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W
e hope you had a beautiful summer and are looking forward to Fall and Winter ahead. To keep you company is our September/October 2021 issue comprising of a range of interesting and informative articles. On the cover is the new owner of BC Lions, Amar S. Doman. He is a community icon and business leader. Doman wears many other hats. Having manifested an entrepreneurial spirit in him from a young age, he is also a mentor to budding business professionals. He is a philanthropist and involved member of the community, in addition to being a loving husband and doting father. In this exclusive interview he talks about his successful journey leading towards becoming BC Lions’ owner.
We have some good lifestyle articles that focus around our health and well-being. Did you know that according to a ‘Physician Workload Survey’ conducted in 2018, 52 per cent of physicians reported regularly feeling burnt out themselves, whereas 74 per cent of physicians reported frequently seeing symptoms of burnout in others? The article highlights the issue of mental health among doctors and those in the medicine field. Read out article on sleeping well. The lack of proper sleep is a common and often overlooked health issue that can be linked to a variety of mental health symptoms. Our feature on video games highlights the pros and cons of playing video games. Lastly, learn five benefits of yoga. We are also excited to announce that DARPAN’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2021 will be held on October 15. In 2020, we missed the opportunity to host the Awards night but we are more than excited to present the mostawaited event in the South Asian community this year. We hope you enjoy this issue and keep supporting us always.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
7 TIPS FOR PARENTS
2021
EXCLUSIVE
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HOME DECOR
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2021 C O N T E N T S SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
LIFESTYLE 82 RECIPES Chef Rohit Ghai
MEET THE NEW OWNER OF THE BC LIONS
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BUSINESS PROFILE 36 Allure Ventures 46 OpenRoad Infiniti Langley 60 Tangerine Group of Companies 62 V Migrate Immigration
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116 IMMIGRANTS Meet the Mahajan Family
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Save our Doctors from Burnout
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Ekal Vidyalaya: Educating Rural Children
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Good job on featuring an article on energy drinks. As a mother, I am constantly researching on what my kid should and shouldn’t have, and energy drinks are a big no for me. I try to limit the amount of energy drinks my kid consumes.
Hey, cool article on pandemic travel. I am so looking forward to traveling next year and the tips will be very useful when I start planning. It is going to be a new type of traveling I guess.
– Rohit K
– Mrs. Bhatia
Re: Yes Rohit, due to the pandemic, our idea of travel has changed. We hope you use our tips for pandemic travel well and have a good trip. Safe travel always! – DARPAN
Re: Hello Mrs. Bhatia, glad to read that you found the article on energy drinks useful. We are always trying to inform our readers on topics that affect them in their daily life. Thank you for sharing your opinion with us on the topic. – DARPAN
FARHAN AKHTAR Nice article on Farhan Akhtar. I love his films and he is a classy actor. Looking forward to his upcoming project. He is indeed the man of the moment! – Supra Shah
Re: Thank you for sharing your feedback with us Supra. Yes, Farhan Akhtar is one of the finest actors in Bollywood. Keep writing to us always. – DARPAN
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RECIPES Thank you for alw ys sharing some go d recip s in your mag zine. I love reading about them and tr ying them out. Keep u p t h e g o d w o rk !
– Krisha Sundaram Re: Thank you for the positive feedback Kirsha. Yes, recipes is one of our most-read columns and we are always researching on new and talented chefs to feature in the column. Do let us know how those recipes turned out. – DARPAN
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DARPAN
1 How satisfied are you with the Province’s
mask mandate keeping in mind that masks are not recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students? We are a little perplexed by it because what we’re seeing in other jurisdictions is that the virus is much more transmissible even amongst children. With the original COVID-19 last year, we saw that relatively few children got sick with COVID-19. But we think that the Delta variant is different, and we’re seeing that in other jurisdictions. This year almost 100 per cent of the cases are of the Delta variant, so we haven’t been given a clear rationale as to why Kindergarten to Grade 3 students were excluded this year. 2 What’s your biggest concern at this point in time?
With the Delta variant so highly prevalent in our communities, that is a concern. What we’re saying is why are we not erring on the side of caution? Taking a cautious protective approach is what we would rather do. And the last thing we would want is to be sort of in a situation where we see a lot of transmission of virus amongst young children that aren’t eligible to be vaccinated, and then put in measures after the fact. Instead put the measures in place early in the year and then ease them off later when those kinds of safety measures aren’t necessary. 3 Are you wanting a vaccination mandate for students and teachers?
We are not wanting a mandate but we want vaccination clinics to be set up in schools. When you look at the CDC data, it is a fairly disturbing picture in many communities in terms of low vaccination rates. We think there’s a need to ensure that there’s a real drive to get 12-17 year olds vaccinated. In the Interior Health region, they are at 21%, 20%, and 24% with second doses for 12 to 17 year olds, and in Northern Health region, we’re looking at 19%, 21% and 24%. Those are some pretty low numbers, especially in comparison with the general public in BC, so we’d really like to see some more pop-up clinics and vaccination clinics in schools. 4 What concerns you most about students between ages of 12-17 who are eligible for vaccination in regions within BC where there is vaccine hesitancy?
PHOTO: TERI MOORING, BCTF
We think that’s an age group that really does need to be targeted. They have additional measures in place for schools above and beyond the Ministry of Education guidelines, which is great. There are many communities in Interior Health where we have low vaccination rates and a high prevalence of the virus.We are not seeing the same measures in Interior Health and Northern Health. We are not seeing the same in Northern Health as far as schools go, it’s perplexing. Especially given the vaccination rate, like in Northern Health region, there are actually many communities with some of the lowest vaccination rates in the province. 5 If cases do rise, what sort of implementation would you like to see for school and staff?
If we find that cases are rising within schools, then we would fully expect that the provisions we are calling for would be put in place. So, a broader mask mandate; vaccination clinics attesting a provincial testing strategy, including asymptomatic; ensuring that ventilation systems are properly operating. We’ve been working with the Ministry of Education; I want to make clear that since
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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
know that data’s not going to be shared any longer. Those exposure notifications will be shared with close contacts only. So what other data points are we going to be able to rely on to give us a picture of what’s happening in schools now? The exposure notifications were not great. They didn’t supply much information. You didn’t know if it was one case of COVID-19 or there were 60 cases, there was just no way to ascertain that. But it did sort of raise awareness about issues in certain parts of the province like the Surrey School District for example and as a result, Surrey teachers got fast-tracked for vaccinations. 8 How are educators and BCTF staff feeling going into a new school year?
TERI MOORING PRESIDENT OF BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION
Spring progress has definitely been made on ventilation systems. However, with school now in session, we don’t have a full accounting of all school districts in terms of what the status of their ventilation systems are, and what mitigating strategies are in place where the ventilation systems aren’t adequate. We know that some districts have targeted ventilation systems for upgrades and that’s necessary and this also takes time. Things like HEPA filters are stop gap measures that we expect to be in place, and so we’re just working with the Ministry now to determine and make sure that where those HEPA filters are needed and where other mitigation strategies are more appropriate, they’re actually in place. 6 What has been the response from BC parents to your open letter?
We’ve had a very positive response from families; we hear from families that are very concerned and there’s a lot to be concerned about right now during a pandemic. We’re trying to keep schools open, not close them because of outbreaks. We don’t want students missing precious academic time because they have to either self-isolate or quarantine. That’s why we would like to see more preventative measures in place so that schools remain open, and we’re very committed to that. These appropriate safety precautions need to be in place. We all had hoped that this school year would be different but the case counts are actually five times more than what they were last year at this time. So, there is a lot to be concerned about. There’s certainly nothing to be overly alarmed about as long as those preventative measures are in place. We are going to see what happens as the year progresses, because, again we are in a unique environment this year due to the Delta variant. It’s been a real game-changer. 7 Dr. Bonnie Henry’s announcement that COVID notifications would not be issued to schools for single exposures has caught some parents and teachers by surprise. What do you make of this?
The reason given was that it caused anxiety, and what I can assure you is that what causes greater anxiety is the fact that we don’t know what’s going to replace exposure notifications. There does need to be publicly available, timely, meaningful data about what’s happening in schools. The problem is that now that school is in session we
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Everyone is always really excited to go back to school; back to school is sort of the signal that we’re back to normal. I’m sure there are lots of mixed emotions as we have entered this school year. The teachers are vaccinated, and I’m sure there’s a level of comfort there. But there’s also great concern that we have the majority of our students in school that aren’t eligible for vaccination. Teachers are going to do their best to keep everyone safe and everyone comfortable and at the same time teach the curriculum. As well other responsibilities that teachers have is making sure kids wash their hands, all of the safety measures plus everything else that teachers regularly do. It’s a lot on the shoulders of teachers, and so that’s why we’re asking for the tools necessary to keep people safe, and the mask mandate is one. But we’d also like to hear a lot more about what the province’s plans are around vaccination clinics, around a testing regime. I think more information about those sorts of details would really help put people’s minds at ease. 9 Do you think going back to online learning could happen depending on how the situation unfolds?
I think there are a lot of unknowns out there, and so we’re hoping that we don’t see schools as the source of transmission of the virus and we don’t see the virus circulating around schools at a higher rate than we did last year. However, those are all possibilities and I think that what makes this such a stressful time is the unknown. I think what we’ve learned about this virus is it’s unpredictable. I don’t think any one of us, and certainly not myself are willing to make predictions about what could happen in the future. That’s why we think our best-case scenario here is to really ensure that those protective and preventive measures are in place early on. We can peel them back later as opposed to waiting to see if we end up with a lot of cases of COVID and then put measures in place as that just doesn’t make sense you know to us in the education system. 10
What’s your message for the community?
I really understand that we’re going through an extremely stressful time, and families have been so supportive of schools and it’s been a real collaboration around the safety measures. What I’m really hoping that families of young children do is that they send their children to school with masks and ask them to wear those masks. There will be schools that have different safety measures in place like start and end dates for different groups of students. There might be different lunches, for example, so that students are a bit separated. Not all schools are going to have the same safety measures in place because they all don’t have the same risk levels in place. So, we’re just asking for families to be understanding and be patient with those rules that are in place to keep everyone safe.
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By Naina Grewal
SUKHJOT BAINS
SLAM DUNK TO SUCCESS P
repared to take Sweden by storm, meet Sukhjot Bains, who has just signed a contract to play professional basketball with Helsingborg BBK, a club that plays in the second tier of the Superettan league. This September, he will pack his bags and hop on a flight to take the next step in his professional sports journey, thanks to a much-awaited pro deal. Having shown utmost persistence to get here, Bains is a role-model to budding athletes. The 25-year-old superstar began playing basketball in elementary school, but didn’t think too much of it at the time. “I was pretty good in elementary and on my high school team. I started playing more seriously around Grade 8. When I got selected to play tournaments in the US, I began realizing that I’m actually good and thought I should give basketball more attention,” recalls Bains. Upon graduation from Surrey’s Tamanawis Secondary, Bains earned scholarships to play for universities across Canada and the US. He was more interested
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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT I was pretty good in elementary and on my high school team. I started playing more seriously around Grade 8. When I got selected to play tournaments in the US, I began realizing that I’m actually good and thought I should give basketball more attention.”
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in pursuing the sport in the US, so he turned down Canadian offers and took the leap to a prep school, Peddie Prep, in New Jersey. After a year there, he was offered a scholarship for Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, which he accepted. After two seasons, Bains went on to spend another year playing divisional basketball at NCAA Division I Program Wisconsin-Green Bay. Having left a lasting impression on American soil, Bains decided to finish off his education and continue his basketball career close to home, at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in British Columbia, Canada. Here, he made a tremendous impact on the university’s basketball program. Having struggled before Bains’ arrival, the team successfully made playoffs when he joined. The golden boy finished his senior year there and a great one at that, being recognized as the Canada
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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT
Photos contributed by Sukhjot Bains
West Conference All Star. Bains explains, “In university, you need to have a good GPA to play basketball. Along with basketball, I had to focus on school and studies as well, which can be especially hard with travelling.” In April of 2020, after finishing his undergraduate studies in Integrated Studies, Bains began coaching and finding an agent to pursue his dream of playing pro. However, the ride was less smooth than expected. The COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in why it took so long for Bains to find an otherwise well-deserved place in a league. Any other year, many teams would have eagerly approached Bains. Given the pandemic, a significant number of teams simply did not even have a season altogether. For leagues that were still on, more experienced players were in demand, whereas Bains was a rookie. After almost two years of finishing his university career, things started to get back to a potential normal. That’s when Bains hit the jackpot and got noticed. Detailing how he sealed the deal, Bains elaborates, “After I was done playing college basketball, I made a highlight tape of all the plays and also made a player profile with player stats. This is equivalent to a resume, but for basketball. I put together a package and emailed over 100 agents, who further have contacts with diflerent teams and managers. It was a pretty long process!” After hearing back from some agents, the UFV alum narrowed it down and made his pick.
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Unquestionably, having the chance to play pro has taken sheer dedication and resilience, but Bains has not been alone in the process. His parents and older brother, always supportive, would make it a point to come to his games growing up. When Bains expressed the desire to move to the US, his family was happy to help and were right by his side, assisting Bains with setting up when he moved. No matter what the next step was, the basketball champion’s family always told him to go for it and play the best he can. Drawing on his experiences from coaching, Bains reveals that many South Asian children are told to focus on school and become doctors or lawyers; it’s become a part of the culture because families just don’t know as much about sports. Bains encourages parents to learn more and realize for themselves that sports are actually a great way to get noticed and gain admission into schools. If a child possesses strong skillsets, parents should be pillars of support for them to pursue a career in basketball. At the very least, sports are a great way to stay out of trouble, avoid distractions, and focus on something valuable. Bains deems sports as an effective tool to keep kids on track. For young basketball players that look up to Bains for his accomplishments, he empowers them to never give up, “You could be an amazing player, but things don’t happen on the first try. It took me years to get into divisional basketball. I didn’t give up and stayed disciplined. Things can get rough, and you can lose confidence. Put in the work. Just stay committed to your goals.” Undoubtedly, the proof is in the pudding. Bains’ perseverance has paid off as his firstever pro basketball season starts in September and ends in March of next year. His first time visiting a European country is a visit like no other, as he makes his parents, city, and country proud on the court. For now, Bains is eagerly looking forward to scoring points and winning hearts, with an immediate goal to focus on the season and stay healthy. From thereon, even the sky isn’t the limit for the legend-in-making, as he strives to progress to better leagues and continue his path to the National Basketball Association (NBA). His strategy? One season at a time!
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Rick N
Finance
Owning a professional sports team is a very big responsibility, and frankly an honor. I have been a fan of CFL football since I was young and have loved the Lions for a long time. I am so very proud to now have the team under my ownership. This is great for all of BC, our community and of course the CFL.”
Photos Courtesy of StudioLV.ca, Amar Doman, BC Lions
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COVER STORY
AMAR
DOMAN
MEET THE NEW OWNER OF THE BC LIONS BY NAINA GREWAL
Belonging to a pioneer South Asian family on Vancouver Island, Doman remembers being taught the values of hard work and good discipline at a young age. Coming from an immigrant family and seeing how hard everyone was working to provide for the family laid the groundwork for higher achievement. It proved that anything is possible with determination, vision, and hard work.
BC
Lions’ new owner is not an unfamiliar name, but a community icon and business leader, Amar S. Doman. Aside from managing his responsibilities as a founder and sole shareholder of The Futura Corporation, one of British Columbia’s largest privately-owned companies, Doman wears many other hats. Having manifested an entrepreneurial spirit in him from a young age, he is also a mentor to budding business professionals. He is a philanthropist and involved member of the community, in addition to being a loving husband and doting father. Belonging to a pioneer South Asian family on Vancouver Island,
Doman remembers being taught the values of hard work and good discipline at a young age. Coming from an immigrant family and seeing how hard everyone was working to provide for the family laid the groundwork for higher achievement. It proved that anything is possible with determination, vision, and hard work. He can still recall working in the lumber mills with his brother, Rob Doman, on weekends and holidays while growing up, which enabled them to learn the business from the ground up. “I grew up in Victoria and was always very close to my parents, especially my late father who taught me so much about business and life; he was my best friend.
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COVER STORY I have not been this excited about something in many years. It will take time, but we will deliver on and off the field.”
