Darpan NOV/DEC 2016

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Steps For a

Winter Break From

Alcohol

A Magical

Night

Bali

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A Holiday Gift Guide

STORY

Holiday FEASTING WITH

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E XC LU SI

Sanjeev

VE

KAPOOR

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he holiday season is here – a time of joy, happiness and laughter.

DARPAN’s celebration is twofold with the success of our recently-held Extraordinary Achievement Awards. It was a magical night – the red carpet was buzzing with prominent members of the South Asian community, political dignitaries and socialites; the beautiful cocktail lounge had guests mingling and enjoying the hospitality; the awards event and the fashion show added shine and glamour to the event. Enjoy the coverage of the event through pictures, interesting tidbits, and candid moments in this issue.

The November-December issue is all about celebrating the holiday season to the fullest. On our cover is world-renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor. To make the joyous time more delicious and satisfying, we got the Master Chef himself to share his cooking secrets and recipes with everyone. After all, aren’t celebrations just incomplete without food? You will fine some of Chef Kapoor's most favourite, mouth-watering recipes in this issue that you can try at home yourself.

To keep the festive mood going, our lifestyle articles will make for great holiday reads. Our beauty feature highlights 10 best beauty gifts this season; the health and fitness articles revolve around maintaining holiday weight and staying fit amidst the endless feasting and drinking. Read our décor feature to learn tips on being a good host and making your home apt for gatherings and parties. Also, check out our list of five indoor activities that will keep you warm and cozy during these chilly months. We also have a gift guide of special and affordable presents to make your holiday-shopping experience pleasant and meaningful.

We hope our festive issue gets your holiday spirit rising. Do share your thoughts with us on it by emailing us on editor@darpanmagazine. com or leave a message on our social media sites.

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DARPAN Magazine is published by DARPAN PUBLICATION LTD. DARPAN is a bi-monthly magazine. Any reproduction of the magazine, editorial content, images or advertisement cannot be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without prior written permission of the Publishers. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Publishers. The Publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2016 DARPAN Publication Ltd. All rights reserved. Publications sales agreement no. 41116014

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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COVER CREDITS Cover: Sanjeev Kapoor

ISSN: ISSN 1920-4000

PUBLISHERS

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CONTENTS

40

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2016

138

86

COVER

STORY

22

82

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 READER'S REACTION

ENTERTAINMENT 74 YOUTH COLUMN 6 Core Values of Entrepreneurship

136 CELEBRITY NEWS IN PICTURES 138 BOLLYWOOD

10 DARPAN’S 10

76 SALUTES

Minister Bardish Chagger

Fighting Trafficking Head-On

12 SPOTLIGHTS

142 GLOBAL INDIANS

Saje Brar

Dr. Shefali Tsabary

Aditya Mohan

144 HOROSCOPE

LIFESTYLE

146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

Beauty Gifts for Everyone

Rohit Chokhani

68 NEWS IN PICTURES

Meet the Chopra Family

Bollywood Calendar

140 HOLLYWOOD

Escapism v/s Harsh Reality

82 BEAUTY

90 FASHION PAGES

86 EXCLUSIVE

It’s Raining Gifts

Fashion Warriors: The Mutiny 1919

48 SPECIAL FEATURE

DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards: A Magical Night

114 FEATURE How to See a City in 24 Hours

80 FEATURE 5 Steps for a Winter-Break from Alcohol

108 WEDDING Jatinder and Jasneet

112 ACTIVITIES

5 Cozy Things to do this Winter

116 TRAVEL

98 HEALTH

120 TECH

Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

40 FEATURE

Be the Host with the Most

96 STYLE

Colours: They are a-changin’

FEATURES

104 HOME

102 FITNESS

Bali: The Island that has it all 5 Top Mobile Apps for People on the Move

Healthy for the Holidays

AUTO 122 Top Cars for Winter-Time Driving 126 BMW 750Li 130 Volkswagen Beetle Denim 132 Infiniti Q50

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eadacetironss e R

FROM OUR SOCIAL FEED Great job with relevant news and a very progressive viewpoint.

– Barinder Rasode / Facebook

Entertaining, inspiring magazine

Fabulous informative and interesting South Asian magazine.. Good job!

– Alex Sangha / Facebook

Thank you for such a wonderful magazine. Darpan magazine is so beautifully compiled with something to entertain, to inform, to inspire, and [for the] enjoyment of the whole family! You excel! – Kuldip

Congratulations to recipients of Darpan's 7th annual Extraordinary Achievement Awards! @darpanmagazine #darpanawards – @SuzanneAnton / Twitter

Re: Kuldip, your words and encouragement keep us going.

Thank you for your support. Each issue, we aim to give our readers a wide variety of topics they can read on. Enjoy the holiday issue. – Editor

A big thank you to @darpanmagazine for spreading the word about #Diwali Downtown Vancouver! #diwalifest2016 – @DiwaliFest / Twitter @darpanmagazine @AfrozShah1 Great to see individuals who are willing to grasp the nettle and get things moving, all praise to this man. – David Nicholls / Twitter

Beauty

Auto Gadgets Loved the ‘Top Five Auto Gadgets’ article. It gives me an idea on what’s good in the market. It’s great that you’ll think of interesting topics that the readers will like or use. – Vishal Shukla

I loved the article on Asian skin care. Being a girl very fond of beauty products, the article really gave me a quick understanding on the Asian products. I will definitely try some of them. – Kyathy Shah

Re: Hello Vishal, good to hear you liked the article. We

Re: It’s nice that you liked the article Kyathy. The

hope to bring you similar interesting topics in the coming issues. Those looking to subscribe can visit our website – www.darpanmagazine.com – Editor

beauty industry is booming and there are lots of skin care products one can explore. Do let us know your views on the products you try. – Editor

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1 You are the first woman in Canadian history to become the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. What does this honour mean to you?

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It reminds me why my grandfather chose Canada.

When a young girl approaches me and says, “Maybe I’ll be Canada’s first woman elected Prime Minister,” I say – yes, you could be! Anything really is possible in Canada. Our government shows the importance of working together. We are the first gender-balanced cabinet in Canadian history because of the leadership of our Prime Minister – the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau. He reminds us all the time that “better is always possible.”

7 How do you picture the future of Canada’s business scene?

developing the technologies of the future, they are creating the jobs Canadians want and need.

The world continues to change very quickly, and we don’t want to just keep up, we want to lead the way. Canadian businesses need to be able to adapt in order to survive and grow. We need to spot opportunities to create jobs, drive growth across all industries, and improve lives. The country is at its most prosperous when everyone has a fair chance at success. This is why my colleagues, Minister Navdeep Bains and Minister Kirsty Duncan, and I are working so hard to develop the Innovation Agenda. That’s what is needed to feed growth; and when companies grow, they create more jobs and opportunities. It is the path to inclusive growth and will help Canada foster a thriving middle class and open the country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities.

5 What are your future plans with regards to these two sectors?

8 You are also the MP for Waterloo. Do talk about the growth and development of the city?

6 How do you see the tourism sector of Canada? What changes are needed?

2017 is going to be a huge year for tourism. It marks Canada’s 150th anniversary since Confederation and we have big plans for that right across our nation. Access to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas will be free for the whole year. Canada is the place to be in 2017 and beyond. We are so blessed in this country to have virtually every culture in the world represented in one nation – and if you want to travel the world, you can do it all in Canada.

2 What goals do you plan to achieve as Leader of the Government?

I’m going to build off the strong work the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc did during his time in the post. We are continuing to raise the bar on openness and transparency and setting a new tone in the House of Commons. I’ve always worked hard to bring people together and have recognized the strength collaboration brings. That’s what I want to bring to my role in the House of Commons.

A big part of my job is to make sure every Member of Parliament (MP) has a chance to do their job which is to represent their constituents.

That means making sure MPs from all the parties have a chance to speak. The best way we can all do that is making sure we have respectful and productive debates in the House of Commons.

3 What are your priorities as a member of the

government?

Our government was elected with a strong mandate to help strengthen Canada’s middle class and those working hard to join it. We have put forward a number of ambitious measures to make that happen. We were elected because Canadians want a government that takes the environment and climate change seriously, which is why one of the very first things PM Trudeau did after being sworn-in was go to the Paris climate change talks – recently the House of Commons voted to support our government’s ratification of the Paris Agreement. As Leader of the Government, I need to make sure we are advancing the legislative agenda through the House of Commons. We want to make sure these commitments are fulfilled.

4 As the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, tell us about your contribution to the ministry?

It is both an honour and privilege to represent Canada’s small and medium sized enterprises around the Cabinet table and to advocate for our vital tourism sector. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and now we have an equal voice at the Cabinet table. Middle class Canadians own them, work at them, shop at them – they are integral to every community in our nation. That’s why we are working so hard to give them what they need – to reduce the administrative burden on them, to open new export markets so they can expand. The Innovation Agenda will ensure the best ideas get to shine – these are the companies

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transport, Parks Canada, infrastructure, Indigenous experiences, foreign affairs, and culinary tourism.

It touches on so many aspects of our economy and every community – so that’s why it’s so important that we all collaborate on this. I met with my provincial and territorial tourism counterparts in Winnipeg at the start of this year; we will be meeting again in November in Iqaluit.

Provinces and territories recognize tourism as an important economic driver as our government does.

Bardish Chagger Leader of the Government in the House of Commons & Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Canada

We spent the summer holding consultations across the country for the Innovation Agenda.

Some of the main themes we heard consistently were: accessing – and retaining – top talent both globally and within Canada; educating and developing the skills in Canadians to succeed in the new economy; opportunities to develop world-leading clusters that support a culture of innovation and economic growth; access to risk-capital for start-ups and patient capital for scaling-up companies. These are some of the main areas we want to address with the Innovation Agenda.

When it comes to tourism, the fact is this is a growing industry world-wide – the issue is that it’s not growing as quickly. In 2002, Canada was the seventh most popular tourist destination in the world, now we’re 18th. This means we are losing out on opportunities and jobs. We are looking at a new tourism vision to turn that trend around.

The tourism sector supports one in 11 jobs in our country. It contributes $90-billion to our country’s GDP. This is an industry that is vital to our economy and affects communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. I’m developing a new tourism vision for this sector – a new way of looking at the industry and how we are maximizing the opportunities in it. To do this, I’m taking a whole-of-government approach.

Tourism isn’t a stand-alone industry – it involves

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Waterloo is an amazing region on so many levels.

We have three post-secondary institutions – University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College – offering world-class education, including co-operative programs. We are world-renowned for being an innovation hub and a leading technology centre – what is less known is what a wonderful, diverse community we have. We are leaders in insurance, manufacturing, research, and the list goes on. Beyond being a major centre for the Canadian economy – it’s also a great place to live, work, and play.

9 What new initiatives are planned for 2017?

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What are your other interests beyond work?

I have many interests and am always open to new adventures though it really comes down to who I’m with. I love spending time with my family, my friends, and all my loved ones. As a MP I get to meet many new people and attend many events in the community; it’s one of the best parts of the job as I enjoy meeting people and have always attended many of these events and festivals, and now I get to do it as part of my job.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Whitecaps’ Rising Star

By Shanel Khaliq

S

aje Brar, one of the latest and youngest additions to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX Program, is all set to become a major force in women’s soccer. At the young age of 16, this striker already has her eyes set on representing Canada one day.

Prior to joining the Whitecaps, Brar captained the Magnuson Ford Mariners in the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL). She credits this as leading her to

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While being on the Mariners I was selected in to the BC team from there. Simply getting that kind of exposure to such quality soccer really helped my chances with Whitecaps and helped me develop into the player I am now.” bigger opportunities in the game.

“I believe that was the jumpstart into my path to the Whitecaps.

Some of my best memories are from that time. While being on the Mariners I was selected into the BC team from there. Simply getting that kind of exposure to such quality soccer really helped my chances with Whitecaps and helped me develop into the player I am now,” she recalls.

The rising star, who currently attends Elgin Park Secondary School in Surrey, claims her passion for sports started early on. She was playing rugby, volleyball and soccer, however it was the latter that stayed with her and her determination to improve has only grown since then.

“Growing up I never went out with my friends simply because I had a vision and a dream and I wasn't going to let anything in my way. At the end of the day, all the sacrifices I made paid off in the long run,” she says.

After starting out in the BCSPL as the team captain, she quickly advanced to the BC Provincial team roster three years in a row.

This is where she was scouted and recruited into the Vancouver Whitecaps Girls Elite REX Team.

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expect to get any results out.”

Brar has won a Bronze medal with Coastal FC at the 2014 Canadian Soccer Association National Championships. Her skill level has allowed her to compete with girls older than her throughout her soccer career.

Simran Dhaliwal, who was also a part of the Whitecaps a few years ago, has been her main inspiration. Dhaliwal has been personally training Brar before she made it to the Whitecaps and according to Brar, “She showed me the reins in becoming not only a good player but a great leader as well.”

Managing academics with her soccer schedule has been a struggle but Brar has found a way around it. “There isn’t a single minute that I can waste slaking off or else I could fall behind. If you aren’t willing to put the work into something, then don’t expect to get any results out.”

Staying ahead of the game is crucial for her, in sport and at school. She makes sure that in her free time she plans ahead. That could include reviewing a chapter in advance or a concept before it is taught in class.

Besides playing for her national flag, Brar also hopes to win an Ivy League Championship for Yale University.

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Cancer’s adversary in the form of a young biogenius

A D I T YA MOHAN

By Ashley Stephens

I

nternational First Place Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

National Grand Prize and First Place Winner of the Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada.

Best Overall and Gold Medal at the Ottawa Regional Science Fair. International First Place Award from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. Accolades such as these are impressive no matter your age but when they’ve been bestowed upon someone just beginning their second year of post-secondary schooling and is accompanied by a list much longer but equally as impressive, it’s all the more remarkable.

A leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Aditya Mohan is already making a difference in the world through his scientific research and passion for problem solving.

Beginning in grade 11, Mohan started learning about HIV and immunology. “My first year in the lab, I really started to appreciate just how amazing the body’s immune system is,” he says.

It didn’t take long before his research project that developed a novel HIV treatment was winning many regional and national awards.

“In grade 12, I started a new project,” he tells DARPAN, “where I was trying to apply what I learnt about viruses and HIV and apply that to cancer,

My first year in the lab, I really started to appreciate just how amazing the body’s immune system is. In grade 12, I started a new project where I was trying to apply what I learnt about viruses and HIV and apply that to cancer, an issue that I really wanted to pursue further.”

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an issue that I really wanted to pursue further.”

Mohan explains how he began work on reengineering the common cold virus and, through this research, he was able to identify cancerous cells versus those without cancer.

“That project certainly helped me understand more about science and the immune system and biology,” says he. “I think that project was really what helped trigger my passion for science and biomedical research.”

It also spurred his current studies which began when he realized one of his biggest challenges: the immune system was always recognizing the viruses before they had a chance to really start working. Mohan explains how his research is now two-fold; through checkpoint inhibitors, which block normal proteins on cancer cells, and chimeric antigen receptors, which essentially indicate to immune cells what harmful cells they are looking to identify ahead of time.

“I’m very excited about the future,” says

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT Mohan in regards to the direction his research is headed. “Immunotherapy is the new frontier when it comes to cancer research.”

“When I entered the field as a researcher in grade 11, the word that I was taught never to use was the word ‘cure’. At that point, it was impossible; cancer was a disease that you could not cure. What’s exciting for me now is that, in scientific circles and literature, people are now not shying away from using that word just because I think we’re definitely getting so close to finally curing cancer once and for all. I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Mohan believes great things are in the works for cancer research and, despite his already long list of accomplishments, has big goals in mind for his future as well. “As far as my career goes, I have three objectives that I’d like to accomplish to some varying degree at this point,” Mohan says. He is certain he will continue as a researcher where he dreams of starting his own lab that can really take his research forward. “The other part of that is that I’d like to become a doctor.”

“I think it’s exciting to see medical results from behind the scenes,” he says, referencing the examination of graphs and the satisfaction of seeing changes expressed in numbers, “but then to be on the other side of things, to be that first line of defence, and actually interact with patients hands on, I think that’s pretty exciting.” Ideally, Mohan says, he would like to pursue an MD-PhD. In terms of his research, Mohan looks to pursue business as well. “Research is great as research but I think if you really want to help bring that into the hands of other people, you really need to have a focus in terms of commercializing that and really building a model such that it reaches the hands of patients as quickly and as efficiently as possible. I think business is the perfect way to go to do that,” he says.

The young scientist attributes the mentality of business magnate-inventor Elon Musk to be inspiring in his own pursuit of excellence.

“His mentality in terms of how he views the world is inspirational because I don’t think he takes ‘no’ very easily. The moment he takes on a challenge, rather than just settling at ‘this is the end’ or if someone says ‘no,’ he’s always thinking creatively and coming up with new solutions,” Mohan explains.

“If I can learn anything from Elon Musk, it’s that I’d like to eventually have that same mentality, which is to keep on being persistent and using creativity to solve problems, just not accepting them at its face value.”

If his early years are any indication of the problems he will solve, the future looks to be in good hands.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

ROHIT Chokhani

Cultivating the Arts By renu singh-joseph

W

hen you speak with Rohit Chokhani, you can hear the passion in his voice for the cultivation of the arts, in particular the medium of theatre, and forging a path for future generations of South Asian talent.

Chokhani has had a rich, diverse career from completing his masters in computer science and producing video games for popular TV shows and movies to transitioning to the arts world as an award-winning producer and cultural leader.

For the past four years, he has been the producer for Diwali

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award-winning producer and cultural leader, who is forging the path for future generations of South Asian talent in the arts, in particular for the medium of theatre.

Fest, the largest Diwali-themed festival in the Lower Mainland with events spanning over six weeks. He is also the artistic producer for South Asian Arts Society (SAAS), which strives to create performance and educational opportunities for amateur to professional artists. This past summer, Chokhani was the apprentice director for Bard on the Beach and assisted director Johnna Wright for the production of ‘Merry Wives of Windsor.’

Around the world and in Canada, there is a conversation taking place around inclusivity in regards to mainstream profes-

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Chokhani is an

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sional arts, points out Chokhani.

“How do we represent marginalized cultures on the main stages? There is nothing wrong with the Eurocentric practice of arts, but often times, projects that are funded or seen as high quality productions are coming from Eurocentric traditions of creating arts, and not so much as other traditions like the South Asian tradition,” he shares his inputs.

For me, that whole balance needs to shift and equate. A lot of that is happening, the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) just made a groundbreaking announcement to complete-

ly change their funding model to make it more inclusive. This is a great stepping stone the council has taken, as it’s very important to represent artists of colour, especially women of colour, on our stages.”

As South Asian arts continue to evolve and emerge in Canada, Chokhani has often reflected upon South Asian artists in theatre and questions like “What about South Asian theatre artists? Why don’t we have representation in theatre?

Why don’t we create that?” have arisen over the years.

Co-producers Chokhani and Gurpreet Sian, along with SAAS, therefore founded the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts (MFPA).

In its inaugural year, MFPA ran from August 11-21, 2016, in both Vancouver and Surrey highlighting South Asian theatre.

According to Chokhani, the festival focused on local and international artists and its goal was to showcase a variety of performing arts from criticallyacclaimed international plays like ‘Honour: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan (New York)’ to comedy sketches like ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Chicken’ and the full-length play ‘Kehar Singh Di Maut (The Death of Kehar Singh).’

An initiative near and dear to Chokhani’s heart is Project SAT (South Asian Theatre). Supported during its first year by CCA, BC Arts Council and the National Arts Centre – English Theatre, Project SAT is an ambitious development initiative that has multiple phases and will take several years to complete with the end goal to “create a network for developing, touring, producing and presenting national and international South Asian-themed theatre projects in Canada.”

“What I want to do is to create opportunities for South Asians, not just opportunities in the mainstream but to create a new mainstream for them,” shares Chokhani. “We don’t have to come from Bollywood to be a successful South Asian artist. So how do we

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT For the past four years, Chokhani has been the producer for Diwali Fest, the largest Diwali-themed festival in the Lower Mainland with events spanning over six weeks. He is also the artistic producer for South Asian Arts Society. create an initiative where there is training, workshops and other things for artists in British Columbia, so they don’t have to go to India to learn the roots of their culture?”

