OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 5

CANADA’S SOUTH ASIAN & MULTICULTURAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

DIWALI AWAY FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH HOME KARANVIR AND TEEJAY ELECTION DIETICIANS TIPS FOR DIWALI 2019 Special Diwali Edition

ISSN 2371-2481 Reflecting Today, Shaping Tomorrow

6 27843 65722 4 aajmag.ca Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali I, Al Rawdah, would like to introduce myself as a candidate for Burnaby South with PPC. I was born in a small town in Edmonton, AB. My parents immigrated to Canada in 1974 from Lebanon with the dream of a better and safer life. Canada has always been known as the country to achieve this dream. Unfortunately, taxes, low wages and the UN pact is jeopar- dizing this dream for everyone except the rich. Canada is a democratic country, I strongly believe in democracy. I will also not tolerate the corruption that is evident with the current government. I have learned valuable lessons in my life as many of you have. Firstly, is to have respect others and offer help to those in need. This is where our current government is failing. My goal is to listen to your concerns and produce detailed solutions to the government and this community. Secondly, I will push for our tax’s to be lowered to a possi- ble 0% on 15k in earnings, 15% on income up to 100k in earnings and 25% after that. Thirdly, Mental Health and Housing, Which is on the top of my list. I plan to listen, then construct a plan with solutions to present to the government. As I ask for your votes, I assure I have the same concerns you do. Vote Al Rawdah for Burnaby South to see a change.

ALFORBURNABYSOUTH.COM This disease can be hard for anyone to endure, but for kids in particular, daily activities that make up a “normal” childhood– playing, eating their favourite foods, and even sleeping–are impacted by their condition.

How is your team working to help these families, and improve diabetes care in BC? Not all kids in BC with type 1 diabetes live close by to the expert care and support they need IT to keep their medical condition under control. We’re determined to change this by giving all families in BC close access to FEELS expert pediatric diabetes care through virtual health, and by providing training, education and LIKE resources to community health care providers across BC. We are also committed to giving more kids and families access to the A LIFE latest diabetes management technologies, and training on how to use them, to help make their SENTENCE day-to-day lives easier and reduce A Q&A WITH A DIABETES EXPERT the stress of living with this complicated and lifelong disease. Dr. Shazhan Amed is a pediatric endocrinologist at BC Children’s Hospital, working as part of a team to transform diabetes care throughout the province. How is BC Children’s We sat down with her to learn more about her team’s work to help improve Hospital unique when the lives of kids in BC who are living with diabetes. it comes to diabetes care and research? Tell us why you’re What is type 1 What daily challenges BC Children’s is a Canadian passionate about the diabetes? do kids face with type 1 leader in pediatric diabetes care work you do. diabetes? and research, and has a team of Type 1 diabetes affects 90 per highly trained specialists who My passion is fueled by directly cent of kids with diabetes, and is a Imagine, as a child or teen, are dedicated to providing the working with patients and serious, lifelong disease that can’t enduring four or more finger best care possible. The expert families to gather their be prevented or cured. Unlike type pricks and multiple insulin care we provide, coupled with the perspectives on their diabetes 2 diabetes which can sometimes injections daily, interrupting latest advancements in diabetes care and integrate their ideas be managed by a healthy lifestyle, activities often to check blood management technology, puts us into new ways of delivering care. the only way to manage type 1 sugar levels, and counting in an ideal position to transform This allows me to make real and diabetes is to maintain the right carbohydrates at every meal. the way kids who are living meaningful impact that truly levels of insulin, a hormone that’s No wonder type 1 diabetes can with diabetes receive care, addresses the needs of kids essential for the body to produce often feel like a life sentence here in Vancouver and across living with diabetes. energy. Without this, the disease for these kids. With a whole life the province. can be life-threatening, and can of wearisome routines ahead lead to serious complications like of them, they can suffer from But we can’t do this alone. heart or kidney disease, blindness emotional stresses like burnout, We rely on donations and the and amputations. depression, anxiety and social support of the community to isolation. make this happen.

On November 2, 2019, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 11th Annual A Night of Miracles Gala will help turn our vision of transforming diabetes care in BC into a reality. To learn more, visit anightofmiracles.ca. Jasmite, patient

THANK YOU FOR HELPING KIDS SHINE

This Diwali, we want to thank the South Asian community for your longstanding support of BC Children’s, the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of kids. Donations from people like you are the reason we can enhance public health care and take it to the next level for the one million kids in BC—from Surrey to Prince George and beyond.

Learn more at bcchf.ca FROM THE PUBLISHER Warm wishes on this auspicious occasion of Diwali to our readers, business clients, ambassadors, writers and staff. AAJ Media Group wishes you a wonderful festive season, followed by growth and success throughout the year. On this occasion of Diwali 2019, AAJ is bringing a special cover story featuring celebrity couple from television industry ‘’ and ‘Teejay Sidhu’. On every page, you will see the uncompromised quality and exciting content about Diwali celebrations and various multicultural events happening in the city. Special thanks to Promod Puri, a Vancouver-based writer and author, for engaging our readers with article on Federal Election. Over time, Canadians have come to trust the outcome of elections as truly reflecting their collective will without political interfer- ence. I would encourage the young adults to increase your participation in the electoral process. On behalf of AAJ Media Group, I congratulate all the candidates running for the upcoming Federal Election. In the Lifestyle section, we have also included various articles to raise awareness among our readers on topics such as Health, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Environmental Preservation and Dietary Tips. This issue is another wonderful milestone for AAJ with the goal to help shape the perception of the South Asian community across Canada. Thank you all for your continuous support. AAJ Media feels proud every day for doing our best in serving the community. Suki Pangalia CEO

REGIONAL TEAM NATIONAL TEAM Publisher/CEO Design & Layout Caribbean Fusion British Columbia, Ontario, P: 604.590.0007 Suki Pangalia Adrian Brugge Michael Llewellyn Greater Vancouver Toronto E: [email protected] Jim Kalsi aka Rasta Mike Advertising & Alive with Aman Zahara M JP Budwal Executive Sales Aman Boparai Gill Jay Nair 647.887.6031 AAJ Media Group Assistant Suki Pangalia Surrey, BC Reshma Gaitry Kaul Thank you Victoria Ottawa ISSN 2371-2481 Mohammed Sonali Pangalia Sal Rafi Photography Jim Kalsi 604.341.3016 613.889.5682 Jas Kooner AAJ Magazine is published by AAJ Office Manager Jas Kooner Prakash Panchal Media Group, doing business as AAJ Varnnitha Vinay Jay Nair Kamloops Quebec, Jeevanath Sekaran Magazine Inc. AAJ is a magazine Sonali Pangalia Krishna Lakkineni Montreal that is published every two months. Sarah Uppal 250.574.7988 Manvir Singh Images Credits Any reproduction of the magazine, Editorial Karen Nagra 514.770.7465 Jas Kooner editorial content, images or adver- Sarabijt Kaur – Sanj Grewal Alberta Coordinator for South Asian Unsplash tisements cannot be reproduced or Kuljit Dhillon Saskatchewan Pioneer Book Pexels reprinted in any form, without written Tarwinder Kaur Manitoba Rupa Gopinath Adobe Dhillon permission of the Publishers. The Nimi Chauhan views expressed by the writers in this Rita Chohan Sunny Singh Susan Singh AAJ Television publication are not the views of the Karanvir Bohra 587.501.4804 Jai Virdi Executive Publishers or AAJ Media Group. The Teejay Sidhu Dr. Suman Kollipara Producers: Publishers assume no responsibility Safina Kataria Mike Brar Sarabjit Kaur Suki Pangalia Shelina Mawani 780.339.4477 for errors or omissions. Copyright Ricky Kej 2019 AAJ Magazine Incorporated. Isaiah Mackoruk Alysha Badiani AAJ television All rights reserved. Imtiaz popat hosts: Karen Dosanjh AAJ on location Alex Sangha Aronjit Singh Sharron Heer Lageri Jai Birdi AAJ Arts Rupa Gopinath Gaitry Kaul Indervir Kaur IN THIS ISSUE 32 FESTIVAL A Look Back And Into The AWAY Future One Year After The FROM Release Of My Name Was January 8 HOME ISSDC 2019: Princess Margaret Nasa Team Creates History 12

An Interview With Karanvir And Teejay 16

Vegan Diet: A Fad Or A Panacea? 22

Shaan Kooner 24

A Dietician’s Tips For Healthy Celebrations 26 16 AN INTERVIEW WITH 2019 Diwali Events In Vancouver 30 KARANVIR AND TEEJAY Festival Away From Home 32 42 Exciting Election Steaming WHY DO WE Up In Canada 34 HAVE A TOXIC How Come No One Noticed POLLUTED What Is Happening? 36 PLANET?

Mihika Arts, Education And Medical Foundation 2019 Awards 40 44

Why We Have A Polluted MUSHTARI Toxic Planet? 42 BEGUM FESTIVAL Mushtari Begum Festival 2019 44 2019 Greetings From To Canada 48 30 2019 DIWALI EVENTS IN VANCOUVER COMMUNITY

A LOOK BACK AND INTO THE FUTURE ONE YEAR AFTER THE RELEASE OF MY NAME WAS JANUARY

My Name Was January was released on Film Freeway which is the film festival submission platform on September 26, 2018.

