DARPAN - March/April 2019

MARCH / APRIL 2019

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

JAGMEET SINGH:

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BETTER 7 SIGNS THAT MEAN YOU REALLY NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE

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ope you all are having a fantastic year so far. Spring will be here soon and the cold, chilly weather will be gone – in short, better days ahead!

To keep you company during the bright, beautiful days ahead is our March/April 2019 issue.

On the cover is ace footballer Sukh Chungh. The top-ranked offensive lineman recently signed a major deal with the BC Lions for the next three years. Chungh’s play and impressive accomplishments has caught the eye of the media, players and coaches alike.

Chungh has been the subject of a fair amount of buzz in the city among football fans. Both hardcore and casual BC Lions fans have taken notice of his signing and are anticipating a big season for the team. Not only will fans appreciate a local kid coming back home to play for the team, Chungh is also an important representative of the South Asian community.

His achievements in the sport have made him a role model on and off the field among young kids interested in football, especially among the South Asian community. We look forward to his success as part of BC Lions’ fierce team.

We have two main features this issue. Marking International Women’s Day which falls on March 8, our feature on egg freezing sheds light on what the concept is and why women are opting for it lately. In today’s world, as more and more women are pushing marriage or childbirth to their 30s or 40s, egg freezing has become an ideal solution for those wanting a family later on in life. An infertility and egg freezing specialist shares inputs on three main aspects related to the method to help us understand it better.

Another delightful feature is on the contribution of pets to our development. Research states that animals can provide us with a new lens with which to view the world, or perhaps the ability to express ourselves, both through them and to them. The human-animal bond is no new phenomenon, with approximately 60 per cent of Canadians owning pets. From the young to the old, pets offer an array of contributions on both an individual and familial level.

We hope you enjoy reading the March/April issue and have a great season ahead! Share your thoughts with us by writing to editor@darpanmagazine.com or posting your comments on our social media pages.

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JAGMEET SINGH:

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BETTER 7 SIGNS THAT MEAN YOU REALLY NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE

MARCH/APRIL 2019 PUBLISHERS

Garima Goswami

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

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EDITOR

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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 2019 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

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102 COVER STORY

2019

CONTENTS MARCH | APRIL

SUKH CHUNGH

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER’S REACTION 10 DARPAN’S 10 SPOTLIGHTS 12 Roman Basran 16 Team 4549B 22 Aaron Mangat

76 RECIPES

Chef Anjum Anand

82 HEALTH

Maintaining Bone Health

86 FITNESS

Budget-friendly Fitness

88 BEAUTY

Going for the Glow

60 SALUTES

90 STYLE

74 YOUTH COLUMN

92 FASHION SPOTLIGHT

102 HOME

Your Guide to Wood Flooring

106 WEDDING Nav and Parb

110 ACTIVITIES

86

Budget-friendly Spring Activities in Vancouver

112 TECH

Travel-friendly The Wearable Technology Tech Trends

Dr. Sakena Yacoobi: Championing Women’s Education

Gaurav Gupta

The Importance of Community Engagement

Carole James

LIFESTYLE

115 TRAVEL

Paris - Tu Est Magnifique!

Raghavendra Rathore

64 NEWS IN PICTURES 142 GLOBAL INDIANS Jacob Rajan

144 HOROSCOPE

BUSINESS PROFILE 52 Rada Beaute Academy

115

146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS Meet the Rana Family

16

ENTERTAINMENT 134 BOLLYWOOD Bollywood Mania

138 HOLLYWOOD Summer in March?

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54 FEATURE Egg Freezing: A Simple Guide

69 FEATURE

Change your Life for Better

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120 Inf Q50 3.0t SPORT 124 Maserati Levante S 128 Porsche Cayenne S

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132 Jaguar XF

37 FEATURE

DARPAN Awards 2019 Nominations Open

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40 EXCLUSIVE

Jagmeet Singh: New Leader in Town

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2019

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Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

PRAISE FOR MAGAZINE

INSPIRATIONAL

I read your magazine regularly and really enjoy learning about the accomplishments of our community. – Ronnie Bains

YOUTH

TODAY

Re: Hello Ronnie, thank you for writing to us and

OF

for supporting our work. Our aim is to proudly present the good work that our community members are involved in. I hope you enjoy this issue.

– Editor

AISHWARYA ROSHAN | SUKHMEET SACHAL | ERIC BASRAN | NAITIK MEHTA ROCHELLE PRASAD | ABHAYJEET SACHAL | JASNEET NIJJAR

Thank You for the over-whelming response to our Youth Special Cover Story!

Wow!! Love this!! So proud of all you youngsters..making such a positive impact on your peers and the future generation!! Keep it up..rise & shine even more!! God bless u all (sic) – Jyotika Jasuja/ Facebook Had the opportunity to share my story along side some epic humans! Thanks Darpan Magazine for giving us the opportunity. (sic) – Rochelle Prasad/Facebook The Singh Sachal brothers continue to be recognized for their efforts to create a better world. Sukhmeet Singh gets recognized for his humanitarian work and Abhayjeet Singh as an activist for global change on the Cover page of Darpan Magazine! (sic) – Harpreet Singh/Facebook Good job guys! I will Love to read your incredible stories! (sic) – Amrit Bhatti/Facebook

Great job kids! (sic) – Jaswinder Sahni/Facebook Definitely feeling inspired (sic) – Ayna Arora/Facebook Congratulations to the proud parents and Sachal Brothers...(sic) – Raja Iqbal Singh/Facebook

Youth in action true success (sic) – Dharbinder Singh Bob Dhaliwal/Facebook Congrats, it is indeed a proud moment for all of us :-) (sic) – Apoorv Lamba/Facebook Great inspirational youth (sic) – Kuldeep Bedi/Facebook Congratulations to you all Proud parents (sic) – Usha Sharma/Facebook We need youth like all of you in this picture! (sic) – Sukhy Dhillon/Facebook

Congratulations to all on the Cover. Like father like sons. Parents are patterns Zile Singh Wow amazing congratulations so proud of them God bless them with all the success and happiness always (sic) – Monica Sobti/Facebook Seaquam Secondary's Abhay Sachal, was identified as an Inspirational Youth in Darpan Magazine(January/February 2019) edition. (sic) – Delta School District/ Facebook

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Ladakh is truly inspiring. It is people like her who contribute in making India a better nation while providing a better future to the young generation of the country. – Editor

I picked up a copy!! Great job guys! Congrats (sic) – Dupinder Kaur Saran/Facebook

Traditional ways don’t work with youth. Education is the only way. (sic) – Rashpal Singh/Facebook

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Re: Yes, Ranjan, Sujata Sahu aka the Iron Lady of

You guys are ideal in every respect (sic) Manjeet Kaur/Facebook

Proud of you kiddos...you are the real gems (sic) – Harpreet Kaur Sital/Facebook

MARCH / APRIL 2 019

What a great article on Sujata Sahu in the last issue.

Her work is so inspiring. – Ranjan B.

Congratulations, proud of our youth. (sic) – Balraj Mann/ Facebook

Great kids. Credit goes to parents too who give them such great values (sic) – Malinder Kaur/Facebook

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More From Our Social Feed The effort of our Founder @sujatasahu n d successful impact #17000ft is creating is being recognized around the world-Sharing an article of @darpanmagazine, that was published in their Salutes section that highlights social initiatives by individuals in SouthAsia! We are elated! (sic) – 17000 ft Foundation Throwback to South Asian media pioneer Darpan Magazine for their coverage on Hopwired Festival 2019.

They're a great bunch of people and we're so grateful for putting the time in to tell people about our little event! (sic) – Hopwired Festival presented by Espressotec and CFOX News at 6 co-host, Anita Bathe, recently spoke with Darpan Magazine about her career and shining a light on crucial community issues. Check out the article below! (sic) – CBC Vancouver Love this colour series. Gorgeous looks. Wedding industry idea time (sic) – @vivamantrafilms

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DARPAN’S 1 How has your role as Finance Minister benefited the province’s economic sector?

and empty home owners who were benefiting from skyrocketing prices want to keep the status quo.

But our government is committed to tackling the crisis, and I continue to hear from people each and every day who support our approach.

British Columbia is thriving and we’re working to ensure this economic success continues.

We have the strongest economy in Canada, the lowest unemployment rate in the country and the highest wage growth in a decade. We’re strengthening our economy through investments in child care and affordable housing, making sure people can afford to live in the communities where there is work, and supporting parents to return to the work force by delivering affordable, quality, accessible child care. We’re also delivering on the largest infrastructure investment in B.C.’s history, building the roads, bridges, schools and hospitals people need, and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

2 What is the most challenging part of

creating a budget?

7 The tax affects retired British Columbians who built homes with their hard-earned money and now are unable to enjoy their retirement at their own will. Also, they can’t afford to pay the tax with no ongoing income. What is your comment on it?

CAROLE JAMES

BC’S MINISTER OF FINANCE

The greatest challenge in creating a budget is prioritizing the many needs after over a decade of neglect. These problems won’t be fixed overnight, but we’re taking decisive action to fix the problems left at ICBC and BC Hydro, while balancing the budget and investing in the schools and hospitals people need. We are working hard to ensure all British Columbians can live a good life and break free from the cycle of living paycheque to paycheque. That means putting money into people’s pockets by reducing taxes for middle-class British Columbians, eliminating tolls on bridges, eliminating interest on B.C. student loans and investing in families with the new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit.

pockets. The net result is that a family of four making $80,000 will be paying up to 43% less a year in taxes than they did under the last government.

3 What was the main focus of the 2019

5 The speculation tax comes into action in

An entire generation of young people have been left without hope of ever owning a home.

The speculation and vacancy tax is key to tackling the housing crisis to ensure that people can find a place to call home.”

B.C. Budget?

2019. Why was there a need for such a tax?

Budget 2019 is about making life better for people who live and work in British Columbia.

By introducing the new B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit, the Province is returning thousands of dollars to middle-class families each and every year. Over a childhood, the benefit means up to $28,800 for families with a single child and this figure can easily surpass $40,000 for families with two children. And, by eliminating interest on all B.C. student loans, the Province is helping people access post-secondary education.

It means that young people will be able to start their careers and their families off without the burden of ever increasing debt.

We have a housing crisis on our hands. The former government let speculators fuel the housing market and the results have been devastating for British Columbians. An entire generation of young people have been left without hope of ever owning a home. The speculation and vacancy tax is key to tackling the housing crisis to ensure that people can find a place to call home. We’re encouraged that prices are starting to moderate and vacancy rates are beginning to ease, resulting in more rental units for people.

4 What aspect of the budget do you think

For years, people have been asking government to tackle the housing crisis and tax speculators and empty home owners who are driving up the cost of housing. We’ve taken action to make housing more affordable for people who live and work in B.C. From day one, polls have shown that an overwhelming majority of British Columbians support our approach and support the Speculation and Vacancy Tax. It’s no surprise that speculators

British Columbians will be most thankful about?

The B.C. Child Opportunity Benefit will be life changing for hundreds of thousands of British Columbians. Between this new benefit and our decision to fully eliminate MSP premiums, we’re putting thousands of dollars back into people’s

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

6 There has been a negative response

regarding the speculation tax, what kind of feedback have you heard on it?

TM

I’m happy to let you know that’s not true. All B.C. homeowners can claim an exemption for their principal residence – the home they live in. So we’re really talking about people with multiple vacant properties in urban areas – like Metro Vancouver – facing the greatest housing crisis. These aren’t retirees we’re talking about, but rather people who have sought to take advantage of our overheated housing market. We’re focused on making sure that people who live in B.C. can afford to own a home here.

8 Will the ministry be making any amendments on the speculation tax based on the feedback received?

The legislation includes an annual review process with the mayors of communities in the taxable areas – so that’s our chance to sit down and ensure an ongoing conversation. Our goal is to help moderate the housing market so that the people who live and work in B.C. can afford a place to call home.

We’re happy to see that the Speculation and Vacancy Tax is doing just that with prices moderating for detached homes, townhouses, and condos, especially in Metro Vancouver.

9 Do you think the speculation tax will threaten or overshadow the good work the NDP government has done so far?

Absolutely not. It was a core part of our platform, a product of the hard work of some of the best academics and other experts in the country and is part of why so many British Columbians voted for us. Our housing plan – including the Speculation and Vacancy Tax – is working. We’re seeing the overheated housing market moderate just like people want. And I’m cautiously optimistic that people are starting to feel relief. We have shown that putting people first is the responsible thing to do.

10 What do you think is the permanent solution for the existing real estate crisis?

Our government’s solution is to curb demand and increase supply. This crisis needs to be addressed from both sides or we won’t see true affordability in our province. That’s why in addition to the tax measures we’ve implemented, our plan includes building 114,000 affordable homes. In just this first year, 17,000 homes are built or underway. This crisis didn’t happen overnight and it won’t be fixed overnight either, but our government’s plan is working.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

ROMAN BASRAN A GOALIE ACHIEVING GOALS

with the best GAA and best SAV% in the entire tournament.

“I knew I had to just get out there season, his stats are and make my mark. It was an 17-15-2 with 2.90 GAA and a honour and a privilege to wear .905 SAV% while also saving that jersey for my country,” 100 per cent of the shots he recalls the Delta native. has faced in shootouts.

Roman was selected in the Roman is in his second third round of the 2016 WHL year with the team and has Bantam Draft by the Kelowna even been noticed on the Rockets. Ever since that moment, national level. Roman was he had always dreamt of getting selected to the Canada a shutout in his first game.

Black team of the 2018 That dream became a reality last World Hockey Challenge season as Roman made his first U17 tournament. His play was career start and also won that outstanding as he finished game with a miraculous

BY HARJAN PADDA

R

oman Basran is on a mission and nothing is going to stop him from being part of the National Hockey League (NHL) ahead.

The 17-year-old has come into his own as one of the top goalie prospects in hockey with the Kelowna Rockets.

After making his debut at just 16 years old last season, he has taken the reigns of the starting goalie for the Western Hockey League (WHL). This

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

The 17-year-old has come into his own as one of the top goalie prospects in hockey with the Kelowna Rockets.

DARPAN

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38 save shutout. Roman recalls how “it was a surreal experience. I knew my game was good enough and just carried that confidence through the game.” He was very thankful of the opportunity to get that start as a 16-year-old.

The young goalie’s great start last season was put in jeopardy as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the offseason. This is a significant injury for athletes and it took six months for Roman to get healthy again. “I fought hard to come back, and I owe my training staff a lot of credit for their world class help in rehabilitating me,” he shares.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT After making his debut last season, Roman has taken the reigns of the starting goalie for the

PHOTOS: MATTHEW MURNAGHAN/HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES, MARISSA BAECKER/SHOOT THE BREEZE

Western Hockey League.

14

This season, his stats are 17-15-2 with 2.90 GAA and a .905 SAV% while also saving 100 per cent of the shots he has faced in shootouts.

According to the NHL Central Scouting Rankings, Roman is the 11th ranked goalie prospect in North America. Some draft projections sites rate him as a third or fourth round draft pick in the upcoming NHL Draft here in Vancouver. Roman discusses how “you do hear things or see things about draft projections, but I just try to keep my head straight and focus on my game and do what I can to keep getting better.” He is always grateful for these opportunities and is looking forward to see what’s in store for him in the summer with the upcoming draft.

MARCH / APRIL 2 019

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

success as they took me to my games and practices and supported me throughout my entire childhood.” It was a family effort in the Basran household.

Roman started playing soccer as a kid but he had a sudden There have been some change of heart watching the Punjabi hockey players Canucks play when his grandpa entering the NHL, but none booked season tickets and took him to the games. He reminisces have been goalies. Roman how “Roberto Luongo was my can become a role model favourite player and ever since I for any young Punjabi player saw him play, my main who is inspired by his goal in life was to journey. “Its amazing for the community, I am starting to see become a goalie just like him.” more young Punjabi goalies Roman’s mother, in the youth leagues which is Roop Johal, sadly really great to see.” The star passed away this athelete knows his main focus past summer.

There is to be the best goalie he can be but the chance to be a is a scholarship in person that young Punjabi kids her honour called can look up to is certainly a honoured responsibility.

Roman holds a high level of love and respect for his family as he would not be where he is without them.

He illustrates how his parents “were a huge reason for my

DARPAN

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the Roop Johal Memorial Scholarship, created to assist children in pursuit of youth hockey across Canada. Roop’s belief was that every child deserved the same opportunity to excel regardless of their circumstance.

She volunteered countless hours through different hockey organizations to support youth hockey. For more information on the scholarship, visit https:// ca.gofundme.com/roop-johalhockey-scholarship.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

THE FUTURE OF ROBOTICS

Ritam Singal “I wish to continue with robotics because its principles are and can be applied in fields other than engineering such as military and medical. Robotics opens up doors to endless opportunities and that is why I want to stay close to robotics.”

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

In early March, the team won the BC provincial championship; they were named Tournament Champion and Robot Skills Challenge Champion, and won the Excellence Award. The team will soon be taking part in the World Championship in Kentucky, Louisville in USA. Presented by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, VEX is a competitive event where teams of students he future of robotics in are tasked with designing Surrey looks promising. and building a robot to play At the recently-held against other teams in a gameVEX Robotics Competition based engineering challenge.

(VRC) at Port Moody’s Heritage Classroom STEM concepts Woods Secondary, Enver Creek are put to the test as students Secondary’s senior robotics learn lifelong skills in teamwork, team (4549B) ranked first in the leadership, communications, world in programmings skills. and more. “Tournaments are The team was also declared held year-round at the regional, tournament finalists and won state, and national levels and the Inspire Award. 4549B culminate at the VEX Robotics team comprises of five grade World Championship each 12 students – Arsh Jassal, April,” informs Enver Creek’s Ritam Singal, Madhurjot Sohi, teacher and robotics team Ali Waraich and Jashan Virdi.

T

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Arsh Jassal “The Inspire Award means that we, as a team, have gotten to a position where we can pass on advice and support younger teams starting their journey into the world of VEX Robotics, which itself is an accomplishment.”

coach, Reuben Heredia.

The Enver Creek Robotics program is a Semester 1 course for grades nine to 12 students. Once the semester ends, students have the option to continue working on robotics through the afterschool club.

“We currently have five teams, three

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TEAM 4549B

Enver Creek Secondary’s robotics team, comprising of Arsh Jassal, Ritam Singal, Madhurjot Sohi, Ali Waraich and Jashan Virdi, ranked first in the world in programmings skills at the VEX Robotics Competition.

of which are completely new to robotics and four of which have qualified for provincials in their first year,” Heredia adds.

For the competition, 4549B team have spent between 10-20 hours per week designing, building, coding and testing their robots since September 2018. “After each tournament, they chat about what worked, what did not, and what they should change for the next tournament, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of the

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Jashan Virdi Jashan is leaning towards a career in Biomedical Engineering, “It is the best of both world’s – engineering/robotics and the sciences. I would be able to pursue my passion for sciences and keep that passion for robots alive as well.”

using Excel which makes incompetition alliance selection decisions effortless. As the system takes many variables into consideration, it saves time, as well as computes reliable information, which has equipped us to form winning alliances Madhurjot Sohi competition after competition,” explains Arsh, who is also co“Not only do I love robotics, director of the Science 4 Youth but I will get to be involved in Club and Vice-President of the the fastest developing career Students’ Council. field. I also want to bring my Ritam Singal, 4549B’s lead expertise to make innovations programmer, was always in the field in robotics. I will interested in engineering, and make this a reality and one robotics was one way to develop day change the world.” that interest. “The problem-solving aspect of building, designing and programming a robot keeps me engineering design process. gripped.” Ritam enjoys spending All these steps over the course time after school and at home of the past seven months add developing his programming up to the robot that scored the abilities to make the team’s robot high programming score,” says better. “With my expertise in Heredia, who has been involved programming, my team was able with the Robotics team for the to achieve the number one spot last five years. in the world out of more than Arsh Jassal is mainly in charge 10,000 teams this year,” he of the thorough documentation shares. of the project. During each Madhurjot Sohi was always competition, he led scouting. interested in building new objects.

