Desi today english dec jan 2015 web

Vol. 6 | Issue 5 | Dec-Jan 2016

REMEMBERING:

Manmeet Bhullar

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DESI REMEDIES

For Everyday Health Issues

Justin Trudeau’s

TIES WITH THE

Indo-Canadian Community

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MEET RCMP’s NEWEST SUPERINTENDENT:

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what’s inside Features 08 Justin Trudeau’s Ties With The Indo-Canadian Community 16 Jessica Dhillon: “DJ Goddess,” Film Producer, Dancer, Choreographer, Model, And Much More 22 Remembering Manmeet Bhullar 26 Meet Young Sikh Leaders From Across Canada 30 How To Drive Safely In The Winter 32 Meet RCMP’s Newest Superintendent: Mandip (Manny) Mann

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Business & Career 58 Roll With The Changes: Joint Perspective On The Legalization of Marijuana 60 Time For Social Workers To Form Their Own Union Like Nurses And Doctors!

Love & Relationship

Beauty & Entertainment

36 Our Heroes Need A Break Too: An Open Letter To All Moms 38 What Common Dreams Really Mean 42 Love At First Swipe 44 Baby 101: This Too Shall Pass 46 Interracial Dating: A Sikh And A Muslim 48 Joti’s Advice Column 50 “There Are No Good Guys”

62 Desi Today Readers Share Secret Skin Care Tips 64 How To Grow Long Hair Fast!

65 Secret Revealed: Mastering The Art of Color Correcting 66 Meet the Lookalikes Of Our Favourite Bollywood Actors 68 The Secret To Happiness 70 Upcoming Movies 72 Around Town

Health & Wellness 52 Study: Dentist Visits Too Infrequent For Canadian Pre-schoolers 53 What Happens When You Sit At Your Desk For Too Long 54 Why Are South Asian Women Interested In Participating In The BCCDC Seed Study?

56 Desi Remedies For Everyday Health Issues 57 Why Some Smokers Don’t Get Cancer

Life, Etc 74 Robin Dhir: A Man With A Great Business Sense And An Even Greater Heart 76 McDonalds’ Secret Menu Items 78 Christmas Side Dish Recipes 80 Top Things To Do In Vancouver During Christmas 82 Horoscope

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Editor Parveen Sohal Writers Parveen Sohal Navjeet (Joti Bajwa) Sandeep Gill Geetu Takhar Amrita Lit Hardeep Brar Alex Sangha Aman Purewal Layout & Graphic Design Mohammed Ahmed

Photos by Surya Photo Studio Chandra Bodalia Mahi Photo Studio Aziz Ladha ECCW and Mary Diaz Letters editor@desitoday.ca Sales Desi Today Group: 604.502.6100 info@desitoday.ca subscribe@desitoday.ca email: editor@desitoday.ca Published By Desi Communication Inc. #102-9360 120 St., Surrey, BC V3V 4B9 604.502.6100

No part of this publication may be used without written permission from the publisher. © 2013.

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us. Thank you.

The opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. information presented is compiled from sources believed to be accurate, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for error or omissions. Customer No. 2390434, Publication Agreement No. 40013094.

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Letter from the Editor As 2015 comes to a close and 2016 begins, we bring you this edition of Desi Today to commemorate the end of an incredible year. In this edition we celebrate Manny Mann becoming the first South Asian Superintendent of the RCMP, an Indo-Canadian supporting Liberal takeover in our government, the inspiring life of the late Manmeet Bhullar, Robin Dhir’s $315,000 hospital charity event, the continual rise of local star “DJ Goddess,” and much, much more.

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Along with describing great people and great events, this edition of the magazine is also used as a teaching guide for our readers. In this edition, we teach dedicated mothers to take better care of themselves, we show what life is like when a Sikh dates a Muslim, and we even describe exactly how to drive carefully in the winter.

This edition is also all about uncovering secrets. We have brought you the secret desi methods of curing everyday problems; the top secret McDonald’s menu items that are rarely known about, and much more!

At Desi Today, we also can’t help but be festive! We have included some special Christmas recipes and the top attractions to visit this year to get you into the holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Desi Today Magazine.

From yours always,

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FEATURE

Politicians are notoriously known to “support the Sikh community” and “take interest Sikh events” before elections. We’ll see these public figures making appearances at Sikh festivals, interrupting weddings with political speeches, and wearing ramal’s with neatly folded hands during Sikh rallies. What is rare, however, is seeing these politicians again doing any of this after the elections.

Canada asked for a change and it certainly got it. Newly elected Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has not only kept up his appearances with the Sikh community after being elected, but he made history by doing something no other PM has ever done: he has become a part of the Sikh community When attending large Sikh community events, it’s refreshing to see a Prime Minister who genuinely wants to be there. Trudeau keeps minority-based promises, trusts qualitied Sikh community members to take on positions of power and, takes the time to get to know Sikh Community members on a personal level.

Justin Trudeau is the ultimate paradox: a politician who keeps his word; a politician who supports minority groups; a politician who is actually “the people’s man.” Let’s celebrate together as we highlight the times Justin Trudeau has made the IndoCanadian community proud.

Justin Trudeau’s Ties With the Indo-Canadian Community en

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FEATURE

#1 Justin Elects 4 Sikhs To Cabinet On November 4th Justin Trudeau elected Harjit Sajjan, Amarjeet Sohi, Bardish Chagger and Navdeep Bains as part of his cabinet. With Trudeau’s cabinet, Canada has more Sikh members in parliament than does India. After the 9/11 attacks there have been many misinterpretations of the Sikh identity within North American media. There is much to say about Trudeau electing Sajjan, a Sikh man bearing a full beard and turban, as the leader of our nation’s national defense.

Trudeau has elected these individuals for their character, high-acclaim and extensive list of credentials. As Trudeau has said himself we now finally see “a cabinet that looks like Canada!”

#2 Justin Does Seyva at Gurdwara Unlike other politicians who stand idly at Sikh events, here we see Justin whipping up some roti’s for langar! Although, when he is standing idly, you have to admit, he does look quite handsome in a ramal! Judging by those round pareh and the aunties’ approving faces, it looks like Justin will give every to-be daughter-inlaw a run for their money. We give Justin’s efforts to actually get to know our community and experience our culture two huge thumbs (or should we say baylana’s) up!

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FEATURE

#3 Justin Adjusting Immigration Laws to Re-Unify Families Justin recognizes the need for Indo-Canadians (and other ethnic groups) to be reunified with their families. Harper only allowed a limited number of Canadians to bring their parents and grandparents to Canadian. Trudeau is doubling family reunification by allowing that number to jump from 5,000 to 10,000. In response to skeptics, Justin comments that “making it easier for families to be together here in Canada makes more than just economic sense. When Canadians have added supports, like family involvement in child care, it helps drive productivity and economic growth.”

#4 Justin’s Bhangra Moves Are Better Than Your Uncle’s No “screwing the light bulb” tricks for our Prime Minister. When it comes to Bhangra, Trudeau can break it down with arms thrashing and legs stomping to show Canada what our community is really about! We are watching, Justin, and we are highly, highly impressed. One day Prime Minister, next day “Captain Bhangra Da!” 12

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FEATURE

#5 Justin Trudeau Makes Ties With All Of Our Community Because South Asians make up such a large portion of the Lower Mainland, it’s simply “good business sense” that every politician must make an effort to create ties with our community. It seems easy for politicians to get caught up in meetings with wealthy South Asian businessmen and powerful South Asian corporate moguls as these people are who would benefit each politician the most. What’s different about Justin Trudeau, however, is that his ties with the South Asian community do not end with the rich and the powerful Sikh community members.

He has proved time and time again that he genuinely cares about the community by taking so much time to reach out to our community’s most vulnerable: infants and the elderly. It’s a consensus: our bibi’s love him and our babies just can’t stop looking at him! On every level, for every age range and job status, Justin Trudeau is a Prime Minister we can trust to represent our community. Our voice, our frontrunner: Justin Trudeau.

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#6 Justin Understands the 1984 Tragedy on A Deeper Level Political figures often fall into the pattern of making obligatory speeches (specifically during election times) about how “unfortunate” or “sad” the 1984 attacks were. What is different about Justin Trudeau, however, is instead of simply paying respects to those killed in the attacks he questions the attacks. When asked about the attacks on November 6th, Trudeau highlights that “there are far more questions than answers.” He wants to know how such a tragedy could have occurred; how so many innocent people could have been subjected to such cruelty. A simple speech about how “sad” the attacks were could have sufficed in order to keep up with political appearances but what Trudeau wants is something much more powerful: he wants answers. He urges that “we must continue to call on the Indian government to pursue the truth, pursue justice for those who carry the scars of 1984, and pursue accountability for all people of India.”

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FEATURE

Jessica Dhillon:

“DJ GODDESS,” FILM PRODUCER, DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, MODEL AND MUCH MORE en

By Parve

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Sohal

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There are titles people earn such as “multi-talented” and “triple-threat performer,” but exactly would you call a girl who is: a DJ, film producer, dancer, choreographer, model, management consultant and so much more?

We’d like to call her “one who must not sleep!”

Jessica Dhillon is easily one of the hardest working young talents in the entertainment industry.

She has international fame with a huge support from Canada, India and the US, and her horizons only seem to broaden more and more each day. Her roots lay in the Lower Mainland as she calls Surrey, BC her home. Her great charisma and immense talent is not to overshadow one of her greatest qualities: her amazing personality. Jessica or “DJ Goddess” is the epitome of a humble, kind and genuinely caring role model for her peers and young women around the world. She stands for women empowerment, increasing the public’s self-esteem, providing music as an outlet and so much more.

DJ Goddess has a “Hollywood fairy tale” type story where she became passionate about the entertainment industry from since before she knew how to read!

Her journey getting there, however, is nothing close to ordinary.

Learn about the girl who has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, is the founder of the female empowerment organization “Crown That Goddess” and is taking the entertainment industry by full force—and looking like a goddess doing it!

You started in the entertainment industry quite young but you also did decide to complete a Biology Degree with a major in Business. Is this industry something you’ve always wanted to do or did the idea come later in life?

I would say I was in university when I decided to take on the industry at full www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE force so in that sense, yes, I decided it later in life. However, from as far back as I can remember, I have always been into the arts: from the moment I was walking I was dancing as well! I was probably around four years old when that passion came to light. So I always had that artsy side to me like especially when it came to dance. From there, I went on to acting the second year of university. It’s interesting though because I did it because I felt I was very introverted. I was very studious throughout high school and university and I was very shy (despite I guess what people would think today)! People think I am extroverted and outgoing now but I wasn’t always that way. I was very, very shy and timid—unless it came down to dancing and that was the one expression I could do publicly and do with confidence. So with acting, that was during my second year of university, and I decided to pursue it after university. So I was studying as if I was going to med school and then after university I decided to pursue acting because I fell in love with the challenge of it. From acting I went into production, then after production I went into film production, and then from film production I went into DJ’ing. So it kind of flowed. I never ever expected myself ever to be a DJ. If you had asked me in first or second year university, I would have confidently said I am becoming a

doctor or getting my PhD of some sort!

So it’s not something I expected myself to do but when I decided it, I took it on with full force and, well, here I am today!

What is the toughest job out of the four: DJ, film producer, choreographer or model?

With the modelling, it sort of comes with the territory because I am doing interviews and that sort of thing, so pictures have to be taken. Modelling is very fun for me and I would say that aspect of my career came about because I am a DJ

or film producer. I wouldn’t consider myself a professional model by any means but I do definitely enjoy doing it.

With choreography, I have been dancing for so long that it is something that comes more naturally to me. So I would say that it’s easier because I have been dancing from such a young age and Bollywood is becoming such a trend recently and I have been dancing Bollywood all my life.

So to answer your question, I would say being a DJ and film producer are equivalent in how tough they are and the reason being that the entertainment industry is definitely a tough industry to try and get into and it being male dominated which makes it a lot tougher.

What made you want to start DJ’ing?

I worked for Hollywood Special Effects Studio (physical effects for Hollywood films) called Kerner Studios for about four or five years which was based in San Francisco. I started off as an intern and then became a production associate.

From there I became a producer and then I was a management consultant between Hollywood and Bollywood. So I definitely worked my way up in that regard and learned so much on set at this studio.

Because of the nature of the industry, I had little bit of downtime and had many hours to myself. I didn’t have too many friends so I wouldn’t go out on the weekends but I had one DJ friend who I spent time with. I would basically hover over him and then decided I wanted to learn his craft. I came back home to Vancouver 18

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and learned how to spin from another female DJ named Lisa Deluxe and fell in love with it ever since.

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It’s rare to see a female DJ especially within the Indo-Canadian community. What are your thoughts on the male-dominated DJ industry?

I think I may be the one other Indian female DJ in Vancouver at the moment but like other than that I definitely agree that the industry is very male-dominated.

I am friends with a lot of them which is really nice and they’re so supportive but then I think you get the odd end where it is tough to be female because I think you are judged on the stereotype of being a female DJ. You get people assuming you make it based on looks, or things to that effect which are simply untrue. If you’re female DJ you almost need to work twice as hard on your skill set to prove yourself as a female DJ. It is going to be a constant struggle to always have to prove myself until you gain that respect from fellow DJs. It’s a challenge I’m willing to take because women have so much to offer the DJ’ing the world.

I spun for Ginger 62 quite a bit; it was one of my playgrounds. I spun with DJ Reminisce and DJ Legit and they are two male DJs that honestly have been so supportive during my time at Ginger 62.

They saw me grow and encouraged me on my endeavors to going international. I still have the support of some key people who made the transition a lot smoother.

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What two personality traits do you think best prepares you for this industry?

Ambition: you need to be super ambitious to make it in this industry, you need to believe in yourself and you need to really push hard. Along with that, I am very driven. You need that driving force to push you forward, executing for what you want to achieve and you need a game plan.

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If you had to choose one out of the 4 professions which would it be and why?

If I had to choose, I would say DJ. The reason being that with DJ’ing, you kind of get the best of all the four worlds! I get modelling contracts, or designers will ask me to support their products or outfits through my DJ’ing, and I still get to dance www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE

I started a female empowerment movement called Crown that Goddess. I built it to work on women self-worth and recognize different women. Because I feel like women normally tend to compete against other women. I want to break that barrier, I want women to support other women in the industry and really focus on weaknesses

Who do you look up to the most in this industry and why?

It is a family friend of mine, her name is Hannah Simone. She is a dear friend of mine and I really respect and adore her.

She deserves so much, worked so hard and she has had the greatest morals and standards a woman can have. She has also done so much charitable work. She is like a big sister to me, I always ask her for advice for whatever it may be. Hannah is like a lifeline so it is really nice to have that. My big sister as well, she is like my manager. It is nice to have two sisters watching over me. I am very blessed.

What advice do you have to young kids who hope to make it in the entertainment industry?

Make sure you persevere: this industry is a tough one and it is full of rejection and the odds of making it in the entertainment industry can seem very low so you need to have a strong sense of self and don’t take no for an answer. If one door closes, find another door, there are always different avenues to still make it.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

while DJ’ing on location and in terms of film production, there’s always the opportunity to add music videos in there as well and produce them. DJ’ing is such a phenomenal occupation in the sense that I can hone all these skills and experiences from all walks of my life into one avenue.

How did your parents respond to your choice of pursuing a career in these fields?

At first my parents were very weary with my career choice and didn’t think I would stick with my choice of being a DJ. After I got my degree they were like, “okay you can take a year or two years off and explore” and I know a part of them was hoping I would go back and complete med school. But what ended up happening was I decided to stick with my career choice but now they are very supportive of it. They even give me advice from time to time on how to better myself in being a DJ or better film producer! I am very 20

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

thankful for having such loving and supportive parents behind me.

You have proclaimed yourself as a sort of a “geek” and a “tomboy” when you were younger. In what ways (if any) has that impacted who you are today (as a model, DJ, movie producer, etc.)

I think that it has kept me grounded in a way because you don’t tend to judge people more quickly. I am not so caught up on the superficial aspect of the industry because I have been so nerdy. I know what it feels like to not be like the popular one or to feel so nerdy compared to the rest of the kids, but now I appreciate it so much more. I have that balance that I can be comfortable in sweat pants and I can be comfortable when I am dolled up. I would still say I am a geek and a tomboy; I rock my sneakers with my dresses all the time! (Laughs).

