/highway). To get allwheel drive, consumers will have

to pony up an additional $2,400.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be concerned too much that the total output of the replacement base mill has been reduced by 12 horses, because torque has grown by 31 lb-ft. Coupled with the dramatic weight loss, I could feel the extra oomph accelerating down the long stretches of Toronto highways.

Ride quality in the Equinox is excellent, both comfortable and quiet.

Even the entry-level LS grade is full of features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, push button start, remote start, backup camera, heated front seats and Teen Driver mode allowing guardians to keep tabs on and set limits for younger motorists.

Speccing up can add leather, more paint choices, additional safety technology (rear park assist, blindspot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, etc.) and the list goes on. The Canadian market receives an optional True North package for LT and Premier trim levels bundling USB and 110-volt outlets, panoramic sunroof and upgraded infotainment.

The gasoline-powered 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is in stores now, with the diesel expected to arrive in the fall.

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2017 ENJOY A COMFY RIDE

HIGHLIGHTS

BMW 540i xDRIVE

t has been a while since I last tested a BMW and every time I do, I am amazed at how many more advanced products have been added, and as usual I was not disappointed. My test car was one of the newest and

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most advanced cars on the BMW fleet – the 540i xDrive, an all-wheel drive (AWD) six-cylinder twin turbo with an increase of 35 horsepower over last year’s model.

For 2017, the 5-series is an

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Motor: 2-litre four-cylinder turbo direct injection Horsepower: 335 @ 5,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 332 @ 1332 rpm Layout: All-wheel drive Fuel economy: 11.4 L/100 km, city 7.8 L/100 km highway

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

I

MSRP: $69,000, Price as tested: $90,400

all-new body design. Compared to the previous model, this one is a little softer allowing for better aero dynamics.

I have to admit I personally like this model over last year’s 5-series. As this car caters a little more to comfort, entering and exiting the new car is easy for most people despite their height. Getting into the back seat area is not too bad either, as the new rear slop of the roof does not get in the way.

Back seat room is good for two people, but can carry three if needed. The new design also incorporates even more trunk space allowing for four sets of golf clubs or 1.7 cubic meters of space.

As you might expect from BMW, the interior is very modern and up to date. The large tach and speedometer are front and centre with smaller fuel and temperature gauges flanking each side, all easy to read at a glance. My test car featured the optional headsup display that projected your speed up on the windshield.

Surprisingly it was not as distracting as some units I have had in other cars over the years. This feature also has a host of other functions including interacting with the navigation, so you don’t have to look away from the road.

Once inside, all controls are easily accessible with your

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right hand, so your hand is only off the steering wheel for a moment. One big improvement I found over the previous models is that the controls are well-marked and easier to find and use. To the right of the automatic shifter is a dial that controls all the setting on the centre screen for navigation and sound system, plus a host of other items. What is nice is that the heater/cooling and environmental controls are all separate in the lower centre dash and again easy to use. The sound system even has buttons for pre-set radio stations.

Power for the test 540i AWD comes from a double overhead cam inline turbo charged 6-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque which gives the car a 0 to 100 kilometres per house time of just 4.8 seconds. Considering this is a four-door sedan that weighs in at 1,759 kilograms, that is pretty amazing. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic that can be operated with the centre console shifter or paddles on the steering wheel.

Depending on your frame of mind the car can be set on sport, comfort or economy for different types of driving. As you might suspect the sport setting enhances performance as well as stiffening of the suspension. The comfort and default setting is for normal driving and the economy setting allows the engine to sip fuel. I have to admit the fuel economy on the highway was nothing short of great with a true 7.8 L per 100 kilometres.

I really enjoyed my time with the 540i, it was comfortable, handled very well, felt very nimble, and was easy to drive. Options like night vision and self-parking while out of the car also added to the enjoyment of this vehicle.

If I were in the market for a car in field, the 540i would be a top contender, and at a base price of $69,000 and a test price of $90,400 the buyer gets plenty of value for the money.

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2017

INTRODUCING THE FIRST FORCE-FED SENTRA

NISSAN SENTRA

BY BENJAMIN YONG

TURBO Much more than just a few bolt-on upgrades, it goes as fast as

it looks and brings back a sense of fun to the badge that has been sorely missed.

