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Celebrating Indo-Canadian Life

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Vol. 2 NO. 2

1012673

Thompson Okanagan Edition

MAY 2013

HOLI Festival of Colour

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Community

Election Special: Candidate Q&A 3 Vasisakhi: Holy tradition 9 Interview with

Krystal Garib 12 Jaron Chasca 12 Life and Culture

Travel: Darjeeling Horoscope 16

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S2 insight MAY 2013

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Our Community

MAY 2013 insight S3

Feature Story ~ Events ~ Viewpoint ~ News

INSIGHT ELECTION SPECIAL:

Q&A

with your LOCAL MLA CANDIDATE Kamloops North Thompson

BC LIBERAL

Terry Lake BC CONSERVATIVES

Ed Fehr BCNDP

Kathy Kendall 1. Why did you decide to run in the upcoming election?

I am running because I’m concerned about growing inequality in B.C. British Columbians are working harder than ever, but are falling further behind. I know the B.C. NDP is the only party committed to taking practical steps to solve this problem, like investing in skills training and implementing a poverty reduction plan.

2. What is your best personal quality and how will it represent the citizens of Kamloops in Victoria?

I would say my best personal quality is my commitment to fairness and justice. As an MLA, I will apply those values by consulting with and listening to all of Kamloops – North Thompson and then working for practical solutions that will produce positive results.

3. What is the most important issue facing Kamloopsians today?

I believe the most important issue is job creation and the economy. Instead of wasting taxpayers’ money on $15 million in ads for a “jobs plan” that has had no impact in Kamloops-North Thompson, we need to strengthen jobs in forestry and mining, and make college and university more affordable.

4. As an MLA, how will you try to improve the employment situation in Kamloops?

To improve the employment situation in Kamloops-North Thompson, we have to invest in education and skills training. With 80 per cent of new jobs requiring some form of post-secondary education, we have to make sure the citizens of Kamloops-North Thompson have the skills they need to seize new opportunities in the looming skills shortage

5. As an MLA, how will you work to improve health care services in Kamloops?

To improve health care, we need to ensure that improvements to RIH are achieved, not just promised. We need to consult with all stakeholders to make sure that health care is being delivered in the most effective

manner. Providing better support for seniors who wish to stay in their own homes will allow us to direct resources to more critical care services.

Kamloops South Thompson BC LIBERAL

Todd Stone 1 .What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Nothing short of our continued economic momentum is at stake in this election. Over the past 12 years, Kamloops has experienced unprecedented momentum. Small businesses are thriving, the resource sector is expanding, and people are investing in Kamloops every day. There are more jobs in Kamloops today than at any time in our history, and unemployment is at record lows. The BC Liberals have been key partners in building this momentum.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

My priorities as MLA will be as follows: 1. Job Creation – Continue the Momentum.

There are more jobs in Kamloops today than at any time in our history, and unemployment is at record lows. I am proud of the 30 jobs I have created in my small business, and will advocate strongly for policies that encourage the creation of thousands more family supporting jobs in our community.

2. Royal Inland Hospital – Complete the Re-Development.

Since 2001, Royal Inland Hospital has received many upgrades, which have improved the quality of care we receive in Kamloops. However, as detailed in the RIH Master Plan, there is more work to do, including improvements to hospital site access and parking, surgical services, in-patient areas and ambulatory care.

I will work hard to bring the RIH Master Plan to life.

3. Thompson Rivers University – Invest in Further Growth.

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic expansion at Thompson Rivers University, thus ensuring our kids have even more educational choices in Kamloops than ever before. I was proud to serve as Vice Chair on TRU’s Board of Governors during much of this expansion. I will work hard to encourage further growth, with a particular emphasis on stronger links between industry and the university as well as on Skills Training.

4. Fiscal Discipline – Stay the Course.

Despite economic turmoil across the world,

BC is a shining example of what is possible when your government has strong fiscal discipline. I support staying the course with this fiscal discipline - balancing our budget, holding the line on taxes, and getting government out of the way of small business so that we can maintain a strong economy that creates thousands of family supporting jobs.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I am passionate about my family, our community and small business. I have lived in Kamloops for 24 years. My wife, Chantelle, and I have been married for 13 years and we have 3 daughters. I have always made time and energy available to give back to our community, serving on a number of Boards and community initiatives (including TRU, United Way, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of the Kamloops Airport).

Finally, I have grown our software company, iCompass, over the past 15 years into the North American leader it is today.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

No. Since September 2012, our local campaign has been reaching out to everyone in Kamloops-South Thompson, regardless of ethnic background, age, gender, profession and location of one’s home in the riding.

5. What is the most important issue in your riding today?

Continuing our economic momentum and related job creation. Only when we have a growing economy are we able to make more investments in health care, education and other services that people need.

The BC Liberals have made strategic investments in infrastructure within Kamloops and the region including highways upgrades, a new Kamloops Airport terminal, water & sewer treatment facilities, plus many sports facilities including the Tournament Capital Centre.

Recently, a 6.3 million dollar Skills Training investment to develop the NorKam Secondary Trades & Technology Centre of Excellence was announced.

facilities, ICU, and the Cancer Centre, along with construction of the new Psychiatric Centre and addition of Air Ambulance helicopter service. Recently, the green light was given to 80 Million in upgrades included within Phase 1 of Royal Inland Hospital’s Master Plan.

And, since 2001 the BC Liberals have created over 500 residential care, assisted living, and group home beds in new seniors’ facilities throughout Kamloops, with even more under construction.

predecessor, I will treat all people with respect, including critics. The people of Kamloops have had enough of bullying and negative attacks. At the provincial level, when the NDP forms government, you will see the same commitment to positive change in how we conduct ourselves. No more partisan propaganda!

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

First and foremost, I am a good listener.

As a long-time university instructor here in Kamloops, I have worked with people from all backgrounds and walks of life and have benefitted greatly from my interactions with them. I am also proud of my lifelong commitment to social justice and base my approach to public life on its underlying principles.

As far as I’m concerned, there are three overriding provincial issues that must be addressed in the May election.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

First, improve our healthcare, education and community support programs.

We live in a pluralistic and multicultural society. The NDP is proud of its long history of progressive support for minority groups in our province and we will continue to do so. However, to direct a specific, compartmentalized campaign toward identifiable ethnic groups is not appropriate.

Their unethical blurring of the lines between government and partisan propaganda is wrong. In the case of ethnic communities an apology for historic wrongs for “quick wins” is pure politics. Likewise, hosting a Bollywood awards show is a great way to showcase our province but host it using $11 million of taxpayers’ money just before the provincial elections as a means to win votes is again in my opinion inappropriate.

BCNDP

Tom Friedman

Second, help re-ground the province’s economy to build on our traditional strengths and develop new opportunities in socially and environmentally viable ways.

Complimenting a massive expansion in academic programs and capital construction, the BC Liberals granted full university status for Thompson Rivers University and approved Canada’s first new law school in over 30 years, including 7.4 million dollars to upgrade TRU’s Old Main Building to house the new faculty of law.

Third, to undo or mitigate, as much as possible, the harm resulting from the mismanagement of the past 13 years under the BC Liberals .

Royal Inland Hospital has experienced substantial improvements to emergency care

As the NDP MLA for Kamloops South Thompson, unlike my BC Liberal

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

S4 insight MAY 2013

Our Community 5. What is the most important issue facing Kamloopsians today?

Insight: Celebrating Indo-Canadian Life is created by the Special Publications Division of Glacier Media Inc. Program Director: Aj Nijjer advertising sales: Aj Nijjer anijjer@kamloopsnews.ca

People of Kamloops are hungering for a positive change. They are tired of a government that has run out of gas, a government that constantly campaigns instead of focusing on real issues of the people of British Columbia. Adrian Dix and BC NDP is committed to bringing a positive change. We will not waste tax payer’s dollars on partisan politics but instead will focus on solving real issues, one practical step at a time.

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BC CONSERVATIVES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Donna Sturmanis Larkin Schmiedl Becky Mann Megha Sequeira

l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

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Peter Sharp

It would be natural to answer this with what most people would expect to hear: that would be the protection of health care, education, and social services. These are certainly very important, however there is something else which I believe tops all others -- that is the issue of accountability and integrity in government. This is not something new, but with all the scandals plaguing the BC Liberal government, it is once again at the forefront for many people.

Words are easy to say, and I too have been accused of issuing ‘motherhood statements’; however I know the principles and commitment of BC Conservative members -- MLAs are first and foremost to represent the wishes of the people who have elected them to office. This is something which I take very seriously, and something which was just reinforced to me again in a personal way by our party leader John Cummins when he was recently in Kamloops. I believe in the everyday common sense of British Columbians, and it is that common sense that will go with me to Victoria when I am elected.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

If there was just one single major change I could make, that would be to be able to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government really can represent them.

We now have more and more people becoming apathetic, and who no longer believe it makes any difference if they vote or not. I want them to see that they can have input into the decision-making process, and that government really can be accountable to them.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

Kamloops is my home by choice, and it is where my family and I have resided for over 20 years. I have served my community as a policeman, a city councillor, a member of the Thompson Nicola Regional District board of directors, as chairman of our regional hospital district board, plus 15 other committees and local non-profit community groups and organizations.

Through these opportunities I have been able to put my own personal skills to use in a number of ways. More importantly however, I have learned from others how to better serve my community by seeking out the wisdom of others, and then putting that knowledge to practical use. Now retired, I believe I have the time, the energy and the desire to be the elected ‘representative’ for the people of Kamloops South Thompson

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

We are all Canadians -- we are all British Columbians. Some of us have lived here for several generations, and some are relative newcomers who will have the opportunity to

add to, and become part of, the growing fabric of our province. There is no one individual, or ethnic group, that should be singled out for a special focus by unethical backroom manipulators within some political parties. To do so, in my opinion is one of the most disrespectful things that a political party can do.

5. What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

There are a number of important issues for our riding, however I believe the biggest are the problems confronting doctors, nurses, and other front-line workers and staff at Royal Inland Hospital. We now have a situation where the top 13 administrators of the Interior Health Authority are earning $3.3 million dollars a year -- an average of a quarter of a million dollars each. In fact, there are over 2,600 people in administrative and executive roles, who are supervising a staff of 18,000. One for every seven people seems a little excessive to me, and I think we would be better served by having more front-line people. [In the] meantime we have an aging hospital that had an entire operating room closed and its equipment removed -- hundreds of beds closed ... patients being looked after in hallways, and an emergency room that itself is in a state of emergency time and time again. We need to, I believe, listen to the people providing the most direct level of service to see how things can be improved, where changes need to be made, and how we can get more doctors and nurses into the Interior, Northern and rural communities that are desperately under-served.

Kelowna Lake Country BC LIBERAL

Norm Letnick

1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

I believe that the number one question for voters will be: which party is best to manage the economy? Under today’s BC Liberals, we remain focused on investing in skills training as well as attracting foreign trade and investment to B.C. We have balanced the budget, maintained our AAA credit rating, and we were recently ranked number one in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for cutting red tape.