8 AAJ MAGAZINE Little did I know, at the time, that involvement, commitment, and please write to His Worship Jona- nearly one year later My Name Was leadership in the LGBTQ commu- than X. Cote and New Westminster January would have garnered an nity. Winners receive cash prizes of City Council at: clerks@newwestc- amazing fifty (50) official selections $1000, $600, $400, and $200, along ity.ca. Please also send a copy of the at film festivals around the world and with a framed certificate and let- letter of support to Sher Vancouver pick up 12 international jury awards! ter of congratulations. In the past at [email protected] activists from India, Albania, and My Name Was January has been Canada have won the award. Many screened in Canada, USA, England, prominent Metro Vancouver youth If you would like to make a personal India, Norway, Spain, Cyprus, Taiwan, have won the award including Andy donation towards January’s memo- Lebanon, the Philippines, and Russia. Holmes, Shilpa Narayan, Serene Carter, and Grace McDonell. Speaking of Russia, My Name Was January screened at film festivals in WHAT CAN YOU DO? Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. This was really unexpected consider- Sher Vancouver is currently lobby- ing LGBTQ rights are under threat ing the City of New Westminster and LGBTQ people are at risk in to establish a memorial for January the country. Perhaps, this is an indi- near 6th Street and the 500 block cation of growing resistance within of 3rd Avenue where January lived. the Russian artistic community. A memorial for January Marie My Name Was January was direct- Lapuz could become a landmark ed by two women of colour, Elina in New Westminster. There are Gress and Lenee Son, who were likely not many memorials for Journalism students at Kwantlen transgender women of colour. The Polytechnic University in Surrey. memorial can help educate people This was their first film project and on violence against all vulnerable they were both recommended to me peoples. It can also reinforce New as two of the top students in their Westminster as an inclusive city class by their Journalism professor. where all lives matter, including January’s. The film had a shoestring budget of less than $25,000 and was designed January did not come from a privi- to share the real, authentic, true to life leged background. She was adopt- story of the late January Marie Lapuz. ed, lived in poverty, was transgen- der, was a person of colour, and was JANUARY’S LEGACY FOR an immigrant. Yet she was loved YOUTH by many and was a fabulous social coordinator in Sher Vancouver as DIVERSEcity Community Re- illustrated in her wonderful docu- sources Society has come on board mentary. She helped mentor and to be the “exclusive sponsor” of the support many people. Despite her annual January Marie Lapuz Youth struggles, January was a bright light rial or her youth leadership award Leadership Award. This award was and uplifted many people. please send an email transfer to first given out in 2015 to youth be- [email protected]. tween 16 and 30 who demonstrate If you support January’s memorial

AAJ MAGAZINE 9 You can also donate via credit card If you would like to make a personal For more information on My via Go Fund Me at: gofundme.com/ donation towards January’s memorial Name Was January check out: for-sher-vancouver039s-annual-fund or her youth leadership award please januarylapuz.net/ send an email transfer to info@sher- For more information on My Name vancouver.com. To apply for the January Marie Lapuz Was January check out: januarylapuz. Youth Leadership Award check out: net/ You can also donate via credit card shervancouver.com/youth-award.html via Go Fund Me at: gofundme.com/ To apply for the January Marie Lapuz for-sher-vancouver039s-annual-fund Youth Leadership Award check out: shervancouver.com/youth-award.html

Alex Sangha

Alex Sangha is an award-winning social worker based in Surrey, B.C. He was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from the Governor General of Canada for founding Sher Vancouver which is a social, cultural, and support non-profit organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender South Asians and their friends and families.

A more liberalized Electronic Visa: Is now available as e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Conference, e Medical/Attendant visa This Festive Season For single, double and multiple entries Fee ranges from US$ 10 – 80 Visit Family & Friends E-Tourist visa is now available for 30 days, 1 yr. and 5 yr. E-Tourist visa now allows citizens of Canada, US, UK & Japan a max. stay of up to 180 days on each visit. Others allowed max. stay of 90 days. in India on E-Visa Apply between 120 – 4 days before your travel

For more details, how to apply and where to apply please go to following website: cgivancouver @cgivancouver  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html www. cgivancouver.gov.in (this is the only official Govt. of India website for e-Visa. Beware of any other fraudulent websites)

10 AAJ MAGAZINE P R E S E N T S : A NIGHT IN THE SERENGETI

Be immersed for an evening in East Africa with exquisite cuisine, entertainment, Silent Auction and Dancing Learn more about the valuable work Umoja is doing to support Newcomers to Canada keynote Speaker - Anita Huberman - Surrey Board of Trade CEO

October 26th . Cocktails Start 5:30pm . Civic Hotel

Please C0me In Your Formal Attire Tickets $100/Person tickets online: umojagala2019.brownpapertickets.com

EVENT SPONSORS:

EVENT MEDIA SPONSOR:

AAJ MAGAZINE 11 COMMUNITY

ISSDC 2019: PRINCESS MARGARET NASA TEAM CREATES HISTORY

12 AAJ MAGAZINE Imagine designing a fully function- we made a PDF document, which al settlement in space. A group of was around 40-42 pages and then nine students (Aden Jabbar, Rai- we set that in and after that it took Happy fah Rahman, Arwaa Khan, Ritika from November until April-May Bhardwaj, Mehtab Brar, Saurav and then we submitted and got se- Diwali Kahlon, Atta Faiz, Jayden Ram- lected. lu, and Jashan Gill) from Princess Margaret Secondary School, Surrey, What did you have to who are passionate about science, design in 48 hours? won the International Space Set- tlement Design Competition (ISS- We were given a document on how DC). This competition was held in the design was supposed to be. It NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, was like putting a city in space. Florida. If you get Las Vegas, you have to put that in space. One of the Working with 2 advisors, they spent things that we learned from this 10-15 hours outside the school episode was communications be- time to put together the proposal cause even though we were all in for space settlement. They submit- CALL NAINA different departments, we had to ted a proposal to NASA in April work together. For example- Op- BECAUSE YOUR INSURANCE and found that they were accepted erations. They were responsible for SHOULD MAKE SENSE to the competition. “We did not ex- agriculture, food production. So, if pect that we will be selected,” one they needed a certain amount of of the students said. They wanted to area for production, the structure PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTH ASIAN get in, but they did not expect it. It person had to create a structure, so COMMUNITY FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS was in June when their teacher re- that it fits that. We all had to work ceived an email that the students together. All the departments get were selected. affected by one thing. If one team Home Insurance needs an area for farm, then auto- Enrolling for the first time in the Auto Insurance mation will have to design a robot competition and being new to it (delivery available by appointment) to do the farming itself because turned out to be a challenge for the aim is to make the whole pro- Travel insurance the students. After returning home, cess as automatic as possible to use they share their inspiring story of Visitors to Canada Medical the least amount of humans in the what they learned from their recent insurance building process and the mainte- trip to Florida. nance of the settlement. Private Event Liability Insurance What was the criteria How did you motivate of the submission? Vehicle Replacement yourself because you Cost Coverage only had 48 hours to First submission was our original submission that was made to quali- create this? fy to go to Florida. So, to get to that NAINA GANDEVIA Licensed Insurance Broker phase, we had to do an introductory As we only had 48 hours, we worked proposal and that proposal was kind the afternoon of the first day and [email protected] of what we did in Florida, but we got a sleep for five hours in between 20-20160 Langley Bypass had a lot more time to do it. Hence, the first and second day. Second Langley BC V3A 9J9

AAJ MAGAZINE 13 day, we worked throughout the day. tunity to compete for Canada. So, the NASA project and Having a timeline there and doing that was one of the things that mo- the school exams? something that you do not normally tivated us. You do not know how do, motivated us. It was a fun expe- many times you will go to Florida It was hard to balance both things rience. for the actual competition. We re- but in the end, it was worth it. We ally wanted to make the most of What motivated you had to set our priority. When we this trip. So, we put as much effort were at home, we were studying the to come up with these as we could and we thought of the entire night and the next day, we just ideas? most creative things we could and took the exam. It is hard when you enjoyed as we could. Moreover, it have a big project and that too with was such a surreal experience be- The fact that we even got accept- school. However, pre-planning your cause we got to create a bond with time helps. If you are really passion- ed to go to Florida was such a big students all around the world. thing for us and we really wanted ate about something, you can always to make use of that opportunity. How did you balance take out time. We were given this great oppor- Anthony M.M. Remedios Sasha Ramnarine Randeep Purewall Barrister & Solicitor Barrister & Solicitor Barrister & Solicitor Sarabjit Kaur

Sarabjit Kaur is an Editorial and Marketing Intern with AAJ Media Group and a student of Masters in Intercultural and International Communication at Royal Roads University.

helping small businesses grow SERVICES • Child & youth counselling • Individual & family counselling • Supervised access worker • Drug & alcohol counselling www.remedios.lawyer Remedios & [email protected] Company Lawyers 604.688.9337

Services available in English, Hindi and Punjabi Vancouver | Richmond | Surrey Suki Pangalia 604.590.0007 | [email protected] Beijing | Shanghai | Hong Kong | Delhi 40-8236 128th St., Upper Level, Surrey Services offered in: Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French Anthony M.M. Remedios Sasha Ramnarine Randeep Purewall Barrister & Solicitor Barrister & Solicitor Barrister & Solicitor Happy Diwali helping small businesses grow

www.remedios.lawyer Remedios & [email protected] Company Lawyers 604.688.9337

Vancouver | Richmond | Surrey Beijing | Shanghai | Hong Kong | Delhi

Services offered in: Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French COMMUNITY

AN INTERVIEW WITH KARANVIR AND TEEJAY

In an exclusive interview with AAJ Magazine, a desired celebrity couple Karanvir Bohra and Teejay share their adorable family journey and life plans.