I started a female empowerment movement called Crown that Goddess. I built it to work on women self-worth and recognize different women. Because I feel like women normally tend to compete against other women. I want to break that barrier, I want women to support other women in the industry and really focus on weaknesses we have such as we don’t pursue the entertainment industry or unconventional careers, built to motivate and help people that want to achieve those dreams. And I have started a Women Entrepreneurial fund through that and I sell goddess bracelets and 10% goes to setting up that Women Entrepreneurial Fund. I want to build a brand that I am hoping in that five years it is even bigger than my brand as DJ Goddess. I wanted to eliminate the cattiness between the females; we need to break those barriers.

I believe in collaborating with different artists, which is the only way we are going to advance as women.

The entertainment industry has definitely “Crowned that Goddess” with Jessica Dhillon reigning in all aspects of her career. www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE

REMEMBERING MANMEET BHULLAR:

“A Man With a Heart As Big As His Province” At 35-years-old, Alberta MLA, Manmeet Bhullar, has touched more hearts and done more heroic deeds than most people do in a lifetime.

“Manmeet left us while he was doing what he loved more than anything – helping someone else,” his sister comments.

On November 23rd, Bhullar stopped to come to the aid of passengers in a car that had lost control and rolled over on a snowy Alberta highway. While trying to 22

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

reach the passengers, Bhullar was struck by a semi-truck and died on the way to the hospital. Fittingly for a man with a reputation for helping others, Bhullar died because of his instinctual desire to help someone who needed it. “His death was a tragic testament to how he lived” reporters conclude.

At 28-years-old, the Conservative party member broke records for becoming the youngest member elected to Alberta’s

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By Parve

legislature. In 2011, Bhullar was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Service in Alberta, making him the first turbaned Sikh to hold such an esteemed position within the ministry. Surprisingly, these achievements aren’t even the biggest headlines Bhullar made.

There was once ban on the release of the names of children who had died in provincial care. After Bhullar was named Human Services Minister, he took it upon www.desitoday.ca

“Politicians fight tears as they remember the beloved Manmeet Bhullar”

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himself to change the law to lift this ban.

There had been suspicions of children in welfare and social services being mistreated and by lifting the ban, Bhullar ensured greater safety of children in Alberta. Bhullar is also widely recognized for his efforts in helping refugees in India and Afghanistan as well as cracking down on dishonest contractors who took advantage of citizens following Alberta’s flood in 2012. In September 2014, he became the infrastructure minister in the short-lived Prentice government. In his time in office Bhullar was elected three times before his the Conservative party was succeeded.

Political figures such as Calgary Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, agree that Bhullar was extremely kind hearted but also stressed that he “wasn’t naïve.” The respect he received from his peers was immense as he had all the great qualities of a great politician, but one without a personal agenda—a trait rare in many politicians.

He carried his position strategically and with dedication and intellect. “He was a great political player” Mayor Nenshi comments. “He was a backroom master.

It was one of the reasons why he was so successful. But he always did it out a deep and abiding love for community.” Bhullar was noted as the “peaceful warrior” as he was a fierce fighter but ultimately was fighting for justice and peace.

Calgary activist, Saima Jamal, was so touched by Bhullar dedication to youth and activism in the community, that she is pushing for a school to be named after Bhullar. “How many politicians do you know die on the road while assisting someone else?” she said. “He died a hero, and we need to pay proper tribute.”

Fittingly, Bhullar received the honor www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE of an Alberta State funeral (the last of which was held in 2012 for the former premier Peter Lougheed). Thousands of individuals packed Calgary’s Jubilee Auditorium to say goodbye to the local hero.

The crowd at his service included cabinet ministers, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, over 40 MLAs, family, friends and thousands of citizens who wanted to pay respects to Bhullar’s legacy. Former premier Jim Prentice acted as the master of ceremonies.

To open the ceremony, the Canadian and Sikh national anthems were sung and Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s, official statement addressing Bhullar was read aloud. With great pride, Prentice read Trudeau’s words: “Today we remember an exemplary man who devoted his life, publicly and privately, to helping others.”

In the midst of solemn speeches and tearing eyes, friends and fellow caucus members paid tribute to Bhullar’s famous sense of humor. Under his blazer, PC leader Ric McIver, even adorned a shirt with one of Bhullar’s favourite catchphrases “with great beard comes great responsibility.”

The memories shared during both his funeral and a recent caucus meeting highlighted Bhullar’s character as well as his humor. McIver told the house that Bhullar loved to joke around with MLA Sandra Jansen about watching her as a news anchor for Calgary TV. MLA’s remembered how Bhullar would often ask her to sing the station’s promotional jingle. McIver went further to recall how Bhullar would tease fellow MLA. Richard Starke, that his moustache couldn’t match the ‘stache Bhullar had acquired by age 12. Fellow caucus members recall how Bhullar was infamously known for belting out the national anthem loud “Manmeet was much-loved as a husband to Namrita and a dear friend, not just to his colleagues but also to anyone who came to know him. He had a wry sense of humour and would react with passion not just to support his constituents but also those whom he loved and those who are mistreated. He was wellknown for his humanitarian work at home and abroad, most recently advocating tirelessly on behalf of Sikh and Hindu Afghan refugees. He had just returned from Brussels, where he was seeking safe 24

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

“At caucus meeting, PC Leader, Ric McIver, adorns a t-shirt one of Bhullar’s favorite quotes under his blazer”

and off-key. Each MLA fought back tears through their laughter as they remembered their beloved departed friend.

McIver expressed the thought every caucus member was thinking “One of our family members is missing,” he said to a room full of glazes eyes.

“I know you’re smiling because you oversold the Jubilee,” Tony Dhaliwal, one of Bhullar’s close friends, said during the funeral.

Dhaliwal revealed that just last week Bhullar had crashed his friend’s movie date just to throw candy at the couple’s head as they watched. Stories of his light heartedness quickly turned to stories of his undeniable love and devotion to othspaces from European leaders for Afghan refugees.”

— PC Interim Leader Ric McIver “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of the Member of the Legislative Assembly for CalgaryGreenway, Manmeet Bhullar. This is a terrible tragedy and our first thoughts are for Mr. Bhullar’s family and loved ones, as well as his constituents, his caucus colleagues, Members of the Legislature, and the people of Alberta. Mr. Bhullar worked

ers. Dhaliwal highlighted how Bhullar was there for him during hard times and the how the 200 pound football playeresque looking MLA would actually hold Dhaliwal while he cried.

Dhaliwal commented on how he returned the favour, but there was one crucial difference.

“I cried for myself and you cried for others,” he said.

Dhaliwal is speaking of Bhullar’s struggle watching others stuffer while he was minister of human services. That was the difference between Bhullar and the everyday man.

It is with a heavy heart that his family, friends, the premier of Alberta, fellow MLA’s and what seems to be every Canadian citizen, mourns the death of such a heroic member of the community.

McIver revealed the touching response Bhullar’s tragic death brought.

They received an overwhelming number of calls to confirm what happened. People were devastated and eager to commemorate the amazing figure. This was, however, was not restricted to just his party. MLAs from each party visited, said McIver.

At one point over 40 members, including people from opposing parties sat in unison, sharing drinks and telling stories of Manmeet.

“For a very short period of time, there were no teams,” said McIver. “There was just one team.”

That was the kind of mac Bhullar was: his life was one of togetherness and community—so much so that even after his death, he was bringing people together.

Manmeet Bhullar is a man that will always be remembered for his bravery, love and unconditional devotion to those around him: the epitome of a true Canadian hero. tirelessly in service of this province. All Albertans should be proud of his significant contributions to public life.”

— Premier Rachel Notley “I’ve known Manmeet ever since the first day he entered the legislature. He was a passionate advocate for his community and I want to extend my sincerest condolences to his family for their terrible loss.”

— Alberta Liberal Party Leader Dr. David Swann www.desitoday.ca

www.desitoday.ca

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

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FEATURE

MEET YOUNG SIKH LEADERS FROM ACROSS CANADA Inspired by her peers, whom she met through the World Sikh Organization’s, inaugural Sikh Youth Leadership Institute, Sandeep Gill (founder of She Writes HerStory) creates a series to highlight each individual’s impressive and motivating initiatives from across Canada. Each of the participants display great enthusiasm, empathy and love for their communities and their faith, while dispelling the negative stereotypes o en associated with the South Asian community.

ep Gill

By Sande

Jaskaran Sandhu: Director of Development at World Sikh Organization -Brampton, ON “When I was brought on as the World Sikh Organization’s Director of Development I had the pleasure of talking to individuals from across Canada. While I had numerous discussions with a vast array of people, one thing was clear - what are we doing to ensure our youth have the skills and vision necessary to strengthen and propel our community?

That is where the Sikh Youth Leadership Initiative came into being. We set out to not only build an intense and engaging leadership institute that would instill valuable lessons in leadership, but to also provide life long mentoring.

I also realized another thing when I came onto the WSO - that is, the immense value of having a national network of like-minded individuals. By bringing together 20 bright and accomplished young adults, we not only provided them with a great experience, but the ability to foster and build bridges coast to coast.

The purpose and vision of SYLI is simple: provide our youth a formal space to expand their horizon and empower and lift the Sikh community to national heights.”

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News With A Desi View

Gurleen Sidhu - Brampton, ON “As a young Sikh female, I have had first hand experience in seeing the impact a positive role model can have on someone and the importance of bringing people together who believe in a cause. It is amazing to see what people can create when you collectively believe in the bigger picture and work towards breaking down social barriers to empower people and fight for positive change.

As a community organizer I have had the opportunity to foster growth, mentor youth, empower individuals, and work towards building community leaders.

My work is inspired by Sikh teachings of social justice, equality, and community.

Through my personal experiences and my involvement with the Sikh Activist Network and Nach Balliye, I believe there is a need for empowerment and a positive space for people to turn to. I am passionate about issues of gender inequality, female feticide, and youth empowerment.”

Harman Singh-Calgary, AB “The earliest childhood memories I have are watching my role models pursue their love for humanity and god by giving up everything they had in order to serve the world by fighting for truth and justice.

I’m a 20 year-old student who has been raised in a blessed environment. I officially dedicated my life to the pursuit of truth through Sikhi at the age of 5, and continue that pursuit through educating others today.

Serving in the Canadian Armed Reserve Forces as a Combat Engineer for 3 years and gaining the experience that normally is not provided to young men today, I implement that discipline into myself to creating a better world. I’m active in social and political human rights services. Taking part and organizing youth initiatives throughout the years such as educational camps/classes, free kitchens, homeless shelters, charity sports tournaments, awareness projects, fundraisers, and community building with many different organizations.

I hope to serve the world on a higher scale through my prospective career as a lawyer. My mission is to provide food and freedom to all, so we can pursue the real truth that’s hidden deep within us. Degh Tegh Fateh!” www.desitoday.ca

Aaron Bains-Toronto, ON ““I believe that a community needs a strong memory of its past and an awareness of present issues in order to build a stable and progressive future.

I am a lawyer in Toronto working on that belief by (i) helping Sikhs confront social issues that face them in Canada, and (ii) ensure that historical wrongs against Sikhs are not purposefully forgotten. For the Sikh community, this may mean confronting issues, such as substance abuse and domestic violence, in Canada. It also involves ensuring that oppressions against Sikhs in India are not forgotten. Without achieving these goals, the Sikh community remain with a fractured memory of its past and an unstable identity with which to address todays’ problems or those to come.”

Arjan Sethi-Ottawa, ON ““Discerning Intellect: I interpret it as the ability to understand that the self (I) is no different than the other (you); that The Infinite is in each living being.

Once someone has discerning intellect, they remove themselves from the illusion that everything in the creation is separate and thus, views everything as Oneness. By doing so, unity forms between individuals and creates an unstoppable force that accelerates towards creating positive change in the world.

I would like to bring this principle into my local community because I believe it will equip the next generation of youth with the knowledge they need to achieve the changes they desire.

I am the founder of two organizations: Striving In Keeping Humanity and the Ottawa Sikhi Academy (OSA). The former provides awareness to issues that require social reform in the community as a whole, while the latter focuses on transforming adolescent Sikhs into leaders through volunteerism and community involvement.”

Sandeep Gill Osoyoos, BC “I believe that a community needs a strong memory of its past and an awareness of present issues in order to build a stable and progressive future.

I am a lawyer in Toronto working on that belief by (i) helping Sikhs confront social issues that face them in Canada, and (ii) ensure that historical wrongs against Sikhs are not purposefully forgotten. For the Sikh community, this may mean confronting issues, such as substance abuse and domestic violence, in Canada. It also involves ensuring that oppressions against Sikhs in India are not forgotten. Without achieving these goals, the Sikh community remain with a fractured memory of its past and an unstable identity with which to address todays’ problems or those to come.” www.desitoday.ca

Harjot Dosanjh-Brampton, ON “I grew up learning that Sikhism teaches us that everyone has a fundamental right to equality, regardless of their ability, identity, gender, social status, religion, colour, etc.

I recently spent a summer working for the Legal Aid of Cambodia where I helped impoverished communities fight for their land rights, while helping create education and training workshops aimed at helping community leaders develop advocacy skills.

The goal was for communities to have the knowledge and resources to continue to advocate for their rights long after partner organizations have left.

I believe that by putting aside our own prejudices to uplift families and communities, we can help create a truly inclusive society. As I work towards becoming a lawyer, I hope to continue supporting marginalized and disenfranchised communities to overcome attitudinal and systemic barriers to equality.”

Harpinder Grewal-Surrey, BC “I am a student athlete, playing basketball at the University of New Brunswick and I have a great passion for serving because it brings true happiness and it spreads peace and love.

An issue I want to solve is poverty on the East-side of Vancouver but furthermore poverty in Canada.

My brother and I founded a nonprofit called Live2Empower. Our vision is to empower, educate and create positive change in society. In addition to providing lunches, Live2Empower has supported the homeless community by donating clothes and deliver socks and gloves on Christmas day.

I started Live2Empower because I came to the realization, through reading books and mentorship that it’s not what we get, but it’s about what we give to others in our lifetime. I realized that peace and love go a long way, and when we are gone from this world, I just pray we have more peace and love and less anger and hate.”

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

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FEATURE

Jagdish Singh Gill - Toronto, ON “Three years ago, a few of us from the York Sikh Students Association sat in our office talking about how even though Toronto has a large population of Sikhs, only a small percentage proudly practice Sikhi. We knew the reason was not lack of an appreciation for Sikhi, but rather the lack of a meaningful community that sparked love of Sikhi. We started with revolutionizing the Sikh Student Associations and creating a Sikh youth community, called Sikh Youth Federation.

Being a new organization, we were confronted with many challenge as we had yet to build trust amongst the youth. Through creativity we made quality promotional videos, posters, and writeups that our target audience did not expect. The quality of these tools allowed us to effectively expand outside of Ontario to collaborate with youth in Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and even in British Columbia.

With Guru Sahib’s grace, the Federation strives to create opportunities that allow the community to truly experience Sikhi in its rawest form. We hosted Turban Up! – Canada’s biggest turban day event and facilitated Langar initiatives to help the homeless across Canada; we have organized trips to the Parliament Hill in collaboration with elected representatives and have held very successful events in high schools and universities across the country.

We pursue our mission by upholding the traditions of Miri (temporal) and Piri (spiritual) by mobilizing youth to foster positive change within the community and invoking the spark of Sikhi by emphasizing the universality of the Guru’s teachings.”

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News With A Desi View

Jas Pandher-Edmonton, AB “From a very early age, my elders had instilled in me the concept of Seva, to selflessly serve my community and others. From a young age, I have been working to try and better myself, and the immediate community around me.

Being suddenly forced to stop participating in these causes because of rapidly and increasingly serious health issues was tough.

Coming back to volunteering after a decade was even tougher. I slowly eased back into volunteering and organizing events from youth conferences, providing supplies and meals to the homeless, raising aid and support for areas hit by natural disasters, and commemoration events for incidents like the Komagata Maru Episode.

One thing that has stayed with me is the fact that there is no difference between types of seva, no big or small, and no form that is better or more valuable than another.

Start with small actions around yourself; help out with the langar, carry a senior’s groceries for them, volunteer at community events. It all makes a difference.”

Jivetesh (Jivy) Singh Chhatwal-St.John’s, NL “I moved from India to Canada with my family at age 15. Although it was a difficult adjustment, I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have taken the ‘ultimate exchange trip’. Armed with a curious attitude, English language proficiency, and a few dance moves, I arrived at my second home.

My time in St. John’s and the people that I spent it with has turned me into an advocate for youth empowerment and skill development.

During this time, I have been part of a multicultural dance group called ‘Bollywood Jig’, 2 student companies; leading one of them to national success (for a Junior Achievement company), a university group called ‘Radhoc Youth Leadership’ (in which I am gearing up to co-host my 4th social justice conference), volunteering at the local Gurdwara as well as speaking at events on social subjects.