Some phases of Project SAT are currently underway, and a great example is development programs such as workshops that provide an educational environment for artists to learn from professionals in the industry. “It’s a massive vision, but I have

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plans of what needs to happen every year between now and 2020,” says Chokhani, adding that there has been tremendous support from multiple arts organizations and societies, and national/international partners that want to assist Project SAT into becoming a reality.

As artistic producer of Diwali Fest, Chokhani strives to diversify the programming and one of his mandates has been expanding the theatre component. In 2015, Chokhani, in partnership with The Cultch (theatre), brought in the world-renowned play ‘Nirbhaya’ from India based on the Delhi gang rape. ‘Nirbhaya,’ winner of the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, was a successful hit with festival attendees. As a result, Diwali Fest was approached by multiple theatre companies and the 2016 line up of events featured plays from different regions of India – North, South, East – showcasing the diversity of the nation and its people.

Throughout his career, Chokhani has worked on a wide array of projects. From his earlier management days at Foundation

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9 Entertainment, he worked with clients like Fox, Pixar, Disney and Nickelodeon to produce video game products such as ‘Dora the Explorer,’ ‘SpongeBob Square Pants’ and ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks.’ In the theatre world, some of his nominated and award-winning projects as a general manager for Touchstone Theatre include ‘The Romeo Initiative’ (4 Jessie nominations), ‘The Concessions’ (3 Jessie nominations), ‘Mrs. Singh & Me’ (2015 Pick of the Fringe Award – South Asian Arts) and ‘Siddhartha: The Journey Home’ (2011 Talk of the Fringe Award – Akasha Arts).

As our conversation comes to an end, Chokhani has advice for parents with artistically ambitious children.

“Your concerns are genuine. As an artist that has struggled, money is not the only motivation for what we do, hopefully the work that I do and the artists that will be represented at our festivals is proof enough that you can make a living out of being an artist.

I am now honoured and privileged to survive completely out of my work in the arts, so it is possible.”

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COVER STORY DARPAN thought the best way to make the joyous season more delicious and satisfying is to get the food expert himself to share his cooking secrets and recipes with everyone.

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Holiday Feasting with

Master Chef

Sanjeev Kapoor

BY Petrina D’Souza

Chef extraordinaire Sanjeev Kapoor can make anyone fall in love with food and the art of cooking.

It is with his charming personality and passion for food that he simply makes the most seemingly difficult dishes look easy to prepare.

H

e needs no introduction – his mouth-watering dishes speak on behalf of him. Just one taste of his cooking is enough to understand his long-lasting presence in the culinary world and why he is popularly known as the ‘kings of chefs’ in India.

With his easy demeanour, cheerful commentary, and simple instructions, Chef extraordinaire Sanjeev Kapoor can make anyone fall in love with food and the art of cooking. It is with his charming personality and passion for food that he simply makes the most seemingly difficult dishes look easy to prepare. For the holiday issue, DARPAN thought the best way to make the joyous season more delicious and satisfying is to get the Master Chef him-

self to share his cooking secrets and recipes with everyone. After all, aren’t celebrations just incomplete without food? And tastier the food, a successful affair it is.

It goes without saying that food defines Chef Kapoor.

According to him, the word food is synonymous to life.

It continues to be an integral part of his successful journey that still has a long way to go.

“What I have achieved today is majorly because of food!” agrees the National Award winner of Best Chef of India, talking about a career he opted for just by chance. “Some things are meant to happen, and this is probably one of those things.”

While it may seem like an easy task, cooking requires effort and interest. It demands patience,

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COVER STORY

Apricot & Nougat Ice Cream Prep time: 11-15 minutes Cook time: 21-25 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients 20-25 golden apricots, halved and soaked in warm water 4 tbsps apricot jam 1 packet vanilla ice cream

“For me, each and every part of cooking is important and special, from developing recipes and pre-prep to cooking and plating – I love them all!”

The dish Shaam Savera (above) is a signature creation that is quite special to Chef Kapoor

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an eye for the right ingredients, a strong sense of smell and taste, and the magic of hands. And most of all, the desire and inspiration to create a taste that is unforgettable. “For me, each and every part of cooking is important and special,” adds in the famous cook, “from developing recipes and preprep to cooking and plating – I love them all!”

With years of practice, the Khana Khazana host has mastered these skills, while seeking inspiration from people and places for each new recipe.

“As I have an open mind, travel a lot, observe a lot, taste everything on my way, I am ready to learn from anyone and can never be bound by scripted recipes, so creativity and

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For nougat: ½ cup roasted and chopped almonds 1 cup sugar

Preparation • Put sugar in a wide non-stick pan, add a little water and cook, stirring, till the sugar dissolves.

• When the sugar begins to caramelize, add almonds and stir so that all the almonds are coated with the caramel.

Spread the mixture on a silicon sheet and let it cool and set. You can keep the sheet in a refrigerator so that it sets quicker.

• Puree golden apricots and transfer it into a bowl. Add apricot jam to the puree and mix with a hand blender. Soften vanilla ice cream and add it to the bowl and mix with the hand blender.

• Dislodge nougat from the silicon sheet and crush. Add this to the ice cream mixture and mix well.

• Pour the ice cream into a plastic container and cover it with a tight fitting lid. Keep it in the freezer to set. Serve in scoops.

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COVER STORY

Apple Barley Pumpkin Seeds Salad Prep time: 26-30 minutes Cook time: 31-40 minutes Serves: 4

Nutrition chart Calories: 1,979 gm Carbohydrates: 210.8 gm Protein: 33.3 gm Fat: 81.7 gm Other: 36 gm

To be a good chef you have to love food.

Period! Understand your strengths and work around them. Never cease to be a student, be humble. Always share your knowledge with others and keep raising the bar for yourself.”

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innovation comes easy to me. Nature and ingredients are beautiful toys to play with and I love to experiment,” says Chef Kapoor who adapts to the changing times by coming up with new ideas each day and delivering according to the trends. And rightfully so, his recipes – ranging from soups and salads to mains and desserts – are highly creative with the right amount of ingredients. You will never find any of this food expert’s dishes bland.

Why? Chef Kapoor’s most important cooking ingredient is salt. “It forms the crux of any and every dish. Would you want to eat a dish which is made of great ingredients, looks beautiful but lacks taste?” he questions, emphasizing on the importance of the ingredient.

As he discloses his cooking strategies one by one, it leads us to a question everyone wants to know – what is his TM

secret to tasty cooking? “My ability to adapt and follow my instincts, most of the times!” he reveals.

Coming back to the holiday season, Chef Kapoor believes that food is a common language that binds people together during holidays and celebrations and creates conversations.

“Anything and everything can happen over food!” he proclaims, “And I’m glad that I belong to a fraternity where we speak, breathe and live food.”

The talented chef enjoys spending his holidays trying out new cuisines and experimenting with food. Holiday comfort food, therefore for him, is something very local that belongs to a particular region or place. “For instance, while I am in Singapore, I never miss the lovely and super delicious Chilli Crab and Chicken Rice,” he says of his comfort food that differs from destination to destination.

His ideal holiday meal – “unexplored food clubbed with peculiar experiences

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Ingredients 2 medium red apples 1 cup barley ¼ cup pumpkin seeds 1½ tbsps lemon juice Salt to taste ½ cup apple juice 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 10-15 fresh mint leaves 2-3 fresh parsley sprigs 4-5 fresh coriander sprigs ½ tsp black pepper powder Few iceberg lettuce leaves Few lollo rosso lettuce leaves 3 tsps honey

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Preparation • Slice the apples thickly, core and cut into big pieces and put them in a bowl. Add ½ tablespoon lemon juice and mix to avoid discolouration.

• Toast barley in a non-stick pan for two minutes. Add two cups water and cook the barley till soft. Drain and add to the bowl.

Add salt, apple juice, extra virgin olive oil, and one tablespoon lemon juice to the barley and mix.

• Heat another non-stick pan and lightly toast the pumpkin seeds. Cool the pumpkin seeds. Roughly chop fresh mint leaves, parsley and coriander leaves, and add them to the bowl along with pepper powder.

• Roughly tear iceberg and lollo rosso lettuce and add to the bowl. Then, add honey and pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss everything well. Transfer into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

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COVER STORY signature creations that feature in the menu of my restaurant, The Yellow Chilli, and are quite special to me,” says the celebrity chef who owns top restaurants in India and abroad like Khazana, Signature, Hong Kong, and Gold Leaf Banquets.

Being the face of India’s culinary industry, Chef Kapoor aspires to place Indian food on a pedestal that no cuisine has ever been on before – “make it numero uno in the world.” Before biding farewell, he shares a few words of wisdom for young chefs about to start their journey in the industry. “First and foremost, to be a good chef you have to love food. Period!” he asserts, “Understand your strengths and work around them. Never cease to be a student, be humble. Always share your knowledge with others and keep raising the bar for yourself.”

– everything from fine-dine to art-onplate kind of food.” While satisfying his food frenzy, he also makes sure not to overeat to avoid health issues. Chef Kapoor’s healthy side comes forth when he states water as the perfect drink to sip on during the festive time. “This is the best you can do to keep your system hale and hearty inspite of binging on food during happy times!”

Beyond holiday feasting, comfort food for Chef Kapoor is each and every dish prepared by his mother – professing it as his all-time favourite food. “Besides this, my wife, Alyona, is a great cook too, and I love the undhiyo she makes,” he adds. Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, namely laksa, dim sum, tabbouleh, hummus, and falafel, also star in his favourite-foods list. “The dishes, Shaam Savera, Lalla Mussa Dal, and Gulab-e-Gulkand, are some of the

Almond Crusted Prawns with Wasabi Mayo Prep time: 11-15 minutes Serves: 4

Calories: 736 gm Carbohydrates: 9.25 gm Protein: 25.40 gm Fat: 66.03 gm Other: 0.65 gm

Ingredients

Salt to taste

Cook time: 16-20 minutes

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Nutrition chart

1 cup almonds, blanched, peeled and flaked

3 tsps lemon juice

20-25 medium prawns, shelled and deveined

1 tbsp cornflour

DECEMBER 2016 2NOVEMBER/ eggs, beaten Re f l e c t i n g T h e S o u t h - A s i a n L i f e s t y l e

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2 tbsps refined flour (maida) Oil for deep-frying

Preparation • Break the eggs into a bowl, add salt, two teaspoons lemon juice, refined flour, and cornflour and whisk to form a smooth and thick batter. Rest it for some time.

• Spread the almond flakes in a plate and lightly crush them. Dip the prawns in the batter and shake the extra batter off.

Roll in the almond flakes and place on a plate.

• Heat sufficient oil in a kadhai. Put the prawns, one by one, into the hot oil and deep-fry on medium heat till golden and crisp. Drain on absorbent paper.

Serve hot.

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COVER STORY

Chef Kapoor believes that food is a common language that binds people together during holidays and celebrations and creates conversations. “Anything and everything can happen over food!”

Brown Rice Biryani with Chutney Chicken Nutrition chart

Prep time: 51-60 minutes

Calories: 2,823 gm Carbohydrates: 295.4 gm Protein: 241.1 gm Fat: 74.8 gm Other: Fiber - 16.2 gm

Cook time: 31-40 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

2 medium onions, sliced

2 cups brown basmati rice, soaked

1 tsp garlic paste

1 tsp ginger paste

½ cup green chutney

3 tbsps chopped fresh coriander leaves

800 gms chicken, cut into 1½ inch pieces on the bone

5-6 saffron strands, dissolved in 2 tsps of milk

Salt to taste

A few rose petals

2 inch cinnamon sticks

A few sprigs of fresh mint leaves

6 green cardamoms

1 cup sliced and deep fried onions

8 cloves

1 tsp screwpine essence (kewra)

½ cup yogurt ¼ tsp turmeric powder 3 tbsps oil

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1 tsp rose water ½ tsp garam masala powder

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Preparation • Cook brown rice with salt, six cups of water, half a cinnamon, cardamoms and cloves till three-fourth done. Drain and set aside.

• Take green chutney in a bowl; add yogurt, salt, turmeric powder and mix. Marinate chicken pieces in it for an hour preferably in the refrigerator.

• Heat oil in a deep non-stick pan; add the remaining cinnamon, green cardamoms, cloves and onions and sauté till the onions turn brown.

• Add ginger paste, garlic and sauté adding a little to avoid scorching. Add nated chicken, mix and

paste water maricook.

Reduce heat, cover and cook for five minutes. Add fresh coriander leaves.

• Take a deep microwave-friendly bowl, spread a layer of half the brown rice at the base. Sprinkle half the saffron milk, rose petals, mint leaves, fried onions, screwpine essence, rose water and garam masala powder. Spread the chicken gravy and again spread layers of the remaining brown rice, saffron milk, rose petals, mint leaves, fried onions, screwpine essence, rose water and garam masala powder.

• Cover with a cling wrap, make a few holes on it. Cook on Microwave HIGH mode (100 per cent) for five minutes. Allow standing time of five minutes. Remove the cling wrap and serve hot with a raita of your choice.

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COVER STORY

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2 cup cooked rice 2 thin long eggplants 1 star anise 6-8 dry mushrooms Salt to taste 2 tbsps cornflour mixed with 4 tbsps water 2 tbsps oil 1 medium onion 100 gm tofu 1 tbsp chopped ginger 5-6 garlic cloves, chopped 5-6 button mushrooms, quartered 2 tsps soy sauce 2 tsps Hoisin sauce 1 tsps white pepper powder

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Prep time: 11-15 minutes Cook time: 26-30 minutes Serves: 4

Nutrition chart Calories: 1,948 gm Carbohydrates: 355.4 gm Protein: 50.6 gm Fat: 39.3 gm

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Preparation • Put the rice in a clay pot.

• Halve the eggplants lengthwise and then into thick slices.

• Put water, eggplants, star anise, dry mushrooms and salt in a deep non-stick pan and cook.

• Heat oil in a non-stick wok. Cut bean curd into small cubes and add to the wok.

Cut onion into thick pieces; add onion, ginger and garlic to the wok and sauté for two to three minutes.

• Add button mushrooms to the wok and toss. Add soya sauce and Hoisin sauce and mix. Add white pepper powder and mix.

• Add the eggplant mixture to the mixture in the wok. Add cornflour mixture and let it thicken. Add vinegar and mix again.

• Pour this mixture over the rice in the clay pot. Preheat oven to 200° C. Cover and place the clay pot in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot.

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Prep time:

Nutrition chart

Cook time: 16-20 minutes

Calories: 3,363 gm Carbohydrates: 241.3 gm Protein: 101.9 gm Fat: 221 gm

5-6 hours

Serves: 4

His book on chocolates, aah!

Chocolate, got the Gourmand Best Cookbook Photography award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2013 and the Best in the World award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2014 in Beijing.

Brownie

Cheesecake Preparation • Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease an eight-inch square spring form cake tin.

• Sift the flour and baking powder together into a bowl.

• Combine the chocolate and butter in a large microwavesafe bowl and soften, uncovered, for a minute in a microwave on HIGH or alternatively melt it in a double boiler.

• Beat in the sugar, eggs and vanilla essence and blend well. Add the sifted flour and walnuts and mix well.

• Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the brownie to cool in the tin.

• To make the filling, take the gelatine in a bowl and

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Ingredients 100 gms dark chocolate 1 cup refined flour (maida) 1 tsp baking powder 90 gms butter + for greasing ¾ cup caster sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the filling: 1 tbsp gelatine 225 gms unsalted cheese spread ⅔ cup yogurt 7 tbsps sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 egg whites

add five tablespoons of water and set aside for two to three minutes. Stand the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the gelatine is completely dissolved.

Set aside to cool slightly.

• Beat the cheese spread, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla essence together in another bowl till well blended. Add the dissolved gelatine and mix.

• Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl till stiff. Fold it into the cheese mixture and spoon it over the brownie base in the tin and level the surface. Chill in a refrigerator for at least four hours or until set.

• Release the cheesecake carefully from the spring form tin and transfer onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve.

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COVER STORY

TRUST

INTEGRITY

Bean Curd

Laksa

COMMITMENT

WORKING FOR YOU AND WITH YOU!

Ingredients Khushpal S. Taunk

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200 gms hard bean curd (tofu) 200 gms soft bean curd (tofu) 10-12 shallots 5-6 garlic cloves 1 tbsp chopped ginger 2 tsps chopped lemongrass 2½ tbsps roasted peanuts ½ tsp chopped fresh red chillies 1 tbsp oil 2 spring onions with greens, chopped 1½ tsps curry powder ½ cup coconut milk 1 lemon 2 tsps lemon juice Salt to taste 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves 1 cup boiled noodles 1 medium cucumber, unpeeled and sliced 1 spring onion bulb, sliced A few fresh mint leaves

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Prep time: 11-15 minutes Cook time: 16-20 minutes Serves: 4

Nutrition chart Calories: 926 gm Carbohydrates: 46.9 gm Protein: 60.5 gm Fat: 50.7 gm Other: Iron - 24.8 mg gm

Preparation • Grind shallots, garlic cloves, ginger, lemongrass, peanuts, and red chillies with little water to a paste.

• Heat oil in non-stick pan. Add chopped spring onion bulbs and sauté for one minute.

• Cut hard and soft tofu into one inch cubes and add it to the pan along with the ground paste and one cup of water.

Mix well.

• Add curry powder and mix well. Cook for two minutes. Add coconut milk and mix.

• Cut lemon into slices and add two slices along with lemon juice, salt and coriander leaves. Mix well and cook till it comes to boil.

• Roll noodles around a fork and place in a large serving bowl. Pour laksa on top.

Halve cucumber slices and add along with spring onion greens, sliced spring onion bulb, and mint leaves. Serve hot.

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COVER STORY

Chef Kapoor’s food show, Khana Khazana ran for 18 years on ZEE channel, a record that is yet to be broken.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s top achievements • He has received the National award of Best Chef of India by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

• His food show, Khana Khazana ran for 18 years on ZEE channel, a record that is yet to be broken.

• He is the first chef in the world to launch his own food channel FoodFood.

• United Nations chose him as the Indian Ambassador for their Clean Cookstoves Campaign which was aimed at the underprivileged in developing countries.

• Under the Spanish Government’s Indian Future Leaders Programme (IFLP), he represented India as a Food Ambassador.

• His food label, Khana Khazana, was launched at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom by Fabian Hamilton, MP, North East Leeds, Yorkshire. Under the label, a wide range of food products, like pickles, blended masalas, gourmet chutneys, and 123 ready-to-eat mixes have found takers in India and abroad.

• His books are bestsellers with more than 200 titles in seven languages. His book, The Yellow Chilli Cookbook, was awarded the Best International Cookbook at the 2012 International Book Awards, and his book on chocolates, aah! Chocolate, got the Gourmand Best Cookbook Photography award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2013 and the Best in the World award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2014 in Beijing, China.

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• His portal (sanjeevkapoor.com) has been awarded the ‘Most Popular Website’ in the Website of the Year 2013 Awards and ‘Best Website of the Year’ in 2014. The website is a complete cookery manual with a compendium of more than 13,000 tried and tested recipes and a wealth of food-related information.

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’

BY Petrina D’Souza

T

he season of celebrations is back. There’s happiness and laughter in the air and everyone is in a holiday mood.

It’s also that time of the year when we are busy making a list of gifts-to-buy for our near and dear ones. Here’s our guide of simple, special and affordable gifts to make your holiday-shopping experience pleasant and meaningful.

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Holiday Gift Guide

The Christmas Around the World Tea Set captures the spirit of the season in five magical teas – Noel in Singapore Tea, Noel in London Tea, Noel in Paris Tea, Noel in New York Tea, and Noel in Vienna Tea .

A

ttractive home items for the family It’s always fun to buy home or décor gifts. TWG Tea has some interesting sets you can give to tealovers. The Christmas Around the World Tea Set captures the spirit of the season in five magical teas – Noel in Singapore Tea, Noel in London Tea, Noel in Paris Tea, Noel in New York Tea, and Noel in Vienna Tea. Also, their elegant porcelain Glamour Collection, available in bright floral hues or in hand-painted gold and platinum, is ideal for any variety of tea. Available at Twgtea.com.

