March April 2017 DARPAN Mag by Darpan Magazine

MARCH/APRIL 2017

A Mother’s

Choice

Breastfeeding v/s. Formula

Beauty & Shame

Media’s role in body shaming

BC Premier

Christy

Clark “I am prepared to fight for British Columbians”

Fashion Exclusive

MAC

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Anushka Sharma Actor. Producer. Woman. DARPAN

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angelaThiele Thiele Angela Partner Partner

Nancy nancyChen Chen Associate associate

Trevor Fowler Trevor Fowler Partner Partner

Hon.Khaira Kerry-lynne D. Puneet Findlay, PC, QC Associate senior Counsel

sumit ahuja Sumit Ahuja associate Associate

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Cassandra Drake Cassandra Drake Associate associate

Fanda WuWu Fanda Associate associate

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Publisher̓s Note

“WE WORK HARD

ello DARPAN readers, we are

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excited to present to you our second issue of 2017. Here’s yet

another exciting issue that brings to you engaging articles, interesting topics, and lots of visuals. As Woman’s International Day is celebrated on March 8, DARPAN’s March-April issue celebrates the strength of a woman in all its glory. On the cover is the talented, confident and beautiful Anushka Sharma. DARPAN had the privilege to speak with this leading lady and hear her thoughts on being an actor, producer, and most importantly a woman. Anushka’s work and passion only shows that she is a woman who knows what she wants; one

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The issue also has other articles that highlight the issues women face in their day-to-day life. Read our piece on body shaming to understand how the pressure of looking perfect and in shape is harming the minds of young women in a negative way. We also have an article on motherhood that

breaks the myths of breastfeeding and baby formula. Mothers and to-be mommies will enjoy the article on how to be fashionable mom. Follow the

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simple style tips to look your best while enjoying the joys of motherhood. In

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future plans for the province, and the 2017 provincial election.

this issue, BC Premier Christy Clark talks to DARPAN about her work, her

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as you did the last. DARPAN’s team thanks its readers and well-wishers for their continuous support. Please send

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your feedback, comments, suggestions and thoughts to editor@darpanmagazine.com or leave a message on our social media sites.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

A Mother’s

Choice

Breastfeeding v/s. Formula

Beauty & Shame

Media’s role in body shaming

BC Premier

Christy

Clark “I am prepared to fight for British Columbians”

Fashion Exclusive

MAC

IEENA DUGGAL

Hot from the Runway!

Anushka Sharma DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

PUBLISHERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

Amrita Lit

EDITOR

Benjamin Yong

PHOTOGRAPHY

Petrina D’Souza

CONTACT

Catherine Tse

A Master Media

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Garima Goswami

Amrit Photography

Tel: 604-572-0199 Email: info@darpanmagazine.com 340-8140, 128 St. Surrey BC. V3W-1R1

Garima Goswami

Harjan Padda

Aziz Dhamani

ONLINE EDITOR

Jorge Ignacio Castillo

Aziz Ladha

Joseph A. Federico

Chandra Bodalia

Kelly Benson

Prasad Naik

ART DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kriti Chopra

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FASHION EDITOR

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COVER CREDITS

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ADVERTISING AND SALES

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Actor. Producer. Woman.

DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bi-monthly magazine. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publishers. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2017 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

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122

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL

2017

138 ENTERTAINMENT 136 CELEBRITY NEWS IN PICTURES 138 BOLLYWOOD

COVER

140

The Bollywood On-screen Journal

STORY

140 HOLLYWOOD

Spring Breakers

LIFESTYLE 74 RECIPES

Chef Nita Mehta

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER'S REACTION 10 DARPAN’S 10 Jag Khosa

12 SPOTLIGHTS

86 FITNESS

BUSINESS PROFILE

The Smart Move to Start Moving

54 DaljitThind - THIND Properties 60 Elegant Glass & Shower Mirrors Ltd. 76 DF Architecture

88 BEAUTY

Show your True Colours

56 SALUTES

92 FASHION: Mac Duggal

“Art Saved my Life” Adarsh Alphons

100 STYLE

A Vintage Spring of Sorts

70 NEWS IN PICTURES

Vic Sarin Manny Dulay Anosh Irani

102 HEALTH

142 GLOBAL INDIANS

Understanding the Ache in Headaches

Amrit Kaur Lohia

52 YOUTH COLUMN

106 HOME

Making a Grand Entrance

144 HOROSCOPE

What to do with an Arts Degree?

110 WEDDING

146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

Meena & Gagan

114 ACTIVITIES

136

Top 5 Spring Celebrations

116 TRAVEL

A Spotlight on San Francisco

120 TECH

Best New Tech of 2017

AUTO 122 Jaguar F-PACE 126 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S

FEATURES

130 Honda Accord Hybrid

36 EXCLUSIVE

66 FEATURE

46 SPECIAL FEATURE

78 FEATURE

Breastfeeding vs. Formula: A Mother’s Choice

BC Premier Christy Clark

Beauty & Shame: Imperialism of the Media

62 FEATURE

The “Indian Way” of Parenting: Is it Problematic?

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Teching it Seriously

82 FEATURE Makeover your Mom Style

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134 Volkswagen Golf R

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aser Way

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eadersns eactio

LIKE • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE Write to us:

editor@darpanmagazine.com

‘WELL DONE’

Cover Story

I am rather pleased to go through the latest issue of ‘DARPAN.’ It is not only glossy it is quite trendy as well. I will not hesitate in commending it as ‘WELL DONE’. – Harnek Toor

Thanks for all your hard work on the January/ February issue. I am so honoured and delighted to be on the cover and am so impressed with the final product! – Umang Khandelwal

Re: Umang thank you for being a part of this

CONGRATS

cover story. DARPAN had a great time working with you and enjoyed sharing your story with our readers. All the best for your future endeavours. – Editor

Just received the latest issue of Darpan, and it looks great. Congrats on a job well done! – Renu Singh

FROM OUR SOCIAL FEED

Re: Thank you for the kind words.

It is because of well-wishers like you that DARPAN is one of the top magazines in the South Asian community. Keep supporting us always. – Editor

What a fine magazine and great selection of South Asians to acknowledge. (sic) - Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival / Facebook

Jan/Feb issue I really enjoyed the January-February issue of DARPAN. It had interesting stories and a lot of topics to read on. I look forward to the annual horoscope every year as well. Thank you for your hard work. – Rachna Sharma

Re: Rachna, happy to hear that you

enjoyed the issue. It was one of our best issues as well. I hope you like this one too. Those who wish to subscribe to DARPAN can find subscription details on www.darpanmagazine.com. – Editor

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What great people to have on the cover. Very impressive! (sic) - Jon Paul Saltel / Facebook Congratulations to everyone for bringing positivity into our Community! (sic) - Steve Thind / Facebook We are so honoured to have Vikram Vij on the cover of @darpanmagazine and to be named as a #Newsmaker and #influential! (sic) - EatDrinkVijs / Twitter @JuggyJag [Jugpreet Bajwa] Congrats! I’m overjoyed to see this,U’ve made us all so proud,keep climbing da ladder of sucss (sic) - DeepaliVishwa / Twitter

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DARPAN’S 10

1 What is your role as Gang Intervention Officer for the CFSEU-BC?

I am responsible for providing a combination of community engagement and prevention through gang outreach and proactive intervention across BC. Using highly developed skills in problem solving and mediation, the Gang Intervention team works to better understand the key determinates of gang violence and works with both internal CFSEU-BC stakeholders and external law enforcement and community partners to develop and implement community mobilization, prevention, disruption, and focussed deterrence strategies. If a shooting has occurred, we have the capacity to engage with operational and investigative units, both within the CFSEU-BC and the respective agency, to participate in community engagement, focussed deterrence, and possibly investigative strategies.

8 How can family members/community help a child stay away from this dangerous lifestyle?

with selling drugs. In their minds, being gang members, they held the power and maintained autonomy by carrying cell phones, having their own mode of transportation and by making a quick buck. They often appear ignorant to the fact that in business of gangs and drug trade the individuals involved are often betrayed and setup by their own friends or eliminated by rival gang members in execution-style shootings.

I strongly suggest parents keep informed of their children’s daily activities, whether it is school or work. We have come across many cases where drug runners tell their parents that they are helping with their friend’s family business or that they work as a security guard to explain their absence during the day or most of the night. One indicator that your child may be generating income from an illegal source is unexplained cash. If you witness your child carrying unexplained cash or find bundles of money in your home, it is in your best interest to ask where it came from. Parents also need to trust their children and provide space as necessary during their teenage years so they grow into confident and independent adults. It is important to make your child feel safe and important. The community should play a positive role in every kid’s life. Community support groups should offer services that involve youth in positive and healthy activities in their spare time.

5 You also speak about girls getting involved in gangs. Do share your inputs on the topic.

9 What are the misconceptions attached to being a gang member?

SERGEANT JAG KHOSA

2 What challenges have you faced as a Gang Intervention Officer?

CFSEU-BC’s gang intervention initiative is a firstof-its-kind in Canada. In its infancy stage we were faced with challenges such as a gap between the community and the police. Parents were generally afraid of a stigma, which prevented them from contacting us to seek help for their gang-involved kids. However, with our continued communitybased initiatives and enhanced outreach by the Gang Intervention Unit, this gap started to narrow down. The “code of silence” is starting to diminish as parents are contacting us for help. 3 Despite various measures taken by the city, the gang scene is still existent. Why?

Measuring prevention and awareness-related results have always been tricky. We are doing everything we can to curb the ongoing gang violence on our streets while focusing on long term solutions to this problem. Under CFSEUBC’s End Gang Life campaign, we continue to educate our youth and parents on dangers of gang lifestyle. To break the cycle of violence, we must focus on our next generation. On the enforcement side, CFSEU-BC’s mandate is to target, investigate, prosecute, and disrupt and dismantle the organized crime groups and individuals that pose the highest risk to public safety due to gang violence. Keeping in line with our mandate, we have had many significant successful investigations resulting in seizure of illegal firearms and arrests of high profile gangsters. 4 What tempts youngsters to join gangs?

Our research shows that although money, greed, power, peer pressure, and pseudo self-respect pushes youth into gang life; these are not the only reasons why kids choose to lead a high risk lifestyle. Lately, we have been seeing trauma being a leading cause of youth leaning towards gang life. Youth traumatized by childhood abuse or witnessing negative environment at home tend to join gangs to seek comfort elsewhere. In my experience dealing with youth, I found they could not see or foresee any danger associated

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

successful investigations against high level gangs, CFSEU-BC also embarked on two brand new gang prevention and exiting initiatives. Under CFSEU-BC’s umbrella, End Gang Life campaign was also launched which is a comprehensive education, prevention, and awareness initiative. In partnership with Provincial Government of BC, CFSEU-BC launched a first-of-its-kind Gang Exiting program to support those who are engaged in this lifestyle and want out. Through this program, supports such as clinical counselling, employment training, mental health, addictions and education are provided at no cost to the client.

Gang Intervention Officer for Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - BC (CFSEU-BC)

Girls participation in gangs is no longer a myth. We are seeing more and more girls playing an active role in street level drug distribution networks along with cross border smuggling. The most shocking part is that these young girls agree to immense risk for minimum or no compensation. Money is also a factor that drives girls into criminal activity whereas some simply participate to perform favours to their drugdealer boyfriends. This is a socially concerning fact that allows women to face sexual exploitation and other harmful assaults. 6 Is there a solution to these problems?

Prevention, education and awareness is the key to prevent our next generation from getting into gangs. Enforcement also plays a huge role in holding those accountable who pose the highest risk to public safety. However, if we could educate the parents and the young kids about dangers of gang lifestyle that would go a long way in preventing kids from making poor choices. 7 What measurements have been taken by the CFSEU-BC to fight these issues?

CFSEU-BC was formed to tackle organized crime and those gangsters who pose the highest risk to public safety. Along with leading major TM

The common misconception is that gang life offers limitless wealth, fancy cars, and beautiful women. Due to these assumptions, many young people head down this path without seeing the warning signs that this lifestyle ultimately will have them end up in jail or cost them their life. The latest trend that we have seen is that most kids feel that selling or transporting a “little bit” of drugs isn’t a big deal and by doing so one can make lots of money. A street-level drug dealer, or “runner,” constantly runs the risk of getting arrested and charged with possession or trafficking of a controlled substance. If the runner were to lose his product, he would be indebted to the boss for the cost of that supply. It is quite common for workers to be “jacked,” or robbed, by members of their own crew and their boss so they end up owing money. What should parents do if their child shows signs of gang-involvement?

First and foremost, the parent should seek help immediately rather than waiting until it is too late. Lot of parents feel that admitting their kid’s involvement in gangs would bring their family name in disrepute. We need to reach out to those who are in a position to offer help. Any parent facing such issues can reach our team at 604-897-6023 or endganglife.ca.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT The lens allows me to go into areas I cannot otherwise go and it’s the lens which allows me to go and experience something which I have never experienced before.”

rt, cinema and ideas. We need these to keep the world hopeful, informed and curious. After all, these are what unite people across borders and various beliefs. And cinema, in particular, forms the basis of inclusivity of ideas and dialogue. Vic Sarin, a gem in this industry, has contributed immensely to the glorious world of cinema with his expansive career spanning several decades. Each documentary, film, television series, and production reflects a piece of his passion for exploring ideas and filming stories.

His celebrated works including Keepers of Magic, The Boy from Geita, and Hue: A Matter of Colour have received a wave of support and recognition from around the world. “The lens allows me to go into areas I cannot otherwise go and it’s the lens which allows me to go and experience something which I have never experienced before,” Sarin says while describing his journey and passion towards filmmaking.

A LIFE BETWEEN LENS, FRAMES & STORIES

VIC SAR I N BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

I love the idea of how [the] magic of cinema affects people. We all know it’s artificial, we all know he’s (actor) not dying there and yet, we are moved by that.”

Born in Kashmir, India, Sarin was always captivated by camera and pictures. “To me an image speaks [a] thousand words. One picture can change the whole world.” In our conversation, he recalls Bollywood classics such as Awaara and Mother India – movies which changed the way the world perceived Indian cinema, and also extended the stature of actors like Raj Kapoor and Nargis beyond Bollywood. Cinema had left an imprint on Sarin quite early in his life. “I love the idea of how [the] magic of cinema affects people. We all know it’s artificial, we all know he’s (actor) not dying there and yet, we are moved by that,” he explains with amazement. “I did a film called Partition years ago and when you see a film like Partition [and] when Gian Singh (the protagonist) dies at the end, I remember how many people had

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

handkerchiefs in their hands. They know that he’s an actor, he’s not dying. The power [of cinema] …that’s what I love. How you can get the magic capitulated [on] all these people, the manipulation, the impetus… how strong it is.” Professionally, Sarin began his career in Australia at the Australia Broadcasting Corporation making documentaries. Later, he moved to Canada where his career and work flourished further. In fact, it was here in Canada that Sarin’s work reached out extravagantly to the global audience through various film festivals and deservingly garnered him several recognitions including several Genie Awards and Emmy Award nominations. Amongst his prominent works, there are two that have personally impacted me – Hue: A Matter of Colour, and The Boy

from Geita. Two very distinct and yet very strong subjects. Hue: A Matter of Colour is a documentary presenting personal journeys of people and their experiences being discriminated because of the colour of their skin by their own people. Based on the issue of colourism, the documentary traces stories in Asia, South America, the Caribbean, South Asia, and Africa. The Boy from Geita, another one of Sarin’s compelling works, presents the life of a young Tanzanian boy who is persecuted because he is an albino. Albino killings are very much prevalent in some societies in Africa. There are superstitious beliefs that the bones of an albino will make you wealthy and has magical powers. Across film festivals, the film received critical acclaim and stirred debate at various levels including Tanzanian authorities, who attempted to shut down the screening of the film at United Nations in New York City. His latest documentary, Keepers of the Magic, is a project Sarin speaks passionately about. The film celebrates some of Hollywood’s legendary cinematographers, explores stunning moving images, and shares fantastic behind-the-scenes stories of some of Hollywood’s iconic works. In a way, it is a tribute to the excellent contribution made by the phenomenal cinematographers. The film is playing at film festivals across the world, keeping Sarin busy for the time being. However, this dedicated and passionate filmmaker says he has a few more projects lined up in the new future. We wish him the very best!

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

BY HARJAN PADDA

MANNY

DULAY Leading On & Off The Court Dulay’s rise to the upper echelon of Canada West players didn’t just happen by luck. He maintained a strong work ethic in practice and offseason and dedicated this season to being the best. 16

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

anny Dulay has risen to the level of an elite student athlete while also being a positive influence for the community. The fifth year senior basketball player at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has shot up the ranks to lead his Cascades squad to the

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playoffs. Dulay is ranked first in three pointers made, sixth in assists and ninth in steals across the entire nation. He also has showcased high level efficiency with the second best assists-to-turnovers ratio which is even more impressive when taking into account that the senior has logged the second most minutes in the league. Consistency is the key to Dulay’s prowess. As a senior player, Manny Dulay was given mightier expectations for the season. His years at UFV were tremendously impactful towards his understanding of the game. He has taken all this responsibility in stride. However, he has not just been

putting up gaudy numbers on the stat sheet. Dulay knows that there is much more to being a team leader. “I learned from the older guys each year. You [have] got to be one of the best players every game in order for your team to be successful. You [have] got to take care of your teammates, make sure they’re focused and driven,” he says. Dulay’s rise to the upper echelon of Canada West players didn’t just happen by luck. He maintained a strong work ethic in practice and offseason and dedicated this season to being the best. “I gained a summer mentality of constant-

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

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ly hitting the gym. This is my last year so I had to go all out during the offseason. My goal has been to be a dependable star player and preparation is necessary for success,” Dulay explains. This extensive training and prep work paid off with significant dividends to start the season as Dulay came out firing on all cylinders. This solid beginning to the year just progressed to a point where he was just lights out in the second half of the season. The work that Dulay has been putting in on the court has been well noticed among collegiate basketball fans, but he has also been working as a coach at AthElite Basketball Academy. After playing for many years with AthElite, he chose to come back and be a coach for their program. Dulay really appreciates what he has been able to do there. He describes “It has been one of the best experiences of my life because you get to interact with so many kids and look into the future generation of basketball. Giving back to the community by being a positive influence for these kids is just a truly unique and wonderful experience.” Dulay’s biggest influencers growing up have been his father and cousin who also loved sports. As a young kid, he played with his cousin in Kamloops and considers himself a “very lucky person” to have had his father be so active in his life. The Cascades year is now over as they lost a tight series to the University of Winnipeg. Dulay averaged a superb 18.3 points, 4.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds with eight steals and only three turnovers. Looking at the entirety of his basketball career, Dulay finished with the third highest total of three pointers made in Canada West history. While he may be disappointed with the season ending in the first round, he has to take pride in the progress he’s made on and off the court. Manny Dulay is a leader for his basketball team and a leader in the community.

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“There is an element of truth and that is what you look for in writing. Language and style and voice and all of that is fine but it all has to lead to some truth. That’s what you’re looking for in literature.”

Bombay Musings with

ANOSH

IRANI BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

nosh Irani’s work speaks profoundly for the passion he carries for writing and storytelling. But that passion is rooted in his love for the city that raised him, Bombay, known in its present day form as Mumbai. This bestselling author’s work has circulated discussion on integral issues, deservingly garnering him several recognitions including being shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize, Canada Reads, and the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize. His journey has been a fascinating alliance of the vibrancy of India and the tranquility of Vancouver, beautifully weaved together into four novels – The Parcel, Dahanu Road, The Song of Kahunsha, and The Cripple and His Talismans.

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

Raised in Bombay, Irani says he was surrounded by storytellers as a kid. “In India, oral story telling is really something that goes back… centuries almost. Everyone is a storyteller and in my family, my father is a great storyteller, my grandparents [and] my cousins [are also storytellers]. I grew up with some great oral story tellers around me and so the need to tell stories became even more apparent as I grew up,” Irani tells me while describing his early years. In 1998, Irani moved to Vancouver to study literature and writing and laid the foundation of a career spanning over several years. But like other Anosh Irani (centre) newcomers, it wasn’t easy with the cast of for Irani to transition into a The Men in White. foreign environment without Photo: David Cooper any hiccups. In his case, the TM

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Reflecting The South-Asian2 Lifestyle A

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT “Everyone is a storyteller and in my family, my father is a great storyteller, my grandparents [and] my cousins [are also storytellers]. I grew up with some great oral story tellers around me and so the need to tell stories became even more apparent as I grew up.” serenity of Vancouver was luring but shortly after his arrival, Irani got hit by homesickness and a sense of isolation. “When I left India in 1998, I didn’t realize how connected I was to the country and especially to Bombay because you don’t actually think about these things when you are actually in a place.” In a way, this deep sense of nostalgia was a motivating force behind Irani’s major characters and plots and Bombay was where the inspiration streamed in from. “I remember watching TV one day and there was a documentary on India. Suddenly I felt like I had lost something. It was a very strange feeling. I was just watching a documentary and there were these two guys on motorcycles travelling through India and suddenly I had this incredible wave of sadness come over me and that’s when

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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I realized that I had left. That was when I realized how much of India is inside me and since then I’ve wanted to tell stories that are set in Bombay,” Irani explains. For a writer, Bombay is a treasure box of inspiration. The complexity intersecting with paradoxes within the city makes for a great learning place of the myriad human experiences. Irani’s latest novel The Parcel based on the life of Madhu, an eunuch living in the red-light district of Bombay, clearly reflects this. In fact, Irani identifies this novel and the character of Madhu as one of the most influential ones in his life. While researching the narrative, Irani would spend days and hours in the red-light district of Bombay, making notes, talking to people, observing them and hearing their stories. “It is a very sensitive subject so I had to handle it carefully.”