I believe that my work is helping to facilitate safe spaces for reflection, open and progressive dialogue as well as inspiring action.” ’Sandeep Singh Sidhu-Calgary, AB “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” (June Jordan) “It is not uncommon for many to wait for a leader, a movement, a hope, or a dream to come and change how things are today. Someday things will change, someday we will see positivity. The quote above really spoke to me. It is one of the biggest secrets of our time; what we are looking and waiting for already resides within us.

Seva (Selfless Service) is a blessing, and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to be part of initiatives and projects geared towards community service.

Organizing kids camps, clothing & food drives, and doing seva through Sikh Youth Calgary and Gurdwara committees are some of the initiatives I have been part of. One project we are working on now, and is close to my heart, is the composting program at Gurdwara Dashmesh Culture Centre. Our Gurdwara’s should not have such a large carbon footprint; something needs to be done.

It’s not that I am extraordinary for doing these things; what is extraordinary is we all have the same divinity, the same capacity, and the love to make a difference. Our approach or scale may be different, but that doesn’t matter. There is no big or small service; even your smile to someone is a service to humanity. It only matters that we don’t forget that we are born with a purpose to make a difference.” www.desitoday.ca

Jessy Nerval-Edmonton, AB

““I’m passionate about self-expression, but at the same time I’m quite capricious, so I’ll pursue one thing and be readily enchanted by the next.

I write poetry, rap, paint, make beats, and I have a passion for fitness, reading and philanthropy. This all started in junior high, when I was being bullied.

The thing about being bullied is, as a kid, you don’t really know what to do. It leaves you feeling confused, cold and/or resentful. Not to mention, sad. Naturally, you clamour to find love/belonging and cling onto any relationship, substance or activity that fulfills this longing. It creates a void; but, it’s what you happen to fill this void with that matters.

Some children go on to become great individuals, and others find themselves forever jammed in the mire of negativity. In my eyes, the solution to this is quite simple, and I’ve seen it manifest personally. The solution is love. To uplift a child and inspire them to persevere is a holy panacea for all of humanity’s woes. The children are our future, and in our future we must invest.

I am the founder and director of Seva Food Truck, a meal & mentorship program that serves to uplift our youth.”

Remneek Kaur Mann-Calgary, AB

“Communities bloom when people plant trees under whose shade they may never sit.” (Greek Proverb) “Volunteering for various initiatives has exposed me to many influential and inspiring people, who often leave me in awe of how one person could be doing so much for our community and for the world.

This got me thinking of how significant an impact we could make if different community organizations united together by building cultural and social bridges, while simultaneously breaking down barriers and stereotypes. Not only would we conquer the problems in our own communities, but would also support one another and build upon our mutual goals.

Someone once told me, ‘imagine if a Sikh was fighting for the rights of a Palestinian, and an Iranian was fighting for the rights of Sikhs.’ Imagine what would happen if all of humanity were rallying together for one another’s causes.

Breaking down the concept of ‘othering’ and rising together to protect the rights of humanity are two main factors that led me to study law and pursue a career as a human rights lawyer. At the core of it all, regardless of race, and socioeconomic status, we are all human, and it is our fundamental duty to advocate and support one another.”

Sukhman Kaur Hehar-Calgary, AB

“I grew up as a very shy, sensitive young girl which made making friends impossible.

When I began going to my local Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) I immediately connected with volunteering at the free kitchen and began to go every single day for 2-3 hours. I connected with people who shared an interest in serving others and through this, I went from being unable to carry a conversation with one person to being a confident speaker in front of hundreds of people.

Up until today, I’ve volunteered with Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Sikh Youth Calgary. I currently am the youngest person sitting on the Martindale Community Association and the Youth Interfaith Council. I chose the word “chardikala” because it means “constantly rising in high spirits” and by practicing a lifestyle of activism I attain the state of chardikala.

By sharing this, my hope is, through the Grace of God, to exemplify how through associating with people who uplift and inspire us we can uplift and inspire each other.”

www.desitoday.ca

Simran KaurVancouver, BC

“For the past seven years, I’ve been striving to demolish the barriers of division that have formed in my community.

The desire to make a difference all started with the encouragement of my high school dance coach. This pushed me in my senior year to volunteer at Science World and Stanley Park where I promoted environmental education and led the global awareness team in numerous projects and to organize fundraisers for various charities.

After graduation, I began working with my local gurdwaras to connect South Asian children, youth, families and seniors together. We target environmental issues, gender equality, drug usage and crime prevention through weekly and monthly educational and religious programs.

In these past seven years I’ve come to realize that with Satguru Ji’s Kirpa, nothing is impossible.”

Kirpa Grewal-Brampton, ON

“Being a young female in Brampton, a lot of people knew me as such and such’s daughter or granddaughter. In some cases, they did not even know my name, just my family lineage.

I want people to know me for being me and for my accomplishments. Growing up, I always had ideas of how to help my community but my ideas were dismissed because of my age. I believed this negativity. I let this negativity hold me back. Due to my family lineage, I felt that anything less than 100% success was a failure.

Somehow my family’s reputation would be tarnished by my failure. (Side Note: My parents never told me this, it was just the way I felt) Through reaching the job of my dreams, I learnt a lot a lot about myself. I finally trust myself to take on big initiatives. This is just the beginning of my story and I hope that I can make a positive change.”

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

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FEATURE Reports reveal that car accidents increase as much as 20% in certain areas of the Lower Mainland during winter months. This means increased insurance, more damaged vehicles, numerous injured individuals and even a stark increase in accident-related deaths from December through March. Take initiative this season and get follow our guidelines to ensure safer winter driving!

HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY IN THE WINTER

#1 Get Winter Tires This is likely the simplest/most effective tip for protecting your driving this winter “Winter tires make for safer driving.

Period. At the end of the day the steering and stopping capability of a winter tire is superior to an all season tire. I know we are all worried about getting stuck in the snow, but really, what we need and want is to be able to stop and steer in the cold weather, the added traction is a bonus. A winter tire is softer with biting edges for traction, steering, breaking and has increased channelling in the tread to evacuate snow, slush and rain.

There is a lot of confusion about winter tires. People tend to think they only need them for the snow, and that they are more expensive. In fact, winter tires work best in the cold weather which includes those lovely Lower Mainland rainy days. And, in the winter is when manufacturers have rebates on winter tires. You can save money, and then extend the life of both sets of your tires by spreading the wear between them.

Having two sets of tires really is the optimal way to go, as you have best tire for the weather. Some All Season tires come with the M&S (Mud and Snow) rating; however, they are not a true winter tire, they simply have a better design than some all season tires. The Snowflake symbol is the only true identification of a winter tire.

Both my wife’s and my personal vehicles have winter tires on them. We switch them over mid October every year, we winter proof our home and our vehicles at the same time, and I encourage everyone I know to use winter tires as well. There is a difference, they are safer, and after you get your first set you will never go back.”

- Dale Carpenter, Owner of OK Tire Newton, 38 years in automotive industry.

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OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

#2 Dealing With Skidding •

•

Avoid using the brakes as they cause skidding. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and allow the speed to decrease by itself until you regain control if the car starts to spin while skidding, steer into the direction of the spin and allow the car to straighten on its own

#3 Listening for snow/ice •

Keep your radio off because one of your first indicators that you’re driving on ice is what you’re hearing: when driving on snow you’ll hear crunching under your tires so if the tire noise suddenly becomes quiet, you may be driving on a patch of ice

#4 Distance •

“Driving slowly” does not tell the full picture, drive slow enough so you can keep an 8-10 second distance between you and car in front of you

#5 Keeping Windshield clear •

•

If your view is being obstructed with fumes on your front windshield, turn the A/C on air-recirculation with a front window slightly open (unless the inside of the car is very hot and moist wherein you turn the A/C on “Fresh Air”) A good tip is to check your roof for

snow before you drive because nothing would be worse than snow slipping down your windshield for a quick second and not being able to clearly see the snowy road

#6 How to Correctly Turn •

•

•

Three actions encourage skidding: speeding up, slowing down and changing direction (turning) Try your best to avoid doing two of these actions together (e.g., turning and slowing down) When you’re at a turn it’s best to remain at a constant speed so you don’t further promote skidding

#7 Hydroplaning •

What is it: when so much water has built up in your tires that they lose contact with the road

•

How to deal with it: ease your foot of the gas and begin to steer in the direction you want your car to go

•

If you need to brake, pump your brakes gently until you regain contact with the road

•

How to avoid it in the first place: keep your tires properly inflated, rotate/replace tires when necessary, avoid driving in puddles/standing water (a good tip is to drive in the tire tracks left by the car in front of you) and, of course, drive slowly www.desitoday.ca

Newest OK Tire: Surrey Scottsdale Tony Nandra has over 21 years of experience in the automotive industry and over 16 years of experience in owning and operating a tire and automotive shop. It is Tony’s perfect balance of industry knowhow paired with his customer-focused family business roots that put him at the forefront of the new OK Tire location. He has the experience of a corporate professional with the same genuine interest in helping customers that he had when he began his family business in 1999. “When it comes to tires, I know everything there is to know and, more importantly, I know people. Give me the chance, and I’ll know exactly how to suit your needs” he comments.

The North Surrey location opens as a direct result of customer demand.

“There’s high traffic flow in the area, great exposure because it’s so close to the Pattullo Bridge and now that we have joined OK Tire people know they can trust it” Tony comments. The new location will be completely re-modelled with the same all-in-one place convenience that OK Tire promises such as a wide variety of brand name quality tires and complete automotive service and repair including wheel alignment, front end repair, cooling system flush, engine oil, brake services and much more.

At his roots, Tony wants keep his customers’ cars running at its best. “If you own a car, you need and want to take care of it, although most people wait until they have to. Being pro-active and maintaining your vehicle ensures less costly repairs and no surprises. One of the most overlooked elements is your tires; you should always be attentive with your tires, check the tire pressure and do this every week especially in the winter.

In cold conditions when the temperature drops, the tire pressure drops as well” he comments. Aside from tire maintenance, he also cautions “You must also check all your fluid levels: oil level, antifreeze level, but this you can do every month.”

For all those in the North Surrey area, this new OK Tire location is likely to become your one stop-shop for your automotive needs!

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FEATURE

“I Joined The RCMP To Put Bad Guys In Jail” Meet RCMP’s Newest Suprintendent

Mandip (Manny) Mann en

By Parve

32

Earlier this year, the Surrey RCMP proudly announced the promotion of Inspector Mandip “Manny” Mann (Senior Investigator of the Major Crime Section) to superintendent of Investigative Services Officer. Mann is the first person of South Asian descent to take on such an esteemed position within the RCMP in British Columbia. As the Investigative Services Officer for the Surrey RCMP, he will oversee all of Surrey Detachment’s investigative sections. These include: Serious Crime Unit, General Investigations Unit, Unsolved Homicide Unit, Vulnerable Persons Special Victims Unit, and Target Teams, the Investigation Enforcement Section. Mann has over 24 years of experience with the RCMP unOCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

Sohal

der his belt, including some career highlights that put into perspective exactly why Mann was the best candidate for this position.

In 2002, he received Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for his role in solving an astounding 22 homicides in a 4 year period. In 2001, he obtained commanding officer commendation for his role in solving a homicide that occurred in 1974. The public can trust that their safety is in the most trustworthy hands as Manny Mann was the recipient of an RCMP Long Service Medal for completing 20 years of service with good conduct in 2011.

Not only is Mann dedicated to arresting criminals and stopping crime, he is also dedicated to protecting victims and preventwww.desitoday.ca

The Interview ing further harm. Mann played a significant role in the creation of Sophie’s Place Child Advocacy Centre, which provides specialized services to abused children in a child-friendly setting. Further, he played a major role in the expansion of the Domestic Violence Unit and addition of community based victim services within Surrey Detachment.

When you speak you Mann you can see the passion behind what he does. “I joined the RCMP to put bad guys in jail” he comments proudly. “I am honoured to take on this new role in Investigative Services. We have a dedicated team who are dedicated to solving crime and protecting our citizens, that I am proud to lead.” www.desitoday.ca

What advice does Manny have for the public?

What’s his take on the increase of South Asian gang/drug crime? Find out below with Desi Today’s exclusive interview with the RCMP’s newest Superintendent.

Q:

Q:

I am very proud of my background and heritage. Surrey is a very diverse city and I am happy to be looked up to by others from the South Asian community. I try to get out and attend as many events and meet as many people from different backgrounds as I can. I take great pride in the work we do here every day and the many officers and staff from various backgrounds that all work together towards a common goal.

The RCMP is a very large organization with numerous career paths that are available. I have been fortunate to have many different roles within this organization. With almost 25 years of service here in the Lower Mainland, I have learned that it is important for any young police officer to stay open-minded and connected to their community.

How does it feel to be the first South Asian RCMP Superintendent in BC?

If you could go back first year as a police officer, what advice would you give yourself?

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

33

FEATURE work which is ultimately the core function of our operations.

Q:

As Superintendent, how do you plan to tackle Surrey’s gang violence issue?

Q:

What is something that surprised you about the Superintendent position?

There are challenges at every stage of policing and this position is no different.

Thankfully, we have a lot of intelligent and resourceful people here that know this community. I believe I can add to this mix with my background and work experience to help bring solutions on issues or problems that our community may be

experiencing.

Q:

What is your favorite and least favourite part about being Superintendent?

I really enjoyed my time as a front line police officer. Due to my current position, I do not have as many opportunities to be involved in this type of policing. I still try to make it a habit to talk to as many officers as I can who are doing this valuable

The shootings that have occurred in Surrey and Delta this year have been a top priority for me and for our detachment. We have been working with our law enforcement partners and using a number of tactics including overt and covert enforcement initiatives and community engagement to gather intelligence and evidence on those we believe are involved in these targeted shootings.

To date, multiple individuals have been arrested and charged with various drug trafficking, kidnapping, assault, breach, and firearms related charges as well as two individuals for Attempt Murder and Discharge Firearm offences. While I can’t divulge our current operations, I feel we are making significant headway. We continue to work with our Crown Counsel partners to obtain additional charges and get those involved in this conflict prosecuted, incarcerated, and off our streets. We’ve also met with community leaders to address the root problems of this conflict and held forums with the public to obtain their feedback and hear their concerns. We’ve created a tip line for this conflict, that is monitored 24/7 in multiple languages, which has resulted in over 150 tips being received. In addition, we’ve made appeals to family and friends of those involved in these shootings to advance our investigations as both the victims and intended victims have been largely uncooperative with police.

Q:

Why do you think so many Indo-Canadian kids become involved in gang violence/drug crimes?

34

OCT / NOV 2015

News With A Desi View

This issue is not unique to Surrey or Indo Canadians. There have been conflicts in the streets of Vancouver, Abbotsford and Kelowna, just to name a few examples recently, and they have all involved other ethnic backgrounds. The lure of the criminal lifestyle is nothing new. At the root of this problem is drug use and drug trafficking. The traffickers are driven by greed and the desire to make money. We have 90,000 students in our City. This is important because these are the people www.desitoday.ca

that drug traffickers and the criminal element will try to exploit, most of whom do not have any criminal history/involvement. Youth are targeted because they are open to adventure and willing to try new and dangerous ways of living. The lure of making quick money – while not actually the reality – is alluring to young people. And once they get involved in this lifestyle, it becomes very difficult to get out. For years we have been partnered with the Surrey School District with our WRAP Program, which helps youth at risk of gang involvement make positive life choices. The Surrey RCMP also offers a number of intervention programs designed to redirect youth out of the criminal justice system and help them make healthier decisions. As a community we need to break the cycle of criminal behaviour, and the culture of idealizing and glamourizing the criminal lifestyle.

This is especially prevalent among young people – they need to understand that a criminal life is dangerous and far from glamourous and they need to understand this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. As our community becomes more engaged, and we collectively change this behaviour we will see gains as we take the shine off the criminal lifestyle. And as our community no longer accepts this behavior, we will see positive change.

Q:

What 3 personality traits do you possess that you believe best prepare you to take on this position?

I believe that hard work, communication, and leadership are the best personality traits that a leader in this organization should strive towards acquiring.

Q:

Have you experienced any racial bias in this field and, if so, how did you handle it?

There will always be those individuals who are determined to undermine the work of people from different ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, etc.

The challenge is to surround yourself with positive people and influences that can help you achieve your goals and be a healthy and contributing member of our community. www.desitoday.ca

Q:

As a community we need to break the cycle of criminal behaviour, and the culture of idealizing and glamourizing the criminal lifestyle.

What advice would you give someone who one day hopes to take on your position?

