Desi today june july 2018 web by Desitoday

Vol. 9

| Issue 3 | June - July 2018

DESI TODAY SPECIAL:

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DILJOTT:

The 'Patiala Peg' girl enters Bollywood

International student from India: Culprit or a victim?

NURSE ON THE GO: A new step in health care

Meet Surrey's

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Desi Today Exclusive 20 International students from India: Victim or culprit 28 Good students v/s bad students

Life & Etc

Features 18 32 34 37

Saje Brar: In a league of her own Dimple Saran: The nurse on the go Special Olympics special effort in Surrey Guru Nanak's free kitchen: Living to serve

Desi Today Politics 8

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Jinny Sims: A lifelong learner

80 Travel destinations for a budget traveler 84 Tips that could save your summer road trip

Beauty & Entertainment 12 48 72 66

Cover story: Hina Khan: Entertainer of the year Diljott Meet the Patiala Peg girl Rekha's emotional letter to Aishwarya It's raining brides in Bollywood

Auto

Business

86 Fiat 500 Urbana: the citified subcompact car 87 Mazda 3 sport: Voted best small car in Canada by AJAC 88 Hyundai Kona: Electric Recalibrates the Eco CUV Formula

38 Being clear about ICBC 40 Surrey's young achievers

Health & Wellness 52 Senior's fitness routine 56 Summer special: Thing to do with family during summers 60 Unexpected symptoms during pregnancy 62 Cut back on your plastic

Food 94 Some mouth watering recipes by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor 96 Easy cupcakes in the plate

Publishers Sanjeev Katyal Rakesh Gupta Writers Surbhi Gogia Suresh Kurl Harman Pandher Balraj S Khalon Harvinder Sandhu Photos by Jay Mahi Photo Studio Surya Photo Studio Sukhwant Singh Dhillon Vinnie Combow

Layout & Graphic Design Mohammed Ahmed 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

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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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Publisher’s Note It all started with a viral video of an extremely dirty basement suite. The person shooting the video was blaming international students from India for not cleaning their mess. The video along with displaying totally disgusting images of that basement was taking a moral stand against all the international students and showing all the students in a very bad light. The word in the Indian community out here in Surrey especially is not to rent to students. Desi Today started talking to the community about this issue. But it turned out that discussing problems of international students from India was like opening a can of warms. The increasing number of students from India has brought its own set of problems. We heard that students were not cleaning the basements however no one ever asked what made them do so? We heard that many students were not here to study but to earn and just get the PR, but no one ever tried to find out why they are leaving their courses all together? We also heard that a lot of students are working for cash and even some getting into drug trading. Desi Today stepped out not just to hear community's side of the story, but to hear what students had to say? And the vote was unanimous, there is a very small number that is not following rules and laws of Canadian culture but due to that, the entire international student community has earned a bad name. When we explored the story further we found out the reason behind their behaviour. Some readers may agree or some may disagree with the article. But we wanted to highlight that there are many serious problems related to international students from India than just unkept basements. If international students are culprit they are also the victim of an immigration system that has not done its homework well before deciding to invite a huge number for studying and settling in Canada. Read our special story on international students to find out more. In our cover story, we present to you the very popular Hina Khan, the small screen sensation who took over Bigg Boss's last season. Again she too was trolled, criticised for her behaviour. But Desi Today decided to hear her side. In an exclusive interview, she explains her side of the story and much more about her life. In this issue, we also bring to you more inspirational stories from the South Asian community. Keep Reading!

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Desi Reader’s PARTITION MUSEUM: SHEDDING LIGHT ON HISTORY'S DARK SPOT I was surprised to read about the partition museum. Never knew that something like this existed. A great read. My grandparents came from Pakistan at the time of partition. My grandmother lost her sisters. I grew up listening to her stories. She could never recover from that tragedy. Thanks for sharing such informative article.

e c i o V WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We are eager to hear from you about our magazine. Send us your thoughts on editor@desitoday.ca or leave us a comment on our Facebook page Desi Today Magazine.

- BALJIT K

AKSHAY IS THE KING

SPINNING AROUND THE WORLD RECORDS It was the best article of my life and first coverage in any magazine. Very Nice wording and nice design. I am so happy. I can’t explain, I have no words. Thanks to the editor and all the team of Desi Today magazine for promoting South Asian talent.

Akshay is the true king of Bollywood. I loved all his action movies and he is just too good as a social crusader. Just loved his get up in Kesari. Keep up the good work Desi Today. - HARBHAJAN SINGH

- SANDEEP SINGH

AKSHAY KUMAR : FROM STUNTMAN TO PADMAN A JOURNEY I think Padman has been able to break the taboo of talking about periods. It is not just in India, developed countries like Canada too, face this unhygienic problem. There are 1000's of homeless women who cannot afford to buy sanitary pads because they are expensive. Government should subsidized it. - PREM LATA www.desitoday.ca

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THE INTERVIEW Please tell us something about your family, your childhood in England and the decision to move to Canada? What were some of the major differences that you noted when you came to Canada?

DESI T ODAY P OLI T I C S

I was born in Pabwa, near Jullunder, Punjab and grew up in England where I completed my schooling and became a teacher. The politics of the day made my husband and I consider moving away from England so we applied for positions in Canada and ended up moving to Montreal. In 1977we moved to Nanaimo, British Columbia and loved it! I chose Canada to be my home because of its multiculturalism. I consider myself a true transnational and know that inclusion is not about tolerance; to me true inclusion is about celebrating both our similarities and our differences. How did you decide to join the profession of teaching? What made you enter the leadership positions in various Teachers federations? Q

jInny SImS:

A LIFELONG LEARNER BY SURBHI GOGIA

Jinny Jogindera Sims is the MLA for Surrey-Panorama. She is the Minister of Citizens' Services. Before serving these posts, Sims has worked at various government and political positions to serve the community. A teacher, a wife, grandmother, an activist and a minister, Sims has witnessed life in various shades. A teacher by profession, Sims is still a lifelong learner. In an interview with Desi Today, she recalls how her experiences in classroom, made her more determined to bring in changes in society and encouraged her further to join politics. 8

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Initially I wanted to be an airline pilot but did not meet the height requirement. So I went to university and decided to go into teacher education and since I loved it so much, I decided to become a teacher. I had a very progressive father who believed we needed a more equal and just society. He taught me to go for my dreams, but to make sure I gave back to my community. At first, I wasn’t that involved with the Teachers’ Union, but eventually sat on the Status of Women Committee. One day I was asked to step in and sit at the bargaining table while paid maternity leave for women was being negotiated, and we were successful in getting it! Then I was elected as the Vice President for the Nanaimo Teachers’ and the following year became President. In 2000, I was elected to the BCTF executive and served as Vice President then President. What were some of the major challenges that you faced during your service as the BCTF's president? Q

With the change in government in the early 2000’s things started to shift quickly in BC.

Teaching kids taught me that in order to bring about real change to address poverty, violence, racism, income inequality and such; I had to engage in policy making. Education funding was decimated, class size and composition was stripped out of our collective agreements, the learning needs of children weren’t being met and teachers, simply put,were tired of giving so much, for fighting what seemed like a losing battle for their students. It was a challenge for the BCTF leadership to start rebuilding that spirit in our membership. We were not only fighting for learning conditions for our students but for our professional rights as teachers and our rights to fair and collective bargaining. In 2005 teachers voted to strike and were supported by workers, both union and nonunion, and received unprecedented support from the public. The strike was about class size, support for students with special needs and fair compensation for teachers. In November 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of teachers and restored the language and rights stripped by the BC Liberals. Teachers were vindicated while the BC Liberal government was ruled to have overstepped their jurisdiction. You also served with the IDEA Network that aims to enhance public education across the Americas. What according to you are some of the major challenges public education is facing across Q

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North America? Across the Americas we saw a pattern of underfunding, destabilizing and privatizing public education. Quality public education is the foundation for a vibrant democracy and is the key to economic and social equity. One of the biggest challenges when we came into office was dealing with the legacy of the previous government’s underfunding, the physical neglect of school assets around BC and broken relationships with educators and school boards. We see that the gaps need to close for vulnerable learners such as Indigenous students, children in care and children with special needs. Poverty plays a key role in student success and until that is fully addressed and every child has the support they need to succeed – to follow their dreams – things won’t change. As our Premier regularly says, every child needs a quality education with supports so they can be their best. They are our future. That’s why our government has hit the ground running – we’re investing record levels of funding in education, hiring 3700 new educators, building and upgrading new schools to the tune of over $423 million, and we’re building a new relationship with educators

across the province – a relationship built on respect. We’ve also embarked on a poverty reduction strategy to address the needs of British Columbians and close the gaps that vulnerable children and their families face. What is your opinion on increasing violent attacks in schools? You think Canadian schools have any major threats? If yes what do public schools in Canada need to do? Q

It has been heartbreaking to see the violence occurring in schools in the U.S. Here in BC, we are leaders when it comes to student safety – we’ve been recognized internationally and here in Canada. Each school district has a critical incident response team to respond to the unlikely event of a violent incident. A provincial team of subject matter experts in violence threat/risk assessment and school violence prevention also provides direct support to schools and school districts on high risk cases and in response to critical incidents. There are many programs that BC’s Ministry of Education has developed such as the ERASE program which provides an anonymous online reporting tool for students to report threats and violent incidents. The program provides school districts and JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Surrey-Panorama, but all across our province. There are many things that we have already started doing, and there will be much more to come – we are well on our way to delivering on our promises. Q

You have been into the role of an MP and MLA. Do you find any difference in working as an MP and MLA? Q

community partners with comprehensive training in Violence and Threat Risk Assessment to help schools prevent, respond and recover from violent incidents. There’s also the Safer Schools Together provides the comprehensive school safety training program and provincial subject matter expert support to schools and school districts under the ERASE Strategy. Q After this extensive experience, why did you decide to join politics?

My life experiences seemed to naturally lead me into politics. I have always been very passionate about working closely with people in our communities and as an activist and teacher, my focus has been to build a just and inclusive society. Teaching kids taught me that in order to bring about real change to address poverty, violence, racism, income inequality and such; I had to engage in policy making. In order to build a more just Canada there is a need to have a voice at the table. 10

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

I’ve had a long and interesting time in politics from being elected as BCTF President in 2004, to running in the Federal Election in 2011, and then coming to provincial politics with this recent election in 2017. All of my positions have given me the opportunity to work on what I most enjoy – helping to improve the lives of British Columbians and Canadians. As an MP, I held many interesting portfolios, critic of Employment and Social Development Canada, Immigration, and International Cooperation respectively. Now, my knowledge base is continuing to grow through the diverse and meaningful work as Minister of Citizens’ Services and as the MLA for Surrey-Panorama. Surrey Panorama was largely a Liberal dominated riding? What do you think made you win? Q

I see Surrey-Panorama as a unique and quickly growing constituency where there are so many opportunities to make things easier and more affordable for British Columbians – providing better access to the services people count on and creating good paying jobs in our community and all over the BC. Constituents were concerned about the state of public schools, overcrowding at the hospital, affordability challenges,seniors care, and many more issues were not being addressed by the BC Liberal government and it was time for a change. I think that came across not only in

Please tell us about your current role as Minister for Citizens' Services?

I am very excited to have the opportunity of heading this key Ministry as the scope and diverse nature of the responsibilities make it very challenging and immensely rewarding. The Ministry of Citizens’ Services is an extremely important ministry which is interlinked and plays a supportive role to all the other ministries. I like to say we are the face and backbone of government and that people are at the heart of everything we do. From the facilitation of high-speed internet across the province to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy, to providing a wide range of both in-person and online services to British Columbians through our 62 Service BC Centres, we deliver the services British Columbians count on. We are also responsible for the management of Government Properties and Real Estate services, the BC Procurement Process, BC Online and we provide corporate leadership across government to modernize and manage government’s information technology systems and equipment. What is your take on the problem in the FOI process right now? How do you plan to resolve it? Q

When I talk to British Columbians, one of the most important things to them is that their government is open and accountable. It’s a key component in my Minister’s mandate letter to improve access to information rules to provide greater public accountability and to improve FOI response times. That’s why we’re not only engaging with our partners and the public to hear their concerns, but we’re examining access to information rules so we can strengthen them. We’re working hard to improve response and processing timesso the public gets information faster.In fact just since we formed government, I am very proud to say that our on-time FOI response rate has increased to 90 per cent, up from the previous government’s 80 percent. That’s even with a significant increase in the number of FOI requests we’ve seen this fiscal year, which if recent trends continue, are projected to be a 40 to 50 percent increase in the overall volume compared to the last couple of years. www.desitoday.ca

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Photo credit: Sachin Kumar

COV E R S T ORY

‘In Bigg Boss I was who I am, I have no regrets’

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A DESI View

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BY SURBHI GOGIA

HINA KHAN The Bigg Boss runner up may have lost the winner's trophy but won many other later, due to her entertainment quotient

ina Khan is one of the most popular names of the Indian television. Perhaps one of the highest paid actor in the television industry, she has ruled the small screen for almost a decade now. She rose to fame with her lead role of Akshara Singhania in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' for 8 years. Her decision to quit the show might have been a setback to her fans and a risk to her but she took it as an opportunity to explore new projects. Breaking away from her image of a quintessential bahu, she was next seen as an adventurer and explorer in Khatron Ke Khiladi -- a show that tests your patience, courage, will power and endurance. After winning the first runner up title in the show, Hina entered the most talked about and controversial reality show of the Indian

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Television -- Bigg Boss season 11. Always liked and much appreciated by her fans, Hina got a mixed reaction by the followers of this hugely popular show. She had quite a graph on the show. Known for her go-getter attitude and impressive on-screen presence Hina has a huge fan list on social media. She started as the crowd favourite but lost some of her sheen along the way. The most negative reactions from audience came due to her remarks on other actresses or sometimes her reaction towards other contestants. Although in one of the interviews to the media, she clarified, "What you see on the TV is just 45 minutes of footage edited from a 24-hour-long video.â&#x20AC;? But despite being trolled and criticized, Hina survived the show. She came very close to winning by being one of the top two contestants. She

lost to Shilpa Shinde at the end. When Desi Today caught up with Hina to talk about her life post the show, she never seemed to have any regrets of her losing Bigg Boss. In fact she lost one trophy at the Bigg Boss, she has lifted many more after the show. She was named the most loved contestant on Bigg Boss 11 house by Ormax Media. She has won many awards for being the Most Stylish personality of Indian TV. And recently Hina was awarded "Dada Saheb Phalke Excellence Award" for the Best Entertainer in Reality Show Bigg Boss. In an interview with Desi Today, Hina talks about how life has been treating her after Bigg Boss. She feels lucky. "I got my bit after Bigg Boss... the love and adulation that I got from the audience in itself has made me a winner."

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

The love and adulation that I got from the audience in itself made me a winner. There were no mistakes, I was who I am and I have no regrets! Q Please tell us something about

yourself. Your family, your hometown and your career goals while growing up? I was born in Srinagar and studied MBA in Delhi, I always wanted to become a journalist but acting happened to me just like that.. and I took it like a challenge.. rest everyone knows :).

Q Did you always dream to be part of the glamour industry?

No I never wanted to be an actor. But my story is like a Cinderella story and I guess I was destined to be an actress.

Photo credit: Sachin Kumar

Q How did you get your first break? As I mentioned that it was a Cinderella story. I was forcefully sent by my friends for auditions. I gave the auditions just like that and next day continued with my college. You won’t believe I got a call the very next day of auditions that I was selected for the role and had to travel to Mumbai. So ya I consider myself lucky and thank God every now and then. 14

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A DESI View

What prompted your decision to leave Yeh Rishta...?

I had been part of the show for eight years and could feel that I needed to move on and do something different and exciting. I wanted to grow further and explore more opportunities as an actor and entertainer and hence I decided that it was time to say good bye.

Q Audiences have seen your on-screen transformation from an ideal Bahu, to a daring adventurer in Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK) and finally a badass contestant in Big Boss who was never scared to call a spade a spade, we want to know who is Hina Khan in real? Do you identify yourself with any on screen role? The real Hina is the girl you saw in KKK and Bigg Boss (BB). I stand up for what I feel is right. I am a simple girl who believes in working hard. I love challenges and want to keep exploring and challenging myself when it comes to my work. There are bits

and pieces of all characters which we as actors can identify with but at the end of the day, an onscreen persona will always remain fictional.

Q How did you decide to be part of Big

Boss Season 11? Your most memorable moments in the show?

Well honestly I never thought I would do a show like Bigg Boss. But I saw it as a challenge. I’ve been a pampered princess at home and so I knew that living away from my family for so long and being surrounded by cameras with strangers won’t be easy. But it’s the challenge that really made me go for it! I remember the last footage that Bigg Boss played of my journey and called me ‘Sher Khan’ and that moment and my entire journey are the most beautiful memories I still cherish from the show. www.desitoday.ca

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Q One of the most popular contestants

of this show and so close to winning, media and critics are giving their own reasons for you losing, but we want to know from you -- why do you think you lost? Any major mistake? Well I see it from a different point of view. I have been receiving awards every month after BB. Be it Dada Saheb Phalke award for the best contestant in BB or a prestigious award presented by Delhi's ex chief mister -- Rajiv Gandhi Excellence award for the best entertainer in BB or Hindustan Time's most stylist personality of television and many

I’ve been a pampered princess at home and so I knew that living away from my family for so long and being surrounded by cameras with strangers won’t be easy

other awards. So I feel what I missed in BB was lifting the trophy and when I came out I realised how much people loved me and have been honouring me every now and then. I think that’s my real achievement and I have mentioned it many times that BB is a very well edited show. People judge on that basis but in real life you get what you deserve. And I am so lucky I got my bit after BB. The love and adulation that I got from the audience in itself made me a winner. There were no mistakes, I was who I am and I have no regrets!

Q If we talk about your sweet and sour

relation with Shilpa Shinde, how are things between you two, post the show? We haven’t met each other post the show and we are two actresses who belong to the same industry. And I know sooner or later we might get to meet each other and I am cool with it. I will always be cordial with her.. no hard feelings..That’s about it!

Q How is life treating you post the

show? Your fans want to know what new projects or upcoming shows you are involved with? Life has been fabulous! I have been walking the ramp, traveling and busy with events. I also shot for a music video as well as a short film. I am loving the new genres and working on exploring various mediums. Talks are on for many projects and you will see me back on screen very soon!

Q You will be next seen in a digital

movie Smartphone. Please tell us something about it. 16

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

I am playing a completely different avatara village girl who sees the city life and is intrigued by all that she sees in this new world.

Q You recently got Dada Saheb Phalke

Excellence Award" for the Best Entertainer in Reality Show, one of the biggest honours of the industry, how do you feel?

Awards are always a cherry on top for all the hard work we put in as actors. It feels great.