16 AAJ MAGAZINE About the Celebrity hosted the popular shows ‘Channel Couple…. V Workouts’, ‘Get Gorgeous’, and as a radio host at 93.5 Red FM, an- Karanvir Bohra is an Indian tele- choring the Breakfast Show. vision and film actor, producer Currently, she is a content creator and designer. He starred in several and handles one of the successful Hindi Movies Kismat Konnection, social media pages on the inter- 125 KM ; Television dra- net on children blogging (@twin- mas Yeh Hai Aashiqui , Naagin 2 babydiaries), dedicated to her twin , Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati daughters Bella and Vienna. Bhava?, Shararat and and in famous Television shows like Bigg Boss12 , 6, Khatron Ke Khiladi Darr Ka Blockbuster. Bohra also owns a lo- cal clothing brand ‘Pegasus’.

Karanvir is the third generation descendent of a cinematic fam- ily (Bohra Family) that fostered his creative and artistic intentions. While, Karan’s grandfather Ram- kumar Bohra was an actor and pro- ducer, his father Mahendra Bohra is an Indian Producer / Director / Writer.

Karan married Teejay Sidhu, a Ca- nadian actress, television host and radio personality. She had acted in movies like ‘Love Yoou Soniye’, As a celebrity couple ‘Tera Mera Ki Rishta’, ‘Patel Ki how do you manage to Punjabi Shaadi’, and famous Indi- an television shows including ‘Kin- have a work-life bal- na Sohna Tennu Rab Ne Banaya’, ance and support each ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 5’, ‘Santoshi other to achieve big Maa’, and ‘Bigg Boss 12’. goals in your lives? Both are now enjoying their life as doting parents to their twin ba- The good thing is that sometimes bies - Vienna Bohra and Raya Bella when Karan is busy with his proj- Bohra. Teejay was born and raised ects, I usually do not have work in Vancouver and started her career happening. So, I will be taking care with Vancouver Television, a lead- of the kids and make visits to the ing entertainment programming in shooting location. Karan is also British Columbia. She used to work an amazing father and does the as a VJ for Channel V, where she babysitting while I am working on

AAJ MAGAZINE 17 projects. Being content creators, when we found out that we are hav- both of us are doing a lot of stuff ing a baby, we thought it is going together in Vancouver and shooting to be fun. Now as parents, for our videos for our YouTube channel as twin babies, it is double the fun. well as Instagram Page called Twin Baby Diaries. Since we are both in We like to look at things in a dif- the same field, it helps us stay con- ferent way and have never felt that nected and parenting vlog opened our life must be adjusted as Bel- an exciting avenue where both of us la and Vienna came into our lives. can spend more time with babies. We were here before them and they must adjust with us, and they blend- ed in so beautifully. We travel with the kids and take them wherever we are. They love meeting new people while we are at various events and they just become a wonderful ad- dition to what we already have. So, our parenting journey has enriched our lives and made it even more meaningful. Teejay, would you like to share your professional journey towards the entertain- ment industry?

As a child, I was very shy, quiet and this is not something I would have seen myself doing at all. I thought Both of you are an I was going to make a convention- amazing couple and al career choice like to be a doc- parents to your ador- tor or a teacher where you receive monthly paycheck and you are set able twin baby girls. into a more organized kind of life. Would you like to But then I just realized that my life share a little about has more purpose than just to earn your beautiful family? money or fame or success. I am here to serve in this world and Thank you for your compliment one thing that I liked about my trips that we are great parents. As every to India is that I got to do a lot of other parent, we want to do the best Seva (Service) at Mandirs (Hindu for our children, and they came as Temple), Gurudwaras (Sikh Tem- a surprise to us. As a couple, we ple), and Ashrams (Monasteries). I are always up for an adventure and have also stayed up with the monks

18 AAJ MAGAZINE in Dharamshala and lucky to be Background score by Amar Mohile. one among the audience few times All these efforts put forward by a when Dalai Lama made his visits great team made the movie success- on behalf of his teaching tour. That ful. has been the most enriching experi- ence which helped me to grow spir- How is the response itually and brought me to where I from the audience so am today. far and how excited Karan, your movie are you as you em- ‘Hume Tumse Pyaar bark on a new phase Kitna’ has been re- in your life? leased. Tell us more about the movie. It is a very fantastic phase for me, and everybody loves movies. Acting is not new to me The movie is psychological romantic as I have been doing that for al- thriller, which released on the July most 15-16 years of my life, but 5th. With God’s grace, the movie re- still this movie is like another ceived amazing reviews and a lot of feather in my cap. I wish to have my fans loved it. The movie did well at more feathers because production the box office and I am very lucky to has been in my blood and I am have a team who brought this whole the third generation in the film film together. I want to thank my di- industry. My grandfather Ramku- rector Lalit Mohan, my co-star Priya mar Bohra produced around 40- Banerjee, who is also an Indo-Cana- 45 Hindi movies and he was the dian from Calgary, Alberta, co-actor one who brought Dara Singh back Samir Kochhar. I enjoyed working from Punjab for his film Hercules with every cast in the movie. And of (1964). My grandfather went back course, the movie promises amazing to Punjab, convinced him to come tracks and music composition by Raaj back and produced blockbuster Aashoo (Music Director). movies like Hercules (1964) and followed by Thief of Baghdad The film has an eponymous song (1969). Dara Singh also joined from 1981 film Kudrat ‘Hume Tumse the production and made amazing Pyaar Kitna’, which was originally Gujarati movies. So, the produc- sung by Kishore Kumar on compo- tion company was really big in the sition of RD Burman and lyrics by regional aspect as well. Majrooh Sultanpuri. In this movie, the song was recreated by Raaj Aas- Being the third generation, it is a hoo with additional lyrics by Shabbir big responsibility moving ahead, Ahmed and sung by and we are looking forward to and . We also had oth- doing couple more projects by er great music composers working in 2020. Presently, everything seems this movie like Jeet Gannguli, Mika all hunky dory and beautiful and Singh, Tony Kakkar, , hope it remains the same with DJ EMENES (MIB), Shaarib-Toshi, God’s grace.

AAJ MAGAZINE 19 Is the movie set to I would love to work with Zoya hit Canadian theatres Akhtar one day. I think she’s got soon and will Canadian some girl power. I love her energy; her way of storytelling and I like movie lovers be able to how she doesn’t sideline women in watch the movie at the her films. She makes everybody piv- local theatres? otal to the story and I would defi- nitely like to work with her. Unfortunately, this movie will not Karen, Bollywood holds a special be releasing in Canada, but we will place in anyone who dreams of act- be having a digital premiere soon ing. Now that you are doing more and everybody will be able to watch movies in Bollywood, will you con- it on a digital platform. Canadian tinue acting in TV serials? cities are also home to lots of aspir- ing Bollywood actors and my wife When you are acting for the love Teejay was more than happy to cast of it, the platform does not matter a South Asian Talent to be my her- whether it is a movie or television. oine in the movie. But we are look- Even though Bollywood is every- ing forward to having a worldwide one’s dream, I always love doing release for my next movie. television dramas and I would nev- Do you think your fan er ever leave the television industry. Moreover, I cannot deny the fact base from television that TV Show is where I got my fan would support and base and all the recognition, I have follow you in movies? received so far is from the Indian TV audience. It is like bread-and- People like watching good movies re- butter income stemming over past gardless of the fan base. I am lucky and several years and I am going to be blessed to have wider audience who dabbling with my television proj- have really helped to spread the word ects and movies. So, for me, televi- effectively and the movie opened great sion is as special as Bollywood. weekend run at the box office. Thanks Do you believe that to all my fans for extending their love by supporting my movies, TV shows and young Indians are our social media contents. choosing streaming over TV (Netflix, Ama- Teejay, could you tell zon Prime Video Pro- us about both of your ductions) than going to favorite directors you movie theaters? Please have worked with, in share your view. the past and those you like to work with, Absolutely. These days nobody in the future and wants to wait through advertising. share why you like Streaming over TV is much easier working with them? and more convenient. In this busy world, you get to choose what you 20 AAJ MAGAZINE want to watch, for when you want Greater Vancouver to watch it and that is a huge ben- has about 66% of In- efit of TV streaming. I think some do-Canadians and TV shows are going to become obsolete like the TV cable system various Indo-Canadi- because nobody is going to need an artists and actors subscriptions anymore and your TV who have a profile has already become a monitor just in India’s entertain- to hook up your Netflix. ment industry. Would Having said that I think that if we had you both like to share to choose right now over TV or digital, your connection with we would both love to do more shows Canada? on the digital platform like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Reliance Jio. Do you think married actors make better stars?

Star quality is something you have in you, despite of your marital sta- tus. But when you are married, it helps because you get that emo- tional support. Being in entertain- ment industry, there are a lot of ups and downs and having someone to come home to who can help you get through the rough days and cheer you as well as keep you grounded during the good days is definitely an added advantage.