“In addition to my work with With the robotics program Enver the design process, this year Creek, he was able to future I created a scouting system enhance his ability to innovate

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while competing at the world stage. He is the lead designer and builder on the team; he developed the robot using computer-aided design to ensure the build goes smoothly. “I am also the driver on the team, ensuring I push the limits of the design,” adds Madhurjot, who is also member of the Air Cadet program and working towards his pilot’s licence.

Ali Waraich “It is tough to be ranked 1st out of 1000s of teams worldwide.

To me, every time we win an award or achieve a high standing it shows that our hard work is paying off and it tells us that we are representing our community and city in a great way.”

Ali Waraich recalls that he first heard about robotics through his friend who had an older brother involved in robotics. “I was attracted to the robotics program because of my friends and being able to work in a team environment while also exploring the world of STEM.” As a designer and builder for 4549B, Ali helps in building the robot and determining what design can be used to effectively compete at competitions. “I take pride in helping our team come up with ingenious designs, such as our original “puncher” design which led us to qualify for the Vex World Championship last year.”

Jashan Virdi states that for him and others in the program, robotics is like a safe haven, a home away from home. The passion for robotics existed in him since he was a young boy. “Seeing TV shows, movies about robots, increased my passion for the field.” His main job as a drive team member of 4549B is to keep count of the score and time during the match. “This ensures we know how to play the remaining period of that particular match. Some matches we may be losing and knowing by how much allows us to make decisions that allow the match to turn into our favour,” explains Jashan.

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The team is extremely thrilled winning the No.1 ranking and Inspire Award. “Ranking 1st is a pleasant reminder of how we’ve set new standards for ourselves, as well as the growth-filled journey we’ve been on for the last few years. Similarly, the Inspire Award means that we, as a team, have gotten to a position where we can pass on advice and support younger teams starting their journey into the world of VEX Robotics, which itself is an accomplishment. Being mentors to the younger members is a rewarding experience, and we’re honoured to be recognized for it,” expresses Arsh. Ali adds that it is “tough to be ranked 1st out of 1000s of teams worldwide. To me, every time we win an award or achieve a high standing it shows that our hard work is paying off and it tells us that we are representing our community and city in a great way.”

Heredia mentions that 4549B earned the award for their outstanding work within the community. “In December, they engaged in community outreach by presenting their Robot to 4/5th graders at Chimney Hill and they met up with 7th graders from Broookside at a “Robotics meet and greet”. Furthermore, over the past two months, they’ve been helping out students at Frank Hurt Secondary with their new robotics team.”

Madhurjot and Ritam are keen on making a career in robotics. “Not only do I love robotics, but I will get to be involved in the fastest developing career field. I also want to bring my expertise to make innovations in the field in robotics. I will make this a reality and one day change the world,” says a determined Madhurjot. Ritam aspires to study computer engineering ahead. “Since I am interested in technology and artificial intelligence, I will most likely be in the field of robotics. I wish to continue with robotics because its principles are and can be applied in fields other than engineering such as military and medical. Robotics opens up doors to endless opportunities and that is why I want to stay close to robotics.”

Jashan on the other hand, is leaning towards Biomedical Engineering, which will help him continue his interest in robotics. “It is the best of both world’s – engineering/robotics and the sciences. I would be able to pursue my passion for sciences and keep that passion for robots alive as well.”

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT Know your niche, and build your portfolio by doing many different shoots in that realm,” advices Mister Supranational Canada 2018.

in Communications, so he went in with a particularly laidback mindset. “I figured if I didn’t get anything from this, I wouldn’t be disappointed, however if anything did come from it, it would just be a bonus and something to be grateful for,” he recalls.

After initial screenings with the agent, before Mangat could even grasp what was happening, he was on his way to Toronto for Top Model Search Canada 2017, where he was signed by an agency right out of the competition itself.

AARON

MANGAT

BY JASKIRAT SAHNI

MODELLING HIS WAY TO SUCCESS

A

aron Mangat, a 28-year old model from Vancouver and Mister Supranational Canada 2018, is a great example of what it means to chase after your dreams and pave your own place in a new industry.

He believes his modelling journey first started due to timing, luck and pure miracle. Although modelling was something brand new and a bit of a chance experience for Mangat, his involvement with sports since childhood, including competitive

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soccer and track and field, made fitness a natural transition for him in adulthood.

A couple of years ago, Mangat came across an advertisement for Top Model Search Canada, which was held in Toronto each year.

Scouts were also hosting open casting sessions in Vancouver for a few days. Mangat’s friends encouraged him to audition, as they were going to do the same. At that time, Mangat already held a degree

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Mangat did experience his fair share of challenges and obstacles during the initial years of his modelling career, as he was a complete outsider to the business. “It looks much more glamorous than it is, that’s for sure,” the talented model says admittingly. For instance, there is quite a bit of job competition that always exists, such as when travelling to casting calls hoping to be booked for a job against more experienced models, or models represented by strong agencies. Even once a job has been booked, the challenges continue, as you now need to meet the requirements of the designer. This can be “quite stressful and a lot of pressure is given to you as you are expected to be as perfect as possible,” adds Mangat. Physical shape must be worked on prior to each assignment as well, so that you make sure not to disappoint the designer with any incorrect measurements as advertised by you.

Ensuring you live up to the expectations is crucial for the possibility of future opportunities and collaborations.

Mangat believes his agency really deserves credit for taking good care of him and helping him get off the ground in the initial stages of his modelling career. “They helped me make the right connections and guided me in the right direction.” What really helped Mangat with getting the ground knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry was his experience being part of Los Angeles Fashion Week in the Fall of 2017. This was the time he realized how rewarding modelling can be when you keep pushing to work harder and become better, and learned that “one’s

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

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career path and where it goes is essentially in your own hand (but with a bit of luck, of course).”

When asked about one of the best moments in his career so far, Mangat immediately states it is winning Mister Supranational Canada 2018, and representing the country in Poland on the biggest, televised international male pageant in the world. “No moment beats this.” The competition was held in Toronto, and consisted of a swimwear physique round and a portion based on how models conducted interviews. Mangat proudly shares, “Coming in first place for having the best body was something I had already set my mind to do well in, and I did, which felt amazing. That said, personally, winning and actually competing in Poland for Canada was something that I can’t even put into words still because it felt like it was almost all a dream!” This exposure led to fully sponsored invites to compete in many other international competitions later that year, and many people started to recognize him and follow his journey back home.

His advice for those interested in modelling is to first know what you are getting into, do your research, and build a good portfolio that can display versatility, ultimately making you more marketable when looking for an agency to sign you. “Know your niche, and build your portfolio by doing many different shoots in that realm,” advices Mister Supranational Canada 2018.

Finally, Mangat reflects on his journey to where he is at today, and says it has been gradual and stepby-step. “In life you never know where you go and which roads life will take you down before spinning you into another direction altogether. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to take a chance on something, especially if it is something that you are willing to fully dedicate your life to, for a period of time. Sometimes there is a great life experience waiting for you if you just take a real chance at pursuing a goal, passion or dream,” he concludes.

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COVER STORY

BY HARJAN PADDA

The ace footballer turned his passion into a successful career at a young age. He has already established himself as one of the best in his position and looks to further his reputation by helping win a championship for BC Lions.

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SUKH CHUNGH

READY TO ROAR

“The team with the most interest was BC, my hometown. It just made perfect sense to come back home, play for the hometown team and start this next journey.”

T

he sport of football is meaningful and treasured in the history of sports in Canada.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has been around for 61 years and counting. There are not many South Asian athletes who make it in this league, save for some talents like David Sidoo and Bobby Singh.

The next South Asian CFL star to watch out for is Sukh Chungh.

The top-ranked offensive lineman recently signed a major deal with the BC Lions for the next three years. Chungh’s play and impressive accomplishments has caught the eye of the media, players and coaches alike.

Sukhjivan Singh Chungh was born and raised in Port Coquitlam, BC. He grew up playing high school football at Terry Fox Secondary School before going to play for the University of Calgary. From there, Chungh was selected with the #2 overall draft pick in the 2015 CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He played for four full seasons with the Blue Bombers. He maintained excellent health by playing in 69 of Winnipeg’s 72 games in that time. A man 6’4” tall and weighing 300 pounds, Chungh’s towering presence has led to his

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COVER STORY

“Even though I was a big kid, it was hard to get on the field. As I got older, I kept applying the fundamentals to my work from the weight room and went from

PHOTOS: A MASTER MEDIA, COURTESY OF BC LIONS, SUKH CHUNGH

there.”

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reputation as a mauler who can lead a rushing attack, while also sustaining stable pass protection.

Chungh has been a rock on the offensive line for Winnipeg; he started at Guard for all four seasons. The ace player finished first in the league for total offense and rushing yards in 2017 and 2018, with him holding strong in the interior offensive line. Not only were these team results positive, but Chungh also obtained some major individual accolades for his work in the 2018 season. He was selected as both a CFL West Division All-Star as well as the coveted Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) All-Star. Chungh remains very humble about these awards as he notes that he is a “product of his environment” and the team is what makes these awards possible.

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The CFL award is finalized by media and coaches who choose the best players of each division. The CFLPA awards are arguably more prestigious as these are voted on by the players of the league; the winners are not just the best in their division but the best in the entire league.

Chungh appreciates these accolades, especially the CFLPA honour. “It really meant a lot that the players who played with me and those around the league noticed me and my game.” The news of the all-star selection was a dream come true.

As a kid, Chungh played soccer.

However, he soon shifted to football after spending a lot of time in the weight room. While recalling his young days, the South Asian star mentions that he “was always a bigger kid growing up.

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COVER STORY “It’s going to take some time, but we are not all young players, we are hungry veterans eager to work together. Everyone is very excited with the direction of the club. Everyone knows what’s at stake, we are here to build a winning culture.”

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My dad and my grandpa were great influences for me to hit the weight room.”

From that point on, Chungh was on a path to the CFL as he developed physically. As someone who joined the sport late, he was fighting from behind just to get on the field.

“Even though I was a big kid, it was hard to get on the field. As I got older, I kept applying the fundamentals to my work from the weight room and went from there,” explains Chungh.

In just a matter of three years, Chungh went from football novice to someone who could make an impact in football. His time at the University of Calgary also

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taught him that the key to success lies in discipline, and he has lived by this rule ever since. After a successful university career, Chungh had his sights set on the CFL and went into the draft as a highly touted prospect.

Winnipeg gave Chungh the opportunity to start from day one. Ever since they drafted him, he has excelled with flying colours and he will always respect the association and the team for what they did for him. However, after this last season he was eligible to hit the open market as a free agent. After a dominant season with individual accolades to boot, he certainly garnered a

serious amount of attention from around the league.

Chungh made the decision to enter free agency where all the pieces fell in place for his next move. Joining BC Lions was the ideal option, “The team with the most interest was BC, my hometown. It just made perfect sense to come back home, play for the hometown team and start this next journey.” With this move, Chungh is elated that he can now live in BC yearround as opposed to his prior arrangement of Winnipeg during the season and back home during the offseason.

Being closer to friends and family was certainly a big draw for the lineman.

The BC Lions have a big season ahead of them.

The team has not made the Grey Cup since 2011 and have struggled mightily in the playoffs for the past five years.

General Manager Ed Hervey is in control for his second season with the club, and brought in DeVone Claybrooks to be the head coach of the team.

Together, they went into this offseason looking to refresh the vast majority of the roster, and have made some big moves to indicate a strong push in

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COVER STORY

Top 5 things about Sukh Chungh 1. Speaks fluent Punjabi 2. Has a Bachelor’s degree in communications (University of Calgary) 3. Played for Team World and beat the USA in 2012 IFAF World Championship 4. His favourite athletes are Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan 5. His favourite teams are the LA Lakers and Vancouver Canucks

Chungh has a vital message for the youth in the community and beyond: “Do what you love to do. Don’t just do what someone tells you; find a passion that drives you. It’s just so much easier to show up to work when you love what you do.” the upcoming season. Chungh is very enthusiastic about the move, “Ed and DeVone have a message for everyone to come together and accomplish our goals.

Everyone knows what’s at stake, we are here to build a winning culture,” says BC Lion’s newest player.

This CFL offseason involved a significant number of key contributors for teams hitting the open market. Many

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teams have dealt with turnover but none more than the Lions who had the flexibility to be aggressive in free agency and used this to rebuild the team and become a threat in the West. “It’s going to take some time, but we are not all young players, we are hungry veterans eager to work together. Everyone is very excited with the direction of the club,” Chungh remarks. The team is slowly coming together but adding a major player like Chungh definitely has the BC Lions pleased with where they are in terms of rebuilding the roster.

While Chungh is a major signing for the team, another big acquisition this offseason was signing quarterback Mike Reilly to a massive contract of four years. Protecting Reilly was BC Lions’ top priority once they signed him, and with that, their focus shifted to Chungh.

Seen as a mauler with sound technique, Chungh fits perfectly with this offense and gives the Lions a high-profile protector to add to their stable offensive line. The CFL is a pass predominant league; Chungh knows that “with clean pockets, he can tear up the field. We are going to be an explosive team with a strong air attack, TM

so I need to make sure I can give him the time he needs.” Shifting from the power run game of Winnipeg to a stronger offensive emphasis on throwing the ball, the start athlete knows that the key is to develop his pass protection ability and he aims to refine those skills and make that another major strength to round out his game.

The offensive lineman is an incredibly important position. The offensive line for a team, made up by two tackles, two guards and a center can make or break a team. When discussing his goals for the season, Chungh stated that “while there aren’t many stats for offensive linemen, my goal is to celebrate in the endzone as much as possible and end games with wins.” A grounded Chungh doesn’t let any individual award sights detract from his goal of team success for the season.

The offensive line had been a weakness for the Lions for years, but now, this dream team could push them over the top and into the Grey Cup race.

Chungh has been the subject of a fair amount of buzz in the city among football fans. Both hardcore and casual BC Lions fans have taken notice of his

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signing and are anticipating a big season for the team. “I didn’t expect to see this much hype over a guard, but I am grateful of the opportunity to shine for them,” comments the lineman. Not only will fans appreciate a local kid coming back home to play for the team, Chungh is also an important representative of the South Asian community. “Being in Vancouver there’s a very relatable community.

I have friends and family here. I am thrilled to bring the representation to the game,” Chungh proclaims. When asked about the possibility of a South Asian night, the BC footballer did reveal that plans are in the works, and it will truly mean a lot for him and his team to represent the culture on the big stage. Chungh points out that he sees more young Punjabi kids playing football now than before and finds it “truly amazing to see these young kids in our community joining the sport and attempting to make an impact.” It would not be surprising to see more South Asian kids at the game this year as Chungh makes his mark with the BC Lions.

Being a man of a big size and stature, Chungh knows the importance of a good workout schedule and the required athleticism for the game. Each week, Sukh fitness schedule includes “lifting 3-4 days with 2-3 days of running. Every morning I wake up, eat a healthy breakfast and get to training. Over the years I [have] learned about what my body needs and work on what I need to improve.”

He has transitioned from a heavy powerlifting focus to a more functional training approach.

Outside of the game, Chungh is a sports fan who just loves watching any sport he can

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in his spare time. He also likes to grill and barbecue and is very good in the kitchen.

His other passion comes from spending his offseason in Vancouver. “I love being outside, [and] love the nature. Between the mountains and the water, [it] can’t get better than that. It’s a beautiful province.” Chungh also shares that he has become an avid hiker and recommends it for those looking for a relaxing and physically healthy adventure.

The Port-Coquitlam native is also an active member in the community and looks forward to furthering these efforts here in BC. “I love to work in the community and spread my word, share my story. I am excited to be part of the plans in the community.”

Chungh’s achievements in the sport have made him a role model on and off the field among young kids interested in football.

His work ethic and professional development is something all South Asian kids can learn from. Few South Asian athletes have the level of individual honours that Chungh has, and the success he has achieved from his journey is certainly meaningful.

Chungh has a vital message for the youth in the community and beyond: “Do what you love to do. Don’t just do what someone tells you; find a passion that drives you. It’s just so much easier to show up to work when you love what you do.” Chungh turned his passion into a successful career at a young age. He has already established himself as one of the best in his position and looks to further his reputation by helping to win a championship for his hometown team.

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2019

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN This year is special for DARPAN Awards as not only is it the 10th Anniversary of the event but it also marks 10 successful years honouring and encouraging the contributions of the South Asian community.

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he nominations for the much-awaited 10th Annual DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards are now open. Taking place September 13, 2019, at Aria Banquet and Convention Centre in Surrey, the Red Carpet rolls out at 6 pm and will welcome more than 900 people comprising of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland’s top social and business elite in the South Asian community.

This year is special for DARPAN Awards as not only is it the 10th Anniversary of the event but it also marks 10 successful years honouring and encouraging the contributions of the South Asian community.

Recognized as the pre-eminent South Asian event-of-the-year, the spectacular Awards gala will honour ten remarkable individuals within the South Asian community who embody the spirit of community and believe in giving back through their own avenues in an effort to build a better society.

The event features an influential keynote speaker, local celebrities, sensational entertainment, and gourmet food and beverages. If you think you or someone you know rightfully deserves this title, log on to www.darpanmagazine.com to drop in a nomination.

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian entrepreneur BREAKING BARRIERS Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian who is breaking a new barrier and achieving a milestone ADVANCING PHILANTHROPY Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian in many charitable ventures HERITAGE DEFENDER Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian in overcoming adversity to represent South Asians SPIRIT OF SPORT Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian athlete YOUNG WONDER Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian young person in academia and community initiatives INTERNATIONAL SENSATION Extraordinary achievement of a South Asian on a global scale

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BANKING ON A GREAT EDUCATION

The drive to learn while he earns led Kim Banh to Douglas.

By Anasuya Kesavan

k

im Banh’s first lesson in financial planning was at home with his single mom, who worked at a fast-food joint to support three children.

“Throughout high school and college I was working to help my mom,” says Kim Banh. “Money was always very tight.”

The financial struggles at home did not stop him from dreaming of getting a university degree and a steady career.

When it came time to pick a post-secondary institution, Kim chose Douglas because he wanted maximum return on investment and a straightforward path to university.

“I always wanted to study at UBC or SFU,” he says, “but, I had to balance the cost and my work hours. I chose Douglas because the cost of tuition, class size and university transferability were very appealing.” Kim took the Douglas College-SFU dual-degree program and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from SFU. He says the oneon-one time with instructors at Douglas helped him do well in his courses.

“Getting access to instructors is very important in the initial years. Douglas is a close community, and it’s easier to reach out for help.”

Despite a busy work-school schedule, Kim started volunteering as a Student Ambassador, which refined his skills in public speaking, event planning and marketing.

One thing led to another as Kim took on the role of Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Douglas Student Life. He says it gave him the confidence to give presentations to large audiences and taught him negotiation and teambuilding skills. It also helped him find a part-time job as a Financial Planner.

“My education and experience at Douglas College has given me the knowledge, skills, confidence and poise to deal with all sorts of clients,” says Kim. “I really do owe a lot of my success to Douglas College, my instructors and the mentors that I’ve met here, and the friends that I’ve made.”

Today, Kim is a confident young banker, with a full-time job as a Financial Planner at RBC Financial Planning. At some point, he plans to get an MBA. He offers this advice to students who want to excel in their studies – and in life: “You can’t get anywhere without working hard. Keep your grades up. Get involved and volunteer in the community.”