And this is not the first time Irani has put the spotlight on a strong subject. As a playwright, his works, The Men in White, Bombay Black, and The Matka King have shed light on strong subject matters. His latest play, The Men in White, centers around two brothers residing in two different parts of the world, India and Canada. Abdul, an illegal immigrant in Canada wants Hasan, an expert in cricket, to join his team but not everyone in the team agrees, thus causing a rift that traces roots in the 1992 HinduMuslim riots in Bombay. The script is light yet impactful with the characters and setting perfectly depicting the vibe and beat of Bombay. The play has been very well received by theatre lovers in Vancouver. Before parting, I ask Irani about what exactly makes a great novel; what is it that builds that connection with the reader. And very humbly, he replies back saying, “There is an element of truth and that is what you look for in writing. Language and style and voice and all of that is fine but it all has to lead to some truth. That’s what you’re looking for in literature.”

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

While positively climbing the ladder of success, first as an established actor and now as a young producer, Anushka has rightfully taken on the tag of a woman of substance.

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

COVER STORY

Anushka Sharma Actor. Producer. Woman.

By Petrina D’Souza

he has had a busy day, filled with meetings and work commitments. After a quiet dinner, Anushka Sharma sits down to chat with DARPAN Magazine. She might be exhausted and craving a good night’s sleep but that doesn’t stop her from sharing her thoughts on her work as an actor, her passion towards the profession, and the challenges of her newly-acquired role as a producer. As we chat, I find her like any other woman – tactfully dealing with the day-to-day

situations and calmly finding a balance between work and pleasure. Yet there is something different about her – the confidence and power she exuberates as we talk makes her one of a kind. She strikes me as a woman who knows what she wants; one who is determined to fulfill her dreams; and someone who will not back down for anything or anyone. While positively climbing the ladder of success, first as an established actor and now as a young producer, Anushka has rightfully taken on the tag of a woman of substance. Anushka’s journey is one that can inspire many. Starting off as a model, she made her debut in 2008 in Rab Ne Bana De Jodi, with none other than Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan.

DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

PHOTOS: ROHAN SHRESTHA, CLEAN SLATE FILMS, COURTESY SHWETA KULKARNI

COVER STORY

Ever since, she has worked with of times you feel there aren’t right some of the biggest stars and film- kinds of roles or films coming makers of the industry, taking up your way – films that can work different roles and giving powerful well in the country but probably performances one are not making revfilm after another. enue. You feel one It doesn’t end here. should come up Her love for cinewith such films and ma and the desire that has been playto showcase unique ing on my mind films encouraged her for sometime,” she to start her own proshares. duction company in We just follow our Clean Slate Films 2014. made its debut in instincts; we take 2015 with NH10, Clean Slate Films, co-owned by Anusha thriller directed risks because we by Navdeep Singh ka and her brother Karnesh Sharma, is starring Anushka have nothing to an Indian film proand Neil Bhoopalduction company lose,” proclaims am in lead roles. that is focused on The gripping story Anushka, “We creating relevant, of NH10 received entertaining and a lot of critical accame here with clutter-breaking claim and Anushcinema. “The basic performance nothing and we just ka’s idea is to tell stowas revered by both ries and bring [in] want to follow our viewers and memthe right people,” bers of the Bolhearts and we are lywood industry. says Anushka briefly, further sharing This response was a very clear about clear confirmation the vision of her production house. that Anushka was that.” “It is to tell differon the right track. ent stories, different “With NH10 being ideas and to be able to back new a success, it was an instinct that I talent and influx new talent in felt it was the right time for me to the industry.” start producing films.” Lack of good roles or interestSo what attracts producer ing films got the actress thinking Anushka to a story? “Instinct,” of producing her own films. “A lot she answers straight away. “When

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you are reading something or being narrated a film, either you like it or don’t like it. There will be reviews on why you like it, and that has to do something with [a story] you have not heard about or there’s a new take onto something. So it’s always based on instincts and a newness that attracts you to a script,” elaborates the 28-year-old producer who is all set to showcase her second film Phillauri releasing on March 24. Directed by Anshai Lal, Phillauri has Anushka and famous Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh playing lead roles. It is an interesting tale where Anushka plays a friendly ghost from the past whose love story with Diljit unfolds in the backdrop of a present day Punjabi wedding. The film’s intriguing trailer, released a few weeks back, has already caught the viewer’s

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Today with actresses like me expecting a lot more from our careers, from the industry, we are witnessing a change. But whenever someone or an establishment has to change their way, there is always going to be that struggle between those who want to change and those who don’t.” attention, making Phillauri one of the most awaited films to watch this year. It was the freshness of the idea that attracted Anushka and Karnesh to Phillauri. “I think we both were very excited by the idea behind the film, we found the light take on a superstition quite interesting – about this manglik boy who has to marry a tree and in the midst he inherits a ghost. The element of a ghost, discovering the love story of a ghost, telling her past – there were a lot of interesting things. All of that put together was making a really good film,” expresses Anushka. Phillauri also stands by Clean Slate Films’ promise of promoting new stories and talent – something that Anushka is very proud of as a producer. “We have managed to work with new talent and that is something we are really proud and happy about,” says the actor-producer,

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I enjoy producing a lot more because I like this responsibility and being creatively involved in a project. It gives me a high and I see it in a very positive way, it is very exciting for me.”

talking about her second project. “It is different from NH10 – that kind of speaks for what we are trying to do as a company. We are trying to share different themes and not just fall into a kind of imagery of a production company.” Besides working on a different concept as compared to their first production NH10, the siblings also got the chance to experiment with other aspects of filmmaking, like creating a different look of the ghost in Phillauri. Anushka explains, “The character of this ghost is one-of-a-kind and has not been done before [in Bollywood]. We

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

wanted to make her fairytalish and look surreal where she is transparent and floats.” This filmmaking experience brought along a few difficulties as well, which the talented lady simply rewords as challenges – the challenge to get the film going, to market it well, and get the desired response. “When you are writing a film, it’s all within your control. The difficult part is when you are pitching your film to a studio and trying to get the studio on board to make the film with you or finding a way on how best you can market the film and how it can reach your entire target group, they are not problems but challenges,” says

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Clean Slate Films, co-owned by Anushka and her brother Karnesh Sharma (pictured above), is an Indian film production company that is focused on creating relevant, entertaining and clutter-breaking cinema. “The basic idea is to tell stories and bring [in] the right people,” says Anushka. Anushka, calling it a necessary component of filmmaking. “Even with NH10, we did not feel it was a difficulty; it was just a challenge that we had to take care of. When we see a problem, we find a solution to it rather than looking at it in a negative way. After all, if the idea is good then I feel you can do a lot with it.” As we talk about challenges, I ask Anushka the advantages and shortcomings of working with family. And it turns out that for this A-lister working with family has more advantages than downfalls. A common vision for the production house and complete trust in each other are some of the reasons why this brother-sister duo works so smoothly together. “There is a lot of trust because we have been very close growing up; we are very similar with our personalities, the things we like and dislike, and values. Somewhere when the value system is the same, it is easier to work with family,” asserts Anushka. Also, coming from a non-filmy background, the siblings are open to newer ideas and are not bound by any preconceived notions about what kind of films one should make and what

DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Phillauri has Anushka and Diljit Dosanjh playing lead roles. It is an interesting tale where Anushka plays a friendly ghost from the past whose love story with Diljit unfolds in the backdrop of a present day Punjabi wedding.

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

kind of films do well. “We just follow our instincts; we take risks because we have nothing to lose,” proclaims Anushka, “We came here with nothing and we just want to follow our hearts and we are very clear about that.” Yet working with family also means taking each other for granted at times – something that Anushka and her brother are adjusting to. “I get more involved when I am dealing with people I am not related to, and when you are related, you kind of lose that. That’s something which will get better with time. But our similar thought process and ideas about what we want to do with the company makes up for everything else.”

Acting or producing – which one does Anushka prefer more? “Your involvement is a lot less when you are acting; your responsibility is a lot lesser. But as a producer, you are involved in the film from the genesis of it and that is a big responsibility,” she says pointing out the difference. “You feel a lot more responsible towards the project, towards all the people who have worked on the film. The stakes are much higher.”

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“We found the light take on a superstition quite interesting – about this manglik boy who has to marry a tree and in the midst he inherits a ghost. The element of a ghost, discovering the love story of a ghost, telling her past – there were a lot of interesting things. All of that put together was making a really good film.” Being the person that she is, she enjoys this kind of leadership and being deeply involved in a project. “I enjoy it [producing] a lot more because I like this responsibility and being creatively involved in a project. It gives me a high and I see it in a very positive way, it is very exciting for me. I feel there is a lot more that I can offer which I probably cannot when I am just an actor on a project,” she reveals. Anushka’s views on being responsible, on overcoming obstacles, and staying positive is merely a reflection of the strong woman she is. In fact, she believes that the word woman synonyms with “balance and strength” –

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

COVER STORY “It is a good time to be in the industry as there are good positive changes coming in now and you can be a part of that change. If you feel that you have the potential to make it, then you must try to pursue it,” Anushka encourages, calling Bollywood “an inviting place right now.”

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characteristics that she herself believes in and follows. “Women usually have to balance a lot more things and they can, especially in the society that we live in. We are growing, reaching out to new heights and the society is still not tuned to that. So there is always a balance we need to maintain in life and I think that is what I have always been able to do and manage very well.” And rightfully enough, she has maintained that balance and excelled greatly. Despite working in a male-dominated industry, without a Bollywood background, Anushka has managed to hold her own and create her identity as a woman of confidence, talent and hard work. I ask her about the struggles of a woman in the entertainment industry, she says, “They aren’t enough good roles representing women correctly. And also in terms of the importance of your place in a male-centric film, these kinds of things affect you as an actor. There aren’t enough films that have an actress lead the film fully,” adding that there is a change. With films like Heroine, Kahaani and Queen getting a positive response and making huge earnings, the Bollywood industry seems to have changed with its acceptance of actresses and womencentric films. “Today with actresses like me expecting a lot more from our careers, from the industry, we are witnessing a change,” agrees Anushka, while picturing the future,

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“But whenever someone or an establishment has to change their way, there is always going to be that struggle between those who want to change and those who don’t.” Looking at how women-centric films are doing very well at the box-office, Anushka remarks that more and more producers are coming forward and investing in such projects. “At the end of the day, this is a business and people will put their money when they feel they are going to have returns. And now that female-centric films have shown successes, it enables the producers to invest in such films knowing that there will be returns. These are changes that are definitely happening and these are all positive changes.” Before concluding the interview, she sends out a message to young girls and boys dreaming of a career in the film industry. “It is a good time to be in the industry as there are good positive changes coming in now and you can be a part of that change. If you feel that you have the potential to make it, then you must try to pursue it,” she encourages, calling Bollywood “an inviting place right now.”

DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

When I get into a campaign, I get a chance to talk to everybody everyday. We are number one in economic growth and job creation, so I think I have a good record to run on, so I am looking forward to that, and mostly the chance to reconnect with people.â&#x20AC;?

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

“I am prepared to fight for British Columbians”

BC Premier

Christy Clark BY PETRINA D’SOUZA

In an exclusive interview with DARPAN, BC’s Premier shares her thoughts and plans on some of the pressing issues the province currently faces.

ritish Columbia Premier Christy Clark recently announced the 2017 Budget. The fifth-consecutive balanced budget for the province includes $50.2 billion, a $295 million surplus, $400 million in tax cuts for people and $2.1 billion in new program spending. The province aims to spend a record $13.7 billion on capital investments in schools, roads, hospitals and public safety over the next three years. While the budget did include benefiting introductions and cuts for BC residents, a few questions and doubts were left unanswered. In the midst of preparing for the 2017 provincial election, Premier Clark sat down with DARPAN Magazine to answer some of these questions. In an exclusive interview, BC’s Premier shares her thoughts and plans on some of the pressing issues the province currently faces. Below are excerpts from the interview.

DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

What are you looking forward to in the 2017 provincial election? I love campaigns because I get to meet people. Being Premier is an incredible privilege; I spend a lot of time at my desk working everyday. When I get into a campaign, I get a chance to talk to everybody everyday. We are number one in economic growth and job creation, so I think I have a good record to run on, so I am looking forward to that [campaign], and mostly the chance to reconnect with people.

The thing that will make the difference in making homes more affordable is cities need to approve more apartments

The 2017 British Columbia Budget was recently announced; what plan did you have in mind while working on it?

and houses to be build. If there is more supply, it means the prices go down and every

I ask people to think about their own household budget. How do you do that every month and make sure you have enough money for your mortgage, dinners and daycares? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really hard and everybody is never happy.

time we build a new house, it creates a lot of jobs.â&#x20AC;?

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

I ask people to think about their own household budget. How do you do that every month and make sure you have enough money for your mortgage, dinners and daycares? It’s really hard and everybody is never happy. It is just like that but with $51 billion.”

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

It is just like that but with $51 billion. So this year, I said to our team, ‘It’s time we gave money back to people in tax cuts. A billion-dollar tax cuts.’ Most people’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) will be cut by half before we eliminate it all together and [there will be] new investments in health care and education. We need to invest on services on one side but we also need to put more money in people’s pockets because they can spend that money better than government can.

A lot of regulations have been made to deal with the housing affordability issue the region is facing. Do you think these introductions will stabilize BC’s housing market? There were three things in the budget that were about housing affordability. The first one is the home program, giving first-time homebuyers an interest-free no-payment loan of upto $37,000 to get their down payment together. Second, 6,000 units of rental and affordable housing for people; and third an exemption on the home owner grant of upto $1.6 million. These three things are all trying to keep people in their homes, get people in their first home or make sure they can rent at an affordable rate. That’s in addition to the 15 per cent foreign tax, the luxury tax on homes of over $2 million, and the changes we have made to regulate realtors. So there is a long list of things. But ultimately, the thing that will make the difference in making homes more affordable in addition to all this is cities need to approve more apartments and houses to be build. If there is more supply, it means the prices go down and every time we build a new house, it creates a lot of jobs for the people. We should be doing more building in BC but cities need to give approvals.

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In Surrey, for example, we are opening 5,200 new student spaces. We have just added a 1,000 new teachers starting in January and we are going to be adding more. I think that education is the single most important investment that government makes and we need to invest more in teachers and support them more, and make sure that our kids have the best education. My dad was a teacher; teachers do a great job with our kids. I always remind people that many came to BC because they wanted to earn a good job, they wanted to own a home and they wanted a great education for their kids. So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an investment we are going to keep making.

Healthcare cost and accessibility is another problem that residents have to deal with. Despite various efforts taken to relieve the surgery back log, residents face long waiting times at hospitals. How do you plan on lessening them? Healthcare needs to be there when you need it. We have added $4 billion to the healthcare budget; it is going to be an almost $20 million budget. Over the next few months, you are going to see our plan to invest that money in reducing waiting lists and increasing access to the healthcare system. There will be more news on some of the specifics on how we will spend that billion dollars. We are making investments all over the province so you will see some new hospitals and spaces opened up for people.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

The South Asian community is so full of passion and heart, and entrepreneurialism. BC would not be the same place if so many Punjabis and South Asians had decided to go somewhere else. My message to the community is thank you to the

Fentanyl crisis is big at the moment with a lot of overdose deaths taking place the last few months. How are you fighting this crisis? The first and most important thing is all of us as parents need to remind our kids how dangerous it is to do drugs. They think that [doing it] once won’t hurt them. With fentanyl out there, it can kill you on the first use. We have a big public education campaign underway to remind and make people know how dangerous street drugs can be these days. That’s one part of it.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

contribution each and every one of you makes to our province everyday.”

We also know that people will still do drugs, so we need to be there to help save their lives. We have declared a public health emergency and have invested over $65 million in treatment and care. We are investing in 500 new detox beds for people. We lost over 900 people last year to fentanyl and opioid abuse; every single one of those deaths is preventable. We are TM

throwing everything that we have got at it right now and we are going to keep adding to that until we get this epidemic beat. It’s so hard and scary for parents to know that our kids are out there and can run into these drugs.

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project is receiving opposition from some city councilors and BC residents for its lack of proper consultations and research. How do you justify these allegations? It was Justin Trudeau’s government that approved it. They had the right to approve it and it was their job to do that. My job was to fight for everything that we could get to make sure that BC was safe if it happened. So we fought for, most importantly, a protection plan for our ocean. They put together a $1.5 billion new plan to protect our coast and that is really important – not just for Kinder Morgan but it is important for all the ships going up and down our coast all the time. We fought for the conditions, we stood up for them and we had got all the five conditions satisfied by the time they finally approved it. I think we should be proud of that because British Columbians really got behind the five conditions, we fought hard and we succeeded.

BC’s unemployment rate is said to be the lowest among other provinces. How do you wish to maintain this ranking? We need to say ‘yes’ to development, we need to say yes to projects like Site C which is going to be [creating] 10,000 jobs, many of them in Surrey and Vancouver. We need to say yes to liquefied natural gas (LNG), that’s thousands of jobs. Every time we say yes to a development proposal, we create jobs. Our infrastructure plan is $24.5 billion over the next three years; that is going to create over 30,000 jobs for people. We are number one in the country on job growth; we have the lowest unemployment rate since 1961. But this isn’t going to get easier. Donald Trump in the US is not going to make it easier for Canadians to build jobs here as he wants all those jobs to be in America. We are going to fight really hard; we have got to work hard, negotiate tough in order to make sure we create those jobs here in BC. I think now is the time, with all this uncertainty, that BC really needs a fighter, someone who is going to go out and fight for BC and for our jobs.

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Donald Trump’s presidency could affect trade relations between BC and the USA. What measures are you taking to ensure BC’s trade sector remains intact? The big risk is softwood lumber first and foremost. Depending on the number of duties that the American government decides to put on, there could be a lot of jobs at risk there. BC is going to need a tough negotiator on wine, on softwood lumber, or our agricultural and manufactured exports to the United States. I am prepared to fight for British Columbians. We have got a new softwood envoy down in the United States, David Emerson (BC Trade envoy to the US) who will be working with the ambassador. I am in regular contact with the prime minister, ambassador, trade minister, special trade envoy and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. So we are going to make sure to work hard to get the right deal for BC workers. When you’re facing a tough negotiation, you have to be equally tough on the other side of the table.

Some call the 2017 provincial election a ‘change’ election. Do you see that as a challenge? What response are you expecting from the voters? I feel that every election is about change because everybody is always asking themselves what kind of change they want and that’s re-

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ally what democracy is about. So when we get to the election campaign, what we will see is very stark contrast between my party and the NDP – because the NDP opposes every job creation project (Site C, Kinder Morgan, LNG, forestry jobs). We have been on the side of saying ‘yes’ to jobs – let’s do it responsibly and carefully but let’s say yes to creating jobs for people. Do you want the kind of change that means higher unemployment, fewer jobs, lower wages, more taxes? Or you want the change that is going to be on the track that we are on right now? Our economy is number one in Canada, unemployment is lowest, 2,200 jobs created – most of any province in the country. That’s a pretty good track record and if people want that kind of change to continue, they should vote for that.

DARPAN

We are so blessed in BC to have so many people of South Asian descent who have chosen to make this their home, because I don’t think you can find a community that is more entrepreneurial, that has more get-up-and-go, that is going to work harder. I don’t think you can find a community that brings more passion to community, and that’s really what makes Canada great – is that people all decide to chip in together. That’s how we build, that’s how we make a country. The South Asian community is so full of passion and heart, and entrepreneurialism. BC would not be the same place if so many Punjabis and South Asians had decided to go somewhere else. My message to the community is thank you to the contribution each and every one of you makes to our province everyday. We are really lucky that so many South Asian people chose BC as their home.

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“Fair skinned, tall, slender yet curvy.”

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DARPAN

BEAUTY

SHAME IMPERIALISM OF THE MEDIA By Shanel Khaliq

From matrimonial advertisements to dating apps to drawing room conversations, women have long been obsessed with this specific form of idealised beauty.

ho hasn’t heard an aunty or a peer put them down for being too dark or too fat? From matrimonial advertisements to dating apps to drawing room conversations, women have long been obsessed with this specific form of idealized beauty.