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HIGHLIGHTS

MSRP: $24,998

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Motor: 1.6-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 188 @ 5,600 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 177 @ 1,600 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive Fuel economy: 9.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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fter disappearing from the portfolio for a few years, a performance Sentra finally returns to the fold with the arrival of the 2017 Nissan SR Turbo. Much more than just a few bolt-on upgrades, it goes as fast as it looks and brings back a sense of fun to the badge that has been sorely missed.

It’s been at least three years since I last drove a Sentra and a lot has changed, and in a positive way – I have a theory whereby good looks seem to skip a generation for this particular product. The car is based on the SR undergoing a facelift last year to bring the style closer to the current generation Maxima and Altima, complete with “boomerang” exterior detailing and LED lighting.

A lot of chrome treatment has been added to places like the door handles, grille and window surround, which I personally TM

believe is better off given matte or painted finishes especially on such a model. The Turbo also receives foglights, side skirts, trunk spoiler and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Under the bodywork however is where the changes really appear. A 1.6-litre turbocharged engine pushes out 188 horsepower (64 more than the standard SR 1.8-litre) and 177 lb-ft of torque, easily enough to spin the tires off the line. The steering has been retuned to provide a stronger connection to the road, suspension stiffened to keep up with the added output, and the brakes made larger to cool down hot pads quickly and efficiently.

There are two transmission choices: an Xtronic continuously variable transmission featuring step shifting that allows for a more natural acceleration feel rather than

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*Suggested selling price is $44,855 on a new 2018 Acura TLX A-SPEC includes MSRP of $42,190, $2,045 freight and PDI, $495 documentation fee, $100 air-conditioning levy, $25 tire levy. License, insurance, registration, options, duties and taxes (including PST/GST) are extra.

TM JULY/ AUGUST 2 017 Model shown for illustration purposes only. Retailer may sell/lease for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Visit any of the Dilawri Acura dealerships for full details.

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the dreaded rubber banding sometimes common to CVTs; and a six-speed manual gearbox present in my test vehicle. The lever travel between gears is remarkably short for an OEM setup and really enforces the sporty nature. Each shift locks into place crisply.

The interior is fairly well equipped and includes electronics such as push button start, backup camera, Bluetooth handsfree integration and a five-inch information display embedded in the instrument cluster. An available $3,400 Premium Package adds leather seating, power moonroof, premium Bose stereo, navigation and a safety tech bundle. The cabin

DARPAN AutoREVIEW Compared to other performance compacts, the Sentra SR Turbo is quite comfortable. The car’s long 2,700-millimetre wheelbase affords nearly 950 millimetres of generous rear legroom meaning adult passengers can actually fit in the back. is full of attractive soft touch materials, and I had no complaints save for the kitschy grid-patterned plastic trim on the dash.

Compared to other performance compacts, the Sentra SR Turbo is quite comfortable. The car’s long 2,700-millimetre wheelbase affords nearly 950 millimetres of generous rear legroom meaning adult passengers can actually fit in the back.

The rear seat folds 60/40 opening up to the 428 litres of trunk space.

The 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo is offered in a single trim only, the only option being the aforementioned Premium Package. Prices start at $21,598.

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2017 THE IDEAL FUEL-EFFICIENT CAR

JAGUAR XE R-SPORT DIESEL

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

I

My time with the Jaguar XE R-Sport was quite enjoyable to drive. It handled well, and performed as you would expect a Jag should, but best of all, the fuel consumption was on par with cars half its size.

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f you are a penny pincher like myself and really don’t like the fuel consumption numbers on many new vehicles, then this new Jaguar XE R-Sport Diesel might be just the car you need. At the moment, this Jag is probably one of the only diesels on the market, and I know the only luxury model car so equipped.

When I booked the XE for a test I didn’t bother to check which model I was going to drive. As I drove, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the fuel consumption meter was showing 6.5 L/100 km. This had to be wrong I thought to myself, when traffic slowed to a stop I

HIGHLIGHTS MRSP: $57,500 Motor: 2-litre turbo 4-cyclinder Horsepower: 180 Torque (lb-ft): 318 Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Fuel Economy: 7.8 L/100 km city and 5.8 L/100 km highway glanced to find my test car was a diesel and then the great gas mileage made sense.