Indigo’s Holiday Collection also has some attractive décor items that can add colour and style to any house. Starting with aroma candles, one is sure to love

the Opalescent Candle Dark Blue, Balsam & Cedar Demi Vanity Tin, or even the Mercury Glass Votive candle holder. For kitchenware, Owl Measuring Cups in the shape of owls add a fun note to any holiday baking tradition. Their set of silver-plated cocktail forks or salsa and dip spoons is stamped with cute phrases and has a vintage-inspired charm. Gift a newly-married couple His and Hers Santa Hat Mugs – red-glazed porcelain detailed with a gold Santa-hat motif

and “His” or “Hers” printed at the front. Check the collection at chapters.indigo.ca.

Drøm pepper grinder is a thoughtful present for your foodie friend. With a variety of colour choices, there is a style to suit every cook. They also come with complimentary pepper, order at drompepper.com.

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Holiday Gift Guide

R little ones

The Disney 5-Minute Christmas Stories is a perfect fit for bedtime as it includes 12 stories. For princess lovers, there’s the Disney Princess Deluxe Storybook Treasury featuring five princess stories.

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eading pleasure for the

Give the gift of reading to the kids by indulging in interesting books for babies, toddlers and young children at Indigo. The Disney 5-Minute Christmas Stories is a perfect fit for bedtime as it includes 12 stories. For princess lovers, there’s the Disney Princess Deluxe Storybook

Treasury featuring five princess stories, or the Princess in Black Takes a Vacation story book.

Little kiddos with creative minds will love the 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, a book that inspires you to look at LEGO bricks in new and exciting ways.

A creative book for youngsters who love DIY, crafts and fashion is Duct Tape Bags: 40 Projects for Totes, Clutches, Messenger Bags. This easy-to-follow guide helps make handbags fashionable with the use of duct-tape. Can be purchased at Amazon and all major booksellers.

If festive reading is what you are looking for, then the holiday book, Very Christmas, is a great present – an inspiring book about generosity and positive action.

Available at verychristmasbook. com, Amazon, and Walmart.

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Holiday Gift Guide

G

ift of beauty for the ladies

With tons of options available, deciding on a gift for a lady friend or relative can be troublesome. If you are looking for small but valuable beauty products, Stila’s Stay All Day Mini Liquid Lipstick Set in Bright & Bold or Morning to Moonlight Waterproof Eye Liner Trio are a perfect fit. They come in popular shades and offer long-lasting coverage. Find it at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora, and beautyBOUTIQUE.ca. Also, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Artistic Brush Set includes two eye makeup brushes and two complexion brushes, presented in a glam metallic box. Available at sephora.ca. You can also consider Happee Body’s Sweet Pumpkin Spice Collection which includes a facial scrub, lip scrub and lip balm. Order at happeebody.com.

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The Body Shop’s Iconic Collection contains some of their bestselling products like Shea Body Butter, Fuji Green Tea Shower Gel, and Almond Hand & Nail Cream. An amazing, attractive present for someone who loves body products. Available in store and at thebodyshop.ca.

If looking to gift a watch, Rado’s Coupole Classic Mini is designed to petite perfection with a chic, diamond-studded motherof-pearl dial and delicate luxe leather strap. Order it at rado. com. Swatch has also introduced their limited edition ‘God Jul’ watch for the holiday season; available at shop.swatch.ca.

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Holiday Gift Guide If you’re looking for body care products, The Body Shop’s men’s collection has the Modern Gent’s Maca Root Shaving Kit which contains Shave Cream, Maca Root Razor Relief, and Shaving Brush.

S

pecial presents for the men

One is always out of ideas while shopping for men. Indigo has some interesting items you can purchase.

Check their Sock Pack of five pairs of vibrant, printed socks, or the On-Ear Headphone which is a cool present for a music-lover.

Venque’s Flatsquare backpack trimmed with genuine leather is ideal for the daily commute and has enough space to carry your laptop and other gadgets. View all their leather products at venque. com.

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If you’re looking for body care products, The Body Shop’s men’s collection has the Modern Gent’s Maca Root Shaving Kit which contains Shave Cream, Maca Root Razor Relief, and Shaving Brush. AG Hair’s Handsome Holiday Style Kits comprises of products for every hair type and includes a free shampoo and body wash. Can be purchased at professional salons or online atUlta.com, Jcpenny. com, Loxabeauty.com, and Chat-

ters.ca.

Lastly, for men who love owning a wide variety of watches, Swatch’s SISTEM51 IRONY is an automatic luxury piece made with high performance and robust metals in a classic design.

Happy gift-shopping!

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

Recognized as the pre-eminent South Asian eventof-the-year, DARPAN hosted its Extraordinary Achievement Awards in the company of esteemed social, business and political elites.

Night 2016

A Magical 48

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Guests mingling and having a great time on DARPAN Awards red carpet

The history wall was an innovative introduction this year, and blending with the theme of the awards, it proudly highlighted the progress and achievements of the South Asian community in Canada.

S

eptember 16 was a night to remember. The red carpet was buzzing with prominent members of the South Asian community, political dignitaries and socialites; the beautiful cocktail lounge sponsored by Air Canada had guests mingling and enjoying the hospitality; the awards event and the fashion show added shine and glamour to the event.

Indeed, DARPAN’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards was a magical night.

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016 BC Premier Christy Clark (left) and Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner share a few words on stage at DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

Pranav Mistry, Chief Guest and International Sensation Award winner talks about his inspiring journey on stage

Ten amazing individuals from the South Asian community were recognized for their extraordinary achievements and for reflecting their South Asian heritage in a remarkable way.

DARPAN Magazine hosted its 7th Annual Awards in the company of esteemed social, business and political elites. Ten amazing individuals from the South Asian community were recognized for their extraordinary achievements and for reflecting their South Asian heritage in a remarkable way. These 10 South Asians, iden-

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tified as leaders, who embody the spirit of community and give back to greater Canadian society, were honoured with the prestigious Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Award.

The spectacular event took place at Aria Convention Centre in Surrey. With over 700 guests in attendance, this black-tie affair

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commenced at 6 p.m. in the backdrop of glamour and grandeur.

At the entrance, attendees were welcomed with sparkling apple cider and gorgeous ice sculptures depicting DARPAN’s journey of 12 years in publishing excellence, along with the latest luxury Cadillac Preston models on display.

The media centre was busy – our

red carpet hosts Gaurav Shah and Mandeep Patrola interviewed our esteemed guests asking them their expectations for the evening; photographers were busy capturing beautiful moments; and a special history wall showcased the contributions of the South Asian community since the past 100 years. The history wall was an

BC Premier Christy Clark in conversation with James Howey, Manager - Business Management, Air Canada

innovative introduction this year, and blending with the theme of the awards, it proudly highlighted the progress and achievements of the South Asian community in Canada.

Canadian actor and television personality Huse Madhavji, who flew in from Toronto, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

This multi-talented host, actor and producer is the former face of Star! Canada and has starred in HBO Canada/Direct-TV’s hit

At the entrance, attendees were welcomed with sparkling apple cider and gorgeous ice sculptures depicting DARPAN’s journey of 12 years in publishing excellence. comedy Call Me Fitz starring Jason Priestly, where he received his first Gemini nomination, ABC/Global’s Combat Hospital, and crime film Cold Blooded. He is currently in production with the fifth season of NBC/ CTV hospital drama Saving Hope.

MC Madhavji kicked off the festivities, which also included live entertainment by dancers of SHIAMAK Dance Academy and a performance by Kohinoor Bhangra

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

MC Huse Madhavji kicked off the festivities, which also included live entertainment by dancers of SHIAMAK Dance Academy and a performance by Kohinoor Bhangra Group in a flash-mob format.

Group in a flash-mob format.

Our honoured guest, Premier Christy Clark, took the stage to share a few words with the audience, followed by Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner.

In an interesting way, Madhavji got Premier

Clark to introduce Mayor Hepner on stage. Both the distinguished ladies spoke greatly about the awards and the contributions of the South Asian community towards the growth of the country.

The highlight of the evening was our Guest of Honour Pranav

Master of Ceremonies Huse Madhavji

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Mistry, the Global Vice President of Research at Samsung. Mistry has to his credit more than 20 thought-provoking interfaces, some as well-known as Samsung Galaxy Gear and SixthSense. The computer genius has worked with Microsoft, Google, Canadian Mennonite University, NASA, UNESCO, and Japan Science & Technology among others. Mistry joined Samsung as the Director of Research in 2012 and launched Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch in 2013, which is one of his biggest contributions in the tech space.

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

The fashion showcase by Zuri Designs was simply

mesmerizing. The fashion label displayed an extravagant collection of Indian and western fusion.

The Indian inventor was honoured as the Young Global Leader 2013 by World Economic Forum; named to the MIT Technology Review TR35 as one of the top 35 innovators in the world under the age of 35; listed as one of the 15 Asian Scientists To Watch by Asian Scientist Magazine; was among GQ India’s most powerful Digital Indians; and was selected as one of the 37 Indians of Tomorrow by India Today; among others. He has been

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called as ‘one of the ten best inventors in the world,’ and ‘world’s 10 best inventors’ on TedTalks. On stage, Mistry shared with the audience the story behind his popular inventions and his successful journey so far. Attendees gave him a standing ovation as his inspiring words touched the hearts of everyone present.

The fashion showcase by Zuri Designs was simply mesmerizing. The fashion label displayed an extravagant collection

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

Guests from within and outside the community added glamour and style to the night with their colourful, graceful and fashionable outfits. of Indian and western fusion.

Attendees were introduced to an evening of haute couture adorned with silks, velvets and jewel colours showcased beautifully on the runway. The breathtaking show, gorgeous models, and impeccable music got the deserving applause and appreciation from the guests.

MC Madhavji’s energy and witty sense of humour kept the guests engaged and entertained.

Many known figures and celebrities from within the community and British Columbia graced the occasion with their presence. Spotted at the event were Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development & Minister Responsible for TransLink Peter Fassbender, Minister of Justice and

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Attorney General of BC Suzanne Anton, MLAs Harry Bains, Raj Chohan, and Marvin Hunt, Surrey Councillors Tom Gill and Dave Woods, and MPs Sukh Dhaliwal, Jati Sidhu, and Randeep Sarai, among others. Guests from within and outside the community added glamour and style to the night with their colourful, graceful and fashionable outfits.

The awards session – the main element of the event – was all about achievements, excellence and community spirit. Ten amazing individuals from the South Asian community were recognized for their extraordinary achievements.

The never-ending applause by the guests, along with the inspiring thank you speeches by the winners generated a feeling of pride and unity at the event.

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Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2016

Bollywood singer Kamal Khan took the stage and got everyone dancing.

Guests were seen dancing, mingling and having a great time – making DARPAN Awards a successful event and a night to remember.

Bollywood singer Kamal Khan came all the way from India to perform and entertain the guests

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The atmosphere at the awards night was lively. There was music, food, glamour and beautiful people having a great time. This year at the awards, guests enjoyed live entertainment by the popular singer Kamal Khan who came all the way from India to perform and entertain everyone. As a playback singer in Bollywood,

Khan has given his voice to various actors including Emraan Hashmi, Akshay Kumar, and Imran Khan. He won the reality singing competition, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar in 2010. The talented singer took the stage and got everyone dancing.

Guests were seen dancing, mingling and having a great time – making DARPAN Awards a successful event and a night to remember.

Photos: A Master Media, Varsola Visuals, Amrit Photography, Chandra Bodalia, Max Photography, Positive Body Image Photography, David Bailie, Silvestar Law, Bal Singh Photography

Re f l e c t i n g T h e S o u t h - A s i a n L i f e s t y l e FOR MORE PICTURES & VIDEOSDARPAN VISIT: www.Darpanmagazine.com

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And the

Goes to . . .

Pranav Mistry

In honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement in Sixth Sense Technology and Commitment to Enhancing Lives at a Global Scale

International Sensation

Pranav Mistry (centre) receives the International Sensation Award from Canadian Western Bank Executives (L-R) Mario Furlan, Senior Vice President and Regional General Manager BC; Stephen Murphy, Executive Vice President - Banking; Puneet Agrawal, Director, Business Development; and Bob Duffield, AVP & Branch Manager

THE MOST MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY AWARDS

Dr. Saida Rasul

Pranav Mistry is the Global Vice President of Research at Samsung.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Nirma Institute of Technology in Ahmedabad, Gujarat; a Master of Design from Industrial Design Center, IIT, Mumbai; and a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT, Massachusetts. He has to his credit more than 20 thought-provoking interfaces, some as well-known as Samsung Galaxy Gear and SixthSense.

The computer genius has worked with Microsoft, Google, Canadian Mennonite University, NASA, UNESCO, and Japan Science & Technology among others.

Mistry joined Samsung as the Director of Research in 2012 and launched Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch in 2013, which is one of his biggest contributions in the tech space. The Indian inventor was honoured as the Young Global Leader 2013 by World Economic Forum; named to the MIT Technology Review TR35 as one of the top 35 innovators in the world under the age of 35; listed as one of the 15 Asian Scientists To Watch by Asian Scientist Magazine; was among GQ India’s most powerful Digital Indians; was selected as one of the 37 Indians of Tomorrow by India Today; among others. He has been called as ‘one of the ten best inventors in the world,’ and ‘world’s 10 best inventors’ on TedTalks.

In Honour of Your

Advancing Philanthropy

Extraordinary Contribution to Diverse Charitable Ventures Dr. Saida Rasul is a dentist and community volunteer focused on the improvement of the lives of the less fortunate in Canada and in many other countries. During her tenure on the board of governors of SFU, Dr. Rasul stewarded capital projects in excess of $200 million and championed the creation of the Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Cultures and Societies. Her philanthropy includes gifts of nearly $12 million to the BC Cancer Agency, SFU, UBC, United Way, and BC Children’s Hospital, among others. She is

Dr. Saida Rasul receives the Advancing Philanthropy Award from James Howey, Manager - Business Development, Air Canada MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS

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DARPAN

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CADILLAC RED CARPET

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AIR CANADA LOUNGE

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

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a volunteer to the Aga Khan University.

She has helped set up two preventive dental programs as part of the hospital systems in East Africa and in Pakistan and is working with volunteers to set up a diploma of dental hygieneprogram to train students who will goback and improve the oral health and general health of their rural communities. In recognition of her sustained community contributions forCONVERSATION over three decades, JOIN THE Dr. Rasul has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from SFU, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal and recent recognition by the British Columbia and Canadian Dental Associations.

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EVENT CONTRIBUTORS

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Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition Breaking Barriers

Anita Majumdar Artistic Visionary

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement in Representing the Community as the First South Asian in an Endeavor

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement and Contribution to South Asian Arts and Culture

Representatives of Hockey Night in Canada-Punjabi Edition receive the Breaking Barriers Award from Leigh Heppner (left), General Sales Manager, Preston Cadillac

Anita Majumdar (centre) receives the Artistic Visionary Award from Dr. Karim Kanani (right) and Dr. Diya Chadha of Smile Town Dentistry

Ivneet Bains receives Young Wonder Award from Nav in Canada: Hockey Night Cheema of Night Simon Fraser University.

Hockey

Punjabi Edition is a show on OMNI Television that broadcasts a doubleheader of National Hockey League (NHL) games on Saturday nights and selected playoff games with commentary in Punjabi. The show airs each week during the regular season, and marks the first time this Canadian institution will be available on a conventional network to the Punjabi-speaking community.

On September 24, 2014, Rogers announced that it would continue to produce a regular schedule of

in Canada: Punjabi

Edition broadcasts under the new

contract, with the games moving to its multicultural Omni Television stations.

Beginning in the 2014-15 NHL season, the Omni stations added Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition

to its schedule. The host of the show, Harnarayan Singh, Randip Janda, Bhupinder Hundal, and Harpreet Pandher, have through their knowledge of the sport, generated an interest for hockey among the South Asians elders and youth.

She is best known for her role in the CBC television film Murder Unveiled.

Anita Majumdar is an award-winning actress, playwright, and an acting graduate from the National Theatre School of Canada. She is best known for her role in the CBC television film Murder Unveiled for which she received the Best Actress award at the 2005 Asian Festival of First Films.

She gained recognition with her onewoman play Fish Eyes, in which she played three different parts. Having

trained in classical Indian dance, she integrated the dance form into Fish Eyes, which premiered in Toronto in 2005. It was nominated for Dora Mavor Moore Award and has toured extensively across Canada and abroad. Her book, The Fish Eyes Trilogy, was published by Playwright’s Canada Press and released in 2016. Majumdar has acted in many television dramas and films, namely Diverted,

Republic

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Jujhar Khaira Spirit of Sport

In Honour of your Extraordinary Achievement as an Inspiring Athlete

Jujhar Khaira’s grandfather Sarwan S. Khaira (centre) receives the Spirit of Sport Award from Trevor Boyd (left), Retail Sales Manager, Exclusive Floors

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Jujhar Khaira is a Canadian professional ice hockey center currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). After making his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 28, 2015, he became the third player of Indian descent to play in the NHL. Khaira was drafted 63rd overall by the Oilers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. In August 2013, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Khaira made his pro hockey debut with Edmonton AHL affiliate Oklahoma City in April 2014 after skating for the Everett Silvertips in his first Western Hockey League season.

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Kiran Mann Young Wonder

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement in Community Initiatives and Academia

Kiran Mann (right) receives the Young Wonder Award from Sohan Singh Bhogal, Founder, and Paul Bhogal, CEO, of Sunrise Kitchens

Ivneet Bains receives Young Wonder Award from Nav

Kiran Mann is pursuing a degree Cheema of Simon Fraser University. in behavioural neuroscience and physiology at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Science.

She is the recipient of the BC Peace and Global Educators’ Gandhi Youth Peace Award, Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Award, University of Toronto National Book Award, University of British Columbia’s Chancellor's Scholar Designation, Surrey Leader’s Community Leader Award for Youth Volunteer (Top Honour), Governor General’s Award for Academic

Excellence, among others.

Mann is the co-founder and director of special events of Youth Transforming Society (YTS), a registered non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness for global issues and encourage volunteerism amongst young people. Under Kiran’s leadership, YTS has raised over $15,000 for organizations such as Red Cross, Oxfam, Salvation Army, BC Children’s Hospital, and Free the Children. She has also volunteered for various organizations.

Daily Hive

Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation Heritage Defender

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement and Preservation Efforts of South Asian Heritage, Language and Culture

Sahib Thind (right) from Prof. Mohan Singh Foundation receives the Heritage Defender Award from Perminder Chohan, Managing Director, Desjardians Professor Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (PMSMF) is a nonpolitical, non-profit organization formed to preserve the memory of South Asian Canadian pioneers, while promoting the continued growth of an open, tolerant, and ‘just society.’ It aims at promoting freedom and democracy, protecting human rights, bridging cultural diversity and building cultural harmony. Members of the Foundation include current and past members of Parliament, and Provincial and municipal leaders.

The Foundation advocates on

In Honour of Your

Industry Marvel

Extraordinary Achievement as an Inspiring Role Model in the Media Industry

Manny Bahia (right) and Karm Sumal of Daily Hive receive the Industry Marvel Award from Milan Mann (centre), Vice President, BM Group

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behalf of all victims of the Komagata Maru tragedy. In 2002, PMSMF presented a petition to the Canadian Parliament signed by thousands of Canadians demanding an official acknowledgement and apology for the unfortunate Komagata Maru incident on Canadian soil. PMSMF also advocates the recognition of Canadians, both South-AsianCanadians and from the community at large, who played a very important and positive role during the two month-long ordeal for passengers of the ship in Burrard Inlet.

TM

Manny Bahia and Karm Sumal are cofounders of Daily Hive – a digital media company dedicated to connecting readers with their city’s culture. Childhood friends Sumal and Bahia launched Vancity Buzz (now Daily Hive) in a South Vancouver basement in 2008. The site began as an information source for local events before eventually expanding into breaking news. Daily Hive’s big break came with their coverage of 2010 Olympics and further solidified its com-

munity standing with its coverage of the Vancouver Canucks’ 2011 run to the Stanley Cup Final. Bahia looks after the business development aspect of the business, whereas Sumal is in charge of the content and direction of Daily Hive and also manages the overall direction of the social media accounts. Daily Hive has now become a leading digital media company amassing over two million unique visitors a month and has expanded to Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. In 2015, the Downtown Vancouver BIA named Daily Hive its first-ever recipient of “The Emerging Leader Award.”