While we are working hard to grow our economy, the NDP are only interested in growing the size of government, with billions in spending promises and four-tofive more years of deficits.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Provincially, our top priorities will continue to be a focus on creating jobs by growing the economy, as well as balancing the budget so that we do not pass on a burden of debt to our children and grandchildren. Ridingspecific priorities can be found below.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

After serving for nine years as a municipal councillor, four years as an MLA with part of that as the Minister for Agriculture, I believe the best quality I bring to public service is a life-long passionate desire to serve others, make their lives better, and strive to improve the quality of life for all I represent with every ounce of energy I can muster. I see public service as a privilege and work to achieve the best results for the good of all.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

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MAY 2013 insight S5

Our Community No. Canada is a rich mosaic of many cultures from around the world. In my family for example I’m an English Canadian, son of an immigrant family from Minsk. My wife is French Canadian [and] our three children are bilingual with one being Filipino. Over my many years in public office I have made and kept good friendships with many ethnic communities and nationalities including Indo-Canadians. I work hard to represent the needs and aspirations of all my constituents.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

5. What is the most important issue facing Northerners today?

Our government has invested heavily in the central Okanagan over the past 12 years, 500 per cent more than the NDP government did during its two terms in office, but we still have more to do. Priorities expressed to me by my constituents include: updated water infrastructure, better roads, intersections like Sexsmith, and improved transit; increased health care services like detox, retinal eye surgery and pain management, [and] new schools in Rutland, Glenmore, and Lake Country, among many others.

Higher paying jobs

BC CONSERVATIVES

Graeme James 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

The most important issues facing voter I believe is our provincial debt and our excessive spending

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

I would like to have more agriculture money actually get to the farmer, orchardist etc.

Honesty and integrity

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

No I do not think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ ethnic “ vote I believe everyone should be treated fairly with respect and honesty.

BCNDP

Mike Nuyens 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

British Columbians need tools to build a sustainable economy. They need a government who is accountable to the people of this province, a government who has practical, real solutions to making life more affordable. In the last 12 years, people have seen a government who is more concerned about spending millions of dollars on partisan ads rather than governing. People deserve a change. Adrian Dix and BC NDP will provide prudent, practical solutions such as skills training to ensure that British Columbians fill the jobs of the future. A BC NDP government will be accountable to the people of British Columbia. They will use taxpayer’s dollars to solve today’s real issues rather than using this hard-earned money for expensive selfpromoting ads.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

There are many issues that people in my riding face today. From lack of skills training to poor health care, people are tired of a government who has lost direction. Vital services have been cut and farmers are not getting the support they deserve. I will have an open door policy for the people of Kelowna-Lake Country so that their concerns are heard and dealt with in a timely manner.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I have lived my entire life in Lake Country and therefore have a deep connection to the community here. Having worked and raised my family here, I fully understand the issues faced by the people of my riding. People here are looking for a positive change and as a dedicated, hard working individual I will make sure that they get the change they deserve. As MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country I will be a strong advocate for [the] Okanagan’s environment and will support this region’s economy to the best of my abilities.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

We are blessed to live in a province which boasts such multi-cultural diversity. While on the one hand it’s important for a government to respect and celebrate multiculturalism it’s inappropriate for any governing party to do so only for “quick wins”. I’ve met with many Indo-Canadians around the Kelowna Lake Country area and they tell me that the current BC Liberal government’s approach of using government resources for partisan purposes is not right.

5. What is the most important issue facing residents of Kelowna-Lake Country today?

Agriculture and orchards are the lifeline of this region and it’s vital that farmers and orchardists are given the support they deserve. Adrian Dix and [the] BC NDP are committed to rejuvenating the Buy BC program. They will also invest $7.5 million dollars in a Growers’ Production program to provide fruit producers with grants to purchase the inputs and equipment they need to grow a quality harvest. Similarly students need support in the form of skills training and BC NDP has committed to a $100 million needs-based student grant program. Residents of Kelowna-Lake Country deserve a change and BC NDP are offering this change, one practical step at a time.

Kelowna Mission

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

Deep roots in the community, experienced leadership in economic development and job creation and a strong background in the resource sector in B.C. A candidate who is approachable, responsive, with a deep commitment to serve those I represent.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

We need to reach out to all communities, and that includes multicultural groups. B.C. has many multicultural individuals and it is important to connect with them. We are reaching out not just to multicultural groups, but to seniors, families, youth and all of our constituents.

BC LIBERAL

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

1.What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

In response to constituents the most important message is to ensure a strong economy to provide for the critical services of health care, education and social services and to do so in a framework of a balanced budget. Locally, the requirement for continued affordable safe drinking water that supports the needs of our residents and our agriculture community is a high priority. We will also to continue to work on infrastructure needs for transportation, education and health services.

Steve Thomson

Job creation and economic development within a balanced budget and disciplined fiscal plan that maintains our competitive tax position, triple-A credit rating and [a] framework for private sector investment that will support our health care, education and social services so important to the citizens of B.C.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

BC CONSERVATIVES

[To] maintain a strong focus on local economic development and services in our riding, Kelowna and the region.

Provincially, focus on the generational opportunities in LNG and the Prosperity Fund.

BCNDP

Mike McLoughlin Dayleen van Ryswyk l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that

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S6 insight MAY 2013

Our Community must be addressed in the next election?

There are many issues of importance in our province right now. People in KelownaMission tell me that life for them has become increasingly unaffordable. Cuts in Post Secondary education grants program by the current Liberal government has also made life difficult for students in our province who are facing the highest debt load in all of Canada. There are too many jobs without people and too many people without jobs in our province at this time.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province? I’d really like to help get needs based student grants back in effect.

I am proud to be a part of the team that understands the needs of the people. Years of broken promises and surprises such as the HST by the current government has led to people becoming cynical about the way government does business. I will work hard to restore people’s trust in the political process and government again. New jobs need to be created and old jobs need to be filled and this can only be done by fully supporting BC NDP’s $100 million needs based student grants program and I am proud to be part of this team.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

My integrity and dedication to helping people drives me. I believe you can achieve anything with hard work and determination. As MLA I will bring my experience of a successful business person to the legislature. I will listen to my constituents and ensure that I am a strong advocate for them in Victoria. I feel strongly about accountability in government and I will be fully accountable to my constituents.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

We live in an incredibly diverse province and I strongly feel that this diversity has made British Columbia a better place. But it is disingenuous when governments use multicultural outreach only for “quick wins”. Ethnic groups have issues which are unique to them and these must be addressed but to use government resources for partisan purposes in my opinion is inappropriate.

5. What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

Affordability is a big issue in this riding.

Under the B.C. Liberals life has become less affordable for families and it’s unfortunate that British Columbia now has the highest level of income inequality and the highest rate of poverty in any province in Canada. Adrian Dix and BC NDP will address this issue by providing access to education and skills training. I strongly believe that this is key to reducing inequality and growing a sustainable economy.

Vernon-Monashee BC LIBERAL

Eric Foster BC CONSERVATIVES

Scott Anderson 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

The economy, because everything else, including healthcare, hinges on it.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Better accountability and much higher levels of transparency.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

Honesty and intelligence.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

I hope not. I grew up in New Delhi and saw first-hand the damage racial/religious divisions can do. I hope Canada stops treating people as racial beings and starts treating them as people. Accentuating the divisions between people cannot possibly be helpful.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

I would have to say it’s still the economy, followed by healthcare. Namaste!

BCNDP

Mark Olsen 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

People have become pessimistic about the way government does business. It is very important to win back people’s trust. Adrian Dix is committed to making government fully accountable to the people of British Columbia. People are looking for change, and Adrian Dix is steadfast in his commitment to bring change for the better of B.C. - one practical step at a time.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Over the past decade, life has become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary, hardworking people of Vernon-Monashee.

People here are looking for meaningful skills training and education so that they are fully equipped to fill jobs now and in the future.

That’s why I support the NDP’s $100 million needs-based non-refundable student grant program. I believe lowering the financial barriers for young people and workers who are looking for retraining is key to making British Columbia more competitive in the global economy.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I have been deeply involved in my community - by running for city council and the Legislative Assembly, and spearheading the “Apple a Day” program in area schools. I’m a longtime resident of Vernon, and I understand and share the issues facing the people of Vernon-Monashee. Among the top concerns are: the spiralling cost of living, a sustainable economy and affordable, reliable health care. As an MLA, I will be a strong advocate for my constituents, making sure that their voices are heard in Victoria. I don’t believe in partisan politics and I’m committed to running a clean, positive campaign.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

I believe that issues facing Indo-Canadians or Chinese-Canadians are pretty much the same as the issues we all face. However, I understand that Indo-Canadians and Chinese-Canadians and other “ethnic” populations have specific concerns - and these must be addressed - but for government to draft special policies or run a special campaign for the sole purpose of wooing voters is, in my opinion, both wrong and an example of divisive politics.

5. What is the most important issue facing people of Vernon-Monashee today?

A large section of Vernon-Monashee resi-

dents are seniors who under the Liberal government have not had a strong advocate working on their behalf. There are serious concerns about issues such as elder abuse, and neglect and poor treatment at residential facilities. New Democrats are taking positive steps toward creating an independent senior’s advocate [who] would represent seniors in my constituency and in our province more thoroughly. Our seniors’ Critic Katrine Conroy has re-introduced a bill, the Representative for Seniors Act, which would provide seniors with access to a much-needed complaint process and a strong independent advocate, and I fully support it.

Fraser-Nicola BC LIBERAL

Jackie Tegart 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

I believe jobs and the economy are the most important issues in this provincial election.

It is difficult to contribute to your community when you can’t find a job.

I believe in fiscal leadership through balanced budgets. We must consider what our decisions made today will mean to our children and grandchildren in the future.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Being a new candidate, I have been out talking to people in the riding, listening to what they think will help Fraser-Nicola. We are a resource-based riding with many small rural communities. What I am hearing is people want a supportive climate for small business. The BC Liberals have cut red tape for small business by 40 per cent and will continue to look at ways to support small business. They want support for the resource industries which provide well-paying jobs for families. They want stability in quality education for their children - the BC Liberals are proposing a 10-year agreement with teachers which would provide that.

They want a political party that plans beyond the election cycle [and] looks forward to a strong vision for B.C. - the BC Liberals are proposing bold, visionary plans for LNG and the formation of the BC Prosperity fund to ensure a strong future for our children and grandchildren.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I have been involved in community all my life. I served as a school trustee for 17 years locally and also served on the provincial executive of the BC School Trustees, serving one year as the president. I am currently in my third term as a councillor for the Village of Ashcroft. My work life has included community development, small business development and [I’ve been] an owner/ partner of the Painted Ladies Gifts and Gallery. I believe the job of an MLA is to bring the concerns and issues of the FraserNicola riding to Victoria. As MLA you must be credible, have the ability to work with a diverse number of people and advocate strongly for your constituents. My community work, [both] regional and provincial experiences, has given me the skills that are necessary for this job. I am also the parent of four children, which taught me mediation, strength, leadership, laughter and humility. I have negotiated, mediated, consulted, advocated and provided leadership in community, in the region and provincially, which makes me well prepared for the position of MLA.

