Vol. 11
SUKHMEET SACHAL: Connecting Faith to Science HARSH THAKKAR: RBC's Top 25 Canadian Immigrant INTERVIEW:
MP SUKH DHALIWAL on reuniting families during the pandemic
| issue 4 | Nov-Dec 2020
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INTERVIEW:
Executive Director of 5X Fest
TARUN NAYAR
GURPREET S. SABHARWAL: on the Pandemic of Mental Health
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12 what’s inside Features 12 18 20 24 26 32 34 38 88
Sandy Lion: Fostering fearless fashion A Pandemic of Mental health Harsh Thakkar: For the love of language Tavisha's helping hands Interview with Tarun Nayar 5x: Race to the stage Sukhmeet Sachal: Connecting faith to science Surrey Art Gallery Celebrates 45 Years Sonia Raman: first female South Asian coach in NBA
Desi Today Politics 8
Q&A with Sukh Dhaliwal, MP Surrey Newton
Business & Careers 52 53 62 64
Watch for Pandemic Cyber Scammers How to save money during a pandemic 5 ways to stay flexible in today’s job market Working remotely? How to optimize your set-up
Beauty & Entertainment 48 The Indian royals who modelled for first vaccine in the world 70 Actress Agam Darshi from Deepa to Ava 72 Unravelling life and times of Parveen Babi 90 Canada's 10 best road trips
Fostering Fearless Fashion
Health & Wellness 54 Things you need to know about COVID-19 vaccine 66 How to buy well-fitting shoes online
Auto 78 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 80 2021 Honda Odyssey Adding Value with Standard Honda Sensing 82 Volvo V60 Cross Country Delightfully different!
Food 40 Special recipe of Vegan Rose Milk Ladoo By Sweet Souls 95 Eat your way to a healthier immune system 96 Comfort food favourites with health in mind
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Photo: @alexis_adam Outfit: @sajdabysuman Hair: @arconewyork Makeup: @makeupbypriyanka
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Cultural sector thrives on in-person connections. Loss of an audience was disastrous during lockdowns. So performers, moved to the digital arena, using streaming services and virtual reality, manifesting live concerts on the gaming app Twitch, organizing Instagram dance parties. But after a point online fatigue is creeping in. The organizers of Vancouver based 5x Fest have made a unique effort to counter this online fatigue. They have launched a new app to enjoy 5X festival. The App combines gamification and engagement. You have to record your physical movement to unlock performances. In this issue, we provide you what this festival has to unveil. Tarun Nayar, executive director of 5X Fest in his interview describes why 5X is different and how it is promoting the local South Asian talent. Our cover story is on fashion blogger and social media influencer Sandy Lion, who is also a part of 5X. Sandy' journey to the top is inspiring. She has her own style of fashion which she connects not with physical appearance but with attitude. Read her interview to get some amazing fashion tips. The South Asian community has produced its own pandemic heroes during the time of crisis. We bring to you some amazing work done by Tavisha, Sukhmeet and Gurpreet to help their local community. Read their stories and take great pride in the superamazing community we live in. Festival season is in. This will be a very different celebration. But you will still have time to decorate your home, try new recipes and spend time with your family members. Our issue has everything you need to make your celebrations best at home. Happy Diwali! Stay safe, stay connected.
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JĂ–sH: THE BAND WiTHOUT BORDERs The article on Josh the Band was great. At a time when everyone back in our country is promoting religious intolarance, the duo of Josh have shown that there is something beyond religion that we should all respect ie humanity and friendship. I am extremely disturbed by the disturbances in India. The recent brawl over Tanishq add was simply not what India stands for. India is a democratic country and I think it is our responsibility as NRIs to promote cultural harmony.
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I watched the show Nurses prior to pandemic. But my respect for this profession doubled after the coronavirus entered our lives. My salute to all the frontline heroes, who had never signed for anything like this once they chose to follow this profession. But the call for duty made them risk their lives for us. Kudos.
I am pleased to share the cover of Desi Today Magazine. Kiran Toor, President of KidsPlay Foundation, and myself are featured in this issue. The article covers our humble beginnings to the vast amount of work that has been done to provide 70,000 youth with
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sUMEET sHARMA : A sTAR POWER-LiFTER Sumeet's story of weight loss very inspiring. Someone who had no direction to being a star power lifter. After reading his story, I am all set for my journey from fat to fit. Hopefully I can continue. - BALWANT
mentorship, guidance and direction. In addition to cultivating the full potential of youth with our free comprehensive programs, we are here to foster positive community relations. The success of KidsPlay Foundation solely rests on the following; our amazing volunteers and our remarkable sponsors. Their love and passion give us the fuel to continue. Thank you Desi Today Magazine for bestowing us with this honour. - KAL DOSANJH Drugs and gang violence is a very serious issue in our young generation. Thank you very much Kids Play Foundation for taking this initiative. Surrey has immense talent but it gets bad reputation too. I hope that the other cities can see the positive side of our city. - ANMOL
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INTERVIEW DT It has been more than 6 months
since our World was toppled down by the Coronavirus pandemic. Can you tell us some of the major concerns?
For hope,
tears of joy and reunion Sukh Dhaliwal, MP from SurreyNewton, played an important role in reuniting many South Asian families who were torn apart due to Pandemic flight restrictions. In an interview with Desi Today, he shares his experiences. BY SURBHI GOGIA 8
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Our first priority as a government was to ensure that those that needed immediate support due to losing their job, received it. We introduced several benefit programs to ensure that in spite of the severe economic consequences of the pandemic, no one was left without the ability to pay their rent or buy groceries. The Canada Emergency Relief Benefit was introduced in April and extended until the end of September, and over 8.5 million Canadians received cheques through the program. As we move into the second phase of our government’s pandemic response, our priority is to provide support to the provinces and territories so that they can reopen their economies in a safe and responsible manner. The Safe Restart Agreement is providing over $19 billion to supplement these efforts. We have also modified Employment Insurance and introduced new transition benefits so that those who are self-employed or who are acting as primary caregivers (both who are groups that do not qualify for E.I.) will still be able to receive support. Our number one priority has always been about introducing a range of programs to make sure that no Canadian fell through the cracks in these challenging times, and I am confident that we have done just that.
DT You played an instrumental
role in helping stranded Indo-Canadians come back to Canada once India decided to stop all international ights. Can you share your experience and tell us about the hardships you faced during initial days? Do you have any estimate on the number of Indo-Canadians that must have come back with your efforts? It was one of the most rewarding experiences in my time as an MP, but yes you are correct in recognizing the significant challenges associated with our efforts. We were dealing with an historic and unprecedented situation, and our www.desitoday.ca
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I am not going to comment on the orders from Dr. Bonnie Henry who I think has earned and deserves our faith that she is doing everything she can to maintain the health and safety of our population. However, I will say this. I am troubled by the fact that hotels are still able to hold functions in their ballrooms while banquet halls have been shut down completely. I think that there needs to be consistency in the rules and equal application for everyone.
I shared tears with hundreds of my constituents, as well as moments of joy when families were reunited. Again, I can tell you that this is one of the most profound and fulfilling experiences in my tenure as an MP.
government’s efforts to allow Canadians abroad to return home was complicated. As an example, we realized that certain countries, including India, had put strict measures in place to lock down their populations and restrict movement to stem the curve of infections. There were also countries that prevented Canadians from leaving in the hundreds of repatriation flights that we had organized. In terms of India, I was taking calls 24 hours a day due to the time difference, and I was working with both local families and those who were in India, to ensure that they were able to secure seats on these flights. I got very little sleep, but I was so happy to help families who were in such distress due to being separated. Global Affairs Canada worked with our consulates and embassies around the world, as well as working with foreign governments and a range of airline partners, to facilitate the return of Canadians. In total, over 40,000 Canadians flew back home as a result of our efforts, including over 15,000 from India.
DT Can you tell us what you heard
from those who returned or are still returning from India about the situation and the difficulties they faced? Any particular case that touched your heart?
There were many challenges. People could not move to the buses to get to airports due to domestic movement restrictions in India. There were also many scam artists trying to contact people and take their credit card information fraudulently. Of course, there 10
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
How you and your office has been communicating with the people during this time? What are the measures you have taken to stay connected to the community? DT
were many seniors, young children and those who were dealing with medical conditions, who really struggled in the organization and then the actual journey home. Overall, it was a huge response organized in a matter of weeks, and while I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish, I also understand the frustrations and hiccups that occurred in the process. There was not one particular case that I can isolate, as I shared tears with hundreds of my constituents, as well as moments of joy when families were reunited. Again, I can tell you that this is one of the most profound and fulfilling experiences in my tenure as an MP.
How do you think the South Asian business community has done so far in terms of adapting to the new ways of operating businesses during the pandemic? What is your take on the recent order that asked banquet halls to shut down again? DT
For the most part I have been very impressed with the resilience and innovation that is happening with businesses dealing with the restrictions of the pandemic. Some companies have had hybrid workforces where certain employees come into the office while others work from home. Some businesses have staggered their hours and created 24-hour shifting to maintain physical distancing while working. Overall, I am pleased with how seriously most business owners have taken this pandemic and adhered to the guidelines from our provincial health officials.
Our workload has not slowed down and in fact, the volume of constituent files we are working on has increased. We have made use of phone calls and a lot of zoom meetings when necessary. For me, my phone has been my link to residents in Surrey-Newton, and I have been able to connect with so many people despite not being able to meet in person. Being flexible and accommodating while still following the rules of safety during the pandemic has been our approach, and it has worked. I am connecting with more constituents than ever before, and we are still one of the busiest MP offices in terms of files, in all of Canada.
DT
What is your message to the community?
We are seeing significant spikes in many provinces, including BC. As we are opening up the economy and kids are going back to school, there has been a degree of carelessness that is different from the first six months of the pandemic. My message is simple – we can live our lives and get back to a lot of the activities we have missed out on for months, but we must continue to follow the basic rules of halting the spread of the coronavirus. So please keep wearing your masks and following physical distance protocols. Continue to wash your hands frequently and to use hand sanitizer. If you feel ill, please contact the medical authorities in your area. And lastly, please download the Covid Alert app that can be found at both the Apple Store and Google Play. This will allow us to do proper contact tracing and it is one of the most important tools we have to stop the infection spread as we enter phase 2 of this pandemic. www.desitoday.ca
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DES I TO DAY E XC LU S IV E Photo: @alexis_adam, Outfit: @sajdabysuman, Makeup: @makeupbypriyanka
Meet celebrity style, fashion blogger, educator, and social media influencer Sandylion, who wears multiple hats to perfection while teaching youth the art of being fashionable without fear and non-conformist. Sandy is one of the featured artists in 5X music fest
I
t is said that beauty comes with a price and pain, but according to Sandeep Gill AKA Sandylion, fashion blogger and social media influencer, it does not have to. Sandy's inspirational journey to the fashion world is a lesson that even with minimalistic resources and limited money one can look extremely fashionable and beautiful. All you need is to take care of yourself and embrace what you have. Being beautiful does not have to be painful. You just need to come out of the comfort zone of "what's in" and get comfortable with what you have! A school teacher by profession, Sandy has been practicing what she preaches. Along with teaching
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elementary school kids, Sandy has taught many people to be themselves and take pride in who they are. It is this ability to inspire others to be fully themselves, which has made her an essential part of the 5X Festival for the past two years.
The journey Her journey from being a middle class Punjabi girl to a celebrity stylist and Instagrammer with more than 97K followers, is an inspiration to all those who get www.desitoday.ca
Photo/Styling Kaashni Brar, Makeup : Rav B Beauty, Jewellery: Rav B Jewellery
COVER STORY
Fostering Fearless Fashion BY SURBHI GOGIA www.desitoday.ca
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Fusion-style
Photo: @alexis_adam, Outfit: @sajdabysuman, Hair: @arconewyork, Makeup: @makeupbypriyanka
Her style has become a free and liberated artistic expression of her identity. "To be over the top and extravagant with choices that create a moment. For me, a look that makes me stare for more than 5 seconds is key. The look has to; tell a story or share a message, even if I can't put my finger on exactly why just a purely emotional reaction. I will always respect and be drawn to people who chose to make an impact with the moments they get and of course, when the look is just simply well put together and beautiful to look at," she says. Her style, be it fusion or modern, is a true reflection of a multicultural country. "I grew up in a multicultural city that exposes you to lots of different cultures and different thinking. This really shows in the way I dress. It speaks of different experiences, different things that I have been exposed to in my life
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city with Punjabi complexities can be challenging for many young people. But instead, Sandy turned it into her strength. In one of her posts, she says, "Often it was someone judging us and telling us we weren't living up to certain standards they created. Through the years I've learned more and found my confidence to embrace the sides of Sikhi that best reflect me. Those sides include service to others (Seva) and education (Sikh translates to 'Student'). Sikhi is to be a student and to always keep learning and that plays its role in everything that I do. Whether that be me trying to teach someone how to put an outfit together, teaching a unit on a theorem, or life lessons such as bullying, it all has the backbone of education. Seva has been a huge influence as well because to give back to our community is everything. What I am doing online is a form of hopefully giving back to someone."
Photo: @pvkhrajs - leather jacket
uncomfortable with their styles if they aren't living up to the standards set by others. Sandy was born in a Punjabi family that immigrated from India and lived in Toronto. And like many first-generation immigrants, her parents could not give her the luxury to buy expensive clothing, however they did give her an invaluable lesson in fashion. "All my family members - mom, dad, and my sisters - love to dress up and be fashionable. But it was never about brands. Fashion is an expression of your personality and your emotion. It is something that lets the world know about you. It tells who you are as a person. I never really had the money to buy big brands. It was something that I grew up with -- taking care of yourself and representing who you are was taught to me," she says. Sandy experimented with whatever limited material she found in her mother's or sisters' closet. Growing up in a Canadian
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Outfit @muehlederofficial, Photo @jatinderchanna, MUAH @jasmin_rahman
-- whether it is being Punjabi and wearing a Parandi or different styles I was exposed to through my love of hip hop. My style is the reflection of the music, culture, and people I grew up around." Be it wearing white sneakers with a traditional lehenga, styling a Parandi with high waist jeans, donning a maang tika with green hair, or just wearing jhumkis with a plain white T-shirt, Sandy has mastered the art of fusion.,"In one of her Instagram posts while wearing a white T-shirt with an Indian skirt, she wrote:"Streetwear x Indian fashion are my vibe, what about you?I feel like we have to learn fashion rules in order to break them..." After her graduation, Sandy decided to go to teachers' college. It was while pursuing her course and working different jobs for her school tuitions, that Lilly Singh and Kanwar Singh (Humble the Poet) suggested that she start sharing her content on Instagram. "I started posting my pictures, providing fashion tips and advice regularly, and was teaching at the same time." As she grew, new opportunities opened up for Sandy such as, styling other people and celebrities, walking on ramps and promoting fashion brands. She also started her own line of clothing under the name Esskayji and launched a style of unique business suits under the name of the Sandy Suit. "The Sandy Suit journey has been such an incredible one that Amar Singh of Sahiba Fashions and I have been on since 2015... it began with the idea of creating a power suit for women out of powerful fabric. What was powerful for us was what we saw Indian women and our moms, aunts, and grandmasin the past and so we decided to create a power suit out of those fabrics. It is designed to make you feel good. The journey itself involved a lot of trial and error to come up with a product we were truly happy with. Since then we have dressed men and women around the worldin the suit, for big events and moments, but also just for life." And now she is a famous social media influencer who wants the youth to be
Bringing new and fresh ideas that inspire and motivate others is my goal. What I want to share with all my followers is to be fearless and to share these moments with others. fearless and express themselves. "Bringing new and fresh ideas that inspire and motivate others is my goal. What I want to share with all my followers is to be fearless and to share these moments with others. The ultimate goal for everyone is to live without fear and to get to know ourselves to our raw cores. To be able to share that with everyone and our loved ones is a special thing."
Sandy and 5X fest It is her this quality which is in sync with the 5X cultural fest and has made her an essential part of it. The 5X Festival aims to present influencers who inspire others to be fully themselves. It creates a space where artists can meet artists, novices can meet masters, and fans can be inspired to find NOV / DEC 2020
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Photo @kaychinsang
Photo: @sequoiaemmanuelle
I will always respect and be drawn to people who chose to make an impact with the moments they get and of course, when the look is just simply well put together and beautiful to look at
their inner artist. While talking about her association with 5X, Sandy says, "I attended this awesome festival last year. I got to speak on stage and share my video that I worked on with a charity called We Are Sikh. Through that relation, they called me this year too to be one of their artists. I will get to talk about being fashionable during COVID-19. I will also get to do a one-on-one styling session with someone who won through the online raffle. We will through their closet, talk about different ways they can incorporate their heritage in their day-to-day wardrobe and I 16
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will also be on a pre-recorded chat." She feels 5X is an amazing platform to connect youth to the world. "People are missing out so much due to the pandemic like meeting people and asking questions. This fest is a chance and a great way to connect with people. Just unwind, relax, and meet artists from across the diaspora."
What's trending The pandemic has changed the way we meet people and operate our day to day
life and also how we dress. She says, "In a general lot of things for fashion have changed -- fashion has become a lot more comfortable. Since a lot of us are working from home, our wardrobe has to be something that can work for all the different roles we play during the day." According to Sandy, jeans and denim from the 90s have become a lot more popular. "For me buying different pairs of jeans -- be it high-waist or baggy -- is always exciting. A lot of denim from the 90s is coming back. I am loving that resurrection." She adds that it is also a great time to go through your wardrobe and get rid of things you don't want, donate things, and set your wardrobe up for success. Festival season is just around the corner. This Diwali and Christmas are going to look a lot more different from what we have ever seen. Sandy's message for everyone is to be safe and follow the rules. "I wish everyone to have a happy festival season and spend a lot of time with your loved ones. Just squeeze them extra tight because this has been a roller coaster year something that we never imagined. Be grateful to have made it this far and be positive about the future." www.desitoday.ca
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FEATURE
A Pandemic OF Mental Health Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal discusses the plight of international students from India during Covid-19 crises
BY SURBHI GOGIA
M
ost international students transition into university at a time of life when they are also transitioning to adulthood, a period associated with greater than average levels of anxiety. Even in normal times, the international students face extra pressure to manage disparate academic, social and cultural expectations and integrate
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into unfamiliar communities, while assuming financial independence and personal responsibility. But the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a plethora of additional challenges that exacerbate their vulnerability to mental health issues due to travel restrictions, study implications, visa concerns in addition to being away from family support, financial stress and loneliness. Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal, www.desitoday.ca
a Surrey-based international student from Delhi, is an active member of One Voice Canada an organization that has dedicated to the cause of helping international students in Canada. In his previous roles, Gurpreet has also served as Surrey Campus representative of Kwantlen Student Association. In an interview with Desi Today Magazine, Gurpreet talks about some of the major concerns of international students amidst Covid 19 turmoil.
Q
Why did you select Canada as your study destination?
I came to Canada in September 2016 as an international student to pursue a diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I selected Canada because I got admission into a reputed university. I always wanted to come to Canada due to its multiculturalism.
Q
How was your life before Covid-19?
The life of an international student was never easy in Canada. The usual struggles of finding rental suits, juggling between work and studies always added stress. However, COVID 19 has just added more to it.
