THE TIMES OF CANADA DIWALI GALA

from Diwali Edition 2022

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, Is it a never-ending process?

THE TIMES OF CANADA THE TIMES OF CANADA DIWALI GALA DIWALI GALA

The Times of Canada Diwali Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the year in British Columbia. At the Gala, extraordinary individuals of the community are felicitated. This year too, some very deserving and inspiring personalities have been recognized in various categories of The Community Excellence Awards.

The Times of Canada group was established in 2010 with the vision to create better understanding about the South Asian culture, heritage, fairs, and festivals and its people within the mainstream Canadian society; and to spread awareness about the achievements, talents, and exceptional contribution of extraordinary of South Asian community members, The Times of Canada Community Excellence Awards was constituted.

Seema Sharma and Vinay Sharma are the driving force behind the Times of Canada group. Their aim is to host events that promote goodwill and cooperation amongst the society as a whole. Vinay Sharma says, “We will continue to host such events and celebrate our vibrant community.”

The purpose of The Times of Canada group is to be a bridge between people of different cultures and connect them with each other. Seema Sharma says, “The spirit of Canada is multiculturalism and this is our inspiration.

SERGEANT JAS JOHAL

EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICES

Having completed 22 years policing with the RCMP, Sgt Jas Johal has had the very definition of a diversified career in policing. Graduating from the RCMP Training Academy in July 2000, his first posting was to the White Rock RCMP. After four years of General Duty Policing, Jas moved on to work with the Border Integrity Unit. While there he investigated human smuggling, drug smuggling and cross border weapons trafficking files. From there he accepted an opportunity to teach new recruits back at the RCMP Training Academy.

After 3 years and a promotion to the rank of Corporal, Jas transferred back to BC and was made the Watch Commander in Oliver, BC.

In 2018, Jas accepted a position with the Surrey RCMP’s Diversity and Indigenous Policing Unit. Since that time, he has made an impact in the community here in Surrey. With a well-deserved promotion to Sergeant earlier this year, Jas now leads the Surrey RCMP’s Diversity and Indigenous Peoples Unit.

Jas has also been rewarded two commendations for bravery. In the first instance he saved a man from a burning building, and physically carried others down several flights of stairs when the elevators became inoperable. The second recognition was saving a drowning victim who was intoxicated and had found himself in the ocean. Service runs in the family as Jas is married to Sharon, a nurse who is currently working as a public health manager for a local Health Authority.

Jas and Sharon also have two adult daughters, Shinaaz and Farnaaz who both graduated SFU and are currently pursuing further education at UBC.

AWARD PRESENTER: KRAFT MORTGAGES

DR. N. K. DUTTA

EXCELLENCE IN KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE & LONGEVITY

Dr. N. K. Dutta is an exemplary citizen of our community. He is humble, helping and very friendly. He was born and broughtup in district Jalandhar in Punjab. He successfully completed his Ayurvedic Study from Dayanand Ayurvedic College Jalandhar in 1975. During his practice in India he continued his study and successfully completed Diploma in Naturopathy and Yoga Therapy. He finished hid MD in Alternative Medicine in 2004 and PhD in Alternative Medicine in 2006. He completed his Diploma in Natural Health Consultant from Stratford Career Institute Montreal and Diploma in Herbs for Health from Alive Academy of Natural Health in Canada.

In 2006 he started his Ayurvedic medicine practice in Surrey BC. He is successfully running his business under the name Dutta Health Centre-Ayurvedic Clinic. He is a proud Member of British Columbia Herbalist’s Association, Professional Member of National Ayurvedic Medical association USA, Member Examining Board Of Natural Medicine Practitioners Canada and proud member of Canadian Health Food Association.

Along with his practice Dr. Dutta also takes part in social and religious activities. He is a Life Member of Indian Red Cross Society. He was a member of Lions Club in India. He also served as President of Shiv Mandir in his town in India. He is volunteering with many community groups. At present he is serving Lakshmi Narayan Mandir – a biggest Temple in North America as a Bulletin Editor.

He is involved in Canada Day Celebrations, Parades and Fairs. He also helps Canadian Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke foundation in the events arranged by RIDE 2 SURVUVE.

AWARD PRESENTER: G&F

STEVE KOONER

MERITORIOUS SERVICES AWARD

Steve Kooner believes that he is a better lawyer, because of the opportunities given to him to serve the community. He has felt blessed by being able to do community service and philanthropy. He is committed to helping out the youth in our community so they can achieve valuable advancement opportunities where they can succeed in a positive way, such as in law and other fields. Over the years, he has truly enjoyed acting as a mentor for countless youth as well as a principal teacher for many aspiring lawyers through the Law Society of British Columbia Admissions Program.

He is also committed to raising awareness for community organizations, such as the Guru Nanak Food Bank, doing great work within our own community and also the larger mainstream community. He was recently asked to be an Ambassador for the Guru Nanak Food Bank. He takes every opportunity to discuss the great work of the Guru Nanak Food Bank, which has built a significant philanthropic profile in helping out people in need on a large scale. Steve believes that: we all do better when our community as whole does better!