The Jaguar’s diesel engine is a 2-litre turbo engine that produces a modest 180 horsepower with 318 lb-ft of torque at around 2,000 rpm.

This torque pushes the XE to 100 kph in less than eight seconds, which I have to admit is a lot of fun. Keeping all this agility in check is an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mated to an all-wheel-drive system.

In heavy rain the Jag was

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sure-footed all the time making it easy to drive, something that might be taxing with all the torque the engine produces. The tremendous torque of the engine and the lower horsepower made moving about on the highway or city streets effortless. A centre dash control allows the driver to also select economy, sport or normal driving modes.

In overall size, I would class the XE as a midsized car, making it a four-seater with room for five in a pinch. As you might expect from Jaguar, the car was well appointed with leather seats and a large centre area with tough screen. All the controls were well positioned with many of them on the steering wheel. Seat comfort was very good, making this car great for long distances. Trunk room was not that generous as you might expect by the shape of the car but adequate if packed carefully.

One interesting feature I didn’t think I would like was the HUD or heads-up display that reflects the speed up on the windshield. This little feature proved useful when in rain and at night as it keeps your eyes on the road as you see the speed at all times.

The lower roofline and higher seats and headrests did give some concern as viewing the vehicle approaching from the passenger side was a little difficult. But, by lowering the rear headrests and moving the passenger seat to align with that of the drivers, the line of sight improved considerably. When it comes to just backing up, the rear camera was more than adequate.

Overall, my time with the Jaguar XE R-Sport was quite enjoyable to drive. It handled well, and performed as you would expect a Jag should, but best of all, the fuel consumption was on par with cars half its size. This kind of fuel-efficient car will bring a lot of new buyers into the market with a starting price of $57,500.

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ENTERTAINMENT

GALORE

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

S

triking a perfect balance between action, thrill, drama, emotions and comedy, Bollywood holds many promises in the coming months.

So, while there is an engaging thriller like MOM, which brings Bollywood’s most versatile actress, Sridevi, back on-screen, there is the much-awaited biopic Haseena: The Queen Of Mumbai, that will have Shraddha Kapoor essaying the title role. Then there is Akshay Kumar’s quirky satire Toilet Ek Prem Katha followed by Sidharth Malhotra’s action-comedy A Gentleman. As you can see there is entertainment galore, all you need to do is block your dates.

HASEENA: THE QUEEN OF MUMBAI MOM

Releasing: July 14

Release date: July 7

Starring: Shraddha Kapoor, Siddhanth Kapoor, Ankur Bhatia

Directed by: Apoorva Lakhia

Directed by: Ravi Udyawar Starring: Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui Featuring powerhouse of talents like Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, MOM promises to be an intriguing thriller that explores a mother-daughter relationship. Talking about the film, director Ravi Udyawar revealed, “It’s a mother-daughter story, a relationship that I always wanted to explore. When the script was ready, I narrated it to Sridevi ma’am who was keen to pick the right project as a follow-up to the successful English Vinglish. She loved it!” An excited Sridevi admitted at the trailer launch of the film, “It was an exciting script and working in MOM was a very beautiful experience. I got to work with talented actors like Nawazuddin and Akshaye.

It’s amazing and I hope the audience loves the film.”

Well, who wouldn’t want to see this talented actress on screen again!

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Based on terrorist Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar, Haseena: The Queen Of Mumbai is all set to present the peppy girl-next-door – Shraddha Kapoor – in a never-seen-before avatar. The film explores the life of the underworld don’s notorious sister Haseena, who was popularly known as the Godmother of Nagpada. Shraddha’s real brother Siddhanth Kapoor will be seen playing her reel brother Dawood in the film. Speaking about her role, Shraddha said, “It was a big challenge. Once you all see the film, you’ll see what that lady has actually gone through in her life. We don’t know unless we are told that someone can go through these experiences – losing their loved ones, people dying right in front of her – her brother, her son... to feel those emotions was a challenging process.” Must say, the interesting transformation of Shraddha has got us all excited for the film.