My mother always taught me to be honest and fair, and to treat people with respect. Those core values are still with me today and my wife Natallie and I are instilling this into our children,” details the inspiring entrepreneur. Making the right choices and being the better person is something that Doman and his wife are actively ingraining into their children. Moreover, since childhood, Doman has always had a very strong connection to his culture and heritage. While the food is an obvious daily connection, the South Asian businessman also regularly ponders about how hard it must have been for our first
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settlers in British Columbia. Doman shares his gratitude for his family and other community members who laid the foundation for coming generations, “This is still on my mind today. I have enormous respect for our pioneers, such as my grandparents. If it wasn’t for my mother and father’s confidence in me, I would not be where I am today. This all stems from our heritage and South Asian culture.” When it comes to Doman stepping foot into and maneuvering through the business world, he went headfirst into his own business, literally the day after he graduated from Oak Bay High School. The iconin-making had a plan ready, employees hired, and was set to go and he could not wait to get started. One minor piece was missing: money! The angel investor, it turned out, was not far from home. “Dad wouldn’t loan me anything; he was old-school tough. Mom lent me $10,000 to get started and if it wasn’t for her, I would have never got the start I needed. Since I was a child, I always wanted to run my own business, and would constantly daydream about it. The vision was crystal clear, and I would draw and doodle the company name and my mind was preparing for this – scary yet exciting at the same time!,” Doman vividly describes. The business tycoon was driven by the thought that if his family could achieve success in business, so could he. Doman still remembers the day that his father took
Doman sees that the BC Lions team has all the ingredients to be successful, but there is a lot of work to do to bring more fans back into BC Place. He plans to listen to everyone to help the Lions regain strong success in BC. This includes rally days at schools, having the team out in schools talking to the youth, who are our future, about making the right decisions in life, and joining team sports where you learn many fundamental things about life in general.
him on a two-day business trip to New York in Grade 10. Just seeing how large New York City
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COVER STORY
fast; it’s better for everyone involved. • Watch out for debt. Oh, and yes, he paid his mom back! • Return every call. • You must be a self-starter. • It’s not about you, it’s about the team and the collective vision. Starting his own business with just four employees back in 1988 taught the stellar business executive how to meet a payroll, drive sales, and be tough on expenses. He was taught that if you can run a small business, you can run a large one also – but try and not forget what got you to the party. He made it a point to remain humble and hungry, convinced that good things will happen. There was a strong belief that there are no shortcuts as the road to success is always under construction, as per his father’s wise words. Doman elaborates, “A strong lesson I learned early
is blew away the then-teen’s mind. Finding it hard to put the experience into words, he can still feel how badly he wanted ‘in’. Somehow, he wanted to be one of the people in the meetings he saw taking place. No matter what it would take, Doman then decided that he would work as hard as possible and try to listen and learn from successful people, following their habits. Luckily, he had a front row seat with his family. Doman’s father truly taught junior Doman about the work ethic
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and what it would take to be an owner. For future entrepreneurs yearning for tips from the man himself, Doman offers some memorable pointers. These are some of the fundamental things he learned growing up and he still employs these lessons in his daily life: • You show up first, leave last. Work harder then everyone around you – always. • Never be late – ever. Prepare for the next day the night before. • Treat employees with respect, but be firm. If you have the wrong fit, terminate
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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
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Didar (Ted) Singh Doman Father of Amar Doman
Doman’s culture in business is one of professionalism and excellence. The Lions is a first-class organization with similar-minded people. This entails that both sides align very well and will continue to push for operational excellence moving forward, as will be the experience they create for our fans.
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on is to not have all of your eggs in one basket. Specifically, with one customer. I had a major customer drop my company early on in my career. It stung hard, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me all in all. Always keep your chips spread out around the table, because in business you never know what is going to come next, good or bad.” Doman has been acquiring and running businesses since he was 18 and now has over 3,000 employees in North America. According to him, the key to holding all of this
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together is having the finest management team, whom he works side by side with. The team shares the same passion. Doman’s philosophy is that much like sports, having the right people in the right place is half the battle – the other half is showing up and working as hard as you can. He believes that all immigrants directly or indirectly have an advantage. If we channel our thoughts, dreams and work ethic in the right direction, anything is possible. Undoubtedly, his family is an example. Aside from strides of success in the business Arena, Doman is a proactive member of the community in many respects. Doman is Chairman of the Board of Tree Island Steel, now one of North America’s largest producers and a global supplier of premium steel wire and wire products. His private company, the Futura Corporation, holds many different assets in it, including the public companies he controls and runs. New on the list is, of course, the BC Lions,
I grew up in Victoria and was always very close to my parents, especially my late father who taught me so much about business and life; he was my best friend. My mother always taught me to be honest and fair, and to treat people with respect. Those core values are still with me today and my wife Natallie and I are instilling this into our children.” which Doman is very excited about. Doman had been interested in purchasing the BC Lions from quite some time and had been working on and off for over six years with late Mr. David Braley, Former Member of the Senate of Canada and former owner of BC Lions. “Owning a professional sports team is a very big responsibility, and
COVER STORY frankly an honor. I have been a fan of CFL football since I was young and have loved the Lions for a long time. I am so very proud to now have the team under my ownership. This is great for all of BC, our community and of course the CFL,” he excitedly shares. The new owner intends on supporting the team through fresh marketing endeavours, helping youth football, and investing in having the BC Lions become more visible again. He brings local flavour to the game, along with local passion. Evidently, he likes to win and work hard. Doman sees that the BC Lions team has all the ingredients to be successful, but there is a lot of work to do to bring more fans back into BC Place. He plans to listen to everyone to help the Lions regain strong success in BC. This includes rally days at schools,
having the team out in schools talking to the youth, who are our future, about making the right decisions in life, and joining team sports where you learn many fundamental things about life in general. “I have not been this excited about something in many years. It will take time, but we will deliver on and off the field.”, assures Doman. It is no question that the BC Lions are in good hands. Doman’s culture in business is one of professionalism and excellence. The Lions is a first-class organization with similar-minded people. This entails that both sides align very well and will continue to push for operational excellence moving forward, as will be the experience they create for our fans. To make
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this possible, Doman asks for the support of the South Asian community to come to the games and cheer them on; we should all be very proud of our BC Lions! Aside from work and play, Doman has always been someone who likes to give back, which led him to get involved with The Heart & Stroke Foundation years ago. Eventually, he became a Director on their National Board. The generous philanthropist connects the dots, “My involvement stems from heart disease being in our family with my father, and the fact that it is rampant in the Indian community. The research and development have saved many lives and saved my father four times in his life. I will always be forever grateful for living in North America and having the access to health care that we have. One should not take this for granted.” Doman and his wife are involved in many other charities and believe in paying it forward. He believes that helping someone you don’t even know is a wonderful feeling and is part of our purpose. Doman’s giving nature and robust professionalism is a combination like no other, but it takes a tremendous amount of brainpower to keep intact the many chairs he sits on. As fuel, Doman thinks that having a good fitness regimen is critical to a successful life and he personally enjoys working out in
COVER STORY the gym and playing tennis when he has time, which is always at a premium. Doman admits that he travels heavy and is usually on the corporate plane weekly, attending meetings or being present at his operations, which span across Canada, the Western and Central United States, and Hawaii. The busy businessman’s at-home family time is precious and valuable. In fact, despite his career-related accomplishments, Doman maintains that the best job he has ever had is that of a husband and a father, “It is the most rewarding and challenging thing in the world. My wife is very strong, and we both share similar philosophies on how we want to raise our children. We are both very active people and can’t really sit still – and neither do our kids. After we had the kids, my philosophy has changed in many ways. It’s now not all about me and my dreams. It is my job to support and teach my kids in how to follow their dreams and passions.” Doman says that he will happily support and teach his kids if they wish to join the Company. No matter what, he does want them all to work as soon as they are of age. Doman strongly believes that you learn everything from working at a young age – be it the value of money or the value of what work means. “Having done hard physical labour, growing up, in the mills, I know how tough and grueling it can be. I also knows the value of a dollar because I have earned it with my own hands. Frankly, this is the only way you do learn that in my view,” Doman explains. Literally building a magnanimous business empire with his very own hands, Doman is living proof that the seeds of resiliency, dedication, and hard work do bear fruit. Most of all, with a heart of gold, Doman is a community favorite for his philanthropic efforts. With the community’s flood of support, the business legend is set to take BC Lions to new heights, just as he does with any venture. With a family that paved the way for coming generations to flourish and a business that continues to instill pride in South Asians, Amar Doman is truly a community gem!
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DARPAN FEATURE
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aving been the first and largest South Asian Market in North America, Vancouver’s Punjabi Market is a household name. The city’s Main Street neighborhood is home to an iconic cultural hub. Recently, the team behind Punjabi Market has been hard at work to revitalize its presence in the community. For the first time in its 51-year history, a series of murals have been painted between 49th and 51st Avenues on Main Street.
By Naina Grewal The Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective
THE NEW COLORS OF THE
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has established Murals in the Market, in partnership with Vancouver Mural Festival, as an initiative to help facilitate storytelling through public art by collaborating with local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists to deliver a series of murals in Punjabi Market.
The Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective has established Murals in the Market, in partnership with Vancouver Mural Festival, as an initiative to help facilitate storytelling through public art by collaborating with local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists to deliver a series of murals in Punjabi Market. With Jas Lally as the Curator, the murals have been painted by five artists – all community gems who bring unique, diverse sets of experiences.
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GUNTAJ DEEP SINGH’S THE GOLDEN LAND
social media. “My artwork is many times inspired from my roots in Punjab. When I was contacted for the mural, my Adorned with nostalgia, idea or intuition drove me to earthy tones and golden hues doing something quintessentially showcase the land of Punjab. Punjabi, but also relatable to Earthenware, traditional dresses and jewelry, hopscotch, those not from Punjab,” bhangra, and a splash of the recollects Singh. farming culture complete the The Punjabi-at-heart artist masterpiece to perfection. The painted the wall of Mr. Toor’s emotion is in the details and Punjab Food Center. Toor’s idea audiences are left speechless as they bask in the glory of was aligned with Singh’s as they their childhood memories. both wanted something that reminded viewers of the olden Born and raised in Punjab, Guntaj days in Punjab. Singh simply Deep Singh moved to Canada wanted to recreate a moment in 2017. His first place in the from the past, remembering city was in the Punjabi Market childhood visits to his village area. It felt like a place close to with his father. Resembling his home, leading him to get involved personal immersive experiences, with Punjabi Market through he set on a mission to recreate
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the community-like and familylike vibe he recalled. Evidently, the mural attracts people even if they don’t completely understand it. There is something about it which is simple and allows one to be able to relive the simplicity of life that once was in Punjab. Singh shares his passion for experiences and conversations that are sparked through art. With his mural of a Punjabi village during the harvest season, he desires to evoke the feeling of utopia-like fragments we all experience and how they are found in a shared moment. Singh expresses, “When I first moved to Vancouver, I wasn’t sure which route to take. I thought I’ll figure it out. I never expected to pursue art in such a big way. The credit goes to the art community in Vancouver for being so welcoming and giving me so much courage and drive.” For the painter, art is a way to calm down and express himself. The painter believes that when art is considered important, you have a lot more people come out and do it. For sure, the Vancouver art scene is thankful that an artist like Singh has been able to find his artistic safe haven in the city.
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Get a mortgage that works for you SANDEEP JOHAL’S A LOVE LETTER TO MITHAI Elaborate rows of sweets florally painted inside beautiful domes capture the eye, emitting a visual fragrance. Blues, pinks, and yellows provide the perfect accent to geometryinspired ladoos and jalebis. A decorated bird takes flight from a mural that enchantedly communicates the essence of mithai, while inviting sweet memories.
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Since the regeneration initiative, Sandeep Johal has had a very active role with Punjabi Market. Her artwork resides on the wall of Manny Pabla’s Himalaya Restaurant. Pabla still makes all the sweets that are sold in the restaurant, so the mural had to reflect sweets and nostalgia. In fact, Imarti Jalebis are his speciality, which are represented as delicious flower wheels on the mural. Pabla wanted symmetry and was very hands-on with integrating creativity into the art piece. Johal herself wanted to create something that was eye-catching and vibrant. Growing up, she was always drawn to her mom’s bright saris, suits, and phulkaris. The talented artist is quite new to her professional art practice. She went to art school at the age of 30 after walking away from a job with a steady paycheck. When starting out her practice, Johal was seeking South Asian artists, but couldn’t find much. Sometimes, older artists just didn’t have online presence. Johal emphasizes that these earlier South Asian artists paved the way for her and now the younger generation is getting an opportunity to create a career built of many layers. She shares her absolute love for being a role model and mentor for younger artists. “When I was painting the mural, uncles would sometimes pass by and ask if I’m doing it for free. I had to educate them. The idea that art is not valuable still exists. We get paid for what we do because we have developed a level of knowledge, expertise, and skills – just like a teacher or doctor,” explains Johal. She shares that the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive for the murals, and the art is breathing life into communal hotspots.
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DARPAN FEATURE and the rest of the City of Vancouver, is situated on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseleil-Waututh Nations. For Point, it was meaningful that there were so many community members incredibly receptive to the incorporation of contemporary Coast Salish art within Punjabi Market.
MINAHIL BUKHARI & MUSTAALI RAJ’S SHAHI TUKRA
For Johal, the mural was a full circle moment as she grew up in Kelowna, and often drove down as a child to go to Punjabi Market for textiles and spices. Even her wedding regalia came from Punjabi Market’s shops. As she prepares for her upcoming art show at the Surrey Art Gallery, Johal reveals that the best part is seeing how public art can transform physical space, and bring joy, pride, and identity to a neighborhood.
DIAMOND POINT’S INTERCONNECTED Lavish shades of blue lace a flowy creation painted with meanings that go deeper than the surface. The patterns, with hints of white, echo streams and rivers, alongside the salmon that inhabit the waters. The brush strokes are wavy and carry a rich message of experiences and lessons.
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The only Coast Salish artist on the team, Diamond Point worked with Jackson and China Orr of Orr Development for the concept and vision of their wall. The siblings were the very first sponsors of Murals in the Market and the first ones to give a wall to paint on. Interestingly, their family has had a presence in the neighbourhood before it was even designated as Punjabi Market. During initial discussions, they relayed the fact that there is an underground stream beneath their building and an idea was born. The artist herself had heard of Punjabi Market, but learned so much throughout the whole process – be it the history of the market, the family stories, or connections to the market. Point’s mural consists of a three-strand braid design representing the interconnectedness and flow of streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Within the various strands of the braid are salmon motifs to represent family, connection, and diversity. This was her first mural, and it was an amazing experience for the contemporary artist. Despite the challenges, Point appreciated figuring out solutions to each hurdle, which added to a great learning experience.
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“There were so many firsts throughout: first mural, first time ever doing a doodle guide transfer, first time using a scissor lift, and more. There was so much that I learned as an artist. I also had many meaningful conversations with community members walking by who just wanted to chat and learn more about myself and the piece. These are the experiences I will cherish as I continue to grow as an artist,” Point shares. The female powerhouse considers herself fortunate for the opportunity. She is especially appreciative for space that was provided to incorporate a visual reminder and raise awareness that the territory of Punjabi Market,
With colors that evoke the warmth of Indian summers and a sense of nostalgia, an illusionary 3D space transports you into the fragments of the North Indian royalty era. A mighty structure is complemented by abstract traditional motifs of the royal palaces and jewelry adorned by nobles. Mesmerizing patterns effectively encapsulate the natural canvas.
Minahil Bukhari and Mustaali Raj are over the moon after having successfully worked on their first large-scale project. As a creative duo, Bukhari and Raj have done several collaborative projects focused on exploring South Asian identity and felt that this venture was a great fit. They were both already familiar with the neighbourhood and rich history of Punjabi Market before getting involved. The mural beautifies the wall of Darshana Sadurah’s A-Class Fancy
P H O T O S : M AV R E E N D AV I D ,VA N C O U V E R M U R A L F E S T I VA L
Jewelers, which she is the owner of since 1991. For the artists, the wall came with an array of architectural, electrical, and plumbing interruptions, which made perspective painting very challenging. As per Bukhari and Raj, the creative process started on paper before they jumped on the computer to refine the final graphics and perspective lines. Once they had approval on the final artwork, the next step was transferring the vision onto a physical wall, which came to life through a mix of projection and manual drawing, coupled with
a lot of measuring. Needless to mention, the passionate painters ended up using rolls and rolls of tape to get the straight edges. The graphic approach to the design displays a contemporary space for viewers to engage with. Each component is well thought-out. For example, the archway skillfully represents the entry point of the original South Asian immigrants who settled in the Punjabi Market area. Bukhari and Raj reflect, “The mural is a celebration of the South Asian diaspora that has contributed greatly to the diverse cultural
landscape of Canada. We hope that it will continue to spark joy amongst the residents of the neighbourhood and beyond.” As per the painters-in-crime, work needs to be done when it comes to South Asians in the art world, but it is heartening to see more and more people of colour engaged in the contemporary art scene. They hope that the South Asian community, as a collective, sees the value of art and artists in a progressive society. Buhari and Raj strongly believe in raising the bar high and continuing to push our creative limits without
letting our South Asian Identity become a limiting factor. Undoubtedly, art has the power to bring about positive change and start important conversations in the public sphere. Spearheaded by Vancouver’s Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective, Murals in the Market is a testament to South Asians making successful strides in the art scene. The best part? The observer is also the participant. As you stroll down the market and absorb the many colors and memories, remember that you are also painting the cityscape with your very gaze!