Q And now your favourites: actor,

actress, food, holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destination is London. When it comes to actor -- many Bollywood and Hollywood actors Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saurabh Shukla, Naseer sir and many others. My favourite actresses are Vidya Balan, Kajol, Radhika Apte -- I basically like realistic performances. I enjoy Mughlai, Italian and Chinese food.

Q Is marriage on cards for you? No, not anytime soon.

Q What do you want to say to your fans in Vancouver?

Thank you for all the love! Keep sharing your love, feedback and support as that keeps me going! www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE

In a league of Her oWn

Saje

The young Vancouver Whitecaps REX soccer player was recently picked by the prestigious Yale University to play for its soccer team while pursuing academics 18

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Brar BY SURBHI GOGIA

While there are still few days before Saje Brar turns 18 years old, she has achievements that are ahead of her age. Be it playing in teams above her age group, or setting goals for what she wants to be in her life, this young South Surrey resident can undoubtedly be called a trend-setter in her community. A feather was recently added into her cap. The Centre forward player in Vancouver WhiteCaps REX program team, Saje will probably be one of the very first South Asian women to play in the prestigious soccer team of the Yale University. Yale belongs to the elite group of 8 Ivy League universities in the United States, considered to be most outstanding in terms of their academic as well as sports teams. In fact the term Ivy League came at a time when these universities elitism was due to their prestige in the realm of sports. Getting an acceptance in Yale is nothing less than a dream come true for many brilliant students across the world. Approximately only 6% of the total applicants get into the university. And when Saje and her family got the www.desitoday.ca

confirmation letter from Yale this April, they knew the door for endless opportunities had just been opened. Saje along with representing its soccer team, will be pursuing political science from the Connecticut based college. Her decision to opt for political science comes from her inner drive to become the Prime Minister of Canada one day and also to play in the national team of Canada. "It might feel bit of a stretch -- but that's my ultimate goal," she says. You might wonder how can someone at such a young age have choice of two different ambitious careers that have no connection to each other. But this is how Saje has been grown up by her parents. The Brar family has always taken a holistic approach towards life. The family believes in exploring different options that challenge mind and body, learning the skills from every option and applying those skills in other areas. How they decided to put Saje in soccer is one such example. Saje was just 5 years old, when Ron Brar, Saje's father used to take her to the Ballerina classes. Although being a member of various soccer groups himself, the obvious choice for Ron would have been to put his daughter into soccer from day one. "Since she liked belle, we thought she would aspire to be a ballerina. But one day we were at a soccer camp, she started dribbling the ball through older kids, we were stunned to see such skills at that young age. We realized that Saje had the gift of more than just being a ballerina. AS soon as we put her into soccer she grabbed on to the sport right away. As she excelled, the coaches started moving her up the levels," Ron said. But soccer was never a stepping stone. She tried various sports like Softball, Volleyball and Basketball before excelling in soccer. "My parents never locked off one sport for me. They instructed me in many different sports that allowed me to test waters for everything. They never said I had to play soccer. I got options to see what I was good at and soccer happened to be my passion." The skills acquired in other sports helped Saje master soccer. She knew that speed was really important in soccer so she got into track and field club Oceans Athletics and learned how to better use her technique in running. Soccer does not train you on jumping, so she got into Volleyball team to be trained in jumping. She was also in her high school's rugby team that projected her ability to be more aggressive. Brar joined the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX Program in Partnership with BC Soccer in January 2015 after previously playing with Coastal FC in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League. The ball started rolling for www.desitoday.ca

Just try everything. Don't say no and give up even before trying. The moment you say no a door will be closed. You don't know what you are capable of. Yale during her training at the REX program. "I always knew that I wanted to go to an IVY league university whether with the help of soccer or without it. They saw me at a showcase and I was in grade 10 when I committed to Yale," she said. Though Saje had offers from various other institutions like Michigan, Pepperdine, Northwestern, among them, Yale was her first choice. Her confidence in the coaches at the Yale was the top most reason for her decision to opt for this institute. "I could have settled for other institution, but when I visited Yale, I struck a bond with the coaches. They told me I was one of their best picks," she added. Saje is proud of the fact that she will be the first South Asian female athlete on Yale's soccer

team. She wants to inspire her community as a role model. According to her South Asian community has best of the best women athletes but somehow they are not getting the opportunity. "If they can take a cue from the pathway I have taken, I think my effort is worth. I will be happy to be a mentor for them," Saje asserted. But one would need a lifelong commitment, dedication and time management to be on the path that Saje and her family have taken. It is not easy to be part of Whitecaps REX program that demands higher standards of training and to be on top of school grades too. A typical day in Saje's life starts at 4 o'clock in the morning. "We leave our home in South Surrey at 5.30 in the morning to be in Burnaby by 6. I am there till 8. Then I go to Burnaby Central school. I start my training again after school till 4.30. I go home, grab something to eat, unwind for an hour and then I hit the books till late night," she says. She still remembers her last year summer, when she had to prepare for her SAT exam and prepare for the Canada summer games at the same time. "While I was preparing to train for the big event, I was also studying for SAT 6 hours a day. It was hard. It literally meant no summer for me. I missed on special family events, birthdays, weddings, going out with friends. But at the end I got the score needed to clear SAT," she said. But it was worth the effort once she got the acceptance letter from Yale. She feels life has opened endless opportunities for her. And this is the message she wants to send out to the community. "Just try everything. Don't say no and give up even before trying. The moment you say no a door will be closed. You don't know what you are capable of." JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

DE SI T ODAY E XCLU S I VE

NAL O I T ERNAOM INDIA T N I THE ENT FR STUD

V A Ac

m i t c i

? t i r ulp OR

BY SURBHI GOGIA

Canada has been hosting international students for many years. Youth from across the world come to study, live and make a future here. India is one of the leading countries to contribute to this growing chunk. But more recently there has been an exponential growth in the number of international students from India. According to IRCC China remains the top country of origin representing 28% of inbound students followed by India having almost doubled with 25% in 2017. You can see a lot more young energetic international students from India on Canadian roads and public places. Since they are allowed to work part-time, they are taking your orders at your local coffee shop, working in the construction industry serving food at the parties or delivering your pizzas. With such a large presence and impact of these youth, one would think the local IndoCanadian community living here must be feeling proud of a generation that shares their origins, and which is well informed, tech-savvy, young and all set to conquer the Canadian economy, following the trail-blazing path set by their seniors and peers. However, over the past few months, there has 20

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

altogether to enter illicit activities like drug trading. There is also passive-aggressive protest by the South Asian society by not co-operating with them when it comes to renting basement suites. Even if they find a basement, the rules set for them especially girls are much stricter than the general renters' bylaws. For example putting restriction on whom they invite at home or even what time they come home. After hearing many stories from the IndoCanadians, Desi Today decided to dig deep into the matter and talked to the international students, community leaders, and even education institute representatives to find more about what is making this young generation display this behavior? Is it a generation gone awry or is it a generation that has become the victim of circumstances? And the response was unanimous. It was felt that, due to a bunch of international Indian students who are not following Canadian manners and system, and have wandered off from their path with a greater inclination to earn money than towards their primary goal of studying, a larger international student community is bearing the brunt. That their reputation is at stake. As a consequence, the rest of the international students from India have to fight an additional battle of proving their worth be it in classrooms, residences or at workplaces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially if their employer is a South Asian. On the other hand, community members, education representatives and even immigration consultants feel these problems of international

been a simmering reaction of anger and protest by the Indo-Canadian community especially of Surrey against these students. There are YouTube videos made by the Indo-Canadians displaying the behaviour of the students unhygienic lifestyle, criticizing them for their focus on earning money instead of studies. A few are leaving studies

Education institutes are deďŹ nitely getting the revenue but they are unable to manage such heave inďŹ&#x201A;ux. It is the students who are suffering in this system. They are ending up in courses they don't want and a lot more are not getting the admission in the courses. raKeSh Sharma allIance ImmIgratIon

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the situation can have a negative impact on opportunities for future students.

The heaVY inFluX anD iTS iMPacT

Indian international students who attend Canadian institutions are largely from rural backgrounds who do not have the ﬁnancial means to pay tuition and support themselves for two years... Indian international students are under extreme pressure to work in order to supplement their tuition and pay their living expenses. Dr. gagUn S. ChhIna langara college Indian students should not be ignored. Even that small bunch of international students displaying 'such behavior' is an alarming situation. The problems are warning signs of an immigration system that is struggling to cope with the heavy influx of students. If nothing is done in time,

Rakesh Sharma of Alliance Immigration points out the reasons behind this mass influx. He says two simultaneous situations have pushed this growth. Canada was one of the popular destination amongst Indian students looking to study abroad but not the top. Many other popular education destinations like Australia, New Zealand, UK, and even US have actually made visa rules very strict for Indian students and also stopped giving immigration on work basis. On the other hand, Canada has made the process of immigration smoother and a bit liberal for international students contributing to the enormous growth of international students. Dr. Gagun S. Chhina, sociology instructor at Langara College, recently completed a research projectfunded by the Langara Research and Scholarship Activity Fund (RSAF), to understand the experiences and struggles of Indian International students. His research has gained interest from the Canadian Anthropological Society and the BC Council for International Education. Dr. Chhina says that the surge is specifically due to the change in the PR rules of immigration. "Canada is currently one of the simplest developed nations to obtain permanent residency. I do want to make clear that obtaining PR in Canada is still is not easy, however, the rules regarding student visas and PR was changed in about 2012, which has led to the current increase." Sharma, on the other hand, feels the education institutes are definitely getting the revenue but they are unable to manage such heave influx. It is the students who are suffering in this system. They are ending up in courses they don't want and a lot more are not getting the admission in the courses. He points out that an international student gets PR only based on the open course graduate work permit after a completion of their studies. Also, a student can only be a part-time student

in the last semester to apply for a work permit. A lot of students are not able to be get registered in the course even in the first semester and now immigration officers are refusing work permit to part-time students. There is a big confusion.

We feel proud when we see that people from our community doing so well in Canada. Similarly, we are also very passionate and want to contribute towards our community and country. We just need support of our own community. gUrpreet SIngh SaBharWal

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International students not getting the course has been an issue from my own experience. They do have a hard time registering for classes. Even though we send multiple reminders, sometimes they are unable to register tanya Sehgal manager of InternatIonal recruItment and admIssIon, KPu

Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal, Surrey Campus representative, Kwantlen Student Association, who deals with international students every day, points out the same problems. He feels that students not getting admission in their choice of course, is a serious problem. He says the blame lies with a bunch of ignorant consultants, "A lot of agents' aim is just to send students to Canada and earn commission. They will book any course or any time for classes for students without the knowledge of the student. I have even come across cases where agents did not register a student for the course. Once the student lands here, they have to miss the semester to compromise on the course they pick." Tanya Sehgal, manager of international recruitment and admission at KPU, says: "Students not getting the course has been an issue from my own experience. They do have a hard time registering for classes. Even though we send multiple reminders, sometimes they are unable to register. We try to open new classes -- even if it is last minute work. And if there are no classes we recommend they defer to the next semester." Sehgal is of the view that students struggling with registering classes are not a new trend since it is a system that might not be followed in the respective student's home country, but a surge in international student population is making it more difficult. KPU itself witnessed a 154% increase in international student applications from spring 2017 to spring 2018. "When we saw that numbers are increasing we never expected at this level, we 24

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

had to take a break to accommodate the existing students at KPU. We closed our applications for all our international students for spring 2018." KPU is an institute that is taking steps to match standards of services with that of the quantity. However, there are many private institutes that are not taking this into consideration. This revenue generating model might be a working for the government and education institutes but international students from India are paying a hefty price. Sharma suggests government, institutes, and students themselves need to take a more proactive approach to know more about the system before they land here.

The Financial STruggle Once the international students land here and do not find the right course or cannot get admission in the course, their struggle becomes even more complicated. There are always teething troubles like adjusting to a new culture, becoming independent, finding accommodation and

International students for sure are being exploited by some South Asian employers who are taking advantage of our vulnerable situation. Komalpreet InternatIonal student from IndIa

managing finances, all at the same time. Now add the extra burden of high cost of living in the Lower mainland. While some students get the money from back home, a lot more struggle for finances. There are few who even have to send money back home since their parents have sold every asset just to send them to Canada. That pushes them to work more even beyond 20 hours. Dr. Chinna, while explaining the findings of his research said that pressure of earning to survive is causing much larger trouble. His study consisted of 32 qualitative interviews upto three hours in length. He says, "None of these students were in trouble with the law. Although this may occur, it has not been brought up as a significant factor with legal authorities. However, many students do work above the 20-hour requirement and this has a negative impact upon their academic success. Indian international students who attend Canadian institutions are largely from rural backgrounds who do not have the financial means to pay tuition and support themselves for two years. International tuition is three to three and a half times higher for international students than it is for domestic students. Therefore, Indian international students are under extreme pressure to work in order to supplement their tuition and pay their living expenses." Since these students are working more hours than they are allowed and working under cash, many are being exploited by their employers. Komalpreet, who came here as an international student from Ferozepur while recalling her story says that her consultant put her in the course that has no relevance to her career. I wanted to do nursing but my consultant did not know which path I should take, he suggested another course for me. I am not happy with what I am doing." She said she still had to earn money to survive. Although she gets financial support from her parents in India, she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to earn my everyday expenses. Because of the wrong course I will have to spend extra time and money to settle here, so I have to earn money". Komalpreet says that she has worked at many places and there have been employers who did not even pay her. She says, "International students for sure are being exploited by some South Asian employers who are taking advantage of our vulnerable situation." She further says that she is just one example. She has a lot more friends who do not even have financial support from their families back home, and as a consequence, suffering a lot. Since they are working multiple jobs, plus studying, plus coping with pressures of a new country, there is no time to clean or even think about cleanliness. "I have seen students who are under so much pressure to send money back home that they are leaving their studies all together to earn money. But whose fault is it anyway?" she questions. www.desitoday.ca

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Overall international students from India have been brilliant. They are good students. They work hard to settle here. But this small number is destroying the reputation of good students. My advice -- If you have got a lifetime opportunity to come and settle in this great country, why don't you do it the right way? Study hard and get your education.

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founder, KIdsPlay foundatIon The pressure to earn money has actually forced a bunch of few to get involved in drug trading. Kal Dosanjh, founder KidsPlay foundation, a non-profit organization working towards keeping kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence, says he has come across the information where international students from India have got involved in the drug trade. "They are not involved in the organized crime but are involved in the drug trade. I have received information where are they are actively involved in the dial-a-dope operation where you use cars to deliver the drugs to the customers." He says such students are of two categories: one who have known poverty and whose parents can only afford so much – once they come to Canada and see easy money in drug trade, they get involved. Once they get involved, education becomes secondary. The second category is of students who come from wealthy families and they www.desitoday.ca

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want to earn more money. He warns that drugs and their trade spare no one. It is easy to get into the trap. "If someone is approaching you - why you are working hard, come with me, there is a better way of making easy money. Don't get into that trap. There is nothing called easy money." "It does not matter if you are from India, Australia or any country. Drugs and gangs do not discriminate. If you think getting into drug trade is easy money, you will soon find out the consequences. You will either end up in jail, be dead or be deported," he warns. Dosanjh observes that overall international students from India have been brilliant. They are good students, work hard to settle here. But this small number is destroying the reputation of good students. His advice to this bunch of students is, "If you have got a lifetime opportunity to come and settle in a great country, why don't you do the right thing -- study hard, get your education and do it the right way?" Balraj S Kahlon is a volunteer with Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) which created the International Student Seva Project to help students from India facing serious hardships. This project had support from Global Girl Power Foundation and local lawyer Massood Joomratty. GNFK created this project in response to hearing stories of international students from India experiencing abuse and exploitation in the local community. Most worrisome for Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen is young women in vulnerable situations. Since starting this project Balraj has learned many students are working more hours than they are allowed due to high tuition, high cost of living, and in some cases to send money back home. Their employers know students can get in trouble for working over their limit and decide to take advantage of them. Balraj says “While working on this GNFK initiative, I have been made aware of cases of young girls being sexually abused in the workplace. I can’t tell you how widespread all these problems are, but they require attention. I understand these are uncomfortable issues, but you can’t wish these problems away. There have been enough rallies on violence against women in our community. We need to start working towards solutions” Balraj also adds, "The strongest criticism should be reserved for people in the South Asian community who are using and abusing international students.”

PleaSe SPare The gOOD STuDenTS The international students from India too are upset about the entire situation. They feel, apart from the struggles that they have to face in a new country, the struggle to prove their worth is putting extra 26

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

I have concerns about the amount of money some working class families from Punjab are spending on their children’s’ foreign education and whether it will pay off for them in the long run. Let’s be honest, foreign students are being used as a major revenue source for colleges, but serious problems often occur when people and institutions are solely driven by money. Balraj S Kahlon

Volunteer, guru nanaK’s free KItcHen

burden. Gurpreet says, “Some of the people in our community have put all the international students from Indian in one category and treating them the same. I agree there are few who display unacceptable behaviour , but now all the students have come under this. Even in the community there might be people who are not neat but its general human behaviour.” He says, "Students are not getting rental basements to live in. Also a few are talking bad about the girl students from India. Where as in Punjabi we say "diaan te sab diyaan sanjiya hundiya nee" meaning daughters should be respected everywhere. “We feel proud when we see that people from our community doing so well in Canada. Similarly, we are also very passionate and want to contribute towards our community and country. We just need support our own community," he says. Even Komalpreet feels the same. She says a many Indian community members are making them uncomfortable if they have boys as their company. "It is everyone's personal decision as to how they dress up or whom they make friends with. There are right and wrong people everywhere. Even those living here have their personal follies. But everyone has a different personality. It is general human nature. You cannot label a particular human nature in a ‘student from India’ nature." At this point, it is not correct to point fingers in one direction only – as missteps by the innocent and desperate, as well as malice by the not-sowell-meaning people – have contributed to this problem greatly. First, there is needs to be a critical look at

the current foreign education system. According to Balraj Kahlon “So many are making money off this international student trend, but this system is putting some very young people in a very vulnerable position. There are students coming from India as young as 17 who are not equipped to be here. They have no career plan; no knowledge about the education system; no support system; and have difficulty performing in Canadian colleges.” Balraj adds “I have concerns about the amount of money some working class families from Punjab are spending on their children’s’ foreign education and whether it will pay off for them in the long run. Let’s be honest, foreign students are being used as a major revenue source for colleges, but serious problems often occur when people and institutions are solely driven by money.” The need of the hour is a focus on solution: overall, the entire process of international education needs to be more pro-active and be better prepared for needs and challenges of international students. A lot more training, screening, and pre-orientation on part of the government and education institutes is needed before they invite international students especially from India before it is too late. . Action is required in Canada to avoid any backlash against Indian students that occurred in Australia. The existing community leadership needs to reach out to both parties – existing community, and incoming students, to build mechanisms of redressal and dispute-resolution, instead of looking at incoming students with a suspicious eye, and unfairly restricting their behaviour. Solutions are the need of the hour, before the Canadian dream turns sour. www.desitoday.ca

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DE SI T ODAY E XCLU S I VE

Good Students

VS.