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TOILET EK PREM KATHA Release date: August 11 Directed by: Shree Narayan Singh Starring: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Anupam Kher A social satire this Akshay Kumar-starrer is based on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. The film, which also features Bhumi Pednekar, emphasises on how important it is to stop defecating in public, be it in cities or towns. In the midst of this basic plot there is also a sweet love story brewing between a man, who runs a P&U toilet, and a girl living in the slums, who comes to use the toilet every day. Akshay, who is extremely proud to be a part of this film, said, “I feel very strongly about this subject because I met few of the women in India who have no other choice than to go to fields for open defecation. They go there and so much of problems happen. 54% [of] India doesn’t have toilets.”

A GENTLEMAN Release date: August 25 Directed by: Raj & D. K Starring: Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandez Earlier titled as Reloaded, A Gentleman is an action comedy film directed by Raj & D.K that features Jacqueline Fernandez and Sidharth Malhotra in lead roles. Interestingly, A Gentleman will have Sidharth in a double role, with both his characters being diametrically opposed in their nature. While not much is revealed about the plot of the film, it is believed that the story revolves around Gaurav (Sidharth), who is on a mission to settle down.

He is in the process of charming Kavya (Jacqueline) into marrying him, except, Kavya is dreading the thought of taking the plunge. Speaking about the film, Sidharth said, “We shot in Miami, Bangkok, Goa and Mumbai. So, the audience can expect a lot of outdoor stunts, chase, hand-to-hand action. The film is a ‘popcorn action’, which is not serious action. It is more on the lighter side and is entertaining.” Interesting, ain’t it?

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

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SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING Release date: July 7 Spidey’s third reboot in 15 years is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which gives it an advantage over the very messy Andrew Garfield years.

Homecoming finds Peter Parker (Tom Holland) still in high-school, being mentored by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). While Stark would rather have Parker to take it easy, the rise of super-criminals like the Vulture (Michael Keaton) forces Spidey’s hand. This Peter Parker seems closer to the one in the comic book (a kid dealing with situations way above his maturity level) and actually looks like a teenager. Not to pick on Garfield again, but he seemed like the world’s oldest 17 year-old.

Budget: Based on previous MCU entries, presumably above $150 million.

Odds of breaking even: Good. Spidey is a known quantity and comes with a side of Iron Man.

BY JORGE IGNACIO CASTILLO

SUMMER GAMBLING VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Release date: July 21 Based on the sci-fi comic series Valérian et Laureline (yep, it’s French), the film follows two time-and-space travelling agents (Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne) as they are tasked with identifying and destroying a marauding menace attacking the sprawling metropolis.

If it sounds and looks like The Fifth Element, it’s probably because Luc Besson is at the helm.

Budget: Over USD $220 million.

Odds of breaking even: Very low. The original material is mostly unknown in North America, DeHaan and Delevingne are far from known commodities and Luc Besson’s record is spotty at best. For every Lucy, there is The Family.

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LOGAN LUCKY Release date: August 18 Four years after announcing his retirement, director Steven Soderbergh returns to the big screen. In line with his most commercially successful films (the Ocean movies), Soderbergh comes back with a caper: Logan Lucky. A couple of dim-witted brothers (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) recruit a dangerous criminal (Daniel Craig) to perpetrate a robbery at a NASCAR race.

Budget: Unclear. Looks expensive, but then again, actors chump at the bits for working with him (and would take a pay cut).

Odds of breaking even: Good. It’s nice to see Daniel Craig not playing 007 for a change.

Photos: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation

As a response to failing sequels last year, studios bet on original material for the late summer of 2017. Some are promising (Dunkirk) while others seem dead on arrival.

THE DARK TOWER Release date: August 4 After years in limbo, finally an adaptation of Stephen King seminal series arrives to theatres. The uniquely complex eight-volume saga presents a number of challenges for those trying to turn it into a movie. Chief of them all, juggling many dimensions and characters while remaining easily digestible for general audiences. Idris Elba is the hero of the piece, a gunslinger in a quest to find the aforementioned dark tower, a portal to coexisting universes. His nemesis is the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), a sorcerer with seemingly no other goal than bring down civilizations.

Budget: USD $60 million, surprisingly low for an endeavour of this magnitude.

Odds of breaking even: It shouldn’t be hard, but the film needs to do better than that to spawn the sequels Columbia Pictures is hoping for.