According to Neetu Sahota, a Vancouver-based makeup artist and instructor at Vancouver Community College, Bollywood and the media have created a particular and narrow image of a ‘beautiful’ woman that every girl wants to squeeze into. “Clients will often bring in images of actresses such as Aishwarya [Rai-Bachchan] or Kim Kardashian, wanting to look like them instead of using the photo as inspiration. Many clients often want to alter their skin colour, skin texture and face shape rather than enhance the beauty they have; they want a full transformation,” she says. Body image dissatisfaction and body shaming are not new phenomena. For centuries women have toiled and struggled to fit into society’s conceptions of ‘acceptable.’ With the development of technologies such as air brushing and the growth of the multimillion dollar industry that rests itself on furthering narrow definitions of beauty, the only thing that has declined is women’s self esteem.

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DARPAN FEATURE

PICTURES FOR REPRESENTATION ONLY

campaigns are tailing behind too, albeit slowly. For many this is still considered to be a first world problem. Why then are more and more women of colour, particularly of South Asian descent, being subjected to body shaming too? South Asian culture presents an interesting case study in this regard. Communal life and strong family values have long been considered a strength by Asian cultures. Unfortunately, in some cases, this communal pressure exerts itself on young girls and

This obsession with maintaining a certain physique has a direct linkage with sexualization that leads girls to think that their achievements lie in looking a certain way and other accomplishments are secondary.

Body image dissatisfaction is the difference of what a person perceives should be their weight and what it actually is. Body shaming is sometimes a follow up that results when people are shamed and bullied for not being of a specific body type. According to research, this bullying is not only coming from peers but many a times from parents, teachers and even partners. According to statistics cited by the Canadian Women’s Foundation, 60 per cent of girls in Grade 10 across the country were found to be following a “diet.” In a study conducted in BC, 60 per cent of girls who were too thin perceived themselves to be “too fat.” This obsession with maintaining a certain physique has a direct linkage with sexualization that leads girls to think that their achievements lie in looking a certain way and other accomplishments are secondary. Meanwhile, considerable academic research has been dedicated to understanding this phenomenon since the past two decades. However, much of this has been taking place in the Global North focusing on white women. Media

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DARPAN

women, affecting their self-worth negatively. The propagation of traditional gender roles is one of the most important factors that affect women in this regard. Some of this may be attributable to certain religious beliefs, but some have roots in the cultural ethos. Girls are taught to live their lives in a way so as to be pleasing to the male gaze, in order to get married; an institution that is central to the communal nature of South Asian culture. Side by side, tabloids have long flourished by highlighting cellulite on celebrity’s bodies. An icon such as Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan even faced the brunt of shamers when she

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gained weight during child birth. Similarly, television shows and movies lack diversity in the kinds of actors that they cast in lead roles. Hardly any films have experimented with casting bigger, bulkier women as lead characters unless the film revolves around the subject of fat phobia. The resulting eating disorders and depression issues among teenage girls therefore should not come as a surprise. Hareem Farooq, a Pakistani film actress, has recently shed light on the issue of shaming and bullying and started a healthy conversation on this subject in Pakistan as well. “People basically fantasize about women in the media. For them, they have to be perfect, what they forget is that women in this profession are also humans. The reason I spoke about fat shaming is that it’s something that’s really tiny and meaningless; it doesn’t contribute to your skill in any way. But what we do to people, while shaming them, contributes negatively to their life. Body shaming or any kind of shaming affects confidence and I’ve seen people get mentally exhausted and depressed,” she says. Meanwhile, advertising campaigns such as ‘Dark is Beautiful’ are trying to create space for this dialogue and have been considerably successful. However according to Sahota, they must reach a larger audience in order for them to reap more success. She points towards Bollywood’s role as a change maker in this regard. “Does this campaign have an impact? Yes, it does, however it isn’t reaching a mass population of the South Asian community in the way Bolly-

DARPAN FEATURE Girls are taught to live their lives in a way so as to be pleasing to the male gaze, in order to get married; an institution that is central to the communal nature of South Asian culture.

wood is. Could concepts of beauty begin to change in newer generations if they grew up to actresses of all skin colours and body types? Yes, I think Bollywood has the potential to make a much larger impact on conceptions of beauty,” she explains. She also emphasizes the role individuals working in the industry can play independently. “At times, makeup artists are acting as moral support for women who are trying to embrace their individual beauty but feel they cannot because they must conform to society’s pressures. Instead of artists seeking to transform a client’s look, they should seek to enhance the beauty the client already possesses,” she says. It is also important to realize that success whether in the personal or the professional sphere comes through heightened self worth and confidence. Sonakshi Sinha, is one name that has fought against the odds and vitriolic critique by the media and has risen successful. She has encouraged younger women to vest confidence in themselves and to appreciate that beauty comes in all shapes, colours and sizes. According to her: “I have always maintained that be proud of who you are and the way you are. Every individual must learn to be comfortable in their own skin and flaunt their unique body type. Your different body type is your USP that sets you apart from the rest. The world would be dull if we all looked alike. Don’t chase a particular body type, be a perfect human not just a human with a perfect body.”

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YOUTH SPEAK

Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and their voice must be heard. Through this column, DARPAN gives youngsters an opportunity to express their views and ideas on topics they are passionate about. If you wish to contribute, email us at editor@darpanmagazine.com

WHAT TO DO WITH AN

ARTS DEGREE

don’t overthink it, and just write it down. MAKE GOOGLE YOUR FRIEND:

For each of those 10 courses you wrote down, Google five potential jobs related to that course. This may be tough, but you have to commit yourself to do a lot of digging. Chat with professors: Professors are like doctors for the unemployed, use them for guidance. Speak to them in regards to the jobs that interest you and get their thoughts on it. Professors understand the supply and demand in the field and will provide you with the most authentic answer to your questions.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE IS A SOLUTION, AND RESULTS ARE GUARANTEED IF ONE COMMITS TO FOLLOWING THROUGH.

ast spring my friend hit an emotional point, she felt like her life was going to fall apart. “I am coming so close to finishing my arts degree and I don’t have a clue what to do with it,” she spoke to me as tears rapidly rolled down her cheek. She felt anxious, worried and afraid about what the future held for her. Until now her life seemed to have had a plan, she knew that after high school she would go off to college and after college she would get a highly-paid job and life would be like a sweet bed of roses.

BY KRITI CHOPRA Kriti is a third year business student, a volunteer for youth at risk and a serial foodie. Her work is inspired by some of the teachings of one of the top philanthropists in America, Tony Robbins.

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SET UP INFORMATION INTERVIEWS:

But now that the time had almost come to graduate, she felt completely unprepared for the future. Her plans of landing a fantastic job seemed so unattainable that she just hoped to get a decent job somewhere. Not just that, she didn’t even know what to do with her arts degree. My friend’s story may sound all too familiar. Truth is, nine out of 10 students go through this exact same phase some time or the other during their university life. Students start to question if university education still is the leg up it once was to get closer to their career goal. If you’re in this position, you’re not alone. The good news is there is a solution, and results are guaranteed if one commits to following through.

DARPAN

ADDRESSING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Before addressing the real issue, it is important to address the psychological mindset that students have. Students are so busy dwelling and discussing the topic of not knowing what to do with their arts degree that they waste precious time that could be used towards finding the solution. STRATEGIC WAY TO FIND A GROUND-BREAKING CAREER USE THE FUNNEL APPROACH AND NARROW DOWN:

The idea is to start wide and narrow down to the things that appeal to you and have a demand in the market place. Think of the top 10 courses that you enjoyed in university. Write them all down,

Information interviews are a weapon that most university students don’t use. They are not a job interview, but it is an interview where you as a college student gets a chance to speak to someone in the field. This is your chance to conduct the interview and gain insight into a possible career. Feel free to pick the brain of an expert and gain all the knowledge you want. REVERSE ENGINEER:

By now you’ll have some form of an idea as to what jobs you prefer. Now is the time to learn what it takes to get into that particular role. Again, turn to Google and find out what work experience you need to have to get into a particular job and work your way backwards towards the job of your dreams (P.S. LinkedIn profiles can help a ton).

DARPAN

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

PROFILE

An in-depth look at the altruistic and influential B.C. developer

DALJIT THIND U

ndoubtedly because he came from humble beginnings himself, BC real estate developer Daljit Thind extended a life-changing reach to Syrian refugees and offered them homes back in 2015, around the time when they were expected to arrive in Vancouver. Thind explained back then he felt these refugees needed support to ensure their new life in Canada would be comfortable and, most of all, restorative. He also felt compelled by his beliefs that state that those who are born in Punjab into the Sikh community must give back to the community whatever they earn – a lesson he learned early. That philosophy serves as the foundation for how Thind operates his multi-million-dollar empire – THIND Properties Ltd.

When asked what the secret to his success is, Thind is apt to respond with, “Surround yourself with smart people, listen and weigh in on what they have to say and then take the opportunity that presents itself.” Perhaps his best advice of all? “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

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DARPAN

The latest THIND development, Lumina Brentwood, is THIND’s largest development to date. Located on the south side of Beta Avenue in Burnaby, Lumina is a fourtower residential project that is conveniently located only minutes away from the Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain station.

Above: Aerial rendering of LUMINA Brentwood. Pre-sales are expected to begin in the spring with the first phase of construction scheduled to be completed by 2019. Described as a soft-spoken yet forthright, tenacious and altruistic entrepreneur who will conduct all business transactions with the utmost integrity, the CEO and founder of THIND Properties is widely respected in development circles. To date, his company has built more than a thousand homes throughout Metro Vancouver and a thousand more are already planned for development in the next few years. Real estate was not even supposed to be part of Thind’s career plans. Trained and employed as a pharmacist in Ludhiana, Punjab, Thind soon learned his academic credentials were not recognized when he arrived in Canada, but that did not slow him down. Unknowingly, he began to construct the cornerstone of his future as he explored the trades and educated himself in everything from plumb-

ing to carpentry. Today the husband, father of three and community-minded volunteer runs a thriving real estate business that has been in operation for 20 years and is ranked as one of the leading property development groups in the Lower Mainland. With various Georgie awards in hand (Best Kitchen – Multi-family 2016) and finalist for the 2017 Georgies (Best Advertising Campaign, Best Sales Centre, and Grand Georgie: Marketing Campaign of the Year) the company has staked out a reputation of being leaders in the industry. The latest THIND development, Lumina Brentwood, is THIND’s largest development to date. Located on the south side of Beta Avenue in Burnaby, Lumina is a four-tower residential project that is conveniently located only minutes away from the Brentwood Town

Centre Skytrain station. This family-friendly project features units for sale in one, two and three-bedroom configurations and all include fullsized appliance packages. Pre-sales are expected to begin in the spring with the first phase of construction scheduled to be completed by 2019. If past THIND projects are any indication, these units will not be for sale long. No stranger to environmentally conscious construction, among Thind’s developments are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified homes. LEED is an internationally recognized rating system that is the mark of excellence for green building standards in more than 132 countries. The Skyway Tower development in Vancouver marked Thind’s first LEED project and one he is extremely proud of, he said. “It’s the most environmentally friendly

and energy-efficiency building that produces 40 per cent more in energy savings than other buildings,” Thind told DARPAN in the summer of 2014. Thind’s influence is far-reaching and has been recognized for many years. In 2014, he was named one of Vancouver’s most powerful people. That same year he was one of only 200 CEOs invited to the Buckingham Palace in London for a Canada Club reception organized in honour of the club’s patron, the Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th anniversary. And just last year he had the opportunity to be introduced to and meet with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who were touring British Columbia at the time. When asked what the secret to his success is, Thind is apt to respond with, “Surround yourself with smart people, listen and weigh in on what they have to say and then take the opportunity that presents itself.” He tells those he mentors to work hard and invest time and money into the projects they create, and to make sure to not take shortcuts. He will tell those looking to enter the real estate development market, “Make sure to work honestly, so you can be happy with the outcome. As well, don’t look for success in what others have to say.” Perhaps his best advice of all? “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SALUTES

With his organization, ProjectArt, Alphons aims at catering art to children who otherwise would not have had adequate access to an arts education.

Art

My LIFE SAVED

“Art is a highly misunderstood field. The work that I do is not because you want to create a generation of artists; that’s not the goal of ProjectArt. The goal is to get people to get in touch with their creative side because we believe creativity is in the heart of innovation and innovation is important to every industry,” says Adarsh Alphons, Founder of ProjectArt.

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DARPAN

By GARIMA GOSWAMI

darsh Alphons, founder of ProjectArt has triggered a wave of transformation in New York, Detroit and Miami, USA, with his unique approach on art. With his organization, ProjectArt, Alphons aims at catering art to children who otherwise would not have had adequate access to an arts education. In fact, since the project’s launch in 2011 in New York City, ProjectArt has grown not only in numbers but also in leadership and engageTM

ment. “Art is a highly misunderstood field. The work that I do is not because you want to create a generation of artists; that’s not the goal of ProjectArt. The goal is to get people to get in touch with their creative side because we believe creativity is in the heart of innovation and innovation is important to every industry.” Alphons’ tryst with art began very early in his life. When he was seven, he was expelled from school for drawing in class, but that

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was no deterrent in keeping the artist in him quiet. Eight years later, at a different school, in a different setting, with a different set of people, Alphons was painting portraits of Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and the Pope. “For the first time I felt, if I could study I could do drawing. And there wasn’t something mentally wrong with me and that led to drawing a lot.” One of the biggest moments for him occurred when Nelson Mandela visited New Delhi, India, as the President of South Africa and Alphons got to present Mandela’s portrait to Mandela in person. Building up on his gusto of artistic expression, Alphons moved to the United States to study art. While he was staying in Harlem, a traditionally underserved neighbourhood in New York City, a range of reports in context of depreciating support towards arts education in New York and the rest of the country accentuated Alphons’ motivation to create a platform such as ProjectArt. “Art saved my life. It is the only thing that kept me going when times were rough. Art is an outlet for me, it’s an outlet of expression. It’s what led me and particularly [leads] young people to express their thoughts, ideas and expressions through a tool that is a lot more fundamental to human being,” Alphons says while explaining the importance of art. ProjectArt conducts classes at public libraries that are located close to schools where there is an absence of art instructors. In fact, Alphons described the involvement of public libraries as a “breakthrough” moment because conducting classes in libraries means usage of library for other selfdevelopment purposes. A 2016 report by ProjectArt claims 57 per cent of students are first-time library goers despite the fact that they are residing in the same neighbourhood as the library; 85 per cent of enrolled students discuss the program with their friends and bring in additional students to the classes; 81 per cent students report participation in ProjectArt boosts their self-esteem; and 91 per cent of students claim art is an important component in their lives. However, encouragement of creativity is not

PHOTOS: PROJECTART

Home Sweet Home

the only aspect ProjectArt seeks to promote. Behavioural transformation is also central for the overall development of its students which is why conducting classes under the roof of a library is beneficial. ProjectArt claims 70 per cent of students extend their hours of library usage beyond ProjectArt classes in order to do homework, read and use the computer; 54 per cent enroll themselves in various library programs and services; 59 per cent make use of library’s technology services before and after class; and 55 per cent accompany their families to the libraries propelling an active engagement of the family with the library. A typical class at ProjectArt comprises discussions, sharing of ideas and thoughts centrally themed on art. And because all classes are projectbased, students have something unique to explore and build upon in each session. The best part here is that at the end of each semester, students get to display their work in contemporary art galleries complete with a professionally-organized reception. Needless to say, this goes on to boost not only the confidence but also the creative cringe that ultimately populates into other areas of their life. Perhaps, this is Alphons’ way of giving each student the ‘Mandela moment’ that he had when he ecstatically presented Mandela’s portrait to Mandela himself. Close to completing six years in 2017, ProjectArt is receiving immense support nationwide in the US. They presently have 24 locations in New York, four in Detroit and five in Miami. They will soon be expanding to Los Angeles and Chicago and with the looks of it, it seems that ProjectArt is well on its way to becoming the largest arts school for kids in the US. Kudos to the passionate volunteer base and staff at ProjectArt!

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very homeowner has special plans for their dream house. Some of these plans materialize while some don’t. Factors such as getting the right colour or design, affordability and labour can be a hindrance to creating that dream home. Not any more. Elegant Glass and Shower Mirrors Ltd. CEO Namanmeet Singh’s only aim is to turn each client’s dream into reality. Elegant Glass & Shower Mirrors Ltd. specializes in Mirrors, Custom Frameless Shower Doors, Custom Wood Closets Organizers, Frameless Glass Railings, Floating Steel Stairs, and Tub Doors. Founded in 2008, Elegant Glass and Shower Mirrors started merely from a basement and has now become the top choice for developers and homeowners in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. “A few years after the company was established, I entered into small singlefamily customization house projects. I tried improvising products which are different from the market. I added products in the shower door industry which helped me grow into the customization and single-family home area,” shares Namanmeet, who adds that his hardwork, creativity, and knowledge of the housing industry has helped the organization excel.

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ELEGANT HOME If I plan to do something, I do it. And when I finish it, it gives me the energy to keep going. This has helped me to take my company to the next level. - Namanmeet Singh, CEO of Elegant Glass & Shower Mirrors Ltd.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

BUSINESS PROFILE Today, the company is a proud owner of a new 16,000 sq. ft. facility which holds various materials and the most advanced machineries. “Even though we faced some tough times, I kept on going. My hard work didn’t let me down even a single day.” The new facility includes a 3,000 sq. ft. modern showroom and an in-house workshop. “The new facility will ensure quality improvement and the production is expected to increase about three times. It also eases the work of my employees,” says Namanmeet. He further adds, “Designers come into our showroom and like the products on display.” Elegant Glass and Shower Mirrors is the only company in the Lower Mainland to provide all these services in-house. This not only saves time in construction but also saves precious dollars of the client. Besides that, clients get a first hand look of the materials present in the workshop and can choose from a variety of designs.

PHOTOS: AVTAR BHOEY, PHOTOCRAFT

Elegant Glass & Shower Mirrors Ltd. specializes in Mirrors, Custom Frameless Shower Doors, Custom Wood Closets Organizers, Frameless Glass Railings, Floating Steel Stairs, and Tub Doors. “When customers see that we do different things under one roof, they feel more secure and confident that the company can handle their work,” points out Namanmeet. The young CEO recently introduced structured steelwork to his company’s long list of services. He says that a demand in structured steelwork stairs got him investing in this industry and making it accessible to all his clients. “Now we are working on three to four structured steelwork projects ourselves,” adds Namanmeet. Namanmeet’s creativity has not only helped him remain in this business but has given birth to some innovative looks in various homes. Talking about one of his creation, he talks about the use of custom colour painted glass instead of tiles in washrooms. “This gives the washroom a clean look and is well-liked by the designers and owners.” Currently the company is working on an 18-storey project in North Vancouver and is going to start production on a 35-storey building in Coquitlam. “We have 70 to 80

single-family projects in any given time. Every project is mostly customization.” The company is also up-to-date with the latest trends, styles and colours that are in demand in the housing industry. “When I started we were doing frame showers, now we are doing frameless showers,” states Namanmeet, sharing his inputs on the changing trends. He mentions Glass Railings and Floating Steel Stairs – new designs added by the company that are greatly opted for by new homeowners instead of wood-frame railings. “The floating stairs eliminates all the walls around it and people can now have a more open look to their house.” Elegant Glass Trading Ltd. is another establishment that Namanmeet owns, which trades different products from various countries namely China, Korea, Europe, India, and USA. This service helps him cater to all communities existing in British Columbia and other provinces. “We work with every community in the region,” says Namanmeet. Namanmeet Singh is also involved in

developing affordable condominiums for the young generation. “We are working on one project at the moment. After that, we have more plans,” he says. In conclusion he states, “If I plan to do something, I do it. And when I finish it, it gives me the energy to keep going. This has helped me to take my company to the next level.”

604.572.9656 Email: info@elegantglass.ca w w w. e l e ga n t g l a s s . c a #52-13370 78 Ave Surrey, BC

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE

The“Indian

Way”of

Parenting:

Is it Problematic? By Amrita Lit

It seems as though there is too much focus on making a living rather than encouraging familial cohesiveness and building a happy life.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

lot of East-Indian children aren’t raised, they just simply grow older. Yes, this is a controversial statement to make. Yes, it places blame on Indian parents for the troubled teens and adult babies which seem to be all too popular in Indian culture. But does that make it any less true? The answer is no. Here’s my opinion on why I believe the manner in which Indians parent needs to change immediately.

A typical style of parenting in an Indian family is as follows: meal times are like clockwork, there is a huge emphasis placed on steady weight gain, high academic achievement, and impressive extra-curricular successes. Many Indian households will either enforce strict rules and regulations about playtime, study time, and bedtime, and discipline for any deviation from this – or have no structure at all. There is no balance. Don’t get me wrong, the majority of us are well-provided for. However, there is one thing missing – an emotional upbringing.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE

Indian parents must begin to place precedence on the wellbeing of their child, rather than worrying about what others will think of them should they seek help for any early indications of problematic behaviours.