By working hard, I have had an exciting and challenging career in the RCMP and have had an opportunity to make a difference – I challenge our citizens, especially our youth, to find THEIR opportunity to make a positive difference.

Q:

As Superintendent, could you tell us what changes we should expect to see in Surrey in the next 5-10 years?

Surrey is a growing at an exponential rate. Over the next few years we will be significantly enhancing our first re-

sponders’ police presence and reviewing our needs in a number of areas. This will allow us to spend more time engaged in proactive initiatives across the city. Residents can be assured that we are constantly evaluating policing priorities and reallocating resources to respond to the changing needs of the city.

Q:

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you or your position?

I am a proud Surrey-ite and have lived in this city for over 20 years raising my family here. I am committed and engaged in this community and looking forward to helping lead our officers and citizens toward a common goal of enhanced public safety and crime reduction.

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

35

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

Heroes Break Too

Our Need a

Takhar

By Geetu

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL MOMS Is it just me or are our mothers the unsung heroes of our generation? They are selfless, hardworking, nurturing, and on top of all that, they tend to be amazing cooks! They devote their entire lives to making sure that our lives are the best they can be. This sounds so amazing and so powerful, but it always makes me a little sad.

In their gracious acts of selflessness, they have grossly neglected themselves.

Think about it: they are always the last ones to eat, the first ones to get up and start cleaning, and their schedule revolves around their family’s schedule.

Most of this is a result of the expectations that were held for our mothers growing up in India. The formula to be a good wife, mother, and daughter in law is so deeply engrained in their minds that they don’t give it a second thought before they serve their family. They do not think of themselves as “selfless,” they just think that they are doing their job as the woman of the house. In today’s generation, many moms also hold down part time or even full time jobs while maintaining the household!

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OCT / NOV 2015

News With A Desi View

When someone is so used to living their life to serve others, it’s easy to forget about themselves. As they ask their children, “What do you want for dinner?” their own cravings are stifled. As they ask their husband “____” their own ____ is ____.When they fold and put away their husband’s laundry, they get it done quickly without acknowledging the mundane task at hand. When they are in the kitchen cooking or cleaning while the rest of the family mingles during social events, they are likely not even spiteful about missing out because they’re already exhausted after all the preparations for the evening.

When I think about everything my mom does for me and my family, it baffles my mind. And when I ask her, “Mom, what did you do for yourself today?” I just get a peculiar look back. If I ask her to join me for a mani/pedi, she tells me to save my money. If I ask her to come for a walk, she proceeds to list off the tasks she has to complete before the end of the day.

Even when I ask her what she wants for Christmas, she’ll say that she only wants our obedience. Well, enough is enough.

It’s time we force our heroes to be a little selfish. The importance of self-care is lost on many, but today, we will shed a little light on the matter.

Self-care is an act that is carried out for the primary benefit of your own wellbeing. It is an amount of time allocated each day by you, for you. It can be taking the time to give yourself a manicure, go for a nature walk, read a few chapters of an interesting book, watch your guilty pleasure reality show, etc. It’s about taking care of yourself just as you would take care of others.

The importance of self-care is simple.

If you spend your life day in day out thinking of others and working for others, you are neglecting yourself. In neglecting yourself, you are running down your body, your mind, and your soul. This can lead to exhaustion, depression, insecurity, and overall feelings of unhappiness. These emotions can take effect on your physiological functioning which, if compromised, will eventually prevent you from taking care of your loved ones at all. It’s like running a car on empty for so long that the entire engine stops workwww.desitoday.ca

ing, leaving the car worthless. Another way to understand this phenomenon is to think of the safety videos in airplanes.

It will always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before you assist your neighbor because you must help yourself in order to effectively help others.

Some cool ways to incorporate selfcare into your routine that are proven to increase mental well-being are as follows:

A Proper nutrition/diet. It is impor-

tant that our bodies have the fuel they need to get through the day. If we fill them with empty calories like cha and rotis, they will be craving nutrients all day which can have detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health.

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Hydration. Our water intake should be around 2L a day and it helps to flush out our body of any unwanted toxins while providing our bodies with numerous health benefits. These include but are not limited to: transportation of nutrients, lower risk of some cancers, increased energy, human performance and functioning, maintenance of weight, and healthier skin.

B

Exercise. Whether it’s a 20 minute walk 3 times a week or a more extensive workout, the benefits of exercise go far beyond having a toned body. It is a form of “moving meditation” in which you are one with your body and mind and focused on your own improvement.

The circulation of blood through your body pumps your organs and warms your brain which cues your mind to help you relax and get better sleep. It also helps relieve stress, boosts your mood by releasing feel good endorphins, can alleviate anxiety and keep the mind sharp by improving cognition.

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D Being in/around nature. Studies

have shown that nature provides a restorative experience for the mind helping to relieve stress, feel grounded, gain perspective, and heal old emotional wounds.

Bear in mind that these patterns of self-care are only self-care if YOU want it to be. Ultimately, this is a time to do anything you would like to do without resistance or guilt. Prioritizing yourself for at least some time each day is important and can provide a marked improvement in your quality of life. Remember moms, if you don’t do it for yourself, who will? www.desitoday.ca

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

37

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

  We have all woken up from a dream feeling awe-stricken, trying to search from memories in the past few days to make sense of why our subconscious may have conjured up the specific dream. We have done the research and we found your answers! Researchers, scholars and even psychologists as famous as Carl Jung have made claims about what these common dreams may mean.

#1 Chased Researchers conclude that the people who vividly remember being chased in their dreams have one commonality: they are not addressing a big problem in their life.

Researchers state that because you choose to hide a problem in your conscious everyday life, your subconscious is trying to remind you that you cannot ignore: that the problem will “chase” you eventually.

#3 Late For Something/Can’t Reach Destination This specific dream is closely tied to being overwhelmed with too much and feeling like you don’t have enough time to complete everything. Reports show that when people take on too much responsibility and then begin to procrastinate, they often have a dream where they can’t reach their destination.

#2 Vehicles Having dreams related to cars, planes, trains, etc., are almost unanimously tied to one’s feeling of control in their life. When life is taking you in a new direction, we often are forcefully going down a new path or are forced into a new path that we do not wish to take. In the first case, you’ll have dreams where you choose to drive very fast and it’s enjoyable. In the second case, you’ll find yourself in a car you can’t control, or forced to remain in a plane/train that is experiencing turbulence that you have no control over.

#4 Water Dreams concerned with water are commonly tied to the emotions of our subconscious and conscious mind. The type of water involved is the revealing factor: clear water represents calmness, cloudy mugging water represents anger/disgust, drowning in water represents feeling overwhelmed. It is important to note that often dreams related to water are more about how we are managing our emotions rather than the emotions themselves.

#5 Flying - People report feeling free and elated during and after having a dream where they are able to fly. This tends to indicate that you have recently freed yourself from a stressful situation or achieved a goal in your life recently. You may have previously felt restrained due to a stressor in your life and since a recently positive event, your subconscious feels free and is expressing that feeling through the flying dream. It may also be that you are finally taking time to reflect on your life rather than get caught up in your busy schedule. In both cases, the subconscious is feeling free and unrestricted and this is how the subconscious expresses itself. en

By Parve

38

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

Sohal

www.desitoday.ca

His Father’s Business Sense, His Mother’s Caring Nature:

Tahir Malik is the Best of Both Worlds Tahir Malik grew up in Gujranwala, Pakistan where he was the youngest sibling in his family. His journey to becoming a Credit Counsellor is one that pairs drive, passion, experience, and perhaps a little bit of fate. He watched his father, a lawyer, use his strategic and persistent tactics to arrive at the best legal settlements for his clients. He also watched his mother, a teacher, act with her caring heart to create lasting bonds with her students. As your debt specialist Tahir Malik has the best of both world: a persistent negotiator who can get his clients the lowest rates from debt collectors, paired with a caring nature that drives him to genuinely help others and teach them how to budget their finances.

New Life Debt Solution was started in 2004 by Tahir’s older brother, Ahmad Malik, with a vision to help people get a fresh start. Debt is an all-encompassing financial problem that drives people into a spiral of hopelessness and financial turmoil. When Tahir saw how Ahmad was changing people’s lives, he was motivated to do the same. The company is based on treating people as family members who need financial help rather than an investment. “There is a genuine satisfaction you get from being able to help people get back on track” Tahir comments. “We have the tools and the know-how to get people out of debt and it is our passion to continue doing so every day,” he adds.

Tahir is experienced in handing credit/visa debts, ICBC/student loans, GST accounts, money mart debts and much more. New Life Debt solutions is licensed to provide all debt services including counselling all within their office. They even go further to provide referrals where needed. Unlike other debt solution companies, they are a multi-province conglomerate with offices in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Montreal. They have the big brand credibility paired with their person-focused service which is what allows clients to put their full trust in them. With plans to open up an office in each province in Canada, they are fulfilling their goal of constantly bettering themselves in every year of business.

What sets New Life Debt solutions apart is that they are dedicated to providing long-term financial stability for their clients. New Life negotiates with creditors on behalf of clients, creates budgets, provides financial counselling and strategically deals with each client to ensure on going stability.

It may be surprisingly to learn that if a client comes to their office with debt problems two years after obtaining services, Tahir will help them for free.

New Life Debt Solution clients are genuinely seen as family members rather than “clients.” This is a rarity and shows how do not simply want to pocket money, but rather they do everything in their power to help people be successful with their finances. Their aim and their speciality is debt restricting in a manner to build up people’s credibility so later they can get car loans, mortgages, etc.

“Helping people out, seeing happiness on their faces because of what we can do for them is what fuels me. Seeing a $1500 monthly payment and using our skills to bring it down to $200 is what makes me want to continue. It’s seeing families create a savings, have money for their kids’ educations, buy a house—that’s what makes my job worthwhile.”

New Life Debt Solutions 9200 120 St #208, Surrey, BC. Ph.: 604-909-2277 www.NewLifeDebt.com www.desitoday.ca

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A Desi View

39

Wishing You A Very Happy New Year !

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e v o L

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

at First Swipe

How did you meet your significant other? Was it from mutual friends se ing you up? Having a class together? Meeting at work? Over your cellphone? In the next couple of years we may see apps like Tinder become the Vetchola in many of our weddings. Everyone knows more than one person that uses Tinder. There has been a trend of young people staying in school longer thus sacrificing the time they have free to go out and meet people.

Tinder can be seen as a solution to this problem. It’s a time efficient way to see who’s out there and to possibly meet a partner. Technology has allowed life to be much easier for us in many ways. Dating life is no exception to this! Just imagine rejecting dates from the comfort of your own home! It sells itself and it’s no wonder that Tinder took off and became im-

mensely popular among our youth.

However, dating online does come with stigma. Many people still see dating online as “desperate� or they may ask “Why can’t you find anyone in real life?�

Tinder is still real life, people! Why do we put pictures up on Facebook? Why can’t we show print photos to our friends in real life? There is no shame in abating the dating process by going online! Between you and me, I think Tinder is much be er than the classified ads your mom shows you in newspapers. Wouldn’t you rather read a wi y bio than “male searching for female must be skinny and fair and 2023?� Se ing your age and location requirements at the very beginning can lessen so much future headache! The point is: yes there is a shi from finding people in “real life� to finding people online but this

is not a bad thing! The people that are too busy to go out or don’t like the bar or club lifestyles now have the opportunities to meet people too. Apps like Tinder make things easier for introverted people.

Just like dating in real life, Tinder has risks too. The person you’re talking to could be using fake pictures and they also could be way older than they say they are.

We have all heard of the term “catfishing� and this is a very real possibility on Tinder. Also it’s easy to become discouraged a er you have to swipe le to 50 duds in a row in search of your stud. But let me ask you, when you go into a bar you only notice the girls/guys that you want to talk to. You are figuratively swiping le to all of the other people you don’t even notice.

You’re doing the same amount of work without even realizing it.

Meeting someone on Tinder comes with its baggage too. Many couples put their heads together to come up with another way they met just to avoid the awkward stares and uninvited questions. No one wants to hear, “WHAT? You met online?� No one wants to be judged or ridiculed. Finding a friendship that grows into a relationship is o en regarded as the ideal way to find a partner but isn’t it more romantic to say you found love at first swipe?

et

By Navje

42

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A DESI View

a (Joti) Bajw

www.desitoday.ca

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

1 0 1 y b Ba hall Pass

By Amrita

Lit

This Too S

Many of you child-free folk may not know that along with becoming a parent, also comes the wonderful plethora of parenting advice. When my son was born I was bombarded with countless suggestions and guidelines as to what the “proper� practices of child rearing are.

Some things I took with a grain of salt, some words I repeat to myself every day as they have helped so very much, and others have just plain irked me. There’s this strange phenomenon of people of younger generations to be afraid of “spoiling� our offspring with “too much love.�

I heard things from such people like, “if you rock him to sleep he’s going to be clung on to you forever.� “Don’t let him in your bed, he’s going to become way too attached!� Or my personal favourite, “just let him cry it’ll build character.�

So at first I was certain I would never just let my li le guy cry out for me for long periods of time and sit idly by. There was absolutely no chance I was going to submit him to such subconscious torture.

But then hit the age of sleep regression. That dreaded four month old age mark. Actually, heck, I can’t even say I dreaded it because when it came it hit me like a shocking ton of bricks. My naive and unprepared self had no idea that babies suddenly stop being sound sleepers and are awoken by every li le thing that goes bump in the night (and day).

The physiological changes which bring this about are that of their “active sleep� now coming into play. They fall in and out of certain sleep stages and during transitions is when they are more succeptible to being bothered by external stimulus and thus wake more frequently.

So for my son his annoyance came in the form of horrendous teething pain. My once completely blissful sleeper was now waking every 20 minutes throughout the night. He would screech loudly and was hard to get back down. It was brutal. My eyes felt like sandpaper. My body ached from exhaustion. And my mind started to feel numb from all the sleep deprivation.

44

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A DESI View

So I sought help and a er asking around and my husband and I doing much googling we came across a certain company which specialized in something called “sleep training.�

I had heard of this concept before but never paid it much a ention as I thought I had been blessed with a magical baby who lulled himself to sleep and never needed such aggressive tactics to get him to stay asleep.

But boy oh boy was I wrong. We needed help. Bad. In any way, shape, or form. I was at my wits end and willing to try anything a er about three solid months of ba ling with a screaming, back-arching, over tired and frustrated child throughout the day and night.

So I called them up with high hopes of catching up on some much needed rest and within about twenty minutes my stomach started to turn at what I would be required to do during this so called “training.�

I told the friendly and eager to help woman that I wouldn’t be able to apply it quite yet as I didn’t feel ready. So she just made me a schedule based on what I had told her of my sons daily routine and told me to reach out to her when I felt it was bad enough to require some intervention.

Well each night and day started to blend together as I grew more and more tired. I spent countless hours trying to find some sort of alternative.

I started to grow frustrated and even resentful of my new role as a mother. I felt trapped by my responsibilities and the feeling of incapability to give my child what he needed - rest, was crushing.

But still, my heart couldn’t let him cry it out. I just didn’t know why I couldn’t do it but it just didn’t feel right to me.

Then one day I got to talking with my mother. She explained that neither myself or my siblings were good sleepers as infants. But we eventually became kids who kissed her goodnight and went off on our merry way to bed.

So that directly contradicted the sug-

gestion that I was somehow harming my sons long term development by not allowing him to learn to “self sooth.�

I thought okay maybe we were a one off. But the more older women I consulted the more they said allowing a baby to cry for long periods of time is preposterous and something they never did or would ever do.

So then it struck me. Our mothers broke their backs caring for us. Come hell or high water they did what needed to be done in order to give us the best upbringing possible. They made our lives cushy and complete at the sacrifice of their own needs and wants.

This was a direct contrast to my peers who were all advising me to allow my son to become independent at as early of an age as possible. No ma er how loud the piercing shrieks it took to get there.

I realized my inner gut resonated with that of being nurturing and following more of an a achment form of parenting. And that’s completely okay. Each parent has the right to raise their child as they see fit. Some things may clash due to generational gaps in parenting practice styles. Other may fall right in line as they have been tried and true.

But one things for certain. One does not ever stop being a parent once they become one. Day or night, screaming or happy child - there is no off switch.

So stop searching for an algorithm or a shortcut way to make it all easier. Because sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one. That there is no pa ern.

There is no formula to make your baby sleep longer, feed be er, crawl or walk quicker, or cry less.

All you can do is try your best and take things one day at a time - and remember the advice which I referred to at the beginning of this article that gets me through each and every difficult day that comes my way - this too shall pass.