Bad Students

UNRELENTING

RENTING

BAD BEHAVIOUR OF A FEW, HAS CREATED RENTAL PROBLEMS FOR MANY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BY HARVINDER SANDHU In the last couple of years the influx of international students has not gone unnoticed in Canada. One of the highest ratios of international students here in Surrey, is from India. As we all know when going to higher education, you most often do have to leave your home and move away to obtain that education. Cost of living usually is high for students and for those coming here from overseas, their very high university fees makes it that much more difficult for them to afford housing and so the solution is usually sharing. 28

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A DESI View

Many basement suites have more students than bedrooms, with as many as 4 students sharing a rental unit meant for 2 people as that is the only way they can afford the high living cost out here. And when you have more than one person sharing a rental unit, inevitably, there’s some who don’t pick up after themselves, creating a situation where no one might do the cleaning at all. Result is the unit’s general cleanliness is neglected, piles of garbage is left around stinking up the space, dirty dishes all over the place, half-full and empty take-out food containers lying all around, and much more!

I have seen my share of unkept basements where students reside or have resided. Yes, most are messy, some are down right dirty with all kinds of days’ old leftover food containers with food or plates lying around, dirt everywhere, washrooms looking like public washrooms in a dingy area, basically the unit is usually in a general decay

Into this walked in many landlords. The word in the Indian community out here in Surrey especially is not to rent to students. As a Realtor working in the Fraser Valley, i.e. from North Delta to Surrey, Abbotsford and Chilliwack, I have seen my share of unkept basements where students reside or have resided. Yes, most are messy, some are down right dirty with all kinds of days’ old leftover food containers with food or plates lying around, dirt everywhere, washrooms looking like public washrooms in a dingy area, basically the unit is usually in a general decay . Of course, for a homeowner to see their home in this type of condition, can and should, upset them. Now the South Asian community has been talking about these “bad students” for the last few months, with viral videos circulating on What’sApp through the community like fire. But the sad news is bad behaviour from a few, have created rental problems for many international students. Desi Today stepped out into the community and talked to students, home owners and other professionals regarding this issue. To understand why this is happening, I reached out to students I met working at fast-food joints, and through my circle of influence. Here’s their side of the story and a little on ‘the why’. www.desitoday.ca

Desi Today: how long have you been here in canada? and would you want to stay after your studies? Kirak S.Khera: I came two years ago and

IShman KaUr, ShareS her eXperIenCe oF tryIng to rent.

really like Canada. Of course I want to stay here, that’s the plan.

iShMan: When I first came here 3 years ago I didn’t have problems renting, but when I came back 6 months ago with my mom, brother and sister, it was very difficult to get a decent place to rent.

DT: What do you think is the perception from indians living here, of international students? KK: Laughs… I was waiting for that one.

DT: Describe the kind of basements you have lived in.

Ma’am, I and many of my student friends appreciate all the hard work that the Indian people who came before us had done to make this a safe place for us. We do appreciate it and I do wish all of us students show it by taking care of the place they rent and how they talk to the owners…but there are some who don’t.

Ishman: Well the last place before this, there was no heat. Every time I asked the landlord to turn up the heat he would make excuses that the heater was broken. He finally gave us a portable heater that actually made my mother sicker and she was already becoming sick from the cold. The heater was an old machine that smelt when hot. She continued to share how one landlord in his 50’s would show up at the basement suite alone asking her and her then roommate what they were cooking and doing and just trying to come into the suite. This would happen almost every other day to the point where they decided to move out. At moving time the landlord would not give them back the deposit citing that he needed to check the place first. She says they had to demand it and refused to leave till he gave it back.

DT: are majority of these students coming from india, coming from wealthy families? KK: Of course yes…there are also many students who have come on full scholarships and they work and study hard and don’t do this negative behaviour. For many of us, you do need money to come out here on student visa. It’s not cheap. I’m from a landlord family, and both my parents are also professionals and my sister is in the military. Look … you have to spend some money to come here so most of my peers are from wealthy families where they haven’t had to do anything around the house growing up.

DT: i do know from ﬁrst-hand experience in india that labour is cheap and there are many servants in wealthy homes. KK: Exactly…. Laughs … students who have caused this problem, this bad reputation were already people who didn’t care and also maybe their parents didn’t care also, some parents do say, “jo kush karna, kar la”. Look, my dad sat me down and said ‘I have raised you for twenty years, enough, now you have to stand on your own two feet, whatever you do from now on is on you, good or bad. You are responsible for it’.

DT: even if you get in trouble? KK: Yes. He was very clear; he said he will not help me. My dad’s ultimatum actually www.desitoday.ca

THE FIRST QUESTION THE LANDLADY ASKED WAS IF THEY WERE STUDENTS? helped me to become mature, to grow up and to stand on my feet. Ma’am, it’s not the fault of students only, the homeowners also need to understand a little… let me tell you something … a few months ago I called inquiring about a basement suite for a friend who is now on work permit and is coming back here with her family. The first question the landlady asked was if they are students. I said no… that she is on work permit and has her family with her, still the house owner said, “but first she was a student right”… I couldn’t believe this person. She refused to rent to them.

DT: Was this normal experience for your friends as well? iShMan: Yes, very similar. Some of my student friends are in a living relationship, and to the landlord there’s a boy and a girl, because they are a couple, the landlord is ok. This is stupid because they are still students, just cos they are a couple the landlord is ok to rent to them. The mentality is still that the woman will clean the house! Another successful student with a work permit shared how she never had any problems renting and in fact, she had great landlords. Simran, who now works in finance, had only good things to say about her former and current landlords. The stories shared by students are quite sad; yet their resilience in making it here is noteworthy. Yes, there are some bad apples, but not all students, just as, not all landlords, are bad. JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

StUDentS -- theSe are BaSIC CanaDIan mannerS

Look some idiots didn’t clean up after themselves that doesn’t mean all of the students are bad. Kiran who did not want to disclose her workplace or any other details says these stories in the Indian media here and on WhatsApp is blown up.

Kiran: Look some idiots didn’t clean up after themselves that doesn’t mean all of the students are bad.

DT: Well the media is getting the info from home owners. anything you want to tell the homeowners? Kiran: If they treat us like family we will look after their home like family. Most of these owners are not nice. They don’t turn on the heat, and the hot water is little, many times we have to take a quick bath because water is cold. We pay so much for the place they should at least give some heat and hot water.

DT: Did you try talking to them? Kiran: Yes we have tried but they don’t care, they say go find another place… that’s not right either. 30

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

There are NGO’s as well as university counselors to help international students understand the culture and social norms of this country. Knowing and practising these norms will make students life here easier. International students, just like other immigrants need to know the basics. • Canadians line up at bus stops, banks, stores, restaurants, markets, events, cinema etc. Canadians expect services on a first-come first served basis. If there is no line-up, Canadians take turns instead of pushing ahead. People will become angry if you cut into the middle of a line, instead of lining up from the back, or if you push against the person ahead of you. • Not too close to the person in front of us as we also practice – Personal Distance – Canadians are accustomed to standing 60 – 100 cm away from each other in social or business settings. When Canadians go to the pharmacy, they stand at least 100 cm away from the person served at the counter. Standing any closer makes, Canadians feel uncomfortable – especially in the Pharmacy, people feel the information they are sharing with the pharmacist is private and therefore give a significant amount of distance between the customer being served, and the person next in line. • Make Eye Contact - It is customary for Canadians to make eye contact with the person they are talking to, no matter their gender, age or if they are an authority figure, such as a professor or supervisor. • People expect you to be on time for work, school, medical appointments, and business meetings. You could lose your job or be suspended from school if you are frequently late. People will not wait for

more than 10 – 15 minutes for someone who is late for a business meeting. If you are running late, make sure to contact the person you are meeting, and explain why you are late. For social events, it is expected people arrive on time, up to and no later than half an hour from the time they were invited. • Unless you are with a friend, it is impolite to ask the following personal questions:

How much money do you make? How much did you pay for your house/car? Why aren’t you married? Why don’t you have children? How old are you? How much do you weigh? • Canadians are very proud of our beautiful landscape and are very environmentally conscious. It is expected people do not litter, or leave garbage in the street, on the ground, or throw litter out a car. You can be fined for littering. You are expected to put your trash in the public garbage cans available in most public places. • Smoking is not permitted in any public or work place, including restaurants, bus or taxi shelters (indoor AND outdoor), public vehicles and washrooms. If you smoke, you are not allowed within five meters from the doorway, window or air intake of a public or work place. Ask permission before lighting a cigarette in someone’s home or car. These are some of the norms here that newcomers of all stripes can learn to help them to have smooth transition to their new home. www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE

a neW Step In the DIreCtIon oF prIVate home Care For SoUth aSIanS IS on the Way

DIMPLE SARAN THIS NURSE IS ON THE GO BY SURBHI GOGIA Born in a Sikh family Dupinder (also known as Dimple) Kaur Saran has always known the importance of Seva. Seva translates to service in English. But in Sikhism it expands to much more than just its literal translation. It means serving humanity. When Dimple was opting for a career, she decided to become a nurse -- a field that gave her opportunity to do Seva in true sense. She has been serving people of all ages from a new born to an old person for more than 20 years now. After working as a registered nurse with Burnaby Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital, part of Fraser Health Authority, Vancouver 32

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Coastal, Dimple joined HealthLinkBC. It was during her job and while volunteering her time in the community working with Akal Academy Surrey and Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, she came in contact with people and instances, where she realized the increasing need of private home care services for the South Asian population. After years of thinking and planning she has finally launched Nurse on the Go initiative. Under this Dimple and her team will be offering home care services to the people in need. There are already private as well as government organizations offering home care services to Canadians. In fact Home care is the

fastest growing sector of Canadian health care due to an aging population, increasing number of immigrants plus increase in the number of people with chronic diseases. According to the Canadian Home Care Association there are one million Canadians receiving publicly funded home care services. Over 500,000 individuals are accessing private home care services. While there is no dearth of such services, Dimple says her reason to launch one more are different. "Over the last 10 years, I was looking into launching something in healthcare. As I was volunteering, I realised we are lacking a health care facilities in South Asian community. There are private initiatives that do serve South Asians but the operators may not have healthcare experience or they hire from different backgrounds and the person offering the service may not know the culture too well. They might be unaware of some of the problems culturally or even medically. There are language barriers too. With the Nurse On the Go business model, we are expecting to grow, expand & consider franchising. Dimple quotes her own experiences as a nurse. "When South Asian patients see a nurse that understands their culture and speaks their language, they feel more comfortable," she says. All this encouraged her to launch Nurse on the Go. www.desitoday.ca

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She also asserts that her company will offer wide variety of home care services which will not be limited to old age care. "Initially I was thinking just a private home health care company but as I was putting the whole plan together, I started realizing the need is much wider. There are people who come from light surgeries and need support at home. There are also new mothers who have C-sections and need someone to take care of their baby. Some people just need some light cleaning and cooking after surgeries. We want to give services to all those. We want to take care of a new born and an old age person at the same time," she explained. For that reason, Nurse on the Go is on a recruitment drive to hire nurses, care aids, LPNs and even people who can do light jobs. To apply for registered nurses you need to be licensed with CRNBC, as an LPN you need to be registered with CLPNBC,a Care-Aid must be registered with BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry andfor home support all you need is a grade 12 certificate and some background in healthcare or a related field like nanny, housekeeping etc. As far the cost of the services is concerned, Dimple says she is a big supporter of affordability, so the cost would vary. " Since our care levels would vary from new borns and all the way to seniors our cost would vary too. We are not going to adopt one size fits all formula. We will have case managers to assess how much and for how long you need the care. If you need someone to do light cooking and cleaning, we will not charge you the cost of a nurse," she explains. To begin with Nurse on the Go will operate like a nursing company where nurses would be sent home for private health care but eventually we would be collaborating with otherprivate or non profit organizations to expand the horizons. Nurse on the GO was formally launched on April 21 and the recruitment drive has already begun. If you want to apply you can send resume to office@nurseonthego.ca www.desitoday.ca

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FEATURE Khalsa Primary Vice-Principal Satinder Bhatia

FOR A VERY SPECIAL CAUSE sPecIal olymPIcs Bc seeKs to engage soutH-asIan communIty tHrougH ‘try-It days’ at KHalsa scHool, neWton BY SCOTT HOWE Individuals with an intellectual disability around the world face societal stigma, poor health outcomes, and frequently report feelings of social isolation. Here in BC, individuals with an intellectual disability don’t often meet recommended guidelines for physical activities and nutrition, leading to reduced lifespans and poor quality of life. While the status quo is troubling, there is reason for optimism. The mean age at death for people with Down syndrome – one of many conditions that can result in an intellectual disability - has increased from 9 years in the 1920s to 56 years by the late 1990’s. Such drastic improvements were made possible not just by advancements in medicine, but through inclusion in the 34

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

community. Civil society has increasingly recognized that when provided with the proper tools and support, individuals with an intellectual disability can lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. Leading the charge for a more inclusive world is Special Olympics, who since 1980 have been operating sports programs in BC for individuals with an intellectual disability of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. Supported by more than 3600 volunteers, more than 4600 British Columbians with an intellectual disability compete year round in sports ranging from skiing to bowling. Special Olympics athletes are further supported through nutritional training, group workouts, health screenings and leadership training.

Worldwide, Special Olympics has become the largest single provider of health services to individuals with an intellectual disability. Despite the progress made in recent years, Special Olympics BC believes that more can be done! After recognizing that certain communities within BC are underrepresented on their teams, the organization launched its inclusive community’s campaign. An estimated 1-3% of the population has an intellectual disability and there are more than 100 000 individuals of South Asian decent living in Surrey. As part of the campaign, Special Olympics BC has teamed up with Khalsa School, Newton to initiate a series of ‘try-it days’ aimed at engaging members of the South Asian community

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IMMIGRATION Immigration Appeals Sponsorship Applications Visitor Sponsorship Letters living in the Lower Mainland. Starting on Saturday, May 5th, Khalsa School, Newton has hosted 4 out of the 6 drop in events where members of the community can learn about program offerings, try basic sports skills and speak with members of the South Asian community who are familiar with the organization. Students and staff from the school have been attending as volunteers and actively spread the word in the community. A fair amount of new athletes have registered for the programs so. The participants are as young as 3 and some well into their adult years. The sessions have focused on balance and coordination drills such as the obstacle course, and also worked on sport specific skills including for baseball, basketball and tennis. “We’re proud to be involved in this meaningful project, as a school, we pride ourselves in our commitment to developing a better tomorrow for our community” says Khalsa Primary Vice-Principal Satinder Bhatia, “I encourage members of the community to spread the word and motivate their friends and family to attend!” Khalsa Schools are a collection of Sikh Independent Schools with a strong record of participation in sports and academic achievement. Individuals interested in attending the event are encouraged to contact Chelsea Rogers at Special Olympics BC via email (crogers@specialolympics.bc.ca) or by phone (604.802.4226). For more information about Special Olympics BC and its program offerings, please visit www.specialolympics. bc.ca.

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FEATURE

e v r Se

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Every Sunday, around the break of dawn, a group of volunteers prepare hot meals for lunch. This lunch is packed in food safe containers and taken to the most marginalized community in Canada: The Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES). By Noon, the Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen (GNFK) truck with their Love All Feed All emblem arrives at Main and Hastings with another group of volunteers ready to serve. This weekly Sunday routine of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen takes the concept of langar outside

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

the Gurdwara. Guru Nanak Dev ji, founder of Sikhism, started langar (free kitchen / communal meal) to promote equality where everyone breaks bread together regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity. At the langar everyone is welcome without judgement andsocial status is irrelevant. This volunteer effort started when a group of individuals felt the need to take the concept of langar to a community in need. Indy Singh Panchi describes how Guru Nanak’s Free

Kitchen started: "GNFK came about when a close group of individuals came together in 2006 with a vision of creating a volunteer-led organization to feed those in need in the Downtown Eastside areas. That vision encompasses taking guru ka langar cooked in the gurdwara, stored in food safe containers and hence, transported to those in need in Downtown Eastside... the logic is keep it simple; serving hot and fresh healthy meals with love and dignity. Moving forward, in 2018, the organization is still volunteer led, thousands of hot meals are cooked and served every week, and we have several outreach progrmmes as well. The fact is GNFK did not originate in 2006 but by Guru Nanak Ji at the age of 11 in the 15th century. The success of GNFK is purely down to every volunteer and donor that has been part of this amazing journey and selfless service.". Today Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen langar serves about 600 meals every Sunday, and they serve every Sunday, rain or shine. Everyone is welcomed to this selfless service cause. Not only does GNFK serve the Downtown Eastside, they have become a part of the community. Regular volunteers have become good acquittances with community members. Some community members like to help to show their appreciation. Talbir Uppal who is a member of GNFK and works in the Downtown Eastside explains what the Sunday langar service means to the community: “it is visible that Downtown Eastside community members need assistance in many areas. One area GNFK assists in is providing meals to those in need. When we serve one meal to one community member it changes their mindset. They're receiving a warm hearty meal which helps them save some money. www.desitoday.ca

The community appreciates what GNFK does for them, every Sunday the community knows we'll be there at 12pm and they start lining up for langar half hour before we get to Main and Hastings.” A DTES community member also describes the benefit of the GNFK Sunday langar service. "The meals you guys serve helps me with my work lunch. I can save a few bucks for a meal later in the week. It's a warm and fresh meal which not a lot of people serve on the streets." Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen has other notable initiatives for low or no income individuals and families. Every February, around Valentine’s day, GNFK donates over a thousand roses and essential goods (care / hygiene packages) to women’s shelters in the lower mainland. In May they held a Mother’s Day Simran (meditation) which honors all mothers; in the fall they teach young children the importance of seva (selfless service) by involving families to help prepare more than a thousand cupcakes for local shelters; December brings the annual GNFK Toy Drive, in which over 3,000 new toys are collected and delivered to disadvantaged children from low income families. The success of Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen would not be possible without support from the community. The Sunday langar service is funded through sponsorships where anyone can sponsor to cover the cost, at approximately $300 (most supplies are donated by the community). Most heartwarming is how GNFK brings together people from different generations to work for a common cause. The GNFK team is always looking to serve where there is a need. They recently started a yearlong initiative to collect clothing, blankets, and other necessities and distribute them to low or no income individuals and families. They also have plans for a new initiative to provide support to senior centres. GNFK has even made efforts to help vulnerable international students from India. Beyond their community work GNFK volunteers like to have fun and build a sense of family. GNFK regularly has a team at the Vancouver Sun Run and organize hiking trips throughout the summer. They have also participated in Canada Day celebrations and International Langar Week at UBC. To join Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen volunteers, you can email gurunanaksfreekitchen@gmail. com or call 604-442-7382. Their Sunday langar service operates on a drop-in volunteer basis and people can keep up to date about their events on Facebook. BALRAJ S KAHLON IS A VOLUNTEER WITH GURU NANAK’S FREE KITCHEN www.desitoday.ca