4. Do you think a special campaign is

necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like IndoCanadians?

I have had the honour to work with many different cultures throughout my life. I have always been respectful and aware that I have a lot to learn. Political parties must be inclusive of all cultures and must consider how best to connect to ensure their issues are addressed. We live in a diverse multicultural society and to assume that everyone is the same would be wrong. How best to accomplish that inclusiveness, I believe, should include consultation amongst all.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

Constituents have indicated jobs, health care and the economy are the top issues for the Fraser-Nicola riding.

BC CONSERVATIVES

Michael Beauclair 1. For myself the first most important overall provincial issue is the Mid-Term Timber Supply or in other words The Future of the Provincial Timber Supply/Harvest and how all of us on a Local, Regional and Provincial Level will best mitigate the effects of a diminishing Timber Supply in the context of employment, Timber Values and investment in current and future sawmilling/valueadded operations.

2. Healthcare- the erosion of Rural Healthcare services, and lack of Doctors and investment in “Hinterland” communities due to the centralization and top-heavy administration of Healthcare in Regional population centers.

3. Education- Stop the great “Dumbing down of Canada” I am an individual and belong to a Party that believes that the Parents are the first teachers of our children, therefore the parents of our children should have a voice and be able to contribute to Provincial education curriculum that will benefit all students.

4. Transportation Infrastructure- While I applaud the Liberal Governments investment in Infrastructure across the Province, There is still no overall provincial vision on how to tie all these projects together while our secondary/rural highways that are used to deliver resources to market are neglected, plus the amount of environmental overregulation is costing the taxpayer millions of dollars while promoting environmental practices that serve as “window dressing” and promote the “Green Agenda” and not the people of British Columbia

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Forestry: Abolish the use of Timber

Cruising in context of Measuring of Timber for Annual Allowable Cut Control and Stumpage Billing, Scale-based Timber-Measurement is a cost of doing business and was never meant to be tossed in the name of Cost-cutting while injuring small-business and local economies in the name of efficiency and greed Restart Small-Scale Salvage across the Province to retrieve the Millions of cubicmeters now being lost, To retain Volume and Value from our Provincial Timber Supply for our future timber supply and Promote and increase investment and employment on a local, regional and provincial level.

BCNDP

Harry Lali

Penticton BC LIBERAL

Dan Ashton BC CONSERVATIVES

No Candidate BCNDP

Richard Cannings l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

The two most important issues in the next election will be economic growth and environmental protection. We have too many people without jobs, but also too many jobs without people. We need to invest more in skills training to close that gap and get people working instead of cutting postsecondary funding like the current government. We also need a government that understands how important sustainable resource management is to our long term prosperity, because our resources are for sale but our environment is not.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

I want to ensure that government spends taxpayers money based on need not partisan gain. In my riding we have seen that politics has delayed an expansion at Penticton Regional Hospital, even though it is listed as the top priority of Interior Health, because the current government takes the votes of this riding for granted. I want to fight for that expansion, and I am proud to support the BC NDP who will create a comprehensive plan for investment based on health priorities, and take the politics out of healthcare.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

MAY 2013 insight S7

Our Community I believe my career as a biologist and environmental consultant would allow me to bring a unique perspective to the challenges we face as a province. I have also served on the BC Environmental Appeals Board and the Forest Appeals Commission where I used my scientific background to interpret regulations and resolve disputes.

Science is the search for truth, and scientists are trained to listen to all sides and evaluate the evidence – not the spin – to make informed decisions. Those are the same principles I would follow as an MLA.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

Cariboo-Chilcotin

No, it is essential for governments to engage with all British Columbians in a respectful manner. But to do so only for “quick wins” and using government resources for partisan purposes is inappropriate. Ethnic minorities face unique challenges and one-size fits all solutions may not always work. Therefore multicultural outreach is important, but only because it is good policy, not because it is good politics.

Donna Barnett

5. What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

A new hospital in Penticton is of benefit to all of my riding and the BC Liberals will make it happen.

BC CONSERVATIVES

Mischa Popoff BCNDP

No candidate BC LIBERAL

l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

The economy, new revenue streams, education (including trades training), forestry, agriculture, health care, tourism.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

The single most important issue in our riding is the expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital. It will not only improve local healthcare, but will be a strong boost to the local economy. The project has been first on the priority list for some time, yet the current Liberal government failed to act until doctors staged protests and the preelection period began. It doesn’t help patients to have premiers stand up and make empty promises. The BC NDP will ensure that health care funding is based on health care needs, and as Adrian Dix has said: “we’ve got to get on with it, and that’s what

Support a new revenue stream, a mine called “Prosperity”, changes to regulations for agriculture, include [the] public in forestry dialogue.

we’re going to do.”

No. I respect and honour all cultures and work with all citizens.

BoundarySimilkameen BC LIBERAL

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

The ability to deliver services, the ability to listen and the ability to act.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

Economics/jobs.

Linda Larson

BC CONSERVATIVES

1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

BCNDP

Fiscally responsible government. Do not increase the debt and leave it for the next generation. Maintain an excellent credit rating to encourage investment. More jobs means more money to spend on education, health care, the environment and social programs.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

As an individual it is arrogant to believe I can make changes alone, but as part of a forward thinking BC Liberal team anything is possible.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I have business and political experience. I am a volunteer with many organizations. I have travelled all over this province talking to business about what matters to them. I have been involved with youth programs through JABC.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

It is important to make eveyone feel included in their government prosesses.

Provincially and federally documentation is in more than one language and outreach contacts are available for all Canadians reguardless of their ethnic backgrounds. It is political suicide to ignore the different cultures that make up our society.

No candidate

Charlie Wyse 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Life has become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary, hard-working British Columbians. BC Hydro rates have skyrocketed, MSP premiums have increased, HST has wreaked havoc on the pocketbooks of families, and many people have lost their jobs. Health, education, and seniors’ needs are important provincial issues that must be addressed. The current government - instead of focusing on these problems - is spending millions of dollars on partisan ads. New Democrats are committed to bringing a positive change in B.C. - one practical step at a time

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Cariboo Chilcotin depends on forestry, agriculture, mining and tourism. In the last decade all of these sectors have suffered because of the misdirected policies of the current Liberal government. The NDP is committed to investing in the health of BC forests and to ensuring that more logs are processed in this province. I fully support Adrian Dix’s plan to support the Buy BC program to promote the agriculture sector.

The BC Liberal government eliminated this program in 2001 and they have continued to demonstrate that agriculture is low on their priority list. New Democrats are committed

to the protection of agricultural land through the Agricultural Land Reserve as a way of ensuring we have farmland and food grown in B.C. for future generations.

The NDP supports mining. There are two mines currently operating in the Cariboo, contributing to both the provincial and local economy. Recognizing the province’s responsibility to both First Nations and the environment, Adrian Dix and the NDP support the development of mining in Cariboo Chilcotin. Tourism is an important economic driver in BC’s economy. As MLA I would ensure tourism in the Cariboo Chilcotin region is supported and promoted.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

My engagement with my community spans decades of involvement in a variety of roles. I am a longtime resident of Cariboo-Chilcotin having lived in Williams Lake for the past 43 years. I have been deeply involved in the community in many capacities. I taught high school math and science for 35 years, was president of the local teachers’ union, sat on Williams Lake City Council for 23 years, served as the City of Williams Lake director / alternate director on the Cariboo Regional District over a 20-year period, and served 10 years on the Coast Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Health Authority. In 2005 I was elected as MLA from this region and represented my riding effectively. During my term as MLA I also served as the Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture, Mental Health, and Municipal Affairs. This comprehensive experience has prepared me well for representing my constituents.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

Multicultural outreach is an essential and healthy part of the political process. I think it’s important for government to respect and celebrate cultural diversity. However, it is completely inappropriate for the governing party to use public resources for partisan purposes. It is equally inappropriate for government to undertake things like apologies for historic wrongs in order to achieve “quick wins” to woo voters.

Multicultural outreach should be based on integrity and a genuine belief that we are all stronger when we celebrate our diversity.

5. What is the most important issue facing people of Cariboo-Chilcotin today?

Pine beetle infestation has left a large section of people in Cariboo-Chilcotin without jobs.

Therefore skills training and education is a practical, prudent plan to restore the economy of this region. I am proud to run under the leadership of Adrian Dix whose $100 million student grant plan will help people acquire the skills training they need to provide for their families.

Cariboo North BC LIBERAL

Coralee Oakes 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

This is the most pivotal election of my generation and the outcomes will determine how the Cariboo North will transition and I intend to ensure that we are successful.

There is absolute urgency in our riding to diversify our economy and I feel confident that under the BC Liberals, we are in the best position to attract investment and jobs into our region. If we ensure that we have a strong economy in Cariboo North, we are able to contribute to the overall wealth of the province. Therefore, I believe continuing our focus on a strong economy that focuses on job creation and skills training is the most important opportunity for our province.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Our riding requires an MLA who is a champion for attracting investment and resources and a fighter to ensure that the challenges of a rural riding do not get ignored. I am a strong advocate for the continued investment in the North Cariboo Community Campus which is providing superior skills and trades training. I will continue to be a strong voice for small business, as I believe they are the backbone of the community. If we are to attract small business to our riding, we need to ensure we are the most business friendly jurisdiction in Canada and continue to reduce burdensome red tape. With record number of baby boomers retiring and selling their businesses, farms [and] logging trucks, we need to ensure that we are able to attract purchasers for these businesses. We do this by ensuring we have a competitive tax environment and qualified skilled labour.

We need to ensure that we are providing for our seniors. We need a strong economy in order to ensure that we can invest in our children and ensure that they are getting the education they require for the global competitive market.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I feel that I am that person most capable to achieve our region’s diversification. I have a degree in political science from UBC, have sat on Quesnel City Council for six years and sat on several local government boards such as the North Central Local Government Association; [I’ve] worked as the executive director for the Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce for 14 years and have sat on national and provincial boards such as the Small Business Roundtable, Minister’s Council on Tourism, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives and the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce. I also believe my experience of being brought up on a family farm guides my strong values and work ethic. I believe you need this in politics.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

In my own experience, I find that what provides me the energy and enthusiasm for running for political office is truly the opportunity to get out and meet with and talk to people throughout the riding. This provides me with great joy. I find it fascinating to learn about different cultures and to celebrate with them. This past year I have attended numerous celebrations in the Indo-Canadian community and I know in years to come, when I look back over my experience of running for provincial office, it will be these types of celebrations and interactions with people that will be my highlight. I have been overwhelmed with the generosity, the wonderful food, the colours and the amazing people that have made me feel so welcome in the Indo-Canadian community. I do believe it is critical to be reaching out into ethnic communities to listen to their concerns and hear their ideas for a better future, as we should with all of our residents. What I have learned from the Indo-Canadian community is that we must work to make everyone feel welcome and valued and you have set a high standard.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

We live in a riding that is heavily dependent on the forest industry. We have been devastated by the mountain pine beetle epidemic and the downturn in the American housing market. If we don’t diversify, we lose our families and other residents as they move to find work elsewhere. If we don’t have young people, we can’t keep schools open or support health facilities and that of course affects those who

remain in the community. We need to ensure that we keep our economy strong and create jobs.