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Kids Play Foundation

“I was honoured to be presented with the Breaking Barriers Award in 2011.”

Community Crusader

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement as an Inspiring Organization that Empowers Youth

Harjit Sajjan Defence Minister of Canada

“British Columbia is a better place because of the South Asian community. We wouldn’t be number one in the country today, we wouldn’t have the strongest economy if we dint have such incredible British Columbians who work so hard everyday.”

Christy Clark BC Premiere “DARPAN Awards is always an amazing night. This organization does a fantastic job of promoting our community and it’s a place to be.”

Kal Dosanjh (right) from Kids Play Foundation receives the Community Crusader Award from Tako van Popta, Partner, McQuarrie Hunter LLP Kids Play is a non-profit organization tournaments, conferences, and other working towards keeping kids away projects for the youth community to from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, learn about the opportunities they Ivneet Bains receives Wonder Awardcan fromseize Nav within life. The organization and violence throughYoung sports.

It was Cheema of Simon co-founded

by Fraser law University. enforcement is operated by leaders from all across officer and community activist Kal the Lower Mainland wanting to Dosanjh and Olympic wrestler Arjan bring a positive change within the Bhullar. The vision at Kids Play is community. Kids Play believes their to create young leaders within the work will allow the youth to discover community by getting them involved the potential they have within in sports and other recreational themselves to reach greater heights activities. The foundation holds sports in any aspect of life.

Wally Oppal DARPAN Award Winner 2015 “It is really important that we actually acknowledge all of the leaders in the community that are doing such phenomenal work for us.”

Linda Hepner Mayor, City of Surrey

Kulwinder Sanghera (RED FM)

In Honour of Your Extraordinary Achievement as a South Asian Entrepreneur

Corporate Engagement

THE MOST MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY AWARDS

Kulwinder Sanghera (right) receives the Corporate Engagement Award from Daljit Thind, CEO and Founder of Thind Properties Ltd. MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS

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Kulwinder Sanghera is the president of Red FM Radio in Surrey. Established in 2006, Red FM Radio has hundreds of thousands of listeners. Sanghera’s path to radio station ownership began with a passion for bhangra dance. In 1980, when he was 14, Sanghera joined the Surrey Arts India Club. He danced bhangra for years, including the Expo 86 opening, in PNE parades, and the opening ceremony for BC Place Stadium. In doing this, he came across a lot of local talent that wasn’t being promoted. So he started a small distribution and promotion company, Music Waves Productions. Kulwinder spent two years lobbying a local multicultural

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(cable) TV station on the importance of providing multicultural programming to local Punjabi community. He was successful in convincing the local station management to telecast ethnic programming to serve the South Asian communities.

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His vision and THE CONVERSATION goal is not only to provide multicultural programming that suits the second and third generation ethnic groups, but also to educate them about their roots, reduce the generation gap and promote the Canadian way of life.

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Air Canada introduces direct flights to India Air Canada has introduced seasonal, three-times weekly flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) starting October 20. At a recent event, Air Canada officials met with media and travel agency representatives to celebrate this momentous development. Air Canada operates non-stop flights on more routes between Canada and India than any other carrier.

Mayor’s Charity Ball

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The theme at this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball hosted by Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner was “Magic.” The event is all about supporting the Surrey Firefighters’ Charitable Society. The charity receives all funds raised and prides itself in helping Surrey’s children, families and youth at-risk through a number of effective community programs and initiatives. The night of mystery and intrigue continued with an exclusive performance from international superstar Sarah McLachlan. Photos: Rick Chapman – City of Surrey TM

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Diwali Fest Diwali Fest this year included a great lineup of signature events. The theatre component, included plays Piya Behrupiya, The Magic Flute, and The Elephant Wrestler.

Diwali Fest has been working with local community centres and libraries to spread the Diwali spirit.

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Sikh heritage recognized on new Stop of Interest sign A new Stop of Interest sign was unveiled in Golden, BC, recognizing the community’s early Sikh pioneers and the role they played in Golden’s history. “The story of our community’s Sikh pioneers is one of hard work and determination,” said Golden Mayor Ron Oszust. “This Stop of Interest means a lot to our present-day Sikh residents, and highlights an important chapter in the rich history of our region, of which we’re all proud.” BC’s Stop of Interest signs were first installed in 1958 to commemorate the Colony of BC’s centenary and recognize significant historical places, people and events.

Mushtari Begum Festival The 5th Annual Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance, presented by the ghazal/ tabla wizard Cassius Khan and Kathak/harmonium exponent Amika Kushwaha, was held on September 24. Highlights of the event included a Kathak performance by Kushwaha; an energetic composition in Raga Vishwakauns by Pandit Salil Bhatt, from Jaipur, Rajasthan; a rare Carnatic performance by gold medal Violinist Kaushik Sivaramakrishnan and Abhishek Iyer on Mridangam from Edmonton AB; and Khan singing his trademark ghazal and tabla presentation.

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A Night of Miracles Annual Gala Members of BC’s South Asian community and other guests raised over $483,000 at the eighth annual A Night of Miracles gala. The gala inspired the generosity of the South Asian community, adding to the total of $4.2 million over the past eight years. Funds raised will support the purchase of a new state-of-the art bronchoscopy system, telescopes and a video laryngoscopy set for the hospital’s Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat – ENT) and Respiratory specialties. It will be used in the current hospital and in the Teck Acute Care Centre, the heart of the new BC Children’s Hospital, which opens late 2017.

Navratri and Diwali Festival 2016 Vancouver’s largest Navratri Festival was celebrated October 1-10. Organized

by Gujarati Society of BC, thousands attended Durga puja and celebrated with kids activities, garba and dandiya dancing to a live band, and enjoyed traditional Gujarati snacks. Photos: Aziz Ladha Photography

Amazon donates to Surrey Libraries’ R2B Program On October 26, Amazon made a special donation of more than $6,700 to Surrey Libraries in support of its Read to Baby (R2B) program. R2B is a family literacy initiative launched in 2014 by Surrey Libraries that introduces parents of newborns to the benefits of early and frequent reading to infants.

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SFU Diwali Gala Simon Fraser University (SFU)’s 9th annual Diwali Gala drew more than 300 business and community leaders and members of the SFU community to celebrate the festival of lights. During the evening, it was announced that SFU has received a $500,000 pledge from entrepreneur-philanthropists Hari and Madhu Varshney to bring world-class Indian scholars to Vancouver.

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YOUTH SPEAK Embrace the grind if you really want your dreams to come true!

6

4

Integrity

Core Values of

Entrepreneurship

G

rowing up, I always wanted to do something big, I always wanted to be my own boss. Being an entrepreneur is an amazing lifestyle – it is fun, it’s moving, and it can open up a lot of doors for you.

These days a lot of people want to have their own brand or movement, but it is important to understand that this is a lifestyle that requires a lot of discipline and toughness.

Below are six core values every entrepreneur needs to have.

Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and their voice must be heard.

Through this column, DARPAN gives youngsters an opportunity to express their views and ideas on topics they are passionate about. If you wish to contribute, email us on editor@darpanmagazine.com

1

Relentless work ethic

By EKAM NAGRA Ekam is the founder of Ball Don’t Stop, a popular basketball media outlet among basketball lovers.

He is also the co-founder of Vancity Strength, a personal training gym based out of Surrey, BC. He is a strength & conditioning specialist, basketball skills trainer, and a writer.

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It’s important to understand that nothing is guaranteed. You’ll have good days and bad days and if you can accept that then you’ll always be able to move forward and continue growing.

Don’t rush things and don’t over stress. Entrepreneurship isn’t a oneday or one-week project, it is 24/7 and you have to learn how to control and channel your emotions.

Being an entrepreneur means you are always working 24/7. It can be grueling at times, but the reward is beautiful. There will be sleepless nights and long workdays; you won’t always be in your comfort zone either. You have to embrace the grind if you really want your dreams to come true.

At the end of the day, you’ll always be judged by your product and service. But what you do when everyone is watching is a reflection of what you did when nobody was watching.

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2

Humility

As an entrepreneur you have to put your ego aside, especially if you are offering a service to people. It’s not always about you; it’s about connecting your ideas/skills with people.

Always be willing to learn new things, take criticism and never let any ounce of success get to your head. Treat everyone equally, be prepared to ask for help and be nice to everyone.

Never look down on anyone.

Just because you own something, it doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone. People who are genuinely humble and doing what they do for the right reasons usually rise to the top and remain there.

3Calmness

Personally, I put everything I do in God’s hands and do my part by working extremely hard and smartly. In business, it’s important to never get too high and never get too low. If you can remain calm and patient in entrepreneurship, you’ll be in a good position to be successful.

If you aren’t an honest and ethical person at heart it can be extremely tough to understand entrepreneurship. Always remember, the whole concept is to provide people with a service and share your passion/talent. Your product and the environment in your organization is a reflection of the person you are. Do what you are doing for the right reasons. Treat people with respect and provide them with the absolute best of you.

5Over-deliver

The most passionate entrepreneurs tend to naturally overdeliver. Don’t do a basic job; make the experience for your client or consumer the absolute best among the field. When you over-deliver, your product is truly felt. Always be willing to go the extra mile.

toughness 6Mental

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be an absolute beast mentally. Be prepared and be able to handle anything that comes your way.

There will be tough moments, things won’t always go the way you want and you have to be able to bounce back and continue working hard while remaining true to yourself and sticking to the core values you believe in.

If you want something bad enough, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving it.

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DARPAN SALUTES

FIGHTING Trafficking

HEAD-ON

By GARIMA GOSWAMI

At the age of 17, when Ajeet Singh adopted three children of a sex worker, he laid the foundation of a revolutionary movement that has rescued and rehabilitated more than a thousand lives from prostitution and trafficking.

I

n northern India’s holy city of Varanasi, which is also the constituency of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Ajeet Singh and his team operate a non-profit organization, Guria, meaning ‘doll’ in Hindi. For nearly three decades, Guria has been waging a war against trafficking by rescuing minors and second generation prostitutes from trafficking, rehabilitating them and fighting cases against pimps and brokers so they do not integrate back into society as repeat offenders.

At the time Singh decided to tackle traffick-

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ing in Varanasi, there was hardly any name associated with reformation in this sector. But at the age of 17, when he attended a marriage in Uttar Pradesh, India, he was distraught to witness a sex worker dance all night to lewd comments and spontaneously proposed adopting her three children to save them from exposure of this market. He did manage to adopt them after two years, but faced social ostracism for integrating children of those deemed pariahs into mainstream society.

Singh defines that time as the most difficult in his life describing it worse “than the bullets

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Ajeet Singh (above) and his team operate a non-profit organization, Guria, that rescues minors and second generation prostitutes from trafficking.

and attacks I face these days.”

In India, prostitution is a USD $8.4 billion market targeting three million individuals*.

Stakeholders in the prostitution industry consist of pimps, brothel keepers, police, policy makers, customers, and social workers, with the latter tackling high-risk operations of rescue against closely woven others. “Rescuing and rehabilitating victims of prostitution and sexual exploitation needs a lot of risk, determination and patience,” describes Singh and he is right; cross-border and inter-state border missions are high-risk intricate procedures executed uniformly with cooperative agencies.

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Guria maintains rescue of minors and second generation prostitutes as their prime focus. Within the red light areas of Varanasi and Mau, the organization has installed nonformal education and vocational training centers that bridge a smooth transition for survivors into mainstream culture.

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At Guria, the process is divided into three steps – pre-rescue, rescue and post-rescue. Pre-rescue involves identification of place of rescue, victim identity verification, attaining legal warrants, recce entry/exit and escape points, formation of rescue team, and allocation of a shelter home. The next step, rescue, involves execution of pre-rescue plans including conducting rescue operation in cooperation with authorities, collecting evidence, and identifying children and belongings to avoid blackmailing from offenders. Post-rescue operation accounts rehabilitation and preventive measures – filing a police complaint, shifting victims in shelter homes or with family, mock trials with victim, witness protection, submission of charge sheet after investigation, and opposing bail of traffickers. Guria’s legal team comprising senior advocates from district courts, High Courts and Supreme Court assist Singh and his team with legal proceedings to ensure support to the victim and maximum sentencing of offenders.

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Guria maintains rescue of minors and second generation prostitutes as their prime focus.

Within the red light areas of Varanasi and Mau, another center of operation for Guria, the organization has installed non-formal education and vocational training centers that bridge a smooth transition for survivors into mainstream culture. “Social reintegration is the ultimate aim of all rehabilitation programs.

This reintegration is with the family and with the society. Many girls also opt for marriage as a further development,” points Singh.

For Singh, education is important but what’s also necessary is the curiosity to explore the distinction between knowledge and wisdom.

“The whole idea is to innovatively take a child into the world of inward journey/introspection through the tool of Art – painting, music, dance, theatre, photography, videography, shouting class, laughing class, meditation, gardening, feeding the birds…and by default connect them to the entire existence around us at the subconscious level, to visualize the extension of the self in the birds, trees, rivers, mountains, animals, humans, religions, races, nations.”

As Singh reflects upon the journey, the ups and downs, challenges and struggles, he cements assurance for those skeptical of social change. “28 years back in 1988 I had not heard of any one working focussed specially against sex trafficking. Today people, civil society organisations and governments are talking about the issue – this is a major victory. I strongly feel talking about a problem is basically the beginning of a solution.” * Stats taken from Havocscope

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DARPAN FEATURE

M

aybe your motivations are healthrelated, or perhaps your arm was twisted so far it almost broke, but whatever your reasons here you are – taking the plunge and swearing off booze for the winter. Well first, good for you! Second, here are some much-needed tips to turn the season of missing out into an empowering time you may just want to repeat.

5

Flip your thinking

S T E P S FOR A

W IN T E R - B R E A K

FR O M

ALCOHOL

By Annie Grace

A sure-fire way to fail is to focus on what you’re missing out on. If you’re looking at your dry season as a time you’re depriving yourself, it’s going to be hard to stay motivated and want to succeed. Focus on the positives of why you’re doing it – you’re going to lose the holiday weight since you’re not consuming empty calories. You’re saving money. You’re sleeping better. Small victories add up and help pass the time much quicker!

Observe your thoughts Take the time to reflect on why you’re craving a drink. What purpose do you think the alcohol is going to fulfill? Is there another option that would also work?

Working through your feelings and beliefs surrounding alcohol will allow you to understand the reasons you drink and find alternatives to consuming alcohol.

Focus on the positives of why you’re doing it – you’re going to lose the holiday weight since you’re not consuming empty calories.

You’re saving money. You’re sleeping better. Small victories add up and help pass the time much quicker!

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Know how to navigate your No’s The pressure to drink can be overwhelming, especially when socializing with friends. Since saying “no” (to anything) can be awkward, the best way to turn down an alcoholic drink is by saying yes to a non-alcoholic drink. You can do this by making the first move, and getting something delicious and non-alcoholic in your hand before you are asked. If someone asks you if you want a drink simply respond; “Yes, I would love a soda and lime.” If someone asks you specifically if you want a glass of wine or a beer you will have to say no, but you can quickly flip that to a yes by saying; “No thank you, I actually need a bit of caffeine and would love a diet coke.”

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Having support is crucial. If you can find a friend who will join you in your pact for a dry winter then by all means take advantage of it.

This friend can be your lifeline when you feel tempted and you can also plan activities that don’t involve alcohol with them. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to start a new hobby or activity you’ve always wanted to try!

Treat yourself You’re probably saving a significant amount of time, money and energy by not drinking.

Reward yourself for it! If you usually went out drinking on the weekend to reward yourself for a long work week, treat yourself to something else instead. Luxury chocolate, a movie, a massage or a new video game. Whatever is rewarding to you.

Although people will feign support, the truth is your friends may not want you to be successful. They might not understand why you are doing this or they may feel internal guilt about not stepping up to the challenge. Or they may simply miss their drinking buddy. In any case, peer pressure can be a challenging pitfall to your goal for a better you. Remember to focus on your reasons for not drinking.

It might be easier to adjust your social calendar in the beginning to not only resist the temptation to imbibe but to also not make others feel guilty for choosing differently from you. This could be the start to a healthier, happier you!

About the writer Annie Grace is the author of This Naked Mind; Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life. She left the heavy-drinking corporate world behind to write her book and share the painless way she found to regain control of her life.

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For the skincare or beauty junkie in your life, we have the best gifts available this holiday season.

MAC

Nutcracker Sweet Eye Compacts (cool, warm or smoky), $47.50 Themed on the ballet classic, The Nutcracker, MAC’s holiday collection is delightfully playful and on-trend. These eyeshadow palettes make it easy to create enchanting looks whether you’re going for naughty or nice. And if you know someone who collects MAC’s limited edition beauties, these whimsically-packaged pieces in neon pink and purple dots or stripes are sure to be highly covetable.

Available at MAC counters and free-standing stores.

Beauty

Gifts

for

By Catherine Tse

Everyone

T

he right gift, for the right person, every year. “How do they do it?” Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! For the skincare or beauty junkie in your life, we have the best gifts available this holiday season. Do yourself a favour (and everyone on your list) and avoid the last-minute scramble, when stocks are low and stress

is high.

Take a look below and there’s a good possibility that at least half your list will be taken care of by the time you finish reading. You’re welcome. And happy holidays!

Too Faced

Dr. Jart+

The Chocolate Shop, $72 Every holiday season, Too Faced comes out with the sweetest makeup kit that’s integrated into a 3-D diorama style packaging. This year, the theme is chocolate. Infused with an antioxidant-rich cocoa powder formula and a subtle, delicate chocolate fragrance, the 21 eyeshadows, bronzer and lipstick will remind your beauty junkie of the holidays all year round.

Available at Sephora.

Masking All the Way, $46 If there’s someone on your list that’s into the hot trend of sheet masks, this is a winner.

From Korean brand, Dr. Jart+, this is a set of seven individual masks, treating everything from hydration to dullness to blackheads. It’s also a fabulous gift for anyone who travels a lot – TSA-friendly and the perfect antidote to jetlag-weary skin.

Available at Sephora.

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DARP

BeauAtNy

Tatcha

The Art of Geisha Pure Skin Bestsellers Set, $72 Inspired by the beautiful skin of geishas, Tatcha has developed a cult following with their remarkable, science-based skincare. Known for their impeccably smooth, clear skin, geishas have set the highest standard in Japan for skin health. This kit includes Tatcha’s superstars, including the Camelia Cleansing Oil, exfoliating Rice Enzyme Powder, Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream, and Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.

Available exclusively at Sephora.

Home Staging

Interior Design

Color Consultation

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Founder & Owner

tarte

Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel, $57 This double sided blush palette contains eight limited edition blushes and two highlighters from tarte, one side for warm shades, the other for cool shades. The blushes are made with tarte’s famous Amazonian clay formula, which provide rich colour payoff that lasts all day. Housed in a beautiful, circular enamel-esque case, this is great for someone who likes to display their pretty things on a vanity.

eleganthomestaging

An-Elegant-Touch-Home-Staging-and-Design

T: 604-657-6612 | F: 604-207-0444 E: info@aneleganttouch.ca

www.aneleganttouch.ca

Available at Sephora.

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DARPAN BEAUTY

AG Hair

Moisture Infusion Set, $40 This boxed duo contains everything holiday hair needs to stay looking fresh and healthy: cleansing cream and moisture mask. Made locally, AG Hair has a global reputation for its innovative products. The cleansing cream is a foam-free alternative to shampoo, so it won’t overstrip hair. And the hydrating mask can be used before washing as a pre-treatment or afterwards as a mask.

Marc Jacobs

Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette, $86 Each holiday season, Marc Jacobs releases a small limited edition collection of stunning makeup and 2016 is no exception. This palette in particular has everything and is housed in a gorgeous gold vegan patent leather case that looks like a clutch. Six eyeshadows, contour, highlighter and blush.

Available at select salons.

PHOTOS: courtesy of products featured

Available at Sephora.