AWARD PRESENTER: JASSAL SIGNS

POONAM ARORA

WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

HSBC Logo Guidelines

Version 1.0 January 2019 P oonam is a born entrepreneur, a proud mom to her four children, and a radiant citizen of our community. She has had an incredible journey and embraces the scars and smiles that led her to all her accomplishments.

She was born into a Sikh family in the city of Tarn Taran, Punjab in 1979. Her family immigrated to Surrey, B.C. in 1992. Upon arrival all the children of the family worked on farms so they could appreciate the value of money in this new land of opportunities.

She is passionate about serving our community so she can empower others to seek their full potential. She previously hosted her own TV show focusing on multiculturalism and unity. She regularly volunteers for and supports many nonprofit organizations. She is an influencer in many Federal, Provincial and city political campaigns.

She established her own business as an Architectural and Construction Interior Designer when she established Tamanna Architectural Design. Poonam has four kids that she is raising as a dedicated single mom: Nishita, Neelima, Sameer and Sohil.

Poonam was recently crowned as Mrs. India Canada for 2022 and attended the international competition in New Jersey, USA for Mrs. India Worldwide. As she championed her crown and represented Canada as an Indian woman, she advocated for supporting those that have experienced trauma from mental, physical, and psychological abuse.

She is a woman that is true to herself, is a role model for others, and ultimately holds others up and makes a difference

AWARD PRESENTER: HSBC

RAJ HUNDAL

COMMUNITY CRUSADER AWARD

Raj Hundal has more than 12 years of experience in Employment Programs, including employment counselling, case management, workshop facilitation, job development and program management. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia, a Law Degree from the United Kingdom and holds the designation of Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) from the BC Career Development Association. He has worked with diverse client groups including newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities and youth. In addition, he is experienced in public relations, communications and marketing. He has previously worked at the City of Vancouver, Provincial government and the Government of Canada. In addition, Raj has previously taught as a parttime Career Development Professional program Instructor at Langara College, teaching “Work Search Skills and Employment Development.” Currently Raj is a Director of the Association of Service Providers For Employability & Career Training (ASPECT BC).

The 7-person volunteer ASPECT Board of Directors reflects and represents the diversity of our membership. They hold broad and deep expertise, and engage in regular professional and governance development. The Board holds fiduciary responsibility and provides oversight for strategic and business planning for the Association. All board members serve on a volunteer basis. The leadership team’s generous contribution of time, skill, and knowledge reflects their commitment to the sector.

AWARD PRESENTER: SHINDA AHEER FROM AHEER TRANSPORT

SHUBHA CHAUDHURY

INSPIRING PERSONALITY AWARD

Shubha Chaudhury was born and raised in Rohtak, Haryana (India). She was determined to succeed in life when she came to Canada. With her hard work and ambitious attitude, she established herself in the finance industry. Currently, a Licensed Mortgage Professional with Mortgage Architects A Better Way – Keyways Mortgage Inc. Shubha Chaudhury, has been in the finance industry for more than 15 years.

Shubha believes in giving back to the community which supported her and played a major role in her success. Shubha supports is multiple charities and non-profit organizations here in Canada and in India. She does food drives with Surrey food banks, and is involved with various homeless shelters, orphan homes, as well as BC Children’s Hospital, and Jan Seva Sansdhan NGO in India. She is a member of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, Surrey.

With her go-getter attitude to succeed in life and her philanthropic vision, Shubha inspires us all to work diligently towards achieving our goals in life and helping others who are in need.

AWARD PRESENTER: FREEWAY MAZDA

AMIT PUNNI

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Amit Punni, currently volunteering with Kidsplay since 2015, graduated from North Delta Secondary in 2019 and is now studying Criminology at Douglas College. He has put countless hours of hard work with his community, doing the best he can to serve and give back. He has dedicated his time to help youth reach their goals. Without the leadership, mentorship, and guidance from his mentors at KidsPlay, it wouldn’t be possible for him to reach his goals. It has made a huge positive impact on Amit’s life and has made him who he is today.

Amit has used all his teachings and has applied them to an after-school program where he mentors underprivileged children. Amit has seen many children headed towards a very unsuccessful future and wants to turn that around and show them there are better ways to make it better in life. Amit has worked alongside KidsPlay volunteers to organize sporting events representing KidsPlay Foundation. Amit wants to be a symbol of hope and guidance someday just like his mentor Kal Dosanjh.

ALLIANCE IMMIGRATION & EDUCATION CONSULTING INC.AWARD PRESENTER:

YOGI’S KITCHEN FOOD SERVICES LIMITED

EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD

Yogi’s Kitchen is a modern, customer-oriented, and technology-based platform committed to making life easier and convenient for those struggling for their lunch and dinner meals with delivery. They don’t just make fresh and delectable meals, but also deliver to all their customers.