As a couple, we started getting a lot There is a big percentage of In- of work together. We were in lot of do-Canadian artists in Vancouver television shows together like Kha- and we would love to build a bigger tron Ke Khiladi which was the most connection here. We have also had fun project we have ever done. Even some good discussion and meetings though we could not win but it was about upcoming film projects and in once in a lifetime opportunity and fact, we would love to do more acting we had terrific experience. We also assignments, movies and television had good experience being part of an projects during our visit to Vancouver. amazing dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 and after the show, both of us took a break to learn more and get professional training on traditional Indian dance form Kathak.

AAJ MAGAZINE 21 HEALTH

VEGAN DIET: A FAD OR A PANACEA?

A joke on internet that is making people crazy: “How can you tell whether someone is vegan? They will tell you again and again.” For some people being dairy-free, gluten-free, or carbohydrates-free maybe a trend or something to flaunt. But, with celebrities including Beyoncé, Ellen DeGeneres, and Zac Efron choosing a vegan diet, it seems like the diet is more than just a fad. The question that arises is why the vegan diet has gained popularity? Is it due to the health benefits it provides or the climate change?

22 AAJ MAGAZINE Talking about the number of peo- two-thirds and result in healthcare ple getting influenced by the vegan related savings and avoid $1.5 tril- diet, The Vegan Society, a registered lion climate damages. The United charity and oldest vegan society in Nations believes that a global move the world, mentioned that the trend towards the plant-based food is has quadrupled in the five years important to fight climate change. between 2012 and 2017. Now, the Worldwide, animal agriculture is vegan diet gets almost three times accountable for more greenhouse more interest as compared to vege- gases than the whole world’s trans- tarian and gluten-free searches. portation systems combined.

Being skeptical about the diet, peo- Needless to say that the vegan diet ple have been questioning if the is not only beneficial for health but vegan diet has all the nutrition that also for the climate change, that is a human body needs to stay healthy. the major concern these days. Since the vegan diet misses out all the meat and dairy products, from Changing the diet where does the body get the vita- preference mins and protein? According to the data found on The Vegan So- With fast food chains like A&W, ciety, the study of 2019 conducted McDonalds, and Tim Hortons in- for over 12,000 people found that troducing their Beyond Burgers those who eat mostly plant-based and other vegan options, it is evi- food were 32 percent less likely to dent that the restaurant chains are die from heart disease. Also, vegan not shying away from people’s pref- diet has been linked to a 35 percent erences in terms of food. Becoming lower prostate cancer risk. vegan is not only about raising voice Fighting the Climate against animal slaughtering but also being concerned about the environ- Change ment. Altering your lifestyle and preferences are not always easy but To combat climate change, recy- they are not impossible too. Gone cling is not the only way. Our eat- are the days when people did not ing choices also play a major role. have choices and had to eat what Studies have shown that a vegan is available in the market. Now-a- diet can help fight against climate days, various options available in the change, which has been the great- market helps you make a healthier, est challenge and an environmental economical, and wiser choices. threat. The Vegan Society reveals that eight million human lives can The biggest question that remains be saved by 2050 if the world goes unanswered is whether the world vegan. Moreover, it can lower down will accept this change or not? the greenhouse gas emissions by

Sarabjit Kaur

Sarabjit Kaur is an Editorial and Marketing Intern with AAJ Media Group and a student of Mas- ters in Intercultural and International Communication at Royal Roads University. AAJ MAGAZINE 23 COMMUNITY

SHAAN KOONER

24 AAJ MAGAZINE We’ve all felt ambitious and driv- Today, his Instagram account has en at some point in our lives. It’s over ten thousand followers, and his practically impossible to go through drumming videos have been viewed life without feeling it at least once. all over the globe; his most popu- Meet Shaan Kooner, a grade 12 stu- lar video being viewed over 150,000 dent from Surrey who knows this times and having over 26,000 likes. feeling so well, he’s practically be- come addicted to it. From music to He’s now just starting grade 12 and business to public speaking, Shaan this November he’ll be delivering has pursued his passions in a variety his first TEDx Talk at the Univer- of fields. This fall, he will be sharing sity of the Fraser Valley on a topic his ideas on the TEDx Abbotsford he’s been captivated by for a while, stage. creativity and the school system. For Shaan, school has never been his Born and raised in Surrey, BC, thing. He was inspired to give this Shaan has experimented with cre- TED talk while sitting in his sci- ativity all his life. One of his ear- ence class. Funnily enough, he had liest memories is of when he was just failed a science test, and was six years old and he took all of the ranting to his friend beside him. He spoons from the kitchen to the side was talking about the flaws in the of the road, laid out a blanket, and education system, about the stu- attempted to sell them to passerbys. dents that slip through the cracks, This failure has now become a fun- about how “out of the box thinking” ny story which he’ll remember for- isn’t promoted. After he finished his ever. He considers it to be the be- rambling, his friend jokingly told ginnings of an entrepreneurial and him that he should do a TED talk. creative mindset. Inspired, he rushed home, typed up an essay which was fueled by a Being ambitious is something combination of frustration, creativi- Shaan prides himself on. He has big ty, and the undying urge to prove to goals for himself, and really wants his teacher that he was not an idiot, to leave an impact on the world. By and sent it off to TEDx. educating himself about social me- dia marketing and building an Ins- For Shaan, it’s not about money, tagram following of over 11 thou- it’s about experiences. He sees life sand people, Shaan has been using as a collection of memories and the using digital platforms to his ad- more you have, the better your life vantage. As a passionate drummer, will be. Learning to work outside he wanted to share his music with of your comfort zone may seem the world. He used social media, daunting to some, but he firmly be- specifically Instagram, to promote lieves that however it works out, in his drumming and create a digital the end you’ll always come out of it portfolio for his music (@musicby- with a good story to tell. And who neo_). He researched social media knows? You might be sharing it on marketing and learned about the a TEDx stage! many ways a brand can grow online.

AAJ MAGAZINE 25 HEALTH

A DIETICIAN’S TIPS FOR HEALTHY CELEBRATIONS

26 AAJ MAGAZINE Diwali is a festive celebration where • Balance your plate - half of your Fat is important for good health families and friends get together and plate should be fruits and vege- but remember not all fats are eat a variety of flavourful food such tables. the same. Eat fats that are high as pakoray, samosa, jalebi, gulab ja- in unsaturated fat to keep your mun, butter chicken, shahi paneer, • If you choose to eat foods high in heart healthy. Examples of unsat- dal makhani and even mango shakes. fat and sugar remember to take urated fats are canola, olive and Eating in moderation and choosing smaller portions and eat in mod- mustard oil, nuts, and avocados. healthier options will help you and eration. Avoid or limit fats that are high your family to reduce your risk of dis- in saturated fats and trans fats to ease such as diabetes and heart disease. • Make water your choice of reduce your risk of heart disease. South Asians are 2-3x more likely to drink and cut back on sugary Examples of saturated fats in- get heart disease and diabetes. beverages. clude butter, cheese, coconut oil, ghee, buttermilk, and sour cream. So when you are attending a Di- • Eat a healthy snack before you Examples of dishes that are high wiali celebration and reach for a leave home like an apple. in saturated fat use cream such as samosa, remember that is is like butter chicken, dal makhani and eating four teaspoons of sugar and Eating foods high in unhealthy shahi paneer, and fried and pro- about three teaspoons of fat. Pick carbohydrates and unhealthy fats cessed food. up three pakoras and you are add- can take a toll on your body. Car- ing three more teaspoons of sugar bohydrates are used as fuel for our Fraser Health’s South Asian Health and one more teaspoon of fat. Add body, when eaten they are con- Institute (SAHI) is working to something sweet and deep fried verted into energy. There are two raise awareness and educate the like a jalebi, and you are looking at types of carbohydrates: simple and community that self- management six more teaspoons of sugar and al- complex. When simple carbohy- can be used as a preventative tool most three teaspoons of fat. Grab drates are eaten in excess they can to living a healthy lifestyle. Mak- a cup of sweet chai made with ho- lead to diabetes, high cholesterol ing small changes to your diet can mogenized milk, you are drinking and weight gain. Simple carbohy- make a huge impact on your health. three teaspoons of sugar and one drates are found in sweets, potatoes, This information is not to deter you teaspoon of fat. This appetizer meal roti, white pasta and noodles, piz- from enjoying the auspicious fes- contains a grand total of sixteen za, white atta flour and rice. These tivities, but a reminder to consume teaspoons of sugar and eight tea- foods spike blood sugar and digest the foods we enjoy in moderation. spoons of fat. quickly, leaving you hungry shortly Have a healthy and happy Diwali! after. Complex carbohydrates are During Diwali consid- found in whole grains, vegetables, er these healthy tips dahls, nuts and seeds. They are high in fiber so they digest slowly, thus to reduce your intake helping control blood sugars, man- of sugar and fat: aging weight and may also lower cholesterol.

Rubi Bassi

Ruby Bassi is a Registered Dietitian at South Asian Health Institute Fraser Health Authority.