BC CONSERVATIVES

No candidate BCNDP

Duncan Barnett 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Years of broken promises and surprises like the HST by the current Liberal government has eroded people’s trust in the way government does business, leading people to becoming cynical about the political process. But this has to change. Adrian Dix is committed to restoring people’s faith in government. He is committed to running a positive campaign and I am proud to be a part of his team.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

The people of Cariboo-North need a government which focuses on real issues and not a government that constantly campaigns. The BC NDPs approach to solutions is a practical one. Taking one step at a time we will provide prudent solutions to our greatest issues such as job creation and working towards a sustainable economy. I look forward to working with a strong team to get things done for the people of Cariboo-North.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

As a rancher in this region, I am deeply connected to the community here. I have immense experience in resource industries and understand the issues, because they affect me in the same way they affect the people of Cariboo-North. As MLA for Cariboo-North, I will be a strong advocate for the people of my riding, ensuring that their voices are heard.

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

Multicultural outreach is an important way for governments to ensure that concerns and issues of multicultural communities are heard and understood. But for governments to use public resources for partisan purposes with an aim to win votes is inappropriate. I have always felt welcomed at Sikh temples around our community and have enjoyed meeting with people. Equally inappropriate is for governments to make apologies for historic wrongs only for “quick wins”. Multicultural outreach has to be based on integrity and a belief that diversity makes British Columbia a better place.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

Job creation is a key issue in our community.

It’s important for British Columbians to be trained so they can fill jobs in their communities. That is why the BC NDP is proposing a $100 million needs based grant program for education and skills training.

Strengthening our resource industry is also important to this region and the BC NDP has committed to doing so in a prudent and responsible way.

Prince George Mackenzie BC LIBERAL

Mike Morris 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that

S8 insight MAY 2013

Our Community must be addressed in the next election?

qualities as a political candidate?

I believe we need to maintain the momentum towards “sustainable” and “responsible” resource development. We are competing in a world market and time is of the essence. Economic development is key to securing our future, key to ensuring the provincial budget remains in the black, and key to ensuring the provincial debt is paid off. The money the province currently spends on interest alone would, for example, go a long way to providing better health care for those with mental illness and addictions. We also need to ensure our children and grandchildren have a safe community to live in and opportunities for a worldclass education.

I have a breadth of experience that not many MLAs have, and can offer a different perspective to problems across the province.

I’ve lived in numerous cities, towns and villages across the province. [I’ve had] 32 years with the RCMP in a variety of functions, with the last 8 years in senior roles responsible for emergency planning, criminal investigations and crime reduction strategies. I’ve got some experience in administrative law as an adjudicator and mediator with the Health Professions Review Board as well as experience evaluating complex research reports during my tenure in the RCMP and on the provincial Drug Benefit Council. I also have extensive experience as an outdoorsman and conservationist, and have full awareness with respect to environmental issues. In addition to my experience, I am a good listener.

2. What are the changes you plan to make in your riding and for the province?

In my riding (and the province) I would like to see tenure-based resource management where all resource tenures are compelled to work together to ensure each of their respective resources are working collaboratively to ensure one resource is not extracted at the expense of the other (forestry, mining, adventure tourism, agriculture, trapping etc.).

I would like to help move the province move towards a more integrated policing service in the greater Vancouver area as well as the capital region, and elsewhere in the province as deemed necessary. There are a number of reasons I believe this is necessary, but some include the economies of scale associated to specialized resources, the elimination of duplicated services (finance, HR, and general administrative services etc.), as well as smooth communication systems.

3. What do you feel are your best

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like indo Canadians?

No. British Columbia is a province comprised of people from all ethnic cultures from around the world. I do believe however that a campaign should develop strategies on how to identify supporting voters poll by poll, regardless of ethnicity.

5. What is the most important issue facing your riding today?

The continued responsible development of our natural resources in order for us to maintain low unemployment, low taxes, no deficit and small government. I want my grandchildren to have the same opportunities for education, employment and health that I grew up with in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

BC CONSERVATIVES

Terry Rysz BCNDP

Bobby (Sarbjit) Deepak 1. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

British Columbians are cynical about government. Currently the government is more focused on getting re-elected than actually getting things done for people. We need a more serious approach to the issues we face in this province, and that’s the change the Adrian Dix and the NDP are offering. B.C. is facing many challenges, such as in skills training and post secondary education, health care for our seniors, forestry health and getting more value out of our resources.

2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province?

Right now, the government is failing to provide Northerners with the skills training and education they need. Providing skills training is one of the most important things we can do to build our economy and retain good jobs here in the North. That’s why the NDP will be making post-secondary education more affordable and ensuring we have the skills training programs we need.

As well, the NDP will invest in our forests and in better health care for our seniors.

3. What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate?

I grew up in a forestry family from the

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BEST EAST IN D RESTAU IAN RANT

operations that can’t find trained people to fill jobs, whether in forestry or in mining.

North, so I care about making it better and I understand the issues people face here.

People can count on me to work every single day to get things done for them, and to run a positive campaign that is focused on the issues, not personal attacks.

Prince George Valemount

4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the “ethnic” vote like Indo-Canadians?

BC LIBERAL

Shirley Bond

I think it’s unfortunate when political parties regard different ethnic groups like this government has. There are certainly issues that affect Indo-Canadians or other ethnic communities that need to be addressed, but regardless of ethnicity, all British Columbians want a government that works to make life better for them, and that’s what the NDP is focused on.

BC CONSERVATIVES

No candidate BCNDP

Sherry Ogasawara Compiled by Rajeshwari Rajimwale

5. What is the most important issue facing Northerners today?

Supporting good jobs in the North and providing people with the skills they need to fill those jobs. This government is failing on both of these things. Adrian Dix and the NDP will address them with practical steps, like investing $100 million to make postsecondary education more affordable. A skills and knowledge shortage hits at the heart of any economy.

It detracts investment from coming in to B.C. and it hurts current

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MAY 2013 insight S9

Our Community

VAISAKHI

Sikhism and how their principles can be applied to daily life. “Earn an honest living, share your earnings with others and be truthful,” he said.

Holy tradition

Sikhs celebrate changing of the Nishan Sahib flag

By Jason Hewlett

F

or a generation of Sikhs who have grown up in Canada, the tradition of Vaisakhi and the changing of the Nishan Sahib flag is of great cultural importance.

Vaisakhi is the holiest day on the Sikh calendar. The official day is April 13, with the swapping of the Nishan Sahib occurring on the Saturday closest to Vaisakhi.

This year, Vaisakhi fell on a Saturday, making the ceremony even more important, said Pav Gill. “It’s an extra special day,” he said. Gill, his wife Nisha, and children Jushan, 3, and Sameera, 2, joined dozens of others at

the Gurdwara Sahib Society’s temple on Cambridge Crescent in Brocklehurst to celebrate Vaisakhi and witness the changing of the Nishan Sahib.

Gill and his children were born in Canada, so they’ve never experienced Vaisakhi in the Punjab region as his parents have. But maintaining that connection to his heritage is important, he said. “Hopefully, they can come and bring their kids, too, when they are our age,” said Gill.

Gill and his family joined others in the temple for tea and snacks while the Nishan Sahib was prepared. Ishar Singh Bhatti explained the pole supporting the Nishan Sahib is lowered and the cloth surrounding the pole removed. The pole is cleansed with a combination of yogurt, water and milk.

The Sikh holy flag is replaced and the pole erected once more, he said. A prayer for love and peace is shared at

the beginning and end of the ceremony. “We’d like everybody to live with each other in love,” said Bhatti.

Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi as the day of the formation of the Khalsa or pure one, he said. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa and eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings are equal.

People flooded out of the temple as the ceremony began and stood in a line in the parking lot. Some took pictures or recorded the event with video cameras.

Several rushed forward as the pole was

brought to ground and stripped of the cloth. Those with bare feet washed down the pole. Manjit Bhatti brought her granddaughter, Emina Sidhu. This was the girl’s first Vaisakhi celebration, she said. “We hope she will come back every year.” Lakhan Gill, 18, has celebrated Vaisakhi a couple of times.

Born in Canada, this is an important way to connect with his roots, he said.

“It’s keeping the culture. We’re in a different country and it’s easy to go with a different culture,” said Gill. “It’s a way to keep with your homeland.”

Everyone was invited to enjoy a meal in the temple after the ceremony.

Gill’s parents brought him to Vaisakhi celebrations every year as a boy. He said it’s important to keep the tradition alive. Although different in practice, Gill described Vaisakhi as his people’s version of Christmas. It’s important to remember what the gurus did for

A Group wash down a flag pole with curds, milk and water as part of Vaisakhi on Saturday.

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S10 insight MAY 2013

Our Community

East Meets West Orphans Foundation

Kelowna to Kolkata: Okanagan charity aids abandoned children in India

By Dona Sturmanis

I

n five short years, a remarkable charity has sprung up and flourished in Kelowna, helping Indian orphans and other destitute children in Kolkata to find families and improve their health and lives through education. The East Meets West Orphans Foundation was founded in 2008 by well-known Okanagan media professional Mohini Singh and other concerned people.

"My husband Finbar O'Sullivan and I were at an orphanage in Kolkata a few years back and one of the little boys there came up to him and said, 'Take me home,'" says Mohini. "Of course, we couldn't. This tugged at my heartstrings.

"The orphanage does such a fabulous job. They never turn down abandoned children from anywhere; they help them and put them up for adoption.

Half have found homes so far."

So Mohini and Finbar returned to Canada. "I told people I knew what we had experienced at the orphanage and wondered what we could do to help.

So we set up a board and started the Foundation."

"One child had a cleft palate and a missing limb. He had surgery for his cleft palate. He's been adopted by a new family in the States that will be fitting him with a new prosthesis," says Mohini.

They set their mission statement:

This year, the East Meets West Orphans Foundation sponsored a crèche, or daycare centre, for children of slum dwellers three to six years old.

The crèche provides over 30 young children with food, early education and medical care. “Essentially we're supporting the parents so they can work,” says Mohini. “We're helping to keep families together.”

The East Meets West Orphans Foundation seeks to improve the lives of abandoned children by: (a) providing health care, education and necessary medical treatment for children living in orphanages in developing nations and (b) providing education and life-skills training for children living in orphanages in developing nations.

The focus of East Meets West Orphans Foundation is so far on providing for children in Kolkata, but Mohini says the charity is also looking at helping those in other countries as well.

The Foundation has aided dozens of children with essential medical care and surgical procedures. Many have also been adopted by families in India, Canada, the United States and various European countries.