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Caudalie

Glow & Go Set, $85 With Caudalie’s iconic Beauty Elixir and radiance-boosting Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, skin will stay hydrated and glowing through the winter. The serum features Caudalie’s famous, patented viniferine, which will tackle dark spots, texture and scars, and other skin damage. The elixir is a Hollywood favourite, known in the entertainment industry as a secret weapon for giving celebrities their glow.

Available at Sephora.

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The Body Shop

24 Happy Days Ultimate Advent Calendar, $150 The prettiest countdown to December 24, this advent calendar provides 24 full-size surprises, all contained within a large, beautiful red display box. There are classics, such as Vitamin E Night Cream, Almond Hand Cream, and Camomile Make Up Remover, as well new seasonal items like Frosted Berries Lip Butter, British Rose Body Butter, and Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask.

Available at The Body Shop.

Urban Decay PRO Brush Vault, $525

If you have someone on your list that you think already has everything, trust me, they don’t have this. This is Urban Decay’s limited collection of all 29 of their pro brushes for the face, cheeks, eyes, brows and lips. And given the incredible (professional) quality of these cruelty-free brushes, this set is an amazing value. House in a beautiful show-worthy vault, this is perfect for displaying.

Available at Urban Decay

Kiss

Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit, $16.99 Nail art is the biggest nail trend since gel manicures were introduced. This kit allows you to experiment at home providing you with descriptive instructions, four brushes for detail work, decals, stickers, a lot of glitter, and a top coat. Every nail can be different or you can embellish daily by adding and adjusting depending on your mood.

Available at London Drugs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Tse Catherine is a Vancouver lifestyle writer with a love for travel, food, animals and all things beautiful. She has written for the National Post, Georgia Straight, Real Weddings and BC Living.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

At Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016, designers Shantanu and Nikhil showcased their menswear line ‘Mutiny 1919’ inspired by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

M FASHION WARRIORS:

MUTINY

THE

1919

BY Petrina D’Souza

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enswear in the Indian fashion industry is getting bigger and bolder with every season. Right from different kinds of outfits to various looks, Indian men these days are more willing to experiment and look their best.

At the recently-held Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016 (LFW-W/F 2016), ace designers Shantanu and Nikhil showcased their menswear line ‘The Mutiny 1919.’

The dramatic collection, inspired by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, was presented in the form of models walking the runway sporting turbans, beards, jackets, kurtas and shawls, offering a highly masculine and fierce feel to the show. Closing the show was actor Riteish Deshmukh; turbaned and bearded, Riteish looked dashing in a black textured jacket, flared kurta and churidars.

A collection as intense and stylish as this was bound to get a great response – the show received tremendous praise for the theme, outfits and the look.

In an exclusive interview, Shantanu and Nikhil share with DARPAN their work on the collection and their thoughts on India’s fashion industry.

How do you define fashion?

Fashion is a sensibility that has to be delicately played with to create a balance between the eyes and the mind. It is a feeling, a sensation that comes from within. Style and fashion to us is the body and it speaks to the expression that your mind has created to complete the body.

Your brand is widely recognised for its interesting and creative collections.

How has your vision of the brand grown over the years?

Even though our journey over the last 15 years has been extremely enriching in terms of innovation, travel for inspiration, and bringing modernity, the past four years or so have just gone by introspecting the brand, thereby trying to seek more clarity and the right market focus. In this journey of selfdiscovery, we have become our work’s biggest critics in a quest to achieve balance, power and beauty in complete authority in our collections.

At LFW-W/F 2016 edition, Shantanu & Nikhil presented the menswear line ‘ The Mutiny 1919 .’ What inspired you to take up this theme?

Reflecting SouthAsian Lifestyle

www.darpanmagazine.com

It is inspired by the tales of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Between the most valiant brand of Indian men and British Army of 1919, we always wanted to unravel and portray heroic men grasped in turmoil over the national freedom movement on one hand and the fierce, confident life they led as warriors for independence.

Through this collection, we blended fashion with patriotism.

What was the main idea behind this collection?

We wanted to show the diversity and history that makes India. The whole idea was to bring back the essence of these courageous men fighting in glory and representing honour and pride through a turban trail offering a high octane, masculine, regimental design inspired from nostalgia.

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How do you express the ‘ The Mutiny 1919 ’ collection in your own words?

The provocative title ‘The Mutiny 1919’ created a fashion mutiny on the ramp. Every outfit and drape is close to our hearts. The collection has a minimalistic approach yet it is very avant-garde and has a fine balance of different expressions and emotions that transpires into a nostalgic, masculine, modern yet decadent avatar.

What research work was involved in creating the outfits?

As a brand we have primarily found inspiration in travels and architecture around the world. Some of our most nostalgic collections have been travel-inspired and our recent travel to Amritsar gave us enough reasons to work on this collection. The city narrated tales of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The outfits were inspired by rich handlooms, woollens and leather in subtle hues of ivory, black, navy, military green, and grey with a hint of maroon. Through a minimalistic approach and discreet contrasting embellishments on angular flap pockets, collars, signature Shantanu & Nikhil metallic buttons, and leather detailing on the helm, the line expressed each silhouette in glory.

The look of the show was to express the valiant league of men from history in their true contemporary form.

Turbaned and bearded men, dressed in double-breasted Jodhpuri jackets, wide floppy pants, angular draped kurtas with churidars, and sherwanis accessorized with metallic brooch, strutted in a stylish demeanour on the runway in their masculine glory.

Why did you decide to have actor Riteish Deshmukh as the showstopper of the show?

Riteish Deshmukh, turbaned and bearded in a black textured jacket, flared kurta and churidars, walked the runway with a suave yet fierce personality. Riteish is quite effortlessly stylish; his body language is experimental yet he has an old world charm within him – a perfect blend of traditional marrying contemporary. He is therefore an ideal urban Indian man always on the move.

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DARPAN EXCLUSIVE

What feedback have you received for the collection?

A dose of emotions and ultraglam fashion awaited the audience at LFW-W/F 2016.

For few, it was an innovative fashion direction for the coming season, for some it was definitely a stylish rebellion on the ramp and a fashion extravaganza.

How do you perceive the growth of men’s fashion industry in India?

Menswear fashion industry has evolved over the years. Now finally, there are huge opportunities because men are stepping out of their comfort zone and looking for things which can enhance their personal style, especially in the occasion wear and ceremonial segment. With growing interest

The look of the show was to express the valiant league of men from history in their tr ue contemporary form. Turbaned and bearded men, dressed in double-breasted Jodhpuri jackets, wide floppy pants, angular draped kurtas with churidars , and sherwanis accessorized with metallic brooch, str utted in a st ylish demeanour on the r unway in their masculine glory. and eagerness to tread newer zones, men’s fashion industry is on the right path. However, there are several factors like having more dedicated stores and relatable colour codes which can help the industry scale new heights.

What are the biggest fashion trends for Indian men at the moment?

The mindset of the Indian men has now changed and there is a remarkable difference. Now men are far better groomed and more willing to experiment. They want to look elegant and stylish. We are known for our drape philosophy and ability to put subtle India on contemporary fashion. Drape kurta is the new staple, it is unique and men like to wear it for their ceremonies and occasions. What we have done with the kurta is make it as comfortable as a shirt or T-shirt. So we engineer it in such a way that they can just slip it on. If you are wearing drapes, don’t do embroidery on top. In terms of shapes, any one can sport it. Size doesn’t matter.

As a designer, what advice would you give anyone inclined towards fashion?

This season, less is more for us. Keep it simple and stay away from bling. A palette of neutral colours can be mixed and matched with almost any colour.

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Celebrate A Warm & Wintry

Romance

By KANIKA SASAN

Apictorial captures the magic of being home for the

s we welcome the festive winter season, our fashion

holidays dressed in beautiful attire from Club Monaco’s wardrobe. Casual yet festive, comfortable yet special – the high-end casual brand has just the right outfits for the chilly weather. There is a special feeling in the air that resonates through the warm sweaters, simple everyday gestures, and romantic moments between a couple.

The magical season makes way for warm hugs and cosy romance.

Donning a neutral-colour cashmere sweater and an oversized poncho is a trendy way to capture the spirit of the day.

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When the weather is perfect for a beautiful outdoor date, a brightcoloured knee length skirt and high suede boots will do the trick to make you look stylish and graceful. For your handsome date, a grey cardigan is all he needs for a casual look.

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While the cold winds blow outside, sit back, relax and spend a day at home lounging. Enjoy the surroundings and dĂŠcor of your warm abode and celebrate the holiday season.

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As the temperatures fall, an ideal way to spend the evening indoors is by indulging in some light reading and conversations with your loved one. Picture a lazy day spent whispering sweet nothings to each other while enjoying a great book.

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For those who want to stay away from the cold rains and winds, enjoy a fun day at home with just some milk and cookies or a delicious snack. Sipping a hot beverage, nibbling on food, and enjoying each other’s company – an ideal day of happiness, joy and laughter.

Models:

Wardrobe:

Kirti and Keshav

Club Monaco

Make-up/Hair: Girlfreindzstudio7

Decor: Moonlight Wedding Decor

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Photos: AB Photocraft

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DARPAN STYLE

By Joseph A. Federico

of your life, of your accomplishments and of your soul.

And now that we are into a season of simpler colours, it does not mean your wardrobe has to be drab.

Let us start with cashmere sweaters; eggplant, lime green, and cherry reds would be suitable. Pair one of these sweaters with a darker legging or pair of jeans, and ballet flats.

If you are seeking a sleeker look, go for lace; lace short sleeve tops, lace long sleeve tops, and even a cut off would look sexy with a pleather pant. Top the funky look off with a 1990s style, shimmery baseball jacket.

Colours:

They are a-changin’

Photos : iStock, Pictures for representation only

How would you dress, as leaves shimmer from the sky?

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T

hat familiar feeling is here: a slight chill on your nose, a rosy face after walking out in the street to a friend’s flat or your office building; it’s called autumn.

The witching months are passing slowly, giving way to even cooler nights and comfortable threads.

Didn’t you miss it?

Ladies, let us talk, shall we?

How would you dress, as leaves shimmer from the sky?

This fall, let us layer, let us be playful. In the jewellery

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department, don wave link bracelets that sparkle and shine like faint light peeking through amber-tipped trees.

On your neck, sea-inspired necklaces will flow freely; take for instance gilded oysters with faux pearls. How about white gold, rose gold and silver ringed necklaces?

These would look awfully pretty in and outside of the office. Trust me.

On your wrists, show off a charm bracelet or two. Choose anywhere from 10-15 of your favourite charms and wear them proudly. These types of bracelets are travelling mementos

If you are seeking a simple and elegant style that is easily transferable from working gal to night time vixen, then look no further than the designs of Kaelen. This Canadian designer strings beauty and nostalgia so perfectly, you will want to fill your whole wardrobe with her clothing.

Stick to a cream or darker eggshell colour when choosing one of Kaelen’s designs. Pair it with a chunkier sweater and army boots for a “wow” factor if you are heading for a night out in town.

Another Canadian designer to be on the look out for is Jennifer Torosian. Her baggy designs nod to a simpler time in the 1980s; think Robert Palmer’s guitar slinging female leads in all of his videos on MTV. Torosian utilizes colour blocking to create quite the dress. Pair one of these designs with a black clutch purse and black pumps. Fierce.

Boys, it is now your turn.

Solid suits, solid-coloured beanie hats, urban travel cases galore!

Hip, hip, hooray, get ready for a chill.

On your head, sport a longer,

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funkier beanie or trucker hat. Do not shape the trucker hat whatsoever, just leave it be and leave it flat. Yes, these looks are coming back from the not-so-distant past, circa 2006.

Now it is time to get cozy. Strip from those neckties, brightly-coloured socks and vintage shoes; put on some sweats. And guess what?

It is perfectly acceptable this time around! I am not talking about your father’s sweats, but those from Needs&Wants. Think tailored tops by warm fall bonfires. Pair warmer sweatshirt pieces with a solid coloured beanie hat and baggier jeans.

Moccasins or work boots will simply complete your outfit.

If you are looking to layer, look no further than the designs of Reigning Champ. Simple, clean lines and slightly oversized buttons make for a nice look overall. Pair this layering tool with worn in weekend trainers and a baseball cap. You are ready for a bonfire or a stiff cocktail with your mates.

On your feet, pick up a pair of designer kicks from Native Shoes. Choose blue, red, black or even tan. Please, wear short socks when sporting.

And when travelling – whether it be to your office, home office, or on a weekend trip to the cabin, try out an urban style satchel from Herschel Supply Co. Army laden designs and rugged pockets will allow you to stand apart from the rest of the men out there in the world. A piece from Herschel Supply Co. says you are confident and true to your chosen career path.

It’s that simple, folks. Enjoy the chill, enjoy the autumnal company that surrounds you, and enjoy your new fashions.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joseph Federico loves fashion, thanks in part to his mother exposing him to the wonders of the garment district at an early age.

He has his own sense of style, and always has his finger on the pulse of the next big trend.

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DARPAN HEALTH

Avoiding

Holiday Weight

Gain By ashley stephens

T

he holidays can wreak havoc on any well-intentioned diet. With an abundance of holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, and treats around every corner of the office, it’s increasingly difficult to leave the cookies for Santa and reach for the reindeer’s carrots instead. An awareness of your diet and how you might handle the extra temptation this holiday season can have you coming into the New Year without bringing extra weight with you.

The holidays are synonymous with parties and parties usually mean an abundance of food and beverages outside of your daily norm. While it may seem counterintuitive, don’t go to a party hungry. Fill up on a healthy dinner or satisfying snacks before you find yourself parked

t out o l a t e G eason s s i h t of ringing b t u o with extra y n a e hom s! pound

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next to the dessert table with a big appetite.

“I think the biggest mistake people make is under-eating the day before a big dinner or event,” says Jillian Triggs, registered holistic nutritionist and certified nutritional practitioner of North Shore Nutritionist.

It may be tempting to skip lunch if you know you’re bound to fill up at a big family gathering later that evening but it’s actually a recipe for weight gain that no one wants to pass down through generations.

“For example, someone might normally eat around 2,100 calories daily, split into three 700 calorie meals, but on the day of an event they will eat only 600 calories during the entire day, and attempt to have the remaining calories at dinner (including drinks and dessert). This never really works out, and we always end up over-eating.

It is important to eat normally during the day so that we do not arrive at a function feeling ravenous.”

The holidays are synonymous

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with parties and parties usually mean an abundance of food and beverages outside of your daily norm. While it may seem counterintuitive, don’t go to a party hungry. Fill up on a healthy dinner or satisfying snacks before you find yourself parked next

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to the dessert table with a big appetite.

“I encourage my clients to eat fibrous meals with lots of protein to help keep them full,” Triggs says.

The office party – or perhaps every day at the office during the holidays – can be dangerous to any healthy thinking. With sweets popping up in the lunch room and leftover party treats making their appearance daily, it seems harmless to finish your prepacked salad with a little dessert.

Don’t let it be a daily occurrence by sticking to only your favourites or limiting your treats to once a week.

Triggs suggests keeping a food journal as one way to avoid too many poor choices around the holiday season. “Quite often it is easy to forget all the little snacks and treats we pick at during the day. Keeping track of everything we eat helps to keep us accountable and make wiser choices… because no one wants to write down that they polished off a plate of brownies and a jar of M&Ms.” It’s a tough lesson to learn no matter the season but controlling your cravings can help improve your health throughout the year. Giving in to any – and every – indulgence is a quick way to pack on the pounds. Instead, give yourself 15-20 minutes before you succumb to a sweet treat. Dive deep into a good conversation, start in on a new project at work or take a walk around the party to distance yourself from what may have been making your mouth water. You may forget about your craving entirely or realize that resisting will be better for you in the end.

If you’re still drooling over the dessert table, grab a sweet but cut it into smaller portions.

“I find that most people’s diets contain too many processed foods, most of which are completely void of fibre,” says Triggs, suggesting a high fibre diet as a way to help control cravings.

“Increasing the amount of fibre in our diets can help to keep us stay full and keep blood sugar

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Filling your diet with nutrientrich foods provides your body with many benefits.

Potassium counterbalances sodium, meaning you’ll retain less water so try eating foods balanced. Quite often we crave sugars when our blood sugar is low. It is much easier to stay on track and eat less sweets when we are not constantly craving sugar.”

Filling your diet with nutrient-rich foods provides your body with many benefits, especially come party time. Potassium counterbalances sodium, meaning you’ll retain less water so try eating foods like bananas, strawberries and kiwis to offset the added salt that often comes with meals out or seasonal dinners.

Unnecessary calories are often hidden in alcoholic or sugary drinks. “I think [a] mistake people make is forgetting about liquid calories. Quite often the calories we drink add up to more than the calories we eat,” cautions Triggs. “The biggest culprits: mixed drinks with juice bases, punch, margaritas and other fruity beverages.”

Cut back on the amount of beverages you consume and opt for sparkling water after you’ve indulged in one of your holiday favourites. And, incidentally, the most important drinking you do during the holiday season should involve water. Our water consumption plays a very valuable role in our weight loss, gain and maintenance.

“When we are thirsty we often think we

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like bananas, strawberries and kiwis to offset the added salt that often comes with meals out or seasonal dinners. are hungry,” says Triggs. “We may feel dizzy and lightheaded, both of which are symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and thirst. Sometimes we will reach to food thinking we are experiencing hunger, when really we are dehydrated.”

Getting the suggested amount of water, especially on days when you have an event, will help lessen the temptation to overeat.

Include foods in your diet that are rich in water, like green salads, to help meet your recommended daily dose of H20.

“Being dehydrated also leads to a loss in power output. Even a loss as little as 2 per cent can lead to decreased exercise performance.

This means that we will not be able to work as hard during our workouts, and therefore will not burn as many calories. It is important to keep hydrated during workouts,” says Triggs.

Just as exercise is important when you’re not as tempted to eat out or eat a lot, it’s TM

essential to staying on track in the seasonal months. By starting your day off with a workout, you are more likely to move more during the day while making better choices.

Deep-fried foods or creamy drinks won’t seem so appealing once you’ve worked up a sweat for the day. It also helps to burn off the additional calories you’re bound to consume at least once over the holiday hustle.

A long buffet table or a full calendar of events may have you salivating at the thought of filling your plate every chance you get. To avoid regretting too many unhealthy decisions, being choosey when it comes to what you put on your plate will benefit you far past the end of party season.

“When tackling a buffet, always do a walk by first,” suggests Triggs. “See what foods are offered before piling up your plate. Make a choice about which foods you will enjoy most and stick to those.” Opt out of anything mediocre to your taste buds and enjoy your indulgences in moderation.

Don’t be afraid to say no. Trying a bite of everyone’s dish at the office potluck might seem like the polite thing to do but you’re really only sacrificing your own health. The more you practice saying no, the easier it will become and the happier your waist line will be.

If you’re the one hosting the party, a fridge full of leftovers can be just as tempting as granny’s dessert table. Send guests home with containers so they don’t linger in your fridge leaving you to overindulge long after the party is over.

“In my opinion life is all about finding balance,” says Triggs. “I try to encourage my clients to eat healthy whole foods (unprocessed) most of the time, and have the occasional “not so healthy” meal. I find that being too strict leads to things like binge eating and a lot of guilt. So, yes, eating a healthy diet for the most part and enjoying a seasonal treat every once in a while is totally fine.”

While you should certainly let yourself enjoy your social gatherings, don’t let them become the reason you gain weight this holiday season.

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Don’t get too close to the snacks When you’re at a holiday party, it can be easy to find yourself stationed by the snack table chatting, all the while shoveling handfuls of food into your mouth.

Give yourself some distance from the munchies and make it that much more difficult to graze.

Stay on top of your routine during the holidays.

Eat the healthiest options first

I

t should come as no surprise that gyms tend to fill up right about the time the holidays come to a close. Between the winter weather, busy party schedules, and of course the endless feasting, the holiday season hardly lends itself to diet and exercise, and suddenly everyone finds themselves trying to make-up for their negligence.

So how do you stay on top of your health routine when the holidays arrive? Here are a few tips for keeping motivated, active, and eating right.

Get a coconspirator It can be extremely difficult to keep up your motivation when everywhere you look you see people not getting any exercise and not eating nutritiously. The solution involves getting a partner – a friend or family member who will share in making the tough decisions.