AAJ MAGAZINE 27 28 AAJ MAGAZINE Convenient Comfort Foods with a Global Taste

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Nana’s Kitchen likes to excite and delight their customers with their Gourmet Samosas. In every bit of Nana’s Gourmet Samosa, you are going to get a hardy helping of filling that will be bursting with different vegetables and meat, not just potatoes and pastry. We dare you to Taste the Difference! AAJ MAGAZINE 29 FESTIVITIES

2019 DIWALI EVENTS IN VANCOUVER Diwali Fest, By Diwali 1. Cooking Class – Celebration Society Dahi Papdi Chaat

Diwali Fest is an annual South Asian Food is a central part of Diwali arts & culture festival, produced by celebrations. Diwali Celebration the Diwali Celebration Society. Society is bringing Diwali spirit to Canada through some exciting With multiculturalism and inclusiveness and tasty cooking classes at the as two of our organization’s core professional community kitchen at values, our slogan “Light Your Spirit” the Roundhouse. Learn how to make is reflective of our mandate to bring delicious traditional Indian street food together people of all backgrounds in a appetizers. Each instructor led class celebration of “the universal light that includes a cooking demonstration, exists in everyone”. tasting and recipes.

30 AAJ MAGAZINE October 20, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, 4. Diwali 2019 6. Diwali Fusion Tickets available online for $20 Celebrations by Indian Boat Party Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, India Cultural Vancouver 2019 Vancouver Association (ICA) – By Oceanic For more information visit: diwalifest.ca Entertainment Indian Cultural Association of 2. Diwali Downtown Vancouver is organizing Diwali Kick off the biggest Indian festival Vancouver – Free Gala 2019- an evening full of Diwali party on a #BOAT! A fun- filled entertainment which includes or by Donation night on floating night club. Featuring Cultural & Bollywood Performances, two dance floor, 3 hours of cruising, Delicious Indian Buffet Dinner, DJ Amazing Views of Vancouver skyline, 3 Diwali Fest by Diwali Celebration & Dance, Activities for Kids, Prizes. floor yacht, and much more. Welcome Society returns for it’s 16th Annual It will be a good opportunity for the festival of light over darkness with Celebration of the Festival of Lights immigrants as well as the Canadians excitement than on Vancouver’s most at Diwali Downtown Vancouver. This to experience the Diwali celebration popular party ship, The Abitibi, a 140- multicultural event features South with all your friends and family. foot Motor Vessel that accommodates Asian music and dance performances Tickets range from $0- $40 and are 370 passengers. Minimum by local artists. Rangoli room will only available online. October 26 – October 27; be back again to create a room sized October 26, 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM Boarding start at: 9:00 PM mosaic artwork. The Taj Park Convention Centre, Boat Leaves at: 10.00PM October 26, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm 8580 132 Street Surrey Re-Dock at: 1.00AM; Roundhouse Community Centre, For more info visit icavancouver.ca Age: 21+ 181 Roundhouse Mews, Call at 1.888.450.3991 or email us at: Vancouver 5. Diwali Celebration info.vancouver@oceanicentertainment. For more information visit: diwalifest.ca in Kits by Kitsilano com. 3. Diwali Lunch and Community Centre All sales are final and non-transferable. No dinner will be provided. Discounts only for big group purchases. Dance at Trout Lake Community Centre Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu celebration of light at the Kitsilano Community Centre. Activities include Celebrate the festival of light! India’s a Bollywood dance workshop with biggest and most important holiday. Karima Essa, henna tattoos from Deux The festival marks the victory of Chic Esthetiques, Diya painting with good over evil. Listen to the story West Side Family Place, photobooth of Diwali, decorate diya clay lamps, from Studio A, Chai from Trudy Ann listen and dance to traditional Indian and refreshments from Handi Grill music. Enjoy a delicious luncheon and Panago! A great event for the of seekh kebab, vege samosas, lamb family! $10 per person registration is curry, butter chicken, aloo gobhi, inclusive of activities and treats. mattar paneer, raita, rice, naan, salad, November 3, 2019; 5pm - 7pm; and chai tea. Please pre-register as 2690 Larch St., Vancouver this event will sell out. November 3 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 Phone: 604-257-6976 ext. 1 pm; Ticket Price: $8 $10 registration is inclusive of activities and treats; All Ages For more information visit: diwalifest.ca

AAJ MAGAZINE 31 FESTIVITIES

FESTIVAL AWAY FROM HOME

October appears synonymous to celebration. The month has just started, and people are already in a festive mood. Houses are being decorated with colourful lights, beautiful candles, and decorative items. Festive season is here with celebrations like Thanksgiving, Diwali, Dussehra, and Durga Puja. The idea of meeting the loved ones on these special occasions is what keeps the excitement alive. The upcoming festival, Diwali, is the most awaited festival for Indians all around the world.

32 AAJ MAGAZINE Waking up to the spirit of cleaning behind. Be it, Diwali Puja, lighting house and workplace to decorate candles, or choosing gifts for fami- them with fancy lights, flowers, and ly and friends, the concept of being rangolis is what Diwali means to with family members is something Indians. Exchanging gifts, variety that no other materialistic thing of sweets and delicious food are an can replace. integral part of the celebrations. Di- wali calls for maddening crowd, illu- Office parties, hanging out minated streets, and scent of incense. with friends, and online world (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram) Celebrated by people belonging to somehow tries to fill the void, but all religions, it holds different sig- what about burning crackers, wor- nificance in every religion. In Hin- shipping at the temple and lighting duism, it marks the return of Lord diyas with family? Nothing can sub- Rama from Ayodhaya. In Sikhism, stitute the merrier times with family. it is a historic event where Guru Hargobind Singh Ji freed 52 Hin- Attending a slew of events around du kings from the prison of Mu- the city, registering for the rangoli, ghal Emperor Jahangir. In Jainism, music, and dance competition can it marks the liberation of Maha- be some of the ways to struggle vir’s soul. Even though, the signifi- the isolation. The festival of lights, cance of a day is different, the way celebrated as the triumph of good of celebrating is the same. Diwali over evil, brings together people is considered as the celebration of belonging to different religions. new beginnings. But, how does it Discovering diversity, making new feel to commence new beginnings connections at a new place is the without your near and dear ones? perfect way to celebrate this festi- val of joy. Whatever be the place, As the festival is at the doorstep, it celebrate the festival with a smile is the time to call the family, rel- because festivals are meant to HAPPY DIWALI atives, and friends. Booking the cheer up the people. tickets to go back home and meet everyone may not be a reality for Mayor George V. Harvie everyone. The idea of being alone at this special occasion turns the and Delta Council extend excitement into tears for missing their best wishes to all out a lot. The happiness of phys- those celebrating the ically seeing the loved ones is re- placed by virtual meetings media Diwali festival of lights. posts, and long well-wishing mes- sages). The absence of home-made May the glow of joy, delicacies soaked in desi ghee (clarified butter) brings the real- prosperity and ization of what a person has left happiness illuminate your days in Sarabjit Kaur the year ahead!

Sarabjit Kaur is an Editorial and Marketing Intern with AAJ Media Group and a student of Masters in Intercultural and International Communication at Royal Roads University. AAJD MAGAZINEelta.ca 33 POLITICS

EXCITING ELECTION STEAMING UP IN CANADA

As the starting gun was fired this week Currently, it is getting three percent and the world. The difference be- for October 21 election campaign, the approval, according to the poll. tween the two is only of degree. ruling Liberal Party and the opposition Conservative Party are running almost The real race, which is traditional in How the post-election game will neck-to-neck with 34.3 and 33.9 per- Canadian power politics, has always play depends upon how much the cent support respectively, according to been between the Liberal and the supporting parties, i.e. the NDP and the latest poll. Conservative parties. And this time the Green, can extract from either of is no different. However, the differ- the Liberal or the Conservative to Besides, this close-race pairing, an- ence in this election fray is the emer- meet their poll promises and ideo- other crucial dual emerging fast, is gence of the Green Party. logical commitments. the 14 percent and 9.1 percent sup- port for the New Democratic Party The Green is creating a strong wind The post-election arena would be as and the Green Party respectively. to shift the direction of Canadian much exciting as during the entire politics. The party will share the stage campaign period. In that excitement, And then there is a new political with the New Democratic Party in all eyes will be on NDP leader Jag- sneaker this time representing the the roles of being the kingmaker. Af- meet Singh and the Green Party Far-Right burrows of Canada. The ter all, both the NDP and the Green leader Elizabeth May as which side guy is the disgruntled former Con- ideologically sit together in the same of the seesaw they will sit. servative, Maxime Bernier, who political carousal. They ride on the launched the People’s Party last year. environmental issues facing Canada

Promod Puri

Promod Puri is a Vancouver-based writer and author of “Hinduism, Beyond Rituals, Customs, and Traditions”. 34 AAJ MAGAZINE Happy Diwali From

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Douglas Green Developments Ltd. PRL Construction Ltd. MSL Trading Corporation Rockstone Homes Ltd. Hillton Homes Ltd. Gold Leaf Enterprises Ltd. Davina Holdings Corporation COMMUNITY

HOW COME NO ONE NOTICED WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Childhood sexual abuse is a topic that people are now becom- ing familiar with and we have many survivors to thank for this. Through the stories shared, we know and perhaps are able to comprehend what the survivor may have experienced in over- coming the abuse, the struggles they may have experienced. This sharing is incredible for those who have not found their voice yet. It may even be ground breaking for a survivor who has never had the courage to share what has happened only to hear that they are not alone and this has happened to someone else as well.