Many individuals in the community jump to placing blame when headlines of gunviolence among Indo-Canadian youth and rising drug use rates are presented in front of us. However, there is one thing many can agree on – Indian parents must begin to place precedence on the well-being of their child, rather than worrying about what others will think of them should they seek help for any early indications of problematic behaviours. An elementary school teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, but has had her share of Indo-Canadian students in her classroom, expressed concern about how no matter how many times she may meet with a parent about his or her child’s “warning signs” of problematic behaviour – they tend to brush the outlined incident away, in the hopes that ignoring the issue will simply cause it to “go away.” “It all comes down to one plain and simple fact – parents are just too busy to focus on issues which may indicate their kid falling through the cracks of society,” she stated. “I just wish they’d pay attention before it becomes too late.” It seems as though there is too much focus on making a living rather than encouraging familial cohesiveness and building a happy life. Having one’s basic needs met is just about as far as child rearing practices go. There are seldom talks about life milestones, goal setting, and/or

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

questions answered. In fact, being curious about things considered not age-appropriate is usually met with a whole lot of animosity. Do most of us baby-boomer offspring blame our parents? Of course not! This is how our parents were raised, and their parents were raised, and so on. It’s the very best that the group of new settlers knew. Surely they had a whole lot more to focus on such as how to “make it” as an ethnic minority in a country that might not have been all too welcoming at first. It seems all fine and dandy though, doesn’t it? Most of us can agree that there was always food on the table, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our body. But this is just the meeting of basic needs. What about the nurturing of our thoughts, feelings and emotions? What about the need to equip children with a strong moral and ethical skill set? This would be the best way to ensure they grow up to contribute to society in a positive way. Unfortunately, confidence building, encouragement, and “heart to heart” are not exactly staples of a “typical” Indian household. I know it seems like I’m being harsh and generalizing – and that’s because I am. But there’s a darn good reason why. I belong to a community where too many young lives are lost before they even had the chance to form a true identity of themselves. Young Indian society is plagued with an abundance of conformists. There is one too many individuals who simply don’t grow into their own self. The majority of them are blind followers of mass and social media, and of course one another. When’s the last time you stopped and thought to yourself why am I doing what I’m doing? For example, for those who enjoy the occasional high – have you ever pondered what led you to

It all comes down to one plain and simple fact – parents are just too busy to focus on issues which may indicate their kid falling through the cracks of society,” an elementary school teacher stated. “I just wish they’d pay attention before it becomes too late.” smoke marijuana for that very first time? Most likely it’s because you were surrounded by individuals doing the same. When, where, and why did you have your first drink? Perhaps it just seemed like a tempting and exciting thing to do. Did your parents ever sit you down and talk to you about such issues? Or was your moral development kind of just left to “flourish” on its own; resulting in a pattern of behaviour that leads to a life void of meaning or pride. Of course, luck may prevail – and some may grow out of it. Yet, I can’t help but cringe at the thought of my own child growing up amongst this psyche. I fearfully anticipate the years of behaving robotically once he becomes another “desperate to fit in” teen. What is required for the next generation of parents is to wake up and step up to the plate; ready to be a full-time parent. Don’t simply go through the motions of parenthood. Really engage and guide your child to become the admirable person you dream them to be. Don’t assume they know that you unconditionally love them. Tell them you love them, each and every single day – every chance you get. It’s your job to ensure your daughters receive enough acceptance and love at home, that they don’t feel the urge to search for that sense of security elsewhere. It’s also just as much your job to teach your sons the importance of being an independent and respectful individual. Indian parents vehemently desire “all-star children,” with amazing grades, and a resume of admirable achievements. However, they should not expect greatness without putting forth the due effort required. It seems some parents expect the world of their children but hardly show them what’s outside the front door. It’s time to create change in order to save our youth, and salvage what’s left of pride in the Indian community. (The article is an opinion piece by the writer.)

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BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

e do great injustice to mothers labelling them as ‘bad’ or ‘good’ mothers based on their breastfeeding preferences. In Canada, this debate recently picked attention with the death of Florence Jeung, a mother who died suffering from postpartum depression, and her husband, Kim Jeung, mentioned in his media briefings that Florence’s anxiety over not being able to breastfeed could have been a contributory factor for her postpartum depression. To make it clear, I am not writing from a pro-breastfeeding or pro-formula feeding perspective. But we are living in a world where complexities surrounding nursing a baby go beyond the conservative

Shaming and labelling a woman’s mothering abilities differ from mother to mother based on her life experiences, and as a society we do great injustice to women when we compartmentalize them as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and isolate them in those compartments.

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Breastfeeding vs. Formula:

A mother’s

choice norms which is what makes the conversation complex and even more necessary. Baby formula, the substitute for human milk, made its debut in present day’s formula lineage in the mid-19th century. In the 1950’s infant formula became more popular with more and more parents adapting to formula feeding lifestyle. Of course, it was received differently in different parts of the world, colliding with culture, traditions and practices but the world in general was well aware of a breast milk alternative – baby formula. TM

The Controversies The biggest controversy surrounding baby formula emerged in the 1970s and Nestlé was at the center of it. The Swiss-brand faced a major boycott across nations because of its aggressive marketing of formula in third world countries that was causing infant deaths due to lack of clean water supply, refrigeration, and sterilization essentially required to prepare a safe formula. And for mothers who could not breastfeed due to

DARPAN FEATURE health and other concerns, formula was the only option. The biggest controversy surrounding breastfeeding entails the right to breastfeed in public. Numerous campaigns across the world are still petitioning normalization of public breastfeeding, counter-attacking sexualisation of breasts. But these campaigners and activists forge a biased picture of nursing by promoting ‘breast is the best’ policy because it triggers stigmatization of mothers such as Florence who cannot breastfeed because of various reasons.

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“Some mothers, who may have gone through a smooth breastfeeding transition with their first and second child, might experience struggles in the transition with the third child. “It’s a bit like learning to dance. Your partner has input on the experience as well,” says Frances Jones, Coordinator, Lactation Services and BC Women’s Provincial Milk Bank.

Fed is the Best Firstly, there is no right or wrong in this debate. To get a better perspective, we talk to Frances Jones, Coordinator, Lactation Services and BC Women’s Provincial Milk Bank, and ask her if breastfeeding comes naturally to all women. “Breastfeeding probably doesn’t really come naturally to anybody for the first time. It’s something mothers learn with their babies,” she says. Some mothers, who may have gone

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE

What you need to know: ► As per the code of Human Rights in BC, a mother has the right to breastfeed her baby in public. Asking a mother to cover up or breastfeed somewhere else in a private area is a human rights violation.

through a smooth breastfeeding transition for their first and second child, might experience struggles in the transition with the third child. “It’s a bit like learning to dance. Your partner has input on the experience as well,” Jones states. Making a choice between formula and breast milk should be the decision of the mother. In Canada, a mother is informed of her choices so she along with her family can take the best decision that supports the

well-being of herself and the baby. A robust health care system such as the one we have here in Canada has evolved to maintain inclusivity on both options. “For many years [in] the health care system, and I’m going back a number of decades, we decided for people. We gave children formula; we did not discuss it with the parents. If a mother wanted to breastfeed, well good luck. Separation was a routine. The decisions were all [made] by the health care provider and we’ve changed the system awful lots since those days and now we really do

► WHO recommends mothers to exclusively breastfeed the infant for the first six months to encourage optimal growth, development and health of the infant. ► A mother feeding infant formula to her baby must consult a doctor in order to take proper instructions and strictly adhere to guidelines. ► If you are a new mother, motherto-be, or just a mother, and looking for support on issues pertaining to mothering, get in touch with Le Leche League, an international non-profit advocacy group providing mother-tomother breastfeeding support. ► If you are a family member of a new mother or mother-to-be, make sure you provide her support including support in her decision to breastfeed or feed formula.

try to focus on evidence-based care, trying to ensure people have information so they can make the best decision for themselves and then support those decisions,” Jones says while giving insight on mothers receiving informed choices in the health care system.

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DARPAN

My ths and Stigmas Inside or outside the health care system, a well-informed decision, debunking myths, is important to maintain robust mental and physical health of the mother and ultimately her baby. The biggest myth in this case is the popular perception that both methods are equivalent when they are absolutely not. Evidently, antibodies present in breast milk cannot be replaced with formula feeding and there are researches pointing towards risks of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, along with increased chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) amongst infants who are not breastfed. This has contributed to North America’s West Coast region having the highest breastfeeding rates. Jones points at BC Women’s Hospital when saying that 95 per cent of women opt for breastfeeding. And although that is good news, it’s important to understand that the argument weighing heavily towards pro-breastfeeding is precisely what triggers trauma and stigma in mothers who cannot or don’t want to breastfeed. Jones describes this further saying, “The mother hasn’t got much milk and the baby isn’t breastfeeding enough. Those sorts of situations where mothers don’t get information, that’s usually where mothers are distressed and upset. The other group that are often distressed is a mother who really wants to breastfeed, she does try her best and she falls in the 10-15 per cent of women who for a bunch of reasons just don’t seem to be able to make enough milk and those are mums who need lots of help and support.” She adds that it is these categories of mothers that need the most support from family and society, comforting them emotionally and negating the internalized oppression they are forced to carry on. Medical health, mental health, abuse, surgeries, and several other reasons can severely impact a mother’s decision to feed formula to her baby. But even if she simply decides not to, we should create a space to support that decision. Regardless of where you stand in this discussion, what’s important to understand is that support for the mother is key. Shaming and labelling a woman’s mothering abilities differ from mother to mother based on her life experiences and as a society we do great injustice to women when we compartmentalize them as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and isolate them in those compartments.

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Dancing To Stand Against Bullying Over 1,000 performers participated in an entertaining and sociallydriven flash mob. Supporting a drive against bullying, performers from The SHIAMAK Dance Team – Vancouver, accompanied by students of six schools – Sands Secondary School, McCloskey Elementary School, Jarvis Elementary School, Hellings Elementary School, Gibson Elementary School, and Annieville Elementary School from the Lower Mainland, came together and danced on the grounds of North Delta Secondary School. Photos: Aziz Dhamani

Celebrating International Mother Language Day Punjabi Language Education Association’s (PLEA) organized a function in celebration of International Mother Language Day that occurs on February 21. The main focus of this year’s celebration was to encourage the young students and give them the platform to share their poems, TM songs and essays with the audience. MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

Kids Play Annual Bullying Prevention Forum Kids Play held their Annual Bullying Prevention Forum at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey. The aim of this forum was to broaden the understanding of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence among children and youth.

KPU Reads featuring The Parcel This year at KPU Reads the students, faculty and the community came together to read and discuss The Parcel by acclaimed writer Anosh Irani. “If you want to see what the mainstream has suppressed, you have to look in the shadows,” explained Anosh Irani on his writing process.

Dhahan Prize Youth Award Launch L.A. Matheson Secondary School in Surrey hosted the Dhahan Prize Youth Award inaugural launch on February 28. Eight BC students will be awarded a CDN$500 prize, four in each of intermediate and advanced language skill levels. The contest is open to all secondary students of British Columbia who are studying Punjabi in grade 11 or 12.

A Love Story Valentine’s Dinner & Dance Party at Fraserview Banquet Hall

My Melody Magic Entertainment Valentine’s Party at Khanna Hall

Dil Se Dil A Valentine’s Dance and Dinner party at Crystal At York

Art & Fashion Bazaar

Valentine’s Day Celebrations Around Town

Anumation, Mahari Collection & Jessie Sohpaul presented an exclusive art and fashion showcase in Vancouver. Local designer Taran Mullhi and artists Anu Chouhan and Jessie Sohpaul showcased their collections together for the first time. The Pop-Up shop was well received by art and fashion enthusiasts.

The day of love was celebrated in great spirits in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. Attendees had a great time enjoying good music, food and company and made Valentine’s Day very special. Photos: Chandra Bodalia

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Gujarati Hindu Seniors Society Honours Chandra Bodalia Gujarati Hindu Seniors Society honoured well-known BC photographer Chandra Bodalia for his continuous work and contribution as a photographer in the South Asian community. Photos: Chandra Bodalia

Dr. Bhurji Launches Own Show Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji launched his own show titled Dr. Bhurji Show via Channel Punjabi. The show will consist of a health section, a spiritual section, and a community role model interview. Photos: Sham Sharma

SBOT Business Networking The Surrey Board of Trade recently organized a business networking at Landmark Cinemas Guildford. Guests were also invited to stay for a complimentary movie screening, popcorn and a drink in one of their newly renovated auditoriums.

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Mamta Foundation Fundraising Dinner Mamta Foundation of Canada, a local organization that supports orphan and abandoned girls in India, organized a fundraising dinner on February 4 at Dhaliwal Banquet Hall. Photos: Chandra Bodalia

NEWS IN PICTURES

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib’s Donation Members of the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib presented a cheque to Sophie’s Place Child & Youth Advocacy Centre from funds raised at their December event, In Remembrance of Sahibzaade. The donation is in support of children who have been mentally, physically and sexually abused.

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MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Smoked Mushroom Kitchen Queen

Nita Mehta

ita Mehta has entered the hearts and homes of millions of people across the globe through

her cookbooks. Her knowledge is based on the

Galouti Kebabs { Makes 8 }

INGREDIENTS 200 gm mushrooms,

solid backbone of a MSc. degree and Gold Medal

Juice of 1 lemon

in Food and Nutrition. The appeal of her recipes

1 medium potato, boiled, mashed

lies in the creative blend of exciting flavours that

75 gms paneer, grated

captivate every palate.

4 tbsp ghee/oil

Mehta has written over 600 books on various topics, covering a multitude of cuisines from around the world, with 450 of her books included

1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped

on the best-seller list. She creates recipes for

2 green chillies, finely chopped

food-related companies around the world.

½ tsp turmeric

Her cooking institutes all over India have trained

½ tsp red chilli powder

several thousand aspiring young men and

1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

women into expert cooks. The talented chef-author has launched her restaurant chain Nita Mehta’s Kelong in Ludhiana,

½ tsp salt to taste ½ tsp garam masala

Chandigarh and Rohtak. Kelong is a natural outcome of her expertise in creating awesome meals and offers a five star dining experience. She has also launched her range of Indian spice

FOR THE SMOKING: 2” piece for charcoal

blends which impart the right flavour to Indian dishes under her brand Kitchen Queen Nita Mehta.

FOR GARNISH:

She has conducted cooking classes in USA, UK,

Lemon slices

Canada and several other countries, and appeared on many cookery shows on the television.

Onion rings Mint leaves

Chaat masala to sprinkle

PREPARATION Boil three cups of water with one teaspoon of salt and juice of lemon. Add mushrooms and boil for three to four minutes. Strain, chop finely and keep aside. Heat ghee or oil in a kadhai (vessel), add onions and sauté till brown. Add ginger and green chillies, turmeric and chilli powder, and stir for a few seconds. Add the mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and paneer. Mix well and remove from heat. Add green coriander, salt and garam masala. Mash well with a potato masher. Place the mixture in a bowl. Place a small steel vessel (katori) in the center of the bowl. Hold the charcoal with a long tong (chimta) and place it on fire. When it starts burning, place the live charcoal in the katori, pour one teaspoon ghee on the charcoal and immediately cover the bowl. Leave to smoke the mixture for five minutes. Make kebabs of the smoked mixture. Heat a non stick pan or tawa, greased with half a teaspoon of oil. Shape the mixture into flattened roundels (kebabs) and cook on medium heat till brown. Garnish with lemon slices, onion rings, mint leaves, and sprinkle chaat masala.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

It’s a bold signature building, This was one of the guidelines that they (developers) had. They wanted to see some vibrant colours which will reflect our culture. So what came to my mind was a rangoli or Holi..”

JESSIE ARORA

AIBC, SAA, AAA, MRAIC, RA

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

DF ARCHITECTURE

Designing for the

Future 76

MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

essie Arora’s latest project Little India Plaza distinctly exemplifies this architect’s vision of expanding possibilities in contemporary designs. Featuring exciting colours, the urban infrastructure is a unique sight that breathes natural lighting and lavish spaces while giving a glimpse of the vibrant South Asian culture and heritage to British Columbians. “It’s a bold signature building,” says Jessie Arora, Principal Architect at DF Architecture and also one of the few architects of South Asian descent currently practicing in BC. This passionate architect was entrusted with the visionary project of Little India Plaza

that underlines the essence and vibe of South Asians. “This was one of the guidelines that they (developers) had. They wanted to see some vibrant colours which will reflect our culture. So what came to my mind was a rangoli or Holi.” Since its formation in 2010, DF Architecture has completed a great number of projects comprising town homes, multi-family units, residential, industrial and commercial buildings, all of which embody Jessie’s ethos towards design, form and function. Each project is a representation of Jessie’s design dialect delivering the space to its intended audience. Today

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With designs that crown elegance with excellence and buildings that merge comfort with warmth, DF Architecture is confidently claiming its space

PHOTOS: AMASTERMEDIA

on the architectural landscape in BC.

DF Architecture has become a trusted name in the industry that has carved for itself a reputation of fineness and loyalty. But like other immigrants, Jessie had his share of challenges and struggles before he could get his license to practice in Canada. After graduating from the reputed Chandigarh College of Architecture in 1988, Jessie started practising and built upon his experience by working with various individuals including BV Doshi, recipient of Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India. “I got a chance to work with him for six months. That was great exposure,”

states Jessie while describing his journey as an architect. With two other friends as partners, Jessie opened his own firm in Chandigarh and New Delhi and worked on architectural projects until 2001 when he moved to Vancouver with his wife and two children. The initial move was challenging in many ways. Jessie’s foreign credentials and tremendous experience in the industry was not valid in Canada; he had to start from scratch but that was no deterrent in keeping him aloof from his plans and dreams. “I was always ambitious and full of dreams.” This was what accentuated Jessie’s zeal to stick to his passion which was architecture, despite the challenges. He navigated his way constructively by starting off with building houses and shortly after, Jessie got his first break with Gerry Blonski Architect. He continued building houses simultaneously. “We built 12 town homes in Richmond and then we

bought a property in Harrison Hot Spring and then we built 20 units there too as a developer.” In 2010, Jessie went a step further and acquired a registration licence to practice as an architect in Canada. This was the monumental curve in Jessie's career that got him where he stands today. Since its inception, DF Architecture has conceived a variety of projects ranging from residential to commercial and industrial developments that graciously contribute towards the occupant’s physical and psychological wellbeing. With a surge in technology and continuously evolving multifaceted consumer experience, Jessie envisages to integrate user experience with the developer’s vision. By designing buildings that

crown elegance with excellence and spaces that merge comfort with warmth and welcome, DF Architecture is confidently claiming its space on the architectural landscape that extends beyond BC. High rise projects in Nigeria is one example where Jessie is getting the opportunity to showcase his work to a diverse demographic and economy. Within North America, DF Architecture’s growth and expansion is following a remarkable trail. “I am planning to open a branch of my office in Calgary in 2017 summer. My future plan is to open an office in Saskatchewan and Toronto as well,” he says proudly. His advice to others looking to follow in his footsteps, “It is a long process but sky is the limit. Live for your dreams.”

JESSIE ARORA AIBC, SAA, AAA, MRAIC, RA

604.284.5194 Email: info@dfarchitecture.ca

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T “Today’s kids were born in the digital age; they have never lived without technology. While for some of their parents, high-tech devices might seem like a novelty, for a younger generation, they are just a part of life,” says Amber Mac, co-author of Outsmarting Your Kids Online: A Safety Handbook for Overwhelmed Parents .