The good, the bad, and the ugly, it all passes - whether you let them cry through it or not is entirely up to you. www.desitoday.ca

www.desitoday.ca

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A Desi View

45

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

Interracial Dating: A Sikh and a Muslim

“Love Does Not Need To Tear Us Apart” en

By Parve Compiled

“You can marry any man you want – as long as he’s Muslim.” This warning was issued to me and my sister, by our parents, at an early age. Most children accept such nonsense without question. I’m ashamed to say I did, too, even though I was struck by the dissonance between the parental caution and the fact that nothing about us was especially Muslim. From our short hair, to our shorts and dresses, to our inability to name the Top Pillars of Islam, we probably would have been found unacceptable by any truly Muslim family. Nevertheless, I didn’t expect I would ever have cause to go against my parents’ wishes because, in those days, I didn’t like boys.

So what could be the problem when I finally found the person I know is the love of my life? The problem is, that I am Muslim and he is a Sikh; neither one of us is 100% practicing. We are both spiritual and believe very strongly in God and we both carry a respect for each others religion. What we would do with any future children? We’ve discussed it and the answer is that they would be raised around both religions and have nothing forced on them. I will stay Muslim and he a Sikh.

I have absolutely no qualms in going to 46

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

the Gurdwara nor does he about going to a Mosque. So if we have it all figured out, shouldn’t that account for something? In the perfect world my answer would be yes, however, in this situation it accounts for nothing.

Where does the religious non acceptance root from? From my understanding during the partition of India in 1947, there was much bloodshed between Sikhs and Muslims. There was mass migration of people from all walks of life to leave their homes and belongings and travel by foot across the new border, on trains and on land people were killed in what was felt to be revenge attacks. Millions of Sikhs left Pakistan and moved into India, while millions of Muslims left India and moved into Pakistan. So what does this have to do with people of couples of today? I couldn’t tell you.

To know that I have never felt this way about anyone else and that could potentially mean nothing to my family breaks my heart. This man is everything my parents would want me to be with however, religion makes him everything they wouldn’t want me with.I would think that the union of two religions is something to not only celebrate but also

Sohal

respect. It puts a stop to the stigma that surrounds inter-race couples and lets love be love.

Despite my deep love for my family, its clear which way I would turn if forced to choose between them and my partner.

It’s not that straightforward for everyone. I’m intrigued by the awful possibility that even true love might not be enough to help one rise above differences.

Disapproval is never easy to handle, but when it’s directed at your partner it’s especially difficult. This person – your other half – supposedly encapsulates all the qualities you value, and also reflects your own sense of worth. Any rejection of them is indirect rejection of you.

Rosa Luxemburg said: “Those who do not move, do not notice their chains.” It might be cosy to hunker down in the old comfort zone, but the sense of security is false. Too many of us are trapped by an unwillingness to see things differently, to act outside received social norms. We diminish ourselves when we do not accept one another as we are. Acceptance confirms a confidence in one’s own values, acknowledges the right to difference, and shows respect for the other. Love does not need to tear us apart. www.desitoday.ca

Confessions of a Sikh Dating a Muslim den love.

It was a forbid more And what can be at? th an th tempting

All I did wa s love someon e. Why did that have to cause so much turmoil in my family ? My heart ac hed if I left her and it ached to see the sorrow in my mother’s eyes . I lost either way.

ars now. I am sband for 6 ye hu my to d ie rr d everything I have been ma and generous an nd ki is He . am rrible when I happy, I really and. I feel te sb hu a in nt wa a good man. someone could husband is such my e t us ca be ts gh me was my firs have these thou . The man for me t r ec fo rf e pe on e re th we But he is not s my heart. We ha He . ’t ve dn lo ul t co firs s Muslim. So I boyfriend, my ppy, but he wa ha so re of my life. we we and have the love ’t dn ul co I have him.

how different I always wonder nbe if I had co my life would ng ti da m. I was verted to Isla I r 3 years and a Muslim man fo on issue would knew the religi kept putting it come up but I s 24 he asked off. When I wa d convert but to marry me an it. I couldn’t I couldn’t do gion. How are change my reli just do that? you supposed to

I am not only Sikh but I am Amrit Shak.

I took Amrit and follow my re ligion with my whole heart and soul. In college I fell in love with a Muslim girl.

My family ke pt telling me ho w I was wron g for doing this.

How ironic is it that somethin g like love ca n be considered so wrong?

ink back love. When I th in y dl ma so bliss. It g and happiness and We were so youn ue tr of k in k about I just th a while I thin in to those days ce on y er she has o but ev Facebook that was so long ag on w sa I d an rupt her ied now never dare inte her. I am marr d ul wo I so s that we ildren how cruel it wa 3 beautiful ch t ou ab k in th Her memory times I thinks of me. e live. But some sh if er nd ppy kids. t and wo re just two ha we were torn apar We . me ti to that takes me back www.desitoday.ca

en Sohal

By Parve d e il p m o C

DEC / JAN 2016

News With A DEsi View

47

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

“Let’s Meet for Coffee” Joti’s Advice Column We’ve all had a problem or two (or seven) that we just need to get off our chest.

And what do we say when we have these overly stressful, life-altering situations that we must to talk over? Let’s meet for coffee! I now welcome you to my virtual coffee shop. Here I will answer some of your most pressing questions about life, love and anything in between.

ABOUT ME:

I’m a psychology and counselling student that’s not an expert, just a friend. I read about peoples’ problems every day, all day. Now I want to hear about yours.

Ask me anything!

Dear Joti, I’ve been dating this guy for about 6 months and I recently noticed that he doesn’t put any pictures of us on his social media: there are none on his Instagram, Facebook, or anything. I made a comment about it and he sort of made a joke and said it wasn’t on purpose. A month later (after we had taken pictures together at a few events) he still didn’t put any pictures up. The worst part is, I know he used to put pictures of him and his ex-girlfriend all the time. Should I be concerned?

I was on your boyfriend’s side until you mentioned that he previously put up pictures of an ex. I was thinking maybe 48

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

jwa t (Joti) Ba

By Navjee

he has family that follows him and that he’s avoiding marriage rumours. The best thing to do is ask him what’s up. No jokes nothing have a serious conversation about it because this can be a sign of something concerning. Is he hiding you from his other girlfriend? Don’t let him skirt around the issue.

Dear Joti, There is this black leather dress that my girlfriend wears that just—it’s not very flattering on her. I know I sound like a jerk and I think my girlfriend is beautiful, I do! It’s just some of the clothes she wears are a little too tight for her. And those kind of clothes, like the dress, are the clothes she loves wearing. Should I say something or keep quiet?

Issues like this are always tricky because the clothes she buys and wears are a

form of self-expression for her. If she is honestly happy with how she dresses and what she’s wearing there isn’t much you can do. With that being said there are some things you can try doing: go shopping with her and give her sizes that will be flattering on her. Listen to what it is about those clothes that she likes and try and find something similar that she will love just as much.

Dear Joti, I have a 16-year-old daughter and I think she is hiding something from me.

She always leaves the room to answer her phone and she is always on her phone late at night time. I think she is talking to a boy or she has a boyfriend. I tried asking her many times but she won’t tell me.

I am getting very concerned because I am scared he might be older than her and she is very innocent and impressionable. My www.desitoday.ca

and it’s all because of what I saw? I don’t want to tear my family apart. I want to just forget it all happened. Is not telling my mom a betrayal to her? And is telling my mom even though my dad said to forget about it a betrayal to him? I wish I never saw the messages but now I already have. What should I do?

Put yourself in your mom’s shoes. Would you want to know? When you tell her (notice how I didn’t say if) its important for you to remember that its not you who is tearing your family apart. Your father did that himself.

Dear Joti, I’m getting married in November and my fiancé and I have decided to have an Indian and Caucasian fusion wedding.

I’ll be wearing a white dress and he’ll be wearing a suit and everything. The issue I’m having is one of my friends sent me photos of the lengha she’ll be wearing and its all white. Maybe she doesn’t know you shouldn’t wear white to a wedding?

She’s one of my more assertive friends and she’s been known to blow up and cut people out when she’s mad. I’m kinda freaking out because coming across as a bridezilla is my worst nightmare but I really want to tell her to wear something else that’s not white but I just don’t know how.

son found out the password to her phone and he told it to me, should I go through my daughter’s phone? I know it is wrong but I would not be thinking about doing this if she wasn’t so secretive. Is it okay that I do this just to make sure my daughter is safe?

As a parent you do have a responsibility in keeping your children safe. You also need to respect their privacy. I have to ask you how much of this is curiosity or concern. You’re curious because she leaves the room and talks at night but you’re concerned because you have suspicions he may be older. What is the basis of this assumption? If you decide to go into her phone you should only be making sure that he is in the same age group and nothing more. If you find out he is, be there for your daughter and let her know why this is dangerous and illegal. If he is www.desitoday.ca

in the same age group don’t mention any of this to her and respect her privacy.

Dear Joti, I have a problem that’s tearing me up inside. I was looking through my dad’s phone to find someone’s number and I noticed a woman’s name repeatedly show up on his call logs and texts. I didn’t get a chance to read any messages but there were a bunch of calls and texts sent really late at night when I know my mom is sleeping. I asked him about it but he said it was nothing. I don’t know what to think…I don’t know what to do. I have to tell my mom, right? He said to just forget about it but I can’t. But what if it is just nothing and I worry my mom for no reason? My dad is a good, honest man I don’t think he would cheat on my mom but… I don’t know what else to think. What if my parents split up if everything comes out

Okay. It is traditional for no one except the bride to wear white at a wedding and its more than fair to consider this common knowledge. For Indian weddings its do not wear red and especially not white because we wear that to funerals. Does your friend not know this? It seems like a deliberate slap in the face to you. Maybe she doesn’t realize that. Maybe she does.

Either way it’s almost a win-win situation for you to ask her to wear something else. Outcome 1. If she did it on purpose to spite you then you’ll find out right away if that’s the case: this is not someone you would want at your wedding anyway.

Outcome 2. If she did not do it on purpose then she may apologize and wear something else. You get to be the only one wearing white and she will wear some other colour. Don’t jump to the conclusion that Outcome 1 will happen because the last thing you want to do is confront her abrasively just to find out that she did not do it on purpose. This will make you the Bridezilla nightmare come true.

Always approach calmly and go from there. Wish you the best, xo Joti DEC / JAN 2016 News With A Desi View

49

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

There Are

Good Guys!

urewal

P

By Aman

I hear it all day long, and I myself am guilty of uttering the same words: “There are no good guys in Vancouver!” I have had the pleasure of growing up in the UK, spent 14 years in Vancouver, and recently made a move to sunny California and find myself saying a similar thing here…”Where do all the good guys live?”

Vancouver is not the problem – the problem is ultimately the person.

I recently spent 4 days bed ridden with the most awful flu. I felt so sorry for myself and wished I had someone here by my side to bring me soup or flowers or a stuffed bear or something…anything. I then started thinking of all my failed relationships and it finally hit me loud and clear. The reason why I didn’t meet any good guys in Vancouver is not because there are no good guys; it is because I was not allowing myself to be open to idea of a good guy in Vancouver.

Women these days are equally as picky as men. I too am guilty and charged.

On what seemed like a daily basis, I get told I am too picky and too superficial because I am looking for the good looking, successful guy who is fun and can make me laugh. When I ask my guy friends, and they have a similar interpretation; however, it usually begins with the word ‘hot,’ and ends with ‘no drama.’ Yes, the “Drama 50

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

Queen’s” of their pasts have ruined it for nice, normal, educated women like myself.

Dating in Vancouver was exhausting.

Looking back, I feel like I completely lost the plot. While I was running after the attractive, fun guys who made me laugh, I failed to find a commonality with the ones who could commit. I became a mere statistic and stereotype, blended together with thousands of women endlessly searching and yearning for someone to call their own, and constantly chasing after men who are gorgeous and fun, but run a marathon in the opposite direction if they have to show any sort of commitment.

Flash forward 6 months to today. I began thinking to myself, is this the life I really want? What about when I am 45?

Am I still going to live life in the spur of the moment? I usually never say never, but I recognize I am looking for love.

Real, true love where both parties care enough about each other to keep each other happy. And when I say happy, I do not mean in a superficial way, but really, truly content, without buying each other thousand dollar purses and whatever superficial stuff men love. The last thing I want to happen is end up with this personality who I was never emotionally

attracted to in the first place, but rather, stuck in the moment. I learned that looks do not equal amazing, and neither does having the perfect “resume.” I am beyond annoyed of saying the words “there are no good guys,” as well as hearing it.

So why did I fail all these years? I did meet some amazing, lovely, and caring guys who adored me. They were successful, polite, considerate, had goals and aspirations and qualities which I really respected. They would have probably made amazing husbands and fathers.

But it didn’t work out, not because they weren’t wonderful people, but because I, as a woman did not allow myself the opportunity to get to know these men. I was mentally and emotionally caught up on the “good looking, successful guy” who made me laugh and showed me no commitment.

He was fascinating, fun and spontaneous. I always had the time of my life with him. We shared so many fun experiences and I don’t think I have ever laughed as much with any man, as I did with him. He was almost like an addiction. He had me running all over town after him because I couldn’t get enough. He wanted a relationship on his terms. I wanted a relationship on our terms. We had other issues, which now looking back seem so small www.desitoday.ca

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WE SPECIALISE

and irrelevant. When he was unable to provide me with a solid commitment, I walked away, not because I stopped caring for him, but because I had to for my own self-respect and sanity.

I was in denial for quite sometime and ultimately compared every new prospect to him; the moments we shared, the way I felt when I was with him, the things he told me, and how comfortable I was around him. No guy stood a chance compared to him. He taught me so much about myself, people, and changed my entire outlook on life, which I am forever thankful for. He is not a bad person. Nor am I that girl who is going to talk about how badly I got treated – I did not. As mentioned, we are not together now. Will we be together in the future? Probably not. Why? Because while he is an amazing person, when it came to committing, he couldn’t. And when it came to the guys who could commit to me, I didn’t have the heart to commit to them.

I felt like a fool. I was stuck on a feeling, a moment and the endless memories of happiness and fun. Depending on what you make of it, the fun will always be there. As I grow older, my definition of fun is also going to change, and I am accepting of this. As an educated woman, I know I deserve to be with the man who does not have to think twice whether or not he wants to be with me. The fact that he did not know made me realize enough I deserve better. Relationships are about compromise, and I am not about to sacrifice my happiness for anything less than what makes me happy.

I know for a fact everyone reading this has either been in my situation, is in my situation, or knows someone in my situation. You always end up remembering the good times, and fixate on that, when really, that person may not be that amazing in the first place. In my case, he was.

Good guys do exist. They are everywhere. Good women do too. I have lived in a total of 3 metropolitan cities now, and it is no better in San Francisco (California), or London (England). It is all loving yourself, and allowing yourself to be open to the idea of love and not worry about the past moments. I can look back at my experiences and smile, knowing that this was a piece of my life, and leave it at that.

All we can really do is live in the present and be vulnerable to the idea that yes, there is good in everyone, and we cannot just let it pass because of a “moment.”

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A recent Canadian study published in the Pediatrics Journal came to some alarming conclusions about parents’ oral health care initiatives for their children (or lack thereof). The study found that less than 1% of healthy children receive dental care as recommended by health professionals by the time they are 1-yearold. Families participating in the study had their children’s’ dental habits surveyed between September 2011 and January 2013.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends children see the dentist within 6 months of growing their first tooth or by the age of one (whichever comes first).

Even more alarming: the same study found that less than 2% receive dental care by the time they are 2-years-old! Activities such as excessive bo le use and eating sugary foods as an infant are common factors that play a role in the formation infant cavities. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and St. Michael’s Foundation, and there was a clear consensus: parents’ lack of a ention to their infants’ oral heal can lead to painful and costly outcomes later in life. Along with suffering from cavities, a child can suffer oral infections, pain that leads to difficulty eating, poor sleeping and even poor behaviour. What is most surprising is that harmful oral health issues for infants are highly preventable if noticed early on enough. Don’t be a statistic: visit your dentist sooner rather than later to help your child—and your wallet!

Prevention is key to reduce pain, save money, and to promote longterm oral wellbeing. www.desitoday.ca

What Happens When You Sit At Your Desk For Too Long Desk jobs comprise a large portion of Canadian’s jobs in the 21st century. Many of us may sit for over 8 hours at the same desk and only really get up to get lunch or go to the bathroom. Here is what happens when you sit at your desk for prolonged periods of time 1. Decreased Energy Expenditure: your non-exercise activity thermogenesis decreases when you sit at your desk for too long. You are burning fewer calories than calories that are coming into the body.