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

When I was younger, I could have never imagined that someone who looked like me could become the Prime Minister. I knew it would be a big challenge, but there was never a hesitation because there is a need.�

Jagmeet Singh

NEW LEADER IN TOWN 40

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EXCLUSIVE Former criminal lawyer, human rights activist and now leader of Canada’s New Democrat Party, Jagmeet Singh brings forth a powerhouse of energy as the first minority-based leader of the third largest party in Canada.

BY NAINA GREWAL

C

anada prides itself on sentiments of diversity, acceptance and multiculturalism. Be it in the arts, business sphere or political landscape, strong leaders continue to emerge from various backgrounds and skillsets. Former criminal lawyer, human rights activist and now leader of Canada’s New Democrat Party, (NDP) Jagmeet Singh, brings forth a powerhouse of energy as the first minority-based leader of the third largest party in Canada, truly reflecting how times have changed.

When asked of his initial reaction to becoming the NDP leader, Singh describes the experience as incredible and expresses his gratitude and humbleness, having gained the trust of Burnaby South’s people.

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EXCLUSIVE

People across Canada are far more similar than they are different. We want to take care of each other, which gives hope that we can do good. As the second largest country in the world, you can see how immense this is. We lift each other.”

The only poll that really matters is the one on election day.”

Photos: Courtesy of Jagmeet Singh, Canada's NDP/Flickr

– On recent polls where NDP ranked third

42

Singh recalls having fallen in love with the Lower Mainland upon his first visit during a trip while attending Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Coincidentally, his first political tour after marriage was also in Vancouver, and his wife, Toronto-based designer, Gurkiran Kaur, immediately fell in love with the city. “We moved 4,500 kilometers, so it’s a pretty profound thing,” describes Singh, thanking his family for pouring their heart out into campaigning and door-knocking.

Undoubtedly, the opportunity has been a life-changing one.

MARCH / APRIL 2 019

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

As the first turban-wearing Sikh to sit in the legislature of Ontario, Singh continues to uphold a vision to build a better Canada with love and courage. After becoming the face of the campaign, he does recognize that every step in the journey is a huge responsibility, “When I was younger, I could have never imagined that someone who looked like me could become the Prime Minister. I knew it would be a big challenge, but there was never a hesitation because there is a need.” Singh brings up the need to put pressure on the

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government and importance of placing emphasis on the right priorities. He outlines three issues that are not only at the forefront of his campaign, but also central values to himself personally:

Housing Singh has seen this issue come up all over the nation in different forms; some provinces lack availability, while some provinces have prohibitively expensive options. He defines that as a massive crisis, affecting people of all demographics, income levels and circumstances.

Singh proposes, “I want us to build cooperative, non-market, affordable units, which have now stopped at the federal level.”

Health Care After providing coverage for millions of Canadians that do not currently have it, Singh wishes to expand health care into a fully comprehensive package and fill the gaps, covering areas such as dental care and eye care. “When we have millions of people who can’t get medicines, things get severe, which is costlier and time consuming. People who could have managed their illness are not able to afford it. When conditions get extreme, it becomes hard on the health care system and results in longer wait times for the public,” explains Singh.

He plans to bring back the currently reduced funding on health care to deliver solid service.

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EXCLUSIVE

One of the things we saw when the PM got elected is, ‘We are going to give him a chance.

He should be better than Harper, so there is hope.’

However, the allegations have shown that the PM and PM office is more concerned about helping a powerful friend rather than Canadians, raising the question of whose side are they on.” – On SNC Lavalin

Environment Singh dreams of transforming Canada into a green economy that benefits more people, asserting that wealth today is concentrated into less hands. A greener economy results in more people benefitting with increased opportunity, much like the digital disruption that was brought about by the Internet revolution.

Singh claims, “I reject the notion that it is either jobs or the environment.

We can create an economy that creates jobs and fulfills the mission.”

Singh pinpoints the challenge of showing people that there is a better way. People often get caught

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up in a two-cycled choice between the Status-Quo of the Liberals and the Conservatives, who have an on-yourown approach; it is vital to communicate the existence of a third possibility – a party that is willing to tackle the tough issues. When asked about the historically tough-to-win business community, Singh maintains that he fundamentally believes in a stark difference between small, medium and big corporations.

In his view, smaller businesses should flourish and reduce red tape, which he has ideas for. At the same time, large corporations should be contributing their fair share to ensure that the business community thrives overall.

When asked of his opinion on polls

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where the NDP seems to be lagging, he clearly responds, “The only poll that really matters is the one on election day.”

On another note, Singh communicates that he is not worried at all about the exits of relatively incumbent NDP leaders, but is excited by the entry of new minds into the party. Rather, he positions that the Liberals have more of a problem, with ministers resigning because they are questioning the competency of the Liberal government. Speaking on the related issue of the SNC Lavalin scandal, Singh states, “One of the things we saw when the PM got elected is, ‘We are going to give him a chance.

He should be better than Harper, so there is hope.’

However, the allegations have shown that the PM and PM office is more concerned about helping a powerful friend rather than Canadians, raising the question of whose side are they on.” Singh voices

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that the government is more interested in saving their own skin and own jobs rather than focusing on what people need.

As the youngest party leader in Canada, Singh feels proud to be tackling issues that Canadians care about. For him, his age is an advantage as it gives him the opportunity to connect with millennials and better understand issues such as student debt, housing and employment. That said, Singh understands that words must be turned into action, “We can propose things that get people excited, but it is a challenge getting them motivated enough to vote. As a country, we need to encourage people to vote.” However, Singh has utmost confidence in his team, leadership capabilities, and campaigning, as portrayed in the Burnaby South byelection victory.

Having travelled from coast to coast, Singh recalls having seen both distinctly different communities with unique challenges and as well as those with comparable ones. His travels serve as a catalyst of encouragement for Singh, as he shares his excitement on all that the country can build together, “People across Canada are far more similar than they are different. We want to take care of each other, which gives hope that we can do good.

As the second largest country in the world, you can see how immense this is. We lift each other.”

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BUSINESS PROFILE

RADA SARN SIDHU FOUNDER, SALON PICASSO

Learn from the Best

RADA BEAUTE ACADEMY BY

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Photos: A Master Media, Salon Picasso

T

he Hair and Makeup industry has always fascinated everyone and influenced a variety of trends.

Lately with the rise of Instagram and other social media tools, the industry has gotten a major boost worldwide. In today’s time, hair and makeup is not only about making you look good, it is about self-care, inner happiness, confidence and educating oneself on the latest tricks and products that can enhance your life. It is seen as another form of creative and visual art.

With the dream of blending hair, beauty and art together, Rada Sarn Sidhu founded Salon Picasso in 2003 at Abbotsford.

Rada was introduced to the profession by family friends; she was fascinated with the work and demands of the industry and got instantly hooked. She got herself a certified degree in the field and gained practical experience at a local salon to further her stand in the industry. Today, Rada is the proud founder of one of the top hair and beauty salons in British Columbia. “We are providing and meeting all our client’s beauty needs at the current standards of the industry. Salon Picasso caters to both Western and Ethnic customers,” says the beauty guru who has over 20 years experience in the Hair and Makeup industry.

Equipped with the latest, award-winning techniques and backed with a team of industry experts, Salon Picasso offers a wide range of services: haircuts, colouring, colour corrections, extensions, waxing, up-dos, makeup, and bridal packages.

The exceptional customer service and creativity exhibited by Rada and her team has won them many awards in makeup design, styling and colouring as well as international recognition. “I have won 14 awards in my long beauty career and continue to compete and challenge myself everyday,” reveals Rada.

What sets Rada above the rest of the professional beauty experts in the region is her desire to share industry knowledge and methods to interested individuals. With this desire in mind, the talented artist opened Rada Beaute Academy at Salon Picasso in January 2018. “As a little girl my dream was to be a teacher and I am now fulfilling that dream through the academy as an instructor and beauty advisor.”

Programs offered at Rada Beaute Academy Pro Hair Design and Makeup Art Program This course is offered to students who hold a professional certificate on cosmetology and are interested in advancing their skills in the growing beauty industry.

To be an educator, Rada juggled full-time work, family and studies to acquire a professional certification as an instructor.

The Academy is open to anyone aged 16 and above, with or without any experience in the beauty industry. “We have courses for beginners and experienced professionals,” points out Rada. The Hair Design and Makeup Art Programs combine comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training, led by award-winning instructors.

The Academy setting is designed to teach students the depth of the beauty industry, facilitating essential skills and techniques necessary to excel in beauty, advance hairstyling, makeup, bridal, fashion, television and editorial styling. The program is 90 hours split into 45 hours of Makeup Artistry and 45 hours of Hair Design, instructed over four, one week sessions. Upon completion, a student will have gained in-depth knowledge,

efficient, beauty artists,” shares Rada.

The response rate towards the programs offered at Rada Academy has been tremendous and the results have been outstanding.

“The overwhelming number of requests to share my knowledge and experience humbles me. Because of my amazing success as a salon owner and director, I have been able to develop the Academy, with the dream to inspire the same passion and success in a new generation of artists.

I have taught several classes practical skills, the start of over the recent years and I one’s professional portfolio and love every minute of it!” a certificate that qualifies the If you are interested in the student to work as a freelance Hair and Makeup profession Hair and Makeup artist. “We and are seeking first-rate are engaging with our students education, then Rada Beaute and helping them one-on-one Academy is your ideal choice. so that they succeed in their Call Salon Picasso today careers. Their success means for information on various the school is succeeding. I programs and registration. want to give our industry more

The Academy setting is designed to teach students the depth of the beauty industry, facilitating essential skills and techniques necessary to excel in beauty, hairstyling, makeup, and bridal, fashion, among others.

45 Hour Hair Design Freelance Artist Pro Program This specialized course on hair design covers basic to elaborate hair curling, styling and pinning techniques. You will learn and develop skills to prep hair for any desired hairstyle, while learning hairstyling procedures on a variety of hair types to work with your clients in achieving the perfect look.

45 Hour Makeup Art Freelance Artist Pro Program This specialized course on makeup artistry covers daytime casual soft glowing to glamorous evening makeup techniques. You will learn fundamental makeup methods step by step, gaining knowledge of all skin types. With our clear and hands-on instruction, you will acquire expertise in foundation application, highlighting and contouring, including concealing the under-eye area and unpigmented skin.

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DARPAN FEATURE

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

In plain terms, egg freezing is a strategy for setting aside a woman’s best quality eggs of today, for potential use at a later time in life.

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Egg Freezing: I

A Simple Guide

n today’s world, as more and more women are pushing marriage or childbirth to their 30s or 40s, egg freezing has become an ideal solution for those wanting a family later on in life.

Dr. Niamh Tallon MB BCh BAO, FRCSC, an infertility and egg freezing specialist at Olive Fertility Centre, states that egg freezing has become more important to women as they are deferring attempts at pregnancy; waiting to meet their life partner, complete career or academic goals, or for a more financially stable

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scenario. She defines egg freezing, also known as human oocyte cryopreservation, in simpler terms as a “strategy for setting aside one’s best quality eggs of today, for potential use at a later time in life.”

Natalie Grunberg, CEO and Founder of Pantybypost. com, decided to freeze her eggs via Olive Fertility at the age of 37. “I froze my eggs because I wanted to preserve my fertility or have kids on my own. I had not yet met a man I wanted to marry or have kids with,” shares the 42-year-old who is now married and mother to

an 8.5-month old. Today, like Grunberg, a lot of women are opting for egg freezing to safeguard their dream of having a family someday. “I highly recommend egg freezing to any women closer to 35, so you have more success. It’s a big step to pick a mate for life, and this way you know that if that’s what you want, you can also add a babe to the mix,” says Grunberg.

The goal of egg freezing is to increase a woman’s chances of having a baby in her later years and to overcome any fertility challenges that may arise then.

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We consider the greatest increase odds of achieving success beyond your own chances, comes with freezing eggs younger than 30 years old and using them when older than 40 years old,” states Dr. Tallon.

“We consider the greatest increase odds of achieving success beyond your own chances, comes with freezing eggs younger than 30 years old and using them when older than 40 years old,” states Dr. Tallon.

She further notes that the number of eggs frozen also determines the likelihood of success. “We can contrast 10 eggs frozen from a women under 38 years as having a 50% chance of a live born baby, to 5 eggs conferring them a 25% chance of a live birth when using these eggs at any future age.”

To better understand the method, Dr. Tallon shares inputs on three main aspects related to egg freezing:

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Benefits of egg freezing: Egg freezing allows a woman complete autonomy and full ownership of her eggs She does not require a commitment to choosing a sperm donor She can freeze her best quality eggs Allows time for decision making and life plans

Myths on egg freezing: Freezing your eggs confers a guarantee of pregnancy in the future:

The more eggs frozen and from a younger age brings you a higher probability.

You should only consider freezing your eggs under the age of 38 years:

You could consider > 38 years once you understand the overall odds for success as being lower.

Most women freeze 20 eggs at a single cycle:

It is age and individual dependent.

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It is very important for clear discussion and understanding that no single egg freezing cycle carries a guarantee of leading to a pregnancy in the future.

The process of egg freezing The process is easy, starting with a fertility assessment to ensure you are a candidate.

Some preliminary blood tests and an ultrasound are arranged to estimate your own ability to make multiple eggs grow. This is important to know ahead

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of time, as your future chance of having a baby is based upon your age at freezing eggs and the total number of mature eggs frozen.

From initiating treatment, eggs are often harvested within 10-12 days. In this time, most women work and carry out their normal daily activities with minimising exercise. The commonest

side effect is bloating towards the end of treatment as the ovaries become enlarged with many eggs maturing.

Monitoring growth of the eggs is required with quick visits for ultrasounds and blood work on three to four occasions over this time. The procedure itself is approximately 15 minutes long. The eggs are frozen using a technique known as vitrification, which suspends the egg safely in a cryoprotectant. This allows for the highest chances of eggs surviving freezing and thawing.

Who should consider egg freezing?

Egg freezing is most beneficial to women who know they want children.

It is primarily used amongst those unwilling to consider

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2018.

The process is easy, starting with a fertility assessment to ensure you are a candidate.

Some preliminary blood tests and an ultrasound are arranged to estimate your own ability to make multiple eggs grow. imminent pregnancy and when they are unwilling to proceed alone, as a single parent. For women who want more than one child, egg freezing will allow them the possibility of extending their family size beyond one to two children. When starting a family later in life, you are less likely to have more than one to two children.

Many women attempting conception with advanced age will face infertility and require treatment like in vitro fertilization using their own eggs or possibly using donor eggs, from younger eggs with inherent better quality.

Some younger women already have a reduced lifetime supply of eggs due to past exposures to chemo-radiotherapy or surgery, a medical condition causing the loss of their eggs or due to a strong family history of early menopause. Freezing eggs is often a relief in these scenarios, where the risk of running out of eggs is much greater than in the general population.

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Effects of egg freezing To date, there is no clear evidence that egg freezing negatively affects women.

It is very important for clear discussion and understanding that no single egg freezing cycle carries a guarantee of leading to a pregnancy in the future. The biggest limitation of egg freezing comes with the finite number of eggs and not knowing if there is a genetically normal egg present to bring a live birth. The common physical side effects of treatment are self limiting and resolve within one to two weeks after the egg retrieval process.

The risks of this procedure itself are very low (<1%) but include bleeding, infection and ovarian torsion or twisting of an ovary.

Some women will have a lower

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than expected response despite initial testing results and this can leave women concerned for potential infertility in the future. Overall, these patients feel more positive about the process as they are doing something pro-active.

If considering egg freezing, women can ask for a referral from their general practitioner for a fertility assessment or discussion of fertility options.

As per Oliver Fertility rates, Dr. Tallon informs that the cost of a single egg freezing cycle is approximately $7,000 and yearly storage is $300.

As per data collected at Olive Fertility, there seems to be a growing awareness about

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egg freezing among women.

“Between 2013 and 2017, the number of consultations per year had increased by 400% and we have seen more than 2,000 women for the purpose of a fertility assessment.” shares Dr. Tallon.

Grunberg agrees, “There is more awareness because of more women like me sharing their stories, plus more people in general deciding to be proud of their experience and openly sharing.” She mentions further that there are many factors today that make it more and more important to get smart about one’s fertility. “Saving your eggs before your 35 is an investment in making your family come true. No one is going to do it for you, you have to make choices yourself and be empowered for it.”

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AIL has supported more than 80 underground home schools for more than 3,000 girls in Afghanistan.

According to AIL, more than 16 million Afghans have benefitted from the organization’s education and health programme.

DR. SAKENA

YACOOBI

Championing Women’s Education

By GARIMA GOSWAMI

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W

hen Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, CEO of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), was awarded the 2015 WISE Prize of Education, she redefined the fate and future of women across Afghanistan. As a crusader for women’s education, Dr. Yacoobi is campaigning to reform an education system crippled by previously imposed Taliban sanctions. Her organization, AIL, initially established to empower women and communities with education and health services, has expanded to include human rights programmes, leadership training courses, and free legal services for the underprivileged. By employing unique grassroots specific strategies, AIL has been able to serve hundreds of thousands of women and children each year.

It was an encounter with the Taliban a few years ago that pushed Dr. Yacoobi’s work out to the masses and drew prominent global attention towards her work and the dangers that individuals such as Dr. Yacoobi are exposed to. While Dr. Yaccobi was at a school one day, a group of armed men raided the education facility. “Of course, I thought they were going to kill me,” she tells media, “but I wasn’t scared. With the help of God, I stayed calm and defended myself, telling them how the Quran states a woman’s right to an equal education.”

A 1990 Taliban-imposed ban prohibited females from receiving a formal education under the Taliban-controlled region, leaving a large part of the population aloof to rights and privileges.

Dr. Yacoobi was doing her Masters in the United States when the ban was announced but returned immediately after. “When I was over in the US, Russia invaded Afghanistan and suddenly I became a refugee. My family were refugees at home, so I had a rough life trying to study, get

Dr. Yacoobi is campaigning to reform an education

“Your Home Is Where My Heart...”

system crippled by previously imposed Taliban sanctions.

Her organization, AIL, initially established to empower women and communities with education and health services, has expanded to include human rights programmes, leadership training courses, and Photos: Afghan Institute of Learning - Creating Hope International/Facebook

free legal services for the underprivileged. scholarships and jobs to support myself all the while worrying about my family.” Dr. Yacoobi tells media. “I went to the UN and fought for my rights, for my family’s rights and was able to sponsor them to come to the US.” Since the ban, AIL has supported more than 80 underground home schools for more than 3,000 girls in Afghanistan. More than 16 million Afghans have benefitted from AIL’s education and health programme. A revised curriculum proposed by the AIL has also been adopted by state-run institutes across the country. “I have dedicated my life to promoting the importance of education because I really believe it is the only way to bring peace,” Dr. Yacoobi said in a media interview.

“Conflict is the result of ignorance.

International governments spend billions of dollars on weapons – just think what that money could do if it went towards education.”

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Dr. Yacoobi was honoured in 2017 with the Sunhak Peace Prize and the Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education in 2016. She is also a recipient of the Opus Prize, Kravis Prize and Gruber Prize.

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of 1,000 women for the

Dr. Yacoobi has six honorary doctorates from various institutions such as Princeton University.

She was honoured in 2017 with the Sunhak Peace Prize and the Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education in 2016. She is also a recipient of the Opus Prize, Kravis Prize and Gruber Prize.

She is a Skoll Social Entrepreneur, Schwab Social Entrepreneur, Ashoka fellow and was nominated as one of 1,000 women for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr. Yacoobi serves on a number of boards and panels including, New Global Citizens, the Advisory Council for the Center for Social Impact Learning at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and is a former board member for the Global Fund for Women.

She is an advisor to the Fetzer Institute, and is a member of the US-Afghan Women’s Council.

Before founding AIL, Dr. Yacoobi was a professor at D’Etre University in Detroit, Michigan, and was Coordinator of the Women’s Programs for the International Rescue Committee in the Afghan refugee camps in Peshawar, Pakistan.