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echnology has taken up a prominent place in our lives. Upon waking up in the morning, the very first thing we do is check our phone and log onto social media. It wouldn’t be anything less than a fact to say that a life without technology is impossible in today’s age. The alarming fact however is that children as young as two are using digital technology and gradually getting addicted to it. “Yes,” agrees Amber Mac, netcasting personality and co-host of BNN’s App Central, “Today’s kids were born in the digital age; they have never lived without technology. While for some of their parents, high-tech devices might seem like a novelty, for a younger generation, they are

just a part of life.” Mac and Internet security expert Michael Bazzell have co-authored the book, Outsmarting Your Kids Online: A Safety Handbook for Overwhelmed Parents – the ultimate guide for parenting in today’s digital world. It covers topics ranging from understanding social media concerns and tomorrow’s technology trends to reporting digital bullies or even sexual predators. Exposing a child to the digital world has its pros and cons. Highlighting the pros, technology can help the kid connect with distant family members or expand his her knowledge on how the world functions. Mac states researchers have suggested that kids

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under two should have limited access to technology. “For children ages two to five, the American Academy of Pediatrics says one hour of usage a day is enough. However, it depends what your child is doing.” The ill effects include being addicted to the tech world and withdrawing oneself from activities they enjoy, coming in contact with strangers, and cyberbullying. According to the author, the most common danger is online bullying from people kids know. “In

You can’t take the digital world away from the child once you introduce him/her to it. But a few regulations, continuous inspection, and easy communication can go a long way in guaranteeing that your child is positively enjoying the benefits of technology. this case, parents need to understand how to teach their kids to report bullying (and ensure that their kids aren’t the bullies),” informs Mac, while adding that Facebook has recently launched Parents Portal to address many of these issues and more. Parents Portal includes guides for parents on how Facebook works, tips for talking with kids about staying safe online, and helping them navigate their

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experience. The best way to ensure your children are well-protected from these dangers is by establishing guidelines and teaching them good technology habits. “Tech addiction is a real issue. This is why it’s important to set boundaries the moment technology enters their hands,” warns Mac, further suggesting ways to create these guidelines. “I often propose to parents that once a child is in school, they work together with the child (and other children in the home) to establish family tech rules that are posted in a public place in the house. These rules should also include how to be a good digital citizen (and what to do in the event of bullying).” Besides setting up these rules, parents can utilize certain tools to monitor their child’s social media usage. Mac suggests two useful apps: Kidslox (if your child is 12 and under), VISR (for 12 years and above). “Both apps allow you to manage what your kid is doing on the Internet. With VISR, you’ll also get alerts if they scan your child’s social media accounts and find inappropriate language, nudity, and more worrisome behaviour. Also, I am a big fan of the website Common Sense Media for ongoing guidance and digital safety tools,” adds the best-selling author.

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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Outsmarting Your Kids Online is also a great source for parents to keep up-to-date with today’s most popular apps and tools. The most important way to secure your young one’s safety in the tech world is by keeping an eye on warning signs. “The biggest warning sign is if your child withdraws from activities they used to love or if they fight vehemently when you request that they go offline,” points out Mac, advising parents to not overreact if their child is facing either of these situations. “As a parent, you need to stay calm and keep communication channels open. Banning technology for the rest of the child's life is not the right solution, but reasonable rules can help.” As Mac affirms, you can’t take the digital world away from the child once you introduce him/her to it. But a few regulations, continuous inspection, and easy communication can go a long way in guaranteeing that your child is positively enjoying the benefits of technology.

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TAKE YOUR MOM UNIFORM FROM TIRED TO TRENDY

BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

MAKEOVER

Your

MOM

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mages of motherhood are often full of dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and toys strewn all around a house. A tired mom, dressed in sweat pants and a stained top, is never too far from the chaos. While being a mom certainly brings with it an abundance of responsibilities, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to bring an outof-date fashion sense or a closet left untouched. Being busy, organized or

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Pupinder Being busy, organized or just ready to have fun with your kids doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to sacrifice your style; moms can be responsible, practical and playful while also being fashionable.

just ready to have fun with your kids doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you have to sacrifice your style; moms can be responsible, practical and playful while also being fashionable. Accessories play an important role for feeling put together and on trend. Adding one statement piece, like a scarf or bold necklace, which will complete an outfit without overwhelming it, is an easy way to up your style game. Fun earrings or an arm full of bangles dress up an outfit or allow your personality to shine. Statement sunglasses can quickly update your look at little cost. Accessories are an easy way to show off your style without getting in the way of any mom duties you may have dressed for. Depending on the season, a structured jacket can instantly add some glamour to an otherwise simple style. A coloured blazer, classic denim or moto jacket all can be thrown on over jeans and a t-shirt, pulling together a

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more sophisticated and intentional outfit. Adding ‘in’ colours to your wardrobe in unexpected places will update a closet full of black and blahs. Try a pair of flats in royal blue or a purse in emerald green to bring a punch of popular colours with you whenever you get out of the house. Neutral handbags may match your daily look but don’t let yourself be so basic – pick a colour that is on trend and, in turn, be ready for the compliments you’ll get just from carrying it. Sneakers haven’t always screamed style but they’re starting to; you don’t have to sacrifice comfort just to feel fashionable. There are an increasing number of options for flattering but functional shoes that are a far cry from the ones you’d wear to workout. Most moms welcome simplicity into their otherwise chaotic schedules; but don’t let simple mean plain. Instead, stick to the classics for clean, uncluttered and timeless looks. Great basics allow busy moms to mix and match their outfits effortlessly without taking up too much time deciding what to wear. Classic pieces will outlast any trend, keeping you ready for whatever wardrobe changes you might want to make in the future. How your clothes fit certainly affects how you look and, as a mom, it’s MARCH / APRIL 2017

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Rework your closet to create looks that may seem unexpected but don’t require additional effort. By adding a belt, mixing office chic with comfy and casual or layering colour over texture, you might find your closet full of outfits when you originally thought you had nothing to wear. something easy to forgo when you don’t make yourself a priority. Don’t default to baggy clothes to hide those flaws or your new figure! Becoming a mother means your body may have changed in size and shape so taking the time to find clothes that fit and flatter your body will not only make you feel more presentable but also give you more confidence to lose the leggings and step out in style. Rework your closet to create looks that may seem unexpected but don’t require additional effort. By adding a belt, mixing TM

office chic with comfy and casual or layering colour over texture, you might find your closet full of outfits when you originally thought you had nothing to wear. While time to yourself as a mom may feel limited, a few minutes to do your hair can make you feel refreshed and polished. Dry shampoo and a flat iron is all you need to give your locks some love and add a bit of poise to your potential unruly mane. Similarly, if your morning makeup routine could take you all morning, skip everything but the essentials. A little moisturizer, some mascara and lip gloss are enough to update your look. A bold lip colour can transform your face from tired to attractive in one easy step. It may take time to find the pieces, colours and styles that suit your shape, colouring and lifestyle but an investment early on can bring style and sophistication to the life of a busy mom. Whether you’re in a funk or in need of an overhaul, there’s no reason why a fashionable mom should be an oxymoron.

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Don’t be discouraged by being a beginner – everyone has to start somewhere and deciding you’re ready to start is worthy of praise on its own. With a few key tips to get you moving, you’ll be well on your healthier way. BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

ou’ve updated your workout wardrobe, signed up for the nearest gym but now find yourself fretting about how you might actually get fit? Don’t be discouraged by being a beginner – everyone has to start somewhere and deciding you’re ready to start is worthy of praise on its own. With a few key tips to get you moving, you’ll be well on your healthier way.

Set a Goal As a beginner it’s tempting to say, I want to get fit! While this is a great goal, it’s a bit ambitious – and ambiguous – for someone starting out and can end up demotivating you if your fitness level doesn’t dramatically increase overnight. Instead, set small, attainable goals to keep

THE JOURNEY TO A FITTER YOU BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP

accountable while being able to track your results. “I always encourage my clients to set goals way beyond a number on the scale,” says Jenn Milne, certified personal trainer at Thrive Bootcamp. “We work on things that are related to activities, such as running a race, or exercising a certain amount of times each week for a set period of time. These goals will help you reach anything to do with weight or body mass, but they don’t have you getting hung up on numbers on a scale,” Whether it be running for 10 minutes consecutively or being able to complete one push up, be proud in achieving your goal and then make a new one – you’ll be running further and lifting heavier without being so focused on becoming fit.

Pace Yourself Milne suggests “starting off slowly, and slowly accumulating activity.” This helps to avoid injury and lets you assess how your body responds to your new found activity level. Introducing 30 minutes of activity one to two days a week and gradually increasing to two to three days a week will bring bigger benefits than starting out too fast and possibly having to start over. Once you master one to two days a week, begin to increase the exertion, length or frequency of your workouts. “I’ll have [beginner bootcamp participants] doing modified options for all of our exercises, and walking instead of jogging. It’s important to build up your endurance and strength! This boosts confidence and helps with steady, consistent results (whatever the goals may be).” Never underestimate the benefits of walking. If you haven’t been active, getting moving is the best way to start your fitness journey.

Warm Up and Cool Down Both a warm up and a cool down are essential to ensuring your body is well prepared to exercise and will recover from your

THE SMART MOVE

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activities. Don’t skip these steps because you think you won’t be working hard enough as a beginner to need them! Stretching is also key to keeping your muscles loose and limber while increasing your chance of a healthy recovery and decreasing stiffness and soreness that can occur after activity. Incorporate stretching into your routine after you’ve done your warm up, when your muscles aren’t so cold, to avoid the risk of injury. Similarly, once you’ve completed your workout, hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds for effective results.

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Learn the Right Way Just because you’ve joined a gym, doesn’t mean you’re expected to know how to use it! Knowing the proper use of a machine or the correct form for bodyweight exercises is essential if you want to see results and avoid injury. “Squats are great for every level of fitness,” Milne explains. “Proper form is key, so if you’re at a gym, just go grab a weight room attendant and have them help you get that technique down! From there you can start to add resistance (weight) to the movement to make it more challenging.” It can be tempting to see how much weight you can lift but start low and gradually increase the resistance as your ability allows. Aim to be able to do 10-12 repetitions of one move without losing your form or struggling to complete a set.

Make it Fun Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. “Find a fun fitness class or workout buddy so you’re not on your journey alone!” suggests Milne. If fitness is new to you, you may not know what kind of workouts you like or what gets your heart rate going. Try a Zumba class or grab some friends for an outdoor hike. By checking out all the fun options that exist, you may find something you love, making it easier to stick with your workout plan and reach your goals.

Take a Break While it may seem counterintuitive to rest when you’re trying to move more, rest days are just as important as exercise days. Your body needs time to repair itself in between workouts and if you get overly ambitious thinking you can make it to the gym every day, your body will never recover from previous workouts. Don’t let your beginner status stop you from starting your fitness journey; a safe and enjoyable start can turn into a long and healthy life.

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PAN R A D

ty u a e B

Show

True Colours Your

By Catherine Tse

This year, spring ushers in a fresh palette of colours from vivids to pastels, nudes to brights.

ou know spring is around the corner when crocuses start blooming and makeup displays begin overflowing with new launches. This year, spring ushers in a fresh palette of colours from vivids to pastels, nudes to brights. No matter your age or aesthetic, embrace these new products as an opportunity

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to freshen up your look and even try some fun new looks. Formulas are better than ever and there are price points from drugstore to high end.

PALETTES Palettes can be tricky business: Eliciting the same reaction you’d get receiving a box of

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chocolates, the initial joy is quickly replaced with disappointment as you pick out a few favourites and discard the rest. These three palettes – depending on your comfort level with colour – provide true value as nearly all the colours in the collection are keepers. From Rimmel comes three new eyeshadow palettes in their Magnif’Eye collection. 12 colours in each, you’ll get a mix of mattes

and shimmers, with enough range to do a complete look that can be smoked out. All are neutral, with London Nudes the warmest with pink and coppery shades (and the most shimmer/glittery shades); Grunge Glamour has cooler shades with blue-greys and purple; and Keep Calm and Wear Gold being the most neutral with golds, browns and greys (this one also has the most mattes). At $14.99, this is an excellent value

The iconic 4-colour pens we all had in elementary school has been re-imagined by Clarins. Instead of ink, these barrels consist of two eyeliners, one lipliner and one brow pen, completely redefining the “all-in-one” makeup pen. because not only are all the shades wearable, they easily mix to form different looks and, most importantly, they perform brilliantly. Available at drugstores. For more colour, Kat Von D’s Pastel Goth palette is an excellent companion palette that will transition you easily into spring. En masse, the colours might overwhelm you at first. But individually, the colours are surprisingly wearable: Clementine (peach) and Meow (lilac) are brightening, universally flattering shades; Dagger (dark grey) and Skull (light grey) are great contouring and transition shades, respectively; add a sprinkle of Star (citron yellow) to the inner corners for a whimsical flash of colour. The rest can easily be incorporated with more neutral looks to add oomph. And to embrace the new trend of blue eyeliner, swipe a layer of Doom (electric blue) over black eyeliner for an easy, contemporary look. $51, available at Sephora. Feeling nostalgic? The iconic 4-colour pens we all had in elementary school has been reimagined by Clarins. Instead of ink, these barrels consist of two eyeliners, one lipliner and one brow pen, completely redefining the “all-in-one” makeup pen. The 4-Colour Pen is a limited edition release for spring and given its collectability, is bound to sell out before school’s out. $44, available at Clarins counters.

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DARPAN BEAUTY PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PRODUCTS FEATURED, TWITTER & FACEBOOK PAGES, PINTEREST

Burberry’s Lip Velvet Vibrant is one of the best launches in this category. Creamy, non-drying and richly pigmented, this liquid lipstick will never crack, dry or fade on you.

CHEEKS No one does cheek colour like NARS and this spring there are two new six-pan palettes: Unfiltered and Unfiltered II. The first is warm-toned, the latter cool-toned. Both provide buttery colours that will sculpt, brighten, highlight and shade for every occasion. Pigmentation is a medium level, so these colours are easily buildable and blendable. $76, available at Sephora.

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LIPS Lips get a treat this spring with a new lip balm-lipstick hybrid from Hourglass. The Lip Stylo comes in 20 modern shades and are beautifully feather-light while being richly pigmented. Their jumbo-stick format with precision tip make it as easy to apply as lip balm, with the accuracy of a lip pencil. It also wears off easily and evenly, leaving lips with a moderate stain,

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so reapplication is a cinch. $40 at Sephora and selection Nordstrom. This wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of spring’s biggest trends: liquid lipsticks. Burberry’s Lip Velvet Vibrant is one of the best launches in this category. Creamy, non-drying and richly pigmented, this liquid lipstick will never crack, dry or fade on you. Burberry’s also stepped up their colours with the boldest palette so far with colours such as Military Red, Bright Plum and Oxblood. $38, available at Hudson’s Bay, Sephora and Nordstrom.

NAILS Nails also get some fun new colours from CND Shellac and Vinylux. With names like Pink Leggings, Banana Clips, and Jelly Bracelets, the ‘80s are revisited with a futurist bent. Thoroughly modern, these will carry you all the way through summer. And, as always, Shellac will probably last as long as you can stand your grow-out and Vinylux will be going strong for 14 days. Prices vary and are available at authorized CND salons such as Onyx Aesthetics Studio, onyxaestheticsstudio.ca.

Celebrating Years! Celebrating Years! Celebrating 30 3130 Years! Celebrating 30 Years!

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This designer duo’s enthusiasm for women’s couture fashion merges the rich, royal history and opulent traditions of their native land with a sophisticated and contemporary design esthetic.

MAC & IEENA DUGGAL THE DADDY-DAUGHTER DUO

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market. Today, Mac Duggal is the sponsor of dozens of national and international titleholders including Miss USA, Miss America, Miss World, Miss Earth, and Miss Universe. The one-of-a-kind styles and sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic of these designer prom dress designs are what launched the brand into the realms of evening wear for social and special occasions. Knowing that today’s woman is dynamic both in fashion and life, Duggal creates gowns that touch the very essence of the woman who wears them. This understanding of the modern woman, keen eye for design aesthetics, and influential designs have made Mac Duggal a staple in Prom, Pageant and Evening wear.

MAC DUGGAL The brand Mac Duggal began its road to success with the collection, Creative Creations, a line of dazzling gowns blending Indian beauty and elegance with Western styling. Proud of his heritage, designer Mac Duggal has always designed using glorious fabrics and colours that are hot and spicy like the fashion and cuisine of his homeland. The brand further elevated itself with the introduction of designer prom dresses and pageant wear. It was Duggal’s high fashion prom dresses that made him at the forefront, and part of the foundation, of the emerging designer prom dress

IEENA DUGGAL From a young age Ieena Duggal would follow her father, Mac, around at work and be enthralled by his creations. She would spend endless hours going through Mac Duggal catalogs and magazines and daydream about wearing the beautiful garments. As she got older, her dreams shifted from wearing the gowns to creating them. Ieena’s first collection, debuted in 2015, was designed for every woman. She loves seeing the spectrum from youthful

girls to refined women wearing her designs. Travelling and seeing new places and cultures inspires her designs. To her, choosing which fabrics, colours and textures to use in executing her designs is equally as rewarding as viewing the final product. One philosophy she lives by is to ‘embrace change’. While her creations stay true to the Mac Duggal standards for quality and luxury, Ieena’s designs have a signature all her own – a mesmerizing blend of edgy modernism and classic sophistication and grace.

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DARPAN Style At New York Fashion Week, the spotlight for the evening was shining on Mac Duggal, who is the go-to designer for all women looking for glamorous, gorgeous gowns with bling and an eye popping wow factor. His Fall–Winter collection featured floor-length capes, unconventional slacks, shorts and even body suits.

The New York Fashion Week Debut

Photos: Courtesy of Mac Duggal, Twitter, NYFW

The energy was unmistakable on February 11, at the New York Fashion Week (NYFW). There was plenty of glamour as well sitting in the seats along the runway. Surprisingly, this unprecedented turnout was Mac Duggal’s debut at NYFW showcasing the brand’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection. The collection featured floorlength capes, unconventional slacks, shorts and even body suits. Among the distinguished designs that Duggal displayed was the celebrated Fabulouss! line. His vision for Fabulouss was to create a prom collection for plus-sized teens, who often go unrepresented in the fashion industry. Since its beginning, the Fabulouss line has become the gold standard in plus size clothing for those seeking a full-figured option. Fabulous designs, unlike other plus size dress alternatives, are created to not only fit but compliment a fullfigured silhouette. The show, described as

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Raquel Pelissier, Miss Universe Haiti 1st Runner Up, graces the runway in an exquisite Mac Duggal design at NYFW Fall Winter 2017

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Among the distinguished designs that Mac Duggal displayed was the celebrated Fabulouss! line. His vision for Fabulouss was to create a prom collection for plussized teens, who often go unrepresented in the fashion industry.

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inclusive, was the first time the designer showcased integrated sizes and diversity on a major runway. Duggal’s exceptional designs were worn by a very diverse range of models this year, including short and plus-sized models. His success is highlighted by the many awards throughout his celebrated career. With a history of innovation and success, the brand has transformed into a highly sought-after label courted by A-list celebrities including Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Gwenyth Paltrow, Khloe Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, and many more TV personalities, athletes, pageant

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titleholders, and influencers globally. Most recently was his induction into the Smithsonian museum, Family of Voices exhibit, that focusses on successful entrepreneurs in the United States. In the summer of 2017, the exhibit ‘Many Voices, One Nation’ will open at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. Because Duggal’s lead-

ership and worldwide generosity has influenced the global outlook of American companies and has been an inspiration to new generations of immigrants who continue to remake America, the Smithsonian has selected him as one of the handful of individuals to share their personal stories of challenge, risk and entrepreneurial success in this permanent exhibit.

Chanelle De Lau, Miss Universe Curacao, in beautiful Mac Duggal dresses at NYFW Fall Winter 2017

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Spring A VINTAGE

OF SORTS BY JOSEPH A. FEDERICO

Photos: Fendi, Lyst.com,Viberg, WANT Les Essentiels, For representation only

ake up and smell the roses – you know, get a whole new perspective on life. Crawl out of your proverbial wintery hole, and join the world of the living. This spring, there are many vintage collections to be sported, many fashionable avenues to be discovered – they are waiting to greet you in a new light. Are you ready to spring into action? Men, we will start with you this time around. Shall we? We will mix things up a bit this spring, and talk about footwear first. Have you heard of boots by Canadian brand, Viberg? Sticking with the vintage style this season, Viberg puts out a gnarly piece of footwear. Leather goodness – like a friend from the 1940s – paired with a fitted denim and a white button down shirt is steaming hot. On a cooler spring time night, hop into a leather jacket, and paint the town red with the woman of your dreams. The town will be talking about you for weeks to come. If you are inspired by an early 1980s look, you may want to check out a pair of kicks by Native Shoes. Cool, spring colours such as sage green or baby blue paired with outrageous lines and strikes really make a statement. After all, don’t your tired feet deserve the very best? Native Shoes are best to be worn on nights and weekends where you are allowed to be limitless.