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BUSINESS PROFILE (Below) Allure’s ‘The Grand on King George‘
Our Family Building
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Your Home
llure Ventures, one of BC’s newest developers, is already destined to make a significant impact in the regional real estate industry. The family behind the company has a long history of community commitment, and
Allure Ventures is a family-owned company and we came into it with a belief of family first. Our model is our family building your home. We believe in quality and timeliness.”
Mohamed Mansour VP of Sales at Allure Ventures
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SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
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are experts in construction. Their first project to start construction is The Grand on King George, an iconic 46-storey building featuring a residential tower perched atop a 5-story glass-encased commercial podium. With no shortage of talent in the Canadian construction market, Allure Ventures is going to raise the bar in high-rise development with the mission to build excellence each day for every client and every project.
The Grand is the first example of a commitment Allure is making to be a real change agent in the communities they invest in. In Surrey Centre, including the historic Whalley District, Allure sees the potential to make a lasting contribution to the revitalization and growth of the community that has been so critical to the success of the family businesses. “The time is right for luxury in the area. The City of Surrey has been very helpful and willing to work with us to get this project moving. We are excited to be breaking new ground,” says Erik Andersen, Head of Development at Allure Ventures.
The Grand is one of the largest towers that has come into Surrey City Centre. It has five levels of commercial space. People have been so excited and the response is tremendous.”
Arietta Fishlin
PHOTOS: Allure Ventures, Fahad Usman Photography
Director of Sales at Allure Ventures
The development objectives of Allure are impressive, with a keen eye to visually enhancing the landscape with standout structures. Allure believes home buyers and commercial investors have the right to expect that quality is paramount, that the construction schedule is respected, and that the company delivers homes and commercial spaces that truly stand out in design. Livability is a key component of the residential tower vision. Like with the 23,000 square feet of amenities at The Grand, each development project will similarly focus on enhancing lifestyle and providing homes that are comfortable
The time is right for luxury in the area. The City of Surrey has been very helpful and willing to work with us to get this project moving.”
Erik Andersen
Head of Development at Allure Ventures
and generous in appointment and fixtures. Commenting on what Allure has planned for buyers, Arietta Fishlin, Director of Sales at Allure Ventures says, “The Grand is a truly unique building for Surrey, it’s one of the largest towers that has come into Surrey City Centre. It has a unique mix of residential and commercial space; the residential portion being appointed with wonderful indoor and outdoor features that will make living here a joy. The Grand is the first example of how Allure is going to be building homes for people that make their lives better.” In the near term, Allure has great expectations for
(Above) A rendering of Allure’s upcoming project ‘Emerald Gardens‘
developing in Surrey with several development projects to be announced soon. One such project is a three-tower high-rise development that will be surrounded by gardens and showcase almost 1,000 prestigious homes. The City of Surrey’s commitment to vitalize the city centre including expansion of the transit infrastructure allows developers to be confident in their development aspirations. Skytrain greatly facilitates a transition to urban living and ensures that all points in the Lower Mainland are easily accessible to people that live or work in an Allure building. Surrey is thriving with growing medical, educational and business hubs; the real estate industry is also thriving in Surrey. “Allure Ventures is a family-owned company, and we came into it with a belief of family first. Our model is our family building your home. We believe in quality and timelines,” says Mohamed Mansour, VP of Sales at Allure Ventures. A visit to Allure’s presentation centre located at the historic five corners intersection in Whalley really brings to light the differentiation that Allure wants to bring to Surrey. The family commitment to quality
and delivery is abundantly clear. At the presentation centre, home buyers were able to virtually tour the collection of nine well-appointed floor plans. There are also two complete showcase suites highlighting the one each of the luxurious one-bedroom and den and two-bedroom city homes. Residences are thoughtfully designed and feature exceptional and exquisite modern urban living. Interiors by Cristina Oberti Interior Design provide lavishly appointed light and dark themes, quality material for a timely look, a careful combination of floors, cabinets, countertops, and unique features and finishes. Make sure to look for future Allure projects and keep an eye on the Presentation Centre as they transition to the next projects. Allure is well on the way to transforming the community and bringing exciting change to the landscape.
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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE
In an exclusive interview with Darpan, versatile actor Manoj Bajpayee talks about his recent projects, the love he received for The Family Man, being extremely selective about doing web series in future and the film that changed the course of his career – Satya.
Manoj Bajpayee ACTOR & ARTIST
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Excerpts from the interview:
Q:
While as an audience it is easy for us to switch channels and watch you in different avatars, as an actor what is your experience like jumping from one character to another?
A: BY SHWETA KULKARNI
“Being an artist liberates me completely!” Protagonist or antagonist — I can’t say I prefer this or that, I am an actor. I am primarily an actor and if the role is well-written then whether it is either protagonist or antagonist, I will put in all I have to bring that character to life. ”
W
hen it comes to mediums of entertainment, this incredibly talented man has done it all. Be it theatre, television, cinema or the new-age OTT — Manoj Bajpayee has left an impression on all platforms with his phenomenal performances. Over his two-decadelong career, he has done over 70 movies. He has played the hero; he has played the bad guy, he has also led an OTT drama through two successful seasons and has played a variety of roles that speaks volumes of his versatility. From dacoit Maann Singh (Bandit Queen) and Bhiku Mhatre (Satya) to Sameer (Kaun) and Rashid (Pinjar) to
Sardar Khan (Gangs Of Wasseypur) and Ramchandra Siras (Aligarh) to Maan Singh (Sonchiriya) and Shrikant Tiwari (The Family Man), Manoj Bajpayee has captivated the audiences by investing himself fully into one compelling performance after another. And yet, the man is completely unaffected by neither success nor failure and believes in giving his best always. Here Bajpayee shoots the breeze about The Family Man, the arrival of the OTT platform, being an artist, his landmark film Satya and how he doesn’t like the term ‘Bollywood’.
It’s not that I do all of it together. For me, it is always about focussing on one work and taking it to the finish line with a lot of preparation, a lot of concentration and the willingness to surrender to the role as per the director’s requirement, before moving to the next project. So, I don’t find being completely conflicted by all the characters.
Q:
Actors sometimes speak about how tough it is to leave certain roles behind after they’ve played them, has it ever happened to you?
A:
It used to happen. It happened till my film Shool (1999), but then I had to take it easy because it started taking its toll on me. My mental condition used to be really all screwed up after my films used to be over, and that trauma that agony that I used to go through was too much. I realized it was not at all worth it. So, I had to change my modus operandi, my method. But now it is far easier for me to leave my work behind and my character behind once the film is all wrapped up.
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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE human beings are — few years are all great and you are sure of yourself and suddenly a few years come where you start questioning your own ability, you start questioning everything you are surrounded with — that is how Shrikant Tiwari’s character is shaped.
Q: PHOTOS CORTESY OF MEETESH TANEJA, AMAZON PRIME
Did you ever anticipate that Shrikant Tiwari’s character would create such a strong widespread appreciation while filming it?
A:
The motivation always comes from the love for acting, the love for my craft. I always want to explore new roles, be part of great scripts, work with great directors, and this is what motivates me, this is what excites me. I always do what excites me to get out of the house, that is very important for me.”
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Q:
While Shrikant Tiwari from The Family Man is one character that you have played recently. What according to you has changed most significantly in him through the course of the two seasons? And how did you incorporate that aspect into your performance?
A:
Shrikant Tiwari that you have seen in the first season, is remarkably different from the one in the second season. While he was all confident, sure of himself — conflicted yes between his family and job responsibility — and had a sense of humour in the first season, all these characteristics of his completely lacked in the second season. In the second season, he is trying to find his own ground, he is somebody who is not happy with the job that he is doing, he is having trouble with the family
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that he is sacrificing everything for. Basically, he is not happy with any situation in his life. So, when he goes to Chennai also, he doesn’t get in that kind of mental space to be really there but he is trying, he is trying very hard to fulfil his duty. So, these are the two different aspects of Shrikant that you get to see in both the seasons and they are completely different from each other. This is how
See, you work very hard for the project and your character, you don’t ever work on it thinking it will not work. You have all the intention of making the character alive, and you hope that people are going to enjoy and relate to the character that you are playing. But The Family Man getting such global appreciation is something that I had never thought of when I was preparing for the role, or when we were shooting the first season or the second season. The fan base has increased, it is humungous. So, you feel good that people are seeing the work that you have been doing for so many years, appreciating you and encouraging you. It is quite overwhelming that way.
Q: A:
What is your checklist before signing a movie or web series?
You work very hard for the project and I have decided that I am not going to be part of those many web series. I am part of The Family Man and till all its seasons are completed and the show finally closes down, I am going to be a part of it. Besides that, I have one more limited series, but I will talk about that in detail when the right time comes as there is an embargo and I can’t talk about it. So, yes, I am not going to do more than a selected few web series. I am going to be quite choosy when it comes to web series, and how many I should do, and how many I shouldn’t. So, at this point, The Family Man is something that I am very proud of to be associated with and whenever the third seasons’ date will be required, I can give it to them. Instead of overworking, I am taking it easy — Spending time with my family, travelling and in between I shoot for a few films. It is always about being happy in whatever situation you are in. I am happy that people are offering me a lot of work but I can’t afford to be stressed when I am working. So, it is always better to do limited work, enjoy working on those characters and give your best. So, the series is something I have decided I won’t be a part of more than two series at one time. And as far as films are concerned, it is always the same — the first and foremost is the script, the world should be new, the character should be something that I have never done before, and the director has to be an exciting talent who is going to take out the best from of me. So, these are the things I look at when signing a film.
Q:
What stories interest you the most — the ones with largerthan-life characters or the ones which have a strong social message or the ones that display a realistic portrayal of the society?
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What truly interests me is a good script. It doesn’t matter what genre it belongs to — it can be larger-than-life, it can be a very real character, it can have a social message, or even if doesn’t have a social message — what matters is that it is a great well-written story, and the overall project is fantastic, then I will go ahead and do it. Everything depends on the script, otherwise, I am really not judgemental about it.
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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE
Q:
You are one of those few actors who have been part of all the mediums of entertainment — theatre, cinema and now OTT, do you look at all these mediums differently? Is your approach towards each medium as an actor different?
A:
Every medium has its own challenges and an actor has to understand those challenges, those requirements, that discipline and accordingly have to get into it. Theatre I believe is an actor’s medium and an actor is challenged much more in theatre than in OTT or cinema. OTT if you are doing a series — it is a lot of work, a LOT OF WORK. Keeping the consistency in your craft, being well-versed with the whole script — it is all are very very difficult when you are doing a web series. In all of this, now I have realized that cinema is something in which you finish your part in 40 days and you are out, but with series, it is just ongoing, the work doesn’t stop at all. Today, if I am part of The Family Man, I have to know the character till they culminate the show completely. So, getting the nuances of that character again in all the seasons is an added responsibility. With cinema the writing is very different, it is a 2-2 ½ hour film. When one is doing a film, one has to look at all the demands that come with that medium. One needs to understand the space, understand the camera, understand the light, understand the editing, or sound — you have to have the understanding of everything. That understanding actually helps you in OTT also, but OTT throws a lot of burden on you. There is a lot of responsibility on you to really keep the consistency going for eight episodes or nine episodes or ten episodes.
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Q:
Speaking of OTT, many see the onset of OTT platforms as a game-changer for the film industry, what are your thoughts on it?
A:
I don’t know if it is a game-changer or not, only time will tell you the impact of OTT on the film industry or cinema in our country. But one thing is for sure, OTT has given the audience a lot of choices to go and explore the medium. And when the pandemic is over, hopefully very soon, people will already be used to the world of stories in their living rooms. And when they will go to theatres now their expectations will be different and why not. Moreover, if the expectations of the audience are different it puts a lot of responsibility on filmmakers, actors and all the talents who are making cinema. We will have to meet those expectations and incorporate new
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things that the audience will be expecting from us.
Q:
As an actor, you have always met all your audience expectations, be it while playing a protagonist or antagonists, however, as an artist what do you prefer the most — playing the good guy or the bad?
A:
Protagonist or antagonist — I can’t say I prefer this or that, I am an actor. I am primarily an actor and if the role is well-written then whether it is either protagonist or antagonist, I will put in all I have to bring that character to life. I have to put in all my experience, my understanding of my craft and try to fulfil the requirement of the director and be part of his vision, understand his vision. So, I don’t categorize any characters I play, but yes, all of them should be well-written
otherwise there is no point in doing any role. If the part offered to you is really exciting, one should go ahead and put the best foot forward and give everything to it. Play it well.
Q:
Undeniably, every character you have played has made an impression on the audience. However, do intense roles affect your natural state of mind?
A:
Intense roles always affect you very badly. They have the ability to make you suffer but actors are very different kinds of creatures, they love that suffering, they just love it. And when they are in that zone it is always better to leave them alone. I like to be left alone when I am playing those kinds of characters but they affect me only for that period. Once I am into something else, I forget what has happened. But somewhere I feel
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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE It is always about being happy in whatever situation you are in. I am happy that people are offering me a lot of work but I can’t afford to be stressed when I am working. So, it is always better to do limited work, enjoy working on those characters and give your best.”
awards don’t decide anything at the end of the day. The motivation always comes from the love for acting, the love for my craft. I always want to explore new roles, be part of great scripts, work with great directors, and this is what motivates me, this is what excites me. I am never weighed down by my achievements or the acclaim or the appreciation. I do what I want to do. I always do what excites me to get out of the house that is very important for me.
Q:
So, which are the exciting new projects that are driving you to work lately?
A: that all of these roles that one plays, they all leave some bruises somewhere, that is why actors are quiet people. Mostly they keep it to themselves and they don’t open up so easily.
Q:
You hail from Belwa in Bihar, how would you define your journey from there to Bollywood?
A:
I hate the term Bollywood, and I don’t know why anybody calls it Bollywood. We have been making original stories for a long time now, we don’t even copy west as much as we used to, still, I don’t get why we have to call it Bollywood. Anyway, to sum up, my journey, I would say – it has never been consistent, it has been quite a roller-coaster ride.
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Q:
During this roller-coaster ride, you have won several awards, including the prestigious National Award and a Padma Shri, which you rightly deserve. However, how do you deal with the weight of your achievements? Does it pressurize you or does it motivate you to keep doing better?
A:
It gives me happiness — all the national and international awards that I have won and achieved have brought immense joy. When I was honoured with a Padma Shri, I saw that smile and pride in my family’s eyes and it gave me a lot of happiness. So, the awards and recognitions don’t pressurize me, also I believe
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I am not allowed to talk about them. But all I can say is that I am part of Raam Reddy’s next film, Kanu Behl’s film (Dispatch), Abhishek Chaubey’s project, then I am committed to a new director — Rahul who has been an assistant to Mira Nair. I will begin shooting that film once I am through with Abhishek’s project, then I am also a part of one more new director’s project. So, I have many projects that are lined up, but yes, I am doing one film at a time. I am not somebody who can handle two films, three films at the same time.
Q:
What about the third season of The Family Man, how soon can we expect it?
A:
Hopefully soon. Season 3 of The Family Man is still not written, once they start writing it, then they will take my dates. Right now the directors and I are quite busy.
Q: A:
Is there anything in your artistic life that you regret?
One doesn’t regret anything. I am somebody who doesn’t get affected by success or failure, so if I am not affected by these two aspects of life, I can do whatever I want to do. I go where I want to go, behave however I want to behave. But at the same time, if I am sensitive about myself, I ought to be sensitive about others too, so I actually don’t have any regrets. Being an artist actually liberates me completely, it gives me a sense of freedom. It doesn’t bind me and it doesn’t stop me from doing anything.
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In your two-decade-long career, you have done over 70 films, which movie according to you has changed your life the most and how?
A:
Well, I would say Satya. It definitely changed my life. It changed the whole course of my life. I was nothing, I was doing small roles in television series or films, with no hope of getting any breakthrough and suddenly Bhiku Mhatre happened and the world came to know about me and my ability as an actor. That film has given me a career, it has given me everything that I have today. So, it is all thanks to Satya.
Q:
Talking about Satya, what was the thought behind the milliondollar laughter in the film that still echoes?
A:
I don’t know, I just wanted to throw that laughter. I just wanted to convey to the audience that he is a child, he is vulnerable, he is on a high right now as an independent person, as an independent mafia guy, who worked with bhau for so long. He was on a high, and that aspect got elevated by that laughter. And I am so happy that people still remember that. It’s been so long that anyone asked me about it. So, thanks a lot.
Q:
On the memory of that iconic laughter, which marked the arrival of the brilliance called Manoj Bajpayee in Hindi cinema, we sum up the interview.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES:
PHOTOS: OPENROAD INFINITI
INFINITI LANGLEY
A living testament to OpenRoad Infiniti Langley’s commitment to the community is the business’s only female General Manager, Pamela Alspach. Also wearing the hats of supermom and female powerhouse, inspiring is an understatement for her story. A decade ago, Alspach started off as part-time receptionist in the same auto mall, at BMW Langley. She now oversees OpenRoad Infiniti Langley as an executive leader.