However, with all of this empowerment and sharing for survi- vors, you will hear people question; “How come they didn’t say anything to anyone, at the time or when they were older”? How 36 AAJ MAGAZINE come the parents couldn’t tell what get their victim by examining a child’s was happening? Or you often here, vulnerabilities. Traits that they seek “Where were the parents?” out are: children who seem to have low self-esteem/self confidence, chil- Often when a survivor reaches adult- dren who are trusting and/or naïve hood and reflects on their past and and children with parents who are their trauma, they will question them- busy or not as involved. selves and often think: “I knew it was wrong, why didn’t I say anything? Gaining Access/victims trust: This “Maybe if I had said something my is the stage where the perpetrator is life would’ve been different”. Survi- looking to gain access to the child by vors often stay trapped in these types separating them physically and emo- of thoughts and also question why tionally from their parents/guardians. the adults around them didn’t real- In cases where the perpetrator is a ize what was happening. These are questions that not only go through a survivor’s mind but they are also questions which plague the parents or family members. The reason that victims of abuse and their parents/ guardians don’t realize what was hap- pening is because they were groomed for the abuse to occur.

When we hear the terms grooming or sexual grooming, we often don’t understand what that is or what it entails. Sexual grooming refers to the behaviors that a child molester em- ploys in preparation for committing sexual abuse against a child. (Psychol- ogy Today, Jan 16, 2019, Article by Elizabeth Jeglic PhD). Grooming is a technique that perpetrators use to family member, they have easier ac- manipulate not only the child they cess to the child and the abuse often are wanting to abuse but they are also takes place in the house with others grooming the parents and the com- close by. When the perpetrator is not munity at large. Perpetrators that use a family member access to a child is a grooming often seem to be kind, car- little more difficult so they may take ing and charming individuals. There trusted positions in the community are a few stages that a perpetrator will such as a coach. take their victim and family through in order to do what they want. Trust Development/ Filling a need: Targeting a Victim: This is the stage that is the most im- This is the fist step where a predator portant to understand. When the is choosing their victim. They will tar- perpetrators purpose is to gain the AAJ MAGAZINE 37 trust of their victim, their parents/ and then looking to be able to create even realize what’s happening. guardians and the community so they situations where they are alone to- can conduct the abuse without any- gether. For example: if the parents are Maintaining Control: one noticing or being able to identi- working, offering to babysit or take fy that it’s happening. The child then them to their soccer game. Once the abuse begins to take place the perpetrator will use secrecy, blame, the child’s guilt and other fear tactics to maintain the child’s participation.

Children often feel very entangled in the relationship with the perpetra- tor and don’t know how to distance themselves or end the relationship. Children are most often manipulated to believe that if they do tell someone, no one would believe them or that somehow this is their fault, or even that they deserve what’s happening to them; children continue to comply out of guilt.

The trust of the child and the parents/ guardians is typically taken, manipu- lated and then shattered when, or if they ever learn that their child or someone close to them was abused while they were present. This is some- feels that they are special, and the Desensitization to thing that is so difficult to overcome. child often believes that the perpe- touch: Relationships are damaged and take trator cares about them. (Psychology years to rebuild. Instead of placing Today, Jan 16, 2019, Article by Eliza- blame and heightening someone’s beth Jeglic PhD). This is where the perpetrator begins guilt, show love and become their ally. to sexualize the relationship. The Help change this narrative. Isolating the child: perpetrator may start touching the child in non-sexual ways so there is some comfort that is built between The perpetrator here is attempting the child and the perpetrator. This is to build a relationship with the child often why and how the child doesn’t

Nimi Chauhan

Nimi Chauhan is a mediator and a community activist. She has been working in the field of domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide for the last 18 years. Nimi has served various positions with community agencies and has served on numerous boards varying from community policing, national parole board, addictions and recovery, youth gang violence as well as political bodies. She is also the founder of Sahara Services

38 AAJ MAGAZINE Happy Diwali From Apna Dental Center

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MIHIKA ARTS, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL FOUNDATION 2019 AWARDS

40 AAJ MAGAZINE It was a beautiful September after- Sharanjeet Singh Mand and Devan- Amika Kushwaha Khan, Tabla noon when classical arts lovers were shi Vyas were the recipients of the maestro Amarjeet Singh, accom- privy to a lively classical music and Outstanding Artist Award. Rishika plished Sitarist Sharanjeet Singh dance program at the Pitt Mead- Selvakumar, Jaya Kailley and Aly- Mand added splendour to the event ows Heritage Hall on Harris road sa Levy were the recipients of the with their superb performances. in Pitt Meadows. This was organ- AAA award, Ashvini, Karishma and Young Lasya Vankayala, Macken- ised by Mihika Arts Education and Kaushal were the recipients of Mi- na Sifert , Kairavee Mulye and the Medical Foundation a non-profit hika special recognition award and young dancers of Margi school of organisation which recognizes and Kairavee Mulye, Bhargavi Singh, dance were a delight to watch. promotes children and youth pur- Mehar Bhamra and MacKenna Si- suing classical music and dance in fert were recognized with Mihika Noted among the young and pro- and around Vancouver by presenting them with awards and scholarships. The foundation also provides edu- cational scholarship called Shiksha scholarship through Maple Ridge school district for students who ex- cel in academics and in particular sciences. Mrs. Rupa Gopinath the founder has been promoting classical arts since 2005 when she along with her husband and family started the Indian classical music festival, and later the Shiksha scholarship in 2014. Soon in 2016 Mihika Arts was born and this blossomed into Mihika Arts, Education and Medical foundation in 2018. student achievement award and the fessional musicians who have graced group award recipients were Sargam Mihika and the classical music fes- The aim of the foundation is to bridge UBC which was received by Sanjana tival stage since 2005 are Dr. Hari cultural gaps through arts, provide Prakash, Kavya Balajepalli and San- Pal, Shashaa Tirupati, Akhil Joban- educational scholarships and help jana Subramaniam who represented putra, Jagpreet Bajwa, Vidyasagar existing medical charities to create a the group. Vankayala, Neeraja Aaptikar Karen healthy community. The arts award Graves, and Jarred Burrows. Mihi- has 5 categories, the AAA Award This event presented both young ka in the future would be organis- (Academic& Artistic Achievement and professional artist performanc- ing lecture demonstrations, work- Award ), Special Recognition Award, es from various classical styles of shops in dance, music, and other art Student Achievement Award, Out- music and dance both Indian, and forms to educate and promote fine standing Artist Award and Group Western, in the future the founda- arts. Hope to see more of the young award. This year we had a total of tion plans to include classical music population in the classical arts field about 12 people and one group who from o. Well known artists from in the coming years. Will see you were recognized with Mihika awards. Vancouver Ustad Cassius Khan, all at MIHIKA AWARDS 2020.

Rupa Gopinath

Mrs. Rupa Gopinath is a classical Indian dancer, teacher, choreographer and CEO and Artistic Director of Mihika Arts.

AAJ MAGAZINE 41 NEWS

WHY WE HAVE A POLLUTED TOXIC PLANET?

When it comes to consumer protection and environ- mental preservation all levels of government have miserably failed us all.

Politicians have shamefully acted in favour of the cor- porate interest instead of the public interest!

We have a polluted toxic planet as a result. Hundreds, if not thousands, of species, are gone or are going ex- tinct. Not to mention, people are eating mass-pro- duced processed food full of chemicals and artificial ingredients.

42 AAJ MAGAZINE I was happy to hear Swedish youth cli- “For more than 30 years, the science els, that remaining CO2 budget will mate activist Greta Thunberg was su- has been crystal clear. How dare you be entirely gone in less than eight- ing major countries for failing to pro- continue to look away, and come here and-a0-half years. There will not be tect the environment. I am surprised and say you are doing enough when any solutions, or plans presented in the oil companies and the corporatist the politics and solutions needed are line with these figures here today, be- media haven’t gone after her yet. nowhere in sight? You say that you cause these numbers are too uncom- hear us and understand the urgency, fortable, and you are still not mature It is the government’s responsibility to but no matter how sad and angry I enough to tell it like it is. set high standards and regulations to am, I don’t want to believe that. Be- protect consumers and the environ- cause if you really understood the You are failing us but the young peo- ment from harm. Leaving everything situation and still kept on failing to ple are starting to understand your up to the citizens in the interests of act, then you would be evil, and that I betrayal. The eyes of all future gen- public choice is a pathetic cop-out that refuse to believe. erations are upon you, and if you has proven to be a failure. choose to fail us, I say we will never The popular idea of cutting our emis- forgive you. My message to the political leaders is sions in half in 10 years only gives to do your job or step aside and leave us a 50% chance of staying below We will not let you get away with this. it for the next generation to clean up 1.5°C and risks setting off irreversible Right here, right now is where we your mess. chain reactions beyond human con- draw the line. The world is waking up trol. 50% may be acceptable to you, and change is coming, whether you What Swedish youth but those numbers do not include like it or not. Thank you.” (Source: climate activist Gre- tipping points, most feedback loops, https://www.nme.com) ta Thunberg spoke at additional warming hidden by toxic air pollution, and all the aspects of the UNITED NATIONS equity and climate justice. They also UN Climate Change rely on my generation sucking hun- Summit 2019? dreds of billions of tons of your CO2 out of the air with technologies that “My message is that we’ll be watching barely exist. So, a 50% risk is simply you. This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up not acceptable for us, we who have to here. I should be back in school on the live with the consequences. other side of the ocean. Yet, you all come to us young people for hope. How dare To have a 67% chance of staying be- you! You have stolen my dreams and low a 1.5°C global temperature rise my childhood with your empty words. (the best odds given by the IPCC), Yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People the world had 420 gigatons of CO2 are suffering. People are dying. En- to emit back on January 1st 2018. To- tire ecosystems are collapsing. We are day that figure has already down to in the beginning of a mass extinction, less than 350 gigatons. How dare you and all you can talk about is money and pretend that this can be solved with fairy tales of eternal economic growth? business as usual and some technical How dare you? solutions? With today’s emission lev-