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Somewhere in between you will find men’s feet snuggled into day slippers. Yes, this has a 1970s vibe to it. These day slippers – cousins to the ones of days of old – will be bejeweled with faces of animals and aquatic creatures. To be so bold with your footwear, be more proverbially tight-lipped with your clothing; a nice tailored khaki and a polo shirt would do just fine. Let us revisit the white button down shirt for a moment, and pair it with other articles of clothing. Ah, the classic white button down shirt – so versatile – so flowy so … spring. Think monochromatic this season; pair a white collared shirt with a khaki-coloured cashmere sweater, and darker-coloured trousers. Here is where you may implement the day slipper, adding a pop of creativity and colour to your outfit. As for jewellery, men are dropping the stud earrings, dropping the rings and layered bracelets, and going au natural

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It’s About Quality, It’s About Time this season. Trust me when I say that bare is better. And as for a fresh cut, it will take a real man to buzz a mohawk into his skull. Edgy and unique, okay? Ladies, you are up. You will be wandering in a vintage wonderland, too. We will start with the top and work our way down. The 1960s style is back and you will thank the fashion gods. How do you feel about pillbox hats with flowery veils attached to them? Pair that with a wool suit and ballet flats – bam, you have a weekend outfit for all occasions. If you really want to stand out in a crowd, add a solid-coloured WANT Les Essentiels bag into the mix. Sticking with outlandish clothing, let us go way back … to the 70s … 1770s, that is. Think Marie Antoinette, but sexier. Why don’t you sport a Rococo style skirt with a tight fitted, plain blouse and a messy bun? This vintage-inspired look will be best topped off with a kinky-looking black high heel. If you are into cool, calm and casual, the 1980s are knocking on your door. Multicoloured track suits are making their way back into closets across the globe. Do not wear one of these into the office, trust me. Because it is still slightly chilly out, you may wear this over your business outfit, or out on weekends with a chunky belt. While you are at it, pink legwarmers and high heels top you off. Your purses will be nature-inspired – think snake skin and birch – mother nature is coming back with a vengeance. You are paying homage to a new time, a new world, a new season. Spring is here! And as for nail polish and your hands – much like the guys, stay nude here. Lack of jewellery is best, and let your polish be skin toned. Less is more when radiance of mother earth is all around you. Are you ready? Set, shop … spring!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joseph Federico loves fashion, thanks in part to his mother exposing him to the wonders of the garment district at an early age. He has his own sense of style, and always has his finger on the pulse of the next big trend.

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DARPAN HEALTH

When should I be concerned? ► Blurry or double vision ► Sudden or sharp onset ► Headaches that wake you up at night ► Nausea with vomiting ► Other associated neurological signs and symptoms

UNDERSTANDING THE ACHE IN

HEADACHES

Appropriate testing can help determine the primary cause of the headache, and allow for an effective treatment plan.

By Sumen Singla-Goyal PT, DOMP

ver wondered what a headache really is or why we get them. If the brain itself doesn’t have pain receptors, then how do we get headaches? Although this is true, the structures and layers around the brain do contain these receptors, which is where the pain signals are actually coming from. “Headache” is an interesting term because it can be both a condition or a symptom, meaning it can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary headaches are when the headache is the primary problem, for example migraines, tension headaches or cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are usually caused by an underlying disease which results in headaches, like an injury, infection, tumor, or muscular-skeletal dysfunction. Determining the type of headache can be difficult as the list of causes can be one of many.

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Types of headaches Primary headaches The most common types are Migraine: which is generally a pulsing

headache, nausea with light and/or sound sensitivity, and usually only affects one side.

Tension headache: are non-pulsing, with pressure on both sides.

Cluster headache: short episodes of

severe pain through one eye, with some type of autonomic symptom (tearing or nasal congestion).

Secondary headaches These can vary from non-harmful to serious conditions. Milder forms are cervicogenic headaches arising from TM

muscle imbalances, or a side effect from medication, sinus infection, or a change in vision prescription. More severe conditions can be from high blood pressure, a hematoma, aneurysm, meningitis, hemorrhage or a tumor.

What should I do about my headaches? There are numerous types of headaches and the cause can vary from benign to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your body and identify your symptoms along with any aggravating and relieving factors. Appropriate testing can help determine the primary cause of the headache, and allow for an effective treatment plan. Some common causes include poor sleep pattern, fatigue, sudden ingestion of cold food, common cold, sinuses, dental issues, medication or use of recreational drugs and alcohol.

It is a good idea to review your headache history with your doctor so they can help determine the type of headache and rule out any associated symptoms or causes.

Three key points are: ► Prevent: by identifying triggers and avoiding them ► Treat: managing the root cause under the guidance of a medical professional ► Manage: making appropriate adaptations to ensure symptoms are well cared for

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Keep track: In order to best understand and manage your concerns, you should be aware of the characteristics specific to your headaches, so keeping a diary or log can help you be successful in your recovery.

Time of day — Onset Duration — How long it lasted Intensity — Scale of 0-10 Type of pain — Sharp, stabbing, dull, throbbing, achy, burning etc.

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Triggers — Light, sound, medication, diet, hormonal cycles

Relieving factor — Medication, rest, hydration, exercise

By logging this information you and your doctor can determine patterns that will support your treatment plan.

Be proactive Often we let minor symptoms pass when really they are warning signs. This doesn’t mean we need to be paranoid about each little thing. But yes it does mean that early intervention can prevent many chronic and long term problems. Similarly headaches can impact our daily lives perhaps in small ways initially but in a more complicated manner later.

It can: ► Limit the ability to stay focused ► Result in time off at work ► Due to sensitivity, one may need to stay in a dark or quiet place, therefore away from any social environment at home or outdoors ► Lead to depression ► Increase stress and anxiety levels

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DARPAN HEALTH

Stay hydrated A large part of our body and brain cavity is fluidfilled, meaning we need to maintain a strong fluid balance.

Nutrition

What can I do for myself?

Just as you eat to nourish your body, we need to nourish the brain to prevent deficiencies and optimize its function. Therefore, a healthy diet travels a lot further than our digestive tract.

Exercise

Yoga and relaxation

Posture

Different types of exercise can help with headaches; a good mix of cardiovascular exercise and strength training can pump endorphins and oxygen-rich blood through the system and help manage pain.

Stress has shown to be a cause of headaches, so making it a habit to practice a simple regime of yoga or breathing techniqus can reduce the impact of stress and anxiety.

Proper body alignment reduces misalignment and musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

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self-treatment techniques to support and manage symptoms.

Naturopathic practitioners and dieticians

Osteopathic manual therapy

Help encourage a healthy and suitable diet plan.

Based on the diagnosis and cause of headaches, medical intervention may be required. Alongside, various healthcare professionals can improve your recovery. Conservative treatment options may consist of many drug-free therapies that can help manage and treat the problem or act as an adjunct to your ongoing treatment.

It can help free up restrictions and restore homeostasis, along with balancing the cranial-sacral rhythm. This balances all the forces on the body between the base of the skull to the tail bone.

Physiotherapy

Massage therapy

It can help provide specific exercises and

Can help relieve muscle tensions.

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Acupuncture Can improve circulation and hormonal balance.

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Chiropractic therapy

Can support alignment concerns.

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 HOME

Create an inviting entryway with a little creativity

BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

Making A Grand

Entrance BY ASHLEY STEPHENS

t’s said you never get a second chance at a first impression and your house is no exception. When guests enter your home, you want them to both be wowed and feel welcome. While a small but busy space can present many design challenges, creating an entryway that is organized, inviting and beautiful is easily doable with a little creative thinking. “It’s really easy for people to just think of function and not think of the design,” says Sydney Carlaw, principal of Purity

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Designs. While she agrees it’s important to think about where your belongings will go, she stresses the importance of setting the stage for what is happening throughout the rest of your home. “What are you trying to say when somebody enters your home? It’s always nice to have a clean space when you enter, to have a place to put your things, but then to also have a statement right away, as well.” Whether you’re well-travelled, an art collector or all about

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family, create an eyecatching display in your entryway with what is most important to you. “Welcome people into your home by letting them know a little story of your life right away,” suggests Carlaw. When opening the door to guests, you want them to feel welcomed right away and adding texture is the easiest way to warm up your space – try a rug over wood-grain flooring or textured floor tiles with decorative millwork. Adding a runner

as soon as you enter (with enough space for your door to open freely) draws guests in. Carlaw suggests bringing life into your entryway with a small plant, fresh flowers or some succulents to make the space feel more inviting. Lighting your entryway may not

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seem like a priority but the experts insist it should be at the top of your list. An entrance will appear to be larger and more inviting if it is well-lit and bright. “A lot of people will make it feel sterile and just have strong pot lights which are either on or off – and nothing about that is welcoming,” cautions Carlaw. Instead, she suggests a chandelier or table lamps on a console, both of which can bring warmth to the space and make it feel much cozier. Mirrors are an easy way to add depth and light to a darker hallway. A large mirror to catch the light or a group of decorative mirrors can both add to the visual impact while creating the illusion of more space. If you have the room, add a chair to instantly make a space more welcoming. Small spaces may benefit from benches where guests can sit to put on their shoes. Don’t be afraid to go bold. Without a lot of space to add interesting details, a bright pop of colour or dramatic wallpaper can easily define your entrance

DARPAN

and create a warm welcome. A lack of a traditional closet doesn’t have to stop you from keeping your entry organized and clear of clutter. The entrance to your home is often where jackets, shoes, umbrellas, bags and keys get left but it’s important to find a place for all your belongings. Carlaw suggests the use of baskets, hooks and coat hangers that all come in contemporary styles as different ways to keep your essentials organized. Consider assigning each family member a basket and hook or add a sorting station to deal with paperwork or outdoor gear as soon as it enters your home. Go vertical and add knobs, hooks with baskets or slim shelving to underutilized wall space. In a small area serving many purposes, you need to find furniture that does the same. Multi-purpose pieces will allow you to make the most of the space and keep it visually interesting.

Find seating options that hide storage or benches that double as shoe racks. “There are so many ways that you can almost disguise the ugliness of shoes and jackets with design and make things functional yet still beautiful,” says Carlaw. Adding a jewellery box or decorative trays to a slim console table gives you a place to put your keys without it feeling like clutter. Slide baskets underneath so shoes aren’t simply left at t he door but are still easily accessible. If you generally decorate your home for the holidays, continue your décor into your entryway. Depending on the time of year, seasonally appropriate touches like spring flowers, twinkling lights or even spooky spider webs will all add to the ambiance and warmth you’ve already created throughout the rest of your home each season. “Sometimes the entrance is as far as people get in your home!” says Carlaw. “So why not put a little more thought in that area as well?” Don’t miss your chance to make a great first impression; an inviting entryway is just an open door away.

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One day, out of the blue, Meena got a text message saying, “Hi Meena, Gagan here,” and since then, we could probably fill a decentlysized Barnes & Nobles with our texts.” Photography: Amrit Photography

How did you meet each other? Gagan: Meena is from Vancouver, Canada (but living in Baltimore, USA) and I’m from Canton, Michigan. Meena’s first-cousin is married to one of my friends in Michigan. They introduced us while they were dating. They had been trying to get us to meet up for months but both of us were a little uncomfortable with the whole “setting up” business. One day, out of the blue, Meena got a text message saying, “Hi Meena, Gagan here,” and since then, we could probably fill a decentlysized Barnes & Nobles with our texts. We met up a couple months after getting to know each other and since then, knew that we were on the same path, together. Being from different cities and sometimes being apart for weeks at a time, “home is where the heart is” has been a resonating theme in our lives.

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DARPAN Weddings

a n e e M n a g a G & Could you share your proposal story?

Could you tell us about your reception?

Gagan: A couple weeks after Meena finished medical school, I proposed to her in Chicago, her favourite American city. She was caught completely off guard. I had gathered all our friends and even had some people fly in to celebrate with us. Who would say no to that?

Meena: Since Gagan’s family and friends were from out of town, it was important to us to show them a good time and make everyone feel special and included. Each day we added something different to keep everyone entertained, with the grand finale being the reception, with DJ Ace from Decibel Entertainment orchestrating the best party we all had ever attended. Both of us felt so much love from everyone, it was unbelievable. I could not imagine everything running smoothly and everyone having a smile on their face the entire time. For the reception, we knew the party was going to be good, but we didn’t know it was going to be THAT good. When you have everyone from a one-year-old to a

Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment? We were surprised by how fast and smooth everything went. It seemed like a year and a half of planning was well worth the outcome. We both had an amazing day filled with lots of different emotions. The best part for us was to see that our family and friends took a lot of time and effort to make sure that we had the best weekend ever. Our families helped us out tremendously and it was amazing to see how loved we are.

90-year-old on the dance floor, you know you did it right. And when the popular photographer says, “best of the year,” while it’s still happening, you can not smile and feel insanely happy.

Q: Can you describe your outfits? Meena: Our wedding style was modern day raja/rani. Royal chic! We kept the wedding day theme very traditional and peaceful, with soft colours. My outfit was inspired by a jewellery advertisement that featured Amy Jackson which I saw a few years ago and was in love with. I wanted something a little different so I went with the traditional, punjaban, longer top look. Gagan’s outfit was stark white with antique gold touches. To add to the royal look,

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Our wedding style was modern day raja/rani. Royal chic! We kept the wedding day theme very traditional and peaceful, with soft colours. My outfit was inspired by a jewellery advertisement that featured Amy Jackson which I saw a few years ago and was in love with. I wanted something a little different so I went with the traditional, punjaban, longer top look.

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DARPAN Weddings www.amastermedia.com

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For us, food and reception DJ were most important and we definitely got the wow factor with those. Negotiate with vendors when you can, most are very reasonable. Have lots of inspiration photos and let people know the kind of ambience you’re going for, they make it happen. And last, remember to eat and have fun. we blinged out his turban. Both our outfits were custom made in India, without either one of us going there. My outfits were from a boutique in Chandigarh where I have been getting my clothes made for about 15 years. Gagan’s was from New Era in Phagwara; his reception outfit was custom made from Michigan.

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If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be? Start early. When we first started planning, about a year and a half ago, we were noticing that a lot of our vendors had “holds” so it was important that we book right away. Spend money on the right things. For us, food and reception DJ were most important and we definitely got the wow factor with those. Negotiate with vendors when you can, most are very reasonable. Have lots of inspiration photos and let people know the kind of ambience you’re going for, they make it happen. And last, remember to eat and have fun. Everyone is there to welcome you as a husband and wife in your new role, so stop, take a minute, and feel all the love you are being showered with.

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DARPAN ACTIVITIES

TOP

Spring

CELEBRATIONS

ABBOTSFORD TULIP FESTI VAL If you still haven’t gotten your fill of springtime flowers, head to Abbostford for their Tulip Festival – the only tulip festival in all of BC! A celebration of community, local agriculture, and spring, the festival runs from April 10 to May 7 and features 10 acres of blooming tulips. With over 35 varieties on display, get ready for a gorgeous display of colour! You can purchase tickets online at abbotsfordtulipfestival.ca

BY TARANA RANA

pring is finally in the air! After an unusually cold winter, it’s time to celebrate the

warmer weather. Lucky for us, Vancouver knows how to celebrate spring in style! Check out the top five events that are sure to put a spring in your step over the next two months.

Celebrate the warmer weather by checking out these fun festivals and parades around Vancouver

INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW VANCOUVER CELTIC FESTI VAL Don some green and head out to Vancouver’s CelticFest – one of the biggest annual Celtic festivals in Western Canada. Running from March 10 to 18, there are a number of events lined up from an Irish Sport Nights, to international Celtic music and dance performances at various locations in Vancouver. And ofcourse, the ever-popular St. Patrick’s Day parade. On March 17 and 18, visit the Celtic Village and Street Market at Robson Square. Filled with music, highland game performances, food and face painting, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Celtic culture. Visit celticfestvancouver.com for the full lineup of events.

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Calling all car enthusiasts! The 97th Vancouver International Auto show (VIAS) runs from March 28 to April 2 this year at the Vancouver Convention Centre, which will have more than 450 customized vehicles on display. This annual show is the best to see exclusive debuts as well all the classic luxury brands, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, McLaren, and Porsche. Not to mention, two car giveaways! Visit vancouverinternationalautoshow.com for tickets.

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Celebrate the season of renewal with the City of

From the home of

Vancouver’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Running from March 30 to April 23, there are six major events to check out. Experience Japanese tea culture

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at the Sakura Days Japan Fair and try your hand at calligraphy, origami and other Japanese arts. Indulge in Asian-fusion food at Sakura Night, which celebrates seven of Vancouver’s top restaurants. Enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch under the beautiful blossoms at Queen Elizabeth Park at the Big Picnic event. For more information about the other events, dates

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VAISAKHI PARADE Join in the celebrations of Vaisakhi Day at Vancouver and Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi Parade. Taking place on April 15 and April 22, this is one of the largest Vaisakhi parades outside India. There’s something for everyone here – from live music, dances, floats, performers, and of course, amazing free food and drinks for all!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarana is a freelance writer in Vancouver, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city and discovering some of its lesser-known haunts.

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A Spotlight on

DARPAN TRAVEL

SAN FRANCISCO

A can’t-miss food scene and multicultural museums are just a couple of things that help make San Francisco’s famously cool neighbourhoods truly one-of-a-kind. BY BENJAMIN YONG

PHOTOS: SAN REMO HOTEL, FLICKR, WIKIPEDIA, ISTOCK

ith a resume boasting qualities such as picturesque coastal views, an eclectic urban landscape, and of course, a certain iconic red bridge, it’s no wonder San Francisco drew nearly 25 million tourists in 2015 alone, according to the San Francisco Travel Association. In fact, the independent non-profit marketing organization indicated atmosphere and ambiance, scenic beauty, and restaurants as three of the top reasons people visit the City by the Bay. It’s impossible to list out all the worthwhile stops to see here, as there simply isn’t enough room. But here are a few of the best places to experience the culture and cuisine that puts San Francisco on the map.

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Heritage Being a former gold rush town, San Fran has roots stretching back past a century ago. The San Remo Hotel is part of that history, originally built in 1906 after a record-breaking earthquake and ensuing fires consumed most of the area. Modelled after the Italiante Victorian style, the rooms are cozy and traditionally furnished for an authentic stay. Restrooms and showers can be found down the hall, with the exception of the penthouse suite containing a private bath. Nearly a third of the city is made up of an Asian population, many of whom have been residents for several generations. The Asian Art Museum, located in the Civic Center

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604-803-8158 district, serves as a “bridge of understanding” between the United States and Asia, showcasing distinctive materials, aesthetics and intellectual achievements of the eastern region throughout three floors. Standout sections include the Chinese Jade Treasury, Korea through 1392, and Japanese Tea-Related Arts. San Francisco’s Japantown was the first Japanese-American community to get settled and established in the United States in the early 1900s. Today, The Japan Center Mall sits right in the middle of the storied neighbourhood, broken up into East and West sections. Visitors can shop in unique boutiques like Moritaya that carry genuine Japanese goods, and choose from several establishments specializing in a variety of beverages, snacks and other treats.

Food Looking to get your feast on and not sure where to start? Joining a Local Taste of the City San Francisco Food Tour is a great way to not only sample some of the tastiest restaurants around, but also get in a little sightseeing at the same time. A knowledgeable guide leads a small group of people to both eateries as well as neat

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DARPAN TRAVEL

San Francisco’s Japantown was the first JapaneseAmerican community to get settled and established in the United States in the early 1900s. Today, The Japan Center Mall sits right in the middle of the storied neighbourhood, broken up into East and West sections. landmarks. For example, guests of the North Beach/Little Italy tour get to drink freshly brewed espresso from Café Roma, grab a delicious sandwich from Molinari Delicatessen, and even see one of the houses where the classic movie Mrs. Doubtfire was filmed. Protip: show up hungry. Just a hop, skip and jump away from Japantown is Ramen Yamadaya. Specializing in Tonkotsu (pork) ramen (Japanese soup noodles), the signature broth is cooked for 20 hours to give it a deep, rich flavour. Add a side of gyoza (dumplings) and takoyaki (battered

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octopus balls) to complete the meal.

Sights What travel article would this be without a mention of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World? The Golden Gate Bridge needs little introduction, and tops nearly all San Francisco “must-see” lists. Here are some interesting facts about the architectural marvel: construction began in 1933 and the bridge opened in 1937; completed cost was $35 million in principal, $39 million in interest and 11 workers’ lives; the two towers are over 225 metres in height; the structure utilizes nearly 130,000 kilometres of wire; and the official name of the colour is “International Orange.” It can be challenging to fit in everything you want to see within San Francisco’s boundaries, encompassing 49 square miles. TM

That’s where Big Bus Tours comes in. A $50 USD one-day ticket gives riders hop-on, hop-off access to Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Haight Ashbury, Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown and much more. Admission comes with three walking tours, and there are additional options available for those wanting to add on an extra day or two, take a ferry to Alcatraz and/or borrow a bicycle for an hour.

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DxO One

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As good as the built-in cameras on the iPhone are, wouldn’t it be great if they were just a little bit better so you could completely forget about hauling that clunky DSLR along on trips? Well, the DxO One might be just the solution. The miniaturized proquality camera features a 20.2-megapixel one-inch sensor – ideal for low-light photography – wideaperture lens and connects to your iPhone or iPad via a concealed Lightning plug,

piggybacking off your device’s screen. Housing an onboard battery and MicroSD card, the One can also be operated independently for spontaneous shooting. The DxO One was released in the fall of 2015, but has been steadily receiving updates and extra accessories increasing the tiny camera’s array of functions and value. Since launch, it has

gained remote control over Wi-Fi, or the ability to go underwater thanks to a rugged snap-on outdoor case. Issues such as wandering autofocus and sub-par battery life have been addressed as well. The next soon-to-be-released update brings support for multi-camera Facebook Live streaming directly within the proprietary app.