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erving Fraser Valley communities with top-tier customer service and an exceptional car buying experience, OpenRoad Infiniti Langley undoubtedly has something for everyone. Upon entering the facility, you’ll be welcomed by the best-in-class automotive professionals and experts to provide you with a customized car buying and ownership experience. This truly is a place with endless possibilities. A living testament to OpenRoad Infiniti Langley’s commitment to the community is the business’s only female General Manager, Pamela Alspach. Also wearing the hats of supermom and female powerhouse, inspiring is an understatement for her story. A decade ago, Alspach started off as part-time receptionist in the same auto mall, at BMW Langley. She now oversees OpenRoad Infiniti Langley as an executive leader.
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Before joining the company, Alspach spent the early days of her career as a Disability Claims Adjudicator. Soon after, she became a mother and began to imagine herself as a stay-at-home mom. Fate had something different in the works! When she discovered that BMW Langley was opening up, she applied for a part-time receptionist position, which soon become full-time. Alspach accepted the role, putting faith in a supportive employer that seemed understanding of her time commitments as a parent and saw her potential for doing more. “I was one of the first employees as doors opened. I can still remember setting up chairs and computer systems,” recalls Alspach. The road to General Manager wasn’t easy for the boss lady. Having worked on the sales floor, in the finance office, service advisory, business development, and as
Pamela Alspach General Manager
a service manager, Alspach accumulated a variety of experiences to prove worth for her current managerial job. Having played team sports her entire life, being in a team environment helped her to flourish. That said, Alspach shares that a thick skin was much needed, especially as a female in a male-dominated industry. Sometimes, customers would go the extent of dismissing Alspach’s expertise, refusing to work collaboratively with her. However, her peers and managers had her back; they were always supportive of her abilities, encouraging her to believe in herself and climb the ladder to the top despite the hurdles. “It was tough at times. When working late, I’ve been asked, ‘Who’s watching your daughter.’ This is question you’d never ask a male manager. I often have to explain myself. Even with a nanny, I cooked and cleaned at home, but was still questioned by family. Now, my daughter is on two hockey teams, and I never miss a game or practice. But to get here, I had to work twice as hard,” reveals Alspach. She has immense gratitude for OpenRoad for enabling her to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Starting off with the company not even knowing what a spark plug is, Alspach is now a role-model to her
T: 604.532.8888 | F: 604.534.3380 5995 Collection Drive, Langley, B.C. Canada
daughter, “When my daughter was 8, I popped into the store with her. As I was firing off answers and instructions to staff, she innocently asked, ‘Do you tell all these boys what to do?’. It’s a relief to know things are evolving and women are being given equal opportunities and an equal playing field.” With 60% of automobile purchase decision-makers being women, more females are buying and selling cars now than ever before. With a wealth of experiences and learnings under her belt, Alspach has come to believe that anybody can have a manager title but advises budding business managers to understand the difference between a leader and manager, “Don’t confuse your title and your abilities. Go above and beyond your job description.” It is exactly this philosophy with which every employee at OpenRoad Infiniti Langley serves customers. In a changing industry, Alspach motivates her staff to listen more than they speak and help customers get the best value, coupled with robust analytical reviews. At the dealership, the staff really listens to customers, takes into account budget restrictions, and invests in the time to understand the need and intent behind every purchase decision. For customers, Alspach’s team makes it smooth and easy: If you want a dream car, just lay it out. Alspach proudly says, “OpenRoad is by far one of the best companies I have ever worked for. Leadership from top down is unbelievable, valuing diversity and forward-thinking.” Perfectly located in Canada’s only luxury auto-mall, the facility is a haven for all – be it first-time buyers with newbie questions or seasoned buyers looking for top-notch deals. A hands-on and attentive experience awaits at OpenRoad Infiniti Langley. Spearheaded by a genuine manager and experienced expert, a facility in the hands of a proactive general manager, like Alspach, is bound to produce the happiest customers!
www.OpenRoadInfiniti.ca
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DARPAN FEATURE is higher than that of any other profession. However, these statistics are most often overlooked, along with the mental health of medical professionals.
What causes physicians to feel stressed or burned out?
SAVE OUR
DOCTORS FROM
BURN-OUT By Mehakpreet Dhaliwal
According to a ‘Physician Workload Survey’ conducted in 2018, 52 per cent of physicians reported regularly feeling burnt out themselves, whereas 74 per cent of physicians reported frequently seeing symptoms of burnout in others. 48
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n today’s world, mental health is a common topic of discussion. In recent years, a rising number of adults and teenagers are suffering from a mental health disorder, or a mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. An estimated one in five Canadians experience a mental health problem or disorder in any given year. Unsurprisingly, those who practice medicine make up a good chunk of the population experiencing mental health issues.
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According to a ‘Physician Workload Survey’ conducted in 2018, 52 per cent of physicians reported regularly feeling burnt out themselves, whereas 74 per cent of physicians reported frequently seeing symptoms of burnout in others. Reported burnout symptoms amongst physicians include irritability, apathy, chronic fatigue, and impaired memory. The rate of suicide among doctors
We all know how long it takes for a medical professional to finally receive that MD degree: four years of undergraduate school, another four years of medical school, and finally anywhere between two to seven years of residency. Unfortunately, despite the years of effort and time dedicated to achieving this goal, many doctors aren’t rewarded with the type of career they desired. Extra workload, long work hours, societal expectations, and debt are a few of the reasons why many healthcare professionals face mental health problems. More than half of physicians have less free time outside of work than when they first began their careers, as per the Survey.
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DARPAN FEATURE as #doctorsmentalhealth have become prevalent in recent years. Another movement that has been gaining momentum is Crazysocks4docs, which was established by Dr. Geoff Toogood in response to the reactions he experienced after wearing odd colored socks to work one day. The talk behind his back was that he was ‘failing again’, whereas in reality, his new puppy happened to eat all of his socks (except for the two he was wearing that day). As a result, the first Friday of June every year is celebrated as Crazysocks4docs day amongst the medical professionals community, in order to address the stigma around mental health in doctors.
What can you do to help? “Taken all together,” says psychiatrist J. Bradley Hassell, MD, “The exceptional stress for a physician is comparable to being a PTSD victim, with trauma stacked on trauma. It puts medical professionals at tremendous risk of suicide and burnout.” In the United States, between 300 to 400 physicians turn to suicide every year. In light of these statistics, is the medical community really doing enough to help with physician mental health?
Photos: istockphoto
The stigma against physicians and mental health During their residency, medical professionals tend to work between 80-100 hours per week, and then shift to 60-80 hours post-residency. With such busy work schedules, it’s rare for them to find time to focus on their mental health. In addition, the stigma against mental health, especially amongst healthcare professionals, forces many doctors to keep quiet about the issues they are facing. More than half of physicians feel that mental health is a taboo topic to discuss, according to the Physician Workload Survey, and two-thirds would not even consider meeting a mental health professional at all. A radiologist with clinical depression
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and inflammatory bowel disease offered the following insight: “I think physicians are held to standards which are not human, so we battle to be superhuman, to avoid litigation, keep employment, and pay off loans.” Many physicians and professionals worry about losing their positions, prestige and practicing license if they decide to receive mental health treatment. Traditionally, physicians are expected to self-sacrifice rather than self-care, committing their lives to helping others; by admitting their mental illnesses, many physicians believe they are doing the wrong thing. Dr. Hassell says, “the best motto for a physician – and anyone – who wants to improve their mental health is ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.” The suicide rate amongst physicians would greatly decrease if doctors chose to seek help in the early stages of their illness, rather than waiting until the damages become irreversible.
#doctorsmentalhealth Doctors from all around the world are using social media as a means to bring the matter into the public eye, and overcome the stigma surrounding it. Hashtags such
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There are so many things that we as individuals, and as society, can do to help healthcare professionals with their mental health. The most important and foremost step would be to address the stigma that surrounds mental health amongst physicians. Regardless of the stigma, fear and perceived consequences, addressing mental health is the right and healthy thing to do. Encouraging physicians to speak with a mental health professional about burnout, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts can save many lives. Simple acts can make a big difference. For example, if you have a doctor in your family, start up a conversation with them about their mental health. When addressing such a sensitive topic, it’s important to show care, empathy, and make the person you are talking to feel appreciated. Education is another essential component of reducing the stigma around the mental health of medical physicians. We, as a society, should acknowledge and care for the health of those who devote hours to our well-being. Educating ourselves, and those around us on the topic can make a big difference. So, let’s start right away by accessing the multitude of resources available on the Internet and social media, and using hashtags such as #doctorsmentalhealth to show that we do indeed care.
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Ask yourself: • Do I feel bad when I can’t play? • Am I having a hard time stopping or reducing my play time? • Do I think about video games most of the day? • Am I not enjoying activities I otherwise used to like, outside of gaming? • Do I play to feel better when I have unfavorable feelings? • Am I lying to my close friends and family about the time I spend playing? • Are my work, relationships or studies being impacted because of video games?
Given that video games tap into essential human needs, they are bound to have positive impacts. Enhanced cognitive ability, improved hand eye coordination, relaxation, and a better overall mood are all potential benefits for gamers. On the other side of the coin, however, there are also hazardous impacts to avoid. Foremost, the bottom line is that video games make people feel good to the extent that they can have addictive qualities. The BY NAINA GREWAL dopamine released, because of fulfilling the three psychological needs, brings you back to the game again and again. The desire to play more can hile many industries faced a hit To explore why video games are so begin to take a majority of your time. This may as a result of the pandemic, one compelling, research company Immersyve lead to a decrease in motivation for work and particular segment of the market conducted studies and collected years of data. study as extensive time and energy is dedicated flourished: video games. It was reported that It was deduced that video games target three to gaming. Related issues such as insomnia and in March 2020, just around the onset stay-atimportant psychological needs: obesity may also be linked. Moreover, a gamer home orders, video game sales went up by 34% Competency: Humans like to feel that they may go down the path of escapism, suppressing while video game hardware saw a growth of are good at something. Accomplishing goals and or running away from problems in real life using 63%. With approximately three billion video reaching objectives, with built-in reward systems, video games. As such, poor mental health, social game users across the globe, the industry is here allows players to feel a sense of success. disconnection, and relationship problems may to stay. Autonomy: Gamers can try as many times arise. For parents, the topic of video games is as they like and make decisions to their liking. Be it a partner or child, it can be especially bound to come up sooner and later. Once This degree of independence gives one a sense of hard to understand and address problems related a child’s friends begin to play, the power of control. to excessive gaming. Those who play video games the network makes it likely for others to join in. Playing video games is certainly a form Relatedness: Aside from mass online games may feel that those who do not play cannot of belonging, especially when it comes to that connect multiple global players, gamers can truly understand how much fun it is to play. multiplayer games. In addition, the games also feel connected to the fictional characters and Conversely, the other party may feel unheard and dismissed as they may not be getting the often offer alternate realities, where players can situations in a game. attention they would like in a relationship. escape into a new world.
VIDEO GAMES FRIEND OR FOE
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In such a situation, the onus falls on both sides to work towards repairing the problem. If you feel a loved one is playing too much, approach the situation collaboratively rather than from an attack-oriented mindset. If you are constantly hearing from others that you are playing too much, a quick self check-in can help. Rather than being irritated, assess whether the warning signs exist for a possible video game addiction. Even if you see the warning signs, a video game addiction is not necessarily the diagnosis. It might just be an indication that there is a need to cut back or to start setting boundaries on your relationship with video games. Even for parents, banning video games is not the solution for bad grades; there are far too many other factors to consider. Of course, parents should be in the know in regard to which types of games their children play (extreme violence and sexual content may not be suitable for younger children). That said, it is all about moderation and balance. For both adults and children, setting healthy limits can go a long way. This includes setting time limits for play time and adhering to those limits, no matter what the situation. This can be self-enforced, or the help of another person or even technology can be taken for reminders. Further, consider only allowing yourself to play once a certain set of tasks has been accomplished for the day; this could be homework or house chores. As a result, it is less likely for play time to interfere with your to-do list. Most of all, remember to build in fun activities and social situations outside of just gaming. Exercise and self-care are important to include in your routine. To keep yourself or your children accountable, you may also choose to set consequences if you go off track. Undoubtedly, video games offer a lucrative source of entertainment. As is the case with anything, it only begins to have adverse impacts when taken to the extreme. The negative impacts of video gaming can be easily mitigated through consistent monitoring and taking others’ observations of your gaming habits seriously. Simply put, control that controller, but don’t let it control you!
ay. d o t n o ati u l a v e ree f a * t e C G E R P n n a M 6) 6 y 2 d 6 ( n N Ra N A M 839 ) 4 0 6 (
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Good Night Sleep Tight
The lack of proper sleep is a common and often overlooked health issue. By Naina Grewal
The lack of proper sleep is known to be linked to a variety of mental health symptoms. Depression, anxiety ,stress, and the ability to manage stress are all directly correlated to good sleep.
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t’s Monday morning and you’re already thinking about how far Friday is. Yawns lace your workday, and your eyes are borderline closing as you tread on the verge of a nap during that team meeting. It is at this point that you begin to curse yourself for those “one-more” several TV show episodes you watched last night. “I swear I’ll go to bed early tonight,” you solemnly swear to yourself. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The lack of proper sleep is a common and often overlooked health issue. As per the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadians aren’t necessarily getting the best sleep: • 1 in 2 adults have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep • 1 in 5 adults do not find their sleep refreshing
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When people are stuck in a fast gear for a long time, it becomes a habit. They feel that they can handle it until something unexpected happens, like the pandemic or a lost job. Then, people become overwhelmed and sleep problems happen.” - Dr. Judy Zhu, Owner, Turning Point Bodymind Wellness
• 1 in 3 adults have difficulty staying awake during waking hours The statistics are concerning, especially as a healthy amount of sleep ranges between seven to nine hours, with five to six hours of REM sleep needed. Short for Rapid Eye Movement, REM sleep is highly important for learning and memory; this is also when you do most of your dreaming. It is of no surprise then that inability to sleep well can have significant short-term and long-term effects. Moreover, the lack of proper sleep is known to be linked to a variety of mental health symptoms. Depression, anxiety, stress, and the ability to manage stress are all directly correlated to good sleep.
Images: Headshots are submitted, istockphtoto
ARE YOU IN DEBT? Sleeping issues – be it less sleep, too much seep, or inconsistent sleep – are part of many mental health disorders. At the very least, sleep is essential for proper motor functioning. As such, you’re putting others at risk when you are sleep deprived behind the wheel, or worse, if you operate machineries like cranes for work. Omar Hussein, MA, RCC from Warmth Wellness Counseling describe the pitfalls that produce a poor sleeping regime, “Being tied to your phone is a big one. Cellphone usage is a growing problem. The biggest one I’ve noticed is people who can’t separate work life from home life. They’re just always expecting the boss to call or send an email. They’ll keep waking up and checking.” Ironically, it is precisely these habits that can turn into serious sleep disorders, which lead to missed work deadlines. The simple solution and prevention plan consists of crafting and sticking to a schedule. Especially as the pandemic blurs the physical separation of work and personal time, there is a pressing need to know when to leave, stop working, and not touch the phone. Of course, the business of our lives makes this hard to do. Dr. Judy Zhu, the owner of Turning Point Bodymind Wellness, is a registered doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a registered clinical counsellor. She discusses that people often get a sense of wasting time if they are not constantly doing something. The message to do more and be more is everywhere. “When you drive a car, you want to step on the gas and drive. But at the same time, if we don’t maintain the coolant and stop to refuel the gas, the gas will run out and the engine will burn out. When people are stuck in a fast gear for a long time, it becomes a habit. They feel that they can handle it until something unexpected happens, like the pandemic or a lost job. Then, people become overwhelmed and sleep problems happen,” says Dr. Zhu. She explains that the mind wants to be busy all the time, jumping between the past and future; we don’t default to staying in the present. This is also why nighttime is when our to-do list comes to mind and overwhelms us. That said, help is available if conditions such as insomnia develop. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder and those affected find it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or end up waking too early with an inability to fall
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DARPAN FEATURE questioning one’s happiness – the list goes on. Professionals provide a confidential experience and a safe place without any judgement. Places to get started are online resources, phone helplines, or a quick visit to your family doctor for recommendations on a professional. Just as important as seeking help for sleep-related issues is preventing them from happening in the first place. Dr. Zhu provides some easy tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene.
back asleep. Even when you wake up, you might still feel tired, causing you to become irritable and easily lash out at others. Beyond physical symptoms, you may notice anxiety and an increase in overthinking. While mood and energy levels are impacted, insomnia can interfere with living a happy, fulfilling life. Hussein urges that the warning signs should not be ignored. “Using cognitive behavioural therapy, we talk about what it is that is really bothering you. We come up with a plan of what the client can do and how they can do it.” Dr. Zhu, on the other hand, uses mindfulness-based therapy and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for sleep and stress. She emphasizes that trying hard to “fix the problem” of insomnia can itself become a problem. She details an interesting point, “When we can’t sleep, we often feel a sense of urgency to do something. We worry about not being able to sleep and how awful we may feel tomorrow. We do deep breathing, we count, and we constantly check the time; we want ourselves to fall asleep fast. It becomes a struggle. Sleeping
Being tied to your phone is a big one. Cellphone usage is a growing problem. The biggest one I’ve noticed is people who can’t separate work life from home life. They’re just always expecting the boss to call or send an email. They’ll keep waking up and checking.” - Omar Hussein, MA, RCC. Warmth Wellness Counseling
is paradoxical in that it is quite the opposite of what we do during the daytime. The harder you try, the tense you get, and the more the relaxation evades you. Sleep is about rest. It is not a task!” From her experience, sleep problems are also related with things that bother your heart. If there are things that bother you during waking hours and you don’t want to deal with, they show up at nighttime. In fact, Hussein reveals that, in the South Asian demographic, the younger generation is more exposed to mental health and inter-generational trauma. This may relate to aging parents, financial stress, or
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• Have a structure and go to bed and wake up at same time every day. Don’t sleep the whole day on weekends and sleep very little during weekdays. • Give yourself an hour before sleep to wind down. Avoid intense exercise and exposure to bright light from screens. Keep devices like laptops, cell phone, and iPads out of the bedroom. • Avoid caffeine intake in the afternoon. • Maintain a cool and quiet atmosphere in the bedroom. • Manage daytime stresses because it will extend to nighttime. Check in with yourself during working hours and take breaks away from devices and work by doing physical exercises, talking to friends, doing art, etc. • At bedtime, breathe and enjoy the downtime. Feel your body on the pillow and sheets. Feel your body being supported by the bed. You don’t have to do anything – how wonderful! With these tips in mind, as you comfortably get settled in bed, notice, understand, and appreciate your body’s sleeping rhythm more than you previously may have. Know that help is not far if you’re need of some sleep hacks to improve the quality of your life. With gratitude at the forefront for a body and mind that do so much for our busy-bee selves, it is our responsibility to provide them with a well-deserved good night’s sleep!