DUNKIRK Release date: July 21 Christopher Nolan, the filmmaker responsible for the thinking-person blockbusters The Dark Knight and Inception, tackles Dunkirk, WWII largest evacuation of Allied forces. The operation forced civilian ships to brave the German siege to rescue the surviving soldiers and the Royal Air Force to provide cover. Large portions of the film were shot in IMAX 65 mm. The outcome is breathtaking.

Budget: Not cheap. Nolan’s salary alone is USD $20 million.

Odds of breaking even: Middle of the road. The big name here is a filmmaker known for delivering spectacle, but how many people go to the movies for the director?

Then again, One Direction’s Harry Styles may make up for the difference

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THE EMOJI MOVIE Release date: July 28 People who complain that Hollywood has no new ideas likely use The Emoji Movie to prove their point. The animated feature revolves around a young emoji capable of adopting multiple expressions. His quest to achieve normalcy (i.e. a single emotion) causes havoc in the life of the owner of the phone the emoji resides in. At least the casting is on point: T.J. Miller as the lead, Steven Wright as the “meh” emoticon and Sir Patrick Stewart as the “poop” emoji.

Budget: Based on the quality of the animation (just sophisticated enough), around USD $50 million.

Odds of breaking even: High. It’s not expensive and the “characters” are immediately recognizable by anybody with a mobile device.

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

GLOBAL INDIANS

Q&A

How do you see the growth of the healthcare sector worldwide?

ALUNGAL I N T RO D U C I N G

MOHAMMED

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

“Quality healthcare delivery in affordable pricing was an inevitable need, particularly for the expat communities in Saudi Arabia two decades back. This thought spurred my interest in health sector then.”

A

lungal Mohammed is a popular name in the Middle East.

The Kerala-born businessman holds the positions of president, chairman and managing director of Al Abeer Group, a healthcare organization owning and operating high-end medical centers and hospitals across major cities in Saudi Arabia and surrounding nations.

Alungal was just another expatriate until he decided to make a difference utilizing his business acumen

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coupled with his overwhelming compassion for his fellow beings.

Talking about what encouraged him to launch Al Abeer Group, he says, “Quality healthcare delivery in affordable pricing was an inevitable need, particularly for the expat communities in Saudi Arabia two decades back. This thought spurred my interest in health sector then.” This pioneering vision of serving quality medical care in the most affordable expense triggered the opening up of a polyclinic in Jeddah in 1999.

From there began the rapid expansion of Al Abeer Group with 15 facilities in Saudi Arabia itself and also transcending borders to Oman, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and India. “The group has also undergone diversification to non-healthcare verticals like aviation, visual media, advertisement and marketing, and information technology,” adds the president.

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Coming back to his hometown, the group’s project, Al Abeer Educity, at Malappuram district in Kerala comprises of a cluster of institutions in both medical and non-medical streams on a single campus. A multispecialty hospital cum proposed medical college on this campus will be dedicated to the public this year. “The towering growth and abundant scope of medical tourism in Kerala is also part of the key objectives of this hospital project,” says Alungal sharing the vision of the project.

Other prospective ventures like an international school, technical academy, ayurvedic spa, shopping mall, luxury hotel, residential villas, and metro library will be established there as well. “To enable the student community for accomplishing academic fullness is the principal objective of Abeer Educity project,” shares Alungal, adding that this project expects to offer direct and indirect employment to almost 5,000 and 10,000 people.

The successful businessman has been honoured with many awards, two of them being Business Entrepreneur Award (2012), and KMCC Award for the Best Health Care services in KSA (2010). Yet, he does not solely take credit for these achievements. “It is the dynamic and devoted team of Abeer that has brought this success,” he humbly states.

Before concluding, I ask him what is his biggest achievement so far, and he asserts, “It is nothing but the trust and preference of scores of care-seekers and employees we have won to date.”

Healthcare industry all over the world is booming as never seen before. But what accounts for this is the rampant unhealthy lifestyle. In my perspective, mushrooming of healthcare facilities indicates an inauspicious condition.

The actual growth of healthcare industry must never be understood in terms of multiplying healthcare institutions. It has to be rather on the basis of increasing awareness on the ways to enhance healthy lifestyle practices and thus to check ill-health to the best possible level. It is high time we reinvigorated our fight against lifestyle disorders which affect human health badly. The large-scale campaigns Abeer sets out this year on antismoking and diabetes control are with this view in mind.