How has life changed for you and other international students a er pandemic? What are some of the major issues that students are dealing and anything particular that has been troublesome for you? Q
Currently I am on my work permit. I was working when the news of the lockdown started circulating. Although my workplace was operating I took time off my own and just isolated myself for almost three weeks once the lockdown started. It was very challenging for me both financially and mentally. I can say that I was the lucky to have completed my education and retained my job. There are many international students who are studying. They have to pay for their fee but have lost their jobs or have to work reduced hours. They are also struggling to adapt the new online classes culture. During normal times, the students can go to the university and utilize many resources in person for example, library, in person tutoring, group studies etc. But COVID - 19 has made it really hard to understand the courses and www.desitoday.ca
It’s very hard for anyone to cope up with mental health and international students are much more vulnerable to this. The majority of International Students I know are from South Asian communities. There is great stigma attached to the mental health which stops the students further to come out and discuss their problems openly. - GURPREET SINGH SABHARWAL manage everything online. Financially too it has taken a huge toll. Although government has offered financial support to those student who were working, it is very hard for those international students who came to Canada recently. They are not eligible to apply for CERB. The students who came in January intake were merely settling down to the new culture, new style of study and then COVID hit. Everything has gone crazy for them. If CERB has taken care of some students financially the mental health issues are haunting them. Personally, I am worried about the mental well being of the students most. I feel that financial and study-related problems are temporary. But mental health concerns can have a long lasting deep impacts on a person’s well-being. It’s very hard for anyone to cope up with mental health and international students are much more vulnerable to this. The majority of International Students I know are from South Asian communities. There is great stigma attached to the mental health which stops the students further to come out and discuss their problems openly.
How are you coping during these unprecedented times emotionally. Q
Just like everybody else I am also having challenges to keep myself together emotionally. But I am taking extra efforts to keep myself emotionally fit. like meditation, volunteering, interacting with friends and family on social media.
Q
How do you think has been the community's support?
The community is trying its best to help the people who are in need. For example, many international students were facing problems in buying groceries. So One Voice Canada a non-profit organization for international student started a food bank at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Surrey and offered free groceries to International Students. Organizations like South Asian Youth Mental Health Alliance, Moving forward families are trying their best to keep international students emotionally fit.
Q
Where can international students can find more help?
International students can reach out to One Voice Canada, a non-profit organization which aims to provide support, advisory and advocacy to international students. international students can reach out to One Voice Canada by emailing them at Help@ onevoicecanada.org. NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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FEATURE
Meet social enterprise and interpretation/ translation business leader Harsh Thakkar who was named one of this year’s RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants
love of language
For the
Harsh
Thakkar BY SURBHI GOGIA
M
any of us often blame our weaknesses on destiny and learn to live with them. Whereas weaknesses are essential part of our lives and are means to grow individually. In his book The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence, Josh Waitzkin, world-renowned master of bo th chess and Tai-Chi, says, “Growth comes at the point of 20
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
resistance. We learn by pushing ourselves and finding what really lies at the outer reaches of our abilities.” There are great inspiring stories of leaders who made their weaknesses their strengths and brought positive changes in the world. The story of Harsh Thakkar, a Surrey-based resident is one such example. Back in India Harsh grew up as a shy person
who found it hard to converse with people. But life had other plans for him. He landed in Victoria from Mumbai as an international student in 2001 to pursue a course in hospitality industry. Networking and introducing himself to people was biggest road block in his career growth. But instead of accepting what he had, Harsh decided to counter his shortcomings. He took up a public speaking course from Toast Masters to work on his skills. And there was no looking back. He made language his biggest asset. He ran for campus elections, spoke in the parliament on behalf of international students and now oversees a team of interpreters and translators who help new immigrants access language services. Harsh is currently head of DIVERSEcity Interpretation and Translation Services in Surrey, B.C. He was recently named as one of RBC' Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners. Harsh has made it his mission to support those who encounter language as a barrier in their success. While discussing his journey from a student who wanted to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality to someone who became passionate about languages, Harsh says, "I was always passionate about working with people. I got an opportunity to work with Vancouver Marathon as assistant manager. Every year more than 50,000 people came to participate in the marathon and I got the opportunity to connect with so many cultures and languages which in turn inspired me to work in the language industry." Harsh initially started in the sign language industry where he managed 3 call centres for 7 years. "After that, I entered DIVERSEcity. Here I was given the opportunity to combine translation, interpretation and sign language services under one profile." He oversees a team of more than 300 interpreters and translators who help clients communicate, especially in the health care and court systems, in more than 88 languages. Under his leadership, he has grown the business to include rare www.desitoday.ca
The most important a ribute that helped me achieve my goals is my personal drive and ‘can-do’ a itude and maintain enthusiasm even when things get tough.
languages, Indigenous languages and even American Sign Language (ASL). “We are proud to be a designated provider for provincial and municipal government interpretation and translation needs,” he says. And the kicker is that it’s all for a good cause. DIVERSEcity Interpretation and Translation Services is a social enterprise, certified by Buy Social Canada. That means its profits go toward the good works done by its parent charitable organization, DIVERSEcity Community Resource Society, which helps immigrants, refugees and vulnerable populations. While discussing the importance of language services, Harsh says, it is hard to learn and adopt a foreign language for many new immigrants. Language can become an obstacle and can keep the newcomers feeling left out. “Language should never be an obstacle for anyone in a country as diverse as Canada," Harsh says. Therefore organizations like DIVERSEcity offer support to both organizations and the individuals to get connected to each other. "We want to ensure no one is left out of the conversation. We understand that culturally savvy organizations want to be inclusive and overcome language barriers with newcomers and diverse communities. That’s where our services come in. We connect people and organizations, helping them communicate across cultures and languages," he says. Knowing his work is helping immigrants, 22
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
is poignant for Harsh, who faced his own challenges, juggling his business studies with being a peer mentor, while trying to gain work experience, even though international students were then limited in their ability to work off campus. “This also made it more difficult to secure work experience points to later qualify under the skilled immigration category,” he says. “This motivated me to run for campus student representative. After winning the election, I went to the Parliament of Canada to speak about allowing international students to work off campus.”
Harsh is thrilled the rules have improved since then. “It’s important to stay positive in the face of challenges. The most important attribute that helped me achieve my goals is my personal drive and ‘can-do’ attitude and maintain enthusiasm even when things get tough.” And the same lesson he now wants to share with international students finding it extremely stressful to survive during the pandemic. "At some point, every international student does go through stress about job and uncertainty of what the future may look like. But it is important for them to realize that they are blessed to be in Canada where support is available on each step. They just need to go out and look for the right resources." Harsh also manages DIVERSEcity’s CELPIP Language Testing Centre, and says he wants to continue to grow in his current role and take every opportunity to support newcomers to Canada, including mentoring international students in his personal time. “As immigrants, we are surrounded by a lot of challenges, but don’t let those stop you from moving forward,” he advises. “A positive mindset is what’s going to allow you to succeed in your goals in Canada,” he says. “Honestly, we are so blessed to be in a country where people care about each other, so all you have to do is go out there and talk with people.” And if they speak a different language, Harsh and his team can help you with that! (With inputs from RBC's news release)
At some point, every international student does go through stress about job and uncertainty of what the future may look like. But it is important for them to realize that they are blessed to be in Canada where support is available on each step. They just need to go out and look for the right resources. www.desitoday.ca
FEATURE
Meet 14 year old girl from Surrey, who raises funds for various causes to support the community at the time of crisis
TAVISHA'S HELPING HANDS BY DESI TODAY NEWS DESK
T
he beginning of Covid 19 crisis pushed everyone into an unexpected lockdown. While frontline workers were super busy serving the community, those in isolation were standstill wondering how to make best of the available time. Some picked up their forgotten hobbies, some learned new skills and there were few who came out to help those helping the community. Meet Tavisha Kochhar, a grade 10 student at Sullivan Heights Secondary, who made 100s of reusable facemasks at a time when there were none available in the market. She sold these masks to raise funds for various organizations like Surrey Memorial Hospital, BC Children, Hospital St.Paul's Hospital, Vancouver General Hospitaland UBC Foundation. According to the Surrey school district, Tavisha made nearly
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Now with the pandemic, I decided I would make masks affordable because I've seen online that many people were selling masks for unreasonable prices and it was just so unfair to the people who don't have jobs anymore and lost family members.
600 cloth masks and raised $4,000 for several Lower Mainland hospitals in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and increase funding for vaccine research. She started sewing masks about four months ago, inspired by an innate interest in helping others and wanting to make masks more accessible for those who need them. She sells them through her website, https://www.tavishahelpinghands. com/ and ships orders across Canada and the U.S. Her work was personally acknowledged by the defence minister HarjitSajjan. In one of his Tweets he said, "Youth like #TavishaKochhar show Canadians that we all have a part to play in helping our community go through #COVID19 safely. Tavisha has been making masks & selling them to raise over $1500 for frontline workers! Thank you for your compassion & kindness." Tavisha's passion to raise funds to help community is not recent. Her journey of charitable work started when she was 11 years old and was in grade 6. She was moved to see the 2017 BC wildfires. "I decided to undertake a fundraising drive," Tavisha said. She could contribute over $850 to the Canadian Red Cross. She continues to donate money during winter months through her fundraising activities. In 2018 www.desitoday.ca
she donated to BC Children's Hospital through radiothon of Spice Radio 1200 AM. She collected the amount by selling bottle depot stuff and added her pocket money as well. She then planned to sell beer and liquor bottles by decorating and painting as vases and also donated to BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver. She says the desire to help others was instilled in her by her family that moved to Canada from India in 2011. "They were always helping people," she said. "Then we came here and my parents helped many people settle, even though they were not fully settled." "Now with the pandemic, I decided I would make masks affordable because I've seen online that many people were selling masks for unreasonable prices and it was just so unfair to the people who don't have jobs anymore and lost family members." In Grade 8, Kochhar took a textiles course, where she learned to sew. Now she has put those skills to use in her living room, sewing masks by the hundreds. In addition to affordability, philanthropy
and stopping the virus's spread, climate change is important to Kochhar, and making reusable masks aligned with her environmental consciousness. "The environment is a really big issue," she said. "If we're able to make reusable masks that you could wash and keep clean for longer, it's just so much better for the environment." To date, Kochhar has raised funds for Surrey Memorial Hospital, B.C. Children's Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital for healthcare workers and COVID-19 research. She said the outpouring of community support has been a welcome surprise. "I thought many people were going to go to other people for masks but they came to me, and I was very thankful for that." Becel Canada has approached her to make masks for them which they want to donate in Quebec. She has made 200 masks for Becel Canada. To order a mask, visit tavishashelpinghands.com NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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FEATURE
TARUN N AYA R
support local talent, and Time to put
Surrey on
world stage In an interview with Desi Today Tarun Nayar, executive director of 5X Fest, talks about 5X's role in promoting local South Asian artists.
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www.desitoday.ca
DESI TODAY
EXCLUSIVE
T
arun Nayar is a DJ/producer and tabla player based in Vancouver. He tours the world with his band Delhi 2 Dublin. Along with a passion to produce music, Tarun has a greater passion to promote local talent. He has played an important role in organizing and directing various cultural festivals of Lower Mainland. He is on the board of Vancouver’s New Forms Festival, the Canadian Live Music Association, and a member of BC’s Ministry of Education Advisory Committee, Vancouver’s Music City Task Force, and Vancouver’s 2018 Juno Host City Committee. In his current role as the executive director of 5X Fest, Tarun wants to turn the eyes of the world towards budding local South Asian talent in the Lower Mainland. Whether as a musician or a promoter, he is an advocate for diversity and equality in the entertainment industry.
You are a musician who tours around the world with his band. How has the pandemic impacted your work? The band Delhi to Dublin is primarily a touring project. Now that being on halt, we are busy working with our record label Snakes x Ladders that promotes on the new wave of hybrid South Asian artists. We are also moving forward with our 5X Festival.
www.desitoday.ca
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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to Bhangra but to showcase best of art, music, film and fashion. The 5XFest, the South Asian millennial festival inspired by the SXSW and Afropunk fests, was officially launched in 2018. The vision for us was to create a platform for local artists. Surrey has an immense pool of local talent. I see 100s of young South Asian kids doing amazingly creative work. But in spite of all this Surrey still gets bad rep. The only stories the media wants to tell is about gangs, shooting, violence. I think we should focus on the story about a strong creative vibe coming from Surrey. The story will be compelling for South Asians around the globe. I think we should bring our community together and create a global stage.
What's unique about 5X is that it is created for the youth and by the youth. Our target demographics is youth aged between 16 to 35. We push forward the artists who want to push the boundaries set by older generation. We deliberately walk into the issues of sexuality, gender, race and religion and open discussions.
Tell us about your association with 5X Fest. How did this idea originate? My relation with the parent organization, VIBC (Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration) goes a long way. VIBC was founded in 2004 when a couple of young Punjabi-decent kids came together to increase the impact of Punjabi culture on mainstream Vancouver culture. At one time, and this is hard to believe, Vancouver 28
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Bhangra music was not widely known. But now it's everywhere hockey games, festivals etc. VIBC played an important role. I was involved in all sorts of work with VIBC from hosting, DJing to artistic curations over many different events. After successfully putting Punjabi music and culture on the map of Vancouver, a new direction was required. It was not enough to spread Bhangra music because a lot of schools and organizations in Surrey were doing that. We decided not to confine ourselves
So many festivals already exist in the cultural scene of Vancouver. In fact you have been associated with many of them, so what is unique about 5X? What's unique about 5X is that it is created for the youth and by the youth. Our target demographics is youth aged between 16 to 35. We push forward the artists who want to push the boundaries set by older generation. We deliberately walk into the issues of sexuality, gender, race and religion and open discussions. A lot of time, the South Asian www.desitoday.ca
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young generation is at contention with the older generation that closes its eyes to the real challenges essentially stopping our youth from being their own self. The older generation censors what their kids, nieces, nephews are allowed to listen, who they are allowed to date. We, on the other hand, create a safe space for the youth where they can be themselves. We do not judge but just promote them for who they are. We do not censor, we provoke. We challenge audiences to open their minds to other ways of life and other perspectives. Everything is up for conversation. As South Asians with complex identities, our goal is to stimulate free and liberated artistic expression of our lived realities.
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JS Dhami, Rupi Kaur, Raja Kumari, Jasmine Sandlas, Mickey Singh and more. We were working with the City of Surrey to organize a much bigger festival this year. Finding solutions that would allow us to stream our festival in other countries, was also in our mind. There are approximately 210 million South Asian millennials in North America and India alone; we want to unite and evolve our community beyond physical boundaries. Then pandemic hit and it fast tracked things to change the format of the festival to online 5X: Race to the Stage. Our team that was working on the festival moved to work for the virtual festival. The transition is really remarkable. Most of our staff is under 25, and women. It is so exciting to work with the young creators and entrepreneurs.
How is 5X different from other music fests that are already live-streaming on various social media sites? We didn't want to do a live stream. People are already fatigued of watching all this stuff. So we were thinking of combining real life with the virtual performances. We were able to partner with global wellness and fan engagement platform Stepathlon based in Mumbai. They were extremely generous with their response and designed the 5X app. They were aware of the challenges and allowed us to turn our festival into a virtual version.
How does the app work? 5X: Race to the Stage gathers festivalgoers worldwide to move around a virtual world through real life steps and activities (yoga, dancing, meditation) combined with gamification and engagement (daily contests, challenges and events). By downloading the app, festival-goers immerse themselves in a virtual world, exploring 40+ stages located across the globe, featuring 30
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
This is a big experiment. I would say rather than understanding download the app and experience it. We really want our local community to support their friends who are performing. concerts, performances and 60+ of their favourite local and international creators to complete their journey and arrive at the 5X Mainstage. This is a big experiment. I would say rather than understanding download the app and experience it. We really want our local community to support their friends who are performing.
What was the need to combine physical activity with a cultural festival content? Physical activity is the basis of the Stepathlon technology. When COVID arrived, it was important to stay mentally and physically healthy. 5X: Race to the Stage embraces movement, creativity and mental health as its three key pillars of overall well-being, which are increasingly important in a time of self-isolation, quarantines and
lockdowns. More than ever, there is real desire for music, fun, creative outlets and connection. This is particularly true for many of the tens of thousands of South Asian international students, who have found themselves stranded and isolated throughout North America at this time.
What do you want participants to take from this fest? I want people to walk away with a sense of pride for the place we live in. It is amazing and full of talent. It has rich history of Jazzy B, Manmohan Warris, Kamal Aujla, and people like Harbhajan Mann spending considerable time here. But we are not doing a very good job of claiming this wonderful place. If we can change the public perception about this place which is full of creativity. I want to cultivate the idea to support local talent. We have extremely rich diverse cultural community here. I think we will have success, if in next couple of years these artists take on world stage. www.desitoday.ca
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FEATURE
A
s we enter the second wave of the Coronavirus Pandemic, it's become clear that Diwali celebrations, as we knew before, won't be possible this year. The good news is -- a unique Diwali party is on with 5X Fest! It is not just another livestream virtual party or music festival to combat social isolation. The organizers of Lower Mainland's 5X South Asian Youth Festival have worked on an improved technology to edge our virtual experience closer to the real world. It is a step away from a complete virtual experience. Unlike virtual music festivals or live streaming where your experience is on the tip of your finger, the 5X fest, literally, encourages you to be on your toes to unlock your entertainment content. The festival that started on September 28, runs for 8 weeks and culminates on November 14 and 15. The 5X: Race to the Stage organizers have partnered with Mumbai based global wellness and fan engagement platform Stepathlon to offer a free app combined
with gamification and engagement. You can connect the app to your phones to record your daily activities like walking, running or dancing. The aim is to give the participants a real life experience of walking towards a stage. Based on the number of your steps or time of activities, participants are able to unlock performances, daily contests, challenges and events. Participants explore the hottest in South Asian youth culture through creativity and movement, while encouraging mental and physical health. The event comprises an 8 week virtual journey that began in September, where participants combine creativity and movement each day, uploading content and logging their activity to discover over 40 stages and unlock exclusive content, merchandise and prizes. Following a ‘reward the many’ approach, prizes are awarded daily and include a mixture of real life prizes and one-on-one online activations such as musical workshops, workouts, cook-offs, and more, that users will enjoy
2020 5X Fest
A step up in the world of virtual
from the safety of their own homes. Those who progress through the entire festival will be awarded a Golden Ticket to the 5X Mainstage: a weekend with 14 A-list South Asian creators on November 14 and 15, 2020. 5X is one of Canada’s biggest South Asian millennial festival showcasing art, fashion, and film that had its origin in 2016 under the parent organization VIBC. Throughout the year 5X continually engages with open mics, DJ workshops, club nights - and now - online community discussions and weekly Twitch streams. Previous editions of the festival have hosted notable guests, such as Rupi Kaur, Raja Kumari, Jasmine Sandlas, Mickey Singh, Sandy Lion and more. The 2020 5X: Race To The Stage, is produced in collaboration with Stepathlon, whose Founder and Chairman Ravi Krishnan also holds the title of 5X Festival’s Non-Executive Chairman. Founded in 2012, Stepathlon is a proven platform that has worked with 722 companies, engaging over 500,000 participants across 1,010 locations in 65 countries. 5X and the Stepathlon teams worked in partnership to develop a virtual, music-centric experience tailored to the global South Asian millennial audience, a purpose made especially urgent due to the current realities of a COVID-19 world.
entertainment
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www.desitoday.ca
F EAT U RED ARTISTS BROWN GIRL LIFTS
Navpreet Banga is a Youtuber with her channel BrownGirlLifts having more than 200,000 subscribers to date. Navpreet posts videos on the content sharing platform and the views run into a couple of millions; she is fairly big on Instagram as well, with more than 300,000 followers. She is a lifestyle blogger who talks about life in general, encourages young girls to follow their dreams, raises important issues on mental health, offers make-up tips and also pursues weightlifting.
BFUNK
KAY RAY
Kiran Rai AKA KayRay is an actor, filmmaker, and YouTuber. Not seeing any visible Punjabi females in the industry motivated her to tell her stories through film, acting, and modeling. Graduating from Seneca College in Media Productions gave her the chance to work behind the camera as a creator, understanding the art of film and production.