2. Posture gets compromised: when you sit the pressure on the lumbar discs increases because your pelvis gets rotated backwards. You get stiff shoulders and neck muscles when you hunch your back.

3. Slower Metabolism: Prolonged sitting decreases the clearance of fat from the blood stream and reduces the insulin’s effects in the body.

4. Lowered Social Skills: When interaction is only done via the internet this causes decreases in psychological well-being and social interactions within the workplace.

5. Loneliness and Depression: A decrease in one’s social circle results of only using a computer as a form of communication which in turn causes depression and loneliness.

6. Metabolic Syndrome: Prolonged sitting and in turn decreased energy expenditure results in the increase of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

7. Chronic Pain: Prolonged sitting with a poor posture leads to increases in lower back pressure.

8. Obesity: When you sit for prolonged periods of time the major muscle groups are not being utilized which decreases energy expenditure. This in turn could cause weight gain leading to obesity.

9. Rheumatic Disorders: prolonged sitting results in “wear and tear” of the www.desitoday.ca

joints which may lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis.

10. Heart Disease: Prolonged sitting has been shown to increase the incidence of heart disease by up to 64%.

What to do to reduce the outcomes of prolonged sitting: 1. Move around in your seat.

2. Use a stand up desk.

3. Stand during lunch or when talking on the phone if you can.

4. For meetings with colleagues do laps around the office instead of sitting in the conference room.

5. Try a treadmill desk where you position your work station above a treadmill.

6. Increase breaks to walk around throughout the work day.

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53

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why are South Asian women interested in participating in the BCCDC SEED Study?

Lead, mercury and pesticides can harm your health. Found at low levels in foods and consumer products we use, these toxins are absorbed into our bodies from the environment. They can stay there for long periods of time and pass from women to their unborn children, posing potential health risks. Women born and raised outside of Canada tend to have higher levels of contaminants in their bodies, according to previous national studies. A team of environmental health scientists at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in collaboration with Health Canada, Fraser

and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities, as well as immigrant and women’s health community service organizations are conducting the “SEED Study” to investigate this important issue. They are looking to identify potential sources of exposure and how best to reduce them.

The SEED team, led by Dr Tom Kosatsky, Medical Director in Environmental Health Services at BCCDC, a provincial health monitoring, policy and research organization, is interested in providing newcomer South and East Asian women who moved to the Greater Vancouver area in the past 5 years from

MERCURY, LEAD & PESTICIDES CAN HARM YOUR HEALTH Learn your levels & Receive $50 cash or gift card is also provided

604-707-2529 SEED Study seed@bccdc.ca 54

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

India, China, Hong Kong or Taiwan with their lead, mercury and pesticide exposure levels and an explanation of their possible health risks as well as ways to help mitigate these risks. All women who enroll in SEED complete an interview and health exam, receive their personal exposure levels and are reimbursed for their time. The interview includes questions about what we eat, what products we use, and what environmental exposures occurred over our lifetimes, including in our birth countries.

To date, nearly 150 women in Greater Vancouver area have participated, including from Abbotsford. Why are South Asian women getting involved? If toxin exposure levels are found to be high, the SEED Study physician guides women on what this means and what to do. This is especially important for our sisters, cousins, daughters and granddaughters who are interested in having children in future. $50 cash or gift card is also provided.

SEED is only going until January 31, 2016.

Call Navjot Randhawa, SEED Study interviewer, at 604-707-2529 or email: seed@ bccdc.ca (in English, Punjabi or Hindi) to participate. Go to the website to learn more: www.bccdc.ca/seedstudy www.desitoday.ca

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Desi Remedies for Everyday Health Issues

Put down the Tylenol and Benalyn and learn common Desi health remedies straight from your Bibi’s kitchen!

Back Pain

Toothache

Headache

Diarrhea

Common Cold

Constipation

Take 10 small garlic pieces and fry them in oil on a low flame. You can either use sesame oil, coconut oil, or mustard oil. Fry until the garlic cloves turn light brown. Let the oil prepared from garlic cool completely.

Therea er apply it on the back and keep it for about three hours. In a couple of days, you’ll feel its magical effects.

Poothna (peppermint) is a herbal remedy used to cure headaches. It can be taken internally or used externally.

To take internally, drink peppermint tea. To use externally, mix several drops of peppermint oil with lotion or body oil and massage into the temples.

Sore throat, Sneezing, Stuffy nose

Squeeze 3-4 teaspoons of juice from an onion. Add 3-4 teaspoons of honey and mix well to relieve common cold symptoms.

Cough

A persistent cough can be very uncomfortable interfering with daily activities. To relieve a bad cough, chop ginger into fine pieces. Add garlic to one cup of water. Keep boiling the liquid until the volume reduces to half the original quantity. Strain the liquid, ad a teaspoon of honey and drink when warm to give a soothing effect. Ginger works by promoting salivation and mucus secretion which will help relieve cough symptoms.

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DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

Toothache can be a very painful experience commonly caused by a cavity or infection. To relieve toothache, place a clove of garlic on the aching tooth. Keep the clove in your mouth between the aching teeth and suck on it allowing its juice be absorbed for relief. Cloves can help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties.

Take a ripe banana and mash it. Add 1 teaspoon of tamarind pulp and a pinch of salt to it. Consume this mixture two times a day to get rid of diarrhea.

Constipation affects most individuals at some time in their lives. To relieve constipation drink half a glass of spinach juice mixed with half a glass of water twice daily for three days. Spinach is a high fibre food thereby improving bowel movements.

Dandruff

Apply warm coconut oil mixed with lemon juice to scalp and leave it on for about an hour. Then steam your hair for 10 minutes and wash. You can use olive oil as a substitute for coconut oil. Use this treatment twice a week. Coconut oil provides moisture which we o en lack in the winter months thereby relieving dandruff symptoms. www.desitoday.ca

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Why Some Smokers

DON’T

Get Cancer

It has always beena puzzling tragedy why some infants are diagnosed with lifethreatening cancers at age two while some regular smokers go on to live a full and relatively “healthy “ life. You’ll see some older cancer patients cautioning youth not to smoke due to their cigare e-induced ailments, while other senior smokers can be bragging that their addicting habits had li le effect on their health. Cigare e smoking is one of the leading contributors to death and illness among North Americans.

So why do some smokers get cancer while others do not? Why do some non-smokers get cancer while some smokers do not?

Researchers have recently identified a set of genetic markers that help some smokers live longer and protect them from deadly diseases such as cancer. “We identified a set of genetic markers that together seem to promote longevity,� said corresponding author of the study Morgan Levine from University of Califor-

www.desitoday.ca

nia-Los Angeles.

The study identified a network of single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (a DNA sequence variation occurring commonly within a population) that allow certain individuals to be er withstand environmental damage (like smoking) and mitigate damage. �There is evidence that these genes may facilitate lifespan extension by increasing cellular maintenance and repair,� Levine noted. �Therefore, even though some individuals are exposed to high levels of biological stressors, like those found in cigare e smoke, their bodies may be be er set up to cope with and repair the damage,� Levine pointed out.

Smoking has been shown to have drastic consequences for lifespan and disease progression, and it has been suggested that cigare e exposure may impact the risk of death and disease via its acceleration of the

ageing process.

The new findings suggest that longevity, rather than being entirely determined by environmental factors, may be under the regulation of complex genetic networks which influence stress resistance and genomic stability.

Genomic instability also happens to be one of the hallmarks of cancer pathogenesis, and so the same genes that may promote survival among smokers may also be important for cancer prevention.

This is consistent with the findings of the study, which showed that the genes identified were associated with a nearly 11 percent lower cancer prevalence.

The findings appeared in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences.

What does this mean for the future of medicine? Can these genetic markers be replicated to protect the general public?

Further research is being conducted. - IANS

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

57

CAREER & BUSINESS ep Brar

By Harde

ROLL WITH THE CHANGES: A JOINT PERSPECTIVE ON THE

Legalization of Marijuana And so we have it. A er 10 years under the leadership of Stephan Harper and the Conservative government. Canadians have officially elected in a change with Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party now taking position as Canada’s new leader.

I’m sure there are many changes on the horizon under this new leadership, and one of the most controversial has been the Liberal party position on the legalization of Marijuana.

At a campaign stop in Surrey, British Columbia, Justin Trudeau was asked about his plans for the legalization of 58

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

Marijuana. Justin replied with conviction that if he were elected into office he would “get working on it right away.�

That was the point where this became a large topic of discussion across media platforms and within our communities.

With many people viewing this as something negative which will lead to our children growing up in a world with drugs readily available to them.

But the fact of the ma er is that we already live in that world. We can currently buy alcohol at just about any block in our neighbourhoods. When looked at per-

ceptively, alcohol is a much more harmful drug than Marijuana. When we look at alcohol as a drug, you can make some pre y damaging observations. Long term health effects of heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to the damage of one’s brain, heart, liver, and immune system.

In the short term, for many people it triggers aggressive behaviour leading to domestic disturbances. These including physical altercations and even death. It affects one’s ability to make sound judgements, such as individuals who are inebriated insisting they are capable of drivwww.desitoday.ca

ing. Long story short, drinking alcohol is the equivalent of taking small doses of poison to alter one’s state of mind to feel additional enjoyment - and this is not healthy.

Now although this is not news to anyone, alcohol is still very prevalent in many households. We all know grown men who are heavy drinkers. Many of us were drinking alcohol well before turning the legal age to do so. In today’s day and age, it is not uncommon at for woman to enjoy an evening of conversation over a few glasses of wine, something which was very taboo in Indian culture not too long ago. We accept alcohol as a drug, because it is legal, and available.

Marijuana on the other hand is quite the opposite. It is a natural plant, not at all poisonous. Evidence of its naturalness can be found by travelling to countries such as India, where you can see marjiuana plants growing openly on the side of the road or in farms with no human interference. People who are users of marijuana are typically not aggressive.

Marijuana is not addictive, and can be used to heal many medical issues, which otherwise may need to be treated with harmful pharmaceutical drugs which can have negative side effects.

So what can we expect to see with the new legalization and regulation of Marijuana?

To get a good idea, let’s look to our neighbours in the South and see what changes have taken place in their economy. Colorado was the first state in the US to move to full legalization, followed by our direct neighbour, Washington, and soon to be followed by the state of California.

For our purpose, let’s look at Colorado.

Marijuana was first legalized there in January of 2014. A er one year, Colorado was able to report that one of their biggest benefactors was the private sector with many businesses flourishing with increased tourism. They saw an immediate decrease in violent crime, with that trend continuing through the year. And the state generated an additional 40 million dollars in tax revenue within the first 10 months. In fact, the government under estimated its potential tax revenues so much that residents will most likely be given back a onetime tax rebate from the excess this year.

Now with this in mind, consider what changes we can foresee in Canada. We www.desitoday.ca

At a campaign stop in Surrey, BC Justin Trudeau was asked about his plans for the legalization of Marijuana. Justin replied with conviction that if he were elected into office he would “get working on it right away.� will have hundreds of millions of new tax dollars available to help in many parts of our economy such as education and healthcare. The Fraser Institute estimates that the BC Marijuana industry is a 7 Billion Dollar industry, just as lucrative as our mining industry and with regulation it can grow to be much more.

Currently, these are billions of dollars goingdirectly into the pockets of drug dealers. Marijuana legalization will help curb gang violence, as this will remove the largest cash cow many Canadian gangs rely on to make their income. A decrease in crime also means saving money in Law Enforcement, or giving our officers time focus on other issues. For those worried that their children will have greater access to Marijuana, I would like to assure you that this is not true. Kids will have much less access to purchase it from drug dealers who will sell to anyone regardless of their age, whereas government regulated Marijuana sales will be similar to alcohol and tobacco, which cannot be purchased without proper ID stating you are of legal age.

Some may think that Marijuana is deadly. Rest assured that a human cannot overdose on Marijuana, no ma er how much you intake. In 2006 B.C. Vital Statistics documented 8,146 deaths linked to addictive substances. Of these, 7,958 were associated with alcohol and tobacco, and 188 linked to drug overdoses, of which 146 were heroin or cocaine related.

The one substance conspicuously absent from addiction-related death reports is Cannabis (Marijuana). On the contrary, Cannabis has many usesto aid people in

a variety of health ailments and can be taken in the form of food, pills, mixing powder, oils, creams and ointments. With Marijuana legalized, the Canadian public will have full access to this natural choice of effectively treating many issues associated with mental and physical health including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and joint pain/arthritis to name a few. Patients undergoing cancer treatment have for years championed the benefits of using medical marijuana over harsh pharmaceutical drugs to ease their constant pain, and they will now have access to do so legally.

Once Marijuana is fully legalized, you may see it being used much more frequently in public places. Do not be alarmed, as this is bound to happen. People who currently use Cannabis behind closed doors will be more open about their use. And just as we saw the consumption of Alcohol increase dramatically in the United States a er the li of Prohibition, we can expect the same for the first li le while in this case, until it becomes a norm and usage tapers down.

For certain, we should continue to educate our young on the negative impact of all drugs. But the legalization of this drug is around the corner, and as a society we all need to be educated on the expected benefits that our Canadian economy can expect over the years to come with this bold move from our newly elected government. These expected benefits coming in the shape of a large boost in our generated tax revenue and secondly a decrease in major crimes across our Country.

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

59

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Time for social workers to form their own union like nurses and doctors!

The social workers of BC can learn something from the nurses and doctors of the province and form their own professional union. This would have three major benefits for social workers and the public.

First, improved working conditions, wages, and benefits which in turn would help organizations recruit and fill shortages. This new union could set minimum 60

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

education and experience qualifications for various social work positions to ensure everyone entering the field has a certain set of education, skills, knowledge, and expertise.

Second, a common voice to advocate for social justice and social work issues and the profession at-large which in turn would bring to light systemic problems and issues including in child protection

and foster care and special needs and their potential solutions and interventions. Social workers employed in nonunionized environments would no longer be silenced and can bring these types of issues forward because they would have the protection of a strong powerful collective union to support them.

Third, representation to resolve public disputes and grievances which in turn www.desitoday.ca

and college but membership is voluntary for most practicing social works. In addition, social workers have a professional association but membership is voluntary again.

So what problems has this led to?

This has led to a lack of standards for recruitment pu ing children and families at risk, as well as horrible underfunding and neglect of social work services in the province by every level of government, and a divided profession unable to advocate and advance for itself and the general public.

For example, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) hires people to fill so called “Social Program Officer� positions in child protection even if they don’t have any education or training in social work and yet these workers are allowed to call themselves social workers to my knowledge and their not even bound by the regulations and practice standards of the BC College of Social Workers. It really sets a dangerous precedent considering social workers work with some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in the province.

So who would join this new “British Columbia Social Worker’s Union (BCSWU)?â€? Below are ten (10) groups of people in the social work employment sector that the profession can organize around. •

•

•

• • angha

By Alex S

would result in a regular review of professional practice standards and guidelines. A common social work union could also mandate that all social workers in the province have professional legal liability insurance which would benefit all parties involved including employers and the public.

So what is the current situation in BC? Social workers have a licensing body www.desitoday.ca

•

• •

• •

Aboriginal Social Workers (First Nations Child Protection and Foster Care and Health and Social Services) Academic Social Workers (Professors, Instructors, School Counsellors, Social Planners, Social Policy Makers) Clinical Social Workers (Health Authorities, Child and Youth Mental Health) Community Social Workers (NonProfits) Federal Social Workers (Veterans Affairs, Department of Defence) Judicial Social Workers (Youth and Adult Probation Officers and Corrections Staff that have a social work background) Ministry Social Workers (MCFD) Management Social Workers (Managers and Leaders, Clinical Coordinators, Team Leaders, and Executive Directors) Private Social Workers (Private Practice) Social Service Workers (People with a two year social service worker di-

ploma but working in a social work related position) So has this been done before? Yes, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) which represents social workers all over England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland has formed a social workers union. Unfortunately, this is also voluntary.

There is also movement in British Columbia for mandatory registration with the BC College of Social Workers. For example, all social workers employed by health authorities in the province must be licensed with the college. Unfortunately, the BC government has not mandated social workers in MCFD to do the same for some unknown reason.

In general, social work as a profession is moving towards increased regulation and standards. For example, members of the college must pass a social work licensing exam now and must complete a number of hours of continuing professional education to maintain their membership.

These requirements are bringing social work in line with other professions such as medicine and nursing.

So what’s the bo om line?