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BUSINESS

BEING CLEAR ABOUT THE ICBC ROAD AHEAD BY DAVID EBY

We will no longer permit endless growth in “pain and suffering” awards for minor injuries that have increased more than 260% in just the last 10 years. 38

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

It seems that almost everyone knows ICBC is losing money, a lot of money. What many people may not know is how our government is going to fix ICBC so that it delivers affordable car insurance, with good benefits, for all British Columbians. After all, that was the point of British Columbia establishing ICBC in the first place. On April 23, 2018, our government introduced two significant bills in the legislature. These bills are written in legal language. In short, they say that our government will no longer tolerate having British Columbians’ car insurance premiums pay to administer costly and lengthy lawsuits with multiple experts in B.C. Supreme Court for minor injuries. We will no longer permit endless growth in “pain and suffering” awards for minor injuries that have increased more than 260% in just the last 10 years. The fundamental changes proposed by the two bills are simple — an independent tribunal will resolve minor injury disputes By David Eby Attorney General

between claimants and ICBC, and a limit will be placed on the maximum pain and suffering award for minor injuries. These simple changes translate into big savings of more than a billion dollars each year. The billion dollars in savings comes even after including the cost of increasing benefits to cover the full cost of rehabilitation services like massage therapy, counselling, acupuncture, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and other treatments. The savings also come after increasing benefits for lost pay, and doubling the lifetime entitlement to benefits for those catastrophically injured in an accident. The most-recent time these accident benefits were increased was 25 years ago. Twenty-five years ago, a movie ticket cost about five dollars. Imagine what a physiotherapy session cost in 1993, and then try telling a physiotherapist that’s the maximum amount you’re able to pay in 2018. While these changes may be controversial for those who have benefited from the existing www.desitoday.ca

broken system, they’re not new. Every province in Canada has taken steps like this to get minor injury costs under control. We’re learning from what they got right and what they got wrong. But we’re not stopping there. We’re looking carefully at ICBC itself. A business audit by a third-party firm identified $57 million in possible annual savings inside ICBC. We’re making roads safer and reducing costs by cracking down on distracted drivers with higher fines, and using red-light cameras more aggressively to discourage people from running red lights and speeding through intersections. ICBC’s material damage cost reached $1.7 billion in 2017, and collision repair is the largest component. In 2017, ICBC paid more than $700 million to collision repair suppliers, up 50% since 2012. The situation is not sustainable. That’s why we’ve been looking at these costs carefully. While drivers might imagine ICBC only uses their insurance premiums to pay for the actual cost of a part used in a repair or only pay for repairs that are required, that’s not the case. In more than half of windshield replacement claims, ICBC policy means ICBC pays more for a replacement windshield than the original manufacturer charged for the part. We’re changing policy that requires our public insurer to pay to replace the “moulding” of a windshield every time — even if the moulding doesn’t actually require replacement. We’re about a decade behind in these changes, and it shows: ICBC is on track to lose an astounding $1.3 billion for the 201718 fiscal year alone. As if to emphasize how ICBC ended up in so much trouble, the opposition party is voting in the legislative assembly against many of the changes needed to get ICBC back on track. Thankfully, the majority of the elected representatives in the legislative assembly understand, and support, these long-overdue changes to a bloated and broken system. The reforms we make today will ensure ICBC is efficient and delivers affordable car insurance with good benefits for British Columbians for years to come.

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BUSINESS

THE YOUNG ACHIEVERS Recently out of close to 100 nominations, the Surrey Board of Trade proďŹ led Surrey's Top 25 under 25 Award Winners. The winners were chosen based upon their business or community achievements, leadership ability, community involvement, professional achievements and uniqueness of their business or community projects. "To hear the winners speak of their journey in community and entrepreneurial work represents an ongoing transformative shift of our perception of youth. We have amazing youth in Surrey," said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. Desi Today congratulates all the winners for their wonderful achievement. Here is the list of Young South Asians who are making their community proud.

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

beenu baJwa age : 21 YRS ORganizatiOn : unified 4 cHange Beenu is a full-time science student at UBC and the co-founder of a non-profit organization called Unified 4 Change, which is aimed at tackling homelessness within the city of Surrey. U4Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative include organizing activities and workshops for the residents of local homeless shelters to help them learn about computer literacy, interview skills, resume development and mental health. Within just a few years, Unified 4 Change has attracted over 450 members from elementary schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutes all across Canada.

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Beenu is also serving as the president for UBC’s Young Women in Science and Engineering Club for the second year in a row. Young WISE is a club of women who are dedicated to inspiring women to further pursue their desired career goals. In addition, Beenu also took part in the Miss BC 2017 pageant in which she won the title of Miss Greater Vancouver BC 2017-2018, and lead her to claim the title of Miss Canada 2018 First Runner up.

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Prabh is the Founder and President of Students for Humanity; a non-profit student organization/club based at Simon Fraser University. The humanitarian organization was founded early in January 2017 with the intention of creating an inclusive and discrimination-free environment that allows people and students of all backgrounds to connect, build a bond, and to work together towards a common goal of helping others. The organization aims to address numerous social and health issues within the community through fundraising, activism, health promotion, and raising awareness for varying issues of interest. The organization has focused on initiatives such as assisting those living with HIV/AIDS in partnership with AIDS Vancouver, promoting the need for blood donations in partnership with Canadian Blood Services, and is currently working on holding a fundraiser for Parkinson’s Society British Columbia. Prabh is also a volunteer at the Surrey Memorial Hospital in the emergency department where he provides support to patients, visitors, and staff. Here he has learned empathy and how to communicate with, and support those going through a difficult time. www.desitoday.ca

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Talvir SahoTa age : 21 YRS ORganizatiOn: KidS PlaY YOutH fOundatiOn At 21 years of age, Talvir became a police officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. His endless love for his community led him to become one of the youngest recruits for the RCMP. While attending high school, Talvir began volunteering his time and in 2015 he became the lead volunteer for the nonprofit organization, Kids Play Youth Foundation. His dedication and commitment has helped the organization serve over 40 000 youth in the Lower Mainland. Talvir has run over 40 programs benefiting more than 40,000 kids in the Lower Mainland and has become a role model for youth in the community. He is a strong believer that use of sports and education is a great way to combat Gang violence and drug use and commits his time to mentoring youth into having a healthy balance of sports and recreation in their lives.

JaSanJeeT rai age : 23 YRS ORganizatiOn: KidS PlaY YOutH fOundatiOn After endless hours of dedication to the community Jasanjeet he was appointed on the Board of Directors for Kids Play to oversee over 400 members and volunteers. Kids Play is an organization focused on 42

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

providing opportunities for the youth in the community to steer them away from gangs and drugs and towards sports and community projects. Members from local law enforcement agencies and leaders from the local community have started to support Jessy’s efforts. Rai held three major events this year which attracted over 2000 participants in total, with over 1,000 participants predicted to attend his next major event mid-May. Jessy is also a private in the Canadian Armed Forces whereby he serves as an armoured crewman. He attests that the military has presented him with the most difficult and exciting challenges in his life. In the long term, Jessy aspires to work with the municipal government of the City of Surrey as an elected councillor or mayor one day.

clothing and hygienic products and has made momentous strides toward their goal. Project Blue Hands and OBFL have had a tremendous response with hundreds of volunteers, which is thanks mostly to Harjot’s great efforts.

rabiah Dhaliwal age : 18 YRS ORg: One BlOOd fOR life fOundatiOn

harJoT bal age : 15 YRS ORganizatiOn : One BlOOd fOR life fOundatiOn / PROject Blue HandS SOcietY Harjot currently serves as the Director of Internal Operations with the One Blood for Life Foundation (OBFL) and Youth Program Leader with Project Blue Hands Society. OBFL is a well-known non-profit organization in the lower mainland founded in 2016, and their goal is to spread awareness about blood donation and the international stem cell registry. As of today, they have over 380 volunteers and have collected over 1400 blood donations and added 700 new registrants to the international stem cell registry. OBFL currently oversees various programs which include running mobile blood donor clinics and leading stem cell events to increase ethnic diversity of the stem cell registry. Project Blue Hands is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help out those who are less fortunate by providing them with basic needs such as warm meals,

Rabiah Dhaliwal serves as the Vice President of the One Blood for Life Foundation. The organization, in partnership with the Canadian Blood Services, aims to tackle the high demand of blood and stem cells through a plethora of humanitarian mediums such as donor recruiting, hosting clinics, and raising awareness through educational events. Having been involved with the organization since its early beginnings, she has aided in transforming it into an effective community-based platform for the avocation of blood and stem cell donations through efforts such as tirelessly recruiting over 350 volunteers and numerous donors. Rabiah has played a pivotal role in planning and leading projects such as the organization’s largest stem cell and blood donor recruitment event that took place over the summer during the Miri Piri Nagar Kirtan and targeted increasing the ethnic diversity of the national stem cell registry and educating across cultural barriers. In addition to events put on throughout the year, the One Blood for Life Foundation has been continuously working towards raising awareness of the dire need for blood donors over the past two holiday seasons through the “It’s Time to Give” campaign. During the campaign, Rabiah was interviewed on CBC television news in regards to how her leadership and commitment has contributed to raising donor numbers and the successful promotion of local clinics. www.desitoday.ca

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ramanJoT Kingra age : 22 YRS ORganizatiOn: SOaR PHilantHROPic SOcietY Ramanjot Kingra is the Director of External Affairs with SOAR Philanthropic Society, where she oversees all communication and support with community groups and partners of the organization. She sits on the Board of Directors, strategizing the organization’s long-term plans and also analyzing on how to support local youth with scholarship funds. SOAR has given over $50,000 in scholarship funds to low socioeconomic local youth that plan on attending post-secondary to purse an education. She has led multiple projects with SOAR as well, including the SOAR Summit, which became a large successful leadership conference that is now in partnership with Simon Fraser University. This one-day conference takes place at SFU Surrey, where hundreds of local students attend to meet and be inspired by local entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. She has led many other projects as well with SOAR Philanthropic Society, a key organization in the local community for providing scholarships.

ensures drywall is disposed correctly. Predicted to be the second largest drywall recycling company in all of Canada and the first one in Surrey, the goal of PVR Drywall Recycling is to provide the Lower Mainland with a better way to recycle drywall so that it is not left in the environment. In the future, Vivesh plans to recycle the paper obtained from the drywall to cardboard manufacturers, increasing the awareness and importance of proper recycling in the construction industry. Vivesh has been in the building industry for the past 3 years, currently managing a residential and commercial electrical and low voltage company (Boss Electrics), a development company focused on residential development projects around Metro Vancouver (Cranex Development Ltd.), and an international import and export company for stones, tiles, pavers, and other building supplies (All Star Stones and Building Materials). Vivesh’s most recent professional achievement has been getting Surrey’s first drywall recycling plant approved from Metro Vancouver. PVR Drywall Recycling will be located on Surrey’s port with 14,000 sqft. Industrial space.

gurneeT DhaTT age : 22 YRS ORganizatiOn : faSt lane tRaffic management ltd.

viveSh Kochher age : 21 YRS ORganizatiOn: PVR dRYwall RecYcling ltd. Vivesh is the CEO/Founder of PVR Drywall Recycling, a drywall recycling plant that 44

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Gurneet is Founder and CEO of Fast Lane Traffic Management Ltd., a company specializing in providing traffic control services (flagging), traffic management plans, traffic equipment rentals and traffic control person training to a diverse clientele. After seeing an unfulfilled need for traffic services in the construction and paving industries, Gurneet began Fast Lane in March 2017 to address this shortage in providers. Since its inception, Fast Lane has been able to work with the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, private paving and construction companies in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland, and with several municipalities

including Coquitlam, Delta, and Burnaby. The company has also been working with the Federal Government of Canada on projects in Mission and Agassiz. Since its establishment last year, Fast Lane has made over 1 million in sales and has 25 employees. The company is currently preparing for the grand opening of its new offices, where Gurneet and her team hope to double sales and grow Fast Lane to over 50 employees by year’s end.

ShilPa narayan age : 22 YRS ORganizatiOn: HOw a StRuggle Became a jOuRneY: cOnnectiOn & cOnVeRSatiOn fOR mental HealtH Shilpa is a 22-year-old Gender, Sexuality, Women Studies student at Simon Fraser University. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder. In the face of tremendous adversity, Shilpa not only persevered, she excelled. The support of teachers and counselors allowed her to see that stigma should not get in the way of taking care of her mental health. Instead of calling her depression and anxiety a "struggle", she began to call it "her journey." Shilpa now creates mental health and wellness workshops and courses for high schools, elementary schools, non-profit organizations, companies, and develops support groups for students, teachers, social workers, corporate employees and at-risk people around the province. Shilpa has been awarded the Lorne Fraser Bursary from the Canadian Mental Health Association for the workshops and programs she has created for child and youth mental health. She has also been awarded the Rosemary Brown Undergraduate Award for Social Justice, from the United Nations Association of Canada for her dedicated work in the field of social justice and mental health. www.desitoday.ca

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rochelle PraSaD age : 19 YRS ORganizatiOn: camP we emPOweR Rochelle Prasad has been volunteering and taking action for a better world since a young age. She was recently recognized for her global voluntarism efforts in Ecuador and Kenya, with the 2017 Soroptimist International Women’s award, and the 2018 Canada 150 awards in Leadership. Rochelle has co-founded two organizations: the Surrey Youth Safety Council, and Surrey Team for Youth Leadership and Engagement. She is also currently in the process of founding Camp We Empower, which is a leadership camp aimed to empower the next generation, through giving students in grades eight to twelve the tools needed in order to thrive in our community; while making a positive difference. During this three-day, two-night camp, students are geared to participate in life-skills building workshops, hear from community guest speakers, and be partnered with a mentor. Camp We Empower believes that change does truly start with us, and we need to inspire ourselves to empower the next generation. This camp has been running for four years and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of teenagers.

harleen JagPal age : 24 YRS ORganizatiOn: camBRidge dOORS ltd. Harleen is the founder of Cambridge 46

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Doors Ltd. – a new brand based off the generational transition of a 25-yearold family company. She has used her entrepreneurial skills and business mindset to create a strong brand that focuses on quality, professionalism and service. The company serves reputable builders and the construction industry throughout the lower mainland. At 24 years of age she leads a workforce of 15+ employees and is involved in daily operations, from office to warehouse, and has contributed to the steady growth of the business. In addition to running Cambridge Doors Ltd., Harleen organizes fundraising events for the Cancer Society of BC and is currently working with Fraser Health to help set up a Clinical Prevention Program for South Asians in the Surrey community and is also a member of the Women in Business team for the Surrey Board of Trade. Harleen earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, from the Beedie School of Business in 2016 and is currently enrolled in the Diploma in Accounting and Diploma in Urban Land Economics at the UBC.

chirag PaTel age : 23 YRS ORganizatiOn: SOaR PHilantHROPic SOcietY Chirag Patel currently serves as the Director of Finance for a registered non-profit organization that started in Surrey, SOAR Philanthropic Society. After he realized many students are in need of financial assistance he joined SOAR where he can provide scholarships to graduating high school students and raise awareness for the importance of education. He oversees all managers and specialists in every region of the Lower Mainland. His organization has been providing thousands of dollars to Surrey high school students to attend post-secondary. In addition, Chirag is also running his own janitorial services business, Lower Mainland Building Maintenance,

which operates across the Lower Mainland. Chirag Patel was admitted to the Beedie School of Business in 2013. For his achievements the business faculty at SFU honoured him with the $20,000 Lloyd-Carr Harris Foundation entrance scholarship. Chirag just recently completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Beedie School of Business in 2017 and is now employed by the accounting firm of PwC as he pursues his CPA.

arman Turna age : 16 YRS ORganizatiOn: glOBal cuRe fOundatiOn Arman is the Co-Chair of Global Cure Foundation, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for healthcare. This charity is aimed at providing proper healthcare for everyone without discrimination and to combat the varying disparities within the medical system. Global Cure Foundation is also teaching the youth volunteers, staff, and directors transferable skills for their future. Arman is among a team of three executive directors, eight directors and thirty staff members whose work has branched out to various schools in the lower mainland, including North Surrey Secondary, Fraser Heights and LA Matheson. Arman and the executive team gives each of these school the freedom to establish their own executives, create fundraisers and manage meetings. The only requirement is for the President of each school club to report their work on a monthly basis to ensure every school’s club is functioning well. Within 6 months, Global Cure Foundation has held approximately 20 fundraisers both in-school and in the community. They have raised thousands of dollars for BC Children’s Hospital and a foreign hospital that they will choose based on financial need. To learn more about Global Cure Foundation, please visit http://www.globalcure.ca/about.html. www.desitoday.ca

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Offer ends July 31, 2018. Available with compatible devices within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility; see bell.ca/coverage. 9-1-1 government monthly fee in AB: $0.44, NB: $0.53, NL: $0.75, NS: $0.43, PE: $0.70, SK: $0.94. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. If you end your Commitment Period early, a Cancellation Fee applies; see your Agreement for details. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. (1) Based on a third-party score (Global Wireless Solutions OneScore™) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks of combined data, voice, reliability and network coverage. See bell.ca/network for details. (2) With a new activation or upgrade in ON/AB/BC/NB/NL/NS/PE: $105/mo. ($80/mo. plan + $25/mo. for 1 GB data). In MB/SK: $60/mo. ($55/mo. plan + $5/mo. for 1 GB data). At participating locations. Must be 18 years old and legal owner of the device. Max. 1 device per trade-in. Rebate applies at the time of purchase on the price of the device in-store after taxes. Not all devices are eligible. To be eligible for the bonus $200 rebate, the device must have a trade-in value of at least $1. Device must power on and be functional. See bell.ca/tradein for details. “LG”, the “LG logo”, and the “LG G7 ThinQ” are the property of LG Corp and its affiliates.

ENTERTAINMENT

WINNING HEARTS ACROSS THE WORLD

Diljott BY SURBHI GOGIA

You have seen Diljott's radiance and innocence in various Punjabi movies and single tracks. The young actor from Mohali who shot to fame with the super hit Punjabi track Patiala Peg that featured famous actor Diljit Dosanjh, is all set to step into Bollywood and Hollywood at the same time soon. Diljott stepped into the entertainment industry just five years ago, but has won millions of hearts through her beauty, acting and singing in a very short span. Her films as a lead actress ‘Teshan’ opposite Happy Raikoti (Released in 2016) and ‘Yaar Annmulle 2’ (Released in 2017) were well appreciated by the audience. Recently her new film titled 'Nanak' has been announced, produced by Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty which shall release in 2018. Diljott was in Vancouver to shot for her upcoming films and single tracks. Desi Today caught up with her to know more about her life, upcoming movies and her breakthrough in Hollywood.