By Benjamin Yong

BEST NEW

hile we’re just a quarter of the way into 2017, the tech landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed and has already revealed a slew of new cutting-edge consumer electronics. Here are our top four picks of the latest musthave gadgets at the moment.

Axon 7 Mini For those not familiar with the name, this mobile device

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TECH 2017 OF

is produced by global telecommunications company ZTE, which is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and just happens to be the fourth largest smartphone manufacturer in North America. In January, ZTE released the Android-based Axon 7 Mini, a slightly smaller version of its flagship Axon 7 model. The sleek and fully aluminum Platinum Gray case was actually created by BMW Group’s

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Designworks, a studio that has worked with in-house brands like Rolls-Royce and MINI among other non-automotive businesses. The specification highlights are impressive: a vibrant 5.2-inch AMOLED 2k display, 16-megapixel front/eightmegapixel rear camera capable of recording in 1080p; easyaccess rear fingerprint scanner; Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 that can top up the large-capacity 2,705 mAh battery in just 90

minutes; MicroSD card slot compatible up to 128 GB; and dual front-facing speakers equipped with Dolby Atmos HiFi technology generating almost 3-D stereo sound. A 1.5 GHz Octa-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chip provides plenty of processing power. The Axon 7 Mini is available in Canada at any Virgin Mobile for $49 on a gold two-year term.

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Amazon Echo Dot Although Amazon’s Echo Dot isn’t for sale in Canada yet – not to worry, it’s coming. In its second generation, the Dot is a voice-controlled device that utilizes Alexa (Amazon’s Siri) to play music, act as a smart home hub, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and more. Users simply have to say “Alexa” followed by a command or question. It has an integrated speaker, but can interface with an external speaker over Bluetooth or a physical cord. Several third-party manufacturers have made hardware that can “talk” to the innovative Amazon invention. The Wemo Switch, for example, is a Wi-Fi-enabled socket where anything plugged into it may be switched on or off by a companion app, or your voice when synced to the Echo Dot.

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PAPAGO! GoSafe 760 Dashboard cameras have exploded in popularity, and it’s no wonder why: they constantly record what’s going on in front of your car, in high definition, so you’re later able to play back video and relive road trips or recall important evidence in the case of an accident. The only problem is that footage is only captured in one direction. Until now. The GoSafe 760 comes bundled with a secondary satellite camera mountable at the back, or anywhere else inside the vehicle, connected to the main unit using a supplied USB cable. Each feed can be displayed separately or simultaneously in split-screen mode on the primary display. Aside from recording, you can activate a variety of driver assistance settings including stop sign recognition, fatigue warning, and headlight reminder. Prices start at $299 and you can find the GoSafe 760 at Staples, Amazon, Best Buy, and more.

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2017

JAGUAR F PACE

BY BENJAMIN YONG

F-TYPE MEETS SUV To the British automaker’s credit, rather than releasing another shapeless SUV, this brand new model oozes inspiration from the other go-fast vehicles in the lineup.

ith a rich heritage making uber-luxurious executive sedans and gorgeous sports cars, Jaguar has stepped a little out of its comfort zone by releasing the brand’s first ever crossover: the F-PACE. To the British automaker’s credit, rather than releasing another shapeless SUV, this brand new model oozes inspiration

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from the other go-fast vehicles in the lineup. “We designed the all-new F-PACE to be first and foremost a Jaguar. That’s why it has exciting proportions, a dynamic stance, pure surfaces and a beautiful sensuality about it. Its progressive, purposeful appearance has clearly been influenced by the F-TYPE. Every Jaguar

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car should draw your eye from 200 metres away and I believe the presence of the all-new F-PACE on the road is second to none in this class. The lightweight aluminum architecture gave us the design freedom to create a car with latent poise – a svelte car with attitude,” said director of design Ian Callum. “It looks assertive yet not aggressive. But it’s also versatile and equipped with real-world answers to everyday questions.

The all-new F-PACE is an allweather Jaguar sports car, life proofed for five people and their belongings.” Usually when you take the idea of a coupe and stretch out the proportions – think Porsche Panamera – the results leave something to be desired. But here, everything has been balanced wonderfully. Attributes such as the sleek headlights, thin taillights lifted almost directly from the F-TYPE, and a long 2,874-millimetre-long wheel-

FOLLOW YOUR HEART WITHOUT ABANDONING YOUR COMMON SENSE MASERATI GHIBLI S Q4 STARTING FROM $98,000*

TAKE A TEST DRIVE AT MASERATI OF VANCOUVER. It attracts with Italian style that won’t let go of your imagination, while the dynamic handling of its Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive grips the toughest roads in virtually all weather. The sports-car performance of a turbocharged, 404 HP V6 engine seduces with its power. Inside, a hand-stitched Italian leather interior is so luxurious you never want to leave. Drive it, and discover the power of attraction that only comes from owning a Maserati.

MASERATI OF VANCOUVER 1860 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H1 / 604.215.8778 / www.FMOV.ca Schedule your test drive: Jay Sidhu / 604.614.6028 / jsidhu@fmov.ca *Ghibli S Q4 MY2016 base MSRP $98,000 CDN. Not including dealer prep and transportation. Actual selling price may vary. Taxes, title, license and registration fees not included. ©2016 Maserati Canada, Inc. All rightsreserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.

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HIGHLIGHTS

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

Attributes such as the sleek headlights, thin taillights lifted almost directly from the F-TYPE, and a long 2,874-millimetrelong wheelbase gives the vehicle an athletic air without being overly bulky.

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base gives the vehicle an athletic air without being overly bulky. Equally as important as the exterior is the cabin, particularly the driving position. All too often in a utility vehicle, the driver is hoisted up too high making it seem as though he or she is in a bus. The F-PACE, however, features “Sports Command” seating where great visibility meets a racy feel. To achieve this, the top of the front doors wrap around

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onto the dashboard forming a cockpit-like space, and the available leather sports seat provide comfortable and supportive bolstering. Due to a lightweight aluminum body and suspension system, intelligent all-wheel drive, and torque vectoring technology, the F-PACE is one of the best handling crossovers I’ve ever driven. I had the unique chance to autocross one briefly where

MSRP (base): $67,900 Motor: 3.0-litre supercharged 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: 15.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

it genuinely held its own twisting and turning around the cones. Did I mention the engine note is also amazing? Taking yet another page out from the company’s roadster playbook, a serious growl can be heard anytime you put your foot down. It’s certainly not as loud as the F-TYPE, but darned impressive for an SUV. Speaking of the engine, power is generated in three ways, depending on the trim. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel makes 180 horsepower, while two versions of a supercharged 3.0 L V6 (yes, the same one as found in the F-TYPE) produce 340 and 380 horsepower, respectively. DARPAN tested the highest output model, which never left me wanting more. Jaguar didn’t simply dip its toe into the populated crossover segment water – it kicked up a huge splash, accomplishing the rare feat of splicing sports car DNA into an SUV. If this is what the company’s attempt looks like, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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2017

MERCEDES AMG C63 S

SECOND-GEN C63 S SPORTIEST C-CLASS EVER C

alling the 2017 C63 S Coupe the “sportiest C-Class ever,” as Mercedes-AMG has done, is a big statement, as the outgoing version launched in 2011 wasn’t exactly a boxy slouch. But the redesigned vehicle is even more impressive, with bodybuilder-like bulgy proportions that somehow at the same time appear elegant, an overall wider footprint, and a fire-breathing 503 horsepower. Tobias Moers, board of management chairman at

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Mercedes-Benz’s high performance division, says the big improvements seen on the 2017 model are all about pushing the envelope and keeping the C-Class the best selling AMG model. “The new AMG C63 Coupe embodies our conception of progress: It offers impressive longitudinal and lateral dynamics at an extremely high level along with improved fuel economy,” says Moers. “In addition, we are making a bold visual statement with

DARPAN

BY BENJAMIN YONG

The cooling inlets beneath the signature twin-blade grille are blacked out and connected via the “A-wing” front spoiler that increases and better directs airflow.

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the muscular design. Our customers can therefore experience the progress with each of their senses – seeing, hearing, feeling and, above all, driving.” Although it’s technically a C-Class, it only shares the doors, roof and trunk lid with the standard non-AMG variant.

Because of the car’s increased track width, the fenders are flared out measuring a full 64 millimetres wider up front and 66 mm at the back, allowing the use of bigger tires for more road grip.

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Because of the car’s increased track width, the fenders are flared out measuring a full 64 millimetres wider up front and 66 mm at the back, allowing the use of bigger tires for more road grip. Line up a regular C and the C63 S and it’s immediately evident how much more aggressive the nose of the latter is. The cooling inlets beneath the signature twin-blade grille are blacked out and connected via the “A-wing” front spoiler that increases and better directs airflow. Taking a cue from the S-Class Coupe at the rear, a finned diffuser has been added to optimize aerodynamics. The interior of the sedan is refreshingly minimalistic: the entire piano black centre con-

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MSRP (as tested): $96,490 Motor: 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 Horsepower: 503 Torque (lb-ft): 516 @ 1,750 rpm Gearbox: Seven-speed MCT Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive Fuel economy: 11.7 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)

sole is one flowing piece from the floating display all the way down to the armrest. There isn’t an overwhelming array of buttons or switches either, only the essential ones are present. The leather steering wheel is flat bottomed with a centre stripe reaffirming the vehicle’s sporty nature. The optional Burmester surround sound stereo, my favourite in the industry, sounds beautiful, as always. The 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder bi-turbo engine underneath the hood is the same powerplant found in the AMG GT S, so you know it means business. Mated to a multiclutch seven-speed transmission, the C63 S can go from

0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.8 seconds. The monstrous 516 lb-ft of torque that comes on at 1,750 will literally take your breath away – especially if driving in the rain, as I did during a brief shower. Keeping the car moving in a straight line was nearly impossible. The C63 has a reputation for producing some truly great noise, and the 2017 C63 S continues the tradition. When the performance exhaust is equipped, pressing a dedicated button opens up electronically-controlled bypass flaps sending a rumbly note streaming out of the twin chromeplated tailpipes. The sound also changes depending on AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode currently active ranging from standard to the S-trim-exclusive Race setting.

Performance is in the details. A master of the road in any season, the AMG GLC43 boasts standard AMG Sport Suspension, and its AMG styling boldly wears that confidence and control in full view. Visit Mercedes-Benz Langley and experience a new pinnacle of enjoyment. The 2017 GLC 43 4MATIC: Total Price $63,015*

Visit our Sales and Leasing Consultant:

Nav Dhindsa

Tel: 604.644.4424 Email: ndhindsa@mercedesbenz-langley.ca

20801 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC Tel: 604.533.1205 | langley.mercedes-benz.ca *Total price for the Mercedes-Benz 2017 GLC 43 4MATIC includes MSRP of $59,900 freight/PDI $2,395, admin fee $595, EHF tire fee $25, air conditioning tax $100. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra. Other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change without notice. Dealer sell for less. Visit Mercedes-Benz Langley or TM may MARCH / APRIL 2017 langley.mercedes-benz-vans.ca for details. Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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2017

BY BENJAMIN YONG

RETURN OF THE TWO-MOTOR HYBRID

HONDA

ACCORD HYBRID The re-engineered hybrid system, called Intelligent MultiMode Drive (i-MMD), is now smaller in size and 23 per cent lighter compared to before, as well as more efficient providing increased power and improved fuel efficiency.

hen the Honda Accord Hybrid burst onto the scene in 2014 with a classically handsome appearance and innovative two-motor design, it stood out in its class. After a brief disappearance during the 2016 model year, the partially electric vehicle is back boasting a second-generation powertrain and exterior facelift. The re-engineered hybrid

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system, called Intelligent MultiMode Drive (i-MMD), is now smaller in size and 23 per cent lighter compared to before, as well as more efficient providing increased power and improved fuel efficiency. i-MMD is comprised of a 2.0-litre i-VTEC inline four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine, a 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a pair of electric

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motors. One is responsible for propulsion, driving the front wheels, and the other is a generator producing electricity for the propulsion motor. An elec-

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $33,020 Motor: 2.0-litre four cylinder + two electric motors Horsepower: 212 (net) Torque (lb-ft): 232 (net) Gearbox: e-CVT Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive Fuel economy: 5.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (manufacturer estimate)

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The aesthetic updates are in line with the standard Accord variant refresh and include restyled front and rear fascias and lighting. The chrome is overdone in my opinion, especially noticeable on the

ond lets the car operate on pure electricity while travelling at lower city speeds; and the third allows the gasoline engine to directly send power to the wheels as the needle climbs, say on the highway or in a passing scenario, for instance. The gas engine makes 143 horsepower and the electric motors are rated at 135 kilowatts, together creating a net 212 horsepower, 16 more than its predecessor. The car doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really feel quick until you hit the new sport button, located on the centre console, which directs battery energy towards acceleration. When on, a wave of torque instantly hits when you plant

chunkier grille. Our press car was sprayed in a deep and vibrant Vortex Blue Pearl. tronic continuously variable transmission is standard. There are three distinct drive modes: Hybrid Drive, EV Drive, and Engine Drive. The first causes the internal combustion system to disconnect from the front axle and instead run the generator motor to charge up the battery pack; the sec-

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your right foot down. Like most hybrids, operation under normal conditions is whisper quiet. The aesthetic updates are in line with the standard Accord variant refresh and include restyled front and rear fascias and lighting. The chrome is overdone in my opinion, especially noticeable on the chunkier grille. Our press car was sprayed in a paint colour just added for this year, a deep and vibrant Vortex Blue Pearl. Inside, details such as stitched leather door panels and subtle dark wood trim give the vehicle a premium feel.

Contrasting the understated interior is a futuristic instrument cluster featuring a centrally mounted analog speedometer, flanked by illuminated Eco Assist arcs that glow to help the driver determine optimum driving habits. Bringing along cargo is no problem in Accord Hybrid, made even easier since the trunk is now longer by 86 millimetres. Total capacity is a sizable 382 litres, enough to fit four large golf bags. Lifting up the carpeted floor reveals some extra hidden storage space. Other changes elsewhere on the car include suspension and electric steering that has both been returned for a more performance-oriented feel yielding better handling response and feel. The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is in stores now.

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BY BENJAMIN YONG The 2017 R is built on the current generation Mk7 Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, shared throughout the Golf range and with subsidiary brands such as Audi, Seat and Skoda.

VW GOLF R 2017 FASTEST GOLF EVER PRODUCED

he Volkswagen Golf was one of the first vehicles associated with the term “hot hatch,” describing a breed of small, sporty, economical and fun-to-drive five-door cars. And while it still remains a great example of this, the model has gotten bigger and heavier over the years, losing some of that allimportant mojo. Fortunately, the German automaker re-injected some life into the lineup by introducing the spicy Golf R. The 2017 R is built on the current generation Mk7 Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, shared throughout the Golf range and with subsidiary brands such as Audi, Seat and Skoda. Appearance wise, there are a few fairly subtle modifications Volkswagen has made to differentiate from lower trims. The front bumper, for instance, has a larger central air intake as well as brake cooling ducts carved into the sides. The bi-xenon headlamps feature an extra LED Daytime running light strip inside each housing, giving the vehicle a

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distinctive look when lit. Instead of regular alloys, huge 19-inch thin-spoke “Cadiz” wheels, shod in summer performance tires, fill the fenders. And, at the rear, quad exhaust pipes sit beneath a special black lower diffuser. Design-wise, the interior is fairly standard save for some carbon fibre and stainless steel treatments given to select trim pieces; ambient door lighting, and small R logos scattered about.

To my amazement, the armrest attached to the centre console doesn’t open to reveal a storage cubby like it does in basically all other VWs. After struggling with it for several minutes, thinking I was having trouble locating a release latch, I did some further research. As it turns out, parts of the console in German-made Golf R (nearly all other Golfs are now made in Mexico) do not meet North American safety regulations,

TOYOTA

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $44,020 Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 292 @ 5,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 280 @ 1,800 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 10.6 L/100 km mixed city/ highway (observed)

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0% financing is available on all new 2017 Mazda 3 & 3 Sport for 36 months, 2016 CX5 for 48 months, 2017 Mazda 5 for 84 months. Finance example of $10,000, the cost of borrowing for a 36/48/84-month terms is $0, monthly payment is 277.77/208.33/119.05, total finance obligation is $10,000. Lease examples apply to 2017 Mazda3 GX (D4XK67 AA00)/ 2017 Mazda 3 Sport (D5XK67 AA00)/ 2016 CX-5 GX (NVXK66 AA50)/)/2017 CX-3 GX (HVXK87AA00) and bi-weekly payments of $104/$117/$129/$121 for 60 months, including down payment of $0/$0/$0/$0. $4500 cash rebate applies to 2017 MY Mazda5. Offers valid March 1st – March 31st, 2017, while supplies last. Prices & payments are plus taxes. No Charge Navigation or equivalent accessory credit applies to all new 2016/2017 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.

and so the armrest is permanently latched shut. Finally, Volkswagen has introduced modern smartphone connectivity through App-Connect, part of its second-generation infotainment system. After plugging in a mobile device, users can listen to streaming music, respond to texts, and boot up navigation via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The engine is an upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder found in the GTI, making 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft, compared to 210 hp and 258 lb-ft. Consumers can choose between a six-speed manual or sixspeed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Equipped with the latter, getting from 0-100 km/h only takes 4.5 seconds. I was most impressed by how the vehicle essentially has two sides. When driving the speed limit, besides a faint intake sound when accelerating, it is as though you are behind the wheel of any normal A to B Volkswagen. Get on the throttle hard and/or make a spirited turn, however, and things come alive. The handling of the car feels very, very balanced, and a lot of that has to do with the Golf R’s permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. Sensors detect wheel slippage moments before it actually occurs, and torque is distributed accordingly to where it is needed most. For 2017, the Golf R comes in seven flavours: Pure White, Tornado Red, Lapiz Blue Metallic, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Onyx White Pearl.

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IN PICTURES

CELEBRITYNEWS

Shah Rukh Khan Receives Yash Chopra Memorial Award Bollywood’s king Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the Yash Chopra Memorial Award. The award celebrates the director-producer’s excellence in various spheres of cinema such as acting and music. Many celebrities attended the event.

Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Wedding Reception

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After a royal wedding on February 9 in Udaipur, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Rukmini Sahay’s reception in Mumbai had the entire Bollywood industry in attendance. The couple donned a beautiful green royal attire designed by couturier designer Manav Gangwani.

DARPAN

CELEBRITYNEWS

IN PICTURES

Mirchi Music Awards Caring With Style Fashion Show Fevicol presented the 11th Annual ‘Caring with Style’ Fashion Show in association with The Cancer Patients Aid Association. Renowned designers like Shaina NC and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lent their support to the event and displayed their beautiful creations. Actors Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, and Sonali Bendre amongst others walked the ramp and extended their support for the cause.

The 9th edition of Mirchi Music Awards, an annual award event conducted by Radio Mirchi, recognized the contributions of many artists from the Hindi music industry. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil won the Album Of The Year Award, with best male and female Vocalist Of The Year going to Arijit Singh for the song ʻAe Dil Hai Mushkil’ and Jonita Gandhi for ʻGilehriyaan’ (Dangal).

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DARPAN BOX OFFICE

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

THE BOLLYWOOD

ON SCREEN

JOURNAL PHILLAURI Release date: March 24 Directed by: Anshai Lal Starring: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehreen Pirzada With Anushka Sharma taking centre stage as a friendly ghost, Phillauri promises to be an unusual rom-com. Produced by Anushka and her brother Karnesh Sharma, Phillauri is set in Phillaur, a town in Jalandhar district and is a quirky tale that traces a romance from a bygone era. Against the backdrop of a Punjabi marriage, the film claims to strike a perfect balance between romance and comedy. Taking about her pet project Anushka said, “The idea came out because Karnesh [her brother] and I wanted to tell a different story and present a new idea as well.” Looking at the trailer, one can say that she has hit the nail.

hrill, romance, drama, political saga, action and lots of girl power – Bollywood has packed an exciting and enriching bundle of entertainment for movie buffs in the coming months. There is Vidya Balan’s Begum Jaan that traces the life of women in a brothel during partition, followed by a powerful political thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan – Sarkar 3. A sweet romantic comedy like Phillauri brings in the much-needed lightness and Taapsee Pannu’s Naam Shabana fills in the action slot. Then we have the much-awaited Ranbir-Katrina’s Jaaga Jasoos which holds many promises. The coming month in movies is also all about celebrating women power, so go ahead block your dates now.

NAAM SHABANA Release date: March 31

SARKAR 3

Directed by: Shivam Nair Starring: Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee

Release date: April 7

An action spy thriller, Naam Shabana is a prequel to the 2015 Baby. However, this time around instead of Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu’s character – Shabana Khan will have more focus. The movie explores how Taapsee’s character becomes an undercover agent and how she unleashes her raw action side with a new secret mission. While the makers are tight-lipped about the project, Akshay said, “Shabana reminds me of a famous quote, “The only time a woman is helpless is when her nail polish is drying!” Clearly, we can’t wait for this one!