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Ashton College Graduation Ceremony On November 24, 2018, Ashton College celebrated the achievements and success of their graduates at the biannual Graduation Ceremony. The event was even more remarkable as Ashton College was celebrating 20 years of delivering career ready education to Canadians. Over 276 students have completed programs in various professional fields at Ashton in the second half of 2018. At the beginning of the ceremony, Ashton College’s President, Colin Fortes, congratulated all the graduates and wished them luck ahead. Every year Ashton College acknowledges the best performing students and faculty members for their high academic achievements, outstanding personal qualities and perseverance in meeting their goals.

This year special awards were also given by Ashton College’s long-term partnering organization – AURAY Capital, the leading Canadian immigration consultancy firm offering support in investment programs. One more award was given by the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants to a student who demonstrated perseverance and commitment to his studies.

Giving Hearts Gala raised $200,000 for Langley’s ER Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation, in association with Foundation Board members Balraj Mann and Manjit Gill, hosted over 300 guests at a new fundraising event, Giving Hearts Gala. The event, of which BM Group was main sponsor, provided a substantial fundraising boost for Emergency Response, the campaign to build a new Emergency Department and MRI Suite at Langley Memorial Hospital.

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2019 Celebration of Care Gala Surrey Hospital Foundation’s 2019 Celebration of Care Gala: To Surrey With Love, raised funds to transform their Operating Rooms with new technology and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Over 600 of the city’s corporate and philanthropic leaders enjoyed a cocktail reception, fine dining, incredible live and silent auction packages, and dancing.

Govinda Aala Re rocked Surrey Indian film industry’s Hero No. 1 Govinda graced the people of Surrey with a fabulous show, titled Govinda Aala Re, organized by Aamar Dhillon of DreamZZ Media Group Inc. Govinda was accompanied by his wife Sunita, daughter and actress Tina Ahuja, and singer Minoo Singh. Their performances to hit Bollywood songs had the crowds whistling and dancing in enjoyment. Govinda won people’s hearts when he sang some of his favourite songs and danced to superhit tracks with wife Sunita.

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PLEA’s 16th IMLD Celebration Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) had a very successful International Mother Language Day (IMLD) celebration at Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus on February 23, 2019. This year’s celebration had a very strong focus on student participation. The attendees enjoyed and appreciated the work of students displayed at the celebration.

14 students from various schools presented beautiful recitations of poems, short stories, songs and essays speeches in a very impressive manner.

Photos: Sukhwant Singh Dhillon

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Metro Vancouver Premiere of My Name Was January in Surrey The Metro Vancouver Premiere of the multiple international award-winning local indie doc, My Name Was January, was held at SFU Surrey in the Westminster Savings Lecture Theatre on February 28, 2019. A panel discussion followed the screening which included producer and cast member Alex Sangha, directors Elina Gress and Lenee Son, and cast members Velvet Steele and Natasha Adsit.

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7 signs that mean you really need to make a life change

M ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vinay Saranga M.D. is a psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry. For more information, visit sarangapsychiatry.com

any people are focused on creating goals at the beginning of the New Year.

But for some people, there are signs that making a change shouldn’t just be a fun annual ritual, but is in fact really necessary. What should you look for?

Here are seven signs that mean you really need to make a life change:

BY VINAY SARANGA M.D.

1

You are always thinking of what could be

If you constantly find yourself thinking how life could be better or about things you wish you could do but aren’t able to right now, this is a sign you need to make a life change.

It’s one thing to think about things you would like to do; however, it’s something very different when you catch yourself obsessing about these things, becoming depressed because you can’t do these things right now and it just totally consumes you.

You need to sit down and have an honest discussion with yourself and figure out what changes you need to make to move closer to being able to do these things.

If you constantly find yourself thinking how life could be better or about things you wish you could do but aren’t able to right now, this is a sign you need to make a life change.

ChangeYour Life For Better 2

You are “the glass is half empty” person

If you always find yourself thinking the worst, expecting things to go wrong, not believing you are worthy of great things in life, then you need to make a change in your life. You can start by reading some self-help and personal development books on selfesteem and confidence. Try getting around more people who have an optimistic attitude about things. If that doesn’t work, consider counselling or seeking out help from a trained therapist or mental health professional.

3

Not living life in the present

Some people are stuck living life in the past or are always trying to figure out the future.

We all think about the past and future from time to time, but never spending anytime in the present moment is unhealthy and holds you back from growth, fulfillment and personal success. If something is bothering you from your past, make it a goal to bring closure to it this year. If you are worried about the future, realize that some things are out of your control and that making good choices and living in the present will help lead to a better future.

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4

You are living for other people

One of the biggest indicators that it is time to make a change in your life is when you are living for other people and not yourself. This is more common than you think. Make it a goal this year to let go of the approval of other people. Ask yourself: what do I really want for my life? What will really make me happy? Follow your heart and don’t worry about other people. If they truly love you and care about you, they will support your goals and dreams.

5

Nothing feels genuine

Some people just kind of fell into their life path by accident and have never been able to escape. Although things might not be all that bad, life just doesn’t feel authentic and genuine. You know deep down what it is you want to be doing, and it’s time to sit down with yourself and figure out how you can move closer to doing these things.

6

Every little thing bothers you

We are all bothered by certain things from time to time, but does it ever feel like every little thing bothers you, especially things that shouldn’t? This could be as simple as needing to lighten up and find more joy in life to more serious mental health conditions like depression.

Start practicing mindfulness and trying to change your reactions. If this doesn’t help, seek help through a mental health professional.

7

Dr. Karim Kanani

Dr. Diya Chadha

You constantly feel anxious and depressed

Any symptoms of anxiety and depression should always be taken seriously, even if they seem minor. We all experience occasional anxiety and feel blue from time to time, but if it doesn’t go away, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder or depression. Reach out to a mental health professional and get help.

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animals, helping in the healing of people. Surely, pets can come with designated therapeutic roles such as physical rehabilitation, impairment assistance, and condition detection.

Most importantly, however, pets are companion animals that add value to one’s quality of life. Long-time bird owner, Parabjot Kaur shares a simple thought behind the reason for a fluffy entry to her house, “I got my bird because I felt like it would be fun to have a non-human living at our house.”

Ironically, it is precisely this element of not being human, yet having life, that becomes the foundation of a powerful bond.

A Poweful

Bond

BY NAINA GREWAL

How Pets Contribute to our Development

T

he Hare and the Tortoise, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears – we have all grown up telling tales through the voice, eyes or perception of animals. Animals can provide us with a new lens with which to view the world, or perhaps the ability to express ourselves, both through them and to them. The human-animal bond is no new phenomenon, with approximately 60 per cent of Canadians owning pets.

From the young to the old, pets offer an array of contributions on both an individual and familial level. A friendly fin, paw or claw can go a long way in defining a person.

Veterinarian Himani Kundlas points out that pets are now considered therapy

Dr. Himani Kundlas Veterinarian

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According to Rustin Moore, DVM, PhD Diplomate ACVS. Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, even in situations of homelessness or domestic violence, people will not give up their pets. Simply put, pets are good for our physical, emotional and mental health.

From a physical standpoint, pets get us moving! For example, dog owners are reported to have a decreased risk of heart disease given that they have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as dogs require daily physical activity. Some studies show that babies who are exposed to an atmosphere with pets have a lower likelihood of developing allergies

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and generally develop a stronger immune system.

Gurbaz Singh, new owner of a German Shepherd dog, puts forth his experiences, “Dogs demand responsibility and constant energy. It isn’t just the daily walking, but also the need to socialize him with other people and dogs, in addition to playing with him so that he’s engaged in activity.”

Moreover, pets are shown to reduce anxiety and regulate stress, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The sole act of caring for another life – one that is wholeheartedly accepting of you the way you are – provides a sense of fulfillment. Many people even talk to their pets as a way of self-healing. Pet owners are known to have lesser experiences of isolation and loneliness,

The human-animal bond is no new phenomenon, with approximately 60 per cent of Canadians owning pets. From the young to the old, pets offer an array of contributions on both an individual and familial level. A friendly fin, paw or claw can go a long way in defining a person. which not only soothes the owner, but also the pet.

Veterinarian Dr. Hakam Bhullar, while previously sharing his story of practice in Canada, references his love for animals and the healing power they possess as the central driving force behind his passion for his career.

Of course, pets also showcase sadness when owners are upset and happiness when owners reflect joy. Dog trainer and breeder, Kuldip Singh Takhar, shines light on the inherently protective tendencies of dogs, “Upon sight of unfamiliar people, dogs often bark to depict protection – of their property, yard, and owners.”

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Tips on looking after your pet better

1

Train your pet if they require it.

This will provide safety to those that interact with your pet and your pet itself.

2

Ensure that your pet’s food suits their nutritional needs and avoid giving your pet food that may harm them. Food safe for you may not be safe for your pet. Make sure your pet is also getting plenty of water.

Pets are shown to reduce anxiety and regulate stress, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The sole act of caring for another life – one that is wholeheartedly accepting of you the way you are – provides a sense of fulfillment.

Kuldip Singh Takhar Dog Breeder & Trainer

Interestingly, pets are also catalysts of social engagements with other people. Asking about someone else’s pet can often be a great conversation starter, igniting new connections, and strengthening existing ones. “My budgie is not only mine. In fact, my entire family loves her unconditionally.

Whenever she does something funny or new, everybody in the family notices.

This brings us closer because we share our budgie’s new habits with one other,” says Parabjot. Pets make it easier for us

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to reach out to others around us, in situations that might otherwise prove to be not as invitational.

As pets help us become better versions of ourselves, it is just as equally important for us to dutifully fill our roles as owners. This begins with extensive research and an evaluation of whether you are equipped with the finances, time, energy and resources to provide a life for your pet that allows it to thrive, not just TM

3

Clean your pet and their surroundings. It is important to clean out all enclosures, toys, food bowls and washroom destinations.

Groom your pet as well; professional services are available if you do not feel equipped.

4

Regular vet visits should be a practice for all pet owners, inclusive of timely neutering/ spraying and access to basic vaccinations. It is essential to get routine checkups and take preventative measures, much like you would yourself.

5

Develop a relationship.

Give your pet undivided attention and time; affection and warmth are important for their development.

survive. The need to match the right pet with the right owner should not be underestimated. Takhar brings up the three Bs when making a decision: (a) breed selection that fits your lifestyle, (b) a breeder that is reputed/ certified, and (c) a budget that ensures a registered dog. Further, Dr. Kundlas encourages people to adopt pets rather than purchasing them. As you then go on to train and teach your new friend, you’ll soon realize that, along the way, they’ve taught you more!

Values you can learn while looking after your pets:

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Discipline and routine Dogs require a lot more discipline and care.

They require scheduled walks to relieve themselves and gain the adequate amount of exercise needed to stay healthy. They require to be fed the amount and times per day as recommended by their veterinarian. Owning a dog causes the family members to discipline themselves towards maintaining a routine, to provide sufficient care towards their pet.

Responsibility Dog owners often find that their children will gain a special sense of responsibility when the chores concerning the care for the pet are divided. Walking, feeding, training, bathing, doctor appointments, etc. are all responsibilities that require a combined team effort from each family member and individual.

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Love and appreciation for living things

We often refer to our pets as the babies of the family, and our children then gain an understanding of how it is to take care of ‘someone’ more dependent than them in the household.

- Inputs by Dr. Hakam Bhullar

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Cats often do not display their emotions on their sleeves as much as dogs do normally. Therefore, cat owners are given the strong responsibility of actively caring for their pet and keeping track of its needs and enrichment.

From my own experience, I noticed that children do not fully understand the appreciation and love for all living things until they have had the opportunity to have a furry companion as a family member. Children learn to establish empathy and sympathy with other living things more easily.

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YOUTH SPEAK

three night camp, students are geared to participating in: skill building life workshops, community guest speakers, and are partnered with a life mentor.

Camp We Empower believes that change does truly start with us, and we need to be inspiring ourselves to empower the next generation. This camp has been running for four years, and has not only grown by population, but has made a positive difference in lives of more than 100 teens.

This youth for youth initiative is not just a camp, it has also opened up themed workshops that include: leadership and social justice, community engagement, STEM for STEAM, and leadership with music.

Besides offering workshops all over the world, Camp We also hosts a program called community 101 – a monthly event held on every fourth Saturday

BY ROCHELLE PRASAD of the month in Surrey. This is where or tarnished. On that note, there are a guest speaker is invited from the It’s important to note that, age does not matter when many organizations in the city that community, to give a TED talk and are not only improving the lives of debrief afterwards. With Camp We it comes to creating sustainable change in your citizens, but also promoting the act of Empower being one of the few youth community. In fact, our community, our world will not simply doing good. An example of this for youth non-profits in Canada, it change if ‘WE’ don’t do anything about it. is a youth for youth non-profit called, hopes to keep empowering the next Camp We Empower. generation to do good – both locally very since a young age, my parents Here’s Camp W.E.’s story: On and globally. and guardians have taught me a sunny Sunday afternoon, two One of my greatest accomplishments the importance of giving back – to friends were heading home after a is being able to found this non-profit, the place I call home. It wasn’t until I long weekend filled with conferences and inspire the next generation was 10 that I grasped the meaning of and workshops. They were talking to do good, through Camp We making a difference, and how small about how together WE can make a Empower. This is just the start for acts of kindnesses can create a ripple difference. If WE want our future’s our organization, and this is just the effect of positive change. It’s important to look brighter, WE have to train beginning for myself. I believe in the to note that, age does not matter the youth of today to be strong power of community, and the power when it comes to creating sustainable leaders and citizens. On that sunny of making a positive difference in the Rochelle Prasad is a third change in your community. In fact, our Sunday, the foundation of Camp lives of others. I hope, as our Camp We year SFU Political Science and Education student and community, our world will not change W.E. was formed. It has been four Empower journey continues, others is pursuing a career with the if ‘WE’ don’t do anything about it. years of Camp We and seven years of will join our movement in igniting United Nations. She is the Being engaged, specifically friendship, and they have never looked more sparks within the leaders of today founder of a youth for youth community engagement is an back. and tomorrow. Check out our website non-profit called Camp We important concept to understand, Camp We Empower is a leadership for how you can get involved: Empower. and to live out. What does this mean? camp aimed to empower the next www.campweempower.net Community engagement can be generation, through giving students defined as: acts of perusing happiness in grades eight to 12 the tools To contribute to this with the goal of building a better place needed in order to thrive in our column, please email us: to live in. No one wants to live in a community, while making a positive editor@darpanmagazine.com city where their future is uncertain difference. During this four day,

THE IMPORTANCE OF

COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT

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DARPAN RECIPES

Anjum Anand

Chef Anand was one of the first writers to create and write Indian recipes catering for the health-conscious cook. Her first book is Indian Every Day: Light, Healthy Indian Food.

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hef Anjum Anand has worked across the world in innovative restaurants such as Café Spice in New York, the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, and the Park Royal Hotel’s Indian restaurant in New Delhi, but her real love is delicious and stylish food that is simple enough to cook at home.

Chef Anand was one of the first writers to create and write Indian recipes catering for the health-conscious cook and her first book, Indian Every Day: Light, Healthy Indian Food, was published in 2003. Since then she has written six best-selling books on Indian Food; Indian Food Made Easy (2007) – which topped the Amazon best sellers list – Anjum’s TM

New Indian (2008), Anjum’s Eat Right for Your Body Type (2010) – which won an award in Germany – I Love Curry (2010), Anjum’s Vegetarian Feast (2012) and Anjum’s Quick & Easy Indian (2014). She also presented Anjum’s Spice Stories, a 12 part series, filmed in Australia and aired on SBS Food in 2016. Her latest book, I Love India, is a collection of the most delicious Indian recipes inspired by her visits to and experiences back in India. The stories, memories and recipes in the book reveal the vast range of techniques, spices and traditions that typify cooking and eating in India, making it much more than a cookbook.

In July 2011, Chef Anand’s longstanding business dream came true and The Spice Tailor launched.

The range of authentic, quality, at-home Indian cooking products started with a range of cooking sauces, which have been hailed as one of the most significant product innovations in the World Foods category in the last decade, rivalling restaurant quality dishes.

Photos: Martin Poole, Jonathan Gregson, Courtesy of Anjum Anana

Chef

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DARPAN RECIPES

The apricots are poached in saffron and rose and they slightly remind of fruity gulab jamun.

Preparation • Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place greaseproof paper on your baking tray.

I like to put a little oil underneath so that it stays in place as you spoon the pavlova on to it.

BY CHEF ANJUM ANAND

Saffron & Rose Poached

Apricot Pavlova Ingredients

Makes 8 individual or one large one

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• 250 g caster sugar (plus 1 tsp for cream) • ½ tsp white wine vinegar • 8 fresh apricots • Large pinch saffron • 2 large pinches dried rose petals or rose essence to taste • 1 cup sugar • 2 cups water • 300 g double cream • 4 tbs proper Greek yoghurt (it should be very thick) • 6 tbs pistachios ground plus a good handful for garnish

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• Form six equal-sized small round meringues on the baking sheet. I like them rounded and quite natural-looking. Place in the oven, turn the temperature right down to 120°C and bake for 80 minutes and remove from the oven. Set aside. This can be made a day in advance.

• Half the apricots and remove the seed.

• 4 egg whites (medium-large fresh eggs)

love this dessert, the meringue can be made the day before, the fruit and syrup can be done the day before or earlier in the day and all you need to do is whip the cream and put it all together. It is also a really impressive dessert and is truly delicious. I have poached the apricots in saffron and rose and they slightly remind me of fruity gulab jamun. You can make this as one large one or smaller individual ones.

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• Place the whites, with no traces of yolks, into a clean whisking bowl and whisk until the eggs reach soft peaks. Add the sugar one spoon at a time, whisking all the while and continue whisking until the sugar has dissolved and the meringue is glossy. Add the vinegar and after a few beats, add the ground pistachios and stir it in by hand.

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• Meanwhile, bring the water and sugar to boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the saffron and rose petals. Simmer for a few minutes and add the apricots. Poach until they are soft, for around four to six minutes. Take off the heat and leave to cool in the syrup.

• When you are ready to eat, whisk the cream and extra sugar until it just holds its form. Stir in the yoghurt.

• Spoon over the meringues and top each with two to three halves of the apricots and a little syrup over the top. Sprinkle over the remaining pistachios and serve.

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DARPAN RECIPES

Serves 6

BY CHEF ANJUM ANAND

Hyderabad-style

Chickpea Biryani Ingredients

Serves 6

• Vegetable oil as needed

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• Large pinch of saffron soaked in 4 tbs hot milk

biryani is definitely one of India’s most elegant and elaborate party dishes.

This one, based on a Hyderabadi version, is as delicate as any other biryani where the rice is as important as the protein. Serve with a raita and if you feel like it, a vegetable side. I like to serve this with some pan-fried aubergines served with some seasoned Greek yoghurt and topped with some pomegranate, fresh coriander and mint.

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• 2 x 400 g cans boiled chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 2 small-medium onions, finely chopped • 4 fat cloves garlic, grated into a fine paste (around 2 good tsp) • 1 good tsp ginger paste • ¼-½ tsp red chili powder or to taste • 2 tsp coriander powder

For the seasoning:

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Chopped coriander for garnish • A large handful of crispy fried onions

For the rice: • 2 tbs ghee • 400 g Basmati rice • 750 ml water • 5 cloves

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For the chickpeas:

• 2 tsp cumin powder

• 1”cinnamon MARCH / APRIL 2 019

• 2 small onions, finely sliced

• 20 g butter

• 5 green cardamom

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• 1 dried bay leaf

• 2 tsp garam masala powder • 4 tbs plain yoghurt • 2 medium tomatoes, roughly cut up • 3 tbs each chopped mint and coriander

Preparation For the rice: • Wash the rice really well in several changes of water or until the water runs clear. Leave to soak.

• Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil and the ghee in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan which has a lid. Add the whole spices and cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic.

• Add the onions and half a teaspoon of salt and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, then turn the heat up and cook until golden. Meanwhile, drain the rice and add it into the golden onions. Stir well over a high heat to dry off any excess water and coat the rice in the oil for about two to three minutes.

• Add your water to the pan, taste and season well.

The water should taste a little salty or the rice will be a bit flavourless. Bring to a boil then cover and turn the heat right down.

• Cook undisturbed for six minutes, taste a grain, it should be nearly or just done. Take off the heat and set aside, covered, for five minutes. Spoon onto a large open plate so it doesn’t overcook. You can use this pot for the final assembly.

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For the chickpeas: • Blend together the tomatoes and yoghurt. Heat three tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium-large sized saucepan. Add the onion with a good pinch of salt and cook until really soft then turn the heat up and cook until properly golden.

• Add the ginger and garlic and cook gently for 40-50 seconds or until the garlic smells cooked.

Add the powdered spices, seasoning with a splash of water and cook until the water has evaporated.

• Add the blended tomato mix and cook over a high flame, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and then reduces to a thick paste (this stops the yoghurt splitting). Now turn the heat down a little and cook until the paste darkens.

• Add the chickpeas and enough water to come half way up the chickpea. Bring back to the boil, taste, and adjust seasoning. Simmer for five to six minutes.

• Add the mint and coriander, taste and adjust seasoning. There should be some liquid in the bottom of the pan, if not, add a little boiling water or reduce to a watery curry.

To finish: • Break up the butter into cubes and place half on the bottom of your pan. Cover with half the rice, drizzle with half the saffron. Pour over the chickpea masala and top with the rice and then remaining saffron and butter.

• Cover with a tight fitting lid and place on a really low heat for 20-25 minutes or until it is steaming. You can leave this, off the heat, for 15 minutes now and it will stay hot.

• Spoon onto a platter and scatter crispy onions and coriander for garnish.

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DARPAN HEALTH

Living a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle will help keep your bones strong and healthy.

BY SUMEN SINGLA-GOYAL

element in the aging process however it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to add to the stress.

Living a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle will help keep your bones strong and healthy. Here are five key points to maintaining good bone health that also will help keep your health in check:

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iving a healthy lifestyle may sound overwhelming with so many different avenues of your body to care for.

Bone healthâ&#x20AC;Ś is that one more thing to consider?

Bone health is a very important

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Strengthening exercises Strengthening and light weight bearing exercises helps to improve stimulation to further bone growth and development.

Light resistance exercise is enough to activate the tendons and activate the bones.

Exercise is good for the body, mind and soul, as it releases hormones into the body and increases the blood circulation throughout the body to help keep our pump moving. A good exercise program is one that combines cardiovascular and strengthening exercises. Ask

your physiotherapist to help find the right combination for you. Different conditions call for different exercises, for example, weight bearing exercises are recommended for osteoporosis, while for osteoarthritis, low impact cardiovascular exercises.

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Nutrition A nutritious diet doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend more on your grocery list and longer time with your meal preparation.

Eating whole foods is one of the best ways to get the most out of your nutrient checklist.

Vitamin C, D, calcium, magnesium and even Zinc play an important role in bone health. Smoothies and salads are a great way to jam pack the nutrients into one meal.

Bone health is a combination of good nutrition and a healthy body weight. Antioxidants and nutrients help to prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of demineralizing of bones.

Proteins are another key component that helps with the repair process. All diets can meet their nutritional requirements with some simple diet modifications. Nuts, green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils are a great place to start.

Be sure to ask yourself before bed “have I had something from these groups today?”.

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Avoid excessive alcohol or smoking Smoking and alcohol consumption can reduce blood flow and increase the damage to underlying cells causing quicker deterioration.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is ensuring you are not too underweight or overweight.

Excessive smoking and alcohol can alter your metabolism making it more difficult to manage your weight.

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DARPAN HEALTH

Postural awareness

Managing risk of falls/injury prevention

Postural awareness is being mindful of the stresses and forces travelling through the body. One of the major causes of osteoarthritis is excess forces on a particular part of the joint from poor alignment and muscular imbalances.

Postural correction has no age limits however it is better if started early to prevent the effects of long-term strains on the body. Bone health heavily depends on the load it carries, and how it is being carried. A fine balance is noted between tight and weak muscles. Identifying the difference and correcting it is the key to success.

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Aging can cause some natural deterioration to bone density making it more vulnerable to fractures and injury. Lack of strength and flexibility can result in poor balance and altered gait patterns. Therefore, progressively working on a strengthening and stretch program can significantly reduce the risk of deterioration.

Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your bone health and ask what you can do to manage your concerns. Talk to your doctor about supplements that may be suitable for you. Physiotherapists specialize in movement therapy and can help you find an exercise program individualized just for you.

Bone health is a vital component of the aging process. It can be maintained by finding the right combination of a healthy diet and exercise program. The aging process is fascinating and is often taken for granted.

You may feel that you don’t need to worry about it till later because you feel young and healthy. Remember the best of cars still need regular care and maintenance so why would our body be any different. There is no age to caring for yourself; the key is consistency and making these changes a part of your daily routine rather than a task on your to-do list. Successful people encourage us to “keep the end result in mind,” so its time to be proactive and not reactive. A few simple changes can take you a long way in reaching your health and wellness goals.

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Key take away: Load up on those veggies and get your proteins in. You will be happy to know that a higher calorie diet is better than lower in maintaining good health. Healthy calories are the secret. Increase your walking tolerance by parking further away and keeping things out of reach so it gets you up and moving throughout the day. Cut that cigarette or wine craving and trade it in for something more fun and healthier. Pull those shoulders back and widen your stance so you can feel the weight through both your legs equally and get your head over your shoulder. Get your dancing shoes on and take the rust out of your moves.

Challenge your balance in a safe environment. Take the test: Can you lift your foot to get it up on the next step without using the rail for support. If not, it is worth learning some exercises to help improve your strength, endurance and balance.

About the Author Sumen Singla-Goyal is a registered physical therapist and osteopathic manual therapist.

She has been actively serving the Lower Mainland for over 10 years. She is very passionate about her work and wants to empower her patients and community with tools for healthy living.

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DARPAN FITNESS

Achieving a toned, fit body does not have to break the bank.

Substitute a countertop for a push-up bench In most homes, at least one countertop, either in the kitchen or the bath, is the right height for a push-up. Put both hands on the countertop, extend your legs behind you at an angle, lean down into the counter, and then push back up.

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chieving a toned, fit body does not have to break the bank. Yoga and Pilates classes, personal trainers and gym memberships are not financially realistic for all people. For parents, going to the gym means having to worry about childcare, therefore adding another expense. Just because you don’t have a fat wallet does not mean you can’t get buff.

Check out the following hacks to effective fitness workouts at home:

Budget-friendly

FITNESS Images for representation only, iStock

BY GERALD MAYES

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Substitute paper plates for body sculpting equipment The key here is to use the plates to help your body slide on a carpet. This allows you to do body sculpting moves that would ordinarily require workout equipment. You can do the sliding lunge (put the paper plate under one foot and lunge forward). Try simulating skating to work your butt and thighs – just attach the plates to your feet with rubber bands and slide away.

Or, get down on all fours, put the plates under your hands, and use them to work your chest by sliding your arms back and forth.

Use soup cans or jugs for weights You can do any triceps or biceps exercise at home using cans of soup that you'd do at the gym with dumbbells. To properly gauge the weight, don't go by the ounces listed on the can – that’s liquid weight. Instead, weigh the cans on your scale to figure out the poundage that’s best for you.

Fill a household bucket or jug with water (or sand, rock salt, or powdered detergent) and secure the top with duct tape.

Lift it up and down in front of you as you do squats.

A fitness ball Sometimes called a stability ball, looks like a large beach ball. You can do many core exercises, including abdominal crunches, with a fitness ball. You can also use a fitness ball to improve your flexibility and balance.

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Kettlebell

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A kettlebell is a round weight with the handle attached at the top. A kettlebell can be used to do strengthtraining exercises and to help improve grip strength.

Kettlebells are available in many sizes.

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Chair or step stool Use a chair for support when doing exercises such as leg curls. A low, sturdy step stool can become exercise equipment if you use it for step training – an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.

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Resistance tubing These stretchy tubes offer weight-like resistance when you pull on them. Use the tubes to build strength in your arms and other muscles. Choose from varying degrees of resistance, depending on your fitness level.

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Substitute pantyhose for resistance bands Almost any exercise you can do with a resistance band, you can do with old pantyhose or tights.

For example, sitting on the floor with your legs straight, loop a pair of pantyhose around the balls of your feet and pull back with both hands as if you are using a rowing machine.

Towels Make your waist-whittling planks more effective with towels. Take two and place them under your hands or feet, then move forward, backward and sideways.

Laundry Twist Sit next to a full basket of laundry and twist to grab an item from the basket. Twist to the other side to lay it on a pile. Continue until your laundry is finished.

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This one’s easy: You can burn 80 calories every 20 minutes of sweeping. Pull out the broom and get to sweeping every corner of your house or apartment.

How’s that for multitasking?

About the Author Gerald Mayes is a V Shred Lead Trainer, a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and sat on the Nevada State Board. He is also a certified Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) where he writes the certification curriculum. He has an Associates degree in Personal Training, a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, and a Master's Degree in Sports in Health Science.

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The ABCs of moisturizing to achieve a supple, soft, smoother complexion

PAN R A D

Going for the

GLOW

By Michele Marko A lifestyle journalist, Michele Marko is the former Arts & Life editor at the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers. While writing about beauty, fashion, design, food and travel, she’s written on a variety subjects ranging from ethical beauty to couture fashion designers.

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ears back when first interviewing David Vincent, Lise Watier’s brand makeup artist, his singular, most important beauty tip was just three words: hydration, hydration, hydration. Okay, one word, three times, but you get the point.

Beautiful skin is what we strive for, but it doesn’t just mean beauty.

It signifies good health and vitality.

The idea is simple: hydration is the key to achieving radiant skin and avoiding premature aging. Yet with so many products and approaches to skincare, there are misconceptions and confusion about something seemingly so straightforward.

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“Everyone needs to hydrate their skin,” says Jessica Kizovski, founder and lead formulator for new Canadian brand Veriphy Skincare. “Many people believe they can skip the moisturizing step in their skincare routine, especially individuals with an oily skin type. Your skin is the last place to get water and providing your skin with hydration allows it to function properly.”

The misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizing is something that Celine Tadrissi, founder of skincare line Céla, has seen repeatedly in her experience treating skin at her Hammam Spa in Toronto. “It is important for all skin types to moisturize because skin will overcompensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil,” Tadrissi says.

Maintaining the right moisture balance will help control the oil production. And oil too is important to healthy skin.

Again, it’s all

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about striking the right balance.

“Dry skin requires oil and dehydrated skin requires water. Your skin can be lacking oil, water or both,” explains Kizovski.

“Understanding your skin needs will make it easier to pick the proper skincare products.

There are different skincare ingredients that will help prevent moisture loss or attract water from the air.”

Another misconception, says Tadrissi, is that that heavier creams and serums are more hydrating. “The key for moisturizing skin is to ensure you cleanse and exfoliate the skin properly to allow your moisturizer to penetrate,” she advises. No matter what your skin type or the time of year, moisturizing is necessary for optimal skin health.

Tadrissi suggests using products that are specifically formulated with ingredients to address the delicate hydration and oil balance, such as

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squalene (which is now sustainably sourced from plants and not only sharks).

For Kizovski, she says that plant-derived glycogen (while admitting a certain bias) is a highly effective and innovative ingredient to support skin’s health.

It is the cornerstone of Veriphy’s product formulations.

“Glycogen binds large amounts of water and has the ability to energize your skin to produce other hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid,” she explains.

(Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture.)

Caring for our skin should begin early and not just when issues arise. Kizovski says it’s when skin is neglected that it becomes “susceptible to accelerated signs of aging, sun damage, acne, and skin diseases.”

Inevitably, our skin changes as we age but Kizovski emphasizes that hydration is important no matter one’s age. “Hydrated skin runs like a well-oiled machine, smoothly running through its duties. Dehydrated and dry skin looks older and ages faster, which we can avoid by choosing skincare that delivers long-lasting hydration.”

Tadrissi stresses that moisturizers are the most important beauty products to use – for both face and body. “As we age, typically, the need to hydrate increases while cell turnover decreases,” she explains. Both experts suggest addressing hydration according to your skin type. For drier skin, Tadrissi suggests to layer with a serum or adding in a face oil (It’s a myth that face oils make skin oily.). And for an oily skin, a light gel moisturizer can be effective.

Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. With cleansing being an integral part of a skincare regimen, it’s imperative to avoid products that strip skin of hydration during cleansing process.

Avoid products containing ethanol, says Kizovski. Skin should not feel tight after cleansing. She recommends “oil or cream cleansers for anyone with extremely dry skin.” Tadrissi agrees saying that alcohol-based products and harsh soaps should be completely avoided and adds that “acne cleansers and antibacterial soaps can strip the skin of its natural barrier and lead to dehydration.”

To optimize moisture retention, Tadrissi underscores the importance of exfoliation. Kizovski says to match a product to your skin type and advices adding a mask or treatment in your routine once or twice a week.

She also encourages everyone to drink more water.

“As we age, our skin naturally thins and the production of key components that make the skin firm and plump, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin slow down,” Kizovski explains. “Listen to your skin and adjust your skincare routine as needed. Well-formulated skincare products will replenish these natural factors.”

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Interior Design

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T

echnology has changed almost every aspect of our lives and now it is also transforming our dear old friend – fashion. While new trends and innovations have always been leading the fashion industry forward, the interesting melange of smart tech with creative fashion has added a whole new dimension to the industry, making ‘Wearable Technology’ the next big thing to watch out for.

Tech ventured into the world of fashion with the advent of smartwatches (courtesy Samsung) and ever since then, the lines between mode and technology have started blurring. Today, technology has become an essential part of our everyday attire and with every passing day, wearable tech is becoming sassier and more fashionable.

So, are you up-to-date with this futuristic fashion trend?

If not, here’s how you can make wearable technology a part of your everyday life.

THE

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

WEARABLE

SMART EYEWEAR

TECHNOLOGY

None can refute the fact that a cool pair of shades is often enough to make an impeccable style statement whenever you step out. But well, it’s about time you bid adieu to your standard sunglasses and instead grab a pair of smart sunnies, which are engineered using the bone conduction technology.

Yeah, the term might sound scary but this technology is sure to change the way you see the world, oops, hear the world. The principle of this new technology is that it transmits sounds to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. With these revolutionary sunglasses you can attend phone calls, listen to music, speak to Siri and, of course, make a stunning style statement as well. There are plenty of brands and styles available in the market, even Bose has introduced their range of smart sunglasses for both men and women. So, go ahead and reinvent your style-tech quotient with a pair of bone conduction sunglasses.

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SMART JEWELLERY

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Tech has taken over our precious jewels too, revamping them from being just a few decorative pieces to smart gadgets that not only enhance our ensemble but do a lot more than one can imagine. Right from smart rings that track your heart rate, sleep pattern and calories burned to smart pendants that help you stay connected with your loved ones irrespective of the distance, to bracelets that monitor your fertility, to contactless payment rings…

There is a range of pretty baubles in the market, which are completely driven by technology and at the same time irresistibly chic.

SMART CLOTHING The world of wearable-tech is not just restricted to smartwatches, eyewear and jewellery, smart clothing is also something to watch out for. While the smart clothing trend is yet to go completely mainstream some of the tech-charged garments are already making our jaws drop. From biometric shirts to contactless payment jackets, to water-repellent jackets – wearable technology is definitely setting new industry standards with smart clothing. Beat this, a Sydney-based start-up Wearable X’s Nadi X pants has introduced fitness pants that come with built-in haptic vibrations that gently pulse at the hips, knees and ankles to encourage you to move and/or hold positions. Tech geeks would have definitely heard of Google’s project jacquard – a smart jacket that enables you to change music tracks, block and answer calls or access navigation information.

Then there are smart socks, smart bras and smart tees., which clearly suggests that fashion is about to see a revamp like never before.

Photos : iStock, Bose, Bellabeat Leaf Chakra, Tovi Sorga contactless bracelet, Google/Levis' Jacquard, Images for representation only

SMART SHOES The latest in the wearable tech phenomena are smart footwear. Integrated with hi-tech features smart shoes track your steps, record biometric data, allow you to review information from apps, help you in your training and overall act as activity trackers. Popular sportswear brand Nike offers Nike+ shoes that track basic stats like distance and speed. Armour’s UA Speedform Gemini 2 Record Equipped Footwear take marvels of smart footwear to another high. The shoes are fitted with a chip that tracks stats like distance, pace and stride length. It can also detect when the wearer is running or otherwise moving, and can automatically enter a sleep mode when they are taken off from the feet. Now that’s cool, isn’t it? Well, there are several other brands in the market that offer unique features and will help you be tech savvy and stride in style.

It is just the beginning and the innovations of wearable technology are soon going to change the way we look at fashion, so gear up for a tech-fashion revolution.

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT FASHION SPOTLIGHT

Combing through the heritage crafts of India, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve threaded stories of Rajasthan in the collection.

Embroidered and printed with precision, the motifs are inspired by the jaali windows, the baroque architecture and ornate arches of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

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DESCEND&

THE (UN)FOLDING

BY GAURAV GUPTA

Futuristic, crystalline and wavy, there is something kaleidoscopic about this new structural couture. Magic weaves the gowns making the woman wearing it seem inches taller, slimmer, more powerful; adding a certain length to the garment.â&#x20AC;?

D

escend makes a big deal about the absolutely clear, crystalline miracle within each of us. Futuristic, crystalline and wavy, there is something kaleidoscopic about this new structural couture.

Experimental, textured elements and structures, drawing from the shape of a prism. Magic weaves the gowns making the woman wearing it seem inches taller, slimmer, more powerful; adding a certain length to the garment.

Inspired by ocean waves, there is a serenity and rhythm to each artfully set couture garment. Architectural elements are seen in new forms of Indian wear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; godets on taffeta giving structure to the garment.

Colours of the collection are nature inspired, from ocean blues to cloud greys and fog grey, they draw strongly from all five elements.

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

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Photos: Courtesy of Gaurav Gupta

The (Un)folding The (Un)folding is a collection that brings together the delicacy of handwoven fabrics with the sharpness of Gaurav Gupta’s signature gravity-defying patternmaking.

The range includes many firsts for the label.

Lucknawi Chikankari makes an appearance, draped into demi-couture dresses. As does a very particular tone of yellow that’s traditionally called ‘basanti’, literally the essence of sunlit Spring. Benaresi brocades are fashioned into deconstructed lehengas that are perfect for a modern bride on a destination wedding. Even his menswear features Chikankari and brocades in unexpected ways.

Through playful dresses, pantsuits, sari-gowns, and eveningwear, Gaurav Gupta showcases a vision of modern Indian design using the best of traditional zardoz work, Chikankari, and handwoven brocade textiles. To this, he adds handcrafted, 3D flowers in organza and soft georgette, and glams it up with a judicious smattering of crystals.

In keeping with the lightness of Chikankari – an ideal technique for Spring-design – the colour palette features mostly pastel shades like powder blue, yellow, ivory, rose, and the likes. And along with his scaffoldlike construction, these tones form the designer’s vision of a glamorous, powerful Spring 2019.

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

FASHION SPOTLIGHT Our timeless Indian Sherwanis are crafted with finesse and traditional skills of dressmaking; classic silhouettes of western jackets interweave with traditional Indian Menswear for our immaculate line of Bandhgalas.