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Base 10 is Chilliwack’s newest master-planned townhome community conveniently located on Thomas Road just south of Promontory Road. To protect customers and our sales team, our Sales Centre is open by appointment only until further notice.
sales team, our Sales Centre is open appointment only until further notice. These three level, three bedroom plus den, and three plus income suiteon option With distinctive modern architecture on by the outside andbedroom bright spacious layouts the inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to make homes arefinished ideal for first-time ofcolour alland ages. insideWith expertly in your choice of and our designer scheme you’ll want to make distinctive modern architecture onfamilies the outside bright spacious layouts on the Base 10 buyers your home. Base 10 your home. inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to These three level, three bedroom plus den, and three bedroom plus income suite option If being located close to shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! make OF PROMONTORY RD. homes are ideal for first-time buyers and families of all ages. Base home. ©2020 10 Base10your – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and These three level, three plus den, three bedroom plus income option renderings reflect the artist’s interpretationbedroom of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, and building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted.suite This is not an offering for sale. Any such being closeandto schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! offering can only be made with the applicable disclosureIf statement and located agreement of purchase sale.shopping, E&OE. three level, three bedroom plus den, and bedroom plus income suite option homesThese are ideal for first-time buyers and families ofthree all ages. homes are ideal for first-time buyers and families of all ages. If being located close to shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! If being located PROMONTORY RD.close to shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it! With distinctive modern architecture on the outside and bright spacious layouts on the
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iving.com
©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such ©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale. E&OE. renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale. E&OE.
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©2020 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual amenities, building exteriors and views maythebedeveloper noticeably different whatorischange depicted. is not anfeatures offering sale. Any notice. such Illustrations and ©2020 Base10 – In our suites, continuing effort to improve andinteriors, maintain the high standards of Base10, reserves the rightthan to modify plans,This specifications, andfor prices without renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale.When E&OE.
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Base 10With is Chilliwack’s newest master-planned townhome community conveniently distinctive architecture on the outside and bright spacious layouts on it! the If being located modern close toBase shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found 10 is Chilliwack’s newest master-planned townhome community conveniently located on Thomas Road just south of Promontory Road. To protect customers and inside finished in your choice of ourjust designer colour scheme you’ll want toour make Base 10expertly is Chilliwack’s newest master-planned townhome community conveniently located on Thomas Road south of Promontory Road. To protect customers and our sales team, our Sales Centre is open by appointment onlynotice. until further notice. sales team, Sales Centre is open by appointment only until further Base our 10on your home. located Thomas Road just south of Promontory Road. To protect customers and our
ON THOMAS RD. JUST SOUTH OF PROMONTORY RD.
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Chilliwack’s newest Chilliwack’s newest townhome community townhome community townhome community With distinctive modern architecture on the outside and bright spacious layouts on the inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to make Base1010isyour home. newest master-planned townhome community conveniently Base Chilliwack’s located on Thomas Road bedroom just south of Promontory Road. To protect customers our These three level, three plus den, and three bedroom plus income suiteand option sales team, Sales Centre is buyers open byand appointment only until further notice. homes areour ideal for first-time families of all ages.
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A TRUSTED NAME
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xury is in the details at Tangerine Developments. Since 2009, Tangerine Developments has garnered an unmatchable reputation in the home-building realm. The quality of work and the intricate granularity with which Tangerine curates the finest homes are truly remarkable. Focusing on producing functional living spaces that fit clients’ lifestyle without compromising style, the team evidently understands the importance of planning, design development, durability, and quality.
Aman Dhillon CPA, CGA Tangerine Group
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Extending beyond developments, Tangerine Group of Companies is dedicated to building their business and development portfolio by adding new ventures and projects, which allows them to vertically integrate the construction of residential and commercial buildings. The integration allows Tangerine to provide clients with a level of superior customer service, while keeping costs down and completing projects on time and budget. No matter which service you choose, Tangerine Group serves with the goal of customer satisfaction, while customizing a unique experience for you and investing the time to understand your specific needs. Their commitment to top-tier customer service and quality is well-documented in their history and current offerings. Tangerine Group started out in construction, seeing the need for multifamily homes that were affordable, well-built, and luxurious by design. The team wants families to come home to communities, amenities, and sustainable development. More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized how important our homes are and how multifunctional they should be. As such, by creating amenities and community spaces in our developments,
Extending beyond developments, Tangerine Group of Companies is dedicated to building their business and development portfolio by adding new ventures and projects, which allows them to vertically integrate the construction of residential and
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Tangerine Group can ensure that clients are comfortable and safe. Many of the company’s ventures were born from customers’ needs for comprehensive solutions.
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Tangerine Developments:
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The backbone to such a diverse group of organizations is a great team, with a strong hold in our communities. Providing reliable service and unbeatable quality, they grew to be trusted names within the community. The Tangerine team also likes to give back to the community and is actively involved with different charity organizations often partnering with their clients in fundraising initiatives. Feeling grateful and blessed to be living in beautiful British Columbia, the team holds a vision and wants to build extraordinary residences you want to come home
to. Whatever your unique requirements are, this name has earned the trust and reputation to put your needs first. Tangerine Group of Companies is looking forward to serving our communities and bringing quality, innovation and passion.
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Tangerine Transport:
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General contractor of residential and commercial buildings
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BUSINESS PROFILE
V MIGRATE IMMIGRATION
Defining Success Together
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or all your immigration needs, V Migrate is a one-stop shop. A new age immigration reform organization, the business aims to change the scenario of immigration through its dedicated guidance process. Having earned the community’s trust to provide hassle-free and secure immigration advice, V Migrate is the ideal, complete immigration mentorship resource. The organization is spearheaded by experienced Chetanjeet Singh, a licensed consultant of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Singh’s empathetic leadership and comprehensive attitude is born out of his background, as he himself was once an immigrant student in Canada. He has studied the field of law in India and was therefore familiar with
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how the immigration system worked. “I came here as a student, too. I can well-relate to the immigration process and the needs of our clients,” explains Singh. It is of no surprise, then, that V Migrate has grown to become one of the most favored immigration advisories in the community. The company branches out into various services, offering the best-inclass consultancy across the following areas and more:
Express Entry and BC PNP Express entry is a system of Canadian government, introduced in 2015 to assist CIC to select eligible permanent residents. This is done on the basis of the skills as well as experience of the potential citizens. It
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is a two-step process based on the online ranking system. An application under the express entry stream is processed in relation with the other candidates. This is a pool whereby the candidate competes with the other counterparts on basis of age, marital status, education and language skills.
Family Class Sponsorship Program (Spousal, Parents and Grandparents)
This program reunites families by enabling adult permanent residents or citizens to sponsor a relative for immigration to Canada. To be eligible, the person seeking sponsorship must be a: Spouse, commonlaw or conjugal partner, Dependent child, parent, and grandparent.
Temporary Resident Visa Canadian government allows the immigrants to come to the country for different purpose or needs. The reason may be for attending a business conference to more personal ones like visiting a family member. Apart from the usual tourism visa, various other options are available for stay in the nation.
achieve their dreams, their success rate is sure to impress. To make the immigration process smooth and easy, Singh calls on his experiences to share his top three tips for success:
“Our motive is to help. We don’t leave clients, such as students, in a mess or any type of trouble. People have left their homes, savings, and so many other things. I’ve gone through it all and faced similar issues. For V Migrate, it’s not just about the money, but about being there for those who need our help. In turn, this has built our business credibility.”
(
Never try to misrepresent your case. Faking any details just does not work. In fact, it can come with a significantly impactful penalty, such as getting banned altogether.
S
Refrain from getting in touch with employers who may potentially take advantage of clients’ situations or circumstances. While the Canadian government does have policies to keep this from happening, the onus also falls on the individual.
- Chetanjeet Singh Immigration Consultant
Study and Work permit Applications Study Visa: Canada is home to
extraordinary educational experiences and institutions. From grade school to college, dialect schools to professional projects, Canadian schools suit the demands of modern world.
Work Visa Permits: Canada welcomes
thousands of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) every year to fulfil the shortage of skills in various employment sectors, and at the same time, Canada offers several opportunities to TFWs to earn higher wages and support their families. Many TFWs also become permanent residents of Canada in due course.
Citizenship and PR Card renewal Applications Citizenship: CIC is the federal department
dealing with the management of Canada and its immigration structure for both existing and potential applicants. The new Canadians have undertaken the loyalty oath and are committed to the cause and responsibilities associated with their citizenship in the nation.
Permanent Residency Card: A permanent
residency card is available for every permanent resident of the nation. It is issued on landing and is a proof of such a status. So, for entry into Canada, either by water or air, PR can ease the transition process.
p
Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Applications The Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot are two economic pilot programs targeted to foreign national caregivers who • Have a job offer or Canadian work experience in an eligible caregiver occupation • Meet minimum education and language proficiency requirements Singh claims that his organization is set apart not just because of their superior quality of services, but the desire to genuinely be there for clients. He details, “Our motive is to help. We don’t leave clients, such as students, in a mess or any type of trouble. People have left their homes, savings, and so many other things. I’ve gone through it all and faced similar issues. For V Migrate, it’s not just about the money, but about being there for those who need our help. In turn, this has built our business credibility.” The entire team of V Migrate is committed to approaching each case with a personalized approach, understanding the unique needs of every client. Working together with the end goal of helping people
Consult a professional, immigration organization, or an experienced team, rather than doing any application completely on your own. A second set of eyes is always recommended. Get your application reviewed. In terms of where the future is trending, Singh sees that the Liberal government is quite supportive of immigration. They want to see those who are deserving come to Canada. Even more so than business immigration, the government is looking for new next-door neighbors to come and add to the Canadian workforce. With an increased number of immigrants projected in the country, those who are looking to get a work permit or those who are already studying in Canada, should be getting their fair chance. To brighten the chances even further, V Migrate’s friendly team is here to lend you a helping hand. With knowledgeable community leaders that have experienced the system first-hand, the organization oflers a multitude of services as part of their vast portfolio. With expertise from V Migrate, your dreams truly are closer than you think!
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READ NEWSLETTERS One of the first touchpoints between parents and schools is written communication in the form of a physical newsletter or an email blast. Ensure you are signed up for any online communication and ask your child if any newsletters have been handed out. These contain upcoming important dates, policy changes, and essential information regarding any health protocols.
BY NAINA GREWAL
7 action steps parents can take to play a more active role in their child’s education and better students’ chances at success
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ith autumn rolling into the year, it’s time for back to school – not just for the kids, but for the parents, too! Especially after COVID-19 impacting so many conventional ways of schooling, parents’ involvement in their children’s education has become of the utmost importance. Here are seven action steps parents can take to play a more active role in their child’s education and better students’ chances at success:
SHOW UP A child will often cherish memories of their parents being there – sharing words of encouragement right before a soccer game or cheering the loudest at the school talent show. Leaving work early for a day may not move the needle as much for parents but can be quite impactful for a child who sees a familiar face in the audience. Being there for orientations, science fairs, school competitions, and bake sales can go a long way. Showing up also means meeting other parents, building a community, and supporting all students. Depending on teacher preferences, volunteering in your child’s class, and offering a helping hand for a class field trip is also a great idea.
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HELP WITH THE HOMEWORK As simple as this sounds, it is valuable to keep in touch with the academic subjects your child is learning about, especially in lower grades. If your child is feeling stuck, offer to help them yourself, search for answers online, or look for other resources. However, homework help is not just confined to tackling the worksheets. It is crucial to demonstrate a positive view on education, be it by setting aside a quiet study space or encouraging good habits such as reading.
Photos: istockphoto
TALK TO THE TEACHER Ensure that your child’s teacher has your contact information and that you have theirs. Ask the teacher what the preferred mode of communication is – call, text, email – especially if an issue arises or if you’d like to know progress updates. Know that the teacher spends significant time with your child, making it important that parents and teachers have consistent communication to enable students for success. Do not miss parent-teacher meets and reschedule if you are unable to make the day. We may miss (good or bad) signs as parents that teachers are more likely to see in a school environment. As parents, never be afraid to voice your child’s needs and approach teachers with a collaborative, solution-oriented attitude.
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TAKE ON EXTRACURRICULARS School is not just about what happens in the classroom. After-school or before-school activities are central to the all-round development of your child. Encourage your child to join an activity based on their interests. Chess, dance, sports, arts, cooking, religious studies, language classes, and drama clubs are just a few examples. Note that even universities put weight on extra-curriculars for admission. As parents, you may need to provide car rides, move around your schedule a couple times a week, or even give moral support, but the skills your child will develop are priceless. An added bonus is meeting like-minded parents and making new friends at these activities.
LEND AN EAR: LISTENING IS POWERFUL Your children may have more to share than just test scores. Ask questions about their experiences in school, their friends, teachers, and everything in between. The key lies in not being intrusive and creating a judgement-free, comfortable space, in which kids do not fear to share. This boosts confidence, brings up the opportunity to collaborate on tackling obstacles, and enhances children’s mental health. Given that health is a priority, listen when your child complains of any sickness and help keep the school community safe by performing daily health checks.
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A child will often cherish memories of their parents being there – sharing words of encouragement right before a soccer game or cheering the loudest at the school talent show. Leaving work early for a day may not move the needle as much for parents but can be quite impactful for a child who sees a familiar face in the audience. JOIN PARENT ORGANIZATIONS The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a great tool to stay informed and directly make a difference in your child’s education. While the leadership team may be elected and only a handful of parents hold executive roles, all parents should know about the committee and contribute to events, while staying in the loop for important discussions and decisions. If you are not able to join in person, virtual attendance may be an option, or you can ask the notes to be sent afterwards.
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DARPAN FEATURE
The data comes in after the dissemination of vaccines. While one end of the spectrum may consist of people feeling over-joyous about next steps such as border openings, many Canadians are fearful of the health scare making a comeback. This fear is not at all irrational. The economic impact of the virus, worry of contracting the virus, and difference of opinions regarding physical distancing are all reasons that may add to the anxiety. Note that particular portions of the population have experienced heightened trauma during the pandemic. This includes medical professionals, those who have lost loved ones, those who have outlived the virus, and those that were unable to see family because of travel restrictions. Even outside of these experiences, no one is immune to the trauma. Anyone can experience anxiety given their unique set of experiences and reactions to recent events.
Am I Ready for Normalcy? COVID-19 Anxiety BY NAINA GREWAL While some are seeking normalcy by doing things and feeling what they felt before the pandemic, others are trying to make peace with the idea that their normal has forever shifted. Without a doubt, there is an expected level of anxiety amongst the public, especially as workplaces and schools begin to open up.
As
the world attempts to head back to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, a thought strikes many. The world normal no longer holds a unified meaning for all. While some are seeking normalcy by doing things and
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feeling what they felt before the pandemic, others are trying to make peace with the idea that their normal has forever shifted. Without a doubt, there is an expected level of anxiety amongst the public, especially as workplaces and schools begin to open up. Many questions prevail: Are we safe? Will there be another lockdown? Is it good enough following governmental restrictions or should I do more? Am I overreacting? Is it really okay to hug? The list can go on and on. According to a new study done by the Association for Canadian Studies, more than half of the Canadian population feels somewhat anxious about the return to normal after COVID-19.