It’s time for BC to have a social worker’s union. This would lead to many benefits including be er working conditions, increased social justice advocacy, and representation for employees. Employers may also benefit from sectoral bargaining as they won’t have to negotiate lengthy and costly collective agreements with hundreds of organizations and unions around the province.

A provincial social work union would strengthen the profession by lending more legitimacy and credibility and providing a strong collective voice to speak on behalf of social workers throughout BC. Social workers work to protect and help and assist some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people. It’s time for the public and the province and the profession itself to start looking a er the best interests of social workers too.

Alex Sangha is an award winning social worker and author based in Surrey, B.C. His social discussion book, Catalyst, was a Finalist in the Current Events and Social Change category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for 2014. For more information on Alex check out his author blog at h p://alexsangha.com DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

61

BEAUTY & ENTERTAINMENT Skin type: RegularDry

Skin type: Normal Secrets: When I asked my dermatologist friend what her secret is to great skin were she replied with “retinol, retinol, retinol!�

And, oh my god, was she right! To this day, I tell all my friends to try it. It will make all the difference with your skin.

Secrets: When my face feels more dry than usual, I use Vichy Nutrilogie. But day to day I just use baby wash. I do lush masks like once a month. I like to exfoliate like every third day (which helps a LOT). My skin is pre y good acne-wise but I get a lot of blackheads! Biore strips are my holy grail for blackheads. I do them once every 2 months. If you have blackheads, they are your solution!

Skin type: Combination/Oily Secrets: My holy grail products are Eminence and Mush products. I find with my skin the more natural I keep it the be er it is. I use salt scrub exfoliate and Eminence Stone Crop Facial Wash. I have problem skin but honestly it’s all diet. The more unhealthy, I eat the worse my skin is. Water keeps my skin clear. The more hydrated I am the be er my skin is!

Water make all the difference.

- Davnita Changra

- Samantha Ram

Desi Today Readers Share Secret Skin Care Tips

- Meghan Sidhu

Tired of watching a product advertisement promising be er skin and purchasing it only to find it makes no difference to your face? We bring you something be er than what any product advertiser can give you: real people who have really tried these products/tricks. Desi Today readers sent in their best secrets for flawless skin! Read, try and enjoy!

Skin type: All Secret: I spent hundreds of dollars investing in expensive eye creams and I didn’t find that one was any be er than the other. Worse than that, I learned that there were many harmful chemicals in them. My aunt (who has amazing skin and barely any wrinkles under her eyes) told me her secret: homemade under eye cream. She told me to mix 5 scoops of vitamin \E oil with 5 gel cvaps of evening primrose oil and mix it up into a container. I’ve been using this every day for a year and I noticed such a difference! Best of all: it’s organic and cheap!

- Tanpreet Sandhu

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Skin Type: Normal / Combination Secrets: I have a fantastic 3-step regimen that works wonders for me. I use coconut oil to remove makeup, rose water to tone, and F.A.B cleanser. Try it even once and you’ll see a difference! I also just started using bio oil to help with hyper pigmentation - Madina Tabesh

a (Joti) Bajw y Navjeet B d e il p m Co

Skin type: Combination-Oily/ Acne Prone.

Secrets: A er a lot of trial-and-error- I found that some products that worked for me are Dr Belter line A- lotion, Rejuvenating Cleanser and Mask (once a week a er exfoliating with St Ives apricot scrub or Clarasonic). My main skin habits include: hydrafacial ever few months, always wash face before going to bed and exfoliate at least 2x weekly. This helps me a lot! I also use Neutrogena all-in-one wipes to remove makeup which works amazingly well!

- Gagan Bains

Skin type: Dry Secrets: When I used to put foundation on it would look a bit cakey and I hated that. A friend told me to put a light coat of Oil of Olay’s SPF lotion and let it dry a li le bit before I put my makeup on. This saved my skin! It made my makeup go on flawlessly.

- Taren Grewal

Skin type: Combination Secrets: The best product I’ve ever used for my face is coconut oil!

Overnight I put coconut oil around my eyes and lips for strengthening the skin and eyelashes. Eucerin for your lips is also amazing. It’s not addictive for your lips so a li le goes a long way. I have combination skin so I wash my face with baby shampoo because it’s very gentle and it’s an amazing cleanser. I’ve been doing this for months with amazing results!

- Manveen Bajwa

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Skin type: Normal (Oily in the Summer, Dry in the Winter) Secrets: I use this face line I brought from my hydra facial place it’s called Zo-medical.

It just consists of face wash, toner and exfoliate. The Clarsonic is amazing (Zo medical).

It’s for acne skin but it’s made a big difference for me.

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63

HEALTH BEAUTY & WELLNESS ENTERTAINMENT

HOW TO LONG GROW HAIR FAST! There is nothing us girls want more than long, luscious, movie-star locks but sometimes it seems impossible to a ain them! Hair tends to grow between 0.5 to 1 inch every month. Follow these 5 steps for at least two months and we promise you will notice a dramatic difference in your hair texture, strength and (of course) length!

The Inversion Method

leaving it overnight is recommended) and then shampoo vigorously to get the oil out. We recommend coconut oil but you can use any essential oil: castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. These oils contain vitamins and essential fa y acids that nourish the scalp and remove sebum build up from hair follicles to promote growth.

The lauric acid in coconut oil has a shielding property which protects roots and prevents breakage. A er just one treatment, people find their hair stronger and shinier and regular use is found to speed up the growth process substantially!

Hair grows from the root (bo om of the hair follicle) and blood vessels in your scalp feed your roots. The science behind the inversion method is: the more blood flow there is to the head, the more the blood vessels are stimulated, so the faster your hair will grow. The method advises people to “invert� their hair (turn their head upside down) so blood rushes to your head. Do this for 4 minutes each day for one week. Make sure to do this for one week out of each month (not every week) because your body will get used to the amount of blood rushing to your head and it won’t stimulate more growth anymore. People find their hair grows 1-1.5 inches in just one week! Youtube “The Inversion Method� to see people’s before and a er results.

Cold Water Rinse Rise your hair for 30 seconds with cold water a er each shower. Cold water allows for the outer layer of the hair to rest more smoothly which helps prevent moisture loss and heat damage. After rinse, you’ll see your hair dry much smoother and be noticeably shinier. Such a simple step but it has amazing results.

Massage Your Scalp Many choose to pair a head massage with The Inversion Method and massage their scalp whilst tilting their head.

Massaging your scalp stimulates the scalp and thus increases blood flow to promote hair growth. An added bonus: this feels really good!

Reduce friction on hair Hair tends to break when it is constantly being rubbed against materials that damage it. Start using a silk pillow case instead of a co on one so there will be less fiction on your hair at night. Do not wrap your hair with a towel a er showering and don’t rub your hair dry too harshly a er showering. Hair gets caught into the woven fibers and this promotes breakage. Invest in a so microfiber hair towel if possible.

Hot Oil Treatment Heat up an essential oil for 10 seconds and massage into scalp and apply to hair sha . Apply for at least 3 hours (but 64

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

en Sohal

By Parve

www.desitoday.ca

BEAUTY & ENTERTAINMENT

Secret Revealed: Mastering the Art of Color Correcting Green Concealers: Green will neutralize any redness that is noted on the skin. Green concealer is also great to use on acne prone skin as it does a great job in covering up any red spots.

The first step to mastering skin color correcting is understanding the foundation of the different colors used for correcting and their purposes. So, lets get started!

Yellow Concealers: Yellow concealers work well with dark circles and are great for covering any bruising noted to be blue-purple in color

Orange Concealers: Orange concealers work perfectly for darker skin tones that require color correcting of dark circles and other areas of hyperpigmentation

Studio: 778-218-4444 Cell: 604-781-9008 www.suryastudio.ca

Pink Concealers: Pink concealers are ideal for brightening any area of your skin such as your under eye www.desitoday.ca

Photography, Videography Brass Band & Horse Packages available at the best prices in the market DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

65

BEAUTY & ENTERTAINMENT

MEET THE LOOKALIKES OF OUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD STARS

It’s hard to believe those piercing green eyes and full lips don’t belong to the same person! No one can deny that Sneha (Salman Khan’s co-star from the film “Lucky”) looks like a slightly younger version of Miss World, Aishwarya.

Think you’re seeing double? You’re just looking at John Abraham with his doppleganger, Mubashir Malik who is a broadcaster and writer from the UK.

Bollywood heart-throb Hrithik Roshan is admired not only for his great acting talent but his unmistakable handsome appearance. His looks are making new headlines recently as lookalike Harman Baweja is starting to make his name known in the Bollywood industry.

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AUG / sEPT 2015 News With A DEsi View

Ever wonder how Parineeti would look blonde? Well now you don’t have to! Our favourite young star is a spitting image of the Hollywood bombshell “Heroes” star, Hayden Panettiere. www.desitoday.ca

Check out these famous Bollywood faces and the people who could easily play their twins in their next big feature. en Sohal

By Parve Compiled

Gunjan has similar features as Priyanka and let’s hope she’ll have similar career success!

The young new actress is turning heads with directors as the Priyanka look-a-like

If Katrina ever gets bored of Bollywood and Cobie (star of “How I Met Your Mother”) gets bored of Bollywood they can surely switch spots for a day! The two starlets have an uncanny resemblance to each other.

If Ranbir ever gets tired of giving autographs and dealing with paparazzi, he can surely call up student Junaid Shah! Junaid is from Srinagar and is currently completing his Management degree. www.desitoday.ca

Think the scruffy beard, almond-shaped eyes and always stern look is specific for just Sanjay Dutt? Think again! French actor Jean Reno has unbelievably similar features to Sanjay.

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67

BEAUTY & ENTERTAINMENT

The Secret to Happiness Insight from a Psychological Perspective Being able to say you are genuinely “happy” is a difficult thing for many people. We provide you with some quotes that have either been published in psychology books or take a psychological perspective on the phenomenon of “happiness.” We want to give insight on how to achieve happiness and highlit that it is o en ourselves and our mindset that hinder our wellbeing.

The mind is a beautiful servant, a dangerous master. If you suffer it is because of you, if you feel blissful it is because of you. Nobody else is responsible – You are your hell and heaven too. – OSHO

It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.

“How we feel about ourselves, the joy we get from living, ultimately depends directly on how the mind filters and interprets everyday experiences. Whether we are happy depends on inner harmony, not on the controls we are able to exert over the great forces of the universe.”

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News With A DEsi View

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice. Remember to put the glass down.

One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desks for the test to begin. The professor handed out the question paper, with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked his students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions…. just a black dot in the center of the page. The professor seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following: “I want you to write what you see there.”

The students confused, got started on the inexplicable task.

At the end of the class, the professor took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of all the students. All of them with no exceptions, described the black dot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet, etc. etc. etc. After all had been read, the classroom silent, the professor began to explain: “I am not going to grade on you this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper.

Everyone focused on the black dot – and the same happens in our lives.

We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate – nature renewing itself everyday, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see everyday…….

However we insist on focusing only on the dark spots – the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend etc The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds.

Take your eyes away from the black spots in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you.

Be happy and live a life positively www.desitoday.ca

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DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

69

BEAUTY & ENTERTAINMENT

UPCOMING Dilwale

Releasing December 18th 20 years ago Shahrukh Khan and Kajol stole the hearts of many fans in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Now the most popular Bollywood Jodi will be seen reuniting on the big screens in Rohit Shetty’s movie “Dilwale”. Shahrukh khan will once again be seen to play the roleof a character named Raj. This romantic action comedy film is produced by none other than Gauri Khan. The film also stars Kriti Sanon and Varun Dhawan in lead roles. Varun is seen playing the role of Shahrukh Khans (Raj) younger brother in the film. The cast also includes popular Bollywood actors such as Vinod Khanna, Kabir Bedi, and the comedy king Jonny Lever! This is defiantly one of the most highly anticipated Bollywood films of 2015!

Hate Story 3

Releasing Dec 4 What occurs when love changes to hate, and hate turns into bitter betrayal? The answer is Hate story 3. This film is a sequel to 2014’s Hate Story 2. The storyline is revolved around Aditya Singh (played by Sharman Joshi) and Siya Singh (played by Zareen Khan) who are partners in running a family business together. Kavya played by Daisy Shah is their business secretary. All 3 of their lives change when a business man named Saurav Singhania (played by Karan Singh) enters their lives. Kavya is mesmerized and falls in love with Saurav, while Saurav has one mission only. His mission is to destroy Aditya by using Kavya. This upcoming adult thriller movie is filled with lots of intimacy scenes, love, hate, betrayal, lies and revenge. The soundtrack of this film has been dominating the music charts, let’s see if this movie will dominate the blockbuster charts too!

Bajirao Mastani

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OCT / NOV 2015 News With A DEsi View

Releasing December 18th Clashing with Dilwale is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani”. This is said to be the most expensive Bollywood movies to date. Starring in this film is the infamous Ram Leela couple Deepika Padukone and Ranvir Singh. Bajirao Mastani is based on a true histrionic love story of a warrior. The tale of romance is between Peshwa (Prime Minister) Bajirao played by Ranvir Singh belonging to the Martha Empire and his second wife Mastani (Deepika Padukone), along side Bajirao’s first wife who is played by Priyanka Chopra. “Bajirao Mastani” is going to be one classic royal affair for sure! www.desitoday.ca

MOVIES

By Aman

Wazir

Releasing January 8th 2016 This film was initially titled “Do” but director Bejoy Nambiar changed it to “Wazir”. This film is about two friends; The living legend Amitabh Bachchan who is playing the role of a paralyzed wheelchair-bound chess master Pandit and Farhan Akhtar who is playing a Anti Terrorist Squad officer role. Also starring in this film is Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Furthermore, for all those John Abraham fans he will be making a guest appearance in “Wazir” so watch out for that!

Airlift

Releasing January 22nd 2016 Airlift will bring you a storyline based on 1990’s biggest Indian evacuation in Kuwait, starring the superstar Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar will play as an business man named Ranjit Ratiyal. Nimrit Kaur who was previously seen in the “Lunch Box” will be playing lead actress of this film. The movie is being directed by Raja Krishna Menon.

The film revolves around those Indians who were stuck in Kuwait during the Gulf War. The poster quotes “India airlifted over 1,70, 000 refugees from Kuwait”. This movie will defiantly set out to increase knowledge about the Kuwait evacuation!

Ghayal Once Again

Releasing January 15th 2016 For all those Sunny Deol fans, you can finally catch him back on the big screens! Not only is Sunny Deol the lead actor of this action packed film but he has written and directed the movie himself. The film is produced by his father, the legendary Dhamrendra. Ghayal Once Again was initially scheduled to release on Novmeber 13th 2015 but was postponed.

This film will be a sequel to Sunny Deols 1990 blockbuster film “Ghayal” where Sunny Deol will again play the role as Ajay Mehra. Also Starring in this film is Om Puri, as ACP Joe Dsouza and Soha Ali Khan playing the role of a doctor. www.desitoday.ca

OCT / NOV 2015 News With A DEsi View

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DESI

Around Town

Barj Dhahan at his “2015 Dhahan Prize Awards Gala” with supporters and the first place prize winner Darshan Singh (awarded for book “Lota”) and second place prize winners Nain Sikh and Harjeet Atwal

It was a proud day in BC where over $315,000 was raised to support BC Children’s Hospital at the “Night of Miracles Gala”. Robin Dhir, the gala’s founding chair, joined many members of the community including his father Narinder Dhir, Harjit Sajjan, Suzanne Anton, and many more!

Janta Sewak Society distributed blankets, jackets, socks and other items to the homeless and less fortunate ones in Surrey

SFU Diwali Festival with A. S. Bubber, Jas Cheema on far right amd Sonia Virk, Nav Chima

Photos by Chandra Bodalia

Perminder Chohan and his son have an uncanny resemblance

Aditya Dance School team members stand strong with their coach!

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DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

Members and supporters of the GirlKind Foundation stand proudly as their unite to continue fighting gender discrimination and raising awareness about equality.

At the inaugural Taash (playing cards) Tournament in memory of Piara Singh Cheema, father of businessman Bob Cheema, at Vancouver’s Fraserview Hall on November 7. Justice Minister Suzanne Anton was the guest of honour. Piara Cheema, who passed away last year, played cards for 30 years in Moberley Park with friends who decided to hold the tournament in his memory.

www.desitoday.ca

DESI

Around Town

Premier Christy Clark honours the South Asian community’s contributions by installing a permanent symbolic flag inside the Parliament Buildings on behalf of the cadets that proudly served our province. The flag is dedicated to Kesur Singh, a Risaldar Major Captain in the British Indian army, who arrived in BC as one of Canada’s first Sikh immigrants.

Desi Today photographer with Chandra Bodalia in action!