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

RAGHAVENDRA

RATHORE’S JODHPUR COLLECTION

T Regality brings a strong testament of authenticity, and regality has stood the test of time. Right from how it was being able to fuse itself during the times of the British Raj, to now, the elegant outfits and the elegant looks are here to stay.”

he brand Raghavendra Rathore (RR) Jodhpur has been inspired by the 1,200 years of family lineage and its origins are steeped in heritage. Regality brings a strong testament of authenticity, and regality has stood the test of time. Right from how it was being able to fuse itself during the times of the British Raj, to now, the elegant outfits and the elegant looks are here to stay.

For a brand like RR Jodhpur, which specializes in Bespoke, the beauty lies in a classic space of menswear that is supplemented by the art of customization and an edgy twist. Bespoke fashion is about the luxury of time – it has a versatile business model that can present itself to clients across the globe who have the appetite and time for something different. Having dressing people from all walks of life, the brand knows that it is

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

natural that they have their unique individual styles, likes and dislikes, and the ability to cater to each of these, which is the beauty of a bespoke brand.

The brand represents a style that has the ability to fit into any gentleman’s wardrobe. Just the right amount of contemporary and transitional outfits make wardrobe solutions from the Raghavendra Rathore atelier, truly one-of-a-kind.

The relic Bandhgala, from the atelier, is the most versatile piece of clothing and can be combined with a pair of jeans to a contrasting cotton or silk pant or even a matching wool pant that goes with the jacket as a suit combination. It is a perfect ambassador of Indian style with its inherent lineage of Indian heritage, in a contemporary world. What also makes it very interesting is that it can be worn differently, in different parts of the world – with breeches, or with denims. This is what makes this ensemble suitable for all occasions.

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Photos: Courtesy of Raghavendra Rathore

The relic Bandhgala, from the atelier, is the most versatile piece of clothing and can be combined with a pair of jeans to a contrasting cotton or silk pant or even a matching wool pant that goes with the jacket as a suit combination.”

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DARPAN HOME

How To Choose Your Hardwood Flooring

YOUR GUIDE TO

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

There are a few things you should know before you upgrade your home with hardwood flooring.

O

ne can’t deny the fact that hardwood flooring brings a nice, warm, classic old-school charm to your abode. It is not only ‘oh-sobeautiful’ but also environmentally friendly, and comes with a ton of pros.

There is a reason why hardwood flooring is considered to be the finest option by homedecorators and owners. One of the biggest benefits of installing hardwood flooring in your house is it’s easy to maintain attribute.

Wood is not only inherently resistant to stains and dirt but is also easy to clean. Simple vacuuming or cleaning with a wet mop or cloth is enough to keep your floor clean. Plus, hardwood flooring is extremely versatile and

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FLO ORING about picking up your favoured colour. A range of factors actually impact not just the performance of your flooring but also its look and feel.

If you are ready to invest in hardwood flooring, weigh the considerations mentioned ahead.

can complement any décor and colour scheme.

That’s not all, quality hardwood flooring is tough and can last up to a home’s lifetime.

Even though wood flooring costs a fortune, you don’t have to worry about its durability, because if properly cared for hardwood flooring can easily last for 100 years, which means it is actually cost-effective.

However, selecting a type of hardwood flooring isn’t simply

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The first and foremost step to consider is choosing the right type of hardwood flooring that best suits your budget and is apt for your space. There are two main types of hardwood floors to consider – solid wood flooring or engineered wood flooring.

As the name suggests solid hardwood planks are made from single pieces of wood, which are available in both unfinished and pre-finished versions. While they look extremely elegant, one has to keep in mind that solid wood flooring isn’t recommended for below grade basements because it is susceptible to changes in humidity. They can be used in any room that is on or above ground and has to be fixed down during installation. It cannot be laid over an underlay and cannot be used with underfloor heating.

One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times, however, it is also the most expensive option when opting for hardwood flooring.

On the contrary, engineered wood flooring is easy on the pocket and can be easily used for basements and apartments with concrete subfloors, as they expand and contract less than

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DARPAN HOME

Once you have made the decision about what type of wood flooring appeals to you the most, the next crucial step is choosing the perfect wood type.

Depending on your settings you need to choose a wood type that is ideal for your décor.

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solid wood flooring. Engineered wood floors, like solid wood floors, are also made of real wood, but they also include multiple layers, with the top layer made of highquality wood. And while they have good durability too, this type of flooring can’t be sanded and refinished as many times as solid wood flooring.

The Wood Type Once you have made the decision about what type of wood flooring

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appeals to you the most, the next crucial step is choosing the perfect wood type. Depending on your settings you need to choose a wood type that is ideal for your décor. For example, light wood is perfect for a casual setting, whereas dark wood is more appropriate for a formal surrounding. There are too many wood types available in the market – red oak, white oak, birch, pine, and cherry, among others, opt for the one that suits not just your setting but your budget as well.

Type Of Finish Like the wood type, there is also a whole spectrum of finishing products that can be used on your wood flooring. From penetrating oil to oil-like hybrids to site-finish polyurethanes to prefinished UV-cured urethane finishes… the options are many. While oil-based

finishes penetrate the wood and give a more natural softer look and feel, polyurethanes create a layer on the surface of the wood and are more resilient against wear and tear.

Polyurethane finishes are highly durable, water-resistant and ideal for rooms with high or heavy footfall.

They are not that expensive and needs to be refinished every seven to 12 years. On the other hand, oil finishes need to be re-oiled every three to five years. If longevity is on your mind then polyurethane finish is suitable for you. If you are looking for beauty and easy application then oil finish is definitely apt for you.

Other Variants One can also opt for other types of wood flooring which are gaining popularity among homeowners lately – bamboo flooring and cork flooring. Bamboo flooring comes in a variety of styles and it is not only resistant to moisture but also environment-friendly, thus making it an ideal choice for those looking at more eco-friendly options. Bamboo flooring is softer than traditional hardwoods and isn’t noisy as opposed to other wood flooring options. It also does not cause pain if one stands on it for long periods of time. Similar to bamboo flooring, cork flooring is also an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring and is also environmentally friendly.

These basic guidelines about wood flooring are sure to guide you to bring some lasting elegance to your homes. So, go ahead and get floored!

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He had hung up 50 pictures – pictures that I sent him while we were dating. Every picture had a message and continued on to his proposal. The last picture read “Will you marry me?”

Photography: Be True Cineworks, Vrinder Sangha

v a N & Q: How did you meet?

It wasn’t until Parb had finished a project in New York that we started dating. Despite our busy schedules, we would make time for each other.

Nav: We had the pleasure of knowing each other for about nine years after meeting at a Q: What do you love wedding; my cousin got married most about one another? to Parb’s. We communicated with casual “Hellos” and Happy Parb: I love everything about Birthday messages on Facebook. Neetu but one of my favourite things about her is how she is so down to earth and warm, and makes everything seem easier than it can be. She makes it so easy to live and love life because she just does that for everyone, it makes you smile all the time.

Nav: I don’t think I can pick just one thing I love about Prabjeet; I love everything about him. He is so caring and loving. Before we got married, he took care of my grandmother when my family and I had to go away on an international

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trip. That gesture means everything to me. He gives everything his 110 per cent and motivates me as well.

Q: Could you share your proposal story?

Nav: A few days prior to the proposal, Parb and his family came over and met my parents.

I am very close to my dad, so it was really important for Parb to ask my dad if he is 100 per cent okay with our relationship.

All went well and our families were very happy.

A day before the proposal, my best friend had an engagement celebration.

Parb had kept my friends in the loop that he is going to propose but they kept it a secret from me! The next day, I had to be up in the morning for work. I was quite tired from the night before and just wanted to relax in the evening. Parb had mentioned he bought tickets for improv. Improv on Granville Island was our first date, and something we both enjoyed. So I thought we would go to Improv, grab a bite to eat

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DARPAN Weddings

ceremony and feeling so happy, absolutely no anxiety, knowing we will be seeing each other in a few hours. We both felt so clear and couldn’t wait to complete our journey. Our wedding was a beautiful outdoor Sikh ceremony on a farm. It was decorated with beautiful flowers and blush tones.

We shared laughter, tears and so many emotions with each other, and with our family and friends.

Q: Could you tell us about your reception? and head home to get some rest.

My friend texted me midday and told me to come to Downtown for a post-engagement party since she had guests from out of town. I was hesitant and very tired but I said yes.

That evening, Parb picked me up from work. I noticed he was wearing something really similar to what he wore on our first date. I mentioned it to him and he smiled. We watched the improv show and we sat on the same seats we did on our first date.

We then headed to Downtown at the Fairmont in Vancouver. All I did in the car was complain that I was really tired. We got to the hotel, and I told him we will stay for about 20 minutes and head back home. We asked front desk for keys because my friend told me she left a note at the front desk so they would let us in.

When we got to the presidential suite, I opened the door and I was so shocked – the room was filled with fresh flowers, soft lighting, roses everywhere, pictures hung up all over the room and romantic music. I looked at a picture of my

mom and I. Parb told me to read what was written behind it; it read, “The moment I first saw you.”

Parb had met me nine years ago. He hung up 50 pictures – pictures that I sent him while we were dating. Every picture had a message and continued on to his proposal. The last picture read “Will you marry me?.”

I turned around and Parb was on his knee with a beautiful ring.

We both were emotional and crying. It was amazing and I said yes!

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

For both of us, the favourite moment was waking up the morning before the wedding

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Parb: Our reception was held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. We chose to have the reception the next day as we would be able to enjoy and rest up before the partying began. We both fell in love with our venue because it was the same place I planned the proposal. We had all our close family and friends enjoying the music and drinks.

We had opted for a western menu, with a few Indian dishes. We had signature drinks and a cocktail hour. We had our brothers and parents walk in before us with grand entrances, and we walked in after them. We incorporated our first date into our entertainment element. We had the Granville Theatre Company come in and do an amazing improv show for 30 minutes. After a few speeches from our brothers and Nav’s best friend, we slow danced to the song “Fly me to the moon” and began the night off dancing.

Q: Can you describe your outfits?

Nav: I travelled to India for my wedding outfits. My wedding outfit was custom-made, inspired by my favourite colours and embroidery.

My wedding set was custom-made in 24k real gold, and was a gift by my parents. Parb’s outfit was from Well Groomed in Surrey. He loved the colours and it matched his personality, staying away from typical groom colours.

My reception outfit was custommade from India; I wanted to

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BE THE OF YOUR NIGHT! make an Indian fusion outfit. I sat down with the designer and went over embroidery and fabrics.

Parb’s reception Tuxedo was from Nordstrom.

He set up consultations during his free time after work, and after a few trails he selected his outfit.

Q: Where did you honeymoon?

We chose to go on our honeymoon two months after we got married, so we can spend time with everyone who came for the wedding. We started off in Amsterdam, made our way to France, went to Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, Marseille and even got to see Monaco. We flew to Italy, and ate some wonderful pasta in Venice, and made our way to Rome (we had the best Indian food there).

We wanted to relax in Greece for the end of our trip, so we visited and stayed in Athens, Hydra, Mykonos and romantic Santorini. It was really an amazing dream honeymoon!

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Q: What are your goals as a couple?

Simple loving. Some times relationships can get really confusing – over thinking, not being yourself, trust issues. We both are simple lovers.

We will just continue to love each other and everything around us. In addition, our goals are to travel and create a family.

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

Be yourselves, we all change but you should always be able to love and respect each other as much as you did from the start.

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Budget-Friendly

Stroll through Bloedel Conservatory

Activities in

Vancouver

BY TARANA RANA

Here are some free and cost-effective activities for families to enjoy in Vancouver this spring.

F

amily fun, especially when it’s outside the house, can come with a hefty price tag in a pricy city like Vancouver. But the good news is that there are still a lot of amazing things to do around the city that won’t break the bank. Check out these budget-friendly things to do with your children this spring.

Take a ride on the Burnaby Central Railway

Make art at the Vancouver Art Gallery The Vancouver Art Gallery offers weekly family programs every Sunday between 12 to 4 pm for children aged 12 and under. After a tour of the gallery’s exhibitions, children can get creative, make some art and explore artistic processes and materials, related to the exhibitions. Gallery admission is free for any child under 12, when accompanied by an adult.

Climb aboard heritage-styled miniature trains in Burnaby’s Confederation Park.

Open every weekend from Easter to Thanksgiving, the one-eighth scale steam trains make their way around more than two miles of track. Tickets cost around $4.50 for a single ride and toddlers aged three and under ride free. There’s also a small museum, concession, and a viewing station to visit.

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Transport your family to the tropics this spring with a visit to Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory. This domed tropical paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park has over 500 exotic plants and over 100 free-flying birds, including majestic parrots, macaws and cockatoos, to name a few. Children aged four and under enter free.

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Learn something new, like coding

Photos: Courtesy of events/organizations featured, Albert Law, City of Vancouver, John J Roberts/@jrphotographybc

The Vancouver chapter of Canada Learning Code offers educational programs for children and teens, which cover everything from HTML and CSS to Photoshop and programming languages like Python and Ruby. These day-long programs are a great way to expose your child to something new. The best part? Most of these programs are hosted by volunteers and are pay-what-you-can.

Visit canadalearningcode.ca/chapters/Vancouver for a full list of programs happening this spring.

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The tours are free, but tips are appreciated by the guides. Visit their website tourguys.ca for more details about the walks.

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Rowkin True Wireless Earbuds

DARPAN TECH

True wireless headphones from Rowkin are a perfect for pretty much anyone and any occasion. The Ascent Charge+ model features an ergonomic fit primed for security and comfort. Constructed with a premium mylar diaphragm driver as well as an acoustic cavity, these earbuds produce dynamic sound and impactful bass with the benefit of touch controls. The case is Qi-compatible for wireless charging while also doubling as a power bank to keep your other devices charged courtesy of USB-C rapid charging.

The Ascent Charge+ also features a mobile app for locating your earbuds and personalizing your sound profile.

Photos: Courtesy of products/brands featured

iStorage diskAshur² Portable Encrypted Hard Drive

them THE most secure data storage drives available on the market. EDGE Security employs built-in physical protection mechanisms iStorage’s designed to defend against diskAshur² is external tamper, bypass laser the ultimate attacks and fault injections. encrypted hard Plus with the HDD available in drive for storing capacity options from 500GB precious data, to 5TB, there will be plenty of such as family photos and videos. space for all the family’s needs.

Once you set your unique PIN With software free set up and code, everything it contains will operation, the diskAshur² HDD be safe from prying eyes. They’re is platform/device independent, great for storing family and work so it works across all operating documents without the fear of systems including all versions the data getting lost or stolen. of MS Windows, macOS, Linux, iStorage launched this new line Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, of diskAshur² solid state drives Zero Clients and embedded and its USB 3.1 the diskAshur² systems. In fact, the drives will hard drive all featuring Enhanced work on any device with a USB Dual Generating Encryption port.

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TRAVEL-FRIENDLY

TECH

TRENDS Noteworthy travel-enhancing solutions that are keen on making an indelible impact on our lives

BY MERILEE KERN

W

ith a new year comes an array of innovations across multiple consumer product categories and sectors – from audio to beauty, fashion and self-care to security-minded hardware – and much in between. With reports citing that 2019 will be a pivotal year for consumer technology, here’s a look at some noteworthy travelenhancing solutions that are keen on making an indelible impact on our lives and journeys this New Year and beyond.

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Create a calming environment throughout your home with the combination of light, sound and aroma therapy. iHome’s iZABT50 Zenergy Bluetooth Speaker features six different sound therapy tracks designed to calm your mind, lower your breathing and heart rate, and prepare your body for sleep. You can also select from seven different 115 Lux, full-colour light therapy modes designed to align your circadian rhythm at night and improve your mood throughout the day. iHome’s Zenergy Aroma Bluetooth Therapy Speaker features two audio sources: built-in sound therapy and Bluetooth wireless audio streaming from your mobile device. It also includes aromatherapy to help create a calming environment with the use of essential oils (initial 5ml lavender supply in the box), with absolutely no water needed.

Aquio Bluetooth Speaker Water Bottle USA-designed Aquio water bottles with detachable Bluetooth speaker, powered by iHomeAudio, are manufactured with high-quality stainless steel that is also notably BPA-free. Available in four fashionable colours – midnight, seafoam, merlot and blush – it is an ideal hydration bottle for those who lead an active lifestyle and love taking their music with them onthe-go. Aquio’s removable speaker is powerful, IP67rated waterproof, sand-proof and features designer weather-resistant premium woven acoustic fabric.

Its rechargeable battery provides up to six hours of wireless audio playback time. The 16-ounce bottle, designed to fit all cup holders, is double wall steelinsulated maintaining temperatures up to 14-hours for hot liquids and a full 24-hours for cold.

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About the Author As a wellness industry veteran and consumer health advocate, Merilee Kern spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. Her ground-breaking, award-winning “Kids Making Healthy Choices” Smartphone APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators is based on her award-winning, illustrated fictional children’s books. Know more at www.TheLuxeList. com.

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round the world, individuals dream about visiting France – the land of gastronomy, artistic masterpieces, unparalleled fashion, awardwinning vineyards, historical sights, and iconic landmarks. And the first stop in most people’s minds is none other than the magnificent capital city of Paris!

Over the last several years, France has held the title as the “most visited country in the world” and in 2017, Paris hosted over 40 million tourists – a record breaking number – according to the Paris Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Heralded as the “City of Light,” Paris is located in northern central France in “a north-bending arc of the Seine River whose crest includes two islands, the Île Saint-Louis and the larger Île de la Cité, which form the oldest part of the city.”

Paris is architecturally beautiful and its cityscape is marked by wide boulevards and signature street lights with the River Seine as a backdrop. As you travel throughout the city, you will catch glimpses of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur Basilica dotting the city’s skyline.

Once you start to explore this effervescent city, you will feel the vibrant energy and magic in the air as you’re swept away by its people, culture, cuisine, history and architecture. Even if you’re not a romantic, Paris will make you see the world in a different way, almost with a dreamy, nostalgic lens.

I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to Paris, both in the summer and winter months, and it’s doesn’t matter what time of year you head to this incredible destination, there is always so much to see, experience and indulge in!

Once you start to explore this effervescent city, you will feel the vibrant energy and magic in the air as you’re swept away by its people, culture, cuisine, history and architecture.

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Paris is architecturally beautiful and its cityscape is marked by wide boulevards and signature street lights with the River Seine as a backdrop.

As you travel throughout the city, you will catch glimpses of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur Basilica dotting the city’s skyline.

The Eiffel Tower One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower will be at the top of your list for things to see and experience in Paris. Standing at 324 metres tall (same height as an 81-storey building), this wroughtiron lattice tower was built by civil engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle to celebrate

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the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Spend a few hours exploring the grounds around the tower and its esplanade area – there are so many angles to take pictures of the tower from. You can travel up the tower to different levels: the first floor features glass floors and railings offering a feeling of “floating in the tower;” the second floor offers panoramic views of Paris monuments like the Louvre, Grand Palais and more, plus is home to Michelin-starred restaurant, the Jules Verne; or travel 276 metres up to the top floor where you can explore Gustave’s office, restored to its original condition, or sip on champagne as you take in the incredible views.

There are numerous restaurants and cafes around the Eiffel Tower, where you could spend a leisurely afternoon sipping on wine and sampling French delicacies while taking in this unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower.

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Museums – Louvre and Musée d’Orsay The land of art, sculpture and the Mona Lisa! Paris is home to 130 museums but a trip to this historical city would be incomplete without a visit to the incredible entity that is the Louvre, and another favourite of mine, the Musée d’Orsay.

Housed in a spectacular palace, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. You could spend days exploring the Louvre as there is so much to see from ancient civilizations to the Middle Ages and Western art.