AVAN JOGIA
Avan Jogia is an artist whose work spans film, writing, and music. His first book, Mixed Feelings, was published in September 2019. Avan and his brother, Ketan Jogia, make up the band, Saint Ivory.
www.desitoday.ca
ALOK MENON
ALOK is a gender non-conforming writer & performance artist exploring themes of gender, race, trauma, belonging & the human condition. Their distinctive style and poetic challenge to the gender binary are internationally renowned.
Bhangra Funk is a dance style created by Shivani Bhagwan & Chaya Kumar which combines elements of Hip Hop and traditional Bhangra moves. Their viral YouTube dance videos have seen more than 150 million cumulative views, and they’ve collaborated with the King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan himself, and have received co-signs from other Bollywood superstars like Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Kapoor and esteemed choreographers Geeta Kapoor and Tricia Miranda.
PALLAVI SHARDA
An international film/theater actress & classical Indian dancer. Her credits include Oscar nominated film Lion & Bollywood films Begum Jaan & Hawaizaada. She’s the first Australian to break into Bollywood and become leading lady in the film industry.
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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FEATURE
Sukhmeet Singh Sachal, a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia, has recently committed to implementing public health interventions at Gurdwaras to stop the spread of COVID 19
SUKHMEET SACHAL
Connecting to
faith
science
T
he Coronavirus pandemic locked many of us inside our houses. But it could not stop our elderly population to take a leap of faith and visit Gurdwaras and other places of worship. It became important to spread awareness of basic safety measures amongst our elderly. Sukhmeet Singh Sachal, a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia, has recently committed to implementing public health interventions at Gurdwaras in British Columbia to protect elderly patrons and the general public, under Clinton Foundation initiative for fight COVID-19 pandemic. Sukhmeet was recently named as one
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of the two Canadians among 38 youth worldwide to have received funding from the Clinton Foundation. Under Sukhmeet's initiative the idea is to create awareness amongst the temple devotees especially the elders about the need for taking precautions during this pandemic. "With the active cases of COVID-19 rising in BC, we want to keep patrons visiting the Gurdwaras safe. Especially, our messaging will be targeted towards our elders who attend Gurdwaras not just for their spiritual well-being, but also for the sense of community that is formed," says Sukhmeet. As many as 1,400 youth from all over the world had applied to the Clinton Global
Initiative University (CGI U) COVID-19 Student Action Fund and after much scrutiny, 38 projects were selected. Working within the CGI U Commitment to Action model, this fund is geared towards 38 innovative social impact projects addressing the public health, economic and societal impacts of the novel coronavirus — with commitments including infectious disease monitoring and response systems; social enterprises; awareness and prevention campaigns; and other emergency response initiatives to provide immediate support for public health practitioners and other essential workers on the frontlines. The fund provides $100,000 in total to www.desitoday.ca
select students at universities around the world, with each grant awarded ranging up to $5,000. The Action Fund was first announced by former U.S. President Bill Clinton during the 2020 CGI U At Home virtual event, which featured conversations with national and international government and public health leaders. These projects are made through CGI U’s “Commitment to Action” model, pioneered by Clinton and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in 2005. From 2005 through 2016, more than 3,600 commitments were made through CGI which have improved the lives of over 435 million people worldwide. This grant will be used to educate the people about the need to wear masks regularly and use proper hygiene to remain safe. In collaboration with some of the gurdwaras, regular health monitoring will be done, and the temple volunteers and staff will be educated to maintain proper health procedures. "The aim of this initiative is to bring about a collective change in how our population views and reacts against COVID-19. Initially, we have already started the initiative at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. With more funding, we hope to expand to other Gurdwaras, as well as other places of worship such as Mandirs, Masjids, and Churches," informs Sukhmeet. He adds that once the pandemic started, although every place of worship was asked to follow safety precautions, there was not much awareness. "There was barely anyone wearing masks, and no one seemed to be washing their hands when entering or physical distancing. What we are doing is having our volunteers in specific booths behind a plexiglass barrier to discuss physical distancing measures, distribute cloth masks, and promote hand hygiene measures with videos, which will be played in both Punjabi and English. Physical distancing and wearing masks are important issues of concern at the Gurdwaras and we hope to target and implement these precautions through our project." Sukhmeet says that through this initiative, he and his team of volunteers aim to educate on three main aspects. "My main message would be for everyone to protect yourself and your loved ones during this unpredictable time. As we potentially surge towards a second wave, it is imperative that we continue to practice public health measures: physical www.desitoday.ca
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distancing, wearing a mask, and washing our hands constantly."
Physical distancing Please ensure you are always 6 feet apart when inside the Gurdwara
Hand hygiene Proper hand washing techniques and make sure you are washing your hands for at least 20 seconds when you enter the Gurdwara
Importance of wearing a mask Please make sure when you are entering the Gurdwara, you are wearing a mask for your safety and the safety of the people around you. Always wash your hands before you put your mask on and before you take it off. More than 90 volunteers have already been recruited to spread awareness. Anadita Joshi, who serves as the Project Coordinator, has a humble request to all the elderly who visit the Gurdwara find solace not only in the religious services provided, but also through 36
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
the education about masks and hand hygiene will carry forward in the broader community context." Sukhmeet also hopes to make this into a research project, where they collect data on the number of masks distributed and the efficacy of the education surrounding these public health measures in order to improve future policy recommendations around pandemics and religious services. He has recruited a Public Health Professional, NilimaSibi, to help with this research. On top of his work with the South Asian Community, Sukhmeet is also working on another project known as Translation4OurNations with Harvard Medical Student Victor Lopez-Carmen, University of Toronto Public Health Graduates Thilaxcy Yohathasan and Sterling Stutz, and youth from around the world to translate COVID-19 information into over 130 local Indigenous languages from across the world. This is in collaboration with the UN Youth Envoy, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and the UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (GIYC).
The aim of this initiative is to bring about a collective change in how our population views and reacts against COVID-19. Initially, we have already started the initiative at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. With more funding, we hope to expand to other Gurdwaras, as well as other places of worship such as Mandirs, Masjids, and Churches the community that is formed. "Ultimately, this initiative aspires to provide extra safety measures that can allow patrons to practice their faith in a safe and healthy manner.” Tavleen Dhaunsi, the project’s Volunteer Coordinator says,“The initiative hopes that
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FEATURE
Surrey Art Gallery Celebrates 45 Years UlliMaibauer, Untitled (Bear Creek), ca. 2000 Oil on board; 91 x 61 cm; Image by SITE Photography
Helma Sawatzky, Scatterplots: Bear Creek Park, 2008 Lightjet print on aluminum dibond; 76 x 76 cm; Image courtesy of Helma Sawatzky
James Lash, Night Crossing Acrylic on canvas; 91x122 cm; Image courtesy of James Lash
S
urrey Art Gallery is marking fortyfive years of collecting, exhibiting, and artmaking in the community with the exhibition Where We Have Been. Highlighting over forty artworks from the Gallery’s permanent collection, the paintings, photography, sculpture, and video installations reflect on the connection between place, nature, memory, and identity in South of the Fraser. “In celebration of the Gallery’s 45th anniversary, the exhibition brings some of the Gallery’s oldest acquisitions into conversation 38
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
with some of its most recent,” says Surrey Art Gallery Assistant Curator Rhys Edwards. “The range of voices on display speaks to the diversity of artmaking throughout this region’s history, all the while illustrating how profoundly these artists have visioned the struggles, the beauty, and the complex realities that shape our community.” The full list of artists includes Michael Abraham, Jim Adams, Sonny Assu, Sylvia Grace Borda, Karin Bubaš, Sarindar Dhaliwal, Lakshmi Gill, Ravi Gill, Jeremy Herndl, Doreen Jensen, Chris MacClure,
Heidi McKenzie, Ulli Maibauer, Arnold Mikelson, Shani Mootoo, Ann Nelson, Fred Owen, Bill Rennie, Don Romanchuk, Adele Samphire, Nicolas Sassoon, Helma Sawatzky, Ranjan Sen, Jan Wade, Stella Weinert, Leslie Wells, and Joanna S. Wilson. Register today at surrey.ca/artgallery or by phone at 604-501-5100 for pre-booked tours, which began September 19. Pre-booked Gallery visits will be available at select times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 5-9:30pm and Saturdays 10-5pm. While at the Gallery also visit three www.desitoday.ca
additional exhibitions. Don Hutchinson and Ying-Yueh Chuang: Passages explores the whimsical possibilities of ceramic with fantastical creatures and lifeforms from two Surrey-based artists. In the video installation Proscenium, Carol Sawyer uses the stage as means to play with the audience’s perception of images, illusions, and performance, and artists Dan Tell, James Lash, and Sheri Lynn Seitz from the Colour Collective celebrate the City through vibrant landscape painting and photographs in Searching for Surrey. After dark, visit our offsite UrbanScreen venue for Varvara & Mar: We Are the Clouds to transform your movements into clouds, floating serenely across a brilliant blue sky projected in largescale on the west wall of Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre. We will also be offering onsite art courses for children, youth, and adults ranging from watercolour and clay sculpture to drawing and much more on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the day! Register online, courses begin September 28. Consider taking the Gallery’s at leisure drawing and ceramics Art Takeout courses at home as well and continue to visit us online for our Art Together offerings including Art in Conversation, Art in Motion, and Art from the Archives. Internationally recognized for its awardwinning programs, Surrey Art Gallery, located at 13750 88 Avenue in Surrey, is the second largest public art museum in Metro Vancouver. Founded in 1975, the Gallery presents contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art. Its extensive public programs for children through to adults aim to engage the public in an ongoing conversation about issues and ideas that affect our communities and to provide opportunities to interact with artists and the artistic process. Admission is free. Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association. Surrey Art Gallery will continue to present Art Together, a series of online programs which began in March and explore art and artists in the community, spark the imagination, and celebrate the ways that art can impact our lives. Visit us virtually, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. www.desitoday.ca
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DESI TODAY RECIPE
D E S I T O DAY
DIWALI SPECIAL
Rose Milk Ladoo
VEGAN, REFINED SUGAR-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE
One bite of this coconut ladoo will have you dreaming of being pampered in an Indian palace. A truly royal treat with the luxurious flavours of rose, pistachios, and freshly crushed cardamom. Enjoy this plant-based delight for the senses. Recipe by Sweet Souls 40
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MAKES 12-15 LADOOS PREP TIME: 5 MINS COOK TIME: 30 MINS
Ingredients FOR THE LADOOS: 1½ cup unsweetened medium shredded coconut, dried or fresh 1¼ cup full fat coconut milk ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon powdered jaggery ½ teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds pinch of salt 2 tablespoons coconut flour 2 tablespoons pistachio, chopped into small pieces 1½ teaspoon rose water ¼ teaspoon beet powder or beet juice for colour (optional) FOR THE TOPPING: 1/3 cup unsweetened medium shredded coconut, dried or fresh 1/2 tsp beet powder or beet juice (optional)
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Raman Deol
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Create the topping by toasting shredded coconut over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and mix in beet juice or beet powder dissolved in equal parts water. Set mixture aside. In a medium pot, combine the shredded coconut and coconut milk and bring it to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for a few minutes. Add cardamom, salt and jaggery and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring as needed. Add in the pistachios and coconut flour, and continue to cook until the liquid is absorbed. Once the liquid is absorbed, remove from the heat and add in rose water and beet powder. Stir to combine. Shape the mixture into 12-15 ladoos while it's warm. Roll the ladoos in the topping mixture. Ladoos will harden once they cool down.
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41
BEAUTY & ENT.
Madame Gandhi exhorts female artistes to
form sisterhood BY NATALIA NINGTHOUJAM American percussionist-producer-activist Madame Gandhi says that during the last few months of lockdown, she focused on mental and physical health. Now, she feels empowered to begin 2021 on a strong note. Talking about her quarantine time, the artiste, who has roots in India, told IANS: "I have been focusing on my mental and physical health. I have been boxing, running, doing yoga, and increasing my commitment to my meditation practice. These moments, to rehabilitate all aspects of my body and soul, have made me feel empowered to tee off a strong 2021 with the new music that is to come." On how different her upcoming album "Vibrations" will be from her previous ones -- "Voices" and "Visions" -- she shared: "This album is a lot more focused on love. It is introspective and more vulnerable. It is expansive and celebrates wellness. It still has the uplifting, percussive feelings of the past two albums, but definitely feels more produced and takes more risk." The artiste, born Kiran Gandhi, revently released a new collection of remixes of her 2019 "Visions" track, "Young Indian".
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"I love performing my song 'Young Indian' live, but the song in its original format does not lend itself as well to deejaying. Therefore, I knew that I wanted to host a competition where I could have producers help me repurpose the song into genres that are more appropriate for the dance floor," she said. "As a result of this competition, we walked away with Bhangra, Salsa, Reggaeton and Afrobeat remixes that now even the fitness community can work out to," she added. Earlier this year, she had joined media mogul Oprah Winfrey on her 2020 Vision Stadium tour. It was a learning experience for Gandhi. "I learned that the world needs us to each truly shine at our brightest potential. When each of us are living in alignment with our path, not only do we feel a sense of contentment, but we are able to show up in service of others," she said. Gandhi is also an activist, who had run the London Marathon bleeding freely on her period in 2015. It had sparked a global conversation about how people treat menstruation in various cultures. Female empowerment is naturally important for her. If one looks at social media, people will find female artistes being pitted against each other by fans. Asked if that bothers her, she said: "Yes. This is a toxic byproduct of the capitalist and patriarchal system that we globally operate within." "As a radical response, I believe sisterhood and mutual support is the most powerful way to combat that." www.desitoday.ca
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43
I N DI AN S S H I N I N G
DESI TO DAY
Facebook AI system can teach you original dance moves Indian-origin researchers at Facebook AI have developed a system that enables a machine to generate a dance for any input music, creating original, creative dance routines for any music that you feed it. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) system uses finely-tuned search procedures to stay synchronised and surprising, the two main criteria of a creative dance. The system co-created by research scientist Devi Parikh analyses a music track from nearly any genre and, just moments 44
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A Desi View
later, cooks up some synchronised moves. The system’s code, which is now available for download, works by detecting similarities in a song at two different points in time and then searches for similar patterns in dance move sequences. Since the system’s only computational constraint is ensuring that its movements synchronize with the music, “it is able to generate novel dance routines, which human judges have evaluated as highly creative in comparison to other generated dances,”
Facebook said. “The AI generates new sequences of movements that might not have come naturally to people,” Parikh said. “It adds a layer of creativity, because you can visualize a dance in a different form.” The lead researcher behind the system, Purva Tendulkar, who works at Georgia Tech, is keen to emphasize that dancing AI is about assisting the creative process, not taking control of it. “Our dancing agents are meant to augment, not replace, human creations by combining the best of what people and machines each excel at.” Parikh and Tendulkar said the system could someday provide inspiration and creative insights for dancers and choreographers, whether they are amateurs busting some moves in front of the bathroom mirror, or dance industry professionals looking for a new take on a classical ballet production. In the longer run, dancing AI might have potential in video games or fitness apps where people imitate the movements of an avatar. Parikh said that her system is different from traditional dancing AI because it doesn’t learn from humans and then mimic them. “It generates completely original moves to any music,” she said in a statement. The Facebook researchers use a range of dancing agents, including pulsating discs, deforming geometric shapes and humanoid stick figures. “The same dance visualized with different patterns or other agents affects the way people perceive the movement and the creative value they draw out of it,” Tendulkar added. Parikh’s system is still in the early days of development, but dancing AI that can invent real-time moves in a Zumba class may not be too far off. Parikh is working on more than dancing AI. She has built creative AI systems that generate visual artifacts or motifs for people who are keeping journals or diaries, which allows them to record their feelings in abstract as well as concrete ways. Parikh has also developed an unsupervised approach to creating typography that can doodle themes and words, as well as a different system for neurosymbolic generative art, Facebook said.
Drone delivery at home to get a boost in post Covid era The Covid-19 pandemic has given a tremendous boost to online delivery platforms and retail drone technology will see a commercial rollout on a larger scale in the not-too-distant future, Indian-origin researchers have stressed. The study found that both the number of last-mile warehouses and the delivery speed of the drones will increase as technology matures. In other words, last-mile delivery networks will become more decentralised, with drones operating at increasingly faster speeds. “It would be reasonable to assume that drone technology is maturing quickly. The Covid-19 pandemic will perhaps hasten this process,” said Dr Milind Dawande, professor of operations management at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management. Hands-free delivery to one’s doorstep will be an advantage drones can offer in the post-Covid era. In the new study, published online in Production and Operations Management, three faculty members from Naveen Jindal School of Management explored how drone delivery could change retail logistics networks. The analysis showed that while perfect customisation of delivery-time guarantees is more profitable, retailers can capture a sizeable portion of the profit by partitioning their market into a few zones and offering the best-possible delivery-time guarantee for each zone. “If a retailer promises each customer
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a different delivery time based on the customer’s location, that would be perfect customisation,” Dawande said. For example, a retailer could give any customer who is 1.5 km away a deliverytime guarantee of five minutes and a customer 2 kms away a delivery-time guarantee of seven minutes. “While perfect customisation is theoretically best for the retailer, it is impractical. Instead, the retailer might offer all customers less than 6 kms away a guaranteed delivery time of 15 minutes. In other words, limited customisation is good enough,” Dawande explained. Faster delivery times are more profitable because it implies more demand. The researchers noted that increasing delivery speed of drones can help improve profitability only if it is accompanied by an increase in the number of last-mile warehouses. “Therefore, in congested markets, where the number of warehouses cannot be increased, the retailer may find it best to offer a delivery speed that is lower than the highest-possible speed,” the authors said. The study co-authors are Dr Ganesh Janakiraman and Dr Vijay Mookerjee. The lead author is former student Sandun Perera who is an assistant professor of managerial sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. The analysis is also applicable to other dedicated delivery vehicles, such as delivery robots and electric bikes, which many retailers are currently testing.
Punjab-born restaurateur making waves in Norway
A Punjab-born restaurateur has been making waves in Norway for the past 40 years, serving Indian traditional dishes with authentic ingredients and winning hearts. “Forty years ago Gurdial Singh from Kapurthala opened the first Indian restaurant in Norway. He taught me and other Norwegians to love Indian food,” former UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim said in a tweet. “Now his family runs some of the world’s best Indian restaurants. Enjoy tastes of incredible food,” he added. The former Norwegian diplomat, politician and environment minister, who says he is inspired by the life and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the global fight against climate change, played a crucial role in 2018 as the UN Environment chief in convincing India to phase out singleuse plastics by 2022, a major achievement in his crusade against plastic pollution. Restaurateur Gurdial Singh came to Oslo in 1982, and began popularising Indian cuisine by founding the Maharaja Restaurant. His son, Baljit Singh Padda, created ‘Listen to Baljit’ that donates meals to children in many countries.
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45
DESI TODAY
BEAUTY & ENT.