DT: So what brings you to Vancouver? DILJOTT: I had a few events and shoots here. I am planning a single track which is written and sung by me, parts of which are being shot 48

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Bollywood film in July.

DT: How did you get the break in Bollywood? Can you share more details of this movie?

I feel any role that comes to me is a dream role, since it gives me opportunity to explore my talent further. here. It is a romantic song. I am sure people are going to like it. Also there are a few upcoming films which will shot here. We are deciding the locations. Alongside I have lot of relatives and friends in Vancouver. I wanted to attend a few family functions. So I thought this was a good time to come here.

DT: How does it feel to be in Vancouver? Coming to this city is like coming home. It always feels so special to come to here. Both Punjabi and Bollywood industries are doing so well. All the Indians are doing so well here. I feel so much loved and appreciated.

DT: Tell us about your upcoming projects? My movie Punjabi By Nature is releasing soon this summer. The movie by very senior director Gurbir Grewal who directed movies like Mannat. It has everything that a Punjabi movie is made of: love, romance, drama, comedy -- with a lot of tadka. Most special about this film is the beautiful storyline and great music. Gurbir Ji has amazing taste for music. The music of this film is on the same line of Mannat tracks. After that I start shooting for my first 50

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The movie is by Omkara Production. It is a big production house that have done films with senior directors like Prakash Jha. The team is the same. When you are in the entertainment industry be it in Punjabi, Hindi or even South, your work gets noticed. My work too caught was noticed with this production house. They have seen me in different films and tracks. They thought my look was exactly something that matched with the character. They called me for a look test in Mumabi. I was given the character's look and some dialogue and scenes from the movie and I was selected right then and there. The title of this Bollywood movie is Crispy Rishtey directed by Sartaj Singh Solanki. I am playing a lead role. My character is lengthy and very detailed which will give me an opportunity to prove my talent. Directed by Sartaj Singh Sarangi, there are many known names of Bollywood as my co-actors in this movie, but I cannot give much details on that. The shooting for this movie starts in July.

DT: Tell us about your family and why you decided to step into entertainment industry? I was born and brought up in Mohali. I come from a family of academicians. Both my parents are doctors. Since childhood, I was a very sincere student. Always doing good with my grades. I did my graduation in Psychology honours from Punjab University. I was a gold medalist throughout.

DT: Was there no pressure from the family to be a doctor? Never. My parents always believed that I should follow my dreams. Even before stepping into entertainment, they never forced me to be a doctor. I am a philanthropist by heart. After completing my college, I did my graduation in NGO management. I have been associated with a lot of NGOs. It was while working with various organizations, I was picked up by the United nations to represent India at the UN headquarters.

DT: Then how did you decide to join acting? Even while pursuing my studies, I always had passion for acting, singing and dancing. Finally after completing my education, I started doing commercials with companies like Larson and Tobro. I was shooting for a film, when I got noticed and was picked up for Patiala Peg with Diljit. Patiala Peg was a defining moment in my

career. It became a super hit track. Diljit is a dear friend, working with him was amazing, I learned so much from him.

DT: You have also sung a few songs. How did singing happen to you? I am a trained Kathak dancer and also a singer. But when I started my career I was more focused on my acting. But one day someone approached me with great lyrics and I decided to sing. I released my single track Tere Rang last year. Luckily it was picked up by Hollywood for the film Five Weddings.

DT: So that was your entry to Hollywood? Yes. Five Weddings was recently premiered at the Cannes film festival. The film has Nargis Fakhri, Rajkumar Rao, Candy Clark and more. Parts of it were filmed in India and the US. The part which was shot in India has my song and is filmed on Nargis and Rajkumar. I also have a guest appearance in the movie.

DT: How does it feel to be part of Hollywood? It is a proud moment for me and the Punjabi film industry to be noticed internationally and getting a chance to display your talent.

DT: I think a lot more people are noticing Punjabi industry now? Indeed. The industry has seen a transformation over the years. It is a booming industry. There are more budgets, better locations, many advanced technicalities are now adopted in everything from pre production to post production. It think it is much much more organized now. When I went to Bollywood, I could feel people have started respecting and taking it very seriously.

DT: Who is your favourite actor? Anyone you dream to work with? This is the toughest question to answer because I find something special in every actor. Some are good looking, some act really well. So I guess all actors are my favourite. When it comes to working with any particular actor -- the list is long. But yes I would really love to work with Ranvir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor. They both are extremely talented.

DT: Do you have any dream role in mind? Not really because I feel any role that comes to me is a dream role, since it gives me opportunity to explore my talent further.

DT: What do you want to say to your fans in Vancouver? Enjoy life and keep watching our movies. I will be coming up with more single tracks and movies and will keep entertaining my audiences. www.desitoday.ca

www.desitoday.ca

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

FEATURE

seniors sticK With Fitness routines When theY WorK out toGether If you set the environment up so participants feel a sense of connection or belonging with these other people, then they’re more likely to stick with it.

Older adults are more likely to stick with a group exercise program if they can do it with people their own age, a new University of British Columbia study has found. Working out with peers of the same gender doesn’t seem to make a difference – it’s the age that counts. “This study points to the importance of agetargeting, but perhaps not gender-targeting, when developing these programs,” says UBC kinesiology professor Mark Beauchamp, the study’s lead author. Older adults worldwide are less active than they should be, with activity levels lowest in the Americas. In Canada, fewer than 15 per cent of people past age 59 meet international physical activity guidelines. Beauchamp and his international team of researchers have been looking for ways to keep people active into old age, because inactivity has been shown to increase risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and arthritis. It can also lead to physical limitations that affect overall quality of life. The researchers knew from earlier studies that older adults prefer to exercise within their own age group. They wanted to find out whether preferences expressed by older adults in surveys would actually lead to greater adherence in 52

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

practice. The study recruited 627 adults, averaging 72 years in age, for 12-week exercise classes at YMCA locations in Metro Vancouver. Participants had the option to extend participation for another 12 weeks afterward. Researchers divided participants into three workout groups. One group was consistent in age and gender, while another was consistent in age but not gender. Those groups were led by older adult instructors recruited and trained for the study. The third group worked out in a typical YMCA class that was open to all ages and genders, led by a YMCA instructor. Over the 24-week period, participants who worked out with people their own age attended an average of 9.5 more classes than counterparts in the mixed-age group. Participants in the mixedage group averaged 24.3 classes. Participants in the same-age, mixed-gender group averaged 33.8 classes, and participants in the same-age, same-gender group averaged 30.7 classes. The researchers’ prediction that samegender classes would lead to even greater adherence wasn’t borne out by the results. This

is significant, as it could free facilitators from the cost of providing separate classes for each gender unnecessarily. Age and gender groupings weren’t the only strategies researchers used to try to strengthen participants’ commitment. Participants also received custom T-shirts that identified them as members of a group, and were given opportunities to socialize over coffee following class. “All of this together points to the power of social connections,” Beauchamp said. “If you set the environment up so participants feel a sense of connection or belonging with these other people, then they’re more likely to stick with it.” Such strategies would be easy to employ in a variety of physical activity settings such as community centres, fitness clubs and retirement communities, the researchers noted. In this case, study participants didn’t want the classes to end. Rather than continue their workouts in regular classes, they successfully lobbied the YMCA to continue age-specific sessions after the experiment was over. The study appears in the May issue of Health Psychology and was funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. www.desitoday.ca

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PicS SocietY’S new chiLd care centre in cLoVerdaLe Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Societyhas opened a Child Care Centre at 6050 – 176 Street within Cloverdale Rodeo Grounds premises. After surveying the community of childcare needs in Cloverdale, PICS decided to provide these services to families in need of childcare. Major Capital Funding for this project has been made possible by the Province of British Columbia. Elected officials from all levels of Government came to the opening ribbon cutting ceremony on April 13th, 2018. Ministers Katrina Chen and Harry Bains; MLAs Rachna Singh and Jagrup Brar; MPs John Aldag and Randeep Sarai; and Acting Mayor Mike Starchuk and Counselor Tom Gill.

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

The centre has ECE Certified and experienced staff working at the centre. Our curriculum is based on best practices that aim at developing a child’s highest standard of achievement in all areas and to raise their self-confidence. Children should be between the ages of 30 months to School age. It claims to offer reasonable fees that may vary according to the number of days and time children are staying at the centre. The centre also claims to beat the price of other centres charging lower fees. Please call PICS Child Care Manager, Flavia Gavrilovits at 778-995-1872 or Devinder Chattha, Director, Language Studies, Settlement & Social programs at ext. #107 to registeryour child or for any other information.

4th AnnuAl vAncouver FAciAl hAir competition Narinderjit Singh Sabharwal of Surrey won first prize in 4th annual Vancouver facial hair competition. The Vancouver Facial Hair Club hosted its fourth annual competition at Lamplighter Public House, Gastown on June 2, 2018, to seek out the most natural style mustache and beard in Vancouver. The club is the official Facial Hair Club representative of Beard Team Canada. It was founded by Garrett Resler in 2013 to “promote a positive image for facial hair, and foster a sense of community among growers and enthusiasts.” All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Working Gear Clothing Society, which provides unemployed or low-income men with interview or work-appropriate clothing to help them land a job. - Nick Sabharwal

www.desitoday.ca

SPECIAL

Help your kids get the most out of summer

While the summer vacation provides children with more freedom and a much-needed break from formal education, experts say this time of year is critical for learning and development and can contribute to their health and self-esteem. Here are three ways to ensure your child gets the most out of this break.

Leave time for unstructured play.

Many parents rush to fill their children’s time with scheduled activities, but don’t forget to leave space for unstructured play. A growing body of evidence suggests that play is central to the development of the mental, physical and social skills kids need to achieve their full potential in adulthood.

Spend family time.

A summer holiday is not only perfect for creating lasting family memories, it can also be incredibly valuable to support your child’s self esteem. When parents make time for one-on-one interaction with their kids, it can help reinforce their sense of self-worth and even support some areas of your child’s brain development.

Introduce your children to volunteering.

Much of what young ones learn about community, integrity and generosity is learned from their parents. While busy schedules and homework can be an obstacle during the school year, the summer can be a perfect opportunity to engage your children in these issues through volunteering. To provide some structure and inspiration, organizations like Amnesty International offer a wide range of issues and activities for children of all ages to engage in with their parents. Find more information online at amnesty.ca. 56

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Flying as a family Families face a special set of challenges when preparing to hit the skies, but the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has some guidance to help you stroll through security. It starts when you’re packing. If you’re travelling with a child under two years old, things like baby food, milk, formula, water and juice are exempt from the usual 100 millilitre limit in your carry-on baggage. Any gel or ice packs brought to keep these items cool are exempt as well. Note that certain powders and granular materials — such as baby powder — are limited to a total quantity of 350 millilitres or less in your carry-on. Once the whole family is packed up and arrives at the checkpoint, look for the Family/Special Needs line available at larger airports. The screening officer will need to inspect strollers, carriers and car seats, and you’ll also need to present any exempted liquids for inspection. When it comes to toy guns, your child’s may look fake, but you’re still better off leaving it at home. Other toys, including small electronics such as handheld games, are permitted in your carry-on. Travelling with kids can be a lot of work, but these tips should make it a little easier. Find more information at www.catsa.gc.ca.

Have a litter-free picnic this summer Who doesn’t enjoy a summer picnic by the lake, river or sea? An evening out on your local shoreline can be the best way to connect with friends, get your kids out in nature and escape the daily grind. To keep your favourite spot scenic this season, consider packing a litter-free picnic. Saying no to Styrofoam plates, plastic drink bottles and paper napkins can make picnics more festive and help prevent shoreline litter. According to Kate Le Souef, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, take-out food containers and other picnic trash are on her program’s Dirty Dozen List of top litter found on shorelines across the country. “Take-out cutlery, straws, plastic bottles and other trash dropped on city streets, urban trails or beaches and river banks can end up in local waterways and harm wildlife,” she explains. “Saying no to disposable, single-use items is one of the best ways to keep shorelines clean for us to enjoy and for the animals that live there.”

Simple tips to a litter-free picnic

• Bring cloth napkins and tablecloth instead of paper. • Skip the single-use plastic bottles and bring your drinks in a bulk container. • Go packaging-free with summer desserts such as watermelons or fresh berries. • Engage your kids in a friendly shoreline cleanup competition while you picnic. Make it more fun with some exciting prizes. All cleanups matter – large or small. Register your picnic cleanup through the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. www.desitoday.ca

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JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

HEALTH

(NC) Warm temperatures, dry air and harsh sunlight can cause severe skin damage. Along with burning your skin, summer weather can also cause excessive sweating, resulting in clogged pores and leaving skin dull and rough. A healthy diet and a good regimen can take you far when it comes to keeping your skin radiant, but we could all use a little help. Supplements are an easy way to support good habits, and knowing which ones to take can make a big difference. Here are three must-haves.

Hosting Summer parties made easy With the brightest and warmest time of the year still to come, now is a great time to brush up on your hosting skills. Any summer weekend (especially a long one) provides the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family. Follow these tips to be a spectacular host: • Most guests expect the usual when attending a summer get-together — a barbecue, serving stations and seating/standing options. Why not switch things up a little and make your party a picnic? Set up blankets and pillows on the ground and provide snacks in traditional picnic-style baskets. Your guests will love the throwback, rustic feel we all associate with childhood picnic trips. • No weekend get-together is complete without pairing meals and snacks with a refreshing drink. For a fun beverage, create a custom iced tea. Try using Nestlé GoodHost Iced Tea, which has gone back to the oringal recipe and is made with real tea leaves and natural flavours. • Summer is a nostalgic time for many, reminding us of our childhood vacations spent playing outside, far away from school. Now that you’re all grown up, why does the playing have to stop? Set up some fun and creative outdoor games for your guests to enjoy that will transport them back to the good ol’ days. Limbo, an obstacle course, races and pin the tail on the donkey are all great options. • Bring a little excitement to regular barbecue fare by providing visually appealing customization stations with wide selections of cheese, veggies and condiments. Think aged cheddar, feta, spicy pickles, horseradish, honey mustard and even potato chips. Be sure to offer vegetarian options, and don’t skip on the salads. • Guests have kids? Spare them the task of finding a babysitter and make your party an all-ages event. A great way to keep kids and parents happy is to designate a play area for kids, with a supervisor. Toys, games and even a splash pad are all encouraged. Source: News Canada 58

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Collagen.

This is the most common protein in the human body, and provides the body’s structure and form. It also helps skin maintain its elasticity, youthfulness, plumpness and strength. But our body’s collagen production naturally depletes as we age. Taking a supplement can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, with the added bonus of improving joint health.

Vitamin C.

This vitamin maintains the strength of your immune system and has antioxidant properties that benefit the skin, too. It offers protection from free radicals; boosts collagen production; supports cell strength; and combats wrinkles, spots and dullness. Try getting your dose of vitamin C in the form of a serum to keep your skin glowing.

SPECIAL

Keep your skin radiant in the summer

Natural sunscreen.

Wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to prolong healthy, glowing skin. Choose a natural option the next time you’re in need of some UV protection. Natural sunscreens are not absorbed into the skin and sit on top like a protective layer, shielding you and preserving the skin’s youthful appearance. When purchasing natural health products, always look for the eightdigit Natural Product Number (NPN). This certifies that Health Canada has reviewed and approved the product for safety, efficacy and quality. Head to your local Canadian Health Food Association member health food store to stock up on these skin saviours. Find your nearest location at chfa.ca.

Crafting with your kids (NC) If you ask an average three-year-old what makes slime a good slime, you might expect the response to include words like gooey, sticky, slimy and stretchy. Extra points might be awarded if an older sister considers the slime “totally gross.” But the best slime is free from boric acid. Although it’s found in many products and occurs naturally, Health Canada is advising Canadians to take steps to avoid overexposure. One effective way to do this is by not using the substance for kids’ arts and crafts projects, such as homemade slime or playdough/ modelling clay. Boric acid, sometimes called boron or borax, is found in the environment naturally. We’re exposed to the substance through food like fruit, vegetables and drinking water. We can also be exposed to it through common household products like pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, and swimming pool and spa chemicals. Small levels of boric acid may also be found in drugs and natural health products. Since we’re already exposed to boric acid naturally, Health Canada is advising that exposure from other sources should be reduced as much as possible, especially for children and pregnant women. This is because it has been found that overexposure to the substance may cause developmental and reproductive health effects. Fortunately, there are lots of great boric acid-free recipes out there. Consider sitting down with your child to research a few options.

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HEALTH

oh, BABY! 5 uneXpected (But common) sYmptoms eXperienced durinG preGnAncY Although there is abundant information about issues like backaches and morning sickness, there are a number of common symptoms women are less inclined to talk about because they either consider them taboo or embarrassing

(BPT) - Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, filled with countless physical, emotional and lifestyle changes. Pregnant women often do research, read books or consult friends and family to determine what to expect during those nine months and how to best combat the symptoms that may arise. While issues like morning sickness and cravings are to be expected, there are several uncomfortable, but common, effects soon-tobe moms may be less likely to anticipate. “A woman is going to experience numerous changes to her body during pregnancy,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN, author and expert on women’s health. “Although there is abundant information about issues like backaches and morning sickness, there are a number of common symptoms women are less inclined to talk about because they either consider them taboo or embarrassing.” While each woman’s pregnancy experience will be unique, Dr. Dweck shares some of the lesser-known, but common, health nuisances to expect when expecting:

Constipation

Some common causes of constipation among pregnant women include increased progesterone levels, which influences intestinal motility, increased pressure from the growing uterus and the recommended supplementation of iron. To help diminish 60

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constipation, women can try increasing their fiber and fluid intake and limit iron supplements to three times a week.

Yeast infections

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy often increase the chance of developing a vaginal yeast infection. However, according to a 2016 Danish nationwide cohort study, even a single, low dose of fluconazole (the leading prescription pill to treat yeast infections) may increase miscarriage risk. Instead, Dr. Dweck recommends MONISTAT 7 for vaginal yeast infections, as it relieves symptoms four times faster and works on more of the most common strains of yeast than the prescription oral pill. Nevertheless, women should always check with their own healthcare provider before using any treatment during pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn and indigestion are most frequent during the third trimester, as the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach and the muscle tone of the esophagus relaxes. To help minimize heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, sit or stand after a meal and avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods. OTC antacids are typically safe, but it is important to speak to an OBGYN before taking.

Varicose veins

Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. As blood volume increases and the uterus enlarges, additional pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis, lower extremities and the rectal area. Elevate the legs to improve circulation, avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended lengths of time and try to exercise regularly, if possible.

Body and facial hair growth

Hair is likely to grow faster and thicker during pregnancy on places other than just the head. Higher levels of estrogen extend the growth phase of hair, leading to less shedding and denser locks. Safe ways to get rid of these unwanted hairs during pregnancy include tweezing, waxing and shaving. Regardless of whether a result of pregnancy is considered normal, pregnant women should readily consult their OB-GYN if they experience any changes or if they are looking for treatment solutions. Though health nuisances are bound to pop up during pregnancy, there are simple solutions to combat them so women can make the most of this wonderful time and prep for the arrival of baby. For more information, visit Monistat. com. www.desitoday.ca

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LIFE & ETC.