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The drawback is that constant worrying may hinder enjoyment of life. In fact, otherwise familiar places that people have
had fun in (restaurants, concert halls, malls, etc.) can seem to be daunting lines to cross. Especially since avoiding crowded places has been a public health measure, returning to public places can be intimidating. The level of worry depends on each individual and the varying transmission rates within a particular community. Note that there is still an abundance of uncertainty about variants, which does not help the situation much. However, the anxiety you are feeling may not just be limited to health concerns. Social anxiety surrounding seeing people again is a common theme. Isolation has been a mantra for many during the pandemic, especially frontline workers. The thought of assimilating into the world – as if all is good – can appear to be nongenuine or difficult to process. If these thoughts and feelings are able to manifest themselves into your reality to the extent where you are persistently avoidant of specific activities, your quality of life may be negatively impacted. In this case, it is important to speak to a trusted counselor or even family doctor to seek out resources that may be of help in making a change. Even though this is a global event, individual impact on mental health cannot be undermined. To better manage COVID-19related anxiety, here are some action steps you can take:
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Stay informed, but to an extent.
td.com
Do not go into an information overload by reading or listening to too much negative knows. Be in the loop to keep yourself knowledgeable, but do not go down the dark hole of googling too much. Beware of fake news!
Focus on what you do have control over. Physically distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands (not obsessively, though). You cannot control others and the virus in general, so only give your attention to what is in your hands. Leave the rest to nature.
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Know that you are not in this alone. Talk to others about how you are feeling and ask how they have been dealing with their anxieties regarding the return to normal. You’ll be surprised at how many people think just like you.
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Practice self care Remember to be kind to yourself. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a traumatizing event for all, and you deserve all the self-love that you can give to yourself. Do not hesitate to say no and prioritize your needs and wants. Get good sleep. Be mindful and grateful.
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Communicate your boundaries Don’t feel bad about telling people what you are not okay with. If you’d like to ease into the hugs and slowly transition to larger family gatherings, let your loved ones know. They’ll understand! Do only what you’re ready for. While vaccinations offer relief and have opened the gateway to some version of normalcy, the COVID-19 virus cannot yet be completely described as a thing of the past. Therefore, we have limited options other than to accept this is a part of life and learn to navigate around it. By understanding your anxieties, talking about how you feel, and seeking help when needed, you’ll be ready to go and make a mighty comeback into the (hopefully) soon-to-be postCOVID19 world!
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EKAL VIDYALAYA
Educating Rural Children An NGO with an aim to educate the rural areas of India and Nepal. By Mrinalini Sundar What everyone believes at Ekal Vidyalaya is that “change is possible and education can be the medium to bring the change in the life of the last man in the last row in the remotest parts
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ack of education is one of the biggest problems faced by the youth of India. While there are a lot of NGOs in place to combat this issue, one that comes to mind is Ekal Vidyalaya. What everyone believes at Ekal Vidyalaya is that “change is possible and education can be the medium to bring the change in the life of the last man in the last row in the remotest parts of India.”
of India.”
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How it all began... It was an interesting story of how the organization started. As they describe it, it was almost like different streams across the country came
together to merge into a big river that will serve all the villages it passes through. The original team that saw the idea turn into action included Late Dr. Rakesh Kumar Popli (an Indian nuclear physicist), Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Dr. Mahesh Sharma from IIT and Ashok Bhagat from BHU. When all the believers visited Bishanpur in Jharkhand, in the year 1983, they conducted a situational analysis of this tribal area. They immediately picked up that some of the areas that need immediate attention are education, health along social, gender and economic disparities. Dr. Rakesh Popli and Dr. Rajneesh Arora took the initial steps and started teaching informally to the local communities. In the process, they developed a well-planned strategy to teach particularly the children. While their efforts were going strong, in 1985, Shri Shyam Ji Gupta, a social activist with extensive knowledge and experience with the Vanvasi communities in the state of
Orissa, launched a plan to visit the Fulbani district. He called this initiative, “Fulbani district upgradation project” and also started an innovative concept called the night school concept. Soon the idea started working and within a short span of time, 400 such night schools were started in villages where children came along with adult villagers. The organization looks back to Shri Shyam Ji Gupta as he became the master architect of the Ekal Vidyalaya Model. His organizational capacity and unparalleled commitment and conviction were some of the main reasons why Ekal Vidyalaya has become a global movement.
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The Mission The volunteers at Ekal Vidyalaya have a very straightforward and holistic mission - empower the tribal communities and rural population with basic education, digital literacy, skill development, health awareness, learning modern and productive agricultural practices and rural entrepreneurship. According to their website, the Ekal movement aims to help eradicate illiteracy from rural and tribal India and Nepal following the philosophy of rural development based on the criteria of equality and inclusiveness across all the sections of the society.
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Learn Online
have about 30 students
One of their more advanced platforms is E-Shiksha which is an innovative initiative to incorporate tablets and digital learning in Ekal’s 100,000+ single-teacher primary schools. Tablets bring high-quality, personalized learning to every student, no matter where they live. Other than the already existing curriculum, E-Shiksha also provides interactive audio-visual material and digital learning. From counting games to animated stories, tablets make learning fun, bringing the best of education technology to millions of rural students.
between the age group
How can you contribute?
of six and 14. The classes
Contribute to an organization that is making an impact on the rural communities across India and Nepal. As part of Ekal Vidyalaya, there is also a special program - called the Vanyatra. As part of the program - one can visit these schools and experience the model and then contribute in terms of donation or services as a volunteer. The concept is evolved to see the change at grass-roots Ekal is bringing and also to have an experience of rural/Tribal India. Education means dignity and life. Help build a future for children in rural India.
Photos Courtesy of Ekal Vidyalaya, istockphoto
Primary Education Is A Right! Ekal Vidyalaya can boast that they have changed the lives of 10 million students in 102,000 rural villages based in India and Nepal. They organize classes that have about 30 students between the age group of six and 14. The classes are mostly held in an accessible outdoor area that is central to the village. Most often the children are also needed to work during the day to help the family with extra income, which is why these classes only begin in the afternoon. Who teaches? The website states that “selected by a village committee, our teachers are local youth with at least a 10th-grade education. They are specially trained in pedagogy to meet the needs of rural children. Teachers participate in regular training to maintain educational quality.” What do they learn? The students get exposed to a standard core of the language, arithmetic, and science. They also learn about physical education, health science, and creative arts.
Education on wheels Started in 2015, Ekal On Wheels is a mobile computer lab that provides digital literacy training to youth in rural
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Ekal Vidyalaya can boast that they have changed the lives of 10 million students based in 102,000 rural villages inIndia and Nepal. They organize classes that
are mostly held in an accessible outdoor area that is central to the village. villages. There are about 36 wheels that run across the country. Interestingly these vehicles are all powered by solar panels and can seat 18 students at a time. These buses give rural communities an introduction to computers, keyboard and digital illustration skills, MS Office and Open Office tools, internet browsing, email, navigating websites, and digital banking.
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For more information, visit: www.ekal.org
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T X E N
BIG THIN G
Influencer Marketing BY NAINA GREWAL
Traditional advertising, be it via television, radio, print, or billboards has more of a mass appeal. However, social media allows for targeted advertising to reach specific consumers, creating a more personalized and therefore credible experience.
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ocial media is here to stay. Newsfeeds on these platforms are our sources for current events, and all the latest and greatest must-haves. Unsurprisingly, ever since the rise of network-based online mediums, businesses have looked to capitalize on the unique, newfound approach of influencer marketing. Who are influencers? They’re all over your social media feed! Simply put, influencers can convince you to buy things. Due to their relationship with their audiences, knowledge about a particular field, or authority/
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position, influencers have the power to impact people’s purchasing decisions. Think about it! You would be much more likely to buy an educationrelated product recommended by a teacher with a popular Instagram account that you have been following from a while. A cool mom that has garnered a big following on TikTok can have tremendous influence over other moms in her audience base, in relation to products that are best for babies or kids. Traditional advertising, be it via television, radio, print, or
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billboards has more of a mass appeal. However, social media allows for targeted advertising to reach specific consumers, creating a more personalized and therefore credible experience. It’s almost like getting the best trips and tricks via word of mouth from someone you look up to. It is far more effective than having a trusted friend
vouch for something or someone rather than a person self-praising themselves or their own product. When it comes to social networking sites, word spreads fast. Especially since influencers tend to creatively promote products through storytelling techniques, audiences can get hooked. If a product is recommended or if a campaign catches on, the company at
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hand can generate even more marketing through usergenerated content; the average consumer may choose to share the product or partake in the campaigns. When a follower already trusts the person delivering a specific message, they are more likely to react to it positively and share the content themselves without being asked or paid to do so. That said, influencer marketing requires some serious dough. The more popular an influencer and the larger their following, the more they charge for promotional content. Companies of all sizes and tenures are investing in influencer campaigns. In turn, the posted content – through links – drives clicks, impressions, engagement, and traffic to the company’s website. Over the past couple of decades, influencer marketing has grown tremendously, giving birth to companies and agencies that are solely dedicated to designing and managing the influencer campaigning process, inclusive of matching brands with the right influencers. In the business world, influencer marketing has gained the trust of leaders. 80% of marketers find influencer marketing to be effective, while almost 90% of marketers find it more effective than other channels. Looking at the main social media sites that are prevalent with today’s consumers, like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, the platforms have evolved to integrate a seamless shopping experience for its users as well. With clickable links in posts and stories, alongside dedicated spaces for conducting product sales, it is safe to say that social media is becoming increasingly important as a medium of buying and selling. As a digital marketing tool, influencer marketing is on the rise. However, that does not come without challenge. When it comes to the online space, measuring success can be difficult. It is not always easy to track how much brand awareness or sales were generated because of an influencer campaign. Furthermore, not all clicks turn into actual purchases. Regardless, the data does put influencer marketing as a solid means to provide education surrounding a product and bring it into the limelight. As opposed to means that are less personal and more information-heavy, influencers provide a fresh, enthusiastic and lighthearted way to share product details, while building on existing social media trends. As consumers, we should take advantage of influencer marketing’s presence and learn about all the great products and services we can benefit from. At the same time, we also need to be vigilant, as our favorite YouTubers or TikTokers may sometimes be posting sponsored views and recommendations. Needless to say, in the evolving landscape of marketing, online platforms will only become more significant and central to getting in touch with today’s consumers. Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon and influencers seem to be well on their way to transform marketing!
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Five key benefits of yoga
Y
oga, an ancient practice that brings together the mind and the body, is becoming increasingly popular in today’s world. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuji’, meaning union. Yoga generally combines breathing exercises, meditation, and a flow of poses to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. As a result, yoga acts as a much-needed retreat for many people from their busy and chaotic everyday lives. Yoga provides many physical and mental benefits.
Reduces stress Yoga is often recommended as one of the best techniques to reduce stress and promote relaxation for people of all ages. Countless studies have proven that yoga decreases the production of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, in our bodies. Yoga, combined with meditation, is a powerful duo that can be used to combat stress.
Yoga A Hidden Fitness Gem
Relieves anxiety Along with being an effective stressreliever, yoga is also proven to be a way to cope with feelings of anxiety. Yoga focuses on the importance of finding inner peace, and being present in the moment. This helps reduce symptoms of anxiety. For example, in one study, 34 women diagnosed with anxiety disorder participated in yoga classes twice a week for two months. By the end of the two-month period, these women had significantly lower anxiety levels than they did before.
BY MEHAKPREET DHALIWAL
Here’s a look at five scientifically proven benefits of yoga:
Although everyone’s bodies are different, incorporating yoga into your daily routine can definitely be beneficial for most people. Practicing yoga for just a couple minutes a day is enough to make considerable differences in the long run when it comes to your health and overall wellbeing.
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Can improve heart health A healthy heart is important for a healthy body. Many studies have shown that yoga may help reduce TM
risk factors for heart disease and improve heart health. Research also proposes that yoga could also slow the progression of heart disease, when combined with a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to note here that yoga is not the only factor that can help improve heart health; an overall healthy lifestyle, and healthy diet, especially, is also very crucial.
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Can reduce chronic pain Millions of people, especially seniors, suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can be caused by a number of reasons, including injuries and arthritis. A growing collection of research suggests that the practice of yoga can help reduce or eliminate chronic pain.
Improves flexibility Practicing yoga can help improve your flexibility and balance. Considerable research backs up this claim, as yoga incorporates certain poses that target flexibility. Simply practicing yoga for 15-30 minutes every day can make a big difference when it comes to enhancing flexibility and balance. Increased flexibility can improve performance in many sports as well, so it is an important skill for athletes.
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DARPAN RECIPES
MEET THE CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE
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ichelin-starred chef and restaurateur Rohit Ghai is hailed as one of the
UK’s most creative and accomplished Indian chefs. Ghai has spent a decade
Ghati Masala
Prawns BY CHEF ROHIT GHAI
at the helm of various Michelin-starred Indian kitchens - having honed his craft at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in India including The Oberoi Group and the The Taj Hotels. Ghai’s highly anticipated solo restaurant, Kutir, meaning ‘a small cottage’ in Sanskrit, opened in late 2018, and it received instant success. In 2019, he launched Koolcha - a street
Ingredients
Preparation
• 12 8/12-sized peeled prawns
• Wash the prawns and drain them
• 2 tbsps rice flour • 3 tbsps corn flour Credits: Courtesy of Rohit Ghai
• ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
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• ½ tsp garam masala • 2 tsps mild red chili powder • 2 sprigs of curry leaves, finely chopped • Salt and water as needed • Oil for deep-frying • Juice of 1 lime • Some chopped coriander leaves SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
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food concept offering Indian favorites such as kulchas, Chowpati vada pav as well as innovative additions like the
completely. Then marinate the prawns with the chopped curry leaves, one teaspoon of red chili powder and a dash of lime juice, and keep aside.
chicken popcorn masala.
• Make a batter using the rice and corn flour, garam masala, salt, the remaining red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped coriander leaves. Add water as needed.
revolutionary, precise and beautifully
• Deep fry the prawns until they turn golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander, ghati masala powder, and a lime wedge on top, and serve hot. TM
His creative and refined cooking has been applauded by celebrities, dignitaries and food critics. His presented cooking regularly received praised from media. He recently released his first cookbook titled, Tarkari: Innovative Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dishes with Heart and Soul.
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DARPAN RECIPES
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder • Salt to taste • 50 gms double cream • 1 tbsp honey, if required • Water as needed • 2 tbsps fresh chop coriander • 1 tbsp ginger julienne • 1 tbsp dry, crushed kasoori methi (fenugreek leaves)
Preparation For the chicken tikka: • Marinate the chicken thighs with ginger-
Chicken Tikka
Masala BY CHEF ROHIT GHAI
Michelin-starred chef
for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. • Grill the marinated chicken in a tandoor or
in an oven at 200 degrees celsius for about 20 -30 minutes until cooked through.
For the tikka masala sauce:
• 1 tsp kasoori methi powder (fenugreek)
• Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until
Ghai is hailed as one of
• Salt to taste
• Add chopped garlic and ginger, and sauté
and accomplished Indian chefs. Ghai has spent a decade at the helm of various Michelin-starred Indian kitchens.
Ingredients
Credits: Courtesy of Rohit Ghai
• Keep the marinated chicken in the fridge
and restaurateur Rohit the UK’s most creative
For the chicken tikka:
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• 1 tbsp mustard oil
garlic paste, salt and lime juice, and set aside. Make a second marination with yogurt, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, salt, kasoori methi powder, and mustard oil. Pour this marination over the chicken pieces and apply it properly.
• 1 tbsp lime juice • ½ tsp garam masala
For the tikka masala sauce: • 50 ml vegetable oil • 70-100 gms rapeseed oil • 50 gms butter • 150 gas chopped onion • 1 tbsp chopped garlic • 1 tbsp chopped ginger
• 8 pieces of chicken thigh, boneless and skinless
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 100 gm yogurt
• 4-5 green chili, chopped
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 200 gms tomato purée
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle
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• ½ tsp cumin powder
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they turn golden brown. for one minute until fragrant. Then add the powder spices and cook for four to five minutes while stirring occasionally. • Pour in the tomato puree. Let it simmer
for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes a deep brown red colour. • Add the cream and honey and stir the sauce
on regular intervals. Add the cooked chicken tikka pieces and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbling. This also helps the meat absorb all the flavours of the sauce. Pour in the water to thin out the sauce, if needed. • Finish with butter and garnish with fresh
kasoori methi.
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DARPAN DECOR
Indian
Photo: Louis Hansel/unsplash
Modernism
Marry Old & New The very essence of Indian Modernism is to embrace contemporary styles without losing the old-world charm. Understanding the fact that this design style is a beautiful melange of two styles is the key to get it right. Play around, get creative, match a contemporary sofa with a haveli-style vintage chandelier. Bring in your grandfather’s good ol’ rocking chair and set it within a modern layout. It can act as a beautiful accent piece, taking your décor style up by several notches. Even that heirloom trunk, which is lying somewhere in the corner of your house gathering dust can serve as a classic centre table juxtaposed with modern solid wood furniture. Design your work nook with antique study table and a en-vogue chair… Basically, vintage furniture, lights, accessories or any other piece that is reminiscent of yesteryear glory, allows you to infuse Indian Modernism into your space. Just remember, to strive for balance and not clutter the space.