Make a workout plan

By Nick Hilden

HEALTHY FOR THE

HOLiDAYS

travels. Don’t leave your workout routine up to chance. Make sure you schedule it in like you would any other important part of your life.

Wake up earlier Set your alarm clock for an hour or two earlier than usual so that you have a bit of extra time to get in a workout before your day gets filled with gift-shopping and socializing.

Be the host When you go to someone else’s holiday party, you’re left eating whatever is served. But when you’re hosting, you can be sure to provide healthy food options.

A workout plan is a great idea all year round, but it’s especially helpful when you know you’ll be busy with holiday parties and

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Start out by eating the healthiest selections like salads and soups.

That way by the time the calorierich main course is served you’ll already feel somewhat full.

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Drink from tall, skinny glasses

Studies have shown that people tend to pour 30 per cent more liquid into short, wide glasses.

Narrow glasses will help you cut back on calories from eggnog and festive cocktails.

Avoid fast food while shopping When you’re hitting the mall for presents, it can be easy to

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find yourself in the food court choosing from whatever assortment of greasy options happen to be available. Instead, eat before you head out to shop, or bring along snacks. If eating at a restaurant is unavoidable, be sure to eat at a proper establishment where you can get something nutritious.

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Remember: it’s okay to say “no.”

It’s easy to think that you have to eat everything that you’re offered, but that’s not the case.

Learn to say no. This is a situation where your health-partner can really come in handy.

Develop your holiday fitness routine If hitting the gym simply won’t fit into your busy holiday schedule, build a workout routine that you can do in your spare time at home. A good 20 minute high intensity interval training (HIIT) circuit, for example, is a great way to pack quality exercise into a short amount of time.

What’s a solid circuit look like? Basically, you want to have a series of bodyweight exercises that are broken up by quick bursts of cardio.

When most people think of cardio, the first thing that comes to mind is running, but if the winter weather makes running seem like a less than thrilling endeavour, a jump rope makes for a great alternative. So your circuit could look something like this: 1 min. jumping rope > 10 burpees > 1 min. jumping rope > 20 mountain climbers > 1 min. jumping rope > 30 jump squats > 1 min. jumping rope > 20 pushups > 1 min. jumping rope > 20 reverse lunges Set a timer for 20 minutes, then charge through this circuit and see how many times you can repeat it in that time.

Bottom line, keeping healthy through the holidays is all about the little things – finding little ways to exercise, and finding little ways to cut out calories.

Nick Hilden Native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Nick Hildenʼs career has spanned fiction, travel, advertising, journalism, biography, and more, and his work has appeared in publications such as the LA Times, Vice, LiveStrong, and Global Living Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter @LifeDoneWrite.

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DARPAN HOME

Welcome guests into your home with open arms and a perfectly prepared space

By Ashley Stephens

Be the Host

With the Most W

ith busy calendars and an abundance of party invites, making the most of your nights out can be a juggling act of seasonal soirées.

If you’re inviting people into your home this holiday season and beyond, it’s best to be fully prepared. You’ve double checked your invite list, fully stocked the wine fridge, and picked up plenty of food but

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have you thought about where to place your furniture, how to create ambiance or how guests may flow through your space?

Begin with the basics and ensure your home is clean.

Whisking away the dust bunnies and mopping the floors may seem like obvious chores before entertaining, but take a look around your space for any unnecessary clutter or valuable knickknacks.

By removing these items, your home will be more welcoming while leaving you to enjoy your night without worry of accidental damage to anything sentimental or valuable.

Once you’ve tidied up and reduced any visual

If it’s a dinner party you’re hosting, the table will be the focal point.

Use a tablecloth, set the table with all the necessary dishes and utensils before guests arrive, add flowers or a centerpiece, fold napkins and add name tags. distractions, it’s best to evaluate your home based on the type of party you plan to host. Is it a dinner party? A swanky soirée? Will your house be full of happy holidayers mingling about? Or is it a cozy affair with a few close friends? Knowing your needs will allow you to decorate and more importantly, arrange your space accordingly.

If it’s a dinner party you’re hosting, the table will be the

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Add holiday lights, candles and dim lighting all around the room or around your dinner table.

Smells should be subtle so as not to mix with the taste of foods but a lightly-scented candle can enhance the mood.

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focal point. Use a tablecloth, set the table with all the necessary dishes and utensils before guests arrive, add flowers or a centerpiece, fold napkins and add name tags.

Little touches will go a long way in making your guests want to gather around your table all night long.

If you’re inviting others over for a cocktail party, consider renting high tables and chairs and removing coffee tables or other obstructing furniture.

Less will be more if you want your guests to move around easily. No one likes to carry around an empty plate or juggle a crumbled up napkin so consider where guests may

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leave their dishes when they’re in the midst of a good conversation.

The way your room is arranged will affect how your guests enjoy the evening and interact with others. If furniture prevents people from moving freely between rooms or from the food table back to their conversation, the party won’t last as long as it could and guests may leave feeling hungry or unfulfilled.

Think about how easy is it for your friends and family to move about your home and consider creating areas for conversation or moving large pieces of furniture off to the side.

If you’re serving a buffet dinner, keep the path around your serving area clear so guests can move freely to fill their plate. Only serving appetizers? Make sure they’re within easy reach of any areas you hope to have guests congregate. You wouldn’t want them to miss out on your great grandma’s famous fruit cake if it’s hidden in a closed off kitchen.

While running out of egg nog or cookies might bring an abrupt end to a party, a lack of toilet paper can make for some uncomfortable guests and early exits. Stay stocked on the necessities and ensure that each bathroom available to guests has a full basket out and easily accessible. While you’re in the powder room, check for fresh hand towels and light a candle before guests arrive.

If you don’t want guests to wander into certain rooms, keep the lights off and doors closed.

This signals certain areas are off limits and won’t lead to any uncomfortable feelings of intrusion on the part of your party attendees. On the other hand, make them feel welcome where the party is with good lighting, appropriate music and carefully curated décor.

Add holiday lights, candles and dim lighting all around the room or around your dinner table.

Smells should be subtle so as not to mix with the taste of foods but a lightly-scented candle can enhance the mood. Music can keep a party going all night long or kill the vibe pretty quickly.

Pick appropriate music for the crowd and mood you wish to create – and keep the volume low enough to speak over or loud enough to get your crowd grooving.

Take your holiday party from good to great by paying attention to the small details around your home that will add to the ambiance and make guests feel comfortable. Fill your guests up on food, fun and holiday cheer with a little rearranging, proper planning and a focus on their needs.

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r e d n i sneet t a J &Ja

Q: How did you meet?

Q: Could you share your proposal story?

Jasneet: Jatinder and I meet at a mutual friend’s birthday party. We connected as soon as we saw each other. We talked most of the night and exchanged phone numbers. We continued to keep in touch and hit it off.

Jasneet: It is my most favourite story. It was a few weeks before our wedding and we had a prewedding party to attend that same day. However, at the last minute my friend calls up and tells me that she had booked high-tea for us a month ago and she was unable to postpone since it was a promotional offer.

We left home early to go for high-tea but my brother kept driving around downtown to stall as Jatinder was stuck in traffic and had not reached the proposal venue yet. We finally reached Prospect Point in Stanley Park; my brother went to park while my friend

Q: What do you love most about one another?

The best thing that we love about each other is the chemistry between us.

Regardless of how long or how little time it has been since we met, we get excited every time – especially during our courtship days between our rokka and wedding. Even now after getting married we look forward to seeing each other at the end of the day. We both appreciate each other and value each other’s time.

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and I went to take some pictures.

As I continued to walk down the stairs, I heard a violin playing and it sounded like a Hindi song. Then I saw Jatinder standing there with a rose in his hand, waiting for me.

I completely froze, Jatinder took my hand and walked me to the set -up that he had arranged. It was a table for two with rose petals and candles on the floor and a bottle of champagne on the table. He was talking to me and I was still in a daze, I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it.

Then came the moment when he got down on one knee and asked the question. I could tell he was just as nervous as we had a full audience watching us from the top.

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Q: Could you tell us about your reception?

Our reception was the finale of our two-month long celebration that we had this summer. It was perfect walking inside as a couple; to see everyone greet you with so much love and warmth was amazing.

Q: Can you describe your outfits?

Jasneet: For both Jatinder and myself, our wedding day outfits were our favourite as they both felt so special. I wore a peach/pink floor-length Anarkali that had coral and whitecoloured small flowers and tread work all over it.

As for Jatinder, he wore a cream sherwani that also had tread work with a peach shawl. Our outfits complimented each other beautifully.

Q: Where did you honeymoon?

For our honeymoon we went to the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was beautiful; blue crystal clear waters with white powder sand.

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Always share everything with your spouse. Let them know if something is bothering you and solve the problem or find the solution together. Never go to bed angry, always sort out your issues or arguments before going to sleep. Plan little surprises for your partner, little moments like that are what make great memories and shows how much you truly care about each other.

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Grab a coffee at Cat Café If you like the idea of sipping coffee with a purring cat on your lap, you must check out Catfe. This coffee shop – which serves drinks and snacks as well as provides a safe space for cat lovers – is one of a kind in Vancouver.

Located inside International Village Mall, there are usually eight to 12 cats to hang out with. The best part? They’re all rescued and so if you happen to fall in love with one, you can always adopt it. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended. Visit Catfe.ca for more details.

5 Cozy Things

To Do This

WINTER

By TARANA RANA

A

s the chilly winter weather seeps in, there are many weekends when all you want to do is curl up under your bedcovers and hibernate. Lucky for you, Vancouver has a host of warm, cozy nooks to spend these rainy winter days in! Here are the top five coziest things to do this winter.

The weather outside might be frightful – but these five indoor activities will keep you warm and cozy this holiday season!

Party in your coziest ugly sweater Bundle up in your coziest, ugliest sweater on December 23, and head out to the Commodore Ballroom for the annual Original Ugly Sweater Christmas party! With free treats, live music, DJs, sing-alongs, gifts, and fun contests, this is the ultimate adult Christmas party.

While ugly sweaters are not mandatory, they are encouraged – especially because the ugliest ones win a prize! Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.ca and all proceeds of the event go towards the Children’s Make a Wish Foundation.

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Soak up the heat at Bloedel Conservatory Dreaming of a tropical paradise? The Bloedel Floral Conservatory is as close as you can get in Vancouver! Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is a lush tropical garden housed under an enormous dome. Enjoy the warmth as you explore three different types of rainforests. It’s home to over 500 species of plants and over 100 free-flying birds like parrots, macaws and a cockatoo that says hello!

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Credits: Facebook pages of Catfe, The Original Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (Kyle Rurak), and Fairmont Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden Gerald and Irmgard Carter, vancouverbachchoir.com

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Enjoy a Christmas choir indoors Is there a more quintessential holiday experience than Christmas caroling? Luckily, you don’t have to step outdoors for this one.

On December 4, head down to the Orpheum Theatre to enjoy festive carols with the Bach Choir. More than 400 singers come together for an enchanting performance that is guaranteed to warm your heart! Tickets are available online at vancouverbachchoir.com.

Go for a festi ve afternoon tea There’s nothing like sitting down with a steaming hot cup of tea and delicious goodies to chase away the chill of a rainy day. This winter, be sure to check out Fairmont Hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea, which is ideal for families with children.

Running all through the month of December, you can make reservations online at Fairmont.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tarana is a freelance writer in Vancouver, BC. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city and discovering some of its lesser-known haunts.

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HOW TO SEE A

CITY

24 IN

Hours Inputs by Emirates

Preparation is key and the best part of any city is its hidden secrets.

If you only have 24 hours, make sure you research what a city has to offer prior to landing.

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any cabin crew members enjoy only brief stopovers in a city, which means they have to be strategic if they want to absorb the local culture, see the hottest spots, and grasp the city’s character in a very short period of time. As some of the world’s most seasoned site seers, the Emirates’ Cabin Crew members share their favourite tricks for making the most of a short stop in any metropolis.

TIP #1 Search for Secrets Preparation is key and the best part of any city is its hidden secrets. If you only have 24 hours, make sure you research what a city has to offer prior to landing.

Ask friends who are locals, search online and make a list of the top spots you’d like to see. Use interactive maps to find out how to quickly arrive at your destinations. Searching for secrets will help you live like a local – even if it’s only for a day.

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TIP #2 Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Every major metropolis offers a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour bus. It’s typically a double decker (so you can sit on top and enjoy the scenery from above) that takes you to various attractions around the city.

Not only will you have an audio guide to help you learn about the city, you won’t have to worry about how to navigate your way to its must-see destinations.

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TIP #3: Pick up a Paper

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Find out what the locals are doing by examining the city’s top news outlets. Newspapers, magazines and popular blogs are a great way to find out what unique events are taking place in the city while you’re there, like temporary art exhibitions or a must-see concert.

TIP #4: Pick a Package A lot of airlines offer great stopover packages that make it easy to see an extraordinary city like Dubai in a short period of time. These can include everything from a meet and assist at the airport to a welcome pack on arrival to transfers to and from your hotel. If you don’t have time to plan ahead, why not ask an airport concierge to help you create a targeted itinerary? Oftentimes, these local experts can provide insights into the best downtown destinations, and how to get there quickly.

TIP #5: Explore on your own Rent a bike or walk around and just get lost. Exploring is the best way to feel out a city’s vibe and absorb the local culture. Wander into a coffee shop that has a friendly-looking crowd, or park yourself in a square and do some people watching. You never know what unexpected gems you’ll uncover.

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DARPAN TRAVEL Pura Tanah Lot Temple - perched on an outcrop of rock, amidst crashing waves and a stunning backdrop

Home to sandy beaches, ancient temples, active volcanoes, and spiritual retreats, this small Indonesian island contains multitudes..

The Island That Has It All

BALI

BY Tarana Rana

T

ropical paradise.

Spa Capital of Asia. Island of the Gods – Bali’s numerous names are a testament to its exceptionally rich and diverse culture. From its sprawling jungles to picturesque rice fields, to sandy beaches and roaring nightlife, to temples galore, whatever you’re looking

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for when you travel, you can be sure you’ll find it here.

Home to most of Indonesia’s Hindu population, one of the most distinctive features of this island are the exquisite ‘Canang Sari’ or small baskets of flowers strewn everywhere – in temples, houses, outside shops, sidewalks, on the ground – as a ritual of giving back to the gods.

A popular travel destination, Bali is best visited in the

shoulder season (May, June and September) when the weather is slightly drier and the island is less crowded. Here are some top ways to enjoy this glorious island.

Visit a Balinese temple or two There are over 10,000 temples in Bali, each more unique than the other. The most iconic is probably Pura Tanah Lot Temple.

You can’t go to Bali without hitting up a beach. The largest and most popular beach is Kuta beach, renowned for its white sands and surfing. It’s also a major hub for restaurants, pubs and nightlife. In fact, the majority of the hotels and resorts are located along this fivekilometer stretch. If you fancy picking up a handicraft or

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Soak up culture in Ubud

The Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary, which houses three holy temples, is inhabited

by Balinese macaques, and is well worth the visit. Just remember not to feed the monkeys!

Made even more popular by the book Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud is the place to go for a glimpse of Bali’s cultural heart. Located up in the mountains, this town is renowned for art and culture. You could visit Ubud Palace, residence of the local

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Perched on an outcrop of rock, amidst crashing waves and a stunning backdrop, it’s no wonder that this is Bali’s most photographed temple.

This sea temple is extremely important in Balinese culture and the best time to view it is during high tide – when the temple is completely surrounded by the sea. At low tide, you can actually walk towards the temple, although tourists are not permitted to enter.

Another stunning temple complex is Besakih Temple, located on the slopes of a mountain with stunning views of the islands rich fields.

One of the biggest and most important temples on the island, Besakih comprises of over 23 separate temples that can be explored. Visitors must rent a sarong and sash at the entrance.

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royal family and explore the ornately carved buildings.

As a thriving arts hub, be sure to check out an art gallery or two as well. Ketut Rudi Gallery has a fine collection of over 50 local artists while the Neka Art Museum is the place to go for a visual overview of Balinese art. Finally, round up your visit to Ubud with a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or ‘Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana.’ This forest sanctuary, which houses three holy temples, is inhabited

by Balinese macaques, and is well worth the visit. Just remember not to feed the monkeys!

Enjoy the local cuisine Expect a lot of rich spices and flavourful herbs in local Balinese fare. Also expect to find some of the best local food from the small food stalls or ‘warungs’! Head to Jimbaran Seafood Cafes for some local seafood for dinner. Located on Muaya beach, clusters of restaurants and cafés are lined up to serve the freshest grilled seafood from prawns, crabs, calamari to lobsters, topped with sambal – a hot and spicy sauce.

Visit Warung Eny on Jalan Petitenget for some delicious nasi campur – white rice served alongside Balinese vegetables, meats and friedshrimp crackers. For a true taste of Bali, stop

by Warung Rujak Gula at Jalan Merdeka, to try ‘rujak,’ a traditional fruit salad that’s slightly spicy! You can also get a taste of Balinese desserts here like ‘bubur sumsum’ – a rice pudding and ‘kolak’ – a heavenly concoction of bananas, coconut milk and sugar.

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As a worldwide spa destination, be sure to indulge yourself at one of the many luxury spas in Bali. A popular choice is Jamu Spa, at the AlamKulKul Boutique Resort where all spa treatments are carried out with products made from age-old recipes and locally-sourced natural ingredients such as herbs, flowers, honey and essential oils. Bodyworks is another popular spa, which offers traditional Balinese massage, among its many treatments!

Go shopping for Balinese handicrafts Balinese handicrafts, with their intricate hand carvings, are a great way to remember your trip by! Pay a visit to Sukawati Art Market, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a range of artisanal crafts from wooden figurines, paintings, wall carvings as well as batik-style bags and clothes.

Haggling is allowed at this market, so spend some time comparing prices between different stalls before making a purchase.

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hat did we do before smartphones? These incredibly powerful handheld devices have forever changed how we go about our daily lives, and that includes helping us get around easier, and in a more enjoyable manner, than ever before. From a crowd-sourced navigation app to software rewarding cyclists with free beer, here are the best apps for the mobile-minded right now.

5

TOP

PayByPhone Great news for non-coin-carriers: PayByPhone is a 100 per cent cashless parking payment system.

You first sign up for an account and add a credit card, and then the next time after finding a spot simply enter the numerical code found on the metre or ticket machine (in partnering cities such as Vancouver, Richmond, White Rock and other large urban centres in North America), your license plate number and the duration requested.

The app emails a receipt and subsequently sends alerts for confirmation of payment when time is almost expired. Conveniently, there is a function to add more money without ever having to return to the vehicle.

MOBILE

APPS MOVE

FOR PEOPLE ON THE

By Benjamin Yong

Car2Go

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The official Car2Go app is the key to accessing the blue and white Smart Fortwos found parked on streets all over Vancouver and other parts of the world. Once downloaded and logged in, users are able to see the location of the nearest unoccupied vehicles and reserve one, navigate to its location via turn-by-turn directions, and unlock the doors to start the trip. Afterwards, the doors can be locked and the trip ended as well. As of recently, the entire process is completed on your phone and a membership card is no longer required.

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DARPAN TECH

Waze Billed as a realtime, crowd-sourced navigation app, Waze is like an interactive Google Maps. While open, the app collects information about your drive automatically, for example when a slowdown occurs due to an accident or roadwork. “Wazers” also have the option to report traffic incidents, either through voice commands or by pressing a small orange button on-screen. The updated data is instantly communicated to more than 50 million active users who may then give a thumbs up to confirm the submission and thank the person responsible, or issue a veto indicating the issue is no longer present.

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Biko Everyone loves rewards, right? Three Columbian partners launched Biko in late summer, a platform that “pays” cyclists one digital coin per kilometre travelled.

The virtual currency can later be traded in for real goods from Big Rock Brewery, Rocanini Coffee Roasters, Two Wheel Gear, Bike Doctor, and hundred more local businesses. Alternatively, the coins can be donated to charities like Children’s Wish Foundation and United Way. In September, Pacific Blue Cross announced it would be matching Biko donations, up to a total of $25,000 spread amongst the six participating organizations.