CUT BACK ON YOUR PLASTIC USE Plus

6 THINGS TO AVOID ALTOGETHER BY BEV BETKOWSKI Plastic is cheap, convenient—and choking the planet, leading Earth Day organizers to focus this year’s event on changing our behaviour and attitude towards plastic, helping reduce pollution. “Day to day, if we can make small changes visibly, we can influence everyone else around us and definitely make a difference,” said Aphra Sutherland, a project planner with University of Alberta Campus Sustainability. The question of what to do with throwaway plastic is becoming worrisome. China, until recently, took delivery of the West’s waste plastics, but has banned that practice, catching North America by surprise and leaving western nations unsure of how to handle the problem. The issue is expected to arise as Canada hosts the G7 Summit in June. 62

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“Plastics are a multi-faceted problem,” Sutherland noted. “They’re found in almost everything we use, but we don’t think about the environmental costs.” In 2016, for example, world plastics production totalled about 335 million metric tonnes, and by 2050 oceans are expected to contain more plastics than fish by weight, according to the World Economic Forum. Plastics are also slow to decompose and can be complicated to recycle. One of the most important ways people can cut back on plastics and send a message is as shoppers, Sutherland said. “We are consumers on almost a daily basis, so we have the opportunity to show businesses all around us the way things should be done.” Here are some easy ways to put a lid on everyday plastic use.

Plastic is cheap and convenient, but it’s creating a growing pollution problem worldwide. Here are some tips to help you cut back on the plastic in your everyday life. www.desitoday.ca

Just say no

“We underestimate our ability to say no to a lot of the plastic given to us every day. Say no to extra plastic when ordering online, at stores, to giveaways at events like trade shows and in gift-giving. By doing this, we also send a message to vendors about consumer priorities and normalize the idea of reducing use.” For instance, widespread outcry over the use of tiny plastic microbeads in shampoos and body scrubs has led to bans in many countries, she noted.

Bring your own everything

“If we take good care of our items and reuse them, their footprint shrinks in comparison to the disposable version. When ordering takeout food—one of the biggest sources of single-use plastics—say no to extra utensils and packaged sauces. “It may seem strange to bring your own coffee mugs, utensils, straws or takeout containers, but it‘s one of the best ways to discourage disposable plastics.” When eating to stay, take advantage of reusable trays.

Buy in bulk

This cuts the amount of packaging per item. “Pasta, nuts, oats and other dry foods can be bought in bulk. What’s more, stores that sell in bulk will often allow you to bring your own reusable containers,” said Sutherland. As well, shop at places that offer more options for packaging. “Often, farmers’ markets are better set up to allow you to take away food in your own containers or unpackaged. Try to use shops that give opportunities to reduce packaging or that

reduce it themselves.” More ecologically conscious packaging is slowly being developed, such as potato and cassava root-based plastic food wraps pioneered by U of A professor Marleny Saldana. “The market right now is huge for this type of product, because various food products are wrapped in plastics to extend their shelf life,” said Saldana, whose team in theFaculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences is also working with pomegranate peels to create healthy, vitaminrich teething toys.

Make your own products

Consider what can be made instead of bought. For instance, avoid store-bought juice in plastic containers by making it yourself. Many cleaning and self-care products like shampoo and detergent can also be homemade. Courtesy: Folio.Ca

“It may seem strange to bring your own coffee mugs, utensils, straws or takeout containers, but it‘s one of the best ways to discourage disposable plastics.”

Avoid these common plAstic culprits • Plastic bags: Instead, carry groceries—including fruit and vegetables—in reusable bags or a backpack.

• Bottled water:

There’s no good reason to use it, said environmental scientist William Shotyk.Most bottles contain a chemical that leaches tiny amounts of antimony—a potentially toxic heavy metal—into the water, his research showed. Tap water is an environmentally friendly option. Herecommends a reusable bottle made of polypropylene, aluminum or stainless steel. For events, use glasses and pitchers if sinks or fountains aren’t handy.

• Straws:

Up to half a million disposable straws are used daily in the U.S. alone, and often end up in the world’s oceans, injuring sea wildlife that ingest them. Say no or buy a reusable straw.

• Fleece clothing:

Lint from synthetic fleece washes off in the laundry, creating tiny microfibres that show up inside fish and seafood after making their way to the ocean. Buy biodegradable fabrics like ethical wool and organic cotton.

• Disposable coffee cups:

They often have a layer of plastic that usually prevents them from being recyclable or compostable. Use your own mug.

• Plastic utensils:

Buy lightweight, durable versions for office use or to tuck in a bag or purse.

www.desitoday.ca

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

DESI TODAY

KNOW YO UR STA R

sOnam kapOOr Sonam Kapoor who recently got married to India’s biggie Anand Ahuja in a grand wedding ceremony, has been the talk of Bollywood lovers. She is one of the brightest star kids on the Bollywood horizon. Here are things that you might want to know about this B-town beauty and the fashion icon. Post ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘Raanjhanaa’ and ‘Neerja’, big banner movies and endorsements have come calling at her doorstep. Daughter of actor-producer Anil Kapoor, is popularly known as daddy’s girl. In an interview, she said: “He has worked so hard all his life to be Anil Kapoor. I don’t want to use that for myself because that is all his. I don’t want to use that as a stepping stone for myself. He deserves more than that. Suppose I don’t do well, I don’t want my life to reflect on his life.” Before starting her career as an actress, Sonam worked as an assistant director under Sanjay Leela Bhansali for ‘Black’. “Apart from being an actress, I want to direct films. May be this will happen after ten years,” Sonam told PTI. Sonam Kapoor made her Bollywood debut with the Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s flop musical ‘Saawariya’. Talking about her debut film with PTI, Sonam said: “I remember how my debut film was 64

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criticized by the media. There were reports saying that I should not have done this film (Saawariya) as a newcomer. But I have no regrets about it. I did the film because it was based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s White Nights, which is one of my favourite short stories. Moreover, I had my childhood friend Ranbir as my co-star and renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali making it. I was very excited, so it was not a tough call for me.” Post her lacklustre debut, Sonam Kapoor went on to star in box-office turkeys like ‘Delhi-6’, ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, ‘Aisha’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Mausam’ and ‘Players’. In 2013, she revived her career with boxoffice hits ‘Raanjhanaa’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. Sonam Kapoor, who was seen in ‘Bewakoofiyaan’ and ‘Khoobsurat’, had a poor show at the box-office in 2014. She kicked off 2015 with ‘Dolly Ki Doli’. After that she starred opposite Salman Khan in ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. “It was a beautiful experience and this is the biggest film of my career. I’m very lucky that I got this opportunity. The movie comes with a perfect dose of action, romance and comedy,” Sonam Kapoor told reports at an event. “I feel privileged to be a part of the film. I have been a huge fan of Salman Khan for a long time. I was a bit nervous ... It was intimidating for me to be on the sets, but I was excited as well. After a few days, I got comfortable as Sooraj sir gave me a lot of love. I cherish it. I had an amazing experience,” Sonam told reporters during the trailer launch of ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. Then came her memorable performance in Neerja. She played late Pan Am flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in the biopic ‘Neerja’. Neerja Bhanot was shot dead by terrorists, who hijacked a flight at Karachi in 1986, in her courageous bid to help passengers escape from the grounded plane. “I thought doing this film just reaffirms that it is about not bowing down. She (Neerja) had won the Arjuna Award for bravery and is the youngest and only female to win it. I think it’s commendable. It is an inspiring story for me to do. I am blessed,” Sonam Kapoor told PTI.

On her career

“Honestly, my films have not done very well but I am in the industry because of the www.desitoday.ca

My ideal man would be someone who loves me a lot. Someone who is intelligent and who can take me the way I am

critics. They have always liked me...,” said Sonam. “For an actor, it’s important to think about what you want to do next. I want to be an actor for the rest of my life. So, I’m going to do it at my own pace,” said Sonam.

When cupid struck

She reportedly dated actor Ranbir Kapoor and ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ director Punit Malhotra before she settled down with her true love Anand Ahuja.

sOnam kapOOr On her ideal man

“My ideal man would be someone who loves me a lot. Someone who is intelligent and who can take me the way I am,’ said Sonam. And we are sure Anand is made of all that Sonam desires in a man.

sOnam kapOOr the fashiOnista

Sonam Kapoor is considered to be one of the most stylish Bollywood stars. In an interview with The Indian Express, Sonam said: “When I came to the industry, people were still wearing saris with bikini blouses and Swarovski-style dresses. That wasn’t my taste. I love vintage and history, and I know fabrics because my mom was a designer. I treat fashion as art, so, to me, a painting is as valuable as a Cristóbal Balenciaga gown and people loved that. But

that wasn’t me trying to make a statement; it’s the way our parents brought us up.”

finally sOnam ki shaadi

She found her Mr Right in Anand Ahuja, and the two lovebirds tied the knot on May 8, in a grand Punjabi wedding, in Mumbai. Sonam and Anand have been seeing each other for a couple of years now. Though Sonam has refrained from talking about her relationship, the social media PDA is enough for everyone to see. Anand Ahuja is the founder of Bhane, a well-known clothing brand. After Sonam began dating Anand, the brand has been spotted on her several times. Anand, a businessman based in Delhi, also started India’s first multi-brand sneaker boutique, VegNonVeg. According to reports, they met through a common friend, Pernia Qureshi, in 2014. Pernia was Sonam’s stylist, and was also good friends with Anand. Apparently, Anand proposed to her a month after being introduced to her. Sonam is a private person, yet this year, she finally made a statement her fans have been dying to hear. The Neerja actress penned down 10 things that make her happy. When asked what makes her happy, she told a fashion magazine, “Anything that’s artistic, that’s sensitive emotion and compassion, pets, great meal, nature. My work makes me very happy. I love acting.” And then Sonam added, “Being around Anand makes me very happy.” JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

LIFE & ETC.

IT’S RAINING BRIDES THEIR BRIDAL TROUSSEAU COST AS MUCH AS A WEDDING!

We’ve all seen our Bollywood divas in the most impressive of on-screen and off-screen avatars. Their on-point fashion sense and beauty game is something that leaves us in awe of them. However, we have to agree when a few of them stepped out as real-life brides, the sight was spellbinding. The bridal trousseau these leading ladies chose for their respective D Day literally stole our hearts. Joining the ‘mesmerising bride’ gang is none other than actress Sonam Kapoor. While we still have to wait to know the cost of her wedding trousseau, here are some of the other reel to real brides whose wedding lehnga costed more than what our entire weddings would cost. What if we cant afford them, at least there is always some scope for inspiration.

SONAM KAPOOR

Sonam went totally traditional for the ceremony. The red and gold outfit had a The bride wore a bright red Anuradha Vakil lehenga with a gold border. It was adorned with Lotus and star motifs. She teamed it with a stunning mathapatti and Guttapulasu necklace that gave a vintage Maharani look. She was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania for the big day. Namrata Soni did the makeup and hair with assistance from Arti Nayar. The makeup had soft peach cheeks, red tinted lip and slightly dramatic eyes as revealed by Soni to Vogue. The outfit was finished off by shoes from Jimmy Choo.

NEHA DHUPIYA

Neha Dhupia looked like a radiant summer bride dressed in a stunning Anita Dongre lehenga-choli in soft pink. It was designed with delicate floral embroidery and had a sheer dupatta with matching borders. She accessorised her wedding outfit with a heavy polki choker with emerald drops, matching jhumkas and maang tika, which were all from Anita Dongre’s jewellery line.

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan said ‘qubool hai’ in 2012. While at her nikaah the actress wore her motherin-law’s restored bridal outfit, for the reception, she donned a maroon and burgundy lehenga worth Rs 50 lakh. It was a Manish Malhotra creation, which she teamed up with a heavy diamond necklace.

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SHILPA SHETTY

Shilpa married London-based businessman Raj Kundra in 2009 and her wedding was one of the most talked-about in the country. To this grand affair, the actress chose to wear a heavily embroidered red saree designed by ace designer Tarun Tahiliani. Her outfit was finished with 8,000 Swarovski crystals. The overall cost of her saree was a whopping 50 lakh rupees. Shilpa complemented it with her Rs 3 crore engagement ring and other jewellery items loaded with uncut diamonds and emeralds.

GENELIA D’SOUZA DESHMUKH

Genelia tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Riteish Deshmukh in 2012. The couple had a white wedding as well as a traditional Maharashtrian one. For the latter, she donned a red and gold saree by designer Neeta Lulla. The outfit’s rumoured cost was 17 lakh rupees and its border was embellished with gold Kundan embroidery. She teamed this saree with traditional Maharashtrian-style jewellery.

AISHWARYA RAI

Aishwarya’s wedding outfits was the most expensive of the lot. The saree she wore for her D-Day was worth Rs 75 lakh. Neeta Lulla designed her bridal outfit and it was finished with beautiful Swarovski crystals and gold threadwork. The Fanne Khan actress paired it with 22 karat gold jewellery. www.desitoday.ca

ANUSHKA SHARMA

Anushka’s wedding attire which was exclusively designed by an ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Dressed in a floral pink lehenga choli, Anushka looked like a dream, with minimum makeup, her beauty was enhanced. The lehenga was adorned with “Renaissance embroidery in vintage English colors embellished with silver-gold metal thread, pearls, and beads.” Sabyasachi who is known for his traditional taste and exclusively designs for brides chose a perfect outfit for the beautiful actress and made her look a gorgeous bride. Sabyasachi lehenga costs between 1.2 lakhs to 6 lakhs. But the ones costing between Rs 1- 3 lakhs are simpler lehengas. The bridal lehengas cost between 2.95 to 6-7 lakhs. There are also some couture pieces which go up to 25 lakhs. Talking about Anushka’s lehenga which we can’t stop praising, have you wondered how much has her dress cost? Well, we are sure you won’t be able to imagine the price but Anushka’s lehenga costs between Rs. 25 lakhs to 30 lakhs. Yes, you heard it right! According to reports, the actress might have customized her lehenga which must have cost her overall attire around 40 to45 lakhs. JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

BEAUTY, ENT.

Manushi chhillar is The MosT desiraBle WoMan of 2017

roBin WilliaMs suffered froM deMenTia Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams was struggling from diffuse Lewy body dementia in his last days, a new book has revealed. In a soon-to-be-released biography, titled “Robin”, author Dave Itzkoff says the actor did not have Parkinson’s disease, as he was diagnosed earlier, New York Post reported. The actor, who had started having troubles with speech and behavioural dysfunction, did not know he was suffering from the neurogenerative disease. It was only three months after his death that the autopsy results revealed that he had “diffuse Lewy body dementia”. The inability to express himself, a rarity for one of the most spontaneous performers onstage and on screen, was eating Williams from the inside during the filming of “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”, the third movie in the successful family franchise in Vancouver in 2014. The actor committed suicide at the age of 63 on August 11, 2014. The author spoke to people close to Williams to piece together the actor’s troubled last year. Williams was having trouble remembering his lines while he was filming Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the third movie in the franchise. Make-up artiste Cheri Minns recalled the actor would cry unstoppably in her arms. “He was sobbing in my arms at the end of every day. It was horrible. Horrible. I said to his people, ‘I’m a makeup artist. I don’t have the capacity to deal with what’s happening to him’,” she says in the book. 68

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Minns even asked the actor to return to stand-up comedy to get back his confidence but he just cried and said, “I can’t, Cheri. I don’t know how anymore. I don’t know how to be funny.” The actor’s third wife, Susan Schneider, said he started complaining about an array of symptoms: indigestion, trouble urinating, insomnia, loss of his sense of smell and heartburn. A slight tremor cropped up in his left hand, which was attributed to a shoulder injury. “It was like playing whack-a-mole. Which symptom is it this month? I thought, is my husband a hypochondriac? We’re chasing it and there’s no answers, and by now we’d tried everything,” Schneider says in the book. Billy Crystal, Williams’ old friend, described the actor looking frail and “uncharacteristically quiet” when he saw him after a four-month gap. Crystall recalls when they said their goodbyes after dinner, the actor burst into tears. “What’s the matter?” Crystal asked. “Oh, I’m just so happy to see you. It’s been too long. You know I love you,” Williams said to him. Williams, a four-time Oscar nominee, won a supporting actor Oscar for “Good Will Hunting” for his portrayal of a wise and morose psychologist. One of the most beloved artistes of his generation, he featured in films such as “Mrs Doubtfire”, “Dead Poets Society” and “Patch Adams”.

India has voted and chosen The Times 50 Most Desirable Women 2017. The votes received online along with the internal jury votes, decided the final 50 on this coveted list, which boasts of women who are not just from the movie industry, but also from the television and modelling world. Every year, new faces who make news for the right reasons, find a spot here. No points for guessing that this year’s winner is Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar. The gorgeous Haryana girl made India proud by beating 117 contestants from various countries and bringing home the Miss World crown after 17 years, thus becoming a role model for millions of aspiring girls. As she continues to travel across the globe, working towards making a difference to the lives of people, her desirability quotient has increased manifold.

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The QuanTico conTroversy Quantico actor Priyanka Chopra has issued an apology post the controversy around the recent episode from the American series that showed Indians planning a terrorist attack. The actor took to Twitter and wrote, “I’m extremely saddened and sorry that some sentiments have been hurt by a recent episode of Quantico. That was not and would never be my intention. I sincerely apologise.” She added, “I’m a proud Indian and that will never change.” The apology came after a statement issued by the US television studio ABC against the outrage from Indian audiences after the episode titled ‘The Blood of Romeo’ aired on the television. “The episode has stirred a lot of emotion, much of which is unfairly aimed at Priyanka Chopra, who didn’t create the show, nor does she write or direct it,” the Walt Disneyowned company said. “The show has featured antagonists of many different ethnicities and backgrounds, but in this case, we inadvertently and regrettably stepped into a complex political issue. It was certainly not our intention to offend anyone,” the statement further read. The episode ‘The Blood of Romeo’, sparked outrage among Indians for its storyline on Indians planning a terrorist attack in Manhattan and blaming Pakistan, days before a summit on Kashmir, reported news agency PTI.