The East Meets West Orphans Foundation received an unexpected and welcome donation Oct. 23, 2012.

A fundraiser attracting over 300 people was held in Kelowna for the Deepak Binning Foundation, which supports the work of the East Meets West Orphans Foundation, and also supports medical research and Punjabi culture.

The donor was Kelowna philanthropist Thomas Budd who announced he wanted to give the East Meets West Foundation $35,000 over three years.

“He's a lovely man with a great heart,” says Mohini, who organized the event.

“We will be eternally grateful for this amazingly generous donation.”

That evening, the Deepak Binning Foundation also pledged $5,000 to the East Meets West Orphans Foundation.

“It takes time and effort to do what we do,” says Mohini. “We need resources and man power.

Everyone involved with our charity is a volunteer.”

These include the current 11 board members: Sharon Shepherd, Vern Nielsen, Gwen Zilm, Andy Virk, Scott Mathies, Lawrence East, Caryl McCabe, Cam Boparai, Harjeet Sangha, Mohini Singh and Medha Prabhu, whose husband, Dr. Vilas Prabhu, is the charity's consulting doctor, with an office in Penticton.

“We phone Dr. Prabhu and he tells us what we need more of for whatever we are doing,” says Mohini.

Besides planning its annual fundraiser this coming October, East Meets West Orphans Foundation will be holding its AGM and deciding how to raise money in other ways. This could include participating in other community events and fundraisers.

The FLavour of India

A humble cup of Chai

By Megha Sequeira

N

othing compares to the sensory assault of Bombay at rush hour. The streets are even more packed than usual, as more than 10 million people flood toward home to unwind, if only briefly, from their busy nine-to-fives. People are tossed from side to side in the immense ocean of bodies.

Despite every human sense being bowled over by the noise, the sea of hands, the faces; a distinct smell wafts through the air, one recognizable to even the most foreign of foreigners.

The smell of course comes from the within the ‘handi’ of a ‘chaiwala’, who makes and pours hundreds of chais a day, for faithful customers from far and wide – be it the neighborhood slum or the highrise office building.

Chai is a universally spoken language throughout India. It does not discriminate between blue collar or white collar. The richest of the rich forgo their local Starbucks and popular Café Coffee Day for a chaiwala in a crowded alley.

Though the word ‘chai’ stems from the Mandarin ‘cha’ – there is no denying it is a distinctly Indian beverage. In a

humble cup of ‘chai’ sit unique aspects of Indian culture, from the British Raj to modern India as it is known today. Hundreds of years of Indian history can be found, of all places, in a cup of tea.

Tea was once exclusively manufactured by and exported through China, but concern over China’s monopoly on tea production and export led the British East India Company to investigate alternative tea harvesting grounds. The company began to explore areas in British India (namely Assam) and Sri Lanka (then British controlled Ceylon); both countries with regions and climates capable of producing large amounts of quality tea – and both of whom still produce tea today.

Despite India’s ease in producing vast amounts of tea, consumption of it remained relatively low. That is until vigorous promotion from the Britishowned Indian Tea Association during the early 20th century introduced the concept of the ‘tea break’ during work days at factories, textile mills and what was then India’s burgeoning nationwide railway. It wasn’t long after this that an entire nation was hooked! The rising demand for tea led to inflated prices. Inflation meant the population could not afford to drink tea excessively, and thus cut down on the

amount of loose black tea they drank; choosing instead to flavour it with alternative ingredients. This effort to amplify the tea’s flavour in turn led to the glorious invention of masala chai as it is known today.

A modest cup of chai is made with a simple blend of black tea, milk and sweeteners. It is then uniquely flavored with black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cardomom and cloves. The sweetener is most commonly sugar, but sugar cane juice concentrate (known as jaggery) is also used to get a distinct earthy flavor. It is not the ingredients in the chai that make it unique, but how one prepares it. Chai is cooked through decoction, simmering slowly until the ingredients are believed to have permeated the tea. It is then strained and served in an ordinary glass atop a small bowl. It is the

recipient’s duty to pour the chai from cup to bowl in an attempt to reach an optimum temperature in between nottoo-hot and not-too-cold in which the drink can be enjoyed. It is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time, but simply adds to the true chai experience.

The making of a good cup of chai is ingrained into children from a young age. Children are taught to offer it to guests and family members alike. In accordance with the social norms of Indian hospitality, one would not deny even a stranger a cup of tea. In this way, a humble cup of tea stands to break down social barriers, if only until the last drop has been consumed.

Chai has also broken down international borders and cultural barriers with the success it has

Mohini SiNGH

“Anyone who has some ideas to raise funds, please contact us!” says Mohini.

The Foundation invites individuals and groups to plan and hold fundraisers that match their time, talents and personalities.

The Foundation also welcomes volunteers, who are essential for the success of its activities, programs and projects.

Visit: eastmeetswestorphansfoundation.org.

garnered across the Western world. Its popularity has spread to retail coffee giants like Tim Hortons, Starbucks and Blenz Coffee, as well as other chains across Europe, where it is now known as ‘chai tea’. It has reached the shelves of grocery stores far and wide, and is now even available in easy-to-dilute sachets similar to hot chocolate mixes. Its Western title both tickles and troubles Indians across the globe for being redundant, because all chai is tea but not all tea is chai, and therefore ‘chai tea’ means nothing more than ‘tea tea’. This, along with the ready-mix sachets does nothing but degrade the cultural significance of this great but modest Hindustani drink. It also negates the intricacy that goes into the making process and thereby dishonours and is unworthy of the title ‘chai’.

In spite of its derivatives and commercialization, chai stands strong against big competitors like Coke, Thums-up and Limca. Chai is still the most popular drink in India and is fast garnering high ratings across the Western world.

It is known in the Middle East as ‘karak chai’, meaning strong tea, and strong it is. Masala chai has undergone facelifts across the world but still remains firmly established as popular, culturally relavent and unabashed – outlasting the British Raj and spreading beyond the tides of the Indian Ocean to the rest of the world.

MAY 2013 insight S11

Our Community

The

Spice trade

By Larkin Schmiedl

C

heap and readily-available spices are something many of us take for granted today. Whether it's making chai, seasoning food or preparing herbal remedies, the variety of spices at most people's fingertips would have been unthinkable to people in the past.

The spice trade has a sordid history involving empire, slavery, battles to control territory, colonization and more. The now innocent-appearing substances we call spices carry a history that has gotten them to where they are today.

Kerala, India peppercorns play a starring role in this history.

According to a history of the spice trade printed in The Economist, Kerala pepper has always been coveted, even as today it dominates the high end of the pepper market.

Christopher Columbus himself sailed looking for a route toward the spice.

Sailing for the Spaniards, when he failed and found the Americas instead, then-unknown to Europeans, he called the people Indians and their chiles “red pepper.”

Black peppercorns at the time were of

such high value they were carried as currency. “Peppercorn rents” were a way of doing business. And when an English ship called the Mary Rose sank in 1545, every sailor had a bunch of peppercorns on his person, acting as a store of value.

Spices were valuable not only because they tasted good, but because they make rotting food palatable, and help preserve it. When food was not in high supply, people used pepper to make do rather than starve.

The ancestral home of the black pepper plant is in Kerala's rolling Western Ghats, where high up the best pepper in the world is still produced.

This pepper is a result of good climate, and rains that comes at just the right time, with the region's unusual twin monsoon. Today many hundredthousand small farmers produce Kerala's pepper.

And India leads the world by far in the production of other spices as well.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 86 per cent of the total spice production in the East is from India. China is the next runnerup, producing only 5 per cent of the market share.

The spices grown include black pepper as well as nutmeg, mustard, cumin,

turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, saffron and cardamom.

While Christopher Columbus was sailing west for the Spaniards, Vasco de Gama was heading east for Portugal. When he landed in Kerala, he found the land of spices he was looking for, and reported back to his country. Portugal and Spain both wanted to control the sea trade routes to India in order to monopolize trade wealth. Portugal proved victorious in the endeavour, and became very rich trading directly with India, Siam and China, according to IndiaVideo, an online visual encyclopedia of India.

And Portugal did not always trade, but also plundered the riches of these places.

Portugal captured the port of Malacca, in what is now Malaysia, in 1511.

Through this, they found the tiny Banda Islands, the world's only source of nutmeg and mace.

As time progressed and more European countries formed trade and colonial stakes in areas in South Asia, many formed 'East India companies' in attempts to maintain control.

The Dutch got a foothold in the nutmeg and mace islands, and ran a cruel East India company. At its head was Jan Pieterszoon Coen, who according to The Economist had every single indigenous male over age 15 killed so that he could further monopolize the nutmeg trade.

He had Japanese mercenaries torture and cut up village leaders, displaying their heads on poles. The islands' population went from 15,000 to 600 people in a span of 15 years.

The company uprooted unwanted nutmeg and clove trees, and anyone caught growing or stealing unauthorized spices would be killed.

The company sterilized all seeds as the

spices left the plantations, to ensure no trees would be grown elsewhere.

But in the end an illegal tree was grown and the spice spread, eventually breaking the Dutch monopoly on nutmeg.

These are but a tiny sampling of the stories behind the spice trade.

It was the world's biggest industry at the time. It founded empires and then destroyed them. It led people from farapart continents to find each other for the first time, for better or worse.

Spices are widely available today, but that groundwork was laid through history. It pays to know, no pun intended, where spices came from.

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Enterprise S12 insight MAY 2013

Business ~ Profiles ~ Columns

Krystal Garib

For Penticton’s Krystal Garib, the world is a stage

By Dona Sturmanis

“I

feel like the world is my home.

I’ve been a nomad throughout my entire life,” says international performer Krystal Kiran Garib, 28, who was born in Penticton in the South Okanagan. Of Sikhi-Punjabi heritage, she has performed on the Broadway stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber and AR Rahman’s musical Bombay Dreams, as well as the world premiere production of Lord of the Rings in Toronto. Krystal has also appeared in numerous films, live shows, television programs and as a featured vocalist in Slumdog Millionaire’s Academy and Grammy Award winning composer AR Rahman’s world musical tour Jai Ho! The Journey Home.

In addition, Garib, a former beauty queen (Miss Penticton, 2001), produces films, stage productions and raises funds for good causes. She’s also the owner of Penticton School of Dance. And this isn’t all she does.

Garib agreed to be interviewed for Insight from India where she was working at the Osho International Meditation Centre and preparing for a yoga teacher training retreat in the Himalayas. “I have a love for yoga and meditation which I am slowly integrating into my work and life one day at a time,” she says.

Insight: Do you consider Penticton your home?

Garib: Penticton is where I was born and learned to dream. If it weren’t for my experiences growing up here and the need I felt to express what I was feeling, I probably wouldn’t have become an artist or performer. But I’ve learned and experienced a lot since I left Penticton. Other places for which I have a strong sense of community and consider a second home include Toronto, London, New York and of course, different cities in India.

Insight: What in your mind was your most exciting Broadway experience?