If you only have a day to explore the Louvre, make sure you see the following masterpieces: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa; the Venus de Milo; the Winged Victory of Samothrace; Liberty Leading the People; The Coronation of Napoleon; Hammurabi’s Code; and I.M. Pei’s Pyramid – this modernist steel and glass pyramid was added to the Louvre’s structure in 1984 – think of Tom Hanks in front of this iconic pyramid in The Da Vinci Code.

The Musée d’Orsay is located in a former railway station built in the late 1800s – a stunning setting to showcase the “great diversity of artistic creation in the Western world between 1848 to 1914.” From paintings by Monet, Cézanne, Degas and Van Gogh to sculptures by Rodin, Barrias and Rosso, there is much to see and appreciate in the museum’s diverse collections.

TRUST

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Over 850 years old, Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered to be “one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.” Walking up to this medieval Catholic cathedral, you are in awe of its splendour, striking façade and signature trademarks from flying buttresses to gargoyles. Notre-Dame was built over a 200-year period, and is not only celebrated for its intricate and innovative gothic-style design but for “its aesthetic grandeur and harmony.”

Make sure you go inside Notre-Dame, as its gorgeous interior will not disappoint from its vaulted ceilings, long halls and breathtaking stained glass windows, including its renowned circular stainedglass rose windows. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has hosted events from the crowning of England’s Henry VI in 1431 to Napoleon saving the Cathedral from demolition and crowning himself Emperor in 1804.

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Palace of Versailles The Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Apartments and the opulent Gardens! If you have time, venture 45 minutes out of Paris and travel to the Palace of Versailles – the extravagant royal residence of King Louis XIV and centre of government under his reign.

Spreading over 800 hectares, you could easily spend a day exploring the palace, museum, gardens and other Versailles sights.

If you have time, venture 45 minutes out of Paris and travel to the Palace of Versailles – the extravagant royal residence of King Louis XIV and centre of government under his reign.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica and the Montmartre neighbourhood My favourite neighbourhood in Paris is Montmartre – this large hill, standing at 130 metres, is home to Sacré-Coeur Basilica and boasts sweeping views of the

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Arc de Triomphe & Champs d’Élysées

One of the world’s most famous streets/avenues is the Champs d’Elysees, which stretches from the I’ve always loved the Arc de Triomphe Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la and as a result, I have visited this Concorde. The Champs d’Elysees is monument, which honours those not only picturesque but is a shopping who fought for France, on both of Mecca with retailers like Zara and my Parisian trips. Commissioned by H&M to high-end luxury boutiques Napoleon, the Arc is located within a like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

12-sided polygon configuration as The Champs is also home to an 12 avenues lead up to it. Walk up any abundance of restaurants, cafes and of these avenues to take in the glory of bars – the perfect place to people the arc, and then cross the street to get watch and take in sights of historical an up-close-and-personal view of its monuments dotted along the avenue. impressive artistic details.

city from different vantage points.

This former artist’s village, once inhabited by Picasso and Dali, still maintains that artistic vibe and is a great place to buy an authentic piece of art from a local painter.

Montmartre is also home to the celebrated Moulin Rouge cabaret, where you can catch dinner and an entertaining show distinct to Paris.

There is something magical and serene about Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a Roman Catholic Church constructed in Romano-Byzantine style. Perched atop Montmartre, you can see this famous landmark from around the city and while you’re here, you are greeted with awe-inspiring views of the city below.

When you venture inside the basilica, the interior is illuminated with ethereal light and its exquisite

architectural details were designed to create an “atmosphere of harmony and peace.” After visiting SacréCoeur, check out the charming Italian-themed carousel located in a tiny plaza at the foot of the basilica.

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2019

POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT

INFINITI Q50 3.0T SPORT

BY BENJAMIN YONG

The interior of Q50 does seem a bit classier, and designers have done a good job marrying technology with nature-inspired themes.

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nfiniti has created a luxury sports sedan formula in the facelifted 2019 Q50 not easy to replicate: Japanese-inspired styling that is beautiful yet flies under the radar; a smooth, relatively small displacement twin turbo engine that is powerful but efficient; and a well appointed, connected cabin that is premium and high-tech without being overly complicated.

The automaker recently introduced new nomenclature for the range: a base LUXE grade, SPORT, which DARPAN was loaned as test model, and the top-of-the-line RED SPORT. One of the significantly reworked areas of the exterior

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is the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature doublearch grille. The woven mesh in the middle is tighter and the chrome surround tweaked to give a greater three-dimensional

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quality. The SPORT and RED SPORTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front bumper shape has been chiselled, and the outer air intakes are wider and pushed lower creating a further aggressive appearance.

Integrated corner splitters finish off the package.

The rear of the vehicle also receives special treatment hinting at the performance lying underneath. The diffuser

HIGHLIGHTS

(AS TESTED)

MSRP: $47,245 Motor: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Horsepower: 300 @ 6,400 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 295 @ 1,500 rpm Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 10.1 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) surrounding the twin exhaust pipes is now a dark metallic colour, and the taillights are combination halogen/LED and are slimmer in shape taking a cue from the

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Occupants will be pleased to hear the Q50 possesses the brand’s “zero gravity” seats, built to provide a high level of support and reduce pressure on the entire back.

Q60 coupe.

While the Q50 looks long and lean on the outside, it is still classified as a compact.

I didn’t feel tight for space behind the wheel, but one of my passengers in the back was surprised there wasn’t more excess legroom than the available 892 millimetres given the perceived bigger footprint. The interior does seem a bit classier, and designers have done a good job marrying technology with nature-inspired themes.

Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system is the command centre for everything

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from programming individual personalized seat positions to choosing a SiriusXM Satellite Radio channel. Inputs are accepted via two screens: an eight-inch unit above – handling frequently used functions like navigation – and a seven inch below. The two displays open up extra real estate compared to a conventional single-monitor, and allows easier access to apps and such, so users don’t have to furiously swipe through different pages to locate what they want.

Climate settings however are still

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buried fairly deep in submenus, requiring a few taps to get to.

Occupants will be pleased to hear the Q50 possesses the brand’s “zero gravity” seats, built to provide a high level of support and reduce pressure on the entire back. The driver’s seat and dashboard were engineered together so that the person operating the vehicle doesn’t need to change his or her posture to manipulate any switches or touch panels. The cabin in general exudes a pleasant aesthetic, featuring plenty of soft-touch

materials and specially curated wood trim treated to retain its original grain.

The SPORT grade utilizes a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. It’s the same powertrain as found in the 400-horsepower RED SPORT variant, although detuned a tad to output 300 horses instead. Power delivery is smooth and consistent – there’s a hint of turbo lag, and the car gets moving quite nicely once the RPMS begin to climb.

The motor is whisper quiet, a benefit for most except for those that prefer a little growl to go with their acceleration.

Steering and suspension are both digital. The former is called Direct Adaptive Steering and actually does a good job offering a mechanical feel, at the same time yielding the benefits of an electronic setup such as autonomously adjusting the ratio and effort according to the current situation (think parking).

Fully customizable, the amount of assistance and feedback can be changed on the fly. The latter has the ability to constantly adjust shock damping during cornering to maintain a flat ride throughout and, like DAS, may be tailored according to driver preference.

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

2019

MASERATI LEVANTE S

BY BENJAMIN YONG sexy sports cars. Then, two years ago, it pulled a Porsche and introduced the aforementioned mid-size crossover to bolster the bottom line. Fortunately, the utility vehicle is a boisterous hoot behind the wheel and manages to capture the essence of brand.

Named after “a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant,” the Levante kind of resembles a jacked-up Ghibli, and that’s because its s an auto enthusiast, getting excited about an SUV isn’t an underpinnings indeed belong to the executive sedan. Rather than easy thing. Don’t get me wrong – appearing like an unremarkable there are plenty of safe, capable box on wheels as some entries and fuel efficient examples on in the class tend to, the body is the market, although not too many that can get a driver’s heart aerodynamically shaped while racing. Enter the Maserati Levante. skinny headlamp housings, a bold, vertically slatted grille Founded over a century ago, and a wide mesh central intake the Italian luxury manufacturer highlight the fascia. knows all about creating sleek,

Named after “a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant,” the Levante kind of resembles a jacked-up Ghibli, and that’s because its underpinnings indeed belong to the executive sedan.

A

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Other details differentiating features include silver ducting on the front fenders, and signature trident emblems are attached to the rear quarter panels. Behind the massive 20-inch wheels, a requisite big brake kit, comprised of bright red calipers and fat cross-drilled brake rotors, are visible. At the back, the Maserati script sits atop a decorative chrome garnish between the

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $102,900 Motor: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Horsepower: 430 @ 5,750 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 428 @ 1,750 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic transmission Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 14.7 L/100 km mixed city/highway (NRCan) taillights, and dual exhaust pipes flank a silver skid plate.

Black or white exterior paint is standard, with optional metallic finishes – still limited to mostly neutral

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW

shades such as Nero Ribelle (black) Rame (brown) and Grigio Maratea (dark grey) – cost $1,100 more. Two premium shades, Bianco Alpi (pearl) and Blu Nobile (blue) are an additional $3,200.

Palette-wise, the cabin is a similar story although consumers may choose gorgeous Rosso red perforated leather upholstery covering the seats, door cards, centre console and dashboard.

Regardless of colour, hits of aluminum and/or carbon fibre are tastefully applied throughout the interior space.

DARPAN reviewed the S model,

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which bundles the 430-horsepower 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mill. A more powerful 3.8-litre biturbo V8 producing 550 horses (GTS trim) and 590 (Trofeo) is also available, as is a base grade utilizing a slightly de-tuned version of the six-cylinder making 345 horsepower.

The Levante not only looks like a Maserati performance sedan, but sounds similar too. Press the engine start button and the motor, made by Ferrari, rumbles to life, giving a taste of what’s to come. Before hitting the road, choose a dynamic mode to suit the driving mood using one of

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the self-explanatory buttons running parallel along the eightspeed automatic transmission lever: M for manual shifting, I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency), Sport and Off-road, all fairly self-explanatory.

I spent much of the time in I.C.E. due to inclement testing conditions, causing the computer to dial back down the settings to create a more comfortable, stable ride. Tapping Sport, however, makes throttle response more aggressive, as well as opens up a set of pneumatic exhaust bypass valves that help the vehicle sound like a full-on racecar. Every shift

results in a cacophony of pops and burbles coming out of the muffler, which is as addictive as it is gleefully obnoxious.

This crossover can blast from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, as well as get to places other luxury pseudo-SUVs dare not. Driving through a short but varied offroad course consisting of muddy hills, ruts, small logs and rocks, the standard intelligent Q4 allwheel drive, equipped with an air suspension system and set of electronically controlled dampers, made getting through barely a challenge.

The 2019 Maserati Levante starts at $102,900.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

The Levante not only looks like a Maserati performance sedan, but sounds similar too. Press the engine start button and the motor, made by Ferrari, rumbles to life, giving a taste of what’s to come.

KARMA REVERO The Revero is about feel, not numbers. No knowledge of its 0-60 time will help you define its allure. We would rather state our performance story differently: we have enough. To move you. In every way.

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WORTH THE INVESTMENT

2019

PORSCHE CAYENNE S

BY GLEN KONOROWSKI

M

y history with the Cayenne goes back many years, as I was at the launch of the original vehicle back in 2003. It was a big departure from the norm, as the

Porsche has made subtle improvements to the styling of the Cayenne over the years, not varying from its original shape, but improving in aerodynamics and styling.

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Porsche cars we were used to at the time were all sports cars.

My test vehicle was the Cayenne S â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the middle model of the regular conventional Cayenne line. The S I tested was powered by the 2.9-litre Bi-Turbo V6 that produces a neck snapping 434 horsepower and 406 lb-ft

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: Base $92,600, as tested $121,300 Horsepower: 434 @ 5,700 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 404 @ 18,00 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed Tiptronic S (automatic) Fuel economy: 12.9 L/100 km city 10.4 L/100 km highway

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of torque with gives this vehicle a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.2 seconds, just about half the time of the original model I tested. To say the least I was very impressed with this kind of power in a vehicle of this size and mass.

Transmission on the S is an impressive eightspeed automatic or as Porsche refers to it as the Tiptronic S which shifts flawlessly.

Inside, the vehicle is up to date and modern, dash with all the amenities you might expect from a high end SUV like this.

The sport seats are comfortable and will adjust for all sized people, making the vehicle very easy to get used to. Due to the high tech nature of this vehicle, getting accustomed with the operation of all the features, like Apple Car Play and Porsche Connect, will take a little time.

On the practical side of things, there is plenty of room in the back seat area with comfortable sport type seats that adjust for added comfort. Seating in the rear is setup for three but much better for two. The rear seats will fold in three sections allowing for a much better combination of storage when carrying the family or business items. Adding to the comfort of everyone, the Cayenne has fourzone climate control and heated seats not just in the front but the rear as well.

Since we are on the topic of comfort, the Cayenne S rides on an air suspension system

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

DARPAN AutoREVIEW Something worth noting are the Cayenne’s LED-Matrix Headlights. 84 individual LED controlled light units are controlled to give the driver supreme light when driving

Any vehicle that has such a wide array of abilities on and off road has to have brakes up to the job. The Cayenne S has large six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston units in the rear making this disc brake vehicle stop second to none.

down the road, while sensing oncoming traffic, and when you are turning or on the open road. which allows a smooth or firm ride depending on the driver’s wishes. The vehicle will lower at higher speeds and increase in height in instances where off-road conditions need arise.

Being an all-wheel-drive vehicle, I can attest to the Cayenne’s off-road ability, something most people would not expect on a luxury vehicle like this.

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To be honest there isn’t much better stopping power short of a racing car. Putting this stopping power to the pavement are the optional 21 inch wheels front and rear on our test S model.

Something very special and worth noting are the Cayenne’s LED-Matrix Headlights. Eighty four individual LED controlled light units are controlled to give the driver supreme light when driving down the road, while sensing oncoming traffic, and when you are turning or on the open road.

As you may have suspected, I do have an affinity for German cars like the Porsche. They offer high quality, performance, comfort and great braking, a real driver’s car.

Base price of our test vehicle was $92,600 with an as tested price of $121,300. Is it worth it you ask, well considering the engineering that has gone into this car I have to say yes it is worth the investment.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW

MAKING FOUR-DOORS FUN AGAIN

2019

JAGUAR XF

BY BENJAMIN YONG

“In creating the XF, as a design team we were driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity.

Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose — nothing is superfluous,” says Jaguar director of

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAR FEATURED

design Ian Callum.

L

ife’s too short to drive a bland sedan. Jaguar’s mid-size XF is a definite cure for the blahs in the segment, and experiences a mild refresh for the 2019 model year. DARPAN recently got behind the wheel and here’s what we thought of the ride.

If you’ve ever seen the vehicle, one of the first things that stand out is how long it is.

Sporty details such as a power bulge in the hood, short front overhang, low, sloping roof and

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sharp creases in the bodywork ensures no comparisons to a boat are made.

“In creating the XF, as a design team we were driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity.

Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose — nothing is superfluous,” says Jaguar director of design Ian Callum in a news release. “Achieving that simplicity takes time and requires great determination; it’s all too easy to add lines to a car, but much harder to add character by leaving lines out.”

I drove the S trim for the purposes of this review, however a 300 SPORT is

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $75,300 Motor: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 Horsepower: 380 @ 6,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 332 @ 4,500 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 13.2 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) being introduced for the first time.

A number of exclusive styling changes differentiate the fresh model like a Dark Satin Grey treatment applied to the grille surround, side sills, spoiler, rear bumper valance and alloy wheels.

All XFs receive select enhancements to the cabin. These include a suedecloth headliner (surprise, the buttery-soft material is actually vegan and made from recycled plastic bottles), frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome adjustment switches, illuminated door sill plates with “Jaguar” script, and more. The front seats are comfortable and supportive enough to prevent any unwanted flopping around during cornering.

I’ve driven my fair share of the company’s portfolio, and am still amused each time the rotary gear selector electronically rises up and the air vents

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0% financing is available on all new 2018 Mazda 3 & 3 Sport for 60 months, 2018 Mazda CX3 for 48 months, 2017 Mazda 5 for 84 months. Finance example of $10,000, the cost of borrowing for a 48/60/84-month terms is $0, monthly payment is $208.33/166.67/119.05, total finance obligation is $10,000. Lease examples apply to 2018 Mazda3 GX (D4XK68 AA00)/ 2018 Mazda 3 Sport (D5XK68 AA00)/ 2017 CX-5 GX (NVXK67 AA00)/)/2018 CX-3 GX (HVXK68AA00) and bi-weekly payments of $103/$123/$185$122 for 60 months, including down payment of $0/$0/$0/$0. $4500 cash rebate applies to 2017 MY Mazda5. Offers valid January 3rd –January 31st, 2018, while supplies last. Prices & payments are plus taxes. $425 Winter Accessories credit applies to all new 2017/2018 MY Mazda’s. Pay off trade & lease termination negative equity to be applied to new purchase. $250 lease termination payment in form of service credit at Langley Mazda. All finance & lease offers to qualified buyers.

rotate open as soon as the ignition is switched on. A 10-inch display is now standard equipment across the range, the hub of the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system that is adequate although a little laggy to respond to inputs. The absence of a physical knob for tuning radio stations is a bit cumbersome as well, but hey, at least there’s one for the volume.

Another addition for 2019 is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, part of the optional Smartphone Package. Key apps can be opened and manipulated via the centre touchscreen much like on your mobile device, or with voice commands.

A benefit of a stretched out 2,960-millimetre wheelbase is lots of legroom for rear passengers, befitting of a true executive car. People in the back are also able to get their own climate control, heated seats and even some window blinds for sunny weather.

The XF handles really well, especially for a big 1,755-kilogram sedan – engineers have employed a few tricks to lighten the load and increase agility.

Aluminum and magnesium is used extensively in its construction, and a near 50:50 weight distribution has been achieved. Turn the steering wheel at speed and the vehicle responds quickly and predictably, whether in dry or inclement conditions due to the S’ all-wheel drive system.

Most of the lineup is powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged engines except for the top-of-the-line S grade. Our tester had the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 Producing 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which felt exceptionally fast whenever I really put my foot down. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission zips through gears seamlessly and without hesitation.

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eriod drama and thrillers are dominating the coming months in Bollywood and it sure seems like a grand treat.

The movie-coaster begins with the engaging crime thriller Badla, starring megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu.

This is soon followed by the unbelievable true story of valour, Kesari, featuring Akshay Kumar.

Next comes Mental Hai Kya, a psychological thriller featuring versatile actors Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao. This is not all, there is one more thriller in the offering – Romeo Akbar Walter.

The espionage thriller starring John Abraham is inspired by true events. And last but not least is the star-studded extravaganza – Kalank.

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

BOLLYWOOD

MANIA

Period drama and thrillers are dominating the coming months in Bollywood and it sure seems like a grand treat.

KESARI Release date: March 21 Starring: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra

T

his period drama holds many promises for more than one reason. The very fact that Kesari is based on the historic Battle Of Saragarhi, where an army of 21 Sikhs fought against 10,000 Afghans in 1897, makes it a fascinating and inspiring film to watch. Secondly, it stars Akshay Kumar in a neverseen-before powerful turbaned avatar. Furthermore, one can’t deny that in the recent past Akshay’s name has become synonymous to quality content and good films. Akshay will be seen playing Havildar Ishar Singh, the courageous soldier who led the team forward in this epic battle. The film also stars Parineeti Chopra as his love interest.

Well, this unbelievable true story of valour definitely deserves to be watched, so block your dates now for this epic saga.