INDIAN S SHINING
S
rikant Datar, the Indian-American Arthur Lowes Dickinson Professor of Business Administration and the senior associate dean for University affairs at the Harvard Business School (HBS), has been named as the new dean of the School, President Larry Bacow has announced. Datar will begin his service on January 1, 2021. "Srikant Datar is an innovative educator, a distinguished scholar, and a deeply experienced academic leader," The Harvard Gazette quoted Bacow as saying in the announcement on Friday. "He is a leading thinker about the future of business education, and he has recently played an essential role in HBS's creative response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He has served with distinction in a range of leadership positions over his nearly 25 years at HBS, while also forging novel collaborations with other Harvard Schools. "Srikant will come to the deanship with a broad international perspective, decades of close engagement with business practice, and a strong commitment to building an increasingly diverse and inclusive HBS community," Bacow added. Since joining the HBS faculty in 1996, Datar has held a series of key positions, as the School's senior associate dean responsible for faculty recruiting, for faculty development, for executive education, for research, and currently for University affairs. Since 2015, he has served since 2015 as faculty chair of the Harvard Innovation Labs, or i-lab. Reacting to the announcement, the Indian-American said: "I am equal measures humbled and honoured to take on this role. Harvard Business School is an institution with a remarkable legacy of impact in research, education, and practice. "I look forward to working with colleagues and friends of the School including throughout Harvard, in our Boston 46
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
Srikant Datar named Harvard Business School dean www.desitoday.ca
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community, and around the world to realize our mission in what undoubtedly will be an exciting new era." Datar will become the 11th dean in the Business School's 112-year history. He will succeed Nitin Nohria, who last November announced his plans to conclude his deanship at the end of June 2020, after 10 years, but agreed to continue through this December in view of the pandemic. Datar graduated with distinction in mathematics and economics from St. Xavier's College, University of Mumbai in 1973. A chartered accountant, he went on to receive a post-graduate diploma in business management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, before completing master's degrees in statistics and economics and a Ph.D. in business, all from Stanford University. From 1984 to 1989, he was an assistant professor and then associate professor at the Carnegie Mellon Graduate School of Industrial Administration, where he was honoured with the George Leland Bach Teaching Award. www.desitoday.ca
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
47
FEATURE
The Indian royals who modelled for first vaccine in the world
K
rishnaraja Wodiyar III was the new ruler of the southern Indian kingdom of Mysore when Devajammani arrived at the royal court in 1805, to marry him. Both of them were 12 years of age. According to Dr Nigel Chancellor, a historian at Cambridge University, "Devajammani soon found herself recruited for a more momentous cause - to publicise and promote the smallpox vaccine. And her unwitting role was captured in a painting commissioned by the East India Company to 'encourage participation in the vaccination programme'," the BBC reported. The cure for smallpox was fairly novel - it had been discovered just six years before by 48
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
Edward Jenner, an English doctor - and met with suspicion and resistance in India. Not least because it was being championed by the British, whose power was rising at the turn of the 19th century. But the British would not give up on their grand scheme to inoculate Indians - they justified the cost and effort of saving "numerous lives, which have yearly fallen a sacrifice" to the virus with the promise of "increased resources derived from abundant population". What followed was a deft mix of politics, power and persuasion by the East India Company to introduce the world's first ever vaccine to India, their biggest colonial
enterprise. It involved British surgeons, Indian vaccinators, scheming company bosses and friendly royals - none more so than the Wodiyars, indebted to the British who had put them back on the throne after more than 30 years of exile. Chancellor believes the painting, dated to be around 1805, is not just a record of the queen's vaccination but also a window into how the British effort unfolded. The portrait, an arresting rendition in oil on canvas, was last offered for sale via Sotheby's auction house in 2007. Its subjects were unknown - and thought to be dancing girls or courtesans - until Chancellor stumbled upon it. He says he "immediately felt this was wrong". He identified the woman on the right in the painting as Devajammani, the younger queen. He said her sari would have typically covered her left arm, but it was left exposed so she could point to where she had been www.desitoday.ca
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vaccinated "with a minimum loss of dignity". The woman on the left, he believes, is the king's first wife, also named Devajammani. The marked discoloration under her nose and around her mouth is consistent with controlled exposure to the smallpox virus, Chancellor said. Pustules from patients who had recovered would be extracted, ground to dust and blown up the nose of those who had not had the disease. It was a form of inoculation known as variolation, that was meant to induce a milder infection. Chancellor cited details to support his theory, which was first published in an article in 2001. For one, the date of the painting matches the Wodiyar king's wedding dates and the court records from July 1806, announcing that Devjammmani's vaccination had a "salutary influence" on people who came forward to be inoculated. Two, as an expert in Mysore history, Chancellor is certain the "heavy gold sleeve bangles" and "the magnificent head dresses" are characteristic of Wodiyar queens. Also, the artist, Thomas Hickey, had earlier painted the Wodiyars and other members of the court. And most important, he wrote, is the "compelling candour" with which they engage the viewer. Half-smiling royal women striking a casual pose for an European painter is rare enough to raise eyebrows. And the Wodiyars would not have risked a scandal, Chancellor said, for a run-of-the-mill portrait. It was a heady time for the East India Company. In 1799, it had defeated one of its last great foes, Mysore's ruler, Tipu Sultan, and put the Wodiyars in his place. But British dominance was still not assured. So, according to Chancellor, William Bentick, the governor of Madras (now Chennai), sensed a political opportunity in battling a deadly disease. And the British were keen on getting the vaccine to India to "protect the expat population," says Professor Michael Bennett, a historian who has documented the arduous journey of the vaccine to India in his book, "War Against Smallpox". In India, smallpox infections were high and fatalities common - symptoms included fever, pain and severe discomfort as pustules broke out across the face and body. Those who survived were often scarred for life. For centuries, it had been treated with variolation, accompanied by religious rituals. Hindus saw it as a sign of the wrath of Mariamma or Sitala, the goddess of the pox, and sought to 50
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
propitiate her. So the advent of a vaccine, which consisted of cowpox virus, was not welcome. And Brahmin variolators, or "tikadars", resented the new procedure that threatened their livelihood. "The major concern was the pollution of pushing into their healthy child a cattle disease," Bennett said. "How do you translate cowpox? They brought in Sanskrit scholars and found themselves using terms locals would have used for far worse diseases. And there was alarm that cowpox might devastate their cattle." There was another, bigger problem - the most effective way to vaccinate was to do it "arm-to-arm". Using this method, the first person would be vaccinated by smearing the vaccine onto their arm with a needle or a lancet. A week later, when a cowpox pustule developed in that spot, a doctor would cut into it and transfer the pus on to the arm of another person. Sometimes, the lymph from the arm of a patient would be dried and sealed between glass plates to be transported elsewhere, but it usually did not survive the journey. Either way, the vaccine was passing through bodies of all races, religions, castes and genders, and that ran counter to unyielding Hindu notions of purity. How better to overcome these fears than enlist the help of Hindu royals, whose power was tied to their bloodlines? The journey of the vaccine to the Wodiyar queen probably began - in India at least with the three-year-old daughter of a British servant named Anna Dusthall. Starting in the spring of 1800, the vaccine was sent by ship from Britain in the form of dried lymph samples or via "vaccine couriers" - a human chain of people being inoculated arm-to-arm to keep the vaccine going during the voyage. But none of those vaccinations took once they arrived in India. After several failed attempts, dried vaccine matter was sealed between glass plates and successfully delivered from Vienna to Baghdad in March 1802. It was then used to vaccinate an Armenian child and the lymph from his arm was taken to Basra, in Iraq, where an East India Company surgeon established a supply chain arm-to-arm that was sent to Bombay (now Mumbai). On June 14, 1802, Anna Dusthall became the first person in India to be successfully vaccinated against smallpox. Little else
is known about her, except that she was "remarkably good tempered", according to the notes of the doctor who vaccinated her. Dusthall was partly of European descent, Bennett said, but her mother's heritage is unknown. "We know all vaccination in the subcontinent came from this girl," he said. The following week, five other children in Bombay were vaccinated with pus from Dusthall's arm. From there, the vaccine travelled, most often arm-to-arm, across India to various British bases - Hyderabad, Cochin, Tellicherry, Chingleput, Madras and eventually, to the royal court of Mysore. The British did not always record the names of people who kept the supply going, but they did note that it passed through many "unexceptional bodies" - there are mentions of three "half-caste" children who re-established supply in Madras, and a Malay boy who ferried the vaccine to Calcutta (Kolkata). It's not known if the young queen Devajammani was vaccinated with dried lymph or from the pus of an earlier patient. There is no mention of anyone else in the family or at the court being vaccinated, Chancellor said. That would not have been unusual because there are reports of other royals being vaccinated. But none memorialised it in a portrait. The credit for that politicking, according to Chancellor, goes to the king's grandmother, Lakshmi Ammani, who had lost her husband to smallpox. He believes she is the woman in the middle of the portrait of the three women, buttressing the Wodiyar stamp of approval for the vaccine. The "oval face and enormous eyes" are typical of the family, he adds. Chancellor says the painting was possible because she was in charge - the king was too young to object and the queens were too young to refuse. The campaign continued as people came to realise the benefits of the procedure, and many tikadars switched over from variolation to vaccination. By 1807, Bennett estimated, more than a million vaccine doses had been administered. Eventually, the painting made its way back to England and disappeared from public view. It did not resurface until 1991, when Chancellor spotted it at an exhibition and rescued the women from obscurity, giving them a place in one of the world's first immunisation campaigns.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Watch for
Pandemic Cyber Scammers targeting Canadians
Many of us are spending a lot more time online as we adopt new ways of tackling everyday tasks – be it working, staying connected, shopping or banking. Amid a general rise in fraud and cybercrimes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, RBC Direct Investing offers a few simple guidelines to help you stay safe.
Watch out for fake websites
applications or services, and don’t opt for obvious passwords like family or pet names, birthdays and street names.
TIP:
Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters with a minimum of eight characters, change passwords regularly and create a new password for every application or service you use.
Fake websites can spread misinformation or attempt to scam individuals. Red flags to be on the lookout for include spelling errors in web addresses or a missing security symbol in the address bar. Look for a lock symbol or an “s” at the end of the “http” in the address bar, which can confirm a site’s security. Don’t enter login information or credit card details unless you are certain a site is legitimate.
Use strong, unique passwords
Strong passwords can help ensure you’re protecting your devices and information. Avoid using the same password for multiple 52
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
TIP:
Keep software and browsers up to date
The operating systems on your devices have built-in security features, but they need to be kept up to date to help avoid breaches of your personal information. The browser you use to search the internet also has its own security settings and requires updating. Though they may be bothersome, don’t ignore prompts to update your operating system or browser.
TIP:
Consider enabling automatic updates or try setting a reminder to update your device when you won’t be using it.
Be aware of unsolicited calls, emails and texts
Emails or texts can sometimes appear to be from a legitimate source, but contain infected attachments or malicious links. Some red flags are threatening or urgent tones, spelling errors, unknown senders or callers.
TIP:
Keep your computer anti-virus and antimalware programs up to date to help keep files from being corrupted or lost due to a virus. www.newscanada.com www.desitoday.ca
How to save money during a pandemic (NC) We all know setting some funds aside for an emergency and life goals is important. But it can be hard to do, especially during a pandemic. Fortunately, there are saving strategies you can try even when you’re not raking in a ton of cash. The first step is improving your financial literacy so you can feel confident about tackling your savings and money goals. Here are some other tips to consider:
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You probably already know that your debt gets bigger because you pay interest on it. The same idea applies to saving accounts and plans, but you get the interest. The amount you save grows. Let’s say you put your money into a savings account or plan where you get 5 per cent interest. For every $100 you save in a year, you’ll get an extra $5.
Check out government programs
The Canadian government has set up special savings plans to help your money grow more quickly. Depending on your goals and life stage, a Registered Education Savings Plan, Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan might work for you. You can learn more about these governmentapproved savings plans and boost your money skills from ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Money Matters program. It’s a free introductory financial literacy program for adult learners that offers online courses and workshops. Learn more and access free workbooks and activities at abcmoneymatters.ca. www.desitoday.ca
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
things you need to know about the worldwide hunt for a COVID-19 vaccine BY GILLIAN RUTHERFORD
University of Alberta experts share their knowledge, hopes and fears about the chances of finding a way to inoculate the world against the deadly pandemic virus. 54
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With more than 100 teams around the world racing to find a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, including three at the University of Alberta, what are the chances of getting something that works? The World Health Organization’s list shows 21 vaccine projects in either phase 1 or 2 of clinical trials, and two projects, one in China and the other in the U.K., in phase 3. The top two report they are seeing protective antibodies created in their trials, but even they can’t say for sure whether, or when, their vaccines might be ready for widespread distribution. There’s a lot at stake, with nearly 16 million of the world’s 7.5 billion people already infected and more than 600,000 dead—and the numbers are growing exponentially. And while public health measures such as social distancing and masks seem to be keeping the lid on the pandemic in Canada, outbreaks continue now that the economy is reopening and fears are mounting about a second wave in the fall. “We’ve seen the measures that are needed to slow the virus down are fairly extreme and are not sustainable to the degree that they were started at, although they were totally necessary,” said Lynora Saxinger, a U of A infectious diseases specialist and co-chair of Alberta Health Services’ Scientific Advisory Group on COVID-19. “It’s hard to figure out how to keep the virus from spreading without a vaccine.” Some U of A experts, such as virologist David Marchant and biological scientist David Wishart, are on the record expressing doubt about the chances of ever finding a vaccine—because of the technical and safety
challenges, not to mention production and distribution obstacles—while others, such as virologist Michael Houghton, medical microbiologist David Evans and oncologist John Lewis, are forging ahead with solid funding and high hopes for their vaccine approaches. Folio asked the U of A’s leading experts in viruses and infectious diseases, medical ethics and drug manufacturing to map out what it will take to develop, test, manufacture and administer an effective vaccine against COVID-19.
1 There is cause for
cautious optimism
A typical vaccine can take a decade or more to develop, and for some diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, nothing has yet been approved despite decades of work. That said, vaccines have been developed for more than 20 life-threatening diseases, preventing millions of potential deaths each year from smallpox, diphtheria, measles and polio, among other diseases. The pressure for success—scientific, economic, political, social and humanitarian—has never been so intense. Never before have so many scientific teams dropped everything and pivoted to study a single global problem. “We just can’t afford to wait 10 years,” said Tom Hobman, a cell biologist and former Canada Research Chair in RNA virus host interactions. “There are some people who said we should have let the virus run its course,” rather than bringing the world to a halt with public health measures to prevent the spread and spending billions on research to find vaccines and antiviral treatments, he said. “I don’t agree with that approach. “If you look at it strictly from a biological standpoint—in the animal world, that’s what happens—but as humans we don’t do that. I’m really encouraged by the news that we’re hearing (about promising projects) and I’m cautiously optimistic.” Saxinger said one cause for optimism is the sheer force with which COVID-19 has hit the world. “One of the reasons that vaccine development is historically really slow is that a lot of the diseases that we are making vaccines for are not very common in the community, so enrolling enough people into the trial to test efficacy takes many years,” she said. “The trials for COVID will recruit
very quickly and have results quickly because it’s basically tearing around the globe and creating havoc. “It’s just such an explosive epidemic in so many places that I think we’ll get answers more quickly,” she said. “This is not our usual vaccine situation.” Saxinger’s reading of the science is that thanks to the huge international cooperative effort, enough is already understood about the immune response to the virus that it is probable a vaccine will be found to provide protection. “We’re not sure for how long the protection will last,” she cautioned. “But there’s a very good chance that we’ll have a vaccine.”
2 More than
one vaccine may work
A typical vaccine can take a decade or more to develop, and for some diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, nothing has yet been approved despite decades of work.
Another reason for optimism is the number of projects underway and the variety of technological approaches being taken. At its basic level, a vaccine’s job is to prime the immune system so it is ready to mount a powerful defence as soon as it encounters a virus. But there are many ways to do that. Each technology presents its own advantages and disadvantages. The traditional approach is to give a small dose of weakened or inactivated pathogen, or just a part of it, so your body will recognize the real thing when it shows up. These vaccines can take time to develop and may require large manufacturing facilities, which don’t exist in the numbers required to inoculate the world. A newer technology involves using another harmless virus as a “vector” or delivery vehicle for a part of the COVID-19 virus, but again, this kind of vaccine may be relatively complex to manufacture and there is concern about the safety of repeated doses, which may be required to “boost” immunity. Nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) based vaccines look promising because they are relatively
cheap and easy to make, but no such vaccine has yet been approved for human use against other diseases, although many have been in development with promising results. Concerns remain about potential changes to recipients’ chromosomes, so these vaccine options will have to pass critical safety hurdles. Hobman said it is a plus that so many different platforms are being tested, because it creates a competitive incentive. He pointed out that there are several manufacturers of influenza vaccines who take different approaches to the annual cocktail that is given to prevent the most prevalent strains of flu each year. Those vaccines are often far from perfect, providing less than 30 per cent efficacy, he said. “They still do provide benefits by reducing transmission and lessening the course of the disease,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” He said a likely scenario is that one or two types of vaccine will be ready first and NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
55
US$1.2 billion. “If it turns out they work the way you need them to, they’ll be ahead of the game,” Saxinger said. “I hope they bet on the right horse. “I see real efforts to try and shorten the time it will take to get a vaccine to the public and a real willingness to invest in that.”
4 Some healthy people may
have to take a risk before the rest of us get protected we need to encourage public dialogue around challenge studies and who would be first to receive vaccines will provide some immunity, but because it seems that immunity does not last long even among those who have had COVID-19, a booster inoculation will likely be required, possibly using one of the technologies that is slower to develop. “I actually would be really happy if multiple vaccines are proven to work, and they were all manufactured in different ways, because then there’s less likely to be bottlenecks in production that would affect our ability to scale up,” Saxinger said. “Billions of doses will be needed and anything that will help diffuse the manufacturing, and allow countries to make their own, would be excellent,” she said.
3 It won’t happen
quickly
Much media coverage has speculated about getting a vaccine ready to go by the end of this year, but Saxinger believes the very bestcase scenario would be to have vaccines ready for widespread public inoculation of Canadians by the end of 2021. “All of these various factors about how they are made and how they work and how they can be tested make it a complex playing field,” she said. Hobman pointed out that while finding a viable vaccine candidate is challenging enough, the testing takes time and can’t be rushed, although some testing phases can be done in parallel. Then there’s the licensing process, manufacturing and distribution of 56
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
billions of doses, all of which present huge logistical challenges. “It’s not trivial,” said Hobman, whose lab is working on interferon and other potential antiviral candidates to treat patients until a vaccine is ready to go. Hobman explained the safety and efficacy testing for a vaccine involves numerous steps, none of which can be skipped. It starts with preclinical testing in small animals such as ferrets and mice. Then phase 1 testing evaluates whether the vaccine is safe for healthy individuals and whether it can induce an immune response. In phase 2, you’re looking at a larger group of people to monitor safety and to see how dosage affects antibody production. Then in phase 3 you do large-scale testing with thousands of people to see whether the vaccine really does provide protection against the virus. How many people who are vaccinated get sick, how severe are their symptoms, are there side-effects and how well can those be managed? “Vaccines are like any drug,” he said. “Some people do react poorly, but it’s usually a very small percentage, and we have to assess that risk against the benefit on a population basis.” Saxinger said that while testing steps can’t be missed, there are other parts of the process that can be expedited. For example, the U.S. government has already ordered 300 million doses of the Oxford University/ AstraZeneca vaccine candidate even before phase 3 trials are complete, at a cost of up to
The testing phases of vaccine development can’t be rushed because there is so much potential harm if things go awry. Hobman recounted how researchers for a dengue virus vaccine uncovered a frightening phenomenon in which some vaccinated people actually experienced more severe illness than non-vaccinated individuals when they became infected with dengue virus. This is the exact opposite of what COVID-19 vaccine researchers hope to achieve, but the only way to find out whether their vaccines induce this response is to test them out ... on a lot of people. This summer, 30,000 healthy American volunteers will be recruited for that U.S. phase 3 trial as part of the government’s “Operation Warp Speed” on vaccine development, while 9,000 Brazilian health-care workers will be asked to try a different vaccine being developed by Sinovac. Medicago of Quebec City began phase 1 testing in 180 volunteers earlier this month, while CanSino’s vaccine candidate has been approved for human trials in Canada and is enrolling 696 people for phase 1 and 2 trials at Dalhousie University. The Dalhousie researchers report being overwhelmed by volunteers who want to take part in the trials. In all the trials announced so far, participants are given either a dose of the prospective vaccine or a placebo and then are monitored for at least two months and up to four years, depending on the phase. The volunteers may or may not encounter the SARS-CoV-2 virus while going about their normal lives. If the vaccine works, the people who received it would develop fewer, or at least less severe, illnesses than the control group and the general population in the region. Meanwhile, a movement in the U.S. known as “1 Day Sooner” is promoting so-called “challenge trials,” which would www.desitoday.ca
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until a vaccine is widely available, Saxinger said it’s on all of us to strictly adhere to public health practices—such as social distancing, reducing contacts, frequent handwashing, staying home when you’re sick and wearing a mask in public indoor spaces—to “keep a lid” on the virus. It’s essential, she said, for saving lives and protecting the health-care system. purposely expose the volunteers to the active virus, effectively speeding up the time it takes to get results. The pressure to go this route is so intense that the World Health Organization has come out with key ethics criteria for challenge trials during COVID-19. “We need to encourage public dialogue around challenge studies and who would be first to receive vaccines,” said Michael van Manen, a pediatrician who is the Endowed Chair of Health Ethics and the director of the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre at the U of A. Whether people sign up for a challenge trial or a regular trial, van Manen noted that ethics boards and governments oversee trials, so it’s never “just anything goes.” “Vaccine research receives significant ethical oversight,” he said. “This is particularly important in our current situation where there is a great deal of public and political pressure to develop treatments and vaccines. Still, we need to pause to reflect. “Yes, people who choose to engage in such risks (by signing up for a clinical trial) should be able to decide for themselves, especially if it’s something they believe in.” However, the problem is that the risks of intentionally exposing healthy individuals 58
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
to SARS-CoV-2 are really unknown. With no sure, effective treatment, there is no guarantee you will fully recover if you become severely ill. Not enough time has passed since the illness first appeared for the long-term sideeffects of COVID-19—including brain, lung or kidney damage—to be fully understood. And because you can be contagious before you even develop symptoms, you could unwittingly share the disease with family or friends who did not sign up for the trial.