Alex Sangha

Alex Sangha is an award-winning social worker based in Surrey, B.C. He was recently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from the Governor General of Canada for founding Sher Vancouver which is a social, cultural, and support non-profit organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender South Asians and their friends and families. AAJ MAGAZINE 43 CULTURE

MUSHTARI BEGUM FESTIVAL 2019

44 AAJ MAGAZINE On the evening of September 28th, mission was just amazing. They creat- the Massey Theatre truly was trans- ed magic on stage and one could feel formed into a palace of music and the rainfall in the auditorium. dance. The stage setting, the beautiful palatial background projection took The Carnatic music after the inter- us into a royal era of music and dance. mission was a surprise. Loved the The mesmerizing and enchanting violin strings and the accompanying music of the north and south of India mridangam and tabla duo. enthralled the audience and amidst the Wah, Wahs and clapping it was The final piece, “agar mujhse mohab- evident that the audience was thor- at ho”, a famous gazal from the 1964 oughly enjoying it. I have seen Ami- movie AAP ki Parchayiyan, was a ka for almost 4 years now and I find fantastic crescendo to the evening. she has blossomed into an excellent, The Gazal sung by Cassius Bhai in sensitive exponent of Kathak; she is his style, with Amika on Harmoni- a multi-talented young lady and is um, Abhishek Iyer on Mridangam amazing to see her fine talent while accompanying musicians on har- monium as well. She is truly an ac- complished artist. Prajakta Potnis a Kathak exponent, Abhishek Iyer on Mridangam and Harmonium, Vi- olinist Kaushik Sivaramakrishnan, Maestro Amarjeet Singh on Tabla, Sitarist Sharanjeet Singh Mand, & multi-instrumentalist Baldev Singh were outstanding. Ustaad Cassius Khan as always was superb on Tabla and his rendition of one of my favou- rite ghazals in his unique style, origi- nally sung by Smt Lata Mangeshkar was excellent. Here is an excerpt from Mr. Subbu Gov- and Kaushik Sivaramakrishnan on indarajapuram’s Violin was such a treat! thoughts on Mushtari It was wonderful to see the amal- Begum Festival 2019 gamation of Carnatic and Hindu- stani music and musical instruments. “Amazing evening of Indian Classi- Would love to see more of this col- cal Music and Dance performance by laboration. Cassius Bhai, Amika and the entire team. Sure Cassius Bhai is the rare Looking forward to 2020 Mushtari person with the ability to sing and Begum Festival of Indian Classical play tabla at the same time. The piece Music and Dance! “Ghumar Ghumar” before the inter-

AAJ MAGAZINE 45 Amarjeet’s low-pitched, deep, rever- on the violin by Kaushik and the co- berating tabla coupled with a rich ordinated expression of rhythm by “gamak” of the bass (bayan) tabla and Abhishek on Mridangam. Cassius’s high-pitched (one octave higher), crisp tone of tabla with his The melodies of sitar by Sharanjeet matching bass tabla. They earned re- Singh and the perfect rendition of peated applause from the audience. tunes by Dilruba by Baljit Singh have always served as the solid base The Kathak duet by the two accom- in support of such programs. We ex- plished and beautiful dancers Amika pect one day these two great artists and Prajakta was a very pleasant and will give their own solo performances appealing item to every segment of in the future. the audience. These Kathak dancers had four very difficult and demand- To commemorate the spirit of ghazal ing tasks to perform: 1) Perfect co- queen Mushtari Begum, her most ordination with the tabla rhythm. 2) celebrated disciple Cassius Khan Maintain kathak’s graceful poses / ended the evening with his unusual movements. 3) Verbal rendition of and signature style of simultaneous Dr. Hari Pal a Tabla complex rhythmic compositions. 4) ghazal singing and tabla accompani- maestro himself had Rhythmic subtle expressions through ment- a feat that is rather unusual in these comments on the feet to match the Tabla phras- the tabla players’ community. Cassius es (unfortunately the sounds of the picked up a love theme from an old the Festival trinkets could not be amplified). The song and presented it with his own dance performance by both of them colorful rendition. It was very much Tabla duet of Maestro Cassius Khan was flawless, complementary, superb appreciated and liked by the audi- with Maestro Amarjeet Singh was and was very well rewarded with ap- ence. really very interesting “layakari”. At propriate applause. the outset they started at a low tem- The audience was thrilled with the po Peshkar variations; later each tabla After intermission the Violin (Kau- performances and I personally felt player presented a thorough exchange shik) and Mridangam (Abhishek) that this year was just splendid. We of rhythmic expressions in Kaida and was a very unique and welcome item are all eagerly waiting for 2020-year its improvised extensions. It was a that introduced the melodies and Mushtari Begum Festival. Hope to real good and interesting contrast rhythms of the South. There were see you all then. between the styles of the two drum- frequent applause and gestures from mers. The dramatic contrast between the audience to appreciate and enjoy the quality of sound was also unique: the uniquely melodious artistic work

Rupa Gopinath

Mrs. Rupa Gopinath is a classical Indian dancer, teacher, choreographer and CEO and Artistic Director of Mihika Arts.

46 AAJ MAGAZINE SABI GILL Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist

Serving Metro Vancouver 604.356.7147 & Fraser Valley sabi.gill@AAJt dMAGAZINE.com47 CULTURE

GREETINGS FROM INDIA TO CANADA

48 AAJ MAGAZINE Sounds of the jingling bells, shim- the people compering the show. This mering rustling silk skirts , sarees concluded with the presentation of and glittering gold jewellery brought bouquets to the dignitaries. nostalgic memories of India. It used to be like this during festivals when The opening performance was by I was growing up. This is the 4th year Nandanum school, a Kuchipudi of Namaste Canada and now it has dance performed by balancing on grown into a glamorous and presti- brass plates. This is a traditional clas- gious event. Women, men and chil- sical dance from the southern part of dren looked gorgeous in their tradi- India from a town called Kuchipudi. tional outfits. Traditional lamps and Next Royal Academy of Bhangra Rangoli adorned the front of the mesmerized the audience with their auditorium. As we entered, we were lively Bhangra. This year is the 150th greeted by the organisers and given tickets for the event.

The First Nations presenters and the Chanda Melam drummers were gathered at the entrance to the the- ater to begin the opening ceremony. All the representatives of the various performing organisations followed behind the drummers. The proces- sion was led by the First Nations who did a small presentation and later the Chanda Melam drummers followed with their presentation with beauti- fully decorated ornamental red um- brellas. This is a traditional way of beginning any event, ceremony, or performance in Kerala a state from the southern part of India. This pre- sentation was followed by a minute of silence as a mark of condolence and birth anniversary of Mahatma Gand- respect for Sahib Meera who was hi and in celebration of this, Vismaya one of the major supporters of Na- Dance Academy presented a piece maste Canada since its inception in depicting the major events in Mahat- 2016. Welcome remarks by Consul- ma Gandhi’s life. The presentation ate General of India Smt Abhilasha was choreographed to Gandhiji’s fa- Joshi was next followed by speeches vorite song” Vaishnava Janato “and I by dignitaries. would specially like to comment on the beautiful white Charakas (spin- Namaste Canada theme song was ning wheels) that adorned the stage. launched and introduced by Dr. Ajay This opening session concluded Garg and Mr. Kumar Varma. Trophies with a patriotic dance presentation and certificates were presented to all by Vancouver South Indian cultur- the participating organisations and to al association. The next two sessions

AAJ MAGAZINE 49 housed beautiful dance presentations well written, & composed. Namaste bly had never learnt dance or per- from different states in India and as Canada was diversity in community. formed earlier in their lives. This is always Shiamak Davar International We saw all the colours of our culture in a very positive development as it has group enthralled the audience with Namaste Canada.” encouraged participation of wom- their superb performance. en. Also, it has brought people from Along with Namaste Canada be- all different parts of India together Nutan Thakur of Spice radio ,the well- coming popular in the last 4 years helping them to share their customs, known actress, radio artist, TV person- another interesting fact has come to traditions, talents, dances, with lively ality, stage artist and compering expert the forefront and that is women ba- and colorful performances. Thanks had this to say “I feel proud to be part sically many housewives and work- to the Consulate General of India for of this event as an Emcee in Namaste ing mothers have come out of their organising such a superb event. Well Canada. It was very well organized, and shell and presented excellent dance done and bye till NC 2020!!! the Theme song was very powerful, performances, some of them proba-

Rupa Gopinath

Mrs. Rupa Gopinath is a classical Indian dancer, teacher, choreographer and CEO and Artistic Director of Mihika Arts.