Garib: Bombay Dreams was lifechanging. I was 19, living away from home for the first time and we did eight shows per week for a year. I had to grow up really fast. Lord of the Rings was a very special time for me as well. Our cast became like family and two of my fellow cast mates from that show are now teachers at Penticton School of Dance.

Insight: What inspired you to purchase the Penticton School of Dance?

Garib: The first time it crossed my

mind was when I was 16 years old. I was in a dance class and was so inspired by my teacher. While I was on a world tour in 2010, as luck would have it, the opportunity came knocking. And by that point I had reached that point in my career where I felt like, “Hmm..now’s the time I go back and do this.”

Insight: What is it like working with AR Rahman?

Garib: I learn something new every time I work with Rahman. Not just professionally and artistically, but also personally and spiritually. I think that’s also because every time I have worked with him, I have been involved in a different way. There’s constant growth on every level and although it’s not always easy, I enjoy the challenge. What I particularly love about working with him is that while he knows what he wants, he also allows you space to breathe and find your authenticity in the work. There’s a trust there which is a beautiful thing.

Insight: What did you love most about doing Jai Ho? Garib: The friendships and relationships I made. I loved the energy and challenge of touring around the world with a live company of musicians and dancers, performing to sold-out audiences in arenas like Wembley and 02 in London, Air Canada Centre in Toronto and the FIFA World Cup Stadium in South Africa. It was grueling but such an amazing experience!

Insight: Are there new futures opening now for young Indian and Indo-Canadian women?

Garib: It would be naive of me to say that we are 100 per cent there, but I definitely see the shift happening by

Penticton’s Krystal Garib

female activism through globalization and technology. I feel that, especially now in India, women aren’t as afraid to let their voices be heard. There is still, however, a lot of cultural conditioning in immigrant families that we need to break through before we can really make strides on our side of the pond. Our parents went through a lot to come to Canada and establish

Business Profile:

JArON CHASCA

By Becky Mann

F

acing the death of a loved one can be an excruciating experience, further complicated when it's paired with the task of figuring out arrangements for the deceased.

Jaron Chasca, manager of Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services in Vernon, B.C., knows the difficulties all too well.

“The loss of anyone is a difficult time regardless of the situation, and each specific situation needs to be dealt with on a different caring level,” said Chasca.

Chasca has spent his career helping bereaved families as a second-

generation funeral director originally from Calgary, Alta.

themselves and their families in a country that was completely foreign to them on every level, so by proxy, we inherit all of their hopes and fears.

When we’re younger, we are not aware of how this affects each of us. But by integrating more awareness of this conditioning in our youth, I don’t think there is anything Indo-Canadian women can’t do.

“The loss of anyone is a difficult time regardless of the situation, and each specific situation needs to be dealt with on a different caring level,”

“The best part of the job is helping a family through probably one of the most difficult situations they’ll be faced with and having everything go smoothly for them,” said Chasca. “There are cases that come along, be it children or people relatively close in age and things like that that are obviously a lot more difficult…but the loss of anyone is a difficult time.”

Aside from its service options, the Vernon funeral home also offers on-site cremation.

“We definitely consider ourselves cremation specialists, having certified operators. As well we’re the only

funeral home from Kelowna to Salmon Arm that owns and operates our own crematorium on site,” said Chasca.

With approximately 300 funeral and cremation services a year, Chasca and his team have clientele spanning from Lake Country to Salmon Arm. Chasca has been with the company since 2009, managing the day-to-day operations of the business and staff.

For any inquiries regarding services, call Chasca or a member of his team at 250-558-0866, toll free 1-855-558-0866 or email Vernon@myalternatives.ca.

MAY 2013 insight S13

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Life & Culture S14 insight MAY 2013

Entertainment ~ Food ~ Fashion ~ Celebrations ~ Health & Wellness

Holi FESTIVAL OF COLOUR

By Meg Sequeira Photos by Rishu Gaind

I

ndia, a melting pot of culture and history, is renowned for many things. Food, festivities and colour are just a few of them.

Colour comes alive in many forms throughout Indian culture in our styles of dress, food and our landscape - but most prominently through our celebration of the onset of Spring and the coming of the harvest season, commonly known as Holi. Those unfamiliar with Holi can imagine it as a country-wide paintball fight, celebrated year after year for centuries past.

Holi, like Diwali, is observed throughout India and Nepal, as well as globally in regions with high amounts of the Indian diaspora (including Canada, the United States, England, etc.).

It has gained notoriety in recent years due to its exposure on Western television via music videos, movies and shows. It is a focus on travel

shows and books list it as a “must see” and compare it to the hype and revelry found in Spain during the La Tomatina Festival, in which an entire city takes to the streets to pelt each other with tomatoes. Though La Tomatina sounds undoubtably exhilarating, being hit with tomatoes seems like it would hurt. On the contrary, the powdered colour that is tossed at participants during Holi does nothing more than stain one’s clothing, as most colours are still made from traditional ingredients like tumeric or the flowers of the Palash tree.

Every year, more than 1 billion people participate in the colour-pelting of Holi. Despite it being a Hindu festival, Holi unites Indians across the globe, regardless of their religions.

Interestingly, it also serves to temporarily break down caste system restrictions that still exist in India, even though these were outlawed years ago. If only for a day, it helps blur the lines between religion (a bleeding wound in the side of the Indian nation), sex and race.

Hierarchies are disbanded as the streets fill with people showering each other with ‘rang’ – a symbol of

VIBRANT HUES of HOLI

their unity in diversity.

The excitement is palatable.

Traditionally, the festival is celebrated on the last full moon of winter, which falls in February or March in the Gregorian calander. Holi memorializes the start of spring, and says farewell to the harsh winter season; welcoming the advent of good harvests and fertile land. Religiously, Holi marks the triumph of good over evil. Hindu devotees remember the miraculous tale of Prahlad, saved from the fires of Demoness Holika (who gets burned instead) through his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi, which is also known as Holika Dahan (the burning of Holika). Afterward, prayers and praise are offered up to the heavens, humbly requesting a fruitful harvest season to come.

Where there are Indians, there will always be Indian culture. And thanks to the many Indians in Kamloops, Thompson Rivers University’s India Club had organized a Holi celebration to showcase this vibrant festival of color. And, just like with every Indian festival and event – there was lip smacking Indian food.

STUDENTS ENJOYING HOLI ON CAMPUS

SOAKED IN COLOR

MAY 2013 insight S15

Life & Culture

Kanchendzonga as viewed from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

Destination:

avoided during July and August owing to heavy rainfalls.

DARJEELING Photos and Story by Ankur Sud

D

arjeeling is a name reminiscent of British colonization, and it’s a place located in the eastern state of West Bengal in India.

Darjeeling is now a very popular destination with panoramic views of the Himalayas, and it’s home to one of the best known black teas in the world.

Though situated in a Hindu province, Darjeeling is dominated by Buddhism and dotted with Buddhist and Hindu temples. Both exist alongside century-old churches built during the British era.

With Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lush green hamlet of Darjeeling offers the best views to be found of Mt. Kanchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world at 8,586 metres.

British colonization left the establishment of numerous hill stations in the country including Shimla, Mussoorie, Ooty and more.

Darjeeling is an exception to the consequences of mass tourism these suffered; hence maintaining a more authentic experience for travellers.

Renowned for rejuvenation and relaxation in the tea estates, Darjeeling is favoured by rich Indian families and even British tourists. Due to its proximity to Nepal and Sikkim, it is a good base for treks such as those in the Sandakphu region.

A two-hour flight from New Delhi will take travellers to the Bagdogra airport, the starting point for the three-hour road journey to Darjeeling. Though it has a long visiting season from May until November, Darjeeling is best

Starting in March is an ideal time to visit the tea estates, as the plucking of tea leaves is in progress. A leisurely walk through the Happy Valley Tea Estate is highly recommended and can be enjoyed until the end of June. To experience a stay in a well-preserved 100-year-old British bungalow, choose Glenburn Tea Estate, which is situated right in the lush green tea gardens.

It proudly still operates the Darjeeling Himalayan railway, more affectionately known as The Toy Train. The train has featured in several Bollywood movies since its inception in 1881. Mark Twain’s experience of it was so mesmerizing he said, “The moist enjoyable day I’ve spent on Earth is of mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy.” The scenic railroad crosses busy bazars and cuts through street life. It makes its way through several hill tunnels and crosses the middle of the road on two-foot wide

tracks. Though the train runs all the way to Siliguri, a two-hour journey is recommended, with major stops in the hill town so travellers can experience local culture and heritage. Batasia loop makes for a good ride.

There are a few monasteries in Darjeeling, and the most important is the Bhutia monastery. The name “Darjeeling” is associated with this monastery. Darjeeling means the place of the Thunderbolt. A 30-minute walk from the main road Chowrasta will take travellers to the monastery, where the culture and daily life of the Buddhist people who live there can be seen.

An early morning drive to Tiger hill is the best way to get a glimpse of Mt. Kanchendzonga. Arriving before sunrise means travellers can watch the first rays hit the Kanchendzonga massif. On very clear mornings Mt. Everest and

Mt. Makalu are also visible.

Adventure enthusiasts on long holidays can get firsthand experience of the mountains by taking training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was opened soon after the first ascent of Mt. Everest.

The institute was inspired by the late Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese Indian Sherpa mountaineer and one of the first two individuals to climb Mt. Everest.

For families, the Darjeeling zoo is an excellent recreation opportunity as it houses some beautiful endangered species, including the Snow Leopard and Red Panda. Darjeeling tea from the tea estates and herbs from the famous botanical gardens are great to take home as souveniers.

The hamlet is nestled in the Lesser Himalayan range, and surrounded by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the far east and Tibet to the far north past the state of Sikkim.

Left: Red Panda at Darjeeling Zoo

L E RE

T C E

Right: Buddhist monk

Terry Lake Kamloops – North Thompson

Connect with Terry ffacebook.com/teamterrylake b k / l k twitter.com/teamterrylake 250-376-1746 703 Tranquille Road Kamloops BC V2B 3X3

terrylake2013.ca | bcliberals.com Authorized by Mike Parker, Financial Agent for Terry Lake. Tel: 250-374-5577

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4

y1 a M

Middle: Bhutia Monastery

S16 insight MAY 2013

LIFE & CULTURE

ASTROLOGY:

What the planets are doing this month Covers period from April 16 to May 15

By Larkin Schmiedl

T

his period as a whole marks a time when our focus will be on stability and longevity, but big changes are also in store for some.

The biggest events of the month are two eclipses, taking place on April 25 and May 9.

Eclipses signify a time of beginnings and endings. Take special note that if either of the eclipses falls on or within five days of your birthday, you are likely in for major changes in your life this year.

The lunar eclipse on April 25 happens during a full moon in Scorpio. The Earth will come between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon and turning it an orangishred. This eclipse marks a time of endings and culmination. Decisions we make, and things we finish and let go of can have great importance to our futures. This kind of eclipse can create personal insecurity, but remember that for every door that closes, another opens. Keep in mind that everything happens for a reason, and that change will be for the better. The lunar eclipse is a great time to change destructive patterns such as harmful relationships or addictions.