5 We’ll be able to
manufacture the vaccines we need right here at home It will take more than four million doses to immunize every Albertan once a successful drug or drugs are found. Whether the winning formulae are developed in Canada or internationally, those doses for Albertans will likely be prepared at the Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing (ACTM) facility on the U of A campus, one of just six publicly funded Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) facilities in Canada. Built with clean rooms to ensure no bacterial contamination, it was opened by surgery professor and scientific director Greg
Korbutt in 2015 thanks to a total of $26 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Government of Alberta and the U of A. The ACTM is already working on a number of boundary-pushing projects, including preparing a hepatitis C vaccine for human trials led by virologist Michael Houghton and CAR-T immunotherapy cells for oncologist Michael Chu, and hopes to soon begin making islet stem cells for surgeon James Shapiro. “They’re unable to do that type of research without our facility,” said Korbutt. Until now, the ACTM has produced cell therapy products for phase 1 clinical trials, but Korbutt said the facility has the capacity to make enough vaccine doses for all Albertans. ACTM has the equipment to put doses of vaccine in vials so they can be stored properly, distributed to clinics, drawn up in syringes and injected. Having that start-tofinish production capability allows the facility to charge for future commercial projects and become financially self-sustaining. “We would be able to make thousands of vials in a day,” Korbutt said, which would allow the facility to supply Alberta and beyond.
6 Once we have a vaccine,
who will get it, and when?
The global Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, has been spearheading the conversation about what it will take to vaccinate the world against COVID-19. State governments, philanthropists and pharmaceutical companies came through with billions of dollars for vaccine research, manufacturing and distribution at a global pledging summit last month. One of the biggest concerns is for lower-income countries that won’t be able to make or buy their own supply of vaccines. “If particular individuals—for example, the taxpayers of a particular country—bore certain burdens to develop a vaccine, then it could potentially be argued that they should get it first,” said Michael van Manen. “But we must also look at who is most vulnerable or who is most likely to transmit the virus should they become infected. “There are so many considerations with the ethics of limited resources and large population needs. We need to ensure we deploy the vaccine to save the most lives across the globe while making necessary and fair choices and recognizing that some individuals live with more hardships than others.” www.desitoday.ca
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In Canada, Saxinger said modelling would likely be done to determine who gets the vaccine first to ensure the most benefit for the entire population. “You may be looking at where outbreaks are the most active so you can try to cool those areas down, and also who is most at risk of severe disease so you can protect them first,” she said. “Another thing to look at is if there’s a particular group that is responsible for a lot of the transmission, because you might focus on that group early. “There are different factors but it would not just be, ‘Hey, everybody line up,’ it would be a matter of triaging as supply of the vaccine comes in,” Saxinger said.
7 You may be “strongly
encouraged” to get the shot once it’s your turn Saxinger indicated that most experts feel around 70 per cent of us will need to get the shot to stop the march of COVID-19 based on the R-naught factor (R0), which is the average number of other cases caused by each infected person. In Canada, without public health interventions in place, it is believed to be between 2.0 and 3.0. By comparison, influenza’s R0 factor is around 1.3. Saxinger explained that the coronavirus is so much more dangerous than the flu in part because we have absolutely no background or residual immunity to the brand-new disease. “There’s no archived immunity in the population, which is why it’s been so devastating,” Saxinger said. “The stakes are much, much higher to get good uptake of the COVID vaccine.” Last year, 1.4 million doses of influenza vaccine were administered to Alberta’s population of 4.3 million people over the course of a six-month campaign. Saxinger said the campaign to get everyone vaccinated against COVID-19 would be bigger and more sustained, with lots of promotion and education. She suggested “encouragement programs” and outreach for those who are reluctant to get vaccinated, such as linking vaccination to child benefit payments, as had been done elsewhere. “I would be in line with my sleeve up pretty darn quick, but I worry the situation could be ripe for an increase in anti-vaxx sentiment,” she said. “That kind of thinking seems to be contagious to a certain part of 60
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
...if you turn out to get sick or if you come into contact with someone who is sick, you need to be able to give a good accounting for who you’ve been around the population.” Though Saxinger supports education over coercion, she said she would support making inoculation mandatory if not enough people were willing to step up voluntarily. Van Manen said such a public policy discussion would have to balance the principle of minimizing government intrusion into people’s lives and respecting what could be legitimate safety concerns against the risk to the community. He noted that, for example, people in Canada can be forced to take treatment for tuberculosis because it is highly contagious, although most people opt to take treatment to benefit themselves, so it is uncommon to need to turn to the law. “Individuals can’t just walk around the streets with active TB, but that’s in part because they are placing other individuals at risk,” he said. “What should be considered in the case of a vaccine is, by requiring vaccination, to what extent are you really decreasing the risk of spread? Generally, we allow people to make risky choices for themselves, such as going bungee jumping, smoking or other risky activities.” Van Manen hopes we can get to 70 per cent of the population vaccinated without having to infringe on the liberties of those who choose not to get the shot.
8 While we all wait for a
vaccine, this is what you can do to protect yourself and others Estimates suggest between five and 10 per cent of Canadians have already been
exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While that number will continue to rise until a vaccine is found, it’s a long way from what’s needed to reach so-called herd immunity, which means virtually everyone is protected (at least for a while) whether they have been inoculated or not, because the disease can’t circulate through the population effectively. While there are numerous promising antivirals and other treatments in the works, Saxinger pointed out that most are aimed at shortening the illness or keeping those with severe illness alive. “All this stuff will help people once they get sick, but the improvement will be modest, and it won’t affect the march through the community,” she said. “I think of COVID-19 as being like a bonfire that’s spitting sparks. We’re all just walking around as pieces of tinder, and there’s still lots of tinder.” Like Hobman, Saxinger argues against letting the virus rip through the community and just trying to protect the most vulnerable. “People are attracted to this seemingly easy idea of just keeping the frail people safe, but no one has succeeded in doing that,” she said. “Sweden tried and failed.” “Also, many young healthy people have gotten devastatingly ill or died. They have lower risk, not no risk.” Until a vaccine is widely available, Saxinger said it’s on all of us to strictly adhere to public health practices—such as social distancing, reducing contacts, frequent handwashing, staying home when you’re sick and wearing a mask in public indoor spaces—to “keep a lid” on the virus. It’s essential, she said, for saving lives and protecting the health-care system. Saxinger suggests keeping a log of all of the people you come into contact with on a daily basis. “I usually can’t remember what I had for breakfast,” she commiserated. “But if you turn out to get sick or if you come into contact with someone who is sick, you need to be able to give a good accounting for who you’ve been around.” Saxinger said our best hope to avoid another peak in cases and another potential shutdown of the economy is to watch vigilantly for localized outbreaks, then quickly trace anyone who might have been exposed, isolate them and contain the spread. “People are frustrated because it seems like we don’t know everything about this virus, but we know a heck of a lot given that it’s only been around for six months,” she said. “It’s kind of remarkable how much we do know and how much we’re continuing to learn.” Courtesy Folio.ca www.desitoday.ca
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BUSINESS & CAREER
The world of work has transformed in recent years. Less and less people work in the same place for their entire career, as there are more and more opportunities to try new things. Whether you’re a recent grad, established in your career or close to retirement, here are some ways to stay flexible and successful.
5 wAyS to
STAY FLEXIBLE In toDAy’S JoB mArKEt DEVELOP YOUR SKILLSET
Never shy away from opportunities to keep learning and improving yourself. Whether it’s signing up for a new course at your local community college or participating in a webinar or a one-day training workshop, there are many ways to boost your skills that can fit even the busiest schedule.
START SMALL
Having a wide variety of skills, experiences and responsibilities is a major asset in today’s job market. You can even try developing new skills within your existing job. For example, take on a project from a colleague who is on vacation or, if time permits, offer to help out in another department that interests you.
with flexible hours that will allow you to learn valuable transferrable skills for today’s job market.
EMBRACE CHANGE
Look at new, challenging situations with a positive mindset and see them as a chance for growth. Have a new boss? This is an opportunity for you to show your value and work towards a promotion. Is your company not rehiring after your coworker quit? This is a chance to improve processes and workflow in your department.
GROW YOUR NETWORK
It’s often true that who you know is as important as what you know. In case you need to switch jobs or want to shift gears with a new direction in your career, it’s always beneficial to know professionals in your industry. Attend conferences, seminars and other events that will help you meet others in your field. Find more information on census jobs at census.gc.ca/jobs.
BE OPEN TO NEW ROLES
If you’re between jobs or looking for parttime work, an open mindset can help you embrace new opportunities to learn and develop talents and abilities that will make you a more valuable employee. One exciting way to harness your social and organizational skills is by working as an enumerator or crew leader for the next census. Starting in January 2021, you can apply for these part-time roles 62
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“Canada could soon face a shortage of talent with diverse skills, posing a potential risk to the resiliency of our agriculture sector,” explains Ryan Riese, national director of RBC agriculture. “Our industry is at a critical turning point, and we must collectively work to advance a dynamic workforce for the future.” To attract and develop the next generation of agriculture talent, industry leaders and policymakers need to invest in these areas:
INNOVATION
With more than 80 per cent of producers under 40 years of age reporting the use of digital tools, young Canadians displaying a keen affinity for technology. Investment in innovation will be critical to attract these young workers, along with non-traditional talent from other industries such as technology, sustainability, finance and more.
INCLUSION
CANADA’S
AGRIFOOD SECTOR NEEDS MORE
YOUNG PEOPLE, DIVERSE TALENT The pandemic is helping us learn how important it is to be able to produce local food right here in Canada. This means that cultivating the next generation of tech-savvy farmers will soon become one of the country’s top priorities. A recently released report from RBC finds that while 37 per cent of the agricultural workforce is set to retire over the next 10 years, entry to the industry is slowing, with 600 fewer young people stepping into the sector each year. At the same time, there are persisting barriers that prevent a more diverse talent www.desitoday.ca
pool from participating in the industry, including women and Indigenous workers who respectively constitute only 28 per cent and 1.9 per cent of farm operators today.
To eliminate the barriers created by capital intensity, ensuring inclusive access to capital is essential. This can mean investing in new financial and farm management solutions and creating loans designed to address the challenges faced by young people, women and BIPOC.
EDUCATION
Like many other industries, education is crucial to paving a path for new talent to enter the sector. While Canada’s post-secondary institutions are stepping up with inventive programs to interest students, more should be done to engage younger students by integrating agriculture and non-agriculture learning at an earlier stage, starting in K-12. Find more information at rbc.com/ agriculture.
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BUSINESS & CAREER
Working remotely?
HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR SETUP Though social distancing has been in place for months now, perfecting our work-fromhome setup continues to be a challenge for many of us. Here are a few surprising ways that you can streamline your routine using your mobile phone from anywhere:
Consider dark mode
Need to give your eyes a break? While blue light blocking glasses can help, another option is to give your eyes a rest by catching up on email from your phone using dark mode, which will help alleviate strain as you read.
Get a stand
Using your smartphone for conference calls can help add flexibility if you’re having to move rooms to accommodate other family members’ schedules. That said, the quickly draining battery and constant holding can be a pain. Look for a phone stand that has a built-in charger so battery life doesn’t slow you down and you can dial in hands free.
Wi-Fi vs data
With home now acting as everything from the boardroom to the movie theatre, it’s worth assessing your internet plan to ensure you get good download speeds 64
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and a reliable signal. But Wi-Fi is only half the equation. Connect with an unbiased mobile expert like those at The Mobile Shop virtually or in store to make sure your mobile plan is working optimally for you right now. If you have internet issues, you may want to consider an unlimited data mobile plan, so you don’t get dropped from conference calls.
Use alarms and reminders
Have you dialed in late to a virtual meeting since working from your home office? Set up reminders and alarms on your phone to add extra security for important meetings and mix in reminders to walk the dog or check in with the kids while you’re at it. Our routine has changed, we can all use an extra nudge or two.
Is a pandemic the right time to start your own business? We’re all re-evaluating what work will look like in a post-pandemic world. Some major companies are eliminating office spaces and embracing working from home permanently, while savvy entrepreneurs are seeing opportunities for innovation and exciting new business ideas. While COVID-19 may be disrupting your current job, the new normal may also provide you with the push you need to reflect on your career goals. For example, now’s the perfect time to think about what you really want from your job, such as the flexibility to work from home during hours that work for you and the ability to be your own boss. In fact, this type of independent work will be a major trend this year, as 45 per cent of Canada’s labour force will be generating self-employment income in 2020. Millennials are key drivers of this shift, as almost nine in 10 prefer to work when and where they choose, as opposed to a corporate 9-5 job. One way to test out your entrepreneurial acumen before diving headfirst into a business venture is becoming a direct selling consultant. Direct selling can provide you with the opportunity to gain business management abilities, build your confidence and hone your entrepreneurial skills. For those hoping to start their own business, it can provide a great training ground, where you can build the skills to become your best boss. Learn more about direct selling at dsa.ca.
Create space
Whether we’re at home or out of the house during the day, many of us need constant access to our mobile devices, so juggling the needs of family members who may need to get connected for at-home learning can be tough. Accessories like noisecancelling headphones and phone stands can be game-changers if you’re not able to spread out. www.desitoday.ca
Productivity basics to keep you on track at home
Top tips for at-home learning Although kids are slowly returning to school this fall, learning doesn’t have to be restricted to the classroom. In fact, a survey completed in the spring found that parents were spending two to three hours a day of educational time with their children. Whether your kids are heading back to classes or staying home for virtual school this semester, check out these helpful tips for integrating independent learning and maintaining the positive habits established through physical distancing:
CREATE A ROUTINE Make sure you create an after-school routine to ensure your child is finishing their homework and not completely turning off their brain. It’s up to you and your family to find what schedule works best for you, but make sure you’re also dedicating some time for play and fun every night.
DESIGN A DEDICATED SPACE One way to help your child focus on work at home is to create a specific area meant only for learning. Kids associate rooms in the home with certain activities, like the kitchen for eating and the bedroom for sleeping. By making an area for work, you help prep your child mentally for focusing on learning.
USE PLAY THROUGH LEARNING TOOLS Who says learning can’t be fun? Using educational computer programs, games and toys can help kids learn through play and expand their minds outside of school time. For example, the Osmo Genius Starter Kit uses tablets to merge tactile exploration with technology, allowing your child to explore STEAM topics in an engaging way.
Whether you or your family are studying or working from home, you’re missing routine cues that may add momentum to your day. Now, we are left to our own devices, or perhaps derailed by our own devices, and we must find ways to stay on course. “Staying focused and on track while working and studying from home requires disciplined use of simple powerful productivity strategies,” says Clare Kumar, a productivity expert. “Tailor them to your preferences and they will serve as a foundation for your success.” If you’re feeling over or underwhelmed, check out Kumar’s top three productivity basics to keep you on track:
MAKE A TO-DO LIST
Keep a list of your deliverables and commitments. Trying to keep it all in your head is a recipe for disaster. Every day, get clear on your “focused five” – the top things you wish to complete that day. Checking things off this smaller list will give you a feeling of accomplishment and momentum. Write these down in a notebook, calendar or planner to keep on track.
USE A CALENDAR
Connect your tasks to the time you wish to spend on them. Time is abstract, so we need ways to help make it more concrete. Seeing time represented visually in a calendar is helpful for kids and adults alike. Write key tasks – not just appointments – in your calendar. Let your calendar serve as your roadmap for the day. Stores like Staples Canada have a variety of calendars and planners to fit any need.
SET REMINDERS
When in deep focus, you may find it difficult to pull your attention to a scheduled meeting or phone call. This is the perfect time to set a reminder. A visual, or even better, auditory notification is useful for any commitment you might forget. Whether it’s desk clocks or technology, it’s important to find the reminder that works for you. The downside is that unnecessary notifications are an intrusive disruption of your focused time, so try eliminating notifications for anything you’ll check anyway. Find more ideas for staying on track at staples.ca/backtoschool.
KEEP THEM MOTIVATED You can encourage your child by making learning fun and meaningful to them. Help them explore their interests with a little guidance to support their natural curiosity and creativity. For example, if your child shows interest in dinosaurs, share facts and history along with a fun activity like a Jurassic Park movie. With these tips, you can help set your kids up for success this school year. www.desitoday.ca
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
stable, comfortable shoes for most of your daily activities for optimal foot health. To minimize the risk of injury, always wear activity-appropriate footwear and limit wearing flip flops, high heels or other less supportive shoes to less than 20 per cent of the time.
Test upon arrival Most retailers are offering generous return policies right now. When your package arrives, try your new shoes on later in the day when your feet have expanded and are at their largest. Also, keep them on for a bit and walk around your home to make sure they’re comfortable.
HOW TO BUY
WELL-FITTING SHOES ONLINE
As physical distancing measures have many of us skipping the stores and turning to online shopping, we’re finding shoes can be one of the trickiest items to buy virtually. But it’s important to get the fit right to avoid injury. Here, Jeff Grimshaw, Canadian certified pedorthist and president of the Pedorthic Association of Canada, shares his advice for choosing shoes that are good for your feet from the comfort of your home:
check it out and take time to measure your feet before you buy.
Match foot and shoe shape
Grimshaw advocates the 80/20 rule. Choose
Don’t use hand-me-downs While it may be tempting to opt for handme-downs or vintage shoes online, the wear patterns created by the previous owners will not provide the best support for your feet. It’s always best to buy new.
Functional vs. fun
Quick fit test An easy way to check if a shoe’s size and shape are a fit is to remove the insoles from the shoe. Step down on the insole with each foot and look to see if your foot protrudes over the edges. If it does, then you know the shoe is not the right fit for your foot. If you have footwear questions but aren’t ready to shop in person yet, call or email your local Canadian certified pedorthist and ask what shoes in their online store are best suited for your needs. Online shopping can be beneficial in many scenarios, but hard-tofit feet and some foot conditions may require a more thorough in-person fitting. More information can be found at pedorthic.ca/footwearselection.
For a shoe to fit properly, the shape of the shoe must match the shape of your foot. If your foot looks wide and square then your shoe should mirror it. Ignoring this important step fit may cause discomfort, pain and accelerated shoe wear. Be sure to check out all angles of the product photographs, especially the sole, which is a good way to check the shape.