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

sidharTh MalhoTra To Play Kargil War hero viKraM BaTra in ‘sher shah’ After series of speculations, filmmaker Karan Johar on Thursday confirmed he is producing a biopic on Kargil war hero Vikram Batra, with actor Sidharth Malhotra playing the lead role. Sidharth, whose Bollywood career was launched by Karan with “Student Of The Year”, is excited about taking on the role as ‘Sher Shah’ Vikram Batra, whose story he finds inspirational. “Vikram Batra’s life story will inspire you and bring a smile on your face. I am really excited to play the character and the shoot commences this year,” Sidharth said in a statement. The Kargil hero was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra - India’s highest war-time gallantry award, The film will be produced by Dharma Productions and Shabbir Boxwala and will be directed by Vishnu Varadhan from a story written by Sandeep Srivastava. Karan tweeted that it was time to relive “Yeh Dil Mangey More” -- Batra’s oft-quoted phrase. He described it as “the true story of bravery and patriotism - the chronicles of Kargil war hero Vikram Batra”. In November, Sid spoke about the film and said, “It is a lovely true story. It is a very heroic and touching story. The family got in touch with him a year ago. Hearing what he did at the age of 24 for the country we want to do full justice to his story. There is so much more in his life that we want to say. I am looking forward to it.” Before confirming the news, KJo hinted about the film by tweeting, “True stories are always the best stories to tell.” www.desitoday.ca

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deePiKa is gold MagneT of BollyWood Deepika Padukone, who is currently making heads turn at Cannes Film Festival 2018, is riding high on the success of her last outing ‘Padmaavat’— Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus that turned out to be the highest grossing film of 2018 despite being embroiled in multiple controversies. Turns out, the period drama also saw a major rise in her star value. As reported by a daily, the actress, who was paid more than her male co-stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, got a leading jewellery brand to associate with the film for a whopping sum of 5 crore. Not just that, from the clothes to jewellery whatever Deepika wore in the film became a trend. As for the jewellery brand, the investment paid off well as they had expected and they made some good profits out of this association. Now we know why Deepika Padukone is called the golden girl of tinsel town! On a related note, this is for the second time DP is attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Last year, she attended Cannes as the brand ambassador of a renowned cosmetic brand. www.desitoday.ca

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Rekha Maa’s Emotional Letter to Aishwarya Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has completed two decades in the entertainment industry. To celebrate her success and appreciate her journey, Rekha penned an emotional letter for the star in a leading glossy. Here’s the full letter: My Ash, A woman like you who is in harmony with her spirit is like a ﬂowing river, never stagnant. She goes where she wants to without pretence; and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. People may forget what you said, they may also forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel. You are a living example that courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently! Your deep strength and pure energy introduces you even before you speak! The worst thing you did was to be present with the ‘present’ with gratitude. You pursued the things you loved doing; and then did them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you! You on your own are enough with nothing to prove to anyone. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. You’ve come a long way, baby. Having endured many hurdles, like the phoenix you rise! And I cannot pen down in words how proud I am of that little ‘cool’ moon-faced girl who took my breath away the very instant I ﬁrst laid my eyes on her. You always gave better than the best to all the roles you were bestowed with but my most cherished character of yours is the role of the complete ‘Amma’ that you are, to the little bundle of pure joy called Aaradhya. Keep loving and spreading your magic. Two decades of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- wow! Aashirwads and duas I wish for you more goodness and blessings; much more than your heart can contain!

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

Love you. Jeete raho. Rekha Maa There couldn’t be a better tribute than this! 72

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UPCOMING R

ACE | June 15 2018 The action begins for the third time with an all new vigour as ‘Race 3’ goes on floors. Starring Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez, ‘Race 3’ is third in the thriller series and has an impressive cast. While Anil Kapoor returns for this one being directed by Remo D’Souza, the new entrants in the club include Bobby Deol, Saqib Saleem, and Daisy Shah. The first look of Salman Khan while pointing out a gun is out and is surely giving the thrills of the action to come. Salman took to his Twitter account to share the picture and wrote, “.... and Race3 begins.”

VEERE DI WEDDING | 1 June 2018 Four girls on their way to find true love. However friendship this strong does have its consequences. What happens when the most eligible bachelor in Delhi, Veerey messes up his first meeting with the father of his beloved? The most fatal blow to the loved-up couple: NO blessing from the father-in-law! Not helping the matter further, is Veerey’s elder cousin brother, Balli, who threatens the would-be in-laws with dire consequences if anyone dares to break Veerey’s heart.

HADAK | July 6, 2018 Set in Rajasthan, this love story explores how the protagonists deal with issues like differences between castes and honor killings. Dhadak is Janhvi Kapoor’s debut Hindi film. Janhvi is the elder daughter of actress Sridevi and filmmaker Boney Kapoor. Ishaan is Shahid Kapoor’s brother. The film was reported to be a remake of National Award-winning Marathi film Sairat. The basic plot and story of the film is same as Sairat, but some variations have been included in the Hindi version.

SOORMA | July 13, 2018

Soorma is a look at the life of field hockey star Sandeep Singh. One of the most dangerous drag-flickers in his heyday, Sandeep Singh from Haryana made his India debut back in 2004 during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and helped India win the Asia Cup. While travelling to Delhi for a national camp in 2006, Singh was accidentally shot by an RPF jawan inside the Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express. Fracturing his lowest rib, the bullet punctured his pancreas while his kidneys and liver were slightly damaged; a part of his spine took all the impact and was chipped. After escaping life-long paralysis by a whisker, Sandeep returns to the field in 2008 and helps India finish second in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup the same year. He goes on to gain prominence, becoming captain in 2009 JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

KAALA

| June 7, 2018

Kaala is about the life of Nellai / Tirunelveli based Tamils who live in large number in Mumbai. The film revolves around the life of a Mumbai-based don Karikalan, played by Rajinikanth. Kaala movie story is about the character, who runs away from Tirunelveli in his childhood to Mumbai and becomes a powerful don living in the slums of Dharavi. www.desitoday.ca

MOVIES

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN July 20, 2018 Sophie finds out more about her mother’s past when she seeks guidance on how to handle her pregnancy and suddenly Sophie’s grandmother arrives at the island. The film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present. Lily James plays Young Donna, Donna is played by Meryl Streep.

JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM | June 22, 2018

It’s been four years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who’s still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times.

SKYSCRAPER | July 13, 2018 Former FBI agent Will Sawyer lives in the tallest and “safest” skyscraper in Hong Kong with his family. The skyscraper itself, known as “The Pearl” houses several floors that function as their own society and despite the risks highlighted by Sawyer, who is the building’s head of security, his bosses insist that it is impenetrable. True to Sawyer’s belief, the building comes under attack by terrorists, forcing Sawyer to take action. Matters are complicated further when he finds himself framed for the attack, and his family trapped above the resulting fire line. www.desitoday.ca

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALLOUT | July 27, 2018 When an IMF mission ends badly, the world is faced with dire consequences. As Ethan Hunt takes it upon himself to fulfill his original briefing, the CIA begins to question his loyalty and his motives. Hunt finds himself in a race against time, hunted by assassins and former allies while trying to prevent a global catastrophe.

OCEAN’S EIGHT June 8, 2018 Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) attempts to pull off the heist of the century at New York City’s star-studded annual Met Gala. Her first stop is to assemble the perfect crew: Lou (Cate Blanchett); Nine Ball (Rihanna); Amita (Mindy Kaling); Constance (Awkwafina); Rose (Helena Bonham Carter); Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway); and Tammy (Sarah Paulson).

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

ALL FOR THE

Budget Traveller rice paddy fields to sprawling beaches and bustling cities. For budget travellers, one of the best parts of Vietnam, though, is the food! Here you’ll find delicious yet inexpensive cuisine, and you can easily fill up on banh mi sandwiches and pho noodle soups that will likely not cost more than a few dollars.

Budget Facts • Average meal cost per day: USD 9.70 • Average budget accommodation per day: USD 21*

PERU Highlights culture cuisine & eaches, b s, ld e y fi ce padd unning ri for its st n w o kn is Vietnam

VIETNAM Highlights • Take a boat ride through Halong Bay and go snorkelling or diving in the emerald waters between the rocky islands • Walk the streets of HuĐ, the Forbidden City and Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital • Bicycle around any of the islands in the lush Mekong Delta and spend the night in a local homestay Home to some of the most impressive countryside in the world, Vietnam is the perfect destination for budget travelers who love getting outside and exploring unbeaten paths. There is so much to do and explore in Vietnam, from historic temples and rural 80

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

• Climb to the very top of Machu Picchu and explore the famous Inca ruins at its summit • Explore Huascarán National Park, including its glaciers, lakes, lagoons and the incredible Mount Huascaran • Take a break or catch some waves on an unspoiled beach in the laid-back beach town of Mancora Peru is a magical country, a complete mix of colourful and contradictory sights to be discovered. Sparkling

Trek

chu achu Pic ary of M ric sanctu to is h e to th

Is 2018 the year that you ﬁnally make travel a priority and start ticking those long dreamed of lands off your bucket list? With travel more accessible than ever before, chances are your dream destination list is getting longer and longer, making it increasingly harder to decide where your next vacation should be. Lonely Planet has put together this guide to help you discover the best places to visit in 2018. Travelling on a budget? You don’t need deep pockets to have a good holiday. No matter how much cash you might — or might not — have to spend, there’s a destination with your name on it. Especially if you’re willing to sleep in a bunk-bed in a dorm with a few strangers or are up for cooking your own meals, virtually no destination is totally off-limits for budget travellers. From the beaches of Australia to the temples of Vietnam, there are plenty of exciting options for backpackers, students, or otherwise thrifty travellers who simply like to save their money for the next holiday. beaches that surfers can only dream of, a wild Amazonian jungle, a one-of-a-kind multicolored desert and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. It’s hard to think of a destination that offers more diversity for the adventurous traveller. From the busy capital city of Lima to the charming colonial town of Arequipa and all the way to the top of Machu Picchu, you certainly won’t be bored on your visit to Peru — even on a budget.

Budget Facts • Average meal cost per day: USD 11 • Average budget accommodation per day: USD 21* Llaca Lag and Ranra una in Peru with O cs palca pea k in the b hapalpa ackgroun d

The painted mountains are one of the many stunning views on the Ausangate trek

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PORTUGAL

Highlights

• Experience the ancient, majestic atmosphere of Angkor Wat at sunrise before wandering around the impressive complex • Take some time to relax on the stunning white sandy beaches of Sihanoukville • Tour Cambodia’s best-kept secret, Koh Rong Samloem Island, with its pristine beaches, blue ocean water and authentic atmosphere, for a remarkably low cost You might come to Cambodia for the temples of Angkor Wat, but you’ll stay for the beaches, islands and charming villages. This is one of the world’s cheapest destinations, yet somehow continues to be overlooked by backpackers and other budget travelers in favor of its neighbors (like Vietnam and Thailand). Well, we think 2018 is a great time for that to change. Drop by the city of Battambang, just a 3-hour drive from Angkor Wat, for some gorgeous French Colonial buildings and a taste of the country’s flourishing art scene.

• Explore the colorful buildings and romantic architecture of Pena Palace • Go camping in Peneda-Gerês National Park and keep your eyes peeled for deer, golden eagles, and even wolves • Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and walk the way of St. James path, which starts in Lisbon and leads to the famous Santiago De Compostela in Spain Portugal is the only European country to make it on our list, as it is one of the continent’s most budget-friendly destinations. While the Algarve Coast might stretch your wallet, Portugal has many options for the budget-conscious. Try Porto, a gorgeous port city famous for its wine, or Alentejo for some delicious (and cheap) seafood. Even the capital city, Lisbon, can be done on a budget if you travel smartly. Just do us a favor and make sure to have a pastéis de belém (custard tart) — you won’t regret it.

Budget Facts • Average meal cost per day: USD 11 • Average budget accommodation per day: USD 12* ite sandy ning wh the stun Relax on

oukville of Sihan beaches

Bondi Beach in Sy dney

draws many visito rs thanks white sands and blu to its e waters

AUSTRALIA Highlights • Camp under the stars near the famed Uluru Rock in the red center of the Australian outback • Take a photo of the famous Sydney Opera House — a landmark that anyone would recognize • Go surfing at Bondi Beach, one of the world’s most famous surf beaches Australia probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think about cheap travel, but if you are clever about it even this vast, exotic country can be explored on a budget. If you want to see all Australia has to offer, consider renting a caravan and driving it from city to city. Otherwise, pick a handful of destinations (think Adelaide, Cairns, Perth or Darwin) and make the most of your time in and around each one. Save your pennies on food and accommodation so you can take part in once-in-a-lifetime excursions (like a Great Barrier Reef dive), or simply take advantage of the free activities like bush-walking and exploring the country’s villages and cities on foot.

Budget Facts • Average meal cost per day: USD 15 • Average budget accommodation per day: USD 22* Courtesy: Bookmundi Explore the colorful buildings and rom antic architecture of Pena Palace

Budget Facts • Average meal cost per day: USD 13 • Average budget accommodation per day: USD 32* intricately carved temples Battambang is speckled with

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

e Santiago de A hiker on th

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a lighter, flashlight, batteries, and your cell phone charger. Keeping this small yet crucial kit with you could help you avoid roadside disaster.

TIPS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR SUMMER ROAD TRIP

GUIDE FOR ROAD TRIP GEAR

Warmer weather means it’s time for road trips. With a bit of planning and the right gear, you’ll ensure a successful and safe adventure. No matter your destination, the first step is creating an emergency kit. This should include a first-aid kit, jumper cables, road flares, a jack, spare tire, power inverter and a road atlas since GPS is not always reliable or available. It’s inevitable that during most road trips, something breaks, leaks or comes loose. For those reasons, be sure to stock up on strong tape, wet wipes and bungy cords. A good choice of tape is T-Rex Tape (T-RexTape.com), as it’s formulated with durable, extra thick, UV-resistant materials to work longer and hold stronger than other utility tapes, in all kinds of weather. Finally, pack a cooler with plenty of beverages and healthy snacks. In addition to saving you cash and calories by not relying on fast food or convenience store choices, you’ll be prepared if an unforeseen breakdown occurs. 84

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

With more than 5,000 kilometres from coast to coast, it’s no wonder Canadians are fans of summertime road trips. “Hitting the road with your windows down and your favourite tunes on the radio is one of summer’s simplest pleasures, only enhanced by how beautiful our country’s landscapes are,” says Darryl Croft, automotive expert at OK Tire. “Before heading out, it is important that drivers are prepared in case of an emergency.” Here are five things to check before you head out on your next adventure:

Pack an emergency kit.

Your kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water, washer fluid, a spare tire, jumper cables, jack and tool kit, first aid supplies, flares, candles and matches or

Vehicle maintenance.

Your tires, brakes, steering and suspension should all be checked out by an automotive professional to ensure that they’re running smoothly. Poor performance from any of the above can spell danger when your trip calls for high speeds, bumpy road driving or quick stops.

Bring a backup set of keys.

How frustrating is it when you’re ready to leave the house and can’t find your keys? Now imagine that happening when you’re a hundred miles from home and can’t go anywhere. You will thank yourself later for this foresight.

Top up.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next gas station when your fuel drops to one quarter full. Don’t risk unusually long distances between stations that could see your road trip plans coming to a halt because your vehicle won’t take you any further.

Have your paperwork in order.

Keep your owner’s manual, registration, license and proof of insurance with you, and ensure they are valid for the length of your trip. If you don’t have your vehicle’s manual anymore, most automakers offer PDF versions online. Find more information at www.oktire.com.

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DE S I T O DAY AU T O

2018

Fiat 500 urbana

YOU’LL LIKE - CHARMING STYLE - RORTY FUN IN ABARTH TRIM - MORE POWER THIS YEAR - NIMBLE AROUND TOWN

THE CITIFIED SUBCOMPACT CAR On the heels of announcing an all-turbo 500 lineup, the FIAT brand announced recently, the new 2018 Fiat 500 Urbana Edition. The latest entrant to the Urbana lineup will be on display at this year’s New York International Auto Show. Available on 2018 Fiat 500 Pop hatchback models, the Fiat 500 Urbana Edition offers a number of ways for FIAT customers to display their personality and stand out from the crowd. Unique highlights include features such as black-trimmed exterior lights and 16-inch hyper-black aluminum wheels that display signature Urbana Edition elements adding to the classic Italian Fiat 500 style. Inside, sleek interior cues include black Sport Cloth front bucket seats with silver accent stitching and a black instrument-panel bezel adding to the fun-to-drive environment. Available exterior paint colours include Pompei Silver, Bianco White Ice, Perla White Tri-coat, Granito Grey and Metallo Grey. 86

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

The 2018 Fiat 500L Urbana Edition adds a unique look to 500L Trekking models, with 17-inch black aluminum wheels, black exterior mirrors and a black roof. Six exterior paint colours are available with the package: Blu Denim, Blue Tornado, Bronzo Metallizato (Bronze Metallic), Arancia Pastello (Pastel Orange), Bianco (white) and Giallo (Yellow). The 500L Urbana Edition is available on 2018 500L Trekking models for an additional $595 and is available in FIAT studios now. Based on the Fiat 500X Trekking model, the 2018 500X Urbana Edition features Miron black-painted mirror caps, door handles, tail-lamp surrounds, tailgate release and skid plate, all highlighted with the copperaccented side moulding and 500X logo. The 18-inch matte black and Miron wheels are also accented with a copper centre cap, while Mopar side mouldings, black side roof rails and dark headlamp surrounds add to the 500X Urbana Edition’s head-turning

appearance. Inside, the 500X Urbana Edition features limited-edition seats with black Castiglio chevron-patterned fabric, black textured instrument panel with a copper 500 logo, black-painted centre console and door-panel bezel, and Miron-painted radio and vent bezels. The 500X Urbana Edition package is available for an additional $795 on both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive 2018 500X Trekking models… The 2018 Fiat 500X Urbana Edition is available in FIAT studios now. Reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, the Fiat 500 lineup goes all-turbo for 2018 with the 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers 135 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque plus a sportier appearance now standard on all models. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries. www.desitoday.ca

DE S I T O DAY AU T O

2018

Mazda3 Sport

Ofﬁcial ! Voted best small car in Canada by AJAC The 2018 Mazda3 just won the 2018 AJAC (Automotive Journalist Association of Canada) Award for best small car in Canada. The Mazda3 has always been a popular seller in Canada and it is not hard to see why. It is a hell of good-looking car with a fun to drive quotient that’s hard to beat. Coming off some substantial changes from 2017, the latest version offer a new grille, improved LED lights and host of other improvements insider and out. Two engines are offered with the Mazda3 and there are couple of different trim lines. The base GX and mid-range GS Mazda3 models feature a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine with SKYACTIV technology,

While it more than keeps up with everything else, it doesn’t feel all that quick when accelerating off the line. That’s not a bad thing, though: instead, it feels light, smooth, and delightfully balanced. www.desitoday.ca

offering 155 Horsepower, lighter weight and more efficient engineering. The bigger 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine option delivers 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm. Inside, the new Mazda3 feels and looks like a premium upmarket car with excellent levels of fit, finish, material and workmanship. The 2018 Mazda3 Sport 50th edition includes GS features plus: Leatherettetrimmed upholstery, Bose® audio system with 9 speakers, CD player with MP3 functionality, Advanced keyless entry (proximity and ignition), and Automatic climate controls. Also added are paddle shifters, Traction control and Dynamic Stability Control is standard on this model along with items such as: Bi-xenon headlights and LED signatures led taillights. The interior layout as on all Mazda’s is sporty and modern. All of the dials and gauges are well placed and, on the GT version; buyers gain a heads-up display that shows relevant information ahead of the driver windshield. Trunk space and back seat room is excellent as is interior storage and comfort. Whether driving in the city or the interior quietness when driving in the city the Mazda3 displays excellent road manners, handling

2018 MAZDA3 SPORT BASE PRICED FROM

$24,000

Plus options, taxes, destination fees and other charges responses, braking and is impressively quiet on the highway. On the road, the Mazda3’s agile handling, responsive engine and quick transmission make the Mazda3 one of the more exciting cars to drive in this sector. No wonder Auto journalists love this car and voted for it in spades. To sum up the 2018 Mazda3 continues to offer a fun to drive experience and is an all- round excellent family car with all the thrills you would expect from this sporty brand. Don’t forget it’s an award winner too! JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

DE S I T O DAY AU T O

2019

HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC RECALIBRATES THE ECO CUV FORMULA WITH AN IMPRESSIVE 400 KM OF RANGE JUICED FOR A LONG RANGE OF MOTION.