BADLA Release date: March 8 Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh

P

MENTAL HAI KYA Release date: March 29 Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao

A

film starring two of the most versatile and talented actors of B-Town is bound to get everyone excited. Featuring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao, Mental Hai Kya is a neverdone-before psychological thriller that has already piqued the curiosity of moviegoers with its first look posters. The film is

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helmed by National Award-winning director Prakash Kovelamudi and is being produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Karma Media and Entertainment. While the makers are tight-lipped about the project, producer Ekta Kapoor revealed, “Mental Hai Kya celebrates the beauty in imperfections and in being different and shouts out – ‘Sanity is overrated!’ I’m thrilled to work with Kangana and Raj on this one.” Mental Hai Kya with its whacky first look posters has definitely caught our fancy too.

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ost the critically acclaimed Pink, Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu are back together to enthral the audience in Sujoy Ghosh’s crime thriller Badla.

An adaptation of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, Badla will trace the lawyer-client equation between Mr. Bachchan’s character Badal Gupta and Taapsee’s character Naina. Bachchan will be seen investigating a murder case where Pannu’s character is a prime suspect. The whodunit is set in a foreign land and promises to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats with its interesting twists and turns. Speaking about the film, Taapsee said, “It’s Sujoy’s favourite genre and I am yet another time out of my comfort zone, which I actually enjoy the most.” The combination of these two talented actors packed in a fast-paced gripping thriller certainly makes this one a hotlyanticipated film.

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ROMEO AKBAR WALTER E: info@darpanmagazine.com | T: 604.537.7277

Release date: April 12 Starring: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff

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nspired from true events and packed with a strong patriotic flavour, the espionage thriller – Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) has already left an impression with its intense teaser and first look poster. Featuring John Abraham in the lead, RAW is all set to bring to screen the story of a true patriot, a forgotten hero, a man of many faces and names, who lived for one and only one purpose – to serve his country. John will be seen pulling off eight different looks in the film. Speaking about his layered character in the film, he said in a statement, “It is one of my most challenging roles so far – pushing my limits with different looks, accents, and personas.

Robbie [director] has made an original Indian espionage thriller with an entertaining and engaging storyline.”

Doesn’t this one call for a first-day-first-show kind of viewing?

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS KALANK Release date: April 19 Starring: Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapoor

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ith a stellar star-cast featuring the likes of Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Aditya Roy Kapoor, Kalank promises to be a huge dhamaka from the word go. Set in the 1940s, Kalank is an epic historical and emotional drama that goes beyond the borders. The cross-border period romance was conceptualised by Karan Johar, but the filmmaker decided not to direct it. Speaking about it, Karan said, “The story of Kalank was actually my idea.

My father helped me with all the research. When he died, I was too emotionally attached to direct the film.

Then one day, I narrated the idea to Abhishek Varman and things fell into place. He then developed it entirely on his own.”

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DARPAN HOLLYWOOD Photos: Disney, Warner, Paramount

SUMMER IN MARCH?

HELLBOY April 12 Despite two critically acclaimed chapters helmed

by Academy Award winner Guillermo Del Toro, Hellboy’s creator Mike Mignola chose to reboot the saga over allowing the Mexican filmmaker to bring the trilogy to a close. Not only that, the horned antihero was recast, never mind Ron Perlman was closely associated to the character. The only thing this version has going for it? A lot more carnage and one-liners.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: Del Toro’s films weren’t big box office hits and this incarnation seems to alienate more fans than bring new ones.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

BY JORGE IGNACIO CASTILLO

Once upon a time, superheroes, big-budget kid movies and high-profile horror were vacation fare. Now they are reaching theatres before the snow melts.

April 26 Even the greatest event of the summer takes place before the solstice. Last time we saw our heroes, half of them (and half of the entire universe) were reduced to dust following Thanos’ finger snap.

Of course the remaining Avengers won’t let it stand, but how to undo such cataclysmic event?

Regardless of the outcome, Endgame should be the swan song for Marvel staples like Iron Man and Captain America.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: It’s very unlikely Thanos will come up victorious again, considering all the money Marvel stands to make from Black Panther and Spider-Man (dusted in the last episode). Even though a retcon is the most probable scenario, the ride should be one for the books.

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DARPAN

Jorge is a journalist and film critic with over 15 years of experience in publications across North America.

Castillo is also a budding filmmaker with two shorts under his belt and a feature documentary in production.

He is a member of the Vancouver Film Critics Circle since 2013.

TM

DUMBO March 29 Yet another live-action adaptation of an animated Disney property. This one, however, has less of a story to rely on than The Jungle Book or Beauty and the Beast. The original Dumbo (1941) was 64 minutes long, had a single plotline and it was mostly to fill the time between one song and the next one. Director Tim Burton decided against anthropomorphizing animals and has brought back some old collaborators (Michael Keaton, Eva Green, Danny De Vito) as allies and adversaries in Dumbo’s quest to reunite with his mom.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: Burton’s most recent work has been hit-and-miss, but outcasts stories are right up his alley.

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SHAZAM! April 5 Since the debacle of Justice League, it seems as DC Comics has given up on creating an universe a la Marvel. Instead, they are focusing on individual adventures, a strategy that paid off handsomely with Aquaman. Shazam! Is an hybrid of Big and your average superhero movie in which a kid’s good heart is rewarded by an ancient wizard with an adult alter-ego with superpowers. There is fighting evil, but also taking advantage of the grown-up visage.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: Far more unassuming than your average DC feature, Shazam! may actually fulfill its limited goals.

PET SEMATARY April 5 You know the drill: Clueless family relocates to the country, finds a home way too close to the highway, their cat dies, some local reveals the existence of a burial ground that brings pets back to life, the cat returns (but evil), youngest kid plays too close to the highway… From the mind of Stephen King.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: The old Pet Sematary is perfectly unnerving as it is, but John Lithgow as the old fogey who warns the newcomers of playing with life and death (AFTER telling them about the magic cemetery) is a good sign.

US

CAPTAIN MARVEL

March 22

March 8 The first female Marvel superhero to get her own movie comes with a heady mythology that’s supposed to usher the Disney subsidiary into a new era. Captain Marvel a.k.a. Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) is a fighter pilot unwittingly recruited by an intergalactic military unit to fight some other aliens with designs of invading Earth (the Kree vs. the Skrull, for those in the know). The clear-cut setup gets more muddled the more Carol learns about the true motivations of each side. Captain Marvel has the additional task of setting up the stage for the next Avengers sequel, considering Nick Fury’s final act in Infinity War was to summon her.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: There is no doubt Captain Marvel will rack up the dough, but the trailers have been underwhelming. There is a Green Lantern vibe to it and that’s not a good sign.

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Say you are the brains behind Get Out, a film that was not only a commercial and critical success, but made it all the way into the collective subconscious.

How do you follow that? Writer-director Jordan Peele has chosen to double down on his trademark mix of terror and social commentary. Us revolves around a nuclear African-American family who is confronted by doppelgangers with murder in their mind (the underlying idea is “you are your worst enemy”). Peele said he found inspiration in European horror, specifically the supremely uncomfortable Martyrs and Funny Games.

Summer of love or winter of our discontent?: Sophomore efforts are seldom as praised as first features, but Peele seems to know what he is doing.

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JACOB

RAJAN

PHOTO: ROBERT CATTO

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

GLOBAL

INDIANS

BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

Rajan has received notable awards such as Actor of the Year, Composer of the Year, Play of the Year, and Production of the Year and two Fringe First Awards.

He was also appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to theatre.

F

or New Zealand-based playwright and actor, Jacob Rajan, a career in theater was never on the cards. “I was painfully shy as a child and never wanted to be on stage but I loved watching films and then, when I got older, going to the theatre,” reveals Rajan, who being the son of Indian immigrants was expected to become a doctor.

Following his parent’s wishes, Rajan went to University and did a Science degree but didn’t really enjoy it. Then he went to Teachers’ College and got

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involved in Theatre in Education.

He started performing plays for children and truly enjoyed his work.

Rajan’s drama teacher encouraged him to do a course in mask. “That course was my inspiration to become an actor. When I put on a mask I didn’t feel shy anymore and I loved the way the mask changed my body and my voice. It totally transformed me.

I was hooked!” recalls Rajan, the first Indian to graduate from Toi Whakaari: The New Zealand Drama School.

Rajan’s interest in playwriting piqued when at Drama school, as part of the course requirement, he had to create a self-devised piece of theatre. He came up with a play called Krishnan’s Dairy, a funny love story which involved the usage of masks.

In 1997, right after Drama School, the budding actor cum playwright created Indian Ink Theatre Company with director, Justin Lewis. The purpose of the company back then was to tour Krishnan’s Dairy around New Zealand and write more plays.

Over the last 21 years, Rajan and Lewis have created multiple awardwinning theatre productions that have

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received praise in New Zealand and worldwide. Rajan has received notable awards such as Actor of the Year, Composer of the Year, Play of the Year, and Production of the Year and two Fringe First Awards. He was also appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 New Year’s honours list for his services to theatre.

Some of Rajan’s highly successful plays include the trilogy Krishnan's Dairy, The Candlestick Maker, Guru of Chai, The Dentist's Chair, and The Elephant Thief.

“Our aim is to create theatre that is beautiful, funny, sad and true.

I would far rather people left with a sense of their souls having been nourished that being beaten over the head with a message,” points out the 2002 Arts Foundation Laureate Award winner.

Rajan’s plays blend Western and Eastern influences to create stories that not only provide a heavy dose of laughter but also bring the audience closer to universal topics that touch them deeply. “Because I’m Indian New Zealander, most of our plays tend to have an Indian New Zealand flavour to them.

The stories are universal, you don’t have to be Indian to understand them, but they often have Indian characters or settings,” explains Rajan, further adding that he employs the philosophy of the “serious laugh”: opening the audiences mouths with laughter in order to slip something serious in.

The award-winning playwright says that inspiration for his plays can come from anywhere.

“We’re also interested in old theatrical forms like mask and puppetry so these can often be a springboard into characters and a world. There’s often an element of personal experience in the work but not necessarily. Ultimately they’re driven by whatever we’re curious about,” he shares.

Talking about the Indian influences his plays usually revolve around, Rajan states that it is a by

Q&A What is your message for upcoming theatre-enthusiasts or those who wish to follow your path?

It’s a career fuelled by your passion and creativity so make sure you’re in it for the right reasons. Inevitably, it’s going to mean carving your own path which makes it tough but ultimately more rewarding. My favourite quote ever: Film will make you famous; TV will make you rich; theatre will make you good.

Indians around the world have made significant contributions to their immigrated countries, what do you think of this accomplishment?

I think it’s fantastic. “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” It’s a quote from Winston Churchill – unfortunately he hated Indians, especially Gandhi.

I’d love to write a play about that!

product of “who I am that my culture is reflected in what I write but it’s not really an intention. The India I portray is still an India of my imagination. My allegiance is to telling a good story not to being spokesperson or adhering to some sense of cultural authenticity.”

Early this year, Rajan’s Mrs. Krishnan’s Party premiered in Vancouver and had a successful run with full-house shows. “By all accounts the actors seem to have charmed the pants of the Vancouverites!” quips the talented artist.

Rajan’s 2019 calendar is already packed. “I’ve just completed a draft of a screenplay. Mrs Krishnan’s Party has tours planned in New Zealand and America. I’ll be taking Guru of Chai on tour in Australia. We hope to be having a development season of a new play at the end of the year and Justin and I are heading to Singapore and India for meetings to further a collaboration on a stage musical,” Rajan concludes.

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MARCH/ APRIL 2019

HOROSCOPE By georgia nichols

Georgia Nicols’ wisdom and wit have made her a popular international astrologer whose horoscope columns appear in major newspapers and magazines around the world. Georgia also makes regular appearances on television and radio and has a popular website with more than a million annual readers. Her book, You and Your Future is a bestseller in Canada, and has international printings in three languages.

Visit: www.georgianicols.com.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) MARCH: This is the month to research and discover solutions to old problems or answers to the past. Although you will enjoy schmoozing with others; nevertheless, use this time to set goals for your new year ahead (birthday to birthday). How do you want your new year to be different from this year that is finishing? Ideas?

APRIL: Ta da! It’s your birthday and you’re in charge.

It’s time to put yourself first because that’s exactly what you should do. Use this time to restore and rejuvenate yourself so you are a strong resource for yourself and others this year. You will be forceful in all your communications, which bodes well for those of you in sales, marketing, teaching and acting. People will listen to you.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) MARCH: This month old friends and contacts from groups are back in your world. You might collect an old debt, because this year you can benefit from the wealth of others including your partner. Relations with bosses and parents are warm and supportive; in fact, so cozy, some of you might strike up a romance with a boss.

APRIL: This month you will be low profile; and yet, you will socialize with friends and groups. Your behind-thescenes activity will involve with money and financial deals.

The cash will flow in both directions because you will spend big as well! You love beautiful things, especially antiques and fine furniture – but not as much as mortgage-free land.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) MARCH: This month you might be in touch with parents you haven’t seen for a while. You might also run into a boss from your past. Incidentally, if you are looking for work, your best bet is to go back to where you worked or applied before. Bosses are impressed with you. They think you’re competent, capable and talented, which means you can use this to your advantage.

APRIL: Your dance card is full! Everyone wants to see your face. You’re so popular that you might be elected to an official position in an organization. Bosses will endorse you, because with Mars in your sign, you are confident and full of energy. This high vigour will help you in sports or any competitive interaction with others. Go for the gold!

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) MARCH: Some signs travel because the spirit moves them. You travel for a reason; and this month, you have a reason. This is also the perfect time to finish an important paper, book, script or thesis. It will be easy to study history and research the past. In addition, you might receive money, gifts and goodies from others. Romance will be passionate and sexy!

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

This is why bosses, parents and VIPs are so impressed with you. Obviously, this is the time to push your agenda.

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Demand the advantage. Your desire to travel and expand your world continues – so don’t bother to unpack your bags. Meanwhile, be patient with partners.

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22) MARCH: It’s time to tackle red-tape issues.

Taxes, debt, insurance matters, inheritances, wills and shared property are where you will make great headway because you can use Mercury retrograde to help you wrap up old business. Relations with partners and close friends will be warm and supportive.

APRIL: Grab every chance to travel this month. If you can’t travel then be a tourist in your own backyard. You want life to be thrilling and different. You want the stimulation of seeing new places or taking a course or learning something new. Romance will be affectionate and sexy. This month is also good for financial matters because someone will give you money or gifts.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) MARCH: Ex-partners and old friends are back in your world. For some, this might be a sticky situation; for others, it’s an opportunity for closure. Because you have more objectivity and detachment this month, you can learn more about your style of relating to others. Grab every chance to travel because you want to expand your world.

APRIL: This is a passionate month! You’re determined to go after what you want, which is why you will be strong in negotiations and ready to defend your own best interests.

Likewise, you will be strong in romantic, passionate ways as well. Actually, all your relations with others will be sweet and affectionate because fair Venus is opposite your sign.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) MARCH: Stock the fridge because relatives you haven’t seen for ages might be camped on your doorstep. Fortunately, you have the energy to handle this, which is why you are working hard and delegating to others. Fortunately, fair Venus in your House of Communication makes your words sweet and diplomatic. In fact, you can make money from your words.

APRIL: You want to party and enjoy vacations. You want the chance to express your own creativity. By all means, socialize! Accept all invitations. In addition, enjoy redecorating projects at home so you can entertain and show off what you’ve done. However, be patient with partners and close friends who seem annoying.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) MARCH: This is a fast-paced, active month full of short trips, increased reading, writing and studying, plus appointments and conversations with siblings, relatives and neighbours.

You want to enlighten others because you have something to say. However, give yourself extra time to cope with transportation delays, car problems, missed appointments and misplaced paperwork. Aagghh.

APRIL: You need to catch your breath. Last month was hectic, now you need some downtime. Grab every chance to cocoon at home and relax among familiar surroundings. Enjoy warm times with family and friends.

You will feel heartened when you see how much love there is in your daily world, as well as beauty. Life is rewarding.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) MARCH: Money is a priority this month;

act together. You want to get better organized.

You want to manage your life better. However, Mercury retrograde will create errors, silly mistakes, delays, equipment breakdowns and mixed-up communications at work. It’s maddening but it’s minor.

however, Mercury retrograde will cause problems. Cheques in the mail will be late.

Money issues will be delayed. This is a poor time to initiate financial deals or to open a business. However, it’s an excellent time to wrap up something that was already cooking on your plate. Increased chaos and activity at home requires patience.

APRIL: You need more sleep this month because the

APRIL: Financial negotiations are strong this month.

MARCH: It’s Spring and you want to pull your

Sun (symbolically speaking) is now as far away from your sign as it gets all year and the Sun represents your energy.

Respect your need for more rest. Fortunately, coworkers are supportive and things will flow easily at work.

Grab every chance to travel and escape because you want life to be adventurous and different.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) MARCH: You want to party this month.

Get ready to enjoy sports events, fun activities with children, dinner out, movies, theatre, musical performances and romantic dates.

Take a vacation. Your mission is to be yourself and express your creative energy. Invite family and friends home for good food and drink. (Look dazzling because old flames might be on the scene and living well is the best revenge.)

APRIL: Although you’re still in party mode, it’s time to get back to work. You want to work smart. You will still reward yourself with fun times but you are primarily focused on productivity and results. Disputes about inheritances, shared property, debt and insurance issues might arise this month. Stand your ground.

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Many of you will spend money on beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Meanwhile, enjoy schmoozing with everyone! You feel loved and this makes all the difference to how you relate to others. Sports events, romance, vacations and fun socializing will delight. Yay!

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) MARCH: You attract important people and favourable situations to you because the Sun is in your sign. However, Mercury retrograde is also in your sign, which means ex-partners and old friends are back in your world. You will also have to cope with lost keys, misplaced paperwork, missed appointments, delays and silly errors! (Help!)

APRIL: This is the month to buy wardrobe treasures.

It will pick you up while you deal with increased chaos and activity at home, which triggers tension. This month, money issues are your primary focus. Look for ways to boost your income. Because this is your year to impress everyone – start by buying new shoes.

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CANADIAN SHARE THEIR IMMIGRANTS STORIES

Meet the

RANA

BIGGEST OBSTACLE FACED SO FAR IN CANADA:

FAmily Harmeet Kaur works at TD as a Credit Assistant (Real Estate Secured Lending) Ambar is 13 years old Anahita is seven years old

S

anjay Rana decided to immigrate to Canada seeking a better quality of life and future for his family and especially his children. Although the process and procedures to settle down in the country were slow and lengthy, Sanjay finally moved with his wife Harmeet and two kids in 2014.

The family stayed at a friend’s home on arrival and eventually shifted to their own place.

Harmeet states that the move to the country had its own sets of happy and sad moments. The initial challenges were adapting to the culture, weather and

surroundings of the new country, which took a lot of time for the family. “It took us almost two years,” says Harmeet. However, both Sanjay and Harmeet did not have a very difficult time finding suitable jobs in the country.

Before their move to Canada, Sanjay was working with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance in Chandigarh as an Assistant Vice President, while Harmeet was an independent entrepreneur successfully owning and running her own boutique.

After a few months in Canada, the couple found decent jobs that made their transition to the country smooth and less challenging. “We were lucky enough to get jobs with not much of difficulty,” shares Harmeet who now works at TD Canada Trust as a Credit Assistant (Real Estate Secured Lending). Sanjay Rana works at TD as a Small Business Accountant.

Sanjay and Harmeet believe that though their journey in Canada initially was “quite stressful,” the country has now

become their home. “We find Canada very safe and secure, especially for our kids,” says Harmeet. The family likes the equality and respect of different cultures present in Canada and have no particular dislikes concerning their current country of residence.

Be patient and give yourself time to get adjusted to Canada, as it’s a big change to start a new life in a new country with your family.

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We miss our families and friends, as we are born and brought up in India.

We spent 40 years of our lives there.

No doubt, Canada is a great country, but our roots are still In India.

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To get most out of the opportunities this country provides. We would like our kids to be in the right direction in life.

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Sanjay Rana works at TD as a Small Business Accountant

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