Different-sized feet Most people have one foot larger than the other, either in length or width. Always buy shoes to fit your bigger foot. To help with sizing, read customer reviews to find out whether a style runs big, small or true to size.
Check your size The size and shape of your feet can change throughout your life, from a variety of factors including aging, pregnancy or weight gain. Many retailers have sizing guides on their websites, which match up your measurements to their products. Be sure to 66
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BEAUTY & ENT.
ABOUT WISDOM SALAD:
Wisdom Salad ‘Begin’
Wisdom Salad is a progressive rock/jazz/electronic band from Pakistan. Starting off as an idea back in 2012 between Mustafa Tauseef, Wisdom Salad reached its full and final form when Mustafa met Shamsher, and a distant star exploded, sending shock waves and cosmic rays through the fabric of the universe! Wisdom Salad’s music can’t be boxed into a single sound, with varying feels all across their work.
Release Their Debut Song and Video
Pakistani progressive rock/jazz/electronic band Wisdom Salad has released their debut single and video ‘Begin’: https://youtu. be/1oTG_qUvW0U. The video has been directed by Ali Ashraf and shot in Islamabad. In the band’s own humorous words, “This video was born of absent mindedness and sleep deprivation, but now that we’ve seen the final product there are no regrets. It was time. And when the time came. We made a video. For the time was now. And now the video would be made. Yes. It’s about the cyclical nature of life. How we often get bogged down in the mire of daily life and it just seems like running down the same hallway forever but there is always respite. Somewhere. Hope you enjoy.”
Khousat’s “Zindagi Tamasha”. MUSTI or MUSTAFA TAUSEEF aka Dr. Toffee, is the body of the Salad. The blend of his compositions and tasteful guitar playing give the Salad it’s true form. Having now officially become a Doctor, Mustafa is practicing along with working on various projects such as Sikandar Vincent Khan’s “Begunnah”. DAUD RAMAY aka Lord Sir Daud Ramses, is the base of the Salad, the bringer of faith and
the light that shines upon the rest of the Salad. Daud is a gifted drummer. No stranger to the Pakistani music scene, Daud is involved with a number of bands including Takatak (with his brother and fellow Lord, Yusuf Ramay), Sikandar Ka Mandar, Keeray Makoray, Janoobi Khargosh and even playing for Poor Rich Boy. ASJAD ILAHI JUNAID is the croutons. The lettuce. The onions. The irreducible parts without which one cannot call something a salad. His dynamic voice tows the line between epic highs and sultry lows. Also he’s an ACE certified trainer.
Wisdom Salad consists of: SHAMSHER RANA who makes the garnish of the Salad by adding color with his production, combining with Mustafa to add to the appeal in composition, and the flavor with his fastidious guitar playing. Shamsher has been involved in many projects across the industry, collaborating with Faris Shafi, VIP, Takatak as well as working on the score for Saqib Malik’s “Baaji” and Sarmad 68
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A
fter an extensive search, Marvel has finally found its Ms. Marvel. The studio has cast Canadian newcomer Iman Vellani to star in its forthcoming Disney+ series based on the comic-book character. The live-action TV series on Disney+, which was announced last month, is currently slated for a 2021 release. As reported by Deadline, newcomer Iman Vellani, 18, of Markham, Ontario will star in the TV show as Kamala Khan. Ms. Marvel hails from writer Bisha K. Ali and centers on Kamala Khan, a PakistaniAmerican teen based in New Jersey. Ms. Marvel first appeared in 2014 as Marvel’s first Muslim character to star in her own title, and she will become Marvel Studios’ first onscreen Muslim hero. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has said that in addition to appearing on the small screen, Kamala Khan will be included in future Marvel films. With the story being adapted for streaming, she’ll be the first onscreen Muslim hero in a Marvel production. The news was celebrated by Kumail Nanjiani, who will star in Marvel’s forthcoming film The Eternals. He tweeted: “I just saw they cast Ms Marvel and legit got teary eyed. Although this marks Vellani’s first major Hollywood production, she already has made
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A Muslim
Superhero in Marvel series
tries to help diversify the industry. At the 2019 Toronto Film Festival, she was part of the Next Wave Committee, which was tasked with adding a special tag to films — already programmed into other categories — which they believed would resonate with their peers Her creator, G. Willow Wilson, is also a Muslim woman, ensuring that fans get an accurate portrayal of what it means to be a Muslim female in America. Making her comic book series debut in 2014, Ms. Marvel’s story arc revolves around coming of age, dealing with society, her culture, parents, and maintaining her Muslim identity, all while balancing her shape-shifting super powers.
Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, first teased the character’s appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a 2018 interview with BBC, revealing that in addition to the small screen, the character will be included in future Marvel films. “Ms. Marvel, which is another character in the comic books, the Muslim hero who is inspired by Captain Marvel, is definitely sort of in the works. We have plans for that once we’ve introduced Captain Marvel to the world,” he told the publication. Ms. Marvel joins other mainstream Muslim superheros, including DC Comics’ The Green Lantern (Lebanese-American) and Nightrunner (Algerian-French). NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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BEAUTY & ENT.
from Deepa to Ava Actress Agam Darshi is now forging ahead as Director A year ago, actress Agam Darshi was shooting in Sri Lanka on Deepa Mehta’s newest film Funny Boy, based off of the acclaimed book by Shyam Selvadurai. “Everything about the project was a dream come true. I had been a great admirer of Deepa’s for a long time and wanted to work with her. But to work with her on this film, and on this character, is more than I could have asked for,” says Agam. Funny Boy is a coming of age story about Arjie a young gay Tamil boy who grows up in Colombo during the civil war. The film is being touted for it’s beautiful performances 70
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and bold choices. “I don’t know if I have ever seen two brown men in love on screen before, in this way. It blew me away when I watched it,” Darshi says. Four months after shooting Funny Boy, Agam Darshi was cast in Ava Duvernay’s HBO Max tv pilot, DMZ. Starring Rosario Dawson the series is based on the popular DC comics depicting a United States left literally divided after a second Civil War. “I played Mia Franklin, a tough as nails woman who smuggles people in and out of the DMZ.” To work with two of the most acclaimed
filmmakers back to back is an enormous experience for any actor. “I look up to Deepa and Ava so much. I learned just by watching them,” Darshi explains. Which is a good thing, because next up Agam is making her directorial debut of her own feature film she penned, Indians in Cowtown. Agam will also star in the film as the lead character of Mona, the troubled, messy writer who moves back into her traditional Sikh father’s house only to stay for seven years after he was diagnosed with cancer. When his health takes a turn for the worst, her three successful siblings return home to take care of the situation. Producers are Anand Ramaaya and Kelly Balon of Karma Film. The film is being made with financial support from Telefilm Canada and Creative Saskatchewan. “This is a very personal story. I really wanted to create a film that exposed my experiences of growing up in North America, and feeling as much North American as I do Indian – if not more at times,” says Darshi. Indians in Cowtown will be in production January 2021 in Regina Saskatchewan. www.desitoday.ca
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BEAUTY & ENT.
Being a celebrity comes with the pressures of having to look perfect and act with perfect composure all the time. It couldn’t have been easy for Parveen to maintain these standards she had set for herself and that were expected from her as a public figure, while her mind was unravelling.
Unravelling life and times of
n e e v r Pa Babi BY VISHNU MAKHIJANI
Babi truly lived life king-size, redefining the manner in which actresses portrayed themselves on the big screen, being cast in over 50 films with every Bollywood A-lister worth the name; appearing on the cover of TIME magazine and recovering from two mental breakdowns but in the end, dying a lonely death -- sadly, just a name for the present day Hindi film industry and cinegoers alike. “With characters like Anita from ‘Deewar’, Parveen changed the kind of roles our leading ladies played on screen. Anita had both sexual and economic autonomy. Parveen was also instrumental in 72
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changing how our actresses look on screen,” says her biographer, Karishma Upadhyay, of her book “Parveen -- A Life” (Hachette) that should serve as a reminder for the present generation of an actress who attempted to live life on her own terms but lost out in the end. “My biggest hope with this book is that it helps people understand that it’s possible for someone to be young, successful and living a seemingly perfect life, yet suffer from mental illness. Also, that this illness doesn’t always look like what Hindi films have told us. It is possible for someone to look ‘perfect’ and still be suffering within,” Upadhyay told IANS
in an interview. “It was absolutely exhilarating to research this book. It took me three years to write this book but it was all worth it in the end because I believe I have a book that really captures her life. But it’s also tinged with a streak of sadness because one can’t help but wonder, ‘What if Parveen had gotten the medical help she so clearly needed?’ It’s sad to see that the stigma against mental illness that existed in the 70s and 80s while Parveen was in the industry continues even today,” added Upadhyay, a film journalist considered an expert on Bollywood and who has led editorial teams at several prominent media houses. Born on April 4, 1949 in the princely state of Junagarh in the present day Gujarat, where her father, Vali Mohammed Khan Babi, was one of the Nawab’s administrators, Parveen’s life as presented by Upadhyay, comes across in four major phases. The first was in Ahmedabad, where she was sent for her undergraduate studies and where she was in total control to the extent that the calling off her engagement that her mother had insisted on to maintain “respectability” -- didn’t matter a whit. The second was the shift to Bombay (now Mumbai), initially as a fashion designer and a model, her entry into the Hindi film industry and, most importantly, her three involvements beginning with the rather platonic one with the up-and-coming Danny Denzongpa. She then goes on to disrupt two marriages -- that of Kabir Bedi and Mahesh Bhatt -- and almost wrecks Danny’s relationship with rising starlet Kim Yashpal. The relationship with Bedi ended after she travelled with him to Italy in the wake of his success with the TV serial “Sandokan” and realised that he was the bigger star of the two www.desitoday.ca
and was receiving the kind of adulation that she had never received in Bombay. With Bhatt, it seemed more a clash of personalities and the first breakdown happened when neither of these two relationships worked out. The second breakdown apparently happened after “Arth” -- the jury is divided on this -- Bhatt’s semi-autobiographical film that laid bare her relationship with the filmmaker. The third phase centred around Amitabh Bachchan - but was it a case of unrequited love as this was one marriage she couldn’t disrupt? Why was she so paranoid about Bachchan? Upadhyay explains it thus in the book: “When she began working with Amitabh Bachchan as a co-star, what had started off as a desire and then an obsession to match his ‘perfection’ as an actor had, at some point, evolved into something far beyond that. The few who knew Parveen well at this juncture of her life believe that the nature of her obsession began changing only when she assumed her co-actor was reciprocating her feelings and she wasn’t merely imagining his overtures. There was another thought playing at the back of her mind: being seen as ‘Amitabh’s woman’ would, she felt, empower her in the eyes of the industry, in addition to helping her in her pursuit of perfection as an actor. The bonus, of course, would be to bask in his love and occupy the centre of his world.” But that wasn’t to happen. So, who was the bigger disrupter? Bhatt or Bachchan, even though the latter is generally cast as the villain of the piece? “What had triggered the actress’s breakdown? Who was responsible for pushing her over the edge? Both the industry and the media were looking for a scapegoat. Depending on whom one interacted with at the time, it was either Amitabh Bachchan’s fault or Mahesh Bhatt’s,” Upadhyay writes in the book. She, however, hedged her bets in the interview. “Different people have formed different opinions after reading the book. From what I have learned about Parveen’s life, the biggest disrupter/villain in her life was her mental illness,” Upadhyay www.desitoday.ca
maintained -- leaving the question dangling. The final phase of Parveen’s life, was her twilight years where she accused everyone from Bachchan, to Bill Clinton, to the KGB et al of trying to kill her -- and even accused Sanjay Dutt in the 1993 Mumbai blasts but refused to appear in court to substantiate the charges. Did the dichotomy between Parveen’s public and private life, as Upadhyay writes in the book, persist throughout her life and was she unable to cope up with this pressure? “Being a celebrity comes with the pressures of having to look perfect and act with perfect composure all the time. It couldn’t have been easy for Parveen to maintain these standards she had set for herself and that were expected from her as a public figure, while her mind was unravelling,” Upadhyay said. Pressed further as to whether this was a breakdown or living in a state of delusion, Upadhyay conceded: “I am not a psychiatrist and hence not qualified to pass judgment on anyone. From what medical professionals have told me while writing this book though, it seems to have been a combination of delusions and paranoia.”
“When a person is going through a breakdown, it’s possible for them to believe that everyone is out to get them. This is how it was with Parveen as well. She believed that there were people conspiring to kill her,” she said. Be that as it may, the circumstances of Parveen’s death -- the date’s been recorded as January 20, 2005 -- were tragic. She had been found dead two days earlier after the secretary of her residential society alerted the police that she had not collected milk and newspapers from her doorstep for three days. The police suspected that she may have been dead for up to 72 hours before her body was found. An autopsy concluded that she had not consumed anything for more than three days and starved to death, ruling that she succumbed to total organ failure and the diabetes she had contracted in her later life. “It was a quiet end to a stormy life. The one constant was her loneliness. It defined her childhood, her desperate need for companionship in her prime and her last days in virtual isolation. Parveen was alone -- in life and in death,” is how Upadhyay concludes the book.
So, who was the bigger disrupter? Bhatt or Bachchan, even though the latter is generally cast as the villain of the piece?
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BEAUTY & ENT.
I
shaan Khatter is constantly trying to evolve as an actor and says that his aspiration with every character is to be able to give himself completely to it. Ishaan made his acting debut with Iranian film director Majidi Majid’s film “Beyond The Clouds”. His Bollywood debut was “Dhadak”, the Hindi remake of the popular Marathi film “Sairat”. Recently, he shared screen space with Tabu in Mira Nair’s BBC miniseries “A Suitable Boy”, based on Vikram Seth’s acclaimed novel of the same name. “I don’t know how I see myself evolve, I just try to evolve. My aspiration with every character is to be able to give myself over to it completely, so that I can immerse myself in that world, to be able to do justice to that character,” Ishaan told IANS. He has three films in his bag right now - the romantic action flick “Khaali Peeli”, the horror comedy “Phone Bhoot” and the war drama titled “Pippa”. The actor says so far everything that he has done has been different from each other and that he has constantly had to “rediscover” his process, and that he constantly has had to be in a place outside his “comfort zone”. “Every experience has been different. Every character, every movie has been different. So, yes I really enjoy that way of working. I really enjoy that variety and diversity in my work. That’s something I would like to continue with. For me there was a long break after doing my first two films, which happened soon after each other, I had shot them both within a year,” he said.
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My aspiration with every character is to give myself to it completely - ISHAAN KHATTAR
“After that, I was not on a film set for a year and a half. It took a long time for me to find the films that excited me and gave me an opportunity to do something different from what I have already done,” Ishaan added. “Eventually when it happened, it happened closely cluttered together. I had to manage my way through the shoot of both of these (projects). I actually started a schedule for ‘Khaali Peeli’ and in two days I had to do a complete changeover to become Mann Kapoor for ‘A Suitable Boy’,” he recalled. Ishaan said he was able to finish “A Suitable Boy” in one schedule and come back to “Khaali Peeli”. “It was six months of back-to-back shooting for me and that in itself was a challenge, because the characters were so different from each other. I had to make sure to be well prepared for both of them, before I started with ‘Khaali Peeli’.” Ishaan says it has been a great experience, “like a new phase for me as an actor”, which is why he is “very excited for people to see my work”. www.desitoday.ca
Piyush Mishra:
There’s a lot of ‘dadagiri’ in Bollywood I am a bigger star than you. You didn’t stand up when I walked in. You didn’t seek my blessings. These are some of the emotions that rule Bollywood, says actor Piyush Mishra, who feels the industry is more about bullying than nepotism. “I don’t think there is nepotism. If there was, it didn’t hinder my growth. It didn’t come in between me and any of my work, neither did it bring any problem in any of my agreements,” Piyush told. “Until and unless I did something foolish, nothing or no one tried to hinder my work. There have been one or two instances when I suffered because I didn’t read the contract properly. That was because of my lack of knowledge. Otherwise, wherever, I am today, it is because of my work and people have also accepted me,” he added. Mishra, a National School of Drama (NSD) product, continued: “I don’t think there is nepotism, or at least I don’t know about it. There’s dadagiri (bullying) in the industry. Dadagiri bahut hai (there’s too much of ‘dadagiri’).” “That ‘I am a bigger star’, ‘tumne humara ashirwad nahi liya (you didn’t seek my blessing), ‘you didn’t stand when I entered’ -- these type of things exist,” he added. When it comes to nepotism, the actor feels every father wants to give a good career to his child. “Who doesn’t want to give his kid a flourishing career? But a lot of time people have a misunderstanding that ‘hum star hai toh humara beta bhi star hoga’ (I am a star so my kid will also be a star). That doesn’t happen,” said Mishra, who is seen in SonyLIV’s new original series, “JL50”. “My father was a clerk. It is not necessary that if parents are artistes, their children will also be artistes. One should not burden kids with such expectations, and I don’t think it is right to give a readymade career to a kid. Dhoop mein tapna chahiye (one should be roasted in the sun). They should struggle to know how their parents reached the heights of stardom. Many artistes who get this type of stardom from their parents, regret in the future but by then it is too late. They end up being aadhe adhure (incomplete) stars,” said the accomplished actor. In Bollywood, Mishra is known for his performances in films like “Maqbool”, “Gangs Of Wasseypur”, “Pink”, and as a lyricist in “Black Friday”, “Gulaal”, and “Aaja Nachle”.. www.desitoday.ca
Mukul Dev all set for historic football action in ‘Barefoot Warriors’ Actor Mukul Dev, who is set to star in a film based on the unsung heroes of Indian football, says the sport has been his constant love since childhood. Titled “Barefoot Warriors”, the film in question is about the first national football team of independent India. The story is inspired by the Indian team that played brilliantly at the 1948 London Olympics despite most players playing barefoot, and becoming eligible to participate in the 1950 World Cup. “It’s a very exciting project. Football has been a constant love since I was a kid. It’s like a journey back to those times,” said the actor. “India has a glorious footballing past and it’s about those heroes who made it happen despite all odds and even to the extent that they didn’t even have shoes to play football. It’s a great story waiting to be told on celluloid. We can’t wait for it to come to the audience,” he added. The film will be directed by Kavi Raz, and will also feature “Never Back Down” star Sean Faris, Rajpal Yadav, and Jobanpreet Singh. NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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BEAUTY & ENT.
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Need to create gender neutral environment at home - PANKAJ TRIPATHI
cclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi says, be it son or daughter, parents should allow their children to be independent. “Centuries of conditioning and gender blocks can be defeated only if we consciously create a neutral environment at home. Be it for your son or daughter, I often tell parents to allow their children to be independent,” said Tripathi. He added that if parents instill confidence in children to be their own decision makers, they will be responsible. “They should take charge of their lives and even as we are available to guide them at every step, we shouldn’t overshadow their life with the baggage of our lived experiences and opinions. If we instill the confidence in children to be their own decision makers, they’ll be far more responsible,” she said. The actor is winning applause for his role in the recently released “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl”. He played Anuj Saxena, father of the protagonist. “As a parent, I tell my daughter that my wife and I are with her but eventually it’s her life and she has to become her own person. Our guidance and support is always there but the choices have to be hers, the victories are hers and the mistakes are hers too,” said Tripathi. He turned 44 recently. The versatile actor has explored every medium as an actor -- theatre, television, films and OTT -- and has made a mark in a relatively short span of time. On the occasion of his birthday, we look at five much appreciated performance of Tripathi that can counted as milestones in his career so far.
GANGS OF WASSEYPUR Tripathi played Sultan Qureshi, one of the big enemies of protagonist Sardar Khan, played by Manoj Bajpayee, in the two-part Anurag Kashyap saga released in 2012. While the film was well received and many of its dialogues became memorable, it was a particular witty line of Sultan that endeared Tripathi to the masses: “Yeh Wasseypur hai, yahaan kabootar bhi ek pankh se udta hai, aur doosre se izzat bachata hai.”