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, Jackie Shroff, Amit Sadh, Yami Gautam, Ronit Roy

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Directed by: Ram Gopal Varma

Sarkar 3 is the third instalment of the Sarkar franchise, closely modelled after The Godfather trilogy. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the political crime thriller features Amitabh Bachchan, who will be seen reprising his role as mafia kingpin Subhash Nagre. Apart from Mr. Bachchan, Sarkar 3 also boasts of a stellar star cast that includes the likes of Manoj Bajpayee, Ronit Roy, Jackie Shroff, and Amit Sadh. Interestingly, the film shall showcase the fair and lovely girl – Yami Gautam in a never-seen-before avatar. “This is the first time I’ll be playing a grey character; I will avenge my father’s death. I am really kicked about my role,” revealed Yami in an interview. TM

8TH ANNUAL

JAGGA JASOOS Release date: April 7 Directed by: Anurag Basu Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Adah Sharma So, finally the much-awaited Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor’s quirky detective film has a definite release date and the trailer of the film makes us believe that the one and a half year wait is going to be worthwhile. Written and directed by Anurag Basu, Jagga Jasoos is a musical adventure romantic comedy that traces the story of a detective in search of his missing father. Talking about the film, Ranbir said, “It’s a dream of 1.5 years that is now getting fulfilled. Anurag Basu, Pritam, Katrina Kaif and I have worked very hard on this film. We have made it with a lot of heart. This is a family film for kids too and we wish people really like it.” Well, if the trailer is looking so good, we are certain the film will touch a chord too.

2017

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

DO YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE

DARPAN’S NEXT

WINNER?

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

BEGUM JAAN Release date: April 14 Directed by: Srijit Mukherji Starring: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Gauhar Khan, Ridhima Tiwari Set during the partition period, Begum Jaan presents a gripping portrait of displaced women in a brothel during the partition of India. Starring the powerhouse of talent – Vidya Balan in the titular role, Begum Jaan is an adaptation of the 2015 Bengali film Rajkahini. Talking about the film Vidya said, “The film tells the story of survivors as they defy nations to save their homes. The story is set amidst the changing political scenario during the partition. It’s about the fight of these women for their rights to their space.” Well, looks like Begum Jaan not only promises some great performances but an engaging story too.

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DARPAN HOLLYWOOD

BY JORGE IGNACIO CASTILLO

SPRING

BREAKERS No longer the sleepy period ahead of the cavalcade of summer blockbusters, spring brings the return of Kong, the resurrection of the Power Rangers, and Wolverine’s swan song.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Release date: March 10 What do you do after you win a Best Actress Academy Award? In the case of Brie Larsen (Room), star in an action-adventure flick alongside a giant ape. In this prequel of sorts to King Kong, a group of soldiers and reporters travel to a newly found island in the Pacific to explore. It all seems peaceful, until someone starts throwing palm trees at them. It all goes downhill from there. A loaded cast including Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Goodman will serve as bait for the antediluvian creatures that populate the uncharted landmass.

Likelihood of success: High. The story is a classic and the brains behind the project understand humans are far more villainous than the cranky, good-hearted primate.

LOGAN Release date: March 3 Hugh Jackman’s final outing as Wolverine takes a page from The Dark Knight and Deadpool. Like the former, this entry in the X-Men canon aims to be grittier and more realistic than anything we have seen before in the mutant saga. Just like Deadpool, Logan has embraced the “R” rating, meaning there will be a fair amount of carnage. Suitable, for a film about a killing machine with claws. Alongside Jackman, Patrick Stewart also takes a bow as Professor X.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Likelihood of success: Very high. Hugh Jackman has defined the character and the new set up makes the aging franchise feel fresh again.

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Release date: March 17 Once again, Disney mines the company’s considerable animation catalogue to crank another live-action adaptation. So far, the strategy displays a spotless record (The Jungle Book, Cinderella) and Beauty and the Beast looks like it may continue the streak. Emma Watson is Belle, the ingénue willing to share accommodations with the Beast (Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens) in exchange for her father’s freedom. The adaptation seems very faithful to the original, although a major opportunity was wasted by not casting The Rock as the vain, villainous Gaston.

Likelihood of success: Very high. Accomplished British cast, classic songs, talking appliances, what’s not to love?

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Release date: April 14 The franchise that wouldn’t die is back, with a twist. The leader of the gang, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) has turned on his people to join a high-tech terrorist (Charlize Theron) for mysterious reasons. In order to counter the almighty Toretto, the group recruits former nemesis Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). What could possibly go wrong? Tensions on set flared between Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, not one to put up with Vin’s diva-like behaviour.

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PHOTOS: FOX, DREAMWORKS/PARAMOUNT, LEGENDARY/WARNER BROS, UNIVERSAL

Likelihood of success: Very high. The Fast & Furious saga has a loyal audience and through history has delivered some phenomenal action set pieces. Expect a lot of lecturing about the importance of family.

GHOST IN THE SHELL Release date: March 31 A live-action adaptation of the classic anime film, Ghost in the Shell has already made waves for all the wrong reasons, namely, casting a Caucasian actress (Scarlett Johansson) in a role that noticeably looks Japanese in the original. Ghost in the Shell pits a cyborg cop (Johansson) against the Puppet Monster, an artificial entity gone rogue that lives in the electronic universe. The confrontation forces the operative to question her own nature and her links with mankind.

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

Likelihood of success: Medium. This is hard sci-fi and explores territory already covered by Ex-Machina, if in a flashier manner.

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

GLOBAL

INDIANS

I N T RO D U C I N G

AMRIT KAUR

LOHIA

“Singing and writing had a healing effect on me and I became quite obsessed,” she states and describes how one day she declared to her parents that she wants to be a pop star and they replied back saying, “you’re going to the Gurdwara and [will] learn kirtan.” BY GARIMA GOSWAMI

mrit Kaur Lohia credits the multicultural vibe of North London for initiating her exposure to the various shades of music. “Singing and writing had a healing effect on me and I became quite obsessed,” she states and describes how one day she declared to her parents that she wants to be a pop star and they replied back saying, “you’re going to the Gurdwara and [will] learn kirtan.” Today, this sarangi player and vocalist in Punjabi folk, jazz and soul has fertilized a distinct voice for herself in the industry. “I fell into gurmat sangeet kirtan when I was 13 and by 14, I was touring in-

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ternationally. I never really stopped. As I evolved, the music and my purpose also evolved.” Her social enterprise, Humanised, founded in 2015 is probably a product of the purpose she talks about. “It is an educational production company producing workshops and plays that aim to diversify cultural experiences through music, poetry, traditional theatre and history, from around the world,” she explains. Lohia’s experiences working as a youth worker with children in foster care, youth offenders, and girls from vulnerable backgrounds

DARPAN

You are also trained as a theatre director. Tell us a bit about that.

propelled her to engage dialogue towards activism and empowerment using Humanised as a medium. “After graduating, instead of picking one path, I decided to continue doing everything I loved in the form of ‘Humanised.’ I was awarded a social enterprise grant and have had a great deal of support since then. I want to make the world’s cultures accessible through music and theatre – I feel empowered to empower!”

Q&A How does religion or spirituality influence your music?

Music first came into my life from a spiritual source. The Sikh scriptures are written to music and explore the significance of sound and instruments. For me, music has become a meditation in any form or context. I cannot separate the two. What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

Something that has definitely propelled my career as a musician is my original composition of Amrita Pritam’s famous poem “Ajj Akhaan Waris Shah Nu.” I originally composed it for a play on the partition of India [in] 1947. Soon after, I was talking about it at TEDx events, singing it around the world, and [was also] approached by record labels. The composition encapsulates my passion for raw expression, history and women’s experiences. It does make people cry. And it definitely makes people think.

I first went to see theatre when I was 16 – through a theatre scheme that allowed my friends and I to watch everything on the West End (London’s Broadway) for five quid! I was amazed at how theatre could physically immerse you in a different world. The live music made theatre even more accessible to me and I was proof that theatre is not just for the elite. At university, I merged my passion for history, music and theatre when I directed the music for a play on the partition of India [in] 1947. The music moved audiences and engaged them with history in a way I had never anticipated. A year later, I got the opportunity to learn about directing at the Young Vic Theatre and since then I have worked with theatre makers and companies that are diversifying the industry and its audience. Theatre is a powerful tool – it can create a climate of sensitivity to allow you to empathise with people you may have no relation to. You can really transform communities by telling stories in this way. How was your experience at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in 2016?

I performed my composition of Amrita Pritam’s poem at a SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) event in 2015 not knowing that Namita Gokhale, the director of JLF, was in the audience. She came up to me and said “You are coming to India!” A year later, I was performing at the JLF in Jaipur, London and Boulder Colorado. The performance in India was daunting – there were thousands of people there and not to forget the world’s media. For many Indians it was extraordinary to see a girl from London playing a sarangi and passionate about Indian culture. Luckily, my performance got an overwhelmingly positive response and I was in all the national newspapers. For me that was significant – I got the approval of an Indian audience. It definitely gave me the confidence to keep going. What can we expect from Amrit in the future?

I am writing new music and touring North America and Europe this year. I am also directing a play on the Chagos Islanders case and writing my first book. Based on true events, it tells the story of women’s experiences in Punjab during World War One. My ultimate goal is to continue these endeavours and for it all to remain a constant meditation. Easy, right?

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By Kelly BensoN

M A RCH-A PR I L 2 0 1 7

HOROSCOPE ALL SIGNS:

At this time of the year we move from the clutches of a chilly winter towards the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. It’s time to change up our daily routines in favour of returning to and improving healthier practices across the board. Clean out the cupboards and sweep away those cobwebs, not only from your home but from your heart and mind as well. The Sun moves from empathetic and imaginative Pisces towards goal-centred, action-oriented Aries. We feel propelled to do something about our respective situations too. Use the free-thinking, reimagining energy of Mercury in retrograde to puzzle out fixes for any projects you currently have in motion. Old business needs some attention – get it done in April. Hold the phone on whimsical purchases and impulsive projects. Instead, direct your creativity into refurbishing your business plans and financial models. More to that, with Jupiter in Libra it’s an excellent time to rebuild relationships with others.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) It’s your birthday time, how do you feel about that? It’s time to harness your fiery Aires energy and find activities that bring out your conquering spirit. People are attracted to you right now, making this an excellent time to forage ahead in all of your relationships. New heights can be attained especially in areas related to education, higher learning, new schools of thought, and mentorship. Look to people you admire and follow their lead. Or vice versa, maybe its time to be brave and become the mentor you’ve always wanted to be. This is a very good time to look at how to grow your finances and consider what you need to invest in. Lucky days: March 1, 27, 28 April 24, 25 Challenging days: March 12, 13, 14 April 8, 9, 10

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) It’s your birthday season, Taurus and you may feel the need to look back on the last year. Take a moment, did your choices and actions align with you’re emotional needs? Get honest about the objectives from last year that need to be carried on to this year. If you need to make some cuts, that’s ok. First cut: people and practices that erode your precious TIME. Your birthday new Moon will be occurring on April 26, that is the best time to sow the seeds that feel right for you. You are listening to others without judgment now and you’re also ready to be heard. This is an incredible year for your creative ability to flourish. Be sure to build in the time cycles that allow you to demonstrate your talents. Lucky days: March 2, 3, 29, 30, 31 April 26, 27 Challenging days: March 15, 16, 17 April 11, 12, 13

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) This is a very busy time of the year for you, Gemini! Friends, associates and connections you’ve made through clubs and groups are calling your name. The more you surround yourself with like-minded souls, you can expect a kismet to occur. Old friendships from years gone by may take on an entirely new shape. Embrace the changes that are happening and get ready for an exciting year ahead. Romantic play and flirtations are going to be major themes for you this spring and summer. Time spent with children can be a true delight. Teaching, mentoring and any educational experiences can push you to new heights now. Lucky days: March 4, 5 April 1, 2, 28, 29 Challenging days: March 18, 19 April 14, 15, 16

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) Huge career opportunities are in the works for you now, Cancer. Many of you are ready to take it to the big leagues.

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Now through 2017 is an excellent time to wrap up old business endeavours as you get ready for new ones. For those of you that are ready to embark on a new path, don’t be shy about enlisting the help of a superior or someone you admire. People in high places are ready to give you a boost, utilize this advantage. Meanwhile back at the ranch, relationships with family members can be delightful and heartwarming. Many of you are expanding your family now through birth, marriage or adoption. Parties, get-togethers, and social gatherings are inspirational this spring, you have something to share, enjoy! Lucky days: March 6, 7 April 1, 2, 28, 29 Challenging days: March 20, 21, 22 April 17, 18

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) Educational opportunities and mind-expanding experiences are on the rise now, Leo. This is a great time to dust off your old textbooks, sign up for a refresher course, and get yourself reacquainted with your toolkit. Many Leos are about to share their knowledge or stories and experiences with others w ho are ready to learn from them. You have a lot to offer to this world and you’re about to provide inspiration to others. You might find yourself almost too busy this spring, if you must, take a rain check here and there just to get some beauty rest, when we get to the high summer you will be in the spotlight! You’re attracted to intellectual equals, and romance with someone you can truly learn from is likely this year. Lucky days: March 8, 9, 10 April 5, 6 Challenging days: March 23, 24 April 19, 20

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) You’re in a mood to be productive and work and that’s exactly what you’re going to do this spring, Virgo. In particular you be spending some attention on your finances, your security, business plans, and budgets. Your efforts will pay off and you’re likely to see an increase in your earnings or an increase in your existing investments by the autumn of 2017. Relationships might be a little bit challenging, it’s okay to give some space to your lover or your best friend and your coworkers, we can’t get our way every single day. July and August are excellent times for you to stake a claim and push back, for now speak softly but carry a big stick. Lucky days: March 11, 12 April 7, 8 Challenging days: March 25, 26 April 21, 22, 23

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) Jupiter sits in your sign this year, Libra. This means that all kinds of luck and benefit continue to come your way. In particular relationships including friendships, business connections, and romantic experiences will grow and blossom to your benefit. You can learn a tremendous amount about yourself through your one-on-one encounters with others. If you’re feeling shy, enlist the support of a friend to get out and broaden your horizons. Lovers from the past and old relationships might be back on the table. These are opportunities for you to heal old wounds and clarify any outstanding questions you may have. Lucky days: March 13, 14 April 9, 10, 11 Challenging days: March 27, 28 April 24, 25

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) This is a hot time for you to work, Scorpio. You initiated a number of projects last autumn and in early 2017. This is a time to let your creativity flourish within the parameters of your choice. Passionate projects and DIY endeavours are challenging yet worthwhile. Connections with former work colleagues can be of great benefit to you now. Look to mentors from your past, teachers, or anyone that you’ve looked up to for inspiration, you might be pleasantly TM

surprised by a new discovery. You’re also considering the needs of others; your empathy for those who have less may be quite strong right now. Volunteering and participation in social or environmental endeavours might take you to new heights. Be sure to get your alone time. Lucky days: March 15, 16, 17 April 12, 13 Challenging days: March 29, 30 April 25, 26, 27

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) You’ve made some considerable progress in the last two years, Sagittarius. While many things have come to a close and some of you have experienced an extreme career shift, you are now on the other side of this and the wisdom that you’ve gained is invaluable. You’re ready to set in motion a path towards greater security in yourself and your ability to provide for yourself. In approximately two years from now you can expect your income and your sense of wealth to increase, this is largely due to the actions you’re taking this year. Get your rest, this is a busy spring for you. Joint partnerships and cooperative investing are themes worth exploring. Be sure to cut loose and have some fun with your friends. Lucky days: March 18, 19 April 14, 15, 16 Challenging days: March 1, 31 April1, 28, 29

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) Your career goals are reaching new heights this year Capricorn. A promotion, a job opportunity and even a passion project is on the rise this spring. You’re ready to do the hard work and effort that you need to meet the stream half way. You might also feel more ambitious and passionate and the need to channel that energy into physical exercise or creative pursuits will be strong as well. Romantic relationships and sexual intimacy gets a boost this spring. There might even be a ‘meet the family’ moment as some relationships are about to get much more serious. Lucky days: March 20, 21, 22 April 17, 18 Challenging days: March 6, 7 April 2, 3, 4

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) This is a very good time to surround yourself with people who open up your mind in some way. Freethinkers, revolutionaries and spirited friends will push you to realize something more about yourself as well as the world you live in. There’s something important that you’re getting ready to share. This might be a creative project, a book, a blog post or maybe it’s the pearls of wisdom that have come from your personal experiences. Regardless, we see this is an important time for self actualization and standing up for what you believe in. Learning a language, communication style, and trying on new points of view will help you enormously. Lucky days: March 23, 24 April 19, 20, 21 Challenging days: March 8, 9 April 4, 5, 6

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) This is a powerful time for self development, Pisces. You’ve broken through a lot of personal barriers in the last six to eight months and that’s pushed you to shift your spiritual point of view. Congratulations you’re on the other side of it! While the roadway may not be completed yet, your inspiration, passion and dedication to this is about to light the fire in others. Close relationships deepen and a powerful intimacy can be experienced now. On a lighter note, your sexual energy is running high! Maybe it’s time to plan a date night with your lover, hmm? Single Pisces are sure to attract someone, the key is to remain available. Out-of-town getaways with a close friend are favoured in April and June! Lucky days: March 25, 26 April 22, 23 Challenging days: March 10, 11, 12 April 7, 8

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BY PETRINA D'SOUZA

CANADIAN SHARE THEIR IMMIGRANTS STORIES Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada: Finding the right job. Canadian experience is key to employers when you are seeking a job.

Resolutions made for yourself or family:

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Don’t stop, keep learning and keep moving forward. Share your knowledge and experience and support each other.

BHAN

Family Raj Bhan works at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel as Director of Engineering Indra Bhan works at the Surrey Board of Trade as Chief Operating Officer Ritesh Bhan (29) is an electrical engineer Kritesh Bhan (22) is in school and works at Cullen Diesel Power

olitical unrest in Fiji was the main reason for Indra Bhan, her husband Raj, and kids Ritesh and Kritesh (Kit) to migrate to Canada in September 2001. “We had three options, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. We chose Canada because my parents and my husband’s parents were already living in Canada,” shares Indra, who is a Chief Operating Officer at the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT). On arrival, the family lived with Indra’s parents. “Cold but beautiful,” were Indra’s first impressions of Canada. “Everything was so different from back at home.” Like most immigrants, the Bhans faced two major challenges on moving here – dealing with the weather and finding a job. In fact, Indra states that the weather, to an extent, is still something she has difficulty dealing with. “We moved here in September, bad timing. It was very cold. I wanted to go back to Fiji. The first couple of months were difficult,” she says, recalling her initial days in the country. “I was very lucky to have my parents and

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Advice for immigrants:

my brother help us get through this difficult time. My mum prepared all our meals and took care of my boys while both Raj and I were either busy working or were in school.” Talking about the job hunt, finding the right job was the biggest challenge for the couple. Before moving to Canada, Indra worked with Fiji Airways for 16 years in various positions. Despite the diverse work experience, she did not get any response for the jobs she applied for. She eventually started applying for any suitable job and was called for an interview by Future Shop in Langley. “I was hired as a Customer Service Representative, but this is not what I wanted to do. I did not give up and continued my search for the right job to the extent that I was willing to work for free to gain Canadian experience,” she adds. Indra started to volunteer for the SBOT. By this time, she had a full time job at Future Shop, was full time in school, and volunteered for the SBOT during her days off at Future Shop. Within a month into her volunteer time, she was offered a contract position at the SBOT to take minutes for the Board and Executive meetings due to her shorthand skills, and within six months, she was offered a full time position as an Admin Assistant at the organization. “Once I was hired at the SBOT, everything became easy. I worked hard and learned a lot. From the Admin Assistant position, I moved on to the Business Resource Centre TM

Get yourself known in the community. Come out, meet people and volunteer. Work hard and believe in yourself… that is your ladder to success. Canada is a wonderful country with wonderful people. They will help you and guide you to where you want to be.

Memories of your homeland: Beautiful beaches, Fiji has the best beaches. I do miss Fiji food as well.

Coordinator position and then promoted to Membership Services Manager. In February last year, I was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer and will be completing 15 years with the SBOT this year,” says Indra proudly. Throughout her journey, the support of her family and friends helped Indra succeed. “Once I started working, it did not take me long to get used to the people and the surrounding. I easily and very quickly made friends and my friends taught me a lot and helped me to [reach] where I am today. My colleagues at the SBOT played a huge part in my success,” she proclaims. Despite the hardships, the Bhans have had an amazing and successful journey so far. Raj and Indra are running a small but successful business as well. “Everything is in place now and extremely amazing. The future looks good,” they say. Before concluding, Indra states that her proudest moment so far was when her son graduated from the University of British Columbia as an Electrical Engineer.

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