On the other hand, technological innovations and digitalization in global healthcare sector are bringing about fruitful and far-reaching impressions everywhere. Diagnostics and treatment modalities are being simplified at the patient’s ease and comfort. Many such developments like patient-friendly apps are good enough to cater to the healthcare needs of modern world.

Technological sophistications in healthcare based on the application of artificial intelligence, virtual reality have triggered a paradigm shift in the industry.

What advice would you give to those who wish to follow your path?

Think and act out-of-the-box, be ready to take meaningful risks. Commitment, loyalty and dedication bring success.

Be persistent, trustworthy and humble.

Live a value-based life. At first, make yourself a good man before you become a businessman. The quality of your service is ultimately an expression of the quality of your own self.

What is your advice to future immigrants?

Most of the immigrants settle in the GCC countries to earn a better living.

I wish to say that these countries are really gifted lands; treasure houses of opportunities. Those who work hard with a dedicated mindset and definitive vision to win the bread will be rewarded.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

J U L Y- A U G U S T 2 0 1 7

By georgia nichols

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

JULY:

JULY:

Take a breather this month so you can ground yourself (you can’t be all things to all people all of the time).

Nevertheless, you will enjoy group activities and fun times with friends. Group activities will be a positive experience whether social or business. Things are so warm and easy with someone; a friend could become a lover (hmmm, that’s tricky).

JULY: An interesting month! Relations with partners, spous-

AUGUST: Ta da! It’s your turn to step out centre stage

AUGUST: You are the traveller of the zodiac and this is one

and greet the world. With the Sun in your sign, you attract favourable situations and important people. You are also energized because fiery Mars is in Leo as well. Go out in full dazzle. Enjoy schmoozing with everyone. One dark cloud on your horizon is that finances are delayed this month (nothing is perfect).

of the best months all year to travel. Say no more. Pack your bags and get thee to an airport (someone will help you do this). Expect to deal with parents and bosses you have not seen for a while, which might be an opportunity for closure or bonding.

Your focus is on home and family this month.

However, be patient with others to avoid disputes. Harmony is essential to the happiness and health of every family; and family is everything. Fortunately, fair Venus will sweeten your words and make it easy for you to be diplomatic and charming with everyone. Excellent!

AUGUST:

This is your month to play! Movies, picnics, parties, vacations, sports and playful activities with children will be tops on your menu. You will also want to redecorate and make your home look more attractive this month.

Good time to entertain loved ones. However, your efficiency on the job will suffer with delays and goofy errors. Good luck!

LUCKY DAYS: July 15, 16 August 11, 12

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) JULY: The pace of your days accelerates this month with short trips, errands and talking to everyone. But you will love it! You will be forceful if you have to negotiate with anyone.

This is a strong month for finances. Enjoy shopping for beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Ka-ching.

AUGUST: You continue to charm everyone you meet.

In fact, this is a great month for writers and those of you in sales, marketing, teaching or acting. Yes, your words are gold. However, this month your focus turns to home and family because there is increased chaos and activity at home. This might be due to renovations, visiting guests or residential moves. Be patient with relatives, especially parents.

LUCKY DAYS: July 19, 20 August 15, 16, 17

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) JULY: Shop for wardrobe items this month because fair Venus is in your sign, which means you will like what you see in the mirror. It’s easy to be charming and sociable with everyone. Meanwhile, your primary focus is on money and cash flow this month. You are working hard to earn it and working hard to spend it! (Oh dear.)

AUGUST:

Your days will quicken in August because your schedule is much busier. Expect to take short trips and be involved with visits, family discussions and increased reading and writing. Relatives you have not seen for a while will be on your doorstep – so stock the fridge. Someone will end up on your sofa, almost certainly. You might boost your income this month.

LUCKY DAYS: July 19, 20 August 15, 16, 17

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) JULY:

This is your power month and your chance to rejuvenate yourself for the coming year! You are strong, direct and effective in all your dealings with others. Try to get physical exercise or compete in sports to release pentup energy. Secret love affairs might blossom in secret for some of you. You’re filled with money-making ideas and this pleases you.