MASAAN Released in 2015 in India after travelling to several international film festivals the Neeraj Ghaywan film cast Tripathi as a softspoken, well-mannered man named Sadhya. It was a small role, and a particular dialogue remains memorable: “Main pitaji ke saath rahta hoon, pitaji akele rehte hai.”
NEWTON The Amit V. Masurkar film was selected as India’s entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 90th Oscar Awards. Although the film did not make 76
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the final cut of nominations, many things about the 2017 socio-political satire went on to make it a cult affair. Among them is Tripathi’s act as CRPF officer Aatma Singh. His dialogue, “Main likh ke deta hoon, koi nahin aayega vote dene’ became a favourite for meme makers on social media.
MIRZAPUR Few actor in mainstream Hindi entertainment create such strong impact with understarted acting as Tripathi does, and this was apparent in his role of Kaleen Bhaiyya, a businessman who runs a drugs and firearms empire in the Uttar Pradesh smalltown of Mirzapur. Feared more than respected, Kaleen Bhaiyya famously says in the 2018 web series: “Log izzat nahin karte hain, darte hain mujhse, aur darr ki yehi dikkat hai kabhi bhi khatam ho sakta hai!”
GUNJAN SAXENA: THE KARGIL GIRL Although Gunjan Saxena’s biopic, released recently on OTT, has been hauled up for improper depiction of Indian Air Force as well as for factual errors, Tripathi’s performance as Anuj Saxena, father of the protagonist, has to be a rare flawless aspect in the film. His role as a supporting father who encourages his daughter to become a pilot against all odds won over the audience. He had quite a few important lines in the film that defined its various motifs. Among them was: “Plane ladka udaaye ya ladki, dono ko pilot hi bolte hai” www.desitoday.ca
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JAGUAR XE SV PROJECT 8
Fastest 4-door production car in the world
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he Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations-developed XE SV Project 8 has demonstrated its breadth of performance capability by setting the fastest Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time for a fourdoor production car again: 7min 18.361sec. This new officially-verified time on the 20.6km (12.8-mile) lap is 2.9 seconds faster than Project 8’s previous benchmark set in November 2017 and 7 seconds faster than any other four-door production car has achieved. Project 8 is also the first vehicle to set an official whole lap record in the Nürburgring’s mid-range production car class, lapping the 20.8km (12.94-mile) circuit length in 7min 23.164sec. Returning to the legendary German circuit in a production-specification two-seat Track Pack version of Project 8 was development driver Vincent Radermecker. The car’s height-adjustable twin-spring coil-over suspension was set in ‘track’ ride height, with adjustable front splitter and carbonfibre rear aerodynamic wing positioned for maximum downforce and stability. To maximize performance and steering precision, for the final record runs Project 8 was fitted with new off-the-shelf ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. Tested and chosen by SV engineers for their capability on the track, the road-
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legal tires use rubber compounds directly transferred from Michelin’s competition tires. The original Nürburgring time set by Jaguar XE SV Project 8 demonstrated the extreme performance envelope of the world’s fastest production sedan, but the SV team is driven by a motorsport mentality and we knew Project 8 could go even faster. This new official record time is a fitting reward for everyone who has played a part in pushing the boundaries for our customers with Project 8.” Jamal Hameedi, Engineering Director, Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations. Powered by the most highly tuned 600PS version of Jaguar’s 5.0-litre Supercharged V8, the all-wheel-drive Project 8 is capable of 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds) and a top speed of 200mph (320km/h). Project 8 also features a fullyenclosed flat underbody for enhanced aerodynamics, which is key to its performance. Production of the limited-edition Project 8 will
finish this year. There are three distinct fourdoor specifications available: Lightweight two-seat Track Pack* – as used for the record lap times. Four-seat configuration with same aero package and performance as Track Pack. Touring specification with discreet fixed rear spoiler – the ultimate Q-car, limited to 15 examples worldwide and 186mph. Prices for the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 start from £149,995 in the UK.
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2020
2021 HonDA oDySSEy
Adding Value with Standard Honda Sensing® • Configurable second-row seats are very useful • Packed with modern safety and tech features • Strong V6 engine and stable handling make it enjoyable to drive
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rriving at dealerships now, the refreshed 2021 Honda Odyssey receives numerous upgrades to styling, technology, and safety that includes an upgraded Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Honda’s “Ultimate Family Vehicle” also gets an innovative and industry-first new
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• Mediocre fuel economy • No power-folding third-row seats • Overly vigilant forward collision warning system is frustrating rear-seat reminder system integrated with the vehicle’s available CabinWatch™ child monitoring system. A new grille, front bumper fascia, and select blackout trim give the 2021 Odyssey a fresh, bold look with front bumper fascia with redesigned fog light housings, and a bold new blackout grille topped by a chrome
strip. Inside, Odyssey offers upgrades to functionality, comfort and luxury. Revised second row seats now fold nearly flat, making them easier to remove while enhancing cargo-carrying options. All Odyssey trims also get new piano black trim on the dash, doors and front door handles, and new tricolor floor mats. While Leather grades also feature power lumbar support for the front passenger seat along with leather seating surfaces and contrast stitching. Powered by a 3.5-litre i-VTEC™ V6 engine with 280 horsepower, all Odysseys come standard with Honda’s advanced 10-speed www.desitoday.ca
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automatic transmission with Idle Stop and push-button start. Odyssey has consistently set the standard for family-friendly features, space and sporty driving performance in a minivan. Odyssey was the first to introduce minivan staples such as third-row seats that fold into the floor, the first built-in vacuum cleaner, the HondaVAC®, and the first in-cabin rear seat monitoring system, CabinWatch™. Backed by the Honda’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with Idle Stop, Odyssey’s powerful and refined 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine also utilizes Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), with the capacity to seamlessly switch between three- and six-cylinder operation, helping Odyssey achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 12.2/8.5/10.6 L/100km (city/highway/ combined). In addition to becoming standard across the lineup, Odyssey’s Honda Sensing® suite is updated with expanded features and capability: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now includes low-speed follow, for easier use in heavy traffic; a new, more sensitive radar sensor also allows Pedestrian Emergency Braking; and Traffic Sign Recognition is newly added. The 2021 Odyssey earns a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, including the highest available rating of “Good” in all collision tests and a “Superior” rating for frontal cash prevention thanks to its second-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) structural design www.desitoday.ca
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VolVo V60 CroSS Country
Delightfully different!
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he 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country is an offshoot variant of the Volvo V60 wagon with more ground clearance, body cladding, and an off-road drive mode with hill descent control. Like its Volvo V60 sibling it looks sleek, and expensive with an exotic premium look about it. The Cross Country, offers only one engine and one trim level, and starts at $48,900. The Cross Country arrives with AWD; it also offers numerous options and can easily touch $60,000 when fully loaded. Using the same Ohio-made multi-material spEngine –wise, the Cross Country’s T5 trim offers a single choice of a Volvo T5 turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and AllWheel Drive are standard. .The V60 cabin itself is very typical Volvo; with a wonderfully bright and unique looking interior. Our tester had the delightful grey “City Weave Textile” seat and door trim upholstery – a kind of rustic Swedish mix of tweed – such a change from boring black leather. The dash features a large Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, complete with the vertically-aligned 9”touchscreen You can adjust such features as cabin temperature, heated seats, vent positions, or fan speeds with a single tap to bring the graphics up and then another tap to adjust them You can also use voice control
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on a few features, The phenomenal sounding Harman Kardon audio system is a highlight. The seats are excellent as well — comfortable and very supportive, and the front cabin is generally very roomy. The Volvo features a roomy back seat with an impressive amount of legroom and can accommodate a 656; of cargo or 1,441 L with the seats down The Volvo also features a decent sized hatch at the rear. Safety is high, with such features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance and other features too long to list. The V60 Cross Country’s fuel efficiency is officially rated at 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway – which we came pretty much to achieving. . The V60 Cross Country is sleek, graceful and undeniably special – and you won’t see many around. With its brilliantly executed premium Swedish design it is well worth the price Superb in so many ways. More info at www.volvo.ca
2020 VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY:
$48,900
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D E S I T O DAY AU T O
2020
Bmw 228i XDrIVE GrAn CouPE
Small, but Deadly! uPSCAlE IntErIor - A HIGH QuAlIty FIt AnD FInISH
D
rum roll please! Welcome to the newest member of BMW’s 2 Series lineup, the Gran Coupé, a compact 4 door sedan that represents the entry point to the BMW lineup. The Gran Coupé, is the smallest and least expensive sedan from the famed Bavarian auto maker and is features some DNA with the BMW X1 and X2 crossovers, as well as the larger Mini models, all of which share BMWs’ UKL2 platform. Designed to attract a younger audience, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupé, we tested had some key BMW elements — helped by a vibrant red paint job and gloss black kidney grilles while the optional 19-inch M double spoke wheels filled the wheel arches very nicely. In addition the M Sport equipment
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treatment fitted to my 228i test car added the optional M aerodynamic aggressive body kit, the aforementioned big 19 inch M wheels and large M Sport brakes. It’s a stubby, aggressive care, in some ways very BMW with a new version of the twin-kidney grille and ringed quad-lamp headlights, but the cool rear light and fascia treatment with its black bar motif are new elements. The 228i BMW Gran Coupé, is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder version of BMW’s B modular engine delivering 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,450 rpm. Power is transferred to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW says the Gran Coupé can
accelerate from 0t to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h or 240 km/h when equipped with higher – performance tires. The BMW 228i Gran Coupé, has a starting MSRP of $42,500. Must have options, however, quickly increase the price – case in point, our tester with its options stickered at $53,395 plus taxes, and destination. BMW have ensured the interior has not been compromised by price. Despite the Gran Coupés entry level status – the sedans cabin errs more to sporty functionality. Frontseat passengers get plenty of space, and the perforated Dakota leather sport seats provide generous support, and are very comfortable. I just loved the optional super bright 10.25inch digital instrument cluster Nice to see the slick digital gauge display, touchscreen infotainment system that found on upper level www.desitoday.ca
BMW models. The 228i infotainment system offers a bright and crisp 8.8-inch screen, and the ability to operate it via: a rotary knob, the touchscreen itself, or by voice command simply using the words “Hey BMW…” The 7.0 version of the BMWs iDrive system also offers excellent graphics and responsiveness. However for the Luddites amongst us, easy to use buttons remain in place for commonly used features. Our tester came with a host of options including the $8,750 Premium Excellence package with option too long to list, but included such things as: Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters, M Sport steering and suspension and M Sport package —active cruise control with stop and go, parking assist, a head-up display, and a Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system, The M Sport plus package ($1,000) added the19 inch wheels and performance tires, and M sport brakes. The rear cabin is a little cramped and comfort will depend on just how far back the front driver and occupant decide to push their seat back! The rear trunk features 12 cubic foot of cargo space and can be enlarged by folding down the 40/20/40-split rear seat backrest. The trunk can also be opened via a wave of a foot under the bumper. On the road, the Gran Coupé 2.0 liter engine provides plenty of power with miniscule to zero turbo lag at the mid- range. The engine revs freely and seems happy all speeds, opening up on the highway and behaving politely at low speeds. Selectable drive modes allow for entertaining driving with the performance Sport mode sharpening up throttle response and adding some heft to the steering wheel for tauter steering responses. The car is enjoyably tossable with its lively optional M Sport suspension which can reduces ride height by 10 millimetres — aiding in weight transfer in the bends for better control and cornering. The BMW i3 electric car derived actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB) system, also helps in improving traction in cornering by allowing wheel slip to be controlled together with BMW’s Performance Control feature. It can split the drive power in a 50/50 transfer –front and rear when needed. To sum up. The BMW 228i Coupé, is like all BMWs’- highly desirable – but what sets it apart is the compact size, unique looks, and it’s enjoyable to drive factor. The question is do you stump up for it, or think about the next level BMW 3 series – decisions, decisions! www.desitoday.ca
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RAM 1500 LIMITED BLACK PACKAGE CREW CAB
Custom truck is great for Work and Play! • Best-in-class infotainment • Plush, luxury-rivaling interior • Easy-going ride quality • Class-leading diesel powertrain • Impressive towing capacities
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he 2020 Ram 1500 is just one of a multitude popular Ram pickups available. Coming off a 2019 revamp, the Ram 1500 is fully redesigned with reduced weight, increased payload and towing capacity, more rear-seat space and a new mild hybrid power system. Once of the new packages designed to offer buyers more customizable choice – is the 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Package Crew Cab that looked fabulous in a deep Diamond Black Crystal pearl paint finish. Note, when they say “Black Package” Ram means it! There is no chrome at all on the Black package edition; the badges, exterior trim and wheels are a combination of matt, satin and gloss black. To say it looked stunning would be an understatement as the big, menacing looking truck garnered more than its fair share of admiring looks. The power plant for our tester was the excellent optional second-generation 3.0-litre EcoDiesel. The third generation of the turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V-6 that delivers increased horsepower, and torque,
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• Heavier than rivals • The best features are locked behind high prices • Driver assists restricted to upper trims • Unproven long-term reliability (260 hp (194 kW) @ 5,600 rpm with Torque at a killer 480 lb.-ft @ 3,950 rpm) The Ram 1500 interior has the nicest interior of any pickup, with quality materials and intuitive controls and ergonomics. The Ram is very popular in Canada and not hard to see why- the big power seats, limo – like room front and rear make this one of the roomiest and most comfortable trucks on the market. Our Black package tester came, naturally with black leather seats front and rear. On the Limited Black Package model we tested there were such niceties as: heated seats, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, park assist system and premium bucket seats, Harman Kardon 19–speaker high performance audio, 22x9–inch Black aluminum wheels, and much more Canada rates fuel economy for this truck at an impressive L/100 km 11.1 city and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway, 11.1 combined. To sum up, the 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Package Crew Cab is pricy, but has every
option you could think of and then some. If you need a classy, custom look truck with excellent tow and payload capability supported by a myriad of new technology aids, look no further! More info at: www.ramtruck.ca
2020 RAM 1500 LIMITED BLACK PACKAGE CREW CAB
$72,645
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Sonia Raman: first female coach of South Asian origin appointed NBA
tremendous ability to teach the game, as well as a strong passion for the game,” head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “She is going to be a great addition to our current coaching staff.” Raman had served as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 2008. She guided the programme to their first championships with consecutive NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) titles in 2018 and 2019. She is the “winningest coach” in the programme’’s history, according to her official bio on MIT’’s athletic website. She began her coaching career at Tufts University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations in 1996. After a two-year stint with her alma mater, she spent six years as the top assistant coach at Wellesley College before joining MIT. “I’’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff. I can’’t wait to get to Memphis and get started with Taylor, his staff and the team’’s emerging young core,” Raman said. “I must also give a truly special thank you to MIT and the women I’ve had the honour of coaching for the past 12 years. I wish the programme continued success.”
NBA team Memphis Grizzlies has hired Indian-American Sonia Raman as assistant coach. Sonia Raman joins Vin Bhavnani (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Roy Rana (Sacramento Kings) as the only coaches of Indian origin in America’s National Basketball Association. Raman becomes the 14th female assistant coach in the history of the NBA and the 10th among current coaching staffers in the league. She becomes the seventh female coach to be hired as an assistant in the league since the beginning of the 2019-20 season. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, she replaces Niele Ivey, another women’s assistant coach who left for a head coaching position at the University of Notre Dame. “She has a high basketball IQ and a 88
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
She has a high basketball IQ and a tremendous ability to teach the game, as well as a strong passion for the game. www.desitoday.ca
Kiran Sah appointed judge of Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice KIRAN Sah, partner at Martens Lingard LLP in St. Catharines, was recently appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, Family Court Branch, the Department of Justice Canada. Sah is a first generation Canadian born in Toronto. Her parents are from Nainital, India. Sah earned her B.Sc. from Trent University and her LL.B. from the University of Windsor. She was called to the Bar in 2003. In 2004, Sah joined Martens Lingard LLP where she remained as partner until her appointment. She maintained a civil litigation practice in the area of insurance defence; however, her main area of practice is family law. She has a deep passion to continue learning with a view of improving professionally and personally. Her interests in family law lead her to organize numerous conferences and seminars on a wide range of family law topics for her local bar throughout the years. In 2007, Sah was appointed as a member of the St. Catharines Liaison and Resource Committee for Family Court. She was appointed Dispute Resolution Officer in St. Catharines in 2014. She has been an active participant in her legal community and sits on the Board of Directors of the Lincoln County Law Association (LCLA) from 2004 to present. She is Vice President of the LCLA (2016 to present), Chair of the LCLA’s Continuing Legal Education Committee (2007 to present), former Chair of the LCLA’s Young Lawyers’ Committee (2004-2007), and was the LCLA’s designate to the Ontario Bar Association’s Council (20072012). Sah has a daughter and son. Federal judicial appointments are made by the Governor General, acting on the advice of the federal Cabinet and recommendations from the Minister of Justice. The Judicial Advisory Committees across Canada play a key role in evaluating judicial applications. There are 17 Judicial Advisory Committees, with each province and territory represente
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MLA Ravi Kahlon honoured by Indians Abroad for Pluralist India NORTH Delta MLA Ravi Kahlon was presented a medal of courage by Indians Abroad for Pluralist India (IAPI) at his constituency office for raising the issue of Kashmir with the United Nations and speaking out for justice to the victims of “Sikh Genocide.” Kahlon, who is known for his strong advocacy for human rights and social justice, has written to the United Nations on behalf of his constituents, who had raised concerns about the plight of their relatives in Kashmir asking for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the disputed region. On August 5, 2019, the Indian government unilaterally scrapped special rights given to the state of Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian constitution, arresting local leaders. The current BJP government claims that the act was necessary to stop terrorism in the only Muslim-majority state of India. Political figures and activists who have been advocating for peaceful resolution of the problem of Kashmir, where people have been struggling for right to self-determination, have been detained indefinitely. Kahlon wrote directly to the office of United Nations’ Human Rights Council Branch for the second time after October 2019. He hasn’t heard back yet from them. He reminded the UN High Commissioner about the concerns raised by his constituents. In 2017, Kahlon had read out a statement in the BC legislature asking for justice to the victims of “Sikh Genocide.” Thousands of Sikhs were murdered all over India during the first week of November 1984 in a state-sponsored massacre following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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DESI TODAY TRAVEL
Canada’s wild expanse of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes stretching across vast distances make it perfect for a road trip. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic drive near you or a multiday action-packed road trip, Canada has some of the best driving options in the world. Here’s our top ten to get you started. Please check the latest local travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.
Dinosaur Trail and Hoodoo Drive, Drumheller Start and end – Drumheller; Distance – 45 miles (73km)
The Dinosaur Trail is a 30 mile (48km) loop that runs northwest from the town and the stunning scenery is worth the drive – badlands and river views await at every turn. It takes you past Midland Provincial Park and the vast Horsethief Canyon and its picturesque views. Glide peacefully across the Red Deer River on the free, cable-operated Bleriot Ferry. The 15 mile (25km) Hoodoo Drive starts about 11 miles (18km) southeast of Drumheller on Highway 10; it’s usually done as an out-andback, with Wayne as the turnaround point. Between Rosedale and Lehigh you’ll find the best examples of hoodoos – weird, eroded, mushroom-like columns of sandstone rock – there’s also an interpretive trail.
Dempster Highway, Northwest Territories
Start – Dawson City; End – Inuvik; Distance – 457 miles (736km) This classic trip takes you far beyond the Arctic Circle through some of northern Canada’s most pristine scenery; a worthy contender for Canada’s most scenic and challenging drive. It’s a meditative experience; for most of the time you’re alone with the road, entirely self-reliant and aware of your own smallness compared to the vastness of the landscape. It passes through dense boreal forest and bare tundra, and rises gently between snow-tipped mountains. In darker months, your drive may be illuminated by the eerie ribbons of the northern lights dancing overhead, but road conditions are best between June and September. It’s an unpaved, partially potholed road with treacherous muddy sections.