50 AAJ MAGAZINE Wedding Issue 2018 PRESENTS MINHAS FILMS LTD Volume 14 Issue 4 A FILM BY KAVI RAZ $4.95 AAJ MAGAZINEAAJ - WEDDING ISSUE 2018 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4 REFLECTING TODAY, SHAPING TOMORROW

CANADA’S SOUTH ASIAN & MULTICULTURAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY JATINDER JAY MINHASK uljit Dhillon

CULTURAL WEDADROIUNNDG THSE www.avishomes.ca WORLD [email protected] | 778-88AAJ9- MAGAZINE4545 51

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY KAVI RAZ STARRING SEAN FARIS, RAJPAL YADAV, RAJEN TOOR, , YOGRAJ SINGH, DRISHTII GAREWAL, DARREN TASSELL www.aajmag.ca DOP INDERJIT BANSEL, MUSIC BY JAIDEV KUMAR Why Sponsor this Project? Preserving an Important Time in Canadian History Today, critical conversations are continuing about these “forgotten few” South Asians” who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s from India. Their stories are relatively untold and are an important and yet lost piece of the Canadian record. This project aims to document and share the stories of the early pioneers in order to preserve their legacy for ABOUT THE future generations. AAJ LEGACY Target Audience INITIATIVE AAJ Magazine is a South Asian With an initial run of 50,000 copies, lifestyle magazine geared towards this AAJ Legacy Initiative will be the 18 to 45-year-old South Asian distributed to BC schools, colleges market in Canada. and universities, libraries, community and business centres. Our goal is South Asians are emerging as to leave a lasting legacy that will a new economic, professional, help document and educate future and political force in Canada. The generations about the challenges accomplishments of the South faced by the South Asian pioneers, as Asian community are growing, and well as their significant contributions this demographic continues to grow UNTOLD STORIES: to the rich fabric of Canada. even more key. Sponsorship in this historic That’s why we created AAJ THE SOUTH ASIAN PIONEER publication is exclusive with limited Magazine, to help shape the ad space available. This ensures perception of the South Asian EXPERIENCE IN BC you gain visability and generations community positively and expose people will appreciate your deep the successes of the community commitment to preserving Sikh while driving discussion about SPONSOR PACKAGE Canadian history. issues of concern to the community. Contact the AAJ Legacy Initiative Leaders to learn more: LEGACY INITIATIVE

HONOURING HISTORY & Suki Pangalia, INSPIRING THE FUTURE CEO, AAJ MAgazine

[email protected], 604.590.0007 Karen Dosanjh, aajmag.ca Editor & Curator, Pioneer Legacies [email protected] | 778.564.2250 | [email protected], 604.328.5171 Karen Dosanjh: [email protected] | 604.328.5171 Why Sponsor this Project? Preserving an Important Time in Canadian History Today, critical conversations are continuing about these “forgotten few” South Asians” who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s from India. Their stories are relatively untold and are an important and yet lost piece of the Canadian record. This project aims to document and share the stories of the early pioneers in order to preserve their legacy for ABOUT THE future generations. AAJ LEGACY Target Audience INITIATIVE AAJ Magazine is a South Asian With an initial run of 50,000 copies, lifestyle magazine geared towards this AAJ Legacy Initiative will be the 18 to 45-year-old South Asian distributed to BC schools, colleges market in Canada. and universities, libraries, community and business centres. Our goal is South Asians are emerging as to leave a lasting legacy that will a new economic, professional, help document and educate future and political force in Canada. The generations about the challenges accomplishments of the South faced by the South Asian pioneers, as Asian community are growing, and well as their significant contributions this demographic continues to grow to the rich fabric of Canada. even more key. Sponsorship in this historic That’s why we created AAJ publication is exclusive with limited Magazine, to help shape the ad space available. This ensures perception of the South Asian you gain visability and generations community positively and expose people will appreciate your deep the successes of the community commitment to preserving Sikh while driving discussion about Canadian history. issues of concern to the community.

Contact the AAJ Legacy Initiative Leaders to learn more:

Suki Pangalia, CEO, AAJ MAgazine [email protected], 604.590.0007 Karen Dosanjh, Editor & Curator, Pioneer Legacies [email protected], 604.328.5171 TITLE SPONSOR $25,000 As the Title Sponsor you will recieve: • Full page advertisement. • Title Sponsor will present few key awards to • Banner advertisement on our website. the recipients. • Commercial advertisement on 4 of AAJ • Logo on Gala promotional materials. television programs with Shaw Multicultural • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner. Program. (6 months duration) • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • VIP Table at the Gala. (10 tickets) • 1000 books will have, “compliments of title • Exclusive recognition as a Title sponsor at the sponsor” Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and Pioneer Book. • Logo on the Media wall and 2 stand up banner.

GOLD SPONSOR $20,000 SILVER SPONSOR $10,000 As a Gold sponsor you will recieve: As a Silver sponsor you will recieve: • Full page advertisement. • Half page advertisement • Banner advertisement on our Website. • Banner advertisement on our Website • Commercial advertisement on 1 of AAJ • Commercial advertisement on 1 of AAJ television programs with Shaw Multicultural television programs with Shaw Multicultural Program. (3 months duration) Program. (3 months duration) • VIP Table at the Gala. (10 tickets) • 5 tickets to VIP Table Gala. • Exclusive recognition as a gold sponsor • Exclusive recognition as a Silver sponsor at the Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and at the Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and Pioneer Book. Pioneer Book. • Logo on the Media wall • Logo on the Media wall • Gold Sponsor will present an award to one of • Silver Sponsor will present an award to one the Pioneer families. of the Pioneer families • Logo on Gala promotional materials. • Logo on Gala promotional materials • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner. • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • 700 books will have, “compliments of gold • 500 books will have, “compliments of silver sponsor” sponsor” TITLE SPONSOR $25,000 As the Title Sponsor you will recieve: • Full page advertisement. • Title Sponsor will present few key awards to • Banner advertisement on our website. the recipients. • Commercial advertisement on 4 of AAJ • Logo on Gala promotional materials. television programs with Shaw Multicultural • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner. Program. (6 months duration) • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • VIP Table at the Gala. (10 tickets) • 1000 books will have, “compliments of title • Exclusive recognition as a Title sponsor at the sponsor” Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and Pioneer Book. • Logo on the Media wall and 2 stand up banner.

GOLD SPONSOR $20,000 SILVER SPONSOR $10,000 BRONZE SPONSOR $5,000 As a Gold sponsor you will recieve: As a Silver sponsor you will recieve: As a Bronze sponsor you will recieve: • Full page advertisement. • Half page advertisement • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer book. • Banner advertisement on our Website. • Banner advertisement on our Website • Banner advertisement on our Website. • Commercial advertisement on 1 of AAJ • Commercial advertisement on 1 of AAJ • Commercial advertisement on 1 of AAJ SPONSORSHIP television programs with Shaw Multicultural television programs with Shaw Multicultural television programs with Shaw Multicultural Program. (3 months duration) Program. (3 months duration) Program. (3 months duration) LEVELS • VIP Table at the Gala. (10 tickets) • 5 tickets to VIP Table Gala. • 2 tickets to VIP Table Gala. • Exclusive recognition as a gold sponsor • Exclusive recognition as a Silver sponsor • Exclusive recognition as a Bronze sponsor at the Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and at the Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and at the Gala, Poster, Social, Magazine and Pioneer Book. Pioneer Book. Pioneer Book. • Logo on the Media wall • Logo on the Media wall • Logo on the Media wall • Gold Sponsor will present an award to one of • Silver Sponsor will present an award to one • Bronze Sponsor will present an award to one the Pioneer families. of the Pioneer families of the Pioneer families. • Logo on Gala promotional materials. • Logo on Gala promotional materials • Logo on Gala promotional materials. • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner. • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner • Logo on AAJ Legacy project banner. • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • Logo in the South Asian Pioneer Book • 200 books will have, “compliments of bronze • 700 books will have, “compliments of gold • 500 books will have, “compliments of silver sponsor” sponsor” sponsor” NOW OPEN

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Rita Sharma Chohan and Ruman Rommy Chohan’s backyard BBQ PICS RESOURCE FAIR FOR SENIORS Thank you Rita Chohan for making this day happen

Thank you Kuljit and your wonderful family for the hospitality. Thanks to Karanvir, Teejay and your beautiful family for this opportunity Thank you Rita Chohan for making this day happen

Safina Kataria (Make-up and Hair), Gaitry Kaul, Sarabjit Kaur, Kuljit Dhillon, Tarwinder Kaur Dhillon, Rita Sharma Chohan, Kewal Singh Sidhu, Surinder Kaur Sidhu, Jeevanath Sekaran, Prakash Panchal, and Isaiah Mackoruk for the continuous support and dedication. PRE-LAUNCH PARTY SOUTH ASIAN PIONEERS BOOK AAJ LEGACY PROJECT PRESENTED BY AAJ MAGAZINE AND KAREN DOSANJH

SUNDAY 08 DECEMBER 2019

Our new book titled “Untold Stories: The South Asian Pioneer Experience in B.C.” captures a pivotal time in Canadian history. The publication aims to document and preserve the voices of the forgotten few South Asians who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900s from India. Their meaningful stories are relatively untold and are an important and yet lost piece of the Canadian record. Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy to help educate future generations about the challenges faced by the South Asian pioneers, as well as the significant contributions they made to the rich fabric of Canada. Join us as we introduce this monumental project to the community.

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