AUGUST:

Your money-making ideas from last month now become a top priority for you. This (possibly something else) galvanizes you into action to work hard to boost your earnings. You might want to show off something new that makes you proud. Warning: Mercury retrograde will create transportation delays. This is a poor time to buy ground transportation, computers and cell phones.

LUCKY DAYS: July 21, 22 August 18, 19

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LUCKY DAYS: July 23, 24 August 20, 21

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) JULY: A popular month for Virgos. Everyone wants to see your face. Accept all invitations. You might also be involved in group sports or some kind of competition. Meanwhile, relations with bosses, parents and VIPs couldn’t be better (a romance with a boss might begin). Someone wants your creative input on how to make something look better.

AUGUST: You will meet with some frustrations because Mercury is retrograde in your sign at this time, which brings delays, confusion, mixed-up conversations, missed appointments, car problems, and lost or misplaced items.

Equipment breakdowns as well as computer problems are likely (sigh). Fortunately, friends are warm and supportive this month. A blessing!

LUCKY DAYS: July 25, 26 August 22, 23

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) JULY: This is a powerful time because bosses, VIPs and parents are impressed with you (you don’t even have to do anything special). Take advantage of this blessing! Advance your own agenda. Ask for what you want because you couldn’t pick a better time. Meanwhile, travel for pleasure beckons (let’s hope you get top service).

AUGUST: You continue to enjoy a good reputation in the eyes of authority figures. But now, groups and friends will demand your attention. You might be elected to head a club, organization, class or meeting because you are in takeover frame of mind. You can direct the efforts of others.

Note: This is one of the best months of the year for your sign to set goals.

LUCKY DAYS: July 1, 2, 27, 28 August 24, 25

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) JULY: You’re restless for adventure. Sign up for a course or go to school because you will love to learn something new. Expand your horizons through travel; and perhaps take a course in another city? (Bonus!) Someone will give you the money or the support to travel. Meanwhile, sex is hot and passionate!

AUGUST: This is the only month all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering light.

You impress everyone, especially people in power. While this is happening, use it to your advantage. Ask for what you want. Romance with someone from another culture or a different country might blossom. Expect to hear from old friends you haven’t seen for a while.

LUCKY DAYS: July 26, 27, 28 August 26, 27, 28 TM

es and close friends are excellent. However, disputes about shared property, inheritances and anything you own jointly with others are likely. This means you have to be openminded because we do not all share the same values. Meanwhile, passionate intimacy will be juicy diary fodder, but who has time to write?

LUCKY DAYS: July 5, 6, 7 August 1, 2, 29, 30

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) JULY: Don’t worry if you feel low energy this month because this is to be expected. One aspect that is draining is that you feel annoyed with partners, spouses and close friends.

Challenging times like this sap your energy because you need to be patient to survive. Fortunately, relations with work colleagues are excellent (Whew!).

AUGUST: What a difference a month makes! Now your relations with partners, spouses and close friends improve.

Admittedly, you might face disputes about shared property, inheritances, taxes, debt and insurance issues. Nevertheless, the support of loved ones is a treat. Be on the lookout for travel delays and mix-ups regarding travel. Double check everything.

LUCKY DAYS: July 7, 8, 9 August 4, 5, 31

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) JULY: Romance, playful activities with children, sports and the arts appeal. However, this month your primary focus is to get better organized. You want your efforts to count. You want the most bang for your buck. Perfect. This motivation guarantees results. Your work will make you feel on top of your scene at home and on the job. A welcome reward!

AUGUST:

Once every two years, fiery Mars sits opposite your sign promoting dissension with partners and close friends (basically, you find them annoying). Be assured that by next month, this is gone. What a relief! In the meantime, patience is your best ally because patience is the antidote to anger. Enjoy warm relations with work colleagues.

LUCKY DAYS: July 10, 11 August 6, 7, 8

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) JULY: Oh joy! You are the big winner this month because it’s playtime for Pisces. Enjoy movies, art performances, parties, social occasions, sports events, picnics, playful activities with children, flirtations, and romance. Grab every chance to express your creativity. This is an ideal time for a vacation. You also want to redecorate your home and entertain. Enjoy!