Yogi’s Kitchen was established by Mr. Yogesh Chawla in 2018. Mr. Chawla was a management professional with a total work experience of more than 18 years. He says, “I always wished to not only meet my own financial goals but at the same time boost the economy and generate employment for others. After I moved to Canada in 2015, I continued to explore the market and I finally came up with the concept of Yogi’s Kitchen in 2018.” At Yogi’s kitchen, meals are curated by an in-house chef, using fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers, delivering the highest quality, perfectly portioned, ready-to-eat meals right to your door. Their consistent taste, impeccable delivery & 24X7 customer care is yet a far-fetched dream for most of their competitors. Their copyright technology and features like pause meal, change address daily, mobile app for menu selection etc., are things that none of the other meal delivery services provide & that’s where we have a huge advantage. What started with 5 meals daily is now 3000+ meals daily. They have an ongoing program called ’Feed the Need’ where they donate 50 free meals daily to the people in need.

Mr. Chawla’s ambition is to make Yogi’s Kitchen a global brand.

AWARD PRESENTER: SPRING TRAVELS

BISMAN ARORA

YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Bisman Arora is a regulated Canadian Immigration consultant and the CEO of Excel Career College, a private postsecondary career training College offering hands-on training with a career focus. I am also the CEO of Pro Recruitment Services, a licensed recruiting firm specializing in various industries. Excel Career College was the winner of Professional Business of the Year Award in 2014 and 2022 by Business Examiner.

Bisman became involved in business management at a very young age. She always wanted to continue the legacy of her father Mr. Avtar Arora, owner of Arora Canadian Immigration Consultancy Inc. Her passion is to take The Arora Group of Companies to greater heights. Bisman is a strong supporter of higher education. She believes that knowledge is power, and with a strong theoretical foundation backed by practical exposure, individuals are able to take their careers to greater heights. Bisman says, “Entrepreneurship consists of inventing your own opportunities and visualizing the potential in them. My entrepreneurial spirit has enabled me to advance the business.”

AWARD PRESENTER: GULZAR TRANSPORT

TOXIC POSITIVITY

Toxic positivity can be attributed to “insincere” positivity which is detrimental to someone’s mental well-being. It is “the assumption, either by one’s self or others, that despite a person’s emotional pain or difficult situation, they should only have a positive mindset” as Dr. Zuckerman phrased it. Examples of when toxic positivity in daily phrases can include “it can be worse”, “everything will be fine”, “look at the bright side”, and “just be happy”.

Optimism can be considered an “attractive behavior in people that makes them seem more welladapted” said Dr. Preston, who specializes in empathy, altruism, and the way emotions affect behavior. As per the research of Dr. Preston and Dr. Carolyn Karol, optimism can lead to an issue when people begin to invalidate the range of emotions they experience, or a problem they

have encountered. Carolyn Karoll, a psychotherapist in Baltimore also states that in doing so it is not only counterproductive but “it can give the impression that you are defective when you feel distressed, which can be internalized in a core belief that you are inadequate or weak.” As per Dr. Zukerman, toxic positivity can constitute consciously or unconsciously as an avoidance strategy “used to push away and invalidate any internal discomfort” which can lead to disrupted sleep, increased substance abuse, prolonged grief, or even PTSD.

This topic is especially integral to discuss in a time period, where hardships of people during the Pandemic are even more prevalent. It has been stated that 40.9% of respondents for a survey in June 2020 reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder. During a time period where people are more susceptible to a mental health condition, people must not get persuaded by forms of toxic positivity in their aspirations of recovery.

Social media is unknowingly flooded with toxic positivity, to lift people’s spirits during this time period. People are embraced by quotes such as “pursue a hobby” and “you have so much time make use of it”. These notions are valuable ways for people to be engaged in their community and stay connected with themselves and their passions during the pandemic. However, “putting one foot in front of the other is an accomplishment for many during this global pandemic.” as Dr. Karoll states. Being productive can be constituted as something important to consider during the pandemic, but let this not hinder people from validating their emotions and finding the support they need with it.

To refrain from a mindset that is regulated often by toxic positivity, people must first understand the gravity of the situation of their lives during the pandemic, and realize that the pandemic naturally cause interferences in people’s schedules and lives, thus amounting to stress at times. People must learn to stay in tune with their emotions and reflect on their current state of mind. If a person realizes that they are not able to cope or adapt to the current situation, they should understand that this is natural and that they have the right to be upset.

Our word choices and thought patterns can greatly affect our approach in supporting others. Instead of using phrases such as “it can be worse”, people should try saying something along the lines of “I know things are currently difficult right now for you, what are some positive things that you can surround yourself with?” Instead of saying “just be happy” say “it’s okay if you can’t be happy right now, that’s normal and part of life. Do you need to talk about it? What are some things you can turn to that will help you feel better?” These small changes in our wording choices validate and fully experience their emotions, and then reflect on it and work towards a solution, opposed to simply suppressing what they feel.

When these steps are acknowledged in a person’s path to rehabilitation, a person without the hindrance of ‘toxic positivity’ can truly digest their experiences, and grow from them.

By Sanjana Karthik