The second eclipse on May 9 is a solar eclipse during the new moon in Taurus. This time the moon comes between the sun and the Earth, and casts its shadow on the Earth, blocking out the sun for a few minutes. Solar eclipses tend to mark new beginnings. Whatever is begun between the time of the eclipse and the next full moon (May 25 and also an eclipse) will take on added significance in the future. During the solar eclipse May 9, it is likely people will be viewing life from a new perspective, and it can be difficult to stay objective.

Emotions can run rampant and truths may be revealed. Deep feelings can surface, and it may be difficult to not take things personally. It’s best to be aware in advance that the eclipse is happening in order to be psychologically prepared.

As for other influences this month, Venus the love planet enters Taurus April 16, followed by the sun April 19 and Mars the warrior planet on April 20. This is typical for this time of year, and

marks the transition from fiery Aries into earthy Taurus. While Aries was the first burst of energy into spring, the courageous spirit that shot sprouts up through the soil, now Taurus seeks to stabilize, creating a long-lasting fertility we can depend on. This influence will last for about a month.

“Emotions can run rampant and truths may be revealed.

Deep feelings can surface, and it may be difficult to not take things personally.”

The first of the earth signs, Taurus gets us all feeling more methodical and determined. Taurus is a slow-moving influence that tells us to plant our seeds, get our gardens ready and get into our bodies. It will be easier to get into our senses and experience the pleasures the earthly world has to offer. It’s a great time to appreciate nature, beauty, good food and love. Our appetite for pleasure will be strong, and we will appreciate simple routine. It’s a time when it makes sense to invest in high-quality, solid and practical items that will last us. It’s also a time when we’re likely to hold on to possessions. The more negative side of Taurus is possessiveness and stubbornness, so watch out for those influences, too. Taurus asks us, are we eating fresh, healthy food? Are we approaching life in a practical way that creates ease? What are we working for? Are our finances in order?

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Taurus wants to create the fertile soil we feel safe planting our seeds in. Our loyalty to familiar things is strong, and we are committed to building things that last.

Strong economy, Secure tomorrow.

Your voice in Victoria.

May 5 will be a lucky day with an earthy influence as well, when Mars forms a trine aspect to Pluto It will be easy to apply our willpower with great results toward whatever we hope to achieve.

Make your vote count on May 14th!

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MAY 2013 insight S17

Life & Culture

BOLLYWOOD: TOIFA AWARDS

T

imes of India Awards (TOIFA) saw a grand welcome in Vancouver.

Some of the biggest Bollywood stars were in Vancouver to perform and participate in the awards.

The three-day-long event had a music performance, fashion show and ended with the awards ceremony.

The event was opened by the musical evening. Top Bollywood singers like Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, Shalmali Kholgade, Hard Kaur, Kavita

Best Actor – Negative Role

Best Music Director

Rishi Kapoor Agneepath

Ajay Atul Agneepath

Best Debut – Female Ileana D'Cruz Barfii

Best Debut Director – Critics

Best Debut – Male

Gauri Schinde English Vinglish

Ayushman Khurana Vicky Donor

Best Film – Critics

Best Actress – Supporting Role

Gangs of Wasseypur

Dolly Ahluwalia Vicky Donor

Deepika Cocktail

Best Actor – Supporting Role

Best Actor Male – Critics

Annu Kapoor Vicky Donor

Best Actor – Comic Role

Anurag Basu Barfii

Abhishek Bol Bachchan

Best Film – Popular

Best Playback – Female

Barfii

Shalmali Kholgade Ishaqzaade

Best Actor – Female

Best Playback – Male Sonu Nigam Agneepath

Best Lyrics

Ranbir Kapoor Barfii

Gulzar Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Sonal Chauhan were showstoppers.

The evening was hosted by Bollywood director Karan Johar and actress Chitrangada Singh.

Seth and Hans Raj Hans were in town to mesmerise the audiences.

The following day the major attraction was the screening of Bollywood films across multiplexes. And the evening of the second day ended with a fashion show by Manish Malhotra and the TOIFA technical awards ceremony. For the fashion show Bollywood actresses Urmila Matondkar, Raveena Tandon, Ileana D'Cruz, Nargis Fakhri, and

The grand finale of the event saw Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and actress Anuskha Sharma host the evening.

The main awards ceremony saw sizzling performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka

Sharma and Shiamak Davar.

Bollywood most popular couple Aishwarya Rai Abhishek Bachchan had a grooving performance to enthrall the audiences.

To bid adieu to the evening was the show stopping performance by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and actress Katrina Kaif.

It was an evening to remember.

AWARD WINNER FILM Best Choreography

Ganesh Acharya-Chikni Chameli

Agneepath

Best Dialogue

Anurag Kashyap, Akhilesh Jaiswal, zeishan quadri, sachin ladia

Gangs of Wasseypur 1

Best Editing

Namrata Rao

Kahaani

Best Story

Advaita Kala,Sujoy Ghosh

Kahaan

Best Cinematography

S Ravi Varman

Barfi!

Irfaan Khan Paan Singh Tomar

Best Special Effects

Kvsanjit

Raaz 3

Best Director – Popular

Best Screenplay

Sujoy Ghosh

Kahaani

Best Costume Design

Aki Narula, Shafalina

Barfi!

Best Art Direction

Rajat Podar

Barfi!

Priyanka Chopra Barfii

Best Action

Conrad Palmisano, markos

Ek Tha Tiger

Best Actor – Male

Best Background Score

Pritam

Barfi!

Best Sound Recording

Anita Khushwaha

Taalash

Best Actor Female – Critics

come and visit Kamloops'

largest lighting showroom with the most extensive selection to choose from.

Lampost

The

D001542106

LIGHTING SPECIALISTS

the.lampost@shawcable.com | 1140 Victoria St., Kamloops • 250-372-0811 | www.kamloopslighting.com

Classifieds S18 insight MAY 2013

BUY

INSIGHT CLASSIFIEDS

****************** Reach 15,000 Readers throughout the Interior ***************** Prices starting from $6.50 +HST per insertion ***************** ~ Merchandise ~ Rentals ~ Real Estate ~ Employment ~ Announcements ~ Matrimonials ~ Obituaries ***************** To Place Your Ad Call 250-372-1010

ServiceS ServiceS

ServiceS

SELL

Health & Beauty IMAGINE LASERWORKS Quit Smoking, Lose Weight, End Drug & Alcohol Addictions, Reduce Stress, Insomnia & Depression. www.imaginelaserworks.com

Building Contractor COLLINS BROS & SONS CONSTRUCTION LTD. Building Contractor. Customs Homes. Renovations. Framing. Finishing.

Painting. Building Quality Homes for over 25 years.

250-554-8212. www.collinsbrothers construction.com

Pets

SUNDANCE ELECTRIC “A” Licensed & Insured.

Serving Kamloops Small Jobs our Specialty. Gerry 250-574-4602, 5787247/leave message.

EC License #94239.

ATTENTION JEWELLRY Makers! Beads, etc! Retiring: Serious Inquiries ONLY. $700/negotiable. Reply: Box 1010, c/o Kamloops Daily News, 393 Seymour Street, Kamloops, V2C 6P6, email: l.e.mayrhofer@shaw.ca

GOLDEN/BLACK LABX Puppies. $350 includes shots, deworming. Ready May 15th. 250-677-4419, email: atalkalot@hotmail.com

Paint/Wallpaper BUDGET PAINTING Interior, Exterior. 35% Off Winter Special. 15/yrs experience. Excellent references. Seniors discount.

Free Estimates. 250-5719722.

ALL DRYWALL CONTRACTING 25/yrs. quality service.

Tape, board, texture.

Renovations from ground up. Framing, plumbing, electrical, painting. City of Kamloops licensed. 250371-0992.

Motorcycles

auToS & rvS auToS & rvS

auToS & rvS

For Sale - Misc

Auto Misc

MAYTAG WASHING Machine $200. Kenmore Refrigerator $200. 8’ Couch +Chair, Grey print $200.

(250)577-3610.

TORONADO LADIES Wheelchair with Roho shape fitting cushion. $1,000. Dolmite Walker, large wheels, adjustable, foldable. $200. 250-3725632.

Sports Equipment

merchandiSe

AS NEW 15.5 Healthrider Elliptical trainer.

New $450. Asking. $150. Will deliver. 250-577-3675.

Computers/Electrical

Heavy Equipment

WEB & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Shahrukh Bhat.

250-574-1613. srkk_me@yahoo.com

1993 TD12C Crawler Tractor. New finals. Excellent condition. Call for more info. $38,000. 250672-9344.

call: 250.372.1010

fax: 250.372.0823 email: classified@kamloopsnews.ca or drop by: 393 Seymour St., Kamloops Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm

HIRE

Crafts/Gifts

merchandiSe merchandiSe

Drywall

RENT

Electrical

DUTCH MASTERS PAINTING SERVICES Interior & Exterior. 3 Concrete Room Deal $299 Includes Paint over 2000 colours LUIGI’S Small Concrete Jobs. to choose from. Call Jeff Bricks, Blocks, Sidewalks, 250-320-9935.

Paving Stones, Landscape Blocks, Pruning.

Free Estimates. 250-8515079/250-554-1018.

Services For Hire THOMPSON VALLEY DISPOSAL LTD. 12 yard mini bins, up to 40 yard big bins, no job too big or small. Locally owned and operated.

250-376-5865, 250-3205865. thompsonvalleydisposal.ca

TRADE

TO PLACE AN AD:

1993 HONDA Shadow.

New tires, saddlebags, wind screen, bike cover.

Excellent condition. $3300. (250)819-5526.

Collector & Classic Cars

HOIST, AUTO shop.

4 post. Electric over hydraulic. 10,000lb capacity. $2,000obo. Tom or Len 250-672-5969.

1965 CUTLASS Convertible.

Black/black/red.

53,000mi. California car.

Collector plates. Asking $18,500. (250)742-3386.

1963 MERCURY MonteMotorcycles rey 2/dr hardtop. V8/auto.

Original paint. Excellent 2006 YAMAHA Classic condition.

Must see!

Cruiser 650. 21,390kms, $5500/obo. 250-579-8816 backrest, highway bars, saddlebags. Excellent beCars ginner bike. $4400. 250376-3273.

2013 SMART Fourtwo.

2004 HARLEY Davidson Black and white.

Heritage Softail.

Low 8700kms. $13,000 firm. kms. Lots of Extras. 250-523-9334 250-318$14,500. 250-372-5579.

6853.

2000 YAMAHA V-Star 2011 MAZDA 3. Auto, 1100 Classic. 12,000kms. Air, CD. Red. Includes Great condition, running winters on rims. lights/saddle bags. 52,000kms. $16,000. $6,000. 250-315-3155.

250-372-9344.

FORD Focus.