Striking A Balance Between Indian & Contemporary Style
ndian Modernism is one emerging décor trend that is creating quite a stir in the interior designing world. While the term — Indian Modernism — may appear complex, the idea behind this elegant décor trend is pretty simple — it is all about aesthetically striking a balance between traditional Indian and contemporary style. India being a potpourri of culture, histories, regions infusing a quintessential Indian style décor into spaces can be quite a daunting task, especially if one also wants to stay in tune with the evolving décor trend. The masterful fusion of Indian Modernism helps you to enjoy the distinctive Indian charm in a fresh milieu. Also, popular as Indian Modern,
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this design style is not only ideal for homeowners who are stuck with the dilemma of opting for either Indian classical décor or chic contemporary spaces, but it also brings a refreshingly elegant vibe to any space by retaining oldworld charm in a modern setting. The trending décor style essentially blends materials belonging to different eras – old and new – to achieve something novel. The emphasis on combining simple straight-lined spaces with vibrant colours and patterns through textiles, antiques, and decorative pieces, remains at the root of this trend. So, if this modern-traditional style with its Indian roots and international appeal has caught your fancy, here’s how you can infuse Indian Modernism into your home…
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Photo: Louis Hansel/unsplash
I
BY SHWETA KULKARNI
Blend The Layouts Indian Modernism reflects in the fusion of modern designs and traditional elements and another way to get that perfect balance is to use Indian flooring with modern furniture or vice-versa. Terrazzo tiles or the traditional handmade tiles from India with contemporary furniture can instantly raise the style quotient of your home, similarly, modern flooring solutions with tastefully incorporated antique furniture can also create magic.
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DARPAN DECOR Photo: Spacejoy/unsplash, istockphoto, Images for representation only
Play With Fabrics, Prints & Texture Bring out the ethnic vibe in your modern apartment by using cushions, bedspreads, throws, curtains with Indian prints and patterns. Make floor seating arrangements by utilizing handwoven rugs with either ethnic motif or modern linear patterns, further throw ottomans or pouffes in solid colours complementing the rugs. Further, enhance the look of your space by using cushions and bolster in a contrasting colour. Play with fabrics and texture, while hand-painted and block printed cotton fabrics are a rage, one can also play around with textures like silk and khadi to add desi depth to a modern space. Likewise, geometric and contemporary prints can also be used with wicker or Indian vintage furniture to striking a balance between classical and modern styles.
Bring In The Light & Green Modernism is essentially about bright airy spaces and the key to get your Indian Modern style on point is to allow a lot of natural light in your house to brighten up the space. Using sheer curtain with Indian prints can further augment the Indian Modernism vibe in your house. And lastly, to further add a freshness, adorn your space with lots of versatile indoor plants. Tastefully use antique and modern vases and planters to have the perfect fusion of the two styles.
Welcome The Wicker Wicker furniture made from cane and rattan has been part of Indian homes for centuries and one sure shot way to incorporate Indian Modernism into your home is by including furniture or pieces made by these native, eco-friendly materials. While wicker furniture with its natural materials creates an earthy and light feeling, it also has a very uber cool and stylish appeal making it ideal to include in your Indian Modernism space. Place a stylish side table alongside a wicker sofa, use a rattan sideboard and adorn the wall above it with modern wall décor like a huge gold finish mirror. There are several ways to incorporate wicker furniture in between all things contemporary. Right from a classic cane chair and couches, to rattan bedhead and cane stool, to rattan cabinets to can baskets — the possibilities to bring these sustainable, intricate and timeless pieces into your Indian Modernism décor are endless. One simple, comfy and cool way to bring wicker into your ambience is to invest in a cosy wicker swing. Given that jhulas aka swings are typical to Indian houses, this addition is sure to spruce up your Indian Modern space.
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Embrace Colour, Art, & Antiques India has a rich heritage and a typical Indian interior design heavily draws inspiration from the host of vibrant cultures. When adopting Indian Modernism into your spaces don’t shy away from bringing in some trademark elements from India’s diverse culture. Achieve design aesthetics by adorning your walls with wallpapers with India motifs and add a dash of modernism by edgy sconce light fixtures. Use Indian artworks and brass antiques alongside avant-garde furniture to achieve an ultimate Indianmodern look. India is all about colours, incorporate some bright hues to enhance the look of your abode. Use tribal folk art, Indian paintings, handcrafted wall art, to bring in the traditional scape. Contrary, you can also use modern art around the house if the furniture has a traditional vibe. Magically transform your plain walls by hanging minimalist décor pieces or photographs with rustic frames in gold or brass colour to add a dash of Indianness to the modernist tone of this area. Remember, it’s all about blending two styles aesthetically. Also, keep in mind to show restraint and not overkill the vibe by overdoing everything.
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Crafts of
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“
‘An Ode to Bhuj’ By Anita Dongre It’s been an absolute joy for my team and I to create this special collection along with the artisans of Bhuj. Their craft and these pieces are truly timeless and I hope everyone who buys them enjoys wearing them equally, and pass them down as heirloom pieces just like our grandparents did.”
A
Says Anita Dongre, “It’s been an absolute joy for my team and I to create this special collection along with the artisans of Bhuj. Their craft and these pieces are truly timeless and I hope everyone who buys them enjoys wearing them equally, and pass them down as heirloom pieces just like our grandparents did.” This limited-edition collection is available on www.anitadongre.com.
nita Dongre launches Crafts of India - An ode to Bhuj, her latest collection of conscious couturehandmade ensembles inspired by heirloom Indian crafts and brought to life by traditional craftspeople in rural India.
Crafts of India An ode to Bhuj Craft villages hold a sense of magic. Women in doorways singing over embroidery, men by deep pools of indigo holding secrets passed down over generations, children studying under the shade of a clacking loom under their mother’s watchful eyes. Every season there is reason to rejoice- a crop harvest, a local deity, and yet the biggest victory in these villages are time’s whispers of crafts that are handed down generation after generation across marauding empires, through the tune of freedom and bursting into a world of progress. Life changes but these crafts hold truths of a world that is sustainable, and built on community. In 2021, Anita Dongre celebrates these craft traditions and their rural Indian communities with the launch of its collection ‘Crafts Of India - An ode to Bhuj’. This collection is a hark back
at royal legacies from a millennium ago that brings together handwoven fabrics, rich embroideries and intricate fabric pattern dyeing from individual regions as a means of regaining the lost splendor of India’s rich craft history. In 2021 this collection features Bandhini, Ajrak and Block Printing- crafts from the Kutch region of India.
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DARPAN STYLE
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SABYASACHI’S RECENT COLLAB WITH H&M it with easy-going modern silhouettes — quintessential to H&M, to create a whimsical collection — Wanderlust. Launched recently, Wanderlust, as the name suggests, is inspired by travel. “Travel has always been my inspiration. When H&M asked me what I wanted to do, the first thing that came to my mind was travel. I wanted to create a travel-inspired collection,” said the designer, who has previously done interesting collabs with Asian Paints, French luxury shoemaker Christian Louboutin and American home furnishings chain Pottery Barn. Beautiful, glamourous, fuss-free and above all affordable are the key highlights of this high-street fashion collection. A genderfluid collection in soothing rich fabrics, Wanderlust makes a modern yet distinctively
Wanderlust. BY SHWETA KULKARNI
Desi Vibes, International Appeal
BEAUTIFUL, GLAMOUROUS, FUSSFREE AND ABOVE ALL AFFORDABLE
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wning a coveted sartorial piece crafted by India’s celebrated couturier — Sabyasachi Mukerjee is every fashion devotee’s desire. And now that dream can finally come true thanks to the ace designer’s one-ofits-kind collaboration with the muchloved Swedish multinational clothing retail company — H&M. In a fashion first move, which marked the luxury designer’s debut in high-street fashion, Sabyasachi Mukerjee has taken inspiration from India’s rich textile history and married
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Indian statement and is perfect for fashion lovers whose style is all about keeping it chic and at the same time eclectic. While the renowned couturier is known for his elegantly designed bridal wear, with Wanderlust, Sabyasachi has mix-andmatched and has incorporated references not just from India, but also Morocco, Istanbul and Japan. “I asked myself how a collection could journey seamlessly from a palace to a pool party. The answer was simple—it has to be easy and lightweight, a mix-and-match,” said the designer. So, after brainstorming with his team for nearly six months, Sabyasachi finally managed to give the ready-to-wear couture a spin by creating a versatile collection, which not only echoed his Indian sensibilities but also had a contemporary appeal. A key highlight of this collection is Indian textile and print traditions brought to life by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, meticulously crafted and embroidery in multicultural silhouettes. The versatile collection boasts a lot of resort clothing that you can wear from morning to night and beautiful fuss-free silhouettes in soothing colours. Moreover, what works the best with Wanderlust is its simplicity which is accentuated with a few luxury essentials, making it ideal to effortlessly make stunning
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Photos: Sabyasachi, H&M
style statements in whichever part of the world you travel. Sabyasachi x H&M’s Wanderlust collection comprises 22 womenswear styles, 13 menswear and 32 accessories. Breezy kaftans, unlikely co-ords set, handquilted lapels and waistbands, embroidered necklines,
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beautiful borders on skirts, chintz prints, denim, salwar kameez and even a saree with prints inspired from the designer’s hometown Kolkata, are part of this extensive collection. When H&M approached the famous designer for a collab, Sabyasachi was particular about a few things – one it had to be a capsule that celebrated Indian aesthetics, two a large part of the production was to be done in India and last but not the least a saree had to be the part of the collection. “It was created for the Indian consumer who loves the Sabyasachi saree, but finds it unaffordable,” said the maverick designer. Further speaking about the breezy capsule, Sabyasachi said, “It’s time for India to move past its image as a manufacturing hub, and for the country’s designers to cross over into the mainstream. The country has a rich design history, rooted in traditional textiles and crafts — it is as diverse as India itself, from streetwear to bridal couture.”
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The international collection, which has its soul deeply rooted in Indian traditions, is a riot of colours and print. The talented designer has infused several Indian motifs and styles inspired by Indian cultures in
the Wanderlust collection. In fact, each print was hand-painted to scale and later digitally recreated by H&M. Speaking about the unique collaboration, Sabyasachi said, “The collaboration allows us to spread the Sabyasachi aesthetic to a wider audience in India and worldwide. Due to the complexities of the Covid-19 situation, we had to put the launch on hold but I’m happy to bring this ‘ready-to-wear’ collection that brings relaxed sophistication to everyday life in an understated yet glamorous style.” Voicing equal enthusiasm for the collab, Maria Gemzell, Head of New Development, H&M said,
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“At H&M, we are thrilled to be able to announce our collaboration with iconic Indian designer Sabyasachi. At a time like this, we believe people value the use of homegrown crafts and textiles more than ever and that’s something no one can do better than Sabyasachi. We look forward to taking this stunning collection to as many people across the globe as we can.” The Sabyasachi x H&M collection offers a complete fashion wardrobe for both ladies and men, including accessories. Unfortunately, while the collection is completely sold out in India, it is available in selected H&M flagship stores around the world and online. So go lay your hands on Wanderlust’s boho vibes, before it runs out from stores near you.
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DARPAN Weddings
Q: How did you meet? Gurleen: We were introduced through the Indian grapevine (no, it was not Seema Aunty from Indian Matchmaking), through first and second cousins of ours. The respective parents passed our biodatas and contact information to us back in January 2020. Ankit messaged me for the first time in March 2020. Our first text soon turned into occasional phone calls and finally, video chats and things got all rosy. Our texts, phone calls and video chats prior to our first meeting had
n e e l r u G t i k & An Photography by Pooja Studio
made us pretty comfortable to talk to each other. So it was a breeze when we met in person in Dubai in July 2020. Of course, the jitters and butterflies were in full force. But it was just another strong brick of confirmation that this was the right thing to do. For us it wasn’t just meeting/coffee date and then you go back home, my trip was for 10 days, but I ended up extending it for another week.
Q: What do you love most about one another? Gurleen: His smile. I swear to God it stops me in my tracks. Ankit: Her loving and caring nature towards everyone be it someone she’s known for a while or someone she’s newly met.
Q: Could you share your proposal/Roka story? Ankit: Our Roka ceremony happened via Zoom, where Gurleen & I were in Dubai, her family in Vancouver at the Gurudwara, my family in Kuwait and all of our immediate cousins joining in from India, Florida and Houston. After our Roka ceremony, Gurleen hinted that
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she still wanted the traditional proposal down on one knee prior to the wedding. Initially, I was planning to visit Vancouver in October but due to the travel restrictions and the second wave of the pandemic, it was difficult to plan. So, I decided to surprise her when she would come to Dubai. Our wedding was planned for December 2020. So I thought to surprise her a few days before the wedding. We were all staying in a hotel with a view of the Burj Khalifa fountain. I’m not very creative, so I found a company on Instagram that would help me set up the hotel suite for the proposal, including rose petals, candles and a proposal sign. I asked my parents to pretend to plan a dinner with all of us, however as she opened the door for our suite, she was definitely surprised.
Q: How has COVID affected your wedding plans? Did you postpone it? Gurleen: Our initial wedding date was planned for December 28, 2020, with prewedding festivities beginning on December 26th. But from December 22 - 24, Ankit, myself, my parents and my brother all tested positive for Covid. The period that was supposed to be reserved for celebrations turned into chaos as we were postponing all events, calling family and telling them to not take their flights and ensuring safety
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for all immediate and extended family members that tested negative. It was a blessing in disguise that the elders tested negative, and all the family members (including us) that tested positive, had no symptoms what-so-ever.
Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment? Full disclosure: It wasn’t a typical Indian wedding, we didn’t have the week of celebrations, due to us having Covid. Our original wedding celebration was about 60-70 people, but ended up having only 14 attendees including ourselves. Gurleen: The ceremony itself was short and emotional. Post the temple wedding, we had decided to do the court wedding on the same day. Within minutes we were in a lawyer’s office in full Indian wedding attire talking to an officiant via Zoom and undergoing our second wedding ceremony in one day. Overall the day was emotional and exciting, full of rollercoasters, from trying to reach the temple on time within the given timeslot, to performing all the mini traditions that are typically involved in a Punjabi wedding. Ankit: In the midst of the Covid stress
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and re-planning the wedding for the last few days, my favorite moment occurred right before the ceremony when Gurleen entered the room where the ceremony was to take place, she looked breathtaking and it took my entire stress away. It was a great day and I was relieved that the events of the day took place without any hiccups.
Q: Could you tell us about your reception? We haven’t officially hosted a reception yet, we are still waiting for the Covid restrictions to get lighter before throwing a big party for our family and friends. We did however go down to the bar in our hotel right after the doly/giving ceremony with Ankit’s side of the family. Also, we organized a small brunch with the family and friends a few days after the wedding as our close friends in Dubai couldn’t attend the wedding
Q: Can you describe your outfits? Gurleen: I always had the wedding day colour in my head, it was the same colour my mom wore for her wedding day. I ordered my cocktail party drapped saree and my post wedding suits from Leenu Singh Designs. I ended up wearing the draped saree for my mehndi day; from the colour to the design it looked breathtaking. My entire wedding outfit was from WellGroomed Designs; it was customized, from the patterns to the color scheme. From the fabric to the embroidery to the colour of our wedding outfits, it was just beyond perfect!
Ankit: After months of planning between my mom and Gurleen, I only ended up wearing the wedding day outfit that Gurleen had gotten made in Canada.
Q: Where did you honeymoon? Gurleen: A few days after the wedding, we ended up shifting to Muscat, Oman, for one of Ankit’s projects. We have not had a typical honeymoon yet, which is still our plan once travel restrictions are lighter, and we are planning on heading to South Africa. However, since the wedding, we have done mini staycations in Oman and Dubai, which we call our mini honeymoons.
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Q: What are your goals as a couple? To inspire and motivate each other to become the best possible version of each in all walks of life.
Q: What are the strengths of your marriage? Being in a semi-arranged relationship has helped us grow together and learn new things about each other every day. Trust and support for one another, having an open communication and our love for food and trying new restaurants.
Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be? Pay attention to the little things! Small gestures carry a lot of weight, and for couples who have mutual respect, those small gestures are second nature. A simple love note, a slightly longer hug or kiss goodbye can make your partner feel validated and appreciated. “One short and sweet text or email per day can make your lover’s heart pitter-patter — without causing his or her head to spin from electronic overload,” says family psychotherapist Dr. Fran Walfish. “Be sure to include an intimate and heartfelt detail in your notes as a key way to boost your bond.”
Q: If you could provide any advice to other couples getting married during Covid, what would it be? Keep it small and simple. Have patience and keep an open frame of mind, just in case things do not go as planned.