AUGUST:

Although romance and fun times are still favoured, now your focus turns to work and getting better organized. It’s time. Delegate work to others if you can because you want the satisfaction of feeling caught up and in charge of a situation that is running smoothly. Yes! LUCKY DAYS: July 12, 13, 14 August 9, 10

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BY PETRINA D'SOUZA

CANADIAN SHARE THEIR IMMIGRANTS STORIES Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada: I had a health episode three years ago.

I thank God for his grace and recovery so that I could continue with my journey.

Resolution made for your self or family:

e Meet th

d a s a r P Family

Vince Prasad is a retired senior federal employee with over 30 years of public service Veena Prasad is retired Kids Ronald Prasad and Ashlene Renita Lake are married and work at Fraser Health, Vancouver

V

ince Prasad migrated to Canada in 1969 from Fiji, which was a British Crown Colony back then. “I chose Canada because it is a peaceful nation; Canadian values include freedom, respect for cultural differences, and a commitment to social justice,” shares Vince on his move to this country.

He also had some relatives living in Canada whom he stayed with upon arrival. “My wife Veena and son Ronald followed later, my daughter Ashlene was born in Vancouver,” adds Vince.

Like most immigrant families, the Prasads faced problems while seeking employment due to lack of Canadian experience. Back in Fiji, Vince worked with the City of Suva, and prior to migrating, he also served for three months with the US Peace Corp at the University of Hawaii teaching Fijian Hindi language.

Eventually, he got a six months opportunity

to work at the City of Vancouver in the electrical division, accounting section, and permits and licensing. From there, he moved on to the Unemployment Insurance Commission and took up the position of debt collector. “This new role helped set my career in motion as a federal public servant,” says Vince.

In 1981, he was offered an opportunity to join Canada Customs Operations, Pacific Region, as a regional customs collector for Port of Vancouver, BC and the Yukon, now known as Border Services. Today, Vince is a retired senior federal employee with over 30 years of public service and a recipient of Canada 125 Medal in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.

Vince is happily spending his retirement days by volunteering in the community and helping those in need. He has voluntarily taken up prominent roles at various organizations, namely National Association of Federal Retirees Vancouver, Faith Fellowship Church, Collingwood Neighborhood House, and Burnaby Hospital Foundation, among many others.

The former federal employee believes he has fulfilled most of his dreams. He has had an enriching experience in Canada so far; his kids

It is truly a privilege for me and my family to be able to welcome and help our new neighbours. Our resolution is to not let an opportunity pass by to say kind words to people we meet. Be genuinely interested in others and to make people we meet feel that we regard them as person of importance.

This gives me an opportunity to make a contribution to society and also instills a value of giving and caring.

Advice for immigrants: Be prepared to take up any type of work initially to get established in the new country. Take courses through night school to advance one’s choice of skills. I encourage others to volunteer to stay active in mind and body, make connections, and continue to learn. Work hard and try not to get discouraged as Canada is a wonderful country and an opportunity to move forward.

Memories of your homeland: Fiji is a beautiful country, with an abundance of greenery, tropical climate, and has good beaches and seafood which I miss as well. are happily settled with successful careers; and he is now a proud grandfather to seven kids. “Canada provides an opportunity to anyone who is willing to work hard and keep moving in your ladder to success,” says Vince.

In conclusion, he quotes Martin Luther King, Jr. saying, “Every one can be great because anyone can serve. You only need a heart full of grace.

A soul generated by love.”

CORRECTION: The Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota LPP advertisement featured in the May-June 2017 issue had a misprint in the legal settlement figures.

It has been rectified and printed on Page 147 (inside back cover).

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RAJINDER S. SAHOTA PARTNER

SONNY S. SIDHU SENIOR ASSOCATE

HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN SETTLEMENTS & TRIAL VERDICTS SURREY OFFICE #1-10318 Whalley Blvd. Surrey, BC V3T 4H4

Tel: 604-416-0173 | Fax: 604-416-0174

ICBC EXPERTS $1,750,000 ICBC VERDICT

$6,005,000 MED MAL SETTLEMENT

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$13,000,000

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$1,061,224

CHILD ABUSE SETTLEMENT

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$1,131,325

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PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT

$1,634,841

$1,995,449

TM JULY/ ICBC SETTLEMENT ICBC SETTLEMENT AUGUST 2 017

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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