Akash Sablok and Ron Basra are all smiles next to Suzanne Anton

Tony Singh with family and friends at the Fruiticana Diwali festival making contest winners happier than ever!

Sukh Dhaliwal stands proudly with a group of his supporters

This snapshot is the epitome of “work hard, play hard!” Mikka Singh performed with excited fans/ friends including Parminder Choham, Puneet Aggarwal, Gurpreet Arneja and Paul from Gagan Foods

www.desitoday.ca

Randeep Sarai after election with some of his dedicated supporters DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

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LIFE & ETC

My dad came here in 1969 and he said “this country has been so good to us, we need to give back.”

ROBIN DHIR:

A Man With A Great Business Sense And An Even Greater Heart 74

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

en

By Parve

Sohal

Robin Dhir is master of many trades: he has made great feats in marketing, sales and communication. Dhir is a strategic advisor for Fasken Martineau, president of Twin Brook Developments and has held a director position for various organizations such as the Vancouver Board of Trade and Canada Place Corporation. He has received many highlyacclaimed awards such as a standing on Business in Vancouver’s “Top 40 professionals under 40” and Vancouver Sun’s “100 Most influential south Asians in BC.” Dhir, however, is so much more than just a successful business mogul. He has made great efforts in trying to better the world through his charities and community service. He is the founding chair of “A Night of Miracles” gala which raised over $315,000 this November for BC Children’s Hospital.

Over the years, the gala has raised over $3.7 million for children in BC. Dhir proves to be the perfect balance of a corporate powerhouse and a genuinely selfless community member. Find out about the man behind the event: his background, what his father taught him, and what traits he possesses that allowed him to come to the position he is at today.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what made you follow your father’s footsteps and enter the corporate world?

Ever since I was younger, I would shadow my dad in all sorts of different meetings and events that he would be involved in. So when he became involved politically, I would be there with him at rallies and other events. Being from an Indian immigrant family, I guess it is common to run it more like a family so naturally I became involved from a very www.desitoday.ca

young age. And to be honest, I had a lot of responsibility at a very young age as well.

For example, I was approached by a realtor on a property we had and I was only 18 years old. I called my father and he said “well, I’m travelling so you have to make a decision.” Being in a position like that, I really felt that I had to smarten up fairly young so I wouldn’t make the wrong decision. Today, I appreciate it so much.

What made you want to start “A Night of Miracles Gala?”

It really resulted from my concern in the mainstream community and primarily in the South Asian media about all the challenges we’re facing: gangs, drug, domestic abuse—you name it. It’s really unfortunate because there is ideology in our culture to want to be the best at whatever you do. It wouldn’t matter if you’re dealing drugs or a practising doctor, or an accountant, or a lawyer, you have this mindset that you have to be the best. And I was really concerned about the image our community was getting.

And I was been here for a long time and seen Indians doing such great things in the community and every profession.

And I thought these amazing accomplishments were getting overshadowed by some of the negative images that start to take hold. So then, sort of out of the blue, I wanted to start a gala. I wanted to create something the community could own; something positive that we could do. So now we have this black tie event that the community owns and all the proceeds go to BC Children’s Hospital which is an amazing charity. It’s amazing because probably one third of the attendees are non-South Asians so it’s just a great opportunity for BC residents to come together and do a lot of good.

www.desitoday.ca

You were named one of the Top 40 professionals under 40 in 2011. If you had to name just 3, who are 3 people you would vote as the top professionals that reside in your area?

First and foremost, Wally Oppal is someone I have always looked up to because he is definitely a trail blazed in terms of making the South Asians known. He always held a very professional image for our community and you know is someone we could all look up to.

Jack Uppal would be the second. Unfortunately, he has passed away since, but he was someone that I spoke to regularity. He always encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing. He was very proud of a “younger guy” (he was much older than I) getting out there and representing our community in a positive way.

And the third person I’d say that is of more recent times (there’s quite a few there to choose from) is someone like Vikram Vij. He’s become a good from of mine and I greatly admire the fact that he is willing to make Indians and India popular when a lot of people were walking away from Indian food or dressing in Indian clothes or anything of that sort.

So I’d say those people are people who are successful and will be continue to be successful and trailblazer in our community.

You are an SFU Business graduate who has accomplished so much since attending the university. What advice can you give current stu-

dents?

Don’t get caught up in just classes and academics. Be a part of the university itself: join committees, sports, clubs, etc.

Make yourself well-rounded, make yourself marketable for when you come out on the other end. Employers today aren’t just looking at academics—yes they are very, very important—but if you’re just academically smart and not street smart, you’re going to miss out on a lot of important career opportunities.

You are a strategic advisor, president of Twin Brook and director of multiple boards. What personality traits do you think best prepare you to take on these executive positions?

I am open to giving myself and sharing ideas. For me, networking is all about sharing ideas and connecting with people. People are often too selfish and only do things for themselves and don’t share themselves to communities and clubs.

I have an ongoing discussion with my friends about sharing yourself, giving your time—not just your money. My dad came here in 1969 and he said “this country has been so good to us, we need to give back.” This is what fuelled my desire to volunteer and become an active part of clubs and the community at large.

Is there anything else you would like Desi Today readers to know about you, your businesses or your charity work?

To anyone wanting to be successful: be honest with yourself, continue to learn and don’t forget take care of yourself.

Working out and keeping in good physical shape is something I am definitely trying to make more time for because it’s so important. You need to be healthy mentally and physically if you want to be productive in your business and personal life.

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DEsi View

75

LIFE FEATURE & ETC

McDonalds’ Secret Menu Items $1.49

$2.49 with Cheese

$3.99

$4.49

with Bacon, Egg & Cheese

Poor Man’s Big Mac The McKinley Mac

Ever want to get the savoury satisfaction from a Big Mac but don’t want to fork up the extra cash? Ask for a Poor Man’s Big Mac! Get all the flavour with just a third of the price. The only real difference between the two burgers? That piece of bread in the center! You’re paying about $1.50 extra for the bun that mostly just takes away from the delicious pa y and sauce.

The Chicken McGriddle This is one of McDonalds’ most popular secret menu items: a combination of a breakfast favourite and a lunch classic.

This is perfect for someone torn between wanting a light breakfast meal and a hearty burger for the a ernoon.

Want to feel as powerful and satisfied as a former American president? Ever find yourself still hungry a er devouring a Big Mac? Order a McKinley! This burger has all the Big Mac has to offer and more: toppings and sauces we love but with two quarter-pound pa ies instead of 1.6 oz pa ies.

The secret: a McDouble without pickles and ketchup but added le uce, onion, and Big Mac sauce.

The secret: A McChicken Pa y sandwiched inside two McGriddles

The secret: A Big Mac with quarterpound pa ies

$6.49

Monster Mac This unique creation does not include two pa ies, not four, not even six, but a jaw-dropping EIGHT beef pa ies crammed into one monstrous Big Mac. This (somewhat alarming) order is rarely asked for but is definitely very, very real.

Although we don’t encourage taking on such a toll on your intestines with this burger every day, it definitely is a must-try to every avid McDonald’s customer.

The secret: a Big Mac with 8 pa ies.

*McDonald’s hack: if you’re ordering late at night, chances are the burgers have been si ing on the heater for quite some time. Ask for your food to be prepared “fresh” and they have to prepare a new burger for you.

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DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

www.desitoday.ca

en Sohal

By Parve

Think you know everything there is about what McDonald’s has to offer? Well, think again! Here is your guide through Mcdon-

$2.50

ald’s secret menu. Each of these hidden items are real options at McDonald’s and if you ask for them, the McDonald’s employees have to make them for you. No, these are not seasonal items or discontinued items, they are indeed exclusively part of

McGangBang This is truly a creation for an individual with the largest of appetites paired with the smallest of pockets. The infamous named “McGangBang” is created by stuffing a Dollar Menu chicken sandwich into a double cheeseburger. The result: is a colossal sandwich for a miniscule price.

This burger gives a whole new meaning to ge ing more “bang” for your buck.

their secret menu that we will share with you. Part of the reason the menu stays a secret is because these options o en give you more food for a much cheaper price.

We‘re revealing these goodies to you to help you make sure that every meal is a happy meal!

The secret: a McChicken placed in between the Pa ies of the McDouble to make the legendary “McGangBang”.

$0.99

The McGrilled Cheese Ever shied away from McDonalds due to a lack of a light, vegetarian option? You don’t need to anymore! The McGilled cheese, one of the most preferred secret menu options, is your answer.

The secret: Cheese inside grilled hamburger buns (make sure the buns are grilled to get the best taste) www.desitoday.ca

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

77

LIFE & ETC

en

By Parve

Sohal

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients - 4 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes - 1/2 cup bu er, melted - 1/3 cup milk - 1 cup white sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 cup light brown sugar - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup bu er - 1 cup chopped pecans Directions - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

- In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup bu er, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Spread sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and flour. Cut in 1/3 cup bu er until mixture is crumbly, then stir in pecans. Sprinkle pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes.

- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Christmas Side Dish Recipes Elegant Green Beans Recipe Ingredients - 1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained - 1 small onion, chopped - 1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained - 6 tablespoons bu er, divided - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup 2% milk - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce - 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce - Dash salt - 1 package (16 ounces) frozen French-style green beans, thawed - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup crushed French-fried onions Directions - Preheat oven to 350°. In a small skillet, saute water chestnuts, onion and mushrooms in 2 tablespoons bu er 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender; set aside.

- In large skillet, melt remaining butter; stir in flour until smooth. Stir in milk, broth, soy sauce, pepper sauce

and salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in green beans and cheese.

- Spoon half of the bean mixture into a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Layer with water chestnut mixture and remaining bean mixture.

- Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes. Top with French-fried onions. Bake 5 minutes or until heated through.

Slow Cooker StufďŹ ng Ingredients - 1 cup bu er - 2 cups chopped onion - 2 cups chopped celery - 1/4 cup fresh parsley - 12 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced - 12 1/2 cups dry bread cubes - 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 78

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper - 4 1/2 cups chicken broth - 2 eggs, beaten www.desitoday.ca

Creamed Spinach and Parsnips Ingredients - 4 tablespoons unsalted bu er - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 2 pounds small parsnips, cut into 3/4-inch pieces - 2 large shallots, thinly sliced - 1 cup turkey stock or canned low-sodium broth - 1 teaspoon chopped thyme - Salt and freshly ground pepper - 1 1/4 pounds baby spinach (20 cups) - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Directions - In a large, deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the bu er in the oil. Add the parsnips and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until so ened, about 2 minutes. Add the stock and thyme and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer over low heat until the parsnips are tender, about 8 minutes.

- Meanwhile, fill a large, deep pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add the spinach in large handfuls and blanch, stirring, just until wilted, about 10 seconds. Drain and cool under running water. Squeeze the spinach dry and coarsely chop it. Stir the spinach into the parsnips.

- In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of bu er and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute. Whisk in the half-and-half and nutmeg, season with salt and pepper and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Stir the sauce into the spinach and parsnips and bring to a simmer.

Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Directions - Melt bu er or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, mushroom, and parsley in bu er, stirring frequently.

- Spoon cooked vegetables over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.

Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram, and salt and pepper.

Pour in enough broth to moisten, and mix in eggs. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, and cover.

- Cook on High for 45 minutes, then reduce heat to Low, and cook for 4 to 8 hours. www.desitoday.ca

Roast Parsnips With Maple Syrup & Rosemary Ingredients - 1kg parsnips (around 15cm in length), peeled - 4 tsp plain flour - 4 tsp olive or rapeseed oil - 4 tsp maple syrup - rosemary sprigs, leaves only, chopped - flaky sea salt Directions - Halve the parsnips down their length (as they are not too big, the cores shouldn’t be woody so there is no need to remove them), then cut each half into 3 equal pieces. To do this, cut off the bo om and halve the top down the length. Boil for 5 mins, then drain well and toss with the flour.

- Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the oil in a large roasting tin and heat in the oven for 5 mins. Add the parsnips, turn them in the oil and give the tin a shake so that all the parsnips are in contact with the base of the tin. Roast for 30 mins, turning once, until golden. Tip onto a pla er, drizzle with the maple syrup and sca er with rosemary and salt.

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LIFE & ETC

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By Parve

80

DEC / JAN 2016 News With A DESI View

Sohal

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olstice The Winter S l iva Lantern Fest

e light e return of th Celebrate th this it Solstice w h a er Winter parn ca event! You community orhb ig ncouver ne ticipate in 5 Va nd, la Is e ing Granvill hoods includ ea Se n. d Yaletow Chinatown an ns er nt la osangs of display of th d an t gh e your ni to illuminat irit!

Christmas sp

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LIFE & ETC

KNOW WHAT YOUR STAR SAYS

HOROSCOPE DEC-2015 WITH PANDIT KRISHNA PRASAD GURUJI CAPRICORN (Dec 22- Jan 19)

You’ve been getting more headaches lately because of stress and perhaps a lack of sleep. You need to take some time to yourself and get your body back where it needs to be! Try taking a few moments throughout the day to do some deep breathing or take up a relaxing activity such as yoga. The little stresses in your life can take a big toll on your well-being if you don’t do something soon!

AQUARIUS

(Jan 20-Feb 18)

You’ve become more body conscious lately but you’re not taking the steps to get your body at where you want it to be. You know exactly what you should be doing but you can’t motivate yourself to actually follow through. You know the deal: eat right, exercise and drink water. So why aren’t you doing it? Figure out where this lack of motivation is coming from. Not enough time? Laziness? Not enough support from those around you? Once you �igure out, you can tackle it. Your body will thank you later!

PISCES

(Feb 19-Mar 20)

You’ve become much too dependent on your cellphone lately.

You’re constantly checking messages and on social media apps and those around you are starting to notice. Even worse, you’re noticing your habit taking a toll on your life but you’re doing it anyways!

Start off small and make sure you’re not on your phone when others are around you. Slowly, start reducing your phone time more and more.

ARIES

82

Your friends have become a much bigger part of your life lately. You

TAURUS

(Apr 20 - May 20

You’ve been focusing too much on quantity rather than quality.

Whether it be in your work or personal life, you’re forgetting to take your time to include some TLC into everything you do. Take a step back and pick one or two projects to focus on before moving on to the next.

GEMINI

(May 21 - June 21)

You’ve been picking �ights with those around you. You �ind yourself short tempered and annoyed a lot quicker than usual. You need to get to the root of this problem: what is really bothering you? If you don’t �igure it out soon, your constant arguing and nagging will drive away friends and family!

CANCER

(June 22-July 22)

You have accomplished a lot recently but you haven’t taken time to really appreciate it. Take time to be proud of yourself! Pat yourself on the back. You’re at a place in your life where you are comfortable with what you have surrounded yourself with and you keep reaching those small goals you have been setting for yourself. Be sel�ish and boast about yourself a little!

LEO

(July 23-Aug 22)

In the past little while, you’ve been letting people take advan-

VIRGO

(Aug 23-Sept 22)

You’ve been acting very serious lately, you need to lighten up! You haven’t given yourself time to be silly and goofy and this is something everyone needs to do sometimes. Watch a funny movie tonight and remember that above all, life is all about having fun and enjoying yourself.

LIBRA

(Sept 23-Oct 22)

Money has become a huge part of your life lately. Whether it be how much you’re making, how much you want to save or how much your next clothing purchase will be, you’re thinking about money a lot lately. You know you’re not doing it at an excessive level but you’re still thinking about money a lot more than you should! Remember there’s more to life and to give yourself a break sometimes.

SCORPIO

(Oct 23-Nov 21)

You’re feeling a little disconnected from those around you. Lately you’ve enjoyed spending time by yourself and have been enjoying distancing yourself a bit from your friends and family. There’s a deeper reason why you’ve wanted to distance yourself so much other than simply wanting alone time. Figure out what it is and try to get back to your old ways!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21)

There is someone in your life who has changed quite signi�icantly over the past few years. You’ve noticed their personality is very different from what you’re used to (and perhaps is different from what you initially liked about the person). You need to remember that people go through phases and even with change, people can still grow together to remain close. Even though they’re different, try to not distance yourself from them because you may regret it!

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(Mar 21 - Apr 19)

turn to them for support, guidance and you genuinely just like being around your friends as opposed to anyone else in your life. Be careful not to shun out family members during this time. Try to keep a good balance

tage of you. You’re noticing people are walking all over you but you’re not sure how to stop them. You need to let people around you know that you can and will say “no” when people are asking you for help for the wrong reasons.

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Every child deserves the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.

The SmileTown Dentistry Team offers dental care for children of all ages from infant through teens.

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