“Kona” Electric is named after the idyllic west-coast region of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Kona region is famous among endurance triathletes and thrill-seeking travelers, and this energetic image is further reflected in the innovative and functional design of this eco-focused CUV. Hyundai recently unveiled the Canadianmarket version of its convention-breaking Kona Electric crossover at the Vancouver International Auto Show. Kona Electric rides on an all-new CUV platform and is Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover for the Canadian market, appealing to consumers with eco-focused lifestyles of all kinds. Kona Electric offers a powerful, efficient electric drivetrain and a stylish, roomy interior. A whole host of advanced safety features are also available including Lane-Keeping Assist, 88

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear CrossTraffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning and Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The Kona Electric compact platform has been developed to provide customers with CUV-like ground clearance and an elevated, command seating position to ensure better visibility and comfort on long journeys, as well as easy ingress and egress. Kona Electric also benefits from strategic use of structural adhesives at high stress points on the chassis

and extensive use of hot-stamping methods for greater rigidity. The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb.-ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels through a 7.981 axle ratio. The powertrain inverter has a power density of 25.4 kVA per liter and a maximum power rating of 1.8 kW. The battery system is liquid-cooled and www.desitoday.ca

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• First Time Buyers • New Immigrants • Self Employed Buyers operates at 356 volts and an output of 170 kW. Battery pack energy density is 141.3 Wh/kg (greater than Chevy Bolt), with a total battery system weight under 454 kg (1,000 lbs). The Kona Electric utilizes a Level-II onboard charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics. Kona Electric estimated range is a segment-leading 400 km, meeting the varying needs of owner lifestyles. A full charge can be achieved in 55 minutes with a Level-III quick charge (zero to 80 percent charge @ 100 kW), using the SAE-Combo charging port, while a 7.2 kW Level-II charger takes nine hours and fifty minutes. This 100 kW DC fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. For charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area for head-in parking ease whenever charging is needed.

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DE S I T O DAY AU T O

2019

acura rdx

The 2019 Acura RDX production model had its Canadian debut recently at the Vancouver International Auto Show. As the first in a new generation of Acura products, the re-engineered 2019 RDX delivers top-of-class performance, a more spacious and luxurious cabin, and a host of premium technology and features. The new turbocharged RDX will launch mid-year as the quickest, best handling and most luxurious RDX yet. The 2019 RDX showcases Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon Grille flanked by all-new Jewel Eye™ headlights – now boasting seven LED light elements, up from the previous five. Below, wide air intakes include NSX-inspired air curtains feed air efficiently around the front wheels and down the body side. Prominent hood bulges are visible from inside the cabin, signaling the performance character of the third-generation RDX. The new RDX takes power from a directinjected and turbocharged 2.0-litre, 16-valve power plant with DOHC VTEC® valvetrain and Dual Variable Timing Cam (Dual VTC). Peak output is 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to the previous model’s V6, peak torque is up 28 lb.-ft. and available across a wider section of the power 90

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canadian debut at VancouVer auto Show

band, from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm (previously 252 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm) with low-RPM torque boosted by as much as 40 percent for quicker acceleration and sharper throttle response. The RDX’s turbocharged engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) – the first and only 10AT in the class. With more closely spaced ratios and a 62 percent wider ratio range, Acura’s 10AT takes full advantage of the turbo engine’s bountiful low-end torque. With Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, up to 70% of torque can be distributed to the rear wheels. And up to 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel, creating incredible control and agility. The 2019 RDX is the first model to utilize this new generation of Acura SH-AWD. The 2019 RDX’s sumptuously appointed, tech-forward and spacious new cabin features Acura’s latest thinking for a more premium, personal and connected driving experience. Exceptional seating comfort is provided by next-generation Acura sport seats, designed exclusively for RDX and future Acura products. The 2019 RDX is designed to provide high levels of both active and passive safety. All models and grades come standard with AcuraWatch safety and

driver assist technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). www.desitoday.ca

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2018

DE S I T O DAY AU T O

NISSAN LEAF

WINS ‘2018 WORLD GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR’ In homes where one spouse wants an affordable and efficient daily commuter and the other values driving enjoyment, this car will settle a lot of arguments.

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The all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, was named the “2018 World Green Car” at the recent 2018 New York International Auto Show. LEAF is the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society. The first all-electric vehicle to win the World Green Car award since the category’s inception in 2016, the 2018 Nissan LEAF has been reinvented for its second generation.

Available in showrooms today, the new Nissan LEAF combines greater range1 with a dynamic new design and the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility features including ProPILOT Assist, e-Pedal, automatic emergency braking and more. Nissan recently revealed the all-new 2019 Altima, bringing excitement back to the midsize sedan segment with expressive styling, an uplifting interior, two new power plants, the first Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in a Nissan

YOU’LL LIKE - Silent drivetrain, - Punchy motor - Longer range - Fast-charging capability. 92

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sedan in North America and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility features, including ProPILOT Assist. The new Altima follows the 2018 LEAF in embodying the vision of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, making vehicles more desirable by re-defining how they are driven, powered and integrated into society. A key component is ProPILOT Assist, a single-lane “hands-on” driving assistance technology that eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist is standard on the 2019 Altima SV, SL and Platinum grades. Also new for 2019 is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps the driver detect stationary objects when backing up, and if necessary applies the brakes to help avoid a collision. The addition of Rear Automatic Braking to Nissan Safety Shield creates Safety Shield 360, which provides front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies – including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and High Beam Assist (HBA). Two new engines are introduced on the all-new Altima. Standard on all 2019 Altima grade levels is a new 2.5-litre DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine. The 2019 Altima also offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for the first time ever on an Altima. The AWD system is available on all trim levels equipped with the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. The 2019 Altima goes on sale in North America in the fall, followed by other global markets at later dates. www.desitoday.ca

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LIFE & ETC.

Palak Paneer Palak Paneer is a quintessential North Indian vegetarian dish made with cottage cheese and fresh spinach. Just the sight of white cubes of paneer peeping through the emerald green spinach puree will make your mouth water. Blanched and pureed spinach is cooked with select spices and the paneer is tossed in at the end. This is one of the most popular paneer recipes in India is really nutritious plus quick and simple to prepare. A sprinkling of dried fenugreek or kasuri methi and fresh cream at the end is a must to give that restaurant style vibe to it.

Just the sight of white cubes of paneer peeping through the emerald green spinach puree will make your mouth water. Blanched and pureed spinach is cooked with select spices and the paneer is tossed in at the end. This is one of the most popular paneer recipes in India is really nutritious plus quick and simple to prepare

PREP TIME : 6-10 MINUTES COOK TIME : 11-15 MINUTES SERVE : 4 LEVEL OF COOKING : EASY TASTE : MILD

Ingredients - Spinach 900 grams - Paneer (cottage cheese) 200 grams - Green chillies 2-3 94

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- Garlic chopped 8-10 cloves - Oil 3 tablespoons - Cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon - Salt to taste - Lemon juice 1 tablespoon - Fresh cream 4 tablespoons

How to cook • Remove the stems and wash spinach thoroughly in running water. Blanch in

salted boiling water for two minutes. • Refresh in chilled water. Squeeze out excess water. Grind into a fine paste along with green chillies. • Cut the paneer into one inch by one inch by half inch pieces. Heat oil in a pan. • Add cumin seeds. When they begin to change colour, add garlic and sauté for half a minute. • Add the spinach puree and stir. Check seasoning. • Add water if required. When the gravy comes to a boil, add the paneer and mix well. Stir in lemon juice. • Finally add fresh cream. Serve hot.

Nutrition Info Calories : 1350 Kcal Carbohydrates : 35.4 gm Protein : 57.2 gm Fat : 108.8 gm Other : 0 www.desitoday.ca

Spiced mashed mixed vegetables cooked on a griddle and served with pav lightly toasted in butter, chopped onions and lemon wedges.

PREP TIME : 16-20 MINUTES COOK TIME : 26-30 MINUTES SERVE : 4 LEVEL OF COOKING : MODERATE TASTE : SPICY

Pav Bhajee

My love affair with pav bhajee or pav bhaji started several years ago, when I ate it at one of the stalls at Mumbai’s iconic Juhu beach. It is one of the most popular Mumbai style street foods which can now be found across metro cities in India even in high end restaurants. A delicious and wholesome mix of assorted veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, green peas and capsicum along with plenty of onions, ginger and garlic are mashed on a griddle and flavoured with a quintessential spice mix known as pav bhaji masala. This spicy vegetarian sabzi is served with a baked Indian bread roll called pav which is toasted along with a good dose of butter. This vegetarian Indian classic is an allday hit – works great as a meal and even as a snack. It’s one of the best ways to feed your kids plenty of veggies that too with a smile.

Ingredients -

Potatoes 4 medium Tomatoes 4 medium Cauliflower 1/4 small Onions 2 medium Ginger 1 inch piece Garlic 8-10 cloves Green capsicum 1 medium Green chillies 3-4 Fresh coriander leaves 1/4 cup Green peas shelled 1/4 cup Lemons 2 Oil 3 tablespoons Salt to taste Pav bhaji masala 1 1/2 tablespoons Butter 3 tablespoons Pav 8

How to cook • Boil, cool, peel and grate potatoes. Wash and finely chop tomatoes. Wash and grate cauliflower. Peel, wash and finely chop onion. Peel and wash ginger, garlic and grind to a fine paste. • Wash, halve, remove seeds and finely chop capsicum. Wash, remove stems and finely chop green chillies. • Clean, wash and finely chop fresh coriander leaves. Wash and boil the green peas in salted water till soft, drain and mash lightly and keep aside. Cut lemon into wedges. • Heat oil in a pan and add three fourth quantity of chopped onions. Sauté till light brown. Add chopped green chillies www.desitoday.ca

and ginger garlic paste. Stir-fry for half a minute. • Add half the quantity of chopped tomatoes and cook on medium heat for three to four minutes, stirring continuously or till oil separates from the masala. Add chopped capsicum, boiled and lightly mashed peas, grated cauliflower, grated boiled potatoes and one and a half cups of water. • Bring it to a boil and simmer for ten minutes, pressing with the back of the spoon a few times, till all the vegetables are completely mashed. Add pav bhajee

masala, salt and the rest of the chopped tomatoes. Cook on medium heat for two minutes, stirring continuously. • Heat half of the butter in a thick-bottomed pan or a tawa. Slice pav horizontally into two and pan fry in butter for half a minute, pressing two or three times or till pav is crisp and light brown. • Garnish the bhajee with chopped coriander leaves, remaining butter and serve hot with pav accompanied with remaining chopped onion and lemon wedges. JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

LIFE & ETC.

Save time with this simple

Cupcakes

recipe

Quick and Easy Cupcakes Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Serves: 12

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

3/4 cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour 3/4 cup (175 mL) whole wheat flour 1 3/4 tsp. (8 mL) baking powder 2 (1 cup/250 mL) Becel Salted Sticks, divided 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract, divided 2/3 cup (150 mL) 2% milk, divided 2 cups (500 mL) icing sugar

Directions:

(NC) Most Canadians say they enjoy spending time baking, but wish it took less time, according to a recent survey by Becel. Try these tips to add love to your baking without taking time out of your day. • Keep ingredients in one cupboard to make clean up and prep a breeze. • Try new Becel Sticks and say goodbye to cold butter. With no softening needed, you can use these straight out of the fridge for spontaneous sponge cakes and impromptu icing. • Place bananas in a closed brown paper 96

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bag overnight to ripen faster. • Bring eggs to room temperature quickly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. This helps the eggs incorporate better into batters. • Use a cookie scoop to portion cookies, cupcakes and muffins. Not only time efficient, this method keeps baked treats the same size for even baking. • Bake in bulk, then freeze for unexpected occasions or gift to friends and family. Then whip up these simply cupcakes that ready in just 30 minutes.

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). Line 12cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners; set aside. 2. Combine flours and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside. 3. Beat one margarine stick with granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs on low speed until blended, about 2 minutes. Beat in 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk and 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla. Slowly beat in flour mixture just until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Evenly spoon batter into prepared pan. 4. Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes and cool completely. 5. Meanwhile, blend remaining margarine stick, icing sugar, remaining milk and remaining vanilla until blended. Beat on medium-high speed, scraping sides occasionally until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Evenly frost cooled cupcakes. www.desitoday.ca

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LIFE & ETC.

Know what your star says

horoscope Jun-Jul 2018 Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Next nine months are the perfect gestation period for creating a more healthy relationship with your sense of responsibility. Practice easing up on yourself in this department particularly in the area of relationships. The ruler of your sun sign is Saturn which is transiting through your relationships house. Put yourself on notice… I am not responsible for his or her happiness. Focus on breaking through this month around your fear of letting others down. It is an old story that has outlived its usefulness. This month’s mantra: I take responsibility to dream my undreamed dreams.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) Watery Neptune will ultimately energize your airy, thought-filled energy field with feelings of passion and creativity. Avoid the temptation to escape to your ivory tower of idealism. Being smug simply won’t solve anything now. Focus instead on home, nest and comfort. Nurture yourself big time. Be on guard about falling into an old rut at work. Your developing more patience now will pay huge benefits in a couple of months. A summer romance is possible now. Do something wonderful with the family. Make a meaningful connection with the children.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) As the month begins there is some tension between your fourth house of needs/ emotions and your tenth house of career/showing up to others. Take a look at how you put the needs and expectations of others above your own needs. Take notes, keep a diary, communicate, be honest to yourself. Get things out in the open. The sky is not going to fall if you define your life on your terms! Be with the family. Keep the company of like-minded, inspiring friends. Start a new, self-nurturing discipline like a yoga class or membership at the gym.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) Clarity and perception are very sharp now. These resources will serve you well with family issues this month. Be patient with your burgeoning innovative ideas. They will see the light of day but let the Universe help you with the timing of their implementation. Be here now! It is vacation time, so unwind a bit. New friends may offer fresh insight. A shift in energy at the solstice helps you to feel closer to that future dream.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) It is a rich time to explore what makes you tick and what you want. Challenge

JUN / JUL 2018 News With A Desi View

yourself. There may be a hiccup of unbullish selfdoubt early on and even a little reticence about reaching beyond your safety zone. On your path, however, there is no going backwards so embrace the new currents. Creative energy is strong this month and giving full expression to it will be a steadying influence. Go shopping and buy an inspiring book. Chat up friends and keep them informed about what’s important to you now. You may find a good sounding board and a great friend.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) It’s all about feeling, passion and possibility this month but don’t be alarmed, intelligent one. It’s really an awesome opportunity to re-balance your sometimes overused right brain and underappreciated left brain. Take action to step out of your safety zone a little bit. Roll with the flow. Step out of responsibility mode a little and stand in your joy. Ask how you see yourself becoming more free to be who you want to be in career and relationship. You may feel there are some new talents or skills to learn or bring into what you already do. Trust your perceptions. Inspire others… they will really appreciate you for it!

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Saturn, the lesson bringer of the zodiac, normally indicates a time for introspection, focus and discipline with respect to developing who we want to be. This month Saturn reaches the middle degrees of your birth sign and thereby provides an opportunity to get some perspective on your progress in these matters over the last year. You may be inspired to go back into your shell for respite and safety but consider the ramifications if you do. Communications, teaching or writing are generally strong now. This is a particularly good time to connect, network and make important new friends and associations but be cautious about romance. Promote yourself or advertise your business.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) It is time to hone in on creative fulfillment through career. Your energy and talents need to be expressed more fully and opportunities in this area are coming into focus. You might feel you are bursting at the seams for some creative shift, but don’t take any short cuts. Be as clear as you can be about your goals and what you need for cellular level creative satisfaction. If you can be clear about what you want, then what you want will come to you. This is a good time for emphasis on purification, health and service to others. You may feel like indulging

yourself by buying something nice. Use some discretion and go for it! Use your relationships to express the depth, breadth and truth of who you are. Don’t hold back.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) This is the best time to practice the art of conscious intention and thereby let go of some of those encumbering control issues. What do want to manifest? Remember that the practice of intention presumes that there is a Universal intention that is the guiding creative force of the Universe. Although you have a flawless capacity to make things happen, don’t get so swept away or overconfident that you lose sight of your relationship with the All That Is. It is time to consider putting your trust in Divine Timing. Keep things realistic and flexible. Virgo is the most sensitive, vulnerable sign of the zodiac. Direct that sensitivity towards your loved ones and friends. It will return to you a thousandfold.

Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) Your ruling planet is Venus which is the highlight of the planetary show this month. Energy should be pulsing through your veins when retrograde Venus moves across the face of the Sun on the 8th. Insight and inspiration will be sparked. This is a period for the Soul and not the mind. Venus is retrograde in your 9th house of philosophy and higher teachings. Maybe you are searching for answers to some of your deepest questions or looking for the right path for you. Keep yourself inspired. Things have been spacey or uncertain recently. Let that be okay. God does move in mysterious ways sometimes but you can rest assured She won’t keep you in the mist too much longer. Career will likely emerge as an area of focus after Venus changes from retrograde to forward motion at the end of the month.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) You are on a roll as the month begins. Things will be heating up as time goes on. The energy of transformation abounds and we all know that is appealing to scorpions. If you could sit down at a drafting table and re-design who you are, what would the new you look like? Think about it while this deliciously intense energy abounds but don’t set yourself up to become a martyr to your own idealism and expectations. Your optimism is on an uptick. Friends are looking for you to be the life of the party. This could be a month for profound illumination.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) Wow! Benevolent Jupiter remains in your career house through September. Things are building toward a crescendo later this year. This month gives you an opportunity to clear away thoughts that might block your optimism and confidence about those approaching changes. Feelings and passions may get stirred up but clarity and wisdom will win the day. Friends might disappoint you but maybe it is a message about being among those who are more supportive of you. Vacation or rest and relaxation are a requirement this month.

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