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AN EXERCISE IN PERFECT SIMPLICITY
ROLLS ROYCE
GHOST BY Benjamin Yong
“Today we set new standards in customer centricity by creating a completely new motor car for a unique group of Rolls-Royce’s clients. They require a new type of superluxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism. Ghost is this product,” says CEOTorsten Müller-Ötvös.
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riginally introduced in 2009 as a smaller alternative to the the flagship Phantom, the RollsRoyce Ghost was a hit particularly with the the younger demographic. The automaker hopes to replicate the success with the introduction of the second generation model crafted from the ground up. “To create a new product that would resonate with our Ghost clients for the next ten years meant we had to listen carefully to their demands. Today we set new standards in customer centricity by creating a completely new motor
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car for a unique group of RollsRoyce’s clients. These business leaders and entrepreneurs demand more of their Ghost than ever. They require a new type of super-luxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism. Ghost is this product,” says CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös in a media release.
HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $343,140 (base) Motor: 6.7-litre V12 Horsepower: 563 @ 5,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 627 @ 1,600 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 22.4 L/100 km city/11.0 highway (manufacturer estimate)
Aly Jiwani
Vice President & Area General Manager
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver is dedicated to providing an exceptional guest journey, and ensuring that choosing a Rolls-Royce Motor Car is as unforgettable an experience as the vehicles themselves. We invite you to visit our showroom for a contactless vehicle viewing or schedule a virtual walk-around with us today.
1809 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Tel 604.659.3208 | rollsroycevancouver.com Contact Aly Jiwani at aly.jiwani@openroadautogroup.com
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Equally intended to be driven and driven-around in, the vehicle is built upon a proprietary aluminum spaceframe architecture that is “acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic,” according to the company. Complementing the advanced platform is the same 563-horsepower 6.7-litre V12 monster engine found in the Cullinan SUV, mounted behind the front axle providing a balanced 50/50 weight distribution, sent to all four wheels.
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The Ghost sits on supple double wishbone front and five-link rear air suspension featuring continuously variable, electronically-controlled shock absorbers. The setup also benefits from the Flagbearer system, which utilizes a stereo camera system integrated into the windshield to monitor road conditions ahead and adjust the dampening accordingly to yield optimal comfort and control. Like it underpinnings, the outer shell is comprised entirely
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of aluminum and appears to be a single piece free of seams — this is made possible thanks to four craftsmen who hand weld the body together. Even the laser-welded doors are constructing using the lightweight and strong material. The theme of the exterior is “Post Opulence,” describing the implementation of a minimalist yet graceful aesthetic. The car commands a larger presence on the road due to a 30 millimetre increase in width and 89 millimetre in length compared to the previous version. A total of 20 LEDs hidden at the top of the radiator grill bathe the vanes in a soft glow, and the roofline has a gentle downward slope hinting at the performance quietly waiting under the hood. A credo of reduction, simplicity and elegance guides the interior design. Occupants are treated to only the finest leathers, woods and metals adoring the seats, dash and trim pieces. One of the most recognizable elements of the interior is the signature Starlight Headliner bringing the night sky into the cabin, and is now joined
by the Illuminated Fascia, which is the name for a constellation of LEDs surrounding the wordmark on the dashboard. There’s no doubt the vehicle is quick — going 0 to 100 km/h takes place under five seconds — but perhaps even more impressive is how serene of an experience sitting inside and/or driving the Ghost is. Over 100-kilograms of sound deadening material has been applied in the doors, roof, between the double-glazed windows and even inside the tires. Engineers have scrutinized every component, from the seat frames to air conditioning ducting, and then devised solutions to mitigate or eliminate unwanted noise. In a little over a decade, the Ghost has already become the bestselling offering in Rolls-Royce’s lineup since the brand first launched 116 years ago. Prices for the standard wheelbase model start at a cool $343,140.
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*2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 eAWD Inscription Expression starts from $68,865 including $2,215 Freight & PDI. Documentation fees ($495), air conditioning levy ($100), environmental levies ($25), and taxes are extra. Errors and omissions excepted. Offers are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Vehicle may be factory ordered via Volvo Car Canada Ltd. Vehicles shown solely for purposes of illustration, and may not be equipped exactly as shown. Please see Jim Pattison Volvo of Surrey for complete details. Dealer #30601.
DARPAN AutoREVIEW PHOTOS: CADILLAC PRESSROOM
2021
CADILLAC XT4 SPORT
BY Benjamin Yong
“The first-ever Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup toa segment where Cadillac has never been before,” says former Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”
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SMALLER LUXURY CROSSOVER PERFECT FOR URBAN DWELLERS
T
here’s nothing a business loves more than reeling in a customer early on to build a relationship over time. And Cadillac is hoping to do just that —introducing a new generation of premium automobile buyers to the brand — with the launch of the all-new XT4. “The first-ever Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” says former Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen in a news release when the model was launched in 2019. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”
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Short for “Cross Touring 4,” the compact SUV slots underneath the XT5 and gives vehicle shoppers a slightly smaller choice perfectly suited towards city driving —
HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $36,098 (base) Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 237 @ 5,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,500 rpm Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 8.7 L/100 km city/7.8 highway (manufacturer estimate)
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The three-spoke leather steering wheel has some girth to it and feels great in hand, and the bolstering on the leather-upholstered seats with optional front massage function keeps occupants snug and supported.
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yet doesn’t compromise on performance as both utilize the same standard powertrain. Really, the crossover just looks like a slightly shrunken down version featuring similar headlights sporting the signature LED “light blade” daytime running lamps and gloss black mesh pentagon grille, although at the back the upsidedown L-shaped taillights are larger and flipped upwards. All-black under body cladding provides a touch of toughness.
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The luxuriousness of the XT4 really shines through in cabin. The three-spoke leather steering wheel has some girth to it and feels great in hand, and the bolstering on the leather-upholstered seats with optional front massage function keeps occupants snug and supported. Cadillac is introducing a rotary controller to navigate the eightinch high-definition Cadillac User Experience infotainment system, which is ergonomically easier to
manipulate than reaching across the dash for a tuning knob. Though the overall length is some 200 millimetres shorter than its bigger brother, second row passengers still have an aboveaverage 1,004 millimetres of legroom. Or fold the bench flat and there’s 1,385 litres of cargo space ready to use. All grades receive the same engine: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, mated to a ninespeed automatic gearbox, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Spooling lag is minimal and power delivery is quite linear so the XT4 is pleasant to drive around town or on the highway. Thanks to the smaller size, five-link independent rear suspension and twin-clutch allwheel drive (non-base only) the vehicle handles better than one might expect given the segment. The available Active Sport Suspension improves things further with an ability to monitor road conditions in real time, via onboard electronic sensors, and make changes to the damping stiffness on-the-fly for optimal comfort and cornering stability. Three trim levels are sold, and aside from the base model consumers can select Premium Luxury focusing on upscale features such as satin chrome and wood accenting, or Sport, that bundles performance-oriented accoutrements including darkened taillight lenses, carbon fibre interior pieces and more. The 2021 Cadillac XT4 is built in the U.S. at the company’s Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City and has a sticker price of $36,098.
OpenRoad Honda is the premier dealership for all your Honda needs. Whether its sales, service or parts –OpenRoad Honda strives to provide nothing less than an excellent Honda shopping experience for all our guests. As such, we are proud to be recognized as a Honda Driving Excellence
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MAZDA
MX-5 GS-P Engineers retuned the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre fourcylinder mill — utilizing smaller and lighter pistons, optimized valves and fuel injectors, a dual-mass flywheel, fresh exhaust system and a higher transmission final drive ratio — to create 17-per-cent extra horsepower.
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azda has confirmed that the future iteration of the MX-5 will possess some form of electrification. This provides enthusiasts with added incentive to enjoy the high-revving, naturally aspirated gasoline-fed Miatas while they still can, and the latest model might represent the best version of the convertible yet. The fourth-generation of the ND (chassis code) is now six years old, though it looks just as good as the day it debuted. Nothing else on the market comes close in terms of fun to cost ratio, especially
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MAZDA’S ROADSTER AGES LIKE A FINE WINE following the semi-recent refresh back in 2019. Engineers retuned the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre fourcylinder mill — utilizing smaller and lighter pistons, optimized valves and fuel injectors, a dualmass flywheel, fresh exhaust system and a higher transmission final drive ratio — to create 17-per-cent extra horsepower. Currently rated at 181, and featuring a slightly richer curve to boot, the driving experience is a bit more pleasant all around. Though 26 additional horsepower may be a modest number, any increase is simply icing on the cake in regards to the already nimble and balanced
HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $41,800 Motor: 2.0-litre four cylinder Horsepower: 181 @ 7,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 151 @ 4,000 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel drive Fuel economy: 9.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed current MX-5. Remember too, surprisingly, the ND is 35 millimetres shorter than the original 1989 NA offering and yet weighs only about 60 kilograms more. Sure, under normal day-to-day use in the city the changes will feel minor. Hit the highway or local racetrack and wind the engine up to the higher 7,500 rpm redline (vs. 6,800 previously) and the story changes, the performance bump becoming evident. Aside from performance upgrades, there are a few enhancements elsewhere around the vehicle. The doors open easier
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E: info@darpanmagazine.com | T: 604.537.7277 than before, and the door stops, cup holders, seat levers and steering wheel have been redesigned, including the telescoping mechanism on the steering wheel to give 42 millimetres of travel. One step up from base, Darpan’s well-equipped manual transmission GS-P trim press loaner had goodies like a limited slip differential, Bilstein dampers, front shock tower brace and sport suspension installed. The Sport Package (+$4,400) bundles gorgeous 17-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels in gunmetal colour, heated Recaro seats and red painted calipers. The in-cabin experience remains pretty much the same as always. Settling into the seat is still somewhat akin to sitting in a race car, the bolsters molding around the body and the controls mounted at the perfect distance so that manipulating them becomes effortless. New for 2021 is a wireless version of Apple CarPlay eliminating the need for a USB cable to connect a mobile device to the infotainment system. Of course, creating the ideal ergonomic passenger compartment does have caveats — for example storage space is very limited, restricted to a couple of shallow console storage spaces. No door pockets exist. The removable cup holders behind the centre console are also cumbersome and can get in the way of shifting. The MX-5 exhaust note is quite humble when compared to other sports cars, even with the revised exhaust setup, but a nice little burble is nevertheless produced upon acceleration. It sounds equally pleasing, never obnoxiously or droning, when the motor is pushed into the increased rpm range. As good as the new Miata is, perhaps nothing is more impressive than the stellar fuel efficiency of SKYACTIV technology — no matter how much I wrung out the vehicle I still averaged 9.0 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions. The 2021 Mazda MX-5 GS-P starts at $37,200.
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FAST FIVE-DOOR FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
HIGHLIGHTS
PORSCHE
PANAMERA GTS BY Benjamin Yong
The mid-grade version of the hatchback retains special exterior differentiators like a sportier grill, blacked out side mirror caps and Porsche script across the trunk lid, and exclusive contrasting 20-inch alloy wheels.
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u s t t w o s h o r t ye a r s a f t e r t h e l a u n c h of the second gen ration Porsche Panamer GTS, the spe dy premiu f i v e d o r re c i v s a l i g h t re f s h a n d i s n ow e v n m o re o f a f o u r - p a s e n g r s t r a i g h t l i n e b r u i .s e r The mid-gra e version of the h a t c b k re t a i n s s p e c i a l e x t r i o dif er ntia ors like a spor tie gril , blacked out side mir o caps and Porsche script acros the trunk lid, and e xc l u s i v e c o n t r a s i n g 2 0 - i n c h a l oy whe ls. Special GTS badgin can be found on the bot m par t of the do rs and on the trunk lid. The rea of the c a r re c i v s t h e m o s t n o t a b l e c h a n g e s including a new LED light strip con e ting the pair of tin ed tail ghts, a n d f r e s h n d d i f u s e r f i n s b .e l ow A spor t-me s-lux r y them is echo d ins de the cabin — br ushed a l u m i n i s s p r i n k l e d t h ro u g t ,
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as is the suede-like Race-Tex material found on the redesigned heated multifunction steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters. The top-of-the-line 18way adjustable adaptive front seats are standard offering lots of support and endless adjustability. Still anchoring the interior is the 12.3-centre touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating many of the physical knobs
MSRP: $174,860 Motor: 4.0-litre twinturbocharged eight cylinder Horsepower: 473 @ 6,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 457 @ 1,800 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed manual Layout: Front engine, allwheel drive Fuel economy: 16.4 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)
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A sport-meets-luxury theme is echoed inside the cabin — brushed aluminum
Whoever said Porsche cars don’t have much luggage capacity have never driven a Panamera. Even when the split second row is upright, the 495 litres of space behind swallowed up two full size suitcases, a carry-on and a couple of duffle bags fairly effortlessly.
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behind swallowed up two full size suitcases, a carry-on and a couple of duffle bags fairly effortlessly, the only thing stopping even more being the sloping rear window. Need more space? Move on up to the Sport Turismo wagon featuring more room, shorter cargo loading edge and an additional seat in the back. Under the hood, Porsche has managed to shoehorn in a twinturbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine pushing 473 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, an additional 20 horses compared to before. The and buttons once littering the mill sounds sublime, especially after centre console. I personally would opening up the electric valves of prefer some analog control to the Sport exhaust system. Helping make a comeback, particularly transfer power to the ground is the since the unit in our test vehicle brand’s signature six-speed manual was malfunctioning and I had to transmission (or optional PDK) and rely on the navigation knob to an all-wheel drive system aided by maneuver through the menus. Not Porsche Traction Management. so easy a task when currently even Straight line performance is all settings for things like the dynamic well and good, but the real fun is spoiler are digitized. had when the road bends. Luckily, Whoever said Porsche cars the GTS utilizes adaptive threedon’t have much luggage capacity chamber air suspension allowing have never driven a Panamera. continuous and precise adjustments Even when the split second row for dynamic handling as well as is upright, the 495 litres of space offering a high degree of ride
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is sprinkled throughout, as is the suede-like RaceTexmaterial found on the redesigned heated multifunction steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters.
comfort. Don’t, however, expect quite the same level of agility as say, a 911. Even something as simple as a U-turn on a narrow street becomes a three-point affair in the larger model. The vehicle also sits 10 millimetres lower than its regular stablemates for an athletic stance. Stopping the car are big brakes, 390-millimetres in the front and 365 at the back. Regardless of trim level, all variants receive the new digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit eschewing traditional analogue gauges for virtual ones, InnoDrive adaptive cruise control with semiautonomous driving capabilities, and available rear axle steering (+$1,880). The 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS retails for $147,400 MSRP and is in dealerships now.
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS
SHARE THEIR STORIES
when you and your family moved here? The initial challenge was getting a job in my own field.
How long did it take to get used to the people, weather or the surrounding? It took us about three to six months.
How was your experience getting a job here? Was it easy or troublesome? PHOTOS: MAHAJAN FAMILY
There are many odd jobs always available in Canada but to get a job in your own field, you have to study and get a license or certification. For me, getting a job was not troublesome but it was a struggle initially.
Meet the Mahajan Family Why did you decide to migrate to Canada?
Be prepared and be open to studying and learning, and
We decided to migrate to Canada for a better future and quality of life.
Which year did you migrate?
acquiring Canadian qualifications. This
We came to Canada in May 2016.
What were your first impressions of Canada?
country is worth every struggle.”
Amit Mahajan works as a Housing Finance Advisor at Scotiabank Gursimran Mahajan works as a Customer Experience Advisor at TD Bank Aviraj Mahajan is eight years old
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Canada is a beautiful place to settle down and create a comfortable life. Immigrants are warmly welcomed here and people are friendly. It is an ideal country for families with young children specifically to build their future and life.
Where did you stay when you reached Canada? We stayed at Edmonton, Alberta, at my sister’s place.
What difficulties/ challenges did you face
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Where were you working before moving to Canada? As what? I worked in the financial sector for over 15 years in India, and also had my own business. My wife Gursimran worked as a counselling psychologist and a special educator in a school; she also had her own business.
What do you like and dislike most about this country? This country has countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. We live in a vast multicultural society where people are warm and friendly, and we are surrounded by breathtaking beauty. There are not many things to dislike in Canada however some provinces have very harsh winters.
How do you see your future in Canada? I see myself and my family growing in a very safe environment where we have the independence to do what we like and create a good, comfortable work-life balance. I would like my son to take utmost benefit of the Canadian education and build a progressive career for himself.
How has your overall journey in Canada been so far?
Our journey in Canada so far has been quite comfortable as we were lucky enough to have met people here who have been very supportive, caring and always willing to help.
Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada: Initially, getting a job in my own field but I got in gradually with the right kind of education; and choosing which province to settle in.
Resolutions made for yourself or family: My resolution is to keep upgrading myself through education in my professional career; starting my own business gradually; and living a quality life while simultaneously spending good quality time with my family.
Advice for immigrants: Be prepared and be open to studying and learning, and acquiring Canadian qualifications. This country is worth every struggle.
Memories of your homeland: We miss being with our parents, siblings and friends. We miss our home.
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