Uber Although not available in the Lower Mainland yet, the ridesharing service Uber needs little introduction. Loading up the app allows riders to hail different types of vehicles from an entrylevel uberX passenger car to something much more upscale with uberBLACK. It shows your driver’s name, estimated time of arrival and even a list of contact methods. In addition, there’s an Uber Driver application designed for people behind the wheel to facilitate pickups, provide support and monitor income earned. Each individual job is tracked using built-in GPS for safety and security.

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DARPAN AutoFEATURE

tOP CARS FOR

WINTER-TIME

DRIVING

BY Benjamin Yong

Here are our top five all-wheel drive cars for the colder months ahead.

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inter, as they say, is coming. Fortunately for Vancouverites, our version is much milder than other parts of the country. Still, with above average rainfall during the colder months and pavement surfaces that occasionally become frozen, we can use all the traction we can get while behind the wheel.

From slick sports cars to capable crossovers, DARPAN has compiled a shortlist of the best all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles out right now, factoring in things like comfort and convenience, fuel economy, performance, and price.

2016 Hyundai Tucson All new for 2016, the Tucson is a lot of automobile in a relatively small package. Benefitting from Hyundai’s contemporary design language, for instance donning a large signature hexagonal grille, sleekly shaped headlights and foglights, bigger wheels, and class-appropriate rugged body cladding, the small athletic SUV appears to be ready for anything. Beneath its tough exterior is a refined cabin available with plush leather, heated and ventilated front seats and an improved navigation system responding to inputs nearly three times faster than before. All grades but the base receive all-wheel drive.

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2016 Volkswagen Golf R At a distance, it resembles any other hatchback that VW produces. But don’t be fooled, because the Volkswagen Golf R is most certainly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The extra letter R attached to the badge represents the fastest production Golf the automaker has ever made. Volkswagen Golf R makes 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power is put down on the ground to all four wheels via proprietary AWD technology dubbed 4MOTION, ensuring proper grip regardless of road conditions.

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DARPAN AutoFEATURE

2016 Lexus RC 350 If you want the safety of AWD and don’t want to sacrifice looks or speed, the RC 350 may be ‘The One.’ First introduced last year, the quick coupe returns featuring a standard F SPORT Series 1 bundle adding unique seats, alloy wheels, steering wheel, shift knob, and more. Backing up the mean appearance is a silky smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 307 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. To keep the nose always pointing in the right direction, the Lexus i-Four AWD setup utilizes an electronic centre differential to stabilize any wheel that starts to slip.

2016 Honda HR-V The HR-V is an early entry into the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment, which combines the practical benefits of a sport utility vehicle with the drivability of a car.

Positioned in-between the Fit and the CR-V, this Honda can haul a full load of passengers and still have plenty of room leftover for whatever else. Although front-wheel drive is found in the entry-level trim, moving up a couple of steps on the ladder swaps in full-time AWD instead, all for under $25,000.

In the city, the HR-V is manufacturer estimated to only consume 8.4 L/100 km of fuel.

2016 Volvo XC90 Since the launch of the flagship luxury mid-size crossover in 2015, the XC90 has won all sorts of awards including the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) best SUV/CUV over $60,000, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+. What some people may not know is that the Swedish company is leading the way in tech as well, proven by the massive in-dash touchscreen replacing virtually all physical knobs and switches. The electronically controlled AWD is equally advanced – an onboard computer monitors tire grip up to hundred times a second, gathering information such as wheel rotation speed, engine speed and torque levels, and throttle status.

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BMW 750Li Pure longwheelbase opulence

BY Benjamin Yong

The L stands for long wheelbase, meaning this 7 Series measures a serious 5,250 millimetres in length, the roomiest sedan the manufacturer has ever built. The 740Li is built with BMW’s Efficient Lightweight Carbon Core concept.

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here are cars that are luxurious, and then there are luxury cars. One type has a smattering of options making it more comfortable to drive, and the other is completely opulent through and through. An example of the latter?

The 2016 BMW 750Li. The L stands for long wheelbase, meaning this 7 Series measures a serious 5,250 millimetres in length, the roomiest sedan the

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manufacturer has ever built.

To offset its significant size, the 740Li is built with BMW’s Efficient Lightweight Carbon Core concept – borrowed from the i vehicle lineup – featuring a passenger cell constructed out of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, high-strength steel, and aluminum.

Not only does this design increase rigidity and as a result

BMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Experience.

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DARPAN AutoREVIEW A touch-sensitive monitor has been incorporated into the BMW iDrive operating system so users no longer have to rely on only a rotary knob for inputting navigation commands or changing onboard settings, making most processes much faster.

Highlights

MSRP: $117,900 Motor: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Horsepower: 445 @ 5,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 480 @ 1,800 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 16.6 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

safety, 86 kilograms have been shaved off compared to the previous model. Besides Carbon Core, for the first time the doors and trunk lid are made entirely out of aluminum.

Using lighter and stronger materials also extend to the wheels and brake and suspension components, reducing upsprung weight by up to 15 per cent.

Much of the luxuriousness of the 750Li shines through in the form of technology. A touch-sensitive monitor has been incorporated into the BMW iDrive operating system so users no longer have to rely on only a rotary knob for inputting navigation commands or changing onboard settings, making most processes much faster.

A new standard addition to the 7 Series is Gesture Control, which enables the driv-

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er to execute a series of pre-programmed shortcuts with a flick of his or her wrist. A number of 3-D sensors pick up hand motions and correspondingly adjusts the stereo volume, answer or reject phone calls, change radio stations or turn off the screen.

In all honesty, the functionality is more of a gimmick at this point and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often just as easy and perhaps faster to simply press a button. There is potential though, and gesturing will no doubt become more useful when the hardware and software improves.

Aside from the cavernous legroom people sitting in the back enjoy, the rear center armrest includes a removable Samsung tablet remote control allowing passengers to perform a range of tasks such as adjust the intensity of the built-in massage seats, browse the web, and choose something to play on the dual headrest-mounted entertainment screens.

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A few more high-end features: customizable interior LED lighting (even the huge panoramic moonroof glass itself emits a soft colourful glow), head-up display, wireless cellphone charging, and an available digital Display Key fob where owners can monitor certain vehicle information in addition to locking, unlocking and starting their 750Li. The powertrain consists of the 4.4-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, mated to an eight-speed Sport Automatic Steptronic transmission and fed to all four wheels via xDrive all-wheel drive. Most eight-cylinder luxury cars feel smooth during acceleration, but driving this range-topping 7 Series is like rolling down the street in a fine leather sofa.

The suspension soaks up the abuse of every bump, transmitting little unpleasant feedback to the occupants, and due to 50:50 weight distribution the 750Li handles way better than it should given its size and mass.

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BY Benjamin Yong

Volkswagen Beetle Denim This season’s hottest jeans The regular 2016 Beetle has undergone a thorough inside-out denim treatment to look and feel like your favourite pair of Levis.

VW deserves a tip of the hat, because the automaker hasn’t just slapped on a different badge and called it a day.

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here’s nothing Volkswagen loves to do more than pay homage to past successes – particularly those of the iconic Beetle – with special edition vehicles, and that is how the Beetle Denim convertible was born.

Influenced by the 1970s “Jeans” Bug, its name tells

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Highlights MSRP: $29,350 Motor: 1.8-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 170 @ 4,800 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 184 @ 1,500 rpm Gearbox: Six-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive Fuel economy: 9.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) the full story. The regular 2016 Beetle has undergone a thorough inside-out denim treatment to look and feel like your favourite pair of Levis.

VW deserves a tip of the hat, because the automaker hasn’t just slapped on a different badge and called it a day. For instance, the convertible top is made out of a textured fabric that resembles the same cloth a pair of jeans might be cut from.

Entering the interior is an experience akin to slipping into said jeans. The speciality fabric finds its way onto the seat coverings as well, and the bolsters feature pants-like pockets, including red tabs shaped like a Bug, you can put a notebook or some sunglasses into. In addition, the dash is finished in a light blue and silver colour.

TOYOTA

Underneath the extra bits of styling is the same redesigned vehicle that, if you haven’t driven one since the original New Beetle, is now sleeker and less bubbly. The roof has been lowered (headroom hasn’t suffered still offering 942 millimetres) and the track and wheelbase have both been stretched wider for a sportier rather than cuter appearance.

Stepping back into the cabin for a moment, occupants should notice the absence of a certain vase that previously contributed to the car’s perception of being female-centric. At a time when storage space seems to be shrinking in many models, the Beetle has a unique two-glovebox setup. The first sits on top of the dashboard with a flip-up lid, the second below opens downward as per usual.

The new Volkswagen “MIB II” infotainment system, incorporating a faster and higher resolution 5.0-inch touchscreen display, is a big change for all 2016s regardless of trim.

As recently as two years ago, the vehicles didn’t even have USB inputs, and now support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

One engine is provided as standard – a 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI four cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission.

The specs aren’t overwhelming, but maximum torque is achieved at a low 1,500 rpm. That was enough to surprise me when leaving a stoplight a couple of times by breaking the front drive tires loose.

I was surprised to discover the Beetle weighs approximately only 1,366 kilograms, although it makes sense given how sprightly the car handles on the road despite missing the structural rigidity of a roof. Following along a curvy mid-to-high speed road, no significant understeer was exhibited and I could have easily pushed harder with little issue.

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Denim is available in two colours: Pure White or Stonewashed Blue and limited to a production run of 2,000 units.

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PHOTOS: BENJAMIN YONG

BY Benjamin Yong

Infiniti Q50 A refreshing upgrade

E

The majority of the changes are internal, with the introduction of no less than three brand new engine offerings, and changes to steering and suspension.

ven though the Infiniti Q50 luxury sports sedan came out only two years ago, the vehicle gets a pretty huge midcycle update for 2016. The majority of the changes are internal, with the introduction of no less than three brand new engine offerings, and changes to steering and suspension.

For the purposes of this review, I will be talking about the Q50 2.0t, which is the trim I tested over a one-week period.

I’m not going into a lot of detail about the exterior that is largely untouched and looks as handsome as it always has. If it’s the first time you’re laying eyes on the sedan, all the signature Infiniti touches are present, like the double arch grille and wavy “Crescent” shaped C-pillar, to

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name a couple.

The original Q50 is one of the first cars I sat in containing a forward-thinking infotainment system that wasn’t overly complicated to use. There are two capacitive touchscreens, eight inch on top and seven inch on the bottom, working in tandem displaying different information.

In a navigation context, the larger display shows the map, while the smaller is used to type in an address or point of interest.

Getting back to the powertrain, the 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder model DARPAN was lent is the most modest of the new trio, rated at 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the remaining motors are both 3.0 L bi-turbo V6s generating either 300 or 400 horses.

Highlights

DARPAN AUTOREVIEW

Every version receives all-wheel drive.

Turning the key, the boosted 2.0t – the engine block is made from aluminum to save weight – comes to life with little fanfare. The peppy little powerplant moves the car fairly well, and I don’t have a whole lot to say about the performance. More noteworthy, in my opinion, is the nextgeneration Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) improving upon an already excellent feature.

DAS tailors the steering feel to realworld conditions. When driving in the city or parking, the wheel is automatically adjusted so less effort is required to manoeuvre. If the vehicle is travelling over bumpy terrain, the annoying jarring sensation usually felt is mitigated and fatigue is reduced. Carving canyon roads?

Response instantly firms up to provide the confidence needed to navigate through higher G-forces and speeds.

An additional interesting function of DAS is the ability to keep the Q50 between lane markers when severe crosswinds or uneven road surfaces are encountered.

Stepping up to the V6s bundles the complementary Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS). Say you have DAS tuned into Sport or Sport+ mode in anticipation of some tasty twisty stretches on the highway. With DDS equipped, the shock absorbers also stiffen, so the car feels

Direct Adaptive Steering tailors the steering feel to real-world conditions. When driving in the city or parking, the wheel is automatically adjusted so less effort is required to manoeuvre.

If the vehicle is travelling over bumpy terrain, the annoying jarring sensation usually felt is mitigated and fatigue is reduced.

MSRP: $47,895 Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 208 @ 5,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,500 rpm Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 12.1 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

more agile and stays flat around corners.

The dampers are smart, too, because the computer quietly monitors and compensates for body roll, pitch and bounce rate to produce the best ride possible.

Given the smaller displacement, I was hoping for fuel consumption to be better than the 12.1 L/100 km experienced, especially since an idle start-stop system is now included. Admittedly, most of my driving happened in the city, where the manufacturer estimate is listed at 10.6 L/100 km.

PHOTOs: Benjamin yong, INFINITI

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This event takes place in the North America’s m o s t p r e s t i g i o u s v e n u e “ Va n c o u v e r Convention Center” in month of April. BFWV is the largest three days wedding extravaganza, featuring top international bridal designers and exhibitors with catwalk. BFWV is an annual trade show, where we have all possible marriage vendors under one

La Pallette Sanchit Mehra

Reynu Taandon

BRIDAL FASHION WEEK VANCOUVER is a diverse and multi-cultural experience that brings, nations best bridal designers, jewelers and wedding vendors together with International leaders.

This show will fill the void of Canadian Wedding Industry, by giving a platform to all participants, to project their products in appropriate manner. We have stall area where vendors will have their booths with proper presentation. Selected designers and vendors will be allotted slots after our selection panel screens and select them. We are committed to quality and perfection. We have a hand-picked show production team, with industry leaders.

This annual event has the attendance of thousands of guests, including industry professionals, buyers, National and International Media and VIP’S.

BFWV has an app for all smart phone users, it can be downloaded from Apple’s app store or Google play. You can get all list and details of participants there. This makes the information more accessible, making the participants gain maximum exposure.

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Exhibiting and sponsorship enquiry: +1 (604) 760 5572 / info@bridalweekvancouver.com

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House Of Raina

BFWV provides the engaged couples with everything needed to plan a dream wedding and honeymoon, under one roof.

Pammi Singh

Priya Chhabria

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Bharti Art Jewelers

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BFWV involves volunteers to engage themselves as the team, where they learn more than academics, and have practical experience of fashion catwalk and backstage.

This is the weekend to gather information, get inspired, see the latest trends and ideas, sample delicious food and enjoy the wonderful ambience of BFWV, while having free consultancy from International wedding experts.

The upcoming Bridal Fashion Week Vancouver 2017 will begin with the Opening Gala on the evening of 7th April, 2017.

BFWV kicks off in style with VIP reception, attended by celebrities and cream-de-la-cream of lower mainland with main stream national and International media. Our guests will be treated with a magnificent bridal evening, that will include music, performances, and sneak peek of national and international participating designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collections.

Renowned national and international designers, jewellers and wedding vendors will exhibit and showcase there collection on runway for next two days, 8-9 April, 2017.

BridalFashionWeekVancouver

BridalWeekVan

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House Of Raina

Mad Sam Tin Zin

Samant Chauhan

Rekha Mohan

Reynu Taandon

BFWV had Ex-Miss India LIZA VARMA as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show director, she has experience of choreographing more than 2500 international fashion shows.

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CELEBRITYNEWS

IN PICTURES

Deepika at MTV EMA Awards Deepika Padukone presented the Best Video award to The Weeknd with her xXx co-star Nina Dobrev at the MTV European Music Awards. She wore an olive green draped skirt with a thigh-high slit, paired with an embellished bralette

by Indian designer Monisha Jaisingh, which failed to impress.

Daily Mail featured her among the ‘Worst Dressed Celebs’ and tagged her as a ‘Bollywood blunder.’ (Photo: Reuters/AP)

Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival ▼ World-renowned filmmakers and Bollywood stars walked the red carpet at Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival. The festival showcased incredible screenings, artistry, innovation and celebrity appearances. The seven-day festival screened over 175 films from 54 countries across the world.

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GQ Awards 2016 This year’s edition of GQ Awards was packed with stars and mavericks from across business, cinema, social work, sports, and the arts. Actor Ranveer Singh got the Actor of the Year Award, Kangana Ranaut was awarded Woman of the Year.

Some other winners include Tiger Shroff, designers Shantanu and Nikhil, Radhika Apte, Saif Ali Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan.

Yuvraj Singh launches YWC Clothing Line

Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards It was the night of glamour and high fashion as the entire Bollywood industry came out in full force to celebrate Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards. Amitabh Bachchan bagged the award for Timeless Style & Glamour Icon (Male); and Katrina Kaif took home the Fashion Reinvention of the Year Award.

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh launched his clothing line YWC Fashion in a star-studded affair. Designers Shantanu and Nikhil have collaborated with Yuvraj on the fashion line. Cricketers Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle walked the ramp wearing the label.

Spotted at the event were Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhtar, and Farah Khan, among others.

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DARPAN BOXOFFICE

Take your pick, indulge and get entertained

DEAR ZINDAGI é Release date: November 25 Directed by: Gauri Shinde Starring: Alia Bhatt , Shah Rukh Khan, Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor

By Shweta Kulkarni

BOLLYWOOD

CALENDAR S

uperstars, much-awaited sequels, romance, biopic, slice of life film – the month in movies is undoubtedly packed with entertainment. Starting with the musical-drama Rock On!! 2, which is sure to entice all music lovers with its captivating music. We then move forward to our monthly dose of action in Force 2. This is followed by the slice of life film – Dear Zindagi, helmed by the ace director Gauri Shinde. Then there is the kissathon – Befikre which is all set to douse us with love and longing, followed by Mr. Pefectionist’s biographical drama – Dangal. Well, there is a lot on the platter to appeal to your varied taste buds – take your pick, indulge and get entertained.

Dear Zindagi gained attention from the masses ever since Alia Bhatt teased us by posting the unique promotional pictures, which featured a series of letters exchanged between Alia and Shah Rukh Khan on her social media. Directed by Gauri Shinde, reports suggest that the film will have SRK playing a life mentor to Alia and it’s a story about this young girl’s journey, whose awareness of life comes through her relationships. Alia is excited about this film for two reasons, “One of the biggest reasons is that I am working with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. I never thought that dream would even come true and the second reason is that I feel it’s a very sweet, simple and unique story. It’s a story that’s never been told before and a narrative that’s not been opted before.” That apart, the casting of the film also appears to be very fresh and versatile.

Movie buffs, you definitely have a lot to look forward to.

DANGAL è Release date: December 23 Directed by: Nitesh Tiwari Starring: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra Based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat who taught his daughters wrestling in the conservative state of Haryana, this biographical sports drama has Mr. Perfectionist aka Aamir Khan in the lead role. Aamir’s massive transformation for the role has already become the talk of the town and with a tagline on the posters that reads – “Mhaari chhoriyaan chhoron se kum hain ke,” (Are my daughters any less than boys?) we can expect the movie to emphasize on women empowerment.

Talking about the film Aamir said, “I loved the script. When Nitesh narrated it to me, I laughed, I cried. I just loved it.”

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BEFIKRE é Release date: December 9 Directed by: Aditya Chopra Starring: Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor

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This upcoming romantic drama has created quite a buzz with the release of a series of steamy posters in which the lead actors are seen locking lips. Explaining the abundance of kissing scenes in the film, Ranveer Singh said, “In Befikre you see kissing as a normal thing, just like a hug – an act of warmth and love.” Major chunks of Befikre is shot in the romantic city – Paris and it also marks the return of Aditya Chopra to direction after eight years.

Talking about his co-star Vaani Kapoor, Ranveer said, “She took me completely by surprise which is something I think she will do for the audience as well – she is going to take everybody by surprise.”

Well, this lead couple has already caught our attention with the crackling chemistry that they are exuding on the posters and it’s enough to lure us into the theatres.

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PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMATOGRAPHY

FORCE 2 é Release date: November 18

604-723-6804 info@amastermedia.com

Directed by: Abhinay Deo Starring: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin Force 2, a film starring John Abraham, is bound to be packed with action, and the sequel to the 2011 Force is no different. Moreover, directed by Abhinay Deo, this film will not just showcase John’s action skills but also Sonakshi Sinha’s newly-acquired action moves. While John will be reprising his role of ACP Yashvardhan, Tahir Raj Bhasin will be seen as the baddie in the film. However, according to director Abhinay Deo, it is Sonakshi who is going to steal the thunder in this one. “In this film, you will see the difference. Here Sonakshi is shoulder to shoulder with John Abraham. People would be surprised looking at her.”