1982 HONDA CB450T 2011 Hawk. 25,000kms. Wind- 4/door. 3,000kms. Loadshield. Excellent condi- ed. Blue. 2/sets tires. tion, runs great. $1500. Garage kept. Like new. $16,500. (778)470-4474.

(250)372-0639.

MATRIMONIALS Cars

Sport Utility & 4x4

2007 TOYOTA Camry XLE. 1-owner. 4dr., sedan. Silver, V-6 auto.

Power everything, sunroof. $17,000/obo. 250955-0322.

2 ISUZU Rodeos 93&94.

Good project vehicles. $650/obo/both or trade.

MUST GO! 778-2205757.

2005 TAURUS-SEL Wagon.

109,000kms.

Sunroof, A/C, P/S. Excellent condition. $8,000 firm. (250)453-2273.

Trucks & Vans

MOBILE COMMERCIAL Steam Cleaning 5-Ton Van Truck with broiler generator & pumps.

2005 CHEVY Impala. V6. $25,000. (778)470-3324.

4/door, Automatic. Loaded. White. 120,000kms. HOT ROD Pick-up. 1978 Excellent shape. CHEV. 455 Buick. Turbo $6,500/obo.

(250)376- 400 with shift kit. $6,500.

250-573-3289.

5348.

1992 BUICK Roadmas- 2007 CHEV 2500 Cargo ter. 5.7L, V8. Low mile- Van. Ladder rack, A/C, age (53,000km), 6/new 55,000kms. 4.8L. Mint Reduced tires. Awesome highway condition.

250-374car! $6,500. 250-319- $15,500/obo.

5556.

4104.

2006 FORD F350 Super Duty Extendedcab 4X4.

Turbo diesel, power Decent 2007 FORD Escape XLT. everything.

V6, Auto. Leather, sun- shape. $9,900. 250-571roof. Loaded. New tires, 5556. battery.

84,000kms.

Obituaries $13,900. (250)574-1034.

Sport Utility & 4x4

2004 JEEP TJ Sport. Auto, 4X4. 69,000kms Highway only. Hitch/new tires. $11,900/obo.

250-3784528.

Place an OBITUARY for your loved one in INSIGHT

CLASSIFIEDS SSIFIEDS IED 2000 FORD Explorer Limited AWD. Loaded, good condition. New exhaust system. Good rubber. $5,200. 250-371-4900.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Please call 250-372-1010 for more information

Matrimonials ~ Employm e nt ~ Re nta l s ~ S e r v i ce s ~ M e rc h a n d is e ~ O b it u a rie s

250.372.1010 cl assi fi ed@ ka mloopsne ws.ca

Celebrations We d d i n g s

~

Engagements

~

Anniversaries

~

Birthdays

~

Graduations

A N N I V ERSA RY HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY

AJ & NAV NIJJER MAY 1st 2010

“Each thought of you fills me with sweet emotion; I give to you my deepest devotion.

My fondest wishes you completely fulfill; I love you totally, and I always will.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAV. APRIL 10th

~

Birth Announcements

MC0014

To place your ad call all

MAY 2013 insight S19

Awareness

Cancer

Month 8. Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks

For the dental community, April is Oral Health Month. But it’s also Cancer Awareness Month, attested by displays of sunny daffodils, as well as wrist bands proclaiming “I Love Boobies!”

Oral cancer is the most common head and neck cancer. 45,000 people in North America and 650,000 people worldwide are diagnosed every year - a statistic that has consistently risen over the last 5 years. The hollywood actor Michael Douglas was diagnosed, treated and cured of tongue cancer (the most commonly affected area of the mouth) and is now a spokesman for the non profit OCF (Oral Cancer Foundation). Examples such as his are bringing further awareness to the importance of early detection.

Tobacco, including smokeless varieties such as snuff, increases the risk of oral cancer fifty times. Heavy drinkers have rates six times higher. While these two culprits are well-known, HPV16 (human papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer in women) has recently emerged as another major risk factor, accounting for up to 25% of victims.

7% of cases are likely genetic and excessive sun exposure may also play a role.

Oral cancer is treatable, fortunately, but early diagnosis is critical.

Treatment is 80-90% successful if caught in time, but the 5 year survival is only 50% when diagnosed late. In the US 1 person dies every hour of oral cancer, partly due to a lack of public awareness and infrequent dental exams. Mortality rates are decreasing for cervical, skin, breast and prostate cancers mainly due to early screening and detection programmes, whereas oral cancer rates are increasing. Obviously much work has yet to be done.

9. A feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.

10. A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.

Early signs commonly misdiagnosed are:

overlooked

or

1. Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, change in voice or ear pain.

2. Swellings, lumps, bumps or rough spots/ crusts/eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth 3. The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth 6. Unexplained bleeding in the mouth 7. Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.

Dr. Preety Desai

DEVELOP GOOD HABITS: Don't smoke or use any tobacco products, drink alcohol in moderation, refrain from binge drinking, eat a well-balanced diet, and when in the sun, use UV protection on your skin as well as your lips.

BE PROACTIVE: The American Cancer Society recommends cancer exams every 3 years for 20 year olds and yearly after 40.

As cancer affects the soft tissues not the teeth, denture wearers are prone to being overlooked. At your next dental appointment ask your dentist how to perform a self exam, Follow up if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms listed above. Be proactive NOT reactive. Knowledge, awareness and selfdiagnosis are our most powerful weapons against the increasing rates of oral cancer.

Educational Web Sites: www. kamloopsperiodontist.com,

SELF DETECTION is paramount.

High risk areas are the sides of the tongue near the back, the floor of the mouth under the tongue and the gums.

Dr. Preety Desai

Suite #101 - 775 McGill Road

D001542099

www.kamloopsperiodontist.com

778-471-6001

S20 insight MAY 2013

SALE

SAVE UP TO 60% ON MATTRESSES 199 999 Single Sing nggllee $

12

NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT

PPOCKET OCKET COIL MATTRESSES!

22 229

Dou Double

See details page 4

MONTHS ON FURNITURE & MATTRESSES

249

$

Queen

E $ 30 0 V A S WHITFIELD POCKET COIL

$ SAVE 500 A

$

DORAL D

Cushion Firm Euro Pillowtop

699

QUEEN SET

GIA-Beautyrest Recharge

DOUBLE & KING SIZES ALSO ON SALE

t 'PBN FODBTFE FEHF TVQQPSU BOE channelled base t 4FBMZ HFM NFNPSZ GPBN t w )JHI EFOTJUZ NFEJVN öSN GPBN t 4UBZUSVF öCSF BOE GPBN t :FBS OPO QSPSBUFE XBSSBOUZ t .BEF JO $BOBEB

8PPM "JS $PPM GPBNT 6OJRVF "JS $PPM NFNPSZ GPBNT Gel infused foams, 360 degree ventilated foam FODBTFE /FX "JS $PPM TZTUFN JODSFBTFT Y UIF BJS flow for a more cooler and comfortable sleep, Evolution Advanced pocket coils, 10 year warranty, BC made

599

$

Beautyrest

Support and Comfort Equal Recharging Sleep.

E $ 40 0 SAV

QUEEN SET

Coil Technology

2

provides conforming back support.

3

2 AirCool Memory Foam

provides pressure relief, promotes freedom of movement and provide a comfortable sleeping temperature 3 TruTemp Gel

1

absorbs, stores and releases warmth to help keep you in a comfortable temperature zone.

999

$

1 Beautyrest Pocketed

n

DOUBLE & KING SIZES ALSO ON SALE

QUEEN SET

DOUBLE & KING SIZES ALSO ON SALE

INSTANT REBATE OFFER

SAVE UP TO $2450

GGALANTE II

FFirm and/or Plush t t 1PTUVSF HFM NFNPSZ GPBN t 4NBSU MBUFY t w )JHI EFOTJUZ GPBN t 4JML XPPM öCSF t :FBS XBSSBOUZ

WITH THE PURCHASE

OF A

††

t 31. TQJO TQF

STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN APPLIANCES $649

399

$

$ 0 6 0 SAVE

1099

$

QUEEN SET

DOUBLE & KING SIZES ALSO ON SALE

See your local store for qualifying models

MAY 1 - J U N E 2, 2013

INSTANT REBATE -$250

6 PC. PACKAGE FRONT LOAD WASHER & DRYER STEAM PAIR

FRONT LOAD WASHER & DRYER

2.0 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave t 8JEF O HMJEF USBZ t TQFFE FYIBVTU GBO $'.

6

MONTHS

r /0 PAYMENTS

r /0 */5&3&45 r 4".& "4 $"4)

$2099

See details on page 4

ON APPLIANCES

SAVE $300

999

$

INSTANT REBATE -$400

$

INDUSTRY LEADING OVEN CAPACITY

30” WIDE

$1599

INSTANT REBATE -$300

1299

$

$1399

INSTANT REBATE -$450

949

INSTANT REBATE -$200

$

$

t "RVB MJGU MPX UFNQ TFMG DMFBO t 5SVF $POWFDUJPO 8BSNJOH [POF

PAIR

$799

599

19.6 cu. ft. French Door Refrigeratorr 30” Convection Ceran Top OOversize i Tall-Tub T ll T b Dishwasher Di h h Self-Clean Range 6.2 cu. ft. t QMBDF TFUUJOH DBQBDJUZ

t 4USPOHCPY CJOT BOE IJOHFT t 1SPEVDF QSFTFSWFS t 'VMM XJEUI GPME BXBZ TIFMG

1699PAIR

t 44 UVC 4UFBN DMFBO t %VSBHVBSE OZMPO SBDLT

1

KAMLOOPS

250.372.7999 "WE DON'T SELL - WE HELP YOU BUY!"

1350 Hillside Dr.

Storage drawers optional Maxima 4.7 cu. ft. Capacity Maxima HE 7.4 cu. ft.

IEC Steam Washer Steam Dryer t 1PXFS XBTIFS 31. t IPVS GSFTI TQJO t 4UFBN GPS TUBJOT

t $PNNFSDJBM UFDIOPMPHZ t *OUFSJPS MJHIU XBZ WFOUJOH t ESZJOH DZDMFT PQUJPOT

VERNON

SALMON ARM

5401 Anderson Way

1160 10 Ave. SW

250.549.3121

250.832.9770

Storage drawers optional 4.0 cu. ft. Capacity IEC Front Load Washer t XBTI DZDMFT UFNQ TFUUJOHT t 31. TQJO TQFFE t USBZ EJTQFOTFS

6.7 cu. ft. Front Load Dryer t %SVN MJHIU t &OE PG DZDMF TJHOBM t ESZJOH DZDMFT UFNQT

MERRITT

PRINCE GEORGE

2025 Coutlee Ave.

1303 - 3rd. Ave.

250.378.2332

250.564.1234

QUESNEL

250.992.2229 362 Reid St.

D001552492

S É R I E

Cushion Firm Hi-Loft Pillowtop

Damask ticking, memory foam, 360 foam encased, pocket coil, 10 year warranty, BC made