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Scotia iles (420km) Cabot Tra–il,SydnNeyova m ; Distance – 261 Start and end
a road g roller-coaster of g, diving, dippin pin loo e th epic e: th on wi Cape Breton, This is the big e northern tip of th nd ou ky ar luc y e wa u’r and – if yo that snakes its sses, thick forests pa ain nt ou ur m , yo as ke en route. Ta views of rolling se gle or even a whale ea , se oo m a ot – the chance to sp lish. itime classic to re astal time: this is a mar eton’s isolated co 32 to link Cape Br 19 in t nine ted ple e m Co the loop for th las ve been looping ha le op the edge pe s, ng itie rsi commun as ever. Trave mains as popular re il tra e e of the th m d so an decades, , it’s home to ds National Park lan gh Hi n ils. eto tra Br of the Cape and best hiking y, richest wildlife er en sc st de an province’s gr
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Inside a recreated Viking longhouse at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Viking Trail, Newfoundland Start – Deer Lake; End – L’Anse aux Meadows; Distance – 326 miles (526km) This epic highway, named for the first Europeans to touch shore here, links Newfoundland’s west coast to Southern Labrador, with Unesco World Heritage sites at Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Along the way you’ll pass fog-clad coves, snowcapped mountains, stormy fjords and a windblown coast that is ruggedly dramatic even by Newfoundland standards. Tall, thin spires of rock rising up from the ground.
Yukon Klondike Highway, on City;
End – Daws Start – Skagway; iles (708km) Distance – 439 m of azed prospectors ute as the gold-cr ro sic ba e ve m ha sa e n’t Follow th only they did ar Dawson City, ne k ee Cr a is nz trip na 1898 to Bo Nearly the whole d a car to drive. an ay ll hw sti l hig d u’l a nice seale drive, but yo days it’s an easy e es Th s. es rn ts d your wi wonderful wilde ur eyes open an ed and to keep yo e forest to th of t need to be prepar might pop ou never know what u yo – u yo t ou ab rming cross the road. d costumes perfo epreters in perio int da na Ca s rk Pa nada traditional tasksCa
Icefields Parkway, Alberta Start – Jasper; End – Lake Louise; Distance – 142 miles (230km) There are amazing road trips, then there’s the Icefields Parkway, a 142-mile-long ribbon of asphalt passing through some of Canada’s most elemental and pristine landscapes en route. Giant mountains, mammoth moose, craning trees and gargantuan glaciers brood moodily from the sidelines. You can also travel it with a challenging multi-day bike ride, giving you more time to contemplate stop offs at cerulean Peyto Lake, powerful Athabasca Falls and the hikeable Athabasca Glacier, a frozen tributary of the colossal Columbia Icefield.
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NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
91
ritish Columbia Sea to Sky Highwahisy,tleBr;
r; End – W Start – Vancouve iles (409km) m 4 Distance – 25 is unforgettably as Highway 99, th unities Otherwise known a string of comm ide roadway links route ain m spectacular cliffs et and is the ncouver and Lilloo Va t es W n u ee yo tw If be tro Vancouver. Whistler from Me to Squamish and ountains and sea, f the collage of m of es ey ur if yo e can tak stops, especially veral worthwhile se s ha ad ro – ing or the wind mining history hiking, climbing, r fo t ke ar m e h th -batc you’re in – imbibing small d of the spectrum at the opposite en ges. alcoholic bevera
The Laurentians, Quebec
Start and end – Montreal; Distance – 84 miles (139km) The Laurentians (Les Laurentides in French) are Montréal’s playground. With gentle rolling mountains, crystal-blue lakes and meandering rivers bordered by towns and villages too cute for words, they’re an irresistible draw. This straightforward road trip will take you through more than a half dozen delightful towns and villages, from St-Jérôme, and busy St-Sauveurdes-Monts to Val-David (perhaps the best place to rest and chow down along the way), and Ville de Mont-Tremblant, the crème of your Laurentians gâteau. It will also introduce you to Québec province’s oldest national park, Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, before returning to the city.
Lake Superior Coastline, Ontario
Start – Sudbury; End – Kenora; Distance – 913 miles (1470km) Overlooked and underexplored by many travelers, Northwestern Ontario is the epitome of “getting away from it all”. This is quintessential Canada, and after your road trip you’ll wonder why so few people have taken this route before you. You’ll find the expected expanse of forest and some wildlife along the way, but you’ll also be surprised by the great food, the amazing hospitality, and the variety of activities available at stops en route. There will be times on this route when you won’t see another car for hours. And that’s part of the appeal – enjoy the solitude while cruising alongside Lake Superior, keeping an eye out for moose.
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Grasslands Ecotour Scenic Drive, Southern Saskatchewan
Start and end – Grasslands National Park; Distance – 12 miles (20km), or 50 miles (80km) round-trip from Val-Marie This drive follows a well-signposted course through the West Block, starting 9 miles (15km) east of Val Marie. Pick up a map and advice at the visitors center. There are seven points of interest and two short walks. Do the full 50 mile (80km) drive in a couple of hours or drive in to Frenchman Valley campground and back (21 miles/34km). A highlight is Top Dogtown where prairie dogs line the side of the gravel road. This is the only place in Canada where colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs still exist in their native habitat. There is also the possibility to spot buffalo, with the herd in the park now numbering over 400 – Plains Bison were re-introduced in 2005 after a 120-year absence.
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DESI TODAY RECIPE
Abbey Sharp Culinary expert and registered dietitian.
Ricotta Toast
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES SERVES: 1
Ingredients: • • • • •
2 slices Stonemill Sprouted 3-grain bread 6 tbsp ricotta cheese, whipped 1 strawberry, sliced 6-8 blueberries 4 raspberries
Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
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• 2 sprigs thyme, leaves removed • 2 tbsp crushed pistachios • 2 tsp honey, or to taste
Directions:
1. Toast bread, then smear with the ricotta cheese. 2. Top with the berries, thyme leaves, pistachios and honey.
(NC) Recreating our favourite dishes and meals at home has been essential for getting through this unprecedented year, and brunch is no exception. This approach can help you save money while taking social distancing precautions during the pandemic. One key element in any brunch spread is the artisanal toast. Though it sounds lavish, anyone can easily make restaurant-worthy toast at a fraction of the cost in their own kitchen. “Despite the fact that people are eating in restaurants less frequently this year, artisanal toast is still a hugely popular food trend in Canada,” says Abbey Sharp, culinary expert and registered dietitian. “Make your own toast masterpieces with wholesome, naturally fermented bread from Stonemill Bakehouse. Whether it’s the classic avocado topping or something new you’re experimenting with, there is simply no limit to just how creative you can get with your toast!” You can make your very own nutritious version of avocado toast with this decadent yet simple recipe from Abbey Sharp.
As remote work and school continue for many families across Canada, we’re all looking for quick and easy ways to fuel up that won’t break our focus. But with the snack cupboard just steps away, it’s easy to skip healthier meals that can take longer to cook in favour of less nourishing ready-made foods. If you’re looking for something simple yet nutritious and delicious, why not upgrade to better-for-you versions of everyday staples? Enjoy carbs you can feel good about by choosing naturally fermented bread, like from Stonemill Bakehouse. The bakery ferments their dough for up to 12 hours for a more flavourful, wholesome bread. Containing no artificial preservatives, flavours or colours and non-GMO, this bread is a great choice. You can try it yourself at home with this delicious ricotta toast recipe, courtesy of Abbey Sharp, culinary expert and registered dietitian.
Ingredients: • 2 slices Stonemill multigrain sourdough rye • ½ avocado, mashed • 1 tsp lemon juice • 4 thin slices of red onion • 3 cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 oz smoked salmon, cut into pieces • ½ tsp capers • ¼ tsp everything bagel seasoning
Directions:
1. Toast the bread. 2. Mash avocado with lemon juice and smear on toast. 3. Add onion, tomatoes, smoked salmon, capers and everything bagel seasoning. TIP: To make the everything bagel seasoning yourself, simply combine one tablespoon each of poppyseeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic flakes and dried onion flakes with one teaspoon of kosher salt.
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(NC) Are your healthy eating habits taking a break during lockdown? Many of us turn to cravings like ice cream and chips during this stressful time, but we need to eat well to stay healthy. Nourishing meals can boost our immune system and help prevent us from getting sick. Look for foods containing nutrients that fortify your defences and support physical and mental health. Zinc, vitamin B6, selenium and iron can build resistance to infection. Nutrients that keep your energy up include iron, protein, vitamins B12 and B6, and niacin. And for strength, protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are essential. A great option for getting many of these immune-boosting nutrients is red meat, which plays an important role in overall health and is a key protein food in Canada’s food guide. Beef and pork are efficient, providing many essential nutrients in a modest portion size with few calories. For a delicious way to incorporate more red meat into your diet, try this tasty barbecue flank steak meal that pairs powerful protein with a seasonal peach and quinoa salad. It’s the perfect summer meal the whole family will enjoy.
EAt your wAy to A HEAltHIEr ImmunE SyStEm
Marinated Flank Steak and Peach & Quinoa Salad
PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES SERVES: 4
Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
¼ cup olive oil ¼ balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp honey 2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard 1 lb (500 g) flank marinating steak 3 cloves garlic, crushed ¾ tsp salt, divided ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
Crust crumble: • • • • • •
2 peaches, cut into wedges 6 cups mixed greens 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion 2 cups cooked red quinoa (approx. 1 cup raw) • ½ cup torn basil leaves • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds • 5 oz burrata cheese, drained (optional) www.desitoday.ca
Directions: 1. Whisk oil with vinegar, honey and mustard. Place half into a plastic re-sealable bag; reserving remaining portion. Pierce steak all over with a fork and add to bag along with crushed garlic; massage to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours. 2. Remove steak from marinade; pat dry with paper towel and discard excess marinade. Season steak all over with ½ tsp each salt and pepper. 3. Grill over medium-high heat, turning at least twice, for 8 to 10 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F (63°C) for medium rare when inserted sideways into steak. Transfer to a plate.
Loosely tent with foil. Rest for 5 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, lightly brush peaches with some of the oil. Place in grilling basket; grill for 2 minutes per side or until wellmarked but still firm. 5. Whisk remaining salt and pepper into reserved dressing. Toss with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber and onion until well coated. Add quinoa and basil; toss to combine. 6. Arrange salad on a shallow serving platter. Top with grilled peaches, burrata and sunflower seeds. Carve steak, against the grain, into thin slices and serve with salad. Check out the Healthy Plates. Inspiring Meals. guide for more recipe inspiration, available at canadabeef.ca/mycanadianbeef. NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
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DESI TODAY RECIPE
Comfort food favourites with health in mind (NC) As the cold weather sets in, many people will enjoy hearty comfort foods to help them warm up. And with 35 per cent of Canadians reporting that their eating habits have worsened since being asked to stay at home earlier this year, having healthier alternatives to seasonal comfort food recipes is sure to be a satisfying way to indulge. Here are a few simple ways you can feel better about enjoying hearty comfort foods:
SWITCH INGREDIENTS
Substitute refined processed foods with more nutrient-rich ingredients. Look to limit red meat with leaner protein and vegetarian options, while swapping out heavier cream elements with whole or skim milk.
TRY AIR-FRYING
tasty ways to eat more naturally fermented food and improve health (NC) As we try to be more health conscious and make smarter eating decisions, a welcome trend many of us are embracing is more naturally fermented foods. Research shows this can support digestion, boost immunity and improve heart health. Fermenting food is a way to preserve food that enhances the taste and bioavailability of certain nutrients. It involves using microorganisms or enzymes to convert carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids. The health benefits of this process can include a lower risk of illness, an increase in good bacteria and better gut health, which is linked to better overall health. Some popular fermented foods you might be familiar with include yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut. But if you’re just starting to try fermentation or have picky eaters at home, it might be better to ease into the trend with foods you’re already familiar with, like bread. Stonemill Bakehouse crafts naturally fermented bread that is flavourful and wholesome but also contains no artificial preservatives, flavours or colours and is non-GMO. The loaf starts with naturally fermented dough, allowing the flavour to develop over time for up to 12 hours. The result is a bread that is as wholesome as it is delicious. “More and more of us are becoming increasingly aware of our dietary needs,” says Abbey Sharp, culinary expert and registered dietitian. “Stonemill Bakehouse’s selection of naturally fermented breads proudly boast nothing-to-hide ingredients without compromising on the most important factor – taste!” You can enjoy naturally fermented bread on its own or use it in a decadent artisanal toast recipe. 96
NOV / DEC 2020 News With A DEsi View
There’s no denying that fried foods are delicious, but they’re also high in trans fats and very greasy. Air-frying allows you to enjoy favourites like crispy chicken wings, fresh-cut fries or charred brussels sprouts without the guilt. Looking for an appliance that can do it all without added countertop clutter– check out the LG AirFry Range with ThinQ technology, which achieves that perfect desired crispy texture by circulating hot, fast-moving air. Your food will be crispy, less greasy and packed with flavour.
MIX IN MORE VEGGIES
Incorporate in-season fall vegetables into your recipes. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin are rich in fibre and full of flavour for hearty meals. Chilis, soups and stews are all meals where you can add these kinds of veggies and can also be made without meat and dairy if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option. You can also make a leafy green salad. www.newscanada.com
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Know what your star says
HOROSCOPE NOVEMBER 2020
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
BY MOON SIGN
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) This could be a month when new thoughts may flow into the lives of the Aries people. Your image and rapport with others can be supportive of your getting things done correctly. It may also be the time for you to be particular about your work, which may get fulfilled with your plan of action. You may become a hard taskmaster, too, for completing all activities quickly. Some of you may go on long-distance travel to complete professional assignments. Your long-time wish of purchasing assets is likely to come true now, in case of a few. You may also develop new thoughts for improving yourself and your business. Your actions may provide motivation to others, and people may seek your advice even on personal matters. Your health may also be fine once you take care of minor complications.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) This could well be a good month for the Taurusborn to enjoy life. Your abilities may remain quite useful to you during the entire period. Your communication may be particularly so, and hence, try to make appropriate use of it. Some of you may go on pilgrimage for getting mental peace and energy. Your financial growth should be ok, and so can be your general expenditure. Your activities may help in your professional growth, and hence, try to continue with it. Also, try not to show your attitude or act difficult with loved ones, which may spoil your image. Your health is likely to be fine, and you may look energetic in all your activities.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) This may turn out to be a fruitful month that could fulfill many of the wishes of the Gemini people. Hectic work may keep you busy in many activities, while your tireless efforts may get you recognition, in respect of a few. However, try to be flexible at this time as some of you may be required to proceed on numerous travels. It is possible that some of you may even purchase fixed assets, which could be a significant step forward for you. The transparency in your communication may reflect on your actions, positively and significantly. Your neighbors could be cordial and may also be helpful when you are in need. Some of you may attend auspicious functions in your social circles, too. A few of you may visit pilgrim centers for peace of mind. Please take care of your health now and be particular about your diet system.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) This can be termed a prosperous period when those born in the zodiac sign of Cancer may be able to continue with their activities peacefully. You may fulfill your commitments in work, which may enhance your fame in official circles and also social life. Your decisive actions can support your professional growth now. Relationships with family members and neighbors may become cordial. You may also be able to control your thoughts and implement new assignments, which can help
individual development. New social connections and activities may enhance your recognition and help in future necessities. An improvement in your health is also foreseen.
Leo (July 23-Aug 22) This could be a usual month for the Leo-born. Family life may go on smoothly, but patience may be the key to sustaining cordial relationships with family members. There are chances for some newly married couples to get progeny blessings or the conception of the baby. Your children may progress in their field of activities, and that should make you more relaxed and stress-free. You may generally stay away from worries, which can give you mental peace. This may also be the time to prove your work efficiency, which may help your career growth. Frequent social get together programs may connect some of you deeply with social circles. Your health may require proper care, as there may be minor complications due to seasonal effects, in case of a few.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) This month could remain a promising time for people born in the Virgo sign. The long-cherished desire of purchasing some fixed asset may get fulfilled for some of you. You may troubleshoot many of the issues in daily life, quite well. In work, you may be able to meet the challenges posed by the management, quite successfully. No matter what decision you take now, you are likely to get benefitted. You may also enjoy a healthy relationship with the spouse, while happiness and laughter may follow you, in general. Your social life should be cordial, and you may get respect and honor from your relatives. But some of you may incur unnecessary expenditure, which has to be monitored closely. No major health issues are indicated, but minor complications may be there, which can be overcome easily.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) This month could prove to be a testing time for the Libra people, overall. It would help if you were diplomatic in dealing with people and issues. Fluctuating thoughts may cause disturbances in completing your tasks. In the profession, you could receive fewer favors from the superiors. You may have to work hard to complete your tasks, but your efforts may get you normal gains. At times, you may lose confidence while attending to regular jobs. It is better to avoid making decisions in a hurry in personal life, as this could damage your reputation. Also, try to be clear on communication with your kinsfolk. Some of you may go on a personal trip, which can give you mental peace. Also, please do meditation, which can improve concentration and focus.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) This could be the ideal month for the Scorpio-born to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, with courage and determination. Your multitasking skills may keep you busy now. Your focus on speculative investments may also give you the desired
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Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) The time doesn’t look like favoring the Capricorn people this month. A lot of efforts may be required from you for your activities to succeed. Your internal communication with family members, too, may come down drastically, and a few of you may find it difficult even to complete some of the usual tasks at home. Differences with siblings could also be the reason for more worries. People may not understand your intentions and not listen to or accept your promises. The financial situation, too, can make you frustrated. Try to befriend your superiors at the workplace to maintain good rapport. Your health also may not support your cause well, and this may be due to untimely food and heavy mental pressure.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) This is likely to be a mixed time for the Aquarius people. You may be required to act with at most intelligence on every matter, now. The mistakes that you might commit could create problems in social life. It would help if you were also very careful with your words, as otherwise, it may deeply hurt some people. But you may try your best to minimize the misunderstandings which some people may have towards you. You may also work hard and complete your tasks with double speed. However, there could be disappointments with the loved ones, for a few. There may be disturbances in some relationships too, which may give you frustration. The career or business may not be smooth and may even turn risky at times. Hence be patient and try to resolve issues tactfully.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) This could well be a near-perfect month for people born in the Pisces sign. Things may go on as per expectations, and you may even succeed in almost all that you do now. Many of you may enjoy materialistic life in all respects, while the strength of your communication can help you resolve issues with confidence. Try to take pending jobs on priority and finish them. Some of you may go on a personal trip with your family, which can give you a memorable experience. A few of the artists and business persons can become eligible for awards from a government body. But you may be required to control your ego, as this could sometimes make you even unethical. Your health should be fine and be supportive of meeting all your requirements.
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This could well be the month for growth for the Sagittarius people. Your genuine attitude and actions may give you quick results. Professional changes may take place for a few, or new opportunities may come your way now. Financially too, you may be on a sound footing. You may accord priority for improving communications with siblings, which in turn may get you their respect. The family size may increase for a few of you, as the birth of a child is likely in some families. Children’s progress can also keep you more relaxed. You may actively participate in social programs, too, which may give your internal satisfaction. But better to postpone any plans for the acquisition of properties, as this may create some issues or drag on unreasonably.
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results. You may also enjoy immense happiness in domestic life. Your image in the society may go up, too. Some of you may proceed on international trips with family members, which can give you more happiness. You may also show interest in doing social service, which can provide you with internal satisfaction. Some of you may learn some occult science, with enthusiasm and dedication. But you may possibly neglect your health, which may cause you perpetual tension. Hence it is suggested to follow a strict diet.
DARSHAN BHAMBRA
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