Talking further about the film Abhinay said, “I have tried to give action sequences that people haven’t seen yet.

The shoot was amazing and I hope people like our efforts.”

Rikki Puri N O T A R Y

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ROCK ON!! 2 é Release date: November 11 Directed by: Shujaat Saudagar Starring: Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli After eight years, the Rock On!! team is back to create ‘magik’ on the screen again. Directed by debutant Shujaat Saudagar, Rock On!! 2 brings together its old cast with an addition of Shraddha Kapoor and promises to yet again emphasize on music and friendship. Making the sequel has been exciting as well as challenging according to Farhan Akhtar, “Most importantly, we have a certain responsibility to the sequel and the people who have really kept the memories of the film alive, so that while watching, the audience would feel that we have made the film with same sincerity and love.” Well, if music strikes a chord with you, block your dates for Rock On!! 2 now.

R i kki Puri, MBA

Notary Public

Tel: 604-568-5566 Fax: 604-568-5295 VANCOUVER 4683 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 2B3 (Main Location)

SURREY 102-7577 King George Hwy V3W 5A8 (By appointment only)

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Hacksaw Ridge Release date: November 4 After years of deserved exile in middling action movies (far cry from his Lethal Weapon heyday), Mel Gibson is back doing what his does best: directing ultra-violent war movies. The filmmaker behind Braveheart and Apocalypto has picked a real life WWII drama for his comeback.

Army Medic Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) refuses to carry a weapon, let alone kill people.

This puts him at odds with the US Army and his comrades, but in the frontline Doss demonstrates enormous courage by treating the wounded and carrying them to safety. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won praise for its realistic combat scenes.

escapism v/s harsh reality

Arrival Release date: November 11 Arguably the best film shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Québécois filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s latest is a traditional sci-fi drama with a twist.

The framing is recognizable: aliens visit Earth and it’s not immediately clear if they come in peace or plan to blow up the world Independence Day-style. A sensitive linguistic expert (Amy Adams) is tasked with finding a common tongue with the visitors before war-oriented minds go on the offensive. The film is more delicate and profound than it seems and has the potential to rewire minds much like Inside Out.

Blatant sci-fi flicks and race-inspired dramas will try to one up each other and the frontrunner (a musical) in a particularly contentious Oscar season.

that time of the year again in which studios remember there is an audience the 12-year olds they usually cater to (don’t worry, Star Wars: Rogue One, Iandt’sbeyond Assassin’s Creed should take care of them). This award season is marked

by race and war, and yet, a feel-good musical is the front runner. Here are the contenders coming to a multiplex near you.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Release date: November 11

Lion

The story of an Iraq vet coming home starring the most random cast imaginable (Vin Diesel, Chris Tucker, Kristen Stewart, Steve Martin) doesn’t sound like an opportunity for technical innovation. Yet that’s exactly what director Ang Lee (Life of Pi) turned it into. Not only Billy Lynn is on 3-D, it will be projected at 120 frames-per-second (FPS) in selected theatres (an average movie has 24 FPS, The Hobbit was shown 48 FPS). This should translate into a more realistic and immersive experience.

Release date: December 9 Based on real events, Lion almost gave the surprise at the TIFF by nabbing the main award (it came in second). Lion tells the story of Saroo, a five-year old kid who becomes separated from his family in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and is eventually adopted by an Australian couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). 25 years later, the adult Saroo (Dev Patel) goes back to India to find his relatives. A crowd-pleaser likely to cause the audience2016 to burst into NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER Re f l e c t i n g T h e S o u t h - A s i a n L i f e s t y l e tears, Lion is the season’s dark horse.

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PHOTOs: Columbia, eOne, Paramount, Sony, Elevation Pictures

By Jorge Ignacio Castillo

La La Land Release date: December 16 Winner of the People’s Choice Award last TIFF, La La Land is pure, amped-up Hollywood lore: Small town girl (Emma Stone) arrives to Tinseltown, struggles to book roles, meets strapping but cashstrapped musician (Ryan Gosling), falls in love.

The musical is visually stunning and, in spite of the artificiality of the genre, remains profoundly human.

Passengers Release date: December 21 The rare big-budget film (US$120-150 million) not based on a previously existing property, Passengers brings together the two hottest stars of the planet – Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt – and places them on a spaceship. The twosome is prematurely awaken from hibernation on their way to a distant colony and must face the possibility of spending the rest of their lives without any contact with other humans. It’s more action-filled and less existentialist than it sounds.

Fences Release date: December 28 For his third feature as a director, Denzel Washington has picked a play he starred in 2010. Given the racial tensions the US is dealing with, Fences feels particularly topical, despite being set in the 50s: An embittered garbage man (Washington), who could have become a professional baseball player if it wasn’t for the colour of his skin, refuses to accept that his son could have the future he was denied. The heavy drama could grant Denzel a third Oscar, perhaps his first behind the camera.

“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. ” - Wade Boggs

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INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIANS GLOBAL INDIA

GLOBAL

Q&A

INDIANS

I N T RO D U C I N G

Dr. Shefali

Tsabary

“I began to notice how teaching mindfulness to my clients helped them to immediately alleviate stress and integrate a greater sense of empowerment in their lives. Marrying eastern mindfulness in my practice as a psychologist became as natural as breathing and continues to remain the key ingredient in my work as a healer.”

By garima goswami

D

r. Shefali Tsabary wears many hats; she is an author of three best-selling parenting books, an international speaker presenting at conferences and workshops, and a clinical psychologist specializing in the integration of eastern philosophy and western psychology.

Her books – The Awakened Family, The Conscious Parent, and Out of Control have revolutionized parenting methods in ways never

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portrayed or discussed before; this and of course her speaking sessions on conscious parenting have curated a transformative approach for parents – advicing them how to reciprocate better with their children and self.

Dr. Tsabary is a master in her field. Her individual growth as a meditator sprouting from 20-years of Vipassana practice has contributed to her immense insight on the subject. When she started implementing this insight on her clients, Dr. Tsabary says she “began to notice how teaching mindfulness to my clients helped them to immediately alleviate stress and integrate a greater sense of empowerment in their lives.” She also adds, “Marrying eastern mindfulness in my practice as a psychologist became as natural as breathing and continues to remain the key ingredient in my work as a healer.”

Born and raised in India, Dr. Tsabary arrived in the United States at the age of 21 to pursue Masters at the California Institute of Integral Studies and eventually moved to New York to pursue a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. Her explorations on eastern mindfulness combined with western psychology have broadened a narrow pathway for parents to harmonize their connection with their children and helps them navigate better towards a conscious parent and family. “Parenting is one of the most challenging tasks we will ever experience. No parent is perfect,” she says while asserting her solidarity with other parents on the challenges of this institution. In fact, her books are replete with examples of her own parenting experiences. In 2014, when Oprah Winfrey interviewed Dr. Tsabary on her show, Super Soul Sunday, the clinical psychologist debunked traditional parenting methods saying the journey if propelled by a conscious mind, holds potential to a “spiritually regenerative experience for both parent and child.”

PHOTOs: Dr. Shefali Tsabary

What are some of the common challenges that parents across all cultures and ethnicities experience with their children?

I think we all want to have supreme control over our children. The truth is that we can never fully control our children and this is disconcerting and terrifying for us. It is hard to detach from our children and still be caring.

We find it hard to walk the delicate line of caring without over-interference and over-controlling. This is the struggle I find every parent has.

A common challenge amongst parents of Indian descent is inculcating cultural values in children. What are some tips you can give them?

I think parents in India are often rigidly attached to cultural ideals, sometimes at the cost of over-riding their children’s desires or inclinations.

Again, finding the fine line between the demands of culture and balancing this with who their children are is key. Recognizing that their children are first and foremost their own sovereign spirits is very hard for parents from a collectivist culture like ours. I think finding the balance is important.

How can parents benefit from your books?

My books offer a path out of anxiety and fear. Most of our parenting is ruled by these two emotions and my books allow a parent to be free of these. Once they begin to apply the principles in my books they find that parenting becomes more of a joy and less of a stress. Also, my books are more than parenting books; they are truly ways to become more present, engaged and alive in life.

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Re f l e c t i n g T h e S o u t h - A s i a n L i f e s t y l e

By Kelly BensoN

N OV- D E C 2 0 1 6

HOROSCOPE ALL SIGNS:

The days are getting shorter and the dark nights sure can feel longer! The Sun moves through Scorpio, Sagittarius, and at winter solstice we usher in the Capricorn season. Instinctively, we pull our energies inwards to regroup and recharge ourselves. Jupiter’s recent move into Libra helps assists us to better negotiate our social contracts with others, be they old or new agreements. It’s time to revisit our personal moral standards and our codes of conduct. We crave harmony and mutually beneficial relations with our neighbourhoods, our workmates, and our families.

Give some thought to the important relationships in your world. Who influences you, and who you do you influence?

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is an exciting time of year for you, Aries. Jupiter sits in air sign Libra (opposite your sign on the zodiac wheel) and this amplifies your spirited nature. This is a good time to bounce your ideas and aspirations off of others, as their feedback will be helpful. Someone you respect, such as a boss, a teacher, or a superior is likely to give you some very valuable advice. You benefit from partnerships and mutually beneficial agreements with others now. Unusual or interesting people might cross your path now.

Increased dealings with foreign countries, travel, media, publishing, and the law will keep you on your toes.

Lucky days: November: 11, 12 December: 8, 9 Challenging days: November: 24, 25 December: 21, 22

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Hey Taurus, this is a productive time of year for you. Jupiter recently moved in your house of employment, work, and day-to-day activities while Mars is moving through your house of career. You can easily get a promotion or a new professional role this fall. Others are drawn to you since they recognize the leader within you. You come across as confidant and sure about what you want, making you that much more attractive. Bosses, superiors, and VIP’s might be tough or demanding, but this is because they know you can rise to the challenge. Be prepared to roll-up your sleeves and put in a little overtime. You might meet some interesting people who expand your viewpoint.

Relationships are intellectually stimulating and exciting.

Lucky days: November: 13, 14 December: 10, 11 Challenging days: November: 26, 27 December: 23, 24, 25

Gemini (May 21-June 20) December might feel a bit demanding, Gemini. The Sun sits the farthest from your sign at this time of year so you might feel like the world at large is expecting a lot from you.

Try to fit in some rest times, wind down that Gemini mind of yours with a little light fiction or some classical music. Mars is traveling through your ninth house indicating your are looking to new pasture to explore. Some of you might be inspired to travel to exciting destinations. It’s highly likely that you will be involved with a group or association that has an important meaning to you. This is the time to show others you can be a free agent and a team player. You’re feeling more connected and generous with those you care about.

Lucky days: November: 15, 16 December: 12, 13 Challenging days: November: 1, 2, 3, 29,30 December: 26, 27

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Emotions can be a bit more intense than usual, Cancer. A few planets are moving opposite your sign potentially

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making you feel a bit moody or misunderstood. If you feel that your back is to the wall, take some time for yourself. Take a personal day, go to yoga, or do something relaxing that makes you feel nurtured. Energies directed into your family or home will not be in vain. Minor renovations, redecorating, cooking, crafting, or anything that feels right for you at home is excellent. You can get a tremendous amount done when it feels like your efforts benefit the family as a whole.

Lucky days: November: 17, 18 December: 14, 15 Challenging days: November: 4, 5 December: 1, 2, 3, 28, 29, 30

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) The Sun is moving into your house of creativity, play, romance and pleasure, Leo. You feel freer to express, and simply be yourself with others. All sorts of creative projects can bloom under this influence including your children.

Leo parents might go the extra mile to provide something exciting for their children. Outings, festive experiences, and parties are a delight now. Romantically, Leos are eager for some adventure. Those married may find the bedroom heating up with a fresh sense of play. Singles are ready for flirtations and primed to meet someone. Your communication skills are tops – your natural wit and theatrics can win the heart of your admirers.

Lucky days: November: 19, 20 December: 16, 17, 18 Challenging days: November: 6, 7, 8 December: 4, 5, 31

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This is a strong time for you, Virgo. The coming months are a wonderful time to try out new sports, exercise regimes, or strength conditioning programs. Your body is more receptive to learning new patterns now. This is also an excellent time to try a seasonal fast, a cleanse, or a new diet. Your natural inclination towards well-balanced eating habits as a Virgo helps you prepare for the change in diet throughout winter months. Snafus at your job may seem off putting at first, but they will ultimately push you into a better place. You’re getting ready to invest in something big such as a house, a business, or your education. It’s a hot time to mingle with likeminded souls and expand your horizons.

Lucky days: November: 21, 22, 23 December: 19, 20 Challenging days: November: 9, 10 December: 6, 7

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The autumn months offer you a lovely time for romance, creativity, and spontaneous play, Libra. Jupiter sits in your sign bringing social harmony, abundance, and consciousness expanding opportunities. Travel for work or education is enticing. It’s time to grow your aspirations and actualize your dreams. Many Librans are also expanding their family in some way, be that through marriage, birth or adoption. Serious partnerships are blessed and long term connections get a breath of fresh air. Demonstrate grace under pressure as you handle these awkward situations.

Instead of giving someone a piece of your mind, slip out the door for some fresh air or listen to some soothing music.

Lucky days: November: 24, 25 December: 21, 22 Challenging days: November: 11, 12 December: 8, 9

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Happy Birthday Scorpio! It’s your time to get connected, grounded, and tap into your source energy. A little time spent in contemplation will be good for you as you reflect on the last year and where you want to take things in your next year ahead. There will be a strong push to invest in your equity and wealth this year as Saturn moves through your second house of earnings. You might be drawn to opening a business, or branch out in your current field. You’re looking for new ways to create financial security. This is also a good TM

time for you to invest in your nest. Real estate deals could be very favourable now. Home repairs, renovations, redecorating projects are likely. Maybe it’s time to re-do the guest room so your relatives have somewhere to sleep when they visit.

Lucky days: November: 26, 27, 28 December: 23, 24, 25 Challenging days: November: 13, 14 December: 10, 11

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your birthday season is coming up fast, Sagittarius. This is a powerful time of year to align your inner aspirations with your long term career ambitions. You’re feeling more connected with your needs and desires and this will give you clarity in a number of decisions you’re facing. Significant changes to your life path are taking root at this time. While responsibilities may weigh on your shoulders, you’re in a good position to make some much needed changes. It’s possible that you might be tested by the actions (or inactions) of those close to you. Try not to let it bug you, and definitely don’t let it tarnish your optimistic nature. You’re not afraid to take the drivers seat and guide an important discussion.

Lucky days: November: 1, 2, 3, 29, 30 December: 26, 27 Challenging days: November: 15, 16 December: 12, 13

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) As winter solstice approaches, you may need some quiet time to go in and do some soul searching, Capricorn.

Nonetheless, a little time of personal inventory never hurt anyone. Besides, you want to be prepared when the new year hits. Jupiter sits high in your career house positioning you well for new advancements on your life path. Your ambitious side is about to get seriously fired up. Don’t be shy about asking for what you want. Closer to home, relations with family members, especially with parents and siblings, get warm and friendly. As well, opportunities to make friends with people in a position to help you are presented.

Lucky days: November: 4, 5 December: 1, 2, 3, 28, 29, 30 Challenging days: November: 17, 18 December: 14, 15

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Your enthusiasm and optimism is contagious now, Aquarius!

This is an eventful autumn to winter season for you. Parties, festivities and group events keep the pace of your day plugging along. Friends, lovers, colleagues and workmates are happy to be around you. Make the most of this. Opportunities of all sorts are coming your way since Jupiter moved into fellow air sign Libra. Keep your calendar and your pockets open! It’s possible you might experience a break related to your longterm career path. When this occurs remember that you earned it, so feel proud. This is also a wonderful time to share your hopes, dreams, and wishes with others. Their feedback will be constructive; you’ll be surprised by the support you receive.

Lucky days: November: 6, 7, 8 December: 4, 5, 31 Challenging days: November: 19, 20 December: 16, 17, 18

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This has been a transformative year for you, Pisces. Many of you have let go of situations (or people) that were limiting you or holding you back in some way. Certain belief systems and ideas you held about yourself are shifting. These changes are for the better and you’re choosing to live your life on your terms. No longer are you going to settle for scraps after everyone else has taken the lions share.

Saturn is at the top of your chart pushing you to take a stand and believe in your mission. From now until your birthday season your inner confidence is growing, keep nurturing that. Heartfelt bonds can grow deeper and more meaningful during the winter.

Lucky days: November: 9, 10 December: 6, 7 Challenging days: November: 21, 22, 23 December: 19, 20

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

SHARE THEIR STORIES

Meet the

CHOPRA Family

Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada: Sanjay: Abandoning the life and business I had created back home and starting off again. I felt like I was pushed back 10 years in my life’s progression.

Resolutions made for yourself or family: Personal resolution: Always keep your end goal in mind. There will be obstacles along the way, but they’re there to test you and see if you really want what you say you want bad enough.

Family resolution: Hold no grudges and stay unconditional.

Advice for future immigrants: You have to abandon your limiting beliefs about the unknown.

Often people self-impose limiting thoughts that “they can’t be successful in Canada.” This generally leads to them giving up easily when they hit any type of obstacle.

Also, be open to asking people for help. You will be surprised as to how many people would be more than delighted to give you a helping hand. Lastly, your thoughts create your reality, so be very mindful of what you preach to yourself.

Memories of your homeland: Flying kites, eating at the market stall, and enjoying the company of my in-laws who lived five minutes away from my house.

S

ince his young adult days, Sanjay Chopra aspired to live abroad. That dream came true when he migrated to Canada with his family in 2006. “I watched my cousins and my older brother move to the United States of America. Being surrounded by people that were moving to a different country made

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By PETRINA D'SOUZA me take the leap towards moving abroad as well,” he shares. Though his initial plan was to settle in the USA, cutbacks on the visa process back then got him opting for Canada instead.

The family’s initial impression on moving to Toronto was unpleasant. The extremely cold weather de-motivated them to explore the city. It was their move to British Columbia a few weeks later that lifted their spirits. “I fell in love with this place immediately. The weather was perfect and this place felt more like home,” Sanjay recalls.

The Chopra family had their share of challenges while settling down, as a family and as individuals. The biggest challenge was to start all over again in a new country. “I had an established business back home in Delhi and my wife Seema had a promising government job. Making peace with the fact that we had abandoned the financial stability that we had created was difficult,” explains Sanjay, who was a self-employed entrepreneur in India, owning a computer hardware company.

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Sanjay Chopra works as a realtor with Century 21 Seema Chopra works at a doctor’s clinic Kriti and Devansh Chopra are students Also, lack of relatives around made it difficult for the family to feel a sense of social belonging in the community. The kids too experienced a huge culture shock.

“Both Kriti and Devansh attended convent schools in India, where they followed countless rules day in and day out. When they started attending school in Canada, they were extremely confused as to what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour,” stated Sanjay of his daughter and son’s experience, “Once they adapted to their new environment they did enjoy themselves.”

For Sanjay, the biggest challenge he personally faced was his self-sabotaging belief of whether he would make a ground-breaking lavish life for himself and his family in this country. “I had a tendency to question my capabilities about whether I would prosper in Canada. The more I heard the negative voice in my head, the more it prevented me from growing. Once I abandoned those voices, the path to success became much easier.”

Finding an ideal job was dif-

ficult for Sanjay initially. “Being an entrepreneur most of my working life, I was always my own boss and I made my own decisions. It was extremely difficult for me to find a job that matched my competencies,” says he, who took on entry-level jobs just to put bread and butter on the table.

Sanjay believes it takes a family two years to adjust to the lifestyle in Canada. “It takes a good two years to get used to the people, weather and surrounding. This is enough time to figure out how people work here, understand the sub-cultures that exist in the society, and learn about the various opportunities in the country.”

Despite the hardships, the Chopra family has managed to have an enriching journey in Canada so far. “It’s been adventurous, we had our hard times but because of those times we appreciate everything we have a lot more. In addition, my family has grown so close to each other that we understand each other like the back of our hands,” expresses Sanjay.

Lastly, the Chopras envision a long healthy life for themselves where they are consistently working towards creating a better future for themselves.

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